Microwave-Assisted Fabrication of Cyclodextrin-Based Nanosponges for Solubility Enhancement

Abstract

Cinnarizine is plagued by low aqueous solubility and thereby poor bioavailability. Thus, it could be a model drug whose bioavailability can be improved by enhancing its solubility. The present study focuses on the fabrication of cyclodextrin-based nanosponges using a microwave-assisted approach. Phase solubility studies were performed to shortlist the cyclodextrin. The manufacturing process was streamlined by applying the 3-factor, 3-level Box-Behnken experimental design to optimize the microwave power level, reaction time, and stirring speed. The batch with the least particle size and highest yield was finalized. The prepared nanosponges were characterized for particle size, polydispersity index, zeta potential, drug loading, entrapment efficiency, and FTIR spectroscopy. The in-vitro drug release showed a drastic improvement in the solubility and release of cinnarizine from the nanosponges as compared to that of the plain drug and drug-cyclodextrin physical mixture. The study proved the suitability of this system for the solubility enhancement of cinnarizine.