Xylometazoline Loaded Chitosan Nanoparticles: Fabrication, Optimization and Evaluation for Nasal Congestion

Aim: The present study aims at exploring the development of xylometazoline hydrochloride loaded chitosan nanoparticles (XYL-NP) cross linked with calcium chloride for the treatment of nasal congestion. Materials and Methods: XYL-NP were prepared using different polymer like chitosan, cross linking agent calcium chloride and glacial acetic acid as a solvent enhancer using ionotropic gelation method, which was further optimized and validated by Box-Behnken Design. Further, these particles were characterised for size, morphology and evaluated for its release and permeability studies. Results: XYL-NP showed a particle size of 172+0.4 nm and a PDI of 0.27. The obtained charged nanoparticles showed encapsulation efficiency of 90.5%. Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) studies showed nanoparticles have small size and smooth morphology and an in-vitro drug release of 81.2 %, following Peppas-korsemeyer release model.96.3% of the drug was permeated through the nasal mucosa of the goat in a time period of 8 hr. Conclusion: Release and permeation results shows the capability of the nanoparticles to retain large amount of XYL-NP inside the mucosa. Hence XYL-NP can be used in treating nasal congestion as the fabricated formulation has good bioadhesive and mucoadhesive property.