Encapsulation of indomethacin in magnetic biodegradable polymer nanoparticles

In this study, indomethacin (IND), which is a poorly water-soluble anti-inflammatory drug, was encapsulated in magnetic biodegradable poly(D,L-lactide) polymer (PLA) by the nanoprecipitation method. The influence of aqueous phase pH on drug loading and maximum concentration of magnetic particles inside the polymer was investigated. Morphology and particle size of the prepared nanospheres were determined by atomic force microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Drug release from the nanospheres was studied by external sink method. The diffusion and dissolution models were applied to the description of IND release from nanospheres. (C) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.