Development and in vitro evaluation of Strawberry fruit extract loaded biodegradable nanoparticles in therapy for neurodegenerative disorders

The objective of this study was to prepare PLGA nanoparticles of ethanolic extract of Strawberry (Nano-STE) that will improve the bioavailability and sustained release of phytomedicines and to prolong the neuroprotective effect of the phytodrug. The ethanolic fruit extract of Strawberry (STE) was encapsulated by nanoprecipitation method deploying a biodegradable poly-(lactic-co-glycolic) acid (PLGA). Prepared nanoparticles were examined for physicochemical characteristics, in vitro release studies and in vivo biodistribution studies. Minimum size of the nanopartilces was in the range of 125 nm for the microspheres made of (5:2) PLGA to STE ratio. The drug encapsulation efficiency was 63.74 % at 20% drug loading. In vitro cumulative release from the nanoparticles was 71.76% at the end of 18days. In vivo biodistribution studies in Zebra fishes revealed that these particles are distributed in brain, liver; Ovary and gills at higher concentrations may allow their delivery to target sites.