Chitosan (CS) and epoxy propyl trimethyl ammonium chloride (EPTAC) were used to prepare the water-soluble N-(2-hydroxyl) propyl-3-trimethyl ammonium chitosan chloride (HTCC). HTCC and sodium tripolyphosphate (TPP) were mixed to form HTCC nanoparticles based on ionic gelation. Parathyroid hormone-related protein 1-34 (PTHrP1-34) was incorporated into the HTCC nanoparticles. The particle size and morphology of nanoparticles were determined by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). HTCC/PTHrP1-34 nanoparticles were 100-180 nm in size and their encapsulation efficiency and loading capacity were related to HTCC concentration, TPP concentration and initial concentration of PTHrP1-34. Relatively optimum encapsulation efficiency (78.4%) and loading capacity (13.7%) of PTHrP1-34 is achieved, and the in vitro release profile of PTHrP1-34 from nanoparticles has an initial burst, which is followed up by a slow release phase. These studies showed that HTCC/PTHrP1-34 nanoparticles are suitable for the treatment of osteoporosis, because of their slow-continuous-release properties, and the relevant in vivo experiments and clinical trials should be further studied.
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