Self-assembled nanoparticles of acetylated cashew gum: characterization and evaluation as potential drug carrier.

Acetylated cashew gum (ACG) was synthesized and self-assembled nanoparticles were obtained through the dialysis of an organic solution (DMSO) against a non-solvent (water). The ACG was characterized by infrared spectroscopy. The degree of substitution was 2.8 as determined by NMR spectroscopy. The physicochemical properties of the self-assembled nanoparticles in aqueous media were characterized by DLS, SEM and fluorescence spectroscopy. The mean diameter of the self-assembled nanoparticles obtained was 179 nm and the critical aggregation concentration (CAC) in water was 2.1×10(-3) g/L. Indomethacin (IND) was used as a hydrophobic model drug and was incorporated into the hydrophobized polysaccharide. Both loaded and unloaded nanoparticles were found to be spherical with diameters in the ranges of 70-170 nm and 108-314 nm (determined by SEM), respectively. Controlled drug release was observed for up to 72 h.