Title:Synthesis and Characterization of Baicalein-loaded Aquasomes: An In vitro
and In silico Perspective for Diabetes Mellitus
Volume: 21
Issue: 5
Author(s): Vinay Goyal, Bhavna Kumar*, Diwya Kumar Lal, Poorvi Varshney and Vijay Singh Rana
Affiliation:
- Faculty of Pharmacy, DIT University, Dehradun 248009, Uttarakhand, India
Keywords:
Aquasomes, baicalein, ceramic core, diabetes, scutellaria baicalensis, self-assembling drug delivery system.
Abstract:
Background: Millions of individuals worldwide suffer from metabolic abnormalities induced
by diabetes. Baicalein, a flavonoid, has shown several properties in various treatments with
potential properties, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-diabetic properties. Practically,
its application is hindered due to low solubility in aqueous media. Overcoming this challenge,
aquasomes can offer an effective approach for delivering drugs and bioactive molecules to target
various diseases.
Objective: The study aimed to develop and evaluate baicalein-loaded aquasomes for improving solubility
and comparing their antidiabetic properties to acarbose through in silico docking.
Methods: Baicalein-loaded aquasomes were prepared through a three-step process: core preparation,
lactose coating, and drug loading. The evaluation included assessing particle size, drug-excipient
interactions, drug entrapment efficiency, loading capacity, in vitro drug release, and the kinetics of
drug release. In silico docking and in vitro α-amylase inhibition activity was evaluated to assess the
anti-diabetic potential of baicalein.
Results: The baicalein-loaded aquasomes were spherical with sizes ranging from 300-400 nm. FTIR
analysis indicated no interaction between the components. The formulation exhibited drug entrapment
efficiency of 94.04±0 4.01% and drug loading of 17.60 ± 01.03%. Drug release study showed
sustained and complete (97.30 ± 02.06%) release, following first-order kinetics. Docking analysis
revealed comparable binding affinity to acarbose, while the α-amylase inhibition assay showed
greater inhibition potential of the aquasomes compared to the baicalein solution.
Conclusion: Aquasomes offer an alternative approach to conventional delivery methods. The selfassembling
characteristics of aquasomes greatly simplify their preparation process, adding to their
appeal as a drug delivery system.