Formulation and evaluation of nanosized aripiprazole-loaded bionanogels using novel bio-retardant from bark of Cinnamomum verum J.Presl

Abstract

The current research work aimed to formulate and evaluate the aripiprazole bionanogel using Cinnamomum verum J.Presl Syn. C. zeylanicum (Lauraceae) as bio-retardant and bio-stabilizer for transcranial delivery. Aripiprazole, a partial dopamine agonist is an antipsychotic drug used in the treatment of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, and irritability associated with autism. The biopolymer from C. verum was isolated by addition of an optimised quantity of acetone and used as bio-retardant and bio-stabilizer to prepare aripiprazole-loaded bionanogels. The initially aripiprazole nanoparticles were prepared by addition of dextrose and dextran as a nanosized agent and various proportion of bio-polymer C. verum as bio-retardant (0.4%, 0.6%, 0.8% and 1%) and guargum (1.5% and 2%) followed by optimised cycles of sonication. The nanoparticles were incorporated uniformly into the gel under magnetic stirrer mode which was prepared by sodium alginate (100 mg), PVA (100 mg) and HPMC (100 mg) and prepared bionanogel was found as the best formulation based on comparison of mentioned parameters i.e. pH, texture, spreadability, % entrapment efficacy, preliminary determination of nano size distribution and in-vitro drug release study. FC3 (1:0.8) containing a retardant showed uniform spreadability, smooth texture and T50% of 51 h and T80% of 72 h, respectively. These formulations can be used for transcranial drug delivery to target the molecule to the brain through the layers of skin, meninges, trigeminal nerves, emissary veins, cranial bones and sutures.