# Biodegradable nanoparticles from prosopisylated cellulose as a platform for enhanced oral bioavailability of poorly water-soluble drugs.
> 難水溶性薬物の経口バイオアベイラビリティ向上を目的としたプロソピシル化セルロース生分解性ナノ粒子の開発


## Abstract

This study investigated a nanoparticle platform constructed from a blend of Prosopis africana gum (PG) and microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) prepared by thermo-regulated coacervation. An optimized 1:1 biocomposite, designated prosopisylated cellulose, was processed into nanoparticles via combined homogenization-nanoprecipitation and loaded with griseofulvin (GF), a BCS Class-II model drug. Characterization revealed intermolecular hydrogen bonding between MCC hydroxyl groups and polar PG components, along with reduced MCC crystallinity. GF-loaded nanoparticles exhibited a mean diameter of 26.18 ± 0.94 nm, zeta potential of 32.1 ± 0.57 mV, polydispersity index of 0.173 ± 0.06, and entrapment efficiency of 86.51 ± 0.93%. Drug release was significantly higher in basic than acidic simulated environments (p < 0.05). In vivo pharmacokinetic evaluation in animals demonstrated approximately threefold enhancement in systemic bioavailability and reduced plasma clearance relative to free GF, supporting prosopisylated cellulose nanoparticles as a versatile oral delivery platform for poorly soluble drugs.

### Mechanism

Intermolecular hydrogen bonding between MCC hydroxyl groups and polar components of Prosopis africana gum reduced MCC crystallinity, promoting amorphization of griseofulvin and enhancing its dissolution and systemic absorption.

## Bibliographic

- **Authors**: Kenechukwu FC, Dias ML, Ricci-J&#xfa;nior E
- **Journal**: Carbohydr Polym
- **Year**: 2021 (2021-03-15)
- **PMID**: [33483021](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33483021/)
- **DOI**: [10.1016/j.carbpol.2020.117492](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.carbpol.2020.117492)
- **Study type**: animal study
- **Delivery route**: hydrogen-rich water
- **Effect reported**: positive

## Delivery context

Hydrogen-rich water is a low-risk delivery route, but the achievable systemic hydrogen dose is bounded. For clinical applications, inhalation is the most efficient route; inhalation, however, carries explosion risk, and concentration matters (empirical LFL of 10% applies to inhalation environments; high-concentration devices are documented in the Consumer Affairs Agency accident database and are not recommended).

## Safety notes

Hydrogen-rich water is a low-risk delivery route, but the achievable systemic hydrogen dose is bounded. For clinical applications, inhalation is the most efficient route; inhalation, however, carries explosion risk, and concentration matters (empirical LFL of 10% applies to inhalation environments; high-concentration devices are documented in the Consumer Affairs Agency accident database and are not recommended).

See also:
- [Inhalation concentration and LFL / UFL](https://h2-papers.org/en/safety-notes/inhalation-concentration)
- [Consumer Affairs Agency accident cases](https://h2-papers.org/en/safety-notes/accident-cases)
- [Inhalation safety threshold lineage](https://h2-papers.org/en/safety-notes/lineage)

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> **Cite as**: H2 Papers — PMID 33483021. https://h2-papers.org/en/papers/33483021
> **Source**: PubMed PMID [33483021](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33483021/)