Development of pemetrexed diacid-loaded Gelatin-Cloisite 30B (MMT) nanocomposite for improved oral efficacy against cancer: Characterization, In-vitro and Ex-vivo Assessment.

The intent of this investigation was to develop pemetrexed diacid (PTX)-loaded gelatine-cloisite 30B (MMT) nanocomposite for the potential oral delivery of PTX and the in vitro, and ex vivo assessment. Gelatin/Cloisite 30 B (MMT) nanocomposites were prepared by blending gelatin with MMT in aqueous solution. PTX was incorporated in the nanocomposite preparation. The nanocomposites were investigated by Fourier Transmission Infra Red Spectroscopy (FT-IR), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) respectively and confocal laser microscopy (CLSM). FT-IR of nanocomposite showed disappearance of all major peaks which corroborated the formation of nanocomposites. The nanocomposites were found to have particle size 121.9 ± 1.85 nm and zeta potential -12.1 ± 0.63 mV. DSC thermogram of drug loaded nanocomposites indicated peak at 117.165 oC and 205.816 oC, which clearly revealed that the drug has been incorporated into the nanocomposite because of cross-linking of cloisite 30 B and gelatin in presence of glutaraldehyde. SEM images of gelatin show a network like structure which is disappeared in the nanocomposite. The kinetics of the drug release was studied in order to ascertain the type of release mechanism. The drug release from nanocomposites was in controlled manner, followed first-order kinetics and the drug release mechanism was found Fickian type. Ex vivo gut permeation studies revealed 4 times enhancement in permeation of drug present in the nanocomposite as compared to plain drug solution and were further affirmed by CLSM. Thus, gelatin/(MMT) nanocomposite could be potential for the oral delivery of PTX in cancer therapy and future prospects for the industrial pharmacy.