Development and characterization of sorbitan monostearate and sesame oil-based organogels for topical delivery of antimicrobials

AAPS PharmSciTech. 2015 Apr;16(2):293-305. doi: 10.1208/s12249-014-0223-7. Epub 2014 Oct 4.

Abstract

The current study explains the development of sorbitan monostearate and sesame oil-based organogels for topical drug delivery. The organogels were prepared by dissolving sorbitan monostearate in sesame oil (70°C). Metronidazole was used as a model antimicrobial. The formulations were characterized using phase contrast microscopy, infrared spectroscopy, viscosity, mechanical test, and differential scanning calorimetry. Phase contrast microscopy showed the presence of needle-shaped crystals in the organogel matrix. The length of the crystals increased with the increase in the sorbitan monostearate concentration. XRD studies confirmed the amorphous nature of the organogels. Viscosity study demonstrated shear thinning behavior of the organogels. The viscosity and the mechanical properties of the organogels increased linearly with the increase in the sorbitan monostearate concentration. Stress relaxation study confirmed the viscoelastic nature of the organogels. The organogels were biocompatible. Metronidazole-loaded organogels were examined for their controlled release applications. The release of the drug followed zero-order release kinetics. The drug-loaded organogels showed almost similar antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli when compared to the commercially available Metrogyl® gel. In gist, it can be proposed that the developed organogels had sufficient properties to be used for controlled delivery of drugs.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Topical
  • Anti-Infective Agents / chemistry*
  • Anti-Infective Agents / pharmacology
  • Biocompatible Materials / chemistry
  • Chemistry, Pharmaceutical / methods
  • Delayed-Action Preparations / chemistry
  • Delayed-Action Preparations / pharmacology
  • Drug Carriers / chemistry
  • Drug Delivery Systems / methods
  • Escherichia coli / drug effects
  • Gels / chemistry*
  • Gels / pharmacology
  • Hexoses / chemistry*
  • Hexoses / pharmacology
  • Metronidazole / chemistry*
  • Metronidazole / pharmacology
  • Sesame Oil / chemistry*
  • Viscosity

Substances

  • Anti-Infective Agents
  • Biocompatible Materials
  • Delayed-Action Preparations
  • Drug Carriers
  • Gels
  • Hexoses
  • Metronidazole
  • Sesame Oil
  • sorbitan monostearate