The invention relates to self-assembled nanofibres of chitosan and bioactive compounds, which can be used as nutraceuticals or drugs. The bioactive compounds suitable for the nanofibres of the invention are molecules of a low molecular size with acid or lactone groups, aromatic rings and hydroxyls, such as small polyphenols and mixtures thereof. The nanofibres of the invention are absorbed, without degradation, at the level of the small intestine, containing and protecting the bioactive compounds until they reach the various target organs. The nanofibres also cross the blood-brain barrier, allowing the compounds to reach the brain where they act as a controlled release system. If the bioactive compounds are neuroprotectors, such as antioxidants, the nanofibres of the invention can be used to treat or prevent neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), as well as she strokes and other diseases related to aging or associated with oxidative stress. The invention also relates to the method for obtaining the nanofibres, which comprises mixing chitosan with the bioactive compounds and allowing self-assembly. The invention further relates to the dosage form containing the nanofibres of the invention, particularly for oral administration, such as tablets, coated tablets, powders, capsules, syrups, or others.
本发明涉及
壳聚糖和
生物活性化合物自组装纳米纤维,可用作营养保健品或药物。适用于本发明纳米纤维的
生物活性化合物是具有酸或内酯基团、芳香环和羟基的低分子大小的分子,例如小型多
酚及其混合物。本发明的纳米纤维可在小肠一级被吸收而不会降解,含有并保护
生物活性化合物,直至到达各目标器官。纳米纤维还能穿过血脑屏障,使化合物到达大脑,在大脑中起到控制释放系统的作用。如果
生物活性化合物是神经保护剂,如
抗氧化剂,本发明的纳米纤维可用于治疗或预防神经退行性疾病,如阿尔茨海默氏症、帕
金森氏症、亨廷顿氏症和肌萎缩性脊髓侧索硬化症(ALS),以及中风和其他与衰老有关或与氧化应激有关的疾病。本发明还涉及获得纳米纤维的方法,包括将
壳聚糖与
生物活性化合物混合并进行自组装。本发明还涉及含有本发明纳米纤维的剂型,特别是用于口服的剂型,如片剂、包衣片剂、粉末、胶囊、糖浆或其他剂型。