Development and Optimization of Nano-Hydroxyapatite Encapsulating Tocotrienol-Rich Fraction Formulation Using...

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Tocotrienol-rich fraction (TRF) possesses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a potential therapeutic agent for bone diseases.
• Poor oral bioavailability of TRF limits its clinical application, necessitating advanced drug delivery systems.
• Nano-hydroxyapatite (nHA), with its biocompatibility and bone-like properties, is explored as a novel drug delivery vehicle.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and optimize nano-hydroxyapatite (nHA) encapsulating tocotrienol-rich fraction (TRF) as a nanocarrier.
• To evaluate the physical characteristics and encapsulation efficiency of the nHA/TRF formulation.
• To assess the potential of nHA as an effective delivery system for TRF.

Main Methods:

• Response surface methodology (RSM) was employed to optimize the nHA/TRF formulation parameters.
• Key formulation variables including nHA mass, TRF concentration, and incubation time were analyzed.
• Particle size, zeta potential, polydispersity index, and encapsulation efficiency were measured for the optimized formulation.

Main Results:

• RSM identified significant effects of nHA mass, TRF concentration, and incubation time on formulation properties.
• The optimized nHA/TRF formulation exhibited an average particle size of ~270 nm and a zeta potential of ~-20 mV.
• High encapsulation efficiency of ~18.1% and a low polydispersity index (<0.4) were achieved, with TEM confirming spherical morphology.

Conclusions:

• Nano-hydroxyapatite (nHA) demonstrates potential as an effective nanocarrier for tocotrienol-rich fraction (TRF).
• The optimized nHA/TRF formulation exhibits favorable physical properties for drug delivery applications.
• This approach offers a promising strategy to enhance TRF's pharmacokinetic profile and therapeutic efficacy.