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The use of gelatin has been gaining recognition in ocular delivery for its safety profile and biocompatible properties. Timolol Maleate (TM) is an anti-glaucoma drug possessing poor corneal penetration while causing eye irritation making it an ideal candidate for novel nanoparticulate systems. Timolol Maleate loaded Gelatin Nanoparticles (GNPs) were prepared using the double desolvation method utilizing glutaraldehyde as the crosslinking agent. Optimization of the nanoparticles was achieved through a full-factorial design. An optimum formulation possessing particle size of 205 nm, zetapotential of 12.5 mV and an entrapment efficiency of 74.72% was selected. TEM imaging of the optimized nanoparticles was performed and the stability was tracked over 6 months. The in-vitro release studies showed a burst effect followed by a sustained profile. The selected formulae were tested in-vivo and compared to a Timolol marketed product on albino rabbits and were proven superior regarding intraocular pressure lowering and sustained efficacy. The prepared nanoparticles successfully passed Draize irritancy test and showed normal histology. These data indicate that the prepared GNPs possessed all needed qualities of a successful ocular system; corneal affinity, suitable particle size, high entrapment efficiency, sustained release, good stability, efficient lowering of intraocular pressure, high drug bioavailability and lack of irritancy., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Magnetic micro- and nanoparticles based on ferrofluid (maghemite) were elaborated by inverse emulsion crosslinking of sodium salt of carboxymethylcellulose (CMCNa) and gelatin. Crosslinking was carried out with glutaric aldehyde within aqueous droplets dispersed into toluene in presence of surfactants. The influence of parameters such as the ratio of polymers and maghemite in the initial mixture on the composition, size, size dispersity, particle swelling and their ability for drug inclusion was studied. The ability to take-up drugs is directly correlated with the degree of swelling and gelatin content within the particles. Particle size is between tens of nanometers and a few microns. The magnetic properties of particles are demonstrated from saturation magnetization (between 43 and 44 emu g(-1)) when their superparamagnetic character was shown by the absence of hysteresis on the magnetization curve. Polymer-drug systems elaborated under particles keep their bactericide activity for at least 48 h. The absence of toxicity, associated with the bactericide activity, make these systems potential drug carriers., (Copyright © 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

The aim of the research work was to develop and characterize rifampicin (RIF) loaded gelatin nanoparticulate delivery system for the effective management of tuberculosis. Gelatin nanoparticles (GPs) containing RIF were prepared using two-step desolvation method. Formulations were characterized through transmission electron microscopy (TEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), size and size distribution analysis, polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential, percent drug entrapment, percent nanoparticulate yield and in vitro drug release. Formulations were further characterized for in vitro cytotoxicity, in vivo biodistribution, and antitubercular activity. The nanoparticles were found to be spherical in shape. The size of nanoparticles was found to be 264+/-11.2 nm with low PDI suggesting the narrow particle size distribution. The drug release showed the biphasic pattern of release i.e. initial burst followed by a sustained release pattern. The cytotoxicity studies revealed that nanoparticles are safe, non toxic as compared to free drug. In vivo biodistribution study showed higher localization of RIF loaded GPs in various organs, as compared to plain RIF solution in PBS (pH 7.4). In contrast to free drug, the nanoparticles not only sustained the plasma level but also enhanced the AUC and mean residence time (MRT) of the drug, suggesting improved pharmacokinetics of drug. RIF GPs additionally resulted in significant reduction in bacterial counts in the lungs and spleen of TB-infected mice. Hence, GPs hold promising potential for increasing drug targetability vis a vis reducing dosing frequency with the interception of minimal side effects, for efficient management of tuberculosis., (2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)