Aerogels as drug delivery systems: In vitro and in vivo evaluations

• Aerogel microparticles based on silica, starch and sodium alginate were obtained with the use of supercritical drying process.
• Supercritical adsorption experiments were performed with five active substances.
• In-vitro dissolution test was performed to investigate the release behavior of active drugs loaded into the aerogel.
• In-vivo studies showed that bioavailability values for drug-loaded samples are higher than for pure active drugs.

The research was oriented toward the preparation of silica aerogels and starch and sodium alginate aerogels, using supercritical fluid technology with potential applications as carriers for oral drug delivery.A supercritical adsorption process was used to obtain drug-loaded aerogels. In-vitro dissolution test were performed. Release behavior was evaluated in different pH media (pH 1.2 and 6.8). Results showed that the release rate increased for certain pharmaceutical ingredients. Time was required to release and dissolve 50% of the active drug from drug-loaded aerogels, reduced in comparison with pure active drugs. The primary in-vivo studies were performed to determine the bioavailability of the active substance loaded into the aerogel in comparison with the pure active drug. Results showed that bioavailability values for drug-loaded samples are higher than that of pure active drugs.Obtained results provide insight into the application of aerogels as a drug delivery system to improve pharmacokinetic properties of active drugs.

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