Formulation Development of Topical Preparation Containing Nanoparticles of Povidone-Iodine for Wound Healing

Development and evaluation of berberine-loaded bigel for the treatment of hyperpigmentation on B16F10 melanoma cell line

Aim: The aim of this study was to optimize, develop, characterize and evaluate a topical nanobigel (BG) formulation containing Berberine (BRB) that exhibits anti-melanogenic properties. Materials & methods: The Berberine-loaded bigel (BRB@BG) formulation was prepared by homogenously mixing the optimized hydrogel and oleogel. BRB@BG was characterized in vitro and cytotoxicity study was conducted to evaluate its effects on murine skin melanoma B16F10 cell lines. Results: The optimized BRB@BG exhibited uniform texture with nanometric size, desirable spreadability and extrudability, suitable for topical applications. Cytotoxicity studies revealed that BRB@BG had a lower IC50 value (4.84 μg/ml) on B16F10 cell lines compared with drug alone. Conclusion: In conclusion, the developed BRB@BG formulation showed good potential as safe and effective topical treatment for hyperpigmentation.

A Comprehensive Review on Novel Lipid-Based Nano Drug Delivery

Novel drug delivery system opens the doors towards nano/micro formulation strategies to overcome the challenges associated with the poorly soluble and permeable drugs. Lipid based nanoparticles are widely accepted that includes liposomes, niosomes and micelles which are FDA approved. Such lipid based drug delivery allows delivery for natural phytoconstituents, biopharmaceutical classification system (BCS) class II and class IV drugs are effectively delivered to improve its solubility, permeability and bioavailability. The article provides the recent advances and application of lipid based dosage form for improvement of therapeutic efficacy.

Recent Advances in Nanocarrier-based Approaches to Atopic Dermatitis and Emerging Trends in Drug Development and Design

Atopic dermatitis (AD), commonly known as Eczema, is a non-communicable skin condition that tends to become chronic. The deteriorating immunological abnormalities are marked by mild to severe erythema, severe itching, and recurrent eczematous lesions. Different pharmacological approaches are used to treat AD. The problem with commercial topical preparations lies in the limitation of skin atrophy, systemic side effects, and burning sensation that decreases patient compliance. The carrier-based system promises to eliminate these shortcomings; thus, a novel approach to treating AD is required. Liposomes, microemulsions, solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs), nanoemulsions, etc., have been developed recently to address this ailment. Despite extensive research in the development method and various techniques, it has been challenging to demonstrate the commercial feasibility of these carrier- based systems, which illustrates a gap among the different research areas. Further, different soft wares and other tools have proliferated among biochemists as part of a cooperative approach to drug discovery. It is crucial in designing, developing, and analyzing processes in the pharmaceutical industry and is widely used to reduce costs, accelerate the development of biologically innovative active ingredients, and shorten the development time. This review sheds light on the compilation of extensive efforts to combat this disease, the product development processes, commercial products along with patents in this regard, numerous options for each step of computer-aided drug design, including in silico pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and toxicity screening or predictions that are important in finding the drug-like compounds.

In Silico, In Vitro, and In Vivo Wound Healing Activity of Astragalus microcephalus Willd

Methods

The methanolic root extract was prepared by maceration, and flavonoids were evaluated by LC/MS. In silico examination was performed based on the LC/MS results, and the binding affinity of these compounds to estrogen receptors (ERs) α and β was evaluated. Wound healing evaluation in both in vitro (NHDF cell line, by 500 μg/ml concentration of the extract, 24 h) and in vivo (Wistar rat, topical daily treated with 1.5% of the extract ointment, 21 days) conditions in comparison to control groups was conducted. Rats' control groups included silver sulfadiazine, Vaseline, and the nontreated groups.

Results

Eleven flavonoids were detected using LC/MS. The in silico study showed that formononetin, kaempferol-based structures, quercetin-3-O-neohesperidoside, and calycosin-7-O-beta-D-glucoside had a high affinity (<-6.3) to ERs α and β. Wound closing measurement showed significant improvement in the group treated with the extract in both in vitro and in vivo assays compared to the control groups. Histopathological results confirmed these findings; inflammation factors decreased, and fibroblast proliferation, fibrosis, and epithelization increased, especially in the extract group.

Conclusion

This study shows that Astragalus microcephalus has wound healing activity in vitro and in vivo with low toxicity due to the presence of flavonoids, especially isoflavonoids, which show a high affinity to bind to ERs α and β in the skin tissue.

Applications of Nanosized-Lipid-Based Drug Delivery Systems in Wound Care

Impaired wound healing is an encumbering public health issue that increases the demand for developing new therapies in order to minimize health costs and enhance treatment efficacy. Available conventional therapies are still unable to maximize their potential in penetrating the skin at the target site and accelerating the healing process. Nanotechnology exhibits an excellent opportunity to enrich currently available medical treatments, enhance standard care and manage wounds. It is a promising approach, able to address issues such as the permeability and bioavailability of drugs with reduced stability or low water solubility. This paper focuses on nanosized-lipid-based drug delivery systems, describing their numerous applications in managing skin wounds. We also highlight the relationship between the physicochemical characteristics of nanosized, lipid-based drug delivery systems and their impact on the wound-healing process. Different types of nanosized-lipid-based drug delivery systems, such as vesicular systems and lipid nanoparticles, demonstrated better applicability and enhanced skin penetration in wound healing therapy compared with conventional treatments. Moreover, an improved chemically and physically stable drug delivery system, with increased drug loading capacity and enhanced bioavailability, has been shown in drugs encapsulated in lipid nanoparticles. Their applications in wound care show potential for overcoming impediments, such as the inadequate bioavailability of active agents with low solubility. Future research in nanosized-lipid-based drug delivery systems will allow the achievement of increased bioavailability and better control of drug release, providing the clinician with more effective therapies for wound care.