Synthesis and Evaluation of PEG-O-Chitosan Nanoparticles as New Carrier for Intravenous Delivery of Propofol

Commercial lipid emulsion of propofol (CLE) has several drawbacks including pain on injection and emulsion instability. A novel nanocarrier system is introduced to improve stability and solubility of poorly soluble drug, propofol, for intravenous administration. Chitosan is modified using a facile novel method in which chitosan grafted to methoxy polyethylene glycol (mPEG) then employed to prepare nanoparticles for encapsulation of propofol. Analysis revealed that nanoparticles have the average particle size of 80 nm±1.2 and spherical morphology which is less than CLE while their pH, osmolarity and profile of release of formulated nanoparticles are similar to those of CLE. In addition, the results show good chemical and physical storage stability for the nanaparticles at room temperature for at least 6 month compared to CLE as control. Animal sleep recovery test on rates shows no significant difference in time of unconsciousness and recovery of righting reflex between nanoparticles and CLE

کلیدواژه ها:

Propofol ، PEG-grafted chitosan ، Nanoparticles ، Anesthetic ، Poorly soluble drugs