Development, Optimization, and Evaluation of Rutin-Loaded Liposomes in the Management of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disease, progressively distinctive via cartilage destruction, auto-antibody production, severe joint pain, and synovial inflammation. Nanotechnology represents one of the utmost promising scientific technologies of the 21st century. Nanocarriers could be the key to unlocking its potential by encapsulating Rutin in targeted drug delivery systems, potentially for targeted Rheumatoid arthritis therapy. Objective: The rationale of current research is to prepare liposomes loaded with a bioflavonoid drug rutin for effective management of rheumatoid arthritis. Methods: This study investigated the formulation of rutin liposomes using the thinfilm hydration technique, also known as the Bangham method. A Box-Behnken design was employed to optimize the formulation parameters. The LP2 batch was then characterized for its mean particle size, zeta potential, shape, diffraction pattern, and thermal properties. Finally, the in-vitro anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory potential of the rutin liposomes were evaluated using appropriate assays. Results: Out of thirteen batches, LP2 was found to be an optimized batch with a mean particle size of 167.1 nm, zeta potential -13.50 mV, and entrapment efficiency of 61.22%. The above results showed higher stability of rutin liposomes. Further characterization of LP2 for morphological assessment, XRD analysis, and DSC revealed its spherical shape less than 1 μm, polycrystalline nature, and thermographic peak at 139°C, respectively. Evaluation of the antioxidant properties and antiinflammatory potential of LP2 revealed its maximum therapeutic potential in the reduction of inflammation and protein denaturation when evaluated via in-vitro assays. Conclusion: Rutin liposomal formulation has tremendous potential for the management of Rheumatoid arthritis due to its enhanced bioavailability, anti-oxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties when compared to free rutin.