An Insight into the Interactions between <i>α</i>‐Tocopherol and Chitosan in Ultrasound‐Prepared Nanoparticles

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the interactions between α ‐tocopherol and chitosan molecules prepared subsequent to preparation of α ‐tocopherol‐loaded chitosan nanoparticles using ultrasonication. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analyses showed semispherical particles with an average size of approximately 350 nm. Also from reconstitution test, α ‐tocopherol was suggested as stabilizing agent during lyophilization/reconstitution process. The zeta potentials of chitosan and α ‐tocopherol nanoparticles were larger than ±30 mV, representing suitable stability. Data obtained from FTIR showed possibility of chemical interaction between chitosan and α ‐tocopherol. Furthermore, the results from FTIR, NMR, and XRD spectroscopy confirmed electrostatic interactions between the two molecules. Overall, this procedure could be considered as a facile method to prepare α ‐tocopherol‐loaded nanoparticles.