Formulation and Evaluation of Floating Drug Delivery System for the Treatment of H. Pylori Using Carvacrol

Abstract

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is a prevalent and challenging condition often associated with peptic ulcers and gastric malignancies. Traditional antibiotic treatments face limitations due to antibiotic resistance and suboptimal drug delivery to the gastric mucosa. This study aims to formulate and evaluate a floating drug delivery system (FDDS) incorporating carvacrol, a potent antimicrobial agent with activity against H. pylori, to enhance localized drug action in the stomach. The FDDS was developed using an effervescent approach, incorporating gas-generating agents and hydrocolloids to achieve buoyancy. Carvacrol was selected for its broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties and ability to disrupt H. pylori biofilms. The formulation was optimized through a series of pre-formulation studies to determine the ideal polymer concentrations and ratios, ensuring optimal floatation and sustained drug release.

Characterization of the FDDS involved evaluating its buoyancy, drug release profile, and antimicrobial efficacy. In vitro buoyancy tests demonstrated that the optimized formulation remained buoyant for over 12 hours, providing prolonged gastric retention. Drug release studies using simulated gastric fluid indicated a sustained release of carvacrol over 8 hours, aligning with therapeutic needs for H. pylori eradication. Antimicrobial testing against H. pylori strains confirmed the formulation’s efficacy, showing significant inhibition of bacterial growth and biofilm formation. The developed FDDS exhibited excellent potential for targeted therapy against H. pylori, offering prolonged drug residence time in the stomach and sustained antimicrobial action. These findings suggest that carvacrol-based floating drug delivery systems could represent a promising alternative to conventional H. pylori treatments, potentially improving patient outcomes and reducing the prevalence of antibiotic resistance. Further in vivo studies and clinical trials are warranted to confirm these promising results and assess the long-term benefits and safety of this novel therapeutic approach.