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Published on: April 7, 2023
Microencapsulation as a novel delivery method for the potential antidiabetic drug, Probucol.
Armin Mooranian1, Rebecca Negrulj1, Nigel Chen-Tan2
1Biotechnology and Drug Development Research Laboratory School of Pharmacy, Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Biosciences Research Precinct, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia.
Novel microencapsulated probucol (PB) using sodium alginate (SA) shows promising structural properties for oral delivery in type 2 diabetes (T2D). These PB-SA microcapsules are stable and suitable for further clinical investigation.
Area of Science:
- Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Materials Science
Background:
- Multicompartmental microcapsules are effective for oral drug delivery in type 2 diabetes (T2D).
- Probucol (PB), an antihyperlipidemic and antioxidant, has potential therapeutic benefits for T2D.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel microencapsulated formulation of Probucol (PB).
- To characterize the physicochemical properties of PB-loaded sodium alginate (PB-SA) microcapsules in vitro.
Main Methods:
- Microencapsulation of PB using a Büchi-based system with sodium alginate (SA) at a 1:30 ratio.
- Comprehensive in vitro characterization including morphology, size, thermal analysis (DSC), and spectral studies (FTIR).
Main Results:
- PB-SA microcapsules exhibited uniform morphology with an average diameter of 1 mm.
- Microcapsules demonstrated pseudoplastic-thixotropic rheological behavior.
- Differential scanning calorimetry and FTIR confirmed no chemical interactions and indicated good microcapsule stability.
Conclusions:
- The developed PB-SA microcapsules possess favorable structural and stability characteristics.
- These microcapsules show potential for the oral delivery of Probucol in type 2 diabetes.
- Further clinical studies are warranted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of PB in T2D.
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