Fabrication and Antioxidant Property Characterization of Caffeic Acid Phenethyl Ester-loaded Nanoparticles

Abstract:

[Objective]This study aims to improve the dispersion and utilization of caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) in aqueous solutions.[Method]CAPE-loaded hordein (CAPE-HD) nanoparticles were constructed via an anti-solvent precipitation method. The physicochemical properties of the nanoparticles were characterized, and the antioxidant properties of the nanoparticles within Caco-2 cells were investigated.[Result]The components within the CAPE-HD nanoparticles interacted through non-covalent bonds, such as hydrogen bonding, resulting in an altered state of CAPE upon nanoparticle formation. The CAPE-HD nanoparticles exhibited near-spherical morphology with an average particle size of 193.93 nm, an average polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.26, and average Zeta potential of 14.50 mV. These nanoparticles remained stable over 28 days and demonstrated favorable encapsulation efficiency, drug loading capacity, and biocompatibility. Antioxidant assays revealed that the CAPE-HD nanoparticles exhibited remarkable antioxidant activity, in terms of both DPPH free radical scavenging ability and within the Caco-2 cell model.[Conclusion]This nano-delivery system provides a promising platform and strategy for enhancing the bioavailability and clinical application of poorly water-soluble drugs such as CAPE.