Intestinal permeability of oxytetracycline from chitosan-montmorillonite nanocomposites

A nanocomposite based on chitosan and montmorillonite was developed as carrier to improve oral bioavailability of oxytetracycline. The nanocomposite was prepared by simple solid-liquid interaction and loaded with the drug. The loaded nanocomposite was characterized by X-ray powder diffraction, thermal analysis, FTIR spectroscopy and zeta potential. Caco-2 cell cultures were used to evaluate in vitro cytotoxicity and drug permeation. Confocal laser scanning microscopy was also performed to evaluate the eventual entrapment of drug into the Caco-2 cells. Results showed that the nanocomposite was internalized into the cells and effectively enhanced drug permeation, being also biocompatible towards Caco-2 cells.