pH‐Sensitive methacrylic acid–methyl methacrylate copolymer Eudragit L100 and dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate, butyl methacrylate, and methyl methacrylate tri‐copolymer Eudragit E100

Poly(methyl methacrylate) functionalized graphene oxide/CuO as nanocomposite for efficient removal of dye pollutants

In this research, the use of a three-component nanocomposite of graphene oxide-methyl methacrylate and copper(II) oxide (PMMA-GO-CuO) was investigated. The aim of synthesizing this nanocomposite is to removal dye pollutants, specifically methylene blue (MB) and methyl orange (MO), which are commonly used in dyeing industries, through adsorption. The study focuses on creating GO-CuO and PMMA-GO-CuO nanocomposites as effective adsorbents. A simple and quick method led to the development of the PMMA-GO-CuO nanocomposite, which shows enhanced physical and chemical properties. Key materials include graphene oxide, methyl methacrylate, and copper(II) oxide nanoparticles. Characterization techniques such as FT-IR, XRD, SEM, and TGA were used to analyze the nanocomposite. Results indicate that dye adsorption is more effective at lower pH levels, suggesting that the PMMA-GO-CuO nanocomposite can efficiently remove dyes from industrial wastewater. The experimental data showed that the Langmuir isotherm model accurately represented the equilibrium adsorption, with maximum capacities of 285.71 mg g-1 for methylene blue and 256.41 mg g-1 for methyl orange, indicating a single layer of adsorption. The kinetics followed a pseudo-second order model, suggesting that the adsorption process involves chemical bonding. Additionally, thermodynamic parameters (ΔG°, ΔH°, and ΔS°) indicated that the adsorption is spontaneous. The adsorption mechanism involves hydrogen bonding, π-π interactions, and electrostatic interactions. This study investigates how factors like pH, temperature, contact time, and dye concentration affect the adsorption of methyl orange and methylene blue dyes. A PMMA-GO-CuO nanocomposite was used, achieving 84% removal of MB and 35% removal of MO from industrial wastewater. This study highlights the promising potential of PMMA-GO-CuO nanocomposite as an effective material for the removal of dye pollutants from industrial wastewater. The results showed that the graphene oxide in the composite is effective for removing cationic dyes due to its negative charge. Further research will focus on the optimization of the synthesis process with the aim of achieving competitive performance of this nanocomposite on a large scale. These findings not only advance the field of nanocomposite materials but also provide a practical solution to an important environmental issue, demonstrating the innovation of the present study in the literature.

Solid dispersion systems for enhanced dissolution of poorly water-soluble candesartan cilexetil: In vitro evaluation and simulated pharmacokinetics studies

BACKGROUND

Candesartan cilexetil (CC) is a selective angiotensin II receptor antagonist widely used to treat hypertension. CC is a substrate of P-glycoprotein (P-gp), causing its efflux to the intestinal lumen. It is also practically insoluble in water and has low oral bioavailability (14%). Thus, the current study aims to improve the in vitro dissolution of CC by developing solid dispersion systems (SDSs) and corroborating the in vitro results using a simulated pharmacokinetics study.

METHODS

The SDSs were prepared using polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) as a water-soluble polymer, Eudragit E100 (EE100) as a pH-dependent soluble carrier, and a combination of these two polymers. The saturation solubility and the dissolution rate studies of the prepared systems in three dissolution media were performed. The optimized system SE-EE5 was selected for further investigations, including DSC, XRD, FTIR, FESEM, DLS, TSEM, IVIVC convolution study, and stability studies.

RESULTS

The solubility of CC significantly increased by a factor of 27,037.344 when formulated as a solid dispersion matrix using EE100 at a ratio of 1:5 (w/w) drug to polymer (SE-EE5 SD), compared to the solubility of the pure drug. The mechanism of solubility and dissolution rate enhancement of CC by the optimized SDS was found to be via the conversion of the crystalline CC into the amorphous form as well as nanoparticles formation upon dissolution at a pH below 5. The instrumental analysis tests showed good compatibility between CC and EE100 and there was no chemical interaction between the drug and the polymer. Moreover, the stability tests confirmed that the optimized system was stable after three months of storage at 25°C.

CONCLUSION

The utilization of the solid dispersion technique employing EE 100 polymer as a matrix demonstrates significant success in enhancing the solubility, dissolution, and subsequently, the bioavailability of water-insoluble drugs like CC.

Development and Characterization of Transdermal Patches Using Novel Thymoquinone-L-Arginine-Based Polyamide Nanocapsules for Potential Use in the Management of Psoriasis

Thymoquinone (TQ) is a phytochemical compound present in Nigella sativa and has potential benefits for treating dermatological conditions such as psoriasis. However, its clinical use is limited due to its restricted bioavailability, caused mainly by its low solubility and permeability. To overcome this, a new transdermal drug delivery system is required. Nanoparticles are known to enhance material solubility and permeability, and hence, this study aimed to synthesize TQ-loaded L-arginine-based polyamide (TQ/Arg PA) nanocapsules incorporated into transdermal patches for prolonged delivery of TQ. To achieve this, Eudragit E polymer, plasticizers, and aloe vera as penetration enhancer were used to develop the transdermal patch. Furthermore, novel TQ/Arg-PA was synthesized via interfacial polymerization, and the resultant nanocapsules (NCs) were incorporated into the matrix transdermal patch. The Arg-PA NCs' structure was confirmed via NMR and FTIR, and optimal TQ/Arg-PA NCs containing formulation showed high entrapment efficiency of TQ (99.60%). Molecular and thermal profiling of TQ/Arg-PA and the transdermal patch revealed the effective development of spherical NCs with an average particle size of 129.23 ± 18.22 nm. Using Franz diffusion cells and synthetic membrane (STRAT M®), the in vitro permeation profile of the prepared patches demonstrated an extended release of TQ over 24 h, with enhanced permeation by 42.64% when aloe vera was employed. In conclusion, the produced formulation has a potential substitute for corticosteroids and other drugs commonly used to treat psoriasis due to its effectiveness, safety, and lack of the side effects typically associated with other drugs.

Preparation of gastrodin modified P(VDF-TrFE)-Eudragit L100-AuNPs nanofiber membranes with piezoelectric property

In recent years, electroactive nerve conduits made from a blend of P(VDF-TrFE) (poly (vinylidene fluoride-trifluoroethylene)) with other materials have shown significant progress. However, research combining P(VDF-TrFE) conduits with drug delivery systems remains sparse. In this study, we developed a novel gastrodin-loaded P(VDF-TrFE)-Eudragit L100-gold nanoparticles (Gas@PT-EL100-AuNPs) nanofiber membrane. Fabricated through electrospinning technique, this composite membrane aimed to investigate the impacts of gastrodin and AuNPs on its properties. Experimental results indicated that the incorporation of gold nanoparticles significantly reduced the fiber diameter of the membrane and enhanced the overall performance by improving hydrophilicity and piezoelectric properties. Specifically, the addition of AuNPs substantially enhanced the piezoelectric performance of the nanofiber membrane. Furthermore, the inclusion of gastrodin not only improved the membrane's hydrophilicity but also enabled effective release of the neuroprotective drug. These findings suggest that the Gas@PT-EL100-AuNPs nanofiber membrane is a novel biomaterial with potential applications in the repair and treatment of nerve injuries.

Characteristics of Interpolyelectrolyte Complexes Based on Different Types of Pectin with Eudragit® EPO as Novel Carriers for Colon-Specific Drug Delivery

Given that pectin is a well-known substance used for drug delivery, we aimed to obtain and further examine the efficacy of interpolyelectrolyte complexes based on citrus or apple pectin and the Eudragit® EPO for using these carriers in oral drug delivery. To characterize the physicochemical properties of these compounds, turbidity, gravimetry, viscosity, elementary analysis, FTIR spectroscopy, and DSC analysis were utilized. Diffusion transport characteristics were evaluated to assess the swelling ability of the matrices and the release of diclofenac sodium. To examine the release parameters, mathematical modeling was performed by using the Korsmayer-Peppas and Logistic equations as well. During the turbidity study, stoichiometry compositions were selected for the developed IPECs EPO/PecA and EPO/PecC at pH values = 4.0, 5.0, 6.0, and 7.0. The FTIR spectra of the complexes were characterized by an increase in the intensity of the bands at 1610 cm-1 and 1400 cm-1. According to the DSC analysis, IPEC has a certain Tg = 57.3 °C. The highest release rates were obtained for IPEC EPO/PecC_1 and EPO/PecC_4. The mechanism of drug transport from the matrices IPEC EPO/PecC, IPEC EPO/PecA_3, and EPO/PecA_4 can be characterized as Super Case II. Anomalous release (non-Fickian release) is typical for IPEC EPO/PecA_1 and EPO/PecA_2. Thus, the resulting systems can be further used for the effective delivery of the drugs to the colon.

Efficient Evaluation of In Vivo Performance in Human for Generic Formulation by Novel Dissolution-Absorption Prediction (DAP) Workflow

PURPOSE

The pharmaceutical bioequivalence of generic medicines must be confirmed with corresponding original drugs. Although the in vitro dissolution tests are required, results of the mandatory in vitro study do not necessarily reflect the in vivo performance after oral administration. Then, we have tried to develop the novel "Dissolution-Absorption Prediction (DAP) workflow" to evaluate the in vivo performance of generic medicines.

METHODS

The DAP workflow consists of an "In vitro two-cell connected dissolution (TCCD) system" mimicking the changes in the luminal pH associated with gastrointestinal transit of medicines, "Evaluation of pharmacokinetics of active pharmaceutical ingredient (API)" and "Prediction of plasma concentration-time profile". TCCD system-evaluated dissolution kinetics of APIs from generic formulations and pharmacokinetic parameters based on human data regarding the original drugs were used to calculate the plasma concentration-time profiles of APIs after the oral administration of generic medicines.

RESULTS

The mandatory in vitro dissolution tests indicated that the dissolution properties of valsartan (BCS class II) and fexofenadine (BCS class III/IV) in generic formulations did not coincide with those in the corresponding original formulations. The TCCD system provided the very similar dissolution kinetics for the generic and original formulations for the two APIs. Plasma concentration-time profiles evaluated utilizing the dissolution profiles obtained by the TCCD system were in good agreement with the observed profiles for both the generic and original formulations for each API.

CONCLUSIONS

The DAP workflow would be valuable for estimating the in vivo performance of generic formulation and deducing their bioequivalence with the original formulation.

Advances in self-assembling of pH-sensitive polymers: A mini review on dissipative particle dynamics

Dissipative Particle Dynamics (DPD) is a mesoscopic simulation program used to simulate the behavior of complex fluids. This work systematically reviews the use of DPD to simulate the self-assembly process of pH-sensitive drug-loaded nanoparticles. pH-sensitive drug-loaded nanoparticles have the characteristics of good targeting and slow release in the body, which is an ideal method for treating cancer and other diseases. As an excellent simulation method, DPD can help people explore the loading and release laws of drugs with complex molecular structures and has extensive applications in other medical fields. This article reviews the self-assembly process of pH-sensitive polymers under neutral conditions and explores the factors that affect the self-assembly structure. It points out that different hydrophilic-hydrophobic ratios, molecular structures, and component distributions will affect the morphology, stability and drug carrying capacity of micelles. This article also introduces the release mechanism of the drug in detail and introduces the factors that affect the release. This article can help relevant researchers to follow the latest advances in the DPD simulation and pH-sensitive drug nano-carrier and insight people to investigate the further application of DPD simulation in biomedical science.

Hydrophilic Submicron Nanogel Particles for Specific Recombinant Proteins Extraction and Purification

In biomedical diagnosis and bionanotechnologies, the extraction and purification of proteins and protein derivatives are of great interest. In fact, to purify recombinant proteins for instance, new methodologies and well appropriate material supports need to be established and also to be evaluated. In this work, hydrophilic nanohydrogel particles were prepared for recombinant proteins extraction for purification purpose. The prepared nanohydrogel polymer-based particles are hydrophilic below the volume phase transition temperature (TVPT) and dehydrated above the TVPT, due to the thermally sensitive poly(N-alkyl acrylamide) and poly(N-alkyl methacrylamide) derivatives. Then, the use of heavy metal ions in the presence of such functional particles should specifically capture recombinant proteins (i.e., proteins bearing a poly(histidine) part). In order to understand and to optimize the specific capture and the purification of recombinant proteins, various parameters have been investigated as a systematic study. Firstly, the adsorption was investigated as a function of pH and protein concentration. According to high hydration of the prepared nanohydrogel, no marked adsorption was observed. Secondly, the effect of pH was investigated and found to be the driven parameter affecting the metal ions immobilization and the recombinant proteins complexation. As a result, high protein complexation was observed at basic pH compared to non-complexation at acidic pH medium. The immobilized proteins via complexation were released by changing the pH. This decomplexation seems to be effective but depends on fixation conditions and particle surface structure.