Formulate Lornoxicam Bio Adhesive Microspheres Using Different Polymers by Ionotropic Gelation Method and Emulsion Cross Linking Method: An Integrated Molecular Dynamics Approach

Abstract

Background

Lornoxicam microspheres are promising for targeted, controlled, or extended drug release, and the incorporation of mucoadhesive properties can significantly enhance bioavailability and absorption. This study focuses on the development of bioadhesive microspheres utilizing the ionotropic gelation and emulsion crosslinking methods.

Purpose

The primary aim of this research is to formulate bioadhesive microspheres of Lornoxicam using Sodium Alginate, Carbopol 934, and Chitosan as polymers, while simultaneously evaluating Lornoxicam’s interactions within Alginate-Carbopol 934 and Chitosan matrices through molecular dynamics simulations.

Methods

Formulations T1 to T4 employed drug-to-polymer ratios of 1:1, 1:2, 1:3, and 1:4 for Sodium Alginate and Carbopol 934, while formulations T5 to T8 utilized the same ratios for Chitosan and glutaraldehyde as the crosslinking agent. Comprehensive assessments were conducted on particle size, drug entrapment efficiency, and dissolution rates. Molecular dynamics simulations were performed to analyze Lornoxicam’s interactions within the polymer matrices.

Results

Formulation T7 emerged as the optimal formulation based on extensive evaluation tests. Molecular dynamics simulations revealed stable RMSD values for Lornoxicam across both matrices, with the Chitosan matrix displaying greater fluctuations. Notably, stronger hydrogen bond interactions were observed in the Chitosan matrix, which corresponded to a marginally higher binding energy than the Alginate-Carbopol 934 matrix.

Conclusion

These findings indicate that Chitosan may significantly enhance the pharmaceutical potential of Lornoxicam as a drug delivery system, highlighting the need for further exploration of its therapeutic applications.