Studies on intestinal passage of flumequine and oxytetracycline-loaded MIL-100 (Fe) in the presence of divalent ions

Purpose: To compare the intestinal absorption of flumequine (FLM) and oxytetracycline (OTC) in encapsulated and non-encapsulated forms in the presence of divalent ions. Methods: MIL-100 (Fe) nanoparticles were synthesized under hydrothermal conditions from a mixture of iron carboxylate and trimesic acid (organic linker), and then used to encapsulate OTC and FLM. Permeation of the various formulations through the mouse jejunum was evaluated in Ussing chamber. Results: There was significant (p < 0.05) increase in the intestinal flux of encapsulated OTCs (OTC-NPs, 0.072 +/- 0.016 mu g/h/cm(2)), compared to that of non-encapsulated OTCs (0.021 +/- 0.05 mu g/h/cm(2)). Moreover, the intestinal flux of encapsulated FLMs (FLM-NPs, 0.045 +/- 0.006 mu g/h/cm(2)) was significantly higher than that of non-encapsulated FLMs (0.004 +/- 0.0008 mu g/h/cm(2), p <0.05). Conclusion: The intestinal flux of encapsulated antibiotics is significantly enhanced in the presence of MIL-100 (Fe), thereby preventing their chelation by divalent ions in solution, and thus improving their intestinal absorption.