Abstract
The objective of this study was to encapsulate iron and chromium into novel nanoparticles formulated using chitosan (CS), dextran sulfate (DS) and whey protein isolate (WPI) for oral drug delivery. Empty and loaded CS-DS nanoparticles were prepared via complex coacervation whilst whey protein nanocarriers were produced by a modified thermal processing method using chitosan. The physiochemical properties of the particles were characterized to determine the effects of formulation variables, including biopolymer ratio on particle size and zeta potential. Permeability studies were also undertaken on the most stable whey protein–iron nanoparticles by measuring Caco-2 ferritin formation. A particle size analysis revealed that the majority of samples were sub-micron sized, ranging from 420–2400 nm for CS-DS particles and 220–1000 nm for WPI-CS samples. As expected, a higher chitosan concentration conferred a 17% more positive zeta potential on chromium-entrapped WPI nanoparticles, whilst a higher dextran volume decreased the size of CS-DS nanoparticles by 32%. The addition of iron also caused a significant increase in size for all samples, as seen where the loaded WPI samples were 296 nm larger than the empty particles. Caco-2 iron absorption revealed that one formulation, which had the lowest particle size (226 ± 10 nm), caused a 64% greater iron absorption compared to the ferrous sulfate standard. This study describes, for the first time, the novel design of chromium- and iron-entrapped nanoparticles, which could act as novel systems for oral drug delivery.
Highlights
Iron and chromium have major roles in the metabolism and oxygen exchange processes [1].Chromium is a trace element that has received a significant interest in recent years
Caco-2 iron absorption revealed that one formulation, which had the lowest particle size (226 ± 10 nm), caused a 64% greater iron absorption compared to the ferrous sulfate standard
Figure shows how the particle size changed as the ratio of all samples were of submicron dimensions indicating the successful generation of nanoparticles
Summary
Chromium is a trace element that has received a significant interest in recent years. It aids in the metabolism of carbohydrates and is thought to impair glucose tolerance in those with chromium deficiencies. This can lead to the development of maturity-onset diabetes-a chronic condition costing the national health service (NHS) over nine billion Pounds sterling annually [2,3]. Chromium supplements can be used to prevent insulin resistance and may be seen in the future as a cost effective strategy to reduce the onset of type 2 diabetes [4]. Iron-entrapped nanoparticles were formulated using ascorbic acid which augments the absorption of dietary non-haem iron by reducing ferric iron to the bioavailable ferrous form [8,9,10]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 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.
