Preparation of a Novel Form of Gelatin With a Three-Dimensional Ordered Macroporous Structure to Regulate the Release of Poorly Water-Soluble Drugs

In this study, a novel three-dimensional ordered macroporous gelatin (3DOMG) was fabricated as a carrier for increasing the solubility of poorly water-soluble drugs, offering sustained release and a high oral bioavailability. Polymethyl methacrylate nanospheres (257 nm) were used as a colloidal plastic framework to synthesize 3DOMG. Fenofibrate (FNB) was selected as a model drug and loaded onto 3DOMG by the adsorption equilibrium method. Detailed characterization showed that the FNB absorbed onto 3DOMG was in a microcrystalline state. A fluorescence experiment and the prepared drug microcrystal network gave further information on the physical state of the drug. A degradation experiment proved that 3DOMG was readily biodegradable. In vitro release testing showed that 3DOMG increased the dissolution rate of FNB and produced a sustained release. An in vivo pharmacokinetic study confirmed that 3DOMG improved the oral bioavailability compared with that of commercial sustained-release capsules. These findings confirm that 3DOMG can be regarded as a promising carrier for an oral drug delivery system.