Sorbitol based proniosomes to improve the permeability and stability of an oral cephlosporin

In the present study, dry free-flowing proniosomes containing Cefuroxime axetil has been prepared with sorbitol. Span 40, 60 and 80 have been used in different molar ratios with cholesterol and stearylamine. Proniosomes are characterized by SEM, flowability, entrapment efficiency, release study and ex-vivo permeation study. Stability study of proniosomes has been determined at room-temperature. The vesicle size is found to be less than 5µm. Decreased angle of repose indicates the coating of niosomes with sorbitol carrier. Entrapment efficiency of Span 60 is found to be maximum. Both proniosomes and niosomes indicate the similar controlled release profile. Permeation study of cefuroxime axetil, follows the order of Span 60 with bile salt > Span 60 only > Span 40. Upon ageing, proniosomes indicate no change in its physical property and the entrapment efficiency is found to be more than 90%, indicating no leakage or degradation of drug from proniosomes whereas niosomes indicate slight sedimentation and aggregation of particles. These factors indicate the commercial viability and easy scale up of proniosomes