Development of Ascorbic Acid-loaded Silica Nanocarriers for Controlled Drug Release

Abstract

Nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems enhance drug stability, extend circulation time, and allow targeted delivery [1]. The present study aims to evaluate the drug release patterns of ascorbic acid (AA) loaded silica nanoparticles (SiNPs). SiNPs are synthesised by Stöber method, and AA is loaded on SiNPs by the adsorption method to synthesize AA-loaded SiNPs (AA@SiNPs). Then, physico-chemical characterizations of SiNPs and AA@SiNPs are performed. The average diameters of synthesised SiNPs are 319.10±0.06 nm, and the loading of AA increased the diameter to 557.30±0.06 nm. The zeta potential values of SiNPs and AA@SiNPs are -32.6±5.02 mV and -27.2±4.97 mV, respectively. Additionally, the assessment of the in vitro drug release study from the AA@SiNPs is conducted. The Higuchi model captured the release kinetics of the SiNPs drug delivery system, with a correlation coefficient of 0.94. The value of the release exponent from the Korsmeyer-Peppas model is 1.10, revealing a super case II transport release behaviour [2]. The correlation between physico-chemical qualities and drug release kinetics lays the groundwork for defining the pharmacodynamics of the nanocarrier.