Ciprofloxacin loaded genipin cross-linked chitosan/heparin nanoparticles for drug delivery application

The aim of the present study is to demonstrate a sustained drug delivery in simulated gastro-intestinal system to target enteropathogenic bacteria. Herein, we report a straightforward method to synthesize model drug ciprofloxacin loaded genipin cross-linked chitosan/heparin nanoparticles (CIPRO-GP-CS/Hep NPs) by ionic gelation. The physiochemical characteristics were analyzed using FTIR, DLS, and FESEM. The synthesized particles had a spherical shape with z-average of 250nm and zeta potential +32mV. The antibacterial activity of the CIPRO-GP-CS/Hep NPs was evaluated against Escherichia coli MTCC 443, which showed that it can be used as an antibacterial agent. In vitro drug release study at simulated gastro-intestinal pH conditions demonstrated that the CIPRO-GP-CS/Hep NPs exhibited a sustained release property. [Display omitted] •Ciprofloxacin-genipin-chitosan/heparin nanoparticles were prepared.•Antibacterial activity was tested against E. coli MTCC 443.•Drug release in the simulated gastro-intestinal pH condition was analyzed.•Genipin controlled the drug release in simulated gastro-intestinal pH condition.