Effect of β-cyclodextrins based nanosponges on the solubility of lipophilic pharmacological active substances (repaglinide)

Application of sodium sulfobutylether-β-cyclodextrin based on encapsulation

Sodium Sulfobutylether-β-cyclodextrin (SBE-β-CD) is a derivative of β-cyclodextrin, characterized by its stereo structure, which closely resembles a truncated cone with a hydrophobic internal cavity. The solubility of insoluble substances within the hydrophobic cavity is significantly enhanced, reducing contact between the guest and the environment. Consequently, SBE-β-CD is frequently employed as a co-solvent and stabilizer. As the research progresses, it has been observed that the inclusion of SBE-β-CD is reversible and competitive. Besides, some inclusion complexes undergo distinct physicochemical property alterations compared to the guests. Additionally, certain guests exhibit varying inclusions with SBE-β-CD at different concentrations. These features have contributed to the expanding applications. SBE-β-CD finds widespread application in pharmaceutics as a protective agent and pKa regulator, in pharmaceutical analysis as a chiral substance separator, and in biomedical engineering for encapsulating dyes and modifying sensors. The article will elaborate in detail on the physicochemical properties of SBE-β-CD, encapsulation principles, and factors influencing the formation of inclusion complexes. Furthermore, the review focuses on the application of SBE-β-CD through encapsulation in pharmaceutics, pharmaceutical analysis, and biomedical engineering. Finally, the prospects and potential applications of SBE-β-CD are discussed.

Nanosponges- Versatile Platform as Drug Carrier

BACKGROUND

Recently, nano-drug delivery systems have become an integral part of the most novel drug delivery systems and have gained considerable importance owing to various advantages such as carriers for poorly soluble drugs, targeting molecules at the desired site, protection from degradation etc. Objective: One of the most studied areas of nanotechnology is nanosponges. The objective of this review was to extensively summarize the various strategies for the preparation, characterization and applications of nanosponges.

METHODS

In the current mini-review, we conducted a systemic search of the literature and patent inventions focusing on nanosponges. The summary of the search was inclusive of various aspects of nanosponges, such as drug characteristics to be considered while incorporating in nanosponges, other crucial additives during formulation of nanosponges, methods of preparation, characterization and applications of nanosponges in pharmaceuticals.

RESULTS

Nanosponges are nanocarriers for both lipophilic and hydrophilic drugs. These are prepared by different methods such as emulsion-solvent evaporation, solvent method, melting method, ultrasound assisted method etc., and all these methods were less time consuming, more economical and evaluated by sophisticated techniques available for routine analysis. These are among the most feasible alternative to address several formulation difficulties associated with the physicochemical properties of the drug. The porous nature and small particle size are vital properties of the nanosponges that contribute crucially to correcting the drawbacks of the drug. The properties of the nanosponges can be enhanced when combined with cyclodextrins. Extensive research work has been carried out in past to explore cyclodextrin based nanosponges. Besides, it is also used for smart targeting of tumors and for drug release in a sustainable pattern. Nanosponges can be prepared by simple methods. These can be tuned to release the drug by different routes so as to achieve the maximum benefits of the drug.

CONCLUSION

Huge amount of research has been carried out on nanosponges as drug carrier. The method of preparation and characterization of nanosponges are quite economical and routinely available. Owing to potential benefits and probable applications, these can be used as efficient carriers for certain drugs. The authors expect that the current review will guide the investigation of the nanosponges as nanodrug delivery systems.

Formulation, Characterization, Anti-Inflammatory and Cytotoxicity Study of Sesamol-Laden Nanosponges

Sesamol (SES) possesses remarkable chemotherapeutic activity, owing to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant potential. However, the activity of SES is mainly hampered by its poor physicochemical properties and stability issues. Hence, to improve the efficacy of this natural anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic agent, it was loaded into β-cyclodextrin nanosponges (NS) prepared using different molar ratios of polymer and crosslinker (diphenyl carbonate). The particle size of SES-laden NS (SES-NS) was shown to be in the nano range (200 to 500 nm), with a low polydispersity index, an adequate charge (-17 to -26 mV), and a high payload. Field emission scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy were used to characterize the bioactive-loaded selected batch (SES-NS6). This batch of nanoformulations showed improved solubilization efficacy (701.88 µg/mL) in comparison to bare SES (244.36 µg/mL), polymer (β-CD) (261.43 µg/mL), and other fabricated batches. The drug release data displayed the controlled release behavior of SES from NS. The findings of the egg albumin denaturation assay revealed the enhanced anti-inflammatory potential of SES-NS as compared to bare SES. Further, the cytotoxicity assay showed that SES-NS was more effective against B16F12 melanoma cell lines than the bioactive alone. The findings of this assay demonstrated a reduction in the IC₅₀ values of SES-NS (67.38 μg/mL) in comparison to SES (106 μg/mL). The present investigation demonstrated the in vitro controlled release pattern and the enhanced anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic activity of SES-NS, suggesting its potential as a promising drug delivery carrier for topical delivery.

Drug-Encapsulated Cyclodextrin Nanosponges

To date, a number of nanocarriers, either inorganic or organic, have been developed to improve the delivery and therapeutic efficacy of various drugs. Drug delivery systems have attempted to overcome the undesirable pharmacokinetic problems encountered. Among the various nanomaterials that have been designed as potential nanocarriers, cyclodextrin-based polymers are of particular interest in this review.Cyclodextrins (CD) are a class of cyclic glucopyranose oligomers, obtained from starch by enzymatic action, with a characteristic toroidal shape that forms a truncated cone-shaped lipophilic cavity. The main common native cyclodextrins are named α, β, and γ which comprise six, seven, and eight glucopyranose units, respectively. Cyclodextrins have the capability to include compounds whose size and polarity are compatible with those of their cavity.Cyclodextrin-based cross-linked polymers, often referred to as "cyclodextrin nanosponges" (CDNSs), attract great attention from researchers for solving major bioavailability problems such as inadequate solubility, poor dissolution rate, and limited stability of some agents, as well as increasing their effectiveness and decreasing unwanted side effects.Registered patents about this novel system in various fields, different pharmaceutical applications, and classes of drugs encapsulated by CDNSs are detailed. The features outlined make CDNSs a promising platform for the development of innovative and advanced delivery systems.

Topical delivery of clobetasol propionate loaded nanosponge hydrogel for effective treatment of psoriasis: Formulation, physicochemical characterization, antipsoriatic potential and biochemical estimation

Clobetasol propionate (CP), a superpotent topical corticosteroid, holds great promise for psoriasis treatment. However, common side effects like skin atrophy, steroidal acne, hypopigmentation and allergic contact dermatitis associated with it, hamper its utility for topical application. Taking this into consideration, the current work was aimed to fabricate CP loaded cyclodextrin nanosponge (CDNS) based hydrogel, to alleviate the aforementioned side effects, while controlling drug release. Nanosponges were crafted employing β-cyclodextrin (polymer) and diphenyl carbonate (cross linker) and evaluated appropriately. The selected formulation augmented 45 folds water solubility, with respect to pure CP. The formulation possessed entrapment efficiency (56.33 ± 0.94%), particle size (194.27 ± 49.24 nm) with polydispersitive index (0.498 ± 0.095), surface charge (-21.83 ± 0.95 mV) and drug release (86.25 ± 0.28%). Selected CP-CDNS were found crystalline and uniform in size. Further, in vitro cell viability analysis has been performed using THP1 cells to evaluate cytocompatibility of CP nanosponges. The chosen CP nanosponges were then embedded into Carbopol hydrogel, and characterized for rheological behaviour, spreadability, and texture profile. The developed nanoformulations were also assessed in vivo using mouse tail model. Histological and biochemical assessments have been conducted to explore their antipsoriatic activity via oxidative stress biomarkers. The degree of orthokeratosis was observed remarkably (p < 0.001) amplified by CP-CDNS14 hydrogel as compared to untreated group (control) and CP hydrogel. In addition, drug activity and change in epidermal thickness were found significant. Our findings altogether advocated the profound potential of prepared CP nanogel in the topical treatment of psoriasis, with improved patient compliance.

Nanotechnology as a Platform for the Development of Injectable Parenteral Formulations: A Comprehensive Review of the Know-Hows and State of the Art

Within recent decades, the development of nanotechnology has made a significant contribution to the progress of various fields of study, including the domains of medical and pharmaceutical sciences. A substantially transformed arena within the context of the latter is the development and production of various injectable parenteral formulations. Indeed, recent decades have witnessed a rapid growth of the marketed and pipeline nanotechnology-based injectable products, which is a testimony to the remarkability of the aforementioned contribution. Adjunct to the ability of nanomaterials to deliver the incorporated payloads to many different targets of interest, nanotechnology has substantially assisted to the development of many further facets of the art. Such contributions include the enhancement of the drug solubility, development of long-acting locally and systemically injectable formulations, tuning the onset of the drug’s release through the endowment of sensitivity to various internal or external stimuli, as well as adjuvancy and immune activation, which is a desirable component for injectable vaccines and immunotherapeutic formulations. The current work seeks to provide a comprehensive review of all the abovementioned contributions, along with the most recent advances made within each domain. Furthermore, recent developments within the domains of passive and active targeting will be briefly debated.

Cyclodextrin-based nanosponges as promising carriers for active agents

INTRODUCTION

In recent years, new drug delivery systems have attempted to overcome the undesirable pharmacokinetic problems of various drugs. Among them, cyclodextrin nanosponges (CDNSs) attract great attention from researchers for solving major bioavailability problems such as inadequate solubility, poor dissolution rate, and the limited stability of some agents, as well as increasing their effectiveness and decreasing unwanted side effects. This novel system can also be prepared as different dosage forms.

AREAS COVERED

This review will give an insight into the effects of CDNSs on the pharmacokinetic parameters and permeability of active agents. Different classes of drugs delivered by this system are mentioned and we designate which CD is used most widely in their production process. We also inform why this carrier can be introduced as a versatile carrying system in pharmaceutical fields. Registered patents about this novel system in various fields are also mentioned.

EXPERT OPINION

The readers will be informed on CDNSs as a novel carrier especially for the delivery of drugs. Versatile characteristics and applications of them can also be known by this review. Finally, CDNSs may be introduced as a remarkable vehicle in the pharmaceutical market in coming years.

Carbohydrate-based nanomaterials for biomedical applications

Carbohydrates are abundant biomolecules, with a strong tendency to form supramolecular networks. A host of carbohydrate-based nanomaterials have been exploited for biomedical applications. These structures are based on simple mono- or disaccharides, as well as on complex, polymeric systems. Chemical modifications serve to tune the shapes and properties of these materials. In particular, carbohydrate-based nanoparticles and nanogels were used for drug delivery, imaging, and tissue engineering applications. Due to the reversible nature of the assembly, often based on a combination of hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions, carbohydrate-based materials are valuable substrates for the creations of responsive systems. Herein, we review the current research on carbohydrate-based nanomaterials, with a particular focus on carbohydrate assembly. We will discuss how these systems are formed and how their properties are tuned. Particular emphasis will be placed on the use of carbohydrates for biomedical applications. This article is categorized under: Nanotechnology Approaches to Biology > Nanoscale Systems in Biology.

Encapsulation of Babchi Oil in Cyclodextrin-Based Nanosponges: Physicochemical Characterization, Photodegradation, and In Vitro Cytotoxicity Studies

Babchi (Psoralea corylifolia) oil is an important essential oil used in several traditional medicines to cure various disorders. This phytotherapeutic agent possesses a number of pharmacological activities including antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and antitumor factors. However, volatile nature, poor stability, and solubility of babchi oil (BO) restrict its pharmaceutical applications. Therefore, the aim of the present work was to encapsulate this oil in β-cyclodextrin nanosponges (NS) in order to overcome the above limitations. To fabricate nanosponges, β-cyclodextrin was cross-linked with diphenyl carbonate in different molar ratios viz. 1:2, 1:4, 1:6, 1:8, and 1:10. The blank nanosponges were loaded with BO using the freeze-drying method. The particle size of the BO loaded nanosponges was found to lie between 200 and 500 nm with low polydispersity index. Furthermore, the zeta potential, the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, thermal analysis, and electron microscopy were carried out for characterization of BO nanosponges. Results obtained from spectral analysis ascertained the formation of inclusion complexes. Additionally, solubilisation efficiency of BO was checked in distilled water and found enhanced by 4.95 times with optimized β-cyclodextrin nanosponges. The cytotoxicity study was carried out by the MTT assay using HaCaT cell lines. A significant improvement in photo-stability of essential oil was also observed by inclusion innanosponges. Lastly, the optimized formulation was tested for antibacterial activity using Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Escherichia coli. Therefore, encapsulation of BO in nanosponges resulted in efficacious carrier system in terms of solubility, photo-stability, and safety of this oil along with handling benefits.

A 32full factorial design for development and characterization of a nanosponge-based intravaginal in situ gelling system for vulvovaginal candidiasis

The rationale behind present research effort was to enhance CTZ solubility and efficacyviaforming complex with hydroxypropyl β-cyclodextrin (HP-β-CD) nanosponges.