DOXORUBICIN LOADED POLYCAPROLACTONE-CHITOSAN NANOSPHERES: FORMULATION, CHARACTERISATION AND IN VITRO EVALUATION

The present study was aimed to develop and evaluate polycaprolactone–chitosan nanospheres of doxorubicin hydrochloride (DXO) in different drug to polymer ratios using double-emulsion solvent evaporation and solvent diffusion methods. FTIR studies showed that there was no chemical interaction between the drug and polymers. Scanning electron microscopy showed the nanospheres having a discrete spherical structure without aggregation. Prepared nanospheres were characterized for particle size, zeta potential, entrapment efficiency and in-vitro drug release kinetics. Nanospheres showed the particle size of 700±105to770±115 nm with an entrapment efficiency of 66.23±0.11% to 93.62±0.17%. The DXO content was found 76±0.12% to 91±0.36% in several batches. In-vitro drug release studies were performed using the dialysis membrane method. All the drug loaded batches were rendered sustained release over a period of 24 h.