Design and optimization of pH-sensitive Eudragit nanoparticles for improved oral delivery of triclabendazole

Formulation and optimization of pH-sensitive nanocrystals for improved oral delivery

The challenge of low water solubility in pharmaceutical science profoundly impacts drug absorption and therapeutic effectiveness. Nanocrystals (NC), consisting of drug molecules and stabilizing agents, offer a promising solution to enhance solubility and control release rates. In the pharmaceutical industry, top-down techniques are favored for their flexibility and cost-effectiveness. However, increased solubility can lead to premature drug dissolution in the stomach, which is problematic due to the acidic pH or enzymes. Researchers are exploring encapsulating agents that facilitate drug release at customized pH levels as a valuable strategy to address this. This study employed wet milling and spray drying techniques to create encapsulated NC for delivering the drug to the intestinal tract using the model drug ivermectin (IVM). Nanosuspensions (NS) were efficiently produced within 2 h using NanoDisp®, with a particle size of 198.4 ± 0.6 nm and a low polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.184, ensuring uniformity. Stability tests over 100 days at 4 °C and 25 °C demonstrated practical viability, with no precipitation or significant changes observed. Cytotoxicity evaluations indicated less harm to Caco-2 cells compared to the pure drug. Furthermore, the solubility of the NC increased by 47-fold in water and 4.8-fold in simulated intestinal fluid compared to the pure active compound. Finally, dissolution tests showed less than 10% release in acidic conditions and significant improvement in simulated intestinal conditions, promising enhanced drug solubility and bioavailability. This addresses a long-standing pharmaceutical challenge in a cost-effective and scalable manner.

Exploring the potential of pH-sensitive polymers in targeted drug delivery

The pH-sensitive polymers have attained significant attention in the arena of targeted drug delivery (TDD) because of their exceptional capability to respond to alteration in pH in various physiological environments. This attribute aids pH-sensitive polymers to act as smart carriers for therapeutic agents, transporting them precisely to target locations while curtailing the release of drugs in off-targeted sites, thereby diminishing side effects. Many pH-responsive polymers in TDD have revealed promising results, with increased therapeutic efficacy and decreased toxic effects. Several pH-sensitive polymers, including, hydroxy-propyl-methyl cellulose, poly (methacrylic acid) (Eudragit series), poly (acrylic acid), and chitosan, have been broadly studied for their myriad applications in the management of various types of diseases. Additionally, the amalgamation of pH-sensitive polymers with, additive manufacturing techniques like 3D printing, has resulted in the progression of novel drug delivery systems that regulate drug release in a controlled manner. Herein, types of pH-sensitive polymers in TDD are systemically reviewed. We have briefly discussed the nanocarriers employed for the delivery of various pH-sensitive polymers in TDD. Finally, miscellaneous applications of pH-sensitive polymers are discussed thoroughly with special attention to the implication of 3D printing in pH-sensitive polymers.

Formulation of Budesonide-Loaded Polymeric Nanoparticles into Hydrogels for Local Therapy of Atopic Dermatitis

Budesonide is a mineral corticoid applied in the local therapy of pediatric atopic dermatitis. Unfortunately, its dermal administration is hindered by the concomitant adverse effects and its physicochemical properties. The characteristic pH change in the atopic lesions can be utilized for the preparation of a pH-sensitive nanocarrier. In this view, the formulation of Eudragit L 100 nanoparticles as a budesonide delivery platform could provide more efficient release to the desired site, improve its penetration, and subsequently lower the undesired effects. In this study, budesonide-loaded Eudragit L100 nanoparticles were prepared via the nanoprecipitation method (mean diameter 57 nm, -31.2 mV, and approx. 90% encapsulation efficiency). Their safety was proven by cytotoxicity assays on the HaCaT keratinocyte cell line. Further, the drug-loaded nanoparticles were incorporated into two types of hydrogels based on methylcellulose or Pluronic F127. The formulated hydrogels were characterized with respect to their pH, occlusion, rheology, penetration, spreadability, and drug release. In conclusion, the developed hydrogels containing budesonide-loaded nanoparticles showed promising potential for the pediatric treatment of atopic dermatitis.

Design of a pilot plant-type pharmaceutical reactor to address the problem of interchangeability of generic semisolid formulations

OBJECTIVE AND SIGNIFICANCE

This research aims to design and develop a pilot plant-type pharmaceutical reactor with a strong focus on its volumetric capacity and heat transfer capabilities. The primary goal is to replicate design and control strategies at the laboratory or pilot scale to analyze and produce generic semisolid formulations.

METHODS

Computational fluid dynamics and heat transfer modeling, utilizing the finite volume method, were employed to determine the reactor's performance and particle trajectory during the mixing and stirring. This allowed for the establishment of optimal operational parameters and variables. Furthermore, prototypes were constructed at 1:2.5 and 1:15 scales to examine the reactor's morphology, ensure volumetric versatility, and conduct mixing, homogenization, and coloration tests using varying volumes.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

The outcomes of this study yielded a versatile reactor suitable for processing pharmaceutical semisolids at both laboratory and pilot-scale volumes. Notably, the reactor demonstrated exceptional volumetric capacity within a single vessel while effectively facilitating heat transfer to its interior.

Tamoxifen-Loaded Eudragit Nanoparticles: Quality by Design Approach for Optimization of Nanoparticles as Delivery System

Nanoparticles have numerous applications as drug carriers in drug delivery. The aim of the study was to produce tamoxifen nanoparticles with a defined size and higher encapsulation for efficient tissue uptake with controlled drug release. The quality by design approach was utilized to produce tamoxifen-loaded Eudragit nanoparticles by identifying the significant process variables using the nanoprecipitation method. The process variables (amount of drug, polymer, and surfactant) were altered to analyze the influence on particle size (PS), % encapsulation efficiency (EE). The results showed that the drug and polymer individually as well as collectively have an impact on PS, while the surfactant has no impact on the PS. The %EE was influenced by the surfactant individually and in interaction with the drug. The linear regression model was endorsed to fit the data showing high R2 values (PS, 0.9146, %EE, 0.9070) and low p values (PS, 0.0004, EE, 0.0005). The PS and EE were confirmed to be 178 nm and 90%, respectively. The nanoparticles were of spherical shape, as confirmed by SEM and TEM. The FTIR confirmed the absence of any incompatibility among the ingredients. The TGA confirmed that the NPs were thermally stable. The in vitro release predicted that the drug release followed Higuchi model.

3D-Printed Gastroretentive Tablets Loaded with Niclosamide Nanocrystals by the Melting Solidification Printing Process (MESO-PP)

Niclosamide (NICLO) is a recognized antiparasitic drug being repositioned for Helicobacter pylori. The present work aimed to formulate NICLO nanocrystals (NICLO-NCRs) to produce a higher dissolution rate of the active ingredient and to incorporate these nanosystems into a floating solid dosage form to release them into the stomach slowly. For this purpose, NICLO-NCRs were produced by wet-milling and included in a floating Gelucire l3D printed tablet by semi-solid extrusion, applying the Melting solidification printing process (MESO-PP) methodology. The results obtained in TGA, DSC, XRD and FT-IR analysis showed no physicochemical interactions or modifications in the crystallinity of NICLO-NCR after inclusion in Gelucire 50/13 ink. This method allowed the incorporation of NICLO-NCRs in a concentration of up to 25% w/w. It achieved a controlled release of NCRs in a simulated gastric medium. Moreover, the presence of NICLO-NCRs after redispersion of the printlets was observed by STEM. Additionally, no effects on the cell viability of the NCRs were demonstrated in the GES-1 cell line. Finally, gastroretention was demonstrated for 180 min in dogs. These findings show the potential of the MESO-PP technique in obtaining slow-release gastro-retentive oral solid dosage forms loaded with nanocrystals of a poorly soluble drug, an ideal system for treating gastric pathologies such as H. pylori.