In-vitro Drug Release of ATM-loaded SLNs

The in-vitro drug release of ATM-loaded SLNs was determined using a modified Franz diffusion cell. In simulated nasal conditions, the release rate of atomoxetine was investigated, and the percent of drug release after 30 min (Q30min) was determined. The semi-permeable cellulose membrane (Spectra/Pore dialysis membrane with a 12,000–14,000 molecular weight cutoff) was soaked in phosphate buffer solution (PH = 5.5) for 24 h at 25 °C before being used and attached between the donor and receptor compartments. In a donor compartment, 1 mL sample of the prepared ATM-loaded SLNs was inserted (equivalent to 18 mg of atomoxetine). The media was 100 mL phosphate buffer (pH 5.5) applied in the receptor compartment, with continuous stirring at 50 rpm with the aid of a magnetic stirrer at 37 °C. At predefined time intervals, 1 mL sample was collected and filtered using 0.45 syringe membrane filter paper, and the quantity of atomoxetine released was measured spectrophotometrically using UV spectrophotometer (UV-1601 PC spectrophotometer, Shimadzu, Kyoto, Japan) at the predetermined λmax (270.5 nm). The samples were taken at 5, 10, 15, 30, 45, 60, 120, 180, 240, 300, 360, 420 and 480 min and immediately replaced with a fresh phosphate buffer (PH 5.5) medium [19 (link),23 (link),56 ].