Template-Free Synthesis and Control Drug Release of Calcium Carbonate-Hydroxylapatite Composite

Abstract

We employed Gas expanded liquids (GXLs) technology to synthesize calcium carbonate-hydroxylapatite composite (CaCO3-HAp) nanoparticles and investigated the effects of reaction parameters on the properties of the composites as well as the performance of the composites as drug delivery agent using ibuprofen as a model drug in simulated gastric fluid. Separately, calcium carbonate and hydroxylapatite have been used extensively in pharmaceutical and drug delivery systems (DDS). However, both CaCO3 and HAp have individual draw-backs and limitations in applications. The results showed that the composite had good thermal stability and better surface area and pore (volume and size) properties. Studies on the performance of the composites as a drug delivery agent using ibuprofen as a model drug in simulated gastric fluid revealed that the composite promoted the dissolution of ibuprofen outstandingly. Whereas the low pressure loaded composite showed quicker relief potential (92% release) in 30 minutes with control release over desirable time frame (3h, 20 min), the high pressure loaded composite also exhibited quicker relief potential (80% release) in 30 minutes but with control release over remarkable time frame (6h, 40 min). The implication is that if a patient is administered with ibuprofen loaded into the synthesized composite at low pressure (10.0 MPa), the patient will experience quicker relief (92% release of ibuprofen) in 30 min and which will be sustained for almost 3.5 hours. Similarly, the high pressure (17.0 MPa) loaded ibuprofen will also provide a patient with quicker relief (80% release of ibuprofen) however, the relief in this case will be sustained for longer period; about 6.5 hours. Therefore, the high pressure loaded composite had tremendous effect on the control release of ibuprofen and can be used as effective drug delivery system (DDS) for drugs with similar characteristics.