A nano-enclatherated-gel-composite for the treatment of alcohol abuse and addiction

Abstract

Alcoholism is a highly prevalent disease, with successful rehabilitation being poor due to irrepressible cravings that result in relapse. This study developed and analysed an intramuscular injection capable of providing a sustained release of disulfiram over one month. Statistically optimized disulfiram-loaded nanomicelles were prepared and incorporated into a thermosensitive gel resulting in a nano-enclatherated-gel-composite (NEGC). The nanomicelle system demonstrated a drug loading capacity and entrapment efficiency of 33.66% and 50.98%, respectively, with a sustained release of 65% of the administered disulfiram achieved after 28 days through the thermosensitive hydrogel. Additionally, ex vivo release studies have been undertaken using rat muscle tissue with in vivo biodistribution, plasma levels, histopathology and myotoxicity following oral disulfiram administration and intramuscular NEGC administration also assessed in Sprague-Dawley rats. Results obtained in this study have indicated that the designed delivery system has the potential to successfully release disulfiram in a sustained manner for the treatment of alcohol abuse.