Optimized Chitosan-Based Nanoemulsion Improves Luteolin Release

Abstract

Luteolin (LUT) is a flavonoid found in several edible and medicinal plants. It is recognized for its biological activities such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and antitumor effects. However, the limited water solubility of LUT leads to poor absorption after oral administration. Nanoencapsulation may improve the solubility of LUT. Nanoemulsions (NE) were selected for the encapsulation of LUT due to their biodegradability, stability, and ability to control drug release. In this work, chitosan (Ch)-based NE was developed to encapsulate luteolin (NECh-LUT). A 23 factorial design was built to obtain a formulation with optimized amounts of oil, water, and surfactants. NECh-LUT showed a mean diameter of 67.5 nm, polydispersity index 0.174, zeta potential of +12.8 mV, and encapsulation efficiency of 85.49%. Transmission electron microscopy revealed spherical shape and rheological analysis verified the Newtonian behavior of NECh-LUT. SAXS technique confirmed the bimodal characteristic of NECh-LUT, while stability analysis confirmed NECh-LUT stability when stored at room temperature for up to 30 days. Finally, in vitro release studies showed LUT controlled release up to 72 h, indicating the promising potential of NECh-LUT to be used as novel therapeutic option to treat several disorders.

Formulation of a Novel Hesperetin-Loaded Nanoemulsion and Its Promising Effect on Osteogenesis

“…Understanding these factors is crucial for the development of efficient pharmaceutical formulations and the optimization of the controlled release of compounds, such as HT, aiming for future therapeutic applications. When our results are compared to founds for Diedritch et al, in 2023, where they encapsulated luteolin, a flavonoid from the same group of HT, their NE showed a release of 50% in 12 h [ 49 ]. Our study demonstrates a rapid release within 10 h, which may be attributed to its higher viscosity, rendering it a promising therapy for local applications, since it presents a controlled release that does not take a long time, and formulates properly to systemic functions.…”

Polymeric Nano-Emulsion in Functional Textile Finishing

“…Antimicrobial textiles find applications in diverse domains, such as first aid, clinical, and hygienic practices. Chitosan-based polymeric nano-emulsions in encapsulating various active reagents as core have been employed to impart bi-or trifunctional properties to the textile as antimicrobial, antioxidant, and antifungal [32]. These materials are also employed to convert advanced pharmaceutical nanocarriers into conventional textiles, establishing wearable medication delivery methods.…”