Formulation and Evaluation of Nanoparticulate Drug Delivery System of Benazepril HCl

The objective of this study was to develop a nanoformulation of Benazepril HCl drug-loaded nanoparticles providing controlled release formulation. The Benazepril hydrochloride, an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, is used in the treatment of hypertension and heart failure.  Benazepril HCl nanoparticles were successfully prepared by emulsion solvent evaporation method using ethylcellulose as polymer, polyvinyl alcohol as stabilizer, and ethanol as organic solvent. Four formulations were prepared by changing the concentration of the polymer and stabilizer. Nanoparticles were characterized for percentage yield, particle size, entrapment efficiency, scanning electron microscopy and in vitro drug release. The particle size and stability of the formulations were determined by the HORIBA SZ-100 series particle size analyzer. The particle size of all formulations was found to be within the range of 200-500 nm. The entrapment efficiency of formulation F1, F2, F3, and F4 of Benazepril HCl nanoparticles was found to be 55.78%, 62.1%,60.95%, and 59.52% respectively. The SEM study nanoparticles of Benazepril HCl exhibit smooth surfaces with irregular shapes.  In vitro drug release studies were performed in a phosphate buffer of pH 7.4 using dissolution test apparatus. All formulations show 100% drug release at 10 hrs. The cumulative release of Benazepril HCL from its nanoparticles of the selected formulation was fitted to Zero-order, First-order, Second-order, Higuchi’s (matrix) model, Korsemeyer-Peppas model, and Hixson Crowell model.