Novel lipid–polymer hybrid nanoparticles incorporated in thermosensitive in situ gel for intranasal delivery of terbutaline sulphate

Abstract

AIM: The present work aimed to improve the bioavailability of terbutaline sulphate (TS) and to prolong its nasal residence time for the treatment of asthma. METHODS: Chitosan/pectin polyelectrolyte complex nanoparticles (CS/PC) were prepared by ionic gelation method and coated with phospholipid (PL) and then incorporated into optimised thermosensitive in situ gel. RESULTS: The optimal PL-coated nanoparticle formulation (LP1) showed the smallest particle size (345.5 nm), the highest zeta potential (32.9 mV) and the greatest percent drug released after 6 h (71%). The optimum in situ gel loaded with LP1 (NG3) showed three times greater permeation through nasal mucosa than aqueous solution of TS and revealed about 94% and 92% of the effect of IV injection of drug solution on tidal volume and peak expiratory flow in histamine treated rats, respectively. CONCLUSION: The developed PL-coated CS/PC/in situ gel could be considered as a promising intranasal formulation of TS for asthma management.