Synthesis and Characterization of Mesoporous Silica Carrier Releasing Valsartan

Abstract

The aim of the present study is to synthesize a mesoporous silica MCM-48 and loading it with the poorly soluble drug valsartan. The MCM-48 was characterized by Brauner-Emmett-Teller surface area analyzer, scanning electron microscope, powder X-ray diffraction, thermal gravimetric analysis and Fourier transform infra-red (FTIR). The exact loading capacity was found to be 40.12%. in vitro dissolution studies at physiological conditions demonstrated controlled release of 57.2% valsartan over 240 min. The controlled dissolution was attributed to the incomplete amorphization of crystalline valsartan by MCM-48 as evidenced by PXRD studies. The interactions between the mesoporous silica surface and drug molecules were evidenced by FTIR studies and the diffusion of therapeutic agent molecules through the silica pores. The results of the present study confirmed that the controlled adsorption and liberation of valsartan demonstrated a long-term release, which is important for its antihypertensive activity. Moreover, the structural properties of mesoporous silica assured the feasibility of designing reliable drug delivery systems by appropriate choice of the carrier