Biophysical analysis on molecular interactions between chitosan-coated sinapic acid loaded liposomes and mucin

Background: The mucus biomembrane is a primary barrier in delivering drugs to the brain via intranasal delivery. The negatively charged nanoformulations suffer from poor mucoadhesive ability and less retention time in the nasal cavity, which limits further therapeutic efficacy. The positively charged chitosan coating on liposomes may overcome the above issues. Hence, understanding the molecular interactions between the chitosan-coated liposomes and mucin is essential for developing an effective drug delivery system. Methods: The molecular interactions of mucin with sinapic acid-loaded liposomes (SA-LPs) and mucin with chitosan-coated sinapic acid-loaded liposomes (SA-CH-LPs) were assessed using different biophysical instrumental analyses by interpreting the UV-Vis spectra and observing the particle size, polydispersity index, surface charge, and rheological behavior. Results: The mucin interaction with SA-CH-LPs showed increased viscosity as compared to SA-LPs with mucin. Moreover, the mucin interaction with SA-CH-LPs showed stronger mucoadhesive properties as compared to SALPs with mucin. The electrostatic interaction between positively charged SA-CH-LPs and negatively charged mucin was responsible for the enhanced mucoadhesive property. Conclusion: The positively charged SA-CH-LPs highly interact with mucin as compared to negatively charged SALPs. The mucoadhesive property of SA-CH-LPs could improve the retention of SA in the nasal cavity as compared to SA-LPs. These findings emphasize the importance of chitosan in modulating the mucoadhesive behavior of liposomes. General significance: Overall, this study helps to understand the molecular interactions and mucoadhesive nature of the chitosan-coated liposomes with mucin, which is essential for biological activity in the physiological environment.

Automated summary

The molecular interactions and mucoadhesive nature of chitosan-coated liposomes with mucin are crucial for the development of an effective drug delivery system. The positively charged SA-CH-LPs showed stronger interaction and better mucoadhesive properties compared to negatively charged SALPs, thereby improving drug retention in the nasal cavity and enhancing therapeutic efficacy.