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Amphiphilogels for drug delivery: formulation and characterization
Nadeen Jibry1, Richard K Heenan, Sudaxshina Murdan
1Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, University of London, London, WC1N 1AX, UK.
Pharmaceutical Research
|November 24, 2004
Summary
Novel non-ionic surfactant amphiphilogels were developed. These stable, thermoreversible gels exhibit properties suitable for topical applications, softening near skin temperature.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Colloid and Surface Chemistry
Background:
- Amphiphilogels are supramolecular systems formed by self-assembly of amphiphilic molecules.
- Non-ionic surfactants offer advantages in biocompatibility and reduced irritation for topical formulations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the microstructure, gelation temperatures, and flow properties of novel amphiphilogels.
- To explore amphiphilogels composed exclusively of non-ionic surfactants for potential topical applications.
Main Methods:
- Gels were prepared by heating solid gelators (sorbitan monostearate/monopalmitate) with liquid phases (sorbitan esters/polysorbates) to form sols, followed by cooling.
- Microstructure was analyzed using light/electron microscopy and small-angle neutron scattering (SANS).
- Gelation temperatures and flow properties were characterized by hotstage microscopy, melting point apparatus, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and rheology.
Main Results:
- Gel microstructure comprised aggregated tubules forming a 3D network, demonstrating thermoreversibility.
- Increased gelator concentration led to higher gelation temperatures and viscosity, indicating a more robust network.
- Gels softened significantly near skin surface temperature, suggesting suitability for topical application.
Conclusions:
- Stable, thermoreversible, and thixotropic surfactant gels (amphiphilogels) were successfully prepared.
- The physical properties of these amphiphilogels are well-suited for topical use.