Oral extended release of dexamethasone: Montmorillonite–PLGA nanocomposites as a delivery vehicle

• Combination of Mt with PLGA for DEX is being reported for the first time.
• Effect of Mt on encapsulation efficiency and in vitro release of DEX was studied.
• Presence of Mt reduces the burst effect and provides better control on DEX release.

Dexamethasone (DEX) is a potent synthetic member of the glucocorticoid class of steroid drugs that has anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressant effects. It is 25 times more potent than cortisol in its glucocorticoid effect, while having a minimal mineralocorticoid effect.Due to the hydrophobicity and short half-life of the drug, high doses are required to maintain its therapeutic level in the blood plasma which has undesirable side effects.Therefore, a new drug delivery system capable of overcoming the drawbacks associated with dexamethasone is required at present.The present study is aimed at developing an extended release carrier for DEX using montmorillonite (Mt) and polylactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) nanocomposites suitable for oral administration. The synthesized clay polymer nanocomposites (CPN) were characterized with respect to morphology, particle size, physical status etc. The in-vitro drug release behavior of DEX from Mt–PLGA nanocomposites and PLGA particles in simulated gastrointestinal fluids has been investigated. In-vitro drug release profiles of CPN in simulated gastrointestinal fluid indicate an extended release of DEX as compared to DEX–PLGA particles and pure DEX.

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