Paliperidone Palmitate-Loaded Zein-Maltodextrin Nanocomplex: Fabrication, Characterization, and In Vitro Release

Purpose The purpose of this research was to employ maltodextrin as a stabilizer to stabilize the zein nanocomplex of paliperidone palmitate. Method A zein-maltodextrin nanocomplex was synthesized using an anti-solvent precipitation technique. Box–Behnken Design was utilized for the optimization of drug-loaded zein-maltodextrin nanocomplex. Physiochemical characterization (DSC, XRD, NMR, and FT-IR), surface morphology, and release behavior were carried out. Results The inclusion of polysaccharides resulted in spherical stable optimized nanocomplexes with a small particle size (184.30 ± 0.067 nm) and an acceptable zeta potential (23.00 ± 0.124 mV) and improved encapsulation. The solid-state characterization and zeta potential demonstrated that electrostatic interaction was the predominant driving force, with hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interaction serving as additional driving forces. The release profile of drug-loaded zein-maltodextrin nanocomplex indicated sustained release in vitro. In long-term storage (25 ± 2 °C/60 ± 5% RH and 4 ± 2 °C), the drug-loaded zein-maltodextrin nanocomplex remained stable. Conclusion Thus, the protein-polysaccharide nanocomplex can be used to deliver antipsychotic drugs. Graphical Abstract