Synthesis characterisation and neuroprotectivity of Silybum marianum extract loaded chitosan nanoparticles

Aim:Silybum marianumextract (SME) possesses neuroprotective potency through its high anti-oxidant content. We attempted to increase the effectiveness of SME by encapsulating them inchitosan. Neuroprotective potency of SME and SME-loaded chitosan nanoparticles (SME-CNPs)were shown in SH-SY5Y cell line against H2O2-induced oxidative stress.Methods:We produced CNPs and SME-CNPs by ionic gelation method and properly determinedtheir physical characteristics. Encapsulation efficiency, loading capacity, andin vitrorelease testswere performed for SME-CNPs. The neurotoxicity and neuroprotective efficiency in SH-SY5Y cellline against H2O2was also investigated.Results:The size of SME-CNPs was 168.2 ±11.12 nm with zeta potential 10.6±1.0 mV. Theencapsulation efficiency and loading capacity were successfully achieved at 96.6% and 1.89%respectively. SME and SME-CNPs improved cell viability higher than 80%, and SME-CNPs exhib-ited significant neuroprotective effects against H2O2damage.Conclusions:It was concluded that SME and SME-CNPs highly prevent damage caused by H2O2and reduce cell damagein vitroby their neuroprotective effects.