Enhancing the Solubility and Dissolution of Ketoprofen by Recrystallization Method

Abstract

The preliminary study characterized Naproxen as a white, crystalline, odorless powder with high solubility in ethanol, methanol, and phosphate buffer (pH 7.4), while it showed limited solubility in water and 0.1N HCl. The melting point (153°C) was within the standard range. FTIR analysis of the physical mixture revealed no interaction between Naproxen and phosphatidylcholine, confirming their compatibility and supporting vesicular drug delivery formulation. Six formulations varying in soya-phosphatidylcholine, Tween 80, and drug content were prepared and evaluated. Formulation NT2 demonstrated the smallest vesicle size and the highest encapsulation efficiency, making it suitable for further studies. The optimized formulation was incorporated into a gel base and assessed for pH (6.99 ± 0.14), spreadability (14.69 ± 1.52g.cm/sec), viscosity (2748 ± 22 cps), drug content (99.87%), and in vitro drug diffusion. No significant changes were observed in physical appearance, particle size, or drug content during the evaluation. The study concluded that the formulated Naproxen transmucosal gel exhibited high encapsulation efficiency, small particle size, and effective skin barrier penetration, indicating its potential to enhance drug release and bioavailability in transdermal delivery.