The characteristics and improved intestinal permeability of vancomycin PLGA-nanoparticles as colloidal drug delivery system.

AIM In the present investigation, vancomycin (VCM) biodegradable nanoparticles were developed for oral administration, with the aim of improving its intestinal permeability. METHODS The vancomycin-loaded nanoparticles were prepared using double-emulsion solvent evaporation method. The prepared nanoparticles were characterized for their micromeritic and crystallographic properties, particle size, zeta potential, drug loading and release. Intestinal permeability of VCM nanoparticles was determined in different concentrations using SPIP technique in rats. RESULTS Particle sizes were between 450 nm and 466 nm for different compositions of VCM-PLGA nanoparticles. Entrapment efficiency ranged between 38.38% and 78.6% with negative zeta (ζ) potential. The FT-IR, XRPD and DSC results ruled out any chemical interaction between the drug and PLGA. Effective intestinal permeability values of VCM nanoparticles in concentrations of 200, 300 and 400 μg/ml were significantly higher than that of solutions at the same concentrations. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that PLGA nanoparticles could provide a delivery system for VCM, with enhanced intestinal permeability.