Captopril gastrointestinal therapeutic system coated with cellulose acetate pseudolatex: evaluation of main effects of several formulation variables

Preparation of transfersomes encapsulating sildenafil aimed for transdermal drug delivery: Plackett-Burman design and characterization

The aim of this work was to study the effect of different processing and formulation parameters on the preparation of sildenafil (SD) transfersomes utilizing the Plackett-Burman design. The drug to phospholipid molar ratio (X1), phospholipid to surfactant ratio (X2), hydrophilic-lipophilic balance of the surfactant (X3), hydration medium pH (X4), hydration time (X5) and the temperature of hydration (X6) were investigated to study their effect on the vesicle size (Y1) and entrapment efficiency (EE) of the drug (Y2). The preparation conditions were optimized to minimize the vesicle size and maximize the EE. The prepared transfersomes were also subjected to zeta potential measurements, morphological and physicochemical characterization. The combinations of factors that achieve the optimum desirability were identified. An optimized formulation was prepared and characterized once more for its vesicle size, EE, in vitro permeation and deformability index. The results revealed that both X3 and X6 had a pronounced effect on Y1, while X1 and X4 showed a significant effect on Y2. Morphological and physicochemical study confirmed the transfersomes spherical shape and compatibility of the formulation ingredients. The formulation with optimum desirability showed EE and vesicle size of 97.21% and 610 nm, respectively. In vitro permeation of the drug-loaded transfersome showed more than 5-fold higher permeation rate compared with drug suspension. Deformability index verified elasticity of the preparation. The significant variables could be optimized again to produce smaller vesicle size that could increase SD permeation from transdermal delivery systems loaded drug optimized transfersomes.

Development of alginate-reinforced chitosan nanoparticles utilizing W/O nanoemulsification/internal crosslinking technique for transdermal delivery of rabeprazole

AIMS

First; to develop rabeprazole (RP)-alginate core coated chitosan nanoparticles (NP) utilizing water in oil (W/O) nanoemulsion technique. Second; formulation of transdermal patches loaded RP-NP that avoid drug peroral acid sensitivity and first pass effect.

MAIN METHODS

The influence of six factors on RP-NP formulation was investigated using Plackett-Burman (PB) design. The studied factors were considered for their effect on particle size (Y1) and loading efficiency (Y2). Formulation optimum desirability was identified; a proposed formulation was prepared and characterized. In vitro permeation of the prepared NP compared with RP was studied. Transdermal patches loaded drug or RP-NP were prepared and characterized. Patches ex vivo permeation through rat skin was studied, and kinetic analysis and permeation mechanism were investigated.

KEY FINDING

Chitosan, oil phase and surfactant to oil ratios had significant effects on Y1, while Y2 was significantly affected by the same variables affecting Y1 and span80-tween80 ratio. Scanning electron microscope imaging illustrated sphericity of the NP. The optimized RP-NP exhibited sustained release pattern. The prepared patches showed a minimal patch to patch variable. Patches loaded RP-NP exhibited substantial skin permeability and controlled drug release, and were in favor of Fickian diffusion.

SIGNIFICANCE

Transdermal patches loaded RP-NP is effective drug delivery and alternative to drug peroral route.

New formulation of an old drug in hypertension treatment: the sustained release of captopril from cyclodextrin nanoparticles

Captopril (CAP) was the first angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor to be developed and is widely used in hypertension treatment. On the other hand, cyclodextrins (CDs) are cyclic oligosaccharides whose cone-shaped cavity allows formation of noncovalent inclusion complexes with appropriately sized guest molecules, thus modifying guest physical, chemical, and biological properties. Herein, the physicochemical characterization and in vivo ACE inhibition evaluation of seven CAP/CD complexes are reported. The inclusion complexes were prepared by spray-drying, freeze-drying, kneading, or lyophilization methods and characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance, Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, and scanning electron microscopy techniques. In vivo assays compared CAP and CAP/CD complex administration (0.5 mg kg⁻¹ or 0.09 mg kg⁻¹, n = 4–7) to evaluate the ACE inhibition by continuous infusion of angiotensin I (30 ng 50 μL⁻¹ min⁻¹) in conscious Wistar rats. The physicochemical analysis demonstrated complete amorphization and complexation between CAP and CDs, indicating the substitution of water molecules inside the CD cavity with CAP. During the infusion of angiotensin I, the administration of all CAP/CD complexes induced a reduction in mean arterial pressure similar to that observed upon CAP administration. The nanoparticles obtained by the kneading method (CAP/α-CD:KM) showed a potent and long-lasting inhibitory activity (∼22 hours) on the angiotensin I pressor effect. The results suggest that the inclusion complex of CAP and α-CD can function as a novel antihypertensive formulation that may improve therapeutic use of CAP by reducing its oral dose administration to once per day, thus providing better quality of life for almost 25% of the world’s population who suffer from hypertension.

The science of USP 1 and 2 dissolution: present challenges and future relevance

Since its inception, the dissolution test has come under increasing levels of scrutiny regarding its relevance, especially to the correlation of results to levels of drug in blood. The technique is discussed, limited to solid oral dosage forms, beginning with the scientific origins of the dissolution test, followed by a discussion of the roles of dissolution in product development, consistent batch manufacture (QC release), and stability testing. The ultimate role of dissolution testing, "to have the results correlated to in vivo results or in vivo in vitro correlation," is reviewed. The recent debate on mechanical calibration versus performance testing using USP calibrator tablets is presented, followed by a discussion of variability and hydrodynamics of USP Apparatus 1 and Apparatus 2. Finally, the future of dissolution testing is discussed in terms of new initiatives in the industry such as quality by design (QbD), process analytical technology (PAT), and design of experiments (DOE).

Formulation and pharmacodynamic evaluation of captopril sustained release microparticles

Cellulose propionate (CP) microparticles containing captopril (CAP) were prepared by solvent evaporation technique. The effects of polymer molecular weight, polymer composition and drug:polymer ratios on the particle size, flow properties, morphology, surface properties and release characteristics of the prepared captopril microparticles were examined. The anti-hypertensive effect of the selected CAP formulation in comparison with aqueous drug solution was also evaluated in vivo using hypertensive rats. The formulation containing drug:polymer blend ratio 1:1.5 (1:1 low:high molecular weight CP), namely F7, was chosen as the selected formulation with regard to the encapsulation efficiency (75.1%), flow properties (theta=24 degrees, Carr index=5%, Hausner ratio=1.1, packing rate=0.535) and release characteristics. Initial burst effect was observed in the release profile of all examined formulations. DSC and SEM results indicated that the initial burst effect could be attributed to dissolution of CAP crystals present on the surface or embedded in the superficial layer of the matrix. The release kinetics of CAP from most microparticle formulations followed diffusion mechanism. After oral administration of the selected microparticle formulation (F7) to hypertensive rats, systolic blood pressure decreased gradually over 24 h compared to reference drug solution. These results may suggest the potential application of cellulose propionate microparticles as a suitable sustained release drug delivery system for captopril.

Controlled Release Multiparticulate Beads Coated with Starch Acetate: Material Characterization, and Identification of Critical Formulation and Process Variables

The objectives of the present investigation were to prepare and characterize starch acetate (SA) with high degree of substitution (dS) and to study its prospect as film-forming agent in a controlled-release multiparticulate drug delivery system. As a part of the development process by quality by design, the objectives also included identification of critical formulation and process variables that affect the release of a drug. SA, a relatively new polymer, was characterized because it showed good film-forming properties. SA with dS 2.9 was synthesized from corn starch by paste disruption technique. It was compared with the raw material, starch, by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and molecular mass analysis. Viscosity of SA solution increased logarithmically with the polymer concentration. At higher polymer concentrations (1.5-5.0%), the solutions showed pseudoplastic behavior. Among the plasticizers tested, triacetin and triethyl citrate yielded free films with acceptable mechanical properties. The glass transition temperature (Tg) of the films could be well controlled by these plasticizers. Unplasticized film showed a Tg of 31.8 degrees C. A trend was found that increase in triacetin concentration in SA films resulted in increase in permeability coefficient for tritiated water. Scanning electron microscopic photographs showed a clear and smooth plasticized film compared to rough unplasticized film. Dyphylline-loaded beads were coated with highly substituted SA to evaluate the main effects of the formulation and process variables on the release of the drug and to figure out the reliability of the screening design. A seven-factor, twelve-run Plackett-Burman screening design was used. The response variables were cumulative percent of drug released in 0.5, 1, 4, 8, and 12 hr. Quantitative evaluation of the design revealed that coating weight gain, plasticizer concentration, and post-drying temperature had greater influence on the drug release than the others. The main effects on drug release after 12 hr decreased in the following order: coating weight gain (-7.81), plasticizer concentration (4.96), postdrying temperature (-2.51), SA concentration (-0.80), inlet temperature (0.51), postdrying time (-0.31), and atomizing pressure (-0.28).

Sustained delivery of captopril from floating matrix tablets

The development of a controlled release formulation of captopril has been a challenge for some time. In this work, the in vitro sustained release of captopril from Metolose SH 4000 SR/sodium bicarbonate floating tablets has been studied, varying the proportions of Metolose and bicarbonate. This was studied at two different compaction pressures. Other studied variables include the kinetics of the hydration volume, the matrices floating time and the matrix density. The results show that matrices compacted at 55 MPa float in the dissolution medium for more than 8h while those compacted at 165 MPa float only when sodium bicarbonate is included in the formulation. The increase of the matrix polymer proportion increases the maximal hydration volume as well as the time to attain this maximum. The matrices hydration volume increases with the inclusion of sodium bicarbonate in the formulation. The matrix density is lower when compacted at 55 MPa. The drug release constant (k) decreases and the exponent indicative of the release mechanism (n) increases with increasing polymer contents. The drug released with time is lesser when sodium bicarbonate is included in the formulation. Carbon dioxide bubbles obstruct the diffusion path and decrease the matrix coherence. The effect of compaction pressure to reduce the drug release rate has to be made clear in further studies.

Preparation and characterization of a customized cellulose acetate butyrate dispersion for controlled drug delivery

The purpose of the present experiment was to prepare and characterize the aqueous-based pseudolatex system of cellulose acetate butyrate (CAB) for controlled drug delivery. Aqueous pseudolatex systems are advantageous over organic-based coating systems because these systems are devoid of criteria pollutants such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, nonmethane volatile organic compounds, and sulfur dioxide. Pseudolatex was prepared with CAB and polyvinyl alcohol (stabilizer) by a polymer emulsification technique. The stability of pseudolatex was evaluated. Particle size was measured and rheological experiments were conducted. The glass transition temperature, microscopic free volume, permeation coefficient, and mechanical properties of plasticized pseudolatex films were estimated. Surface roughness of coating on inert Nu-Pareil beads (Ingredient Technology Corp., Mahwah, NJ) was measured as a function of coating weight gain. The CAB Pseudolatex was found to be stabilized by steric forces. From intrinsic viscosity, the thickness of the stabilization layer was estimated. An increase in polymeric particles proportionately decreased the thickness of the stabilization layer. All the essential properties of a coating membrane such as microscopic free-volume fraction, permeability coefficient, mechanical properties, and glass transition temperature were fairly controllable as a function of plasticizer concentration. The pseudolatex dispersion of CAB was stable with negligible sedimentation volume and a particle size of 300 nm. Because CAB is water insoluble and non-ionizable, this pseudolatex can be used for pH-independent coating. The films obtained were strong and flexible for controlled drug delivery applications. Coating with the CAB dispersion reduced the surface roughness of beads but it remained stable as a function of increase in coating weight gain.