Optimized Enoxolone-Loaded Microsponges for Drug Delivery: A Design of Experiments Approach

Enoxolon is widely recognized for its pharmacological potential, exhibiting antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and antiviral properties. <b>Objectives</b>: This study aimed to develop an enhanced formulation of enoxolone-loaded microsponges as a novel drug delivery system. A design of experiments (DoE) approach was employed for the optimization process. <b>Methods</b>: The microsponges were produced using the <i>quasi</i>-emulsion technique. The selected formulation was evaluated for yield, particle size, and entrapment efficiency. Furthermore, the microsponges were incorporated into a 1% MC solution matrix, and in vitro release studies were performed to assess their drug delivery performance. <b>Results</b>: The optimal formulation was determined through the DoE methodology, which involved varying the concentrations of methylcellulose (MC) (0.55-1.87%, <i>w</i>/<i>w</i>), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) (0.5-1%, <i>w</i>/<i>w</i>), and Tween 80 (TW80) (1.5-2.5%, <i>w</i>/<i>w</i>). The results showed a particle size of 142.8 ± 10.02 µm and an entrapment efficiency of 80.3 ± 1.99%. When comparing the optimized microsponge formulation to pure enoxolon, a 1.29 times higher release rate was observed (<i>p</i> ≤ 0.05). <b>Conclusions</b>: Following optimizationand physicochemical characterization studies were conducted to further assess the formulation. These findings suggest that microsponge-based delivery systems hold considerable potential as an alternative platform for the topical treatment of chronic periodontitis.