Synthesis and Characterization of Naringenin-Loaded Chitosan-Dextran Sulfate Nanocarrier

Abstract

The present study focused on synthesis and characterization of polymeric nanocarrier for the hydrophobic drug, naringenin (Nar), using chitosan (CS) and dextran sulfate (DS). CSDS-Nar and blank CSDS nanoparticles were prepared by complex coacervation technique. The nanoparticles were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and dynamic light scattering (DLS). Cytotoxicity evaluation of blank CSDS and CSDS-Nar was performed by MTT assay after 24-h incubation. The nanoparticles were observed to have spherical morphology. The size and zeta potential of the CSDS-Nar were ~ 337.2 ± 48.27 nm and − 34.4 ± 7.45 mV, respectively. The interactions between polymer and drug were confirmed by FTIR studies. The in vitro drug release studies showed that 80% of free naringenin was released rapidly at 36 h. On the other hand, 51% naringenin was released from CSDS-Nar at 36 h. MTT assay demonstrated that at higher dose, the cell viability of MCF-7 cells was 45% and 8% after CSDS and CSDS-Nar treatment, respectively. Hence, the empirical findings of the study suggest that CSDS nanocarrier could be utilized as a promising and ideal carrier for delivery of naringenin and similar hydrophobic drugs to cancer cells.