Research subject: This study focuses on the development and evaluation of mucoadhesive nanoparticles containing midazolam, formulated using a polymer blend of carbomer 934P (Cb) and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) for pediatric epilepsy treatment. Epilepsy, being one of the most prevalent neurological disorders in children, necessitates advanced drug delivery systems to enhance therapeutic outcomes.
Research approach: This study employed the emulsion-solvent evaporation technique to develop mucoadhesive nanoparticles using a polymer blend of Cb and HPMC. The formulation parameters were systematically optimized to achieve the desired physicochemical properties. Comprehensive characterization was performed, including evaluation of particle morphology, size distribution, zeta potential, drug encapsulation efficiency, and loading capacity. Functional properties such as swelling behavior in physiological conditions, mucoadhesive strength, and in vitro drug release profile were thoroughly investigated to ensure optimal performance for pediatric epilepsy treatment.
Main results: Results of the evaluation of mucoadhesive nanoparticles containing midazolam demonstrated that the optimized formulation with a 2% Cb and 1% HPMC ratio exhibited an ideal nanostructure with an average size of 661 nm and uniform size distribution (PDI of 0.25). The drug delivery system showed excellent drug loading capacity with 60% encapsulation efficiency and 27% drug loading. Functional characterization revealed remarkable swelling capacity (up to 750%) under physiological conditions and significant mucoadhesive strength (8560 N/m²). Drug release studies demonstrated a controlled and sustained release pattern over 4 hours. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images confirmed the spherical and uniform morphology of the nanoparticles. These unique characteristics make the developed drug delivery system an outstanding candidate for pediatric epilepsy treatment, as it both prolongs drug effect through enhanced mucosal contact time and improves treatment compliance by reducing dosing frequency via controlled release properties.