Nanoclay-Based Composite Films for Transdermal Drug Delivery: Development, Characterization, and in silico Modeling and Simulation

Abstract

Purpose Halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) are a versatile and highly investigated clay mineral due to their natural availability, low cost, strong mechanical strength, biocompatibility, and binding properties. The present work explores its role for retarding and controlling the drug release from the composite polymer matrix material. Methods For this purpose, nanocomposite films comprising propranolol HCl and different concentrations of HNTs were formulated using the “solution casting method”. The menthol in a concentration of 1% w/v was used as a permeation enhancer, and its effect on release and permeation was also determined. Quality characteristics of the nanocomposite were determined, and in vitro release and permeation studies were performed using the Franz diffusion system. The data was analyzed using various mathematical models and permeation parameters. Optimized formulation was also subjected to skin irritation test, FTIR, DSC, and SEM study. Systemic absorption and disposition of propranolol HCl from the nanocomposites were predicted using the GastroPlus TCAT® model. Results The control in drug release rate was associated with the higher concentration of HNTs. F8 released 50% of propranolol within 8 hours (drug, HNTs ratio, 1:2). The optimized formulation (F6) with drug: HNTs (2:1), exhibited drug release 80% in 4 hours, with maximum flux of 145.812 µg/cm 2 hr. The optimized formulation was found to be a non-irritant for skin with a shelf life of 35.46 months (28–30 ℃). The in silico model predicted C max , T max , AUC t , and AUC inf as 32.113 ng/mL, 16.58 h, 942.34 ng/mL×h, and 1102.9 ng/mL×h, respectively. Conclusion The study demonstrated that HNTs could be effectively used as rate controlling agent in matrix type transdermal formulations.

Clotrimazole-Loaded Borneol-Based In Situ Forming Gel as Oral Sprays for Oropharyngeal Candidiasis Therapy

“…It is worth mentioning that 40BZCN efficiently prolonged the release of clotrimazole. The decrease in release rate of propranolol HCl in the presence of halloysite nanotubes in the polyvinyl alcohol transdermal gel was observed due to the loading of the drug into the material lumen or the strong ion interaction between the drug and the halloysite nanotube [58]. The higher viscosity of topically used clotrimazole-loaded microemulsion was a driving force for retardation of the drug release [59].…”

Production and comprehensive characterization of PVA/chitosan transdermal composite mats loaded with bioactive curcumin; evaluation of its release kinetics, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and biocompatibility features

“…Composite matrices have garnered significant attention as scaffolds for tissue engineering applications due to their numerous advantages. 9 Chitosan (CS) is a biopolymer generated from chitin, a semi-natural polysaccharide, through N-deacetylation. It is known for its biocompatibility and suitability for various applications.…”

“…Nanofibrous scaffolds exhibit considerable potential as viable alternatives that closely resemble the inherent structure of the ECM, possess mechanical properties akin to the dermis, and possess suitable porosity and expansive surface area, hence facilitating cellular adhesion and proliferation. Composite matrices have garnered significant attention as scaffolds for tissue engineering applications due to their numerous advantages 9 …”