Genipin Crosslinked Chitosan--carrageenan Polyelectrolyte Nanocapsules for the Controlled Delivery of Isoniazid

Polyelectrolyte nanocapsules of -carrageenan and chitosan polyelectrolyte complex were prepared by encapsulating neem seed oil (NSO). Nanocapsules were freed from NSO and then loaded with isoniazid. Sonication and surfactant concentration controlled the particle size of the nanocapsules as indicated by the particle size analyzer. TEM study supported the observation obtained from the particle size analyzer. The loading of the drug into the nanocapsules was time-dependent. The release rates of isoniazid were higher at acidic media compared to basic media. FTIR study showed that there was no remarkable interaction between the isoniazid and polyelectrolyte complex. Surface characteristics of the nanocapsules were studied by SEM. X-ray diffraction study showed that the dispersion of isoniazid had not occurred at the molecular level.