Formulation and Physical Characterization of Ibuprofen-DEAE-Dextran Nanoconjugates via Surfactant Solubilization

ABSTRACT

Background: The optimization of polymer-drug conjugate design is important in effective and efficient delivery of poorly soluble drugs. Objectives: This work focuses on the formulation of novel amorphous ibuprofen-polymer nanoconjugates based on the polymer-drug complexation in order to improve its physical characteristics in the absence of toxic organic solvents. Methods: Amorphous Ibuprofen - DEAE-Dextran nanoconjugates were prepared using surfactant solubilization method. Physical characterization of the nanoconjugates was carried out via conductivity; surface tension; viscosity; transmittance/turbidity; particle size measurement; zeta potential; conjugation efficiency and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) techniques. Results: A remarkably high loading capacity was achieved ranging from 89.05 to 96.34%. The conductivity measurements showed that the critical association concentration (cac) was exhibited at 2.34 mg/mL and critical micellar concentration (cmc) at 8.0 mg/mL. The presence of DEAE-Dextran decreased the cac of ibuprofen significantly (p 0.05; n