Synthesis and Characterization of Quercetin Loaded Polycaprolactone microparticles

Abstract

Quercetin is flavonoid having various pharmacological activities such as anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer. But the problem with quercetin is that it is having poor permeability, poor solubility, instability and low bioavailability. To improve the solubility of quercetin, we have incorporated quercetin in polycaprolactone polymer which is having high solubility and biodegradability. Quercetin loaded Polycaprolactone microparticles were synthesized by solvent evaporation method. These particles were characterized by SEM, FTIR, and size distribution analysis. The size of microparticles was found to be 700 nm. In vitro drug release studies of quercetin were carried out and 30% drug release was obtained in 24 hour of study. Percentage drug loading was observed through uv-spectrophotometer and drug loading was found to be 20%. SEM results show the spherical shape of microparticles. Overall study shows the sustained release of the drug which can be used for topical drug delivery system.