Investigation into poloxamer 188‐based cubosomes as a polymeric carrier for poor water‐soluble actives. Issue 6 (2nd September 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Yakaew, Swanya; Luangpradikun, Kunlathida; Phimnuan, Preeyawass; Nuengchamnong, Nitra; Kamonsutthipaijit, Nuntaporn; Rugmai, Supagorn; Nakyai, Wongnapa; Ross, Sukunya; Ungsurungsei, Malyn; Viyoch, Jarupa; Ross, Gareth
• Is Part Of: Journal of applied polymer science. Volume 139:Issue 6(2022)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2021-09-02
• Subjects: drug delivery systems -- gels -- liquid crystals -- rheology -- surfactants; Polymers -- Periodicals; Polymerization -- Periodicals; 668.9
• DOI: 10.1002/app.51612
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0021-8995

Abstract

Abstract: Cubosomes and other lyotropic liquid crystal (LLC) phases are of great interest in many fields due to their potential as delivery systems. This study prepared poloxamer 188 (Pluronic® F68 [F68]) based cubosomes utilizing a low energy method and reports LLC structure stability, rheological behavior and carrier properties of the formed cubosomes. Mixtures of F68 and water were investigated and showed a concentration dependent viscoelastic behavior, ranging from a viscous liquid (30% F68) to hard gels (70% F68). Small‐angle X‐ray scattering showed cubosomes (Im3m) were present at F68 concentrations between 45% and 60%. Cubosomes fabricated from 50% F68 and 50% water were selected as the best composition and gave stable cubic structures for at least 10 months without additional stabilizing agent. To assess the use with poor water‐soluble molecules, artocarpin (AR) was added to the F68‐based cubosome. The developed cubosome possessed enhanced AR solubility due to the high affinity to the hydrophobic regions present in the cubic formation. Furthermore, an in vitro permeation study showed faster permeation rates of the developed cubosomes when compared to a cream‐based formulation. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that the F68‐based cubosomes represent a promising low‐cost active carrier for enhancing the solubility and permeability of low water‐soluble molecules. Abstract : This work presents 3‐dimensional liquid crystal cubsomes that are formed from the self‐assembly of surfactants. Poloxamer 188 is the surfactant used which is comprised of hydrophilic and hydrophobic segments that combine to create the cubosomes. Cubosomes consist of aqueous channels and hydrophobic bilayer membranes within their structure, allowing them to be loaded with both hydrophilic and hydrophobic drugs, leading to improved drug solubility and stability.