Optimization and Characterization of Dayak Onion (Eleutherine palmifolia (L.) Merr) Extract Nanoparticles Using Cross-link Method

Dayak onions contain 1,4-Naphtoquinone, which has been shown to possess anticancer activity. Dayak onion extract nanoparticle was formulated to improve its bioavailability using ionic gelation. This research aims to formulate and characterise Dayak onion extract nanoparticles (NPs). The organoleptic properties, pH, entrapment efficiency, particle size, SEM and XRD morphology, and chemical properties of the NPs were investigated by FTIR and DSC. The results showed no aggregation or phase separation; the pH of the formulated NPs was 3.56 ± 0.00. The resulting particle size was 329 ± 87.0 nm, while the entrapment efficiency was 94.84 ± 0.00%. Based on SEM and XRD evaluation, the results obtained were heterogeneous with a non-uniform surface, and the particle structure was amorphous with a degree of crystallinity of 37.98%. Meanwhile, the results of the chemical properties tests using FTIR and DSC agreed with previous studies. There was a shift of functional groups in the IR spectra of the nanoparticles and a shift of melting point in the DSC thermogram, which indicated that Dayak onion extract nanoparticles were successfully formed. Based on data obtained in this study, we conclude that Dayak onion extract can be formulated into nanoparticles with efficient characteristics.