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Preparation and Characterization of SDF-1α-Chitosan-Dextran Sulfate Nanoparticles
Published on: January 22, 2015
Fucoxanthin encapsulation in chitosan-carrageenan nanoparticles for improved stability and bioavailability.
Vijayakumar Maduraimuthu1, Kanmani Shanmugam1, Dharani Gopal2
1Centre for Advanced Studies in Botany, Guindy Campus, University of Madras, Chennai, 600 025, Tamil Nadu, India.
International Journal of Biological Macromolecules
|May 10, 2026
Summary
Chitosan-carrageenan nanoparticles effectively encapsulate fucoxanthin, enhancing its stability and oral bioavailability. This nanodelivery platform improves therapeutic potential for fucoxanthin applications.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Fucoxanthin (FX) is a potent carotenoid with therapeutic promise.
- Poor stability and low oral bioavailability limit FX's clinical use.
- Nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems offer solutions for bioavailability challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and optimize fucoxanthin-loaded chitosan-carrageenan nanoparticles (FX-CS/CRG-NPs).
- To enhance the physicochemical stability and oral bioavailability of fucoxanthin.
- To evaluate the in vitro and in vivo performance of the optimized nanoparticles.
Main Methods:
- Nanoparticles were formulated using ionic complexation of chitosan and carrageenan.
- Box-Behnken design was employed for optimization of formulation variables.
- Physicochemical properties, stability, in vitro digestion, and in vivo pharmacokinetics were assessed.
Main Results:
- Optimized FX-CS/CRG-NPs exhibited favorable characteristics (374 nm size, +52.8 mV zeta potential, 85.2% EE).
- Nanoencapsulation significantly improved FX stability against heat and UV degradation.
- In vitro digestion and in vivo studies showed enhanced bioaccessibility and systemic exposure of FX.
Conclusions:
- Chitosan-carrageenan nanoencapsulation is a viable strategy to overcome fucoxanthin's limitations.
- The developed nanodelivery system enhances FX stability and bioavailability.
- FX-CS/CRG-NPs show potential for improved therapeutic applications of fucoxanthin.
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