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Zein- vs PLGA-based nanoparticles containing rutin: A comparative investigation
Agnese Gagliardi1, Donatella Paolino1, Nicola Costa2
1Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University "Magna Græcia" of Catanzaro, Campus Universitario "S. Venuta", I-88100 Catanzaro, Italy.
Summary
Zein nanoparticles show superior rutin encapsulation and controlled release compared to poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles. Zein systems exhibit enhanced antioxidant activity and intracellular uptake, highlighting their therapeutic potential.
Area of Science:
- Polymer science and nanotechnology
- Biomaterials engineering
- Pharmacology and drug delivery
Background:
- Polymeric nanoparticles are crucial for encapsulating active substances, modulating their properties and therapeutic efficacy.
- Biodegradable polymers like poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) and zein are widely used for nanoparticle development.
- Rutin, a natural antioxidant, was selected as a model drug for encapsulation studies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the physico-chemical properties of poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) and zein nanoparticles.
- To evaluate the encapsulation efficiency and controlled release of rutin from these nanosystems.
- To assess the in vitro antioxidant activity and intracellular localization of rutin-loaded zein nanoparticles.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication and characterization of poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) and zein nanoparticles.
- Encapsulation of rutin within the polymeric matrices.
- In vitro drug release studies and antioxidant activity assays.
- Confocal laser scanning microscopy for intracellular localization analysis.
Main Results:
- Zein-based nanosystems demonstrated higher rutin retention capacity than poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) particles.
- Rutin integration in zein matrix facilitated controlled drug release, influenced by the stabilizing surfactant.
- Rutin-loaded zein nanoparticles exhibited significant in vitro antioxidant activity, suggesting synergistic effects.
- Intracellular uptake of zein nanosystems was confirmed via confocal microscopy.
Conclusions:
- Zein nanoparticles offer superior encapsulation and controlled release of rutin compared to poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles.
- The combination of zein's intrinsic properties and rutin's bioactivity results in enhanced antioxidant efficacy.
- Zein nanoparticles are promising for drug delivery applications due to their favorable drug retention, controlled release, and cellular uptake characteristics.
