Novel lipid-polymer hybrid nanoparticles incorporated in thermosensitive in situ gel for intranasal delivery of terbutaline sulphate

Aim The present work aimed to improve the bioavailability of terbutaline sulphate (TS) and to prolong its nasal residence time for the treatment of asthma. Methods Chitosan/pectin polyelectrolyte complex nanoparticles (CS/PC) were prepared by ionic gelation method and coated with phospholipid (PL) and then incorporated into optimised thermosensitive in situ gel. Results The optimal PL-coated nanoparticle formulation (LP1) showed the smallest particle size (345.5 nm), the highest zeta potential (32.9 mV) and the greatest percent drug released after 6 h (71%). The optimum in situ gel loaded with LP1 (NG3) showed three times greater permeation through nasal mucosa than aqueous solution of TS and revealed about 94% and 92% of the effect of IV injection of drug solution on tidal volume and peak expiratory flow in histamine treated rats, respectively. Conclusion The developed PL-coated CS/PC/in situ gel could be considered as a promising intranasal formulation of TS for asthma management.