Formulation, Characterization and Cytotoxic Effect of Indomethacin-loaded Nanoparticles

Area of Science:

• Nanotechnology
• Pharmaceutical Sciences
• Drug Delivery Systems

Background:

• Indomethacin (IND) is an anti-inflammatory drug with poor solubility and short half-life.
• It causes gastrointestinal side effects and requires frequent dosing.
• Biopharmaceutical Classification System (BCS) class 2 drugs like IND present formulation challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To enhance indomethacin's therapeutic efficacy by developing novel nanoparticle formulations.
• To overcome challenges of low solubility, short half-life, and adverse effects of indomethacin.
• To create sustained-release formulations for improved patient compliance and reduced toxicity.

Main Methods:

• Polymeric Nanoparticles (PNPs) prepared via emulsification/solvent evaporation.
• Solid Lipid Nanoparticles (SLNs) prepared using hot homogenization.
• Characterization included particle size, PDI, zeta potential, encapsulation efficiency, and drug-excipient compatibility (DSC, FT-IR, 1H NMR).
• In vitro drug release and cytotoxicity (MTT assay) were evaluated.

Main Results:

• Both PNP and SLN formulations exhibited good stability, particle size, PDI, and zeta potential.
• High encapsulation efficiencies were achieved for both nanoparticle types.
• In vitro studies confirmed prolonged drug release from both formulations compared to pure indomethacin.
• PNP formulations showed significantly lower toxicity to normal cells.

Conclusions:

• Successfully developed indomethacin-loaded PNP and SLN formulations.
• These formulations facilitate intestinal drug release and extend release duration.
• PNP nanocarriers offer a safer alternative for indomethacin delivery due to reduced cytotoxicity.