Design, Development and Evaluation of Nimesulide-Loaded Nanosponges for Compression into Fast Dissolving Tablets to Enhance Solubility and Dissolution Rate

The present study aimed to design, develop, and evaluate Nimesulide-loaded nanosponges incorporated into fast dissolving tablets to enhance solubility and dissolution rate. Nimesulide, a BCS Class II non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, suffers from poor aqueous solubility leading to limited dissolution and bioavailability. To overcome this limitation, nanosponges were prepared by the emulsion solvent diffusion method using ethyl cellulose and polyvinyl alcohol. The optimized formulation exhibited a particle size of 180 ± 5.2 nm, PDI of 0.21, and zeta potential of -28.6 ± 1.4 mV, indicating uniformity and stability. SEM analysis confirmed a porous, sponge-like structure suitable for drug entrapment. The optimized nanosponges were further compressed into fast dissolving tablets using direct compression with suitable excipients. Pre-compression studies indicated good flow properties, while post-compression evaluation showed acceptable weight variation, friability (0.48%), hardness (3.8 ± 0.4 kg/cm²), and high drug content (98.6 ± 1.2%). The tablets exhibited rapid wetting and dispersion times, confirming fast disintegration characteristics. In vitro dissolution studies demonstrated enhanced drug release, with 98% release achieved within 45 minutes. The results indicate that nanosponge-based fast dissolving tablets significantly improve the solubility, dissolution rate, and potential bioavailability of Nimesulide. This approach provides an effective and patient-friendly strategy for delivering poorly water-soluble drugs with improved therapeutic performance.