DEVELOPMENT AND CHARACTERIZATION OF MEFENAMIC ACID EUTECTOGELS FOR CONTROLLED DRUG DELIVERY
MIHAELA-ALEXANDRA NICA 1,2, VALENTINA ANUȚA 1,2 , LĂCRĂMIOARA POPA 1,2 , RĂZVAN-MIHAI PRISADA 1,2*, MIHAELA-VIOLETA GHICA 1,2, CRISTINA-ELENA DINU-PÎRVU 1,2
1 Department of Physical and Colloidal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 6 Traian Vuia Street, 020956, Bucharest, Romania
2 Innovative Therapeutic Structures Research and Development Centre (InnoTher), “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 6 Traian Vuia Street, 020956, Bucharest, Romania
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The objective of this paper was to design and evaluate of some novel eutectogels based on xanthan gum (XAN), hyaluronic acid (HA) and Natural Deep Eutectic Solvents (NADES) for the topical delivery of mefenamic acid (MA). Mefenamic acid, a poorly water-soluble non-steroidal drug, presents limitations in bioavailability. Integration of NADES into the gel matrix has overcome this drawback by improving the solubility and stability of the drug. A face-centered central composite design was used to investigate the impact of three independent variables, namely the percentages of water, HA and XAN respectively, on some physical-chemical and biopharmaceutical parameters of the designed eutectogels. Thus, rheological and textural analyses revealed that the inclusion of NADES significantly enhanced the viscosity and mechanical stability of the eutectogels, ensuring both ease of application and robust structural integrity under shear stress. In vitro drug release studies demonstrated a controlled, sustained release profile essential for maintaining therapeutic concentrations over extended periods. Overall, this study underscores the potential of NADES-based eutectogels as a promising platform for drug delivery, offering enhanced solubility, stability and an adequate mefenamic acid release profile.
