Phthalated cashew gum-based polyelectrolyte complex for oral insulin delivery

Cashew gum (CG) is a biopolymer that can be modified with phthalic groups through microwave irradiation (MW). This study highlights the versatility of CG and its ability to be modified to improve its drug delivery characteristics. Phthalated cashew gum (PCG) was characterized by various instrumental techniques. Nanoparticles obtained by the PCG and chitosan (CH) polyelectrolyte complexation technique were produced for oral insulin administration. The developed nanosystems had an average size of 390 nm, polydispersion index 0.04 and zeta potential of 15.4 mV, encapsulation efficiency of 77.5 %. Insulin release in the simulated gastric and intestinal environments maintained sustained release. Cytotoxicity studies demonstrated that PCG, CH and the system produced exhibited relatively low cytotoxicity. Taken together, the modification capability of CG and its ability to form nanoparticles with CH is an effective strategy to develop nanovehicles for enhanced oral insulin delivery.