Formulation optimization of scutellarin-loaded HP-β-CD/chitosan nanoparticles using response surface methodology with...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Pharmaceutical Sciences

Background:

• Scutellarin (SCU) is a bioactive compound with therapeutic potential.
• Developing effective drug delivery systems is crucial for enhancing SCU bioavailability.
• Chitosan (CS) and hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HP-β-CD) are biocompatible polymers suitable for nanoparticle formulation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To optimize the preparation of SCU-loaded HP-β-CD/chitosan nanoparticles (CD/CS-SCU-NPs).
• To investigate the influence of formulation variables on nanoparticle characteristics.
• To evaluate the potential of these nanoparticles as a drug delivery carrier.

Main Methods:

• Nanoparticles were prepared using an ionic cross-linking method.
• Response Surface Methodology (RSM) with a Box-Behnken design (BBD) was employed for optimization.
• Independent variables included CS, sodium tripolyphosphate (TPP), and Pluronic F-68 amounts; dependent variables were particle size and entrapment efficiency.

Main Results:

• An optimized CD/CS-SCU-NP formulation was successfully prepared.
• Particle size, PDI, zeta potential, and entrapment efficiency were approximately 200 nm, 0.5, 25 mV, and 70%, respectively.
• In vitro drug release studies showed a biphasic release pattern, consistent with the Higuchi model.

Conclusions:

• The optimized nanoparticle preparation is simple and scalable for industrialization.
• RSM and BBD provide a robust approach for optimizing nanoparticle formulations.
• HP-β-CD/chitosan nanoparticles show promise as effective drug delivery carriers for scutellarin.