Mucoadhesive Cationic Bromelain Laden Nanocarriers Restore Patency of Airway Hyperresponsive Remodeling via Nasal Route

Abstract

AbstractBromelain, a complex mixture of proteolytic cysteine proteases has shown positive attributes in management of allergen induced inflammatory conditions. However, efficient use of bromelain in clinics is restricted by bromelain instability at storage conditions and on oral use. Therefore, the goal of present investigation is to encapsulate bromelain in rationally tailored mucoadhesive polymeric nanocarriers for nasal delivery to refurbish its anti‐asthmatic activity and improve bioavailability. Bromelain laden Eudragid RL 100 nanocarriers (Br‐EuNCs) are engineered via double emulsion solvent evaporation method and optimized to amplify bromelain encapsulation within nanosize range (259.73 ± 16.51 nm). Dissolution study reveals prolonged bromelain release behavior (24 h) whereas higher mucin binding strength confirms mucoadhesive nature of Br‐EuNCs. Pharmacokinetic study in rats indicates 2.89‐fold increase in bromelain bioavailability after its encapsulation. Subsequently, pharmacodynamic studies reveal that optimized formulation significantly (p <0.05) reduces spasm, bronchial hyper‐responsiveness and inhibits convulsions in the ovalbumin induced asthma model. In addition, Br‐EuNCs significantly regulate hematological, biochemical, and immunological parameters disturbed during ovalbumin exposure. Histological studies of lung show significant protectionoffered by formulation against tissue damage during asthma. The results suggest that therapeutic performance of bromelain can be improved utilizing Br‐EuNCs as a platform via nasal route for asthma management.