Browi Nugroho, Sari E. Cahyaningrum, Pirim Setiarso, Andika P. Wardana, Teguh H. Sucipto
Dengue fever is a global health problem, with millions of cases reported each year. The lack of available therapeutic agents has stimulated the search for new treatments. This study aimed to synthesize, and characterize biopolymer-based nanoencapsules using Andrographis paniculata and carboxymethyl chitosan (CMC), and evaluate their activity against dengue virus. A. paniculata nanocapsules (AP-NPs) were formulated by ultrasonication of A. paniculata extract with carboxymethyl chitosan. AP-NPs were characterized by particle size analysis, Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) analysis, and stability under various conditions of pH, temperature, and electrolyte (NaCl). The antiviral activity against dengue virus (DENV-2), and cytotoxic activity against Vero cell line were evaluated according to standard procedures. AP-NPs was successfully synthesized with particle size of 305.5 ± 30.12 nm, and a polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.3319 ± 0.01. AP-NPs had improved stability and better controlled release of bioactive components than A. paniculata extract. AP-NPs had a loading amount of 27.18 ± 2.51%, and a loading efficiency of 54.36 ± 5.02%. AP-NPs exhibited enhanced antiviral activity and bioavailability compared to the pure A. paniculata extract, although with increased cytotoxicity. The CC50 of AP-NPs was 734.56 μg/mL, which was significantly lower than that of the extract (1522.95 μg/mL), while the EC50 for AP-NPs was 68.12 μg/mL, compared to 9.87 μg/mL for the extract. Despite the higher toxicity, AP-NPs offer promising potential as a therapeutic candidate for dengue fever, particularly due to their ability to improve bioavailability and provide sustained antiviral effects. © 2025. Nugroho et al.
Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Negeri Surabaya, Jl. Ketintang, Gayungan, East Java, Surabaya, 60231, Indonesia; Dengue Study Group, Institute of Tropical Disease, Universitas Airlangga, Jl. Dr. Ir. H. Soekarno, Mulyorejo, East Java, Surabaya, 60115, Indonesia
