Effects of Some Parameters on Particle Size Distribution of Chitosan Nanoparticles Prepared by Ionic Gelation Method

In this research, chitosan nanoparticles were prepared based on the ionic gelation of chitosan with tripolyphosphate anions. Effects of parameters such as chitosan concentration, tripolyphosphate concentration, and reaction time on the particle size distribution were investigated. In order to determine optimum conditions, tests were designed by Qualitek-4 software, using Taguchi method. The best conditions were determined based on three factors at three levels. Therefore, the main object was to investigate the effect of some parameters on particle size distribution and determine the optimum conditions for preparing chitosan nanoparticles by ionic gelation, followed by evaluation of the physicochemical and structural properties. The size distribution of original chitosan and chitosan nanoparticles were determined by Laser Diffraction and Dynamic Light Scattering, respectively. The physicochemical properties of the chitosan nanoparticles were studied using SEM, TEM, XRD pattern, FTIR, UV–vis, TGA, and NMR spectra. The optimum chitosan concentration, tripolyphosphate concentration, and reaction time were found to be 1.0 mg/ml, 1.0 mg/ml, and 60 min, respectively.