Nanoparticles encapsulated in polysaccharide-based pellets as colon targeting approach.

Aim(s): This article explores the application of mesalazine-loaded nanoparticles (MLZ-NPs) encapsulated in plant polysaccharide-based pellets (MLZ-NPs-Pellets) for ulcerative colitis.

Methods: MLZ-NPs were prepared and evaluated for diameter, PDI, and entrapment efficiency. efficacy study was conducted on Caco-2 cells. MLZ-NPs were encapsulated in polysaccharides to form MLZ-NPs-Pellets and characterised for efficacy in animals and targeting efficiency in human volunteers.

Results: Optimised batch of MLZ-NPs were characterised for diameter, PDI, zeta potential and entrapment efficiency which was found to be 145.42 ± 6.75 nm, 0.214 ± 0.049, -31.63 mV and 77.65 ± 2.33(%w/w) respectively. ROS, superoxide and NF-kβ were well controlled in Caco-2 cells when treated with MLZ-NPs. data revealed that some parameters (body weight, colon length, lipid peroxidase, and glutathione) recovered significantly in the DSS-induced mice model treated with oral MLZ-NPs-Pellets. Gamma scintigraphy revealed that the formulation can effectively target the colon within 600 min.

Conclusion: MLZ-NPs-Pellets can be effectively used for microbial-triggered colon targeting approach in treating ulcerative colitis.