Nanoparticles based on hydrophobic alginate derivative as nutraceutical delivery vehicle: vitamin D3 loading.

We report the application of Vitamin D3 (VD(3)) in nanoparticles of oleoyl alginate ester (OAE)(OAE-VD(3)). The internalization of fluorescent OAE-VD(3) by Caco-2 cells was visualized by confocal laser scanning microscopy. In vivo pharmacokinetic studies showed that incorporation into OAE nanoparticles resulted in increased absorption of VD(3). Its application in the treatment of rickets was assayed using a model of nutritionally induced vitamin D-deficiency rickets. The results showed that the encapsulated VD(3) had better efficacy than that of the free drug in vivo. Our studies provide evidence that OAE nanoparticles are valuable as nutraceutical delivery vehicles to enhance the absorption of VD(3).