International Journal of Drug Delivery Technology
Volume 15, Issue 3

Proniosomal Nano carriers for Enhanced Oral Delivery of Efavirenz: Optimization, Characterization and Bioavailability Improvement

Swarupa Arvapalli, Anka Rao Areti*

Department of Pharmaceutics, KL College of Pharmacy, Koneru Lakshmaiah Education Foundation, Vaddeswaram, Andhra Pradesh-522022, India 

Received: 21st Jun, 2025; Revised: 28th Jul, 2025; Accepted: 24th Aug, 2025; Available Online: 25th Sep, 2025 

ABSTRACT

This study aimed to develop and optimize Efavirenz-loaded proniosomal formulations to enhance its oral bioavailability, stability, and controlled release characteristics. Proniosomes were prepared using a slurry method incorporating Span 60, cholesterol, Efavirenz, and maltodextrin as a carrier matrix. A 2⁴ factorial design was employed to systematically investigate the influence of formulation variables on critical quality attributes such as particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), and encapsulation efficiency (EE%). The optimized formulation exhibited a particle size of ~490 nm, PDI < 0.3, zeta potential of −19.76 mV, and EE% of 78.12 %, indicating a stable and uniform vesicular system. Morphological analysis using optical microscopy. In-vitro release studies showed a biphasic release pattern with an initial blast following a sustained release over 24 hours. Drug release kinetics best fit the first-order and Korsmeyer-Peppas models, suggesting diffusion-controlled mechanisms. Pharmacokinetic evaluation in rats revealed that the optimized formulation achieved higher Cmax (789.6 ng/mL), prolonged half-life (4.12 h), and significantly increased AUC (6051.83 ng·h/mL) than plain Efavirenz (Cmax 132.21 ng/mL, t½ 2.04 h, AUC 854.43 ng·h/mL), confirming improved bioavailability. These findings underscore the potential of proniosomal carriers as a great delivery platform for enhancing the therapeutic performance of Efavirenz via oral administration.

Keywords: proniosomes, encapsulation efficiency, factorial design, sustained drug release, pharmacokinetics

How to cite this article: Swarupa Arvapalli, Anka Rao Areti. Proniosomal Nano carriers for Enhanced Oral Delivery of Efavirenz: Optimization, Characterization and Bioavailability Improvement. International Journal of Drug Delivery Technology. 2025;15(3):1130-36. doi: 10.25258/ijddt.15.3.31

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