FORMULATION OF DILOXANIDE FUROATE LOADED COLON TARGETING NANOSPONGES FOR EFFECTIVE TREATMENT OF AMOEBIASIS
Ashish Bauddha, Ambika Prasad Arya, Muraree Lal, Avinash Krishnarao Kondalkar
ABSTRACT
Amoebiasis, a parasitic infection caused by Entamoeba histolytica, continues to be a significant global health concern. To address this, targeted drug delivery systems can enhance therapeutic efficacy while minimizing side effects. This study focuses on the development and evaluation of Diloxanide furoate-loaded colon-targeting nanosponges designed to improve the treatment of amoebiasis. Nanosponges were formulated using an optimized technique and characterized for their physicochemical properties. The flow properties of the nanosponges, including poured and tapped densities, Carr’s Index, and Hausner’s Ratio, indicated suitable flow characteristics for practical application. The drug content and encapsulation efficiency were determined, revealing high drug content and significant encapsulation efficiency, with formulation F3 achieving the highest encapsulation efficiency of 83.32%. The optimized nanosponges (Formulation F3) demonstrated an average particle size of 52.74 nm and a zeta potential of -20.2 mV, indicating stability and potential for sustained release. The drug release studies showed a controlled release profile with minimal release in simulated gastric fluid (SGF) and a significant release in simulated intestinal fluid (SIF), reaching 98.78% cumulative drug release by 12 hours. These results suggest that Diloxanide furoate-loaded colon-targeting nanosponges offer an effective and targeted approach for the treatment of amoebiasis, potentially improving drug delivery and therapeutic outcomes.
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