Formulation and evaluation of ciprofloxacin SMEDDS with argan oil: A promising approach for improved drug delivery

Ciprofloxacin, a broad-spectrum fluoroquinolone antibiotic, exhibits low aqueous solubility and limited oral bioavailability, classified as BCS class IV. Various strategies, including lipid-based drug delivery systems, have been explored to enhance its solubility. Our study aims to develop a novel Self-Microemulsifying Drug Delivery System (SMEDDS) for ciprofloxacin, with the goal of improving its clinical efficacy.

The study conducted solubility assessments of ciprofloxacin in various oils, surfactants, and co-surfactants, followed by the establishment of a pseudo-ternary phase diagram to identify microemulsion regions. SMEDDS were then formulated based on the diagram's outcomes. These formulations underwent thermodynamic stability analyses and emulsification time assessments, alongside droplet size and zeta potential analyses to evaluate their characteristics.

Argan oil, Labrafac, and PEG 200 were identified as the excipients with the highest solubility, facilitating the development of SMEDDS formulations. Pseudoternary phase diagrams helped determine the optimal concentrations of oil, surfactant, and co-surfactant for microemulsion formation. Formulations within the SMEDDS region showed no phase separation or drug precipitation. Stability assessments revealed no significant changes due to temperature fluctuations. Emulsification studies indicated improved self-emulsifying properties with increasing surfactant proportions. Droplet size and zeta potential analyses showed characteristics consistent with SMEDDS formulations, with droplet sizes typically between 100 nm and 250nm, and stable zeta potential values exceeding +/-30mV.

Formulating and evaluating a SMEDDS for ciprofloxacin, with argan oil as an excipient, revealed favorable physicochemical traits, including enhanced solubility and stability. This promising approach holds potential for optimizing ciprofloxacin delivery, with implications for future drug formulation advancements.