Development of microfluidic-based cellulose acetate phthalate nanoparticles containing omeprazole for antiulcer activity: In vitro and in vivo evaluations

Omeprazole (OME)-loaded cellulose acetate phthalate nanoparticles (CAP NPs) are prepared by the use of microfluidic (MF) nanoprecipitation method for antiulcer evaluations. First, it is found that the samples synthesized by MF have smaller size (similar to 65 nm) with lower polydispersity index (0.09) and higher surface charge (-43 +/- 4.23 mV) compared to those obtained via bulk method (BM). Moreover, in one hand, the MF-based NPs showed higher encapsulation efficiency and loading capacity and on the other hand, they have slower OME release especially in acidic media (<10% during 2 h) compared to BM-based NPs. Eventually, in vivo test including the antiulcer assessments by photograph and histological images is carried out to evaluate the OME-loaded MF-based CAP NPs. The results of the MF-based NPs reveal that relative suitable antiulcer activity in terms of the lowest ulcer index (similar to 10), the highest protection rate (similar to 82%) and the minimum level of microscopic damages based on epithelial cell loss and edema in submucosal layer compared to the other formulations.

Automated summary

The OME-loaded CAP NPs prepared using microfluidic nanoprecipitation method exhibit smaller size, lower polydispersity index, higher surface charge, higher encapsulation efficiency and loading capacity, slower release rate, and better antiulcer activity compared to bulk method.