Vegetos
(An International Journal of Plant Research & Biotechnology)
(eISSN: 2229-4473)
Nanoencapsulation and characterization of a polyherbal formulation (ATPEA-25) in NIPAAM-VP micelles
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Research Articles | Published: 11 July, 2026
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Keywords: Nanoencapsulation, ATPEA-25, Polyherbal formulations, NIPAAM-VP micelles, Polymeric nanoparticles
Abstract
Polyherbal formulations, a natural source containing a complex mixture of compounds, offer enhanced therapeutic potential and efficacy as compared to single-herb preparations. However, the poor bioavailability of active phytochemicals of these polyherbal formulations restricts their use in modern medicine. To combat these challenges, cutting-edge drug delivery systems, especially nanotechnology-based formulations have gained importance in recent years. The present study has fabricated polymeric micelles and encapsulated a novel polyherbal formulation. The ethanolic extracts of [Aegle marmelos (Bael), Trigonella foenum-graecum (Fenugreek), Piper nigrum (Black Pepper), Emblica officilais (Amla), Azadirachta indica (Neem)] (ATPEA-25) were prepared using soxhlet extraction method. NIPAAM-VP polymeric micelles were synthesized using free radical polymerization. The loading of ATPEA-25 formulations into NIPAAM-VP micelles was done using a physical entrapment method. The synthesized NIPAAM-VP polymeric micelles were characterized by the fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), dynamic light scattering (DLS) and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM). ATPEA-25 loaded NIPAAM-VP polymeric micelles of size < 80 nm were prepared. The micelles were of spherical shape and amorphous in nature. The porosity, grooved surface of micelles was confirmed by FESEM. Encapsulation efficiency up to ~ 71% was achieved to deliver ATPEA-25 using NIPAAM-VP polymeric micelles. Polyherbal formulation ATPEA-25 was efficiently loaded into NIPAAM-VP polymeric micelles. High encapsulation capacity of the nanoparticles can be advantageous in the health sector to reduce bulk dose of polyherbal formulation thus enhancing the patient compliance. This formulation can further be checked for their enhanced antimicrobial and anticancer potential.
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Author Information
Department of Zoology, Miranda House, University of Delhi, Delhi, India