Preparation and characterization of puerarin-loaded polyethyleneimine/sodium alginate nanoparticles / 中草药

ABSTRACT

Objective To develop the puerarin-loaded polyethyleneimine/alginate nanoparticles (Pur-PEI/ALG-NPs) and investigate their physicochemical properties. Methods The Pur-PEI/ALG-NPs were prepared by electrostatic interaction. The particle size and Zeta potential of nanoparticles were measured by laser light scattering using a Zeta sizer ZEN3600, in vitro release curves for which were studied. The formulation variables were optimized by central composite design-response surface methodology (CCD-RSM) with entrapment efficiency and drug loading as dependent variables. Results An optimal formulation was confirmed as follows polyethyleneimine concentration was 3.2 mg/mL, alginate concentration was 1.3 mg/mL and the mass ratio of PEI/ALG was 3.75. The resulting nanoparticles exhibited entrapment efficiency of (24.13 ± 1.78)% and drug loading of (11.17 ± 0.71)%, respectively. Zeta potential of nanoparticles was found to be (35.2 ± 0.7) mV, with the average diameter of (118.0 ± 0.4) nm. In vitro release test proved that nanoparticles accelerated the release rate of Pur. Conclusion Pur-PEI/ALG-NPs are prepared successfully with narrow particle size distribution and rich positive charge, which may lay the foundation for further clinical ocular application of Pur.