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

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.