By determining hydrodynamic particle size distribution, we can estimate Ns' surface coating, hydration layer, and homogeneity or heterogeneity [
38]. Furthermore, the biological behavior of nanoparticles (NPs) can be predicted by analyzing their surface charge. The Ns' size and morphology are the essential factors to investigate the
in-vitro and
in-vivo fate [
39,
40]. Several studies have evidenced that the small size NPs is more likely to enhance the penetration on specific site of the disease [
41]. Moreover, reducing the particle size of NPs significantly affects cellular uptake of the drug [
42]. In this study, AND-MPN Ns were prepared to deliver hydrophobic anti-inflammatory drug and reduce inflammation efficiently. The significant anti-inflammatory effects of AND could be achieved by the highly stable and high DL capacity of AND-MPN Ns. The TA-Fe(Ⅲ) complex (MPN) coats the drug particle and prepares stabilized AND-MPN Ns. First, the AND-MPN Ns were prepared by the general anti-solvent ultrasonication method (
Fig. 1). Formulations were optimized by changing the amount AND drug (2, 5, 10, 20 mg) while maintaining the TA-Fe(Ⅲ) at a constant value (approx. 2:1 molar ratio). We obtained increased particle size and PDI with the increased amount of AND (
Fig. 2A). Then, we changed the molar concentration of TA to Fe(Ⅲ) and kept a constant drug concentration (10 mg). Relatively small particle size and PDI of AND-MPN Ns were observed in the 2:1 TA to Fe(Ⅲ) molar ratio compared to other TA to Fe(Ⅲ) molar ratio containing AND-MPN Ns formulations (
Fig. 2B). Different ultrasonication power and time were used and observed a relatively small particle size at an ultrasonic power of 250 W in 10 min ultrasonication time compared to 200 W and 15 min (
Fig. 2C). After using various parameters to optimize the AND-MPN Ns, the parameter measured relatively small particle size, and less PDI value was utilized to prepare an optimized formulation. Small particle size and PDI value about 210.1 nm and PDI 0.161 were recorded using 10 mg drug loading, TA and Fe(Ⅲ) molar ratio 2:1, and ultrasonication power 250 W and 10 min.
Fig. 2D showed the DLS particle size measurement of the optimized AND-MPN Ns. The TEM examination of the AND-MPN Ns confirmed the spherical morphology of optimized AND-MPN Ns with a 200–250 nm diameter (
Fig. 2E). The blue color of optimized AND-MPN Ns was observed due to the formation of TA and Fe(Ⅲ) the complex (
Fig. 2F). After preparing AND-MPN Ns, free TA and Fe(Ⅲ) present in AND-MPN Ns were removed by the ultracentrifugation method. These results demonstrated that the particle size is in the nano range, which is beneficial for targeting specific disease sites. And also, spherical morphology with a homogeneous distribution of drugs in nanosystems could improve the therapeutic efficacy of the drug in treating particular diseases. It has been demonstrated that Ns formulation compromises 100% drug particles in the nanosized range [
15,
43,
44]. However, the actual DL capacity of Ns should be known to confirm an optimal dosage regimen and reduce dose-related toxicities [
41]. The high DL capacity of Ns has shown a promising strategy to deliver insoluble drugs to the target sites. Furthermore, it is essential that anti-inflammatory agents successfully load into Ns to enhance the drug's anti-inflammatory efficacy in the macrophages to treat inflammatory diseases. According to the UV-detector results, the DL capacity of the optimized formulation was approximately 87.6% ± 1.36%, with an EE of 99.2% ± 0.21%. The high EE% and DL% might be due to the robust intramolecular organization and adhesive properties of MPN and AND-MPN interactions. Interestingly, the DL capacity of AND-MPN Ns was significantly more than previously reported [
45,
46].