Enhanced Antioxidant and Anti-bacterial Potential of Brugmansia suaveolens Conjugated Chitosan Nanoparticles

Introduction: Chitosan nanoparticles (CNPs) are broadly explored for drug delivery due to their biocompatibility, biodegradability, and non-toxicity. This study encapsulated Brugmansia suaveolens leaf ethanol extract (BSLEE) into CNPs to enhance antioxidant and antibacterial activity. Materials and Methods: The optimization of synthesis, such as chitosan concentration of (1:1) to cross-link BSLEE, maintaining an optimal acidic pH (~4.5-5.5), and applying mild stirring at 50 rpm resulted in an encapsulation efficiency ranging from 26.33 to 48.58%, indicating the successful encapsulation of BSLEE within the CNPs. Characterization by UV-Vis, FTIR, SEM, XRD, EDX, and zeta potential confirmed successful formulation, with semi-crystalline, porous nanoparticles. Results: DPPH, FRAP, and total phenolics assay indicate BSLEE CNPs exhibited stronger antioxidant activity in the range of 30.42 ±0.77% to 55.85± 0.69% of DPPH inhibition, 34.73±2.71 to 121.44±1.83 µg/ml FSE, and 58±2.27 to 149.5±2.48 µg GAE/ml, respectively, when compared to crude BSLEE. The antibacterial effectiveness of BSLEE CNPs against S. aureus and E. coli was more significant when compared to the BSLEE and chitosan alone, attributed to enhanced membrane permeability and disruption of the bacterial cell membrane. Discussion: Antibacterial studies showed significant inhibition against S. aureus and E. coli, linked to improved membrane disruption. The BSLEE CNPs demonstrated promising biocompatibility and potential for application in antimicrobial and antioxidant therapies, warranting further clinical validation and in vitro findings of BSLEE-conjugated chitosan nanoparticles. Conclusion: The BSLEE CNPs showed promising pharmacological properties like antibacterial efficacy against E. coli and S. aureus, indicating their potential as an alternative approach to combat bacterial infections.