Glyceryl monostearate based nanoparticles of mefenamic acid: Fabrication and in vitro characterization

Fabrication of Mupirocin-Loaded Nanostructured Lipid Carrier and Its In Vitro Characterization

In the present study, mupirocin (MP), an antimicrobial agent, was formulated as a nanostructured lipid carrier (NLC) by using a novel method named as melt emulsion ultrafiltration method. For the formulation of NLC, glyceryl monostearate and watermelon seed oil were used as solid and liquid lipids, respectively. The method was optimized for various parameters by Taguchi design of experiment and prepared NLCs were characterized for particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), shape, zeta potential, % drug loading, and in vitro release profile. The optimized NLCs were found to be smooth, monodisperse with PDI 0.229 ± 0.093. NLCs were found to have an average particle size of 139 ± 0.75 nm and +21.9 ± 0.98 mV as zeta potential. The % drug loading of optimized NLCs was found to be 59% ± 0.13%. The optimized NLCs were able to release the drug up to 24 h. The release kinetic study revealed mixed-order kinetics. Hence, it was concluded that the novel method is simple and able to fabricate MP-loaded NLCs with sustained release property and being stable in terms of particle size, PDI, and % drug loading.

Fabrication, characterization and optimization of nanostructured lipid carrier formulations using Beclomethasone dipropionate for pulmonary drug delivery via medical nebulizers

Aerosolization is a non-invasive approach in drug delivery for localized and systemic effect. Nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) are new generation versatile carriers, which offer protection from degradation and enhance bioavailability of poorly water soluble drugs. The aim of this study was to develop and optimize NLC formulations in combination with optimized airflow rates (i.e. 60 and 15 L/min) and choice of medical nebulizers including Air jet, Vibrating mesh and Ultrasonic nebulizer for superior aerosolization performance, assessed via a next generation impactor (NGI). Novel composition and combination of NLC formulations (F1 - F15) were prepared via ultrasonication method, employing five solid lipids (glycerol trimyristate (GTM), glycerol trilaurate (GTL), cetyl palmitate (CP), glycerol monostearate (GMS) and stearic acid (SA)); and three liquid lipids (glyceryl tributyrate (GTB), propylene glycol dicaprylate/dicaprate (PGD) and isopropyl palmitate (IPP)) in 1:3 w/w ratios (i.e. combination of one solid and one liquid lipid), with Beclomethasone dipropionate (BDP) incorporated as the model drug. Out of fifteen BDP-NLC formulations, the physicochemical properties of formulations F7, F8 and F10 exhibited desirable stability (one week at 25 °C), with associated particle size of ~241 nm, and >91% of drug entrapment. Post aerosolization, F10 was observed to deposit notably smaller sized particles (from 198 to 136 nm, 283 to 135 nm and 239 to 157 nm for Air jet, Vibrating mesh and Ultrasonic nebulizers, respectively) in all stages (i.e. from stage 1 to 8) of the NGI, when compared to F7 and F8 formulations. Six week stability studies conducted at 4, 25 and 45 °C, demonstrated F10 formulation stability in terms of particle size, irrespective of temperature conditions. Nebulizer performance study using the NGI for F10 identified the Air jet to be the most efficient nebulizer, depositing lower concentrations of BDP in the earlier stages (1-3) and higher (circa 82 and 85%) in the lateral stages (4-8) using 60 and 15 L/min airflow rates, when compared to the Vibrating mesh and Ultrasonic nebulizers. Moreover, at both airflow rates, the Air jet nebulizer elicited a longer nebulization time of ~42 min, facilitating aerosol inhalation for prophylaxis of asthma with normal tidal breathing. Based on characterization and nebulizer performance employing both 60 and 15 L/min airflow rates, the Air jet nebulizer offered enhanced performance, exhibiting a higher fine particle dose (FPD) (90 and 69 µg), fine particle fraction (FPF) (70 and 54%), respirable fraction (RF) (92 and 69%), and lower mass median aerodynamic diameter (MMAD) (1.15 and 1.62 µm); in addition to demonstrating higher drug deposition in the lateral parts of the NGI, when compared to its counterpart nebulizers. The F10 formulation used with the Air jet nebulizer was identified as being the most suitable combination for delivery of BDP-NLC formulations.

An integrated vitamin E-coated polymer hybrid nanoplatform: A lucrative option for an enhanced in vitro macrophage retention for an anti-hepatitis B therapeutic prospect

A platform capable of specifically delivering an antiviral drug to the liver infected with hepatitis B is a major concern in hepatology. Vaccination has had a major effect on decreasing the emerging numbers of new cases of infection. However, the total elimination of the hepatitis B virus from the body requires prolonged therapy. In this work, we aimed to target the liver macrophages with lipid polymer hybrid nanoparticles (LPH), combining the merit of polymeric nanoparticles and lipid vesicles. The hydrophilic antiviral drug, entecavir (E), loaded LPH nanoparticles were optimized and physicochemically characterized. A modulated lipidic corona, as well as, an additional coat with vitamin E were used to extend the drug release enhance the macrophage uptake. The selected vitamin E coated LPH nanoparticles enriched with lecithin-glyceryl monostearate lipid shell exhibited high entrapment for E (80.47%), a size ≤ 200 nm for liver passive targeting, extended release over one week, proven serum stability, retained stability after refrigeration storage for 6 months. Upon macrophage uptake in vitro assessment, the presented formulation displayed promising traits, enhancing the cellular retention in J774 macrophages cells. In vivo and antiviral activity futuristic studies would help in the potential application of the ELPH in hepatitis B control.

Brain targeting stealth lipomers of combined antiepileptic-anti-inflammatory drugs as alternative therapy for conventional anti-Parkinson's

This study presents an alternative therapy to conventional anti-Parkinson's treatment strategies; where motor and non-motor symptomatic complications are considered. Thus; providing sustainability, patient compliance, therapeutic safety and efficiency, based on triggering secretion of endogenous dopamine (DA). Exogenous DA has long been considered the best therapy, however, its poor blood brain barrier (BBB) permeability, fluctuated plasma levels, and non-motor complications negligence, decreased response to therapy with time. Consequently; brain targeting Tween®80-coated pegylated lipomers were tailored for intravenous administration (IV) of L-Dopa, and two drugs of reported neuroprotective effect: lamotrigine (LTG) and tenoxicam (TX). Single-step nanoprecipitation method was used; for its reproducibility and ease of scaling-up. Formulation targeting and anti-PD efficiency was evaluated against marketed standards and L-Dopa. In-vitro and in-vivo pharmacokinetic and dynamic studies were carried out for setting optimization standards upon varying inter-components ratio. Results revealed that lipomers are, generally, significantly efficient in brain targeting compared to oral tablets. LTG-lipomers (LF20) showed the maximum anti-PD compared to its TX and L-Dopa analogues. Combining LTG and TX had synergistic effect; highlighting a new prescription for both drugs. Thus; offering a safe, targeted, and therapeutically efficient sustained dosage form, capable of mitigating PD risk and treating it though weekly administration. Hence; presenting a novel promising anti-neurodegenerative strategy; on employing various mechanisms that were previously achieved through additional therapeutic supplements.

Process optimization and photostability of silymarin nanostructured lipid carriers: effect on UV-irradiated rat skin and SK-MEL 2 cell line

The objective of the present work was to formulate a novel stable delivery system which would not only overcome the solubility issue of silymarin, but also help to increase the therapeutic value by better permeation, anticancer action and reduced toxicity. This was envisaged through the recent developments in nanotechnology, combined with the activity of the phytoconstituent silymarin. A 2(3) full factorial design based on three independent variables was used for process optimization of nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC). Developed formulations were evaluated on the basis of particle size, morphology, in vitro drug release, photostability and cell line studies. Optimized silymarin-NLC was incorporated into carbopol gel and further assessed for rheological parameters. Stable behaviour in presence of light was proven by photostability testing of formulation. Permeability parameters were significantly higher in NLC as compared to marketed phytosome formulation. The NLC based gel described in this study showed faster onset, and prolonged activity up to 24 h and better action against edema as compared to marketed formulation. In case of anticancer activity of silymarin-NLC against SK-MEL 2 cell lines, silymarin-NLC proved to possess anticancer activity in a dose-dependent manner (10-80 μM) and induced apoptosis at 80 μM in SK-MEL 2 cancer cells. This work documents for the first time that silymarin can be formulated into nanostructured lipoidal carrier system for enhanced permeation, greater stability as well as anticancer activity for skin.

Solid lipid nanoparticles as vesicles for oral delivery of olmesartan medoxomil: formulation, optimization and in vivo evaluation

OBJECTIVE

Olmesartan medoxomil (OLM) is an antihypertensive drug with low oral bioavailability (28%) resulting from poor aqueous solubility, presystemic metabolism and P-glycoprotein mediated efflux. The present investigation studies the role of lipid nanocarriers in enhancing the OLM bioavailability through oral delivery.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) were prepared by solvent emulsion-evaporation method. Statistical tools like regression analysis and Pareto charts were used to detect the important factors effecting the formulations. Formulation and process parameters were then optimized using mean effect plot and contour plots. The formulations were characterized for particle size, size distribution, surface charge, percentage of drug entrapped in nanoparticles, drug-excipients interactions, powder X-ray diffraction analysis and drug release in vitro.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

The optimized formulation comprised glyceryl monostearate, soya phosphatidylcholine and Tween 80 as lipid, co-emulsifier and surfactant, respectively, with an average particle size of 100 nm, PDI 0.291, zeta potential of -23.4 mV and 78% entrapment efficiency. Pharmacokinetic evaluation in male Sprague Dawley rats revealed 2.32-fold enhancement in relative bioavailability of drug from SLN when compared to that of OLM plain drug on oral administration.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, SLN show promising approaches as a vehicle for oral delivery of drugs like OLM.

Design of topical nanostructured lipid carrier of silymarin and its effect on 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA) induced cellular differentiation in mouse skin

Effect of silymarin NLC on DMBA induced cell changes in mouse skin.

Solid lipid nanoparticles for nose to brain delivery of haloperidol: in vitro drug release and pharmacokinetics evaluation

In the present study, haloperidol (HP)-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) were prepared to enhance the uptake of HP to brain via intranasal (i.n.) delivery. SLNs were prepared by a modified emulsification–diffusion technique and evaluated for particle size, zeta potential, drug entrapment efficiency, in vitro drug release, and stability. All parameters were found to be in an acceptable range. In vitro drug release was found to be 94.16±4.78% after 24 h and was fitted to the Higuchi model with a very high correlation coefficient (R²=0.9941). Pharmacokinetics studies were performed on albino Wistar rats and the concentration of HP in brain and blood was measured by high performance liquid chromatography. The brain/blood ratio at 0.5 h for HP-SLNs i.n., HP sol. i.n. and HP sol. i.v. was 1.61, 0.17 and 0.031, respectively, indicating direct nose-to-brain transport, bypassing the blood–brain barrier. The maximum concentration (C_max) in brain achieved from i.n. administration of HP-SLNs (329.17±20.89 ng/mL, T_max 2 h) was significantly higher than that achieved after i.v. (76.95±7.62 ng/mL, T_max 1 h), and i.n. (90.13±6.28 ng/mL, T_max 2 h) administration of HP sol. The highest drug-targeting efficiency (2362.43%) and direct transport percentage (95.77%) was found with HP-SLNs as compared to the other formulations. Higher DTE (%) and DTP (%) suggest that HP-SLNs have better brain targeting efficiency as compared to other formulations.