Targeted delivery of flufenamic acid by V-amylose

Aim: Controlled release of flufenamic acid by helical V-amylose to achieve enzyme-responsive, targeted release of the cargo drug. Materials & methods: Solid-state cross-polarization magic angle spinning carbon-13 nuclear magnetic resonance (CP/MAS NMR), Fourier transform IR and x-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis validated the entrapment of flufenamic acid inside the helical structure of V-amylose. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) investigations established the morphology of conjugates in simulated gastric environment (pH 1.2) and simulated intestine media (pH 7.2) containing hydrolyzing enzyme. Results & discussion: V-amylose-flufenamic acid complex displayed a sustained release of flufenamic acid for 12 h with a marked stability in simulated gastric pH, while showing a controlled release of drug in simulated intestine media. Conclusion: The V-amylose-flufenamic acid system achieves intestine-targeted delivery of flufenamic acid. The controlled release of flufenamic acid may ensure minimal ulcerogenicity and application as enteric coatings.