Polysaccharide hydrogel particles for enhanced delivery of hesperidin: Fabrication, characterization and in vitro evaluation

Abstract

In the present contribution we focus on the fabrication and characterization of targeted delivery systems suitable for encapsulation of hesperidin (HESP) − a natural health-promoting flavonoid glycoside. We fabricated and extensively studied pH-responsive, biodegradable double-compartment hydrogel carriers composed of sodium carboxymethyl cellulose particles (ACP) filled with hesperidin-loaded sodium alginate microparticles (AMP). Additionally, hesperidin was encapsulated directly in sodium alginate or sodium carboxymethyl cellulose particles (AP or CP, respectively). The obtained carriers were characterized in respect to their morphology and size by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The cargo encapsulation was confirmed by spectroscopic analysis (FTIR), while the process efficacies were derived spectrophotometrically (UV–vis). The effect of different pH on the stability of the beads has been assessed. The in vitro release kinetics of the fabricated HESP-loaded particles was studied in simulated gastric and intestinal environments. The fabrication processes yielded stable particles of desired properties. Comparing the results obtained for both single- and double-compartment systems, makes it possible to conclude that the latter is superior in regard to prolonged delivery of hesperidin to the place of action under simulated intestinal conditions.