Formulation and in-Vitro Evaluation of Gefitinib Nano-Sponges

Abstract

In this study, nano-sponges were prepared using the solvent evaporation technique and subsequently formulated into a gel form of Gefitinib. The Nano sponge formulations were prepared by solvent evaporation method employing β Cyclodextrin Ethyl Cellulose and poloxamer rate retarding polymers using PVA as a co polymer.  The compatibility of the drug with formulation components was established by Fourier Transform Infra-Red (FTIR) spectroscopy. The surface morphology, production yield, and drug entrapment efficiency of nano-sponges were examined. The shape and surface morphology of the nano-sponges were examined using scanning electron microscopy. Scanning electron microscopy revealed the porous, spherical nature of the Nano-sponges. SEM photographs revealed the spherical nature of the nano-sponges in all variations; however, at higher ratios, drug crystals were observed on the nano-sponge surface. Increase in the drug/polymer ratio (1:1 to 1:2), which is in increasing order due to the increase in the concentration of polymer, but after a certain concentration, it was observed that as the ratio of drug to polymer was increased, the particle size decreased. The particle size was found in the range of 200-500 nm. The entrapment efficiency of different formulations is found in the range of 92.53 to 98.54%. The in vitro release studies revealed that the formulation with a higher concentration of penetration enhancer showed greater drug release.