Formulation and modification of physicochemical parameters of p-Coumaric acid by cyclodextrin nanosponges

Reactive oxygen species triggered oxidative stress contributes to the pathogenesis of numerous ailments such as myocardial infraction, inflammation, atherosclerosis, and pigmentation disorders. ROS scavengers, particularly natural bioactives are one of the possible options to reduce this stress. However, these bioactives possess certain formulation challenges owing to their poor solubility, stability, and bioavailability. Therefore, the design of a stable formulation that can deal these challenges, while preserving the antioxidant efficacy is of great significance. In this view, the current study was aimed at fabrication of p-Coumaric acid loaded nanosponges employing melt method. The spectroscopy resulting nanosponges were appropriately characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray powder diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, nuclear magnetic resonance, FE-SEM (field emission scanning electron microscopy) and TEM (transmission electron microscopy). The particle size of PCA-CDNS (p-Coumaric acid nanosponges) was in nano range, with low PDI (polydispersity index), acceptable zeta potential and delayed release. Molecular docking studies for PCA using mushroom tyrosinase (TYR) were also carried out. Further, the antioxidant and antityrosinase studies were also performed. In nutshell, the findings herein revealed that encasement of PCA in NS led to an enhancement in efficacy of this bioactive in terms of safety, solubility, and release, while preserving its antioxidant and antityrosinase effects. On the basis of the present results, we expect that PCA nanosponges can be seen as promising carriers for addressing depigmention, particularly associated with ROS overexpression.