The purpose of this research was to formulate Polymeric (Chitosan/PEG blended PLGA) nanoparticles containing Pioglitazone as a model drug using the solvent evaporation method. The resultant nanoparticles were characterized by dynamic laser spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and X-ray diffraction. The nanoparticles had a spherical shape with a mean particle diameter of 323 ± 1.15 nm. Furthermore, data from differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) research revealed no drug-polymer interaction. The efficiency of drug encapsulation was determined to be 61.7 ± 2.91%. The formulated nanoparticles also showed improved drug bioavailability in an in vivo system. When compared to the native drug-treated group, blood glucose levels in Pioglitazone-loaded nanoparticle treated streptozotocin caused diabetic rats were reduced dramatically (up to 7 days) to normal levels (up to 6 h). In albino rats, the nanoparticles' in vivo toxicity investigation revealed no significant changes in behavioral, biochemical, or hematological exams. As a result, the developed system may be useful in achieving a controlled release of the drug, which may help decrease dose frequency and increase patient compliance with pioglitazone for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Keywords: Chitosan; Nanoparticles; PEG; Pioglitazone; diabetes; poly-L-lactide-co-glycolic acid (PLGA); streptozotocin.