Preparation, statistical optimization and in vitro evaluation of pramipexole prolonged delivery system based on poly (3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) nanoparticles

The purpose of the current study was to prepare and optimize a long acting formulation for pramipexole based on poly (3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) nanoparticles (NPs). Pramipexole loaded PHBV NPs were prepared by double emulsion solvent evaporation technique. Box-behnken response surface methodology was utilized to assess the effect of independent variables including PVA concentration, polymer percentage and drug concentration on important properties of NPs. The optimized NPs was shown 228 nm size with 85.43% and 5.68% entrapment efficiency and loading capacity, respectively. The spherical structure of the pramipexole loaded PHBV NPs was proved by scanning electron microscope (SEM). Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) testified both the absence of undesirable chemical interactions between pramipexole and NPs and the incorporation of pramipexole within the matrix of polymer. In vitro release studies demonstrated that 89.9% of pramipexole was gradually released within 30 days based on quasi-fickian diffusion mechanism.