Exploring the potential of barley husk polysaccharide, arabinoxylan in nanoparticle based drug delivery systems

Abstract

This study focuses on the extraction, characterization, and application of polysaccharide, Arabinoxylan (AX), derived from barley husk ( Hordeum vulgare ). Arabinoxylan was extracted by alkali extraction method with a significant yield of 26%. It was thoroughly characterized to ascertain its physicochemical properties such as percentage yield, solubility, swelling index, loss on drying, sulphated ash and micromeritics. Afterwards AX was employed as a polymer in the synthesis of controlled-release nanoparticles (NPs) of dexlansoprazole, an acid-labile drug. Ionic gelation and nanoprecipitation methods were employed to prepare various NP formulations, which were characterized using techniques such as zeta sizer, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and thermal analysis. FTIR confirmed the compatibility of nanoparticles while SEM results displayed that AX based nanoparticles were smooth and spherical in shape. Likewise, the thermal analysis revealed that nanoparticles were thermally stable. Furthermore, the AX-based nanoparticles demonstrated efficient entrapment efficiency of 79.59 ± 4.6% and 43.69 ± 4.9%, along with sustained drug release profiles, following Korsmeyer-Peppas models. Ionic gelation method was observed to be comparatively better than nanoprecipitation method. Overall, this study showcases the potential of utilizing AX as cost-effective and renewable biomaterial for the development of polymer-based drug transport system, facilitating efficient and controlled drug delivery.

Key words:
Biopolymer; Arabinoxylan; Controlled release; Nanoparticles