Enhancement of Transdermal Delivery of Haloperidol via Spanlastic Dispersions: Entrapment Efficiency vs. Particle Size

Formulation, optimization and evaluation of ocular gel containing nebivolol Hcl-loaded ultradeformable spanlastics nanovesicles: In vitro and in vivo studies

The study aims to improve the ocular delivery of Nebivolol HCL (NBV) belonging to the Biopharmaceutics classification system (BCSII) by using spanlastic nanovesicles (SNVs) for ophthalmic delivery and incorporating them into hydroxypropyl methylcellulose gel with ketorolac tromethamine (KET) as an anti-inflammatory to improve glaucoma complications like Conjunctivitis. SNVs were prepared by ethanol injection technique using span (60) as a surfactant and labrasol as an edge activator (EA). The impact of formulation factors on SNVs properties was investigated using a Box-Behnken design. In vitro evaluations showed that the formulations (F1, F4, and F14), containing Span 60 and labrasol as EA (25%, 50%, and 25%), exhibited high EE% with low PS and high ZP and DI. Additionally, 61.72 ± 0.77%, 58.97 ± 1.44%, and 56.20 ± 2.32% of the NBV amount were released from F1, F4, and F14 after 5 h, compared to 93.94 ± 1.21% released from drug suspension. The selected formula (G1), containing F1 in combination with KET and 2% w/w HPMC, exhibited 76.36 ± 0.90% drug release after 12 h. Ex vivo Confocal laser scanning revealed a high penetration of NBV-SNVs gel that ascertained the results of the in-vitro study. In vivo studies showed a significant decrease in glaucoma compared to drug suspension, and histopathological studies showed improvement in glaucomatous eye retinal atrophy. G1 is considered a promising approach to improving ocular permeability, absorption, and anti-inflammatory activity, providing a safer alternative to current regimens.

Raloxifene encapsulated spanlastic nanogel for the prevention of bone fracture risk via transdermal administration: Pharmacokinetic and efficacy study in animal model

This research work is to evaluate spanlastic-loaded raloxifene (RLX) nanogel administration via the transdermal route to avoid its hepatic metabolism and to enhance the bioavailability for better management of osteoporosis. RLX-loaded spanlastic nanogel was prepared and characterized for its viscosity, pH, spreadability, and texture profile. The formulation was applied on the skin surface of the animal for pharmacokinetic evaluation, and later, the efficacy of the formulation was assessed in ovariectomized female Wistar rats. The nanogel was obtained with a viscosity (2552.66 ± 30.61 cP), pH (7.1 ± 0.1), and spreadability (7.1 ± 0.2 cm). The texture properties, cohesiveness, and adhesiveness of the nanogel showed its suitability for transdermal application. Nanogel showed no sign of edema and erythema in the skin irritation test which revealed its safety for transdermal application. The t1/2 obtained for RLX-spanlastic nanogel (37.02 ± 0.59 h) was much higher than that obtained for RLX-oral suspension (14.43 h). The relative bioavailability was found to be 215.96% for RLX-spanlastic nanogel, and the drug and formulation did not show any toxicity in any of the vital organs, as well as no hematological changes occurring in blood samples. In microarchitectural measurement, RLX-spanlastic nanogel exhibited no unambiguous deviations along with improved bone mineral density compared to the RLX suspension treated group. Transdermal administration of RLX-spanlastic nanogel showed significant improvement of drug bioavailability (approx. twice to oral administration) without any toxic effect in the treated rats. Hence, spanlastic nanogel could be a better approach to deliver RLX via transdermal route for the management of osteoporosis.

Overview of Spanlastics: A Groundbreaking Elastic Medication Delivery Device with Versatile Prospects for Administration via Various Routes

When compared to the challenges associated with traditional dosage forms, medication delivery systems based on nanotechnology have been a huge boon. One such candidate for medication delivery is spanlastics, an elastic nanovesicle that can transport a diverse array of medicinal compounds. The use of spanlastics has been associated with an increase in interest in alternative administration methods. The non-ionic surfactant or surfactant blend is the main component of spanlastics. The purpose of this review was primarily to examine the potential of spanlastics as a delivery system for a variety of medication classes administered via diverse routes. Science Direct, Google Scholar, and Pubmed were utilized to search the academic literature for this review. Several studies have demonstrated that spanlastics greatly improve therapeutic effectiveness, increase medication absorption, and decrease drug toxicity. This paper provides a summary of the composition and structure of spanlastics along with their utility in the delivery of various therapeutic agents by adopting different routes. Additionally, it provides an overview of the numerous disorders that may be treated using drugs that are contained in spanlastic vesicles.

Topical delivery of extracted curcumin as curcumin loaded spanlastics anti-aging gel: Optimization using experimental design and ex-vivo evaluation

Objective

This study aimed to extract and separate the organic coloring agent known as Curcumin from the rhizomes of Curcuma longa, and then to create Spanlastics that were loaded with curcumin using the ethanol injection technique. The optimized Spanlastic dispersions were then incorporated into a gel preparation for topical anti-aging use. The Spanlastic dispersions were analyzed for particle size, zeta potential, drug loading efficiency, and in vitro release profile. Furthermore, the rheological properties of the gel preparation were assessed, and a skin penetration study was conducted using confocal microscopy.

Methods

Twelve different Curcumin-loaded Spanlastic dispersions using the ethanol injection method with Span® 60 as a surfactant and Tween® 80 as an edge activator in varying ratios. The dispersions were then subjected to various tests, such as particle size analysis, zeta potential measurement, drug entrapment efficiency assessment, and in vitro release profiling. The optimized formula was selected using Design-Expert® software version 13, then used to create a gel preparation, which utilized 2% HPMC E50 as a gelling polymer. The gel was evaluated for its rheological properties and analyzed using confocal microscopy. Additionally, Raman analysis was performed to ensure that the polymers used in the gel were compatible with the drug substance.

Results

F5 formula, (that contains 10 mg Curcumin, and mixture 5 of span-tween mixtures that consist of 120 mg Span® 60 with 80 mg Tween® 80) was selected as the optimized formula with a desirability produced by Design Expert® software equal to 0.761, based on its particle size (212.8 ± 4.76), zeta potential (-29.4 ± 2.11), drug loading efficiency (99.788 ± 1.34), and in vitro release profile evaluations at Q 6hr equal to almost 100 %. Statistical significance (P < 0.05) was obtained using one-way ANOVA. Then F5 was used to formulate HPMC E50 gel-based preparations. The gel formula that was created and analyzed using Raman spectroscopy demonstrated no signs of incompatibility between the Curcumin and the polymers that were utilized.The confocal spectroscopy found that the anti-aging gel preparation showed promising results in terms of skin penetration. Also, images revealed that the gel could penetrate the layers of the skin (reached a depth of about 112.5 μm), where it could potentially target and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The gel also appeared to be well-tolerated by the skin, with no signs of irritation or inflammation observed in the images.

Conclusion

The obtained results successfully confirmed the potential of the promising (F5) formula to produce sustained release action and its ability to be incorporated into 2% HPMC E50 anti-aging gel. The confocal microscopy study suggested that the anti-aging gel had the potential to be an effective and safe topical treatment for aging skin.

Spanlastics: a novel elastic drug delivery system with potential applications via multifarious routes of administration

Drug delivery systems (DDS) based on nanocarriers are designed to transport therapeutic agents to specific areas of the body where they are required to exhibit pharmacodynamic effect. These agents rely on an appropriate carrier to protect them from rapid degradation or clearance and enhance their concentration in target tissues. Spanlastics, an elastic, deformable surfactant-based nanovesicles have the potential to be used as a drug delivery vehicle for wide array of drug molecules. Spanlastics are formed by the self-association of non-ionic surfactants and edge activators in an aqueous phase and have gained attention as promising drug carriers due to their biodegradable, biocompatible, and non-immunogenic structure. In recent years, numerous scientific journals have published research articles exploring the potential of spanlastics to serve as a DDS for various types of drugs as they offer targeted delivery and regulated release of the drugs. Following brief introduction to spanlastics, their structure and methods of preparation, this review focuses on the delivery of various drugs using spanlastics as a carrier via various routes viz. topical, transdermal, ototopical, ocular, oral and nasal. Work carried out by various researchers by employing spanlastics as a carrier for enhancing therapeutic activity of different moieties has been discussed in detail.

Formulation and characterization of lamotrigine nasal insert targeted brain for enhanced epilepsy treatment

Lamotrigine. (LMT) is a triazine drug has an antiepileptic effect but with low water solubility, dissolution rate and thus therapeutic effect. Spanlastics are nano-vesicular carriers' act as site-specific drug delivery system. Intranasal route could direct the drug from nose to brain and provide a faster and more specific therapeutic effect. Therefore, this study aimed to upload lamotrigine onto nano-vesicles using spanlastic nasal insert delivery for effective epilepsy treatment via overcoming lamotrigine's low solubility and improving its bioavailability. Lamtrigine-loaded nano-spanlastic vesicles were prepared by ethanol injection method. To study different formulation factor's effect on formulations characters; particle size (PS), Zeta potential (ZP), polydispersity index (PDI), entrapment efficiency percentage (EE%) and LMT released amount after 6 h (Q6h); 2^1 and 3^1 full factorial designs were employed. Optimized formula was loaded in lyophilized nasal inserts formulation which were characterized for LMT release and mucoadhesion. Pharmacokinetics studies in plasma and brain were performed on rats to investigate drug targeting efficiency. The optimal nano-spanlastic formulation (F4; containing equal Span 60 amount (100 mg) and edge activator; Tween 80) exhibited nano PS (174.2 nm), high EE% (92.75%), and Q6h > 80%. The prepared nasal inserts (S4) containing 100 mg HPMC has a higher mucoadhesive force (9319.5 dyne/cm²) and dissolution rate (> 80% within 10 min) for rapid in vivo bio-distribution. In vivo studies showed considerable improvement brain and plasma's rate and extent absorption after intranasal administration indicating a high brain targeting efficiency. The results achieved indicate that nano-spanlastic nasal-inserts offer a promising LMT brain targeting in order to maximize its antiepileptic effect.

Glycerospanlastics: State-of-the-art two-in-one nano-vesicles for boosting ear drug delivery in otitis media treatment

The purpose of this research was to design innovative nanovesicles for ototopical conveyance of triamcinolone acetonide (TA) for otitis media (OM) treatment via incorporating glycerol into nanospanlastics to be termed "Glycerospanlastics". The glycerospanlastics were formulated employing ethanol injection procedure, and central composite design (CCD) was harnessed for optimization of the vesicles. Various attributes of the nanovesicles, viz. particle size distribution, surface charge, TA entrapment efficiency, morphology as well as ex-vivo permeation across the tympanic membrane (TM) were characterized. In vivo implementation of the optimized glycerospanlastics loaded with TA was appraised in OM-induced rats via histopathological and biochemical measurements of the tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and Interleukin-1β (IL-1β) levels in ear homogenates. The safety and tolerability of optimized TA glycerospanlastics was also investigated in non-OM induced animals. The results demonstrated that the optimized TA-glycerospanlastics were in a nanometer range (around 200 nm) with negative charges, high TA entrapment (>85%), good storage properties and better TM permeation relative to TA suspension. More importantly, TA-glycerospanlastics performed better than marketed drug suspension in OM treatment as manifested by restoration of histopathological alterations in TM and lowered values of IL-1β and TNF-α. Glycerospanlastics could be promising safe ototopical nanoplatforms for OM treatment and other middle ear disorders.

Hyaluronic acid-enriched bilosomes: an approach to enhance ocular delivery of agomelatine via D-optimal design: formulation, in vitro characterization, and in vivo pharmacodynamic evaluation in rabbits

Agomelatine (AGO) is a dual-functional drug. It uses as an antidepressant when orally administrated and antiglaucomic when topically applied to the eye. This study aimed to formulate AGO into bilosomal vesicles for glaucoma treatment, as modern studies pointed out the effect of topical AGO on intraocular pressure for the treatment of glaucoma. A modified ethanol injection technique was used for the fabrication of AGO bilosomes according to a D-optimal design. Phosphatidylcholine (PC) to edge activator (EA) ratio, Hyaluronic acid percentage (HA%), and EA type were utilized as independent variables. The measured responses were percent entrapment efficiency (EE%), particle size (PS), polydispersity index, zeta potential, percentage of drug released after 2 h (Q_2h%), and 24 h (Q_24h%). The optimal bilosomal formula (OB), with the desirability of 0.814 and the composition of 2:1 PC: EA ratio, 0.26% w/v HA and sodium cholate as EA, was subjected to further in vitro characterizations and in vivo evaluation studies. The OB formula had EE% of 81.81 ± 0.23%, PS of 432.45 ± 0.85 nm, Q_2h% of 42.65 ± 0.52%, and Q_24h% of 75.14 ± 0.39%. It demonstrated a higher elasticity than their corresponding niosomes with a typical spherical shape of niosomes by using transmission electron microscope. It exhibited acceptable stability over three months. pH and Refractive index measurements together with the histopathological study ensured that the OB formula is safe for the eye and causes no ocular irritation or blurred vision. The OB formula showed superiority in the in vivo pharmacodynamics parameters over the AGO solution, so AGO-loaded bilosome could improve ocular delivery and the bioavailability of agomelatine.

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.

Enhanced Ocular Anti-Aspergillus Activity of Tolnaftate Employing Novel Cosolvent-Modified Spanlastics: Formulation, Statistical Optimization, Kill Kinetics, Ex Vivo Trans-Corneal Permeation, In Vivo Histopathological and Susceptibility Study

Tolnaftate (TOL) is a thiocarbamate fungicidal drug used topically in the form of creams and ointments. No ocular formulations of TOL are available for fungal keratitis (FK) treatment due to its poor water solubility and unique ocular barriers. Therefore, this study aimed at developing novel modified spanlastics by modulating spanlastics composition using different glycols for enhancing TOL ocular delivery. To achieve this goal, TOL basic spanlastics were prepared by ethanol injection method using a full 3² factorial design. By applying the desirability function, the optimal formula (BS6) was selected and used as a nucleus for preparing and optimizing TOL-cosolvent spanlastics according to the full 3¹.2¹ factorial design. The optimal formula (MS6) was prepared using 30% propylene glycol and showed entrapment efficiency percent (EE%) of 66.10 ± 0.57%, particle size (PS) of 231.20 ± 0.141 nm, and zeta potential (ZP) of -32.15 ± 0.07 mV. MS6 was compared to BS6 and both nanovesicles significantly increased the corneal permeation potential of TOL than drug suspension. Additionally, in vivo histopathological experiment was accomplished and confirmed the tolerability of MS6 for ocular use. The fungal susceptibility testing using Aspergillus niger confirmed that MS6 displayed more durable growth inhibition than drug suspension. Therefore, MS6 can be a promising option for enhanced TOL ocular delivery.

Compritol-Based Nanostrucutured Lipid Carriers (NLCs) for Augmentation of Zolmitriptan Bioavailability via the Transdermal Route: In Vitro Optimization, Ex Vivo Permeation, In Vivo Pharmacokinetic Study

Migraine is a severe neurovascular disease manifested mainly as unilateral throbbing headaches. Triptans are agonists for serotonin receptors. Zolmitriptan (ZMP) is a biopharmaceutics classification system (BCS) class III medication with an absolute oral bioavailability of less than 40%. As a result, our research intended to increase ZMP bioavailability by developing transdermal nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs). NLCs were prepared utilizing a combination of hot melt emulsification and high-speed stirring in a 3² full factorial design. The studied variables were liquid lipid type (X₁) and surfactant type (X₂). The developed NLCs were evaluated in terms of particle size (Y₁, nm), polydispersity index (Y₂, PDI), zeta potential (Y₃, mV), entrapment efficacy (Y₄, %) and amount released after 6 h (Q6h, Y₅, %). At 1% Mygliol as liquid lipid component and 1% Span 20 as surfactant, the optimized formula (NLC9) showed a minimum particle size (138 ± 7.07 nm), minimum polydispersity index (0.39 ± 0.001), acceptable zeta potential (−22.1 ± 0.80), maximum entrapment efficiency (73 ± 0.10%) and maximum amount released after 6 h (83.22 ± 0.10%). The optimized formula was then incorporated into gel preparation (HPMC) to improve the system stability and ease of application. Then, the pharmacokinetic study was conducted on rabbits in a cross-over design. The calculated parameters showed a higher area under the curve (AUC_0–24, AUC_0–∞ (ng·h/mL)) of the developed ZMP-NLCs loaded gel, with a 1.76-fold increase in bioavailability in comparison to the orally administered marketed product (Zomig^®). A histopathological examination revealed the safety of the developed nanoparticles. The declared results highlight the potential of utilizing the proposed NLCs for the transdermal delivery of ZMP to improve the drug bioavailability.

Formulation-by-Design of Efinaconazole Spanlastic Nanovesicles for Transungual Delivery Using Statistical Risk Management and Multivariate Analytical Techniques

As regulatory and technical landscapes for pharmaceutical formulation development are rapidly evolving, a risk-management approach using multivariate analysis is highly essential for designing a product with requisite critical quality attributes (CQA). Efinaconazole, a newly approved poorly water-soluble antifungal triazole drug has poor permeability. Spanlastics, new-generation surfactant nanovesicles, being fluidic, help improve the permeability of drugs. Therefore, we optimized efinaconazole spanlastics using the concepts of Formulation-by-Design (FbD) and explored the feasibility of transungual delivery for the management of onychomycosis. Using the Ishikawa fishbone diagram, the risk factors that may have an impact on the CQA of efinaconazole spanlastic vesicles were identified. Application of the Plackett–Burman experimental design facilitated the screening of eight different formulation and process parameters influencing particle size, transmittance, relative deformability, zeta potential, entrapment efficiency, and dissolution efficiency. With the help of Pareto charts, the three most significant factors were identified, viz., vesicle builder (Span), edge activator (Tween), and mixing time. The levels of these three critical variables were optimized by FbD to reduce the particle size and maximize the transparency, relative deformability, encapsulation efficiency, and dissolution efficiency of efinaconazole spanlastic nanovesicles. Bayesian and Lenth’s analysis and mathematical modeling of the experimental data helped to quantify the critical formulation attributes required for getting the formulation with optimum quality features. The optimized efinaconazole-loaded spanlastic vesicles had a particle size of 197 nm, transparency of 91%, relative deformability of 12.5 min, and dissolution efficiency of 81.23%. The spanlastic formulation was incorporated into a gel and explored ex vivo for transungual delivery. This explorative study provides an example of the application of principles of risk management, statistical multivariate analysis, and the FbD approach in developing efinaconazole spanlastic nanovesicles.

Clove Oil Endorsed Transdermal Flux of Dronedarone Hydrochloride Loaded Bilosomal Nanogel: Factorial Design, In vitro Evaluation and Ex vivo Permeation

The goal of this study was to develop a bilosomal gel formulation to enhance transdermal permeability of dronedarone hyrdrochloride (DRN) which suffers from poor oral absorption and limited bioavailability. To overcome this obstacle, bilosomes were successfully prepared using 2³ full-factorial design. Span®40, cholesterol, sodium deoxycholate (bile salt), clove oil (permeability enhancer), and either Tween® 60 or Tween® 80 (edge activator) were used in bilosome preparation by ethanol injection method. In this design, independent variables were X1, edge activator type; X2, edge activator amount (mg); and X3, permeability enhancer concentration (% w/v). Optimal formula (B2) of the highest desirability of (0.776) demonstrated minimum vesicle size (VS) of 312.4 ± 24.42 nm, maximum absolute value of zeta potential (ZP) - 36.17 ± 2.57 mV, maximum entrapment efficiency (EE %) of 80.95 ± 3.01%, maximum deformability Index (DI) of 8.24 ± 1.26 g and maximum drug flux after 12 h (J₁₂) of 21.23 ± 1.54 µg/cm² h upon ex vivo permeation study. After 12 h, 70.29 ± 6.46% of DRN was released from B2. TEM identification of B2 showed spherical shaped nanosized vesicles which were physically stable for 3 months at different temperatures. B2 was incorporated into carboxymethylcellulose gel base for easiness of dermal application. B2 gel demonstrated good physical properties, non-Newtonian psuedoplastic flow, and enhanced release (57.0 ± 8.68% of DRN compared to only 13.3 ± 1.2% released from drug suspension after 12 h) and enhanced skin permeation.

Spanlastics a Novel Nanovesicular Carrier: Its Potential Application and Emerging Trends in Therapeutic Delivery

Nanotechnology-based drug delivery system has played a very crucial role in overpowering the tasks allied with the conventional dosage form. Spanlastics, an elastic nanovesicle with an ability to carry wide range of drug molecules, make it a potential drug delivery carrier. Spanlastics have extended rising curiosity for diverse sort of route of administration. They can squeeze themselves through the skin pore due to elastic and deformable nature which makes them favorable for transdermal delivery. Spanlastics consist of non-ionic surfactant or blend of surfactants. Many researchers proved that spanlastics have been significantly augment therapeutic efficacy, enhanced drug bioavailability, and reduced drug toxicity. This review summarizes various vesicular systems, composition and structure of spanlastics, advantages of spanlastics over other drug delivery systems, and mechanism of drug penetration through skin. It also gives a brief on different types of drug encapsulated in spanlastics vesicles for the treatment of various diseases.

D-optimal mixture design for optimization of topical dapsone niosomes: in vitro characterization and in vivo activity against Cutibacterium acnes

This study aimed to illustrate the use of D-optimal mixture design (DOMD) for optimization of an enhancer containing Dapsone niosomal formula for acne topical treatment. Mixture components (MixCs) studied were: Span 20, Cholesterol, and Cremophor RH. Different responses were measured. Optimized formula (OF) was selected to minimize particle size and maximize absolute zeta potential and entrapment efficiency. Optimized formula gel (OF-gel) was prepared and characterized. OF-gel in vivo skin penetration using confocal laser scanning microscopy and activity against Cutibacterium acnes in acne mouse model were studied. Based on DOMD results analysis, adequate models were derived. Piepel and contour plots were plotted accordingly to explain how alteration in MixCs L-pseudo values affected studied responses and regions for different responses’ values. The OF had suitable predicted responses which were in good correlation with the actually measured ones. The OF-gel showed suitable characterization and in vivo skin penetration up to the dermis layer. In vivo acne mouse-model showed that OF-gel-treated group (OF-gel-T-gp) had significantly better recovery (healing) criteria than untreated (UT-gp) and Aknemycin^®-treated (A-T-gp) groups. This was evident in significantly higher reduction of inflammation percent observed in OF-gel-T-gp than both UT-gp and A-T-gp. Better healing in OF-gel-T-gp compared with other groups was also verified by histopathological examination. Moreover, OF-gel-T-gp and A-T-gp bacterial loads were non-significantly different from each other but significantly lower than UT-gp. Thus, DOMD was an adequate statistical tool for optimization of an appropriate enhancer containing Dapsone niosomal formula that proved to be promising for topical treatment of acne.

An In Vitro and In Silico Study of the Enhanced Antiproliferative and Pro-Oxidant Potential of Olea europaea L. cv. Arbosana Leaf Extract via Elastic Nanovesicles (Spanlastics)

The olive tree is a venerable Mediterranean plant and often used in traditional medicine. The main aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of Olea europaea L. cv. Arbosana leaf extract (OLE) and its encapsulation within a spanlastic dosage form on the improvement of its pro-oxidant and antiproliferative activity against HepG-2, MCF-7, and Caco-2 human cancer cell lines. The LC-HRESIMS-assisted metabolomic profile of OLE putatively annotated 20 major metabolites and showed considerable in vitro antiproliferative activity against HepG-2, MCF-7, and Caco-2 cell lines with IC₅₀ values of 9.2 ± 0.8, 7.1 ± 0.9, and 6.5 ± 0.7 µg/mL, respectively. The encapsulation of OLE within a (spanlastic) nanocarrier system, using a spraying method and Span 40 and Tween 80 (4:1 molar ratio), was successfully carried out (size 41 ± 2.4 nm, zeta potential 13.6 ± 2.5, and EE 61.43 ± 2.03%). OLE showed enhanced thermal stability, and an improved in vitro antiproliferative effect against HepG-2, MCF-7, and Caco-2 (IC₅₀ 3.6 ± 0.2, 2.3 ± 0.1, and 1.8 ± 0.1 µg/mL, respectively) in comparison to the unprocessed extract. Both preparations were found to exhibit pro-oxidant potential inside the cancer cells, through the potential inhibitory activity of OLE against glutathione reductase and superoxide dismutase (IC₅₀ 1.18 ± 0.12 and 2.33 ± 0.19 µg/mL, respectively). These inhibitory activities were proposed via a comprehensive in silico study to be linked to the presence of certain compounds in OLE. Consequently, we assume that formulating such a herbal extract within a suitable nanocarrier would be a promising improvement of its therapeutic potential.

Statistical optimization of hyaluronic acid enriched ultradeformable elastosomes for ocular delivery of voriconazole via Box-Behnken design: in vitro characterization and in vivo evaluation

Voriconazole (VCZ) is a well-known broad spectrum triazole antifungal, mainly used orally and intravenously. The study aimed to formulate VCZ into ultradeformable elastosomes for the topical treatment of ocular fungal keratitis. Different formulae were prepared using a modified ethanol injection method, employing a 3³ Box-Behnken design. They were characterized by measuring their entrapment efficiency (EE%), particle size (PS), polydispersity index (PDI) and zeta potential (ZP). The optimized formula was subjected to further in vitro investigations and in vivo evaluation studies. The prepared vesicles had satisfactory EE%, PS, PDI and ZP values. The numerical optimization process suggested an optimal elastosomal formula (OE) composed of phosphatidyl choline and brij S100 at the weight ratio of 3.62: 1, 0.25%w/v hyaluronic acid and 5% (percentage from phosphatidyl choline/brij mixture) polyvinyl alcohol. It had high EE (72.6%), acceptable PS and PDI (362.4 nm and 0.25, respectively) and highly negative ZP of −41.7 mV. OE exhibited higher elasticity than conventional liposomes, with acceptable stability for three months. Transmission electron microscopy demonstrated the spherical morphology of vesicles with an external transparent coat of Hyaluronic acid. OE was expected to cause no ocular irritation or blurring in vision as reflected by pH and refractive index measurements. The histopathological study revealed the safety of OE for ocular use. The fungal susceptibility testing using Candida albicans demonstrated the superiority of OE to VCZ suspension, with greater and more durable growth inhibition. Therefore, OE can be regarded as a promising formula, achieving both safety and efficacy.

Zolmitriptan Intranasal Spanlastics for Enhanced Migraine Treatment; Formulation Parameters Optimized via Quality by Design Approach

Zolmitriptan is a potent second-generation triptan prescribed for migraine attacks. It suffers low bioavailability (40%) after oral administration due to the hepatic first-pass metabolism. Spanlastics are surfactant-based elastic vesicular drug carrier systems. This study aimed to design and optimize intranasal spanlastic formulations as an alternative approach that directly targets brain delivery, enhancing its bioavailability and avoiding the first-pass effect. The quality by design approach was applied to correlate the formulation parameters (Span 60 and Tween 80 concentrations) and critical quality attributes (entrapment efficiency (EE%) and particle size). Spanlastic formulations were designed based on response surface central composite design and prepared via an ethanol injection method. Designed formulations were characterized by EE% and particle size measurements to select the optimized formula (with a combination of small particle size and high EE%). The optimized formula was further subjected to transmission electron microscopy, zeta potential measurement and ex vivo permeation study. The optimized formulation showed a particle size of 117.5 nm and EE% of 45.65%, with a low percentage of error between the observed and predicted values. Seventy percent of zolmitriptan was permeated through the nasal membrane within 30 min, and it completely permeated within 2 h with a significantly higher steady-state flux compared to plain gel. This study introduced a successful and promising intranasal formulation suitable for further brain delivery analysis.

Development and evaluation of surfactant-based elastic vesicular system for transdermal delivery of Cilostazole: ex-vivo permeation and histopathological evaluation studies

Cilostazole (CLZ) is an anti-platelet drug that suffers from extensive first pass-metabolism and gastrointestinal side effects. This study aimed to prepare spanlastics for enhancing the transdermal delivery of CLZ to avoid its oral problems. CLZ-loaded spanlastic dispersions were prepared by ethanol injection technique according to a 4¹3¹2¹ full factorial design to investigate the effect of formulation variables on entrapment efficiency (EE%), particle size (PS), zeta potential (ZP), and the percent of drug released after 2 and 24 h (Q2 and 24 h). Spanlastic-loaded gel of the optimized formula was prepared using hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC K4M). The optimum formula (F13), constitutes of Span60 and CremophoreRH40 at a weight ratio of 80:20 and distilled water for hydration, had the highest desirability value of (0.841) and exhibited the highest EE% of (69.29 ± 0.29%), PS of (452.7 ± 5.94 nm), ZP of (-32.6 ± 0.4 mV), Q 2 h of (33.28 ± 1.45%) and Q24h of (82.37 ± 1.37. F13 was subjected to ex-vivo permeation study and showed a cumulative amount permeated after 48 h(Q_48h) equal to (750.71 ± 3 μg/cm²) in comparison to the drug suspension which showed Q_48h equal to (190.20 ± 6.3 μg/cm²). Also, F13 showed an increase in the drug flux of (17.84 μg/cm².h) and enhancement ratio(ER) of (5.71 ± 0.1) in comparison to the drug suspension that showed drug flux of (3.12 ± 0.0 μg/cm².h). Spanlastics-loaded gel was subjected to an in-vitro release study compared to(F13) spanlastic dispersion and showed a more sustained release effect. In addition, histopathological studies showed no sign of skin alteration confirming safe delivery through the skin. CLZ showed promising results with high potential to be delivered transdermally.

Development and evaluation of proniosomes to enhance the transdermal delivery of cilostazole and to ensure the safety of its application

Cilostazole (CLZ) is an anti-platelet drug that suffers from extensive first-pass metabolism and gastrointestinal side effects. This study aimed to prepare proniosomes for enhancing the transdermal delivery of CLZ to avoid its oral problems. proniosomes were prepared by a coacervation phase separation technique according to the D-optimal design to investigate the effect of formulation variables on entrapment efficiency (EE%), particle size (PS), zeta potential (ZP), and the percent of the drug released after 2 and 24 h (Q2 and 24 h). The desirability criterion is set to select the optimum formula. The optimum formula(opt) with a desirability value (0.75), composed of 540 mg Span60 and 59.7 mg of cholesterol, had the highest EE% of (75.125 ± 0.125%), PS of (300.3 ± 0.2 nm), ZP of (-39.35 ± 0.15 mV), Q2h of (24.32 ± 0.13%) and Q24h of (81.175 ± 0.325%). Further, the opt-gel was prepared by using hydroxy propyl methyl cellulose (HPMC K4M). The opt-formula was subjected to an ex-vivo permeation study and showed a marked increase in drug flux of (22.89 ± 0.1 µg/cm².h). The opt-gel was subjected to an in-vitro release study in comparison with the opt-formula that showed a more sustained release effect. The histopathological examination study confirmed the safety of the topical application of proniosomes. The CLZ-loaded proniosomes showed promising results with high potential to deliver it across the skin.

Topical Nano-Vesicular Spanlastics of Celecoxib: Enhanced Anti-Inflammatory Effect and Down-Regulation of TNF-α, NF-кB and COX-2 in Complete Freund's Adjuvant-Induced Arthritis Model in Rats

BACKGROUND

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease that underlies chronic inflammation of the synovial membrane. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly used to treat RA. However, a long list of adverse events associated with long-term treatment regimens with NSAIDs negatively influences patient compliance and therapeutic outcomes.

AIM

The aim of this work was to achieve site-specific delivery of celecoxib-loaded spanlastic nano-vesicle-based delivery system to the inflamed joints, avoiding systemic administration of large doses.

METHODOLOGY

To develop spanlastic nanovesicles for transdermal delivery of celecoxib, modified injection method was adopted using Tween 80 or Brij as edge activators. Entrapment efficiency, vesicle size, ex vivo permeation, and morphology of the prepared nano-vesicles were characterized. Carbopol-based gels containing the selected formulations were prepared, and their clarity, pH, rheological performance, and ex vivo permeation were characterized. Celecoxib-loaded niosomes and noisome-containing gels were developed for comparison. The in vivo efficacy of the selected formulations was evaluated in a rat model of Freund's complete adjuvant-induced arthritis. Different inflammatory markers including TNF-α, NF-кB and COX-2 were assessed in paw tissue before and after treatment.

RESULTS

The size and entrapment efficiency of the selected spanlastic nano-vesicle formulation were 112.5 ± 3.6 nm, and 83.6 ± 2.3%, respectively. This formulation has shown the highest transdermal flux and permeability coefficient compared to the other investigated formulations. The spanlastics-containing gel of celecoxib has shown transdermal flux of 6.9 ± 0.25 µg/cm2/hr while the celecoxib niosomes-containing gel and unprocessed celecoxib-loaded gel have shown 5.2 ± 0.12 µg/cm2/hr and 0.64 ± 0.09 µg/cm2/hr, respectively. In the animal model of RA, the celecoxib-loaded spanlastics-containing gel significantly reduced edema circumference and significantly suppressed TNF-α, NF-кB and COX-2 levels compared to the niosomes-containing gel, the marketed diclofenac sodium gel, and unprocessed celecoxib-loaded gel.

CONCLUSION

The spanlastic nano-vesicle-containing gel represents a more efficient site-specific treatment for topical treatment of chronic inflammation like RA, compared to commercial and other conventional alternatives.

Voriconazole Ternary Micellar Systems for the Treatment of Ocular Mycosis: Statistical Optimization and In Vivo Evaluation

Voriconazole (VRC) is a broad spectrum, second generation triazole antifungal. The main use of VRC is via the oral and intravenous route. The study aimed to formulate VRC into ternary micellar systems (TMSs) for the topical treatment of ocular mycosis. TMSs were successfully prepared by water addition/solvent evaporation method, applying a 3-factor D-optimal design. The numerical optimization process suggested an optimal formula (OTMS) composed of total Pluronics to drug weight ratio of 22.89: 1, 1:1 weight ratio of Pluronic® P123 and F68, and 2% w/v of Labrasol. OTMS had high solubilization efficiency of 98.0%, small micellar size of 21.8 nm and suitable zeta potential and polydispersity index values of -9.0 mV and 0.261, respectively. OTMS exhibited acceptable stability for 3 months. Transmission electron microscopy demonstrated the spherical morphology of micelles. OTMS was expected to cause no ocular irritation or blurring in vision as reflected by pH and refractive index measurements. The histopathological study revealed the safety of OTMS for ocular use. The fungal susceptibility testing using Candida albicans demonstrated the superiority of OTMS to VRC suspension, with greater and more durable growth inhibition. Therefore, ocular application of optimized VRC-loaded TMSs can be a promising treatment for ocular mycosis.

Lactoferrin-Loaded PEG/PLA Block Copolymer Targeted With Anti-Transferrin Receptor Antibodies for Alzheimer Disease

Last few years, struggles have been reported to develop the nanovesicles for drug delivery via the brain-blood barrier (BBB). Novel drugs, for instance, iAβ5, are efficient to inhibit the aggregates connected to the treatment of Alzheimer disease and are being evaluated, but most of the reports reflect some drawbacks of the drugs to reach the brain in preferred concentrations owing to the less BBB penetrability of the surface dimensions. In this report, we designed and developed a new approach to enhance the transport of drug via BBB, constructed with lactoferrin (Lf)-coated polyethylene glycol-polylactide nanoparticles (Lf-PPN) with superficial monoclonal antibody-functionalized antitransferrin receptor and anti-Aβ to deliver the iAβ5 hooked on the brain. The porcine brain capillary endothelial cells were utilized as BBB typically to examine the framework efficacy and toxicity. The cellular uptake of the immuno-nanoparticles with measured conveyance of the iAβ5 peptide was significantly enhanced and associated with Lf-PPN without monoclonal antibody functionalizations.

Transdermal delivery of fluvastatin sodium via tailored spanlastic nanovesicles: mitigated Freund's adjuvant-induced rheumatoid arthritis in rats through suppressing p38 MAPK signaling pathway

The current study aimed to encapsulate fluvastatin sodium (FVS), a member of the statins family possessing pleiotropic effects in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), into spanlastic nanovesicles (SNVs) for transdermal delivery. This novel delivery could surmount FVS associated oral encumbrances such as apparent first-pass effect, poor bioavailability and short elimination half-life, hence, accomplishing platform for management of RA. To consummate this objective, FVS-loaded SNVs were elaborated by thin film hydration method, utilizing either Span 60 or Span 80, together with Tween 80 or Brij 35 as an edge activator according to full factorial design (2⁴). Applying Design-Expert^® software, the influence of formulation variables on SNVs physicochemical properties and the optimized formulation selection were explored. Additionally, the pharmacokinetic studies were scrutinized in rats. Furthermore, in Freund's adjuvant-induced arthritis, rheumatoid markers, TNF-α, IL-10, p38 MAPK, and antioxidant parameters were measured. The optimum SNVs were nano-scaled spherical vesicles (201.54 ± 9.16 nm), having reasonable entrapment efficiency (71.28 ± 2.05%), appropriate release over 8 h (89.45 ± 3.64%) and adequate permeation characteristics across the skin (402.55 ± 27.48 µg/cm²). The pharmacokinetic study disclosed ameliorated bioavailability of the optimum SNVs gel by 2.79- and 4.59-fold as compared to the oral solution as well as the traditional gel, respectively. Moreover, it elicited a significant suppression of p38 MAPK expression and also significant improvement of all other measured biomarkers. Concisely, the foregoing findings proposed that SNVs can be auspicious for augmenting FVS transdermal delivery for management of RA.

Proniosomal gel-derived niosomes: an approach to sustain and improve the ocular delivery of brimonidine tartrate; formulation, in-vitro characterization, and in-vivo pharmacodynamic study

Brimonidine tartrate (BRT) is a hydrophilic α2 adrenergic agonist used for the treatment of glaucoma. Glaucoma is an ocular disease affecting the anterior segment of the eye requiring lifetime treatment. Owing to the obstacles facing ocular delivery systems and hydrophilicity of BRT, frequent administration of the eye drops is required. Niosomes have been widely used to improve the ocular bioavailability of the topically applied drugs and to enhance the ocular residence time. However, they have drawbacks as physical instability, aggregation, and loss of the entrapped drug. For this reason, BRT proniosomes were prepared to overcome niosomal instability issues. A D-optimal design was utilized to determine the optimum conditions for preparation of the proniosomal gels. Independent variables were amount of surfactant, surfactant:cholesterol ratio, and type of surfactant used. The dependent variables were entrapment efficiency (EE%), particle size, percentage of drug released after 2 h (Q2h), and percentage of drug released after 24 h (Q24h). The optimum formula was suggested with desirability 0.732 and the composition of 540 mg Span 60 and 10:1 surfactant:cholesterol ratio. The results obtained after reconstitution were; EE% of 79.23 ± 1.12% particle size of 810.95 ± 16.758 nm, polydispersity index (PDI) 0.6785 ± 0.213, zeta potential 59.1 ± 0.99 mV, Q2h40.98 ± 1.29%, Q8h 63.35 ± 6.07%, and Q24h = 91.11 ± 1.76%. Transmission electron microscope imaging of the formula showed the typical spherical shape of niosomes. In-vivo pharmacodynamic study assured the improved ocular bioavailability of BRT selected formula when compared with Alphagan®P with relative AUC0-24 of 5.024 and 7.90 folds increase in the mean residence time (MRT). Lack of ocular irritation of the formula was assured by Draize test.

Transdermal Delivery of Antipsychotics: Rationale and Current Status

The aim of this article is to provide the rationale for the development of transdermal formulations of antipsychotics by highlighting their main advantages, starting with an overview of the antipsychotic formulations that are currently available on the market. Progress regarding transdermal antipsychotic formulations was investigated by performing a search of papers, patents and clinical trials published in the last 10 years. Available data on antipsychotic transdermal formulations are reported and discussed, focusing on the characteristics of the dosage forms and their ability to promote drug absorption. Despite the current availability of a large number of antipsychotics, only a few of these drugs (e.g. aripiprazole, asenapine, blonanserin, chlorpromazine, haloperidol, olanzapine, prochlorperazine, quetiapine, and risperidone) have been developed as transdermal delivery systems. Several papers and patents show that transdermal formulations, such as creams, films, gels, nanosystems, patches, solutions, and sprays, have been evaluated with the aim of expanding the clinical utility of antipsychotic drugs. In particular, the employment of different strategies, such as the use of nanoparticles/vesicles, or permeation enhancers as well as microneedles with iontophoresis, may improve the absorption of antipsychotic drugs through the skin. However, few clinical trials on transdermal delivery of antipsychotic drugs are available and only delivery systems containing asenapine and blonanserin have shown interesting clinical results in terms of pharmacokinetic data, efficacy, and tolerability. Recently, the transdermal patch formulation of blonanserin was approved in Japan for the treatment of schizophrenia.

Novel antipsoriatic fluidized spanlastic nanovesicles: In vitro physicochemical characterization, ex vivo cutaneous retention and exploratory clinical therapeutic efficacy

Tazarotene (TAZ) is a topical synthetic retinoid used in psoriasis treatment, however, it is extremely lipophilic and exhibits skin irritation. Research is in a state of continuous advancement in the field of nanocarriers fabrication, and in this regard, we investigated the formulation of novel topically oriented nanovesicles; representing a combination of spanlastics and penetration enhancer vesicles, to be termed (fluidized-SNs). TAZ-loaded fluidized SNs were physicochemically characterized, tested for ex vivo cutaneous retention, and the selected formulation was compared with the marketed product Acnitaz® regarding clinical antipsoriatic activity. The selected fluidized-SNs enriched with 1% cineole exhibited high entrapment for TAZ (76.19%), suitable size and zeta potential of 241.5 ± 5.68 nm and -36.10 ± 2.50 mV respectively, and retaining of stability after refrigeration storage for one month. As hypothesized, cineole enriched fluidized-SNs exhibited remarkable TAZ deposition amounting to a total of 81.51% in the different skin layers. Upon clinical assessment, the presented formulation displayed superior traits compared to the marketed product, in terms of dermoscopic imaging, morphometric analysis of psoriatic lesions, and statistical analysis of PASI scores. Results confirmed that the prepared novel fluidized spanlastics formulation holds great promise for the treatment of psoriasis, and its benefit should futuristically be investigated in other topical diseases.