Highly Responsive Chitosan-Co-Poly (MAA) Nanomatrices through Cross-Linking Polymerization for Solubility Improvement

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Drug Delivery Systems
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Poorly soluble drugs like simvastatin pose challenges for oral bioavailability.
• Hydrogels and nanocarriers offer potential solutions for drug solubility enhancement.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and characterize chitosan-based chemically cross-linked nanomatrices for improved simvastatin solubility and release.
• To evaluate the safety and efficacy of these nanocarriers for oral drug delivery.

Main Methods:

• Modified polymerization reaction to synthesize chitosan nanomatrices.
• Characterization using SEM, particle size analysis, DSC, FTIR, XRD, in vitro drug release, and swelling studies.
• In vivo acute toxicity study in Winstor rats.

Main Results:

• Developed nanomatrices exhibited a porous structure, high swelling tendency, and particle size of 227.8 ± 17.8 nm.
• Significant enhancement in simvastatin solubilization efficiency and in vitro drug release.
• XRD confirmed an amorphous drug system; FTIR and DSC confirmed successful grafting and stability.
• In vivo studies confirmed safety and biocompatibility.

Conclusions:

• Chitosan-based nanomatrices effectively enhance simvastatin solubility and bioavailability.
• The developed system is a promising approach for oral delivery of hydrophobic drugs, particularly BCS class-II drugs.
• The nanomatrices possess excellent physico-chemical properties and biocompatibility.