Formulation and Evaluation of Antiviral Agent-Loaded Polymeric Nanoparticles

https://doi.org/10.55522/ijti.V2I3.0052

Abstract

The present study focuses on the development of polymeric gelatin nano-particulates of acyclovir sodium with the goal of improving solubility and bioavailability through controlled release. Acyclovir sodium is an antiviral agent with a short half-life and oral bioavailability of 2.5–3.3 hours (15–30%), respectively, and is used to treat a variety of herpes infections. The purpose of this study was to prepare, evaluate, and in vitro release the characterization of acyclovir sodium-loaded polymeric nanoparticles. We fabricated the polymeric nanoparticles of Acyclovir sodium using varying concentrations of gelatin, a biodegradable polymer, acetone as a desolating agent, and glutaraldehyde as the cross-linking agent. Currently, biodegradable polymeric nanoparticles stand out significantly as they offer an enhanced release system due to their biodegradability, biocompatibility, low cost, and versatility in various formulations. We fabricated Acyclovir sodium-loaded polymeric gelatin nanoparticles using a two-step desolation technique. The Nano formulations showed that the entrapment efficiency ranges from 74% to 87%. The optimized formulation's SEM image revealed the nanoparticles' almost spherical surface. The DSC thermograph showed the molecular range of acyclovir dispersion in the polymeric nanoparticle. FTIR studies reported no acyclovir-gelatin interaction. Prepared nano-formulations (AGP1-AGP6) demonstrate a controlled initial burst release. The optimized formulation (AGP3) showed significant drug release in comparison to the marketed product.