The aim of this work was to formulate and evaluate intranasal mucoadhesive nanoparticles of Rizatriptan benzoate (RZB). RZB is selective 5HT1B/1D receptor agonist used for treatment of Migraine. RZB loaded Chitosan (CS) nanoparticles were prepared by ionic gelation of CS with tripolyphosphate anions (TPP). The result showed that ionic gelation method is easy, reproducible and led to efficient entrapment. Some process variables like effect of CS concentration, TPP concentration were also evaluated with respect to % entrapment. The maximum entrapment efficiency and drug content was 69.1% and 60.63%, shown by optimized formulation. Particle size of optimized formulation was 0.248 μ shown by Zetasizer. Spray drying of optimized formulation was carried out and process yield was determined, which was found to be 38.78%. Spray dried nanoparticles was spherical in shape and varied surface roughness was found in Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images. Spray dried nanoparticles were evaluated by Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern to study crystalline/amorphous nature of nanoparticles, and mucoadhesive test. The percentage mucoadhesion on nasal mucosa of goat was found to be 29.4%. The release behavior of CS nanoparticles were evaluated in phosphate buffer pH 6.5, revealed that RZB loaded CS nanoparticles is most suitable for intranasal drug delivery
