Design and characterization of mangiferin nanoparticles for oral delivery

Mangiferin, a bioactive compound with numerous therapeutic properties was extracted from Curcuma amada. To solve the bioavailability issues of mangiferin, it was encapsulated in beta-lactoglobulin (beta-LG), by desolvation method and reduced to a nano size. From the Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) data, average particle size and zeta potential of the nanoparticle was 89 +/- 10 nm and -30.0 +/- 0.2 mV respectively. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) results illustrated the spherical and uniform size (approximately 70 nm) of the nanoparticles. The release kinetics of mangiferin by simulated gastrointestinal (GI) studies demonstrated more resistance of nanoparticles towards pepsin digestion in comparison with pancreatin digestion. Release of mangiferin observed in colon fluid was 80%. In vitro release kinetics, by Kopcha model, predicted that the mangiferin release from the nanoparticles follows a non-Fickian process. The Baker-Lonsdale model further predicted the spherical shape of the nanoparticles. The nanoparticles can be stored for 30 days at 4 degrees C retaining its activity. DPPH assay proved that nanoencapsulation of mangiferin retained the antioxidant property. Nanoparticles demonstrated anti-microbial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. No toxicity was observed towards the useful probiotic strain of gastrointestinal tract. The study could establish that the mangiferin/beta-lactoglobulin nanoparticles might be a promising candidate for oral delivery.