Preparation and Evaluation of Cefixime Nanoparticles Prepared Using Fenugreek Seed Mucilage and Chitosan as Natural Polymers

Abstract

Objectives: The present investigation was attempted to develop a natural polymer based cefixime nanoparticles using Trigonella foenum-graecum (Fenugreek) seed mucilage and chitosan as drug carrier to facilitate controlled drug release at the target site. Methods: The Cefixime nanoparticles were prepared by the modified coacervation method. The prepared drug nanoparticles were evaluated for particle size, zeta potential, surface morphology, entrapment efficiency, in-vitro drug release studies and also in-vitro antimicrobial efficiency studies for the selected ideal batch. Results: The prepared drug nanoparticles was found to be the average mean particle size in range from 133.8±8.5 to 446.3.2±20.3nm and zeta potential of greater than +30 mV or less than -30 mV indicate the better physical stability. The surface morphology of the prepared nanoparticles was found to be spherical with smooth surface and entrapment efficiency was found to be 70.4±1.2 to 83.4±2.0. The in-vitro drug release showed a biphasic pattern with initial burst release followed by the sustained release of the drug up to 24h. The MIC50 values of pure drug and prepared nanoparticles for Salmonella Typhi isolates was found to be 250 μg/ml and 125 μg/ml respectively. The disc agar diffusion test revealed that pure drug yielded 9mm clear zone surrounding the disc, whereas the prepared formulation discs produced 12mm clear zone at 125 μg/ml. Conclusions: The developed natural polymer based cefixime nanoparticles facilitate the controlled drug release profile and better zone of inhibition with minimum concentration thereby improving the patient compliance followed by declining the limitations associated with antibiotics.