Design of controlled release systems for THEDES-Therapeutic deep eutectic solvents, using supercritical fluid technology

Deep eutectic solvents (DES) can be formed by bioactive compounds or pharmaceutical ingredients. A therapeutic DES (THEDES) based on ibuprofen, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), and menthol was synthesized and its thermal behavior was analyzed by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). A controlled drug delivery system was developed by impregnating a starch: poly-e-caprolactone polymeric blend (SPCL 30: 70) with the menthol: ibuprofen THEDES in different ratios (10 and 20 wt%), after supercritical fluid sintering at 20 MPa and 50 degrees C. The morphological characterization of SPCL matrices impregnated with THEDES was performed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and microcomputed tomography (micro-CT). Drug release studies were carried out in a phosphate buffered saline. The results obtained provide important clues for the development of carriers for the sustainable delivery of bioactive compounds. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.