In vitro Antioxidant, Anti-inflammatory, Antimicrobial, and Antidiabetic Activities of Synthesized Chitosan-loaded p-Coumaric Acid Nanoparticles

Background: p-Coumaric acid is a phenolic compound widely distributed in fruits and vegetables that displays an array of therapeutic properties, including antidiabetic effects. Promi-nent application in diabetes is limited due to its suboptimal pharmacokinetics, poor aqueous solu-bility, and poor bioavailability. Nanotechnology-based delivery methods have been developed to address these limitations and improve the therapeutic uses of p-coumaric acid, and the nanoencap-sulation method is emerging as a feasible alternative. Objective: The objective of this study is to synthesize p-coumaric acid nanoparticles (PCNPs) and to evaluate their in vitro activities. Methods: The PCNPs were synthesized by the nanoprecipitation method and characterized by UV-visible spectroscopy, zeta potential, Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with dispersive energy X-ray (EDX) analysis. In addition, the PCNPs were analyzed for in vitro antioxidant activity using six different free radical scavenging assays and were also analyzed for antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antithrombotic, and anti-diabetic effects. Results: The formation of PCNPs was confirmed by UV-visible spectra at 283 nm, and FTIR analysis revealed the reduction and capping of the chitosan nanoparticles. SEM was used to assess the size and shape of the PCNPs, and the high absorption property of the PCNPs was investigated using EDX analysis. The PCNPs had significant antioxidant, hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), lipid pe-roxidation (LPO), superoxide and nitric oxide (NO) radical scavenging power activities, and showed potent antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antithrombotic, and antidiabetic activities. Conclusion: The present study suggests that PCNPs can be used as a potential medication delivery approach to provide a greater nephroprotective effect in the treatment of diabetic nephropathy. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first attempt at the synthesis of chitosan-loaded PCNPs.