Optimization of the sonication process for meloxicam nanocrystals preparation

Authors

  • Sonia Iurian
  • Ioan Tomuţa
  • Lucia Rus
  • Marcela Achim
  • Sorin E. Leucuta

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15386/cjmed-445

Keywords:

nanocrystals, nanosuspensions, meloxicam, high dissolution, design of experiments.

Abstract

Background and aims. Meloxicam, a widely recommended AINS, presents poor water solubility, which limits its bioavailability and effect onset. The objective of this study is the investigation of the most important factors that influence the efficiency of sonication in the preparation of meloxicam nanocrystals.

Methods. The effects of crucial technological sonication parameters (amplitude, time and applied cycle) on the crystal sizes and dissolution were investigated using a central composite experimental design with three factors and three levels. Different mathematical models were applied for the evaluation of the influence of each factor on the measured responses.

Results. The amplitude and the time were found as the most important variables. Their increase determined significant size reduction and homogeneity due to cavitation phenomenon, while the applied cycle was less important. The crystal size greatly influenced dissolution; a strong correlation was noted between small crystals and fast dissolution after freeze-drying the nanosuspensions. The optimal formulation was obtained by sonication at 100% amplitude, for 45 minutes and cycle 1, conditions which led to 600 nm crystals with 0.521 polydispersion index. The morphological analysis revealed small, round-shaped crystals with narrow size distribution.

Conclusions. The results provided the optimal sonication conditions needed to obtain meloxicam nanosuspensions with high drug dissolution capacity.

Author Biographies

Sonia Iurian, University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Iuliu Hatieganu" Cluj-Napoca

Faculty of Pharmacy

Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy

Ioan Tomuţa, University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Iuliu Hatieganu" Cluj-Napoca

Faculty of Pharmacy

Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy,

Lucia Rus, University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Iuliu Hatieganu" Cluj-Napoca

Faculty of Pharmacy

Departament of Drug Analysis

Marcela Achim, University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Iuliu Hatieganu" Cluj-Napoca

Faculty of Pharmacy

Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy

Sorin E. Leucuta, University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Iuliu Hatieganu" Cluj-Napoca

Faculty of Pharmacy

Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy

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Published

2015-06-19

How to Cite

1.
Iurian S, Tomuţa I, Rus L, Achim M, Leucuta SE. Optimization of the sonication process for meloxicam nanocrystals preparation. Med Pharm Rep [Internet]. 2015 Jun. 19 [cited 2025 Oct. 5];88(3):366-72. Available from: https://medpharmareports.com/index.php/mpr/article/view/445

Issue

Section

Original Research