Development and validation of RP-HPLC method for simultaneous estimation of docetaxel and ritonavir in PLGA nanoparticles

Hybrid Poly(β-amino ester) Triblock Copolymers Utilizing a RAFT Polymerization Grafting-From Methodology

The biocompatibility, biodegradability, and responsiveness of poly(β-amino esters) (PBAEs) has led to their widespread use as biomaterials for drug and gene delivery. Nonetheless, the step-growth polymerization mechanism that yields PBAEs limits the scope for their structural optimization toward specific applications because of limited monomer choice and end-group modifications. Moreover, to date the post-synthetic functionalization of PBAEs has relied on grafting-to approaches, challenged by the need for efficient polymer-polymer coupling and potentially difficult post-conjugation purification. Here a novel grafting-from approach to grow reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymers from a PBAE scaffold is described. This is achieved through PBAE conversion into a macromolecular chain transfer agent through a multistep capping procedure, followed by RAFT polymerization with a range of monomers to produce PBAE-RAFT hybrid triblock copolymers. Following successful synthesis, the potential biological applications of these ABA triblock copolymers are illustrated through assembly into polymeric micelles and encapsulation of a model hydrophobic drug, followed by successful nanoparticle (NP) uptake in breast cancer cells. The findings demonstrate this novel synthetic methodology can expand the scope of PBAEs as biomaterials.

Docetaxel-Loaded Methoxy poly(ethylene glycol)-poly (L-lactic Acid) Nanoparticles for Breast Cancer: Synthesis, Characterization, Method Validation, and Cytotoxicity

This study aimed to synthesize and characterize DTX-mPEG-PLA-NPs along with the development and validation of a simple, accurate, and reproducible method for the determination and quantification of DTX in mPEG-PLA-NPs. The prepared NPs were characterized using AFM, DLS, zetasizer, and drug release kinetic profiling. The RP-HPLC assay was developed for DTX detection. The cytotoxicity and anti-clonogenic effects were estimated using MTT and clonogenic assays, respectively, using both MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cell lines in a 2D and 3D culture system. The developed method showed a linear response, high precision, accuracy, RSD values of ≤2%, and a tailing factor ≤2, per ICH guidelines. The DTX-mPEG-PLA-NPs exhibited an average particle size of 264.3 nm with an encapsulation efficiency of 62.22%. The in vitro drug kinetic profile, as per the Krosmeyers-Peppas model, demonstrated Fickian diffusion, with initial biphasic release and a multistep sustained release over 190 h. The MTT assay revealed improved in vitro cytotoxicity against MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 in the 2D cultures and MCF-7 3D mammosphere cultures. Significant inhibitions of the clonogenic potential of MDA-MB-231 were observed for all concentrations of DTX-mPEG-PLA-NPs. Our results highlight the feasibility of detecting DTX via the robust RP-HPLC method and using DTX-mPEG-PLA-NPs as a perceptible and biocompatible delivery vehicle with greater cytotoxic and anti-clonogenic potential, supporting improved outcomes in BC.

Analytical Quality by Design-Driven RP-HPLC Method Conditions to Concomitantly Determine Cinnarizine and Morin Hydrate in Combined Drug Solution and Dual Drug-Loaded Formulations

BACKGROUND

The replacement of traditional oils with a camphor and menthol-based eutectic mixture is done to prepare oil-less emulsion-like dispersions for co-delivery of cinnarizine (CNZ) and morin hydrate (MH) for managing Meniére's disease (MD). Since two drugs are loaded into the dispersions, the development of a suitable reverse phase-high performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) method for their simultaneous analysis becomes inevitable.

OBJECTIVE

By applying the analytical quality by design (AQbD) approach, the RP-HPLC method conditions were optimized for the concomitant determination of two drugs.

METHODS

The systematic AQbD started with identifying critical method attributes (CMA) through an Ishikawa fishbone diagram, risk estimation matrix, and risk priority number-based failure mode effect analysis followed by screening using fractional factorial design and optimization by face-centered central composite design. The concomitant determination of two drugs by the optimized RP-HPLC method condition was substantiated via specificity checking using combined drug solution, drug entrapment efficiency, and in vitro release of the two drugs from emulsion-like dispersions.

RESULTS

The AQbD optimized RP-HPLC method conditions revealed the retention time for CNZ and MH at 5.017 and 5.323, respectively. The studied validation parameters were found within the ICH-prescribed limits. Exposing the individual drug solutions to acidic and basic hydrolytic conditions yielded extra chromatographic peaks for MH, probably due to the degradation of MH. The DEE % values of 87.40 ± 4.70 and 74.79 ± 2.94, respectively, were noticed for CNZ and MH in emulsion-like dispersions. More than 98% CNZ and MH release was occurred from emulsion-like dispersions within 30 min post-dissolution in artificial perilymph.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, the AQbD approach could be helpful for systematic optimization of RP-HPLC method conditions to estimate concomitantly other therapeutic moieties.

HIGHLIGHTS

The proposed article shows the successful application of AQbD for the optimization of RP-HPLC method conditions to concomitantly estimate CNZ and MH in combined drug solution and dual-drug-loaded emulsion-like dispersions.

Concurrent oral delivery of non-oncology drugs through solid self-emulsifying system for repurposing in hepatocellular carcinoma

OBJECTIVE

Present study aimed to identify a safe and effective non-oncology drug cocktail as an alternative to toxic chemotherapeutics for hepatocellular carcinoma treatment. The assessment of cytotoxicity of cocktail (as co-adjuvant) in combination with chemotherapeutic docetaxel (DTX) is also aimed. Further, we aimed to develop an oral solid self-emulsifying drug delivery system (S-SEDDS) for the simultaneous delivery of identified drugs.

SIGNIFICANCE

The identified non-oncology drug cocktail could overcome the shortage of anticancer therapeutics and help to reduce cancer-related mortality. Moreover, the developed S-SEDDS could be an ideal system for concurrent oral delivery of non-oncology drug combinations.

METHODS

The non-oncology drugs (alone and in combinations) were screened in vitro for anticancer effect (against HepG2 cells) using (3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazolyl-2)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide; MTT) dye assay, and cell cycle arresting and apoptotic behaviors using the fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) technique. The S-SEDDS is composed of drugs such as Ketoconazole (KCZ), Disulfiram (DSR), Tadalafil (TLF), and excipients like span-80, tween-80, soybean oil, Leciva S-95, Poloxamer F108 (PF-108), and Neusilin® US2 (adsorbent carrier) was developed and characterized.

RESULTS

The cocktail composed of KCZ, DSR, and TLF has showed substantial cytotoxicity (at the lowest concentration of 3.3 picomoles), HepG2 cell arrest at G0/G1 and S phases, and substantial cell death via apoptosis. The Docetaxel (DTX) inclusion into this cocktail has further resulted in increased cytotoxicity, cell arrest at the G2/M phase, and cell necrosis. The optimized blank liquid SEDDS that remains transparent without phase separation for more than 6 months is used for the preparation of drug-loaded liquid SEDDS (DL-SEDDS). The optimized DL-SEDDS with low viscosity, good dispersibility, considerable drug retention upon dilution, and smaller particle size is further converted into drug-loaded solid SEDDS (DS-SEDDS). The final DS-SEDDS demonstrated acceptable flowability and compression characteristics, significant drug retention (more than 93%), particle size in nano range (less than 500 nm) and nearly spherical morphology following dilutions. The DS-SEDDS showed substantially increased cytotoxicity and Caco-2 cell permeability than plain drugs. Furthermore, DS-SEDDS containing only non-oncology drugs caused lower in vivo toxicity (only 6% body weight loss) than DS-SEDDS containing non-oncology drugs with DTX (about 10% weight loss).

CONCLUSION

The current study revealed a non-oncology drug combination effective against hepatocellular carcinoma. Further, it is concluded that the developed S-SEDDS containing non-oncology drug combination alone and in combination with DTX could be a promising alternative to toxic chemotherapeutics for the effective oral treatment of hepatic cancer.

Vitamin E Oil Incorporated Liposomal Melphalan and Simvastatin: Approach to Obtain Improved Physicochemical Characteristics of Hydrolysable Melphalan and Anticancer Activity in Combination with Simvastatin Against Multiple Myeloma

The objective of this research was to develop vitamin E oil (VEO)-loaded liposomes for intravenous delivery and to study the VEO effect on melphalan (MLN) loading, release, and stability. Further, the research aim was to determine the in vitro anticancer activity and in vivo systemic toxicity of MLN and simvastatin (SVN) combinations, for repurposing SVN in multiple myeloma. The liposomes were prepared by thin-film hydration technique. The optimized liposomes were surface modified with Pluronic F108, lyophilized, and evaluated for mean particle size, MLN content and release behavior, and in vitro hemolysis, cytotoxicity, and macrophage uptake characteristics. Further, in vivo acute toxicity of plain MLN + SVN combination was determined in comparison to their liposomal combination. The VEO alone and in combination with D-α-tocopheryl polyethylene glycol 1000 succinate (TPGS) has significantly increased the MLN and SVN loading. The reconstituted liposomes showed the mean particle size below 200 nm (cryo-transmission electron microscope analysis also revealed the liposome formation). In presence of VEO, the liposomes have shown substantially controlled drug release, lower hemolysis, sustained cytotoxicity, lower phagocytosis, and moderately improved chemical stability. Besides, the effect of liposomal combination on mice bodyweight is found substantially lower than the plain drug combination. In conclusion, the VEO could be used along with phospholipids and cholesterol to develop liposomal drugs with improved physicochemical characteristics. Further, the interesting cytotoxicity study results indicated that SVN could be repurposed in combination with anticancer drug MLN against multiple myeloma; liposomal drugs could be preferred to obtain improved efficacy with decreased systemic toxicity.

Combining subsidiary and synchronous approaches for concurrent spectrofluorimetric assurance of lopinavir and ritonavir in tablets utilized in convention for treatment of coronavirus infection (COVID-19) and biological fluids

In this think about, assurance of lopinavir and ritonavir down to organic concentration level has been carried out. The assurance is based on expanding the selectivity of the spectrofluorimetric procedure by combining both subordinate and synchronous spectrofluorimetric approaches, which allow effective estimation of lopinavir at 248.8 nm and ritonavir at 300.1 nm within the nearness of each other at Δλ of 60 nm. Worldwide Conference on Harmonization approval rules were taken after to completely approve the strategy, and linearity was gotten for the two drugs over the extend of 0.4-2.4 µg mL^-1 for Lopinavir and 0.1-0.6 µg mL^-1 for ritonavir. Application of of the strategy was successfully carried out within the commercial tablets with great understanding with the comparison strategies. As the detection limits were down to 0.133 and 0.022 µg mL^-1 and quantitation limits were 0.395 and 0.068 µg mL^-1 for lopinavir and ritonavir, individually; the in vivo assurance of lopinavir and ritonavir in spiked plasma tests was pertinent. The rate recuperations in natural tests were 99.10 ± 0.77 and 99.54 ± 0.60 for lopinavir and ritonavir, individually. Water was utilized as the ideal weakening dissolvable within the proposed strategy which includes an eco-friendly justify.

Inhalation delivery of repurposed drugs for lung cancer: Approaches, benefits and challenges

Lung cancer (LC) is one of the leading causes of mortality accounting for almost 25% of cancer deaths throughout the world. The shortfall of affordable and effective first-line chemotherapeutics, the existence of resistant tumors, and the non-optimal route of administration contribute to poor prognosis and high mortality in LC. Administration of repurposed non-oncology drugs (RNODs) loaded in nanocarriers (NCs) via inhalation may prove as an effective alternative strategy to treat LC. Furthermore, their site-specific release through inhalation route using an appropriate inhalation device would offer improved therapeutic efficacy, thereby reducing mortality and improving patients' quality of life. The current manuscript offers a comprehensive overview on use of RNODs in LC treatment with an emphasis on their inhalation delivery and the associated challenges. The role of NCs to improve lung deposition and targeting of RNODs via inhalation are also elaborated. In addition, information about various RNODs in clinical trials for the treatment of LC, possibility for repurposing phytoceuticals against LC via inhalation and the bottlenecks associated with repurposing RNODs against cancer are also highlighted. Based on the reported studies covered in this manuscript, it was understood that delivery of RNODs via inhalation has emerged as a propitious approach. Hence, it is anticipated to provide effective first-line treatment at an affordable cost in debilitating LC from low and middle-income countries (LMIC).

Validated HPLC method for paclitaxel determination in PLGA submicron particles conjugated with α-fetoprotein third domain: Sample preparation case study

OBJECTIVES

The goal of this study was to develop sample preparation method and validate the HPLC method for precise determination of paclitaxel (Ptx) in PLGA submicron particles conjugated with protein vector molecule.

METHODS

Ptx loaded PLGA submicron particles were formulated by a single emulsification method. PLGA submicron particles were conjugated with alpha fetoprotein third domain (rAFP3d) via standard carbodiimide technique. The obtained conjugate was analyzed using 1525 binary pump and 2487 UV-VIS detector system (Waters, USA) and Reprosil ODS C-18 analytical column with the dimensions of 150mm×4.6mm ID×5μm (Dr. Maisch GmbH, Germany). Sample preparation method was developed utilizing guard cartridge with С18 stationary phase (Phenomenex, USA). HPLC method was validated according to the international conference on harmonization guidelines.

RESULTS

Efficient sample preparation was achieved using 4% of DMSO pre-dissolution, following by 10min of centrifugation at 4500g. Ptx determination was performed using acetonitrile/0.1% phosphoric acid (50:50 v/v) mobile phase at a flow rate of 1.0mL/min, injection volume of 10μL, and at 227nm. The developed method showed linearity, accuracy and precision in the range from 0.03 to 360μg/mL, with LOD and LOQ values of 0.005 and 0.03μg/mL, respectively. The intra- and inter-day precisions presented RSD values of lower than 2%.

CONCLUSION

The validated method was successfully applied to calculate Ptx encapsulation efficacy and drug loading in the developed formulation.