Solid Self Nano-Emulsifying Drug Delivery System of Dasatinib: Optimization, In-vitro, Ex-vivo and In-vivo assessment

Aim: Dasatinib (DST) is an oral tyrosine kinase inhibitor with poor aqueous solubility. To outwit this issue, a solid self-nano emulsifying drug delivery system (S-SNEDDS) of DST was formulated.Methods: I-optimal mixture design was used for optimization of DST-loaded SNEDDS using Linalool, Cremophor RH40 and Transcutol P. S-SNEDDS underwent physicochemical characterization, in-vitro release and ex-vivo permeation, cell-based assays and pharmacokinetic study.Results: DST-S-SNEDDS showed globule size and PDI of 141.53 ± 5.371 nm and 0.282 ± 0.020, respectively. DST-S-SNEDDS revealed significantly lower IC50 (1.825 μg/mL) than free DST (7.298 μg/mL) in MDA-MB-231. In-vivo pharmacokinetic study revealed 1.94-fold increment in AUC0-t for the DST-S-SNEDDS group than free DST.Conclusion: S-SNEDDS could be promising approach for improving bioavailability and efficacy of DST.

The empty world - a view from the free volume concept and Eyring's rate process theory

The many-body problem is a common issue, irrespective of the scale of entities under consideration. From electrons to atoms, small molecules like simple inorganic or organic structures, large molecules like proteins or polymers, nanometer- or micrometer-sized particles, granular matter, and even galaxies, the precise determination or estimation of geometrical locations and momentum energy of individual entities, and interaction forces between these millions of entities, is impossible but unfortunately important for understanding the collective physical properties like mechanical and electrical characteristics of the whole system. Despite foreseeable difficulties and complexities, attempts to estimate "interparticle" forces have never stopped using traditional Newtonian models, quantum mechanical approaches, and density functional theory. In this review, a simple approach integrating the free volume and Eyring's rate process theory is summarized and its application across a wide range of scales from electrons to the universe is presented in a unified manner. The focus is on comparisons between theoretical predictions and experimental results.

Dislocation phenomena described with free volume concept and Eyring's rate process theory

Dislocation phenomena in solids under simple shear stress are theoretically addressed with the free volume concept and Eyring's rate process theory for obtaining a generic and unified description. The obtained equations do not have any restrictions to specific materials and are compared with various theories and empirical equations like the Hall-Petch and its inverse forms. Moreover, our equations are used to fit experimental data of mechanical properties and dislocation density against grain sizes available in the literature. A good agreement with observations is achieved, indicating that our theoretical framework is sound. Our findings provide a theoretical foundation for the very common dislocation phenomena observed among many solid materials including pure metals, metallic alloys, ceramics, and even geological scale entities, potentially clearing out many inconsistencies and puzzles in the literature.

Nickel-ion substituted hydroxyapatite matrices for metal-affinity chromatographic purification of recombinant proteins

Hydroxyapatite (HAp) is a calcium phosphate ceramic, widely used as a matrix for protein chromatography. The crystal structure of HAp is amenable to a wide range of substitutions, thus allowing for the alteration of its properties. In this study, nickel-ion substituted HAp (NiSHAp) was synthesized using a wet-precipitation method, followed by spray drying. This resulted in the structural incorporation of nickel ions within well-defined microspheres, which were suitable for chromatographic applications. The chromatographic experiments were conducted with NiSHAp and compared with spray-dried hydroxyapatite (SHAp) matrices. Protein purification experiments were conducted using refolded recombinant L-asparaginase (L-Asp), which was produced as inclusion bodies in Escherichia coli. The results showed that NiSHAp effectively adsorbed L-Asp, which was selectively eluted using a phosphate buffer, surpassing the efficiency of imidazole-based elution. In contrast, SHAp showed weaker binding and lower selectivity. The significance of this study lies in developing a scalable NiSHAp matrix for protein purification, especially for large-scale applications. The NiSHAp matrix offers a cost-effective alternative to commercial immobilized metal affinity chromatography (IMAC) adsorbents, especially for purifying His-tagged proteins. This innovative approach exhibits the advantages of mixed-mode chromatography by combining the properties of hydroxyapatite and IMAC in a single matrix, with the potential of improved industrial-scale protein purification.

Novel inhaled andrographolide for treatment of lung cancer: In vitro assessment

Andrographolide is a plant-based compound that showed promising activity against lung cancer. However, the compound's poor water solubility and low bioavailability limit its oral administration. Inhaled drug delivery of andrographolide is highly favourable as it delivers active ingredients directly into the affected lungs. In the current study, we compared in vitro aerosol performance, anti-cancer activity and storages stability of two (2) inhalable andrographolide formulations. Formulation 1 was prepared using precipitation and spray drying techniques, while Formulation 2 was prepared via direct spray drying technique. Drug morphology and physicochemical properties were confirmed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. In vitro aerosol dispersion profile was evaluated using the next-generation impactor (NGI). Formulation 1 consisted of elongated crystals while Formulation 2 was made up of amorphous spherical particles. Both formulations had an inhalable fraction (<5 μm) of more than 40 %, making them suitable for pulmonary drug delivery. The formulations also showed an IC25 of less than 100 μg/mL against the human lung carcinoma cells (A549). Formulation 1 and 2 was stable in a vacuum condition at 30 °C for up to 6 and 3 months, respectively. Novel inhalable andrographolide dry powders were successfully produced with a good aerosol profile, potent anti-cancer activity and adequate storage stability, which deserve further in vivo investigations.

D-optimal mixture design inspired modified release tablet formulation of lamotrigine for the treatment of seizures: An in-depth characterization

OBJECTIVE

Lamotrigine (LTG) an anticonvulsant drug with a dissociation constant (pKa: 5.7), suffers from enhanced blood plasma spike after each dose, when administered as fast release tablet. Being BCS class-II candidate and pH dependent solubility, development of release-controlled tablets of LTG is a major challenge. This investigation aims at designing the release-controlled tablet (RCT) formulation of LTG using a solid dispersion (SD) technique via addressing its solubility and release problems.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

RCT of LTG was fabricated using SD blend of Eudragit RL and Eudragit RS and PVP K-30 with different polymer blend ratio (1:5 and 1:7). The optimization of RCT of LTG was performed using D-optimal mixture design with three independent variables, three response variables, and one constraint. The dissolution rate was determined and data were then fitted to different mathematical models. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) studies and tableting parameters were analyzed.

RESULT

In vitro studies of predicted optimized batches (POBs) have shown that drug release over a period of 12hours was 88.05±3.4% in media I, 86.10±3.7% in media II and 85.84±4.2% in media III. An in vitro kinetic model equating R2-value for all the tested models indicated that the first order and Higuchi release kinetics model were the most appropriate.

CONCLUSION

Based on the optimized formulation consisting of SD of LTG with Eudragit RL, Eudragit RS and PVP K-30, the release rate was consistently similar throughout the GI tract, regardless of the pH of the environment.

General aspects of powder rheology applied to pharmaceutical formulations

Powder flowability is crucial in the pharmaceutical industry, strongly affecting solid dosage processing. Classical experimental techniques offer straightforward results for the rapid screening of formulations during development. However, they fail to describe powder properties under consolidation. Complex techniques, such as shear cell, accurately assess fundamental properties of particulate samples under realistic conditions, enabling prediction of their flow. Ideally, a combination of experimental methods should be used to comprehensively assess powder flowability, ensuring consistent product performance. Moreover, researchers and analytical scientists must have a solid understanding of powder rheology to effectively interpret acquired data. In this review, common techniques, experimental protocols, and typical results observed in a pharmaceutical context are described.

Self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system (SNEDDS) of docetaxel and carvacrol synergizes the anticancer activity and enables safer toxicity profile: optimization, and in-vitro, ex-vivo and in-vivo pharmacokinetic evaluation

Docetaxel (DTX) is a first-line chemotherapeutic molecule with a broad-spectrum anticancer activity. On the other hand, carvacrol (CV) has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, cytotoxic, and hepatoprotective properties that could reduce undue toxicity caused by DTX chemotherapy. Thus, in order to overcome the challenges posed by DTX's poor aqueous solubility, low permeability, hepatic first pass, and systemic toxicities, we have developed a novel solid self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system (S-SNEDDS) co-loaded with DTX and CV. In the present investigation, liquid-SNEDDS (L-SNEDDS) were fabricated using Nigella sativa oil, Cremophor RH 40, and Ethanol which was converted into solid by lyophilization using Aerosil 200. The reconstituted CV-DTX-S-SNEDDS showed an average globule size of < 200 nm with promising flow properties (angle of repose θ: 33.22 ± 0.06). Additionally, 2.3-fold higher dissolution of DTX was observed from CV-DTX-S-SNEDDS after 6 h as compared to free DTX. Similar trend was followed in dialysis release experiments with 1.5-fold higher release within 24 h. Ex vivo permeation studies demonstrated significantly increased permeation of 1077.02 ± 12.72 μg/cm2 of CV-DTX-S-SNEDDS after 12 h. In vitro cell cytotoxicity studies revealed 5.2-fold reduction in IC50 as compared to free DTX in MDA-MB-231 cells. Formulation was able to induce higher apoptosis in cells treated with CV-DTX-S-SNEDDS as compared to free DTX and CV. It was evident from toxicity studies that CV-DTX-S-SNEDDS was well tolerated at higher dose where CV was able to manage the toxic effects of free DTX. In vivo pharmacokinetic study showed 3.4-fold increased Cmax and improved oral bioavailability as compared to free DTX. Thus, CV-DTX-S-SNEDDS could be an encouraging option for facilitating DTX oral therapy.

Micro-fluidic Spray Freeze Dried Ciprofloxacin Hydrochloride-Embedded Dry Powder for Inhalation

Active pharmaceutical ingredient (API)-embedded dry powder for inhalation (AeDPI) is highly desirable for pulmonary delivery of high-dose drug. Herein, a series of spray freeze-dried (SFD) ciprofloxacin hydrochloride (CH)-embedded dry powders were fabricated via a self-designed micro-fluidic spray freeze tower (MFSFT) capable of tuning freezing temperature of cooling air as the refrigerant medium. The effects of total solid content (TSC), mass ratio of CH to _L-leucine (Leu) as the aerosol dispersion enhancer, and the freezing temperature on particle morphology, size, density, moisture content, crystal properties, flowability, and aerodynamic performance were investigated. It was found that the Leu content and freezing temperature had considerable influence on the fine particle fraction (FPF) of the SFD microparticles. The optimal formulation (CH/Leu = 7:3, TSC = 2%w/w) prepared at - 40°C exhibited remarkable effective drug deposition (~ 33.38%), good aerodynamic performance (~ 47.69% FPF), and excellent storage stability with ultralow hygroscopicity (~ 1.93%). This work demonstrated the promising feasibility of using the MFSFT instead of conventional liquid nitrogen assisted method in the research and development of high-dose AeDPI.

Enhanced stability and oral bioavailability of erlotinib by solid self nano emulsifying drug delivery systems

The present investigation demonstrates the preparation of solid self nanoemulsfying drug delivery system (sSNEDDS) to enhance stability and bioavailability of Erlotinib (ERL) via the oral route. Capmul®MCM EP (CPM EP, oil), Cremophor® RH 40 (CMR RH 40, surfactant), and LBF CS (LBF CS, cosurfactant) were chosen as chief components for preparing Liquids SNEDDS (L-ERL-SNEDDS) based on solubility and emulsion forming ability. Pseudo ternary phase diagram and constrained mixture designs were applied to identify the self-emulsifying area and it was found that CPM EP, CMR RH 40, and LBF CS in the ratio of 59:11:30 showed optimized particle size (110.08 nm), with narrow PDI (0.114) and high ERL loading capacity (14.31 mg/g). Adsorption method was implemented for solidification of L-ERL-SNEDDS. Among various solid carriers were studied, Aerosil® 200 (A200) was finalized based on free flowing property and reconstitution ability. DSC and XRD studies revealed that crystallinity of drug was reduced in developed system. The developed formulation (named as, A200-ERL-sSNEDDS) showed increased cytotoxicity and apoptosis in PANC-1 and MIA PaCa-2 cells. Pharmacokinetic studies revealed ∼2.2 times increase in AUC0-∞values in case of A200-ERL-sSNEDDS as compared to free ERL. Thus current strategy can be extrapolated for delivering of poorly soluble drugs via oral route.

A review of twin screw wet granulation mechanisms in relation to granule attributes

Due to the trend of continuous pharmaceutical manufacturing, twin screw wet granulation (TSWG), a continuous process, has gained increased research interest as a potential substitution of traditional batch granulation processes. Despite the complex nature of TSWG, its mechanisms have been gradually unveiled with the aid of innovative research strategies. This review synthesizes these recent findings to provide a comprehensive and mechanistic understanding of TSWG. We explain the impact of screw profiles (i.e. conveying, kneading, turbine mixing, and screw mixing elements) and process conditions (i.e. screw speed, feed rate, and liquid-to-solid ratio) on TSWG mixing performance and granule growth along the barrel, both of which ultimately affect critical granule attributes such as content uniformity, size distribution, strength, and compaction properties.

Performance Evaluation of a High-Precision Low-Dose Powder Feeder

Abstract

Highly potent active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and low-dose excipients, or excipients with very low density, are notoriously hard to feed with currently available commercial technology. The micro-feeder system presented in this work is capable of feeding low-dose rates of powders with different particle sizes and flow properties. Two different grades of lactose, di-calcium phosphate, croscarmellose sodium, silicon dioxide, a spray-dried intermediate, and an active ingredient were studied to vary material properties to test performance of the system. The current micro-feeder system is a volumetric feeder combined with a weighing balance at the outlet that measures feeder output rates. Feeding results are shown as a so-called “displacement-feed factor” curve for each material. Since the powder mass and volume are known in the micro-feeder system, in this work, we characterized an observed density variation during processing via a “displacement-feed factor” profile for each of the fed powders. This curve can be later used for calibrating the system to ensure an accurate, constant feed rate and in addition predicting feeding performance for that material at any feed rate. There is a relation between powder properties and feeding performance. Powders with finer particles and higher compressibility show densification during their feeding process. However, powders with larger particles and lower compressibility show both “densification” and “powder bed expansion,” which is the manifestation of dilation and elastic recovery of particles during the micro-feeding process. Through the application of the displacement-feed factor, it is possible to provide precise feeding accuracy of low-dose materials.

Graphical abstract

Oxidative stability of spray dried matcha-tuna oil powders

Matcha-tuna oil and matcha-maltodextrin-tuna oil emulsions (25% oil, dry basis), formulated to have protein: carbohydrate ratios of 1:1.1, 1:2, 1:3 and 1:4, were spray dried. Confocal laser scanning microscopy showed effective emulsification of oil in all emulsions. All powders had low surface fat (2.9-4.2%). The addition of maltodextrin enhanced the bulk density and flowability of powders. Water sorption isotherms indicated that addition of maltodextrin increased water uptake of powders. The oxidative stability of the powders under accelerated conditions in an Oxipres® was highest for the matcha-tuna oil powder. Increasing amounts of added maltodextrin decreased oxidative stability. A comparison of levels of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in neat oil and tuna oil powders over 12 weeks at 40 °C, demonstrated that % remaining EPA and DHA were higher for all spray dried powders compared to neat oil. There was a significant correlation (p < 0.01) between the amount of the loss of tea catechins and % remaining EPA and DHA after 12 weeks at 40 °C, suggesting that the catechins had a major role in protecting the tuna oil against oxidation. This study has demonstrated the potential of using a whole biomass (matcha) as the single encapsulant for protection and delivery of omega-3 oils.

Analogous viscosity equations of granular powders based on Eyring's rate process theory and free volume concept

Granular powders can be successfully treated with kinetic theory and statistical mechanics, though the granular powders are athermal systems and the conventional environmental temperature is too weak to drive particles to move.