Fabrication of PF-127 Based Niosomal In Situ Gel for Intranasal Delivery of Lurasidone Hydrochloride and Optimization by Using 32 Factorial Design

Schizophrenia and bipolar disorder stand as intense and persistent mental illnesses. This research underscores the development of a niosomal thermoreversible gel for intranasal drug delivery with a focus on precise administration to the olfactory lobe. Utilizing a 3(2) factorial design, lurasidone hydrochloride niosomes were fabricated through the thin film hydration method. The niosomes underwent assessment to determine their encapsulation efficiency, particle size, zeta potential and polydispersity index whereas thermoreversible niosomal in situ gel based on PF-127 in conjunction with HPMC K4M was characterized for pH, gelation time, temperature responsiveness, in vitro release and rheological characteristics. The results indicated that the optimized batch (F4) illustrated a particle size of 171.4 +/- 5.12 nm and an encapsulation efficiency 94.67 +/- 0.73%. Optimized niosomal gel (poloxamer 17%) characterized with gelation at 37 degrees C, pseudoplastic flow and virtuous structural integrity. Both in vitro and ex vivo drug release exhibited sustained release through in situ gel. These findings concluded that lurasidone HCL loaded intranasal niosomal in situ gel embraces significant potential to improve inclusive effectiveness of lurasidone.