Formulation of Mangiferin Nanoparticles Utilizing Precipitation Technique

Abstract

Mangiferin (MGF) is a flavonoid that possesses multiple biological activities, such as anti-viral, anti-bacterial, and antioxidant activities. However, clinical applications of the compound are limited owing to its low aqueous solubility and low permeability across biological membranes. Modification of its physicochemical properties is a practical approach to improving bioavailability and widening applications of the compound. In this study, MGF nanoparticles were prepared using a precipitation technique. A solution of MGF in dimethyl sulfoxide (20%) was quickly introduced into an aqueous phase (1:20, v/v) containing Tween 40 (0.3%) and HPMC K15M (0.05%) which was previously cooled to 5-10°C under mixing conditions to form flocculated nanoparticles. Technical parameters and formula compositions were screened and selected based on the particle size distribution of the precipitation and the experiment feasibility at a laboratory scale. The best formulation had an average size of 349.1 ± 19.0 nm and a polydispersity index value (PDI) of 0.143 ± 0.052. The shape and polymorphism of the MGF particles were characterized by using SEM (Scanning electron microscope), DSC (Differential scanning calorimetry), and XRD (X-Ray diffraction) techniques. The developed technique herein is a facile approach for the size reduction of MGF to improve the performance of drug products containing MGF.