Formation and Physicochemical Properties of Crystalline and Amorphous Salts with Different Stoichiometries Formed between Ciprofloxacin and Succinic Acid

Preparation, Characterization, and Oral Bioavailability of Solid Dispersions of Cryptosporidium parvum Alternative Oxidase Inhibitors

The phenylpyrazole derivative 5-amino-3-[1-cyano-2-(3-phenyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl) vinyl]-1-phenyl-1H-pyrazole-4-carbonitrile (LN002), which was screened out through high-throughput molecular docking for the AOX target, exhibits promising efficacy against Cryptosporidium. However, its poor water solubility limits its oral bioavailability and therapeutic utility. In this study, solid dispersion agents were prepared by using HP-β-CD and Soluplus® and characterized through differential scanning calorimetry, Fourier transform infrared, powder X-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy. Physical and chemical characterization showed that the crystal morphology of LN002 transformed into an amorphous state, thus forming a solid dispersion of LN002. The solid dispersion prepared with an LN002/HP-β-CD/Soluplus® mass ratio of 1:3:9 (w/w/w) exhibited significantly increased solubility and cumulative dissolution. Meanwhile, LN002 SDs showed good preservation stability under accelerated conditions of 25 °C and 75% relative humidity. The complexation of LN002 with HP-β-CD and Soluplus® significantly improved water solubility, pharmacological properties, absorption, and bioavailability.

Drug Combination of Ciprofloxacin and Polymyxin B for the Treatment of Multidrug–Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii Infections: A Drug Pair Limiting the Development of Resistance

Polymyxins are considered as last–resort antibiotics to treat infections caused by Acinetobacter baumannii. However, there are increasing reports of resistance in A. baumannii to polymyxins. In this study, inhalable combinational dry powders consisting of ciprofloxacin (CIP) and polymyxin B (PMB) were prepared by spray–drying. The obtained powders were characterized with respect to the particle properties, solid state, in vitro dissolution and in vitro aerosol performance. The antibacterial effect of the combination dry powders against multidrug–resistant A. baumannii was assessed in a time–kill study. Mutants from the time–kill study were further investigated by population analysis profiling, minimum inhibitory concentration testing, and genomic comparisons. Inhalable dry powders consisting of CIP, PMB and their combination showed a fine particle fraction above 30%, an index of robust aerosol performance of inhaled dry powder formulations in the literature. The combination of CIP and PMB exhibited a synergistic antibacterial effect against A. baumannii and suppressed the development of CIP and PMB resistance. Genome analyses revealed only a few genetic differences of 3–6 SNPs between mutants and the progenitor isolate. This study suggests that inhalable spray–dried powders composed of the combination of CIP and PMB is promising for the treatment of respiratory infections caused by A. baumannii, and this combination can enhance the killing efficiency and suppress the development of drug resistance.

Preparation and Physiochemical Analysis of Novel Ciprofloxacin / Dicarboxylic Acid Salts

The crystal structures of four novel dicarboxylic acid salts of ciprofloxacin (CFX) with modified physicochemical properties, prepared by mechanochemical synthesis and solvent crystallization, are reported. A series of dicarboxylic acids of increasing molecular weight was chosen, predicted to interact via a carboxylic acid:secondary amine synthon. These were succinic (SA), glutaric (GA), adipic (AA) and pimelic (PA) acids (4, 5, 6, 7 carbon atoms respectively). Characterized by single crystal and powder X-ray diffraction, Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, scanning electron microscopy and aqueous solubility measurements, these salts showed distinct physicochemical properties relative to ciprofloxacin base. Searches of the Cambridge Structural Database (CSD) confirmed CFX-SA, CFX-GA, CFX-AA and CFX-PA to be novel crystal structures. Furthermore, the GA salt has substantially higher solubility than the widely available hydrochloride monohydrate salt (CFX-HCl·H₂O). CFX-SA, CFX-GA and CFX-AA showed minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 0.008 g/L and CFX-PA showed MIC of 0.004 g/L. The prepared CFX salts retained antibacterial activity exhibiting equivalent antimicrobial activity to CFX-HCl·H₂O. These salts have positive implications for increasing the application of CFX beyond conventional oral formulations and highlight mechanochemical activation as suitable production method.

Co-amorphous Drug Delivery Systems: a Review of Physical Stability, In Vitro and In Vivo Performance

Over the past few decades, co-amorphous solids have been used as a promising approach for delivering poorly water-soluble drugs. Co-amorphous solids, comprising pharmacologically relevant drug substances or excipients, improve physical stability, solubility, dissolution, and bioavailability compared with single amorphous ingredients. In this review, we have summarized recent advances in physical stability and in vitro and in vivo performances of co-amorphous solids. We have highlighted the role of molar ratio, molecular interaction, and mobility that affects the physical stability of co-amorphous solids. This review delves deep as to how co-amorphous solids affect the physicochemical properties in vitro and in vivo. We also described the challenges to the formulation of co-amorphous solids. A better understanding of the mechanisms of the physical stability, in vitro and in vivo performance of co-amorphous solids, and proper selection of the co-former is likely to expedite the development of robust co-amorphous-based pharmaceutical formulations and can address the challenges associated with the delivery of poorly soluble drugs.

Crystal Engineering of Pharmaceutical Cocrystals in the Discovery and Development of Improved Drugs

The subject of crystal engineering started in the 1970s with the study of topochemical reactions in the solid state. A broad chemical definition of crystal engineering was published in 1989, and the supramolecular synthon concept was proposed in 1995 followed by heterosynthons and their potential applications for the design of pharmaceutical cocrystals in 2004. This review traces the development of supramolecular synthons as robust and recurring hydrogen bond patterns for the design and construction of supramolecular architectures, notably, pharmaceutical cocrystals beginning in the early 2000s to the present time. The ability of a cocrystal between an active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) and a pharmaceutically acceptable coformer to systematically tune the physicochemical properties of a drug (i.e., solubility, permeability, hydration, color, compaction, tableting, bioavailability) without changing its molecular structure is the hallmark of the pharmaceutical cocrystals platform, as a bridge between drug discovery and pharmaceutical development. With the design of cocrystals via heterosynthons and prototype case studies to improve drug solubility in place (2000-2015), the period between 2015 to the present time has witnessed the launch of several salt-cocrystal drugs with improved efficacy and high bioavailability. This review on the design, synthesis, and applications of pharmaceutical cocrystals to afford improved drug products and drug substances will interest researchers in crystal engineering, supramolecular chemistry, medicinal chemistry, process development, and pharmaceutical and materials sciences. The scale-up of drug cocrystals and salts using continuous manufacturing technologies provides high-value pharmaceuticals with economic and environmental benefits.

Microwave-Assisted Synthesis of N/TiO2 Nanoparticles for Photocatalysis under Different Irradiation Spectra

Nitrogen-doped TiO₂ (N/TiO₂) photocatalyst nanoparticles were derived by the environmentally friendly and cost-effective microwave-assisted synthesis method. The samples were prepared at different reaction parameters (temperature and time) and precursor ratio (amount of nitrogen source; urea). The obtained materials were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Raman spectroscopy (RS), infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), electron microscopy (SEM-EDS), and nitrogen adsorption/desorption isotherms. Two cycles of optimizations were conducted to determine the best reaction temperature and time, as well as N content. The phase composition for all N/TiO₂ nanomaterials was identified as photoactive anatase. The reaction temperature was found to be the most relevant parameter for the course of the structural evolution of the samples. The nitrogen content was the least relevant for the development of the particle morphology, but it was important for photocatalytic performance. The photocatalytic activity of N/TiO₂ nanoparticle aqueous suspensions was evaluated by the degradation of antibiotic ciprofloxacin (CIP) under different irradiation spectra: ultraviolet A light (UVA), simulated solar light, and visible light. As expected, all prepared samples demonstrated efficient CIP degradation. For all irradiation sources, increasing synthesis temperature and increasing nitrogen content further improved the degradation efficiencies.

Formation of Ciprofloxacin–Isonicotinic Acid Cocrystal Using Mechanochemical Synthesis Routes—An Investigation into Critical Process Parameters

The mechanochemical synthesis of cocrystals has been introduced as a promising approach of formulating poorly water-soluble active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). In this study, hot-melt extrusion (HME) as a continuous process and grinding and ball milling as batch processes were employed to explore the feasibility of cocrystallization. Ciprofloxacin (CIP) and isonicotinic acid (INCA) were selected as the model API and coformer. CIP–INCA cocrystal was produced in all techniques. It was revealed that higher cocrystal content could be achieved at longer durations of grinding and ball milling. However, milling for more than 10 min led to increased co-amorphous content instead of cocrystal. A design of experiment (DoE) approach was used for deciphering the complex correlation of screw configuration, screw speed, and temperature as HME process parameters and their respective effect on final relative cocrystal yield. Statistical analysis showed that screw configuration, temperature, and their interaction were the most critical factors affecting cocrystallization. Interestingly, screw speed had minimal impact on the relative cocrystallization yield. Cocrystallization led to increased dissolution rate of CIP in phosphate buffer up to 2.5-fold. Overall, this study shed a light on the potential of mechanochemical synthesis techniques with special focus on HME as a continuous process for producing cocrystals.

Submerged Eutectic-Assisted, Solvent-Free Mechanochemical Formation of a Propranolol Salt and Its Other Multicomponent Solids

Salt preparation via a solid-state reaction offers a solution to challenges posed by current pharmaceutical research, which include combining development of novel forms of active pharmaceutical ingredients with greener, sustainable synthesis. This work investigated in detail the mechanism of salt formation between propranolol (PRO) and capric acid (CAP) and explored the solid eutectic phases comprising this salt, propranolol caprate (PRC). The salt structure was solved by X-ray diffraction, and the properties in the crystalline and supercooled states were fully characterised using thermal analysis, nuclear magnetic resonance, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and broadband dielectric spectroscopy (BDS). PRC forms via a submerged eutectic phase composed of PRO and CAP, below room temperature, by mechanochemistry without an extra input of energy. Two other solid eutectic phases are composed of PRC and either CAP or PRO, at 0.28 and 0.82 mol fraction of PRO, respectively. BDS indicated that the supercooled PRC has ionic character, whereas the supercooled PRC-PRO eutectic had predominantly non-ionic properties despite comprising the salt. In conclusion, knowledge of the mechanism of formation of multicomponent systems can help in designing more sustainable pharmaceutical processes.

Characterisation and fundamental insight into the formation of new solid state, multicomponent systems of propranolol

The physiochemical properties of acidic or basic active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) can be optimised by forming salts with different counterions. The aim of this work was to synthesise a novel salt of propranolol (PRO) using sebacic acid (SEBA) as the counterion and to gain mechanistic understanding of not only the salt formation, but also its eutectic phase formation with SEBA. Thermal analysis showed a solid-state reaction occurring between PRO and SEBA leading to the formation of dipropranolol sebacate (DPS) melting at app. 170 °C and the eutectic composed of DPS and SEBA melting at app. 103 °C, comprising 0.33 mol fraction of PRO as determined by the Tammann plot. X-ray diffraction and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) confirmed the identity of the new multicomponent phases of PRO. DPS can be conveniently obtained by heat-induced crystallisation, grinding and conventional solvent crystallisation. Detailed analysis by FTIR revealed H-bond interactions between DPS and SEBA at the inter-phase in the eutectic. Bravais, Friedel, Donnay and Harker crystal morphology coupled with full interaction maps analysis allowed to understand further the nature of interactions which led to formation of the eutectic phase. This work contributes to furthering research on multicomponent pharmaceutical systems to harness their full potential.

A novel crystalline molecular salt of sulfamethoxazole and amantadine hybridizing antiviral-antibacterial dual drugs with optimal in vitro/vivo pharmaceutical properties

In order to exploit the advantages to the full of multidrug salification strategy in amending the pharmaceutical properties of drugs both in vitro and in vivo, and further to open up a new way for its applications in bacteria-virus mixed cross-infection drugs, a novel dual-drug crystalline molecular salt hybridizing antibacterial drug sulfamethoxazole (SFM) with antiviral ingredient amantadine (ATE), namely SFM-ATE, is successfully designed and synthesized via multidrug salification strategy oriented by proton exchange reaction. The crystal structure of the firstly obtained molecular salt is precisely identified by employing single-crystal X-ray diffraction and multiple other techniques. The results show that, in the crystal lattice of molecular salt SFM-ATE, the classical hydrogen bonds together with charge-assisted hydrogen bonds contribute to two- dimensional networks, between which the hydrophobic interaction plays an important role. The relevant in vitro/vivo pharmaceutical properties of the dual-drug molecular salt are carried out through a comparative investigation of theoretical and experimental methods. It has been found that SFM displays concurrent improvements over the bulk drug in its permeability and dissolution after forming the molecular salt, which is supported by the molecular electrostatic potential calculation and Hirshfeld surface analysis. Encouragingly, the perfected in vitro biopharmaceutical properties can effectually turn into the in vivo pharmacokinetic preponderances with the expedited peak plasma concentration, lengthened half-life and enhanced bioavailability. Better yet, the antibacterial activities of SFM from the molecular salt get stronger with enlargement in inhibition areas and reduction in values of minimum inhibitory concentrations against the tested bacterial strains. Consequently, the present contribution not only supplies an opportunity for widening applications for classical sulfa drugs via dual-drug salification strategy, but also offers an alternative approach in dealing with viral-bacterial coinfection even other complex diseases by drugs' hybridization at the molecular level.

Variable stoichiometry cocrystals: occurrence and significance

Stoichiometric variation in organic cocrystals, their synthesis, structure elucidation and properties are discussed. Accountable reasons for the occurrence of such cocrystals are emphasised.

Inspiration for revival of old drugs: improving solubility and avoiding hygroscopicity of pipemidic acid by forming two pharmaceutical salts based on charge-assisted hydrogen bond recognitions

Improving solubility and avoiding hygroscopicity of pipemidic acid by forming pharmaceutical salts based on CAHBs.

Antimicrobial Activities of Highly Bioavailable Organic Salts and Ionic Liquids from Fluoroquinolones

As the development of novel antibiotics has been at a halt for several decades, chemically enhancing existing drugs is a very promising approach to drug development. Herein, we report the preparation of twelve organic salts and ionic liquids (OSILs) from ciprofloxacin and norfloxacin as anions with enhanced antimicrobial activity. Each one of the fluoroquinolones (FQs) was combined with six different organic hydroxide cations in 93-100% yield through a buffer-assisted neutralization methodology. Six of those were isomorphous salts while the remaining six were ionic liquids, with four of them being room temperature ionic liquids. The prepared compounds were not toxic to healthy cell lines and displayed between 47- and 1416-fold more solubility in water at 25 and 37 °C than the original drugs, with the exception of the ones containing the cetylpyridinium cation. In general, the antimicrobial activity against Klebsiella pneumoniae was particularly enhanced for the ciprofloxacin-based OSILs, with up to ca. 20-fold decreases of the inhibitory concentrations in relation to the parent drug, while activity against Staphylococcus aureus and the commensal Bacillus subtilis strain was often reduced. Depending on the cation-drug combination, broad-spectrum or strain-specific antibiotic salts were achieved, potentially leading to the future development of highly bioavailable and safe antimicrobial ionic formulations.

Multifunctional magnetite nanoparticles for drug delivery: Preparation, characterisation, antibacterial properties and drug release kinetics

Multifunctional nanoparticles (NPs) with magnetic (M) and antibacterial properties were prepared for drug delivery purposes by a method involving co-precipitation synthesis. Partial and complete substitutions of ferrous ions (Fe²⁺) by copper ions (Cu²⁺) were carried out for the preparation of the magnetite NPs, which are designated as Cu_0.5M and CuM, respectively, in this work. In addition, chitosan and ciprofloxacin were hybridized with the NPs from the previous step to achieve multifunctional properties. XRD, TEM, SEM/EDAX, VSM and FTIR were subsequently employed to characterize various properties of the prepared NPs, namely, crystallinity, nanostructure (size), particle morphology, elemental mapping, magnetic strength and chemical composition. Antibacterial properties of the NPs were tested against Bacillus cereus (Gram-positive bacteria), Escherichia coli (Gram-negative bacteria) and Candida albicans (yeast). Efficiency of the ciprofloxacin release was also studied for the drug-loaded NPs. It is demonstrated that the obtained NPs possess mixed phases with crystalline structures that are affected by the degree of Cu ion substitution (5-10 nm (M), 2.5-3.5 nm (Cu_0.5M) and 11-16 nm (CuM)). Saturation magnetization values of the NPs were recorded as 38.7, 3.5 and 1.3 emu/g, respectively. It was also found that the introduction of Cu ions in the NP samples improved the significance of their antibacterial activity, especially against Escherichia coli. Chitosan and ciprofloxacin were found to have stronger effects against Bacillus cereus and Escherichia coli and lesser effects against Candida albicans. However, the samples containing chitosan, ciprofloxacin and the higher Cu ion concentration exhibited strong influence against Candida albicans. During a study period of 30-days, the amounts of released drug from the tested NPs were 85, 26 and 20% of the originally loaded amount, respectively. Owing to the findings in this paper, the developed NPs are considered to have good potential for drug delivery applications and to study them further such as in pre-clinical studies.

Pharmaceutical salts/cocrystals of enoxacin with dicarboxylic acids: Enhancing in vitro antibacterial activity of enoxacin by improving the solubility and permeability

Base on improving the solubility and permeability of enoxacin (EX) to enhance the antibacterial activity in vitro, three new pharmaceutical salts/cocrystals of EX with oxalic acid (EX·0.5(C₂H₂O₄)·2(H₂O)), malonic acid ((HEX)·C₃H₃O₄) and fumaric acid ((HEX)·C₄H₃O₄) have been designed, synthesized and characterized. Comprehensive analysis structure and Hirshfeld surface reveal that the hydrogen bonds/CAHBs formed by the N atom in the piperazine ring from EX molecule with the carboxylic acid group in the coformer could form a stable crystal structure. It is universally acknowledged that improving the solubility of the EX (BCS class II) to make it a BCS class I drug would obtain a Bioequivalence of immunity to the drug trial. The solubilities of three pharmaceutical salts/cocrystals of EX with dicarboxylic acids are consistent with expectation that they are dramatically improved in pure water than pure enoxacin, and the solubility order of three pharmaceutical salts/cocrystals of EX is consistent with coformers solubility. The permeabilities of three pharmaceutical salts/cocrystals of EX are improved compared with the pure enoxacin, and the variation tendency is consistent with the solubilities of three pharmaceutical salts/cocrystals of EX. In addition, the antibacterial activities in vitro of three pharmaceutical salts/cocrystals of EX are improved compared with the corresponding parent compound (EX), which change the order is consistent with the solubility and permeability. Simultaneously, the hygroscopic stabilities of three pharmaceutical salts/cocrystals are surpassing pure EX, and the hygroscopic stability of molecular cocrystal EX-OXA is better than ionic cocrystal EX-MLO and EX-FUM. This implies that preparation of the pharmaceutical salts/cocrystals of EX with oxalic acid, malonic acid and fumaric acid could not only enhance the antibacterial activity of EX, which base on improving the solubility and permeability of EX, but also improve the hygroscopic stability of EX.

Enhancement of the Physical Stability of Amorphous Sildenafil in a Binary Mixture, with either a Plasticizing or Antiplasticizing Compound

The main purpose of this paper was to evaluate the impact of both high- and low-T_g polymer additives on the physical stability of an amorphous drug, sildenafil (SIL). The molecular mobility of neat amorphous SIL was strongly affected by the polymeric excipients used (Kollidon VA64 (KVA) and poly(vinylacetate) (PVAc)). The addition of KVA slowed down the molecular dynamics of amorphous SIL (antiplasticizing effect), however, the addition of PVAc accelerated the molecular motions of the neat drug (plasticizing effect). Therefore, in order to properly assess the effect of the polymer on the physical stability of SIL, the amorphous samples at both: isothermal (at constant temperature—353 K) and isochronal (at constant relaxation time—τ_α = 1.5 ms) conditions were compared. Our studies showed that KVA suppressed the recrystallization of amorphous SIL more efficiently than PVAc. KVA improved the physical stability of the amorphous drug, regardless of the chosen concentration. On the other hand, in the case of PVAc, a low polymer content (i.e., 25 wt.%) destabilized amorphous SIL, when stored at 353 K. Nevertheless, at high concentrations of this excipient (i.e., 75 wt.%), its effect on the amorphous pharmaceutical seemed to be the opposite. Therefore, above a certain concentration, the PVAc presence no longer accelerates the SIL recrystallization process, but inhibits it.

Organic Salts of Pharmaceutical Impurity p-Aminophenol

The presence of impurities can drastically affect the efficacy and safety of pharmaceutical entities. p-Aminophenol (PAP) is one of the main impurities of paracetamol (PA) that can potentially show toxic effects such as maternal toxicity and nephrotoxicity. The removal of PAP from PA is challenging and difficult to achieve through regular crystallization approaches. In this regard, we report four new salts of PAP with salicylic acid (SA), oxalic acid (OX), l-tartaric acid (TA), and (1S)-(+)-10-camphorsulfonic acid (CSA). All the PAP salts were analyzed using single-crystal X-ray diffraction, powder X-ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and thermogravimetric analysis. The presence of minute amounts of PAP in paracetamol solids gives a dark color to the product that was difficult to remove through crystallization. In our study, we found that the addition of small quantities of the aforementioned acids helps to remove PAP from PA during the filtration and washings. This shows that salt formation could be used to efficiently remove challenging impurities.

Ciprofloxacin salts with benzoic acid derivatives: structural aspects, solid-state properties and solubility performance

In this work, three new pharmaceutical hydrated salts of ciprofloxacin with selected derivatives of benzoic acid were obtained and systematically investigated by several solid-state analytical techniques.

A crystalline solid adduct of sulfathiazole–amantadine: the first dual-drug molecular salt containing both antiviral and antibacterial ingredients

The physicochemical properties and bioactivity of a newly synthesized dual-drug molecular salt, sulfathiazole–amantadine, are theoretically and experimentally studied.

Dicarboxylic acid as a linker to improve the content of amorphous drug in drug-in-polymer film: Effects of molecular mobility, electrical conductivity and intermolecular interactions

Amorphous solid dispersion (ASD) is a well-established approach to improve the dissolution rate of the drugs with low water solubility. However, the application of the ASD was hindered by the low drug content and high risk of re-crystallization of drugs. The purpose of this research was to develop an ASD film with high content of amorphous olanzapine (OLN) for oral delivery. To overcome the high crystallization tendency of OLN in polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) films, three dicarboxylic acids (succinic acid (Suc), fumaric acid (Fum) and malic acid (Mal)) were introduced in the drug-in-polymer system as linkers between the drug and the polymer. The influence of the linkers on the re-crystallization of OLN in PVA films was evaluated by polarized light microscopy (PLM) and x-ray diffraction (XRD). Then, the possible mechanisms of crystallization inhibition were discussed based on the results of dielectric spectroscopy (DES), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR), Raman spectroscopy and molecular modeling. Finally, the effect of the linkers on the in vitro dissolution of the OLN-in-PVA films was studied in simulant saliva, and the in vivo performance of the optimal formulation was evaluated in rats. The results showed that OLN-in-PVA film have lower molecular mobility, lower electrical conductivity and stronger intermolecular interactions with the existence of Mal, which led to a better crystallization inhibition of OLN in PVA films. The re-crystallization of OLN in PVA films decreased the dissolution rate of OLN in simulant saliva. The in vivo performance of the optimal formulation was similar with that of OLN solution in rats. This study introduced a novel strategy to reduce the risk of drug re-crystallization in ASD, and also provided a deeper insight into the mechanisms of crystallization inhibition in ASD. The results will improve the judicious selection of excipients in pharmaceutical formulations.

Chitosan-induced Synergy for Extended Antimicrobial Potency and Enhanced In Vitro Drug Release of Free Base Ciprofloxacin Nanoplexes

BACKGROUND

Ciprofloxacin free base is practically insoluble in aqueous medium (0.0011 and 0.09 mg/mL at 25 and 37°C respectively). Its inorganic salt form (ciprofloxacin hydrochloride) is more soluble in water (1.35 mg/mL) however when administered orally, it exhibits decreased solubility in the stomach due to common ion effects. Ciprofloxacin free base was used in this study because of its greater hydrophobicity than its hydrochloride salt, which is required for effective permeability and potent antibacterial activity.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study is to enhance oral solubility and bacterial cell permeability of the free base ciprofloxacin (CPX) using a single step CPX-chitosan (CT) selfassembly to form nanoplexes with organic counterions. It was envisioned that this would allow the delivery of larger amounts of active drug into the microorganisms.

METHODS

Ciprofloxacin-chitosan nanocomplex (nanoplex) was prepared using low energy electrostatic self-assembly technique previously described. Formation of eutectic nanoplex was confirmed using FTIR, DSC, TGA and SEM. The saturated solubility, in vitro release kinetics and mechanism of drug release were determined using mathematical models. Potency and synergism were determined from the inhibition zones, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and Fractional Inhibitory Concentration (FIC) of the nanoplexes using Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus.

RESULTS

Formation of CPX-CT eutectic adduct polymeric nanoplexes was confirmed with FT-IR and DSC and SEM revealed the conversion of rod-like crystals of CPX (117 μm long) into spherical nanostructures (23-503 nm) dictated by pH, ionic strength and concentration of CT. The solubility of free base CPX increased to a maximum of 32.77 mg/mL compared to 0.0011-0.09 mg/mL reported in literature and dissolution efficiency increased to a maximum of 100% within 72 h. The synergistic effect of CT on antimicrobial activity of CPX was quantified, for the first time, using Fractional Inhibitory Concentration (FIC) of the nanoplexes. FIC was less than 0.5 in both Gram positive (0.031-0.250) and Gram negative (0.036-0.281) microorganisms used in this study, confirming synergistic enhancement of antimicrobial efficacy of CPX.

CONCLUSION

It is evident that the design of drug-polymer nanocomplex formulation provides a platform for the synergistic enhancement of therapeutic potency of antibiotics.

Fluoroquinolone Amorphous Polymeric Salts and Dispersions for Veterinary Uses

Enrofloxacin (ENRO) is a poorly soluble drug used in veterinary medicine. It differs from the more widely used fluoroquinolone ciprofloxacin (CIP) by the presence of an ethyl substituent on its piperazine amino group. While a number of recent studies have examined amorphous composite formulations of CIP, little research has been conducted with ENRO in this area. Therefore, the main purpose of this work was to produce amorphous solid dispersions (ASDs) of ENRO. The solid-state properties of these samples were investigated and compared to those of the equivalent CIP ASDs, and their water uptake behavior, solubility, dissolution, and antibacterial activity were assessed. Like CIP, X-ray amorphous solid dispersions were obtained when ENRO was ball milled with acidic polymers, whereas the use of neutral polymers resulted in semi-crystalline products. Proton transfer from the carboxylic acids of the polymers to the tertiary amine of ENRO’s piperazine group appears to occur in the ASDs, resulting in an ionic bond between the two components. Therefore, these ASDs can be referred to as amorphous polymeric salts (APSs). The glass transition temperatures of the APSs were significantly higher than that of ENRO, and they were also resistant to crystallization when exposed to high humidity levels. Greater concentrations were achieved with the APSs than the pure drug during solubility and dissolution studies, and this enhancement was sustained for the duration of the experiments. In addition, the antimicrobial activity of ENRO was not affected by APS formation, while the minimum inhibitory concentrations and minimum bactericidal concentrations obtained with the APS containing hydroxypropyl methylcellulose acetate succinate grade MG (HPMCAS-MG) were significantly lower than those of the pure drug. Therefore, APS formation is one method of improving the pharmaceutical properties of this drug.

The salt–cocrystal spectrum in salicylic acid–adenine: the influence of crystal structure on proton-transfer balance

At one extreme of the proton-transfer spectrum in cocrystals, proton transfer is absent, whilst at the opposite extreme, in salts, the proton-transfer process is complete. However, for acid–base pairs with a small ΔpK a (pK a of base − pK a of acid), prediction of the extent of proton transfer is not possible as there is a continuum between the salt and cocrystal ends. In this context, we attempt to illustrate that in these systems, in addition to ΔpK a, the crystalline environment could change the extent of proton transfer. To this end, two compounds of salicylic acid (SaH) and adenine (Ad) have been prepared. Despite the same small ΔpK a value (≈1.2), different ionization states are found. Both crystals, namely adeninium salicylate monohydrate, C5H6N5 +·C7H5O3 −·H2O, I, and adeninium salicylate–adenine–salicylic acid–water (1/2/1/2), C5H6N5 +·C7H5O3 −·2C5H5N5·C7H6O3·2H2O, II, have been characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, IR spectroscopy and elemental analysis (C, H and N) techniques. In addition, the intermolecular hydrogen-bonding interactions of compounds I and II have been investigated and quantified in detail on the basis of Hirshfeld surface analysis and fingerprint plots. Throughout the study, we use crystal engineering, which is based on modifications of the intermolecular interactions, thus offering a more comprehensive screening of the salt–cocrystal continuum in comparison with pure pK a analysis.

Advances in coamorphous drug delivery systems

In recent years, the coamorphous drug delivery system has been established as a promising formulation approach for delivering poorly water-soluble drugs. The coamorphous solid is a single-phase system containing an active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) and other low molecular weight molecules that might be pharmacologically relevant APIs or excipients. These formulations exhibit considerable advantages over neat crystalline or amorphous material, including improved physical stability, dissolution profiles, and potentially enhanced therapeutic efficacy. This review provides a comprehensive overview of coamorphous drug delivery systems from the perspectives of preparation, physicochemical characteristics, physical stability, in vitro and in vivo performance. Furthermore, the challenges and strategies in developing robust coamorphous drug products of high quality and performance are briefly discussed.

Solid State Characterization of Ciprofloxacin Liposome Nanocrystals

Liposomes have been widely researched as drug delivery systems; however, the solid state form of drug inside the liposome, whether it is in solution or in a solid state, is often not studied. The solid state properties of the drug inside the liposomes are important, as they dictate the drug release behavior when the liposomes come into contact with physiological fluid. Recently, a new approach of making liposomal ciprofloxacin nanocrystals was proposed by the use of an additional freeze-thawing step in the liposomal preparation method. This paper aims to determine the solid state properties of ciprofloxacin inside the liposomes after this additional freeze-thawing cycle using cryo-TEM, small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), and cross-polarized light microscopy (CPLM). Ciprofloxacin precipitated in the ciprofloxacin hydrate crystal form with a unit cell dimension of 16.7 Å. The nanocrystals also showed a phase transition at 93 °C, which represents dehydration of the hydrate crystals to the anhydrate form of ciprofloxacin, verified by temperature-dependent SAXS measurements. Furthermore, the dependence of the solid state form of the nanocrystals on pH was investigated in situ, and it was shown that the liposomal ciprofloxacin nanocrystals retained their crystalline form at pH 6-10. Understanding the solid state attributes of nanocrystals inside liposomes provides improved understanding of drug dissolution and release as well as opening avenues to new applications where the nanosized crystals can provide a dissolution benefit.

Optimization of Ciprofloxacin Hydrochloride Spray-Dried Microparticles for Pulmonary Delivery Using Design of Experiments

Ciprofloxacin is a broad-spectrum antibiotic for treatment of pulmonary diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and cystic fibrosis. The purpose of this work was to rationally study the spray drying of ciprofloxacin in order to identify the formulation and operating conditions that lead to a product with aerodynamic properties appropriate for dry powder inhalation. A 2^4 - 1 fractional factorial design was applied to investigate the effect of selected variables (i.e., ciprofloxacin hydrochloride (CIP) concentration, drying air inlet temperature, feed flow rate, and atomization air flow rate) on several product and process parameters (i.e., particle size, aerodynamic diameter, moisture content, densities, porosity, powder flowability, outlet temperature, and process yield) and to determine an optimal condition. The studied factors had a significant effect on the evaluated responses (higher p value 0.0017), except for the moisture content (p value > 0.05). The optimal formulation and operating conditions were as follows: CIP concentration 10 mg/mL, drying air inlet temperature 110°C, feed volumetric flow rate 3.0 mL/min, and atomization air volumetric flow rate 473 L/h. The product obtained under this set had a particle size that guarantees access to the lung, a moisture content acceptable for dry powder inhalation, fair flowability, and high process yield. The PDRX and SEM analysis of the optimal product showed a crystalline structure and round and dimpled particles. Moreover, the product was obtained by a simple and green spray drying method.

Impact of PCL nanofiber mat structural properties on hydrophilic drug release and antibacterial activity on periodontal pathogens

Electrospinning enables to design and manufacture novel drug delivery systems capable of advancing the local antibacterial therapy. In this study, two hydrophilic drugs - metronidazole and ciprofloxacin hydrochloride - were loaded both individually and in combination into hydrophobic poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) matrix using electrospinning. We aimed to develop prolonged release drug delivery systems suitable for the treatment of periodontal diseases and understand how different rarely studied structural features, such as nanofiber mat thickness, surface area, wettability, together with intrinsic properties, like solid state and localization of incorporated drugs in nanofibers, affect the drug release. Furthermore, the safety of nanofiber mats was assessed in vitro on fibroblasts, and their antibacterial activity was tested on selected strains of periodontopathogenic bacteria. The results showed that the structural properties of nanofiber mat are crucial in particular drug-polymer combinations, affecting the drug release and consequently the antibacterial activity. The hydrophobicity of a PCL nanofiber mat and its thickness are the key characteristics in prolonged hydrophilic drug release, but only when wetting is the rate-limiting step for the drug release. Combination of drugs showed beneficial effects by inhibiting the growth of all tested pathogenic bacterial strains important in periodontal diseases.

Can Storage Time Improve the Physical Stability of Amorphous Pharmaceuticals with Tautomerization Ability Exposed to Compression? The Case of a Chloramphenicol Drug

In this article we thoroughly investigated the physical stability of the amorphous form of a chloramphenicol drug. The tendency toward recrystallization of this drug has been examined (i) at nonisothermal conditions by means of a DSC technique; (ii) at isothermal conditions and temperature close to T_room by means of dielectric spectroscopy; (iii) at isothermal conditions and elevated temperatures of T = 323 K and 338 K by dielectric spectroscopy; and (iv) at conditions imitating the manufacturing procedure (i.e., elevated temperature and compression procedure). Our investigations have shown that amorphous chloramphenicol, stored at both standard storage and elevated temperature conditions, does not reveal a tendency toward recrystallization. However, compression significantly changes this behavior and destabilizes the examined compound. We found that due to chemical equilibration of the sample, the elongation of the storage time before compression might improve the physical stability of the examined pharmaceutical exposed to compression 34-times.

Diversity of crystal structures and physicochemical properties of ciprofloxacin and norfloxacin salts with fumaric acid

The crystallization of norfloxacin and ciprofloxacin – antibacterial fluoroquinolone compounds – with fumaric acid resulted in the isolation of six distinct solid forms of the drugs with different stoichiometries and hydration levels.

Pharmaceutical cocrystals, salts and multicomponent systems; intermolecular interactions and property based design

As small molecule drugs become harder to develop and less cost effective for patient use, efficient strategies for their property improvement become increasingly important to global health initiatives. Improvements in the physical properties of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs), without changes in the covalent chemistry, have long been possible through the application of binary component solids. This was first achieved through the use of pharmaceutical salts, within the last 10-15years with cocrystals and more recently coamorphous systems have also been consciously applied to this problem. In order to rationally discover the best multicomponent phase for drug development, intermolecular interactions need to be considered at all stages of the process. This review highlights the current thinking in this area and the state of the art in: pharmaceutical multicomponent phase design, the intermolecular interactions in these phases, the implications of these interactions on the material properties and the pharmacokinetics in a patient.

Amorphous Polymeric Drug Salts as Ionic Solid Dispersion Forms of Ciprofloxacin

Ciprofloxacin (CIP) is a poorly soluble drug that also displays poor permeability. Attempts to improve the solubility of this drug to date have largely focused on the formation of crystalline salts and metal complexes. The aim of this study was to prepare amorphous solid dispersions (ASDs) by ball milling CIP with various polymers. Following examination of their solid state characteristics and physical stability, the solubility advantage of these ASDs was studied, and their permeability was investigated via parallel artificial membrane permeability assay (PAMPA). Finally, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of the ASDs were compared to those of CIP. It was discovered that acidic polymers, such as Eudragit L100, Eudragit L100-55, Carbopol, and HPMCAS, were necessary for the amorphization of CIP. In each case, the positively charged secondary amine of CIP was found to interact with carboxylate groups in the polymers, forming amorphous polymeric drug salts. Although the ASDs began to crystallize within days under accelerated stability conditions, they remained fully X-ray amorphous following exposure to 90% RH at 25 °C, and demonstrated higher than predicted glass transition temperatures. The solubility of CIP in water and simulated intestinal fluid was also increased by all of the ASDs studied. Unlike a number of other solubility enhancing formulations, the ASDs did not decrease the permeability of the drug. Similarly, no decrease in antibiotic efficacy was observed, and significant improvements in the MIC and MBC of CIP were obtained with ASDs containing HPMCAS-LG and HPMCAS-MG. Therefore, ASDs may be a viable alternative for formulating CIP with improved solubility, bioavailability, and antimicrobial activity.

A novel gel based on an ionic complex from a dendronized polymer and ciprofloxacin: Evaluation of its use for controlled topical drug release

The development and characterization of a novel, gel-type material based on a dendronized polymer (DP) loaded with ciprofloxacin (CIP), and the evaluation of its possible use for controlled drug release, are presented in this work. DP showed biocompatible and non-toxic behaviors in cultured cells, both of which are considered optimal properties for the design of a final material for biomedical applications. These results were encouraging for the use of the polymer loaded with CIP (as a drug model), under gel form, in the development of a new controlled-release system to be evaluated for topical administration. First, DP-CIP ionic complexes were obtained by an acid-base reaction using the high density of carboxylic acid groups of the DP and the amine groups of the CIP. The complexes obtained in the solid state were broadly characterized using FTIR spectroscopy, XRP diffraction, DSC-TG analysis and optical microscopy techniques. Gels based on the DP-CIP complexes were easily prepared and presented excellent mechanical behaviors. In addition, optimal properties for application on mucosal membranes and skin were achieved due to their high biocompatibility and acute skin non-irritation. Slow and sustained release of CIP toward simulated physiological fluids was observed in the assays (in vitro), attributed to ion exchange phenomenon and to the drug reservoir effect. An in vitro bacterial growth inhibition assay showed significant CIP activity, corresponding to 38 and 58% of that exhibited by a CIP hydrochloride solution at similar CIP concentrations, against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, respectively. However, CIP delivery was appropriate, both in terms of magnitude and velocity to allow for a bactericidal effect. In conclusion, the final product showed promising behavior, which could be exploited for the treatment of topical and mucosal opportunistic infections in human or veterinary applications.

Influence of Coformer Stoichiometric Ratio on Pharmaceutical Cocrystal Dissolution: Three Cocrystals of Carbamazepine/4-Aminobenzoic Acid

Cocrystallization is a technique to optimize solid forms that shows great potential to improve the solubility of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). In some systems, an API can form cocrystals in multiple stoichiometries with the same coformer. However, it remains unclear how coformer stoichiometry influences solubility. This paper investigates the pharmaceutical:coformer pair carbamazepine (CBZ)/p-aminobenzoic acid (PABA); both CBZ/PABA 1:1 and 2:1 cocrystals are known, and a novel 4:1 CBZ/PABA cocrystal is reported here. The 4:1 cocrystal is structurally characterized, and phase stability data suggest that it is a thermodynamically unstable form. Dissolution experiments show that there is no correlation between the cocrystal stoichiometry and dissolution rate in this system. On the other hand, with the relatively weak intermolecular interactions, metastable forms can be beneficial to dissolution rate, which suggests that more effort should be devoted to cocrystal production with kinetic growth methods.

Salt screening and characterization of ciprofloxacin

With the aim of improving the solubility of ciprofloxacin, polybasic organic acids were utilized to react with ciprofloxacin in different stoichiometric proportions. The use of the solvent drop grinding (SDG) method, as well as the solvent evaporation method, resulted in the crystalline salts ciprofloxacin/fumaric acid (1:1, 2:1), ciprofloxacin/maleic acid (1:1) and ciprofloxacin/citric acid (2:1). The solubilities of these salts in pure water (pH 7.0) were determined using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) at 310 K, with the salts showing considerably greater solubility than ciprofloxacin itself and, interestingly, ciprofloxacin/fumaric acid (2:1) being more soluble than ciprofloxacin/fumaric acid (1:1). Intrigued by this phenomenon, we undertook a comparison of the crystal structures of the salts: the three-dimensional sandwich-like structure observed in the 2:1 salt indicates that the preferred stacking may be a factor in increasing the solubility of ciprofloxacin.

Molecular structure studies of (1S,2S)-2-benzyl-2,3-dihydro-2-(1H-inden-2-yl)-1H-inden-1-ol

The single enantiomer (1S,2S)-2-benzyl-2,3-dihydro-2-(1H-inden-2-yl)-1H-inden-1-ol (2), has recently been synthesized and isolated from its corresponding diastereoisomer (1). The molecular and crystal structures of this novel compound have been fully analyzed. The relative and absolute configurations have been determined by using a combination of analytical tools including X-ray crystallography, X-ray Powder Diffraction (XRPD) analysis and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy.

Molecular salts of propranolol with dicarboxylic acids: diversity of stoichiometry, supramolecular structures and physicochemical properties

Crystallization of the drug propranolol with dicarboxylic acids yielded molecular salts with oxalic and fumaric acids in molar ratios of 1 : 1 and 2 : 1, with maleic acid in a molar ratio of 1 : 1.