Differential effects of sulfate and sulfobutyl ether of beta-cyclodextrin on erythrocyte membranes in vitro

Interactions between cyclodextrins and cellular components: Towards greener medical applications?

In the field of host-guest chemistry, some of the most widely used hosts are probably cyclodextrins (CDs). As CDs are able to increase the water solubility of numerous drugs by inclusion into their hydrophobic cavity, they have been widespread used to develop numerous pharmaceutical formulations. Nevertheless, CDs are also able to interact with endogenous substances that originate from an organism, tissue or cell. These interactions can be useful for a vast array of topics including cholesterol manipulation, treatment of Alzheimer's disease, control of pathogens, etc. In addition, the use of natural CDs offers the great advantage of avoiding or reducing the use of common petroleum-sourced drugs. In this paper, the general features and applications of CDs have been reviewed as well as their interactions with isolated biomolecules leading to the formation of inclusion or exclusion complexes. Finally, some potential medical applications are highlighted throughout several examples.

Supramolecular assistance between cyclodextrins and didecyldimethylammonium chloride against enveloped viruses: Toward eco-biocidal formulations

Nosocomial infections have emerged as important causes of morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised individuals. In this respect, biocides are widely used in hospitals leading to resistant microorganisms. We show here that cyclodextrins can remarkably boost the virucidal activity of di-n-decyldimethylammonium chloride. These oligosaccharides synergistically work with the biocide affording a noticeable reduction of the active virucide concentration between 40 and 85%. Partial replacement of a significant amount of the biocide by eco- and bio-compatible cyclodextrins whilst maintaining the same activity is of great interest as it allows the reduction of the toxicological drawbacks of classical biocide mixtures.

In vitro evaluation of 2-hydroxyalkylated β-cyclodextrins as potential therapeutic agents for Niemann-Pick Type C disease

This study was conducted to evaluate the attenuating potential of 2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HPBCD) against Niemann-Pick Type C (NPC) disease, as well as the physical and chemical properties, particularly the cholesterol-solubilizing ability, in an NPC disease model in vitro. As parameters of NPC abnormalities, intracellular free and esterified cholesterol levels and lysosome volume were measured in Npc1 null Chinese hamster ovary cells. HPBCD showed dose-dependent effects against dysfunctional intracellular cholesterol trafficking, such as the accumulation and shortage of free and esterified cholesterols, respectively, in Npc1 null cells. However, the effectiveness was gradually offset by exposure to ≥8mM HPBCD. The same effect was also observed for increasing lysosome volume in Npc1 null cells. The degree of substitution of the hydroxypropyl group had little influence on the attenuating effects of HPBCD against the NPC abnormalities, at least in the range between 2.8 and 7.4. Next, we compared the effects of other hydroxyalkylated β-cyclodextrin derivatives with different cholesterol-solubilizing abilities, such as 2-hydroxyethyl-β-cyclodextrin (HEBCD) and 2-hydroxybutyl-β-cyclodextrin (HBBCD). The cholesterol solubilizing potential, attenuating effects against NPC abnormalities and cytotoxicity induction were HBBCD≫HPBCD>HEBCD, HBBCD=HPBCD>HEBCD and HBBCD≫HPBCD=HEBCD, respectively. HPBCD may be superior in terms of safety and efficacy in Npc1 null cells compared with HEBCD and HBBCD. The results of this study will provide a rationale for the optimization of HPBCD therapy for NPC disease.

Protein stabilization by cyclodextrins in the liquid and dried state

Aggregation is arguably the biggest challenge for the development of stable formulations and robust manufacturing processes of therapeutic proteins. In search of novel excipients inhibiting protein aggregation, cyclodextrins and their derivatives have been under examination for use in parenteral protein products since more than 20 years and significant research work has been accomplished highlighting the great potential of cyclodextrins as stabilizers of therapeutic proteins. Oftentimes, the potential of cyclodextrins to inhibit protein aggregation has been attributed to their capability to incorporate hydrophobic residues on aggregation-prone proteins or on their partially unfolded intermediates into the hydrophobic cavity. In addition, also other mechanisms besides or even instead of complex formation play a role in the stabilization mechanism, e.g. non-ionic surfactant-like effects. In this review a comprehensive overview of the available research work on the beneficial use of cyclodextrins and their derivatives in protein formulations, liquid as well as dried, is provided. The mechanisms of stabilization against different kinds of stress conditions, such as thermal or surface-induced, are discussed in detail.

Sulfobutyl ether-alkyl ether mixed cyclodextrin derivatives with enhanced inclusion ability

The aim of this work was to study the complexation capability of new sulfobutyl ether-alkyl ether (SBE-AE-CD) mixed beta- and gamma-cyclodextrin derivatives with a series of structurally related steroids (6alpha-methylprednisolone, prednisolone, triamcinolone, D(-) norgestrel and hydrocortisone) and a number of dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers (nimodipine, nitrendipine, nifedipine) that traditionally interact poorly with other cyclodextrins (CDs). The effect of the total degree of substitution (TDS) and of the length of the alkyl side chain on binding capacity of these new modified CDs was evaluated as was their ability to induce red blood cell hemolysis. An attempt was made to correlate hemolysis to surface activity. Binding constants between the SBE-AE-CDs and selected molecules were determined by spectroscopic studies, and only in few cases by solubility studies. Hemolysis percentage was determined using citrated rabbit blood and citrated human blood with UV analysis. The surface activity was measured with a tensiometer. A significant improvement in the binding capacity between various substrates and the new SBE-AE-CDs was observed when compared to the SBE-CDs. The length of the alkyl chain and total degree of alkylation affected the binding with the relationship being complex. For most compounds, an intermediate degree of substitution appeared to be advantageous. The hemolysis studies showed that some of the derivatives may induce hemolysis and this correlated with higher surface activity for some but not all of the derivatives.

In vitro and in vivo evaluation of a sulfobutyl ether beta-cyclodextrin enabled etomidate formulation

In this study, we report the formulation and in vivo evaluation of etomidate in an aqueous solution using sulfobutyl ether-7 beta-cyclodextrin (SBE-CD, Captisol) as a solubilizing agent. The phase-solubility behavior of etomidate as a function of SBE-CD concentration was evaluated, and accelerated solution stability studies of 2 mg/mL etomidate in a 5% w/v SBE-CD solution were conducted. The intravenous administration of the SBE-CD etomidate formulation in dogs was compared with Amidate, the commercial etomidate drug product formulated with propylene glycol as a cosolvent. The etomidate plasma concentration-time data were fit to a three-compartment mamillary model and the derived standard pharmacokinetic parameters were not statistically different between the two formulations (n = 4, p > 0.050). Concurrent pharmacodynamic analysis provided statistically equivalent maximum effects and median inhibitory concentrations for the two formulations. In vivo hemolysis after intravenous administration of Amidate was 10-fold higher than the SBE-CD formulation. Whereas Amidate cannot be given subcutaneously because of the cosolvent in the formulation, a 12 mg/mL aqueous solution of etomidate in 20% (w/v) SBE-CD was well tolerated by this route. The results suggest that the SBE-CD formulation is a viable clinical drug product with a reduced side-effect profile.

[Pharmaceutical application of cyclodextrins as multi-functional drug carriers]

Owing to the increasingly globalized nature of the cyclodextrin (CyD)-related science and technology, development of the CyD-based pharmaceutical formulation is rapidly progressing. The pharmaceutically useful CyDs are classified into hydrophilic, hydrophobic, and ionic derivatives. Because of the multi-functional characteristics and bioadaptability, these CyDs are capable of alleviating the undesirable properties of drug molecules through the formation of inclusion complexes or the form of CyD/drug conjugates. This review outlines the current application of CyDs in drug delivery and pharmaceutical formulation, focusing on the following evidences. 1) The hydrophilic CyDs enhance the rate and extent of bioavailability of poorly water-soluble drugs. 2) The amorphous CyDs such as 2-hydroxypropyl-beta-CyD are useful for inhibition of polymorphic transition and crystallization rates of drugs during storage. 3) The delayed release formulation can be obtained by the use of enteric type CyDs such as O-carboxymethyl-O-ethyl-beta-CyD. 4) The hydrophobic CyDs are useful for modification of the release site and/or time profile of water-soluble drugs with prolonged therapeutic effects. 5) The branched CyDs are particularly effective in inhibiting the adsorption to hydrophobic surface of containers and aggregation of polypeptide and protein drugs. 6) The combined use of different CyDs and/or pharmaceutical additives can serve as more functional drug carriers, improving efficacy and reducing side effects. 7) The CyD/drug conjugates may provide a versatile means for the constructions of not only colonic delivery system but also site-specific drug release system, including gene delivery. On the basis of the above-mentioned knowledge, the advantages and limitations of CyDs in the design of advanced dosage forms will be discussed.

Drug carrier systems based on water-soluble cationic beta-cyclodextrin polymers

This study was designed to synthesize, characterize and investigate the drug inclusion property of a series of novel cationic beta-cyclodextrin polymers (CPbetaCDs). Proposed water-soluble polymers were synthesized from beta-cyclodextrin (beta-CD), epichlorohydrin (EP) and choline chloride (CC) through a one-step polymerization procedure by varying molar ratio of EP and CC to beta-CD. Physicochemical properties of the polymers were characterized with colloidal titration, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR), gel permeation chromatography (GPC) and aqueous solubility determination. The formation of naproxen/CPbetaCDs inclusion complexes was confirmed by NMR and fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). Cationic beta-CD polymers showed better hemolytic activities than parent beta-CD and neutral beta-CD polymer in hemolysis test. The morphological study of erythrocytes revealed a cell membrane invagination induced by the cationic groups. The effects of molecular weight and charge density of the polymers on their inclusion and release performance of naproxen were also investigated through phase-solubility and dissolution studies. It was found that the cationic beta-CD polymers with high molecular weight or low charge density exhibited better drug inclusion and dissolution abilities.

Synthesis and characterisation of sulfated amphiphilic alpha-, beta- and gamma-cyclodextrins: application to the complexation of acyclovir

The synthesis of sulfated amphiphilic alpha-, beta- and gamma-cyclodextrins was achieved according to the standard protection-deprotection procedure. The formation of inclusion complexes between the amphiphilic alpha-, beta- and gamma-cyclodextrins and an antiviral molecule, acyclovir (ACV) was investigated by UV-visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis) and electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry (ESIMS). UV-Vis spectroscopy allowed determination of the stoichiometry and stability constants of complexes, whereas ESIMS, a soft ionisation technique, allowed the detection of the inclusion complexes. The results showed that the non-sulfated amphiphilic cyclodextrins exhibit a 1:2 stoichiometry with acyclovir, while sulfated amphiphilic cyclodextrins, except gamma-cyclodextrin, exhibit a 1:1 stoichiometry indicating the loss of one interaction site. Non-covalent interactions between acyclovir and non-sulfated amphiphilic cyclodextrins appear to take place both in the cavity of the cyclodextrin and inside the hydrophobic zone generated by alkanoyl chains. In contrast, in the case of sulfated amphiphilic cyclodextrins, the interactions appear to involve only the hydrophobic region of the alkanoyl chains.

Haemolytic properties of some water-soluble para-sulphonato-calix-[n]-arenes

In this paper, we describe the haemolytic effect of parent para-sulphonato-calix-[n]-arenes and their derivatives bearing one pendant group at the lower rim of calix-arene towards human erythrocytes. A maximum of 30% of haemolysis has been observed for para-sulphonato-calix-[8]-arene for a concentration of 200 mM representing 300 g of calix-arene per liter of human blood, para-sulphonato-calix-[4]-arene and para-sulphonato-calix-[6]-arene show much lower haemolytic effects, 0.5 and 8%, respectively at 200 mM concentration. Coupling of a methoxy-carboxylate function at the phenolic group reduces haemolytic effects in all cases. The presence of an ethoxy-amine function increases the haemolytic behaviour for the calix-[4]-arene and calix-[6]-arene systems, but reduces the effect for the calix-[8]-arene derivatives.

Protective effect of sulfobutyl ether beta-cyclodextrin on DY-9760e-induced hemolysis in vitro

The hemolytic behavior of a novel cytoprotective agent, DY-9760e (3-[2-[4-(3-chloro-2-methylphenyl)-1-piperazinyl]ethyl]-5,6-dimethoxy-1-(4-imidazolylmethyl)-1H-indazole dihydrochloride 3.5 hydrate) was investigated using rabbit erythrocytes. Further, the effects of water-soluble cyclodextrin derivatives, such as 2-hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin (HP-beta-CyD) and sulfobutyl ether of beta-cyclodextrin (SBE-beta-CyD), on the hemolytic activity of DY-9760e were studied. DY-9760e induced hemolysis at concentrations >0.2-0.3 mM in phosphate buffered saline (PBS) of pH 4.0 and 6.0, where DY-9760e is predominantly in dicationic and monocationic forms, respectively. The hemolytic activity of the monocationic DY-9760e was higher than that of the dicationic species, and the hemolysis at pH 4.0 involved the formation of methemoglobin. DY9760e induced the morphological change of erythrocytes towards membrane invagination at both pH 4.0 and 6.0. SBE7-beta-CyD significantly suppressed the DY-9760e-induced hemolysis and morphological change at both pH 4.0 and 6.0, as well as the formation of methemoglobin at pH 4.0. On the other hand, HP-beta-CyD suppressed only the hemolysis, but neither the morphological change nor the formation of methemoglobin. In addition, the inhibitory effect of SBE7-beta-CyD on the hemolysis was greater than that of HP-beta-CyD. The superior inhibitory effect of SBE7-beta-CyD on the DY-9760-induced hemolysis, the morphological change, and the formation of methemoglobin may be attributable to the formation of a stable inclusion complex with DY-9760e and to the weaker hemolytic activity of SBE7beta-CyD than HP-beta-CyD. These results suggest potential use of SBE7-beta-CyD as a parenteral carrier for DY-9760e.

Heptakis(2,6-di-O-methyl-3-O-acetyl)-beta-cyclodextrin: A water-soluble cyclodextrin derivative with low hemolytic activity

Acetyl groups were introduced to the hydroxyl groups of heptakis(2, 6-di-O-methyl)-beta-cyclodextrin (DM-beta-CyD), and the resulting heptakis(2,6-di-O-methyl-3-O-acetyl)-beta-CyD (DMA-beta-CyD) was evaluated for the inclusion property and hemolytic activity. It was confirmed by means of NMR and mass spectroscopies that in the DMA-beta-CyD molecule, all seven hydroxyl groups at the 3-position were substituted by acetyl groups. Thus, it has the degree of substitution (DS) of 7, whereas DMA4-beta-CyD with the lower substitution (DS 3.8) was a mixture of components with different DS. The aqueous solubility of DMA-beta-CyD was higher than those of beta-CyD, DM-beta-CyD, and heptakis(2,3,6-tri-O-methyl)-beta-CyD (TM-beta-CyD). The hydrophobicity of the whole molecule, assessed from measurements of surface tension, increased in the order of DM-beta-CyD < DMA-beta-CyD < TM-beta-CyD. The half-life of DMA-beta-CyD for hydrolysis in pH 9.5 and 60 degrees C was about 19 h, and there was only slight liberation of acetic acid in rabbit plasma and carboxylesterase (EC 3.1.1.1) at 37 degrees C. DMA-beta-CyD had an inclusion ability similar to that of TM-beta-CyD for p-hydroxybenzoic acid esters with different alkyl chain lengths and an antiinflammatory drug, flurbiprofen, although it was inferior to that of DM-beta-CyD. The hemolytic activity and rabbit muscular irritation of DMA-beta-CyDs were much weaker than those of DM-beta-CyD: no hemolysis was observed even in the presence of 0.1 M DMA-beta-CyD with DS 7. The results suggest that the water-soluble CyD derivative with superior bioadaptability and inclusion ability can be prepared by properly designing substituents at the 3-position and by optimally controlling their degree of substitution.

Evaluation of aminoalkylmethacrylate nanoparticles as colloidal drug carrier systems. Part II: characterization of antisense oligonucleotides loaded copolymer nanoparticles

Aminoalkylmethacrylate methylmethacrylate copolymer nanoparticles were evaluated for their use as potential drug carrier systems. Their cytotoxicity, as well as the loading of antisense oligonucleotides that were employed as anionic model drugs depended on the substitution of the basic aminoalkyl copolymer. Toxic influences on the integrity of cell membranes depended on aminoalkyl groups located on the particle surfaces. Toxicity was observed either by 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assays using African green monkey kidney (AGMK) cells or by a hemolysis test, where the efflux of haemoglobin from disrupted erythrocytes was measured. The cytotoxic effects were increased by the elongation of the N-alkyl chain by four additional methylene groups. Lipophilic polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) homopolymer nanoparticles showed a negative surface charge and, therefore, were not suitable for the adsorption of anionic drugs. The surface charge was changed to positive values by the incorporation of basic monomers. Consequently, the loading efficacy was increased by raising the basic copolymer portion. Additionally, a pH-dependent loading behaviour of oligonucleotides was observed. Substitution of the amino nitrogen protons by methyl groups led to a decreased oligonucleotide loading and to a reduced cytotoxicity. Nanoparticles with permanent positively charged quarternary ammonium groups showed a high pH-independent loading efficacy, but also possessed a high cytotoxic potential. In this study, cationic copolymer nanoparticles containing 30% (w/w) methylaminoethyl-methacrylate (MMAEMC) were found to be optimal with regard to biocompatibility and carrier properties for hydrophilic anionic antisense oligonucleotides. A significant portion of adsorbed oligonucleotides were protected from enzymatic degradation. The cellular uptake of oligonucleotides into Vero cells was significantly enhanced by this methylaminoethyl-methacrylate derivative.

Pharmacokinetic analysis of 6-monoamino-beta-cyclodextrin after intravenous or oral administration to rats using a specific enzyme immunoassay

We have developed a highly sensitive enzyme immunoassay for 6-monoamino-beta-CD (mono(6-amino-6-deoxy)cyclomaltoheptaose) and its parent compound (beta-CD) with a detection limit in the 100 pg/mL range. The polyclonal antibodies obtained are highly specific for the beta-cyclodextrin core and do not recognize other cyclic cyclodextrins (i.e., alpha- and gamma-CD) or linear analogues. This enzyme immunoassay can be used to quantify 6-monoamino-beta-CD in rat urine and plasma. Using this immunoassay, we have evaluated the main pharmacokinetic parameters of 6-monoamino-beta-CD after iv administration to the rat of a 25 mg/kg dose. Since this method is strictly specific to the native beta-CD form, we have demonstrated that the molecule rapidly disappeared from plasma but is probably distributed in the tissues. The urinary route appears as the predominant way of elimination since almost all the administered drug is recovered in urine. Finally, analysis of the same molecule after oral administration to the rat (25 mg/kg) demonstrates low plasma levels and that about 1% of the administered dose is excreted in urine. These experiments demonstrate the high stability of the beta-CD core irrespective of the method of administration. This immunological method could provide relevant information on the fate of beta-CD and some derivatives for drug delivery using different modes of administration (oral, parenteral, transmucosal, or dermal).

Design and evaluation of an osmotic pump tablet (OPT) for prednisolone, a poorly water soluble drug, using (SBE)7m-beta-CD

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to develop a controlled-porosity osmotic pump tablet (OPT) for poorly water soluble drugs using a sulfobutyl ether-beta-cyclodextrin, (SBE)7m-beta-CD or Captisol, which acted as both a solubilizer and as an osmotic agent.

METHODS

Prednisolone (PDL) was chosen as a model drug for this study. The release of PDL from osmotic pump devices and tablets was studied. In vivo absorption of PDL from OPT was evaluated in male beagle dogs.

RESULTS

PDL release from the osmotic pump tablet with (SBE)7m-beta-CD was complete. Another cyclodextrin, hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin (HP-beta-CD), and a sugar mixture of lactose and fructose resulted in incomplete release. Although PDL release from the OPT with (SBE)7m-beta-CD and the sugar formulation displayed mainly zero-order release characteristics, the tablet utilizing HP-beta-CD showed apparent first-order release characteristics. An in vivo absorption study in dogs correlated very well with the in vitro release profiles using the Japanese Pharmacopoeia dissolution method.

CONCLUSIONS

The present results confirm that (SBE)7m-gamma-CD can serve as both the solubilizer and the osmotic agent for OPT of PDL, and modify the input rate of PDL without compromising oral bioavailability.

Comparison of the effects of potential parenteral vehicles for poorly water soluble anticancer drugs (organic cosolvents and cyclodextrin solutions) on cultured endothelial cells (HUV-EC)

The effect of dilution of parenteral vehicles (organic cosolvent and 0.1 M cyclodextrin solutions) on cultured endothelial cells (HUV-EC) were compared in vitro. Cell morphology was observed by phase contrast light microscopy and cell viability by measuring 3-[4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) reduction or intracellular lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity and total protein. Disruption of the HUV-EC monolayer was observed at dilutions of 1 in 20 for the melphalan and PEP cosolvents, 1 in 100 for an investigational drug cosolvent, and 1 in 10 for 0.1 M dimethyl-beta-cyclodextrin. In comparison, 0.1 M SBE7M- and HP-beta-cyclodextrin caused only minor disruption at a 1 in 5 dilution. MTT reduction, intracellular LDH, and total protein were decreased following exposure to 1 in 10 dilution of the melphalan cosolvent. For other test solutions, intracellular LDH activity and total protein were measured, and reductions were observed following exposure to 1 in 10, 20, and 50 dilutions of the investigational drug cosolvent and 1 in 5 dilution of DM-beta-cyclodextrin (0.1 M). At a dilution of 1 in 10, no delayed toxicity was observed for cosolvents or cyclodextrin solutions. Hence, 0.1 M SBE7M- or HP-beta-cyclodextrin formulations may be less damaging to the venous endothelium at the site of injection than organic cosolvent formulations.

Increased shelf-life of fosphenytoin: solubilization of a degradant, phenytoin, through complexation with (SBE)7m-beta-CD

Fosphenytoin, a water-soluble prodrug of phenytoin, degrades primarily to phenytoin at pH values <8 during long term storage; phenytoin readily precipitates when formed from fosphenytoin due to its limited aqueous solubility. The objective of this study was to develop stable formulations of fosphenytoin in the pH range of 7.4-8. 0 by inhibiting the phenytoin precipitation through complexation with a parenterally safe cyclodextrin, (SBE)7m-beta-CD. Phase solubility studies at 25 degreesC revealed that phenytoin could be effectively solubilized by (SBE)7m-beta-CD both in the presence and absence of 80.6 mg/mL fosphenytoin (as its dihydrate). The binding constants for the phenytoin/cyclodextrin complex were found to be 1073 and 792 M-1 at pH 7.4 and pH 8.0, respectively. Because of the competitive inclusion between fosphenytoin and phenytoin with (SBE)7m-beta-CD, the extent of solubilization of phenytoin was lower, as expected, in the presence of fosphenytoin than in the absence of fosphenytoin, even though the binding constants for the fosphenytoin/cyclodextrin complex were relatively small (41-45 M-1). Initial rates were used to follow the production of phenytoin from fosphenytoin. Zero-order kinetics were observed under all conditions investigated. Phenytoin production rates were followed at 25, 37, and 50 degreesC in the presence of 0.03 or 0.06 M (SBE)7m-beta-CD. It was projected from the solubility of phenytoin and the kinetic information that fosphenytoin shelf lives as high as nine years at 25 degreesC and pH 7.4 in the presence of 60 mM of (SBE)7m-beta-CD might be possible while longer shelf lives might be possible at pH 8.

Lysis of human red blood cells. 4. Comparison of in vitro and in vivo hemolysis data

The dynamic in vitro method developed by the authors and other available in vitro methods were used to determine the degree of hemolysis induced by several cosolvent vehicles that have previously been evaluated in vivo. The in vitro data generated for each of these vehicles was compared with the in vivo hemolysis data to assess the ability of the method to estimate in vivo hemolysis. The results show that the in vitro data generated by the dynamic method are in agreement with the in vivo data for each vehicle. Therefore, the potential for formulations to induce intravascular hemolysis after injection can be determined by this dynamic in vitro method. With this information, hemolytically safe formulations can more easily be prepared.

Cyclodextrins: their future in drug formulation and delivery

Since their discovery, cyclodextrins and their ability to form inclusion complexes have fascinated chemists, formulators and recently, entrepreneurs. This mini-review has as its objective, a critical assessment of the current status of cyclodextrins in the formulation and delivery of pharmaceuticals and commentary on their potential future uses. The emphasis will be on answers to common questions often asked of pharmaceutical scientists working in this area. Why use cyclodextrins for drug solubilization and stabilization when alternative techniques are available? Why the greater interest in modified cyclodextrins and not the parent cyclodextrins? If a drug forms a strong cyclodextrin inclusion complex, how is the drug released in vivo? Dose the injection of a cyclodextrin/drug complex alter the pharmacokinetics of the drug? Are there drug products on the market which contain cyclodextrins? What is the regulatory status of cyclodextrins? Although definitive answers to all these questions are not possible at this time, many of these questions are answerable, and educated and informed responses are possible for the rest.

Pharmaceutical applications of cyclodextrins. III. Toxicological issues and safety evaluation

The objective of this review is to summarize recent findings on the safety profiles of three natural cyclodextrins (alpha-, beta- and gamma-CDs) and several chemically modified CDs. To demonstrate the potential of CDs in pharmaceutical formulations, their stability against non-enzymatic and enzymatic degradations in various body fluids and tissue homogenates and their pharmacokinetics via parenteral, oral, transmucosal, and dermal routes of administration are outlined. Furthermore, the bioadaptabilities of CDs, including in vitro cellular interactions and in vivo safety profiles, via a variety of administration routes are addressed. Finally, the therapeutic potentials of CDs are discussed on the basis of their ability to interact with various endogenous and exogenous lipophiles or, especially for sulfated CDs, their effects on cellular processes mediated by heparin binding growth factors.

Intestinal safety of water-soluble beta-cyclodextrins in paediatric oral solutions of spironolactone: effects on human intestinal epithelial Caco-2 cells

Effects of water-soluble beta-cyclodextrins (beta CDs) on intestinal epithelial integrity were investigated, to establish the safe use of these beta CDs as solubilizers of spironolactone in paediatric enteral solutions. Mannitol permeability and transepithelial resistance (TER) of human intestinal epithelial Caco-2 cell monolayers during exposure to dimethyl-beta-cyclodextrin (DM beta CD), hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin (HP beta CD) and sulphobutyl ether beta-cyclodextrin (SBE beta CD) were followed. Staining methods were used to discern cells with damaged membranes and to study the integrity of cytoskeletal actin and tight junctions. Cytotoxicity of the beta CDs was tested by effects on intracellular dehydrogenase activity. Exposure to HP beta CD and SBE beta CD solutions had only minor effects on the integrity of Caco-2 cell monolayers. In contrast, DM beta CD clearly increased the epithelial permeability for the hydrophilic marker [14C]mannitol across Caco-2 monolayers, decreased TER and showed a dose-dependent cytotoxicity. According to staining, DM beta CD increased the permeability of the apical cell membrane without discernable effects on cytoskeletal actin. HP beta CD and SBE beta CD appear to be safe additives for use in enteral spironolactone preparations with respect to their acute local effects on epithelial integrity.

Pharmaceutical applications of cyclodextrins. 2. In vivo drug delivery

The objective of this Review is to summarize and critique recent findings and applications of both unmodified and modified cyclodextrins for in vivo drug delivery. This review focuses on the use of cyclodextrins for parenteral, oral, ophthalmic, and nasal drug delivery. Other routes including dermal, rectal, and pulmonary delivery are also briefly addressed. This Review primarily focuses on newer findings concerning cyclodextrin derivatives which are likely to receive regulatory acceptance due to improved aqueous solubility and safety profiles as compared to the unmodified cyclodextrins. Many of the applications reviewed involve the use of hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrins (HP-beta-CDs) and sulfobutylether-beta-cyclodextrins (SBE-beta-CDs) which show promise of greater safety while maintaining the ability to form inclusion complexes. The advantages and limitations of HP-beta-CD, SBE-beta-CD, and other cyclodextrins are addressed.

Analysis of charged cyclomalto-oligosaccharides (cyclodextrin) derivatives by ion-spray, matrix-assisted laser-desorption/ionization time-of-flight and fast-atom bombardment mass spectrometry, and by capillary electrophoresis

The use of electrospray-ionization mass spectrometry (ESIMS), matrix-assisted laser-desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDITOFMS), and fast-atom bombardment mass spectrometry (FABMS) for the rapid determination of molecular weight, degree of substitution (ds), and purity is demonstrated for charged derivatives of cyclomalto-heptaose (beta CD) and -octaose (gamma CD). The access to anionic sulfoalkyl ethers (alkyl: ethyl, n-propyl, and n-butyl) and to beta CD-2-hydroxy-3-trimethylammoniumpropyl ether chlorides (HTAP-beta CD) leads only to mixtures of products, the compositions of which can be determined directly from ESI and MALDITOF mass spectra. All charged derivatives consist of a mixture of unreacted and higher substituted compounds. The substitution patterns obtained by MS are in good agreement with the results of experiments on the separation of beta CD-sulfoalkyl ethers by capillary electrophoresis (CE).

The interaction of charged and uncharged drugs with neutral (HP-beta-CD) and anionically charged (SBE7-beta-CD) beta-cyclodextrins

PURPOSE

The objective of this work was to determine the role that charge might play in the interaction of charged and uncharged drugs with neutral (2-hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin, HP-beta-CD) and anionically charged (SBE7-beta-CD) modified beta-cyclodextrins. SBE7-beta-CD is a sulfobutyl ether, sodium salt, derivative variably substituted on the 2-, 3- and the 6-positions of beta-cyclodextrin. The number seven refers to the average degree of substitution.

METHODS

The binding of the acidic drugs, indomethacin, naproxen and warfarin and the basic drugs, papaverine, thiabendazole, miconazole and cinnarizine with the two cyclodextrins was determined at 25 degrees C as a function of pH and cyclodextrin concentration by the phase-solubility method.

RESULTS

Except for miconazole and cinnarizine (Ap-type diagrams), all other materials studied displayed AL-type diagrams. By comparing the binding constants of both the charged and uncharged forms of the same drugs to both HP-beta-CD and SBE7-beta-CD, the following conclusions could be drawn. The binding constants for the neutral forms of the drugs were always greater with SBE7-beta-CD than with HP-beta-CD. For the anionic agents, the binding constants between SBE7-beta-CD and HP-beta-CD were similar while the binding constants for the cationic agents with SBE7-beta-CD were superior to those of HP-beta-CD, especially when compared with the neutral form of the same drug.

CONCLUSIONS

A clear charge effect on complexation, attraction in the case of cationic drugs and perhaps inhibition in the case of anionic drugs, was seen with the SBE7-beta-CD.

Preliminary safety evaluation of parenterally administered sulfoalkyl ether beta-cyclodextrin derivatives

Parenteral administration of beta-cyclodextrin (beta-CD) results in renal and/or local toxicity dependent on the mode of administration. In an attempt to alleviate these properties, a series of anionically charged sulfoalkyl ether cyclodextrin (SAE-beta-CD) derivatives have been developed. The parenteral safety of these derivatives was determined by survival of male mice after intraperitoneal (ip) injection, kidney histopathology, plasma urea nitrogen levels of mice determined 24 h after injection, relative in vitro hemolytic potential and activated partial thromboplastin times (APTT). In addition, the 24-h renal excretion behavior of the derivatives was measured. Where appropriate, the results obtained with these cyclodextrin derivatives were compared with results obtained for beta-CD and (hydroxypropyl)-beta-cyclodextrin (HP-beta-CD). The SAE-beta-CD derivatives did not produce mortality in mice following ip injection at doses exceeding 5.45 mmol/kg. No significant histological lesions were observed in the kidney tissue of mice receiving the cyclodextrin derivatives. The SAE-beta-CD derivatives were excreted faster and to a greater extent than beta-CD and at rates comparable to HP-beta-CD. The hemolytic potential of these derivatives was less than that of beta-CD and comparable to or better than that of HP-beta-CD. The SAE-beta-CD derivatives did not increase APTT clotting times indicating that these derivatives have no significant anticoagulant activity. The toxicological profile of these derivatives suggests that these molecules may have application as biologically safe beta-CD derivatives.