International Journal of Drug Delivery Technology
Volume 15, Issue 3

Design and Optimization of Colon-Targeted Multiparticulate Nanosponges of Metronidazole for Enhanced Release and Stability

Shubhangi B Khade*, Raosaheb S Shendge 

Department of Pharmaceutics, Sanjivani College of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Sahajanand Nagar, Shingnapur, Kopargaon, Ahmednagar, Maharashtra-423603, India 

Received: 16th Jun, 2025; Revised: 20th Jul, 2025; Accepted: 29th Jul, 2025; Available Online: 25th Sep, 2025 

ABSTRACT

This work sought to formulate and optimize Metronidazole-loaded nanosponges to improve solubility, entrapment efficiency, and sustained release.  Nanosponges were synthesized by the emulsion solvent evaporation technique and optimized utilizing a central composite design.  Among 20 formulations, batch F9 demonstrated excellent results with a mean particle size of 200.78 nm, a zeta potential of −31.7 mV, and a polydispersity index of 0.205, signifying a uniform nanosized dispersion. The entrapment efficiency varied between 81.55% and 85.95%, with formulation F9 exhibiting the greatest efficiency at 85.95 ± 0.95% and a drug loading capacity of 79.53 ± 0.13%. In-vitro release tests indicated sustained drug release, with F9 attaining 95.15 ± 1.20% release within 12 hours, adhering to zero-order kinetics (R² = 0.9973) and a Higuchi diffusion-controlled mechanism (R² = 0.9217). Capsule formulation of the optimized batch showed consistent drug content (99.15 ± 0.02%) and stability over 90 days without significant changes in release profile (94.10 ± 0.01% at 3 months). These findings suggest that nanosponge-based delivery of Metronidazole offers improved solubility, entrapment, and sustained release with good stability, making it a promising approach for effective oral drug delivery.

Keywords: Metronidazole; Nanosponges; Central Composite Design; Entrapment Efficiency; Sustained Release; Drug Stability

How to cite this article: Shubhangi B Khade, Raosaheb S Shendge. Design and Optimization of Colon-Targeted Multiparticulate Nanosponges of Metronidazole for Enhanced Release and Stability. International Journal of Drug Delivery Technology. 2025;15(3):1187-97. doi: 10.25258/ijddt.15.3.38

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