Fabrication and characterization of chitosan conjugated eurycomanone nanoparticles: In vivo evaluation of the biodistribution and toxicity in fish

Chitosan nanopartides (CNPs) have been proven considerable delivery agents due to their remarkable physicochemical properties. Present study reports the fabrication of CNPs by ionic gelation process and their characterization by different approaches. The constructed nanopartides were successfully conjugated with eurycomanone with significant entrapment efficiency. Particle size of chitosan and chitosan conjugated eurycomanone nanoparticles were 1262 nm and 130 nm respectively. Scanning electron microscopy showed that the particles were spherical in shape and well dispersed. Cross-linking between CNPs and eurycomanone (CENPs) were confirmed by Fourier-transform infrared (FTIB) spectroscopy. Fluorescent nanopartides were prepared by using Rhodamine-6G dye, characterised by SEM and confirmed for conjugation by FTIR. Biodistribution of CENPs showed the presence of fluorescent nano particles in liver, kidney, testes and brain of C magur. The toxicity of CENPs was evaluated by comparing the histological sections of catfish testes collected from treated and control group. No signs of toxicity were seen in testes after the delivery of CENPs. Molecular docking study revealed high spontaneous binding ability of chitosan with eurycomanone and aromatase enzyme. The study reports that CNPs can act as a stabilizing agent for eurycomanone formulation and could be a promising approach to increase the reproductive performance of the fishes. (C) 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.