In the bustling world of pharmaceutical innovation, a team of researchers from the University of Tehran has made a significant stride in the realm of oral drug delivery. Led by Parisa Zadehnajar from the Department of Life Science Engineering, the study published in *Nano Select* (which translates to *Nano Selection*) introduces a novel approach to enhancing drug stability and controlled release through pH-sensitive oral drug delivery systems.
The research focuses on curcumin, a potent anti-inflammatory compound found in turmeric, which has shown promise in various therapeutic applications. However, its poor solubility and stability have posed challenges for effective oral delivery. To address this, Zadehnajar and her team explored the use of Eudragit S100, a pH-sensitive polymer, to create different dosage forms of curcumin.
The team prepared three distinct structures: electrospun sheets, monolayer nanofibrous microparticles (MoNaMi), and cast films. Each structure was meticulously analyzed for morphology, physicochemical properties, thermal response, and drug release at varying pH levels. The results were illuminating.
“Our findings indicated that the release of curcumin at acidic conditions was the least for MoNaMi compared to other samples,” Zadehnajar explained. This suggests that MoNaMi constructs could offer superior protection for the drug as it passes through the stomach’s acidic environment, ensuring it reaches the intestine intact for optimal absorption.
The study also revealed that the presence of curcumin reduced fiber diameter and increased tensile strength, enhancing the mechanical properties of the nanofibers. Additionally, the high porosity of the electrospun fibers made them more hydrophilic than the cast films, a factor that could influence their performance in drug delivery applications.
One of the most compelling aspects of this research is its potential to revolutionize oral drug delivery. The MoNaMi constructs, with their ability to protect drugs under gastric conditions, could pave the way for more effective and efficient drug delivery systems. “We believe that ES100-based MoNaMi is a practical option for the efficient dual use of pH-dependent nanofibers as an enteric coating and drug carrier for oral drug delivery applications,” Zadehnajar stated.
The implications of this research extend beyond the pharmaceutical industry. In the energy sector, similar pH-sensitive materials could be explored for applications such as controlled release of catalysts or other active ingredients in energy storage and conversion systems. The versatility of these materials opens up new avenues for innovation and could lead to significant advancements in various fields.
As the world continues to seek more effective and efficient ways to deliver drugs and other active compounds, the work of Zadehnajar and her team offers a promising path forward. Their research not only sheds light on the potential of pH-sensitive polymers but also highlights the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in driving scientific progress. With the publication of this study in *Nano Select*, the stage is set for further exploration and development in the field of oral drug delivery and beyond.