Production and Characterization of Melon Sulfated Pectin (Cucumis melo var. acidulus) Nanoparticles with Anticoagulant Potential

Objective: Unfractionated heparin and low molecular weight heparin are the drugs most used today in coagulopathy. Although effective, these drugs have limitations in their usage, which aroused the interest of the scientific community in researching other substances with a similar effect. This study aims to analyze the anticoagulant activity of isolated and chemically modified pectin extracted from Caipira melon (Cucumis melo var. acidulus) and its nanoencapsulation for therapeutic use. Materials and Methods: For the analysis of anticoagulant activity, thrombin time, prothrombin time and activated partial thromboplastin time were performed. The nanoparticles were produced by a double emulsion using poly(lacticco-glycolic acid) and poly (vinyl alcohol) and, subsequently, were analyzed morphologically by scanning electron microscopy and characterized in the Zetasizer Nano ZS90. Results: The pectin tests showed promising anticoagulant activity. In order to increase the biological activity of this substance, nanoparticles of sulfated pectin were obtained, attaining particle size 301.03 nm, polydispersity index of 0.18, zeta potential of -16.63 mV and Acid pH, the results were considered satisfactory by the researchers. The encapsulation efficiency of the sulfated pectin was 76.31% with controlled release. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed uniform and spherical nanoparticles. Conclusion: The results indicated that the sulfated pectin nanoparticles can be seen as an innovative alternative in anticoagulant therapy.