Enhanced Therapeutic Potential of Berberine via Zein-Polysaccharide Nanoparticle Encapsulation”

Abstract

Berberine, a natural compound found in Berberis lycium, exhibits diverse therapeutic properties. But its poor water solubility, limits its clinical applications. Main focus of this study was to enhance the solubility of berberine through encapsulation in zein-polysaccharide nanoparticles. Various formulations of berberine-loaded nanoparticles were synthesized by mixing sodium alginate and pectin in different ratio.

The nanoparticles characterized techniques, like SEM, TEM, FTIR, and XRD. The % drug loading, % encapsulation efficiency, bioavailability, antioxidant, antibacterial, and antifungal activities of the nanoparticles were comparatively determined against crude berberine.

Results indicated a time-dependent increase in drug loading and entrapment efficiency, suggesting improved encapsulation efficiency over time. Comparative studies between berberine-loaded nanoparticles and crude berberine demonstrated enhanced bioavailability, antioxidant, antibacterial, and antifungal activities of the nanoparticles. The resulting NPs possessed an excellent 55 %EE, 70 %DL, and 90%>Bioavailability, respectively. In addition, Berberine loaded zein polysaccharide NPs possessed better antibacterial potential against, Salmonella typhi, Streptococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, respectively. The NPs also possessed excellent antifungal activity against different fungal species such as Aspergillus flavus, Candida albicans, Fusariumsolani, and Aspergillus Niger, respectively.

The findings suggest that zein-polysaccharide nanoparticles provide an efficient platform for delivering berberine, addressing its solubility challenges and augmenting its therapeutic effects. The study emphasizes the potential translational applications of these nanoparticles in diverse medical contexts, including cancer treatment, anti-inflammatory interventions, and antimicrobial therapies. Further exploration through in vivo studies is essential to establish their safety, efficacy, and potential in practical medical settings. These findings cover the way for a development of novel drug delivery systems to overcome a limitations of poorly soluble therapeutic agents like berberine.