A Novel Composite Drug Delivery System: Honokiol Nanoparticles in Thermosensitive Hydrogel Based on Chitosan

In this article, a novel composite drug delivery system, honokiol nanoparticles in biodegradable hydrogels based on chitosan (CS) and β-glycerophosphate (β-GP), was prepared. CS/β-GP solution was liquid at room temperature and turned into gel as temperature increased. With increase in β-GP concentration, the sol–gel transition temperature decreased accordingly. Honokiol nanoparticles with diameter of about 30 nm were prepared by emulsion solvent evaporation method. The sol–gel transition temperature of CS/β-GP system decreased as F-127 presented in honokiol nanoparticles. In vitro release profiles were studied, the results showed that honokiol could be slowly released from CS/β-GP gel over at least 2 weeks and the release rate was greatly influenced by initial drug loading. The described injectable hydrogels based on chitosan (CS) and β-glycerophosphate (β-GP) might have potential application as local drug delivery for honokiol.