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Design, Optimization, and in vitro Characterization of Riluzole-Loaded Polymeric Micelles for Enhanced Delivery in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder with limited treatment options, including riluzole, which is characterized by rapid clearance and low bioavailability. The objective of this investigation was to design, optimize, and characterize polymeric micelles (PMs) for riluzole delivery as a preliminary step toward enhanced brain targeting in ALS therapy. In order to optimize the polymer quantity and polymer/drug ratio, a central composite design was implemented, which assessed encapsulation efficiency (EE%), particle size, and drug loading (DL%). The results indicated that EE% was enhanced by lesser polymer concentrations, whereas EE% was initially reduced but subsequently increased by higher polymer/drug ratios. The optimized formulation (266.20 mg polymer, polymer/drug ratio of 5) achieved a particle size of 15.83 nm, EE% of 94.55%, and DL% of 16.89%. Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope confirmed spherical micelles with a uniform size, and in vitro release studies showed sustained riluzole release. These findings showed PMs as a promising strategy to improve the riluzole delivery in ALS therapy.

Source: Pharmaceutical Fronts

DOI: 10.1055/a-2795-3386

Authors: Sepideh Ghorbankhani, Zahra Ataie, Faranak Salmannejad

Institution: Alborz University of Medical Sciences

Language: English

Topic: Nanoparticle-Based Drug Delivery

Subfield: Biomaterials

Field: Materials Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: diamond

Funder: Alborz University of Medical Sciences