Nanocomposite films of pectin–halloysite nanotubes for the sustained oral delivery of griseofulvin with lavender oil: development, characterization, and pharmacokinetic evaluation

The pectin/halloysite-griseofulvin (pectin/HNTs-GRF) nanocomposite films were prepared for sustained release and enhanced bioavailability of poor water-soluble drugs. The developed nanocomposite films were characterized by SEM, XRD, FTIR, DSC and TGA along with entrapment efficiency (%EE), drug loading (%DL) and in vitro release. Cytotoxicity and antifungal activity were evaluated against the Caco-2 cell line and Candida albicans (C. albicans) and Aspergillus niger (A. niger) respectively. Permeability, bioavailability, biochemical, hematological parameters, and tissue distribution of GRF were determined using albino rats. SEM showed successful incorporation of GRF and HNTs in the pectin matrix. XRD analysis indicated the crystalline structure of GRF and successful inculcation of drug within nanocomposite film. The thermal stability of the film was shown by DSC and TGA analysis. The %EE, %DL and in vitro release of GRF were 96%, 42% and 44% respectively. Nanocomposite films followed zero order kinetics and non-fickian diffusion. Zone of inhibition measured to be 35 mm and 29 mm for C. albicans and A. niger respectively and 38 mm and 31 mm for S5 loaded with lavender oil (S7). The more permeability of GRF was observed from nanocomposites and formulations in the culture medium did not produce cytotoxicity and showed enhanced bioavailability of GRF.