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Osmundea sp. macroalgal polysaccharide-based nanoparticles produced by flash nanocomplexation technique
Sónia P Miguel1, Jorge Loureiro2, Maximiano P Ribeiro1
1CPIRN-UDI/IPG, Centro de Potencial e Inovação em Recursos Naturais, Unidade de Investigação para o Desenvolvimento do Interior do Instituto Politécnico da Guarda, Avenida Dr. Francisco de Sá Carneiro, No. 50, 6300-559 Guarda, Portugal; CICS-UBI, Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade da Beira Interior, Avenida Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal.
Macroalgae polysaccharides were used to create stable nanoparticles via flash nanocomplexation. These drug delivery nanoparticles effectively target and release anti-inflammatory drugs for skin conditions.
Area of Science:
- Marine Biotechnology
- Materials Science
- Pharmaceutical Sciences
Background:
- Macroalgae polysaccharides offer biocompatibility and biodegradability for drug delivery.
- Existing methods like ionotropic gelation lack reproducibility and nanoparticle stability.
- Anionic polysaccharides from macroalgae are challenging to stabilize in drug delivery systems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop stable nanoparticles using macroalgae polysaccharides and flash nanocomplexation.
- To incorporate diclofenac into these nanoparticles for anti-inflammatory drug delivery.
- To evaluate the physicochemical and biological properties of the developed nanoparticles.
Main Methods:
- Extraction of polysaccharide from Osmundea sp. macroalgae.
- Flash nanocomplexation technique for rapid mixing of macroalgae polysaccharide and chitosan.
- Incorporation of diclofenac (anti-inflammatory drug) into the nanoparticles.
- Characterization of nanoparticle size, distribution, and stability.
- In vitro drug release studies under simulated inflammatory conditions.
Main Results:
- Nanoparticles with hydrodynamic diameter < 100 nm and narrow size distribution were produced.
- Stable nanoparticles were achieved using the flash nanocomplexation technique.
- Diclofenac demonstrated targeted and sustained release, simulating inflammatory conditions.
- The nanoparticles exhibited excellent biological properties suitable for treating inflammatory skin diseases.
Conclusions:
- Flash nanocomplexation is a superior method for producing stable macroalgae polysaccharide-based nanoparticles.
- These nanoparticles show significant potential as a drug delivery vehicle for inflammatory skin conditions.
- The developed system offers a promising platform for advanced anti-inflammatory therapies.

