DOI: https://doi.org/10.55373/mjchem.v26i3.92

Keywords: Polymer concentrations; particle size; encapsulation efficiency; preparation methods; nanoparticles

Abstract

Hybrid gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) hold great potential in various applications, particularly for drug delivery. However, passive targeting of these hybrid AuNPs requires specific particle sizes and encapsulation efficiency to achieve high bioavailability and competency. Varying formulation parameters highly influence particle size and encapsulation efficiency of nanoparticles. Hence, this paper investigates the influences of formulation parameters; drug (gemcitabine-GEM) and gold concentrations on the particle size and encapsulation efficiency. Hybrid AuNPs were prepared by the double emulsion method at varying GEM concentrations (2.5 – 10 mg mL-1) and gold concentrations (2.5 – 10 µg mL-1). The final product of hybrid AuNPs was characterised using the Malvern Zetasizer Nano ZS and UV-Vis, and the results were evaluated using statistical analysis. The best formulation was obtained at 2.5 mg mL-1 of GEM concentration and 5 µg of AuNPs concentration; in this condition, the hybrid gold nanoparticle achieved 287.47 ± 18.7 nm in particle size; 0.25 ± 0.09 of PdI value; -23.3 ± 0.20 mV of surface charge, encapsulation efficiency of GEM (78.0 ± 0.35 %) and encapsulation efficiency of AuNPs (63.57 ± 0.99 %). Higher GEM concentration reduces encapsulation efficiency because its hydrophilic nature leads it to quickly be distributed into the outer aqueous phase, resulting in lower encapsulation. While AuNPs show a concentration-dependent pattern in the formulation required. In conclusion, varying drug and gold concentrations in the nano-formulation can obtain specific physicochemical characteristics and maximum encapsulation efficiency of GEM and gold nanoparticles suitable for drug delivery.