An Insight into the Interactions between α-Tocopherol and Chitosan in Ultrasound-Prepared Nanoparticles

The aim of this study was to investigate the interactions between alpha-tocopherol and chitosan molecules prepared subsequent to preparation of alpha-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, alpha-tocopherol was suggested as stabilizing agent during lyophilization/reconstitution process. The zeta potentials of chitosan and alpha-tocopherol nanoparticles were larger than +/- 30mV, representing suitable stability. Data obtained from FTIR showed possibility of chemical interaction between chitosan and alpha-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 alpha-tocopherol-loaded nanoparticles.