Spray dried mebendazole–loaded Soluplus-based polymeric micelles for improved biopharmaceutical attributes: in vitro and in vivo studies

The aim of this research was to investigate spray-dried mebendazole (MBZ)–loaded Soluplus-based polymeric micelles (MBZ@PMs) for improved solubility and bioabsorption upon oral administration. Following the MBZ@PM preparation, the formed micellar preparation was examined using FTIR, PXRD, DSC, and TEM techniques to determine its physical and chemical properties. Critical micelle concentration determination studies showed that Soluplus® can effectively generate stable polymeric micelles. Particle size analysis demonstrated spherical shape and a particle size of 538.7 ± 2.129 nm. Solubility studies demonstrated approximately eight times higher solubility of MBZ@PMs vis-à-vis MBZ in PBS pH 6.8 (90.16 ± 2.54 µg/mL v/s 11.97 ± 2.99 µg/mL). Stability studies confirmed that the size distribution and polydispersity index of the prepared polymeric micelles showed negligible variations. In vitro release studies revealed low MBZ release from MBZ@PMs (9.70 ± 3.2% in 2 h) at pH 1.2 and sustained (33.3 ± 3.9%) at PBS pH 6.8 in 48 h. In vivo pharmacokinetic studies showed approximately fourfold higher bioavailability (AUC_0-ꝏ 153.81 ± 24.20 v/s 38.20 ± 5.55) and 1.5-fold extended half-life of MBZ from MBZ@PMs (2.13 ± 0.53 v/s 1.44 ± 0.36). Therefore, these unprecedented Soluplus®-based polymeric micelles of Mebendazole can be applied as a potential carrier system to improve the therapeutic efficacy of poorly water-soluble compounds.

Graphical Abstract