Abstract
The present work reports preparation of irbesartan (IBS) loaded nanofibre mats using electrospinning technique. The prepared nanofibres were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, X-ray diffraction analysis, in vitro diffusion and ex vivo skin permeation studies. FTIR studies revealed chemical compatibility of IBS and polyvinyl pyrrolidine (PVP K-30). SEM images confirmed formation of nanofibres wherein IBS existed in amorphous form as revealed by DSC and XRD analyses. The prepared nanofibre mats of IBS were found to be superior to IBS loaded as cast films when analysed for in vitro IBS release and ex vivo skin permeation studies since the flux of IBS loaded nanofibres was 17 times greater than as cast film. The improvement in drug delivery kinetics of IBS loaded nanofibres could be attributed to amorphization with reduction in particle size of IBS, dispersion of IBS at molecular level in PVP matrix and enormous increase in the surface area for IBS release due to nanonization. Thus transdermal patch of IBS loaded nanofibres can be considered as an alternative dosage form in order to improve its biopharmaceutical properties and enhance therapeutic efficacy in hypertension.