Development and optimization of quercetin-loaded PLGA nanoparticles by experimental design

Development and assessment of nano drug delivery systems for combined delivery of rosuvastatin and ezetimibe

Worldwide, cardiovascular disease is the main cause of death, which accordingly increased by hyperlipidemia. Hyperlipidemia therapy can include lifestyle changes and medications to control cholesterol levels. Statins are the medications of the first choice for dealing with lipid abnormalities. Rosuvastatin founds to control high lipid levels by hindering liver production of cholesterol and to achieve the targeted levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, another lipid lowering agents named ezetimibe may be used as an added therapy. Both rosuvastatin and ezetimibe have low bioavailability which will stand as barrier to decrease cholesterol levels, because of such depictions, formulations of this combined therapy in nanotechnology will be of a great assistance. Our study demonstrated preparations of nanoparticles of this combined therapy, showing their physical characterizations, and examined their behavior in laboratory conditions and vivo habitation. The mean particle size was uniform, polydispersity index and zeta potential of formulations were found to be in the ranges of (0.181-0.72) and (-13.4 to -6.24), respectively. Acceptable limits of entrapment efficiency were affirmed with appearance of spherical and uniform nanoparticles. In vitro testing showed a sustained release of drug exceeded 90% over 24 h. In vivo study revealed an enhanced dissolution and bioavailability from loaded nanoparticles, which was evidenced by calculated pharmacokinetic parameters using triton for hyperlipidemia induction. Stability studies were performed and assured that the formulations are kept the same up to one month. Therefore, nano formulations is a suitable transporter for combined therapy of rosuvastatin and ezetimibe with improvement in their dissolution and bioavailability.

Development of a Composite Hydrogel Containing Statistically Optimized PDGF-Loaded Polymeric Nanospheres for Skin Regeneration: In Vitro Evaluation and Stem Cell Differentiation Studies

Platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB) is a polypeptide growth factor generated by platelet granules faced to cytokines. It plays a role in forming and remodeling various tissue types, including epithelial tissue, through interaction with cell-surface receptors on most mesenchymal origin cells. However, it breaks down quickly in biological fluids, emphasizing the importance of preserving them from biodegradation. To address this challenge, we formulated and evaluated PDGF-encapsulated nanospheres (PD@PCEC) using polycaprolactone-polyethylene glycol-polycaprolactone. PD@PCECs were fabricated through the triple emulsion methodology and optimized by using the Box-Behnken design. The encapsulation efficiency (EE) of nanoencapsulated PDGF-BB was investigated concerning four variables: stirring rate (X1), stirring duration (X2), poly(vinyl alcohol) concentration (X3), and PDGF-BB concentration (X4). The selected optimized nanospheres were integrated into a gelatin-collagen scaffold (PD@PCEC@GC) and assessed for morphology, biocompatibility, in vitro release, and differentiation-inducing activity in human adipose-derived stem cells (hADSCs). The optimized PD@PCEC nanospheres exhibited a particle size of 177.9 ± 91 nm, a zeta potential of 5.2 mV, and an EE of 87.7 ± 0.44%. The release profile demonstrated approximately 85% of loaded PDGF-BB released during the first 360 h, with a sustained release over the entire 504 h period, maintaining bioactivity of 87.3%. The study also included an evaluation of the physicochemical properties of the scaffolds and an assessment of hADSC adhesion to the scaffold's surface. Additionally, hADSCs cultivated within the scaffold effectively differentiated into keratinocyte-like cells (KLCs) over 21 days, evidenced by morphological changes and upregulation of keratinocyte-specific genes, including cytokeratin 18, cytokeratin 19, and involucrin, at both transcriptional and protein levels.

Zinc-Phthalocyanine Loaded PLGA-PVA-Chitosan Nanosystem for the Enhancement of Antidiabetic Activity

Zinc, one of the most common nutraceutical agents, proved to be effective for diabetes as it regulates the blood glucose level by inhibiting glucagon secretion. However, the hepatotoxicity of zinc creates necrosis, hepatic glycogen depletion, and apoptosis of hepatocytes at the concentration of 10 μg/kg. Phthalocyanine, a blue-colored compound, is an aromatic macrocyclic compound with good antioxidant ability owing to its heterocyclic nitrogen conjugation. The conjugation of zinc with phthalocyanine aimed to reduce the toxicity associated with zinc and enhance the antidiabetic activity at a lower dose. Hence, the present research work possessed the insights of the synthetic aspect of zinc with phthalocyanine along with its entrapment in the poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA)-chitosan nanosystem via oral administration in the treatment of diabetes. A nanoprecipitation technique was implemented for the synthesis of PLGA chitosan nanoparticles, and formulation was further optimized using a central composite design. Twenty trials provided by the software selected optimum concentrations of PLGA, poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), and chitosan in consideration with particle size up to 335.6 nm, zeta potential 27.87 mV, and entrapment efficiency of 75.67 ± 8.13%. Addition of chitosan to the nanocarrier system for controlling the release of the drug for 3 days was accompanied by the improvement in the glucose level within 28 days. The delivery of the nanoparticles showed enhancement in the cholesterol, triglyceride, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), urine parameters, and pro-inflammatory cytokines. The application of DoE (design of experiments) for the optimization of the nanoparticles established a controlled release formulation for diabetes, which displayed safety and effectiveness in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats.

Formulation and Evaluation of Pravastatin Sodium-Loaded PLGA Nanoparticles: In vitro-in vivo Studies Assessment

Purpose

Pravastatin sodium (PVS) is a hypolipidemic drug which suffers from extensive first-pass metabolism and short half-life. Poly(d,l-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) is considered a promising carrier to improve its hypolipidemic and hepatoprotective activities.

Methods

PVS-loaded PLGA nanoparticles (PVS-PLGA-NPs) were prepared by double emulsion method using a full 3² factorial design. The in vitro release and the physical stability studies of the optimized PVS-PLGA-NPs (F5) were performed. Finally, both hypolipidemic and hepatoprotective activities of the optimized F5 NPs were studied and compared to PVS solution.

Results

All the studied physical parameters of the prepared NPs were found in the accepted range. The particle size (PS) ranged from 90 ± 0.125 nm to 179.33 ± 4.509 nm, the poly dispersity index (PDI) ranged from 0.121 ± 0.018 to 0.158 ± 0.014. The optimized NPs (F5) have the highest entrapment efficiency (EE%) (51.7 ± 5%), reasonable PS (168.4 ± 2.506 nm) as well as reasonable zeta potential (ZP) (-28.3 ± 1.18mv). Solid-state characterization indicated that PVS is well entrapped into NPs. All NPs have distinct spherical shape with smooth surface. The prepared NPs showed a controlled release profile. F5 showed good stability at 4 ± 2°C during the whole storage period of 3 months. In vivo study and histopathological examination indicated that F5 NPs showed significant increase in PVS hypolipidemic as well as hepatoprotective activity compared to PVS solution.

Conclusion

The PVS-PLGA-NPs could be considered a promising model to evade the first-pass effect and showed improvement in the hypolipidemic and hepatoprotective activities compared to PVS solution.

Development of Chincho (Tagetes elliptica Sm.) Essential Oil Organogel Nanoparticles through Ionic Gelation and Process Optimization with Box-Behnken Design

The aim of this work was to obtain chitosan nanoparticles (<1000 nm) with chincho (Tagetes elliptica Sp.) essential oil (CEO-CSNPs) using the ionic gelation method. A Box−Behnken design (BBD) was applied, using chitosan solution (CS) pH (4.0, 4.4, 4.8); the mass ratio of CS/CEO (1:0.7, 1:0.85, 1:1.0) and the mass ratio of CS/CS-tripolyphosphate (1:0.46, 1:0.58, 1:0.7) as independent variables. The formulation-dependent variables, encapsulation efficiency (EE) and loading capacity (LC) of the CEO-CSNPs were evaluated. BBD determined that optimal conditions for CEO-CSNPs were pH: 4.4, CS/CEO mass ratio 1:0.7 and CS/TPP mass ratio 1:0.46. Once the optimization was defined, particle size (PS), zeta potential (ZP), polydispersity index (PDI), CEO-CSNPs morphological studies, in vitro CEO release, and antibacterial activity were determined. The CEO-CSNPs showed an EE of 52.64% and a LC of 11.56%, with a diameter of 458.5 nm, with a ZP of 23.30mV, and a PDI of 0.418. The SEM studies showed that the nanoparticles were rounded and had uniform shapes. In addition, CEO-CSNPs showed a minimum inhibitory concentration against Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella infantis and Escherichia coli of 5.29, 10.57 and 10.57 µg/mL, respectively. These results could be very useful for the stabilization of chincho essential oil for food industry purposes. However, several studies about the release, as well as interaction with food matrices, will be necessary.

R. V. Synthesis and appraisal of dalbergin-loaded PLGA nanoparticles modified with galactose against hepatocellular carcinoma: In-vitro, pharmacokinetic, and in-silico studies

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common malignancy which affects a substantial number of individuals all over the globe. It is the third primary cause of death among persons with neoplasm and has the fifth largest mortality rate among men and the seventh highest mortality rate among women. Dalbergin (DL) is described to be effective in breast cancer via changing mRNA levels of apoptosis-related proteins. DL belongs to neoflavonoids, a drug category with low solubility and poor bioavailability. We created a synthetic version of this naturally occurring chemical, DL, and then analyzed it using 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, and LC-MS. We also made PLGA nanoparticles and then coated them with galactose. The design of experiment software was used to optimize DL-loaded galactose-modified PLGA nanoparticles. The optimized DL-nanoformulations (DLF) and DL-modified nanoformulations (DLMF) were analyzed for particle size, polydispersity index, shape, and potential interactions. In-vitro experiments on liver cancer cell lines (HepG2) are used to validate the anti-proliferative efficacy of the modified DLMF. The in-vitro research on HepG2 cell lines also demonstrated cellular accumulation of DLF and DLMF by FITC level. The in-vitro result suggested that DLMF has high therapeutic effectiveness against HCC. In-vivo pharmacokinetics and bio-distribution experiments revealed that DLMF excelled pristine DL in terms of pharmacokinetic performance and targeted delivery, which is related to galactose’s targeting activity on the asialoglycoprotein receptor (ASGPR) in hepatic cells. Additionally, we performed an in-silico study of DL on caspase 3 and 9 proteins, and the results were found to be −6.7 kcal/mol and −6.6 kcal/mol, respectively. Our in-silico analysis revealed that the DL had strong apoptotic properties against HCC.

Rosmarinic Acid-Loaded Polymeric Nanoparticles Prepared by Low-Energy Nano-Emulsion Templating: Formulation, Biophysical Characterization, and In Vitro Studies

Rosmarinic acid (RA), a caffeic acid derivative, has been loaded in polymeric nanoparticles made up of poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) through a nano-emulsion templating process using the phase-inversion composition (PIC) method at room temperature. The obtained RA-loaded nanoparticles (NPs) were colloidally stable exhibiting average diameters in the range of 70–100 nm. RA was entrapped within the PLGA polymeric network with high encapsulation efficiencies and nanoparticles were able to release RA in a rate-controlled manner. A first-order equation model fitted our experimental data and confirmed the prevalence of diffusion mechanisms. Protein corona formation on the surface of NPs was assessed upon incubation with serum proteins. Protein adsorption induced an increase in the hydrodynamic diameter and a slight shift towards more negative surface charges of the NPs. The radical scavenging activity of RA-loaded NPs was also studied using the DPPH·assay and showed a dose–response relationship between the NPs concentration and DPPH inhibition. Finally, RA-loaded NPs did not affect the cellular proliferation of the human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cell line and promoted efficient cellular uptake. These results are promising for expanding the use of O/W nano-emulsions in biomedical applications.

Laurus nobilis L. Essential Oil-Loaded PLGA as a Nanoformulation Candidate for Cancer Treatment

The aim of this study was to obtain essential oil (LNEO) from the Laurus nobilis L. plant, and to prepare LNEO-loaded poly lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) nanoparticles (NPs) as an approach in cancer treatment. The components of the obtained LNEO were analyzed using GC-MS. The LNEO-NPs were synthesized by the single-emulsion method. The LNEO-NPs were characterized using UV-Vis spectrometry, Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and a DNA binding assay, which was performed via the UV-Vis titration method. According to the results, the LNEO-NPs had a 211.4 ± 4.031 nm average particle size, 0.068 ± 0.016 PdI, and −7.87 ± 1.15 mV zeta potential. The encapsulation efficiency and loading capacity were calculated as 59.25% and 25.65%, respectively, and the in vitro drug release study showed an LNEO release of 93.97 ± 3.78% over the 72 h period. Moreover, the LNEO was intercalatively bound to CT-DNA. In addition, the mechanism of action of LNEO on a dual PI3K/mTOR inhibitor was predicted, and its antiproliferative activity and mechanism were determined using molecular docking analysis. It was concluded that LNEO-loaded PLGA NPs may be used for cancer treatment as a novel phytotherapeutic agent-based controlled-release system.

Investigating the Impact of Optimized Trans-Cinnamic Acid-Loaded PLGA Nanoparticles on Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition in Breast Cancer

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

An Innovative Formulation Based on Nanostructured Lipid Carriers for Imatinib Delivery: Pre-Formulation, Cellular Uptake and Cytotoxicity Studies

Imatinib (IMT) is a tyrosine kinase enzyme inhibitor and extensively used for the treatment of gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs). A nanostructured lipid carrier system (NLCS) containing IMT was developed by using emulsification-sonication methods. The characterization of the developed formulation was performed in terms of its particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential, entrapment efficiency, loading capacity, sterility, syringeability, stability, in vitro release kinetics with mathematical models, cellular uptake studies with flow cytometry, fluorescence microscopy and cytotoxicity for CRL-1739 cells. The particle size, PDI, loading capacity and zeta potential of selected NLCS (F16-IMT) were found to be 96.63 ± 1.87 nm, 0.27 ± 0.15, 96.49 ± 1.46% and -32.7 ± 2.48 mV, respectively. F16-IMT was found to be stable, thermodynamic, sterile and syringeable through an 18 gauze needle. The formulation revealed a Korsmeyer-Peppas drug release model of 53% at 8 h, above 90% of cell viability, 23.61 µM of IC50 and induction of apoptosis in CRL-1739 cell lines. In the future, F16-IMT can be employed to treat GISTs. A small amount of IMT loaded into the NLCSs will be better than IMT alone for therapy for GISTs. Consequently, F16-IMT could prove to be useful for effective GIST treatment.

Development and Optimization of Acriflavine-Loaded Polycaprolactone Nanoparticles Using Box-Behnken Design for Burn Wound Healing Applications

Nanoparticles are used increasingly for the treatment of different disorders, including burn wounds of the skin, due to their important role in wound healing. In this study, acriflavine-loaded poly (ε-caprolactone) nanoparticles (ACR-PCL-NPs) were prepared using a double-emulsion solvent evaporation method. All the formulations were prepared and optimized by using a Box-Behnken design. Formulations were evaluated for the effect of independent variables, i.e., poly (ε-caprolactone) (PCL) amount (X1), stirring speed of external phase (X2), and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) concentration (X3), on the formulation-dependent variables (particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), and encapsulation efficiency) of ACR-PCL-NPs. The zeta potential, PDI, particle size, and encapsulation efficiency of optimized ACR-PCL-NPs were found to be -3.98 ± 1.58 mV, 0.270 ± 0.19, 469.2 ± 5.6 nm, and 71.9 ± 5.32%, respectively. The independent variables were found to be in excellent correlation with the dependent variables. The release of acriflavine from optimized ACR-PCL-NPs was in biphasic style with the initial burst release, followed by a slow release for up to 24 h of the in vitro study. Morphological studies of optimized ACR-PCL-NPs revealed the smooth surfaces and spherical shapes of the particles. Thermal and FTIR analyses revealed the drug-polymer compatibility of ACR-PCL-NPs. The drug-treated group showed significant re-epithelialization, as compared to the controlled group.

The effect of radiolabeled nanostructured lipid carrier systems containing imatinib mesylate on NIH-3T3 and CRL-1739 cells

The aim of current study is to develop new nanostructured lipid carrier systems (NLCSs) containing imatinib mesylate (IMT) and evaluate their targeting efficiency on NIH-3T3 as fibroblast cells and CRL-1739 as gastric adenocarcinoma cells with radiolabeled formulations. Three formulations (F1-IMT, F2-IMT and F3-IMT) were prepared and radiolabeled with 1 mCi/0.1 mL of [^99mTc]Tc. The effect of reducing and antioxidant agents on radiolabeling process was evaluated and radiochemical purity of formulations was performed by radio thin-layer radiochromatography (RTLC). The results demonstrated that the radiochemical purity was found to be above 90% for [^99mTc]Tc-F1-IMT and [^99mTc]Tc-F2-IMT, while radiochemical purity of [^99mTc]Tc-F3-IMT was found to be 85.61 ± 2.24%. Also, [^99mTc]Tc-F1-IMT and [^99mTc]Tc-F2-IMT have better stability in cell medium and saline than [^99mTc]Tc-F3-IMT. Targeting efficiency of [^99mTc]Tc-F1-IMT and [^99mTc]Tc-F2-IMT comparatively evaluated by cell binding studies with [^99mTc]NaTcO4 on NIH-3T3 and CRL-1739 cells. The cell binding capacity and targeting/non-targeting cell uptake ratio of these two formulations was found to be higher than [^99mTc]NaTcO4 in CRL-1739. It is thought that the knowledge achieved in this study would contribute to using [^99mTc]Tc-F1-IMT and [^99mTc]Tc F2-IMT as an diagnosis and treatment agents.

Nanoformulation Development to Improve the Biopharmaceutical Properties of Fisetin Using Design of Experiment Approach

This study aimed to design an effective nanoparticle-based carrier for the oral delivery of fisetin (FST) with improved biopharmaceutical properties. FST-loaded nanoparticles were prepared with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) by the interfacial deposition method. A central composite design of two independent variables, the concentration of PVA and the amount of PLGA, was applied for the optimization of the preparative parameter. The responses, including average particle size, polydispersity index, encapsulation efficiency, and zeta potential, were assessed. The optimized formulation possessed a mean particle size of 187.9 nm, the polydispersity index of 0.121, encapsulation efficiency of 79.3%, and zeta potential of −29.2 mV. The morphological observation demonstrated a globular shape for particles. Differential scanning calorimetry and powder X-ray diffraction studies confirmed that the encapsulated FST was presented as the amorphous state. The dissolution test indicated a 3.06-fold increase for the accumulating concentrations, and the everted gut sac test showed a 4.9-fold gain for permeability at the duodenum region. In conclusion, the optimized FST-loaded nanoparticle formulation in this work can be developed as an efficient oral delivery system of FST to improve its biopharmaceutic properties.

Development, optimization, and evaluation of PEGylated brucine-loaded PLGA nanoparticles

The application of nanotechnology to drug delivery systems for cancer therapy has progressively received great attention. The most heavily investigated approach is the development of nanoparticles (NPs) utilizing biodegradable and biocompatible polymers such as poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA). These NPs could be further improved by surface modification utilizing a hydrophilic biodegradable polymer such as polyethylene glycol (PEG) to achieve passive targeting. Modified NPs can deliver drugs such as brucine (BRU), which has shown its potential in cancer therapy. The objective of the current investigation was to develop and evaluate the passive targeting of long-circulating PLGA NPs loaded with BRU. NPs were characterized in terms of drug-excipient compatibility studies, including FTIR and DSC; physicochemical evaluations including particle size, zeta potential, morphological evaluation, entrapment efficiency and percentage yield; total serum protein adsorbed onto NP surfaces; and in vitro release of the loaded drug. Factorial design was employed to attain optimal PLGA-loaded NPs. Finally, the in vivo anti-tumor activity of BRU-loaded PLGA NPs was evaluated in tumor-bearing mice. The NPs obtained had smooth surfaces with particle sizes ranged from 94 ± 3.05 to 253 ± 8.7 nm with slightly positive surface charge ranged from 1.09 ± 0.15 to 3.71 ± 0.44 mV. Entrapment of BRU ranged between 37.5 ± 1.8% and 77 ± 1.3% with yields not less than 70.8%. Total protein adsorbed was less than 25.5 µg total protein/1 mg NP. In vitro drug release was less than 99.1% at 168 h. Finally, significant reductions in tumor growth rate and mortality rate were observed for PEG PLGA NP formulations compared to both BRU solution and naked NPs.

Optimization and Evaluation of Poly(lactide-co-glycolide) Nanoparticles for Enhanced Cellular Uptake and Efficacy of Paclitaxel in the Treatment of Head and Neck Cancer

The particle size (PS) and encapsulation efficiency (EE%) of drug-loaded nanoparticles (NPs) may inhibit their cellular uptake and lead to possible leakage of the drug into the systemic circulation at the tumor site. In this work, ultra-high paclitaxel-loaded poly(lactide-co-glycolide) NPs (PTX-PLGA-NPs) with ultra-small sizes were prepared and optimized by adopting the principles of quality by design (QbD) approach. The optimized PTX-PLGA-NPs showed ultra-small spherical particles of about 53 nm with EE% exceeding 90%, a relatively low polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.221, an effective surface charge of -10.1 mV, and a 10-fold increase in the in vitro drug release over 72 h relative to free drug. The cellular viability of pharynx carcinoma cells decreased by almost 50% in 24 h following treatment with optimized PTX-PLGA-NPs, compared to only 20% from the free drug. The intracellular uptake of PTX-PLGA-NPs was highly favored, and the antitumor activity of PTX was remarkably improved with a reduction in its half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50), by almost 50% relative to free drug solution. These results suggest that the optimal critical formulation parameters, guided by QbD principles, could produce PLGA-NPs with remarkably high EE% and ultra-small PS, resulting in enhanced cellular uptake and efficacy of PTX.

Nephroprotective effects of curcumin loaded chitosan nanoparticles in cypermethrin induced renal toxicity in rabbits

Cypermethrin, a pyrethroid insecticide, may cause several adverse effects including nephrotoxicity. Curcumin is a nutraceutical with many pharmacological effects including nephroprotective effects. But its effective clinical use is limited due to poor bioavailability, physicochemical instability, low bioactive absorption, quick metabolization, less penetration, and targeting efficacy. To resolve these issues, curcumin is incorporated in chitosan nanoparticles. The focus of the study was to prepare and characterize curcumin loaded chitosan nanoparticles and evaluate their nephroprotective activity in a cypermethrin induced renal toxicity. The curcumin loaded chitosan nanoparticles were prepared by using solvent displacement method and characterized by particle size, zeta potential, polydispersity index, entrapment efficiency, and FTIR. The prepared formulation was stable and lies within nanometer range (264.8 nm), and possessed high drug loading capacity (84.64%). Cypermethrin (24 mg/kg body weight) and Curcumin loaded chitosan nanoparticles (15 mg/kg and 30 mg/kg body weight) were orally administered to 20 rabbits (4 groups) for 28 days. It was found that cypermethrin significantly increased the serum levels of creatinine, urea, and BUN and decreased glutathione S-transferase and superoxide dismutase. Co-administration of curcumin loaded chitosan nanoparticles provided pronounced beneficial effects against cypermethrin-induced biochemical alterations and oxidative damage in the kidneys of rabbits. 30 mg/kg body weight of curcumin loaded chitosan nanoparticles have better nephroprotective effects as compared to 15 mg/kg body weight.

An Optimized Surfactant-Based PEG-PLCL In Situ Gel Formulation For Enhanced Activity Of Rosuvastatin In Poloxamer-Induced Hyperlipidemic Rats

BACKGROUND

Injectable in situ gel (ISG) systems suffer from high initial drug release that may result in toxic effects.

OBJECTIVE

This work aimed to develop an injectable sustained release rosuvastatin (RSV) ISG formulation with minimum initial drug burst and improved hyperlipidemic efficacy.

METHODS

Six formulation factors that affect RSV release after 0.5, 2 and 24 hrs have been screened and the significant ones were optimized utilizing an experimental design tool. The optimum ISG formulation components were physicochemically characterized. Kinetic treatment, dissolution efficiency and mean dissolution time were investigated for the developed ISG formulations. Pharmacodynamic effects of the optimized ISG formulation were studied and compared to ISG formulation loaded with free RSV and to a marketed oral drug product.

RESULTS

The concentration polylactide-co-ε-caprolactone (25: 75), the surfactant hydrophilic lipophilic balance (HLB) and the ratio of surfactant to polyethylene glycol 400 were significantly affecting the release of RSV during the first 24 h. Physicochemical characterization demonstrated complete dispersion of RSV in the polymeric matrix with slight changes in the drug crystalline structure. The optimized formulation demonstrated acceptable syringeability, good flow rate and was able to extend the in vitro drug release for 34 days. The ISG formulations complied with Weibull model. Pharmacodynamic study revealed a sustained reduction in the lipid profile that lasted for 21 days with a marked decrease in the lipid level during the first 24 hrs from the ISG system loaded with free RSV.

CONCLUSION

The optimized RSV ISG formulation could be considered a promising strategy due to a reduction in dosing frequency and enhancement in hypolipidemic efficacy.

PHBV/PLGA nanoparticles for enhanced delivery of 5-fluorouracil as promising treatment of colon cancer

5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) is one of the most widely used agents in the first-line chemotherapy for colon cancer. However, clinical use of 5-FU is limited because of the low efficacy of drug uptake and systemic toxic effects. Therefore, there is a critical need to find better drug delivery systems in order to improve the efficacy of the drug. In the present study, we have developed a novel combination drug delivery system based on PHBV/PLGA NPs for delivery of 5-FU to cancer cells. NPs were prepared by the double emulsion method and their optimization of preparation was evaluated using Box-Behnken design (BBD) of response surface methodology (RSM). 5-FU loaded NPs were characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetry analysis (TGA), and Fourier transformed infra-red spectroscopy (FT-IR). SEM image implied that NPs were spherical in shape and the results of DSC, TGA, and FT-IR suggest that 5-FU was encapsulated into NPs. The obtained results revealed that 5-FU loaded PHBV/PLGA NPs induced significant higher cell death at concentration much lower than free 5-FU. Results of hemolysis assay indicated that the NPs were hemo-compatible. In vivo anti-tumor studies showed that 5-FU loaded NPs reduced tumor volume significantly in comparison with free 5-FU. As the first example of using PHBV/PLGA as nano-drug delivery system with enhanced anti-tumor activities, this study establishes PHBV/PLGA as a novel promising drug delivery platform for treatment of colon cancer.

Comparison of bulk and microfluidics methods for the formulation of poly-lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) nanoparticles modified with cell-penetrating peptides of different architectures

The efficient and reproducible production of nanoparticles using bulk nanoprecipitation methods is still challenging because of low batch to batch reproducibility. Here, we optimize a bulk nanoprecipitation method using design of experiments and translate to a microfluidic device to formulate surface-modified poly-lactic-co-glycolic (PLGA) nanoparticles. Cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) with a short, long linear or branched architecture were used for the surface modification of PLGA nanoparticles. The microfluidics method was more time efficient than the bulk nanoprecipitation method and allowed the formulation of uniform PLGA nanoparticles with a size of 150 nm, a polydispersity index below 0.150 and with better reproducibility in comparison to the bulk nanoprecipitation method. After surface modification the size of CPP-tagged PLGA nanoparticles increased to 160–180 nm and the surface charge of the CPP-tagged PLGA nanoparticles varied between −24 mV and +3 mV, depending on the architecture and concentration of the conjugated CPP. Covalent attachment of CPPs to the PLGA polymer was confirmed with FTIR by identifying the formation of an amide bond. The conjugation efficiency of CPPs to the polymeric PLGA nanoparticles was between 32 and 80%. The development and design of reproducible nanoformulations with tuneable surface properties is crucial to understand interactions at the nano-bio interface.

Factorial Design as a Tool for the Optimization of PLGA Nanoparticles for the Co-Delivery of Temozolomide and O6-Benzylguanine

Poly(d,l-lactic-co-glycolic) (PLGA) nanoparticles (NPs) have been widely studied for several applications due to their advantageous properties, such as biocompatibility and biodegradability. Therefore, these nanocarriers could be a suitable approach for glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) therapy. The treatment of this type of tumours remains a challenge due to intrinsic resistance mechanisms. Thus, new approaches must be envisaged to target GBM tumour cells potentially providing an efficient treatment. Co-delivery of temozolomide (TMZ) and O6-benzylguanine (O6BG), an inhibitor of DNA repair, could provide good therapeutic outcomes. In this work, a fractional factorial design (FFD) was employed to produce an optimal PLGA-based nanoformulation for the co-loading of both molecules, using a reduced number of observations. The developed NPs exhibited optimal physicochemical properties for brain delivery (dimensions below 200 nm and negative zeta potential), high encapsulation efficiencies (EE) for both drugs, and showed a sustained drug release for several days. Therefore, the use of an FFD allowed for the development of a nanoformulation with optimal properties for the co-delivery of TMZ and O6BG to the brain.

Application of statistical design to evaluate critical process parameters and optimize formulation technique of polymeric nanoparticles

In advanced medication, drug-loaded polymeric nanoparticles (NPs) appeared as a novel drug delivery system with lots of advantages over conventional medicines. Despite all the advantages, NPs do not gain popularity for manufacturing hurdles. The study focused on the formulation difficulties and implementation of statistical design to establish an effective model for manufacturing NPs. In this study, physico-chemical properties of the drug and polymer (PLGA) were incorporated to understand the mechanistic insights of nanoformulations. Primarily, the process controlling parameters were screened by Plackett-Burman design and the critical process parameters (Cpp) were further fabricated by Box-Behnken design (BBD). The TLM-PLGA-NPs (telmisartan loaded PLGA NPs) exhibited particle size, encapsulation efficiency and zeta potential of 232.4 nm, 79.21% and -9.92 mV respectively. The NPs represented drug loading of 76.31%. Korsmeyer-Peppas model (R 2 = 0.925) appeared to be the best fitted model for in vitro release kinetics of NPs. The model identified Fickian diffusion of TLM from the polymeric nanoparticles. The ANOVA results of variables indicate that BBD is a suitable model for the development of polymeric NPs. The study successfully identified and evaluated the correlation of significant parameters that were directly or indirectly influencing the formulations which deliberately produce desired nanoparticles with the help of statistical design.

Synthesis and Statistical Optimization of Poly (Lactic-Co-Glycolic Acid) Nanoparticles Encapsulating GLP1 Analog Designed for Oral Delivery

Purpose

To design and stabilize Liraglutide loaded poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanoparticles (PLGA NPs) proper for oral administration.

Methods

PLGA NPs were prepared by means of double emulsion solvent evaporation method and optimized by applying 7-factor 2-level Plackett-Burman screening design.

Results

Spherical shaped NPs with homogeneous distribution, 188.95 nm particle size and 51.81% encapsulation efficiency were obtained. Liraglutide was successfully entrapped in the NPs while maintaining its native amorphous nature, and its structural integrity as well.

Conclusion

Lira-PLGA NPs with the required Critical Quality Attributes (CQAs) were successfully designed by implementing a 7-factor 8-run Plackett Burman design into the extended Quality by Design (QbD) model, to elucidate the effect of formulation and process variables on the particle size, size-distribution, encapsulation efficiency and surface charge. As the developed nanoparticles maintained the native structure of the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API), they are promising compositions for the further development for the oral delivery of Lira.

Development of novel pH-sensitive nanoparticles loaded hydrogel for transdermal drug delivery

OBJECTIVE

Difference of pH that exists between the skin surface and blood circulation can be exploited for transdermal delivery of drug molecules by loading drug into pH-sensitive polymer. Eudragit S100 (ES100), a pH-sensitive polymer having dissolution profile above pH 7.4, is used in oral, ocular, vaginal and topical delivery of drug molecules. However, pH-sensitive potential of this polymer has not been explored for transdermal delivery. The aim of this research work was to exploit the pH-sensitive potential of ES100 as a nanocarrier for transdermal delivery of model drug, that is, Piroxicam.

METHODS

Simple nanoprecipitation technique was employed to prepare the nanoparticles and response surface quadratic model was applied to get an optimized formulation. The prepared nanoparticles were characterized and loaded into Carbopol 934 based hydrogel. In vitro release, ex vivo permeation and accelerated stability studies were carried out on the prepared formulation.

RESULTS

Particles with an average size of 25-40 nm were obtained with an encapsulation efficiency of 88%. Release studies revealed that nanoparticles remained stable at acidic pH while sustained release with no initial burst effect was observed at pH 7.4 from the hydrogel. Permeation of these nanocarriers from hydrogel matrix showed significant permeation of Piroxicam through mice skin.

CONCLUSION

It can be concluded that ES100 based pH-sensitive nanoparticles have potential to be delivered through transdermal route.

A chemotherapeutic approach targeting the acidic tumor microenvironment: combination of a proton pump inhibitor and paclitaxel for statistically optimized nanotherapeutics

Development of statistically optimized, paclitaxel–lansoprazole, dual drug loaded PLGA nanoparticles as a promising tumor acidic microenvironment targeted chemotherapeutic approach.

A top-down technique to improve the solubility and bioavailability of aceclofenac: in vitro and in vivo studies

The aim of the present work was to tackle the solubility issue of a biopharmaceutics classification system (BCS)-II drug, aceclofenac. Although a number of attempts to increase the aqueous solubility have been made, none of the methods were taken up for scale-up. Hence size reduction technique by a top-down approach using wet milling process was utilized to improve the solubility and, consequently, the dissolution velocity of aceclofenac. The quality of the final product was ensured by Quality by Design approach wherein the effects of critical material attributes and critical process parameters were assessed on the critical quality attributes (CQAs) of nanocrystals. Box–Behnken design was applied to evaluate these effects on critical quality attributes. The optimized nanocrystals had a particle size of 484.7±54.12 nm with a polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.108±0.009. The solid state characterization of the formulation revealed that the crystalline nature of the drug was slightly reduced after the milling process. With the reduced particle size, the solubility of the nanocrystals was found to increase in both water and 0.1 N HCl when compared with that of unmilled pure aceclofenac. These results were further supported by in vitro release studies of nanocrystals where an appreciable dissolution velocity with 100.07%±2.38% release was observed for aceclofenac nanocrystals compared with 47.66%±4.53% release for pure unmilled aceclofenac at the end of 2 h. The in vivo pharmacokinetic data generated showed a statistically significant increase in the C_max for aceclofenac nanocrystals of 3.75±0.28 µg/mL (for pure unmilled aceclofenac C_max was 1.96±0.17 µg/mL). The results obtained indicated that the developed nanocrystals of aceclofenac were successful in improving the solubility, thus the absorption and bioavailability of the drug. Hence, it may be a viable and cost-effective alternative to the current therapy.