Chitosan-based Polyelectrolyte Complexes for Nasal Drug Delivery

Recently, we prepared small cone-shaped inserts based on chitosan polyelectrolyte complexes with the aim of delivering a unique dose of drug in the nasal cavity and achieving a controlled release of the active principle according to hydration/ diffusion mechanisms. Nasal inserts prepared with chitosan/ pectin or chitosan/hyaluronic acid complexes were obtained by lyophilisation with or without model drugs such as vancomycin, insulin, and chlorpromazine. Complexation yield along with thermal analysis were preformed to study the degree of interactive strength between polyions. Morphological characteristics, water uptake, mucoadhesion, drug release, and permeation tests were performed to investigate the ability of the insert to deliver the loaded drug in the nasal cavity.