Aceclofenac-loaded pluronic F108/L81 mixed polymeric micelles: effect of HLB on solubilization

Abstract

Pluronic block copolymers have phase behavioural characteristics which are extensively studied for drug delivery applications. In this study, we explored hydrophilic pluronic F108 (HLB = 27), hydrophobic pluronic L81 (HLB = 2) and their mixed micelles acting as solubilising mediums for model drug aceclofenac. The drug solubilisation and interactions have been analysed using UV-visible spectroscopy, Fluorescence spectroscopy, Rheology studies, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, Scanning electron microscope, Dynamic light scattering, Cloud point and partition coefficient measurements. The investigation from UV-spectrophotometry demonstrated that mixed pluronic entrapped greater number of aceclofenac molecules than both the neat pluronics at same concentration. Excimer formation was evidenced from fluorescence spectra with pyrene as a probe. The rheological studies showed difference in viscosity over low shear range. Studies on FTIR demonstrated probable bonding between the aceclofenac and mixed pluronic molecules. The DLS studies on mixed pluronic showed swelling of micellar diameter from 317.6 nm to 413.5 nm. Thermodynamic parameters of the above system revealed higher partition coefficient value for mixed pluronic and spontaneity in drug solubilisation. This study can be exploited to use a hydrophobic copolymeric micelle in mixed pluronic formulation for better drug solubilisation.

Role of Unimers to Polymersomes Transition in Pluronic Blends for Controlled and Designated Drug Conveyance

“…For the sake of accuracy, CP measurements were performed at least three times, displaying a deviation within a range of ±0.2 °C. 15,18,25,33 The surface activity of 5% w/v F88 in the absence and presence of L81 with increasing concentration were determined using a tensiometer (Model-K9, KRU ̈SS GMbH, Germany). Surface tension (γ) readings were sustained following the dilution method and recorded accurately within ±0.1 mN m −1 after temperature equilibration at 30 °C (within ±0.1 °C).…”

“…The anticancer drug quercetin (QCT) was added in excess to the Pluronic solutions to create drug-loaded solutions. To calculate the concentration of dissolved QCT, the absorbance was measured using a HachDR6000 spectrophotometer between 200 and 800 nm. ,,, The sample solutions were filtered using a nylon syringe filter for each measurement (0.22 μm) to remove dust particles, if any. By employing well-known mathematical models, such as zero-order kinetics, first-order kinetics, and Higuchi, Hixson–Crowell, and Korsymeyer–Peppas models, the mechanism of QCT release from the blended micellar (5% w/v F88 as a function of L81 concentration) system was examined.…”

“…Researchers have explored mixed Pluronic systems to develop more precise medical formulations. ,,− For instance, Oh et al investigated the stability of a mixed system of L121 and F127 and found the most stable combination that yields enhanced solubilization of hydrophobic dyes. Subsequently, numerous studies have been focused on the application of binary Pluronic systems, considering copolymers with similar PPO and varying PEO .…”

Polymeric micelles as a strategy to enhance the phototoxic efficacy of phenazine photosensitizers

“…The ratio of both components is known as the hydrophilic–lipophilic balance (HLB) of surfactant agents and is related to the ability to interact with different drugs. F‐108 is a more hydrophilic compound than P‐123, presenting HLB values equal to 27 and 8, respectively 23,24 . The use of polymers with a higher hydrophilic or lipophilic character will allow obtaining micelles with dissimilar characteristics in order to select the best delivery system for NR and NRBr.…”

“…F-108 is a more hydrophilic compound than P-123, presenting HLB values equal to 27 and 8, respectively. 23,24 The use of polymers with a higher hydrophilic or lipophilic character will allow obtaining micelles with dissimilar characteristics in order to select the best delivery system for NR and NRBr.…”