Chitosan-chondroitin based artemether loaded nanoparticles for transdermal drug delivery system

Nanotechnology based drug delivery systems are employed to overcome the hitches associated with conventional therapies. The current study aimed to develop biopolymeric nanoparticles of artemether for transdermal delivery as an alternative to oral route's hindrances. Biopolymers; chitosan and chondroitin sulfate were used to prepare and optimize artemether-loaded nanoparticles through ionic gelation method and loaded in a transdermal patch. Artemether loaded nanoparticles were having particle size 234 nm, poly dispersity index 0.2 and zeta potential 30 mV. Encapsulation efficiency was found to be 83 +/- 0.28%, percentage yield 71 +/- 0.4% and loading capacity was 23 +/- 0.59%. SEM showed spherical shape and uniform distribution of nanoparticles. FTIR spectroscopy confirmed the compatibility among components of nanoparticles. XRD analysis showed conversion of crystalline artemether into amorphous form in nanoparticles. Release studies revealed that artemether was released from nanoparticles through diffusion-controlled mechanism. Ex vivo permeability study showed enhanced permeability of drug from the transdermal patch having permeation enhancer (olive oil). Skin integrity, verified through FTIR, was maintained after applying the transdermal patch. Fluorescence microscopy of skin displayed uniform permeation of nanoparticles. Transdermal patch showed no change in physical appearance up to 6 months. Thus, artemether loaded biopolymeric nanoparticles were successfully prepared and loaded magnificently into the transdermal patch.