Abstract

FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF METHOTREXATE POLYMERIC NANOPARTICLES

Shanti Sagar*, Dr. Manichandrika, M. Srivani, M. Reethika, M. Sugandhi Reddy, M. Ruchitha, Usha Sree Rathod

ABSTRACT

Nanoparticles are formulated to target the drug to the specific organ site and to control the rate of delivery of drug. By encapsulating a drug into nanostructures, the being of the drug in the systemic circulation can be prolonged and decrease the toxicity. The main aim of this study is to achieve prolonged release of Methotrexate such that the dosing frequency of the drug can be reduced by which we may decrease the side effects and improve the patient compliance. Investigation of the preparation, characterization and in-vitro delivery of the nanoparticles was carried out. The different formulations of with different concentration of drug-polymer and surfactant were examined and finalized. Encapsulation efficiency of nanoparticles ranged between 68%-81%. The prepared particles showed good drug-loading capacity. The in vitro release studies showed that after the initial burst, all of the drug-loaded batches provided a continuous and slow release of the drug. The present study revealed that solvent evaporation followed by homogenization can be used as an effective tool for preparation of Methotrexate nanoparticles.

Keywords: Methotrexate, chitosan, sodium alginate, poly vinyl alcohol, Ionotropic gelation technique, franz diffusion cell.