Chitosan-chondroitin based artemether loaded nanoparticles for transdermal drug delivery system

Design, optimization and characterization of atorvastatin loaded chitosan-based polyelectrolyte complex nanoparticles based transdermal patch

AIM

Atorvastatin (ATO) loaded chitosan-based polyelectrolyte complex nanoparticles (PECN) incorporated transdermal patch was developed to enhance its skin permeability and bioavailability.

METHODOLOGY

The ATO loaded PECN were prepared by ionic gelation method and optimized by Box-Behnken design. The optimized batches were evaluated for physicochemical characteristics, in vitro, ex vivo, cell line and stability studies. The optimized ATO-PECN were incorporated into transdermal patches by solvent evaporation method and evaluated for their physicochemical properties, ex vivo skin permeation, in vivo pharmacokinetics and stability study.

RESULTS

The optimized batch of ATO-PECN had average size of 219.2 ± 5.98 nm with 82.68 ± 2.63 % entrapment and 25.41 ± 3.29 mV zeta potential. ATO-PECN showed sustained drug release and higher skin permeation. The cell line study showed that ATO-PECN increased the cell permeability of ATO as compared to ATO suspension. ATO-PECN loaded transdermal patch showed higher skin permeation. The in vivo pharmacokinetic study revealed that the ATO-PECN transdermal patch showed significant (p < 0.05) increase in pharmacokinetic parameters as compared to marketed oral tablet, confirming enhancement in bioavailability of ATO.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of the present work concluded that the ATO-PECN loaded transdermal patch is a promising novel drug delivery system for poorly bioavailable drugs.

Do the chitosan nanoparticles really augment the drugs' transdermal fluxes: ending the debate using meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

Transdermal delivery has been extensively investigated as a successful alternative to the oral and parenteral routes of administration. The use of polymeric nanoparticles as drug delivery systems through this route has always been controversial. The use of meta-analyses is a useful quantitative means to decide upon the efficiency of this type of vehicles transporting drugs through the skin.

AREAS COVERED

In this meta-analysis study, polymeric nanoparticles were quantitatively compared to conventional formulations in order to investigate the feasibility of using these particles in transdermal delivery. Natural versus synthetic polymeric sub-groups were also contrasted to determine the most efficient class for transdermal drug enhancement.

EXPERT OPINION

Meta-analyses are gaining ground in the drug delivery field as they can exploit the mines of the literature and pick up by statistical evidence the superior formulations administered through several routes of administration. This is the first study that utilized the transdermal fluxes as the meta-analysis study effect and could prove the superiority of natural polymeric nanoparticles in transdermal delivery. In our opinion, there is paucity in research work regarding this type of nanocarriers, specifically on chitosan nanoparticles. More studies are warranted for full exploitation of its benefits.

Recent Development of Nanomaterials for Transdermal Drug Delivery

Nano-engineered medical products first appeared in the last decade. The current research in this area focuses on developing safe drugs with minimal adverse effects associated with the pharmacologically active cargo. Transdermal drug delivery, an alternative to oral administration, offers patient convenience, avoids first-pass hepatic metabolism, provides local targeting, and reduces effective drug toxicities. Nanomaterials provide alternatives to conventional transdermal drug delivery including patches, gels, sprays, and lotions, but it is crucial to understand the transport mechanisms involved. This article reviews the recent research trends in transdermal drug delivery and emphasizes the mechanisms and nano-formulations currently in vogue.

Chitosan-Based Nanoparticles as Effective Drug Delivery Systems-A review

Chitosan-based nanoparticles (chitosan-based nanocomposites; chitosan nanoparticles; ChNPs) are promising materials that are receiving a lot of attention in the last decades. ChNPs have great potential as nanocarriers. They are able to encapsulate drugs as well as active compounds and deliver them to a specific place in the body providing a controlled release. In the article, an overview has been made of the most frequently used preparation methods, and the developed applications in medicine. The presentation of the most important information concerning ChNPs, especially chitosan's properties in drug delivery systems (DDS), as well as the method of NPs production was quoted. Additionally, the specification and classification of the NPs' morphological features determined their application together with the methods of attaching drugs to NPs. The latest scientific reports of the DDS using ChNPs administered orally, through the eye, on the skin and transdermally were taken into account.

Improved transdermal delivery of valsartan using combinatorial approach of polymeric transdermal hydrogels and solid microneedles: an ex vivo proof of concept investigation

Valsartan (VAL) is used as a first-line agent to treat hypertension. However, VAL exhibits poor absorption and low bioavailability when administrated orally. To overcome these issues, VAL transdermal gel was developed in this study, where Carbopol was used as the gel matrices. Additionally, solid microneedles (Dermaroller^®) with various needle lengths were combined with transdermal gel to improve its permeation across the stratum corneum as a skin barrier. Developed formulations were further evaluated for various parameters, including pH, viscosity, spreadability, extrudability, gel strength, drug content, ex vivo permeation, in vitro release, occlusivity, and hemolysis. The results showed that all formulations exhibited desired physical characteristics without any potential to cause toxicity. Moreover, this approach showed that using microneedles could significantly enhance the permeation of VAL up to 3 folds compared to untreated skin. The use of microneedles 1.5 mm was found to be the optimum combination to improve VA permeation without affecting skin integrity. As much as 1.69 ± 0.004 mg of VAL permeated after 8 h. Finally, it could be concluded that this work had successfully developed a new approach for VALS drug delivery and could potentially show a significant impact on the treatment of hypertension. Further in vivo work should be considered.

Degradable and Non-Degradable Chondroitin Sulfate Particles with the Controlled Antibiotic Release for Bacterial Infections

Non-degradable, slightly degradable, and completely degradable micro/nanoparticles derived from chondroitin sulfate (CS) were synthesized through crosslinking reactions at 50%, 40%, and 20% mole ratios, respectively. The CS particles with a 20% crosslinking ratio show total degradation within 48 h, whereas 50% CS particles were highly stable for up to 240 h with only 7.0 ± 2.8% weight loss in physiological conditions (pH 7.4, 37 °C). Tobramycin and amikacin antibiotics were encapsulated into non-degradable CS particles with high loading at 250 g/mg for the treatment of corneal bacterial ulcers. The highest release capacity of 92 ± 2% was obtained for CS-Amikacin particles with sustainable and long-term release profiles. The antibacterial effects of CS particles loaded with 2.5 mg of antibiotic continued to render a prolonged release time of 240 h with 24 ± 2 mm inhibition zones against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Furthermore, as a carrier, CS particles significantly improved the compatibility of the antibiotics even at high particle concentrations of 1000 g/mL with a minimum of 71 ± 7% fibroblast cell viability. In summary, the sustainable delivery of antibiotics and long-term treatment of bacterial keratitis were shown to be afforded by the design of tunable degradation ability of CS particles with improved biocompatibility for the encapsulated drugs.

Development and In Vitro/In Vivo Evaluation of pH-Sensitive Polymeric Nanoparticles Loaded Hydrogel for the Management of Psoriasis

Methotrexate (MTX), the gold standard against psoriasis, poses severe problems when administered systemically viz increased toxicity, poor solubility and adverse reactions. Hence, a topical formulation of MTX for the management of psoriasis can be an effective approach. The present study aimed to develop an MTX based nanoparticle-loaded chitosan hydrogel for evaluating its potential efficacy in an imiquimod-induced psoriatic mice model. MTX-NPs loaded hydrogel was prepared and optimized using the o/w emulsion solvent evaporation method. Particle size, zeta potential, entrapment efficiency, in vitro drug release, ex vivo permeation, skin irritation and deposition studies were performed. Psoriatic Area and Severity Index (PASI) score/histopathological examinations were conducted to check the antipsoriatic potential of MTX-NPs loaded hydrogel using an imiquimod (IMQ)-induced psoriatic model. Optimized MTX-NPs showed a particle size of 256.4 ± 2.17 nm and encapsulation efficiency of 86 ± 0.03%. MTX-NPs loaded hydrogel displayed a 73 ± 1.21% sustained drug release in 48 h. Ex vivo permeation study showed only 19.95 ± 1.04 µg/cm2 of drug permeated though skin in 24 h, while epidermis retained 81.33% of the drug. A significant decrease in PASI score with improvement to normalcy of mice skin was observed. The developed MTX-NPs hydrogel displayed negligible signs of mild hyperkeratosis and parakeratosis, while histopathological studies showed healing signs of mice skin. So, the MTX-NPs loaded hydrogel can be a promising delivery system against psoriasis.

Development of an intelligent, stimuli-responsive transdermal system for efficient delivery of Ibuprofen against rheumatoid arthritis

The present study aimed to fabricate and evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of pH-responsive Ibuprofen (IB) nanoparticles (NPs) loaded transdermal hydrogel against rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The IB loaded Eudragit® L 100 (EL 100) nanoparticles were formulated through a modified nanoprecipitation technique and optimized using central composite design software. The optimized NPs were loaded into Carbopol® 934-based hydrogel by solvent evaporation method and were analyzed for physicochemical characteristics. The mean particle size of the prepared NPs was 48 nm with an entrapment efficiency of 90%. The transdermal hydrogel showed a pH-responsive sustained drug release and high penetration through the skin. Moreover, the prepared nanocarrier system exhibited therapeutic efficacy at inflamed joints' sites both in acute and chronic RA mice model. The therapeutic efficacy of the prepared formulation was confirmed through the results of various behavioral, biochemical, and cytokines-based assays. Similarly, the assessment of histopathological and radiological images, as well as the skin irritation studies further strengthens the potential use of the prepared formulation through the transdermal route. The current findings suggested that IB loaded pH-responsive NPs based transdermal hydrogel can be used as an efficient agent to manage RA.

Green Fabrication and Release Mechanisms of pH-Sensitive Chitosan-Ibuprofen Aerogels for Controlled Transdermal Delivery of Ibuprofen

Ibuprofen is a potent non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug due to its analgesic, antipyretic, and anti-inflammatory actions. However, its poor solubility in water makes it difficult to manufacture ibuprofen tablets, which limited the application of ibuprofen in drug delivery systems. Polymer–drug aerogels have attracted huge interest in optimizing the drug delivery efficiency and improving the physicochemical characteristics and therapeutic quality. Here, chitosan–ibuprofen aerogels with excellent swelling, high biocompatibility, and better drug delivery efficiency were synthesized by a simple method. Our study found that the chitosan–ibuprofen aerogels exhibited remarkably improved thermal stability, excellent swelling ratio, and high drug loading. As a consequence of these favorable properties, the chitosan–ibuprofen aerogels exhibited improved drug delivery efficiency and achieved drug prolonged administration. Our study highlights the great potential of polymer–drug aerogels in improving the drug delivery efficiency of transdermal drug delivery systems.

A Novel Chitosan Nanosponge as a Vehicle for Transepidermal Drug Delivery

Transepidermal drug delivery achieves high drug concentrations at the action site and ensures continuous drug delivery and better patient compliance with fewer adverse effects. However, drug delivery through topical application is still limited in terms of drug penetration. Chitosan is a promising enhancer to overcome this constraint, as it can enhance drug diffusion by opening the tight junctions of the stratum corneum. Therefore, here, we developed a novel chitosan nanosponge (CNS) with an optimal ratio and molecular weight of chitosan to improve drug penetration through skin. To prepare the CNS, two types of chitosan (3 and 10 kDa) were each conjugated with poloxamer 407 using para-nitrophenyl chloroformate, and the products were mixed with poloxamer 407 at ratios of 5:5, 8:2, and 10:0. The resulting mixtures were molded to produce flexible soft nanosponges by simple nanoprecipitation. The CNSs were highly stable in biological buffer for four weeks and showed no toxicity in human dermal fibroblasts. The CNSs increased drug permeability through human cadaver skin in a Franz-type diffusion cell, with substantially higher permeability with 3 kDa chitosan at a ratio of 8:2. This suggests the applicability of the novel CNS as a promising carrier for efficient transepidermal drug delivery.

Non-Ionic Surfactants for Stabilization of Polymeric Nanoparticles for Biomedical Uses

Surfactants are essential in the manufacture of polymeric nanoparticles by emulsion formation methods and to preserve the stability of carriers in liquid media. The deposition of non-ionic surfactants at the interface allows a considerable reduction of the globule of the emulsion with high biocompatibility and the possibility of oscillating the final sizes in a wide nanometric range. Therefore, this review presents an analysis of the three principal non-ionic surfactants utilized in the manufacture of polymeric nanoparticles; polysorbates, poly(vinyl alcohol), and poloxamers. We included a section on general properties and uses and a comprehensive compilation of formulations with each principal non-ionic surfactant. Then, we highlight a section on the interaction of non-ionic surfactants with biological barriers to emphasize that the function of surfactants is not limited to stabilizing the dispersion of nanoparticles and has a broad impact on pharmacokinetics. Finally, the last section corresponds to a recommendation in the experimental approach for choosing a surfactant applying the systematic methodology of Quality by Design.

Transdermal delivery of buprenorphine from reduced graphene oxide laden hydrogel to treat osteoarthritis

The patients with chronic pain in osteoarthritis often have insufficient pain relief from non-opioids analgesics. Buprenorphine is a promising molecule for symptomatic relief of chronic pain. The marketed parenteral injections and sublingual tablets have short duration of action (half-life = 2.7 h), which is not suitable to manage chronic pain. The purpose of this research was to design buprenorphine-loaded Pluronic F127-reduced graphene oxide transdermal (noninvasive) hydrogel to achieve sustained release of buprenorphine to manage chronic pain in osteoarthritis. Pluronic F127 was used to stabilize the reduced graphene oxide in hydrogel system. The characterization studies including Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and Raman spectroscopy confirmed the synthesis of Pluronic F127-reduced graphene oxide from graphite. The transmission electron microscopy image showed flat nanosheets of reduced graphene oxide (rGO). The developed hydrogel showed desirable pH, viscosity, adhesiveness, hardness, and cohesiveness for transdermal application. The ex vivo release study demonstrated the ability of the Pluronic F127-reduced graphene oxide (P-rGO) hydrogel to prolong release up to 14 days, owing to the strong π-π interactions between the graphene oxide (GO) and the buprenorphine. In cold ethanol tail flick model, the GO hydrogel showed sustained analgesic effect in comparison with hydrogel without rGO. Thus, this study demonstrated the potential of using Pluronic F127-reduced graphene oxide nanocarriers to prolong local analgesia for effective management for chronic pain.

Artemether-Loaded Zein Nanoparticles: An Innovative Intravenous Dosage Form for the Management of Severe Malaria

Artemether, an artemisinin derivative, is used in the management of life-threatening severe malaria. This study aimed to develop an intravenous dosage form of artemether using nanotechnology. Artemether-loaded zein nanoparticles were prepared by modified antisolvent precipitation using sodium caseinate as a stabilizer. Subsequently, the physicochemical properties of the nanoparticles were characterized; the in vitro hemolytic property was examined with red blood cells, while the pharmacokinetic profile was evaluated in Sprague–Dawley rats after intravenous administration. The artemether-loaded zein nanoparticles were found to display good encapsulation efficiency, excellent physical stability and offer an in vitro extended-release property. Interestingly, encapsulation of artemether into zein nanoparticles substantially suppressed hemolysis, a common clinical phenomenon occurring after artemisinin-based antimalarial therapy. Upon intravenous administration, artemether-loaded zein nanoparticles extended the mean residence time of artemether by ~80% in comparison to the free artemether formulation (82.9 ± 15.2 versus 45.6 ± 16.4 min, p < 0.01), suggesting that the nanoparticles may prolong the therapeutic duration and reduce the dosing frequency in a clinical setting. In conclusion, intravenous delivery of artemether by artemether-loaded zein nanoparticles appears to be a promising therapeutic option for severe malaria.