Green Approach Towards Synthesis and Characterization of GMO/Chitosan Nanoparticles for In Vitro Release of Quercetin: Isolated from Peels of Pomegranate Fruit

Abstract

In the present work, we focused on extracting, separating, formulating, and, finally, characterizing quercetin. Chitosan/GMO nanoparticles were investigated to controlled release for targeting colonic region. Quercetin is an active biomolecule isolated from peels of pomegranate fruit, separated by different chromatographic techniques, and formulated into nanoformulation to bring it to increase its aqueous solubility. Nanoparticles were prepared by using chitosan, glyceryl monooleate (GMO), and poloxamer 407 using probe sonicator and high-pressure homogenization method. Characterization of nanoparticles was carried out by particle size, zeta potential, differential scanning colorimetry (DSC), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), entrapment efficiency, loading content, in vitro release, and stability study. They showed approximately 78.82% encapsulation with an average size of 145.5 ± 0.66 nm and zeta potential + 14.7 mV. The cumulative in vitro drug release up to 24 h at 77.16% was achieved suggesting towards efficacy of green synthesized chitosan nanoparticles for colonic delivery applications. From all our findings, it can be concluded that work will facilitate the extraction, design, and fabrication of nanoparticles for the protection and sustained release of quercetin biomolecule, particularly to the colonic region. The release performance of chitosan/GMO nanoparticles loaded with quercetin at different pH conditions was greatly affected by the materials used in the preparation, which allows maximum release at colonic pH. Hence, it is a unique approach for colonic delivery of drugs having appropriate site specificity and feasibility and controlled release of biomolecule quercetin.