pH-Sensitive Dextrin-Based Nanosponges Crosslinked with Pyromellitic Dianhydride and Citric Acid: Swelling,...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Pharmaceutical Sciences

Background:

• Dextrin-based nanosponges (D-NS) are explored for oral drug delivery due to biocompatibility and mucoadhesion.
• Developing pH-sensitive nanocarriers is crucial for targeted drug release in the gastrointestinal tract.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize and characterize pH-sensitive dextrin-based nanosponges for oral drug delivery.
• To evaluate the mucoadhesive properties, drug loading, and in vitro release of apomorphine from D-NS.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of nanosponges using β-cyclodextrin, GluciDex®2, and KLEPTOSE® Linecaps, crosslinked with PMDA and citric acid.
• Characterization via FTIR, TGA, DLS, zeta potential, swelling studies, rheology, and mucoadhesion tests.
• Apomorphine loading and in vitro release studies under simulated gastric and intestinal conditions.

Main Results:

• Optimized β-CD:PMDA 1:4 nanosponges showed high apomorphine loading (8.23%) and encapsulation efficiency (90.58%).
• Nanosponges exhibited pH-responsive swelling (~863% at pH 6.8) and significant mucoadhesion (rheological synergism parameter ∆G' = 53.45).
• Stable physicochemical properties and apomorphine protection were observed after six months of storage; sustained drug release was achieved in simulated intestinal fluid.

Conclusions:

• Dextrin-based nanosponges are effective pH-responsive, mucoadhesive carriers for oral drug delivery.
• These nanosponges provide controlled release of apomorphine and protect the drug from degradation.
• The study highlights the potential of D-NS for developing advanced oral drug delivery systems with predictable nanoparticle-mucin interactions.