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García-Gareta E, Calderón-Villalba A, Alamán-Díez P, Costa CG, Guerrero PE, Mur C, Flores AR, Jurjo NO, Sancho P, Pérez MÁ, García-Aznar JM. Physico-chemical characterization of the tumour microenvironment of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Eur J Cell Biol 2024; 103:151396. [PMID: 38359522 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejcb.2024.151396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 02/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a highly aggressive lethal malignancy that accounts for more than 90% of pancreatic cancer diagnoses. Our research is focused on the physico-chemical properties of the tumour microenvironment (TME), including its tumoural extracellular matrix (tECM), as they may have an important impact on the success of cancer therapies. PDAC xenografts and their decellularized tECM offer a great material source for research in terms of biomimicry with the original human tumour. Our aim was to evaluate and quantify the physico-chemical properties of the PDAC TME. Both cellularized (native TME) and decellularized (tECM) patient-derived PDAC xenografts were analyzed. A factorial design of experiments identified an optimal combination of factors for effective xenograft decellularization. Our results provide a complete advance in our understanding of the PDAC TME and its corresponding stroma, showing that it presents an interconnected porous architecture with very low permeability and small pores due to the contractility of the cellular components. This fact provides a potential therapeutic strategy based on the therapeutic agent size.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena García-Gareta
- Multiscale in Mechanical & Biological Engineering Research Group, Aragon Institute of Engineering Research (I3A), School of Engineering & Architecture, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Aragon, Spain; Aragon Institute for Health Research (IIS Aragon), Miguel Servet University Hospital, Zaragoza, Aragon, Spain; Division of Biomaterials & Tissue Engineering, UCL Eastman Dental Institute, University College London, London, United Kingdom.
| | - Alejandro Calderón-Villalba
- Multiscale in Mechanical & Biological Engineering Research Group, Aragon Institute of Engineering Research (I3A), School of Engineering & Architecture, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Aragon, Spain
| | - Pilar Alamán-Díez
- Multiscale in Mechanical & Biological Engineering Research Group, Aragon Institute of Engineering Research (I3A), School of Engineering & Architecture, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Aragon, Spain
| | - Carlos Gracia Costa
- Multiscale in Mechanical & Biological Engineering Research Group, Aragon Institute of Engineering Research (I3A), School of Engineering & Architecture, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Aragon, Spain
| | - Pedro Enrique Guerrero
- Multiscale in Mechanical & Biological Engineering Research Group, Aragon Institute of Engineering Research (I3A), School of Engineering & Architecture, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Aragon, Spain
| | - Carlota Mur
- Aragon Institute of Engineering Research (I3A), School of Engineering & Architecture, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Aragon, Spain
| | - Ana Rueda Flores
- Multiscale in Mechanical & Biological Engineering Research Group, Aragon Institute of Engineering Research (I3A), School of Engineering & Architecture, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Aragon, Spain
| | - Nerea Olivera Jurjo
- Multiscale in Mechanical & Biological Engineering Research Group, Aragon Institute of Engineering Research (I3A), School of Engineering & Architecture, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Aragon, Spain
| | - Patricia Sancho
- Aragon Institute for Health Research (IIS Aragon), Miguel Servet University Hospital, Zaragoza, Aragon, Spain
| | - María Ángeles Pérez
- Multiscale in Mechanical & Biological Engineering Research Group, Aragon Institute of Engineering Research (I3A), School of Engineering & Architecture, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Aragon, Spain; Aragon Institute for Health Research (IIS Aragon), Miguel Servet University Hospital, Zaragoza, Aragon, Spain
| | - José Manuel García-Aznar
- Multiscale in Mechanical & Biological Engineering Research Group, Aragon Institute of Engineering Research (I3A), School of Engineering & Architecture, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Aragon, Spain; Aragon Institute for Health Research (IIS Aragon), Miguel Servet University Hospital, Zaragoza, Aragon, Spain
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Faran SA, Hussain T, Khalid SH, Khan IU, Asif M, Ahmad J, Rehman A, Asghar S. Bile acid/fatty acid integrated nanoemulsomes for nonalcoholic fatty liver targeted lovastatin delivery: stability, in-vitro, ex-vivo, and in-vivo analyses. Expert Opin Drug Deliv 2024; 21:779-796. [PMID: 38795359 DOI: 10.1080/17425247.2024.2361117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/27/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Controlled and targeted drug delivery to treat nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) can benefit from additive attributes of natural formulation ingredients incorporated into the drug delivery vehicles. METHODS Lovastatin (LVN) loaded, bile acid (BA) and fatty acid (FA) integrated nanoemulsomes (NES) were formulated by thin layer hydration technique for synergistic and targeted delivery of LVN to treat NAFLD. Organic phase NES was comprised of stearic acid with garlic (GL) and ginger (GR) oils, separately. Ursodeoxycholic acid and linoleic acid were individually incorporated as targeting moieties. RESULTS Stability studies over 90 days showed average NES particle size, surface charge, polydispersity index, and entrapment efficiency values of 270 ± 27.4 nm, -23.8 ± 3.5 mV, 0.2 ± 0.04 and 81.36 ± 3.4%, respectively. Spherical NES were observed under a transmission electron microscope. In-vitro LVN release depicted non-fickian release mechanisms from GL and GR oils-based NES. Ex-vivo permeation of BA/FA integrated NES through isolated rat intestines showed greater flux than non-integrated ones. CONCLUSION Liver histopathology of experimental rats together with in-vivo lipid profiles and liver function tests illustrated that these NES possess the clinical potential to be promising drug carriers for NAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Syed Ali Faran
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Government College University Faisalabad, Faisalabad, Pakistan
- Ocular Therapeutics Research Group, Pharmaceutical and Molecular Biotechnology Research Centre, Department of Science, Waterford Campus, South East Technological University (SETU), Waterford, Ireland
| | - Tanveer Hussain
- Faculty of Engineering and Technology, National Textile University, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Syed Haroon Khalid
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Government College University Faisalabad, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Ikram Ullah Khan
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Government College University Faisalabad, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Asif
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Bahawalpur, Pakistan
| | - Junaid Ahmad
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Government College University Faisalabad, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Abdul Rehman
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Government College University Faisalabad, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Sajid Asghar
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Government College University Faisalabad, Faisalabad, Pakistan
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Dong ZC, Shi Y, Liu LJ, Feng TT, Zhou Y, Pan BW. Synthesis and pharmacological activity of vinpocetine derivatives. RSC Adv 2024; 14:7981-7991. [PMID: 38454939 PMCID: PMC10918451 DOI: 10.1039/d3ra07325d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Vinpocetine and its derivatives were extensively employed in the treatment of ischemic stroke, serving as effective cerebrovascular vasodilators. They could also be utilized for neuroprotection, anti-inflammatory purposes, anti-aging interventions, insomnia treatment, and antidepressant effects. However, due to issues such as hepatic first-pass effect, low bioavailability, and poor patient compliance with multiple dosing, the secondary development of Vinpocetine to address these limitations became a prominent area of research. Five primary methodologies were employed for the synthesis of Vinpocetine derivatives. These included substitution on the A ring to modify the 14-ester group, alteration of the 16-ethyl group, simplification of the D and E rings, and modification of the conformation of Vinpocetine. This paper summarized the current synthesis and activity studies of Vinpocetine and its derivatives, with the aim of providing a reference for the discovery of more potent derivatives of Vinpocetine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhang Chao Dong
- College of Pharmacy, Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine Guiyang 550025 China
| | - Yang Shi
- College of Pharmacy, Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine Guiyang 550025 China
| | - Li Juan Liu
- College of Pharmacy, Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine Guiyang 550025 China
| | - Ting Ting Feng
- College of Pharmacy, Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine Guiyang 550025 China
| | - Ying Zhou
- College of Pharmacy, Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine Guiyang 550025 China
| | - Bo Wen Pan
- College of Pharmacy, Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine Guiyang 550025 China
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Hard SAAA, Shivakumar HN, Redhwan MAM. Development and optimization of in-situ gel containing chitosan nanoparticles for possible nose-to-brain delivery of vinpocetine. Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 253:127217. [PMID: 37793522 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.127217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023]
Abstract
Vinpocetine (VIN), a derivative of vincamine found in the vinca plant, widens blood vessels in the brain and has been shown to improve cognitive function, memory, and cerebrovascular disorders. Nevertheless, the clinical utility of VIN is constrained by factors such as low oral bioavailability owing to the first-pass metabolism that often demands frequent dosing of 3-4 tablets/day. In this regard, the present work aimed to develop VIN-loaded chitosan nanoparticles (VIN-CH-NPs) to surmount these limitations and in view to enhance delivery to the brain of VIN by minimizing systemic exposure. The chitosan (CH) nanoparticles (NP) were developed by ionotropic gelation technique employing tripolyphosphate (TPP) as a cross-linking agent. Employing Design of Experiments (DoE), the effect of CH and TPP concentrations and stirring speed were systematically optimized using Box Behnken design (BBD). The optimized batch of nanoparticles displayed a particle size, zeta potential, entrapment efficiency, and drug loading of 130.6 ± 8.38 nm, +40.81 ± 0.11 mV, 97.56 ± 0.04 %, and 61 ± 0.89 %, respectively. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy indicated the chemical integrity of the drug ruling out the interaction between the VIN and excipients used. DSC and PXRD data indicated that reduction of the crystallinity of VIN in the chitosan matrix. These VIN-CH-NPs manifested good stability, exhibiting an almost spherical morphology. To mitigate rapid mucociliary clearance upon intranasal administration, the optimized VIN-CH-NPs were incorporated into thermosensitive in situ gel (VIN-CHN-ISG). It was observed that the in-situ gel loaded with nanoparticles was opalescent with a pH level of 5.3 ± 0.38. It was also noted that the gelation temperature was 32 ± 0.89 °C, and the gelation time was approximately 15 s. The drug delivery to the brain through the nasal application of optimized VIN-NPs in situ gel was assessed in rats. The results indicated significant nasal application of the in-situ gel nearly doubled the Cmax (P < 0.05) and AUC0-t (P < 0.05) in the brain compared to oral administration. Nasal administration improved drug delivery to the brain by reducing systemic exposure to VIN. A histopathological study of the nasal mucosa revealed no irritation or toxicity, making it safe for nasal administration. These findings suggest that the developed NPs in-situ gel effectively targeted vinpocetine to the brain through the nasal pathway, providing a potential therapeutic strategy for managing Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumaia Abdulbari Ahmed Ali Hard
- Department of Pharmaceutics, KLE College of Pharmacy, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India; Basic Science Research Center (Off-Campus), KLE College of Pharmacy, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - H N Shivakumar
- Department of Pharmaceutics, KLE College of Pharmacy, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India; Basic Science Research Center (Off-Campus), KLE College of Pharmacy, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India.
| | - Moqbel Ali Moqbel Redhwan
- Basic Science Research Center (Off-Campus), KLE College of Pharmacy, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India; Department of Pharmacology, KLE College of Pharmacy, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
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Asfour MH, Salama AAA. Coating with tripolyphosphate-crosslinked chitosan as a novel approach for enhanced stability of emulsomes following oral administration: Rutin as a model drug with improved anti-hyperlipidemic effect in rats. Int J Pharm 2023; 644:123314. [PMID: 37579826 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2023.123314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2023] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/16/2023]
Abstract
The aim of the current study is to preserve the emulsomal vesicles against the harsh condition of gastrointestinal tract (GIT), after oral administration, employing tripolyphosphate (TPP)-crosslinked chitosan as a protective coating layer. Rutin was used as a model drug with evaluation of anti-hyperlipidemic activity in rats. The rutin loaded unmodified emulsomes were prepared using tripalmitin and soybean phosphatidylcholine (SPC), by thin film method. Drug loading for the prepared formulations ranged between 6.80 and 15.50 %. The selected formulation (RT-Emuls-6) comprised tripalmitin and SPC, molar ratio 1:1, and exhibited particle size (PS) and zeta potential (ZP) of 150.40 nm and -35.35 mV, respectively. RT-Emuls-6 was then modified by coating with either solely chitosan (RT-Emuls-6-Ch) or TPP-crosslinked chitosan (RT-Emuls-6-Ch-TPP-1). The latter exhibited PS and ZP values of 269.60 nm and 37.17 mV, respectively. Transmission electron microscopy of RT-Emuls-6-Ch-TPP-1 showed a dense pale greyish layer of a coating layer of chitosan crosslinked with TPP surrounding SPC bilayers. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis along with X-ray powder diffraction confirmed cross-linking between chitosan and TPP. Stability study in the simulated GIT fluids revealed that the order of rutin retained percentage was RT-Emuls-6-Ch-TPP-1 > RT-Emuls-6-Ch > RT-Emuls-6 (80.02, 50.66 and 44.41 %, respectively for simulated gastric fluid and 63.50, 55.66 and 24.00 %, respectively for simulated intestinal fluid, after 2 h incubation). Anti-hyperlipidemic activity of rutin loaded emulsomes was evaluated, after oral administration, in a high fat diet-induced hyperlipidemia in rats. The order of activity was as follows: RT-Emuls-6-Ch-TPP-1 > RT-Emuls-6-Ch > RT-Emuls-6 > free rutin. These findings revealed the potential of TPP-crosslinked chitosan as a protective coating layer for enhancing the stability of emulsomes against the harsh condition of GIT. RT-Emuls-6-Ch-TPP-1 had a potent anti-hyperlipidemic activity via regulation of lipids, oxidative stress, irisin and uncoupling protein 1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marwa Hasanein Asfour
- Pharmaceutical Technology Department, National Research Centre, El-Buhouth Street, Dokki, Cairo 12622, Egypt.
| | - Abeer A A Salama
- Pharmacology Department, National Research Centre, El-Buhouth St., Dokki, Cairo 12622, Egypt
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Ritchie HE, Polson JW, Xia A, Webster W. Effect of vinpocetine on embryonic heart rate in vitro. Curr Res Toxicol 2023; 5:100125. [PMID: 37753450 PMCID: PMC10518341 DOI: 10.1016/j.crtox.2023.100125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Vinpocetine is a readily available nutritional supplement claimed to improve memory and weight loss. However, it blocks the Ikr current essential for cardiac action potential repolarisation and Ikr inhibition can cause "torsade de pointes" arrhythmias and sudden death. Moreover, Ikr blockers have exhibited teratogenic effects in reproductive toxicology studies, leading to increased birth defects and embryonic mortality. The FDA advises against vinpocetine use in pregnant and prospective mothers based on animal studies showing dose-dependent fetal mortality in rats and rabbits, and cardiovascular malformations in surviving fetuses. However, the mechanisms responsible for vinpocetine's fetal toxicity remain unclear. The present study used rat embryo culture to evaluate vinpocetine and its major metabolite, apovincaminic acid, on embryonic heart rate, a possible causative factor behind its adverse effects. Both compounds induced embryonic bradycardia in a concentration-dependent manner, with vinpocetine proving more potent. The minimum vinpocentine concentration to induce bradycardia was 100 nM, a level unlikely to be reached in humans following typical doses. Embryonic arrhythmias were also observed at the highest concentrations. These results suggest that the FDA's cautionary statement may generate undue anxiety, although re-evaluation of teratogenicity risk associated with vinpocetine should be revisited if a link to cardiac arrhythmias in adults is established.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen Elizabeth Ritchie
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Jaimie W. Polson
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Andrea Xia
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - William Webster
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Bonaccorso A, Privitera A, Grasso M, Salamone S, Carbone C, Pignatello R, Musumeci T, Caraci F, Caruso G. The Therapeutic Potential of Novel Carnosine Formulations: Perspectives for Drug Development. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:778. [PMID: 37375726 DOI: 10.3390/ph16060778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Carnosine (beta-alanyl-L-histidine) is an endogenous dipeptide synthesized via the activity of the ATP-dependent enzyme carnosine synthetase 1 and can be found at a very high concentration in tissues with a high metabolic rate, including muscles (up to 20 mM) and brain (up to 5 mM). Because of its well-demonstrated multimodal pharmacodynamic profile, which includes anti-aggregant, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities, as well as its ability to modulate the energy metabolism status in immune cells, this dipeptide has been investigated in numerous experimental models of diseases, including Alzheimer's disease, and at a clinical level. The main limit for the therapeutic use of carnosine is related to its rapid hydrolysis exerted by carnosinases, especially at the plasma level, reason why the development of new strategies, including the chemical modification of carnosine or its vehiculation into innovative drug delivery systems (DDS), aiming at increasing its bioavailability and/or at facilitating the site-specific transport to different tissues, is of utmost importance. In the present review, after a description of carnosine structure, biological activities, administration routes, and metabolism, we focused on different DDS, including vesicular systems and metallic nanoparticles, as well as on possible chemical derivatization strategies related to carnosine. In particular, a basic description of the DDS employed or the derivatization/conjugation applied to obtain carnosine formulations, followed by the possible mechanism of action, is given. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first review that includes all the new formulations of carnosine (DDS and derivatives), allowing a decrease or complete prevention of the hydrolysis of this dipeptide exerted by carnosinases, the simultaneous blood-brain barrier crossing, the maintenance or enhancement of carnosine biological activity, and the site-specific transport to different tissues, which then offers perspectives for the development of new drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Bonaccorso
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy
- NANOMED-Research Centre for Nanomedicine and Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Anna Privitera
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Margherita Grasso
- Unit of Neuropharmacology and Translational Neurosciences, Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, 94018 Troina, Italy
| | - Sonya Salamone
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Claudia Carbone
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy
- NANOMED-Research Centre for Nanomedicine and Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Rosario Pignatello
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy
- NANOMED-Research Centre for Nanomedicine and Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Teresa Musumeci
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy
- NANOMED-Research Centre for Nanomedicine and Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Filippo Caraci
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy
- Unit of Neuropharmacology and Translational Neurosciences, Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, 94018 Troina, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Caruso
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy
- Unit of Neuropharmacology and Translational Neurosciences, Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, 94018 Troina, Italy
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Spanlastics as a Potential Platform for Enhancing the Brain Delivery of Flibanserin: In Vitro Response-Surface Optimization and In Vivo Pharmacokinetics Assessment. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14122627. [PMID: 36559120 PMCID: PMC9786754 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14122627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Flibanserin was licensed by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as an oral non-hormonal therapy for pre-menopausal women with inhibited sexual desire disorder. However, it suffers from susceptibility to first-pass metabolism in the liver, low aqueous solubility, and degradation in the acidic stomach environment. Such hurdles result in a limited oral bioavailability of 33%. Thus, the aim of the study was to utilize the principles of nanotechnology and the benefits of an intranasal route of administration to develop a formulation that could bypass these drawbacks. A response-surface randomized D-optimal strategy was used for the formulation of flibanserin spanlastics (SPLs) with reduced size and increased absolute zeta potential. Two numerical factors were studied, namely the Span 60: edge activator ratio (w/w) and sonication time (min), in addition to one categorical factor that deals with the type of edge activator. Particle size (nm) and zeta potential (mV) were studied as responses. A mathematical optimization method was implemented for predicting the optimized levels of the variables. The optimized formulation was prepared using a Span: sodium deoxycholate ratio of 8:2 w/w; a sonication time of 5 min showed particle sizes of 129.70 nm and a zeta potential of -33.17 mV. Further in vivo assessment following intranasal administration in rats showed boosted plasma and brain levels, with 2.11- and 2.23-fold increases (respectively) compared to raw FLB. The aforementioned results imply that the proposed spanlastics could be regarded as efficient drug carriers for the trans-nasal delivery of drugs to the brain.
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