Alginate nanoparticles protect ferrous from oxidation: Potential iron delivery system

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Drug Delivery Systems

Background:

• Iron deficiency anemia remains a significant global health issue.
• Efficient and stable iron delivery systems are crucial for therapeutic applications.
• Alginate biopolymers offer biocompatibility and tunable properties for nanoparticle formulation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and characterize novel alginate-based nanoparticles for efficient iron (Fe²⁺) delivery.
• To optimize the iron loading and encapsulation efficiency within alginate nanoparticles.
• To investigate the in vitro release kinetics and pH-dependent behavior of iron-loaded nanoparticles.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of iron-loaded alginate nanoparticles via controlled ionic gelation.
• Characterization using particle size analysis, zeta potential, morphology (SEM/TEM), FTIR, TGA, and EELS.
• Optimization of iron concentration for maximum encapsulation efficiency.
• In vitro release studies conducted at different pH values (2, 6, and 7.4).
• Analysis of release kinetics using zero-order and Korsmeyer-Peppas models.

Main Results:

• Successfully synthesized iron-loaded alginate nanoparticles with sizes ranging from 15-30nm.
• Achieved optimized iron encapsulation efficiency of 70% at 0.06% Fe (w/v).
• Demonstrated a negative zeta potential (-38mV), indicating good colloidal stability.
• Observed a prolonged in vitro release profile over 96 hours.
• Showed pH-dependent release: ~65-70% at pH 6 and 7.4, <20% at pH 2.
• Release kinetics followed zero-order and Korsmeyer-Peppas models, indicating diffusion-controlled release.

Conclusions:

• Alginate nanoparticles provide an efficient and stable delivery system for iron (Fe²⁺).
• The developed nanoparticles exhibit controlled, prolonged release, particularly at physiological pH.
• The system demonstrates potential for improved iron supplementation therapies with reduced gastrointestinal irritation.