Nanoemulsions as parenteral drug delivery systems for a new anticancer benzimidazole derivative

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Abstract

Background
Recently, much attention has been paid to the application of nanoemulsions (NEs) as drug delivery systems. Besides their high solubilization capacity, NEs are powerful carrier systems because of their thermodynamic stability, ease of preparation, and high absorption rates.
Aim
The present work focuses on the design of stable and dilutable NEs for intravenous administration of a potent antitumor benzimidazole derivative, a poorly water-soluble active ingredient.
Materials and methods
NEs were formulated using ethanol as cosurfactant and Tween 20, Acconon MCF, and Labrasol as surfactants using the oil with maximum drug solubilization. Selected NEs were evaluated for droplet size, zeta potential, morphology, release profile, and physical stability.
Results
The results revealed the development of eight NEs composed of 10% oleic acid with an infinite dilution capacity. NE3, NE6, and NE8 having the highest surfactant to cosurfactant ratio (3: 1) showed the best drug solubilization capacity. The NE droplets appeared almost spherical, ranging from 28.21 to 153.00 nm, with narrow distribution and relatively high zeta potential. NEs demonstrated sustained release profiles, whereas increasing surfactant to cosurfactant ratio was accompanied by increased drug release. NEs showed excellent physical stability with no phase separation or change in particle size.
Conclusion
Our results suggest that NEs can be used as a promising intravenous delivery system.

Keywords

Egyptian Pharmaceutical Journal
Volume 14, Issue 3
September 2015
Pages 166-173

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