In order to enhance the delivery of poorly-soluble drugs, we have explored aquasomes (three-layered, ceramic core based, oligosaccharide coated nanoparticles) as potential carriers for the delivery of model hydrophobic drug piroxicam (log P = 3.1). Ceramic nanoparticles were prepared using two techniques; namely, co-precipitation by refluxing and co-precipitation by sonication. Core preparation was finally done using sonication approach; based on the higher % yield (42.4 ± 0.4%) and shorter duration (1 day) compared to the reflux method (27.4 ± 2.05%, 6 days). Lactose loading onto ceramic core was achieved using adsorption. Colorimetric analysis of lactose coating was done using Anthrone method. Optimization of process variables namely, incubation time and core to coat ratio (for sugar loading) was carried out. Optimum time of incubation was 3 h and the core to coat ratio was 4:1. The drug loading was achieved by incubating the sugar loaded cores in different concentrations of piroxicam solution and it was found that 1.5% w/v piroxicam was optimal. Structural characterization using Fourier-Transform Infra Red Spectroscopy (FTIR) confirmed the presence of sugar coating onto the core. Morphological evaluation using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed spherical nanoparticles (size 56.56 ± 5.93 nm for lactose coated core and 184.75 ± 13.78 nm for piroxicam loaded aquasomes) confirming the nanometric dimensions.

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Objective: The aim of this study was to enhance the dissolution of a poorly water-soluble drug, lornoxicam by fabricating as nanoparticles using anti-solvent precipitation method and to investigate the effect of stabilizers on the particle size.Methods: Nanocrystals of lornoxicam were prepared by precipitation method using water as antisolvent with stabilizers, β cyclodextrin, and PVP-K30. Characterization of the unmilled lornoxicam powder and nanocrystals was carried out by the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and dissolution tester.Results: Nano range (130-280 nm) particles were obtained which was confirmed by particle size analyzer. The dissolution of the drug nanoparticles (LBCD, LPVP) was carried out in pH 6.8 phosphate buffer solution and was significantly higher and almost complete compared with the pure drug. According to DSC, X-ray diffraction analysis, the nanocrystals were still in crystalline state after the preparation procedure. By reducing the particle size, the in vitro dissolution of lornoxicam was complete, 100% within 1 hr compared to the pure drug which showed an incomplete release of 37.35±1.09%.Conclusion: Nanocrystals of lornoxicam was prepared and nanocrystal technology can be an effective tool for enhancing the solubility of poorly soluble drugs