FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF FLURBIPROFEN LOADED STEALTH LIPOSOME USING VARIOUS POLYMERS

Flurbiprofen (FP) is a phenyl alkanoic acid derivative and a family of non–steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs used in the treatment of arthritis. Flurbiprofen was formulated as a liposome using soya lecithin and cholesterol by thin film hydration method. It is then formulated as a stealth liposome to increase efficacy and reduce toxicity. Two polymers are used to prepare flurbiprofen as stealth liposomes i.e., PEG and PVP, and their effects are compared. The formulated liposomes and stealth liposomes were evaluated for various parameters like surface morphology, zeta potential, polydispersity index, drug content, percentage drug encapsulation, and in-vitro drug release. The optimized formulation (F2) containing a minimum concentration of cholesterol showed moderate stability and good entrapment efficiency. When compared to conventional liposomes, stealth liposomes showed more zeta potential values due to the effect of PEG 4000 and PVP K30.The zeta potential value demonstrated that stealth liposomes had enough charge to prevent liposome aggregation due to electric repulsion. The kinetic data analysis of formulations indicated that it fits the Higuchi model and follows zero-order release kinetics.