The aim of this study is to employ nanoparticles as drug carriers. The study involved the preparation of theophylline chitosan nanoparticles (THP-CSNPs) to overcome problem of theophylline frequent dose and improve properties. The THP-CSNPs samples were prepared using several amounts of CS (50, 75, 100 and 150 mg) and tripolyphosphate (TPP) at different amounts (25, 50, 75, 100, and 200 mg) and pH (4, 5, 6 and 6.5) with constant mass of THP at 100 mg. The produced nanocomposites were characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) and in vitro release. FTIR assessments were performed to estimate the functional group of THP loaded CS nanocomposites with any possible interaction. Full factorial design (Minitab 18) for the purpose of analyzing the results by using graphical analysis such as surface and contour plots, Pareto chart, main effect plots, normal probability plot of the residuals and residuals versus corresponding predicted values plots and interaction plots. The independent variable was (CS, TPP and pH) while loading efficiency, zeta potential and particle size are the dependent variables. Through experiments, we were able to obtain theophylline-chitosan nanocomposites of an acceptable size range and high specefication, which succeeded to carry and preserve the drug and provide prolonged release of THP from the nanocomposites.

The use of chitosan as an effective carrier of theophylline – an anti-asthmatic drug