| Project ID |
BITS-SRIP/EEA57A/2026 |
| Project Title |
Advanced Formulation Approaches to Enhance Solubility and Stability of Anticancer Agents for Percutaneous Drug Delivery |
| Project Description |
The project aims to employ advanced and rational formulation strategies, such as nanocarrier-based systems, lipid–polymer hybrid systems, and solubility-enhancing techniques, including encapsulation, molecular and inclusion complex formation. Biocompatible and pharmaceutically acceptable excipients will be selected to enhance drug solubility, protect labile anticancer agents from degradation, and ensure the safety of the formulation for dermal applications. The formulations will be systematically optimized using a Quality by Design (QbD) approach to identify critical material attributes and process parameters influencing solubility, stability, and permeation performance.
A comprehensive physicochemical characterization will be conducted to evaluate particle size, surface charge, morphology, drug loading, and encapsulation efficiency. Stability studies under accelerated and long-term conditions will assess the ability of the developed formulations to maintain chemical integrity and physical stability over time. In vitro drug release and ex vivo skin permeation studies, utilizing suitable diffusion models, will be conducted to elucidate release kinetics, permeation flux, and skin retention behavior.
The expected outcomes of this research include a significant improvement in the apparent solubility and stability of selected anticancer agents, resulting in enhanced percutaneous absorption and controlled drug release. The optimized formulations are anticipated to achieve higher drug retention in targeted skin layers or improved systemic delivery, depending on therapeutic intent, while reducing dose-related adverse effects. Additionally, this work is expected to generate a mechanistic understanding of how formulation composition and structure influence solubility enhancement, stability protection, and skin permeation of anticancer drugs.
Overall, the study aims to establish a scientifically robust and translational formulation platform for the percutaneous delivery of anticancer agents. The findings may contribute to the development of safer, more effective, and patient-friendly anticancer therapies, providing a foundation for further preclinical and clinical investigations. |
| Project Discipline |
Pharmacy, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Biological Science |
| Faculty Name |
Ankit Jain |
| Department |
Department of Pharmacy |
