Abstract

V. J. Hari Sankar*, Suresh Nair, Sanis Juliet, A. R. Nisha and I. S. Sajitha

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study was to optimize the liposomal formulation of Praziquantel for administering large doses, utilizing the method of thin film hydration. Liposomal praziquantel was prepared by thin film hydration using the method of ultrasonication. The study systematically explored three formulations (F1: 1:6, F2: 1:8, F3: 1:10 by molar ratios) and was evaluated for quality of films, hydration, size reduction, purification, quantitation of free drug, and finally freeze-drying. Characterizations included DLS, FESEM, and ATR-FTIR. Thin film hydration yielded good quality films, ensured efficient hydration, and underwent downsizing to unilamellar vesicles, notably in F3 within 6 minutes. Purification resulted in a free drug precipitated in the order of F3 < F2 < F1. Free drug quantitation revealed F3 with the highest drug loading (98.7%), followed by F2 (82.5%) and F1 (65.6%). F3 exhibited a hydrodynamic radius of 99.4 nm ± 2.4 nm. FE-SEM confirmed liposomes to be spherical (158.14 ± 6.03 nm). FTIR suggested no interaction between SPC and praziquantel and also affirmed drug was incorporated into the bilayer. This preliminary study establishes reproducible parameters for uniform liposome formulations through thin film hydration, offering potential advancements in drug delivery systems. The results ensure a reproducible process and material-specific parameter settings for the preparation of uniform liposome formulations, addressing the inherent heterogeneity of thin-film hydration and opening avenues for the development of more complex formulations in the future.