Development and Evaluation of Controlled Release Mefenamic acid Loaded nano Sponge Capsules for the Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Nanosponges loaded with mefenamic acid for controlled drug release were developed using factorial design methodology The formulation process involved ethyl cellulose, acetone, dichloromethane, and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) through the emulsion solvent diffusion method. Optimization was conducted using a three square randomized full factorial design via Design Expert software by Statease. The key factors considered were the drug:polymer ratio and speed of stirring, with a focus on assessing size of particles and percentage in-vitro drug release. The optimized ratio was determined to be a 1:1 drug to polymer ratio, resulting in nano sponges with a particle size of 538 nm and an entrapment efficiency of 89.92%. Both the drug: polymer ratio and speed of stirring were identified to significantly influence both the percentage in-vitro drug release and particle size. Scanning electron microscopy confirmed the porous spherical shape of the optimized nano sponges. These nano sponges exhibited a controlled drug release profile, with a release percentage of 95.92% over 12 hours. Evaluation of the filled capsules further validated their efficacy.