Inclusion complex of chrysin with sulfobutyl ether-β-cyclodextrin (Captisol®): Preparation, characterization, molecular modelling and in vitro anticancer activity

Present work demonstrates the impact of sulfobutyl ether-β-cyclodextrin (SBE-β-CD, Captisol®) complexation on the solubility, dissolution and pH stability of the poorly soluble polyphenol chrysin (CHR) by freeze-drying technique. Phase solubility indicated the 1:1 stoichiometry. FTIR, DSC, PXRD, and SEM analysis confirmed the formation of inclusion complex. Moreover, 1H NMR studies illustrated that the possible inclusion mode was through A-ring of the CHR which was further confirmed by molecular modelling. In addition, CHR/SBE-β-CD complex exhibited ∼108 times higher solubility and faster dissolution compared to CHR. The pH stability profile exhibited the protective effect of SBE-β-CD on the CHR at simulated pH. Also, in vitro cytotoxicity assay revealed an appreciable improvement in the anticancer activity of complex compared to free CHR, on MCF-7 and HeLa cell lines validating its superiority as a carrier.