Single step encapsulation process of ivermectin in biocompatible polymer using a supercritical antisolvent system process

Inhaled Ivermectin-Loaded Lipid Polymer Hybrid Nanoparticles: Development and Characterization

Ivermectin (IVM), a drug originally used for treating parasitic infections, is being explored for its potential applications in cancer therapy. Despite the promising anti-cancer effects of IVM, its low water solubility limits its bioavailability and, consequently, its biological efficacy as an oral formulation. To overcome this challenge, our research focused on developing IVM-loaded lipid polymer hybrid nanoparticles (LPHNPs) designed for potential pulmonary administration. IVM-loaded LPHNPs were developed using the emulsion solvent evaporation method and characterized in terms of particle size, morphology, entrapment efficiency, and release pattern. Solid phase characterization was investigated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Using a Twin stage impinger (TSI) attached to a device, aerosolization properties of the developed LPHNPs were studied at a flow rate of 60 L/min, and IVM was determined by a validated HPLC method. IVM-loaded LPHNPs demonstrated spherical-shaped particles between 302 and 350 nm. Developed formulations showed an entrapment efficiency between 68 and 80% and a sustained 50 to 60% IVM release pattern within 96 h. Carr's index (CI), Hausner ratio (HR), and angle of repose (θ) indicated proper flowability of the fabricated LPHNPs. The in vitro aerosolization analysis revealed fine particle fractions (FPFs) ranging from 18.53% to 24.77%. This in vitro study demonstrates the potential of IVM-loaded LPHNPs as a delivery vehicle through the pulmonary route.

Pressurized liquid extraction followed by high-performance liquid chromatography for determination of beta-ecdysone extracted from Pfaffia glomerata (Spreng.) Pedersen

Pfaffia glomerata (Spreng.) Pedersen has among its main bioactive compounds saponins, with the phytoestroid β-ecdysone as its chemical marker. In this study, pressurized liquid extraction (PLE), a green extraction technique used to obtain bioactive compounds from plants, was employed to extract beta-ecdysone from P. glomerata leaves, stems, and roots. The 22 factorial design was used with the variables temperature (333 K and 353 K) and flow rate (1.5 and 2 mL min-1), pressure (300 Bar), time (60 min), and solvent [ethanol and distilled water (70:30 (v/v)] were kept constant for all parts of the plant. The results of experimental responses demonstrated that the factors temperature and flow rate significantly interfere with the yields of leaf (0.499%), root (0.65%) and stem (0.764%) extracts. The latter presented presents the highest yield compared to the other parts of the plant. HPLC results showed the presence of beta-ecdysone in all parts of the plant with concentrations of β-ecdysone 86.82, 76.53 and 195.86 mg L-1 to leaf, root and stem, respectively. FT Raman results exhibited typical peaks of beta-ecdysone, such as 3310 cm-1, 1654 cm-1, and 1073 cm-1 for all plant parts. Another interesting result was the presence of the peak at 1460 cm-1 in the PLE root extract can be associated with selenium. This foundational knowledge confirms that the PLE extraction process was efficient in obtaining the chemical marker of Pfaffia glomerata in all plant parts.

Particle preparation of pharmaceutical compounds using supercritical antisolvent process: current status and future perspectives

The low aqueous solubility and subsequently slow dissolution rate, as well as the poor bioavailability of several active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), are major challenges in the pharmaceutical industry. In this review, the particle engineering approaches using supercritical carbon dioxide (SC CO₂) as an antisolvent are critically reviewed. The different SC CO₂-based antisolvent processes, such as the gas antisolvent process (GAS), supercritical antisolvent process (SAS), and a solution-enhanced dispersion system (SEDS), are described. The effect of process parameters such as temperature, pressure, solute concentration, nozzle diameter, SC CO₂ flow rate, solvent type, and solution flow rate on the average particle size, particle size distribution, and particle morphology is discussed from the fundamental perspective of the SAS process. The applications of the SAS process in different formulation approaches such as solid dispersion, polymorphs, cocrystallization, inclusion complexation, and encapsulation to enhance the dissolution rate, solubility, and bioavailability are critically reviewed. This review highlights some areas where the SAS process has not been adequately explored yet. This review will be helpful to researchers working in this area or planning to explore SAS process to particle engineering approaches to tackle the challenge of low solubility and subsequently slow dissolution rate and poor bioavailability.

Ivermectin: recent approaches in the design of novel veterinary and human medicines

Ivermectin (IVM) is a drug widely used in veterinary and human medicine for the management of parasitic diseases. Its repositioning potential has been recently considered for the treatment of different diseases, such as cancer and viral infections. However, IVM faces some limitations to its formulations due to its low water solubility and bioavailability, along with reports of drug resistance. In this sense, novel technological approaches have been explored to optimize its formulations and/or to develop innovative medicines. Therefore, this review discusses the strategies proposed in the last decade to improve the safety and efficacy of IVM and to explore its novel therapeutic applications. Among these technologies, the use of micro/nano-drug delivery systems is the most used approach, followed by long-acting formulations. In general, the development of these novel formulations seems to run side by side in veterinary and human health, showing a shared interface between the two areas. Although the technologies proposed indicate a promising future in the development of innovative dosage forms containing IVM, its safety and therapeutic targets must be further evaluated. Overall, these approaches comprise tailoring drug delivery profiles, decreasing the risks of developing drug resistance, and supporting the application of IVM for reaching different therapeutic targets.