Enhanced Solubility And Oral Bioavailability Of Hydrophobic Drugs Using Pluronic Nanomicelles: An In-Vitro Evaluation

Poor drug solubility and oral bioavailability is a significant challenge with many effective drug candidates. Pluronic micelles are effective solutions for improved solubility, stability, and delivery of the hydrophobic drug to the right area, at the right time, and in the right amount. Solubilization of three drugs, namely curcumin (CUR), quercetin (QCN), and lamotrigine (LTG), were explored using Pluronics with varying molecular characteristics. All the drugs showed better solubility in Pluronic solutions. The tendency of augmentation in solubility was QCN>CUR>LTG. Results showed better solubilization of drugs in Pluronics which form micelles and have low CMTs. With an objective to enhance the oral bioavailability of drugs, the drug-loaded Pluronic P123 nanomicelles (PLC for CUR, PLQ for QCN, and PLL for LTG) have been prepared and characterized using UV-VIS, DLS, SANS, CPT, and TEM measurements. The drug-loaded P123 nanomicelles having particle sizes range from 18 to 22.5 nm and spherical in shapes. In the in-vitro release study, CUR and QCN showed slow release,while LTG exhibited a faster release profile. The PLC and PLQ assessed their anti-oxidant potential had confirmed the oxidation resistance more significantly than the free drug. Considering the pharma uses of CUR, QCN, and LTG drugs and observing the application of Pluronics in drug delivery systems, the present work facilitates insight into the possible formulations of these drugs.