Formulation and Evaluation of Alverine Citrate-Loaded Polymeric Nanoparticles for Oral Delivery

Abstract

This study aims to formulate and evaluate polymeric nanoparticles of Alverine Citrate for oral administration. Alverine Citrate was selected as a suitable drug for polymeric nanoparticles due to its low solubility, low bioavailability, and high frequency of administration. The nanoprecipitation method was used to prepare nanoparticles to avoid both chlorinated solvents and surfactants, thereby preventing their toxic effects on the body. Polymeric nanoparticles of Alverine Citrate were prepared by using the hydrophilic polymer chitosan. The prepared formulations were then characterized for particle size, polydispersity index, zeta potential, loading efficiency, encapsulation efficiency, and drug-excipient compatibility. The prepared nanoparticulate formulations of Alverine Citrate with different polymer ratios have shown an average particle size of 114.8 nm, a polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.366, a zeta potential of -2.4 mV, a loading efficiency in the range of 16.96 to 40.15, and an entrapment efficiency in the range of 77.96 % to 85.78 %. Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) analysis of the polymeric nanoparticles revealed their spherical shape. The Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) study confirmed that there was no intermolecular interaction between the drug and polymer. FTIR study concluded that no major interaction occurred between the drug and polymers used in the present study.