Rosuvastatin calcium-based novel nanocubic vesicles capped with silver nanoparticles-loaded hydrogel for wound healing management: optimization employing Box-Behnken design: in vitro and in vivo assessment

Implementing losartan potassium-laden pegylated nanocubic vesicles as a novel nanoplatform to alleviate cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity via blocking apoptosis and activating the wnt/β-catenin/TCF-4 pathway

AIMS

Losartan potassium-laden pegylated nanocubic vesicles (LP-NCVs-PEG) have an intriguing kidney-targeted nanoplatform for acute renal injury via blocking apoptosis and activating wnt/β-catenin pathway.

MAIN METHODS

Utilizing a thin-film hydration methodology established on 42 full factorial design to produce LP loaded nanocubic formulations (LP-NCVs) which composed mainly from L-α-phosphatidylcholine and poloxamer. The optimization process was designed to select the formulation with maximum entrapment efficiency (EE %), maximum in-vitro drug release (Q8h), and minimum vesicle size (VS). The optimum formulation was then pegylated to obtain LP-NCVs-PEG formulation that shields NCVs from the harsh ecosystem of the stomach, improves their oral drug delivery performance and targets the proximal renal tubules with no systemic toxicity. Male albino rats were injected with Cisplatin (6 mg/kg, i.p.) alone or with LP-formulations (5 mg/kg/day). Kidney injury markers, inflammatory markers, apoptotic markers. Besides renal tissue expression of Wnt, β-Catenin, GSK-3β, renal RNA gene expression of TCF-4, LEF-1 and histopathology were also analyzed to display pharmacological study.

KEY FINDINGS

The pharmacokinetics studies demonstrated that LP-NCVs-PEG boosted LP bioavailability approximately 3.61 times compared to LP oral solution. Besides LP-NCVs-PEG may have an intriguing kidney-targeted nanoplatform for acute renal injury via decreased renal toxicity markers, renal expression of LEF-1, GSK3-β, caspase, TNF-α, NF-κB and TUNEL expression. Alternatively, increased renal tissue level of Bcl-2, wnt, β-catenin and TCF-4.

SIGNIFICANCE

LP-NCVs-PEG improved LP pharmacokinetics targeting the kidney and improved injury by activating wnt/β-catenin/TCF-4 pathway, blocking apoptosis, inflammation and renal toxicity markers suggesting it might be successful nephroprotective adjuvant therapy.

In Situ Gelling Behavior and Biopharmaceutical Characterization of Nano-Silver-Loaded Poloxamer Matrices Designed for Nasal Drug Delivery

A combination of Poloxamer 407 (P407) and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) hydrosols is proposed as an in situ thermo-gelling vehicle for the nasal drug delivery of chlorhexidine-silver nanoparticles conjugates (SN-CX). Optimization of the formulation was carried out by applying varying ratios of P407 and HPMC in the presence and absence of SN-CX so that gelation would occur in the temperature range of the nasal cavity (30-34 °C). Mechanisms for the observed gelation phenomena were suggested based on viscosimetry, texture analysis, and dynamic light scattering. Tests were carried out for sprayability, washout time, in vitro drug release, ex vivo permeation, and antimicrobial activity. When applied separately, HPMC was found to lower the P407 gelation temperature (Tg), whereas SN-CX increased it. However, in the presence of HPMC, SN-CX interfered with the P407 micellar organization in a principally contrasting way while leading to an even further decrease in Tg. SN-CX-loaded nasal formulations composed of P407 16% and HPMC 0.1% demonstrated a desired gelation at 31.9 °C, good sprayability (52.95% coverage of the anterior nasal cavity), mucoadhesion for 70 min under simulated nasal clearance, expedient release and permeation, and preserved anti-infective activity against seasonal Influenza virus and beta-coronavirus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus and other pathogens. Our findings suggest that the current development could be considered a potential formulation of a protective nasal spray against respiratory infections.

Assembly of In-Situ Gel Containing Nano-Spanlastics of an Angiotensin II Inhibitor as a Novel Epitome for Hypertension Management: Factorial Design Optimization, In-vitro Gauging, Pharmacokinetics, and Pharmacodynamics Appraisal

More than 1 billion people worldwide suffer from hypertension; therefore, hypertension management has been categorized as a global health priority. Losartan potassium (LP) is an antihypertensive drug with a limited oral bioavailability of about 33% since it undergoes the initial metabolic cycle. Thus, nasal administration is a unique route to overcome first-pass metabolism. The investigation focused on the potential effects of LP-loaded spanlastic vesicles (SNVs) on LP pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetic parameters, utilizing a thin-film hydration methodology established on a 3122 full factorial design. Entrapment efficiency (EE%) ranged from 39.8 ± 3.87.8 to 83.8 ± 2.92% for LP-SNVs. Vesicle size (VS) varied from 205.5 ± 6.5.10 to 445.1 ± 13.52 nm, and the percentage of LP released after 8 h (Q8h) ranged from 30.8 ± 3.10 to 68.8 ± 1.45%. LP permeated through the nasal mucosa during 24 h and flocculated from 194.1 ± 4.90 to 435.3 ± 13.53 µg/cm2. After twenty-four hours, the optimal LP-SNVs in-situ gel showed 2.35 times more permeation through the nasal mucosa than the LP solution. It also lowered systolic blood pressure, so it is thought to be better than the reference formulation in terms of pharmacodynamics. The pharmacokinetics studies demonstrated that the intranasal LP-SNVs gel boosted its bioavailability approximately 6.36 times compared to the oral LP solution. Our research showed that intranasal LP-SNVs could be a good nanoplatform because they are well-tolerated and have possible pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics.

Nanophytosomal Gel of Heydotis corymbosa (L.) Extract against Psoriasis: Characterisation, In Vitro and In Vivo Biological Activity

The current study was conducted to examine the possible advantages of Heydotis corymbosa (L.) Lam. extract nanogel as a perspective for enhanced permeation and extended skin deposition in psoriasis-like dermatitis. Optimised nanophytosomes (NPs) were embedded in a pluronic gel base to obtain nanogel and tested ex vivo (skin penetration and dermatokinetics) and in vivo. The optimised NPs had a spherical form and entrapment efficiency of 73.05 ± 1.45% with a nanosized and zeta potential of 86.11 nm and -10.40 mV, respectively. Structural evaluations confirmed encapsulation of the drug in the NPs. Topical administration of prepared nanogel to a rat model of psoriasis-like dermatitis revealed its specific in vivo anti-psoriatic efficacy in terms of drug activity compared to the control and other formulations. Nanogel had improved skin integrity and downregulation of inflammatory cytokines. These findings suggest that developed phytoconstituent-based nanogel has the potential to alleviate psoriasis-like dermatitis with better skin retention and effectiveness.

Tailoring and optimization of a honey-based nanoemulgel loaded with an itraconazole-thyme oil nanoemulsion for oral candidiasis

The use of essential oil-based nanoemulsions (NEs) has been the subject of extensive research on a variety of conditions affecting the oral cavity. NEs are delivery methods that improve the solubility and distribution of lipid medicines to the intended areas. Because of their antibacterial and antifungal properties, itraconazole and thyme oil-based self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery systems (ItZ-ThO-SNEDDS) were created to protect oral health against oral microorganisms. The ItZ-ThO-SNEDDS were created utilizing an extreme verices mixture design, and varying concentrations of ThO (10% and 25%), labrasol (40% and 70%), and transcutol (20% and 40%) were used. The ItZ-ThO-SNEDDS had droplet sizes of less than 250 nm, a drug-loading efficiency of up to 64%, and a fungal growth inhibition zone of up to 20 mm. The accepted design was used to obtain the ideal formulation, which contained ThO in the amount of 0.18 g/ml, labrasol 0.62 g/ml, and transcutol 0.2 g/ml. The best ItZ-ThO-SNEDDS formulation was incorporated into a honey-based gel, which demonstrated improved release of ItZ in vitro and improved transbuccal permeation ex vivo. In addition, when compared with various formulations tested in rats, the optimized loaded emulgel decreased the ulcer index. This study therefore demonstrated that the ItZ-ThO-SNEDDS could offer an effective defense against oral diseases caused by microbial infections.

Fabrication, assessment, and optimization of alendronate sodium nanoemulsion-based injectable in-situ gel formulation for management of osteoporosis

Low bone mass, degeneration of bone tissue, and disruption of bone microarchitecture are all symptoms of the disease osteoporosis, which can decrease bone strength and increase the risk of fractures. The main objective of the current study was to use a phospholipid-based phase separation in-situ gel (PPSG) in combination with an alendronate sodium nanoemulsion (ALS-NE) to help prevent bone resorption in rats. The effect of factors such as concentrations of the ALS aqueous solution, surfactant Plurol Oleique CC 497, and Maisine CC oil on nanoemulsion characteristics such as stability index and globular size was investigated using an l-optimal coordinate exchange statistical design. Injectable PPSG with the best nanoemulsion formulation was tested for viscosity, gel strength, water absorption, and in-vitro ALS release. ALS retention in the rats' muscles was measured after 30 days. The droplet size and stability index of the optimal nanoemulsion were 90 ± 2.0 nm and 85 ± 1.9%, respectively. When mixed with water, the optimal ALS-NE-loaded PPSG became viscous and achieved 36 seconds of gel strength, which was adequate for an injectable in-situ formulation. In comparison with the ALS solution-loaded in-situ gel, the newly created optimal ALS-NE-loaded PPSG produced the sustained and regulated release of ALS; hence, a higher percentage of ALS remained in rats' muscles after 30 days. PPSG that has been loaded with an ALS-NE may therefore be a more auspicious, productive, and effective platform for osteoporosis treatment than conventional oral forms.

Syringeable atorvastatin loaded eugenol enriched PEGylated cubosomes in-situ gel for the intra-pocket treatment of periodontitis: statistical optimization and clinical assessment

Atorvastatin calcium (ATV) is a well-known anti-hyperlipidemic drug currently being recognized for possessing an anti-inflammatory effect. Introducing it as a novel remedy for periodontitis treatment necessitates developing a syringeable modified delivery system capable of targeting inflammation within the periodontal pockets. Thus, a 3³ Box-Behnken design was used to generate eugenol enriched PEGylated cubosomes. Based on the desirability function, the optimized formulation (OEEPC) was selected exhibiting a solubilization efficiency (SE%) of 97.71 ± 0.49%, particle size (PS) of 135.20 ± 1.11 nm, polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.09 ± 0.006, zeta potential (ZP) of -28.30 ± 1.84 mV and showing a sustained drug release over 12 h. It displayed a cubic structure under the transmission electron microscope, furthermore, it was stable upon storage for up to 30 days. Hence, it was loaded into an optimum syringeable in-situ gel (ISG) which displayed the desired periodontal gelation temperature (34 ± 0.70 °C) and an adequate gelation time (46 ± 2.82 sec), it also released approximately 75% of the drug within 72 h. Clinical evaluation of the ISG showed a promising percentage reduction of about 58.33% in probing depth, 90% in the bleeding index, 81.81% in the plaque index, and 70.21% in gingival levels of transforming growth factor-β1. This proved that the formulated syringeable intra-pocket delivery system of ATV is an efficient candidate for diminishing inflammation in periodontitis.

Utilization of a nanostructured lipid carrier encapsulating pitavastatin-Pinus densiflora oil for enhancing cytotoxicity against the gingival carcinoma HGF-1 cell line

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the most common epithelial tumor of the oral cavity. Gingival tumors, a unique type of OSCC, account for 10% of these malignant tumors. The antineoplastic properties of statins, including pitavastatin (PV), and the essential oil of the Pinus densiflora leaf (Pd oil) have been adequately reported. The goal of this investigation was to develop nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) containing PV combined with Pd oil and to determine their cytotoxicity against the cell line of human gingival fibroblasts (HGF-1). A central composite quadratic design was adopted to optimize the nanocarriers. The particle size and stability index of the nano-formulations were measured to evaluate various characteristics. TEM analysis, the entrapment efficiency, dissolution efficiency, and the cytotoxic efficiency of the optimized PV-loaded nanostructured lipid carrier drug delivery system (PV-Pd-NLCs) were evaluated. Then, the optimal PV-Pd-NLCs was incorporated into a Carbopol 940® gel base and tested for its rheological features and its properties of release and cell viability. The optimized NLCs had a particle size of 98 nm and a stability index of 89%. The gel containing optimum PV-Pd-NLCs had reasonable dissolution efficiency and acceptable rheological behavior and acquired the best cytotoxic activity against HGF-1 cell line among all the formulations developed for the study. The in vitro cell viability studies revealed a synergistic effect between PV and Pd oil in the treatment of gingival cancer. These findings illustrated that the gel containing PV-Pd-NLCs could be beneficial in the local treatment of gingival cancer.

Utilization of experimental design in the formulation and optimization of hyaluronic acid-based nanoemulgel loaded with a turmeric-curry leaf oil nanoemulsion for gingivitis

Numerous problems affect oral health, and intensive research is focused on essential oil-based nanoemulsions that might treat prevent or these problems. Nanoemulsions are delivery systems that enhance the distribution and solubility of lipid medications to targeted locations. Turmeric (Tur)- and curry leaf oil (CrO)-based nanoemulsions (CrO-Tur-self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery systems [SNEDDS]) were developed with the goal of improving oral health and preventing or treating gingivitis. They could be valuable because of their antibacterial and anti-inflammatory capabilities. CrO-Tur-SNEDDS formulations were produced using the response surface Box-Behnken design with different concentrations of CrO (120, 180, and 250 mg), Tur (20, 35, and 50 mg), and Smix 2:1 (400, 500, and 600 mg). The optimized formulation had a bacterial growth inhibition zone of up to 20 mm, droplet size of less than 140 nm, drug-loading efficiency of 93%, and IL-6 serum levels of between 950 ± 10 and 3000 ± 25 U/ml. The optimal formulation, which contained 240 mg of CrO, 42.5 mg of Tur, and 600 mg of Smix 2:1, was created using the acceptable design. Additionally, the best CrO-Tur-SNEDDS formulation was incorporated into a hyaluronic acid gel, and thereafter it had improved ex-vivo transbuccal permeability, sustained in-vitro release of Tur, and large bacterial growth suppression zones. The optimal formulation loaded into an emulgel had lower levels of IL-6 in the serum than the other formulations evaluated in rats. Therefore, this investigation showed that a CrO-Tur-SNEDDS could provide strong protection against gingivitis caused by microbial infections.

Fabrication and optimization of phospholipids-based phase separation in-situ gel loaded with BMP-2 nanosized emulsion for bone defect

Introduction: The health, development, and/or survival of a newborn can be impacted by congenital abnormalities such as cleft lip (CLP) and palate, one of alveolar bone defects that emerge thru pregnancy. Therefore, the primary purpose of this study is to use phospholipids-based phase separation in-situ gel (PPSG) in combination with bone morphogenetic protein-2 nanoemulsion (BMP-2-NE) to aid repairing alveolar bone defects. Methods: To investigate how formulation parameters, such as the concentrations of BMP-2 aqueous solution, LauroglycolTM FCC, and Labrafac PG oil, affect NE qualities including droplet size and stability index, an l-optimal co-ordinate exchange statistical design was opted. Injectable PPSG with the best NE formulation was tested for viscosity characteristics, gel strength, water absorption, and in-vitro BMP-2 release. In rabbits, the percentage of BMP-2 that was still in the maxilla after 14 days was assessed. Results: Collected results revealed that the droplet size and stability index of optimal NE were discovered to be 68 2.0 nm and 96 1.3%, respectively. When mixed with water, optimal BMP-2 NE loaded PPSG became viscous and reached a gel strength of 41 s, which is adequate for injectable in-situ gels. In comparison to BMP-2 solution loaded in-situ gel, the in-vivo studies indicated that the newly created BMP-2 NE loaded PPSG produced a sustained and controlled release of BMP-2 that continued for 336 h (14 days). Further, 8% of the BMP-2 was still entrapped and not completely dissolved after 14 days, thus, created formulation allowed a higher percentage of BMP-2 to remain in rabbits' maxilla for longer time. Conclusion: PPSG that has been loaded with BMP-2 NE may therefore be a promising, fruitful, and less painful paradigm for the noninvasive therapy of CLP with significant effect and extended release.

New Insights in Topical Drug Delivery for Skin Disorders: From a Nanotechnological Perspective

Skin, the largest organ in humans, is an efficient route for the delivery of drugs as it circumvents several disadvantages of the oral and parenteral routes. These advantages of skin have fascinated researchers in recent decades. Drug delivery via a topical route includes moving the drug from a topical product to a locally targeted region with dermal circulation throughout the body and deeper tissues. Still, due to the skin's barrier function, delivery through the skin can be difficult. Drug delivery to the skin using conventional formulations with micronized active components, for instance, lotions, gels, ointments, and creams, results in poor penetration. The use of nanoparticulate carriers is one of the promising strategies, as it provides efficient delivery of drugs through the skin and overcomes the disadvantage of traditional formulations. Nanoformulations with smaller particle sizes contribute to improved permeability of therapeutic agents, targeting, stability, and retention, making nanoformulations ideal for drug delivery through a topical route. Achieving sustained release and preserving a localized effect utilizing nanocarriers can result in the effective treatment of numerous infections or skin disorders. This article aims to evaluate and discuss the most recent developments of nanocarriers as therapeutic agent vehicles for skin conditions with patent technology and a market overview that will give future directions for research. As topical drug delivery systems have shown great preclinical results for skin problems, for future research directions, we anticipate including in-depth studies of nanocarrier behavior in various customized treatments to take into account the phenotypic variability of the disease.

Wound Healing Efficacy of Rosuvastatin Transethosomal Gel, I Optimal Optimization, Histological and In Vivo Evaluation

This study aimed to make a formulation and statistical optimization of transethosomal formulations of rosuvastatin (ROS) to enhance its topical wound healing efficiency. Design-Expert^® software was used to employ I optimal design. The formulation variables in the study were surfactant concentration (%w/v), ethanol concentration (%w/v) and surfactant type (span 60 or tween 80), while the dependent responses were entrapment efficiency percent (EE%), vesicle size (VS) and zeta potential (ZP). The numerical optimization process employed by the design expert software resulted in an optimum formula composed of 0.819439 (%w/v) span 60, 40 (%w/v) ethanol and 100 mg lecithin with a desirability of 0.745. It showed a predicted EE% value of 66.5517 vs. 277.703 nm and a ZP of -33. When it was prepared and validated, it showed less than a 5% deviation from the predicted values. The optimum formula was subjected to further characterizations, such as DSC, XRD, TEM, in vitro release, the effect of aging and wound healing efficiency. The DSC thermogram made a confirmation of the compatibility of ROS with the ingredients used in the formulation. XRD showed the encapsulation of ROS in the transethosomal vesicles. The TEM image pointed out the spherical nature of the nanovesicles with the absence of aggregation. Additionally, the optimum formula revealed an enhancement of drug release in comparison with the drug suspension. It also showed good stability for one month. Furthermore, it revealed good wound healing efficiency when compared with the standard silver sulphadiazine (1% w/w) ointment or the drug-loaded gel, which could be related to the enhanced penetration of the nanosized vesicles of TESMs into the skin, which enhances the wound healing process. So, it could be regarded as a promising carrier of ROS for the treatment of chronic wounds.

Fabrication, In Vitro, and In Vivo Assessment of Eucalyptol-Loaded Nanoemulgel as a Novel Paradigm for Wound Healing

Wounds are the most common causes of mortality all over the world. Topical drug delivery systems are more efficient in treating wounds as compared to oral delivery systems because they bypass the disadvantages of the oral route. The aim of the present study was to formulate and evaluate in vitro in vivo nanoemulgels loaded with eucalyptol for wound healing. Nanoemulsions were prepared using the solvent emulsification diffusion method by mixing an aqueous phase and an oil phase, and a nanoemulgel was then fabricated by mixing nanoemulsions with a gelling agent (Carbopol 940) in a 1:1 ratio. The nanoemulgels were evaluated regarding stability, homogeneity, pH, viscosity, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), droplet size, zeta potential, polydispersity index (PDI), spreadability, drug content, in vitro drug release, and in vivo study. The optimized formulation, F5, exhibited pH values between 5 and 6, with no significant variations at different temperatures, and acceptable homogeneity and spreadability. F5 had a droplet size of 139 ± 5.8 nm, with a low polydispersity index. FTIR studies showed the compatibility of the drug with the excipients. The drug content of F5 was 94.81%. The percentage of wound contraction of the experimental, standard, and control groups were 100% ± 0.015, 98.170% ± 0.749, and 70.846% ± 0.830, respectively. Statistically, the experimental group showed a significant difference (p < 0.03) from the other two groups. The results suggest that the formulated optimized dosage showed optimum stability, and it can be considered an effective wound healing alternative.

Novel Bile Salt Stabilized Vesicles-Mediated Effective Topical Delivery of Diclofenac Sodium: A New Therapeutic Approach for Pain and Inflammation

The oral delivery of diclofenac sodium (DNa), a non-steroidal analgesic, anti-inflammatory drug, is associated with various gastrointestinal side effects. The aim of the research was to appraise the potential of transdermal delivery of DNa using bilosomes as a vesicular carrier (BSVC) in inflamed paw edema. DNa-BSVCs were elaborated using a thin-film hydration technique and optimized using a 3¹.2² multilevel categoric design with Design Expert^® software 10 software (Stat-Ease, Inc., Minneapolis, MI, USA). The effect of formulation variables on the physicochemical properties of BSVC, as well as the optimal formulation selection, was investigated. The BSVCs were evaluated for various parameters including entrapment efficiency (EE%), vesicle size (VS), zeta potential (ZP) and permeation studies. The optimized BSVC was characterized for in vitro release, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and incorporated into hydrogel base. The optimized DNa-BSVC gel effectiveness was assessed in vivo using carrageenan-induced paw edema animal model via cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2), interleukin 6 (IL-6), Hemooxygenase 1 (HO-1) and nuclear factor-erythroid factor2-related factor 2 (Nfr-2) that potentiate anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant activity coupled with histopathological investigation. The resulting vesicles presented VS from 120.4 ± 0.65 to 780.4 ± 0.99 nm, EE% from 61.7 ± 3.44 to 93.2 ± 2.21%, ZP from −23.8 ± 2.65 to −82.1 ± 12.63 mV and permeation from 582.9 ± 32.14 to 1350.2 ± 45.41 µg/cm². The optimized BSVCs were nano-scaled spherical vesicles with non-overlapped bands of their constituents in the FTIR. Optimized formulation has superior skin permeability ex vivo approximately 2.5 times greater than DNa solution. Furthermore, histological investigation discovered that the formed BSVC had no skin irritating properties. It was found that DNa-BSVC gel suppressed changes in oxidative inflammatory mediators (COX-2), IL-6 and consequently enhanced Nrf2 and HO-1 levels. Moreover, reduction of percent of paw edema by about three-folds confirmed histopathological alterations. The results revealed that the optimized DNa-BSVC could be a promising transdermal drug delivery system to boost anti-inflammatory efficacy of DNa by enhancing the skin permeation of DNa and suppressing the inflammation of rat paw edema.

Tailoring of Geranium Oil-Based Nanoemulsion Loaded with Pravastatin as a Nanoplatform for Wound Healing

The healing of a burn wound is a complex process that includes the re-formation of injured tissues and the control of infection to minimize discomfort, scarring, and inconvenience. The current investigation’s objective was to develop and optimize a geranium oil–based self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system loaded with pravastatin (Gr-PV-NE). The geranium oil and pravastatin were both used due to their valuable anti-inflammatory and antibacterial activities. The Box–Behnken design was chosen for the development and optimization of the Gr-PV-NE. The fabricated formulations were assessed for their droplet size and their effects on the burn wound diameter in experimental animals. Further, the optimal formulation was examined for its wound healing properties, antimicrobial activities, and ex-vivo permeation characteristics. The produced nanoemulsion had a droplet size of 61 to 138 nm. The experimental design affirmed the important synergistic influence of the geranium oil and pravastatin for the healing of burn wounds; it showed enhanced wound closure and improved anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial actions. The optimal formulation led to a 4-fold decrease in the mean burn wound diameter, a 3.81-fold lowering of the interleukin-6 serum level compared to negative control, a 4-fold increase in the inhibition zone against Staphylococcus aureus compared to NE with Gr oil, and a 7.6-fold increase in the skin permeation of pravastatin compared to PV dispersion. Therefore, the devised nanoemulsions containing the combination of geranium oil and pravastatin could be considered a fruitful paradigm for the treatment of severe burn wounds.

Tailoring of Selenium-Plated Novasomes for Fine-Tuning Pharmacokinetic and Tumor Uptake of Quercetin: In Vitro Optimization and In Vivo Radiobiodistribution Assessment in Ehrlich Tumor-Bearing Mice

Quercetin (QRC) is a bioflavonoid with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer activities, yet QRC poor bioavailability has hampered its clinical implementation. The aim of the current work was to harness novasomes (NOVs), free fatty acid enriched vesicles, as a novel nano-cargo for felicitous QRC delivery with subsequent functionalization with selenium (SeNOVs), to extend the systemic bio-fate of NOVs and potentiate QRC anticancer efficacy through the synergy with selenium. QRC-NOVs were primed embedding oleic acid, Brij 35, and cholesterol adopting thin-film hydration technique according to Box–Behnken design. Employing Design-Expert^® software, the impact of formulation variables on NOVs physicochemical characteristics besides the optimum formulation election were explored. Based on the optimal NOVs formulation, QRC-SeNOVs were assembled via electrostatic complexation/in situ reduction method. The MTT cytotoxicity assay of the uncoated, and coated nanovectors versus crude QRC was investigated in human rhabdomyosarcoma (RD) cells. The in vivo pharmacokinetic and biodistribution studies after intravenous administrations of technetium-99m (^99mTc)-labeled QRC-NOVs, QRC-SeNOVs, and QRC-solution were scrutinized in Ehrlich tumor-bearing mice. QRC-NOVs and QRC-SeNOVs disclosed entrapment efficiency of 67.21 and 70.85%, vesicle size of 107.29 and 129.16 nm, ζ potential of −34.71 and −43.25 mV, and accumulatively released 43.26 and 31.30% QRC within 24 h, respectively. Additionally, QRC-SeNOVs manifested a far lower IC₅₀ of 5.56 μg/mL on RD cells than that of QRC-NOVs (17.63 μg/mL) and crude QRC (38.71 μg/mL). Moreover, the biodistribution study elicited higher preferential uptake of ^99mTc-QRC-SeNOVs within the tumorous tissues by 1.73- and 5.67-fold as compared to ^99mTc-QRC-NOVs and ^99mTc-QRC-solution, respectively. Furthermore, the relative uptake efficiency of ^99mTc-QRC-SeNOVs was 5.78, the concentration efficiency was 4.74 and the drug-targeting efficiency was 3.21. Hence, the engineered QRC-SeNOVs could confer an auspicious hybrid nanoparadigm for QRC delivery with fine-tuned pharmacokinetics, and synergized antitumor traits.

Development and Optimization of Hyaluronic Acid-Poloxamer In-Situ Gel Loaded with Voriconazole Cubosomes for Enhancement of Activity against Ocular Fungal Infection

Fungal eye infections are largely disseminated, especially in developing countries where they may leave over half a million people blind per year. The current study aims to boost the voriconazole antifungal efficiency via loading it as cubosomes (VZ-Cub) into hyaluronic acid and poloxamer-based ocular in situ gel. VZ-Cub were fabricated applying Box-Behnken design and employing phytantriol, poloxamer F127, and VZ amounts as independent variables. The produced nano vesicles were evaluated for the dependent variables of particle size (PS), entrapment efficiency (EE%), and transcorneal steady-state flux (Jss) of the VZ, and, the obtained optimal VZ-Cub was loaded into an in situ gel base to enhance its ocular residence time. The in situ gel formulation was tested for its gelation temperature, drug release behavior, transcorneal permeation effects, and antifungal activity. The optimized VZ-Cub consisted of 100 mg of phytantriol, 60 mg of poloxamer F127, and 21 mg of VZ. This formulation led to a minimum PS of 71 nm, an EE% of 66%, Jss value of 6.5 µg/(cm²·min), and stability index of 94 ± 2%. The optimized VZ-Cub-loaded in situ gel released 84% VZ after 12 h and yielded a 4.5-fold increase in drug permeation compared with the VZ aqueous dispersion. The antifungal activity, which was obtained by measuring the fungal growth inhibition zones, revealed that the VZ-Cub-loaded in situ gel formulation had a 3.89-fold increase in antifungal activity compared with the VZ dispersion. In summary, an ocular in situ gel loaded with VZ-Cub could be an effective novel nano-paradigm with enhanced transcorneal permeation and antifungal properties.

Repurposing Lovastatin Cytotoxicity against the Tongue Carcinoma HSC3 Cell Line Using a Eucalyptus Oil-Based Nanoemulgel Carrier

Tongue cancer is one of the most common carcinomas of the head and neck region. The antitumor activities of statins, including lovastatin (LV), and the essential oil of eucalyptus (Eu oil), have been adequately reported. The aim of this study was to develop a nanoemulgel containing LV combined with Eu oil that could then be made into a nanoemulsion and assessed to determine its cytotoxicity against the cell line human chondrosarcoma-3 (HSC3) of carcinoma of the tongue. An I-optimal coordinate-exchange quadratic mixture design was adopted to optimize the investigated nanoemulsions. The droplet size and stability index of the developed formulations were measured to show characteristics of the nanoemulsions. The optimized LV loaded self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system (LV-Eu-SNEDDS) was loaded into the gelling agent Carbopol 934 to develop the nanoemulgel and evaluated for its rheological properties. The cytotoxic efficiency of the optimized LV-Eu-SNEDDS loaded nanoemulgel was tested for cell viability, and the caspase-3 enzyme test was used against the HSC3 cell line of squamous carcinoma of the tongue. The optimized nanoemulsion had a droplet size of 85 nm and a stability index of 93%. The manufactured nanoemulgel loaded with the optimum LV-Eu-SNEDDS exhibited pseudoplastic flow with thixotropic behavior. The developed optimum LV-Eu-SNEDDS-loaded nanoemulgel had the best half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) and caspase-3 enzyme values of the formulations developed for this study, and these features improved the ability of the nanoemulsion-loaded gel to deliver the drug to the investigated target cells. In addition, the in vitro cell viability studies revealed the synergistic effect between LV and Eu oil in the treatment of tongue cancer. These findings illustrated that the LV-Eu-SNEDDS-loaded gel formulation could be beneficial in the local treatment of tongue cancer.

Preparation and optimization of aloe ferox gel loaded with Finasteride-Oregano oil nanocubosomes for treatment of alopecia

Alopecia areata is a skin disorder characterized by scarless, localized hair loss that is usually managed by topical treatments that might further worsen the condition. Therefore, the current study aimed to develop nano-cubosomes loaded with finasteride (FI) and oregano oil (Or) to improve drug solubility and permeation through skin and then incorporate it into an aloe ferox gel base. An l-optimal coordinate exchange design was adopted to optimize nano-cubosomes. Phytantriol and Alkyl Acrylate were employed as the lipid material, and surfactant respectively for cubosomes manufacture. The produced formulations were assessed for their particle size, entrapment efficiency (EE%), FI steady-state flux (Jss) and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) against Pro-pionibacterium acnes. Optimal FI-Or-NCu had a particle size of 135 nm, EE% equals 70%, Jss of 1.85 μg/cm2.h, and MIC of 0.44 μg/ml. The optimum formulation loaded gel gained the highest drug release percent and ex vivo skin permeation compared to FI aqueous suspension, and pure FI loaded gel. Aloe ferox and oregano oil in the optimized gel formulation had a synergistic activity on the FI permeation across the skin and against the growth of p. acne bacteria which could favor their use in treating alopecia. Thus, this investigation affirms the ability of FI-Or-NCu loaded aloe ferox gel could be an effective strategy that would enhance FI release and permeation through skin and maximize its favorable effects in treating alopecia.

Preparation and Optimization of Garlic Oil/Apple Cider Vinegar Nanoemulsion Loaded with Minoxidil to Treat Alopecia

Alopecia areata is a scarless, localized hair loss disorder that is typically treated with topical formulations that ultimately only further irritate the condition. Hence, the goal of this study was to develop a nanoemulsion with a base of garlic oil (GO) and apple cider vinegar (APCV) and loaded with minoxidil (MX) in order to enhance drug solubilization and permeation through skin. A distance coordinate exchange quadratic mixture design was used to optimize the proposed nanoemulsion. Span 20 and Tween 20 mixtures were used as the surfactant, and Transcutol was used as the co-surfactant. The developed formulations were characterized for their droplet size, minoxidil steady-state flux (MX Jss) and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) against Propionibacterium acnes. The optimized MX-GO-APCV nanoemulsion had a droplet size of 110 nm, MX Jss of 3 μg/cm² h, and MIC of 0.275 μg/mL. The optimized formulation acquired the highest ex vivo skin permeation parameters compared to MX aqueous dispersion, and varying formulations lacked one or more components of the proposed nanoemulsion. GO and APCV in the optimized formulation had a synergistic, enhancing activity on the MX permeation across the skin membrane, and the percent permeated increased from 12.7% to 41.6%. Finally, the MX-GO-APCV nanoemulsion followed the Korsmeyer–Peppas model of diffusion, and the value of the release exponent (n) obtained for the formulations was found to be 1.0124, implying that the MX permeation followed Super case II transport. These results demonstrate that the MX-GO-APCV nanoemulsion formulation could be useful in promoting MX activity in treating alopecia areata.

Formulation, optimization, and nephrotoxicity evaluation of an antifungal in situ nasal gel loaded with voriconazole‒clove oil transferosomal nanoparticles

Fungal infections of the paranasal cavity are among the most widely spread illnesses nowadays. The aim of the current study was to estimate the effectiveness of an in situ gel loaded with voriconazole‒clove oil nano-transferosomes (VRC-CO-NT) in enhancing the activity of voriconazole against Aspergillus flavus, which causes rhinosinusitis. The nephrotoxic side effects of voriconazole may be reduced through the incorporation of the clove oil, which has antioxidant activity that protects tissue. The Box‒Behnken design was applied to formulate the VRC-CO-NT. The particle size, entrapment efficiency, antifungal inhibition zone, and serum creatinine concentration were considered dependent variables, and the soybean lecithin, VRC, and CO concentrations were considered independent ones. The final optimized formulation was loaded into a deacetylated gellan gum base and evaluated for its gelation, rheological properties, drug release profile, permeation capabilities, and in vivo nephrotoxicity. The optimum formulation was determined to be composed of 50 mg/mL lecithin, 18 mg/mL VRC, and 75 mg/mL CO, with a minimum particle size of 102.96 nm, an entrapment efficiency of 71.70%, an inhibition zone of 21.76 mm, and a serum creatinine level of 0.119 mmol/L. The optimized loaded in situ gel released 82.5% VRC after 12 hours and resulted in a 5.4-fold increase in drug permeation. The in vivo results obtained using rabbits resulted in a nonsignificant differentiation among the renal function parameters compared with the negative control group. In conclusion, nasal in situ gel loaded with VRC-CO-NT is considered an efficient novel carrier with enhanced antifungal properties with no signs of nephrotoxicity.