Acetoxy DMU-loaded carboxymethylchitosan nanocapsules: preparation and in vitro release evaluation followed by an analytical methodology validation

ABSTRACT Acetoxy DMU (Ac.DMU – 1,2,3-trimethoxy-5-(4-acetoxystyryl) benzene) is a potential new drug, compared to resveratrol, due to its improved pharmacokinetic properties. Nanoencapsulation using Ac.DMU and carboxymethylchitosan (CMCh) polymer is a promising alternative for improving the bioavailability of drugs in human bodies. Nanocapsules (NCs) based on CMCh with Ac.DMU (Ac.DMU-NCs) by emulsion solvent diffusion technique in different drug-to-polymer ratios have been prepared with encapsulation efficiency of 69.4% and 51.5% and characterized by dynamic light scattering, ζ-potential, and infrared spectroscopy techniques. In vitro release experiments of free Ac.DMU and Ac.DMU-NCs showed an improvement in the solubility of Ac.DMU by NCs, enabling a fast drug release rate. In addition, the method was validated through analyses of specificity, linearity, limit of detection and quantification, accuracy, and precision according to the standards suggested by the International Conference on Harmonization. UV–Vis spectroscopy used to quantify Ac.DMU ensured reliable results for the amount of encapsulated Ac.DMU. The results suggest a promising potential of NCs as carriers of the hydrophobic drug Ac.DMU for controlled release. Graphical abstract