Formulation and evaluation of niosomal vesicles containing ondansetron HCL for trans-mucosal nasal drug delivery

Cellulose ether and carbopol 971 based gastroretentive controlled release formulation design, optimization and physiologically based pharmacokinetic modeling of ondansetron hydrochloride minitablets

This study aims to design and optimize ondansetron (OND) gastro-retentive floating minitablets for better and prolonged control of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) with improved patient compliance. Minitablets were directly compressed and encapsulated in a size 2 capsule shell with an overall dose of 24 mg. Central composite design (CCD) was applied keeping one cellulose ether derivative HPMC K15M and Carbopol 971 as variable and used as swelling and rate retarding agents. The other cellulose derivative i.e. sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, along with mannitol, sodium bicarbonate, and talc, were used in fixed quantities. The floating lag time, total floating time, swelling index, in-vitro drug release, and zero-order (RSQ value), were critical quality parameters. The optimized formulation (Fpred) was evaluated for all critical parameters, along with surface morphology, thermal stability, chemical interaction, and accelerated stability. The in silico PBPK modeling was applied to compare the bioavailability of Fpred with reference OND immediate-release tablets. The numerical optimization model predicted >90 % drug release with zero-order at 12 h. In silico PBPK modeling revealed comparable relative bioavailability of Fpred with the reference formulation. The gastroretentive floating minitablets of OND were successfully designed for prolonged emesis control in patients receiving chemotherapeutic agents.

Formulation, Optimization and In-Vivo Characterization of Thermosensitive In-Situ Nasal Gel Loaded with Bacoside a for Treatment of Epilepsy

The intranasal route has demonstrated superior systemic bioavailability due to its extensive surface area, the porous nature of the endothelial membrane, substantial blood flow, and circumvention of first-pass metabolism. In traditional medicinal practices, Bacopa monnieri, also known as Brahmi, is known for its benefits in enhancing cognitive functions and potential effects in epilepsy. This study aimed to develop and optimize a thermosensitive in-situ nasal gel for delivering Bacoside A, the principal active compound extracted from Bacopa monnieri. The formulation incorporated Poloxamer 407 as a thermogelling agent and HPMC K4M as the Mucoadhesive polymer. A 32-factorial design approach was employed for Optimization. Among the formulations. F7 exhibited the most efficient Ex-vivo permeation through the nasal mucosa, achieving 94.69 ± 2.54% permeation, and underwent a sol-gel transition at approximately 30.48 °C. The study's factorial design revealed that gelling temperature and mucoadhesive strength were critical factors influencing performance. The potential of in-situ nasal Gel (Optimized Batch-F7) for the treatment of epilepsy was demonstrated in an in-vivo investigation using a PTZ-induced convulsion model. This formulation decreased both the occurrence and intensity of seizures. The optimized formulation F7 showcases significant promise as an effective nasal delivery system for Bacoside A, offering enhanced bioavailability and potentially increased efficacy in epilepsy treatment.

Enhancing the anticancer potential of metformin: fabrication of efficient nanospanlastics, in vitro cytotoxic studies on HEP-2 cells and reactome enhanced pathway analysis

Metformin (MET), an oral antidiabetic drug, was reported to possess promising anticancer effects. We hypothesized that MET encapsulation in unique nanospanlastics would enhance its anticancer potential against HEP-2 cells. Our results showed the successful fabrication of Nano-MET spanlastics (d = 232.10 ± 0.20 nm; PDI = 0.25 ± 0.11; zeta potential = (-) 44.50 ± 0.96; drug content = 99.90 ± 0.11 and entrapment efficiency = 88.01 ± 2.50%). MTT assay revealed the enhanced Nano-MET cytotoxicity over MET with a calculated IC50 of 50 μg/mL and > 500 μg/mL, respectively. Annexin V/PI apoptosis assay showed that Nano-MET significantly decreased the percentage of live cells from 95.49 to 93.70 compared to MET and increased the percentage of cells arrested in the G0/G1 phase by 8.38%. Moreover, Nano-MET downregulated BCL-2 and upregulated BAX protein levels by 1.57 and 1.88 folds, respectively. RT-qPCR revealed that Nano-MET caused a significant 13.75, 4.15, and 2.23-fold increase in caspase-3, -8, and - 9 levels as well as a 100 and 43.47-fold decrease in cyclin D1 and mTOR levels, respectively. The proliferation marker Ki67 immunofluorescent staining revealed a 3-fold decrease in positive cells in Nano-MET compared to the control. Utilizing the combined Pathway-Enrichment Analysis (PEA) and Reactome analysis indicated high enrichment of certain pathways including nucleotides metabolism, Nudix-type hydrolase enzymes, carbon dioxide hydration, hemostasis, and the innate immune system. In summary, our results confirm MET cytotoxicity enhancement by its encapsulation in nanospanlastics. We also highlight, using PEA, that MET can modulate multiple pathways implicated in carcinogenesis.

Curcumin Transferosome-Loaded Thermosensitive Intranasal in situ Gel as Prospective Antiviral Therapy for SARS-Cov-2

Purpose

Immunomodulatory and broad-spectrum antiviral activities have motivated the evaluation of curcumin for Coronavirus infection 2019 (COVID-19) management. Inadequate bioavailability is the main impediment to the therapeutic effects of oral Cur. This study aimed to develop an optimal curcumin transferosome-loaded thermosensitive in situ gel to improve its delivery to the lungs.

Methods

Transferosomes were developed by using 33 screening layouts. The phospholipid concentration as well as the concentration and type of surfactant were considered independent variables. The entrapment efficiency (EE%), size, surface charge, and polydispersity index (PDI) were regarded as dependent factors. A cold technique was employed to develop thermosensitive in-situ gels. Optimized transferosomes were loaded onto the selected gels. The produced gel was assessed based on shape attributes, ex vivo permeability enhancement, and the safety of the nasal mucosa. The in vitro cytotoxicity, antiviral cytopathic effect, and plaque assay (CV/CPE/Plaque activity), and in vivo performance were evaluated after intranasal administration in experimental rabbits.

Results

The optimized preparation displayed a particle size of 664.3 ± 69.3 nm, EE% of 82.8 ± 0.02%, ZP of -11.23 ± 2.5 mV, and PDI of 0.6 ± 0.03. The in vitro curcumin release from the optimized transferosomal gel was markedly improved compared with that of the free drug-loaded gel. An ex vivo permeation study revealed a significant improvement (2.58-fold) in drug permeability across nasal tissues of sheep. Histopathological screening confirmed the safety of these preparations. This formulation showed high antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2 at reduced concentrations. High relative bioavailability (226.45%) was attained after the formula intranasally administered to rabbits compared to the free drug in-situ gel. The curcumin transferosome gel displayed a relatively high lung accumulation after intranasal administration.

Conclusion

This study provides a promising formulation for the antiviral treatment of COVID-19 patients, which can be evaluated further in preclinical and clinical studies.

Designing Optimum Drug Delivery Systems Using Machine Learning Approaches: a Prototype Study of Niosomes

This study demonstrates a machine learning approach in designing optimized drug formulations. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses system was adopted to screen literature resulting in 114 niosome formulations. Eleven properties (input parameters) related to drugs and niosomes affecting particle size and drug entrapment (output variables) were precisely identified and used for the network training. The hyperbolic tangent sigmoid transfer function with Levenberg-Marquardt backpropagation was used to train the model. The network showed the highest prediction accuracy of 93.76% and 91.79% for % drug entrapment and particle size prediction. Sensitivity analysis identified drug/lipid ratio and cholesterol/surfactant ratio as the most significant factors affecting % drug entrapment and particle size of niosomes. Accordingly, nine Donepezil hydrochloride noisome batches were prepared using a 3 × 3 factorial design with drug/lipid ratio and cholesterol/surfactant ratio as factors to validate the developed model. The model reached a prediction accuracy of more than 97% for experimental batches. Finally, the superiority of global artificial neural network was demonstrated compared to the local response surface methodology for Donepezil niosome formulations. Even though the ANN successfully predicted the parameters of Donepezil niosomes, several drugs with different physicochemical properties must be tested to confirm the validity of the model and its usefulness for designing new drug niosomal formulations.

Development of potent nanosized carbonic anhydrase inhibitor for targeted therapy of hypoxic solid tumors

Overexpression of two carbonic anhydrase (CA) isoforms, CA IX and XII, in several hypoxic solid tumors provides an extracellular hypoxic microenvironment, interferes with extra- and intracellular pH regulation, thus favoring hypoxic tumor cell survival, proliferation and metastasis. In the current study, a selective inhibitor for human CA isoforms IX and XII (isatin-bearing sulfonamide, WEG-104), was incorporated into nanosized spherical niosomes at high encapsulation efficiency to allow for an enhanced and sustained antitumor activity. In vivo, administration of WEG-104 that is either free (10 mg/kg) or loaded into niosomes (5 mg/kg) into a mice model of Ehrlich ascites solid tumor resulted in comparable efficacy in terms of reduction of tumor weight and volume. Administration of WEG-104-loaded niosomes (10 mg/kg) exhibited superior antitumor activity compared to the free drug, evidenced by reduced tumor weight and volume, marked reduction in the activity of CA IX and XII, and suppression of HIF-1α and MMP-2. Moreover, prominent increase of caspase 3 and pronounced decrease in VEGF immune expression were observed in the treated animals. Hence, loading of molecularly designed compounds that targets CAs in hypoxic solid tumors into nanosized delivery systems provided an auspicious strategy for limiting solid tumor progression and malignancy.

Novel Mucoadhesive Chitosomes as a Platform for Enhanced Oral Bioavailability of Cinnarizine

PURPOSE

Cinnarizine (CIN) is a class II BSC drug, suffering from erratic bioavailability due to its pH-dependent solubility. It has preferential absorption in the stomach. In this study, new chitosan (CS) coated niosomes of CIN (CIN-loaded chitosomes) have been developed to extend the gastric retention and ameliorate CIN oral bioavailability.

METHODS

Various CIN-loaded niosomes were fabricated by thin-film hydration technique and fully characterized. Based on the predetermined criteria of low particle size (PS) and high entrapment efficiency percent (EE%), niosomal formulation F1 was selected and further coated with different CS concentrations. The optimized chitosomal formulation (C2) was evaluated through solid state characterization and mucoadhesive efficiency testing. It was also subjected to cytotoxicity study on Caco-2 cells; besides, in vitro drug release, stability and pharmacokinetic studies were assessed.

RESULTS

The optimized chitosomal formulation (C2) exhibited an EE% of 58.30±2.75%, PS of 440 ±13.03 nm, PDI of 0.335±0.21 and ZP of +28.1±0.10 mv. Solid state characterization results revealed the compatibility between the vesicle components and the entrapment of CIN within niosomal vesicles. C2 formulation demonstrated favorable mucoadhesive efficiency. The cytotoxicity study on Caco-2 cells manifested the safety of the optimized chitosomal formulation (C2) over the free drug. Additionally, it displayed a remarkable sustaining of CIN in vitro release up to 8 h and exhibited a good stability at the refrigerated temperature up to 3 months. In vivo pharmacokinetic assessment revealed that the CIN bioavailability from the optimized chitosomal formulation C2 was enhanced by 2.79 and 1.92 folds compared to the free drug and uncoated niosomal formulation F1, respectively. The priority of the chitosomal formulation (C2) over the niosomal one (F1) was also conferred.

CONCLUSION

Novel formulation of chitosan coated niosomes (chitosomes) could be presented as a promising platform to improve the oral bioavailability of drugs with narrow absorption window.

Menthol augmented niosomes for enhanced intestinal absorption of lopinavir

Lopinavir is effective in treatment of HIV infection but experiences low oral bioavailability due to poor solubility, pre-systemic metabolism, and P-gp intestinal efflux. Co-processing with menthol enhanced its dissolution and intestinal permeability. Niosomes comprising Span 60, cholesterol and poloxamer 407 were formulated in absence and presence of menthol. These were evaluated for size, morphology, entrapment efficiency (EE%), lopinavir release and intestinal absorption. The later employed in situ rabbit intestinal absorption model. Niosomes were spherical with vesicle size of 140.2 ± 23 and 148.2 ± 27nm for standard and menthol containing niosomes, respectively. The EE% values were 94.4% and 96.3% for both formulations, respectively. Niosomes underwent slow release during the time course of absorption with menthol hastening lopinavir release, but the release did not exceed 9%. Niosmoal encapsulation enhanced lopinavir intestinal absorption compared with drug solution. This was reflected from the fraction absorbed from duodenum which was 24.15%, 73.09% and 83.23% for solution, standard niosomes and menthol containing vesicles, respectively. These values were 34.32%, 80.8% and 86.56% for the same formulations in case of jejuno-ileum. Lopinavir absorption from niosomes didn't depend on release supporting intact vesicle absorption. The study introduced menthol containing niosomes as carriers for enhanced lopinavir intestinal absorption.

Preparation and evaluation of niosomal chitosan-based in situ gel formulation for direct nose-to-brain methotrexate delivery

Achieving effective treatments for various brain disorders due to the blood-brain barrier existence and the brain's complex structure has become a challenging goal. To overcome these challenges, one of the non-invasive strategies aimed at direct brain drug delivery is the use of the intranasal route. Novel drug delivery systems can be used to overcome the limitations in this administration route. This study suggested niosomal methotrexate (MTX) in situ gel formulation, which could be a suitable candidate for drug delivery to the brain. Here, niosomal MTX was prepared by a modified reverse-phase evaporation method, optimized with the aid of the design expert® software, and characterized. Optimum niosomal MTX with particle size, zeta potential, and entrapment efficiency (EE%), equal to 130.5 nm, -38.5 mV, and 91.39 %, respectively, were added into the temperature-sensitive in situ gel formulation composed of chitosan and Poloxamer 407. This study demonstrates that the simultaneous use of niosome and in situ gel formulations causes long-term persistence in the nasal cavity and helps us to have a more controlled drug release system with higher brain concentration, lower plasma concentration, higher Kp, and lower side effects compared to the free drug (MTX solution), MTX-gel (MTX-loaded in situ gel), and niosomal MTX formulations.

Targeting Colorectal Cancer Cells with Niosomes Systems Loaded with Two Anticancer Drugs Models; Comparative In Vitro and Anticancer Studies

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is considered one of the most commonly diagnosed malignant diseases. Recently, there has been an increased focus on using nanotechnology to resolve most of the limitations in conventional chemotherapy. Niosomes have great advantages that overcome the drawbacks associated with other lipid drug delivery systems. They are simple, cheap, and highly stable nanocarriers. This study investigated the effectiveness of using niosomes with their amphiphilic characteristics in the incorporation of both hydrophilic and hydrophobic anticancer drugs for CRC treatment. Methods: Drug-free niosomes were formulated using a response surface D-optimal factorial design to study the cholesterol molar ratio, surfactant molar ratio and surfactant type effect on the particle size and Z-potential of the prepared niosomes. After numerical and statistical optimization, an optimized formulation having a particle size of 194.4 ± 15.5 nm and a Z-potential of 31.8 ± 1.9 mV was selected to be loaded with Oxaliplatin and Paclitaxel separately in different concentrations. The formulations with the highest entrapment efficiency (EE%) were evaluated for their drug release using the dialysis bag method, in vitro antitumor activity on HT-29 colon cancer cell line and apoptosis activity. Results: Niosomes prepared using d-α-tocopheryl polyethylene glycol 1000 succinate (TPGS) at a molar ratio 4, cholesterol (2 molar ratio) and loaded with 1 molar ratio of either Oxaliplatin or Paclitaxel provided nanosized vesicles (278.5 ± 19.7 and 251.6 ± 18.1 nm) with a Z-potential value (32.7 ± 1.01 and 31.69 ± 0.98 mV) with the highest EE% (90.57 ± 2.05 and 93.51 ± 2.97) for Oxaliplatin and Paclitaxel, respectively. These formulations demonstrated up to 48 h drug release and increased the in vitro cytotoxicity and apoptosis efficiency of both drugs up to twice as much as free drugs. Conclusion: These findings suggest that different formulation composition parameters can be adjusted to obtain nanosized niosomal vesicles with an accepted Z-potential. These niosomes could be loaded with either hydrophilic drugs such as Oxaliplatin or hydrophobic drugs such as Paclitaxel. Drug-loaded niosomes, as a unique nanomicellar system, could enhance the cellular uptake of both drugs, resulting in enhanced cytotoxic and apoptosis effects against HT-29 colon cancer cells. Oxaliplatin–niosomes and Paclitaxel–niosomes can be considered promising alternative drug delivery systems with enhanced bioavailability of these two anticancer drugs for colorectal cancer treatment.

Ondansetron/Cyclodextrin inclusion complex nanofibrous webs for potential orally fast-disintegrating antiemetic drug delivery

Ondansetron (ODS) is an effective antiemetic drug which suffers from limited solubility and bioavailability during oral administration due to first-pass metabolism. However, these limitations can be mitigated through inclusion complexation with cyclodextrins (CDs). In this study, we have reported the electrospinning of polymer-free, free-standing ODS/CD nanofibrous webs (NW), a promising approach for developing a fast-disintegrating delivery system of an antiemetic drug molecule. Highly water soluble hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrins (HPβCD) were used as both complexation agent and electrospinning matrix. The computational study revealed that the 1/2 (drug/CD) stoichiometry was more favorable compared to 1/1. The ODS/HPβCD NW was obtained with higher loading efficiency (∼96 %) compared to the control sample of ODS/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) NW (∼80 %). The amorphous distribution of ODS raised by complexation and the highly water-soluble nature of HPβCD resulted into faster and better release profile and quite faster disintegration property (∼2 s) in artificial saliva than polymeric ODS/PVA NW. Here, ODS/HPβCD NW was generated in the absence of a toxic solvent or chemical to enable the drug loading in an amorphous state. From all reasons above, ODS/HPβCD NW might be a promising alternative to the polymeric based systems for the purpose of fast-disintegrating oral drug delivery.

Fabrication and Evaluation of Voriconazole Loaded Transethosomal Gel for Enhanced Antifungal and Antileishmanial Activity

Voriconazole (VRC) is a broad-spectrum antifungal agent belonging to BCS class II (biopharmaceutical classification system). Despite many efforts to enhance its solubility, this primary issue still remains challenging for formulation scientists. Transethosomes (TELs) are one of the potential innovative nano-carriers for improving the solubility and permeation of poorly soluble and permeable drugs. We herein report voriconazole-loaded transethosomes (VRCT) fabricated by the cold method and followed by their incorporation into carbopol 940 as a gel. The prepared VRCT were evaluated for % yield, % entrapment efficiency (EE), surface morphology, possible chemical interaction, particle size, zeta potential, and polydispersity index (PDI). The optimized formulation had a particle size of 228.2 nm, a zeta potential of −26.5 mV, and a PDI of 0.45 with enhanced % EE. Rheology, spreadability, extrudability, in vitro release, skin permeation, molecular docking, antifungal, and antileishmanial activity were also assessed for VRCT and VRC loaded transethosomal gel (VTEG). Ex-vivo permeation using rat skin depicted a transdermal flux of 22.8 µg/cm²/h with enhanced efficiency up to 4-fold. A two-fold reduction in inhibitory as well as fungicidal concentration was observed against various fungal strains by VRCT and VTEG besides similar results against L-donovani. The development of transethosomal formulation can serve as an efficient drug delivery system through a topical route with enhanced efficacy and better patient compliance.

Development of niosomes for encapsulating captopril-quercetin prodrug to combat hypertension

Novel and effective anti-hypertensive agents are required to manage hypertension; therefore, we synthesised a novel antihypertensive drug from captopril and quercetin (cap-que) and explored its antihypertensive potential in a niosomal formulation via molecular hybridisation. The cap-que hybrid was synthesised, and its structure was characterised via NMR, FTIR, and HRMS. Niosomes were then loaded with cap-que using the thin-film hydration method. The particle size, polydispersity index, surface charge and drug entrapment efficiency (EE%) of the formulation were 418.8 ± 4.21 nm, 0.393 ± 0.063, 16.25 ± 0.21 mV, and 87.74 ± 2.82%, respectively. The drug release profile showed a sustained release of the active compound (43 ± 0.09%) from the niosomal formulation, compared to the parent drug (80.7 ± 4.68%), over 24 h. The cell viability study confirmed the biosafety of the formulation. The in vivo study in a rat model showed enhanced antihypertensive activity of the hybrid molecule and niosomal formulation which reduced systolic and diastolic pressure when compared to the individual, bare drugs. The findings of this study concluded that the antihypertensive potential of captopril can be enhanced by its hybridisation with quercetin, followed by niosomal nano drug delivery.

Self-Assembling Drug Formulations with Tunable Permeability and Biodegradability

This review focuses on key topics in the field of drug delivery related to the design of nanocarriers answering the biomedicine criteria, including biocompatibility, biodegradability, low toxicity, and the ability to overcome biological barriers. For these reasons, much attention is paid to the amphiphile-based carriers composed of natural building blocks, lipids, and their structural analogues and synthetic surfactants that are capable of self-assembly with the formation of a variety of supramolecular aggregates. The latter are dynamic structures that can be used as nanocontainers for hydrophobic drugs to increase their solubility and bioavailability. In this section, biodegradable cationic surfactants bearing cleavable fragments are discussed, with ester- and carbamate-containing analogs, as well as amino acid derivatives received special attention. Drug delivery through the biological barriers is a challenging task, which is highlighted by the example of transdermal method of drug administration. In this paper, nonionic surfactants are primarily discussed, including their application for the fabrication of nanocarriers, their surfactant-skin interactions, the mechanisms of modulating their permeability, and the factors controlling drug encapsulation, release, and targeted delivery. Different types of nanocarriers are covered, including niosomes, transfersomes, invasomes and chitosomes, with their morphological specificity, beneficial characteristics and limitations discussed.

Intratracheal Administration of Chloroquine-Loaded Niosomes Minimize Systemic Drug Exposure

Pulmonary administration provides a useful alternative to oral and invasive routes of administration while enhancing and prolonging the accumulation of drugs into the lungs and reducing systemic drug exposure. In this study, chloroquine, as a model drug, was loaded into niosomes for potential pulmonary administration either via dry powder inhalation or intratracheally. Chloroquine-loaded niosomes have been prepared and extensively characterized. Furthermore, drug-loaded niosomes were lyophilized and their flowing properties were evaluated by measuring the angle of repose, Carr's index, and Hausner ratio. The developed niosomes demonstrated a nanosized (100-150 nm) spherical morphology and chloroquine entrapment efficiency of ca. 24.5%. The FT-IR results indicated the incorporation of chloroquine into the niosomes, whereas in vitro release studies demonstrated an extended-release profile of the drug-loaded niosomes compared to the free drug. Lyophilized niosomes exhibited poor flowability that was not sufficiently improved after the addition of lactose or when cryoprotectants were exploited throughout the lyophilization process. In vivo, intratracheal administration of chloroquine-loaded niosomes in rats resulted in a drug concentration in the blood that was 10-fold lower than the oral administration of the free drug. Biomarkers of kidney and liver functions (i.e., creatinine, urea, AST, and ALT) following pulmonary administration of the drug-loaded nanoparticles were of similar levels to those of the control untreated animals. Hence, the use of a dry powder inhaler for administration of lyophilized niosomes is not recommended, whereas intratracheal administration might provide a promising strategy for pulmonary administration of niosomal dispersions while minimizing systemic drug exposure and adverse reactions.

New Peceol™/Span™ 60 Niosomes Coated with Chitosan for Candesartan Cilexetil: Perspective Increase in Absolute Bioavailability in Rats

PURPOSE

Candesartan cilexetil (CC), a prodrug of candesartan (CDT), is a class II BCS drug that suffers from poor oral bioavailability because of low aqueous solubility, P-gp efflux and first-pass metabolism. The absolute bioavailability reported for CC was only 15% and the methods to increase it remain elusive, thus the aim of our work was to prepare new CC-loaded niosomes encompassing, for the first time, glycerol monooleate GMO (Peceol™), as P-gp efflux inhibitor and promoter of lymphatic transport with Span™ 60 as bioenhancer. The prepared niosomes were further coated with chitosan for augmenting the CC oral absorption.

METHODS

The niosomes were prepared by thin film hydration method through quality by design approach, using two levels of each of three critical process parameters (CPPs), namely, XA (the molar ratio of surfactant mixture to cholesterol) at a ratio of 1:1 or 2:1; XB (the molar ratio of Span™ 60 to Peceol™) at a ratio of 1:1 or 2:1; and XC (the drug amount) at 15 mg or 30 mg. The investigated critical quality attributes (CQAs) were entrapment efficiency percent, particle size, and polydispersity index. The optimized uncoated and chitosan coated formulations were subjected to DSC and stability study. In vitro drug release, biocompatibility with Caco-2 cells and lastly the absolute bioavailability evaluation in rats were assessed.

RESULTS

The physical properties of the optimized and stable niosomes were satisfactory. The ingredients were compatible with each other and biocompatible with Caco-2 cells. The synergistic combination of Peceol™ and Span™ 60 probably surmounted the P-gp efflux with an increase in oral absolute bioavailability of niosomes to five times that of CC suspension.

CONCLUSION

The new niosomal formulations of CC containing Peceol™ with Span™ 60 and cholesterol either uncoated or coated with chitosan were a successful paradigm in achieving high oral absolute bioavailability and increased Caco-2 cells biocompatibility.

Transdermal Delivery of Lidocaine-Loaded Elastic Nano-Liposomes with Microneedle Array Pretreatment

This study aimed to improve the transdermal delivery of lidocaine hydrochloride (LidH) using elastic nano-liposomes (ENLs) and microneedle (MN) array pretreatment. LidH-containing ENLs were prepared using soybean phosphatidylcholine and cholesterol, with Span 80 or Tween 80, using a reverse-phase evaporation method. The ENL particle size, stability, and encapsulation efficiency (EE) were characterized and optimized based on the component ratio, pH, and type of surfactant used. In vitro transdermal diffusion study was performed on MN-pretreated mouse skin using Franz diffusion cells. The anesthetic effects of LidH in various formulations after dermal application were evaluated in vivo in rats by measuring the tail withdrawal latency after photothermic stimulation. Stable LidH-loaded Tween 80 or Span 80 ENLs were obtained with particle sizes of 115.8 and 146.6 nm and EEs of 27% and 20%, respectively. The formulations did not exert any cytotoxicity in HaCaT cells. Tween 80 and Span 80 ENL formulations showed enhanced LidH delivery on pretreated mice skin in vitro and prolonged the anesthetic effect in vivo compared to that by LidH application alone. LidH-loaded ENLs applied to MN-pretreated skin can shorten the onset time and prolong the anesthetic effect safely, which merits their further optimization and practical application.