Fabrication and characterisation studies of cyclodextrin-based nanosponges for sulfamethoxazole delivery

β-Cyclodextrin based nanosponges have been synthesized in three molar ratios, and characterized by phase solubility studies, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight mass spectrometry, and scanning electron microscopy. Following characterization studies, a model anti-bacterial agent, sulfamethoxazole, has been loaded within the nanosponges, and in vitro drug release studies were carried out. According to results, nanosponges below ~ 100 nm diameter were obtained with a characteristic sponge-like morphology. Phase solubility studies demonstrated that β-cyclodextrin nanosponges improve solubility of the drug up to 30-fold. These results suggest that nanosponges could improve the bioavailability of drugs by conducing them to reach desired plasma concentrations for therapeutic effect. Graphic abstract