Formulation, Characterization And Release Studies Of Colchicine Chitosan Eutectogel Through A QBD Assisted Approach

Abstract

Objective: The present study focuses on the development and evaluation of a colchicine-loaded eutectogel as a novel transdermal drug delivery system for the effective management of gout. Transdermal colchicine chitosan eutectogels are preferred over oral formulations because they bypass gastrointestinal irritation and first-pass metabolism, improving bioavailability.

Methods: Colchicine Chitosan eutectogel was prepared by dissolving Chitosan in an acidic medium such as using acetic acid along with dissolving Chitosan into it. Characterization was done using Fourier Transform Infra Red Spectroscopy (FTIR) and other preformulation studies.  In vitro drug release study was also performed using dialysis membrane and release profile was monitored by kinetic studies. Validation studies were carried out by using High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) technique.

Results: The pH values of all the formulations D14 (C1)-D14 (C4) were found to be in the range of 6.14-6.34. The Viscosity of the gel at different formulation D14(C1)-D14(C4) was found to be in the range from 3223-14206 cP. Considering the determination coefficients, Higuchi model was found (R²=0.981) to fit the release data best. It could be concluded from the results that the drug was released Deep Eutectic Solvent-Based Matrix (DESM) loaded gel by a prolonged mechanism. In the control gel, 85.47% of the drug was released within 4 hours. In contrast, the DESM-loaded gel formulations (C2–C4) exhibited drug release percentages of 87.29%, 79.34%, and 73.81%, respectively, in phosphate buffer (pH 7.4) over a period of 24 hours. Among these, formulation C2 showed the highest drug release of 87.29% within 24 hours, indicating a sustained and prolonged release profile.

Conclusion: The formulated eutectogel exhibited favourable physicochemical characteristics, and a sustained drug release profile, contributing to improved therapeutic outcomes. The findings suggest that eutectogel-based systems hold significant potential for localized and controlled delivery of anti-gout agents. Future research should focus on clinical evaluation, exploration of combination therapies with other anti-inflammatory or phytoconstituents, and large-scale production to facilitate the successful translation of this novel transdermal system into clinical practice.