Positively charged polymeric nanoparticles: application in improving therapeutic efficacy of meloxicam after oral administration

The potential of positively charged polymeric nanoparticles in improving therapeutic efficacy of meloxicam (MLX), a poorly water-soluble anti-inflammatory agent was evaluated. MLX loaded positively charged nanoparticles were prepared by using poly-epsilon-caprolactone (PCL) as a biodegradable polymer and didodecyldimethylammonium bromide (DDAB) as a cationic surfactant. The MLX nanoparticles were characterized for particle size and encapsulation efficiency. MLX loaded PCL nanoparticles and MLX suspension were evaluated for their in vivo anti-inflammatory activity and ulcerogenic potential. MLX loaded PCL nanoparticles had particle sizes of approximately 300 nm and the encapsulation efficiency of MLX was approximately 90%. The polymeric nanoparticles significantly improved the anti-inflammatory activity of MLX (P0.01) as compared to that of MLX suspension. The higher anti-inflammatory effect was maintained for a longer duration (6 h). The polymeric nanoparticles also resulted in less ulcerogenicity as compared to that of MLX suspension.