NMR structural analysis of epigallocatechin gallate loaded polysaccharide nanoparticles

Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy has been employed for structural characterization of epigallocatechin gallate loaded maltodextrin/gum arabic nanoparticles (EGCG-MD/GA). Measurements of the nuclear relaxation times (T-1) and application of diffusion ordered spectroscopy (DOSY), obtained through pulsed field gradient (PFG) NMR experiments, have been performed to determine the structure of the epigallocatechin gallate-polysaccharide conjugates and to clarify the mechanisms of drug immobilization into the polymer matrix. The results suggest the entrapment of EGCG into the polysaccharide matrix of maltodextrin/gum arabic (MD/GA) and support the potential of these vehicles for their sustained delivery and release. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.