Modified karaya gum colloidal particles for the management of systemic hypertension

This study undertakes the development of colloidal carriers for the purpose of oral delivery of bosentan and subsequent management of systemic hypertension. Karaya gum, a natural polymer was carboxymethylated to improve its hydrophilic character and then the carboxymethyl gum was hydrophobically modified by forming propyl ethers. The modified polymer acquired amphiphilic property and self-aggregated in water to form amphiphilic colloidal particles (ACPs) at critical concentration of 3.35 mg/L with spherical shape (<200 nm) and smooth surface morphology. The colloidal particles could entrap >90% drug in the lipophilic domain. The ionic crosslinking of the hydrophilic shell of ACPs imparted greater stability to the colloidal system. The crosslinking extended the duration of drug release under simulated gastrointestinal fluids. The crystalline drug physically turned into amorphous state after hosting into the lipophilic cores of ACPs. The entrapment resulted in significant improvement of drug dissolution rate. The polymer relaxation contributed to the diffusion process of drug from ACPs. Pre-clinical testing via oral route demonstrated that the crosslinked colloidal particles could effectively control the systemic hypertension over a period of 12 h. Hence, bosentan-loaded self-assembled colloidal particles may advance the management of systemic hypertension.