Ketoprofen and indomethacin encapsulation in polymer matrices based on poly (N-vinylcaprolactam-co-acrylic acid) by nanoprecipitation

Abstract

Drugs when encapsulated in polymeric matrices, are not readily available to the biological system, which requires expansion or degradation of the polymeric chains so that the drug can be released. The release of the drug into the physiological environment is then extended for a longer period of time compared to the drug in its free form, being this feature a major factor for the research and development of polymeric systems micro/nanoparticulated. The micro/nanoencapsulation involves a set of techniques that allow the preparation of functional particles, consisting of an encapsulating agent and an active ingredient. To obtain these systems, several methods are described in the literature, which depend of the hydrophilic / organophilic properties of all materials involved. The choice of method must be based on a number of factors like the type of polymer and active ingredients, application area, desired particle size... Among the various techniques, the nanoprecipitation is quite versatile, not complex and with low energy expenditure. This Scientific Initiation project therefore proposes the encapsulation of two hydrophobic active principles (Ketoprofen and Indomethacin) in a biocompatible polymeric matrix based on poly (N-vinylcaprolactam-co-acrylic acid). The cytotoxicity of the formulations and in vitro release kinetics of the drug will be carefully evaluated. The project will include the co-supervision of Prof. Dr. Amilton Martins dos Santos. (AU)