Figure 11.

Outline representing the different steps in the preparation of β-SIT-Alg/Ch-NPs. Aqueous alginate (1 mg/mL) solution pH adjusted to 5.2 (A); Transfer of β-SIT solution in alginate solution (B); Calcium-chloride solution added to alginate solution (C) at flow rate of (0.5 mL/min) with magnetic stirring, 1000 rpm for 30 min, forming a complex of calcium-drug-alginate beads (D); Chitosan solution added dropwise to alginate solution (E), leading to formation of self-assembled β-SIT-Alg/Ch-NPs (F). Step I involves formulation of β-SIT-Alg/Ch-NPs, while Step II indicatesfolate modification of NPs.