Berberine and Lignin Coassembled Nanotubes As Multifunctional Controlled Drug Delivery System

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Drug Delivery Systems

Background:

• Natural polymer-based nanocarriers are crucial for efficient and cost-effective therapeutics.
• Developing advanced drug delivery systems is essential for improving treatment outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To fabricate berberine hydrochloride (BBR) loaded lignin nanotubes (LNTs) for controlled drug delivery.
• To investigate the drug loading, release kinetics, and functional properties of the BBR-LNT nanocarriers.

Main Methods:

• Coassembly process to fabricate BBR-loaded LNTs.
• Characterization of nanocarrier properties, including drug loading and release kinetics.
• Evaluation of photothermal activity, antibacterial efficacy, and antioxidant capacity.

Main Results:

• Maximum drug loading of 16.48% BBR achieved in LNTs.
• Sustained drug release over 168 hours, following Fickian diffusion.
• Demonstrated photothermal activity (29°C to 45°C in 10 min), 95.3% antibacterial efficacy against E. coli, and 91.22% DPPH radical scavenging.

Conclusions:

• Coassembled BBR-LNTs represent a promising natural polymer-based nanocarrier for controlled drug delivery.
• The system exhibits significant therapeutic potential due to its sustained release, photothermal, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties.
• Cryogenic coassembly, driven by π-π and hydrogen bonding interactions, successfully created the nanocarrier system.