Pectin / chitosan nanoparticle beads as potential carriers for quercetin release

Abstract

The present work explores the fabrication of pectin/chitosan nanoparticle (PEC/CSNP) beads as nanocarrier encapsulating hydrophobic quercetin overcome solubility and sensitivity problems by ionotropic gelation method. ATR-FTIR studies evidenced the chemical interaction among the drug and the polymer matrix. The surface morphology of the unloaded and quercetin loaded PEC/CSNPs beads were characterized by scanning electron microscopy. The nanoparticulate beads had higher % encapsulation efficiency (EE) that varied between 34% and 56.2% and loading capacity (LC) from 12% to 24.4%. In vitro drug release study of the beads showed a capacity to release quercetin in a sustained release pattern. The swelling behavior of the beads demonstrated an increase in mechanical resistance due to the presence of pectin in the formulation at low pH. The association of quercetin and the polymeric nanoparticles induces a synergistic effect that improved the beads antibacterial properties. The antioxidant potency of quercetin was enhanced by 71% after encapsulation and hemolysis studies showed good blood compatibility. The in vitro cytotoxicity of blank and Q-PEC/CSNP beads showed cell viability above 80% on the L929 cell line. These results suggested that the PEC/CSNPs beads can be suitably an effective drug delivery vehicle emphasizing the stability of chitosan nanoparticles in the gastrointestinal tract where pH is low.