Validation of a novel molecular dynamics simulation approach for lipophilic drug incorporation into polymer micelles

Molecular dynamics simulations of self-emulsifying drug-delivery systems (SEDDS): influence of excipients on droplet nanostructure and drug localization

In this study, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were applied to model the lipidic nanoscale droplets that form when self-emulsifying drug-delivery systems (SEDDS) disperse into microemulsions in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The influence of the excipient composition on the droplet nanostructure and on the localization of drug molecules was monitored by the drug immersion depth and the molecular association bias between hydrophilic and hydrophobic moieties. A SEDDS standard system consisting of capric (C10) fatty acid chain length triglycerides and drug molecule cyclosporin A (CyA) was compared to systematic excipient variations. Investigating the drug-loading capacity of droplets yielded a negligible influence of drug molecules on the droplet nanostructure; increasing the drug load merely resulted in increased drug exposure to the aqueous environment. The variation of triglyceride fatty acid chain lengths yielded clearly distinguishable droplet association patterns (random, lamellar-like, and vesicle-like), which could prove beneficial for predicting and engineering drug solubilization in SEDDS. The addition of surfactant poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG-6) revealed the formation of an encapsulating surfactant shell with a negligible impact on the droplet interior triglyceride nanostructure, which could potentially be utilized to protect drug molecules from digestion. Mono- and diglyceride molecules displayed an increased tendency to accumulate at the droplet surface as well, in accordance with their capacity to act as surfactants, while also significantly interfering with the interior droplet nanostructure. The addition of monoglyceride molecules in particular caused the CyA molecule to be solubilized in a hydrophilic droplet core region consisting of polar triglyceride moieties. This mode of drug localization was in stark contrast to that of other systems, where CyA was predominantly found in the interfacial region of the aqueous environment.

Molecular dynamics simulation of amorphous hydroxypropyl-methylcellulose acetate succinate (HPMCAS): polymer model development, water distribution, and plasticization

Molecular models for HPMCAS polymer have been developed for molecular dynamics (MD) simulation that attempt to mimic the complex substitution patterns in HPMCAS observed experimentally. These molecular models were utilized to create amorphous HPMCAS solids by cooling of the polymeric melts at different water contents to explore the influence of water on molecular mobility, which plays a critical role in stability and drug release from HPMCAS-based solid matrices. The densities found for the simulated amorphous HPMCAS were 1.295, 1.287, and 1.276 g/cm(3) at 0.7, 5.7, and 13.2% w/w water, indicating swelling of the polymer with increasing water content. These densities compare favorably with the experimental density of 1.285 g/cm(3) for commercial HPMCAS-(AQOAT AS-MF) supporting the present HPMCAS models as a realistic representation of amorphous HPMCAS solids. Water molecules were observed to be mostly isolated from each other at a low water content (0.7% w/w), while clusters or strands of water were pervasive and broadly distributed in size at 13.2% w/w water. The average number of first-shell water molecules (n(w)) increased from 0.17 to 3.5, though the latter is still far below that (8.9) expected for the onset of a separate water phase. Increasing water content from 0.7 to 13.2% w/w was found to reduce the T(g) by ~81 K, similar to experimental observations. Plasticization with increasing water content resulted in increasing polymer mobility and water diffusivity. From 0.7 to 13.2% w/w water, the apparent water diffusivity increased from 1.1 × 10(-9) to 7.0 × 10(-8) cm(2)/s, though non-Einsteinian behavior persisted at all water contents explored. This and the water trajectories in the polymers suggest that water diffusion at 0.7% w/w water follows a "hopping" mechanism. At a higher water content (13.2% w/w) water diffusion follows dual diffusive processes: (1) fast water motions within water clusters; and (2) slower diffusion through the more rigid polymer matrix.

Protein-triggered supramolecular disassembly: insights based on variations in ligand location in amphiphilic dendrons

We use monodisperse dendrons that allow control over functional group presentation to investigate the influence of the location of a ligand on protein-induced disassembly and release of encapsulated small molecules. Based on both experiments and molecular dynamics simulations, we demonstrate that ligand location greatly influences release of guest molecules from the dendron-based supramolecular assembly. We show that a ligand moiety grafted to the dendron periphery is more accessible for the target protein in aqueous solution. On the other hand, the ligand moiety placed at the focal point or at the intermediate layer within the dendritic scaffold is less accessible, since it is surrounded by an environment rich in PEG chains, which hinders binding and even influences nonspecific interactions. We also demonstrate that the specific binding between one ligand and the target protein can destabilize the dendritic assembly. Furthermore, if more ligands are available, multivalent interactions are also possible with extravidin, which speed up disassembly and trigger the release of hydrophobic guests.

Computational prediction of drug solubility in lipid based formulation excipients

PURPOSE

To investigate if drug solubility in pharmaceutical excipients used in lipid based formulations (LBFs) can be predicted from physicochemical properties.

METHODS

Solubility was measured for 30 structurally diverse drug molecules in soybean oil (SBO, long-chain triglyceride; TGLC), Captex355 (medium-chain triglyceride; TGMC), polysorbate 80 (PS80; surfactant) and PEG400 co-solvent and used as responses during PLS model development. Melting point and calculated molecular descriptors were used as variables and the PLS models were validated with test sets and permutation tests.

RESULTS

Solvation capacity of SBO and Captex355 was equal on a mol per mol scale (R (2) = 0.98). A strong correlation was also found between PS80 and PEG400 (R (2) = 0.85), identifying the significant contribution of the ethoxylation for the solvation capacity of PS80. In silico models based on calculated descriptors were successfully developed for drug solubility in SBO (R (2) = 0.81, Q (2) = 0.76) and Captex355 (R (2) = 0.84, Q (2) = 0.80). However, solubility in PS80 and PEG400 were not possible to quantitatively predict from molecular structure.

CONCLUSION

Solubility measured in one excipient can be used to predict solubility in another, herein exemplified with TGMC versus TGLC, and PS80 versus PEG400. We also show, for the first time, that solubility in TGMC and TGLC can be predicted from rapidly calculated molecular descriptors.

Design, synthesis and biological assessment of a triazine dendrimer with approximately 16 Paclitaxel groups and 8 PEG groups

The synthesis and characterization of a generation three triazine dendrimer that displays a phenolic group at the core for labeling, up to eight 5 kDa PEG chains for solubility, and 16 paclitaxel groups is described. Three different diamine linkers--dipiperidine trismethylene, piperazine, and aminomethylpiperidine--were used within the dendrimer. To generate the desired stoichiometric ratio of 8 PEG chains to 16 paclitaxel groups, a monochlorotriazine was prepared with two paclitaxel groups attached through their 2'-hydroxyls using a linker containing a labile disulfide. This monochlorotriazine was linked to a dichlorotriazine with aminomethylpiperidine. The resulting dichlorotriazine bearing two paclitaxel groups could be reacted with the eight amines of the dendrimer. NMR and MALDI-TOF confirm successful reaction. The eight monochlorotriazines of the resulting material are used as the site for PEGylation affording the desired 2:1 stoichiometry. The target and intermediates were amenable to characterization by (1)H and (13)C NMR, and mass spectrometry. Analysis revealed that 16 paclitaxel groups were installed along with 5-8 PEG chains. The final construct is 63% PEG, 22% paclitaxel, and 15% triazine dendrimer. Consistent with previous efforts and computational models, 5 kDa PEG groups were essential for making the target water-soluble. Molecular dynamics simulations showed a high degree of hydration of the core, and a radius of gyration of 2.8 ± 0.2 nm. The hydrodynamic radius of the target was found to be 15.8 nm by dynamic light scattering, an observation indicative of aggregation. Drug release studies performed in plasma showed slow and identical release in mouse and rat plasma (8%, respectively). SPECT/CT imaging was used to follow biodistribution and tumor uptake. Using a two component model, the elimination and distribution half-lives were 2.65 h and 38.2 h, respectively. Compared with previous constructs, this dendrimer persists in the vasculature longer (17.33 ± 0.88% ID/g at 48 h postinjection), and showed higher tumor uptake. Low levels of dendrimer were observed in lung, liver, and spleen (~6% ID/g). Tumor saturation studies of small prostate cancer tumors (PC3) suggest that saturation occurs at a dose between 23.2 mg/kg and 70.9 mg/kg.

The membrane protein LeuT in micellar systems: aggregation dynamics and detergent binding to the S2 site

Structural and functional properties of integral membrane proteins are often studied in detergent micellar environments (proteomicelles), but how such proteomicelles form and organize is not well understood. This makes it difficult to evaluate the relationship between the properties of the proteins measured in such a detergent-solubilized form and under native conditions. To obtain mechanistic information about this relationship for the leucine transporter (LeuT), a prokaryotic homologue of the mammalian neurotransmitter/sodium symporters (NSSs), we studied the properties of proteomicelles formed by n-dodecyl-β,D-maltopyranoside (DDM) detergent. Extensive atomistic molecular dynamics simulations of different protein/detergent/water number ratios revealed the formation of a proteomicelle characterized by a constant-sized shell of detergents surrounding LeuT protecting its transmembrane segments from unfavorable hydrophobic/hydrophilic exposure. Regardless of the DDM content in the simulated system, this shell consisted of a constant number of DDM molecules (∼120 measured at a 4 Å cutoff distance from LeuT). In contrast, the overall number of DDMs in the proteomicelle (aggregation number) was found to depend on the detergent concentration, reaching a saturation value of 226±17 DDMs in the highest concentration regime simulated. Remarkably, we found that at high detergent-to-protein ratios we observed two independent ways of DDM penetration into LeuT, both leading to a positioning of the DDM molecule in the second substrate (S2) binding site of LeuT. Consonant with several recent experimental studies demonstrating changes in functional properties of membrane proteins due to detergent, our findings highlight how the environment in which the membrane proteins are examined may affect the outcome and interpretation of their mechanistic features.

Polymeric micelles for multidrug delivery and combination therapy

The use of conventional therapy based on a single therapeutic agent is not optimal to treat human diseases. The concept called "combination therapy", based on simultaneous administration of multiple therapeutics is recognized as a more efficient solution. Interestingly, this concept has been in use since ancient times in traditional herbal remedies with drug combinations, despite mechanisms of these therapeutics not fully comprehended by scientists. This idea has been recently re-enacted in modern scenarios with the introduction of polymeric micelles loaded with several drugs as multidrug nanocarriers. This Concept article presents current research and developments on the application of polymeric micelles for multidrug delivery and combination therapy. The principles of micelle formation, their structure, and the developments and concept of multidrug delivery are introduced, followed by discussion on recent advances of multidrug delivery concepts directed towards targeted drug delivery and cancer, gene, and RNA therapies. The advantages of various polymeric micelles designed for different applications, and new developments combined with diagnostics and imaging are elucidated. A compilation work from our group based on multidrug-loaded micelles as carriers in drug-releasing implants for local delivery systems based on titania nanotubes is summarized. Finally, an overview of recent developments and prospective outlook for future trends in this field is given.

Concepts and practices used to develop functional PLGA-based nanoparticulate systems

The functionality of bare polylactide-co-glycolide (PLGA) nanoparticles is limited to drug depot or drug solubilization in their hard cores. They have inherent weaknesses as a drug-delivery system. For instance, when administered intravenously, the nanoparticles undergo rapid clearance from systemic circulation before reaching the site of action. Furthermore, plain PLGA nanoparticles cannot distinguish between different cell types. Recent research shows that surface functionalization of nanoparticles and development of new nanoparticulate dosage forms help overcome these delivery challenges and improve in vivo performance. Immense research efforts have propelled the development of diverse functional PLGA-based nanoparticulate delivery systems. Representative examples include PEGylated micelles/nanoparticles (PEG, polyethylene glycol), polyplexes, polymersomes, core-shell-type lipid-PLGA hybrids, cell-PLGA hybrids, receptor-specific ligand-PLGA conjugates, and theranostics. Each PLGA-based nanoparticulate dosage form has specific features that distinguish it from other nanoparticulate systems. This review focuses on fundamental concepts and practices that are used in the development of various functional nanoparticulate dosage forms. We describe how the attributes of these functional nanoparticulate forms might contribute to achievement of desired therapeutic effects that are not attainable using conventional therapies. Functional PLGA-based nanoparticulate systems are expected to deliver chemotherapeutic, diagnostic, and imaging agents in a highly selective and effective manner.

Molecular dynamics simulation of amorphous indomethacin-poly(vinylpyrrolidone) glasses: solubility and hydrogen bonding interactions

Amorphous drug dispersions are frequently employed to enhance solubility and dissolution of poorly water-soluble drugs and thereby increase their oral bioavailability. Because these systems are metastable, phase separation of the amorphous components and subsequent drug crystallization may occur during storage. Computational methods to determine the likelihood of these events would be very valuable, if their reliability could be validated. This study investigates amorphous systems of indomethacin (IMC) in poly(vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP) and their molecular interactions by means of molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. IMC and PVP molecules were constructed using X-ray diffraction data, and force-field parameters were assigned by analogy with similar groups in Amber-ff03. Five assemblies varying in PVP and IMC composition were equilibrated in their molten states then cooled at a rate of 0.03 K/ps to generate amorphous glasses. Prolonged aging dynamic runs (100 ns) at 298 K and 1 bar were then carried out, from which solubility parameters, the Flory-Huggins interaction parameter, and associated hydrogen bonding properties were obtained. Calculated glass transition temperature (T(g)) values were higher than experimental results because of the faster cooling rates in MD simulations. Molecular mobility as characterized by atomic fluctuations was substantially reduced below the T(g) with IMC-PVP systems exhibiting lower mobilities than that found in amorphous IMC, consistent with the antiplasticizing effect of PVP. The number of IMC-IMC hydrogen bonds (HBs) formed per IMC molecule was substantially lower in IMC-PVP mixtures, particularly the fractions of IMC molecules involved in two or three HBs with other IMC molecules that may be potential precursors for crystal growth. The loss of HBs between IMC molecules in the presence of PVP was largely compensated for by the formation of IMC-PVP HBs. The difference (6.5 MPa(1/2)) between the solubility parameters in amorphous IMC (25.5 MPa(1/2)) and PVP (19.0 MPa(1/2)) suggests a small, positive free energy of mixing, although it is close to the criterion for miscibility (<7 MPa(1/2)). In contrast to the solubility-parameter method, the calculated Flory-Huggins interaction parameter (-0.61 ± 0.25), which takes into account the IMC-PVP interaction energy, predicts complete miscibility at all PVP compositions, in agreement with experimental observations. These results from MD simulations were combined with experimental values for the crystalline γ-polymorph of IMC and amorphous IMC to estimate the solubility of IMC in amorphous PVP dispersions and the theoretical enhancement in the aqueous solubility of IMC molecularly dispersed in PVP at various volume fractions.

Thermogelling properties of triblock copolymers in the presence of hydrophilic Fe3O4 nanoparticles and surfactants

We investigate the supramolecular structure formed by thermogelation of a triblock polymer in the presence of nanoparticles and surfactant using rheometry and small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS). The triblock copolymer, nanoparticle, and surfactant used in this study are poly(oxyethylene-oxypropylene-oxyethylene), Pluronic F108, Fe(3)O(4) nanoparticles, and sodium dodecyl surfactant, respectively. Addition of 1-5 wt % of Fe(3)O(4) nanoparticle, of average particle size ~10 nm, in a weak template of F108 (15 wt %) shows a decrease in the onset of gelation temperature and dramatic alteration in the viscoelastic moduli. The nanocomposite samples show a linear viscoelastic regime up to 5% strain. The SAXS measurement shows that the intermicellar spacing of the supramolecular structure of pure F108 is ~16.5 nm, and the supramolecular structure is destroyed when nanoparticles and surfactants are incorporated in it. Further, the addition of anionic surfactant to nanocomposites leads to a dramatic reduction in the viscoelastic properties due to strong electrostatic barrier imparted by the surfactant headgroup that prevents the formation of hexagonally ordered micelles. Our results show that the thermogelation is due to the clustering of nanoparticles into a fractal network rather than a close-packed F108 micelles, in agreement with the recent findings in Pluronic F127-laponite systems.