Anti-oxidant Containing Nanostructured Lipid Carriers of Ritonavir: Development, Optimization, and In Vitro and In Vivo Evaluations

Formulation, optimization and evaluation of ibuprofen loaded menthosomes for transdermal delivery

The study aimed to improve the transdermal permeation of IBU utilizing menthosomes as a vesicular carrier. IBU-loaded menthosomes were formulated by thin film hydration & optimized using 23 factorial designs (Design Expert® version 13 software). In vitro & ex vivo skin permeation analysis of IBU-encapsulated menthosomes was studied across the rat skin sample. In vivo pharmacodynamic activity was studied in an arthritis rat model. The optimized IBU-loaded menthosomes exhibited an optimum vesicle size of 214.2 ± 2.96 nm, Zeta potential of -21.1 ± 2.72 mV, (PDI) Polydispersity Index of 0.267 ± 0.018 with Entrapment efficiency (EE%) of 78.7 ± 2.73 %. The in vitro & ex vivo skin penetration study displayed enhanced release of drug of 77.02 ± 1.0 % and 40.91 ± 0.81 % respectively, compared to conventional liposomes. In vivo pharmacodynamic study on carrageenan-induced paw edema in Wistar albino rats demonstrated superior anti-inflammatory activity of the optimized IBU-encapsulated menthosomes (**p < 0.01) and effective inhibition of paw edema (34.04 ± 0.155 %). The formalin test indicated a significant analgesic effect of optimized formulation during the chronic phase of analgesia (*p < 0.05) compared to the control group. Thus, the developed and optimized drug-loaded menthosomes could serve as a suitable vesicular delivery carrier in enhancing the transdermal delivery of other NSAID drugs.

Antioxidant and anticancer activities of hesperetin and its novel formulations in KB cells

This study aimed to formulate the hesperetin nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) containing oro-mucosal gel for its activity assessment on the KB cell line. NLCs were prepared with glyceryl monostearate, oleic acid, and lecithin using a modified constant-temperature emulsification technique. The particle size analysis, in vitro drug release studies, etc., of prepared NLCs were evaluated. The formulated gels were analyzed with respect to spreadability, extrudability, swelling index, texture analysis, etc. The particle size, polydispersity index, zeta potential, and drug entrapment of nanocarriers were recorded to be 221.733 ± 61.536 nm, 0.381 ± 0.091, - 51.433 ± 4.143 mV, and 89.29%, respectively. The optimized NLCs in 24 h released 87.14 ± 6.62% of the drug. The round shape of NLCs was noticed with scanning electron microscopy. The pH, spreadability, extrudability, swelling index, content uniformity, and drug release studies of hesperetin NLCs-containing gel (HNG) were found to be 6.81 ± 0.04, 2.49 ± 0.04 cm.mg/s, 539.04 ± 32.88 g/cm2, 4.27 ± 0.47, 107.98 ± 1.93%, and 90.17 ± 6.67% (in 48 h), respectively. The developed formulations showed promising in vitro anticancer and antioxidant activities. HNP results authorize that the formulation may be beneficial for the treatment of oral cancer.

Hydroxymethylnitrofurazone lymphatic uptake with nanostructured lipid carrier after oral administration in rats

Background: Leishmaniasis, caused by the protozoan Leishmania sp., infects phagocyte cells present in lymphatic organs. This study demonstrates the influence of nanostructured lipid carrier-loaded hydroxymethylnitrofurazone (NLC-NFOH) on lymphatic uptake using a chylomicron-blocking flow model in rats. Method: Lymphatic uptake of NFOH was assessed 1 h after oral administration of dimethyl sulfoxide with NFOH or NLC-NFOH with and without cycloheximide pretreatment. Result: Dimethyl sulfoxide with NFOH and NLC-NFOH showed NFOH serum concentrations of 0.0316 and 0.0291 μg/ml, respectively. After chylomicron blocking, NFOH was not detected. Conclusion: Despite log P below 5, NFOH was successfully taken up by the lymphatic system. Long-chain fatty acids and particle size might be main factors in these findings. NLC-NFOH is a promising and convenient platform for treating leishmaniasis via oral administration.

Enhanced tissue distribution of ritonavir-loaded nanostructured lipid carriers-recommending its dose reduction

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) mainly attacks lymphocytes of the human immune system. The untreated infection leads to acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). Ritonavir (RTV) belongs to protease inhibitors (PIs), the crucial contributors of the combination therapy used in the treatment of HIV that is called highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). Formulations targeting the lymphatic system (LS) play a key role in delivering and maintaining therapeutic drug concentrations in HIV reservoirs. In our previous study, we developed RTV-loaded nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs), which contain the natural antioxidant alpha-tocopherol (AT). In the current study, the cytotoxicity of the formulation was studied in HepG2, MEK293, and H9C2 cell lines. The formulation efficacy to reach the LS was evaluated through a cycloheximide-injected chylomicron flow blockade model in Wistar rats. Biodistribution and toxicity studies were conducted in rodents to understand drug distribution patterns in various organs and to establish the safety profile of the optimized formulation (RTV-NLCs). From the MTT assay, it was found that the cell viability of the formulation is comparable with the pure drug (RTV-API). More than 2.5-folds difference in AUC was observed in animals treated with RTV-NLCs with and without cycloheximide injection. Biodistribution studies revealed higher drug exposure in the lymphoidal organs with the RTV-NLCs. No significant increase in serum biomarkers for hepatotoxicity was observed in rats dosed with the RTV-NLCs. The current study reveals the lymphatic uptake of the RTV-NLCs and their safety in rodents. As the tissue distribution of RTV-NLCs is high, hence re-adjusting the RTV-NLCs dose to get the response equivalent to RTV-API may be more beneficial with respect to its safety and efficacy.