Formulation and Evaluation of Enteric Coated Nanoparticulate System for Poorly Absorbable Drug

The research work was aimed to develop mucoadhesive nanoparticulate system for enhancing solubility and bioavailability of poorly soluble drug, simvastatin (SVS) (model drug). The nanoparticles (NPs) suspensions were prepared by ionotropic gelation method using chitosan (CS), sodium tripolyphosphate(STPP), β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) and coated with Eudragit L100. The CS NPs were characterized by DSC, FTIR, SEM, zeta potential and evaluated for entrapment efficiency, drug loading, in vitro drug release, ex vivo study and mucoadhesive strength. The results showed that the STPP/CS ratio 1:5 produced particles in nanorange and the size of the drug loaded CS NPs were not affected by the incorporation of β-CD. As the β-CD: drug ratio increased the final drug loading increased significantly. The in vitro study showed initial burst release followed by delayed release. The ex vivo study revealed increased drug transport from CS NPs through rat intestinal mucus lining. In conclusion, this new nanosystem seems to be promising carriers for transmucosal delivery of drugs having poor solubility and bioavailability.