Formulation and in-vitro evaluation of electrospun microfibers for enhanced solubility of Olmesartan medoxomil

Abstract

Olmesartan medoxomil (OLM), which is a biopharmaceutical classification system class II drug has low aqueous solubility, resulting in its poor bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy. In this present study, OLM was formulated into electrospun microfibers in order to enhance its aqueous solubility and dissolution rate. OLM loaded microofibers were formulated by using electrospinning method using Eudragit RS 100 and Soluplus as carriers. The physicochemical characteristics of microfibers were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), drug content uniformity and in vitro dissolution studies. SEM and DSC analysis suggested that the electrospun microfibers were uniform and OLM is dispersed in an amorphous state. FTIR analysis showed no incompatibility between drug and polymers in the microfibers. OLM content in the prepared OLM loaded microfibers with Eudragit RS 100 and Soluplus were found to be 96.93 ± 0.03% and 93.67 ± 0.05% respectively. In vitro dissolution concluded that Soluplus and Eudragit RS 100 increased OLM’s dissolution rate by three-fold and two-fold respectively. In conclusion, OLM had good compatibility with both the carriers and OLM’s dissolution rate was remarkably enhanced by formulating electrospun microfibers with Eudragit RS 100 and Soluplus.