Chitosan nanoparticles for the oral delivery of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate: formulation optimization, characterization and ex vivo and in vivo evaluation for uptake mechanism in rats.

Objective: Design chitosan based nanoparticles for tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) with the purpose of enhancing its oral absorption.

Significance: TDF is a prodrug that has limited intestinal absorption because of its susceptibility to gut wall esterases. Hence, design of chitosan based polymeric novel nanocarrier systems can protect TDF from getting metabolized and also enhance the oral absorption.