DEVELOPMENT OF OMEPRAZOLE LOADED NANOSPONGES FOR GASTRIC ULCER

*Krishnananda Kamath K., V. P. Navya Krishna and A. R. Shabaraya

ABSTRACT

Nanosponges are tiny mesh-like nanoporous particular structure in which a large variety of substances can be encapsulated or suspended, and then be incorporated into a dosage form. They have a proven spherical colloidal nature, reported to have a very high solubilization capacity for poorly soluble drugs. Omeprazole is proton pump inhibitor which is extensively degraded in acidic pH conditions. Omeprazole loaded nanosponges for gastric ulcer were prepared by Emulsion solvent diffusion method by using ethylcellulose, PVA and pluronic F-68 and dichloromethane as a solvent. The prepared nanosponges were evaluated for percentage yield, entrapment efficiency, particle size, drug polymer compatibility, scanning electron microscopy, and in-vitro drug release. SEM studies confirmed their porous structure with number of nanochannels. The FTIR spectra showed stable character of omeprazole in mixture of polymers and revealed the absence of drug polymer interactions. The average particle size of omeprazole nanoparticle was found to be 83.4 to 190.69 nm. The negative zeta potential values were attained to ensure a good stability of nanosponges. The drug release from nanosponges was found to extent upto 7h. The optimized nanosponges were formulated into enteric coated tablet and evaluated for weight variation, friability, hardness, and dissolution studies. In-vitro release of drug from enteric coated tablet follows zero order and showed controlled release behavior for a period of 22 h. The data obtained in this study suggests that nanosponges of omeprazole are promising for controlled drug delivery. This can reduce the dosing frequency.

Keywords: Controlled drug delivery, Nanosponges, Omeprazole, dissolution.