Cyclodextrins as functional excipients: methods to enhance complexation efficiency

Effect of preparation processes and structural insight into the supermolecular system: Bisacodyl and β-cyclodextrin inclusion complex

In this study, β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) and bisacodyl were chosen as model host and guest molecule to explore the effect of preparation processes on the physicochemical properties of inclusion complexes (ICs) and to gain an insight into the structure of ICs. The influence of temperature and pH on complexation was studied by multiple temperature-pH phase solubility analysis. The most favorable conformation was predicted by molecular modeling using AutoDock. (1)H nuclear magnetic resonance and rotating frame nuclear Overhauser effect spectroscopy further confirmed the structure. Moreover, bisacodyl · β-CD ICs in solid state were successfully prepared via three different procedures (co-crystallization, co-evaporation, and co-grinding) and fully characterized by several solid-state techniques, namely, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray powder diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, solid-state NMR spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. It was found that acid solution and low temperature were unfavorable for formation of bisacodyl · β-CD. The pyridine moiety was suggested to be enclosed in the hydrophobic cavity of β-CD. The complexes prepared using co-crystallization showed properties similar to those prepared using co-evaporation. Moreover, ICs obtained by co-evaporation and co-grinding had higher loading efficiency, water solubility, and dissolution rate than ICs obtained by co-crystallization.

Investigation of β-cyclodextrin-norfloxacin inclusion complexes. Part 1. Preparation, physicochemical and microbiological characterization

INTRODUCTION

Drugs classified as class IV by the Biopharmaceutical Classification System present significant problems in relation to effective oral administration. In the case of antibiotics, the subsequently high doses required can enhance the emergence of microorganism resistance and lead to a low rate of patient treatment adherence.

OBJECTIVE

In an attempt to improve physicochemical properties and microbiological activity of norfloxacin, the aim of this study was to investigate different methods (coevaporation, kneading followed by freeze-drying or spray-drying) to obtain complexes of norfloxacin and different cyclodextrins.

METHODS

Guest-host interactions were investigated through a complete physical-chemical characterization and the dissolution profile and microbiological activity were determined.

RESULTS

The formation of a complex of norfloxacin and β-cyclodextrin (1:1), obtained by kneading followed by freeze drying, led to increased drug solubility, which could maximize the oral drug absorption.

CONCLUSION

Moreover, the microbiological activity was enhanced by around 23.3%, demonstrating that the complex formed could represent an efficient drug delivery system.

Influence of hydrophilic polymers on the complexation of carbamazepine with hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin

In this study binary carbamazepine-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin, as well as ternary carbamazepine-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin-hydrophilic polymer systems were used to improve dissolution rate of carbamazepine. It has been shown that addition of hydrophilic polymers (Soluplus® and two types of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose-Metolose® 90SH-100 and Metolose® 65SH-1500) significantly increased solubilization capacity of hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin for carbamazepine. Evaluation of carbamazepine-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin-hydrophilic polymer interactions using molecular modeling techniques showed interactions between carbamazepine, which dissociates from inclusion complexes and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose that can prevent crystallization of dissolved carbamazepine. These results can contribute to better understanding of drug-cyclodextrin-hydrophilic polymer interactions which are still not well understood. After evaluation of carbamazepine solubilization with hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin and hydrophilic polymers, both binary carbamazepine-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin and ternary carbamazepine-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin-hydrophilic polymer systems were prepared by spray drying. The results of solid state characterization methods showed amorphous nature of carbamazepine in all spray dried systems, which together with the results of molecular modeling techniques indicates inclusion complex formation. Carbamazepine dissolution rate was significantly improved from spray dried formulations compared to pure drug. Binary carbamazepine-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin and ternary carbamazepine-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin-Soluplus® systems exhibited the fastest carbamazepine release, wherein the entire amount of carbamazepine was released during first 5 min.

In vitro dissolution-permeation evaluation of an electrospun cyclodextrin-based formulation of aripiprazole using μFlux™

Since it is a well-known fact that among the newly discovered active pharmaceutical ingredients the number of poorly water soluble candidates is continually increasing, dissolution enhancement of poorly water soluble drugs has become one of the central challenges of pharmaceutical studies. So far the preclinical studies have been mainly focused on formulation methods to enhance the dissolution of active compounds, in many cases disregarding the fact that the formulation matrix not only affects dissolution but also has an effect on the transport through biological membranes, changing permeation of the drug molecules. The aim of this study was to test an electrospun cyclodextrin-based formulation of aripiprazole with the novel μFlux apparatus, which monitors permeation together with dissolution, and by this means better in vitro-in vivo correlation is achieved. It was evinced that a cyclodextrin-based electrospun formulation of aripiprazole has the potential to ensure fast drug delivery through the oral mucosa owing to the ultrafast dissolution of the drug from the formulation and the enhanced flux across membranes as shown by the result of the novel in vitro dissolution and permeation test.

Interaction of fentanyl with various cyclodextrins in aqueous solutions

OBJECTIVES

Water-soluble fentanyl citrate salt has been used in sublingual or buccal formulations for the breakthrough pain treatment. However, fentanyl absorption through the lipid mucosal membrane may be improved by enhancing the non-ionic lipophilic fentanyl base solubility. Therefore, the interaction between cyclodextrins (CDs) and fentanyl base has been evaluated to obtain basic information for its application.

METHODS

Parent CDs (α-, β- and γ-CD) as well as α- and β-CD derivatives were used for solubility studies with fentanyl base. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) studies were applied in a system including β-CD or glucosyl-β-CD (G1-β-CD) with fentanyl base or fentanyl citrate. (1) H- and (13) C-NMR studies and a two-dimensional rotating frame Overhauser effect spectroscopy (ROESY) study were conducted to confirm inclusion complexes formation.

KEY FINDINGS

Parent CDs displayed BS type phase solubility diagrams; β-CD exhibited a strong interaction with fentanyl base. Hydrophilic β-CD derivatives, such as G1-β-CD, displayed AL type phase diagrams and higher solubilizing effects compared with parent CDs. ROESY study suggested that fentanyl phenyl groups were included in β-CD cavity.

CONCLUSIONS

This study revealed that hydrophilic β-CD derivatives, such as G1-β-CD, could be useful pharmaceutical additives for oral mucosal formulations because of the improved fentanyl base solubility via inclusion complexation.

Cyclodextrin-based targeting strategies for tumor treatment

The efficacy and applicability of anticancer drugs are greatly restricted by severe systemic toxicities and drug resistance. Targeting drug delivery strategies have been developed to prevent the shortcomings of chemotherapy. Among various approaches to specifically target drug-loaded carrier systems to the required pathological sites, ligand-attached cyclodextrin-based targeting complexes are a promising drug delivery system, which is achieved mainly through specific molecular interactions between the drugs and cell surface receptors. The principal targeting tactics include conjugation of cyclodextrin with targeting moieties or encapsulation drugs in cyclodextrins. The cyclodextrin-based supramolecules, polymers, or nanoparticles bearing bioactive substances such as folate, estrogens, carbohydrates, peptides, etc. have been reviewed.

Characterization and evaluation of synthetic riluzole with β-cyclodextrin and 2,6-di-O-methyl-β-cyclodextrin inclusion complexes

β-Cyclodextrin (β-CD) and 2,6-di-O-methyl-β-cyclodextrin (DM-β-CD) inclusion complexes with riluzole (RLZ) were prepared to improve water solubility and broaden potential pharmaceutical applications. CDs/RLZ inclusion complexes were confirmed via phase solubility studies, FT-IR spectroscopy, PXRD, DSC, (1)H NMR, and SEM. Phase solubility studies indicated that β-CD and DM-β-CD can form 1:1 inclusion complexes with RLZ, and the stability constants were 663.17 and 1609.07M(-1), respectively. Water solubility and dissolution rate of RLZ were significantly improved in complex forms, implying that the inclusion complexes may develop pharmaceutical applications. Preliminary in vitro cytotoxicity assay also showed that RLZ hepatotoxicity was not increased in the inclusion complexes.

Masking the bitter taste of injectable lidocaine HCl formulation for dental procedures

Several attempts have been made to mask the bitter taste of oral formulations, but none have been made for injectable formulations. This study aims to mask the bitter taste of dental lidocaine HCl (LID) injection using hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HP-β-CD) and sodium saccharin. Inclusion complexes of LID and HP-β-CD were prepared by the solution method in 1:1 and 1:2 M ratios. Inclusion complexes in solution were studied using phase solubility in phosphate buffer solutions (pH 8, 9, and 10). Freeze-dried inclusion complexes were characterized using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray, Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and in vitro release. Injectable formulations were prepared using inclusion complexes and characterized for stability and for taste using an Alpha MOS ASTREE electronic tongue (ETongue). The association constants of HP-β-CD with lidocaine-free base and its ionized form were found to be 26.23 ± 0.00025 and 0.8694 ± 0.00045 M(-1), respectively. Characterization studies confirmed the formation of stable inclusion complexes of LID and HP-β-CD. Injectable formulations were found to be stable for up to 6 months at 4°C, 25°C, and 40°C. The taste evaluation study indicated that HP-β-CD (1:1 and 1:2 M ratios) significantly improved the bitter taste of LID injectable formulation. In conclusion, inclusion complex in the 1:1 M ratio with 0.09% sodium saccharin was considered to be optimum in masking the bitter taste of LID.

In vitro and in vivo evaluation of novel cross-linked saccharide based polymers as bile acid sequestrants

Bile acid sequestrants (BAS) represent a therapeutic approach for the management of hypercholesterolemia that relies on the cationic polymeric nature of BAS to selectively bind negatively charged bile acids. We hypothesized that the cross-linking of β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) and saccharides such as starch or dextrin with divinyl sulfone (DVS) yields homo- and hetero-polymeric materials with the ability to trap sterols. Our hypothesis was put to test by synthesizing a library of 22 polymers that were screened to evaluate their capability to sequester both cholesterol (CHOL) and cholic and deoxycholic acids (CA and DCA). Three polymers synthesized in high yield were identified as promising. Two were neutral hetero-polymers of β-CD and starch or dextrin and the third was a weakly cationic homo-polymer of starch, highlighting the importance of the cavity effect. They were tested in hypercholesterolemic male Wistar rats and their ability to regulate hypercholesterolemia was similar to that for the reference BAS cholestyramine, but with two additional advantages: (i) they normalized the TG level and (ii) they did not increase the creatinine level. Neither hepatotoxicity nor kidney injury was detected, further supporting them as therapeutical candidates to manage hypercholesterolemia.

A simple protocol for the visual discrimination of natural cyclodextrins in aqueous solution using perichromic probes

Three synthesized compounds, 4-(4-nitrostyryl)phenol, 2,6-dibromo-4-(2,4-dinitrobenzylideneamino)phenol and 2,6-dichloro-4-(2,4-dinitrobenzylideneamino)phenol, were deprotonated to generate the perichromic dyes 2b, 3b and 4b, respectively. These dyes were used as probes to investigate the micropolarity of natural cyclodextrins (CyDs) and it was observed that they interact differently with the CyDs according to the molecular structure of the dye and the diameter of the CyD. The solvatochromic bands of the dyes that interacted with the CyDs were bathochromically shifted, suggesting that the probes were transferred to the hydrophobic interior of the CyD in aqueous solution. Dyes 2b and 4b were found to be very selective for α-CyD and γ-CyD, respectively, while β- and γ-CyD changed the color of the solution of compound 3b. These dyes were then successfully used in a simple assay that allows the naked-eye discrimination of natural CyDs in aqueous solution, without the need for expensive techniques.

Implications of protein corona on physico-chemical and biological properties of magnetic nanoparticles

Interaction of serum proteins and nanoparticles leads to a nanoparticle-protein complex formation that defines the rational strategy for a clinically relevant formulation for drug delivery, hyperthermia, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) applications in cancer nanomedicine. Given this perspective, we have examined the pattern of human serum protein corona formation with our recently engineered magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs). The alteration in particle size, zeta potential, hemotoxicity, cellular uptake/cancer cells targeting potential, and MRI properties of the MNPs after formation of human serum (HS) protein corona were studied. Our results indicated no significant change in particle size of our MNPs upon incubation with 0.5-50 wt/v% human serum, while zeta potential of MNPs turned negative due to human serum adsorption. When incubated with an increased serum and particle concentration, apolipoprotein E was adsorbed on the surface of MNPs apart from serum albumin and transferrin. However, there was no significant primary or secondary structural alterations observed in serum proteins through Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and circular dichroism. Hemolysis assay suggests almost no hemolysis at the tested concentrations (up to 1 mg/mL) for MNPs compared to the sodium dodecyl sulfate (positive control). Additionally, improved internalization and uptake of MNPs by C4-2B and Panc-1 cancer cells were observed upon incubation with human serum (HS). After serum protein adsorption to the surface of MNPs, the close vicinity within T1 (∼1.33-1.73 s) and T2 (∼12.35-13.43 ms) relaxation times suggest our MNPs retained inherent MRI potential even after biomolecular protein adsorption. All these superior clinical parameters potentially enable clinical translation and use of this formulation for next generation nanomedicine for drug delivery, cancer-targeting, imaging and theranostic applications.

Synthesis and controlled curcumin supramolecular complex release from pH-sensitive modified gum-arabic-based hydrogels

Delivery of a curcumin supramolecular complex from pH-responsive gum arabic-based hydrogels.

Dual effects of β-cyclodextrin-stabilised silver nanoparticles: enhanced biofilm inhibition and reduced cytotoxicity

The composition and mode of synthesis of nanoparticles (NPs) can affect interaction with bacterial and human cells differently. The present work describes the ability of β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) capped silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) to inhibit biofilm growth and reduce cytotoxicity. Biofilm formation of Staphylococcus epidermidis CSF 41498 was quantified by a crystal violet assay in the presence of native and capped AgNPs (Ag-10CD and Ag-20CD), and the morphology of the biofilm was observed by scanning electron microscope. The cytotoxicity of the AgNPs against HaCat cells was determined by measuring the increase in intracellular reactive oxygen species and change in mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm). Results indicated that capping AgNPs with β-CD improved their efficacy against S. epidermidis CSF 41498, reduced biofilm formation and their cytotoxicity. The study concluded that β-CD is an effective capping and stabilising agent that reduces toxicity of AgNPs against the mammalian cell while enhancing their antibiofilm activity.

Gefitinib loaded folate decorated bovine serum albumin conjugated carboxymethyl-beta-cyclodextrin nanoparticles enhance drug delivery and attenuate autophagy in folate receptor-positive cancer cells

BACKGROUND

Active targeting endocytosis mediated by the specific interaction between folic acid and its receptor has been a hotspot in biological therapy of many human cancers. Various studies have demonstrated that folate and its conjugates could facilitate the chemotherapeutic drug delivery into folate receptor (FR)-positive tumor cells in vitro and in vivo. In order to utilize FA-FR binding specificity to achieve targeted delivery of drugs into tumor cells, we prepared Gefitinib loaded folate decorated bovine serum albumin conjugated carboxymethyl-β-cyclodextrin nanoparticles for enhancing drug delivery in cancer cells. On this context, the aim of our study was to develop a novel nano-delivery system for promoting tumor-targeting drug delivery in folate receptor-positive Hela cells.

RESULTS

We prepared folic acid (FA)-decorated bovine serum albumin (BSA) conjugated carboxymethyl-β-cyclodextrin (CM-β-CD) nanoparticles (FA-BSA-CM-β-CD NPs) capable of entrapping a hydrophobic Gefitinib. It was observed that nanoparticles are monodisperse and spherical nanospheres with an average diameter of 90.2 nm and negative surface charge of -18.6 mV. FA-BSA-CM-β-CD NPs could greatly facilitate Gefitinib uptake and enhance the toxicity to folate receptor-positive Hela cells. Under the reaction between FA and FR, Gefitinib loaded FA-BSA-CM-β-CD NPs induced apoptosis of Hela cells through elevating the expression of caspase-3 and inhibited autophagy through decreasing the expressing of LC3. It also confirmed that clathrin-mediated endocytosis and macropinocytosis exerted great influence on the internalization of both NPs.

CONCLUSIONS

These results demonstrated that FA may be an effective targeting molecule and FA-BSA-CM-β-CD NPs provided a new strategy for the treatment of human cancer cells which over-expressed folate receptors.

Spectral, thermal, and molecular modeling studies on the encapsulation of selected sulfonamide drugs in β-cyclodextrin nano-cavity

In the present work the inclusion complexation of three sulfonamide (SA) drugs, namely sulfisoxazole (SSX), sulfamethizole (SMZ), and Sulfamethazine (STM) with β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) has been investigated using UV-Vis spectroscopy, DSC, (1)H NMR spectroscopy, and molecular modeling methods. The binding constant (Kb) of SA:β-CD inclusion complexation was determined via applying the modified form of Benesi-Hildebrand equation employing the changes in absorbance at λmax. Obtained results revealed that SA drugs form 1:1 inclusion complex with β-CD with Kb of 650, 1532, 714M(-1) at 25°C for SSX, SMZ, and STM, respectively. The UV-Vis absorption spectra displayed solvatochromic behavior of bathochromic shift with decreasing solvent polarity that in turn is good agreement with their behavior in the presence of β-CD in terms of environment polarity dependency. The inclusion complex formation between β-CD and tested SA drugs in liquid and solid states was confirmed by (1)H NMR and DSC, respectively. Using semi-empirical quantum chemistry methods at PM3 theoretical level, inclusion complexes' structures as well as energetic and thermodynamic parameters of encapsulation were elucidated. Obtained results revealed that the encapsulation is favorably energetic and enthalpic in nature with the inclusion of the aniline moiety through the wide rim side of β-CD nano-cavity. Further, molecular modeling revealed that β-CD encapsulation of SA drugs reduced their (EHOMO-ELUMO) gap.

β-CD assisted dissolution of quaternary ammonium permanganates in aqueous medium

The non-polar internal cavity of β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) has been exploited for the entrapment of the hydrophobic tails of two water insoluble quaternary ammonium permanganates (QAPs): cetyltrimethylammonium permanganate (CTAP) and tetrabutylammonium permanganate (TBAP), for solubilization in aqueous medium. The solubilization and organizational behavior of the QAPs in aqueous β-CD solution have been determined from the comparison of their rates of self-oxidation in presence and in absence of β-CD. Effect of QAP concentration on their observed rate constants (k(obs)) at a fixed β-CD concentration, phase solubility analysis in varying β-CD concentration, impact of quaternary ammonium bromides (QABs) on the kobs values of CTAP and TBAP at fixed QAP and β-CD concentrations, and the temperature effect have been reported. A scheme to explain the solvation of QAPs in aqueous β-CD has been proposed based on dynamic light scattering (DLS) analysis of the samples.

Increasing doxycycline hyclate photostability by complexation with β-cyclodextrin

Doxycycline hyclate (DOX) is a highly photosensitive drug, a feature that limits the stability of the corresponding dosage forms. The main objectives of this work were the preparation and characterization of an inclusion complex of DOX with β-cyclodextrin (βCD) and to investigate if this approach could improve the photostability of the drug. Guest-host interactions were investigated using nuclear magnetic resonance, which were afterwards combined with molecular modeling methods to study the complex formation and its three-dimensional structure was proposed. A freeze-drying method was applied to obtain the complex in the solid state, which was further confirmed by thermal and spectroscopic techniques. To evaluate the complexation effect on DOX integrity, the photostability of the inclusion complex was studied, with a significant decrease in the photodegradation of DOX being found in aqueous solution upon complexation. Finally, the photoprotection produced by the complexation was evaluated by means of an antimicrobial assay. Overall, the presented results suggest that the formulation of DOX complexed with βCD constitutes an interesting approach for the preparation of pharmaceutical dosage forms of DOX with enhanced stability properties.

4-Aminopyridyl-based CYP51 inhibitors as anti-Trypanosoma cruzi drug leads with improved pharmacokinetic profile and in vivo potency

CYP51 is a P450 enzyme involved in the biosynthesis of the sterol components of eukaryotic cell membranes. CYP51 inhibitors have been developed to treat infections caused by fungi, and more recently the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, the causative agent of Chagas disease. To specifically optimize drug candidates for T. cruzi CYP51 (TcCYP51), we explored the structure-activity relationship (SAR) of a N-indolyl-oxopyridinyl-4-aminopropanyl-based scaffold originally identified in a target-based screen. This scaffold evolved via medicinal chemistry to yield orally bioavailable leads with potent anti-T. cruzi activity in vivo. Using an animal model of infection with a transgenic T. cruzi Y luc strain expressing firefly luciferase, we prioritized the biaryl and N-arylpiperazine analogues by oral bioavailability and potency. The drug-target complexes for both scaffold variants were characterized by X-ray structure analysis. Optimization of both binding mode and pharmacokinetic properties of these compounds led to potent inhibitors against experimental T. cruzi infection.

Experimental and computational studies of physicochemical properties influence NSAID-cyclodextrin complexation

The objective of this research was to investigate physicochemical properties of an active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) that influence cyclodextrin complexation through experimental and computational studies. Native β-cyclodextrin (B-CD) and two hydroxypropyl derivatives were first evaluated by conventional phase solubility experiments for their ability to complex four poorly water-soluble nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Differential scanning calorimetry was used to confirm complexation. Secondly, molecular modeling was used to estimate Log P and aqueous solubility (S o) of the NSAIDs. Molecular dynamics simulations (MDS) were used to investigate the thermodynamics and geometry of drug-CD cavity docking. NSAID solubility increased linearly with increasing CD concentration for the two CD derivatives (displaying an AL profile), whereas increases in drug solubility were low and plateaued in the B-CD solutions (type B profile). The calculated Log P and S o of the NSAIDs were in good concordance with experimental values reported in the literature. Side chain substitutions on the B-CD moiety did not significantly influence complexation. Explicitly, complexation and the associated solubility increase were mainly dependent on the chemical structure of the NSAID. MDS indicated that each NSAID-CD complex had a distinct geometry. Moreover, complexing energy had a large, stabilizing, and fairly constant hydrophobic component for a given CD across the NSAIDs, while electrostatic and solvation interaction complex energies were quite variable but smaller in magnitude.

Rifampicin-loaded ‘flower-like’ polymeric micelles for enhanced oral bioavailability in an extemporaneous liquid fixed-dose combination with isoniazid

Background: Coadministration of rifampicin (RIF)/isoniazid (INH) is clinically recommended to improve the treatment of tuberculosis. Under gastric conditions, RIF undergoes fast hydrolysis (a pathway hastened by INH) and oral bioavailability loss. Aim: We aimed to assess the chemical stabilization and the oral pharmacokinetics of RIF nanoencapsulated within poly(ε-caprolactone)-b-PEG-b-poly(ε-caprolactone) ‘flower-like’ polymeric micelles. Materials & methods: The chemical stability of RIF was evaluated in vitro under acid conditions with and without INH, and the oral pharmacokinetics of RIF-loaded micelles in rats was compared with those of a suspension coded by the US Pharmacopeia. Results: Nanoencapsulation decreased the degradation rate of RIF with respect to the free drug. Moreover, in vivo data showed a statistically significant increase of RIF oral bioavailability (up to 3.3-times) with respect to the free drug in the presence of INH. Conclusion: Overall results highlight the potential of this nanotechnology platform to develop an extemporaneous liquid RIF/INH fixed-dose combination suitable for pediatric administration.

Original submitted 6 April 2013; Revised submitted 7 August 2013

Multianalyte determination of the kinetic rate constants of drug-cyclodextrin supermolecules by high performance affinity chromatography

The kinetics of the dissociation is fundamental to the formation and the in vivo performance of cyclodextrin supramolecules. The individual determination of the apparent dissociation rate constant (kd,app) using high performance affinity chromatography (HPAC) is a tedious process requiring numerous separate studies and massive data fitting. In this study, the multianalyte approach was employed to simultaneously measure the kd,app values of three drugs through one injection based on the investigation of the dependence of drug-cyclodextrin interaction kinetics on the mobile phase composition. As a result, the kd,app values increased when decreasing the ion strength, increasing the ionization of drugs and adding extra organic solvents. The values of kd,app for acetaminophen, phenacetin and S-flurbiprofen estimated by the multianalyte approach were 8.54±1.81, 5.36±0.94 and 0.17±0.02s(-1), respectively, which were in good agreement with those determined separately (8.31±0.58, 5.01±0.42 and 0.15±0.01s(-1)). For both of the single and multiple flow rate peak profiling methods, the results of the multianalyte approach were statistically equivalent with that of the single compound analysis for all of the three drugs (p>0.05). The multianalyte approach can be employed for the efficient evaluation of the drug-cyclodextrin kinetics with less variance caused by cyclodextrin column bleeding.

Physical stabilization of low-molecular-weight amorphous drugs in the solid state: a material science approach

Use of the amorphous state is considered to be one of the most effective approaches for improving the dissolution and subsequent oral bioavailability of poorly water-soluble drugs. However as the amorphous state has much higher physical instability in comparison with its crystalline counterpart, stabilization of amorphous drugs in a solid-dosage form presents a major challenge to formulators. The currently used approaches for stabilizing amorphous drug are discussed in this article with respect to their preparation, mechanism of stabilization and limitations. In order to realize the potential of amorphous formulations, significant efforts are required to enable the prediction of formulation performance. This will facilitate the development of computational tools that can inform a rapid and rational formulation development process for amorphous drugs.

GO-COO-HP-β-CD nanosphere: a complex construction and its drug-loading properties

A novel nanosphere based on carboxylated GO (GO-COOH) and hydroxypropyl-beta-CD (HP-β-CD) was synthesized to construct a complex of GO-COO-HP-β-CD. The complex formation process was studied using spectral characterization and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). X-ray diffraction and energy dispersive spectroscopy patterns show that HP-β-CD molecules either cover or intercalate into GO-COOH interlayers in the complex. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy results indicate that GO-COOH and HP-β-CD are linked with covalent bonds formed via esterification. When employed as nanohybrid drug carriers for dexamethasone, the inclusion displays good dispersibility validated by dynamic light scattering (DLS). Cytotoxicity assays and hemolysis testing demonstrate that the nanospheres possess good biological compatibility. The loading capacity of dexamethasone is as high as 32.33%, with loading efficiency 64.66%.

SN-38-cyclodextrin complexation and its influence on the solubility, stability, and in vitro anticancer activity against ovarian cancer

SN-38, an active metabolite of irinotecan, is up to 1,000-fold more potent than irinotecan. But the clinical use of SN-38 is limited by its extreme hydrophobicity and instability at physiological pH. To enhance solubility and stability, SN-38 was complexed with different cyclodextrins (CDs), namely, sodium sulfobutylether β-cyclodextrin (SBEβCD), hydroxypropyl β-cyclodextrin, randomly methylated β-cyclodextrin, and methyl β-cyclodextrin, and their influence on SN-38 solubility, stability, and in vitro cytotoxicity was studied against ovarian cancer cell lines (A2780 and 2008). Phase solubility studies were conducted to understand the pattern of SN-38 solubilization. SN-38-βCD complexes were characterized by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray powder diffraction analysis (XRPD), and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR). Stability of SN-38-SBEβCD complex in pH 7.4 phosphate-buffered saline was evaluated and compared against free SN-38. Phase solubility studies revealed that SN-38 solubility increased linearly as a function of CD concentration and the linearity was characteristic of an AP-type system. Aqueous solubility of SN-38 was enhanced by about 30-1,400 times by CD complexation. DSC, XRPD, and FTIR studies confirmed the formation of inclusion complexes, and stability studies revealed that cyclodextrin complexation significantly increased the hydrolytic stability of SN-38 at physiological pH 7.4. Cytotoxicity of SN-38-SBEβCD complex was significantly higher than SN-38 and irinotecan in both A2780 and 2008 cell lines. Results suggest that SBEβCD encapsulated SN-38 deep into the cavity forming stable inclusion complex and as a result increased the solubility, stability, and cytotoxicity of SN-38. It may be concluded that preparation of inclusion complexes with SBEβCD is a suitable approach to overcome the solubility and stability problems of SN-38 for future clinical applications.

New ethanol and propylene glycol free gel formulations containing a minoxidil-methyl-β-cyclodextrin complex as promising tools for alopecia treatment

New topical totally aqueous formulations that improve the low water solubility of minoxidil and realize an adequate permeability of drug in the skin are proposed. These formulations are lacking in propylene glycol and alcohol that are the principal irritant ingredients present in minoxidil commercial solutions. In order to enhance poor water solubility of minoxidil randomly methyl-β-cyclodextrin was used, and four hydrogels such as, calcium alginate, sodium alginate, carbopol 934 and hydroxyethylcellulose were utilized to ensure a prolonged time of contact with the scalp. The inclusion complex minoxidil/methyl-β-cyclodextrin with a molar ratio 1:1 was obtained by freeze drying and evaluated by NMR, FT-IR and DSC analysis. An apparent stability constant of formed inclusion complex was calculated by phase solubility diagram and its value was 400 M(-1). The solid inclusion complex was used to prepare gel formulations with similar dose to minoxidil commercial solution. The gels were evaluated for various technological parameters including rheological behavior, in vitro drug release and ex vivo permeation through pig skin. The best performance was observed for the calcium alginate formulation.

The formation of host-guest complexes between surfactants and cyclodextrins

Cyclodextrins are able to act as host molecules in supramolecular chemistry with applications ranging from pharmaceutics to detergency. Among guest molecules surfactants play an important role with both fundamental and practical applications. The formation of cyclodextrin/surfactant host-guest compounds leads to an increase in the critical micelle concentration and in the solubility of surfactants. The possibility of changing the balance between several intermolecular forces, and thus allowing the study of, e.g., dehydration and steric hindrance effects upon association, makes surfactants ideal guest molecules for fundamental studies. Therefore, these systems allow for obtaining a deep insight into the host-guest association mechanism. In this paper, we review the influence on the thermodynamic properties of CD-surfactant association by highlighting the effect of different surfactant architectures (single tail, double-tailed, gemini and bolaform), with special emphasis on cationic surfactants. This is complemented with an assessment of the most common analytical techniques used to follow the association process. The applied methods for computation of the association stoichiometry and stability constants are also reviewed and discussed; this is an important point since there are significant discrepancies and scattered data for similar systems in the literature. In general, the surfactant-cyclodextrin association is treated without reference to the kinetics of the process. However, there are several examples where the kinetics of the process can be investigated, in particular those where volumes of the CD cavity and surfactant (either the tail or in special cases the head group) are similar in magnitude. This will also be critically reviewed.

Safety of an intravenous formulation of lamotrigine

PURPOSE

Intravenous (IV) formulations are useful when treating patients where oral administration is not possible and to study certain pharmacokinetic parameters such as bioavailability. We developed a stable-labeled IV formulation of lamotrigine (LTG) for studying pharmacokinetics in epilepsy patients.

METHODS

Stable-labeled IV LTG was given to 20 persons with epilepsy (6 men; 14 women) with a mean age of 34.8 years (SD 11.7). A 50mg dose of LTG (stable labeled) was given intravenously and replaced 50mg of the regular morning oral dose of LTG (unlabeled, commercially available formulation).

RESULTS

No significant changes in blood pressure, heart rate, or adverse events including rash were attributed to administration of a 50-mg dose of the intravenous LTG formulation.

CONCLUSION

Our results show that LTG base that is complexed with 2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin and stable-labeled can be given safely as a tracer replacement dose.