Novel alginate nanoparticles for the simultaneous delivery of iron and folate: a potential nano-drug delivery system for anaemic patients

Biopolymer nanoparticles have emerged as promising carriers for bioactive agents, offering sustained or controlled release and improved biocompatibility. The purpose of this study was to design novel calcium cross-linked alginate nanoparticles as a delivery system for ferrous ascorbate and folic acid, synthesized through a modified ionic gelation method, to enhance their oral bioavailability. Calcium alginate nanoparticles were successfully prepared using a modified ionic gelation method, and their particle size and zeta potential were characterized. These nanoparticles were then loaded with ferrous ascorbate and folic acid, and successful encapsulation was confirmed using electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The morphology of the loaded nanoparticles was also investigated using electron microscopy techniques. The encapsulation efficiency of ferrous ascorbate and folic acid was determined to be 95 ± 1.9% and 80 ± 0.7%, respectively. In vitro release studies demonstrated that the release of ferrous ascorbate and folic acid from the loaded nanoparticles was pH-dependent, with a slower release rate being observed at pH 7.4 compared to that at pH 2. The release kinetics was found to follow the Korsmeyer–Peppas diffusion model, suggesting a combination of Fickian diffusion and anomalous diffusion mechanisms. Overall, the findings of this study indicate that the alginate nanoparticles have the potential to serve as a promising nano-drug delivery system for ferrous ascorbate and folic acid, potentially improving their oral bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy in the treatment and prevention of anaemia.