Design and development of Nanoemulsions and Hydrogel Based Systems For Enhanced Intestinal Permeability and Controlled Release of Phytochemicals

Abstract

The present investigation involves the use of different herbal extracts and green chemistry for the development of lipid based nanoemulsions and silver nanoparticles loaded nanocomposite hydrogels for controlled drug delivery. To fulfill this objective in the first process, nanoemulsion (NEs) and self nanoemulsifying drug delivery system (SNEDDS) were prepared using Tinospora cordifolia (TC) and Berberis aristata (BA). Nanodroplet size and zeta potential of these nanoemulsions and SNEDDS were found to be in the range of 33.7 nm to 147.1 nm and -23.30 mV to -31.2 mV, respectively. Sustained release profile of the extract from nanoemulsion and SNEDDS was found up to 20 (~81) and 34 h (~96 %), respectively. While in the second process, Ocimum sanctum (OS) and Ficus benghalensis (FB) extracts were utilized for the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) with further utilization in the development of PVA/CH (Polyvinyl alcohol/Chitosan) and PVA/SA (Polyvinyl alcohol/Sodium alginate) nanocomposite hydrogels. The formation of silver nanoparticles was confirmed by UV-visible spectroscopy (and#411;max 430 nm), optical microscopy, and particle size analysis (20-35 nm). newlineSilver nanoparticles loaded PVA/SA sprayed hydrogel dressing (SHD) film was designed and executed using polyvinyl alcohol and sodium alginate as polymeric components while, boric acid and calcium chloride were used as respective cross-linkers to form spontaneous sprayed dressing. On the other hand, silver nanoparticles loaded with PVA/CH hydrogel was prepared by using freeze thaw process so as to bypass the toxic effects associated with chemical cross-linking. FTIR spectra of nanocomposite hydrogels showed polymeric interaction due to formation of coordination among the function group present in the nanocomposite hydrogels with the AgNPs, while SEM images showed highly cross-linked, porous and uniformity in surface morphology. The results of thermo-gravimetric analysis showed that the introduction of silver nanoparticles in the PVA/CH and PVA/SA hydrogels.