Evaluation of Stability of Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles and Their Further Formulation in Tablet Form

Abstract

Mesoporous silica nanoparticles have been widely investigated as drug delivery systems. The present study evaluated physical stability of indomethacin loaded mesoporous MCM-41 nanoparticles. The size, polydispersity index, zeta-potential, and drug loading degree of nanoparticles were determined immediately after their preparation and after 6 months storage at 25°C in dry state. The results showed insignificant changes in these parameters, suggesting high stability of nanoparticles and loaded indomethacin. The nanoparticles were formulated in tablets by direct compression. The low friability indicated good resistance during handling and storage. The formulation of the nanoparticles into tablets decreased the initial release of indomethacin.

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

Keywords:

• MCM-41
• mesoporous silica nanoparticles
• stability
• tableting

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The authors thank to Prof. Agnes Szegedi (Institute of Materials and Environmental Chemistry, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Hungary) for the synthesis of mesoporous carrier and TEM-images.