Formulation of aspirin nanoparticles using solvent evaporation method and in vivo evaluation of its antithrombotic effect

Abstract

Nanotechnology offers several advantages in the treatment of chronic diseases through site- specific and target-oriented drug delivery. The purpose of this study was to formulate aspirin nanoparticles using the solvent evaporation method and evaluate the physicochemical properties of nanoparticles using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and zeta sizer. In vitro dissolution studies, release kinetics, antioxidant and in vivo antithrombotic studies were also done. The formulated aspirin nanoparticles had a smooth and spherical shape with particle size of 76.25-128.17nm, polydispersity index of 0.34-0.46 and encapsulation efficiency of 36.29-42.52%. The nanoparticles were positively charged and had a zeta potential value of <=+47.64 mV. The in vitro release studies showed that the aspirin nanoparticles released the drug in a sustained release manner simulating the Higuchi release model via non-Fickian diffusion mechanism. The formulated aspirin nanoparticles also showed significant antioxidant and antithrombotic effects in experimental rats (P<0.05). Aspirin nanoparticles were formulated in this study which may offer better therapeutic advantages over the conventional aspirin tablets in the prevention and management of acute myocardial infarction and ischaemic stroke.