Enhanced storage stability of solid lipid nanoparticles by surface modification of comb-shaped amphiphilic inulin derivatives

Particle Metrology Approach to Understanding How Storage Conditions Affect Long-Term Liposome Stability

Lipid nanoparticles are a generic type of nanomaterial with broad applicability in medicine as drug delivery vehicles. Liposomes are a subtype of lipid nanoparticles and, as a therapeutic platform, can be loaded with a genetic material or pharmaceutical agents for use as drug treatments. An open question for these types of lipid nanoparticles is what factor(s) affect the long-term stability of the particles. The stability of the particle is of great interest to understand and predict the effective shelf-life and storage requirements. In this report, we detail a one-year study of liposome stability as a function of lipid composition, buffer composition/pH, and storage temperature. This was done in aqueous solution without freezing. The effect of lipid composition is shown to be a critical factor when evaluating stability of the measured particle size and number concentration. Other factors (i.e., storage temperature and buffer pH/composition) were shown to be less critical but still have some effect. The stability of these particles informs formulation and optimal storage requirements and assists with future developmental planning of a NIST liposome-based reference material. This work also highlights the complex nature of long-term soft particle storage in biopharmaceutical applications.

Synthesis and Design of Purpurin-18-Loaded Solid Lipid Nanoparticles for Improved Anticancer Efficiency of Photodynamic Therapy

Purpurin-18 (P18) is one of the essential photosensitizers used in photodynamic therapy (PDT), but its hydrophobicity causes easy coalescence and poor bioavailability. This study aimed to synthesize P18 and design P18-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) to improve its bioavailability. The characteristics of the synthesized P18 and SLNs were evaluated by particle characteristics and release studies. The effects of P18 were evaluated using the 1,3-diphenylisobenzofuran (DPBF) assay as a nonbiological assay and a phototoxicity assay against HeLa and A549 cell lines as a biological assay. The mean particle size and zeta potential of the SLNs were 164.70–762.53 nm and −16.77–25.54 mV, respectively. These results indicate that P18-loaded SLNs are suitable for an enhanced permeability and retention effect as a passive targeting anti-cancer strategy. The formulations exhibited a burst and sustained release based on their stability. The DPBF assay indicated that the PDT effect of P18 improved when it was entrapped in the SLNs. The photocytotoxicity assay indicated that P18-loaded SLNs possessed light cytotoxicity but no dark cytotoxicity. In addition, the PDT activity of the formulations was cell type- and size-dependent. These results suggest that the designed P18-loaded SLNs are a promising tool for anticancer treatment using PDT.

A single oral dose of celecoxib-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles for treatment of different developmental stages of experimental schistosomiasis mansoni

Schistosomiasis, a neglected tropical parasitic disease, is associated with severe pathology, mortality and economic loss. The treatment and control of schistosomiasis depends mainly on a single dose of praziquantel (PZQ). Drug repurposing and nanomedicine attract great attention to improve anti-schistosomal therapy. Previously, we reported that celecoxib (CELE), the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, showed potent anti-schistosomal efficacy in an oral dose of 20 mg/kg/day for five days against different developmental stages of Schistosoma mansoni (S. mansoni) infection in mice. The aim of the current study was to shorten the duration of CELE treatment to reach an effective single oral dose against different developmental stages of S. mansoni infection using solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) as nano-carriers. The latter enhance the solubility, bioavailability and drug delivery and hence can decrease the frequency of administration which is of great clinical value. CELE-loaded SLNs showed good colloidal properties, high entrapment efficiency and drug loading, sustained biphasic release pattern with excellent storage stability. The used regimen was efficient against different developmental stages of S. mansoni infection with the most pronounced effect against the juvenile stage where the worm load, the hepatic egg count and the intestinal egg count were reduced by 86.39%, 91.45% and 90.11%, respectively. Meanwhile, when targeting the invasive and the adult stages, it induced reduction in the worm load by 73.55% and 78.22%, the hepatic egg count by 69.99% and 75.39% and the intestinal egg count by 77.57% and 79.89%, respectively. Additionally, CELE-loaded SLNs caused extensive tegumental damage of adult worms and marked improvement in the liver pathology.

Optimization of the Synthesis of Natural Polymeric Nanoparticles of Inulin Loaded with Quercetin: Characterization and Cytotoxicity Effect

Quercetin is a bioactive component that is capable of having therapeutic potential in the prevention of different noncommunicable chronic diseases (NCDs). However, it presents instability in the gastrointestinal tract in addition to low bioavailability. One way to overcome the limitations of quercetin lies in using nanotechnology for the development of nanoparticles, based on biopolymers, that are capable of being ingestible. Inulin, a fructan-type polysaccharide, acts as a delivery system for the release of quercetin in a target cell, guaranteeing the stability of the molecule. Inulin-coated quercetin nanoparticles were synthesized by the spray dryer method, and four variables were evaluated, namely inulin concentration (5–10% w/v), feed temperature (40–60 °C), inlet temperature (100–200 °C) and outlet temperature (60–100 °C). The optimal conditions were obtained at 10% w/v inulin concentration, with 45 °C feed temperature, 120 °C inlet temperature and 60 °C outlet temperature, and the nanoparticle size was 289.75 ± 16.3 nm in water. Fluorescence microscopy indicated quercetin loading in the inulin nanoparticles, with an encapsulation efficiency of approximately 73.33 ± 7.86%. Inulin-coated quercetin nanoparticles presented effects of inhibition in Caco-2 and HepG2 cells, but not in HDFa cells. The experimental data showed the potential of inulin nanoparticles as transport materials for unstable molecules, in oral administration systems, for the encapsulation, protection and release of quercetin.

Tailored rigidity of W/O Pickering emulsions using diacylglycerol-based surface-active solid lipid nanoparticles

Pickering water-in-oil (W/O) emulsions were fabricated by using medium-long chain diacylglycerol (MLCD)-based solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) and the connection between the characteristics of the SLNs and the colloidal stability of the emulsions was established. Via melt-emulsification and ultrasonication, MLCD-based SLNs with particle sizes of 120-300 nm were obtained with or without other surfactants. The particle size of the SLNs was influenced by the chemical properties of the surfactants, and surfactants decreased the contact angle of SLNs at the oil-water interface. Gelation was observed in SLNs modified by sodium stearoyl lactylate and lecithin, whereas the addition of Tween 20 resulted in a homogeneous SLN solution. The adsorption of surfactants onto SLN surfaces caused the production of higher amounts of α crystals accompanied by delayed crystallization onset which contributed to the reduction of particle size, interfacial tension and oil wetting ability. The W/O emulsions with higher rigidity and physical stability can be obtained by varying surfactant types and by increasing SLN mass ratios to 60%, whereby more SLNs are adsorbed at the droplet surface as a Pickering stabilizer. This study provides useful insights for the development of diacylglycerol-based SLNs and Pickering W/O emulsions which have great potential for food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical applications.

Application and Future Prospect of Extracellular Matrix Targeted Nanomaterials in Tumor Theranostics

Systemic chemotherapy and radiotherapy have been widely used in clinics for several decades, but their disadvantages, such as systemic cytotoxicity and severe side effects, are the biggest obstacle to maximum therapeutic efficacy. In recent years, the impact of extracellular matrix components in tumor progression has gained the attention of researchers, and with the rapid development of nanomaterials, extracellular matrix targeted nanomaterials have become a promising strategy in tumor theranostics. In this review, we will outline the recent and relevant examples of various tumor extracellular matrix targeted nanomaterials applied in tumor therapy and imaging. And we will discuss the challenges and prospects of nanomaterials for future tumor therapy.

Solid Form and Phase Transformation Properties of Fexofenadine Hydrochloride during Wet Granulation Process

The quality control of drug products during manufacturing processes is important, particularly the presence of different polymorphic forms in active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) during production, which could affect the performance of the formulated products. The objective of this study was to investigate the phase transformation of fexofenadine hydrochloride (FXD) and its influence on the quality and performance of the drug. Water addition was key controlling factor for the polymorphic conversion from Form I to Form II (hydrate) during the wet granulation process of FXD. Water-induced phase transformation of FXD was studied and quantified with XRD and thermal analysis. When FXD was mixed with water, it rapidly converted to Form II, while the conversion is retarded when FXD is formulated with excipients. In addition, the conversion was totally inhibited when the water content was <15% w/w. The relationship between phase transformation and water content was studied at the small scale, and it was also applicable for the scale-up during wet granulation. The effect of phase transition on the FXD tablet performance was investigated by evaluating granule characterization and dissolution behavior. It was shown that, during the transition, the dissolved FXD acted as a binder to improve the properties of granules, such as density and flowability. However, if the water was over added, it can lead to the incomplete release of the FXD during dissolution. In order to balance the quality attributes and the dissolution of granules, the phase transition of FXD and the water amount added should be controlled during wet granulation.

The physiological functions and pharmaceutical applications of inulin: A review

Inulin (IN), a fructan-type plant polysaccharide, is widely found in nature. The major plant sources of IN include chicory, Jerusalem artichoke, dahlia etc. Studies have found that IN possessed a wide array of biological activities, e.g. as a prebiotic to improve the intestinal microbe environment, regulating blood sugar, regulating blood lipids, antioxidant, anticancer, immune regulation and so on. Currently, IN is widely used in the food and pharmaceutical industries. IN can be used as thickener, fat replacer, sweetener and water retaining agent in the food industry. IN also can be applied in the pharmaceutics as stabilizer, drug carrier, and auxiliary therapeutic agent for certain diseases such as constipation and diabetes. This paper reviews the physiological functions of IN and its applications in the field of pharmaceutics, analyzes its present research status and future research direction. This review will serve as a one-in-all resource for the researchers who are interested to work on IN.

Manipulation of Pharmaceutical Polymorphic Transformation Process Using Excipients

BACKGROUND

In the pharmaceutical field, it is vital to ensure a consistent product containing a single solid-state form of the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) in the drug product. However, some APIs are suffering from the risk of transformation of their target forms during processing, formulation and storage.

METHODS

The purpose of this review is to summarize the relevant category of excipients and demonstrate the availability and importance of using excipients as a key strategy to manipulate pharmaceutical polymorphic transformation.

RESULTS

The excipient effects on solvent-mediated phase transformations, solid-state transitions and amorphous crystallization are significant. Common pharmaceutical excipients including amino acids and derivatives, surfactants, and various polymers and their different manipulation effects were summarized and discussed.

CONCLUSION

Appropriate use of excipients plays a role in manipulating polymorphic transformation process of corresponding APIs, with a promising application of guaranteeing the stability and effectiveness of drug dosage forms.

Irinotecan hydrochloride trihydrate loaded folic acid-tailored solid lipid nanoparticles for targeting colorectal cancer: development, characterization, and in vitro cytotoxicity study using HT-29 cells

Aim: The aim of this investigation was to evaluate the potential of folic acid-tailored solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) for encapsulation as well as for in vitro cytotoxicity study of irinotecan hydrochloride trihydrate (IHT) against colorectal cancer (CRC) by using HT-29 cells. Methods: Solvent diffusion technique was employed for the preparation of SLNs. Further, the formulations were optimised via three-level, three-factor Box-Behnken design (BBD). Results: The uncoupled SLNs (IRSLNs) and folic acid-coupled SLNs (IRSLNFs) formulations revealed not only high %entrapment efficiency but also small particle size. Moreover, in vitro drug release results from IRSLNs and IRSLNFs confirmed that they followed sustained-release effect for up to 144 h. Whereas, in vitro cell viability study against HT-29 cell line suggested significantly (p < 0.05) higher cytotoxicity (IC₅₀ = 15 µg/ml) of IRSLNFs over IRSLNs and IHT solution. Conclusions: Outcomes suggested that the engineered IRSLNFs hold great potential for targeting CRC for an extended period of time.