Formulation, optimization, and characterization of naringenin-loaded halloysite nanotube to achieve enhanced antioxidant and anticancer properties

Objective(s): Poor solubility and stability of naringenin result in its low bioavailability. Halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) were investigated as a potential carrier for the controlled delivery of naringenin to HT-۲۹ (human colon adenocarcinoma) and MCF-۷ (human breast cancer) cell lines. Materials and Methods: Naringenin was loaded in HNTs at different HNTs: drug ratios (w/w) of ۳۰, ۲۴, ۱۶, ۸, and ۴, then characterized by SEM (Scanning electron microscope), FTIR (Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy), DSC (Differential scanning calorimetry), and XRD (X-ray diffraction). The effect of naringenin loaded in HNTs on its solubility was investigated by an innovative change in the DPPH (۲, ۲-diphenyl-۱-picrylhydrazyl) assay. Cytotoxicity of naringenin and naringenin-loaded HNTs was investigated by MTT assay. Results: At a ratio of ۳۰, the highest encapsulation efficiency (۸۷.۷± ۵%), and at a ratio of ۴, the highest loading capacity was obtained (۱۲± ۰.۶%). The drug release study indicated prolonged drug release from naringenin-loaded HNTs (۶۷±۵% after ۲۴h). Naringenin showed antioxidant activity by scavenging DPPH radical with an IC۵۰ value of ۴۰۰ ±۴ µg/mL. Naringenin solubility after loading was considerably increased and subsequently, showed ۲.۲-fold higher antioxidant activity than the free drug. Cytotoxicity assay indicated the anticancer activity of naringenin was significantly improved after loading. Conclusion: HNTs can be a promising carrier for the delivery of naringenin.

کلیدواژه ها:

Antioxidants ، Clay ، Drug delivery systems ، Nanoparticles