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Sponges carrying self-microemulsifying drug delivery systems
Elinor Josef1, Havazelet Bianco-Peled
1Inter-Departmental Program for Biotechnology, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 32000, Israel; The Russell Berrie Nanotechnology Institute, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 32000, Israel.
International Journal of Pharmaceutics
|October 8, 2013
Summary
Researchers developed solid self-microemulsifying drug delivery systems (SMEDDS) by incorporating them into natural polymer sponges. This novel approach enhances drug solubility and provides a solid dosage form for improved hydrophobic drug delivery.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Pharmaceutical Technology
- Polymer Science
Background:
- Self-microemulsifying drug delivery systems (SMEDDS) improve lipophilic drug solubility but their liquid form limits application.
- Solid dosage forms are desirable for SMEDDS to overcome handling and stability challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a method for solidifying SMEDDS by incorporating them into hydrophilic natural polymer sponges.
- To evaluate the structural integrity and drug release characteristics of these composite materials.
Main Methods:
- Incorporation of microemulsions into alginate gels followed by freeze-drying using various schemes.
- Characterization of sponge structure using scanning electron microscopy and small-angle X-ray scattering.
- Assessment of drug (Nile red) solubility, release kinetics, and sponge water uptake.
Main Results:
- SMEDDS were successfully incorporated and retained as 9 nm objects within the freeze-dried alginate sponges.
- The sponges maintained SMEDDS integrity upon rehydration and demonstrated solubility for a model hydrophobic drug.
- Drug release rates and sponge water uptake were dependent on the freeze-drying method employed.
Conclusions:
- Combining SMEDDS with natural polymer sponges creates a solid dosage form for hydrophobic drugs.
- This approach overcomes limitations of both SMEDDS and hydrophilic sponges, enabling sustained drug release.
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