# Caffeic Acid Phenethyl Ester Loaded PLGA Nanoparticles: Effect of Various Process Parameters on Reaction Yield, Encapsulation Efficiency, and Particle Size

Authors: Serap Derman
Journal: Journal of Nanomaterials
 (2015)

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## Abstract

CAPE loaded PLGA nanoparticles were prepared using the oil in water (o/w) single emulsion solvent evaporation methods. Five different processing parameters including initial CAPE amount, initial PLGA amount, PVA concentration in aqueous phase, PVA volume, and solvent type were screened systematically to improve encapsulation of hydrophobic CAPE molecule, simultaneously minimize particle size, and raise the reaction yield. Obtained results showed that the encapsulation efficiency of the nanoparticles significantly increased with the increase of the initial CAPE amount (p<0.05) and particle size (p<0.05). Furthermore, the particle size is significantly influenced by initial polymer amount (p<0.05) and surfactant concentration (p<0.05). By the optimization of process parameters, the nanoparticles produced 70±6% reaction yield, 89±3% encapsulation efficiency, -34.4±2.5 mV zeta potential, and 163±2 nm particle size with low polydispersity index 0.119±0.002. The particle size and surface morphology of optimized nanoparticles were studied and analyses showed that the nanoparticles have uniform size distribution, smooth surface, and spherical shape. Lyophilized nanoparticles with different CAPE and PLGA concentration in formulation were examined for in vitro release at physiological pH. Interestingly, the optimized nanoparticles showed a high (83.08%) and sustained CAPE release (lasting for 16 days) compared to nonoptimized nanoparticle.


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## Body

## 1. Introduction

Caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE), a flavonoid-like compound (Figure1), is one of the most active components of honeybee propolis [1]. Numerous biological and pharmacological effects of CAPE have been reported, such as antiviral [2], antioxidant [3], antiallergic [4], anticarcinogenic [5], anti-inflammatory [6], antimicrobial [7], immunomodulatory [8], and anticancer [9, 10] activities. CAPE has no potentially harmful effects on normal cells [11] but also has been shown to inhibit the growth of different types of transformed cells [12]. Due to the inhibiting potential of the transcription factor nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), CAPE has strong antitumor activity in cancer cells [9, 10]. Miscellaneous study has showed the NF-κB inhibiting potential in different cancer cell lines, including breast cancer MCF-7 [13], malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors, astrocytoma GRT-MG [14], human B-lymphoma [15], prostate cancer PC-3 [16], myeloid leukemia U-937 [17], and colon cancer HT-29, 26-L5 [18] cells.Figure 1
Chemical structure of caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE).On the other hand, CAPE can be hydrolyzed in plasma enzymes by an esterase [19] and this hydrolysis leads to rapid clearance and short half-life and results in poor bioavailability and poor biological performances [20, 21]. Wang et al. reported that the half-life of 5 μg/mL CAPE at 37°C was 0.35 hours [22]. Additionally, poorly water soluble character of CAPE limits itsin vivo andin vitro efficacy [1].In the recent years, many strategies have been developed to improve bioavailability and water solubility of hydrophobic drugs including drug carrier systems such as antibodies, liposomes, or nanoparticles [23]. Several disease related drugs/bioactive molecules are successfully encapsulated to improve solubility, bioavailability, and bioactivity [23, 24]. Among the biocompatible and biodegradable polymeric nanoparticles PLGA (poly-d,l-lactide-co-glycolide) is one of the most commonly and successfully used biodegradable nanosystems for encapsulation of various therapeutic agents because of its high biodegradability, biocompatibility, and low toxicity [23], and also final degradation products (lactic acid and glycolic acid) are completely safe because they are finally eliminated as carbon dioxide and water [25].PLGA based polymeric nanoparticles are studied to enhance the biological activity, water solubility, and bioavailability of various drug and natural products because of their small particle size and large surface area [10]. For instance, Singh et al. showed that tea polyphenol loaded PLGA nanoparticles provide 30-fold higher prevention on the DNA damage than free tee polyphenols [26]. Chaowanachan et al. synthesized efavirenz loaded PLGA nanoparticles and researcher showed that the HIV inhibitory effect of nanoparticle showed up to a 50-fold reduction in the 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) compared to free drug [27].Despite the above positive features of nanoparticle system, there is only one study in the literature concerning encapsulation of CAPE into polymeric nanoparticle. Hyo-Young and colleagues encapsulated CAPE into poly(ε-caprolactone)/poly(ethylene glycol) block copolymer and they showed that CAPE incorporated nanoparticles have superior antimetastatic efficiency against pulmonary metastasis model. However, to the best of our knowledge, there are no studies in the literature about encapsulation of CAPE to PLGA based nanoparticular system.Thus the first purpose of the present study was to examine the initial CAPE amount, initial PLGA amount, stabilizer concentration in aqueous phase, oil/aqueous phase ratio, and solvent type for optimizing the nanoparticle formulation in respect to reaction yield, encapsulation efficiency, particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), and zeta potential. To synthesize the PLGA nanoparticles in optimum formulation for the first time by oil in water (o/w) single emulsion solvent evaporation method and detailed characterize improved drug encapsulated nanoparticles were the other aims of the existing study.


## 2. Materials and Methods

### 2.1. Materials

PLGA (lactide : glycolide = 50 : 50; inherent viscosity 0.45–0.60 dL/g, Mw ~ 38–54 kDa P50/50), polyvinyl alcohol, CAPE, acetone, and ethanol were purchased from Sigma Aldrich (St. Louis, USA); dichloromethane (DCM) was obtained from Ridel de Haen. All the chemicals and solvents were of analytical grade and used without further purification. Ultra-pure water was obtained from Millipore MilliQ Gradient system.Thein vitro release measurements were carried out at 37°C in phosphate buffer solution at pH = 7.4 and pH 5.2.


### 2.2. Nanoparticle Preparation Method

The CAPE loaded PLGA nanoparticles were prepared by modified oil in water (o/w) single emulsion solvent evaporation according to method described by Song et al. [28] with minor modifications. The organic phases consisted of PLGA and CAPE which were dissolved into DCM and ethanol, respectively. Briefly, known amount of CAPE and PLGA (Table 1) was mixed and stirred to ensure that all materials were dissolved. This organic solution was emulsified with the 4 mL aqueous solution of PVA (3% w/v) by sonication (output power 70 W, power of 80%, and 2 minutes) using a microtip probe sonicator (Bandelin Sonopuls, Germany) over an ice bath. The o/w single emulsions were stirred overnight on a magnetic stirrer at room temperature for evaporation of organic phase. The resulting particles were collected by centrifugation at 9.000x rpm for 40 min (Hettich-Universal 32 R), washed three times with ultra-pure water to remove excess PVA, and then lyophilized. The free nanoparticles were prepared with similar method without using CAPE and all lyophilized nanoparticles were stored at −80°C until used.Table 1
Various process parameters of CAPE loaded NPs.
Nanoparticle number
CAPE and PLGA amount
PVA
Solvent type
CAPE (mg)
PLGA (mg)
(%)
mL
Aseton(mL)
DCM(mL)
Et-OH(mL)
NP 1
10
100
3
4
—
1.5
0.5
NP 2
20
100
3
4
—
1.5
0.5
NP 3
30
100
3
4
—
1.5
0.5
NP 4
40
100
3
4
—
1.5
0.5
NP 5
50
100
3
4
—
1.5
0.5
NP 6
20
100
0.1
4
—
1.5
0.5
NP 7
20
100
0.5
4
—
1.5
0.5
NP 8
20
100
1
4
—
1.5
0.5
NP 9
20
100
2
4
—
1.5
0.5
NP 10
20
100
3
6
—
1.5
0.5
NP 11
20
100
3
8
—
1.5
0.5
NP 12
20
100
3
10
—
1.5
0.5
NP 13
20
100
3
20
—
1.5
0.5
NP 14
20
100
3
4
0.5
1
0.5
NP 15
20
100
3
4
0.75
0.75
0.5
NP 16
20
100
3
4
1
0.5
0.5
NP 17
20
100
3
4
1.5
—
0.5
NP 18
20
200
3
4
—
1.5
0.5
NP 19
20
300
3
4
—
1.5
0.5
NP 20
20
400
3
4
—
1.5
0.5
Optimized NP
50
100
2
4
—
1.5
0.5In this study, the effect of various process parameters on reaction yield (RY), encapsulation efficiency (EE), the mean particle size (Z-Ave), polydispersity index (PDI), and zeta potential were investigated, including the initial CAPE amount, initial PLGA amount, PVA concentration in aqueous phase, PVA volume (aqueous-to-organic phase volume ratio) and solvent type (acetone/DCM + ethanol) volume ratio.


### 2.3. Characterization of Polymeric Nanoparticles

#### 2.3.1. Reaction Yield (RY)

The nanoparticle preparation technique with a high reaction yield would reduce chemicals loss and product cost. The reaction yield was calculated gravimetrically using the formula given below [29]:(1)RY%=Amount  of  nanoparticle  producedAmount  of  initial  polymer+CAPE×100.


#### 2.3.2. Encapsulation Efficiency (EE)

The encapsulated CAPE in the NPs was detected in triplicated indirect quantification methods by using UV-Vis Spectroscopy at 323 nm. EE was determined by analyzing the supernatant obtained from the ultracentrifugation of each nanoparticle formulation. CAPE concentration in the supernatant was determined by comparing the concentration to a previously constructed standard calibration curve. The concentration of loading CAPE in nanoparticles was calculated from the total amount of CAPE and the amount of CAPE that was not encapsulated.The CAPE encapsulation efficiency (EE) was calculated using the formulas given below:(2)EE%=Amount  of  CAPE  encapsulated  in  NPsInitial  CAPE  added×100.A standard calibration curve of the absorbance as a function of CAPE concentration was studied at 323 nm. All experiments were performed in triplicate.


#### 2.3.3. Mean Particle Size (Z-Ave), Zeta Potential, and Polydispersity Index (PDI)

Dynamic light scattering technique was used for determining of theZ-average (Z-Ave) and PDI values of nanoparticles using a Zetasizer (Zetasizer Nano ZS, Malvern, UK) instrument equipped with 4.0 mV He-Ne laser (633 nm) [30]. Measurements were carried out in triplicate, at 25±0.1°C with using 0.8872 cP of viscosity and 1.330 of refractive index for the solutions. The number of runs and run durations were chose automatically.Zeta potential (ζ) value of nanoparticles was determined by electrophoretic light scattering (ELS) technique and carried out in the folded capillary cell at 25±0.1°C [30]. The measurements were performed in triplicate, with the following parameters: viscosity, 0.8872 cP; dielectric constant, 79; f(ka), 1.50 (Smoluchowski). The measurement durations and voltage selections were set to automatic mode.All samples were prepared by diluting with phosphate buffer saline (PBS), filtered with a 0.20μm RC-membrane filter (Sartorius) before measurement.


#### 2.3.4. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM)

The surface morphology and shape of the CAPE loaded nanoparticles were observed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) as previously described by Halayqa and Domańska [31]. A drop of nanoparticles suspensions was placed on a black carbon tape with a double side. After drying the samples were coated with gold layer under vacuum and analyzed with SEM (Zeiss EVO LS 10, Germany) at 5 kV.


#### 2.3.5. Fourier Transforms Infrared (FT-IR) Spectrometry

IR-Prestige 21 FTIR spectrophotometer (Shimadzu, Japan) was used for chemical analyses of the functional groups present in nanoparticles [32]. Measurements were carried out for PLGA, CAPE, and NPs in universal attenuation total reflectance (ATR) mode. The FT-IR spectra were obtained with 16 scans per sample ranging from 4000 to 750 cm−1 and a resolution of 4 cm−1.


#### 2.3.6.In Vitro CAPE Release

Thein vitro CAPE release from nanoparticles was studied using a modified dissolution method [33] in phosphate buffer solutions at pH 7.4. The pH value was selected to simulate the physiological pH (7.4) [34]. In a typical release experiment, 5 mg of the CAPE loaded PLGA nanoparticles was suspended in 10 mL of PBS with 0.01% sodium azide and the suspension was incubated at 37°C in a shaking incubator (60 rpm) at pH 7.4. At selected time intervals (1 hour, 2 hours, 3 hours and 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 11, 13, and 16 days), the release medium was centrifuged at 9000 rpm, 20 min, the supernatant was collected, and the pellet was resuspended with 10 mL fresh PBS. The CAPE concentration in the supernatant was determined with UV-Vis Spectroscopy at 323 nm by comparing the concentration to a previously constructed standard calibration curve.


### 2.4. Statistical Analysis

All experiments were repeated at least three times. Data were expressed as mean ± standard deviation. SPSS 15.0 software was used for statistical analyses [35]. Nonparametric analysis with Mann-Whitney U test was carried out for comparison of the results. p values less than 0.05 (p<0.05) were considered significant.


## 2.1. Materials

PLGA (lactide : glycolide = 50 : 50; inherent viscosity 0.45–0.60 dL/g, Mw ~ 38–54 kDa P50/50), polyvinyl alcohol, CAPE, acetone, and ethanol were purchased from Sigma Aldrich (St. Louis, USA); dichloromethane (DCM) was obtained from Ridel de Haen. All the chemicals and solvents were of analytical grade and used without further purification. Ultra-pure water was obtained from Millipore MilliQ Gradient system.Thein vitro release measurements were carried out at 37°C in phosphate buffer solution at pH = 7.4 and pH 5.2.


## 2.2. Nanoparticle Preparation Method

The CAPE loaded PLGA nanoparticles were prepared by modified oil in water (o/w) single emulsion solvent evaporation according to method described by Song et al. [28] with minor modifications. The organic phases consisted of PLGA and CAPE which were dissolved into DCM and ethanol, respectively. Briefly, known amount of CAPE and PLGA (Table 1) was mixed and stirred to ensure that all materials were dissolved. This organic solution was emulsified with the 4 mL aqueous solution of PVA (3% w/v) by sonication (output power 70 W, power of 80%, and 2 minutes) using a microtip probe sonicator (Bandelin Sonopuls, Germany) over an ice bath. The o/w single emulsions were stirred overnight on a magnetic stirrer at room temperature for evaporation of organic phase. The resulting particles were collected by centrifugation at 9.000x rpm for 40 min (Hettich-Universal 32 R), washed three times with ultra-pure water to remove excess PVA, and then lyophilized. The free nanoparticles were prepared with similar method without using CAPE and all lyophilized nanoparticles were stored at −80°C until used.Table 1
Various process parameters of CAPE loaded NPs.
Nanoparticle number
CAPE and PLGA amount
PVA
Solvent type
CAPE (mg)
PLGA (mg)
(%)
mL
Aseton(mL)
DCM(mL)
Et-OH(mL)
NP 1
10
100
3
4
—
1.5
0.5
NP 2
20
100
3
4
—
1.5
0.5
NP 3
30
100
3
4
—
1.5
0.5
NP 4
40
100
3
4
—
1.5
0.5
NP 5
50
100
3
4
—
1.5
0.5
NP 6
20
100
0.1
4
—
1.5
0.5
NP 7
20
100
0.5
4
—
1.5
0.5
NP 8
20
100
1
4
—
1.5
0.5
NP 9
20
100
2
4
—
1.5
0.5
NP 10
20
100
3
6
—
1.5
0.5
NP 11
20
100
3
8
—
1.5
0.5
NP 12
20
100
3
10
—
1.5
0.5
NP 13
20
100
3
20
—
1.5
0.5
NP 14
20
100
3
4
0.5
1
0.5
NP 15
20
100
3
4
0.75
0.75
0.5
NP 16
20
100
3
4
1
0.5
0.5
NP 17
20
100
3
4
1.5
—
0.5
NP 18
20
200
3
4
—
1.5
0.5
NP 19
20
300
3
4
—
1.5
0.5
NP 20
20
400
3
4
—
1.5
0.5
Optimized NP
50
100
2
4
—
1.5
0.5In this study, the effect of various process parameters on reaction yield (RY), encapsulation efficiency (EE), the mean particle size (Z-Ave), polydispersity index (PDI), and zeta potential were investigated, including the initial CAPE amount, initial PLGA amount, PVA concentration in aqueous phase, PVA volume (aqueous-to-organic phase volume ratio) and solvent type (acetone/DCM + ethanol) volume ratio.


## 2.3. Characterization of Polymeric Nanoparticles

### 2.3.1. Reaction Yield (RY)

The nanoparticle preparation technique with a high reaction yield would reduce chemicals loss and product cost. The reaction yield was calculated gravimetrically using the formula given below [29]:(1)RY%=Amount  of  nanoparticle  producedAmount  of  initial  polymer+CAPE×100.


### 2.3.2. Encapsulation Efficiency (EE)

The encapsulated CAPE in the NPs was detected in triplicated indirect quantification methods by using UV-Vis Spectroscopy at 323 nm. EE was determined by analyzing the supernatant obtained from the ultracentrifugation of each nanoparticle formulation. CAPE concentration in the supernatant was determined by comparing the concentration to a previously constructed standard calibration curve. The concentration of loading CAPE in nanoparticles was calculated from the total amount of CAPE and the amount of CAPE that was not encapsulated.The CAPE encapsulation efficiency (EE) was calculated using the formulas given below:(2)EE%=Amount  of  CAPE  encapsulated  in  NPsInitial  CAPE  added×100.A standard calibration curve of the absorbance as a function of CAPE concentration was studied at 323 nm. All experiments were performed in triplicate.


### 2.3.3. Mean Particle Size (Z-Ave), Zeta Potential, and Polydispersity Index (PDI)

Dynamic light scattering technique was used for determining of theZ-average (Z-Ave) and PDI values of nanoparticles using a Zetasizer (Zetasizer Nano ZS, Malvern, UK) instrument equipped with 4.0 mV He-Ne laser (633 nm) [30]. Measurements were carried out in triplicate, at 25±0.1°C with using 0.8872 cP of viscosity and 1.330 of refractive index for the solutions. The number of runs and run durations were chose automatically.Zeta potential (ζ) value of nanoparticles was determined by electrophoretic light scattering (ELS) technique and carried out in the folded capillary cell at 25±0.1°C [30]. The measurements were performed in triplicate, with the following parameters: viscosity, 0.8872 cP; dielectric constant, 79; f(ka), 1.50 (Smoluchowski). The measurement durations and voltage selections were set to automatic mode.All samples were prepared by diluting with phosphate buffer saline (PBS), filtered with a 0.20μm RC-membrane filter (Sartorius) before measurement.


### 2.3.4. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM)

The surface morphology and shape of the CAPE loaded nanoparticles were observed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) as previously described by Halayqa and Domańska [31]. A drop of nanoparticles suspensions was placed on a black carbon tape with a double side. After drying the samples were coated with gold layer under vacuum and analyzed with SEM (Zeiss EVO LS 10, Germany) at 5 kV.


### 2.3.5. Fourier Transforms Infrared (FT-IR) Spectrometry

IR-Prestige 21 FTIR spectrophotometer (Shimadzu, Japan) was used for chemical analyses of the functional groups present in nanoparticles [32]. Measurements were carried out for PLGA, CAPE, and NPs in universal attenuation total reflectance (ATR) mode. The FT-IR spectra were obtained with 16 scans per sample ranging from 4000 to 750 cm−1 and a resolution of 4 cm−1.


### 2.3.6.In Vitro CAPE Release

Thein vitro CAPE release from nanoparticles was studied using a modified dissolution method [33] in phosphate buffer solutions at pH 7.4. The pH value was selected to simulate the physiological pH (7.4) [34]. In a typical release experiment, 5 mg of the CAPE loaded PLGA nanoparticles was suspended in 10 mL of PBS with 0.01% sodium azide and the suspension was incubated at 37°C in a shaking incubator (60 rpm) at pH 7.4. At selected time intervals (1 hour, 2 hours, 3 hours and 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 11, 13, and 16 days), the release medium was centrifuged at 9000 rpm, 20 min, the supernatant was collected, and the pellet was resuspended with 10 mL fresh PBS. The CAPE concentration in the supernatant was determined with UV-Vis Spectroscopy at 323 nm by comparing the concentration to a previously constructed standard calibration curve.


## 2.3.1. Reaction Yield (RY)

The nanoparticle preparation technique with a high reaction yield would reduce chemicals loss and product cost. The reaction yield was calculated gravimetrically using the formula given below [29]:(1)RY%=Amount  of  nanoparticle  producedAmount  of  initial  polymer+CAPE×100.


## 2.3.2. Encapsulation Efficiency (EE)

The encapsulated CAPE in the NPs was detected in triplicated indirect quantification methods by using UV-Vis Spectroscopy at 323 nm. EE was determined by analyzing the supernatant obtained from the ultracentrifugation of each nanoparticle formulation. CAPE concentration in the supernatant was determined by comparing the concentration to a previously constructed standard calibration curve. The concentration of loading CAPE in nanoparticles was calculated from the total amount of CAPE and the amount of CAPE that was not encapsulated.The CAPE encapsulation efficiency (EE) was calculated using the formulas given below:(2)EE%=Amount  of  CAPE  encapsulated  in  NPsInitial  CAPE  added×100.A standard calibration curve of the absorbance as a function of CAPE concentration was studied at 323 nm. All experiments were performed in triplicate.


## 2.3.3. Mean Particle Size (Z-Ave), Zeta Potential, and Polydispersity Index (PDI)

Dynamic light scattering technique was used for determining of theZ-average (Z-Ave) and PDI values of nanoparticles using a Zetasizer (Zetasizer Nano ZS, Malvern, UK) instrument equipped with 4.0 mV He-Ne laser (633 nm) [30]. Measurements were carried out in triplicate, at 25±0.1°C with using 0.8872 cP of viscosity and 1.330 of refractive index for the solutions. The number of runs and run durations were chose automatically.Zeta potential (ζ) value of nanoparticles was determined by electrophoretic light scattering (ELS) technique and carried out in the folded capillary cell at 25±0.1°C [30]. The measurements were performed in triplicate, with the following parameters: viscosity, 0.8872 cP; dielectric constant, 79; f(ka), 1.50 (Smoluchowski). The measurement durations and voltage selections were set to automatic mode.All samples were prepared by diluting with phosphate buffer saline (PBS), filtered with a 0.20μm RC-membrane filter (Sartorius) before measurement.


## 2.3.4. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM)

The surface morphology and shape of the CAPE loaded nanoparticles were observed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) as previously described by Halayqa and Domańska [31]. A drop of nanoparticles suspensions was placed on a black carbon tape with a double side. After drying the samples were coated with gold layer under vacuum and analyzed with SEM (Zeiss EVO LS 10, Germany) at 5 kV.


## 2.3.5. Fourier Transforms Infrared (FT-IR) Spectrometry

IR-Prestige 21 FTIR spectrophotometer (Shimadzu, Japan) was used for chemical analyses of the functional groups present in nanoparticles [32]. Measurements were carried out for PLGA, CAPE, and NPs in universal attenuation total reflectance (ATR) mode. The FT-IR spectra were obtained with 16 scans per sample ranging from 4000 to 750 cm−1 and a resolution of 4 cm−1.


## 2.3.6.In Vitro CAPE Release

Thein vitro CAPE release from nanoparticles was studied using a modified dissolution method [33] in phosphate buffer solutions at pH 7.4. The pH value was selected to simulate the physiological pH (7.4) [34]. In a typical release experiment, 5 mg of the CAPE loaded PLGA nanoparticles was suspended in 10 mL of PBS with 0.01% sodium azide and the suspension was incubated at 37°C in a shaking incubator (60 rpm) at pH 7.4. At selected time intervals (1 hour, 2 hours, 3 hours and 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 11, 13, and 16 days), the release medium was centrifuged at 9000 rpm, 20 min, the supernatant was collected, and the pellet was resuspended with 10 mL fresh PBS. The CAPE concentration in the supernatant was determined with UV-Vis Spectroscopy at 323 nm by comparing the concentration to a previously constructed standard calibration curve.


## 2.4. Statistical Analysis

All experiments were repeated at least three times. Data were expressed as mean ± standard deviation. SPSS 15.0 software was used for statistical analyses [35]. Nonparametric analysis with Mann-Whitney U test was carried out for comparison of the results. p values less than 0.05 (p<0.05) were considered significant.


## 3. Results

In this study, the o/w single emulsion solvent evaporation method was used for fabrication of CAPE loaded PLGA nanoparticles. The effect of five process parameters on reaction yield (RY), encapsulation efficiency (EE), mean particle size (Z-Ave), polydispersity index (PDI), and zeta potential were investigated. The basic characteristics of the CAPE loaded PLGA nanoparticles were presented in Table 2.Table 2
Effect of process parameters on the reaction yield, encapsulation efficiency, mean particle size, PDI, and zeta potential.
Particle number
Reaction yield (%)
Encapsulation efficiency (%)
Size (nm)
PDI
Zeta potential  (mV)
NP 1
39  ±  7
60  ±  3
218  ±  9
0.077  ±  0.005
−22.4  ±  0.7
NP 2
40  ±  6
76  ±  4
208  ±  8
0.065  ±  0.006
−18.7  ±  0.3
NP 3
48  ±  7
86  ±  5
214  ±  8
0.101  ±  0.008
−18.1  ±  1.0
NP 4
49  ±  6
89  ±  2
207  ±  10
0.055  ±  0.005
−19.2  ±  1.3
NP 5
53  ±  5
92  ±  5
214  ±  9
0.079  ±  0.003
−17.7  ±  1.6
NP 6
74  ±  7
91  ±  5
469  ±  15
0.461  ±  0.038
−16.3  ±  1.8
NP 7
80  ±  8
91  ±  3
324  ±  10
0.113  ±  0.007
−20.2  ±  3.1
NP 8
64  ±  6
86  ±  3
246  ±  12
0.119  ±  0.005
−19.6  ±  0.7
NP 9
63  ±  9
83  ±  5
243  ±  13
0.138  ±  0.010
−15.8  ±  1.9
NP 10
68  ±  8
84  ±  7
260  ±  7
0.139  ±  0.006
−14.0  ±  2.9
NP 11
70  ±  7
85  ±  6
284  ±  9
0.177  ±  0.005
−15.6  ±  1.8
NP 12
68  ±  6
84  ±  3
271  ±  7
0.150  ±  0.009
−14.2  ±  1.8
NP 13
64  ±  8
80  ±  5
248  ±  8
0.164  ±  0.008
−12.7  ±  1.3
NP 14
15  ±  4
65  ±  4
180  ±  7
0.087  ±  0.005
−18.7  ±  2.0
NP 15
7  ±  4
66  ±  2
158  ±  9
0.057  ±  0.002
−16.6  ±  1.8
NP 16
12  ±  6
64  ±  4
158  ±  10
0.103  ±  0.008
−16.2  ±  2.0
NP 17
15  ±  7
83  ±  4
187  ±  6
0.143  ±  0.014
−16.3  ±  2.6
NP 18
83  ±  6
84  ±  6
215  ±  5
0.128  ±  0.018
−17.5  ±  1.6
NP 19
86  ±  7
81  ±  4
404  ±  9
0.403   ±  0.042
−21.4  ±  2.5
NP 20
92  ±  5
85  ±  5
437  ±  9
0.499  ±  0.066
−19.4  ±  2.0
Optimized NP
70  ±  6
89  ±  3
163  ±  2
0.119  ±  0.002
−34.4  ±  2.5


### 3.1. Effect of Process Parameters on Reaction Yield

High efficiency nanoparticle preparation methods considerably prevent material loss, improve particle production, and decrease manufacturing cost [29]. In this study, all the formulated batches gave wide yields that ranged between 7±4% and 92±5%. Obtained results indicated that the reaction yield responses strongly depend on process parameters. Particularly, initial PLGA and CAPE amount had strongly and significantly positive effects on reaction yield while acetone/DCM + ethanol concentration reduced the reaction yield.Figure2(a) shows that the yield rose from 39±7% to 53±5% with the increase in the initial CAPE amount from 10 mg to 50 mg.Figure 2
Effect of various process parameters on reaction yield (line) and encapsulation efficiency (column), including the initial CAPE amount (a), initial PLGA amount (b), PVA volume (c), PVA concentration in aqueous phase (d), and solvent type (e) (n=3).
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)Additionally, it is clearly seen in Figure2(b) that initial PLGA amount had a greater effect on the reaction yield when the other system parameters set at a constant value. As shown in Table 2 the reaction yield increased from 40±6% to 92±5 with the increase in initial PLGA amount from 100 mg to 400 mg, indicating that the higher the PLGA amount used in the formulation, the greater the yield. Our results are in agreement with the recent observations of Hussein et al. [29] who found that the reaction yield increased twofold (from 40% to 80%) with a rise in PLGA concentrations from 2.5 mg/mL to 10 mg/mL. The increase in the PLGA amount gives rise to the viscosity of solutions, causing the formation of larger and denser particles, which will afterward increase the reaction yield [29, 36, 37].The effect of PVA volume on the reaction yield was shown in Figure2(c). The reaction yield first increased up to 68±8 (for 6 mL of PVA), then reached a plateau, and slowly decreased with an increase in PVA volume.Figure2(d) shows the effect of PVA concentration in the aqueous phase on the reaction yield. As depicted from the figure, at low PVA concentration (<1 w/v) the increase in the yield was confined to 80±8% and then systematically decreased with increase in the PVA concentration (p<0.05).Finally, the effect of solvent type on the reaction yield was shown in Figure2(e). It can be clearly seen that the reaction yield is significantly affected from the solvent type (p<0.05). The increase in the acetone ratio in solvent mixture led to a decrease the reaction yield. The reaction achieved a minimum yield of 7±4% at an acetone : DCM : ethanol ratio of 3 : 3 : 2 (for 2 mL); then a weak increase (15±7) was observed in the absence of DCM and the ratio of acetone : ethanol of 3 : 1.Hence, it can be thought that the reaction yield had a positive relationship with the initial CAPE amount, initial PLGA amount, and PVA volume and a negative relationship with PVA concentration and the presence of acetone in solvent mixture.


### 3.2. Effect of Process Parameters on Encapsulation Efficiency

The results of the effect of initial CAPE and PLGA amount, PVA volume and concentration, and solvent type on encapsulation efficiency are listed in Table2 and illustrated in Figures 2(a)~2(e) respectively.When a constant initial amount of PLGA (100 mg), PVA volume (4 mL), PVA concentration (3% w/v), and solvent type (only DCM and ethanol) was maintained, the amount of CAPE varied from 10 to 50 mg (Figure2(a)). The increase in the initial CAPE amount in organic phase resulted in a significant increase in entrapment efficiency of CAPE (p<0.05), which was in accordance with the results reported [28, 31]. In the first place the EE remarkably increased (from 60±3% to 86±5%) and then reached a plateau when the amount of CAPE was between 30 and 50 mg.It was reported that the drug partition coefficient in internal and external phases significantly affects the encapsulation efficiency of particles using an o/w method [38, 39]. Boury et al. showed that the drug polymer interaction contributes to increasing encapsulation efficiency [40]. Panyam et al. discussed the importance of drug miscibility in polymer for hydrophobic flutamide and reported that higher drug polymer miscibility leads to a higher drug encapsulation [41]. Similar results established by Budhian et al. indicated that the increase in the polymer drug interaction also increases the drug content of particles as a result of high encapsulation efficiency [24].It was observed in our results that with the increase in initial CAPE amount, the concentration of CAPE in the organic phase increased and more drug molecules could interact with the polymer molecules. This results in the increase in encapsulation efficiency of CAPE.Figure2(b) shows the effect of initial PLGA amount on the encapsulation efficiency of CAPE. It is clearly seen that the encapsulation efficiency of CAPE increased significantly (p<0.05) with increase in the PLGA concentration in organic phase. The rise in the initial PLGA amount leads to an increase of organic phase viscosity, which causes more diffusional resistance to drug molecules from organic phase to the aqueous phase [42]. Additionally, increase in the initial PLGA amount resulted in a rise in the particle size. As shown in the literature, larger particles provide higher drug encapsulation efficiency [24, 28, 31, 43]. Moreover, due to the increase of particle size the length of diffusional pathway of drugs from organic phase to aqueous phase increases and as a result of this increase the drug loss also decreases. Thereby, reducing the drug loss through diffusion provides increased encapsulation efficiency [42]. Obtained results in accordance with the results reported by Halayqa and Domańska and the authors show that increase in the polymer amount from 0.8% to 1.6% increases the encapsulation efficiency 46.6% to 71.6% for perphenazine and 44.8% to 61.6% for chlorpromazine hydrochloride [31].The effect of the aqueous phase volume on the encapsulation efficiency of CAPE is shown in Figure2(c). The encapsulation efficiency of CAPE firstly increased with increase of PVA volume and then reached a plateau that ranged from 76±4% to 85±6%. It was clearly seen from results that encapsulation efficiency is not significantly affected by PVA volume. Actually, encapsulation efficiency is indirectly affected by aqueous phase volume due to the influence of PVA volume on particle size, which directly affects encapsulation efficiency.Figure2(d) shows the effect of PVA concentration on encapsulation efficiency of CAPE. PVA formulated nanoparticles reached maximum encapsulation at low (0,1% w/v) stabilizer concentration. Encapsulation efficiency level reached as high as 91±5% and was seen at lowest PVA concentration. When the concentration of stabilizer increased, a linear and small reduction in overall CAPE encapsulation was seen (Table 2). Obtained results are in agreement with literature [28, 34, 43, 44]. Cooper and Harirforoosh synthesized diclofenac encapsulated PLGA nanoparticles with polyvinylalcohol and didodecyldimethylammonium bromide (DMAB) as a stabilizer. These group observed that encapsulation of diclofenac decreases with increase in the concentration of each of the two stabilizers [44].The effect of the solvent type (acetone to DCM + ethanol volume ratio is in the range of 0 to 3.0) on encapsulation efficiency of CAPE was shown in Figure2(e). It was seen in Figure 2(e) and Table 2 that encapsulation efficiency is significantly decreased by addition of acetone to organic solvent mixture and reached a plateau with the rise of acetone volume ratio (from 0.333 to 1.0) and then increase for acetone to DCM + ethanol volume ratio was equal to 3.0. This occurred possibly because of the change of Acetone/DCM + ethanol volume ratio affecting the dispersion of CAPE in organic phase. Encapsulation efficiency reached maximum for acetone/DCM + ethanol volume ratio being 3.0; however in this condition the significant reduction in reaction yield (15±7%) was observed.


### 3.3. Effect of Process Parameters on Particle Size and Polydispersity Index

In this study the effects of initial CAPE and PLGA amount, PVA concentration, PVA volume (aqueous-to-organic phase volume ratio), and solvent type on mean particle size of nanoparticles were investigated. The particle size values for all batches show a wide variation in response that ranged from a minimum of158±9 nm to a maximum of 469±15 nm. Obtained results openly indicate that the mean particle size is strongly related on selected process parameters.The effect of initial CAPE amount on nanoparticles size was shown in Figure3(a). Initial CAPE amount in organic phase had no significant effect on the mean particle size which was similar to many earlier studies with hydrophobic molecules [24, 28].Figure 3
Effect of various process parameters on particle size (column) and PDI (line), including the initial CAPE amount (a), initial PLGA amount (b), PVA volume (c), PVA concentration in aqueous phase (d), and solvent type (e) (n=3).
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)Figure3(b) shows that the mean particle size of CAPE loaded PLGA nanoparticles increased significantly with the increase of initial PLGA concentration. It can be observed that increase of the PLGA amount from 100 mg to 400 mg increases the mean particle size from 208±8 nm to 437±9 nm. The same results were also previously reported by other researcher [28, 31, 45–48]. This could explain that increase of the PLGA amount in organic phase leads to rise of solution viscosity and decrease of net shear stress. As a result of reducing shear stress larger particles are formed. Additionally, increase in the viscosity could prevent quick dispersion of polymer solution into the aqueous PVA phase, resulting in bigger droplets which formed larger nanoparticles after evaporation of oil phase.Figure3(c) shows that the mean particle size dependence to PVA volume (aqueous-to-organic phase volume ratio) in aqueous phase for CAPE loaded nanoparticles. It can be seen in the figure that the mean particle size was first increased and then decreased with increase in the PVA volume. Increase in PVA volume causes an increase in the PVA amount, resulting in interfacial tension reduction thence decreasing the mean particle size [28]. Furthermore, the increased the total system volume would reduce the net shear stress because of a constant energy source causing to formation of larger particles [28, 47].In this study PVA was applied as emulsifier in the aqueous phase (w) to simplify the preparation of o/w single emulsion. Figure3(d) shows the effect of PVA concentration in aqueous phase on the mean particles size. Different PVA concentrations are selected while keeping the other system parameters constant and PVA was studied between 0.1% and 3.0% (w/v) concentrations. It can be observed that the mean particle size first decreased significantly (p<0.05) with increase of PVA concentration up to 1% (w/v) and then gradually decreased from 246±12 to 208±8 nm (3% w/v). This can explain that PVA play remarkable role in reducing the interfacial tension and in this way disperse the emulsion nanodroplets and prevent them from agglomeration [31, 49]. It was reported that increase in the PVA concentration may lead to the decrease of particle size due to tight surface that was formed from PVA macromolecular chains in high surfactant concentrations [31, 43, 45, 50, 51]. Otherwise the viscosity of the system increases with the increase of the PVA concentration; this leads to decrease of net share stress which results in formation of larger molecules [24]. Conversely, in our results the decreases in the mean particles size reached a plateau after the concentration of PVA is between 1 and 3% w/v. The same results observed Budhian and colleagues study which show that the size of Haloperidol loaded PLGA nanoparticles first decreases (up to 1% w/v), then reached a plateau (up to 5% w/v), and gradually increases (higher concentration than 5% w/v) by increasing of PVA concentration for sonication methods [24]. According to our results it can be conclude that increase in the PVA concentration more than 3% (w/v) may result in an increase of the mean particle size of nanoparticles.The solvent type also has a remarkable effect on the mean particle size. Figure3(e) shows the significant (p<0.05) reduction of mean particle size with acetone-to-DCM + ethanol ratio. Addition of water-miscible organic solvent leads to significant decrease of interfacial tension because of rapid dispersion of acetone into the external aqueous phase, thereby decreasing the particle size which was consistent with literatures [28, 43, 52].The PDI is an important property of particles and refers to broadness of a mean particle size distribution for dispersion of nanoparticle [53]. Therefore, effect of process parameters on PDI values of nanoparticles was examined in this study. The positive and negative effect of process parameters on PDI of nanoparticles can be seen in Table 2 and Figures 3(a)~3(e) respectively.Generally, PDI < 0.3 is considered a requested value for an acceptable narrow range of nanoparticle size [54]. In the first place particles prepared by increasing amounts of CAPE (10 mg to 50 mg) were narrowly distributed and had the lowest PDI values (varied between 0.055±0.005 and 0.101±0.008) (Figure 3(a)).Obtained results showed that the PLGA concentration is the most important factor affecting the PDI of nanoparticles. The PDI values varied between0.065±0.006 and 0.499±0.066 for 100 mg to 400 mg PLGA amount, respectively. From the results it can be seen that almost monodisperse nanoparticles were produced for 100 mg polymer amount and the mean particle size distribution was broadened with increase of the initial PLGA amount (Figure 3(b)).From Figure3(c) and Table 2, it can be clearly seen that all of PVA volume was sufficient for reducing PDI below 0.3. In this group PDI value of particles first increased from 0.065±0.006 to 0.177±0.005 (for 8 mL of PVA) and then slowly decreased by increase in the aqueous phase volume.Also, PVA concentration generally exhibited a negative influence on PDI (Figure3(d)). It was observed in our results that the polydispersity index decreased when PVA concentration increases from 0.1% to 3%.Figure3(e) shows the effect of solvent type on PDI value of CAPE loaded nanoparticles. It was seen in the figure that PDI is affected from addition of acetone in solvent mixture especially in the lack of DCM. In the absence of acetone (DCM to ethanol ratio of 3 : 1) the PDI value of nanoparticles was obtained 0.065±0.006, addition of acetone increased PDI up to 0.103±0.008, and this value reached maximum (0.143±0.014) for acetone to DCM + ethanol ratio equal to 3.0.


### 3.4. Effect of Process Parameters on Zeta Potential

Zeta potential is another important physicochemical parameter in nanoparticles that influences stability of nanoparticle suspension. Extremely negative or positive zeta potential causes high repulsive forces and prevents agglomeration of nanoparticles [55]. Under these conditions long-term stability of the nanoparticles can be anticipated [55]. It can be seen in Table 2 that the zeta potential values of all nanoparticles were negative and ranged between −12.7±1.3 mV and −22.4±0.7 mV. This expected negativity was based on presence of ionized carboxyl groups [51] and PVA [55] on the surface of the nanoparticles. Also, higher negative zeta potential can enhance the dispersion of the nanoparticles in physiological systems and water [54].


### 3.5. Optimization of CAPE Loaded PLGA Nanoparticles

Obtained results show that CAPE was successfully encapsulated into the PLGA nanoparticles. On the other hand, according to our criteria for lower particle size and higher entrapment efficiency, we prepared CAPE loaded PLGA nanoparticles as follows: 50 mg of CAPE and 100 mg of PLGA were dissolved into 0.5 mL of ethanol and 1.5 mL of DCM, respectively. The mixed organic phase was emulsified with 6 mL of aqueous PVA solution (2% w/v) by sonication (output power 70 W, power of 80%, and 2 minutes) using a microtip probe sonicator in ice bath. The emulsion was stirred overnight for evaporation of organic phase. The resulting particles were collected and lyophilized.


### 3.6. Detailed Characterization of Optimized Nanoparticles

For the detailed characterization of optimized nanoparticles firstly, we determined reaction yield, encapsulation efficiency, and loading capacity. Lyophilized nanoparticles were weighed and yield of the process was calculated to be70±6%. The corresponding encapsulation efficiency and loading capacity of optimized nanoparticles were calculated 89±3 and 42±4, respectively.


#### 3.6.1. DLS and ELS Analysis

Dynamic and electrophoretic light scattering techniques were used for particle size and zeta potential measurement of nanoparticles. Figure4 depicts the formation of nearly monodisperse CAPE nanoparticle with the mean particle size being 163±2 nm (PDI = 0.119±0.002). The zeta potential of CAPE loaded nanoparticles was equal to −34.4±2.5 (Figure 4).Figure 4
Particle size (a) and zeta potential (b) distribution of optimized nanoparticle.
(a)
(b)


#### 3.6.2. SEM Analysis

The surface morphology of the optimized nanoparticle was determined by SEM. As shown in Figure5, smooth and spherical shape nanoparticles with uniform distribution were obtained. SEM results are also in agreement with DLS results that the particles optimized nanoparticles have a uniform size distribution and low polydispersity index.Figure 5
Scanning electron microscopy image of optimized nanoparticles.


#### 3.6.3. FTIR Analysis

Figure6 shows FTIR spectra of PLGA (a), optimized nanoparticle (b), and pure CAPE (c). In the FTIR spectrum of PLGA and nanoparticles the bands at 2993 cm−1 and 2989 cm−1 were C–H stretch of CH2 and C–H stretch of –C–H–, respectively.Figure 6
FTIR spectrum of PLGA (a), optimized nanoparticle (b), and free CAPE (c).A band at 1751 cm−1 was assigned to the stretching vibration of C=O of ester bond (strong and narrow) and 1165–1087 cm−1 was attributed to C–O stretching, which belongs to the characteristic peaks of PLGA molecule [56]. It can be seen from the FT-IR spectrum of free CAPE that the bands obtained at 3471 cm−1 and 3320 cm−1 were assigned to –OH stretching. The strong and narrow peaks at 1681 cm−1, 1600 cm−1, and 1172 cm−1 were also attributed C=O, C=C, and C–O stretching, respectively. However, in the FTIR spectra of CAPE loaded nanoparticles, the major peaks of CAPE at 3471 cm−1, 3320 cm−1, and 1600 cm−1 were significantly decreased and the presence of these characteristic peaks is a confirmation of CAPE encapsulation on PLGA nanoparticles successfully.


#### 3.6.4. Release Study

Figure7 illustratesin vitro release profiles of CAPE from nanoparticles prepared at different process parameters. The nanoparticles showed a typical three-phase release pattern in pH 7.4.Figure 7
In vitro release profile of CAPE in pH 7.4 phosphate buffer from CAPE loaded PLGA nanoparticles corresponding to different polymer/drug ratios.For all the nanoparticles prepared with different process parameters, an initial burst release, caused by diffusion of drug, continuing for 24 h of incubation was observed. On the other hand, as seen in Figure7 depending on the process parameters, the percentage of burst release varies between 32.59% and 66.72%. In the second phase of release, caused by drug diffusion and polymer chain cleavage, approximately constant and low level of CAPE release rate was observed. In the last step of CAPE release, continuous release almost close to linear was observed over 7–16 days and reached 42.65%, 46.26%, and 83.08% for NP 2, NP 20, and optimized NP, respectively, at the end of 16th day.In Figure7 it was clearly seen that when the polymer/drug ratio decreased the burst release of CAPE increases. Usually initial burst release occurred due to the fast diffusion of drug absorbed on the surface or localized near surface of particles [57]. In the low polymer/drug ratio, PLGA was not enough to encapsulate the drug; thus most of the drug was adsorbed on or localized near the surface of nanoparticles, which resulted in higher burst release [57]. The minimum burst release was observed for NP 20 (polymer/drug ratio equal to 0.05) and the highest was optimized NP (polymer/drug ratio equal to 0.5). In accordance with these results the initial burst release of NP 2 (drug/polymer ratio equal to 0.2) higher than NP 20 and lower than optimized NP was obtained.


## 3.1. Effect of Process Parameters on Reaction Yield

High efficiency nanoparticle preparation methods considerably prevent material loss, improve particle production, and decrease manufacturing cost [29]. In this study, all the formulated batches gave wide yields that ranged between 7±4% and 92±5%. Obtained results indicated that the reaction yield responses strongly depend on process parameters. Particularly, initial PLGA and CAPE amount had strongly and significantly positive effects on reaction yield while acetone/DCM + ethanol concentration reduced the reaction yield.Figure2(a) shows that the yield rose from 39±7% to 53±5% with the increase in the initial CAPE amount from 10 mg to 50 mg.Figure 2
Effect of various process parameters on reaction yield (line) and encapsulation efficiency (column), including the initial CAPE amount (a), initial PLGA amount (b), PVA volume (c), PVA concentration in aqueous phase (d), and solvent type (e) (n=3).
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)Additionally, it is clearly seen in Figure2(b) that initial PLGA amount had a greater effect on the reaction yield when the other system parameters set at a constant value. As shown in Table 2 the reaction yield increased from 40±6% to 92±5 with the increase in initial PLGA amount from 100 mg to 400 mg, indicating that the higher the PLGA amount used in the formulation, the greater the yield. Our results are in agreement with the recent observations of Hussein et al. [29] who found that the reaction yield increased twofold (from 40% to 80%) with a rise in PLGA concentrations from 2.5 mg/mL to 10 mg/mL. The increase in the PLGA amount gives rise to the viscosity of solutions, causing the formation of larger and denser particles, which will afterward increase the reaction yield [29, 36, 37].The effect of PVA volume on the reaction yield was shown in Figure2(c). The reaction yield first increased up to 68±8 (for 6 mL of PVA), then reached a plateau, and slowly decreased with an increase in PVA volume.Figure2(d) shows the effect of PVA concentration in the aqueous phase on the reaction yield. As depicted from the figure, at low PVA concentration (<1 w/v) the increase in the yield was confined to 80±8% and then systematically decreased with increase in the PVA concentration (p<0.05).Finally, the effect of solvent type on the reaction yield was shown in Figure2(e). It can be clearly seen that the reaction yield is significantly affected from the solvent type (p<0.05). The increase in the acetone ratio in solvent mixture led to a decrease the reaction yield. The reaction achieved a minimum yield of 7±4% at an acetone : DCM : ethanol ratio of 3 : 3 : 2 (for 2 mL); then a weak increase (15±7) was observed in the absence of DCM and the ratio of acetone : ethanol of 3 : 1.Hence, it can be thought that the reaction yield had a positive relationship with the initial CAPE amount, initial PLGA amount, and PVA volume and a negative relationship with PVA concentration and the presence of acetone in solvent mixture.


## 3.2. Effect of Process Parameters on Encapsulation Efficiency

The results of the effect of initial CAPE and PLGA amount, PVA volume and concentration, and solvent type on encapsulation efficiency are listed in Table2 and illustrated in Figures 2(a)~2(e) respectively.When a constant initial amount of PLGA (100 mg), PVA volume (4 mL), PVA concentration (3% w/v), and solvent type (only DCM and ethanol) was maintained, the amount of CAPE varied from 10 to 50 mg (Figure2(a)). The increase in the initial CAPE amount in organic phase resulted in a significant increase in entrapment efficiency of CAPE (p<0.05), which was in accordance with the results reported [28, 31]. In the first place the EE remarkably increased (from 60±3% to 86±5%) and then reached a plateau when the amount of CAPE was between 30 and 50 mg.It was reported that the drug partition coefficient in internal and external phases significantly affects the encapsulation efficiency of particles using an o/w method [38, 39]. Boury et al. showed that the drug polymer interaction contributes to increasing encapsulation efficiency [40]. Panyam et al. discussed the importance of drug miscibility in polymer for hydrophobic flutamide and reported that higher drug polymer miscibility leads to a higher drug encapsulation [41]. Similar results established by Budhian et al. indicated that the increase in the polymer drug interaction also increases the drug content of particles as a result of high encapsulation efficiency [24].It was observed in our results that with the increase in initial CAPE amount, the concentration of CAPE in the organic phase increased and more drug molecules could interact with the polymer molecules. This results in the increase in encapsulation efficiency of CAPE.Figure2(b) shows the effect of initial PLGA amount on the encapsulation efficiency of CAPE. It is clearly seen that the encapsulation efficiency of CAPE increased significantly (p<0.05) with increase in the PLGA concentration in organic phase. The rise in the initial PLGA amount leads to an increase of organic phase viscosity, which causes more diffusional resistance to drug molecules from organic phase to the aqueous phase [42]. Additionally, increase in the initial PLGA amount resulted in a rise in the particle size. As shown in the literature, larger particles provide higher drug encapsulation efficiency [24, 28, 31, 43]. Moreover, due to the increase of particle size the length of diffusional pathway of drugs from organic phase to aqueous phase increases and as a result of this increase the drug loss also decreases. Thereby, reducing the drug loss through diffusion provides increased encapsulation efficiency [42]. Obtained results in accordance with the results reported by Halayqa and Domańska and the authors show that increase in the polymer amount from 0.8% to 1.6% increases the encapsulation efficiency 46.6% to 71.6% for perphenazine and 44.8% to 61.6% for chlorpromazine hydrochloride [31].The effect of the aqueous phase volume on the encapsulation efficiency of CAPE is shown in Figure2(c). The encapsulation efficiency of CAPE firstly increased with increase of PVA volume and then reached a plateau that ranged from 76±4% to 85±6%. It was clearly seen from results that encapsulation efficiency is not significantly affected by PVA volume. Actually, encapsulation efficiency is indirectly affected by aqueous phase volume due to the influence of PVA volume on particle size, which directly affects encapsulation efficiency.Figure2(d) shows the effect of PVA concentration on encapsulation efficiency of CAPE. PVA formulated nanoparticles reached maximum encapsulation at low (0,1% w/v) stabilizer concentration. Encapsulation efficiency level reached as high as 91±5% and was seen at lowest PVA concentration. When the concentration of stabilizer increased, a linear and small reduction in overall CAPE encapsulation was seen (Table 2). Obtained results are in agreement with literature [28, 34, 43, 44]. Cooper and Harirforoosh synthesized diclofenac encapsulated PLGA nanoparticles with polyvinylalcohol and didodecyldimethylammonium bromide (DMAB) as a stabilizer. These group observed that encapsulation of diclofenac decreases with increase in the concentration of each of the two stabilizers [44].The effect of the solvent type (acetone to DCM + ethanol volume ratio is in the range of 0 to 3.0) on encapsulation efficiency of CAPE was shown in Figure2(e). It was seen in Figure 2(e) and Table 2 that encapsulation efficiency is significantly decreased by addition of acetone to organic solvent mixture and reached a plateau with the rise of acetone volume ratio (from 0.333 to 1.0) and then increase for acetone to DCM + ethanol volume ratio was equal to 3.0. This occurred possibly because of the change of Acetone/DCM + ethanol volume ratio affecting the dispersion of CAPE in organic phase. Encapsulation efficiency reached maximum for acetone/DCM + ethanol volume ratio being 3.0; however in this condition the significant reduction in reaction yield (15±7%) was observed.


## 3.3. Effect of Process Parameters on Particle Size and Polydispersity Index

In this study the effects of initial CAPE and PLGA amount, PVA concentration, PVA volume (aqueous-to-organic phase volume ratio), and solvent type on mean particle size of nanoparticles were investigated. The particle size values for all batches show a wide variation in response that ranged from a minimum of158±9 nm to a maximum of 469±15 nm. Obtained results openly indicate that the mean particle size is strongly related on selected process parameters.The effect of initial CAPE amount on nanoparticles size was shown in Figure3(a). Initial CAPE amount in organic phase had no significant effect on the mean particle size which was similar to many earlier studies with hydrophobic molecules [24, 28].Figure 3
Effect of various process parameters on particle size (column) and PDI (line), including the initial CAPE amount (a), initial PLGA amount (b), PVA volume (c), PVA concentration in aqueous phase (d), and solvent type (e) (n=3).
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)Figure3(b) shows that the mean particle size of CAPE loaded PLGA nanoparticles increased significantly with the increase of initial PLGA concentration. It can be observed that increase of the PLGA amount from 100 mg to 400 mg increases the mean particle size from 208±8 nm to 437±9 nm. The same results were also previously reported by other researcher [28, 31, 45–48]. This could explain that increase of the PLGA amount in organic phase leads to rise of solution viscosity and decrease of net shear stress. As a result of reducing shear stress larger particles are formed. Additionally, increase in the viscosity could prevent quick dispersion of polymer solution into the aqueous PVA phase, resulting in bigger droplets which formed larger nanoparticles after evaporation of oil phase.Figure3(c) shows that the mean particle size dependence to PVA volume (aqueous-to-organic phase volume ratio) in aqueous phase for CAPE loaded nanoparticles. It can be seen in the figure that the mean particle size was first increased and then decreased with increase in the PVA volume. Increase in PVA volume causes an increase in the PVA amount, resulting in interfacial tension reduction thence decreasing the mean particle size [28]. Furthermore, the increased the total system volume would reduce the net shear stress because of a constant energy source causing to formation of larger particles [28, 47].In this study PVA was applied as emulsifier in the aqueous phase (w) to simplify the preparation of o/w single emulsion. Figure3(d) shows the effect of PVA concentration in aqueous phase on the mean particles size. Different PVA concentrations are selected while keeping the other system parameters constant and PVA was studied between 0.1% and 3.0% (w/v) concentrations. It can be observed that the mean particle size first decreased significantly (p<0.05) with increase of PVA concentration up to 1% (w/v) and then gradually decreased from 246±12 to 208±8 nm (3% w/v). This can explain that PVA play remarkable role in reducing the interfacial tension and in this way disperse the emulsion nanodroplets and prevent them from agglomeration [31, 49]. It was reported that increase in the PVA concentration may lead to the decrease of particle size due to tight surface that was formed from PVA macromolecular chains in high surfactant concentrations [31, 43, 45, 50, 51]. Otherwise the viscosity of the system increases with the increase of the PVA concentration; this leads to decrease of net share stress which results in formation of larger molecules [24]. Conversely, in our results the decreases in the mean particles size reached a plateau after the concentration of PVA is between 1 and 3% w/v. The same results observed Budhian and colleagues study which show that the size of Haloperidol loaded PLGA nanoparticles first decreases (up to 1% w/v), then reached a plateau (up to 5% w/v), and gradually increases (higher concentration than 5% w/v) by increasing of PVA concentration for sonication methods [24]. According to our results it can be conclude that increase in the PVA concentration more than 3% (w/v) may result in an increase of the mean particle size of nanoparticles.The solvent type also has a remarkable effect on the mean particle size. Figure3(e) shows the significant (p<0.05) reduction of mean particle size with acetone-to-DCM + ethanol ratio. Addition of water-miscible organic solvent leads to significant decrease of interfacial tension because of rapid dispersion of acetone into the external aqueous phase, thereby decreasing the particle size which was consistent with literatures [28, 43, 52].The PDI is an important property of particles and refers to broadness of a mean particle size distribution for dispersion of nanoparticle [53]. Therefore, effect of process parameters on PDI values of nanoparticles was examined in this study. The positive and negative effect of process parameters on PDI of nanoparticles can be seen in Table 2 and Figures 3(a)~3(e) respectively.Generally, PDI < 0.3 is considered a requested value for an acceptable narrow range of nanoparticle size [54]. In the first place particles prepared by increasing amounts of CAPE (10 mg to 50 mg) were narrowly distributed and had the lowest PDI values (varied between 0.055±0.005 and 0.101±0.008) (Figure 3(a)).Obtained results showed that the PLGA concentration is the most important factor affecting the PDI of nanoparticles. The PDI values varied between0.065±0.006 and 0.499±0.066 for 100 mg to 400 mg PLGA amount, respectively. From the results it can be seen that almost monodisperse nanoparticles were produced for 100 mg polymer amount and the mean particle size distribution was broadened with increase of the initial PLGA amount (Figure 3(b)).From Figure3(c) and Table 2, it can be clearly seen that all of PVA volume was sufficient for reducing PDI below 0.3. In this group PDI value of particles first increased from 0.065±0.006 to 0.177±0.005 (for 8 mL of PVA) and then slowly decreased by increase in the aqueous phase volume.Also, PVA concentration generally exhibited a negative influence on PDI (Figure3(d)). It was observed in our results that the polydispersity index decreased when PVA concentration increases from 0.1% to 3%.Figure3(e) shows the effect of solvent type on PDI value of CAPE loaded nanoparticles. It was seen in the figure that PDI is affected from addition of acetone in solvent mixture especially in the lack of DCM. In the absence of acetone (DCM to ethanol ratio of 3 : 1) the PDI value of nanoparticles was obtained 0.065±0.006, addition of acetone increased PDI up to 0.103±0.008, and this value reached maximum (0.143±0.014) for acetone to DCM + ethanol ratio equal to 3.0.


## 3.4. Effect of Process Parameters on Zeta Potential

Zeta potential is another important physicochemical parameter in nanoparticles that influences stability of nanoparticle suspension. Extremely negative or positive zeta potential causes high repulsive forces and prevents agglomeration of nanoparticles [55]. Under these conditions long-term stability of the nanoparticles can be anticipated [55]. It can be seen in Table 2 that the zeta potential values of all nanoparticles were negative and ranged between −12.7±1.3 mV and −22.4±0.7 mV. This expected negativity was based on presence of ionized carboxyl groups [51] and PVA [55] on the surface of the nanoparticles. Also, higher negative zeta potential can enhance the dispersion of the nanoparticles in physiological systems and water [54].


## 3.5. Optimization of CAPE Loaded PLGA Nanoparticles

Obtained results show that CAPE was successfully encapsulated into the PLGA nanoparticles. On the other hand, according to our criteria for lower particle size and higher entrapment efficiency, we prepared CAPE loaded PLGA nanoparticles as follows: 50 mg of CAPE and 100 mg of PLGA were dissolved into 0.5 mL of ethanol and 1.5 mL of DCM, respectively. The mixed organic phase was emulsified with 6 mL of aqueous PVA solution (2% w/v) by sonication (output power 70 W, power of 80%, and 2 minutes) using a microtip probe sonicator in ice bath. The emulsion was stirred overnight for evaporation of organic phase. The resulting particles were collected and lyophilized.


## 3.6. Detailed Characterization of Optimized Nanoparticles

For the detailed characterization of optimized nanoparticles firstly, we determined reaction yield, encapsulation efficiency, and loading capacity. Lyophilized nanoparticles were weighed and yield of the process was calculated to be70±6%. The corresponding encapsulation efficiency and loading capacity of optimized nanoparticles were calculated 89±3 and 42±4, respectively.


### 3.6.1. DLS and ELS Analysis

Dynamic and electrophoretic light scattering techniques were used for particle size and zeta potential measurement of nanoparticles. Figure4 depicts the formation of nearly monodisperse CAPE nanoparticle with the mean particle size being 163±2 nm (PDI = 0.119±0.002). The zeta potential of CAPE loaded nanoparticles was equal to −34.4±2.5 (Figure 4).Figure 4
Particle size (a) and zeta potential (b) distribution of optimized nanoparticle.
(a)
(b)


### 3.6.2. SEM Analysis

The surface morphology of the optimized nanoparticle was determined by SEM. As shown in Figure5, smooth and spherical shape nanoparticles with uniform distribution were obtained. SEM results are also in agreement with DLS results that the particles optimized nanoparticles have a uniform size distribution and low polydispersity index.Figure 5
Scanning electron microscopy image of optimized nanoparticles.


### 3.6.3. FTIR Analysis

Figure6 shows FTIR spectra of PLGA (a), optimized nanoparticle (b), and pure CAPE (c). In the FTIR spectrum of PLGA and nanoparticles the bands at 2993 cm−1 and 2989 cm−1 were C–H stretch of CH2 and C–H stretch of –C–H–, respectively.Figure 6
FTIR spectrum of PLGA (a), optimized nanoparticle (b), and free CAPE (c).A band at 1751 cm−1 was assigned to the stretching vibration of C=O of ester bond (strong and narrow) and 1165–1087 cm−1 was attributed to C–O stretching, which belongs to the characteristic peaks of PLGA molecule [56]. It can be seen from the FT-IR spectrum of free CAPE that the bands obtained at 3471 cm−1 and 3320 cm−1 were assigned to –OH stretching. The strong and narrow peaks at 1681 cm−1, 1600 cm−1, and 1172 cm−1 were also attributed C=O, C=C, and C–O stretching, respectively. However, in the FTIR spectra of CAPE loaded nanoparticles, the major peaks of CAPE at 3471 cm−1, 3320 cm−1, and 1600 cm−1 were significantly decreased and the presence of these characteristic peaks is a confirmation of CAPE encapsulation on PLGA nanoparticles successfully.


### 3.6.4. Release Study

Figure7 illustratesin vitro release profiles of CAPE from nanoparticles prepared at different process parameters. The nanoparticles showed a typical three-phase release pattern in pH 7.4.Figure 7
In vitro release profile of CAPE in pH 7.4 phosphate buffer from CAPE loaded PLGA nanoparticles corresponding to different polymer/drug ratios.For all the nanoparticles prepared with different process parameters, an initial burst release, caused by diffusion of drug, continuing for 24 h of incubation was observed. On the other hand, as seen in Figure7 depending on the process parameters, the percentage of burst release varies between 32.59% and 66.72%. In the second phase of release, caused by drug diffusion and polymer chain cleavage, approximately constant and low level of CAPE release rate was observed. In the last step of CAPE release, continuous release almost close to linear was observed over 7–16 days and reached 42.65%, 46.26%, and 83.08% for NP 2, NP 20, and optimized NP, respectively, at the end of 16th day.In Figure7 it was clearly seen that when the polymer/drug ratio decreased the burst release of CAPE increases. Usually initial burst release occurred due to the fast diffusion of drug absorbed on the surface or localized near surface of particles [57]. In the low polymer/drug ratio, PLGA was not enough to encapsulate the drug; thus most of the drug was adsorbed on or localized near the surface of nanoparticles, which resulted in higher burst release [57]. The minimum burst release was observed for NP 20 (polymer/drug ratio equal to 0.05) and the highest was optimized NP (polymer/drug ratio equal to 0.5). In accordance with these results the initial burst release of NP 2 (drug/polymer ratio equal to 0.2) higher than NP 20 and lower than optimized NP was obtained.


## 3.6.1. DLS and ELS Analysis

Dynamic and electrophoretic light scattering techniques were used for particle size and zeta potential measurement of nanoparticles. Figure4 depicts the formation of nearly monodisperse CAPE nanoparticle with the mean particle size being 163±2 nm (PDI = 0.119±0.002). The zeta potential of CAPE loaded nanoparticles was equal to −34.4±2.5 (Figure 4).Figure 4
Particle size (a) and zeta potential (b) distribution of optimized nanoparticle.
(a)
(b)


## 3.6.2. SEM Analysis

The surface morphology of the optimized nanoparticle was determined by SEM. As shown in Figure5, smooth and spherical shape nanoparticles with uniform distribution were obtained. SEM results are also in agreement with DLS results that the particles optimized nanoparticles have a uniform size distribution and low polydispersity index.Figure 5
Scanning electron microscopy image of optimized nanoparticles.


## 3.6.3. FTIR Analysis

Figure6 shows FTIR spectra of PLGA (a), optimized nanoparticle (b), and pure CAPE (c). In the FTIR spectrum of PLGA and nanoparticles the bands at 2993 cm−1 and 2989 cm−1 were C–H stretch of CH2 and C–H stretch of –C–H–, respectively.Figure 6
FTIR spectrum of PLGA (a), optimized nanoparticle (b), and free CAPE (c).A band at 1751 cm−1 was assigned to the stretching vibration of C=O of ester bond (strong and narrow) and 1165–1087 cm−1 was attributed to C–O stretching, which belongs to the characteristic peaks of PLGA molecule [56]. It can be seen from the FT-IR spectrum of free CAPE that the bands obtained at 3471 cm−1 and 3320 cm−1 were assigned to –OH stretching. The strong and narrow peaks at 1681 cm−1, 1600 cm−1, and 1172 cm−1 were also attributed C=O, C=C, and C–O stretching, respectively. However, in the FTIR spectra of CAPE loaded nanoparticles, the major peaks of CAPE at 3471 cm−1, 3320 cm−1, and 1600 cm−1 were significantly decreased and the presence of these characteristic peaks is a confirmation of CAPE encapsulation on PLGA nanoparticles successfully.


## 3.6.4. Release Study

Figure7 illustratesin vitro release profiles of CAPE from nanoparticles prepared at different process parameters. The nanoparticles showed a typical three-phase release pattern in pH 7.4.Figure 7
In vitro release profile of CAPE in pH 7.4 phosphate buffer from CAPE loaded PLGA nanoparticles corresponding to different polymer/drug ratios.For all the nanoparticles prepared with different process parameters, an initial burst release, caused by diffusion of drug, continuing for 24 h of incubation was observed. On the other hand, as seen in Figure7 depending on the process parameters, the percentage of burst release varies between 32.59% and 66.72%. In the second phase of release, caused by drug diffusion and polymer chain cleavage, approximately constant and low level of CAPE release rate was observed. In the last step of CAPE release, continuous release almost close to linear was observed over 7–16 days and reached 42.65%, 46.26%, and 83.08% for NP 2, NP 20, and optimized NP, respectively, at the end of 16th day.In Figure7 it was clearly seen that when the polymer/drug ratio decreased the burst release of CAPE increases. Usually initial burst release occurred due to the fast diffusion of drug absorbed on the surface or localized near surface of particles [57]. In the low polymer/drug ratio, PLGA was not enough to encapsulate the drug; thus most of the drug was adsorbed on or localized near the surface of nanoparticles, which resulted in higher burst release [57]. The minimum burst release was observed for NP 20 (polymer/drug ratio equal to 0.05) and the highest was optimized NP (polymer/drug ratio equal to 0.5). In accordance with these results the initial burst release of NP 2 (drug/polymer ratio equal to 0.2) higher than NP 20 and lower than optimized NP was obtained.


## 4. Conclusion

CAPE has numerous biological and pharmacological effects, such as antiviral, antioxidant, and anticancer activities. Although CAPE has many biological properties, its usage in pharmaceutical area is limited due to its low aqueous solubility and instability in biological system. One of the methods to overcome these problems is to encapsulation of the CAPE into biodegradable nanoparticular system.Poly(DL, lactic-co-glycolic acid) is the most frequently used biodegradable, biocompatible copolymer for developing nanoparticles in controlled release (CR) applications. PLGA nanoparticles are especially beneficial in drug delivery system for low-water soluble compounds. The small particle size and controlled release properties of nanoparticles can improve the water solubility, bioavailability, biocompatibility, and absorption of the delivered bioactive molecules.Thus, in this study, for the first time caffeic acid phenethyl ester loaded PLGA nanoparticles were successfully produced by a single emulsion solvent evaporation method. Additionally, the influences of different process parameters on reaction yield, particle size, encapsulation efficiency, polydispersity index, and zeta potential of nanoparticles were systematically investigated and optimal process parameters were determined. Particularly, the initial CAPE and PLGA amount, PVA concentration, and solvent type were found to have played overpowering role in encapsulation efficiency and particle size.The final optimal value for the initial CAPE and PLGA amount, PVA volume, and concentration were determined at 50 mg, 100 mg, 6 mL, and 2% w/v, respectively. A particle size equal to163±2 nm with low polydispersity index 0.119±0.002, -34.4±2.5 mV zeta potential, and percentage encapsulation of 89±3% was achieved under the optimal condition employed. Interestingly, the optimized nanoparticles showed a high (83.08%) and sustained CAPE release (lasting for 16 days) compared to nonoptimized nanoparticle.In conclusion, high encapsulation efficiency with small size and sustained release make CAPE loaded nanoparticles a suitable candidate for the further development of nanomedicine. Additionally studies are currently in progress to test the antimicrobial activity of CAPE loaded PLGA nanoparticle against different Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria.



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*Source: 341848-2015-09-30.xml*