Ultrasonic frequency based development of chrysin nanoparticles: assessment of bioavailability, anti-cancer activity and stability

Abstract

In present investigation, we are the first to report ultrasonic frequency based development of chrysin nanoparticles (CNPs) with special emphasis on bioavailability, anti-cancer activity and stability assessment. The CNPs were developed by modifying processing parameters to get an optimum nanonization effect. Chrysin (CHR), being a member of flavonoid class, has a strong proven therapeutic value but poor solubility and bioavailability restrict its use as a therapeutic agent. Developed CNPs were evaluated for various physicochemical and performance characteristics like DSC, XRPD, FE-SEM, TEM, particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential, production yield, solubility, in vitro dissolution, in vivo bioavailability and stability study. Oral bioavailability study revealed 2·3-fold increase in relative bioavailability of CNPs compared to pure CHR. In vitro cytotoxicity study demonstrated promising cytotoxic effect towards MCF-7 human breast cancer cell line. Developed CNPs demonstrated acceptable particle size and zeta potential indicating significant stability, which was further confirmed by stability assessment. The present study suggests that natural flavonoids like CHR could demonstrate potential cytotoxicity when subjected to nanonization and may prove beneficial as a natural economic alternative to expensive chemotherapy in near future.