Abstract

This research investigated the efficacy of mixed micellar systems as an innovative chemical means of improving the binding properties of poorly water-soluble drugs. The formulations based on the mole fraction were used to prepare mixed micelles using anionic sodium deoxycholate (NaDC) or sodium cholate (NaC), and nonionic transglycosylated stevia (Stevia–G). Surface tension and dynamic light scattering (DLS) assessed the characteristic of the NaDC–Stevia–G and NaC–Stevia–G mixed micelles. Rubingh approach evaluated the interaction parameter (−βm), which demonstrated synergistic interaction between the anionic and non-ionic surfactant. Mixed micelle was used to assess the binding constant (Kb) and solubility of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, ethenzamide (ETZ), and ibuprofen (IBF). Kb values increased, but the mean occupancy (i) of ETZ and IBF per micelle decreased by increasing αStevia–G 0.1 to 0.9, predicting a shift in occupancy of drugs from Palisade to Stern layer. At αStevia–G 0.9 the maximum solubility of ETZ and IBF was 7.50 and 2.60 mmolL−1 for NaDC–Stevia–G and 5.60 and 1.70 mmolL−1 for NaC–Stevia–G. To get a better comprehension about micellization behavior and preferential interaction of the drugs under study, quantum chemical calculations and molecular dynamic (MD) simulations were performed. The MD analysis assessed that the poorly water-soluble drugs demonstrated strong binding in the presence of NaDC–Stevia–G as compared to NaC–Stevia–G mixed micelle. Ultimately, in pharmaceutical applications, mixed micelle of bile salts-Stevia-G can be used as an effective drug solubilizing agent.