Chitosan-based nanoparticles (CSNP) were prepared through ionic cross-linking and gelation of chitosan (CS) by tripolyphosphate (TPP). CS properties such as molecular weight, and preparation conditions were screened and the resulting nanoparticles were examined by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The obtained particles were consistently spherical with an overall diameter of approximately $107{pm}20$ nm. They were successfully used as a carrier for Zidovudine, an anti-human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) which, to our knowledge, is novel. The encapsulation ability, loading capacity, and controlled release behavior for these CSNP was evaluated. Results indicated that their intrinsic properties were strongly affected by properties inherent to CS such as molecular weight, and by the preparation condition, such as cross-linking density, which depends on the concentration of the cross-linker. In vitro release tests for the entrapped zidovudine showed that the CNNP provided a continuous release that can last upwards 20 h.