Developing New Cyclodextrin-Based Nanosponges Complexes to Improve Vitamin D Absorption in an In Vitro Study

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology
• Materials Science
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Vitamin D is crucial for cellular functions, binding to the Vitamin D Receptor (VDR).
• Low serum levels of vitamin D3 are linked to various human diseases, necessitating supplementation.
• Vitamin D3 exhibits poor bioavailability, driving research into enhanced absorption strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the complexation of vitamin D3 within cyclodextrin-based nanosponges (CD-NS).
• To evaluate the potential enhancement of vitamin D3's bioactivity and bioavailability using CD-NS.
• To assess the safety and efficacy of vitamin D3-loaded nanosponges in vitro.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of beta-cyclodextrin-based nanosponges (βNS-CDI 1:4) via mechanochemistry.
• Characterization of the vitamin D3-CD-NS complex using Fourier-Transform Infrared Attenuated Total Reflectance (FTIR-ATR) and Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA).
• In vitro evaluation of the complex's biological activity on intestinal cells and assessment of bioavailability and cytotoxicity.

Main Results:

• Thermogravimetric analysis confirmed increased thermostability of the complexed vitamin D3.
• In vitro studies demonstrated enhanced cellular activity at the intestinal level for the complexed vitamin D3.
• The vitamin D3-CD-NS complex significantly improved vitamin D3 bioavailability without exhibiting cytotoxic effects.

Conclusions:

• Cyclodextrin-based nanosponges (CD-NS) represent a promising strategy for enhancing vitamin D3 delivery.
• This study provides the first evidence of CD-NS improving both the chemical and biological properties of vitamin D3.
• The developed vitamin D3-CD-NS complex shows potential for therapeutic applications requiring improved vitamin D supplementation.