Optimization of poly(Ε-caprolactone) based biodegradable in situ porous drug-eluting insert of BCS class II/IV drug for targeted application

Abstract

Over the past decades, comprehensive attempts have been made to improve physiological absorption by designing delivery systems, using suitable carriers, and altering the route of administration. Here, the vaginal route was targeted using capsular-shaped biodegradable in situ porous drug-eluting inserts (DEI) using clotrimazole as a model drug and PCL and PEO WSR 303 as rate-controlling polymers. Morphology, thermal properties, and degradation kinetics were assessed in comparison to non-porous DEI. The optimized DEI showed site-specific controlled drug release as per disease need, which may lead to enhanced bioavailability as well as patient compliance with reduced dose-related side effects.

Graphical Abstract

Keywords:

• Biodegradation
• controlled release
• drug-eluting insert
• porosity
• rate-controlling polymers
• targeted site

Acknowledgements

The authors are thankful to Ramanbhai Patel College of Pharmacy, Charotar University of Science and Technology for extending their facilities to carry out the research work.

Author contributions

Material preparation, data collection, writing and analysis were performed by the first author. Conceptualization, review, and editing were performed by the corresponding author.

Disclosure statement

The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest with regard to this study.

Additional information

Funding

This research has been performed from a contingency amount received as a part of an award of SHODH – ScHeme of Developing High Quality Research Scholarship.