Development and characterization of mucoadhesive nanoparticles of albendazole

Abstract

Albendazole is broad spectrum anthelmintic agent with poor aqueous solubility. It is usually available in the form of chewable tablets and often require administration in large doses to overcome the reduced therapeutic efficacy issue due to low solubility. High drug loading often leads to patient incompliance and side effects. The aim of this study was to develop a mucoadhesive nanoparticle formulation of Albendazole to improve its aqueous solubility as well as to prolong its duration of therapeutic activity at the target site. To prepare the mucoadhesive nanoparticles, hydrophilic polymers such as chitosan, sodium alginate and HPMC K4M were used. Dissolution study of the formulation was performed followed by its characterization. The dissolution profile showed 5.5 fold (81%) increase in the amount of drug released compared to crystalline Albendazole, indicating an increase in solubility. Furthermore, the physicochemical characterization demonstrated nano-size distribution of particles, enhanced surface area, advent of amorphous state and negligible interaction between Albendazole and polymers