Fenbendazole (FBZ) is a widely used anthelmintic drug, but its poor solubility limits its bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy. To overcome this limitation, the formation of inclusion complexes with cyclodextrins has been explored. This study focuses on the preparation and phase identification of the fenbendazole-methyl-β-cyclodextrin (FBZ-M-β-CD) complex. The complexation was achieved using a co-precipitation method, followed by thorough characterization using various analytical techniques including X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The results demonstrate the successful formation of the FBZ-M-β-CD complex and provide insights into its structural and phase properties.
Fenbendazole (FBZ) is a broad-spectrum anthelmintic drug widely used in veterinary medicine for the treatment of parasitic infections in animals. However, its poor water solubility significantly limits its bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy. Cyclodextrins (CDs), particularly methylated derivatives such as methyl-β-cyclodextrin (M-β-CD), have been extensively studied as solubilizing agents to enhance the aqueous solubility and bioavailability of poorly water-soluble drugs. In this study, we aimed to prepare and characterize the inclusion complex of FBZ with M-β-CD to improve its solubility and potentially enhance its pharmacological properties.
Fenbendazole and methyl-β-cyclodextrin were obtained from commercial sources and used without further purification. The FBZ-M-β-CD complex was prepared using a co-precipitation method. Briefly, FBZ and M-β-CD were dissolved in a suitable solvent (e.g., ethanol) in stoichiometric ratios, followed by mixing and evaporation of the solvent under reduced pressure. The resulting solid was then characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) to determine the formation of the inclusion complex and elucidate its phase properties.
XRD analysis of the FBZ-M-β-CD complex revealed characteristic diffraction peaks corresponding to the crystalline structure of M-β-CD, indicating the successful formation of the inclusion complex. The disappearance or shifting of peaks associated with FBZ in the complex further confirmed its encapsulation within the CD cavity. FTIR spectroscopy provided additional evidence of complexation, showing changes in the vibrational frequencies of functional groups in the FBZ molecule upon complexation with M-β-CD. DSC thermograms exhibited alterations in the melting endotherms, indicating changes in the thermal behavior of FBZ in the presence of M-β-CD, consistent with complex formation.
In conclusion, the preparation and phase identification of the fenbendazole-methyl-β-cyclodextrin complex were successfully achieved using a co-precipitation method. The comprehensive characterization using XRD, FTIR, and DSC confirmed the formation of the inclusion complex and provided valuable insights into its structural and phase properties. Further studies are warranted to evaluate the solubility enhancement and pharmacological efficacy of the FBZ-M-β-CD complex for potential therapeutic applications in veterinary medicine.
