Development of propylated starch-based nanoparticles for Amphotericin B delivery

Area of Science:

• Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology
• Drug Delivery Systems
• Materials Science

Background:

• Amphotericin B is a vital antifungal drug, but its toxicity and high cost of liposomal formulations (AmBisome®) limit accessibility.
• Developing cost-effective and safer drug delivery systems for Amphotericin B is crucial, especially for low- and middle-income countries.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel, low-cost, biocompatible, and stable starch-based nanocarrier for Amphotericin B delivery.
• To optimize the formulation of these starch nanoparticles using response surface methodology (RSM) and a central composite design (CCD).

Main Methods:

• Propylated Dioscorea abyssinica starch nanoparticles (PDASNPs) were prepared using a solvent emulsification diffusion technique.
• Response surface methodology (RSM) with a central composite design (CCD) was employed to optimize surfactant concentration, homogenization speed, and time.
• Particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential (ζ), morphology, in vitro release, and stability were evaluated.

Main Results:

• Optimized PDASNPs achieved a particle size of 149 nm, PDI of 0.22, and zeta potential of -20 mV.
• In vitro drug release profiles of Amphotericin B loaded PDASNPs were comparable to AmBisome®.
• The developed nanocarriers demonstrated stability for at least 3 months at 4°C.

Conclusions:

• Propylated Dioscorea abyssinica starch nanoparticles (PDASNPs) represent a promising, cost-effective nanocarrier for Amphotericin B delivery.
• This formulation offers a potential alternative to existing liposomal Amphotericin B, addressing cost and accessibility barriers.