A chitosan nanogel for local delivery of rhEGF: preparation and in vitro release studies

Recombinant human epidermal growth factor (rhEGF) is known to stimulate cell proliferation and accelerate wound healing. Direct delivery of rhEGF to the wound site in a sustained and controllable way would enhance its biological effects without loss of bioactivity. Since, the maintaining of effective topical concentrations of EGF at the wound site is very difficult, development of a suitable delivery system for EGF is necessary. Chitosan, a linear cationic polysaccharide, has been considered as a good candidate for drug delivery. The aim of this study was to prepare a novel local delivery system for the sustained and controllable release of rhEGF.Methods - Size, zeta potential and poly dispersity index of nanogels were evaluated by Nanozetasizer. - Loading efficiency of rhEGF from the chitosan nanogel was measured by HPLC technique. - release pattern of rhEGF from the chitosan nanogel was measured by HPLC technique. Results Nanogels containing the ratio of 2:1 and 6:1 (chitosan to protein) revealed loading Efficiency of 90% and 97.4% respectively. Moreover, they were able to release 80% and 60% of the protein after 24 hours.Conclusions According to the findings of this study, chitosan nanogels in optimal ratios can release EGF in a rational manner and can be considered as suitable candidates for preparation of dermal formulations, with regenerative purposes

Keywords:

chitosan , nanogel , EGF