Comparative Study of TPGS and Soluplus Polymeric Micelles Embedded in Poloxamer 407 In Situ Gels for Intranasal Administration

This study aims to highlight the importance of choosing the appropriate co-polymer or co-polymer mixed combinations in order to design value-added nasal dosage forms. Local therapy of upper respiratory tract-related infections, such as nasal rhinosinusitis is of paramount importance, thus advanced local therapeutic options are required. Dexamethasone was encapsulated into three different polymeric micelle formulations: Soluplus or TPGS-only and their mixed combinations. Dynamic light scattering measurements proved that the particles have a micelle size less than 100 nm in monodisperse distribution, with high encapsulation efficiency above 80% and an at least 7-fold water solubility increase. Tobramycin, as an antimicrobial agent, was co-formulated into the in situ gelling systems which were optimized based on gelation time and gelation temperature. The sol-gel transition takes place between 32-35 °C, which is optimally below the temperature of the nasal cavity in a quick manner below 5 min, a suitable strategic criterion against the mucociliary clearance. In vitro drug release and permeability studies confirmed a rapid kinetics in the case of the encapsulated dexamethasone accompanied with a sustained release of tobramycin, as the hydrophilic drug.