A new approach to produce drug nanosuspensions CO2-assisted effervescence to produce drug nanosuspensions

Luteolin-incorporated fish collagen hydrogel scaffold: An effective drug delivery strategy for wound healing

In clinical practice, wound care has always been challenging. Hydrogels play a key role in facilitating active wound recovery by absorbing exudates, maintaining moisture, and alleviating pain through cooling. In this study, type I collagen was isolated from the skin of crucian carp (Carassius carassius) and verified by amino acid analysis, FTIR, and SDS-PAGE. By adopting a new approach, luteolin was added to collagen hydrogels in situ after being dissolved in an alkaline solution. XRD and SEM confirmed the luteolin was incorporated and entirely distributed throughout the hydrogel. The plastic compression improved the young's modulus of hydrogel to 15.24 ± 0.59 kPa, which is adequate for wound protection. The drug loading efficiency was 98 ± 1.47 % in the selected formulation. The luteolin-incorporated hydrogel enabled regulated drug release. We assessed the cytotoxicity using MTT and live-dead assays, as well as examined the hemocompatibility to determine the biocompatibility of the hydrogel. In vivo experiments showed that the hydrogel with luteolin had the highest wound closure rate (94.01 ± 2.1 %) and improved wound healing with granular tissue formation, collagen deposition, and re-epithelialization. These findings indicate that this efficient drug delivery technology can accelerate the process of wound healing.

The Increased Dissolution and Oral Absorption of Itraconazole by Nanocrystals with an Endogenous Small-Molecule Surfactant as a Stabilizer

The aim of this study was to develop cholic-acid-stabilized itraconazole nanosuspensions (ITZ-Nanos) with the objective of enhancing drug dissolution and oral absorption. A laboratory-scale microprecipitation-high-pressure homogenization method was employed for the preparation of the ITZ-Nanos, while dynamic light scattering, transmission electron microscope analysis, X-ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, and high-performance liquid chromatography analysis were utilized to evaluate their physicochemical properties. The absorption and bioavailability of the ITZ-Nanos were assessed using Caco-2 cells and rats, with Sporanox® pellets as a comparison. Prior to lyophilization, the particle size of the ITZ-Nanos measured approximately 225.7 nm. Both X-ray diffraction and differential scanning calorimetry confirmed that the ITZ remained crystalline within the nanocrystals. Compared to the pellets, the ITZ-Nanos exhibited significantly higher levels of supersaturation dissolution and demonstrated enhanced drug uptake by the Caco-2 cells. The AUC(0-t) value for the ITZ-Nanos in rats was 1.33-fold higher than that observed for the pellets. These findings suggest that cholic acid holds promise as a stabilizer for ITZ nanocrystals, as well as potentially other nanocrystals.

Nanocrystals in cosmetics and cosmeceuticals by topical delivery

The main issues with local delivery of cosmetics are their high sensitivity and limited drug loading of active pharmaceutical ingredient. Nanocrystal technology offers consumers cutting-edge and effective products and exhibits enormous development potential in the beauty business as a new delivery method to address the issue of low solubility and low permeability of sensitive chemicals. In this review, we described the processes for making NCs, along with the impacts of loading and the uses of different carriers. Among them, nanocrystalline loaded gel and emulsion are widely used and may further improve the stability of the system. Then, we introduced the beauty efficacy of drug NCs from five aspects: anti-inflammation and acne, anti-bacterial, lightening and freckle removal, anti-aging as well as UV protection. Following that, we presented the current scenario about stability and safety. Finally, the challenges and vacancy were discussed along with the potential uses of NCs in the cosmetics industry. This review serves as a resource for the advancement of nanocrystal technology in the cosmetics sector.

Hogweed Seed Oil: Physico-Chemical Characterization, LC-MS Profile, and Neuroprotective Activity of Heracleum dissectum Nanosuspension

The seeds of dissected hogweed (Heracleum dissectum Ledeb., Apiaceae) are the source of hogweed oil (HSO), which is still underexplored and requires careful chemical and biological studies. The performed physico-chemical analysis of HSO elucidated basic physical characteristics and revealed the presence of fatty acids, essential oil components, pigments, and coumarins. High-performance liquid chromatography with photodiode array detection and electrospray ionization triple quadrupole mass spectrometric detection (HPLC-PDA-ESI-tQ-MS/MS) identified 38 coumarins that were characterized and quantified. Various furanocoumarins were the major components of HSO polyphenolics, including imperatorin, phellopterin, and isoimperatorin, and the total coumarin content in HSO varied from 181.14 to 238.42 mg/mL. The analysis of storage stability of the selected compounds in HSO indicated their good preservation after 3-year storage at cold and freezing temperatures. The application of the CO₂-assisted effervescence method allowed the production of an HSO nanosuspension, which was used in a brain ischemia model of rats. The HSO nanosuspension enhanced cerebral hemodynamics and decreased the frequency of necrotic processes in the brain tissue. Thus, H. dissectum seeds are a good source of coumarins, and HSO nanosuspension promotes neuroprotection of the brain after lesions, which supports earlier ethnopharmacological data.

Effervescence-induced amorphous solid dispersions with improved drug solubility and dissolution

The current study aimed to investigate drug carrier miscibility in pharmaceutical solid dispersions (SD) and include the effervescent system, i.e. Effervescence-induced amorphous solid dispersions (ESD), to enhance the solubility of a poorly water-soluble Glibenclamide (GLB). Kollidon VA 64, PEG-3350, and Gelucire-50/13 were selected as the water-soluble carriers. The miscibility of the drug-carrier was predicted by molecular dynamics simulation, Hansen solubility parameters, Flory-Huggins theory, and Gibb's free energy. Solid dispersions were prepared by microwave, solvent evaporation, lyophilization, and Hot Melt Extrusion (HME) methods. The prepared solid dispersions were subjected to solubility, in-vitro dissolution, and other characterization studies. The in-silico and theoretical approach suggested that the selected polymers exhibited better miscibility with GLB. Solid-state characterizations like FTIR and ¹H NMR proved the formation of intermolecular hydrogen bonding between the drug and carriers, which was comparatively higher in ESDs than SDs. DSC, PXRD, and microscopic examination of GLB and SDs confirmed the amorphization of GLB, which was higher in ESDs than SDs. Gibb's free energy concept suggested that the prepared solid dispersions will be stable at room temperature. Ex-vivo intestinal absorption study on optimized ESDs prepared with Kollidon VA64 using the HME technique exhibited a higher flux and permeability coefficient than the pure drug suggesting a better drug delivery. The drug-carrier miscibility was successfully studied in SDs of GLB. The addition of the effervescent agent further enhanced the solubility and dissolution of GLB. Additionally, this might exhibit a better bioavailability, confirmed by ex-vivo intestinal absorption study.

Drug-Carrier Miscibility in Solid Dispersions of Glibenclamide and a Novel Approach to Enhance Its Solubility Using an Effervescent Agent

The present research aims to investigate the miscibility, physical stability, solubility, and dissolution rate of a poorly water-soluble glibenclamide (GLB) in solid dispersions (SDs) with hydrophilic carriers like PEG-1500 and PEG-50 hydrogenated palm glycerides (Acconon). Mathematical theories such as Hansen solubility parameters, Flory Huggins theory, Gibbs free energy, and the in silico molecular dynamics simulation study approaches were used to predict the drug-carrier miscibility. To increase the solubility further, the effervescence technique was introduced to the conventional solid dispersions to prepare effervescent solid dispersions (ESD). Solid dispersions (SDs) were prepared by microwave, solvent evaporation, lyophilization, and hot melt extrusion (HME) techniques and tested for different characterization parameters. The theoretical and in silico parameters suggested that GLB would show good miscibility with the selected carriers under certain conditions. Intermolecular hydrogen bonding between the drug and carrier(s) was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Solid-state characterizations like powder X-ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, and microscopy confirm the amorphous nature of SDs. The addition of the effervescent agent improved the amorphous nature, due to which the solubility and drug release rate was increased. In vitro and ex vivo intestinal absorption studies showed improved flux and permeability than the pure drug, suggesting an enhanced drug delivery. The GLB solubility, dissolution, and stability were greatly enhanced by the SD and ESD technology.

Recent progress in drug delivery

Drug delivery systems (DDS) are defined as methods by which drugs are delivered to desired tissues, organs, cells and subcellular organs for drug release and absorption through a variety of drug carriers. Its usual purpose to improve the pharmacological activities of therapeutic drugs and to overcome problems such as limited solubility, drug aggregation, low bioavailability, poor biodistribution, lack of selectivity, or to reduce the side effects of therapeutic drugs. During 2015-2018, significant progress in the research on drug delivery systems has been achieved along with advances in related fields, such as pharmaceutical sciences, material sciences and biomedical sciences. This review provides a concise overview of current progress in this research area through its focus on the delivery strategies, construction techniques and specific examples. It is a valuable reference for pharmaceutical scientists who want to learn more about the design of drug delivery systems.

A simple and low-energy method to prepare loratadine nanosuspensions for oral bioavailability improvement: preparation, characterization, and in vivo evaluation

The effervescent method, as a simple and effective technology to prepare nanosuspensions, has gained great attention. In this present research, loratadine (LTD) nanosuspensions were successfully prepared by the effervescent method using Soluplus as stabilizer to improve the bioavailability of LTD in vivo. The mean particle size was about 100 nm. And the LTD nanosuspensions were lyophilized for further study. The freeze-dried powders could be dissolved quickly, and the mean particle size remained almost unchanged after powders were re-dissolved. By transmission electron microscope (TEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction (X-RD), the characterizations of LTD nanosuspensions and freeze-dried powders were studied. Commercial tablets were used as the reference to investigate the dissolution behaviors in different release media and of bioavailability in vivo of LTD freeze-dried powders. The cumulative dissolution of the LTD freeze-dried powders was superior in different release media compared with commercial tables. In addition, for the evaluation of the bioavailability of LTD nanosuspensions, the LTD concentration in rat plasma was determined using LC-MS/MS method. The results showed that the AUC_0-24 and C_max of LTD freeze-dried powders were about 2.14- and 2.01-fold higher than those of commercial tablets. In short, the effervescent method has been successfully applied to the preparation of LTD nanosuspensions to improve the bioavailability of LTD in vivo with the advantage of low energy consumption. This simple technology also provides an idea for the preparation of the other nanosuspensions.

A cost-effective method to prepare curcumin nanosuspensions with enhanced oral bioavailability

BACKGROUND

Nanosuspension is one of the most promising strategies to improve the oral bioavailability of insoluble drugs. The existing techniques applied to produce nanosuspensions are classified as "bottom-up" or "top-down" methods, or a combination of both. Curcumin (CUR), a Biopharmaceutics Classification System (BCS) class IV substance, is a promising drug candidate in view of its good bioactivity, but its use is limited due to its poor solubility and permeability. In the present study, CUR nanosuspensions were developed to enhance CUR oral bioavailability using a cost-effective method different from conventional techniques.

RESULTS

The physicochemical properties of CUR nanosuspensions were characterized by dynamic light scattering (DLS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The crystalline state of CUR in different nanosuspensions analyzed using differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) and X-ray diffraction analysis (PXRD) confirmed its amorphous state. In vitro dissolution degree of the prepared CUR nanosuspensions using TPGS or Brij78 as stabilizer was greatly increased. Pharmacokinetic studies demonstrated that the oral bioavailability of CUR was increased 3.18 and 3.7 times after administration of CUR/TPGS nanosuspensions or CUR/Brij78 nanosuspensions, when compared with the administration of CUR suspension.

CONCLUSIONS

CUR nanosuspensions produced by our cost-effective method could improve its oral bioavailability. In addition, the low-cost and time-saving method reported here is highly suitable for a fast and inexpensive preparation.