FORMULATION DEVELOPMENT OF URSOLIC ACID–LOADED NANOSPONGES

The present study focuses on the formulation, characterization, and optimization of nanosponges loaded with ursolic acid, a bioactive compound known for its anti-inflammatory properties. Pre-formulation studies were conducted to assess the physicochemical characteristics of ursolic acid, including organoleptic properties, melting point, pH, and solubility. UV-spectrophotometry established the drug’s λmax at 208 nm, and a standard calibration curve confirmed linearity in PBS buffer. FTIR analysis confirmed the presence of key functional groups and absence of major interactions with excipients. Nanosponges were formulated using varying ratios of cholesterol and Span 60 via the emulsion-solvent diffusion technique. The prepared formulations were evaluated for physical appearance, particle size, zeta potential, morphology (SEM), entrapment efficiency, and in vitro drug release. Formulation F2 exhibited optimal physicochemical characteristics, including a particle size of 53.03 nm, zeta potential of -30.2 mV, and the highest entrapment efficiency (96.52%). In vitro drug release studies revealed sustained release behavior, and kinetic modeling demonstrated that the release followed a zero-order kinetic profile with R² = 0.952. These findings suggest that ursolic acid-loaded nanosponges offer a promising strategy for sustained and targeted drug delivery in the management of inflammatory conditions.