Development of sericin/alginate beads of ketoprofen using experimental design: Formulation and in vitro dissolution evaluation

Production of anti-inflammatory films based on cashew gum polysaccharide and polyvinyl alcohol for wound dressing applications

In the present study, we aimed to produce CGP/PVA films containing entrapped anti-inflammatory drugs for wound dressing applications. Using a 33-1 fractional factorial design, the effect of each component was evaluated on the physicochemical and morphological properties of the produced materials. The best formulation for entrapment of diclofenac sodium and ketoprofen was also determined. The produced films presented high swelling capacity, with some formulations showing o porous structure. CGP/PVA films showed a maximum retention of 75.6% for diclofenac sodium and 32.2% for ketoprofen, and both drugs were released in a controlled manner for up to 7 h. The drug release kinetic was studied, and the data were fitted using a Korsmeyer-Peppas model, which suggested that the release mechanism is controlled by diffusion. These results indicate that CGP/PVA-based matrices have great potential to be used as drug-delivery systems for wound dressing applications, contributing to prolonging the drug's action time and then improving their anti-inflammatory efficacy.

k-Carrageenan/sericin-based multiparticulate systems: A novel gastro-resistant polymer matrix for indomethacin delivery

This study aimed to develop a natural and multiparticulate carrier of k-carrageenan (k-Car) and sericin (Ser) for encapsulation of indomethacin (IND) in order to minimize gastrointestinal effects caused by immediate-release. Increasing the amount of IND in the formulations subtly reduced the entrapment efficiency (EE) and drug loading (DL) due to matrix saturation. Sericin was essential to improve EE and DL when compared to pure k-Car (EE > 90 % and DL > 47 %) with suitable particle sizes (1.3461 ± 0.1891-1.7213 ± 0.1586 mm). The incorporation and integrity of IND in the particles were confirmed by analytical techniques of HPLC, XRD, FTIR, and SEM. Additionally, the k-Car/Ser matrix was pH-responsive with low IND release at pH 1.2 and extended-release at pH 6.8. The Weibull model had an adequate fit to the experimental data with R²aju 0.950.99 and AIC 82.4-24.9, with curves in parabolic profile (b < 1) and indicative of a controlled drug-release mechanism by diffusion. Besides, k-Car/Ser/IND and placebo were not cytotoxic (cell viability > 85 % at 150-600 μM) for the Caco-2 cell line. Therefore, the polymeric matrix is gastro-resistant, stable, and biocompatible to carry indomethacin and deliver it to the intestinal environment.

Coprecipitation of Class II NSAIDs with Polymers for Oral Delivery

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are frequently administered orally with modified-release formulations. The attainment of modified-release drugs is commonly achieved through the coprecipitation of the active principle with a biodegradable polymeric carrier in the form of micro or nanoparticles. In this review, some coprecipitation studies of three highly prescribed NSAIDs (in particular, ibuprofen, ketoprofen, and diclofenac sodium) have been analyzed. The techniques employed to micronize the powder, the polymers used, and the main results have been classified according to the type of release required in different categories, such as delayed, immediate, prolonged, sustained, and targeted release formulations. Indeed, depending on the pathology to be treated, it is possible to achieve specific therapeutic objectives, ensuring that the drug is released at a higher or lower dissolution rate (if compared to conventional drugs) and/or at a different time and/or in a specific site of action.

In Vitro Release of Anthocyanins from Microencapsulated Natal Plum (Carissa macrocarpa) Phenolic Extract in Alginate/Psyllium Mucilage Beads

Natal plum (Carissa macrocarpa) contains anthocyanins, cyanidin 3-O-β-sambubioside (Cy-3-Sa), and cyanidin 3-O-glucoside (Cy-3-G) that possess great bioactive properties. During in vitro gastrointestinal digestion, Cy-3-Sa and Cy-3-G are highly sensitive to pH changes and have low bioaccessibility rates of 7.9% and 22%, respectively. This study aimed to therefore use microencapsulation techniques to improve the bioaccessibility of Cy-3-Sa and Cy-3-G. The crude anthocyanin-rich extract was extracted from freeze-dried Natal plum fruit using ultrasonic-assisted ethanol extraction. The anthocyanin-rich extract was encapsulated using the ionic gelation method. Four distinct carrier agents, namely sodium alginate, pectin, xanthan gum and psyllium mucilage were used to form the wall materials. Encapsulation efficiency was highest for alginate/psyllium mucilage beads (93.67%), while alginate showed the least efficiency (86.80%). Scanning Electron Microscopy revealed a cracked and porous structure for the Natal plum extract and a continuous smooth structure for all the beads. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy showed peaks at 3300 and 1610 cm⁻¹, confirming the presence of polyphenols and polysaccharides in all beads. Thermal stability was higher for the alginate/psyllium mucilage beads and the observed thermal transitions were due to the bonds formed between the polymers and the polyphenols. Alginate beads combined with xanthan gum, pectin, and psyllium mucilage showed a prolonged release of anthocyanins compared to alginate in vitro alone. The highest anthocyanin bioaccessibility was obtained from alginate/psyllium mucilage beads (85.42 ± 1.03%). The results showed the effectiveness of alginate/psyllium mucilage beads in improving stability and in vitro anthocyanin release.

The wound healing and antibacterial potential of triple-component nanocomposite (chitosan-silver-sericin) films loaded with moxifloxacin

AIM

The current study reports the development and evaluation of chitosan-sericin-silver nanocomposite (CSSN) films without and with moxifloxacin (Mox).

METHODOLOGY

The film preparation method involved the in-situ synthesis of silver nanoparticles within the chitosan-sericin colloidal composite followed by preparation into a film by solvent casting technique. In-situ formation and the particle size analysis of the silver nanoparticles was performed via UV-Visible and zeta-size spectrometer. The prepared films were tested for swelling ratio, contents uniformity, in-vitro Mox release, and permeation analysis. The morphological (SEM), elemental (EDX), spectral (FT-IR), structural (XRD), and thermal (TGA and DSC) properties of the composites were also inspected. The antibacterial activity of the CSSN films was performed against seven pathogenic bacterial strains including five ATCC and two clinical strains. The potential wound healing activity of the composite films was evaluated on burn wound model induced in Sprague Dawley male rats.

RESULTS

The prepared films displayed good swelling profile with a sustained in-vitro Mox release and permeation profile; attaining maximum of 78.57% (CSSM3) release and 55.05% (CSSM1) permeation (CSSM1) in 24 h. The prepared films, particularly the Mox-loaded CSSN films displayed a promising antibacterial activity against all the tested strains with the activity being highest against MRSA (clinical isolates). The prepared films indicated a remarkable wound healing applications with successful fibrosis, collagen reorganization, neovascularization, and mild epidermal regeneration after 7 days of treatment with no silver ions detection in animal's blood.

CONCLUSION

The obtained findings strongly suggest the use of the prepared novel composite dressing for wound care applications.