Electrospun amorphous solid dispersions of meloxicam: Influence of polymer type and downstream processing to orodispersible dosage forms

Electrospun Core-Sheath Nanofibers with a Cellulose Acetate Coating for the Synergistic Release of Zinc Ion and Drugs

Precisely modulating the synergistic release behavior of multiple bioactive substances has emerged as a formidable challenge in recent years. In this work, we successfully prepared core-sheath nanofibers, where a thin cellulose acetate (CA) coating enrobed the core. Curcumin (Cur) was encapsulated in the core layer as a model drug, while zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles were loaded on the sheath layer. The prepared fiber exhibited a straight cylindrical morphology containing nanoparticles, and the distinct core-sheath nanostructure was demonstrated through transmission electron microscopy (TEM). X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) were conducted to study the physical state and compatibility among CA, Cur, and ZnO. Drug release data indicated that core-sheath nanofibers were able to decelerate the rate of drug release, and the thickness of the sheath layer increased in the presence of ZnO particles. Most remarkably, these core-sheath nanofibers exhibited the remarkable ability to sustain the release of drugs and zinc ion (Zn2+), the two-day synergistically release behavior leading to a significant increase in cell proliferation. This material preparation strategy for the synergistic and controlled release of two bioactive substances is instructive for the exploration of innovative and versatile drug delivery systems.

Development of a PAT platform for the prediction of granule tableting properties

In this work, the feasibility of implementing a process analytical technology (PAT) platform consisting of Near Infrared Spectroscopy (NIR) and particle size distribution (PSD) analysis was evaluated for the prediction of granule downstream processability. A Design of Experiments-based calibration set was prepared using a fluid bed melt granulation process by varying the binder content, granulation time, and granulation temperature. The granule samples were characterized using PAT tools and a compaction simulator in the 100-500 kg load range. Comparing the systematic variability in NIR and PSD data, their complementarity was demonstrated by identifying joint and unique sources of variation. These particularities of the data explained some differences in the performance of individual models. Regarding the fusion of data sources, the input data structure for partial least squares (PLS) based models did not significantly impact the predictive performance, as the root mean squared error of prediction (RMSEP) values were similar. Comparing PLS and artificial neural network (ANN) models, it was observed that the ANNs systematically provided superior model performance. For example, the best tensile strength, ejection stress, and detachment stress prediction with ANN resulted in an RMSEP of 0.119, 0.256, and 0.293 as opposed to the 0.180, 0.395, and 0.430 RMSEPs of the PLS models, respectively. Finally, the robustness of the developed models was assessed.

Electrospun core-sheath PCL nanofibers loaded with nHA and simvastatin and their potential bone regeneration applications

Introduction: Drugs and biocompatible nanoparticles have raised significant potential in advancing the bone regeneration. Electrospinning technology enables the full realization of the value of drugs and nanoparticles. Methods: In this study, we have successfully fabricated core-sheath nanofibers solely composed of polycaprolactone (PCL) polymer. Simvastatin (SIM) was confined to the core of the nanofibers while nanohydroxyapatite (nHA) was loaded on the nanofiber surface. Results: All the prepared nanofibers exhibited a cylindrical micromorphology, and the core-sheath structure was exploited using a Transmission Electron Microscope. X-ray pattern results indicated that SIM was in an amorphous state within nanofibers, while Fourier Transform InfraRed spectroscopy showed excellent chemical compatibility among SIM, nHA, and PCL. The actual loading of nHA within the nanofiber was determined by a thermogravimetric test due to the high melting point of nHA. Core-sheath nanofibers could release SIM for 672 h, which was attributed to the core-sheath structure. Furthermore, nanofibers loaded with SIM or nHA had a positive impact on cell proliferation, with the core-sheath nanofibers displaying the most favorable cell proliferation behavior. Discussion: Such a synergistic facilitation strategy based on materials and nanostructure may encourage researchers to exploit new biomedical materials in future.

Development of Robust Tablet Formulations with Enhanced Drug Dissolution Profiles from Centrifugally-Spun Micro-Fibrous Solid Dispersions of Itraconazole, a BCS Class II Drug

Fibre-based oral drug delivery systems are an attractive approach to addressing low drug solubility, although clear strategies for incorporating such systems into viable dosage forms have not yet been demonstrated. The present study extends our previous work on drug-loaded sucrose microfibres produced by centrifugal melt spinning to examine systems with high drug loading and investigates their incorporation into realistic tablet formulations. Itraconazole, a model BCS Class II hydrophobic drug, was incorporated into sucrose microfibres at 10, 20, 30, and 50% w/w. Microfibres were exposed to high relative humidity conditions (25 °C/75% RH) for 30 days to deliberately induce sucrose recrystallisation and collapse of the fibrous structure into powdery particles. The collapsed particles were successfully processed into pharmaceutically acceptable tablets using a dry mixing and direct compression approach. The dissolution advantage of the fresh microfibres was maintained and even enhanced after humidity treatment for drug loadings up to 30% w/w and, importantly, retained after compression into tablets. Variations in excipient content and compression force allowed manipulation of the disintegration rate and drug content of the tablets. This then permitted control of the rate of supersaturation generation, allowing the optimisation of the formulation in terms of its dissolution profile. In conclusion, the microfibre-tablet approach has been shown to be a viable method for formulating poorly soluble BCS Class II drugs with improved dissolution performance.

Experimental and computational models to investigate intestinal drug permeability and metabolism

Oral administration is the preferred route for drug administration that leads to better therapy compliance. The intestine plays a key role in the absorption and metabolism of oral drugs, therefore, new intestinal models are being continuously proposed, which contribute to the study of intestinal physiology, drug screening, drug side effects, and drug-drug interactions.Advances in pharmaceutical processes have produced more drug formulations, causing challenges for intestinal models. To adapt to the rapid evolution of pharmaceuticals, more intestinal models have been created. However, because of the complexity of the intestine, few models can take all aspects of the intestine into account, and some functions must be sacrificed to investigate other areas. Therefore, investigators need to choose appropriate models according to the experimental stage and other requirements to obtain the desired results.To help researchers achieve this goal, this review summarised the advantages and disadvantages of current commonly used intestinal models and discusses possible future directions, providing a better understanding of intestinal models.

Orally Dispersible Dosage Forms for Paediatric Use: Current Knowledge and Development of Nanostructure-Based Formulations

The paediatric population has always suffered from a lack of medicines tailored to their needs, especially in terms of accurate dosage, stability and acceptability. Orodispersible dosage forms have gone through a resurrection as an alternative to liquid formulations or fractioned solid formulations, although they are still subject to several inconveniences, among which the unpleasant taste and the low oral bioavailability of the API are the most significant hurdles in the way of achieving an optimal drug product. Nanostructures can address these inconveniences through their size and variety, owing to the plethora of materials that can be used in their manufacturing. Through the formation and functionalisation of nanostructures, followed by their inclusion in orodispersible dosage forms, safe, stable and acceptable medicines intended for paediatric use can be developed.

Electrospun Core–Sheath Nanofibers with Variable Shell Thickness for Modifying Curcumin Release to Achieve a Better Antibacterial Performance

The inefficient use of water-insoluble drugs is a major challenge in drug delivery systems. Core–sheath fibers with various shell thicknesses based on cellulose acetate (CA) were prepared by the modified triaxial electrospinning for the controlled and sustained release of the water-insoluble Chinese herbal active ingredient curcumin. The superficial morphology and internal structure of core–sheath fibers were optimized by increasing the flow rate of the middle working fluid. Although the prepared fibers were hydrophobic initially, the core–sheath structure endowed fibers with better water retention property than monolithic fibers. Core–sheath fibers had flatter sustained-release profiles than monolithic fibers, especially for thick shell layers, which had almost zero-order release for almost 60 h. The shell thickness and sustained release of drugs brought about a good antibacterial effect to materials. The control of flow rate during fiber preparation is directly related to the shell thickness of core–sheath fibers, and the shell thickness directly affects the controlled release of drugs. The fiber preparation strategy for the precise control of core–sheath structure in this work has remarkable potential for modifying water-insoluble drug release and improving its antibacterial performance.

Ibuprofen loaded centrifugally spun microfibers for quick relief of inflammation in rats

The conventional dosage forms (tablets, capsules), of ibuprofen has less potential in suppression of pain and inflammation due to their slow dissolution rates and lower bioavailability. Aim of this study was to fabricate fibrous solid dispersion of ibuprofen for improved dissolution rate and quick therapeutic action. Drug loaded microfibers were fabricated using centrifugal melt spinning (CMS) technique from the physical mixture of sucrose, ibuprofen and a hydrophilic polymer, PVP. These fibers were characterized by SEM, PXRD, DSC, and FTIR spectroscopy. The selected formulation was also pressed into tablets by direct compression method followed by its in-vitro and in-vivo characterization. The production yield of fibers was 75 ± 2% with an average diameter 15 ± 5 µm. The drug loading efficiency (DLE) was 85 ± 5%. The tablets dissolved rapidly (<40s). In-vitro dissolution studies have shown >85% of ibuprofen dissolved from tablet within first 2 min which was ∼5 times quicker than drug alone. Dissolution efficiency has improved from 0.63 of ibuprofen to 0.95 of that in fibers with ∼7 times reduction in mean dissolution time. PXRD, andDSC have shown amorphous state of ibuprofen in the formulation and FTIR spectra demonstrated no interaction of drug with excipients . In-vivo anti-inflammatory studies using rabbits revealed a significant (p <0.05) reduction in paw volume (mm) in the groups treated with fibrous formulation. This study concludes that microfibers produced by centrifugal melt spinning has improved dissolution rates and bioavailability of ibuprofen. Incorporation of polymer in the formulations improves the production yield and drug loading efficiency of microfibers.

Electrospun Coaxial Fibers to Optimize the Release of Poorly Water-Soluble Drug

In a drug delivery system, the physicochemical properties of the polymeric matrix have a positive impact on the bioavailability of poorly water-soluble drugs. In this work, monolithic F1 fibers and coaxial F2 fibers were successfully prepared using polyvinylpyrrolidone as the main polymer matrix for drug loading and the poorly water-soluble curcumin (Cur) as a model drug. The hydrophobic poly (3-hydroxybutyric acid-co-3-hydroxyvaleric acid) (PHBV) was designed as a blank layer to change the hydrophilicity of the fiber and restrain the drug dissolution rate. The curved linear morphology without beads of F1 fibers and the straight linear morphology with few spindles of F2 fibers were characterized using field-emission environmental scanning electron microscopy. The amorphous forms of the drug and its good compatibility with polymeric matrix were verified by X-ray diffraction and attenuated total reflectance Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy. Surface wettability and drug dissolution data showed that the weaker hydrophilicity F2 fibers (31.42° ± 3.07°) had 24 h for Cur dissolution, which was much longer than the better hydrophilic F1 fibers (15.31° ± 2.79°) that dissolved the drug in 4 h.

In-Depth Understanding of Granule Compression Behavior under Variable Raw Material and Processing Conditions

Tablet manufacturing involves the processing of raw materials through several unit operations. Thus, the mitigation of input-induced variability should also consider the downstream processability of intermediary products. The objective of the present work was to study the effect of variable raw materials and processing conditions on the compression properties of granules containing two active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and microcrystalline cellulose. Differences in compressibility and tabletability of granules were highlighted in function of the initial particle size of the first API, granule polydispersity and fragmentation. Moreover, interactions were underlined with the atomizing pressure. Changing the supplier of the second API was efficiently controlled by adapting the binder addition rate and atomizing pressure during granulation, considering the starting crystal size. By fitting mathematical models on the available compression data, the influence of diluent source on granule compactibility and tabletability was identified. These differences resumed to the ease of compaction, tableting capacity and pressure sensitivity index due to variable water binding capacity of microcrystalline cellulose. Building the design space enabled the identification of suitable API types and the appropriate processing conditions (spray rate, atomizing pressure, compression force) required to ensure the desired tableting performance.

Electrospun PVP-Core/PHBV-Shell Fibers to Eliminate Tailing Off for an Improved Sustained Release of Curcumin

Tailing off release in the sustained release of water-insoluble curcumin (Cur) is a significant challenge in the drug delivery system. As a novel solution, core-shell nanodrug containers have aroused many interests due to their potential improvement in drug-sustained release. In this work, a biodegradable polymer, poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV), and hydrophilic polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) were exploited as drug delivery carriers by coaxial electrospinning, and the core-shell drug-loaded fibers exhibited improved sustained release of Cur. A cylindrical morphology and a clear core-shell structure were observed by scanning and transmission electron microscopies. The X-ray diffraction pattern and infrared spectroscopy revealed that Cur existed in amorphous form due to its good compatibility with PHBV and PVP. The in vitro drug release curves confirmed that the core-shell container manipulated Cur in a faster drug release process than that in the traditional PHBV monolithic container. The combination of the material and structure forms a novel nanodrug container with a better sustained release of water-insoluble Cur. This strategy is beneficial for exploiting more functional biomedical materials to improve the drug release behavior.

Proving Nanoscale Chiral Interactions of Cyclodextrins and Propranolol Enantiomers by Means of SERS Measurements Performed on a Solid Plasmonic Substrate

Chiral separation is an important issue for the pharmaceutical industry. Over the years, several separation methods have been developed, mainly based on chromatography. Their working principle is based on the formation of transient diastereoisomers, but the very subtle nanoscale interactions responsible for separation are not always understood. Recently, Raman and surface-enhanced Raman (SERS) spectroscopy have provided promising results in this field. Here we present Raman/SERS experimental data that provide useful information concerning the nanoscale interactions between propranolol enantiomers and α, β, and γ cyclodextrins. Raman spectroscopy was used to prove the formation of host–guest intermolecular complexes having different geometries of interaction. The occurrence of new vibrational bands and a change in the intensities of others are direct proofs of complexes’ formation. These observations were confirmed by DFT calculations. By performing SERS measurements on a new type of plasmonic substrate, we were able to prove the intermolecular interactions responsible for PRNL discrimination. It turned out that the interaction strength between the substrate and the intermolecular complexes is of paramount importance for SERS-based chiral discrimination. This approach could represent a very good starting point for the evaluation of molecular interactions manifesting between other pharmaceutical compounds and different classes of chiral selectors.

Fast-Dissolving Solid Dispersions for the Controlled Release of Poorly Watersoluble Drugs

Solid dispersions offer many advantages for oral drug delivery of poorly water-soluble drugs over other systems, including an increase in drug solubility and drug dissolution. An improvement in drug absorption and the higher bioavailability of active pharmaceutical ingredients in the gastrointestinal tract have been reported in various studies. In certain circumstances, a rapid pharmacological effect is required for patients. Fastdissolving solid dispersions provide an ideal formulation in such cases. This report will provide an overview of current studies on fast-dissolving solid dispersions, including not only solid dispersion powders with fast dissolution rates but also specific dose form for the controlled release of poorly water-soluble drugs. Specifically, the applications of fast-dissolving solid dispersions will be described in every specific case. Moreover, pharmaceutical approaches and the utilization of polymers will be summarized. The classification and analysis of fastdissolving solid dispersions could provide insight into strategies and potential applications in future drug delivery developments.

Polyvinyl Alcohol-Based 3D Printed Tablets: Novel Insight into the Influence of Polymer Particle Size on Filament Preparation and Drug Release Performance

Three-dimensional printing (3DP) by fused deposition modeling (FDM) has gained momentum as a promising pharmaceutical manufacturing method due to encouraging forward-looking perspectives in personalized medicine preparation. The current challenges the technology has for applicability in the fabrication of solid dosage forms include the limited range of suitable pharmaceutical grade thermoplastic materials. Hence, it is important to investigate the implications of variable properties of the polymeric carrier on the preparation steps and the final output, as versatile products could be obtained by using the same material. In this study, we highlighted the influence of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) particle size on the residence time of the mixtures in the extruder during the drug-loaded filament preparation step and the consequent impact on drug release from the 3D printed dosage form. We enhanced filament printability by exploiting the plasticizing potential of the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) and we explored a channeled tablet model as a design strategy for dissolution facilitating purposes. Our findings disclosed a new perspective regarding material considerations for the preparation of PVA-based solid dosage forms by coupling hot melt extrusion (HME) and FDM-3DP.

The use of polymer blends to improve stability and performance of electrospun solid dispersions: The role of miscibility and phase separation

Solid dispersion-based nanofiber formulations of poorly soluble drugs prepared by electrospinning (ES) with a water-soluble polymer, can offer significant improvements in drug dissolution for oral drug administration. However, when hygroscopic polymers, such as polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) are used, environmental moisture sorption can lead to poor physical stability on storage. This study investigated the use of polymer blends to modify PVP-based ES formulations of a model poorly soluble drug, fenofibrate (FF), to improve its physical stability without compromising dissolution enhancement. FF-PVP ES dispersions demonstrated clear dissolution enhancement, but poor storage stability against high humidity. Polymer blends of PVP with Eudragit E, Soluplus and hypromellose acetate succinate (HPMCAS), were selected because of the low intrinsic moisture sorption of these polymers. The drug-polymer and polymer-polymer miscibility study revealed that FF was more miscible with Eudragit E and Soluplus than with PVP and HPMCAS, and that PVP was more miscible with HPMCAS than Eudragit E and Soluplus. This led to different configurations of phase separation in the placebo and drug-loaded fibres. The in vitro drug release data confirmed that the use of PVP-Eudragit E retained the dissolution enhancement of the PVP formulation, whereas PVP-Soluplus reduced the drug release rate in comparison to FF-PVP formulations. The moisture sorption results confirmed that moisture uptake by the polymer blends was reduced, but formulation deformation occurred to phase-separated blend formulations. The data revealed the importance of miscibility and phase separation in understanding the physical stability of the ES fibre mats. The findings provide insight into the design of formulations that can provide dissolution enhancement balanced with improved storage stability.

Fast Dissolution Electrospun Medicated Nanofibers for Effective Delivery of Poorly Water-Soluble Drugs

BACKGROUND

Electrospinning is developing rapidly from an earlier laboratory method into an industrial process. The clinical applications are approached in various ways through electrospun medicated nanofibers. The fast-dissolving oral drug delivery system (DDS) among them is one of the most promising routes in the near future for commercial applications.

METHODS

Related papers are investigated, including the latest research results, on electrospun nanofiber-based fast-dissolution DDSs.

RESULTS

Several relative topics have been concluded: 1) the development of electrospinning, ranging from 1-fluid blending to multi-fluid process and potential applications in the formation of medicated nanofibers involving poorly water-soluble drugs; 2) Selection of appropriate polymer matrices and drug carriers for filament formation; 3) Types of poorly water-soluble drugs ideal for fast oral delivery; 4) The methods for evaluating fast-dissolving nanofibers; 5) The mechanisms that promote the fast dissolution of poorly water-soluble drugs by electrospun nanofibers; 6) the important issues for further development of electrospun medicated nanofibers as oral fast-dissolving drug delivery systems. Conclusions & Perspectives: The unique properties of electrospun-medicated nanofibers can be used as oral fast dissolving DDSs of poorly water-soluble drugs. However, some significant issues need to be investigated, such as scalable productions and solid dosage form conversions.

Progress in the design and development of "fast-dissolving" electrospun nanofibers based drug delivery systems - A systematic review

Electrospinning has emerged as most viable approach for the fabrication of nanofibers with several beneficial features that are essential to various applications ranging from environment to biomedicine. The electrospun nanofiber based drug delivery systems have shown tremendous advancements over the controlled and sustained release complemented from their high surface area, tunable porosity, mechanical endurance, offer compatible environment for drug encapsulation, biocompatibility, high drug loading and tailorable release characteristics. The dosage formulation of poorly water-soluble drugs often faces several challenges including complete dissolution with maximum therapeutic efficiency over a short period of time especially through oral administration. In this context, challenges associated with the dosage formulation of poorly-water soluble drugs can be addressed through combining the beneficial features of electrospun nanofibers. This review describes major developments progressed in the preparation of electrospun nanofibers based "fast dissolving" drug delivery systems by employing variety of polymers, drug molecules and encapsulation approaches with primary focus on oral delivery. Furthermore, the review also highlights current scientific challenges and provide an outlook with regard to future prospectus.

Developmental Strategies of Curcumin Solid Dispersions for Enhancing Bioavailability

BACKGROUND

Although curcumin has been demonstrated to be beneficial in treating various diseases, its low solubility, chemical stability and bioavailability limit its application, especially in cancer therapy.

METHODS

Solid dispersions have been utilized in the last few decades to improve the bioavailability and stability of curcumin.

RESULTS

However, there is a lack of summaries and classifications of the methods for preparing curcumin with this technology. The current review aims to overview the strategies used to develop solid dispersions containing curcumin for improving drug delivery. The classification of techniques for creating solid dispersions for curcumin was summarized, including systems for protecting curcumin degradation despite its chemical stability. The applications of advanced nanotechnologies in recent studies of solid dispersions were also discussed to explain the roles of nanoparticles in formulations.

CONCLUSION

This overview of recent developments in formulating solid dispersions for improving curcumin bioavailability will contribute to future studies of curcumin for clinical development.

Electrospun Orodispersible Films of Isoniazid for Pediatric Tuberculosis Treatment

Child-appropriate dosage forms are critical in promoting adherence and effective pharmacotherapy in pediatric patients, especially those undergoing long-term treatment in low-resource settings. The present study aimed to develop orodispersible films (ODFs) for isoniazid administration to children exposed to tuberculosis. The ODFs were produced from the aqueous solutions of natural and semi-synthetic polymer blends using electrospinning. The spinning solutions and the resulting fibers were physicochemically characterized, and the disintegration time and isoniazid release from the ODFs were assessed in simulated salivary fluid. The ODFs comprised of nanofibers with adequate thermal stability and possible drug amorphization. Film disintegration occurred instantly upon contact with simulated salivary fluid within less than 15 s, and isoniazid release from the ODFs in the same medium followed after the disintegration profiles, achieving rapid and total drug release within less than 60 s. The ease of administration and favorable drug loading and release properties of the ODFs may provide a dosage form able to facilitate proper adherence to treatment within the pediatric patient population.

One-step preparation of ibuprofen fast- and sustained-release formulation by electrospinning with improved efficacy and reduced side effect

In this study, we developed a one-step method to prepare ibuprofen fast- and sustained-release complex preparation. It was based on a double jets electrospinning process. Ibuprofen, a poorly water-soluble drug, was electrospun into fibers with polyvinyl pyrrolidone and hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose by two jets, respectively. The complex preparation had an enough initial dose come from fast-release part and a maintenance dose come from sustained-release part. Through the study of X-ray diffraction, differential scanning colorimetry (DSC), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), it was confirmed that ibuprofen was highly dispersed in nanofibers (NFs) in amorphous state. Because one line of NFs was very thin and could only extend along two directions, it was difficult for ibuprofen to transform from amorphous to crystal in this kind of approximate one-dimensional structure. Additionally, it was confirmed by animal experiment that the complex preparation also had a benefit to reduce gastric irritation that usually caused by traditional oral ibuprofen preparation. Therefore, the method developed in this study was a convenient and good-quality approach for ibuprofen pain-alleviating preparation.