Preparation and evaluation of ligagliptin self-assembled chitosan-lecithin nanoparticles in vitro and in vivo
Objective To prepare ligagliptin self-assembled chitosan-lecithin nanoparticles(LGP-CS/LC-NPs)and investigate its pharmacokinetics in rats and its effect on blood glucose control in diabetic model rats.Methods LGP-CS/LC-NPs was prepared by solvent injection method.The mass ratio of LGP to lecithin,the mass ratio of chitosan to lecithin,and the pH value of acetic acid solution in LGP-CS/LC-NPs formulation were screened by single factor experiment.The particle size distribution,Zeta potential,microstructure and dissolution of LGP-CS/LC-NPs in vitro were investigated.The transmembrane transport of LGP-CS/LC-NPs was evaluated using Caco-2 cell monolayer model.The pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of LGP suspensions and LGP-CS/LC-NPs after oral administration in rats were evaluated.Results The optimal formulation of LGP-CS/LC-NPs was as followed:the mass ratio of LGP to lecithin was 1:3,the mass ratio of chitosan to lecithin was 1:20,the pH of acetic acid solution was 4-5.The particle size of LGP-CS/LC-NPs was(195.5±7.8)nm,the Zeta potential was(35.6±0.8)mV.The spherical"core-shell"structure of LGP-CS/LC-NPs was observed under Transmission Electron Microscope.The dissolution rate of LGP-CS/LC-NPs in vitro was significantly higher than that of LGP suspensions.LGP-CS/LC-NPs could effectively improve the transmembrane transport capacity of drugs.Compared with LGP suspensions,after ig LGP-CS/LC-NPs,the bioavailability could be significantly improved,and the blood glucose level of diabetic model rats could be better controlled.Conclusion Chitosan and lecithin were used as carrier materials to prepare LGP-CS/LC-NPs,which could significantly improve the oral bioavailability and achieve good sugar control effect.