Novel polyelectrolyte carboxymethyl konjac glucomannan-chitosan nanoparticles for drug delivery. I. Physicochemical characterization of the carboxymethyl konjac glucomannan-chitosan nanoparticles

Carboxymethyl konjac glucomannan-chitosan (CKGM-CS) nanoparticles, which are well dispersed and stable in aqueous solution, were spontaneously prepared under very mild conditions via polyelectrolyte complexation. The physicochemical properties of the nanoparticles were identified by Zetasizer 3000 and Fourier transform infrared. It was found that at various CKGM and CS concentrations the particles ranged in size from approximately 50 to 1200 nm, and the zeta potential from 15 to 45 mV. By changing pH value of the medium and increasing the concentration of salt, the mean size of the particles increased and the zeta potential decreased. Also, investigations on the encapsulation efficiency of the bovine serum albumin loaded CKGM-CS nanoparticles were also undertaken. This nanoparticulate system driven by complex formation shows potential as an advanced drug delivery system for water-soluble drugs. (c) 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.