A novel self emulsifying parenteral drug delivery system

Area of Science:

• Pharmaceutical Sciences
• Drug Delivery Systems
• Formulation Science

Background:

• Parenteral emulsion formulations require effective emulsifiers for stability and drug delivery.
• Polyhydroxy alcohols are explored for their potential to enhance emulsion properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of glycerol, propylene glycol, and sorbitol on parenteral emulsion formulations.
• To evaluate the potential of these polyols in creating self-emulsifying systems for parenteral drug delivery.

Main Methods:

• Soybean oil-in-water emulsions were prepared with varying concentrations of lecithin, Span 20, and polyhydroxy alcohols.
• Characterization of self-emulsifying properties, isotropic liquid formation, and particle size reduction was performed.
• A model drug (lidocaine) was incorporated into a PSEDDS formulation to assess spontaneous emulsification.

Main Results:

• Glycerol at 30% or higher concentrations, with lecithin and Span 20, formed self-emulsifying isotropic liquids.
• These isotropic liquids spontaneously emulsified in water to submicron particle sizes (0.39-0.4 micron).
• Propylene glycol and sorbitol, or lower glycerol concentrations, did not yield self-emulsifying mixtures, with varying particle size reduction efficiencies.

Conclusions:

• Glycerol is effective in developing parenteral self-emulsifying drug delivery systems (PSEDDS).
• The concentration of polyhydroxy alcohol significantly influences self-emulsification and particle size.
• Polyhydroxy alcohols alter surfactant distribution at the interface, impacting emulsion characteristics.