Synthesis of cefixime loaded PCL/HPMC blend nanoparticles: a controlled release study and in vitro anti-bacterial evaluation.

Aim: To enhance cefixime's effectiveness and address drug delivery challenges like concentration at the site, dose, and time, present study investigated the impact of polymer blends on cefixime's in vitro release profile.
Methods: Cefixime-loaded nanoparticles were prepared via a modified solvent evaporation method, forming a W/O/W double emulsion. Characterisation included FT-IR, zeta potential, TGA, TEM, and XRD, with in vitro studies and kinetic models used to analyse the release mechanism.
Results: The PH-4 nanoparticle formulation (80:20 PCL/HPMC, 0.5% PVA) achieved an 81% loading rate, no adverse effects, and a controlled release of 84.66%±2.53 over 30 days. It showed stable physicochemical properties, with in vitro antibacterial tests revealing inhibition zones of 27.4 ± 2.12 mm for E. coli and 17.2 ± 2.23 mm for S. aureus at 12 hours.
Conclusion: Based on the findings, developed nanoparticulate system containing PCL/HPMC demonstrates its efficacy and safety as a controlled drug delivery method for antibiotics like cefixime.