Preparation and in vitro evaluation of rutin nanostructured liquisolid delivery system

Poor aqueous solubility of chemical entities presents a major challenge to modern drug delivery, because of their low bioavailability. Our aim was to prepare and evaluate a suitable solid self-emulsifying drug delivery system (SSEDDS) as a potential carrier for rutin. After screening of various vehicles (surfactants, co-surfactants and oils) and selection of those having the better drug solubilizing power, liquid SEDDS were formulated. Prepared formulations were evaluated for self-emulsifying ability and phase diagrams were constructed to optimize the systems. System (S6), prepared from Triton/Acconon/Labrafac, attained highest drug solubilization capacity, hence, was selected for the preparation of SSEDDS by adsorption on different nano-structured carriers (Neusilin®, Fujicalin® and F-melt®) in different ratios. S6 had a very small particle size of 4.849 ± 0.001 nm and a high percentage transmittance of 99.31 ± 0.16%. SSEDDS showing good flow properties as well as reasonable drug loading capacity were selected for in vitro drug release studies. The SSEDDS (SS4) composed of Neusilin® US2: S6 (1:2) attained the best drug release properties and was subjected to further characterization (SEM, FTIR and XRD). Conclusion: The optimized liquisolid dosage form of rutin provided good flowability as well as fast drug release properties and, therefore, can be suitable for oral delivery system.