Evaluation of eggshell membrane as an alternative biopolymeric matrix for delivery of nimesulide

Introduction: Eggshell membrane (ESM) is a tissue found between the eggshell and the albumen of eggs that has attractive properties for use in drug delivery systems. Aim:  To incorporate in ESM and used it as a model drug in release studies. The color change and FTIR analysis of the biopolymer proved the incorporation of nimesulide in ESM. Results: The drug uptake was 176.83 and 122.69 mg g-1 by natural and cross-linked ESM. Release studies were carried out using a spectrophotometric flow system in simulated intestinal fluid pH 7.4. The release profiles showed that after 60 minutes 54.55 and 42.58 % of the drug were released from natural and cross-linked ESM, respectively. Kinetics parameters indicated that drug release was better described by the Higuchi model and through a non-Fickian release. Conclusion: Considering these results is proved that ESM has the potential to become a polymeric matrix for drug release systems.