FORMULATION DESIGN & DEVELOPMENT OF ARTESUNATE NANOSPONGE

Patil Bhagyashree Subhash* and Dr. S. K. Mohite

ABSTRACT

The objective of the present study was to produce controlled release Artesunate Nanosponges for topical and oral delivery. Nanosponges using three different polymers ethyl cellulose, Poly (methyl methacrylate) and Pluronic F-68 (poloxamer 188) were prepared successfully using PVA as surfactant by emulsion solvent evaporation method. The effects of different drug: polymer ratios, surfactant concentration, stirring speeds and time, sonication time on the physical characteristics of the nanosponges as well as the drug entrapment efficiency of the nanosponges were investigated. Particle size analysis and surface morphology of nanosponges were performed. The scanning electron microscopy of nanosponges showed that they were spherical in shape and spongy in nature. Effective targeted drug delivery systems have been a dream for long time. Site specific or targeted drug delivery is used to treat many diseases like cardiovascular disease, Osteo-diseases, hormonal deficiency diseases like Parkinson„s disease, autoimmune diseases like arthritis, diabetes. The invention of nanosponges has become a significant step towards overcoming these problems. The sponge acts as a three-dimensional network. These small sponges can circulate around the body until they encounter the target site and stick on the surface and began to release the drug in a controlled and predictable manner which is more effective for a particular given dosage.

Keywords: Artesunate Nanosponges, Poly (methyl methacrylate) and Pluronic F-68 (poloxamer 188).