International Journal of Drug Delivery Technology
Volume 15, Issue 2

Formulation and Evaluation of Hecogenin-Loaded Phycocyanin Nanosponges for Treatment of Parkinson’s Disease

Nethakara Naveena, Manjuladevi Kasirajan*

Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Vels Institute of Science, Technology and Advance Studies (VISTAS), Pallavaram, Chennai, Tamilnadu, 600117, India 

Received: 5th Apr, 2025; Revised: 7th May, 2025; Accepted: 27th May, 2025; Available Online: 25th June, 2025 

ABSTRACT

Parkinsonian disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that needs long-term drug delivery treatment beyond the blood-brain barrier. The objectives of the present study were to synthesize and optimize Phycocyanin nanosponges loaded with Hecogenin into optimality by using biocompatible polymers (PVA /PVP) to improve brain-based drug delivery. The nanosponges were prepared through solvent diffusion, and its optimization process was based upon a Box-Behnken Design. The optimized Run 4 exhibited a protein size (193 nm), zeta potential of the prepared entrapping capsule (-32.2 mV), PDI of 0.12, excellent entrapment efficiency (88.5 percent), and a prolonged release drug (80.5 percent in 24-hour period). FTIR analysis confirmed drug-polymer compatibility, while DSC and XRD analyses revealed the amorphous transformation of Hecogenin, improving solubility and stability. Molecular docking studies showed strong binding affinities of Hecogenin to Parkinson’s-related targets MAO-B and Alpha-Synuclein, with favorable MolDock scores (~−166.93) and confirmed BBB permeability. These findings indicate that Hecogenin-loaded Phycocyanin nanosponges are a promising brain-targeted delivery platform for effective PD management through improved bioavailability and sustained release.

Keywords: Parkinson's Disease, Nanosponges, Hecogenin, Phycocyanin, Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA), Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), Formulation Optimization.

How to cite this article: Nethakara Naveena, Manjuladevi Kasirajan. Formulation and Evaluation of Hecogenin-Loaded Phycocyanin Nanosponges for Treatment of Parkinson’s Disease. International Journal of Drug Delivery Technology. 2025;15(2): 721-34. doi:10.25258/ijddt.15.2.46

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