Nanoencapsulation of Apocynin in Bovine Serum Albumin Nanoparticles: Physicochemical Characterization

Abstract

Introduction: Bovine serum albumin (BSA) nanoparticles containing apocynin were successfully prepared by the desolvation technique, followed by cross-linking with glutaraldehyde. Method: For characterization of the nanoparticles, analyses of particle size, polydispersity index, zeta potential, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), powder x-ray diffraction (XRD), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) were performed and in vitro drug release profile. Result: All formulations showed suitable encapsulation efficiency values higher than 80% and the mean particle size was 208 nm. FT-IR spectra demonstrated absence of chemical interaction between apocynin and BSA, suggesting that the nanoencapsulation process does not alter the chemical structure of drug. XRD and DSC analyses indicated drug amorphization after nanoencapsulation. In vitro release assay demonstrated after 72 h about 96% of apocynin released from the nanoparticles. Conclusion: Mathematical modeling demonstrated that apocynin release profile was better fitted to biexponential model and indicated drug anomalous transport (diffusion and polymer relaxation) as drug release mechanism. BSA nanoparticles are potential carriers for apocynin. Keywords: Apocynin, acetovanillone, nanoparticles, desolvation, bovine serum albumin, Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS).