Lipid-Based Vesicles Containing Rutin: Phytosome and Niosome

Abstract

Rutin is a flavonoid which has a high effect on strengthening blood vessels, antioxidant, anti-inflammation, and even preventing cancer. However, the critical physicochemical properties of rutin limit its therapeutic effectiveness. This project aims to prepare two lipid-based nanoparticles: phytosome and niosome to increase the bioavailability of rutin. Lipid-based vesicles containing rutin were prepared by the thin-film hydration method. Rutin phytosome and niosome were formed by phospholipid, cholesterol, and surfactants. The effect of excipient combination and fabrication process parameters on the size and zeta potential were evaluated. Drug loading capacity and encapsulation efficiency were also investigated. Both phytosome and niosome formed nanosize vesicles which approximate 200–300 nm with an acceptable polydispersity index (PDI) (0.22–0.23) and zeta potential (absolute value nearly 30 mV), that indicates the good homogeneity and electronic surface interaction. Furthermore, these nanocarriers have succeeded in drug-loading and encapsulation, specifically, the percentages of loading drugs are from 26 to 31%, and the efficiency of encapsulation is 64 and 66%. Lipid-based vesicles were successfully prepared with lecithin in phytosome and Span 60 in niosome. Phytosome and niosome loading rutin are potential nano-drug delivery systems which can be practically applied in cosmetics and medicine.