Abstract
Crocetin (CRT) is a natural carotenoid compound with promising health benefits but its use is restricted because of the poor aqueous solubility. Therefore, cyclodextrin-based nanosponges (CDNSs), a kind of water-soluble supramolecular macrocyclic polymer, was employed to load CRT for improving the solubility. The β-CDNSs with different molar ratio of β-CD and crosslinker were synthesized and β-CDNS 1:8 was chosen. The loading capacity (LC) and complexation efficiency (CE) of prepared CRT-loaded β-CDNS were about 17.92% and 94.64%. The formation of inclusion and non-inclusion structure of CRT-loaded β-CDNS was confirmed by different techniques. The surface properties and dispersibility were also studied. Besides, the water solubility of CRT was significantly increased to 7.27 μg/mL. The antioxidant activity of CRT was enhanced. The in vitro cytotoxicity of CRT for normal cells was reduced and for tumor cells was increased through the loading of β-CDNS. In summary, this work demonstrated β-CDNS could be used for the delivery of CRT and promote the application of CRT in many fields.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
