Engineered Copper Sulfide Nanoparticles Functionalized With Poly (N‐Vinylcaprolactam) for Sustained and Controlled Teriflunomide Release in Multiple Sclerosis Treatment: <scp>RSM</scp> Optimization and In Vitro Evaluation

ABSTRACT In recent decades, significant efforts have been performed to develop drug delivery techniques for the treatment of Multiple Sclerosis (MS). This paper introduces a thermo‐responsive nanocarrier for targeted delivery of Teriflunomide (TFM) in MS patients, utilizing modified CuS nanoparticles (NPs) with poly(N‐vinylcaprolactam) and allyl alcohol. Characterization of the synthesized nanocarrier was conducted using scanning electron microscopy, Fourier‐transform infrared, x‐ray diffraction, and thermogravimetric analysis. Response surface methodology and central composite design models were employed to optimize three effective parameters: solution pH (6.49), temperature (25°C), and contact time (9.46 min). The isotherm adsorption and kinetic data showed the best fit with Langmuir ( q max = 6.0532 mg g −1 ) and pseudo‐second‐order models. The in vitro experiment for TFM release was monitored in simulated body fluids (pH = 7.4) at temperatures of 37°C and 45°C. The results revealed that 94.06% of TFM is released at 45°C during 6 h, compared to 60.6% at 37°C. Kinetic data analysis followed the zero‐order model, and the Korsmeyer‐Peppas model confirmed a supercase II transport mechanism for TFM release. Overall, the proposed nanocarrier showed promising potential for controlled, targeted delivery of TFM in MS patients.