Sustainable Fabrication of Phycocyanin Encapsulated Nanoparticles: A Response Surface Optimization Impact

Background: Phycocyanin (Pc), a phycobiliprotein pigment, has therapeutic potential for treating inflammation, oxidative stress, neuroprotection, liver protection and cancer. Despite its therapeutic potential, its effectiveness is constrained by low bioavailability and low stability. Objectives: This study aimed to design and develop Phytocyanin-Loaded Nanoparticles (PcNPs) to enhance PC’s stability and efficacy. Materials and Methods: PCNPs were prepared using a green ionotropic gelation method and optimized via a 32 full factorial designs. The prepared trial batches of the nanoparticles were characterized particle size, polydispersity index, drug entrapment efficiency and drug content. The optimized PcNPs were evaluated by compatibility studies by using Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Zeta potential, Infrared Spectrometry (IR), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), X-ray crystallography studies (X-RD), in vitro drug release study, in vitro antioxidant activity and stability studies. Results: PcNPs exhibited an amorphous character, as evidenced by the Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) analysis. FTIR showed no interaction between Pc and polymer employed. The dissolution studies revealed enhance Pc release from PcNPs compared to the plain Pc following zero-order kinetics and Fickian diffusion. An in vitro antioxidant activity study revealed that PcNPs were superior to plain Pc and comparable to the standard drug ascorbic acid. Stability studies revealed that they remained sufficiently stable for period of 30 days at 4ºC and -20ºC, with no physical or chemical alterations in the formulation. Conclusion: The developed PcNPs showed an improved dissolution profile and promising antioxidant activity, making them a potential tool with enhanced stability and efficacy.