The purpose of this study was to develop and evaluate irbesartan (IS) loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs; IS-SLNs) that might enhance the oral bioavailability of IS. IS, an angiotensin-receptor antagonist, used to treat hypertension. However, poor aqueous solubility and poor oral bioavailability has limited therapeutic applications of IS. Components of the SLNs include either of trimyristin/tripalmitin/tristearin/trilaurate/stearic acid/beeswax, and surfactants (Poloxamer 188 and soylecithin). The IS-SLNs were prepared by hot homogenization followed by ultrasonication method and evaluated for particle size, poly dispersity index (PDI), zeta potential (ZP), entrapment efficiency (EE), drug content and in vitro drug release. The physical stability of optimized formulation was studied at refrigerated and room temperature for two months. The optimized IS-SLN formulation (F4) had a mean diameter of about 217.6±3.62 nm, PDI of 0.163±0.032, ZP of -28.5±4.12, assay of 99.8±0.51 and EE of 93.68±2.47%. The formulation showed sustained drug release compared with control formulation over 24 h. Optimized formulation was found to be stable over two months. IS-SLN showed nearly spherical in shape using and converted to amorphous form by DSC. Thus, the results conclusively demonstrated SLNs could be considered as an alternative delivery system for the oral bioavailability enhancement of IS.
Oral dosage forms and drug delivery systems: tablets, oral films, liquid dosage forms, oral bioavailability enhancement
