Starch nanoparticles: preparation, characterization, and gastro-protective effect on gastric ulcer mice model

Because they combine the benefits of natural materials with nanoscale capabilities, starch nanoparticles (StNPs) are a promising option for a variety of industrial, medicinal, and environmental applications. StNPs can greatly enhance therapeutic results, lessen side effects, and promote ulcer protection. The current work aims at preparation of StNPs using a technique based on the dual effect of sodium hydroxide and glycerol on the swelling and gelatinization of starch prior to synthesis of StNPs followed by homogenized precipitation after StNPs formation. In addition, the current research work was extended to investigate the gastro-protective effect of oral administration of starch in nanoparticle form on the gastric ulcer mice model induced by ethanol administration. Native maize starch (NS) was used as the precursor and Tween 80 as a capping agent. Sodium hydroxide and glycerol for swelling and gelatinizing of starch. UV-Visible spectrophotometer, FTIR, and TEM were used to evaluate the obtained StNPs. For experimental work, mice were divided into four groups: control treated group; ulcer treated group; Ulcer-Omeprazole treated group and ulcer-StNPs treated group. The synthesis of StNPs was confirmed by FTIR, UV-Vis spectra. StNPs/I 2 /NaOH dark blue solution showed a distinguished peak at 500-700 nm supporting the formation of StNPs. In addition, marked amelioration in the hemorrhagic lesions of the gastric tissues, highly significant suppression of the ulcer index and highly significant elevation of the protective index as well as marked ameliorations of the histopathogical alterations in the gastric section of animals pretreated with StNPs prior ethanol administration were noticed compared to ulcer treated group. Therefore, starch in nanoparticle form has potential gastro-protective. We suggest uses of StNPs as gastro-protective natural substance with low cost.