Halloysite/cellulose derivatives‐based bionanocomposites for controlled naproxen delivery

Abstract

AbstractBionanocomposites are biocompatible, biodegradable, low‐toxicity materials inorganic/biopolymer‐based, carrying drugs for controlled delivery. The development of novel materials aiming to improve drug efficacy and reduce its toxicity is a continuous focus of the pharmaceutical industry. In this work, we report the development of an innovative controlled naproxen delivery system. The bionanocomposites are composed of naproxen‐loaded halloysite and ethylcellulose/hydroxypropylmethylcellulose blends produced by the spray drying technique. Chemical modification in the halloysite nanotubes was performed, aiming to improve the ionic interactions with the naproxen. The bionanocomposites drug‐load efficiency and interactions were characterized by physicochemical analysis. We also evaluated the naproxen release and its transport mechanism. Results show an efficient drug loading into halloysite, varying from 70% to 90%. Moreover, the naproxen release was delayed up to four times (compared with raw naproxen), that is, 48 h from nanotubes by Fickian diffusion, and sustained for 60 h from (bio)nanocomposites. The naproxen release from bionanocomposites occurred by several processes as diffusion, polymer swelling, and erosion. Furthermore, no drug was released at simulated gastric fluid, which may reduce the undesirable gastrointestinal effects. The developed bionanocomposites are potential for clinical applications for controlled drug delivery, as naproxen, a nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory, commonly prescribes chronic disease treatment.