Nanoparticles containing nitric oxide donor with antileishmanial agent for synergistic effect against visceral leishmaniasis.

Poly(lactide-co-glycolide) nanoparticles (NP) containing Doxorubicin (DOX) along with a nitric oxide (NO) donor Sodium Nitroprusside (SNP) were prepared by solvent displacement. NO is expected to synergise with antileishmanial activity of DOX. Preformulation studies showed no significant interaction between DOX and SNP. DOX and SNP loaded NP had an average size of 352 nm with 48% entrapment efficiency and a drug content of 10% w/w. Biphasic drug release was observed in vitro, with an initial burst of DOX and SNP (approximately 26% and 35% respectively) followed by sustained release for over 72 hrs.