A nanosystem for water-insoluble drugs prepared by a new technology, nanoparticulation using a solid lipid and supercritical fluid

Arch Pharm Res. 2013 Nov;36(11):1369-76. doi: 10.1007/s12272-013-0187-2. Epub 2013 Jun 20.

Abstract

While the number and diversity of lead compounds has increased with the development of science technologies, ca. 90 % of new chemical entities under development have shown low aqueous solubility, classified as class II or IV of the biopharmaceutics classification system (BCS). The low aqueous solubility hinders their clinical translations due to low bioavailability and dissolution-limited absorption of orally-administered drugs. Several technologies have been employed to improve the solubility of poorly water-soluble drugs. In this paper, a new method of nanoparticulation using fat and a supercritical fluid (NUFS) for the formulation of hydrophobic drugs was applied to solve the low solubility problem. A typical BCS class II drug, itraconazole, was selected and formulated with hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, emulsification, and anticoagulating agents for NUFS. The non-spherical itraconazole nanoparticles prepared by NUFS were ~300-500 nm in size with a ~15-fold improved dissolution rate compared to non-nanoparticles of itraconazole (i.e., raw itraconazole). In addition, a high drug content of ~46 % by weight and a drug loading efficiency greater than 85 % were achieved. Therefore, the new technology for nano-platforms could be a promising solution for solubilization of poorly water-soluble drugs, resulting in improved bioavailability.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Antifungal Agents / chemistry
  • Biological Availability
  • Chemistry, Pharmaceutical / methods*
  • Itraconazole / chemistry*
  • Lipids / chemistry*
  • Nanoparticles / chemistry*
  • Nanoparticles / ultrastructure
  • Nanotechnology / methods*
  • Particle Size
  • Solubility
  • Water / chemistry

Substances

  • Antifungal Agents
  • Lipids
  • Water
  • Itraconazole