Abstract
The aim of the present study is to encapsulate antitubercular drugs Rifampicin (RIF) and Isoniazid (INH) in core-shell micelles of ethylene oxide-propylene oxide (EO-PO) triblock copolymers, Pluronics® (P84, P85, P103, P105, P123 and F127). The formulations were characterized using FTIR, which showed no chemical or physical interaction of drugs with polymers. In vitro release profiles of drugs using different kinetic models suggested diffusion controlled release. When evaluated against MDR strain of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, micelles showed improved antibacterial activity of drugs relative to corresponding free drug solutions. We further investigated the effects of block copolymers on the intestinal absorption of RIF and INH. Compared to free drugs, micelles showed improved drug permeability across Caco-2 monolayer. Our results suggest that polymer micelles are promising vehicles for delivering antitubercular drugs RIF and INH in a more effective manner.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
