Bioavailability enhancement of zaleplon via proliposomes: Role of surface charge.

The present systematic study focused to investigate the combined advantage of proliposomes and surface charge for improved oral delivery of zaleplon. The zaleplon loaded proliposomes were prepared using hydrogenated soyphosphatidylcholine (HSPC) and cholesterol (CHOL) in varying ratios, and the optimized formulation was tailored with dicetyl phosphate and stearylamine to obtain negative and positive charged vesicles, respectively. The formulations were characterized for micromeritics, size, zeta potential, and entrapment efficiency. Further, in vitro release and dissolution study carried out provide an insight on the stability and enhanced dissolution of zaleplon from proliposome formulations. The solid state characterization (SEM, DSC, and PXRD) studies unravel the transformation of zaleplon to amorphous or molecular state from the native crystalline form. To depict the conclusions, in situ single-pass perfusion and bioavailability studies were carried out in rats. The significant increase in effective permeability coefficient (Peff) and rate and extent of absorption from cationic vesicles indicate the importance of surface charge for effective uptake across the gastrointestinal tract. Overall a two- to fivefold enhancement in bioavailability in comparison with control confers the potential of proliposomes as suitable carriers for improved oral delivery of zaleplon.