Improving pharmacologically relevant properties of sulfasalazine loaded in γ-cyclodextrin-based metal organic framework

Abstract The aim of this work was to improve the dissolution properties of poorly soluble drug sulfasalazine (SSZ) by encapsulation in the metal organic framework based on γ-cyclodextrin (γCD-MOF). Loading of SSZ in the framework was successfully performed by impregnation and co-crystallization methods. The obtained composites γCD-MOF/SSZ were investigated by several methods, including PXRD, N2 physisorption, FTIR, solid 13C NMR, SEM, and DLS. The SSZ release from γCD-MOF was examined with in vitro dissolution studies using simulated gastric and intestinal fluids. Sulfasalazine loaded in γCD-MOF exhibited the improved release. Release profiles of SSZ were compared and analyzed using different kinetic models. Some efforts were made to reduce the burst release of SSZ from γCD-MOF in the phosphate buffer (pH 6.8). Influence of γ-cyclodextrin on the membrane permeability of SSZ was examined.