5-Fluorouracil-loaded BSA nanoparticles: formulation optimization and in vitro release study

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Pharmaceutical Sciences

Background:

• Protein nanoparticles are of significant interest for drug delivery due to their biodegradability and nonantigenicity.
• Bovine serum albumin (BSA) is a commonly used protein for nanoparticle formulation.
• Developing effective drug delivery systems is crucial for improving therapeutic outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To prepare 5-fluorouracil-loaded bovine serum albumin (BSA) nanoparticles using a phase separation method.
• To investigate and optimize the process variables affecting the loading efficiency of 5-fluorouracil into BSA nanoparticles.
• To evaluate the drug release profile and physical characteristics of the fabricated nanoparticles.

Main Methods:

• Phase separation method was employed for nanoparticle preparation.
• Taguchi's M16 design was utilized for the optimization of process variables.
• Continuous flow dialysis technique was used to track drug release.
• Particle size and zeta potential were measured to characterize the nanoparticles.

Main Results:

• Optimum conditions for 5-fluorouracil loading into BSA nanoparticles were determined.
• The optimal conditions included specific concentrations of 5-fluorouracil, ethanol, glutaraldehyde, incubation time, and pH.
• Fabricated nanoparticles exhibited a mean diameter of 210 nm and a zeta potential of -31.7 mV.
• BSA nanoparticles demonstrated sustained release of 5-fluorouracil for 20 hours.

Conclusions:

• The phase separation method is effective for preparing 5-fluorouracil-loaded BSA nanoparticles.
• Optimized process parameters significantly influence drug loading efficiency.
• The developed BSA nanoparticles show potential as a sustained drug delivery system.