Preparation of Eudragit L 100-55 enteric nanoparticles by a novel emulsion diffusion method

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Pharmaceutical Sciences

Background:

• Enteric polymers are crucial for targeted drug delivery, protecting payloads from gastric degradation.
• Developing efficient methods for nanoparticle preparation is essential for pharmaceutical applications.
• Eudragit L100-55 offers pH-dependent solubility, making it suitable for enteric formulations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel ultrasonic-assisted emulsion diffusion method for preparing Eudragit L100-55 nanoparticles.
• To characterize the physicochemical properties and drug-release behavior of the nanoparticles.
• To evaluate the in vitro cytotoxicity and cellular uptake of the prepared nanoparticles.

Main Methods:

• Nanoparticle preparation via ultrasonic dispersion and diffusion solidification using Eudragit L100-55.
• Characterization using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR).
• In vitro drug release studies at different pH values, cytotoxicity assays, and Caco-2 cell uptake studies.

Main Results:

• Spherical nanoparticles with negative zeta potential were successfully synthesized.
• FTIR analysis confirmed no molecular interaction between omeprazole and Eudragit L100-55.
• The nanoparticles exhibited significant pH-sensitive drug release and were readily taken up by Caco-2 cells with mild cytotoxicity.

Conclusions:

• The ultrasonic-assisted emulsion diffusion method is effective for synthesizing enteric Eudragit L100-55 nanoparticles.
• These nanoparticles demonstrate promising characteristics for pH-sensitive drug delivery applications.
• The method holds potential for preparing other pH-sensitive polymer-based nanoparticles.