ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: This work deals with the preparation, characterization and in vitro release study of IBU-loaded gel graft copolymer nanoparticles. METHOD: Gelatin (Gel) graft copolymer nanoparticles were prepared using styrene (Sty) and/or 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) monomers in the presence of potassium persulfate and glutaraldehyde as an initiator and cross-linker, respectively. The prepared nanoparticles as sustained release drug carriers were investigated using the nonsteriodal anti-inflammatory model drug, ibuprofen (IBU). RESULTS: The prepared nanoparticles as sustained release drug carriers were investigated using the nonsteriodal anti-inflammatory model drug, IBU. The prepared Gel/HEMA and Gel/Sty nanoparticles exhibited particles size ranging from 15 to 17 nm and from 0.42 to 5 mm, respectively. The dissolution of IBU in phosphate buffer, pH 7.4, at 37°C from the prepared nanoparticles was evaluated using UV spectroscopy. In addition, the prepared nanoparticles were characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), transmitting electron microscope (TEM) and zeta potential/particle size analyzer. In vitro dissolution study showed that the dissolution rates of the crosslinked nanoparticles were retarded relative to the uncrosslinked ones. Moreover, the released amount constantly decreases with increasing gluteraldehyde content in the gel nanoparticles. CONCLUSION: Crosslinked gel-based graft copolymers exhibited slow IBU release within six hours. Furthermore, results from different characterization techniques such as TEM, particles size and zeta potential measurements confirmed the formation of pH-responsive gel-graft copolymer nanoparticles.
Subject(s)
Drug Carriers/chemistry , Gelatin/chemistry , Ibuprofen/administration & dosage , Nanoparticles , Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal/administration & dosage , Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal/chemistry , Calorimetry, Differential Scanning , Cross-Linking Reagents/chemistry , Delayed-Action Preparations , Drug Compounding , Hydrogen-Ion Concentration , Ibuprofen/chemistry , Methacrylates/chemistry , Particle Size , Polymers/chemistry , Solubility , Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared , Styrene/chemistry , Time FactorsABSTRACT
A commercial suspension of nanoparticles (Eudragit RS 30D) was used to manufacture a gel for topical application. Gels were prepared by mixing a polycationic polymer (Eudragit(®) RS 30D) and a low molecular weight heparin (LMWH), an antithrombotic agent. Gels formed spontaneously at a ratio of 1:1 as a result of electrostatic interactions between the polyanionic drug and the polycationic polymer. Different types of heparin were used: Bemiparin, Enoxaparin (Lovenox), Nadroparin (Fraxiparin) and Tinzaparin (Innohep). Several LMWH concentrations were tested. Rheological measurements were performed to investigate the gel behavior. Gel formation was confirmed by dynamic rheological measurements as the elastic modulus (G') was higher than the viscous one (Gâ³). The amount of heparin incorporated into the gel matrix was determined. A maximum of incorporation (100%) was reached using a heparin solution of 600 IU/mL. The release kinetics of LMWH from the gel were also studied. Regardless of the LMWH used in the formulation, a biphasic release profile was observed. Accordingly, a burst effect was observed. Afterwards, the release rate became steady. The penetration of the LMWH through the dermal barrier was also investigated.
