Glycyrrhizic acid-loaded pH-sensitive Poly-(Lactic-Co-Glycolic Acid) Nanoparticles for the Amelioration of Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Abstract

<b>Aim:</b> To fabricate and evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of glycyrrhizic acid (GA)-loaded pH-sensitive nanoformulations that specifically target and combat mucosal inflammation of the colon. <b>Methods:</b> GA-loaded Eudragit^® S100/poly-(lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanoparticles were developed through modified double-emulsion evaporation coupled with solvent evaporation coating techniques and analyzed for physicochemical characteristics, surface chemistry, release kinetics, site-retention and therapeutic effectiveness. <b>Results:</b> Nanoparticles have a particle size of approximately 200 nm, high encapsulation efficiency, desired surface chemistry with pH-dependent and sustained drug release behavior following the Gompertz kinetic model. <i>In vivo</i> retention and therapeutic effectiveness in the inflamed colon tissues were confirmed by macroscopic and microscopic indices, cytokine analysis and antioxidant assays. <b>Conclusion:</b> GA-loaded Eudragit S100/poly-(lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanoparticles could efficiently deliver GA to the colon and ameliorate the mucosal inflammation for a prolonged duration.