Physicochemical and Toxicity Study of Naringin-Loaded Chitosan Nanocapsules

Naringin is a natural compound with potential for health improvement due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, but its low dissolution rates and bioavailability limit its medical applications. Nanosized materials have an increased surface area and can protect compounds, enhancing their bioavailability and improving drug delivery. This study developed a naringin-loaded chitosan nanocapsule (NAR-CN) and evaluated its physicochemical properties, release profile, and stability under three storage conditions, as well as its in vitro (HFF-1 line) and in vivo (Caenorhabditis elegans) safety. NAR-CN had an average particle size of 175.6 ± 5.1 nm, a polidispersity index of 0.152 ± 0.003, a zeta potential of +13.1 ± 4.3 mV, and a pH of 4.8 ± 0.1. Drug content was 81.57% ± 0.78%, with an encapsulation efficiency of 94.46%. The release profile indicated a burst release of NAR-CN, with 80.45% of naringin released over 8 h in a simulated nasal fluid. Additionally, the nanocapsules were stable for 60 days at 25°C and exhibited a safe profile at concentrations up to 0.1 μg mL^-1. This nanoformulation shows promising potential as an intranasal therapeutic agent; however, further studies are needed to assess its mucoadhesive properties, effects on different cell lines and more complex animal models.