Development of a gum base formulation for nystatin; a new drug delivery approach for treatment of oral candidiasis

Development of chewing gum model system from phytocompounds of black jamun (Syzygium cumini) pulp and study of its dissolution kinetics

Black jamun is a rich source of polyphenol and anthocyanin that provides major potential as a natural pigment. The different concentrations of encapsulated jamun pulp phytocompounds (0, 0.5, 1, 3 and 5 g 100 g-1) were incorporated with chewing gum for the development of functional food production. The study showed among variants, 5 g 100 g-1 encapsulates of black jamun pulp extract-based chewing gum (BJE-CG) showed better color stability and texture properties caused by the availability of alginate and guar gum in the encapsulates. The results revealed the dissolution behaviour of 5 g 100 g-1 based BJE-CG has a greater (P < 0.05) dissolution of total anthocyanin (TAC) and phenolic content (TPC). The dissolution kinetics model including the Korsmeyer-Peppas model, Higuchi model and Gunes model were statistically tested the dissolution rate of TAC and TPC. The Korsmeyer-Peppas model for TAC and Gunes model for TPC were found the best suitable through R2 (0.995 and 0.991) and the lowest χ2 (0.0098 and 0.0361). The dissolution kinetics study indicated the 5 g 100 g-1 based BJE-CG has the most suitable fitting in dissolution kinetics via simulated salivary fluid at 10 min. The application of the encapsulated phytocompounds shows a better solution for food and pharma industries to deliver decent plant-based pigment and phytocompounds in the food product.

Graphical abstract

Innovations in Chewable Formulations: The Novelty and Applications of 3D Printing in Drug Product Design

Since their introduction, chewable dosage forms have gained traction due to their ability to facilitate swallowing, especially in paediatric, geriatric and dysphagia patients. Their benefits stretch beyond human use to also include veterinary applications, improving administration and palatability in different animal species. Despite their advantages, current chewable formulations do not account for individualised dosing and palatability preferences. In light of this, three-dimensional (3D) printing, and in particular the semi-solid extrusion technology, has been suggested as a novel manufacturing method for producing customised chewable dosage forms. This advanced approach offers flexibility for selecting patient-specific doses, excipients, and organoleptic properties, which are critical for ensuring efficacy, safety and adherence to the treatment. This review provides an overview of the latest advancements in chewable dosage forms for human and veterinary use, highlighting the motivations behind their use and covering formulation considerations, as well as regulatory aspects.

Monolaurin-Loaded Gel-Like Microemulsion for Oropharyngeal Candidiasis Treatment: Structural Characterisation and In Vitro Antifungal Property

Recently, monolaurin (ML) has received great interest due to its possible use as an alternative antifungal. However, the limited water solubility of ML is still a major obstacle to its formulation and application. Gel-like microemulsions are one of the promising carriers for low-water-solubility substances due to both the advantages of gels and microemulsions and may be applied for ML. In this study, ML was incorporated into gel-like microemulsions and evaluated for its physicochemical and antifungal properties. The results indicated that the properties of gel-like microemulsion changed after the incorporation of ML, suggesting that ML can induce the transition of internal structure. When simulating the oral cavity environment, changes in the microstructure were observed and depended on the times of dilution. The lamellar structure was formed at 1.5-2 times dilution. However, this structure was disrupted after dilution five times or more. The structural change following dilution was associated with the release profiles. After contacting the formulations with the medium, ML was promptly released, with the majority of ML being released within 2 h. Regarding the antifungal assay, the ML-loaded gel-like microemulsions decreased the survival of Candida albicans within 3 h, although ML was immediately released, suggesting that the ML-loaded in oil droplets required time to permeate through the fungal cell wall. Additionally, the gel-like microemulsions possessed acceptable stability after the temperature cycling test. Therefore, gel-like microemulsions can be a possible carrier for ML loading, and ML-loaded gel-like microemulsions may be applied as an alternative antifungal preparation in the future. Graphical abstract.

Development of a Solid Dispersion of Nystatin with Maltodextrin as a Carrier Agent: Improvements in Antifungal Efficacy against Candida spp. Biofilm Infections

The aim of this study was to improve the treatment of Candida albicans biofilms through the use of nystatin solid dispersions developed using maltodextrins as a hyperosmotic carrier. Characterization studies by differential scanning calorimetry, X-ray diffraction, dissolution studies, and particle size analysis were performed to evaluate changes in nystatin crystallinity. Antifungal activity and anti-biofilm efficacy were assessed by microbiological techniques. The results for nystatin solid dispersions showed that the enhancement of antifungal activity may be related to the high proportions of maltodextrins. Anti-biofilm assays showed a significant reduction (more than 80%) on biofilm formation with SD-N:MD [1:6] compared to the nystatin reference suspension. The elaboration process and physicochemical properties of SD-N:MD [1:6] could be a promising strategy for treatment of Candida biofilms.

Braz J, Quintans Junior LJ, Serafini MR. The Patenting and Technological Trends in Candidiasis Treatment: A Systematic Review (2014-2018)

Background:

In the last few decades, mycoses caused by opportunistic fungi namely Candida species has gained significant attention. Such infections are very common and present high mortality rates, especially in immunocompromised patients. Currently, a limited number of antifungal drugs are available for the treatment of these infections and are also often related to severe adverse side effects. Therefore, new drugs and innovative technologies for the treatment of this infection are necessary.

Objective:

The aim of this study was to evaluate the development of new drugs, formulations, as well as patents for the treatment of infections caused by Candida spp.

Methods:

The present patent review was carried out through a specialized search database Espacenet. The patent selection was based on the following inclusion criteria: Recent patents published in English or Spanish containing candidiasis as the keyword in the title, abstract or full text. This survey was conducted in October and November 2018.

Results:

As a result of that, 22 patents were selected to the final selection, the most common routes of application were oral (n = 6), vaginal (n = 6), topical (n = 5) and others (n = 5). This fact is related to the clinical manifestations of candidiasis.

Conclusion:

Through this review, it was possible to identify significant improvements and advances in the area of antifungal therapeutic innovation research. In addition, we demonstrated the growing interest of academic and industrial groups in pharmaceutical development and novel formulations for the treatment of candidiasis. New therapeutic options can contribute to improve the quality of patient’s life, prevent infections and promote the search for an innovative and effective treatment of Candida infections.