Development of multiparticulate systems based on natural polymers for morin controlled release

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Polymer Science
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Sodium alginate and gellan gum are natural polymers with potential for drug delivery.
• Morin is a flavonoid with known therapeutic properties.
• Controlled release systems are crucial for effective drug delivery and minimizing side effects.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and characterize a multiparticulate system for controlled morin release.
• To optimize spray-dryer parameters for efficient encapsulation and high yield.
• To evaluate the antibiofilm and antimicrobial efficacy of the morin-loaded system against Streptococcus mutans.

Main Methods:

• A 2^4 factorial design was employed to standardize spray-dryer parameters.
• Multiparticulate systems were prepared using varying ratios of sodium alginate and gellan gum.
• Morphological, physicochemical, and drug release properties were characterized.
• Antimicrobial and antibiofilm assays were performed against Streptococcus mutans.

Main Results:

• Standardized spray-dryer parameters (1.0 m³/min airflow, 120°C outlet temperature, 2% polymer concentration) yielded optimal results.
• Scanning electron microscopy revealed spherical microparticles with a rough surface.
• The developed systems demonstrated controlled release of morin over 480 minutes.
• Morin-loaded systems significantly reduced Streptococcus mutans biofilm biomass, viability, and acidogenicity.

Conclusions:

• Spray-drying is an efficient method for encapsulating morin in sodium alginate/gellan gum systems.
• The developed multiparticulate systems exhibit excellent potential for controlled morin release.
• These systems effectively inhibit key virulence factors of Streptococcus mutans biofilms, suggesting therapeutic applications.