Design and evaluation of molecular organogel based on folic acid as a potential green drug carrier for oral route

Abstract

Objective

The low molecular weight organogels are interesting carriers for pharmaceutical compounds. However, their uses are limited due to the toxicity burden of the organic solvent used. Hence, this study aimed to prepare organogel using folic acid (FA) in different concentrations as a gelator for propylene glycol (PG) biocompatible solvent.

Methods

The simple mixing method followed by incubation in a water bath at 90 °C was used to prepare organogels. Then, formulations were assessed using different methods including differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), dropping method, attenuated total reflectance – Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), oscillatory rheology studies, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and in vitro dissolution study.

Results

Gel formation and its consistency were highly depending on FA concentration. The results showed that increasing the concentration of FA in the organogel led to accelerating the gelation process, and the least amount of FA that could gel the PG was 0.25% w/w. However, higher concentrations were needed to create an organogel with excellent properties. The DSC and dropping studies revealed stable organogels formulations at body temperature. The ATR-FTIR showed interactions between the pteridine ring of FA and PG. The strain amplitude and frequency sweep tests demonstrated an increase in storage modulus values as the concentration of FA increased at 37 °C, which were frequency independent at high frequencies. In addition, the SEM exposed the fabrics like the structure of these organogels. Furthermore, the in vitro dissolution of organogel was pH-dependent, with a high possibility of taking place in the large intestine.

Conclusion

FA/PG organogel formulation is a promising carrier for drug and nutraceuticals compound for the oral delivery system.

Keywords:

• Folic acid
• biocompatible solvent
• oral delivery
• organogel
• propylene glycol

Disclosure statement

The authors report no conflict of interest.

Data availability statement

The data will be available on request from the corresponding author.