Structural and in-vitro characterization of highly swellable β-cyclodextrin polymeric nanogels fabricated by free radical polymerization for solubility enhancement of rosuvastatin

Abstract

Objective of the research was to potentiate solubility of Rosuvastatin by nanogels synthesized by free radical polymerization. Surface morphology and structural compatibility were studied through scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Zeta sizer was used for particle size analysis. Swelling, in-vitro release and solubility studies were accomplished in different media. Similarly, results of in-vitro release of nanogels and commercially available tablets of Rosuvastatin were compared in different dissolution media. Biocompatibility study was performed in healthy rabbits for safety profile. FTIR spectroscopy confirmed the presence of corresponding peaks of respective functional groups of individual constituents and that of the drug in unloaded and loaded nanogels. SEM images depicted the fluffy appearance of nanogels with small pores inside the structure. Particle size of the optimized formulation was in the range of 217.70 ± 2.23 for unloaded and 257.33 ± 2.11 for loaded nanogels. Percent drug loading, in-vitro drug release and solubility profiles were also satisfactory. In comparison with commercially available tablet Rovista®, in-vitro release profiles of synthesized nanogels showed better response. Moreover, synthesized nanogels were also biocompatible. It was concluded that the solubility of Rosuvastatin was potentially enhanced by nanogels and such formulation can also be used for other poorly soluble drugs.

Keywords:

• β-cyclodextrin
• rosuvastatin
• nanogels
• solubility study
• statistical analysis

Acknowledgement

The authors are thankful for the contribution of the Islamia University of Bahawalpur Pakistan for providing the finances and facilities for performing studies.

Contribution of authors

Dr. Muhammad Usman Minhas Designed and supervised the main project, Dr. Syed Faisal Badshah performed the actual experimental work, collected the data, presented the results and processed the actual scientific writing, Dr. Abu Bakkar Munir assisted in providing the structural characterization facilities, Dr. Kifayat Ullah Khan helped in completing the research work and assisted in experimental work, Dr. Orva Abdullah provided assistance in accessing different instruments and apparatuses, Dr. Kashif Barkat assisted in compiling the results and arranging them according to the format. Also assisted in scientific writing, Dr. Muhammad Suhail helped in arranging the data and formatting the manuscript as according to the requirements of the journal, Dr. Nadia Shamshad Malik provided facilities for performing the biocompatibility studies, Dr. Nasrullah Jan and Dr. Hitesh Chopra both reviewed the scientific writing, formatted the main manuscript, highlighted typographic and grammatical mistakes and corrected them as according to the need.

Compliance with ethical standards

Animal studies were conducted in accordance with the approved guidelines of Pharmacy Animal Ethics Committee (PAEC).

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).