Development and evaluation of bio-nanoparticles as novel drug carriers for the delivery of Donepezil

The purpose of the present study was to formulate and evaluate donepezil loaded bio-nanoparticles for effective treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. For the preparation of bio-nanoparticles biomaterial was isolated from fruits of Carica papaya by an economic method. The biomaterial recovered from the concentrate was subjected for various physicochemical properties like color, solubility, color changing point and chemical test. Bio-nanoparticles were prepared by modified nanoprecipitation method in different batches with variable drug/biomaterial ratio. Prepared batches were subjected for various evaluation studies like particle size, zeta potential, scanning electron microscopic studies, transmission electronmicroscopy, surface entrapment, in-vitro diffusion, differential scanning calorimetry and stability. Particle size and zeta potential result revealed that all nanoformulation were within range of 1.808 to 995.1 with slight negative in charge. Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electronmicroscopy report indicate that formulations were spherical in shape with less or no aggregation. Less surface entrapment leads to better drug entrapped inside nanomatrix. Bio-nanoformulations were capable of releasing the drug in a slow sustained manner.  From the present investigation, it may be concluded that biomaterial isolated from fruits of Carica papaya used in the preparation of bio-nanoparticle act as an efficient carriers for deliver donepezil at a controlled rate and may significantly improve the ability to cross blood-brain barrier.