Metabolism of BYZX in human liver microsomes and cytosol: identification of the metabolites and metabolic pathways of BYZX

BYZX, [(E)-2-(4-((diethylamino)methyl)benzylidene)-5,6-dimethoxy-2,3-dihydroinden-one], belongs to a series of novel acetylcholinesterase inhibitors and has been synthesized as a new chemical entity for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease symptoms. When incubated with human liver microsomes (HLMs), BYZX was rapidly transformed into its metabolites M1, M2, and M3. The chemical structures of these metabolites were identified using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance, which indicated that M1 was an N-desethylated and C = C hydrogenation metabolite of BYZX. M2 and M3 were 2 precursor metabolites, which resulted from the hydrogenation and desethylation of BYZX, respectively. Further studies with chemical inhibitors and human recombinant cytochrome P450s (CYPs), and correlation studies were performed. The results indicated that the N-desethylation of BYZX and M2 was mediated by CYP3A4 and CYP2C8. The reduced form of β-nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide 2′-phosphate was involved in the hydrogenation of BYZX and M3, and this reaction occurred in the HLMs and in the human liver cytosol. The hydrogenation reaction was not inhibited by any chemical inhibitors of CYPs, but it was significantly inhibited by some substrates of α,β-ketoalkene C = C reductases and their inhibitors such as benzylideneacetone, dicoumarol, and indomethacin. Our results suggest that α,β-ketoalkene C = C reductases may play a role in the hydrogenation reaction, but this issue requires further clarification.

Evaluation of the physicochemical and biopharmaceutical properties of fluoro-indomethacin

Drug nanocarriers have shown great potential in therapy and as diagnostic probes, e.g. in imaging of cancer and inflammation. Imaging can be applied to localize the carrier or the drug itself in the body and/or tissues. In this particular case it is important that drug molecules have the characteristics for possible detection, e.g. after modification with positron emission tomography compliant radioisotopes, without affecting their pharmacological behavior. In order to easily and efficiently follow the ADME profile of the drug after loaded into nanocarriers, the drug can be radiolabelled with, e.g. 18F-label, in order to assess its biodistribution after enteral and parenteral administration in rats. However, this is only possible if the derivative compound behaves similarly to the parent drug compound. In this study, indomethacin (a poorly water-soluble drug) was chosen as a model compound and aimed to evaluate the physicochemical and biopharmaceutical properties of an analog of indomethacin (IMC), fluoro-indomethacin (F-IMC). Although some of the physicochemical and biopharmaceutical properties of IMC are already known, in order to establish a feasible comparison between IMC and F-IMC, the behavior of the former was also investigated in the same conditions as for F-IMC. In this context, both IMC and F-IMC were thermally and morphologically studied. Furthermore, the following properties were also studied for both compounds: pKa and logP, solubility and dissolution profiles at physiological pH values, and toxicity at different concentrations in Caco-2 cells. Finally, the transport across Caco- 2 monolayers of the IMC and F-IMC at physiological pH range was also investigated. The results obtained showed similar values in pKalogP, solubility, dissolution, cytotoxicity, and permeability for both compounds. Thus, there might be strong evidence that both IMC and F-IMC should have a similar ADME behavior and profiles in vivo. The results provide fundamental tools and ideas for further research with nanocarriers of 18F-IMC.

Effect of processing route on the surface properties of amorphous indomethacin measured by inverse gas chromatography

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of processing route (i.e., quench cooling and ball milling) on the surface energy heterogeneity and surface chemistry of indomethacin (IMC). Recently developed inverse gas chromatography (IGC) methodology at finite concentrations was employed to determine the surface energy distributions of crystalline, quench cooled and milled IMC samples. Surface properties of crystalline and processed IMC were measurably different as determined by the IGC and other conventional characterization techniques: differential scanning calorimetry and powder X-ray diffraction. Quench cooled IMC was in fully amorphous form. Milled IMC showed no amorphous character by calorimetric or X-ray diffraction studies. It was demonstrated that both processed IMC samples were energetically more active than the crystalline IMC. In particular, milled IMC exhibited a relatively higher dispersive surface energy and higher surface basicity (electron donor capability). This may be attributed to the creation of surface defect sites or exposure of higher energy crystal facets during the milling process. This study confirms that processing route has notable influence on the surface energy distribution and surface acid-base character. IGC was demonstrated as a powerful technique for investigating surface properties of real-world, heterogeneous pharmaceutical materials.

Mechanism of fast surface self-diffusion of an organic glass

Zhu et al. [L. Zhu, C. W. Brian, S. F. Swallen, P. T. Straus, M. D. Ediger, and L. Yu, Phys. Rev. Lett. 106, 256103 (2011)] measured the surface self-diffusion for an organic glass former, indomethacin, and found surface diffusion is more than 10(6) times faster than bulk diffusion at temperatures around T(g). With the help of dielectric relaxation and differential scanning calorimetry measurements on bulk indomethacin, and analysis of the data using the coupling model, we provide a quantitative explanation. We find the bulk α-relaxation time is longer than the primitive relaxation time also by about six orders of magnitude in a range of temperature above and below the bulk T(g). Thus, the cause of the fast surface diffusion is the nearly vanishing of intermolecular coupling of relaxation and diffusion at the surface. The results of related experimental studies of enhanced relaxation and diffusion at the surface of other glass formers also have been analyzed and quantitatively explained. Our predictions on surface diffusion from the coupling model are compared with that given by the random first order transition theory.

Crystal structures of three classes of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in complex with aldo-keto reductase 1C3

Aldo-keto reductase 1C3 (AKR1C3) catalyses the NADPH dependent reduction of carbonyl groups in a number of important steroid and prostanoid molecules. The enzyme is also over-expressed in prostate and breast cancer and its expression is correlated with the aggressiveness of the disease. The steroid products of AKR1C3 catalysis are important in proliferative signalling of hormone-responsive cells, while the prostanoid products promote prostaglandin-dependent proliferative pathways. In these ways, AKR1C3 contributes to tumour development and maintenance, and suggest that inhibition of AKR1C3 activity is an attractive target for the development of new anti-cancer therapies. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are one well-known class of compounds that inhibits AKR1C3, yet crystal structures have only been determined for this enzyme with flufenamic acid, indomethacin, and closely related analogues bound. While the flufenamic acid and indomethacin structures have been used to design novel inhibitors, they provide only limited coverage of the NSAIDs that inhibit AKR1C3 and that may be used for the development of new AKR1C3 targeted drugs. To understand how other NSAIDs bind to AKR1C3, we have determined ten crystal structures of AKR1C3 complexes that cover three different classes of NSAID, N-phenylanthranilic acids (meclofenamic acid, mefenamic acid), arylpropionic acids (flurbiprofen, ibuprofen, naproxen), and indomethacin analogues (indomethacin, sulindac, zomepirac). The N-phenylanthranilic and arylpropionic acids bind to common sites including the enzyme catalytic centre and a constitutive active site pocket, with the arylpropionic acids probing the constitutive pocket more effectively. By contrast, indomethacin and the indomethacin analogues sulindac and zomepirac, display three distinctly different binding modes that explain their relative inhibition of the AKR1C family members. This new data from ten crystal structures greatly broadens the base of structures available for future structure-guided drug discovery efforts.

Detection of cocrystal formation based on binary phase diagrams using thermal analysis

PURPOSE

Although a number of studies have reported that cocrystals can form by heating a physical mixture of two components, details surrounding heat-induced cocrystal formation remain unclear. Here, we attempted to clarify the thermal behavior of a physical mixture and cocrystal formation in reference to a binary phase diagram.

METHODS

Physical mixtures prepared using an agate mortar were heated at rates of 2, 5, 10, and 30 °C/min using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Some mixtures were further analyzed using X-ray DSC and polarization microscopy.

RESULTS

When a physical mixture consisting of two components which was capable of cocrystal formation was heated using DSC, an exothermic peak associated with cocrystal formation was detected immediately after an endothermic peak. In some combinations, several endothermic peaks were detected and associated with metastable eutectic melting, eutectic melting, and cocrystal melting. In contrast, when a physical mixture of two components which is incapable of cocrystal formation was heated using DSC, only a single endothermic peak associated with eutectic melting was detected.

CONCLUSION

These experimental observations demonstrated how the thermal events were attributed to phase transitions occurring in a binary mixture and clarified the relationship between exothermic peaks and cocrystal formation.

Preparation and study of poly(vinyl acetate) and poly(styrene) nanosized latex with indometacin

During the last decade the number of investigations on the preparation and application of more effective drug release systems on the basis of nanocarriers from biocompatible and biodegradable polymers are considerably increasing. This is notably in force for practically water insoluble drugs to be applied in liquid forms (eye solutions for an example). The aim of the work presented was the preparation of model poly(vinyl acetate) and poly(styrene) nanosupports for indometacin and their potential inclusion in eye drops. The polymers are synthesized as nanosized latex by a radical polymerization of the monomers in the presence of indometacin. It is proved that the low polymerization temperature and initiator used do not influence indometacin structure and properties. The nanoparticles were characterized by attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic analyses, atomic force microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The size of the latex particles was around 200 nm, determined by the scan electron microscopy. The indometacin delivery rate from the supports discussed in aqueous solutions was determined at pH 7.4. The change of this rate, in comparison with that for a pure drug substance, was established also as well as its dependence on the nature of the carrier.

Effect of compression on non-isothermal crystallization behaviour of amorphous indomethacin

PURPOSE

To evaluate the effect of tablet compression on the physical stability of amorphous indomethacin.

METHODS

The amorphous indomethacin generated by melt cooling, rapid (5°C/min) or slow (0.2°C/min) cooling, was evaluated by PXRD, mDSC and FTIR analysis. Non-isothermal crystallisation behaviour was assessed using mDSC and any structural changes with compression were monitored by FTIR. Amorphous indomethacin was compressed in a DSC pan using a custom made die cavity-punch setup and further analysed in the primary container to minimize stress due to sample transfer and preparation.

RESULTS

Compression of amorphous indomethacin induced and increased the extent of crystallisation upon heating. DSC results revealed that amorphous indomethacin generated by rapid cooling is more prone to compression induced crystallisation than the slowly cooled one. Onset temperature for crystallisation (T(c)) of uncompressed slowly and rapidly cooled samples are 121.4 and 124°C and after compression T(c) decreased to ca 109 and ca 113°C, respectively. Compression of non-aged samples led to higher extent of crystallisation predominantly into γ-form. Aging followed by compression led to crystallisation of mainly the α-form.

CONCLUSIONS

Compression affects the physical stability of amorphous indomethacin. Structural changes originated from tablet compression should be duly investigated for the stable amorphous formulation development.

A theoretical and spectroscopic study of co-amorphous naproxen and indomethacin

Co-amorphous drug systems were recently introduced as potential drug delivery systems for poorly water soluble drugs in order to overcome problems associated with amorphous materials. The improved physical stability and dissolution of these systems was attributed to molecular interactions between the co-amorphous partners, such as hydrogen bonds. However, molecular level characterization with vibrational spectroscopy of even the amorphous drugs alone presents a significant challenge. This becomes even more complicated when more than one compound is present in the material under investigation. In this study, the co-amorphous drug mixture containing naproxen (NAP) and indomethacin (IND) was investigated using infrared spectroscopy (IR) and quantum mechanical calculations. The structures of both drugs were optimized as monomer, homodimer and heterodimer using density functional theory and used for the calculation of IR spectra. Conformational analysis confirmed that the optimized structures were suitable for the theoretical prediction of the spectra. Vibrational modes from the calculation could be matched with experimentally observed spectra for crystalline and amorphous NAP and IND, and it could be shown that both drugs exist as homodimers in their respective individual amorphous form. With the results from the experimental single amorphous drugs and theoretical homodimers, a detailed analysis of the experimental co-amorphous and theoretical heterodimer spectra was performed and evaluated. It is suggested that NAP and IND exist as heterodimers in the co-amorphous mixture when quench cooled together from the melt in a 1:1 molar ratio.

Self-emulsifying oils for ocular drug delivery. II. In vitro release of indomethacin and hydrocortisone

The objective of this study was to compare the in vitro release of indomethacin and hydrocortisone from self-emulsifying drug delivery systems (SEDDS) and aqueous or oily suspensions. SEDDS carriers were obtained by dissolving Cremophor EL, Tween 20 or Span 80 in Miglyol oil. The release experiment was performed over 6 h using a dialysis cellulose membrane and acceptor fluid imitating composition of a lacrimal fluid. The release data fitted to the Higuchi's equation. Apparent diffusion constant of indomethacin (k(H)) was in the range 2.55-3.78 mgh(-0.5) and was hardly affected by the formulation type. In the case of hydrocortisone k(H) value was the highest for aqueous and oily suspensions (2.16-2.33 mgh(-0.5)) and for SEDDS systems was not increased even if solubility of the drug was almost 3 times higher than in water or oil. This observation leads to the conclusion that SEDDS does not enhance diffusion rate and other factors can be responsible for the expected better drug absorption through cornea from SEDDS in vivo. Analysis of the release kinetics from sus pension type formulations supports the hypothesis that it may be reasonable to propose SEDDS with the small access of the suspended drug as the most promising formulation.

Nitroxide derivatives of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs exert anti-inflammatory and superoxide dismutase scavenging properties in A459 cells

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Inflammation and reactive oxygen species are associated with the promotion of various cancers. The use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in cancer prevention treatments has been promising in numerous cancers. We report the evaluation of NSAIDs chemically modified by the addition of a redox-active nitroxide group. TEMPO-aspirin (TEMPO-ASA) and TEMPO-indomethacin (TEMPO-IND) were synthesized and evaluated in the lung cancer cell line A549.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACHES

We evaluated physico-chemical properties of TEMPO-ASA and TEMPO-IND by electron paramagnetic resonance and cyclic voltammetry. Superoxide dismutase-like properties was assayed by measuring cytochrome c reduction and anti-inflammatory effects were assayed by measuring production of prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2) ) and leukotriene B(4) (LTB(4) ). MTT proliferation assay and clonogenic assay were evaluated in the A549 lung carcinoma cell line. Maximum tolerated doses (MTD) and acute ulcerogenic index were also evaluated in in vivo.

KEY RESULTS

MTD were: TEMPO (140 mg·kg(-1) ), ASA (100 mg·kg(-1) ), indomethacin (5 mg·kg(-1) ), TEMPO-ASA (100 mg·kg(-1) ) and TEMPO-IND (40 mg·kg(-1) ). While TEMPO-ASA was as well tolerated as ASA, TEMPO-IND showed an eightfold improvement over indomethacin. TEMPO-IND showed markedly less gastric toxicity than the parent NSAID. Both TEMPO-ASA and TEMPO-IND inhibited production of PGE(2) and LTB(4) in A549 cells with maximum effects at 100 µg·mL(-1) or 10 µg·mL(-1) respectively.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

The nitroxide-NSAIDs retained superoxide scavenging capacity of the parent nitroxide and anti-inflammatory effects, inhibiting cyclooxygenase and 5-lipoxygenase enzymes. These redox-modified NSAIDs might be potential drug candidates, as they exhibit the pharmacological properties of the parent NSAID with antioxidant activity decreasing NSAID-associated toxicity.

[Preparation of two poor water soluble drugs - nanoporous ZnO solid dispersions and the mechanism of drug dissolution improvement]

Nanoporous ZnO was used as a carrier to prepare drug solid dispersion, the mechanism of which to improve the drug dissolution was also studied. Nanoporous ZnO, obtained through chemical deposition method, was used as a carrier to prepare indomethacin and cilostazol solid dispersions by melt-quenching method, separately. The results of scanning electron microscope, surface area analyzer, fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimeter and X-ray diffraction showed that drugs were implanted into nanopores of ZnO by physical adsorption effect and highly dispersed into nanopores of ZnO in amorphous form, moreover, these nanopores strongly inhibited amorphous recrystallization in the condition of 45 degrees C and 75% RH. In addition, the results of the dissolution tested in vitro exhibited that the accumulated dissolutions of indomethacin and cilostazol solid dispersions achieved about 90% within 5 min and approximately 80% within 30 min. It was indicated in this study that the mechanism of drug dissolution improvement was associated with the effects of nanoporous ZnO carrier on increasing drug dispersion, controlling drug in nanopores as amorphous form and inhibiting amorphous recrystallization.

Preparation of chondroitin sulfate nanocapsules for use as carries by the interfacial polymerization method

In this paper, the method of interfacial polymerization in emulsion was employed to fabricate chondroitin sulfate-methacrylate (ChSMA) nanocapsules, in which poor water-soluble drug of indomethacin (IND) could be effectively encapsulated. The morphology and the size distribution of synthesized nanocapsules were characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and dynamic light scattering (DLS) techniques. The quantitative drug loading was investigated. The IND/ChSMA noodle-like self-assemblies were observed with the increase of IND feed concentration, and the interactions between IND and ChSMA were illuminated by FT-IR and XRD measurements. The in vitro drug release of IND-loaded nanocapsules and IND/ChSMA self-assemblies were also carried out in simulated body fluid pH 7.4 at 37°C.

Fluorinated COX-2 inhibitors as agents in PET imaging of inflammation and cancer

COX-2 is a major contributor to the inflammatory response and cancer progression so it is an important target for prevention and therapy. COX-2 is absent or expressed at low levels in most epithelial cells but is found at high levels in inflammatory lesions, and many premalignant and malignant tumors. Thus, it is an attractive target for molecular imaging. We report a series of novel fluorinated imaging agents, derived from indomethacin or celecoxib that selectively inhibit COX-2. The most promising lead, compound 7, was a fluorinated derivative of celecoxib. Kinetic analysis revealed that this fluorinated compound is a slow, tight-binding inhibitor of COX-2 and exhibits minimal inhibitory activity against COX-1. Efficient incorporation of (18)F into compound 7 by radiochemical synthesis and intravenous injection provided sufficient signal for in vivo positron emission tomography (PET) imaging. Selective uptake of (18)F-7 was observed in inflamed rat paws compared with the noninflamed contralateral paws and uptake was blocked by pretreatment with the COX-2 inhibitor, celecoxib. Uptake of (18)F-7 was not observed when inflammation was induced in COX-2-null mice. In nude mice bearing both a COX-2-expressing human tumor xenograft (1483) and a COX-2-negative xenograft (HCT116), (18)F-7 selectively accumulated in the COX-2-expressing tumor. Accumulation was blocked by pretreatment of the animals with celecoxib. The in vitro and in vivo properties of compound 7 suggest it will be a useful probe for early detection of cancer and for evaluation of the COX-2 status of premalignant and malignant tumors.

Synthesis, biological evaluation and molecular docking of quinazoline-4(1H)-one derivatives as anti-inflammatory and analgesic agents

Two series of 2-phenyl-4(3H) quinazolinone derivatives have been synthesized. Most of the tested quinazolinone derivatives showed considerable potent anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity of superior GIT safety profile in experimental rats in comparing to indomethacin as reference drug. Compounds VIa, VIb were the most potent anti-inflammatory in experimental rats in comparing to indomethacin as reference drug. Docking study into COX-2 has been made for derivatives of anti-inflammatory activity.

Solidified mPEG-PDLLA micelles as a novel oral delivery system of indomethacin

In this study, indomethacin (IND) loaded solidified-polymeric micelles (IND-SPM) were prepared. Their in vitro characteristics were investigated. Methoxy-poly(ethylene glycol) poly(D, L-lactide) copolymer (mPEG-PDLLA) was used as IND carrier. The preparation of IND-SPM was conducted by solution-absorption method and evaporation by rotary evaporator. Polyplasdone XL-10 was used as adsorbent. The solution-absorption method was conducted by the following procedure; IND and mPEG-PDLLA were dissolved in acetone, followed by addition of polyplasdone XL-10 and stirred to obtain a suspension. The powder of IND-SPM was simply obtained after the organic solvent was completely evaporated. More than 90% (w/w) of IND (20 mg) in the powder was dissolved in 250 mL PBS within 30 min. DSC, 1H NMR and SEM results proved that IND was encapsulated within mPEG-PDLLA. The solubility of IND in the system increased 4.6 times with the highest amount of copolymer. The solidified particles were found to be suitable for the formulation of tablets or capsules.

[Establishment and evaluation of a dynamic in vitro intestinal absorption model of lipid formulations]

A new dynamic in vitro intestinal absorption model for screening and evaluating lipid formulations was established by means of the characteristics of the intestinal digestion and absorption of the lipid formulations. This model was composed of two systems, including intestinal digestion and the intestinal tissue culture, which drew the evaluation method of intestinal absorption into the in vitro lipolysis model. The influence of several important model parameters such as Ca2+, D-glucose, K+ on the two systems of this model has been investigated. The results showed that increasing of Ca2+ concentration could be significantly conductive to intestinal digestion. The increasing of D-glucose concentration could stepped significantly down the decay of the intestinal activity. K+ was able to maintain intestinal activity, but the influence of different concentration levels on the decay of the intestinal activity was of no significant difference. Thus the model parameters were set up as follows: Ca2+ for 10 mmol x L(-1), D-glucose for 15 mmol x L(-1) and K+ for 5.5 mmol x L(-1). Type I lipid formulation was evaluated with this model, and there was a significant correlation between the absorption curve in vitro and absorption curve in vivo of rats (r = 0.995 6, P < 0.01). These results demonstrated that this model can be an attractive and great potential method for the screening, evaluating and predicting of the lipid formulations.

A NMR reverse diffusion filter for the simplification of spectra of complex mixtures and the study of drug receptor interactions

A reverse diffusion filter NMR experiment (Drev) is proposed for the study of small molecules in binding with macromolecules. The filtering efficiency of Drev to eliminate the signals of the macromolecule is shown to be superior to conventional transverse relaxation filters at least for macromolecules containing a significant fraction of flexible residues. The Drev filter was also a useful complement for ligand-based NMR screening in combination with saturation transfer difference experiments.

Development of nanofiber coated indomethacin-eluting stent for tracheal regeneration

In the case of tracheal rupture or stenosis, most effective way is to insert a commercially available metal stent. However, the implantation often causes a fever or a pain on the contact surface between trachea and the stent. And also the metal stent should be removed after a certain time implantation. Thus, we developed a functional tracheal drug eluting stent consisting of indomethacin, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), loaded nanofibers on a bare metal stent. To control the drug release kinetics and enhancement of mucosal regeneration, gelatin and PLCL were coated layer by layer on a metal stent by an electrospinning method. Indomethacin was loaded in the gelatin layer by soaking and drying method (0.1, 0.5, and 1 wt% in ethanol for 10 min). The morphology of functional drug eluting tracheal stent was characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM). And mechanical properties of the constructs such as air leak pressure, ultimate tensile stress, and modulus were calculated and evaluated. Drug release was performed by a high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Stably coated gelatin and poly(L-lactide- co-epsilon-caprolactone) (PLCL) nanofibers were observed by SEM. Bi-layered nanofibers-coated stent showed enough mechanical properties as a tracheal stent, which confirmed by a custom-designed air leak mechanical test. For indomethacin loading on a stent, stent was immersed in a series of drug solutions (different concentrations) for 10 min. At the result of HPLC, total amounts of indomethacin on a stent were approximately 77, 323, and 670 ug/stent, respectively. Time dependent drug release kinetics of the tracheal stent showed a sustained release profile regardless of indomethacin content. Thus, functionally designed nanofiber coated tracheal stent with anti-inflammatory drug may be useful for tracheal regeneration.

Surface self-diffusion of an organic glass

Surface self-diffusion has been measured for an organic glass for the first time. The flattening of 1000 nm surface gratings of liquid indomethacin occurs by viscous flow at 12 K or more above the glass transition temperature and by surface diffusion at lower temperatures. Surface diffusion is at least 10(6) times faster than bulk diffusion, indicating a highly mobile surface. Our data suggest that surface diffusion is the leading mechanism of surface evolution for organic glasses at micrometer to nanometer length scales.

[Microcosmic mechanisms of amorphous indomethacin crystallization and the influence of nano-coating on crystallization]

Amorphous drugs have higher solubility, better oral bioavailability and are easier to be absorbed than their crystalline counterparts. However, the amorphous drugs, with weak stability, are so easy to crystallize that they will lose the original advantages. Polarization microscope, scanning electron microscope, differential scanning calorimetry, X-ray diffractomer and Raman spectroscopy were used to study the microcosmic crystallization mechanisms of amorphous indometacin and the performance of the drug crystals. The results showed that the growth rate of amorphous indometacin crystals at the free surface was markedly faster than that through the bulk, and that the crystal growth rate decreased observably after spraying an ultrathin melting gold (10 nm) at the free surface of the drug. These results indicated that the high growth rates of amorphous drugs crystals at the free surface were the key to their stability and that an ultrathin coating could be applied to enhance the stability of amorphous drugs.

Intact nanoparticulate indomethacin in fast-dissolving carrier particles by combined wet milling and aerosol flow reactor methods

PURPOSE

Drug development is often hindered by a drug's low dissolution rate. We present a method to increase dissolution rate of a drug powder by producing crystalline nanoparticles that are dispersed in carrier microparticles.

METHODS

Indomethacin crystals of a few hundred nanometers are prepared by media milling using poloxamer 188 as a stabilizer. Nanoparticles are embedded into microparticles with a mannitol matrix and an L-leucine coating layer using an aerosol flow reactor method.

RESULTS

Microparticles stabilize the primary nanoparticles in an intact crystalline form and release them when re-dispersed in aqueous medium. Secondary microparticle structure dissolves rapidly, resulting in a fast release and dissolution of indomethacin. In this manner, it is possible to change the surface layer of the particles from the one needed for nanoparticle production to one more suitable for process formulation of pharmaceuticals for, e.g., tablet or pulmonary products.

CONCLUSIONS

Particle assemblies where nano-sized crystalline drug domains are embedded in solid microparticles are presented. The present work is a promising approach towards a "nanos-in-micros" concept as a tool for pharmaceutical nanoparticle processing.

High-resolution imaging of the intramolecular structure of indomethacin-carrying dendrimers by scanning tunneling microscopy

Dendrimers have shown great potential in drug delivery because of their enhancement of drug solubility in aqueous media, leading to an increase in in vivo circulation and efficacy to targets. The structure of drug-dendrimer complexes however, is not well-known owing to the difficulties associated with visualizing individual drug molecules attached to dendrimers. Scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) enables visualization of dendrimer intramolecular structures using our approach of metal ion tagging. This work extends the approach to reveal the hierarchical structure of indomethacin-loaded poly(amidoamine) hydroxyl-terminated dendrimers. STM imaging provides structural information such as their height, lateral dimensions, and volume. High-resolution STM images enable the identification and count of individual indomethacin molecules bound to the anterior of dendrimers. Removal of drug molecules by the STM tip allows the calculation of individual drug-dendrimer binding energy, which is consistent with 1-3 hydrogen bonds. These investigations provide new insight into the hierarchical structure and nature of indomethacin-dendrimer interactions and deepen our understanding of the stability and pharmacokinetic behavior of dendrimer-based drug delivery vehicles.

Enhancing Effects of Medium Chain Aliphatic Alcohols and Esters on the Permeation of 6-Carboxyfluorescein and Indomethacin through Rat Skin

Medium chain aliphatic alcohols (C8-C12) and methyl or propyl esters of medium chain fatty acids (C8-C12) enhanced the permeation of 6-carboxyfluorescein (6-CF) and indomethacin (IND) through excised rat skin. The enhancing effects of the aliphatic alcohols for 6-CF and IND decreased with the increase in carbon chain length. The dependence on the carbon chain length was different from that exhibited by medium-chain fatty acids previously reported. In the case of fatty acid esters, the enhancing effects were lower than those of aliphatic alcohols and fatty acids. The relationship between the enhancing effects and the total number of carbon atoms in the esters was different for 6-CF and IND. The dependence on the total number of carbon atoms was similar to that in the aliphatic alcohols for 6-CF, and greater effects were observed in the shorter esters. On the other hand, no definite trends were observed for IND. Although the relationships between the structure and skin permeation-enhancing effect of the aliphatic alcohols and fatty acid esters used in this study are not yet fully understood, they are possible candidates as permeation enhancers for hydrophilic and lipophilic drugs. Further experiments, including examination of the location and environment of the lipophilic carbon chain and hydrophilic groups of such enhancers in the stratum corneum, are needed to optimize transdermal delivery systems containing them.