Engineered nanoparticles of Efavirenz using methacrylate co-polymer (Eudragit-E100) and its biological effects in-vivo.

Nanotechnology in drug delivery is explored widely to improve therapeutic efficacy and minimize undesirable effects of several anti-HIV drugs. Efavirenz is a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor, prescribed as first-line drug of choice for treatment of AIDS. It is poorly soluble and exhibits variable bioavailability hence, a high oral dose is recommended for therapy. The present work focuses on improving the dissolution and bioavailability of Efavirenz through nano drug delivery approach. Polymeric nanoparticles were developed using Eudragit E100 and characterized for size, stability, morphology, cytotoxicity (MTT assay in T-lymphatic (C8166) cell lines) and in-vivo biodistribution in mice models. The optimized nanoparticles exhibited average particle size of 110nm, zeta potential of -33mV and entrapment efficiency 99%. The SEM images displayed the formation of nano-size particles. The cell viability was significantly improved in the nanoparticles (99%) compared to pure drug (15%) at the concentration of 8μg/mL. The in-vivo biodistribution profile of the nanoparticles showed considerably higher drug concentration in serum and major organs, especially in the brain compared to the free drug. The optimized Efavirenz loaded nanoparticles clearly demonstrated an increase in dissolution, drug distribution, and bioavailability, which implies better control over the therapeutic dosing.