Objective: Application of nanotechnology in drug delivery system has released leading new areas of research in sustained release of drugs. The objective of the present study is development and optimization of polymeric nanoparticles of Nateglinide (NTG).Methods: Nateglinide loaded ethyl cellulose (EC) nanoparticles were prepared by the solvent evaporation technique. Response surface methodology (RSM) using the Box-Behnken design was used to optimize the formulation of Nateglinide nanoparticles. The Box-Behnken design consisting of 14 runs, three-factor, three levels and two centre point was used in this study. The particle size, zeta potential and entrapment efficiency of Nateglinide nanoparticles were investigated with respect to three independent variables including stirring speed (X1), time (X2) and surfactant concentration (X3). The optimized nanoparticle is then subjected to characterization studies including morphology, particle size, zeta potential, % Drug Loading (DL) and % Entrapment Efficiency (EE).Results: Nateglinide nanoparticles under the optimized conditions gave rise to the DL of 14.30±0.27 %, EE of 72.19±0.24 %, mean diameter of 172 nm and zeta potential value of-15.6 mV.Conclusion: The optimized nanoparticles formulation with improved characteristic properties could be a promising delivery system for Nateglinide.Â
