Development of alginate-reinforced chitosan nanoparticles utilizing W/O nanoemulsification/internal crosslinking technique for transdermal delivery of rabeprazole

Aims: First; to develop rabeprazole (RP)-alginate core coated chitosan nanoparticles (NP) utilizing water in oil (W/O) nanoemulsion technique. Second; formulation of transdermal patches loaded RP-NP that avoid drug peroral acid sensitivity and first pass effect. Main methods: The influence of six factors on RP-NP formulation was investigated using Plackett-Burman (PB) design. The studied factors were considered for their effect on particle size (Y1) and loading efficiency (Y2). Formulation optimum desirability was identified; a proposed formulation was prepared and characterized. In vitro permeation of the prepared NP compared with RP was studied. Transdermal patches loaded drug or RP-NP were prepared and characterized. Patches ex vivo permeation through rat skin was studied, and kinetic analysis and permeation mechanism were investigated. Key Finding: Chitosan, oil phase and surfactant to oil ratios had significant effects on Y1, while Y2 was significantly affected by the same variables affecting Y1 and span80-tween80 ratio. Scanning electron microscope imaging illustrated sphericity of the NP. The optimized RP-NP exhibited sustained release pattern. The prepared patches showed a minimal patch to patch variable. Patches loaded RP-NP exhibited substantial skin permeability and controlled drug release, and were in favor of Fickian diffusion. Significance: Transdermal patches loaded RP-NP is effective drug delivery and alternative to drug peroral route. (C) 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.