Soluplus-Stabilized Nimodipine-Entrapped Spanlastic Formulations Prepared with Edge Activator (Tween20): Comparative...

Area of Science:

• Nanotechnology
• Pharmaceutical Sciences
• Drug Delivery Systems

Background:

• Nimodipine (ND) is a critical vasodilator for acute subarachnoid hemorrhage.
• Its hydrophobic nature results in poor solubility and low bioavailability.
• Spanlastic nanovesicles offer a potential solution for enhancing drug delivery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To formulate nimodipine (ND) into spanlastic nanovesicles.
• To enhance the bioavailability of nimodipine.
• To evaluate the physicochemical properties and in vitro performance of the nanovesicular formulation.

Main Methods:

• Spanlastic nanovesicles containing ND were prepared using the ethanol injection method.
• Formulations utilized Span60 (non-ionic surfactant) and Tween 20 (edge activator).
• Stabilizers like Soluplus were incorporated and compared to non-stabilized formulations; characterization included vesicle size, PDI, %EE, zeta potential, and in vitro release.

Main Results:

• The optimized formula (F27) exhibited favorable characteristics: Vesicle Size (VS) of 125.7±0.29 nm, PolyDispersity Index (PDI) of 0.4744±0.002, Entrapment Efficiency (%EE) of 85.43±0.17%, and zeta potential of -20.01 ± 0.89 mV.
• Formulations with Soluplus showed improved stability and a higher Deformability Index (DI).
• Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) revealed uniform and spherical nanovesicles, suggesting sustained release capabilities.

Conclusions:

• The ethanol injection method is effective for formulating ND into spanlastic nanovesicles.
• Soluplus acts as a stabilizer, preventing crystal development and agglomeration, leading to more stable formulations.
• The developed spanlastic nanovesicles show promise for improving nimodipine's therapeutic efficacy by enhancing its bioavailability.