Cubic phase nanoparticles for sustained release of ibuprofen formulation characterization and enhanced bioavailability study

Abstract

Linghui Dian,1,2,* Zhiwen Yang,3,* Feng Li,1 Zhouhua Wang,1 Xin Pan,1 Xinsheng Peng,2 Xintian Huang,1 Zhefei Guo,1 Guilan Quan,1 Xuan Shi,1 Bao Chen,1 Ge Li,4 Chuanbin Wu1,41School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, University Town, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China; 2School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong Medical College, Dongguan, People’s Republic of China; 3Department of Gastroenterology, Songjiang Branch of the Affiliated First People’s Hospital of Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China; 4Guangdong Research Center for Drug Delivery Systems, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China*These authors contributed equally to this workAbstract: In order to improve the oral bioavailability of ibuprofen, ibuprofen-loaded cubic nanoparticles were prepared as a delivery system for aqueous formulations. The cubic inner structure was verified by cryogenic transmission electron microscopy. With an encapsulation efficiency greater than 85%, the ibuprofen-loaded cubic nanoparticles had a narrow size distribution around a mean size of 238 nm. Differential scanning calorimetry and X-ray diffraction determined that ibuprofen was in an amorphous and molecular form within the lipid matrix. The in vitro release of ibuprofen from cubic nanoparticles was greater than 80% at 24 hours, showing sustained characteristics. The pharmacokinetic study in beagle dogs showed improved absorption of ibuprofen from cubic nanoparticles compared to that of pure ibuprofen, with evidence of a longer half-life and a relative oral bioavailability of 222% (P < 0.05). The ibuprofen-loaded cubic nanoparticles provide a promising carrier candidate with an efficient drug delivery for therapeutic treatment.Keywords: ibuprofen, cubic nanoparticles, oral drug delivery, bioavailability