Feasibility studies of dermal delivery of paclitaxel with binary combinations of ethanol and isopropyl myristate: role of solubility, partitioning and lipid bilayer perturbation

A bio-ionic liquid based self-healable and adhesive ionic hydrogel for the on-demand transdermal delivery of a chemotherapeutic drug

The non-invasive nature and potential for sustained release make transdermal drug administration an appealing treatment option for cancer therapy. However, the strong barrier of the stratum corneum (SC) poses a challenge for the penetration of hydrophilic chemotherapy drugs such as 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). Due to its biocompatibility and capacity to increase drug solubility and permeability, especially when paired with chemical enhancers, such as oleic acid (OA), which is used in this work, choline glycinate ([Cho][Gly]) has emerged as a potential substance for transdermal drug delivery. In this work, we examined the possibility of transdermal delivery of 5-FU for the treatment of breast cancer using an ionic hydrogel formulation consisting of [Cho][Gly] with OA. Small angle neutron scattering, rheological analysis, field emission scanning electron microscopy, and dynamic light scattering analysis were used to characterize the ionic hydrogel. The non-covalent interactions present between [Cho][Gly] and OA were investigated by computational simulations and FTIR spectroscopy methods. When subjected to in vitro drug permeation using goat skin in a Franz diffusion cell, the hydrogel demonstrated sustained release of 5-FU and effective permeability in the order: [Cho][Gly]-OA gel > [Cho][Gly] > PBS (control). The hydrogel also demonstrated 92% cell viability after 48 hours for the human keratinocyte cell line (HaCaT cells) as well as the normal human cell line L-132. The breast cancer cell line MCF-7 and the cervical cancer cell line HeLa were used to study in vitro cytotoxicity that was considerably affected by the 5-FU-loaded hydrogel. These results indicate the potential of the hydrogel as a transdermal drug delivery vehicle for the treatment of breast cancer.

Biocompatible Ionic Liquid-Mediated Micelles for Enhanced Transdermal Delivery of Paclitaxel

Chemotherapeutic cytotoxic agents such as paclitaxel (PTX) are considered essential for the treatment of various cancers. However, PTX injection is associated with severe systemic side effects and high rates of patient noncompliance. Micelle formulations (MFs) are nano-drug delivery systems that offer a solution to these problems. Herein, we report an advantageous carrier for the transdermal delivery of PTX comprising a new MF that consists of two biocompatible surfactants: cholinium oleate ([Cho][Ole]), which is a surface-active ionic liquid (SAIL), and sorbitan monolaurate (Span-20). A solubility assessment confirmed that PTX was readily solubilized in the SAIL-based micelles via multipoint hydrogen bonding and cation-π and π-π interactions between PTX and SAIL[Cho][Ole]. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) and transmission electron microscopy revealed that in the presence of PTX, the MF formed spherical PTX-loaded micelles that were well-distributed in the range 8.7-25.3 nm. According to DLS, the sizes and size distributions of the micelle droplets did not change significantly over the entire storage period, attesting to their physical stability. In vitro transdermal assessments using a Franz diffusion cell revealed that the MF absorbed PTX 4 times more effectively than a Tween 80-based formulation and 6 times more effectively than an ethanol-based formulation. In vitro and in vivo skin irritation tests revealed that the new carrier had a negligible toxicity profile compared with a conventional ionic liquid-based carrier. Based on these findings, we believe that the SAIL[Cho][Ole]-based MF has potential as a biocompatible nanocarrier for the effective transdermal delivery of poorly soluble chemotherapeutics such as PTX.

Ionic Liquid-In-Oil Microemulsions Prepared with Biocompatible Choline Carboxylic Acids for Improving the Transdermal Delivery of a Sparingly Soluble Drug

The transdermal delivery of sparingly soluble drugs is challenging due to of the need for a drug carrier. In the past few decades, ionic liquid (IL)-in-oil microemulsions (IL/O MEs) have been developed as potential carriers. By focusing on biocompatibility, we report on an IL/O ME that is designed to enhance the solubility and transdermal delivery of the sparingly soluble drug, acyclovir. The prepared MEs were composed of a hydrophilic IL (choline formate, choline lactate, or choline propionate) as the non-aqueous polar phase and a surface-active IL (choline oleate) as the surfactant in combination with sorbitan laurate in a continuous oil phase. The selected ILs were all biologically active ions. Optimized pseudo ternary phase diagrams indicated the MEs formed thermodynamically stable, spherically shaped, and nano-sized (<100 nm) droplets. An in vitro drug permeation study, using pig skin, showed the significantly enhanced permeation of acyclovir using the ME. A Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy study showed a reduction of the skin barrier function with the ME. Finally, a skin irritation study showed a high cell survival rate (>90%) with the ME compared with Dulbecco's phosphate-buffered saline, indicates the biocompatibility of the ME. Therefore, we conclude that IL/O ME may be a promising nano-carrier for the transdermal delivery of sparingly soluble drugs.

Production of LMWH-conjugated core/shell hydrogels encapsulating paclitaxel for transdermal delivery: In vitro and in vivo assessment

Topical applications that reduce systemic toxic effects while increasing therapeutic efficacy are a promising alternative strategy. The aim of this study was to provide an enhanced transdermal delivery of low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) through the stratum corneum by using cationic carrier as a novel permeation enhancer. Recent studies have shown that heparin-conjugated biomaterials can be effective in inhibiting tumor growth during cancer treatment due to their high ability to bind growth factors. Paclitaxel (PCL) was co-encapsulated into the same cationic carrier for the purpose of improving of therapeutic efficacy for a combined cancer treatment with LMWH. In vitro and in vivo studies showed that the LMWH and PCL release was significantly affected by polymer molecular weight and block composition. Skin penetration tests have indicated that larger amounts of LMWH were absorbed from LMWH-gel conjugate through SC, than aqueous formula. However, it was found that the plasma transition of LMWH released from gel conjugate was lower compared to the plasma concentration of LMWH released from aqueous solution. It is recommended that PCL-loaded LMWH-conjugated core/shell hydrogels can be used as promising drug release systems for transdermal applications that can improve therapeutic efficacy and reduce side effects in a combined cancer treatment.

Influence of Hydroalcoholic Vehicle on In Vitro Transport of 4-Hydroxy Tamoxifen Through the Mammary Papilla (Nipple)

Majority of breast cancers originate from epithelial cells in the duct and lobules in the breast. Current systemic treatments for breast cancer are associated with significant systemic side effects, thus warranting localized drug delivery approaches. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of hydroalcoholic vehicle on topical delivery of 4-hydroxy tamoxifen (4-HT) through the mammary papilla (nipple). The in vitro permeability of 4-HT through porcine mammary papilla was studied using different hydroalcoholic vehicles (0, 33.33, and 66.66% alcohol). Nile red was used as a model lipophilic dye to characterize the drug transport pathway in the mammary papilla. The penetration of 4-HT through the mammary papilla increased with increase in alcohol concentration in the vehicle. The solubility of 4-HT was enhanced by increasing alcohol concentration in the vehicle. On the other hand, the epidermis/vehicle partition coefficient decreased with increase in alcohol concentration. The mammary papilla served as a depot and slowly released 4-HT into the receptor medium. Highest drug penetration was observed with saturated drug solution in 66.66% alcohol, and 4-HT levels were comparable to IC₅₀ value of 4-HT. Results from this study demonstrate the possibility of using mammary papilla as a potential route for direct delivery of 4-HT to the breast.

Transdermal permeation of Kaempferia parviflora methoxyflavones from isopropyl myristate-based vehicles

Kaempferia parviflora (K. parviflora) rhizomes have long been used in traditional folk medicines and as general health-promoting agents. Several biological activities of K. parviflora, especially its anti-inflammatory effect, are due to its major constituents, methoxyflavones. However, the oral bioavailability of these methoxyflavones has been shown to be low. The aim of this study was to investigate the permeation behaviors of K. parviflora methoxyflavones from isopropyl myristate (IPM)-based vehicles. We studied the effects of ethanol and propylene glycol (PG) as the hydrophilic, solvent-type vehicles as well as fatty acids as the permeation enhancers. A permeation experiment was performed in vitro, using side-by-side diffusion cells through the full thickness of pig ear skin. The solubility and permeation of methoxyflavones were able to be modified by choice and ratio of vehicles. The ethanol/IPM vehicle was shown to be more effective in enhancing the solubility and permeation of methoxyflavones when compared to the PG/IPM vehicle. Regarding an optimal balance between solubility or affinity to vehicle and skin to vehicle partition coefficient, the ethanol/IPM vehicle in the ratio of 1:9 maximized the flux. Among the investigated fatty acids, oleic acid showed the greatest enhancing effect on the permeation of methoxyflavones, indicating that saturated fatty acids are less effective than unsaturated fatty acids. Long chain fatty acids increased diffusion coefficient parameter and shortened the lag time. The number of carbon atoms and double bonds of fatty acids did not show direct relation to the profile of permeation of methoxyflavones.

Cutaneous delivery of α-tocopherol and lipoic acid using microemulsions: influence of composition and charge

OBJECTIVES

To assess whether the composition and charge of microemulsions affect their ability to simultaneously deliver α-tocopherol and lipoic acid into viable skin layers.

METHODS

α-Tocopherol and lipoic acid were added (1.1 and 0.5% w/w, respectively) to decylglucoside-based microemulsions containing mono-dicaprylin. Microemulsions containing surfactant : oil : water (w/w/w) at 60 : 30 : 10 (ME-O) and 46 : 23 : 31 (ME-W), as well as a cationic form of ME-W containing 1% phytosphingosine (ME-Wphy) were characterized, and their ability to disrupt the skin barrier and deliver the antioxidants in vitro in the skin was evaluated. Antioxidant activity in ME-Wphy-treated skin was assessed using the thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) assay.

KEY FINDINGS

The internal phase diameters of microemulsions ranged between 42 and 55 nm; phytosphingosine addition and pH adjustment to 5.0 increased zeta potential from -4.3 to +29.1 mV. ME-O displayed w/o structure, whereas ME-W and ME-Wphy were consistent with o/w. Microemulsions affected skin electrical resistance and transepidermal water loss, but did not affect lipoic acid penetration. α-Tocopherol delivery increased following the order ME-O < ME-W < ME-Wphy. ME-Wphy presented suitable short-term stability. The antioxidants delivered by ME-Wphy decreased TBARS cutaneous levels.

CONCLUSIONS

Even though microemulsion structure only affected tocopherol penetration, delivered levels of both antioxidants were sufficient for a decrease in TBARS, supporting their use for enhanced protection.

Protein transduction domain-containing microemulsions as cutaneous delivery systems for an anticancer agent

In this study, we developed cationic microemulsions containing a protein transduction domain (penetratin) for optimizing paclitaxel localization within the skin. Microemulsions were prepared by mixing a surfactant blend (BRIJ:ethanol:propylene glycol 2:1:1, w/w/w) with monocaprylin (oil phase) at 1.3:1 ratio, and adding water at 30% (ME-30), 43% (ME-43), and 50% (ME-50). Electrical conductivity and viscosity measurements indicated that ME-30 is most likely a bicontinuous system, whereas ME-43 and ME-50 are water continuous. Their irritation potential, studied in bioengineered skin equivalents, decreased as aqueous content increased. Because ME-50 was not stable in the presence of paclitaxel (0.5%), ME-43 was selected for penetratin incorporation (0.4%). The microemulsion containing penetratin (ME-P) displayed zeta potential of +5.2 mV, and promoted a 1.8-fold increase in paclitaxel cutaneous (but not transdermal) delivery compared with the plain ME-43, whereas the enhancement promoted by another cationic microemulsion containing phytosphingosine was 1.3-fold. Compared with myvacet oil, ME-P promoted a larger increase on transepidermal water loss (twofold) than the plain or the phytosphingosine-containing microemulsions (1.5-fold), suggesting that penetratin addition increases the barrier-disrupting and penetration-enhancing effects of microemulsions. The ratio Δcutaneous/Δtransdermal delivery promoted by ME-P was the highest among the formulations, suggesting its potential for drug localization within cutaneous tumor lesions.

Lamellar liquid crystalline phases for cutaneous delivery of Paclitaxel: impact of the monoglyceride

PURPOSE

To develop liquid crystalline phases with monoglycerides, and assess whether the monoglyceride type favors cutaneous over transdermal paclitaxel delivery.

METHODS

BRIJ-based lamellar phases were prepared with 0.5% paclitaxel and 20% of either monocaprylin (LP-MC), monomyristolein (LP-MM) or monoolein (LP-MO). Skin electrical resistance, drug release and cutaneous delivery in vitro and in vivo were assessed. Viability of skin equivalents and release of IL-1α were assessed as indexes of irritation potential.

RESULTS

An inverse relationship between monoglyceride acyl chain length and amount of paclitaxel delivered was observed. Although the largest paclitaxel amounts were delivered by LP-MC, all formulations delivered higher levels of drug in the skin (56-64-fold) than across the tissue. The superiority of LP-MC seems related to a stronger decrease in skin resistance (as an index of permeability), and not to increased drug release. LP-MC displayed similar penetration-enhancing ability in vivo, and a much lower irritation potential than Triton-X100 (a moderate irritant), leading to 3-fold higher skin equivalent viability and release of 60-fold less IL-1α.

CONCLUSIONS

Even though LP-MC delivered the largest amounts of paclitaxel, all formulations provided similar cutaneous/transdermal delivery ratios, suggesting that changing the monoglyceride acyl chain length did not affect the balance between cutaneous and transdermal delivery.

The effects of excipients for topical preparations on the human skin permeability of terpinen-4-ol contained in Tea tree oil: infrared spectroscopic investigations

This work aimed to evaluate the effect induced by excipients conventionally used for topical dosage forms, namely isopropyl myristate (IPM) or oleic acid (OA) or polyethylene glycol 400 (PEG400) or Transcutol (TR), on the human skin permeability of terpinen-4-ol (T4OL) contained in the pure Tea tree oil. The effect of such excipients was determined by evaluating the absorption of T4OL using human epidermis and the perturbation of the organization of stratum corneum by ATR-FTIR. Among the tested excipients OA enhanced the absorption of T4OL by perturbing the stratum corneum lipid barrier. Other excipients caused a weak enhancement effect and their use should be carefully monitored.