Fabrication and Characterization of Andrographolide-loaded Microsponges to Enhance Oral Bioavailability of Drug against Colon Cancer Using HT29 Cells

Abstract

Background: The current research aimed to determine ways to improve the bioavailability of andrographolide (AGP) for use in colon cancer treatment by developing and evaluating microsponges loaded with the drug. Methods: Utilising the quasi-emulsion solvent diffusion approach, microsponges containing AGP were synthesised. A total of ten formulations were prepared using different concentrations of drug, polymer and other excipients. Particle size, shape, and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) were used to characterise the microsponges that were created. To find out the rate at which the microsponges would expel their contents, researchers measured their release dynamics. In vitro anticancer activity of formulation was determined using HT29 cells Results: Results showed that the percentage yield of the formulations ranged from 10.85-41.03%. The highest drug concentration was achieved in formulation F8 with a particle size of 33.7 nm. SEM analysis demonstrated that the particles were round and possessed a rough and porous surface. Increasing the ratio of ethyl cellulose to AGP reduces surface roughness. The microsponge's DSC difractogram reveals prominent peaks at 18°, 24°, and 38° (2 θ) with reduced intensity, suggesting that the microsponges' crystalline character has diminished. In vitro drug release study showed 93.85% release upto 12 hours. Mathematical models showed normal release of the formulations with “n” values greater than 0.90 of all the formulations. Formulation F8 decreased the HT-29 cells' ability to survive. The percentage of cell cytotoxicity was 75.54 at 100μg/ml. Since AGP microsponges had a detrimental effect on the survival of colorectal cancer cells. Conclusion: It can be concluded from the study that prepared formulations possess anticancer properties against cancerous cells and can be used as an alternative anticancer drug.