In-vitro drug release kinetics studies of mesoporous SBA-15-azathioprine composite

The mesoporous silica (or SBA-15) was loaded with azathioprine drug. Azathioprine drug was incorporated into mesoporous silica by post impregnation method to reduce its toxic effects by controlling the drug release property. The synthesized pure SBA-15 and SBA-15-azathioprine composite were characterized by UV–visible spectrophotometry, thermo-gravimetric analysis, small and large angle powder X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy, high resolution transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and nitrogen adsorption–desorption analysis. The successful inclusion of azathioprine drug in host material SBA-15 was confirmed by the reduced surface area (114 m²/g) and pore diameter (6.5 nm) of the organic–inorganic composite material. The drug entrapment efficiency of 90.67 % and loading efficiency of 72.67 % was achieved. The azathioprine drug release process from the mesoporous silica to simulated gastric, intestinal and body fluid were examined and the controlled release effect of the azathioprine drug in all fluids were studied. The Korsmeyer–Peppas model fits well the drug release data with the non-Fickian diffusion model and zero order kinetics for produced mesoporous silica. The controlled drug release enhanced the bioavailability and reduces its repeated administration. Hence, the composite drug can reduce the toxicity and side effects of the azathioprine.