Lipomers (Lipid-polymer Hybrid Particles) of Vardenafil Hydrochloride: a Promising Dual Platform for Modifying the Drug Release Rate and Enhancing Its Oral Bioavailability

Capped flexosomes for prominent anti-inflammatory activity: development, optimization, and ex vivo and in vivo assessments

This study aimed to formulate diacerein (DCN)-loaded flexosomes for enhanced efficacy against osteoarthritis. A 23 D-optimal design was employed, investigating the impact of surfactant type (A), surfactant concentration (%w/v) (B), and oleylamine amount (mg) (C). Flexosomes were formulated using a rotary evaporator, and Design-Expert® software was utilized to statistically analyze entrapment efficiency (EE%), zeta potential (ZP), poly-dispersity index (PDI), and particle size (PS) to determine the optimum formula. The selection criteria prioritized increased ZP (as absolute value) and EE%, coupled with decreased PDI and PS. Rigorous physicochemical, in vivo, and ex vivo tests were conducted to validate the safety, stability, and activity of the optimal formula. Physicochemical assessments encompassed pH measurement, transmission electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, release profiles, storage effects, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. In vivo tests included permeation studies, histopathology, anti-inflammatory activity, and skin irritancy, while ex vivo tests focused on permeation parameters and skin deposition. The optimum formula demonstrated high desirability (0.931), along with favorable EE% (90.93%), ZP (- 40.4 mV), particle size (188.55 nm), and sustained behavior. Notably, improved in vivo permeation (132 µm), skin deposition (193.43 µg/cm2), and antinociceptive activity (66%) compared to DCN suspension (48 µm, 66.31 µg/cm2, and 26%, respectively) were observed. The optimal formula also exhibited excellent safety and storage characteristics. In conclusion, DCN-loaded flexosomes exhibit significant potential for effectively managing osteoarthritis.

Transdermal application of diacerin loaded-terpene enriched invasomes: an approach to augment anti-edema and nociception inhibition activity

This study aimed to formulate diacerein loaded terpene-enriched invasomes (DCN-TINV) to fulfill a fruitful management of osteoarthritis. A 23 factorial design was adopted, including A: cholesterol concentration (%w/v), B: ethanol volume (mL) and C: phosphatidylcholine: drug ratio as the studied factors. Invasomes were constructed using the thin film hydration technique. Herein, percent entrapment efficiency (EE%), particle size (PS), poly-dispersity index (PDI) and zeta potential (ZP) were statistically analyzed using Design-Expert® software to select the optimum formula. The selected criteria for detecting the optimum formula were restricting PS (<350 nm), dismissing PDI, magnifying ZP (as absolute value) and EE%. The selected formula was further scrutinized through multiple in-vitro studies, including Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, pH measurement, stability study, release profile and transmission electron microscopy. Furthermore, the ex-vivo performance was evaluated through ex-vivo skin permeation and deposition. Finally, it was subjected to an array of in-vivo tests, namely Draize test, histopathology, In-vivo skin penetration, edema size, and nociception inhibition measurements. The optimum formula with desirability (0.913) demonstrated EE% (89.21% ± 2.12%), PS (319.75 ± 10.11 nm), ZP (-55 ± 3.96 mV) and a prolonged release profile. Intriguingly, revamped skin permeation (1143 ± 32.11 µg/cm2), nociception inhibition (77%) and In-vivo skin penetration (144 µm) compared to DCN suspension (285 ± 21.25 µg/cm2, 26% and 48 µm, respectively) were displayed. The optimum DCN-TINV exhibited plausible safety and stability profiles consolidated with auspicious efficacy for better management of osteoarthritis.

Solusomes (novel soluplus® enriched nano-vesicular carriers) for improving the oral bioavailability of Candesartan cilexetil

Candesartan cilexetil (CAN) is administered for treating hypertension and heart failure. CAN suffers poor oral bioavailability, owing to limited aqueous solubility, and first-pass metabolism. Solusomes (novel Soluplus® enriched nano-vesicular carriers) combine the merits of Soluplus®, and the traditional liposomes. They were explored to increase CAN solubility, allow a high drug release rate, and improve the oral drug bioavailability. Solusomes were developed via thin film hydration technique utilizing lipid (phosphatidylcholine; PC) and polymeric solubilizer (Soluplus®; Solu). S6 system comprising PC (0.1% w/v), CAN and Soluplus® (at 1:5 ratio; w/w), following a 5 min sonication period, was the optimum one with respect to drug entrapment efficiency (83.5 ± 2.6%), drug loading (11.9 ± 0.3%), particle size and shape (377.2 ± 12.1 nm, spherical), zeta-potential (-19.6 ± 2.1 mV), saturated drug solubility (32.09 ± 0.71 µg/mL), drug released % after 1 h (68 ± 0.9%), and stability. Significantly higher Cmax (969.12 ± 46.3 ng/mL), shorter median Tmax (1h), and improved relative bioavailability (≈ 6.8 folds) in rabbits could evidence the potential of S6 system in enhancing oral CAN bioavailability. S6 solusomes act as dual platform to improve the oral drug bioavailability and maintain effective drug concentration for a prolonged period.

Formulation, optimization, in-vivo biodistribution studies and histopathological safety assessment of duloxetine HCl-loaded ultra-elastic nanovesicles for antidepressant effect after intranasal and transdermal delivery

Duloxetine hydrochloride (DUL) is a BCS class-II antidepressant drug, acting via serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibition. Despite high oral absorption, DUL suffers limited bioavailability due to extensive gastric and first-pass metabolism. To improve DUL's bioavailability; DUL-loaded elastosomes were developed, via full factorial design, utilizing various span®60: cholesterol ratios, edge activator types and amounts. Entrapment efficiency (E.E.%), particle size (PS), zeta potential (ZP) and in-vitro released percentages after 0.5 h (Q_0.5h) and 8 h (Q_8h) were evaluated. Optimum elastosomes (DUL-E1) were assessed for morphology, deformability index, drug crystallinity and stability. DUL pharmacokinetics were evaluated in rats following intranasal and transdermal application of DUL-E1 elastosomal gel. DUL-E1 elastosomes [comprising span®60 and cholesterol (1:1) and brij S2 (edge activator; 5 mg)] were optimum with high E.E.% (81.5 ± 3.2%), small PS (432 ± 13.2 nm), ZP (-30.8 ± 3.3 mV), acceptable Q_0.5h (15.6 ± 0.9%), and high Q_8h (79.3 ± 3.8%). Intranasal and transdermal DUL-E1 elastosomes revealed significantly higher C_max (251 ± 18.6 and 248 ± 15.9 ng/mL) at T_max (2 and 4 h) and improved relative bioavailability (≈ 2.8 and 3.1 folds) respectively, in comparison to oral DUL aqueous solution. In-vivo histopathological studies were conducted to ensure the safety of DUL-E1. Elastosomes are promising novel nano-carriers, capable of enhancing the bioavailability of DUL via various routes of administration.

Brain targeting of zolmitriptan via transdermal terpesomes: statistical optimization and in vivo biodistribution study by 99mTc radiolabeling technique

Zolmitriptan (ZT) is a potent second generation triptan, commonly administered to alleviate migraine attacks. ZT suffers various limitations; massive hepatic first pass metabolism, P-gp efflux transporters susceptibility, and limited (≈40%) oral bioavailability. Transdermal route of administration could be explored to enhance its bioavailability. A 23.31 full factorial design was constructed to developed twenty-four ZT loaded terpesomes via thin film hydration technique. The influence of drug: phosphatidylcholine ratio, terpene type, terpene concentration and sodium deoxycholate concentration on the characterization of the developed ZT-loaded terpesomes was assessed. Particle size (PS), zeta potential (ZP), ZT entrapment efficiency (EE%), drug loading (DL%) and drug released percentages after 6 h (Q6h) were the selected dependent variables. Further morphological, crystallinity, and in-vivo histopathological studies were conducted for the optimum terpesomes (T6). 99mTc-ZT and 99mTc-ZT-T6 gel were radio-formulated for in-vivo biodistribution studies in mice following transdermal application of 99mTc-ZT-T6 gel, relative to 99mTc-ZT oral solution. T6 terpesomes [comprising ZT and phosphatidylcholine (1:15), cineole (1% w/v) and sodium deoxycholate (0.1% w/v)] were optimum with respect to spherical PS (290.2 nm), ZP (-48.9 mV), EE% (83%), DL% (3.9%) and Q6h (92.2%) with desirability value of 0.85. The safety of the developed T6 terpesomes was verified by the in-vivo histopathological studies. 99mTc-ZT-T6 gel showed maximum brain concentration (5 ± 0.1%ID/ g) with highest brain to blood ratio of 1.92 ± 0.1 at 4 h post transdermal application. Significant improvement of ZT brain relative bioavailability (529%) and high brain targeting efficiency (315%) were revealed with 99mTc-ZT-T6 gel, which confirmed successful ZT delivery to the brain. Terpesomes could be safe, successful systems capable of improving ZT bioavailability with high brain targeting efficiency.

Lipid polymer hybrid nanoparticles: a custom-tailored next-generation approach for cancer therapeutics

Lipid-based polymeric nanoparticles are the highly popular carrier systems for cancer drug therapy. But presently, detailed investigations have revealed their flaws as drug delivery carriers. Lipid polymer hybrid nanoparticles (LPHNPs) are advanced core-shell nanoconstructs with a polymeric core region enclosed by a lipidic layer, presumed to be derived from both liposomes and polymeric nanounits. This unique concept is of utmost importance as a combinable drug delivery platform in oncology due to its dual structured character. To add advantage and restrict one's limitation by other, LPHNPs have been designed so to gain number of advantages such as stability, high loading of cargo, increased biocompatibility, rate-limiting controlled release, and elevated drug half-lives as well as therapeutic effectiveness while minimizing their drawbacks. The outer shell, in particular, can be functionalized in a variety of ways with stimuli-responsive moieties and ligands to provide intelligent holding and for active targeting of antineoplastic medicines, transport of genes, and theragnostic. This review comprehensively provides insight into recent substantial advancements in developing strategies for treating various cancer using LPHNPs. The bioactivity assessment factors have also been highlighted with a discussion of LPHNPs future clinical prospects.

Sonophoresis-assisted transdermal delivery of antimigraine-loaded nanolipomers: Radio-tracking, histopathological assessment and in-vivo biodistribution study

Migraine is a disabling neurovascular polygenic disorder affecting life quality with escorted socioeconomic encumbrances. Herein, we investigated the consolidated amalgamation of passive lipomer approach alongside active sonophoresis assisted transdermal delivery of zolmitriptan (ZT) using high frequency ultrasound pre-treatment protocol to mitigate migraine attacks. A modified nanoprecipitation technique was utilized to prepare zolmitriptan loaded lipomers (ZTL) adopting 23 factorial design. Three factors were scrutinized namely lipid type, ZT: lipid ratio and ZT: Gantrez® ratio. The prepared systems were characterized regarding particle size, zeta potential, polydispersity index, entrapment efficiency and in-vitro release studies. The best achieved ZTL system was evaluated for ZT- Gantrez® intermolecular interactions, drug crystallinity, morphology, ex-vivo permeation and histopathological examination. Finally, a comparative in-vivo biodistribution study through radiotracking technique using Technetium-99 m was adopted. L2 was the best-achieved ZTL system with respect to spherical particle size (390.7 nm), zeta-potential (-30.8 mV), PDI (0.2), entrapment efficiency (86.2%), controlled release profile, flux (147.13 μg/cm2/hr) and enhancement ratio (5.67). Histopathological studies proved the safety of L2 system upon application on skin. L2 revealed higher brain Cmax (12.21 %ID/g), prolonged brain MRT (8.67 hr), prolonged brain 0.23 hr), significantly high relative bioavailability (2929.36%) and similar brain Tmax (0.5 hr) compared to I.V. route with higher brain/blood ratio. Thus, sonophoresis assisted transdermal delivery of ZTL offers a propitious alterative to alleviate migraine symptoms.

Hydrocortisone-Loaded Lipid-Polymer Hybrid Nanoparticles for Controlled Topical Delivery: Formulation Design Optimization and In Vitro and In Vivo Appraisal

The barrier functionalities of the skin offer a major but not insuperable hindrance for fabrication of skin delivery effective systems. This work aimed to develop an optimized lipid polymer hybrid nanoparticle and assess the skin delivery effectiveness of hydrocortisone (9.872 ± 0.361 × 10^-3 cm²/h) of a drug through the skin from an optimized formulation when compared with a drug solution. Meanwhile, histological examination after topical application of the optimized formulation showed a safe increase in epidermal thickness. In vivo, the optimized formulation showed promising anti-inflammatory activity in a croton oil-induced ear rosacea model. As an excellent anti-inflammatory agent, these findings propose that the use of lipomers could be a promising strategy to improve the topical effectiveness of hydrocortisone acetate (HCA) against inflammatory diseases. Collectively, these results support our view that lipid polymer hybrid nanoparticles can proficiently deliver hydrocortisone to the skin in treating skin inflammatory conditions.

Low-Frequency Sonophoresis as an Active Approach to Potentiate the Transdermal Delivery of Agomelatine-Loaded Novasomes: Design, Optimization, and Pharmacokinetic Profiling in Rabbits

The first melatonergic antidepressant drug, agomelatine (AGM), is commonly used for controlling major depressive disorders. AGM suffers low (< 5%) oral bioavailability owing to the hepatic metabolism. The current work investigated the potential of low-frequency sonophoresis on enhancing transdermal delivery of AGM-loaded novasomes and, hence, bioavailability of AGM. Drug-loaded novasomes were developed using free fatty acid (stearic acid or oleic acid), surfactant (span 60 or span 80), and cholesterol via thin-film hydration technique. The systems (N1-N16) were assessed for zeta potential (ZP), particle size (PS), encapsulation efficiency (EE%), and drug percent released after 0.5 h (Q_0.5 h) and 8 h (Q_8h), drug-crystallinity, morphology, and ex vivo drug permeation. Skin pre-treatment with low-frequency ultrasound (LFU) waves, via N13-novasomal gel systems, was optimized to enhance ex vivo drug permeation. Influences of LFU mode (continuous or pulsed), duty cycle (50% or 100%), and application period (10 or 15 min) were optimized. The pharmacokinetics of the optimized system (N13-LFU-C4) was assessed in rabbits. N13 was the best achieved novasomal system with respect to PS (471.6 nm), ZP (- 63.6 mv), EE% (60.5%), Q_0.5 h (27.8%), Q_8h (83.9%), flux (15.5 μg/cm²/h), and enhancement ratio (6.9). N13-LFU-C4 was the optimized novasomal gel system (desirability; 0.997) which involves skin pre-treatment with LFU in a continuous mode, at 100% duty cycle, for 15 min. Compared to AGM dispersion, the significantly (P < 0.05) higher flux (26.7 μg/cm²/h), enhancement ratio (11.9), C_max (118.23 ng/mL), and relative bioavailability (≈ 8.6 folds) could elucidate the potential of N13-LFU-C4 system in improving transdermal drug permeability and bioavailability.

Advances in Nanoparticle Delivery System for Erectile Dysfunction: An Updated Review

INTRODUCTION

The use of current available treatment for male erectile dysfunction (ED) has some limitations that are related to efficacy and adverse effects. Nanotechnology has been used as a new tool in medicine to improve these limitations and new medications potentially to alleviate and cure ED.

AIM

To review the currently literature on new nano medications for ED based on scientific and clinical studies, efficacy, safety, mechanisms of action, and to identify gaps for future research.

METHODS

A comprehensive literature review was conducted via Google Scholar, Science Direct, and PubMed on English publications using different keywords such as "erectile dysfunction", "emerging treatments", "nanotechnology", and "herbal medicine". The retrieved papers were organized into groups according to the sections covered in this review paper.

MAIN OUTCOMES MEASURES

We reviewed novel ED treatments such as nanotechnological phosphodiesterase inhibitors, papaverine hydrochloride, sialorphin, adipose tissue-derived stem cells, sonic hedgehog, and herbal medicine.

RESULTS

Numerous preclinical studies have addressed novel phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors nanoparticle, and their recent delivery systems. Nitric oxide, sialorphin, sonic hedgehog, and herbal medicine loaded nanoparticles and nano adipose tissue-derived stem cells as a potential new treatment for ED. In addition, papaverine-containing nanoparticles have been reported. A limited number of randomized clinical studies have determined the mechanism of these treatments.

CONCLUSION

A literature review on the application of nanotechnology in ED therapy was successfully conducted. New nano medications are promising to treat ED. However, further studies are warranted to further assess their efficacy and safety. Masuku NP, Unuofin JO, Lebelo SL. Advances in Nanoparticle Delivery System for Erectile Dysfunction: An Updated Review. Sex Med 2021;XX:XXXXXX.

Polymeric Lipid Hybrid Nanoparticles as a Delivery System Enhance the Antitumor Effect of Emodin in Vitro and in Vivo

This study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of Emodin-loaded polymer lipid hybrid nanoparticles (E-PLNs) for breast cancer. The size, Zeta potential, surface morphology, encapsulation efficiency, stability, in vitro drug release of E-PLNs prepared by the nanoprecipitation method were characterized. The uptake, in-vitro cytotoxicities and apoptosis of free drug, E-PLNs were investigated against MCF-7 cells. The efficacy of E-PLNs in tumor bearing nude mice has also been studied.The average particle size of the experimentally prepared E-PLNs was (122.7±1.79) nm, and the encapsulation rate was 72.8%. Compared with free Emodin (EMO), E-PLNs showed greater toxicity to MCF-7 cells by promoting the uptake of EMO, and can promote the early apoptosis of MCF-7 cells. In addition to the morphological changes of apoptotic cells, the ratio of Bax/Bcl-2 was significantly increased, which indicated that E-PLNs can induce apoptosis in MCF-7 cells to achieve anticancer effect. Finally, E-PLNs significantly inhibited tumor growth by more than 60%, which may be related to its passive targeting effect on tumor site. Our results suggest that E-PLNs have shown good anti-breast cancer effect than free EMO. Moreover, the effect of E-PLNs on MCF-7 cells is mainly related to the induction of apoptosis.

Design of novel orotransmucosal vaccine-delivery platforms using artificial intelligence

The linings of the oral cavity are excellent needle-free vaccination sites, able to induce immune responses at distal sites and confer systemic protection. However, owing to the mucosal tissues' intrinsic characteristics, the design of effective antigen-delivery systems is not an easy task. In the present work, we propose to develop and characterize thermosensitive and mucoadhesive hydrogels for orotransmucosal vaccination taking advantage of artificial intelligence tools (AIT). Hydrogels of variable composition were obtained combining Pluronic® F127 (PF127), Hybrane® S1200 (HS1200) and Gantrez® AN119 (AN119) or S97 (S97). Systems were characterized in terms of physicochemical properties, adhesion capacity to mucosal tissues and antigen-like microspheres release. Additionally, polymers biocompatibility and their immune-stimulation capacity was assessed in human macrophages. Interestingly, cells treated with HS1200 exhibited a significant proliferation enhancement compared to control. The use of AIT allowed to determine the effect of each polymer on formulations properties. The proportions of PF127 and Gantrez® are mainly the factors controlling gelation temperature, mucoadhesion, adhesion work and gel strength. Meanwhile, cohesion and short-term microsphere release are dependent on the PF127 concentration. However, long-term microsphere release varies depending on the Gantrez® variety and the PF127 concentration used. Hydrogels prepared with S97 showed slower microsphere release. The use of AIT allowed to establish the conditions able to produce ternary hydrogels with immune-stimulatory properties together with adequate mucoadhesion capacity and antigen-like microspheres release.

Low-Frequency versus High-Frequency Ultrasound-Mediated Transdermal Delivery of Agomelatine-Loaded Invasomes: Development, Optimization and in-vivo Pharmacokinetic Assessment

Aim

Agomelatine (AGM) is the first melatonergic antidepressant. It suffers from low oral bioavailability (<5%) due to extensive hepatic metabolism. The current work aimed to develop an alternative AGM-loaded invasomes to enhance transdermal drug bioavailability.

Methodology

AGM-loaded invasomes were developed using two drug: lipid ratios (1:10 or 1:7.5), four terpene types (limonene, cineole, fenchone or citral) and two terpene concentrations (0.75% or 1.5%, w/v). They were characterized for drug entrapment efficiency (EE%), particle size (PS), zeta potential (ZP) and drug released percentages after 0.5h (Q_0.5h) and 8h (Q_8h). The optimum invasomes (I1, I2 and I4) were evaluated for morphology, drug-crystallinity, and ex-vivo drug flux. The variables influencing sonophoresis of the best achieved invasomal gel system (I2) were optimized including, ultrasound frequency (low, LFU or high, HFU), mode (pulsed or continuous), application period (10 min or 15 min) and duty cycle (50% or 100%). AGM pharmacokinetics were evaluated in rabbits following transdermal application of I2-LFU-C4 system, relative to AGM oral dispersion.

Results

The superiority of I2 invasomes [comprising AGM and phosphatidylcholine (1:10) and limonene (1.5% w/v)] was statistically revealed with respect to EE% (78.6%), PS (313 nm), ZP (−64 mV), Q_0.5h (30.1%), Q_8h (92%), flux (10.79 µg/cm2/h) and enhancement ratio (4.83). The optimum sonophoresis conditions involved application of LFU in the continuous mode for 15 min at a 100% duty cycle (I2-LFU-C4 system). The latter system showed significantly higher C_max, and relative bioavailability (≈ 7.25 folds) and a similar T_max (0.5 h).

Conclusion

I2-LFU-C4 is a promising transdermal system for AGM.

Ethosome-Derived Invasomes as a Potential Transdermal Delivery System for Vardenafil Hydrochloride: Development, Optimization and Application of Physiologically Based Pharmacokinetic Modeling in Adults and Geriatrics

Aim

The aim of the current work was to develop vardenafil hydrochloride (VRD)-loaded ethosome-derived invasomes as a possible transdermal system which could be used for patients suffering from pulmonary arterial hypertension.

Methods

VRD-loaded ethosomes were developed at three concentrations of phosphatidylcholine (5, 10 and 15 mg/mL) and three percentages of ethanol (20%, 30% and 40%, v/v). The best achieved VRD-loaded ethosomes (ETH9) were optimized to invasomes via incorporation of terpenes (limonene, cineole and a 1:1 mixture) at three concentrations (0.5%, 1% and 2%, v/v). All systems were evaluated for vesicle size, zeta potential, drug entrapment efficiency (EE%), cumulative drug permeated percentages after 0.5hrs (Q_0.5h) and 12hrs (Q_12h) and steady-state flux (J_ss). The optimized system (ETH9-INV8) was further characterized for morphology, histopathology and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). Physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modeling was employed to estimate VRD pharmacokinetic parameters from the optimized transdermal system and an oral aqueous drug dispersion, in adults and geriatrics.

Results

The optimized invasomal system (ETH9-INV8) was characterized with spherical vesicles (159.9 nm) possessing negative zeta potential (-20.3 mV), promising EE% (81.3%), low Q_0.5h (25.4%), high Q_12h (85.3%) and the largest steady-state flux (6.4 µg.cm^-2h^-1). Following a leave-on period of 12hrs in rats, it showed minor histopathologic changes. CLSM studies proved its ability to deeply permeate rat skin. Lower C_max values, delayed T_max estimates and greater AUC_0-24h folds in adults and geriatrics (≈ 2.18 and 1.69, respectively) were estimated following the transdermal application of ETH9-INV8 system.

Conclusion

ETH9-INV8 is a promising transdermal system for VRD.

Lipid-based nanoparticles in the treatment of erectile dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common disorder among men, with significant public health implications. Current therapies have certain limitations including efficacy and safety issues, necessitating the development of novel therapeutic strategies for ED. Nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems are being explored to overcome these limitations with promising in vitro and in vivo efficacies. In particular, lipid-based nanoparticles have generated considerable interest owing to their potential to enhance drug bioavailability, and decrease side effects and drug susceptibility to metabolism. This review summarizes the recent findings using lipid-based nanoparticles in ED therapy.

Therapeutic Strategies for Erectile Dysfunction With Emphasis on Recent Approaches in Nanomedicine

This review addressed erectile dysfunction, regarding pathophysiology and therapeutic strategies. The line of treatment includes phosphodiesterase type-5 inhibitors and other types of therapy like topical and stem-cell transplant. Scientific literature was assessed to investigate the impact of nanotechnology on erectile dysfunction therapy. Various nanotechnology approaches were applied, like vesicular systems, lipid-based carriers, nanocrystals, dendrimers, liquid crystalline systems and nanoemulsions. Smart nano-systems can alter the landscape of the modern pharmaceutical industry by re- investigation of pharmaceutically suboptimal but biologically active entities for treatment of erectile dysfunction which were previously considered undeveloped.

An update on polymer-lipid hybrid systems for improving oral drug delivery

INTRODUCTION

A promising approach that has recently emerged to overcome the complex biobarriers and interrelated challenges associated with oral drug absorption is to combine the benefits of polymeric and lipid-based nanocarriers within one hybrid system. This multifaceted formulation strategy has given rise to a plethora of polymer-lipid hybrid (PLH) systems with varying nanostructures and biological activities, all of which have demonstrated the ability to improve the biopharmaceutical performance of a wide range of challenging therapeutics.

AREAS COVERED

The multitude of polymers that can be combined with lipids to exert a synergistic effect for oral drug delivery have been identified, reviewed and critically evaluated. Specific focus is attributed to preclinical studies performed within the past 5 years that have elucidated the role and mechanism of the polymer phase in altering the oral absorption of encapsulated therapeutics.

EXPERT OPINION

The potential of PLH systems has been clearly identified; however, improved understanding of the structure-activity relationship between PLH systems and oral absorption is fundamental for translating this promising delivery approach into a clinically relevant formulation. Advancing research within this field to identify optimal polymer, lipid combinations and engineering conditions for specific therapeutics are therefore encouraged.