Mannosylated imiquimod-terbinafine co-loaded transethosomes for cutaneous leishmaniasis; assessment of its anti-leishmanial potential, in vivo safety and immune response modulation

Formulation and statistical optimization of letrozole loaded nanotransferosomal gel for tumor targeting

Letrozole (LTZ) is used as first-line treatment for hormone-positive breast cancer (BC) in postmenopausal women. However, its poor aqueous solubility and permeability have reduced its clinical efficacy. Herein, we developed LTZ-nanotransferosomes (LTZ-NT) to address above mentioned issues. The LTZ-NT were optimized statistically using Design Expert® followed by their characterization via dynamic light scattering (DLS), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The optimized LTZ-NT was incorporated into 1% chitosan-gel to develop LTZ-NTG. Moreover, in vitro drug release and ex vivo permeation of LTZ-NTG were performed and compared with LTZ-dispersion and LTZ-NT. Additionally, skin irritability and histopathology of LTZ-NTG were investigated. Furthermore, in vitro antitumor study of LTZ-NTG was investigated in BC cell lines. The optimized LTZ-NT showed suitable zeta potential (30.4 mV), spherical size (162.5 nm), and excellent entrapment efficiency (88.04%). Moreover, LTZ-NT exhibited suitable thermal behavior and no interactions among its excipients. In addition, LTZ-NTG had an optimal pH (5.6) and a suitable viscosity. A meaningfully sustained release and improved permeation of LTZ was observed from LTZ-NTG. Additionally, LTZ-NTG showed significantly enhanced cell death of MCF-7 and MCC-7 cells. It can be concluded that LTZ-NTG has the potential to deliver chemotherapeutic agents for possible treatment of BC.

Transethosome as a versatile nano vehicle for various indications and its regulatory insights

Transethosomes, classified as 3rd generation nanocarriers, have gained global acclaim due to their profound potential in addressing diverse medical conditions. Their superior dermal penetration, attributed to essential constituents, such as edge activators and alcohol, sets them apart from other nanoformulations. The current review article embarks with an introduction followed by a comprehensive exploration of transethosome structures, differentiating them from fellow nanocarriers. A detailed analysis of characteristics and the spectrum of marketed products of various nanocarriers is also provided. Furthermore, the article offers a taxonomy of preparation methods of transethosomes and reports the frequently employed methods. It briefly surveys research studies encompassing various drug categories, spanning a wide range of medical conditions. In summary, this review article is dedicated to achieving several pivotal aims and objectives. We aim to substantiate the superior attributes of transethosomes when compared to conventional commercial products and other nanoformulations, demonstrating their clinical promise in addressing various human medical conditions. Additionally, we seek to elucidate the regulatory pathway required to secure approvals for transethosomes from relevant regulatory authorities and shine a light on their innovative potential as revealed in patent literature. Collectively, these objectives contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the significance and potential of transethosomes in the field of pharmaceutical nanotechnology.

Co-delivery of amphotericin B and pentamidine loaded niosomal gel for the treatment of Cutaneous leishmaniasis

Topical drug delivery is preferable route over systemic delivery in case of Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL). Among the available agents, amphotericin B (AmB) and pentamidine (PTM) showed promising result against CL. However, monotherapy is associated with incidences of reoccurrence and resistance. Combination therapy is therefore recommended. Thin film hydration method was employed for amphotericin B-pentamidine loaded niosomes (AmB-PTM-NIO) preparation followed by their incorporation into chitosan gel. The optimization of AmB-PTM-NIO was done via Box Behnken Design method and in vitro and ex vivo analysis was performed. The optimized formulation indicated 226 nm particle size (PS) with spherical morphology, 0.173 polydispersity index (PDI), -36 mV zeta potential (ZP) and with entrapment efficiency (EE) of 91% (AmB) and 79% (PTM), respectively. The amphotericin B-pentamidine loaded niosomal gel (AmB-PTM-NIO-Gel) showed desirable characteristics including physicochemical properties, pH (5.1 ± 0.15), viscosity (31870 ± 25 cP), and gel spreadability (280 ± 26.46%). In vitro release of the AmB and PTM from AmB-PTM-NIO and AmB-PTM-NIO-Gel showed more prolonged release behavior as compared to their respective drug solution. Higher skin penetration, greater percentage inhibition and lower IC50 against the promastigotes shows that AmB-PTM-NIO has better antileishmanial activity. The obtained findings suggested that the developed AmB-PTM-NIO-Gel has excellent capability of permeation via skin layers, sustained release profile and augmented anti-leishmanial outcome of the incorporated drugs.

Quality by design for sumatriptan loaded nano-ethosomal mucoadhesive gel for the therapeutic management of nitroglycerin induced migraine

Migraine is a progressive neurological condition often accompanied by nausea and vomiting. Various drugs have recently been used in the treatment of migraine, including sumatriptan (SUT). However, SUT has poor pharmacological effects mainly due to its reduced permeability, blood brain barrier (BBB) effect, half-life and bioavailability. Herein, we developed SUT loaded nano-ethosomes (SUT-NEs) for intranasal (IN) delivery, after their incorporation into chitosan based mucoadhesive gel (SUT-NEsG). The observed mean particle size of SUT-NEs was 109.45 ± 4.03 nm with spherical morphology, mono dispersion (0.191 ± 0.001), negatively charged (-20.90 ± 1.98 mV) and with excellent entrapment efficiency (96.90 ± 1.85 %). Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectra have depicted the compatibility of the components. Moreover, SUT-NEsG was homogeneous having suitable viscosity and mucoadhesive strength. In vitro release and ex vivo permeation analysis showed sustained release and improved permeation of the SUT-NEsG, respectively. Additionally, histopathological studies of nasal membrane affirmed the safety of SUT-NEsG after IN application. In vivo pharmacokinetic study demonstrated improved brain bioavailability of SUT-NEsG as compared to orally administered sumatriptan solution (SUT-SL). Furthermore, significantly enhanced pharmacological effect of SUT-NEsG was observed in behavioral and biochemical analysis, immunohistochemistry for NF-κB, and enzyme linked immuno assay (ELISA) for IL-1β and TNF-α in Nitroglycerin (NTG) induced migraine model. It can be concluded that migraine may be successfully managed through IN application of SUT-NEsG owing to the direct targeted delivery to the brain.

Nitazoxanide and quercetin co-loaded nanotransfersomal gel for topical treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis with macrophage targeting and enhanced anti-leishmanial effect

Purpose

Anti-leishmanial medications administered by oral and parenteral routes are less effective for treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) and cause toxicity, hence targeted drug delivery is an efficient way to improve drug availability for CL with reduced toxicity. This study aimed to develop, characterize and evaluate nitazoxanide and quercetin co-loaded nanotransfersomal gel (NTZ-QUR-NTG) for the treatment of CL.

Methods

NTZ-QUR-NT were prepared by thin film hydration method and were statistically optimized using Box-Behnken design. To ease the topical delivery and enhance the retention time, the NTZ-QUR-NT were dispersed in 2 % chitosan gel. Moreover, in-vitro drug release, ex-vivo permeation, macrophage uptake, cytotoxicity and anti-leishmanial assays were performed.

Results

The optimized formulation indicated mean particle size 210 nm, poly dispersity index (PDI) 0.16, zeta potential (ZP) -15.1 mV and entrapment efficiency (EE) of NTZ and QUR was 88 % and 85 %, respectively. NTZ-QUR-NT and NTZ-QUR-NTG showed sustained release of the incorporated drugs as compared to the drug dispersions. Skin permeation of NTZ and QUR in NTZ-QUR-NTG was 4 times higher in comparison to the plain gels. The NTZ-QUR-NT cell internalization was almost 10-folds higher than NTZ-QUR dispersion. The cytotoxicity potential (CC50) of NTZ-QUR-NT (71.95 ± 3.32 μg/mL) was reduced as compared to NTZ-QUR dispersion (49.77 ± 2.15 μg/mL. A synergistic interaction was found between NTZ and QUR. Moreover, in-vitro anti-leishmanial assay presented a lower IC50 value of NTZ-QUR-NT as compared to NTZ-QUR dispersion. Additionally, a significantly reduced lesion size was observed in NTZ-QUR-NTG treated BALB/c mice, indicating its antileishmanial potential.

Conclusion

It can be concluded that nanotransfersomal gel has the capability to retain and permeate the incorporated drugs through stratum corneum and induce synergetic anti-leishmanial effect of NTZ and QUR against cutaneous leishmaniasis.

Rivaroxaban-loaded SLNs with treatment potential of deep vein thrombosis: in-vitro, in-vivo, and toxicity evaluation

OBJECTIVES

Rivaroxaban (RXB), a novel Xa inhibitor having groundbreaking therapeutic potential. However, this drug is associated with few limitations, including its pharmacokinetics related toxicities. Here, we developed RXB-loaded SLNs (RXB-SLNs) to improve its biopharmaceutical profile. Methods: High pressure homogenizer was used to prepare RXB-SLNs, followed by their particle characterization, Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Dynamic light scattering (DSC), and Powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) analysis. Beside this, in-vitro, ex-vivo, and in-vivo evaluation, prothrombin time assessment and toxicity was investigated.

RESULTS

RXB-SLNs had their particle size in nano range (99.1 ± 5.50 nm) with excellent morphology and low polydispersity index (0.402 ± 0.02) and suitable zeta potential (-25.9 ± 1.4 mV). The incorporation efficiency was observed around 95.9 ± 3.9%. In-vitro release profiles of the RXB-SLNs exhibited enhanced dissolution (89 ± 9.91%) as compared to pure drug (11 ± 1.43%) after 24 h of the study. PK study demonstrated a seven times enhanced bioavailability of RXB-SLNs when compared with pure drug. Furthermore, RXB-SLNs exhibited an expressive anti-coagulant behavior in human and rat blood plasma. Also, the final formulation exhibited no toxicity after oral administration of the SLNs.

CONCLUSIONS

All together, these studies revealed the capability of the SLNs for carrying the RXB with enhanced therapeutic efficacy and no toxicity, most importantly for the treatment of deep vein thrombosis.