Crosslinked chitosan-based particles obtained by water-in-oil emulsion technique

Abstract Particles based on emulsified chitosan in oil phase have been reported in the present study. Sodium Tripolyphosphate (NaTPP) was introduced to them as a crosslinker and its effect on their properties was examined. Laser diffraction technique showed that the obtained structures are micronsized particles with single modal distribution. Optical microscopy has confirmed their size range, together with the fact that their shape is regular and spherical. Swelling studies in simulated saliva conditions (pH = 6.8) has shown a relation between the crosslinking degree of the particles and cycles of swelling and dissolution at different rates. Mucoadhesion test confirmed their potential as delivery systems through a mucosal route and showed dependence of the mucoadhesion properties upon the free amino groups left onto the chitosan chains.