Implantable delivery device of EUDRAGIT/PCL-T/ Sodium diclofenac: mechanical characterization, drug release and in vivo anti-inflammatory activity

Abstract

Study design: Experimental study. Objective: The aim of this study was the characterization and evaluation of the anti-inflammatory activity of an implantable polymer system containing sodium diclofenacin carrageenan-induced acute inflammation in a rat kneemodel. Methodology: An implantable device made of Eudragit RS 100 and PCL-T containing 3.0 mg of sodium diclofenac was produced by casting. The device showed similar mechanical properties to elastomeric polymer products. The mechanism of sodium diclofenac release from the Eudragit and PLC-T matrix showed two stages: first, a rapid release and then a slow release with a zero-order kinetic behavior. The devices were implanted in the articular joint of the posterior area of the arthritis-induced knees of rats. Results: Within 6 hours and on day 7 after arthritis induction, the knee edema was evaluated, and the inflammatory mediators, myeloperoxidase (MPO) and nitric oxide were analyzed. The results were compared with oral administration of 30 mg/kg of sodium diclofenac. Conclusion: The proposed implantable device was able to produce similar anti-inflammatory results in carrageenan-induced arthritis compared with oral treatment, but at lower doses