Development and Characterization of Doxorubicin-Loaded Moronic Acid Nanoparticles for Controlled Drug Delivery and Enhanced Stability

AUTHOR

Rajni Singh, Devesh Mishra  Department of Botany, OSGU, Hisar

ABSTRACT  

Objective Doxorubicin-loaded moronic acid nanoparticles (Dox-MA NPs) were developed to improve the controlled release of doxorubicin, reducing systemic toxicity while enhancing therapeutic efficacy. The aim of this study was to prepare, characterize, and evaluate the stability and drug release behavior of these nanoparticles. Materials and Methods Moronic acid was used as the polymeric material for nanoparticle formulation, and doxorubicin hydrochloride was encapsulated using a solvent evaporation method. Characterization was performed using Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) for particle size, zeta potential, and polydispersity index (PDI), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) for morphology, and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) for interaction analysis. Encapsulation efficiency and drug release profiles were assessed using UV-Vis spectrophotometry. Results The Dox-MA NPs exhibited a particle size of 120 nm, a narrow PDI of 0.25, and a stable zeta potential of -35 mV. The encapsulation efficiency was 85%, indicating effective drug loading. SEM and TEM analysis confirmed spherical nanoparticles with a core-shell structure. FTIR results showed interactions between doxorubicin and moronic acid. In-vitro release studies demonstrated a controlled, sustained release over 48 hours, fitting a diffusioncontrolled mechanism. Stability studies showed that the nanoparticles stored at 4°C maintained their stability, with no significant changes in particle size, PDI, or encapsulation efficiency over 90 days. At higher temperatures (25°C and 37°C), the nanoparticles exhibited instability, with aggregation and accelerated drug release. Conclusion Dox-MA NPs demonstrated favorable characteristics for controlled drug delivery, with optimal stability at 4°C, suggesting their potential for improving the therapeutic profile of doxorubicin while reducing side effects

Keywords: Doxorubicin, Moronic Acid, Nanoparticles, Controlled Release, Stability, Drug Delivery