Effects of Different Types of Bile Salts on the Physical Properties of Ropinirole-Loaded Bilosomes

Abstract

Background: Bilosomes are vesicular nanocarriers that contain bile salts, making them more flexible and resistant to degradation in the gastrointestinal tract. Objective: To evaluate the effect of two bile salts on the physical properties and stability of the ropinirole-loading bilosome. Methods: Sixteen bilosomal formulations were prepared by a reverse-phase evaporation method. Each formula includes a mixture of non-ionic surfactants (Span®60 and Tween®60), along with cholesterol and bile salts (either sodium taurocholate (STC) or sodium glycocholate (SGC). The characteristics of the bilosomal formulations (drug content, entrapment efficiency, vesicle size, polydispersity index, zeta potential, in-vitro drug release, and fourier transform infrared spectroscopy) were evaluated. Results: The entrapment efficiency of ropinirole was reduced by using sodium glycocholate instead of sodium taurocholate. The vesicle size and zeta potential were also affected by the type of bile salt and its amount. Drug release profiles were sustained, indicating a good entrapment of ropinirole. The STC-containing bilosomes are more stable than the SGC-containing bilosomes. Bilosomal formula F5 showed the highest entrapment efficiency (64.82%), suitable vesicle size (179.8 nm), zeta potential (-9.162 mV), polydispersity index (0.5116), and in vitro drug release (62.33%) after 24 hr. Conclusion: Sodium taurocholate was more suitable for the preparation of ropinirole-loading bilosomes, with more stability of bilosomes in bile salt solution.