Protein-modulated release behavior of a hydrophilic/lipophilic dual-drug from supramolecularly gelled microemulsions

Abstract

Microemulsions were prepared by using Tween 80 as a surfactant, 1,2-propylene glycol as a co-surfactant, isopropyl myristate as an oil phase and phosphate-buffered saline as an aqueous phase. The resultant microemulsions possess a bicontinuous-phase structure which was characterized by pseudo-ternary phase diagrams and dye solubility tests. The microemulsions were gelled by the self-assembly of sorbitol derivatives as a gelator to form novel supramolecularly gelled microemulsions that can be used as the carrier of a dual-drug, such as hydrophilic 5-aminosalicylic acid and lipophilic curcumin. The effect of bovine serum albumin (BSA) on their release behavior depends upon the pH of the release media. In the case of pH 7.4, BSA inhibits the release of both drugs, but promotes their release if the pH is less than 7.4. We conclude that protein-modulated release is a promising strategy for dual-drug loading in the supramolecularly gelled microemulsions.