a*Assistant Professor, Department of Pharmaceutics, Seven Hills College of Pharmacy (Autonomous), Venkataramapuram, Tirupati-517561, Andhra Pradesh; Research Scholar, JNTUA, Ananthapuramu-515002, Andhra Pradesh. Mail Id: lavanyam311@gmail.com
bProfessor & HOD, Department of Pharmacology, Swathi College of Pharmacy, Venkatachalam, Nellore-524320, Andhra Pradesh
Objective: Tenofovir Alafenamide (TAF) is a powerful nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitor that has better renal and bone safety profiles than traditional antiretroviral therapy. Its clinical utility is however constrained by low aqueous solubility, low bioavailability as well as the inconvenience of having to take frequent doses, reducing patient compliance and enhancing chances of viral resistance.
Methods: The aim of this research would be to design and fine-tune TAF-loaded chitosan (CH) nanoparticles through a spray-drying method and ionic gelation to realize sustained drug delivery and enhanced therapeutic effects. Nanoparticles were developed at different concentrations of chitosan and sodium tripolyphosphate (TPP).
Results: The optimum formulation was characterized by a particle size of 156.3±8.2 nm, polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.247±0.031, zeta potential of +21.5±2.1 mV, and percent encapsulation of 87.4±3.6%. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were used to confirm the presence of the polymeric encapsulation of the drugs. The drug release tests proved that TAF released steadily in 12 hours after applying Higuchi kinetics model, showing that about 99.7% of the drug was released. The scanning electron microscopic analysis demonstrated agglomerated but uniform-shaped spherical nanoparticles of smooth surface.
Conclusion: These findings indicate that TAF-loaded chitosan nanoparticles are a novel promising delivery system for the treatment of HIV, as it may be possible to administer prolonged dosing periods and provide better patient adherence.
Keywords: Tenofovir alafenamide, nanoparticles, chitosan, HIV treatment, sustained release, encapsulation efficiency, antiretroviral therapy
How to cite this article: Mandapati L, Reddy PVM. Tenofovir Alafenamide-Loaded Chitosan Nanoparticles: Development, Characterization, and Evaluation as a Long-Acting Anti-HIV Delivery System. Int J Drug Deliv Technol. 2026;16(10s): 477-485; DOI: 10.25258/ijddt.16.10s.60
Source of support: Nil.
Conflict of interest: None