Kharia et al: Formulation and Evaluation of Polymeric Nanoparticles of an Antiviral Drug for Gastroretention

The aim of present study was to formulate and evaluate nanoparticles of acyclovir by using different hydrophilic polymers. Acyclovir was selected as a suitable drug for gastroretentive nanoparticles due to its short half life, low bioavailability, high frequency of administration, and narrow absorption window in stomach and upper part of GIT. The nano-precipitation method was used to prepare nanoparticles so as to avoid both chlorinated solvents and surfactants to prevent their toxic effect on the body. Nanoparticles of acyclovir were prepared by using hydrophilic polymers such as bovine serum albumin, chitosan, and gelatin. The prepared formulations were then characterized for particle size, polydispersity index, zeta potential, loading efficiency, encapsulation efficiency and drug-excipient compatibility. The prepared nanoparticulate formulations of acyclovir with different polymers in 1:1 ratio have shown particle size in the range of 250.12-743.07 nm, polydispersity index (PDI) in the range of 0.681-1.0, zeta potential in the range of -14.2 to +33.2 mV, loading efficiency in the range of 8.74-17.54%, and entrapment efficiency in the range of 55.7%-74.2%. Nanoparticulate formulation prepared with chitosan in 1:1 ratio showed satisfactory results i.e. average particle size 312.04 nm, polydispersity index 0.681, zeta potential 33.2 mV, loading efficiency 17.54%, and entrapment efficiency 73.4%. FTIR study concluded that no major interaction occurred between the drug and polymers used in the present study.