A novel oxidation strategy using a palladium nanocatalyst for stabilizing bisacodyl in polyethylene glycol suppositories

This research aimed to stabilize the bisacodyl molecule (a stimulant laxative) within a polyethylene glycol (PEG) base matrix for suppository formulation. Bisacodyl is sensitive to acidic conditions, and the use of conventional PEG bases, due to their weakly acidic nature, leads to drug instability. On the other hand, alternative bases such as Witepsol are not economically viable due to their high cost. In this study, a novel method for the chemical modification of PEG to remove its acidic property is presented. This modification was achieved through an oxidation process using the organopalladium Nano catalyst UMCM-1-NH2-F2C-Pd. The efficacy of this catalyst in oxidizing PEG and creating stability in the suppository structure was evaluated. The results indicate that the oxidized PEG, having lost its acidic characteristics, provides a compatible and stable base for bisacodyl suppository formulation. This solution not only maintains the chemical stability of the drug but also offers favorable economic justification for industrial production due to the cost-effectiveness of PEG. Therefore, the application of the designed Nano catalyst is introduced as an effective method to overcome the chemical and economic limitations in the production of bisacodyl suppositories.