| The objective of this study was to develop ovalbumin-chitosan nanoparticles for nasal delivery. Ovalbumin, was used as a model protein in this study. Chitosan nanoparticles were prepared by ionotropic gelation method. Mean particles size, zeta potential, entrapment efficiency, dissolution profiles and stability of ovalbumin were investigated. Results showed the obtained particles size was in the range of 417.33 to 1,156.67 nanometers. Microscopic images showed irregular structure of the obtained particles. The nanoparticles had positive surface charge (+ 20.44 to + 37.47 millivolts). The nanoparticles had larger size but surface charges were reduced when chitosan concentration were increased. Encapsulation efficiency of ovalbumin was in the range of 46.03 to 83.55%. The highest OVA entrapment was found when chitosan concentration was 4 mg/ml. Dissolution profiles showed initial burst release of OVA from 37.84 to 83.72% and followed by a constant release over 8 weeks. In conclusion, Ovalbumin-chitosan nanoparticles were developed and had a potential to be used as antigen intranasal delivery. |