International Journal of Drug Delivery Technology
Volume 15, Issue 3

Development and Characterization of Novel Cilnidipine-Loaded Nanosponge Formulations 

Ratnaparkhi M P*, Suryawanshi A N 

Marathwada Mitra Mandals College of Pharmacy, Thergaon, Pune, Maharashtra, India 

Received: 19th Apr, 2025; Revised: 28th Jun, 2025; Accepted: 18th Jul, 2025; Available Online: 25th Sep, 2025 

ABSTRACT

Cilnidipine, a poorly water-soluble calcium channel blocker, presents challenges in bioavailability. The present study focused on formulating and characterizing β-cyclodextrin-based nanosponges to improve its solubility, entrapment efficiency, and stability. Nanosponges were synthesized using varying concentrations of β-cyclodextrin and ethyl cellulose, with dichloromethane employed as the cross-linking agent. Particle size and polydispersity index (PDI) were determined using dynamic light scattering. Surface morphology was assessed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), while drug-polymer interactions and crystallinity were analyzed through Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), and X-ray Diffraction (XRD). Among all formulations (F1-F4), F3 showed superior performance with a drug loading efficiency of 28.63%, minimal particle size (255.6 nm), and low PDI (0.251), suggesting optimal nanosponge formation. SEM images of F3 revealed uniform, spherical structures with porous surfaces conducive to drug encapsulation. FTIR analysis confirmed successful drug entrapment through notable molecular interactions. Thermal and crystallographic studies demonstrated a transition of Cilnidipine from its crystalline form to an amorphous state in F3, indicative of enhanced solubility and encapsulation. The F3 formulation emerged as the most promising nanosponge system for delivering Cilnidipine, offering significant improvements in solubility and stability. These findings support the potential of nanosponge-based carriers in enhancing the oral bioavailability of hydrophobic drugs and advancing controlled drug delivery technologies.

Keywords: Cilnidpine, Nanosponges, Formulation, Characterization, Development, β-cyclodextrin.

How to cite this article: Ratnaparkhi M P, Suryawanshi A N. Development and Characterization of Novel Cilnidipine-Loaded Nanosponge Formulations. International Journal of Drug Delivery Technology. 2025;15(3):1198-1204. doi: 10.25258/ijddt.15.3.39

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