Published Paper Details:

Budesonide, a potent corticosteroid used in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), suffers from poor site-specific delivery and extensive first-pass metabolism. Colon-specific drug delivery can enhance its local effect and minimize systemic exposure. The present study aimed to formulate eco-friendly budesonide-loaded nanoparticles using biodegradable natural polymers (chitosan, pectin, and alginate) via aqueous ionic-gelation and to optimize key formulation parameters using a Box-Behnken design. The nanoparticles were characterized for particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential, morphology, encapsulation efficiency (EE), and in-vitro drug release under simulated gastrointestinal conditions. The optimized nanoparticles were filled into pH-sensitive capsules for colon targeting. The approach avoids toxic organic solvents, employs renewable biopolymers, and aligns with sustainable green chemistry. The expected outcome is a nanoparticle-capsule system with <300 nm particle size, >60 % EE, minimal drug release in stomach/small intestine, and enzyme-triggered release in the colon.