s Development of Nateglinide Loaded Graphene Oxide-Chitosan Nanocomposites: Optimization by Box Behnken Design

Background: Nateglinide is an antidiabetic drug having biological half-life 1.5 h which shows a concise effect. Graphene oxide along with chitosan can be used as a nanocarrier for sustained release of Nateglinide. Objective: To develop Nateglinide loaded graphene oxide-chitosan nanocomposites and to evaluate for different characterization studies. Methods: Graphene Oxide (GO) was synthesized by improved hummer’s method and drug-loaded Graphene oxide - chitosan nanocomposites were prepared. Box Behnken design was used to carry out experiments. The nanocomposites were characterized for encapsulation efficiency and drug release. Morphology was studied using field emission scanning electron microscope and transmission electron microscope. An interaction between drug, polymer and GO was investigated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray diffractometer along with in vitro drug release study. Results: The statistical evaluation of the design showed linear and quadratic models which are significant models for encapsulation efficiency (R1 0.6883, 0.9473) and drug loading (R2 0.6785, 0.9336), respectively. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy showed the compatibility of GO, Chitosan and Nateglinide. X-ray diffractometer reveals the change in degree of crystallinity of drug. FE-SEM and TEM images confirmed the distribution of the drug within the nanocomposites. Design expert reveals that the concentration of GO has great influence on encapsulation efficiency. In Vitro drug release showed the sustained release of drug over the period of 12 h. Conclusion: GO-Chitosan nanocomposites can be used as a sustained release carrier system for Nateglinide to reduce dose frequency of drug as well as its probable side effects.