Determination of adapalene in gel formulation by conventional and derivative synchronous fluorimetric approaches. Application to stability studies and in vitro diffusion test

Environmentally sensitive fluorescence of the topical retinoid adapalene

Intrinsic fluorescence of drugs brings valuable information on their localization in the organism and their interaction with key biomolecules. In this work, we investigate the absorption and emission properties of the topical retinoid adapalene in different solvents and biological media. While the UVA/UVB absorption band does not exhibit any significant solvent-dependent behavior, a strong positive solvatochromism is observed for the emission. These results are in line with molecular modeling and simulations that show the presence of two quasi-degenerate states, i.e., a local π-π* and an intermolecular charge-transfer (ICT) state. However, molecular modeling also revealed that, whatever the solvent, at the corresponding equilibrium geometry the lowest and emissive excited state is the local π-π*. Finally, the potential of adapalene to act as a biological probe is demonstrated using albumin, DNA and micelles.

Photostability of Topical Agents Applied to the Skin: A Review

Topical treatment modalities have multiple advantages starting with the convenient application and non-invasive treatment and ending with the reduction of the risk of the systemic side effects. Active pharmaceutical substances must reach the desired concentration at the target site in order to produce a particular therapeutic effect. In contrast to other dosage forms topical agents applied to the skin may also be susceptible to photodegradation after application. That is why the knowledge of the susceptibility of these topical drugs to UV irradiation, which may contribute to their degradation or changes in chemical structure, is very important. Active pharmaceutical substances used in dermatology may differ both in chemical structure and photostability. Furthermore, various factors-such as light intensity and wavelength, pH, temperature, concentration-can influence the photodegradation process, which is reflected in particular in kinetics of photodegradation of active pharmaceutical substances as well as both the quantitative and qualitative composition of by-products. The aim of this study was to conduct a systematic review of the photostability of dermatological drugs, as well as of other substances commonly applied topically. The photostability of glucocorticosteroids, retinoids, and antifungal drugs as well as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs applied topically and selected UV-filters have been discussed. Furthermore, the impact of photoinstability on the effectiveness of pharmacotherapy and some photostabilization strategies have been also included.

Simultaneous evaluation of losartan and amlodipine besylate using second-derivative synchronous spectrofluorimetric technique and liquid chromatography with time-programmed fluorimetric detection

This study is concerned with two sensitive, fast and reproducible approaches; namely, second-derivative synchronous fluorimetry (method I) and reversed phase high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorimetric detection (method II) for synchronized evaluation of losartan (LOS) and amlodipine besylate (AML). Method I is based on measuring second-derivative synchronous fluorescence spectra of LOS and AML at Δλ = 80 nm in water. The experimental factors influencing the synchronous fluorescence of the considered compounds were sensibly adjusted. The chromatographic analysis was executed on a Nucleodur MN-C18 column of dimensions; 250 × 4.6 mm i.d. and 5 µm particle size). The fluorimetric detection was time-programmed at λem = 440 nm for AML (0.0-7.5 min) and at λem = 400 nm for LOS (7.5-10 min) after excitation at λex = 245 nm. The mobile phase is a blend of acetonitrile with 0.02 M phosphate buffer in a proportion of 45 : 55, pH 4.0, pumped using a flow rate of 1 ml min-1. The calibration plots were established to be 0.1-4.0 µg ml-1 for both drugs in method I and 0.05-4.0 µg ml-1 for both drugs in method II. The study was extended to the evaluation of the two drugs in their co-formulated tablets.

Adapalene-loaded poly(ε-caprolactone) microparticles: Physicochemical characterization and in vitro penetration by photoacoustic spectroscopy

Adapalene (ADAP) is an important drug widely used in the topical treatment of acne. It is a third-generation retinoid and provides keratolytic, anti-inflammatory, and antiseborrhoic action. However, some topical adverse effects such as erythema, dryness, and scaling have been reported with its commercial formula. In this sense, the microencapsulation of this drug using polyesters can circumvent its topical side effects and can lead to the enhancement of drug delivery into sebaceous glands. The goal of this work was to obtain ADAP-loaded poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) microparticles prepared by a simple emulsion/solvent evaporation method. Formulations containing 10 and 20% of ADAP were successfully obtained and characterized by morphological, spectroscopic, and thermal studies. Microparticles presented encapsulation efficiency of ADAP above 98% and showed a smooth surface and spherical shape. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) results presented no drug-polymer chemical bond, and a differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) technique showed a partial amorphization of the drug. ADAP permeation in the Strat-M membrane for transdermal diffusion testing was evaluated by photoacoustic spectroscopy (PAS) in the spectral region between 225 and 400 nm after 15 min and 3 h from the application of ADAP-loaded PCL formulations. PAS was successfully used for investigating the penetration of polymeric microparticles. In addition, microencapsulation decreased the in vitro transmembrane diffusion of ADAP.