The Potential Role of Polyelectrolyte Complex Nanoparticles Based on Cashew Gum, Tripolyphosphate and Chitosan for the Loading of Insulin

Janira M. N. A. Bezerra,Edson C. Silva-Filho,Mônica F. La R. Soares,Patricia Severino,Antônia C. J. Oliveira,Eliana B. Souto,Selma B. Souto,José L. Soares-Sobrinho

doi:10.3390/diabetology2020009

Abstract

Polyelectrolytic complexation has stood out due to its application in the development of drug delivery systems using biopolymers as raw materials. The formation of complexes between cashew gum and chitosan can be intermediated by cross-links, mediated by the action of the sodium tripolyphosphate crosslinking agent. These polymers have been used in the nanotechnological development of formulations to protect peptide drugs, such as insulin, allowing their oral administration. In this work, we describe the development of polyelectrolytic complexes from cashew gum and chitosan as biopolymers for oral administration of insulin. The obtained complexes showed a mean particle size of 234 nm and polydispersity index of 0.2. The complexes were 234 nm in size, PDI 0.2, zeta potential −4.5 mV and 22% trapping. The obtained complexes demonstrated considerable and promising characteristics for use as oral insulin delivery systems.

Highlights

IntroductionThe use of biopolymers for the production of drug delivery systems is receiving increasing attention because of their specific attributes in the production of nanoparticles [1].Such interest is attributed to their degradability, biocompatibility and non-toxic profile.Besides this, when combined with other polymers, a range of structures, such as gels, layer-by-layer films, excipients and/or even nanometric scale drug delivery systems, can be obtained with improved properties when compared to synthetic polymers [2,3,4,5].Cashew gum (CG) is a polysaccharide extracted from the exudate of the species Anacardium occidentale L., popularly known as cashew, a tree widely cultivated in the regions of northeastern Brazil and some areas of the African continent [6,7]
Cashew gum (CG) is a polysaccharide extracted from the exudate of the species Anacardium occidentale L., popularly known as cashew, a tree widely cultivated in the regions of northeastern Brazil and some areas of the African continent [6,7]
Polyelectrolytic complexes composed of CG and CH were prepared; they did not show viability

Summary

Introduction

The use of biopolymers for the production of drug delivery systems is receiving increasing attention because of their specific attributes in the production of nanoparticles [1].Such interest is attributed to their degradability, biocompatibility and non-toxic profile.Besides this, when combined with other polymers, a range of structures, such as gels, layer-by-layer films, excipients and/or even nanometric scale drug delivery systems, can be obtained with improved properties when compared to synthetic polymers [2,3,4,5].Cashew gum (CG) is a polysaccharide extracted from the exudate of the species Anacardium occidentale L., popularly known as cashew, a tree widely cultivated in the regions of northeastern Brazil and some areas of the African continent [6,7]. The use of biopolymers for the production of drug delivery systems is receiving increasing attention because of their specific attributes in the production of nanoparticles [1]. Such interest is attributed to their degradability, biocompatibility and non-toxic profile. Of β-D-galactopyranose (72%), α-D-glucopyranose (14%), α-L-arabinofuranose (4.6%), acid β-D-glucuronic (4.5%) and α-L-ramnopyranose (3.2%) [8]. The presence of available groups of glucuronic acids and hydroxyls in its framework, even in small percentages, adds a negative surface charge to the material, making it possible to carry out reactions with different polymers through different molecular interactions [9]

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Conclusion