Enhanced Proliferation and Growth of Human Lung Epithelial Cells on Gelatin Microparticle Loaded with Ephedra Extracts

Abstract EN

The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of extracts of Ephedra gerardiana loaded onto gelatin particles on human lung epithelial cells.

Particles were synthesized using oil-water emulsification technique and were further stabilized by glutaraldehyde.

Particle size was evaluated using SEM and zeta potential analyzer and was found to be in the range of 600 nm–1.32 μm.

Drug release profile showed controlled and constant release of extract over the period of 5 days.

In vitro biocompatibility of gelatin particles loaded with solvent-free extract of Ephedra gerardiana was tested with human lung epithelial cells.

Gelatin particle acted not only as scaffold for cellular adhesion but also as carrier matrix for controlled release of extracts.

The cell viability was significantly high when cultured in the presence of Ephedra extract in comparison to cells without Ephedra and 2D system as seen in MTT, SEM, and live/dead staining assay.

It is concluded that gelatin microparticle functions both as drug delivery system and scaffold; however, the main finding was the effect of Ephedra extract on human lung cells resulting in enhanced proliferation and consequent promotion of ECM production indicating that extract could be a bioactive component that can be utilized in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.