DEVELOPMENT AND EVALUATION OF ASCORBIC ACID-LOADED POLYMERIC NANOPARTICLES FOR CONTROLLED RELEASE AND ENHANCED STABILITY

Supachai Chumchuen*, Thanpisit Yuenwong, Julalak Kantanalit and Yoskrai Sridhanasakulchai

ABSTRACT

Ascorbic acid has essential biological functions but faces stability challenges, limiting its therapeutic use. This study explores the use of polymeric nanoparticles, made from Eudragit L100 and chitosan, to improve the stability and controlled release of ascorbic acid. Nanoparticles were prepared using the coacervation method and characterized for particle size, morphology, entrapment efficiency, and drug loading. The nanoparticles exhibited a spherical shape, with an average size of 200.87 ± 12.22 nm and a low polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.321 ± 0.32, indicating uniformity. Entrapment efficiency was 98.76%, and drug loading was 78.98%. In vitro release studies showed a sustained release of ascorbic acid over 10 hours, compared to the rapid release of free ascorbic acid. Stability tests revealed that the nanoparticles effectively protected ascorbic acid from oxidation under heat stress. These findings suggest that Eudragit L100 and chitosan-based polymeric nanoparticles are a promising system for improving the stability, bioavailability, and controlled release of ascorbic acid in therapeutic applications.

Keywords: Ascorbic acid, Polymeric nanoparticles, Controlled release, Eudragit L100, Chitosan.