Facile Synthesis of Hollow Starch Nanoparticles for the Delivery of Piroxicam, a Poorly Water‐Soluble Drug

Abstract

This paper focuses on the development of hollow starch nanoparticles (HSNPs) as promising carriers for poorly soluble drugs. A new and efficient method is presented, based on an in situ gas‐foaming/salt‐leaching process within individual starch nanoparticles prepared by a solvent displacement technique. Characterization using dynamic light scattering, transmission electron microscopy, and nitrogen adsorption/desorption analysis confirmed the successful preparation of HSNPs. Solid dispersion systems with piroxicam (PRX) as a model drug were formulated to evaluate HSNPs’ potential as poorly water‐soluble drug carriers. Solid‐state properties, dissolution behavior and stability of PRX‐HSNPs solid dispersions were investigated. In vitro dissolution studies revealed that using hydrophilic HSNPs as carriers significantly improved the release of PRX. Solid‐state characterization showed that the main reason for the improved dissolution was the adsorption of PRX on the outer and inner surfaces of the HSNPs in an amorphous state. Stability studies demonstrated that the amorphous nature of loaded PRX remained unaffected even after 12 weeks of storage at 75 % relative humidity. Accordingly, the proposed HSNPs offer a promising alternative for the delivery of poorly water‐soluble drugs. In addition, the synthesis strategy demonstrated for HSNPs is easy, efficient and could be extended to the preparation of other hollow polymeric nanoparticles.