Fmoc-amino acid-based hydrogel vehicle for delivery of amygdalin to perform neuroprotection

Abstract

Amygdalin is widely distributed in the plant kingdom. Oral delivery of amygdalin releases hydrogen cyanide upon endogenous enzymes causing potential toxic effects to humans. Here, we fabricate Fmoc-Tyr–OH–amygdalin hydrogel (FTOA) which represents L-tyrosine derived low molecular weight hydrogelator entrapping amygdalin. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy and the Fluorescent Emission Spectrum elucidated the complexation process between the amygdalin and Fmoc-Tyr-OH (FTO). Amygdalin was sustainably released from FTOA at different pH buffer. The rheological behavior similar to the brain supported that the hydrogel tended to be a preferable neural scaffold. Moreover, animal studies showed FTOA significantly promoted neural-functional recovery. This hydrogel achieved a great decrease in damage volume according to H&E staining. Additionally, we found that FTOA enhanced tissue recovery. Simultaneously, the released amygdalin gave a markedly neural inflammatory suppression. Taken together, this study highlights that Fmoc-based gelator encapsulate amygdalin forming a stable hydrogel to perform sustained-release and improve efficacy with minimal side effects.