Formulation and Characterization of Cinnarizine Targeted Aural Transfersomal Gel for Vertigo Treatment: A Pharmacokinetic Study on Rabbits

Novel microwave-based green approach for the synthesis of dual-loaded cyclodextrin nanosponges: Characterization, pharmacodynamics, and pharmacokinetics evaluation

Recently, microwave-based cyclodextrin nanosponges (CDNS) of domperidone (DOM) for their solubility and dissolution improvement have been studied. However, microwave-based CDNS for the dual-loading of cinnarizine (CIN) and DOM have not been documented. Therefore, this research concentrates explicitly on the concurrent loading of two drugs employing these nanocarriers, namely CIN and DOM, both categorized under Class II of the Biopharmaceutical Classification System. A green approach involving microwave synthesis was employed to fabricate these nanocarriers. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy confirmed the formation of CDNS, while scanning electron microscopy scans illustrated their porous nature. X-ray diffraction studies established the crystalline structure of the nanocarriers. Differential scanning calorimetry and FTIR analyses corroborated the drugs’ loading and subsequent amorphization. In vitro drug release studies demonstrated an enhanced solubility of the drugs, suggesting a potential improvement in their bioavailability. The in vivo pharmacokinetic investigation emphatically substantiated this hypothesis, revealing a 4.54- and 2.90-fold increase in the bioavailability of CIN and DOM, respectively. This enhancement was further supported by the results of the pharmacodynamic study utilizing the gastrointestinal distress/pica model, which indicated a significantly reduced consumption of kaolin. Conclusively, this study affirms the adaptability of microwave-based CDNS for the concurrent loading of multiple drugs, leading to improved solubility and bioavailability.

Synergistic therapeutic effect of ginsenoside Rg3 modified minoxidil transfersomes (MXD-Rg3@TFs) on androgenic alopecia in C57BL/6 mice

Inflammation in hair follicles will reduce the effectiveness of minoxidil (MXD) in the treatment of androgen alopecia (AGA) caused by elevated androgen levels. To target multiple physiological and pathological processes in AGA, a novel natural bioactive compound modified transfersomes (MXD-Rg3@TFs) was prepared to replace cholesterol that may disrupt hair growth, with ginsenosides Rg3 (Rg3) that have anti-inflammatory effects on AGA. The effects of MXD, Rg3 and their combination on AGA were evaluated using dihydrotestosterone (DHT) induced human dermal papilla cells (DPCs), and the results showed that the combination of MXD and Rg3 can significantly promote the proliferation, reduce the level of intracellular ROS and inflammatory factors, and inhibit the aging of DHT induced DPCs. Compared with cholesterol membrane transfersomes (MXD-Ch@TFs), MXD-Rg3@TFs has similar deformability, smaller particle size and better stability. MXD-Rg3@TFs has also significant advantages in shortening telogen phase and prolonging the growth period of hair follicles in C57BL/6 mice than MXD-Ch@TFs and commercial MXD tincture. The prominent ability of MXD-Rg3@TFs to inhibit the conversion of testosterone to DHT and reduce the level of inflammatory factors suggested that Rg3 and MXD in MXD-Rg3@TFs have synergistic effect on AGA therapy. MXD-Ch@TFs with no irritation to C57BL/6 mice skin is expected to reduce the dose of MXD and shorten the treatment time, which would undoubtedly provide a promising therapeutic option for treatment of AGA.

Preparation of amentoflavone-loaded DSPE-PEG2000 micelles with improved bioavailability and in vitro antitumor efficacy

To overcome the poor aqueous solubility and enhance the anticancer effects of amentoflavone (AF), a nontoxic and biodegradable amphiphilic copolymer, poly(ethyleneglycol)-distearoylphosphatidylethanolamine (DSPE-PEG2000 ), was introduced to prepare AF micelles using the thin-film hydration method. Amentoflavone was successfully encapsulated into the core, achieving an encapsulation efficiency of 98.80 ± 0.24% and a drug loading efficiency of 2.96 ± 0.12%. The resulting micelles exhibited a spherical shape with a particle size of approximately 25.99 nm. The solubility of AF was significant improved by 412-fold, and cumulative drug release studies showed that AF release was much faster from the micelles compared with the free drug. The release of AF was sustained over time and followed a degradation-based kinetic model, similar to polymeric systems. After oral administration, the AF-loaded micelles demonstrated an enhanced oral bioavailability, which was 3.79 times higher than that of free AF. In vitro evaluations of the micelles' antitumor effects revealed a significantly greater efficacy compared with free AF. These findings highlight the tremendous potential of DSPE-PEG2000 micelles as a drug delivery carrier for improving the solubility and therapeutic efficacy of AF.

Lyophilized Nasal Inserts of Atomoxetine HCl Solid Lipid Nanoparticles for Brain Targeting as a Treatment of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): A Pharmacokinetics Study on Rats

The study aims to investigate the ability of lyophilized nasal inserts of nanosized atomoxetine HCl solid lipid nanoparticles (ATM-SLNs) to transport atomoxetine (ATM) directly to the brain and overcome the first-pass metabolism. In this case, 16 formulae of (ATM-SLNs) were prepared using hot melt emulsification, stirring and ultrasonication method technique. A full factorial design was established with 2⁴ trials by optimization of four variables; lipid type (Compritol 888 ATO or stearic acid) (X1), lipid to drug ratio [(1:2) or (2:1)] (X2), span 60: Pluronic f127 ratio [(1:3) or (3:1)] (X3) and probe sonication time (five or ten minutes) (X4). The prepared SLNs were characterized for entrapment efficiency (EE%), in-vitro drug release after 30 min (Q30min), particle size (PS), zeta potential (ZP) and polydispersity index (PDI). Design Expert^® software was used to select the optimum two formulae. The morphological examination for the optimum two formulae was carried out using a transmission electron microscope (TEM). Furthermore, eight lyophilized nasal inserts were prepared by using a 2³ full factorial design by optimization of three variables: type of (ATM-SLNs) formula (X1), type of polymer (NOVEON AA1 or HPMC K100m) (X2) and concentration of polymer (X3). They were evaluated for nasal inserts' physicochemical properties. The two optimum inserts were selected by Design Expert^® software. The two optimum insets with the highest desirability values were (S4 and S8). They were subjected to DSC thermal stability study and in-vivo study on rats. They were compared with atomoxetine oral solution, atomoxetine (3 mg/kg, intraperitoneal injection) and the pure atomoxetine solution loaded in lyophilized insert. (ATM-SLNs) showed EE% range of (41.14 mg ± 1.8% to 90.6 mg ± 2.8%), (Q30min%) of (27.11 ± 5.9% to 91.08 ± 0.15%), ZP of (-8.52 ± 0.75 to -28.4 ± 0.212% mV), PS of (320.9 ± 110.81% nm to 936.7 ± 229.6% nm) and PDI of (0.222 ± 0.132% to 0.658 ± 0.03%). Additionally, the two optimum (ATM-SLNs) formulae chosen, i.e., F7 and F9 showed spherical morphology. Nasal inserts had assay of drug content of (82.5 ± 2.5% to 103.94 ± 3.94%), Q15min% of (89.9 ± 6.4% to 100%) and Muco-adhesion strength of (3510.5 ± 140.21 to 9319.5 ± 39.425). DSC results of S4 and S8 showed compatibility of (ATM) with the other excipients. S8 and S4 also showed higher trans-nasal permeation to the brain with brain targeting efficiency of (211.3% and 177.42%, respectively) and drug transport percentages of (52.7% and 43.64%, respectively). To conclude, lyophilized nasal inserts of (ATM-SLNs) enhanced (ATM) trans-nasal drug targeting permeation and brain targeting efficiency.

Preparation and Optimization of Itraconazole Transferosomes-Loaded HPMC Hydrogel for Enhancing Its Antifungal Activity: 2^3 Full Factorial Design

Itraconazole (ITZ) is a triazole antifungal agent characterized by broad-spectrum activity against fungal infections. The main drawback of ITZ, when applied topically, is the low skin permeability due to the stratum corneum, the outermost layer of the skin, which represents the main barrier for drug penetration. Therefore, this study aimed to prepare itraconazole as transferosomes (ITZ-TFS) to overcome the barrier function of the skin. ITZ-TFSs were prepared by thin lipid film hydration technique using different surfactants, sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and sodium deoxycholate (SDC). The prepared ITZ-TFS were evaluated for entrapment efficiency (EE) %, particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential, and in vitro drug release to obtain an optimized formula. The surface morphology of the optimized formula of ITZ-TFS was determined by transmission electron microscope (TEM). The optimized formulation was prepared in the form of gel using hydroxyl propyl methyl cellulose (HPMC) gel base. The prepared ITZ-TFS gel was evaluated for homogeneity, drug content, spreadability, pH, and in vitro antifungal activity in comparison with the free ITZ gel. The prepared ITZ-TFS formulations exhibited high EE% ranging from 89.02 ± 1.65% to 98.17 ± 1.28% with particle size ranging from 132.6 ± 2.15 nm to 384.1 ± 3.46. The PDI for all ITZ-TFSs was less than 0.5 and had a negative zeta potential. The TEM image for the optimized formulation (ITZ-TFS4) showed spherical vesicles with a smooth surface. The prepared gels had good spreadability, pH, and acceptable drug content. ITZ-TFS gel showed higher antifungal activity than free ITZ gel as determined by zone of inhibition. ITZ was successfully prepared in form of TFSs with higher antifungal activity than the free drug.

Review on Different Vesicular Drug Delivery Systems (VDDSs) and Their Applications

BACKGROUND

Colloidal dispersions, also known as vesicular drug delivery systems (VDDSs), are highly ordered assemblies composed of one or more concentric bilayers formed by the self-assembly of amphiphilic building blocks in the presence of water.

OBJECTIVE

VDDSs are important to target the entrapped drugs at specific sites inside the body, control the drug release, enhance the drug bioavailability, and reduce undesired side effects.

METHODS

There are different types of VDDSs suitable for the entrapment of both hydrophilic and lipophilic drugs. According to the patent composition, VDDSs are classified into lipid-based and nonlipid- based VDDSs.

RESULTS

There are different types of VDDSs which include liposomes, ethosomes, transferosomes, ufasomes, colloidosomes, cubosomes, niosomes, bilosomes, aquasomes, etc. Conclusion: This review article aims to address the different types of VDDSs, their advantages and disadvantages, and their therapeutic applications.

Fabrication of nanostructured lipid carriers ocugel for enhancing Loratadine used in treatment of COVID-19 related symptoms: statistical optimization, in-vitro, ex-vivo, and in-vivo studies evaluation

Loratadine (LORA), is a topical antihistamine utilized in the treatment of ocular symptoms of COVID-19. The study aimed to develop a Loratadine Nanostructured Lipid Carriers Ocugel (LORA-NLCs Ocugel), enhance its solubility, trans-corneal penetrability, and bioavailability. full-factorial design was established with 2⁴ trials to investigate the impact of several variables upon NLCs properties. LORA-NLCs were fabricated by using hot melt emulsification combined with high-speed stirring and ultrasonication methods. All obtained formulae were assessed in terms of percent of entrapment efficiency (EE%), size of the particle (PS), zeta potential (ZP), as well as in-vitro release. Via using Design Expert® software the optimum formula was selected, characterized using FTIR, Raman spectroscopy, and stability studies. Gel-based of optimized LORA-NLCs was prepared using 4% HPMC k100m which was further evaluated in terms of physicochemical properties, Ex-vivo, and In-vivo studies. The optimized LORA-NLCs, comprising Compritol 888 ATO^®, Labrasol^®, and Span^® 60 showed EE% of 95.78 ± 0.67%, PS of 156.11 ± 0.54 nm, ZP of -40.10 ± 0.55 Mv, and Qh6% of 99.67 ± 1.09%, respectively. Additionally, it illustrated a spherical morphology and compatibility of LORA with other excipients. Consequently, gel-based on optimized LORA-NLCs showed pH (7.11 ± 0.52), drug content (98.62%± 1.31%), viscosity 2736 cp, and Q12% (90.49 ± 1.32%). LORA-NLCs and LORA-NLCs Ocugel exhibited higher ex-vivo trans-corneal penetrability compared with the aqueous drug dispersion. Confocal laser scanning showed valuable penetration of fluoro-labeled optimized formula and LORA-NLCs Ocugel through corneal. The optimized formula was subjected to an ocular irritation test (Draize Test) that showed the absence of any signs of inflammation in rabbits, and histological analysis showed no effect or damage to rabbit eyeballs. C_max and the AUC_0-24 were higher in LORA-NLCs Ocugel compared with pure Lora dispersion-loaded gel The research findings confirmed that NLCs could enhance solubility, trans-corneal penetrability, and the bioavailability of LORA.

Novel Mucoadhesive Chitosomes as a Platform for Enhanced Oral Bioavailability of Cinnarizine

PURPOSE

Cinnarizine (CIN) is a class II BSC drug, suffering from erratic bioavailability due to its pH-dependent solubility. It has preferential absorption in the stomach. In this study, new chitosan (CS) coated niosomes of CIN (CIN-loaded chitosomes) have been developed to extend the gastric retention and ameliorate CIN oral bioavailability.

METHODS

Various CIN-loaded niosomes were fabricated by thin-film hydration technique and fully characterized. Based on the predetermined criteria of low particle size (PS) and high entrapment efficiency percent (EE%), niosomal formulation F1 was selected and further coated with different CS concentrations. The optimized chitosomal formulation (C2) was evaluated through solid state characterization and mucoadhesive efficiency testing. It was also subjected to cytotoxicity study on Caco-2 cells; besides, in vitro drug release, stability and pharmacokinetic studies were assessed.

RESULTS

The optimized chitosomal formulation (C2) exhibited an EE% of 58.30±2.75%, PS of 440 ±13.03 nm, PDI of 0.335±0.21 and ZP of +28.1±0.10 mv. Solid state characterization results revealed the compatibility between the vesicle components and the entrapment of CIN within niosomal vesicles. C2 formulation demonstrated favorable mucoadhesive efficiency. The cytotoxicity study on Caco-2 cells manifested the safety of the optimized chitosomal formulation (C2) over the free drug. Additionally, it displayed a remarkable sustaining of CIN in vitro release up to 8 h and exhibited a good stability at the refrigerated temperature up to 3 months. In vivo pharmacokinetic assessment revealed that the CIN bioavailability from the optimized chitosomal formulation C2 was enhanced by 2.79 and 1.92 folds compared to the free drug and uncoated niosomal formulation F1, respectively. The priority of the chitosomal formulation (C2) over the niosomal one (F1) was also conferred.

CONCLUSION

Novel formulation of chitosan coated niosomes (chitosomes) could be presented as a promising platform to improve the oral bioavailability of drugs with narrow absorption window.

Preparation and Evaluation of Polymer-Based Ultrasound Gel and Its Application in Ultrasonography

Ultrasound imaging is a widely used technique in every health care center and hospital. Ultrasound gel is used as a coupling medium in all ultrasound procedures to replace air between the transducer and the patient’s skin, as ultrasound waves have trouble in traveling through air. This research was performed to formulate an inexpensive alternative to commercially available ultrasound gel as it is expensive and imported from other countries. Different formulations with different concentrations of carbopol 980 (CAR 980) and methylparaben were prepared with natural ingredients such as aloe vera gel and certain available chemicals that have no harmful effects on the skin. To justify the efficiency of the formulations; necessary physicochemical characteristics such as visual clarity, homogeneity, transparency, skin irritation, antibacterial activity, pH, stability, spreadability, conductivity, acoustic impedance, viscosity, and cost were evaluated. Moreover, a comparison study was also conducted with commercially available ultrasound gel that was utilized as a control. All samples showed excellent transparency and no microbial growth. S1 was the only formulation that met all of the requirements for commercial ultrasound gel and produced images that were similar to those produced by commercial ultrasound gel. So, this formulation could be used as an alternative to expensive commercial ultrasound gel for taking images in hospitals and medical centers.

Optimizing and Evaluating the Transdermal Permeation of Hydrocortisone Transfersomes Formulation Based on Digital Analysis of the In Vitro Drug Release and Ex Vivo Studies

BACKGROUND

Transfersomes can be used to enhance transdermal drug delivery due to their flexibility and ability to incorporate various molecules. For example, hydrocortisone (HC), a corticosteroid, is taken by different routes and serves as immunosuppressive, anticancer, and antiallergenic; however, it is poorly absorbed by the skin.

OBJECTIVE

Therefore, the current study suggested HC-loaded transfersomes as an alternative route of administration for reaching deeper skin layers or systemic circulation, to reduce the side effects of HC and improve its bioavailability.

METHODS

HC transfersomes were prepared by the thin-film hydration method and characterized for their vesicular size, zeta potential, drug entrapment efficiency, elasticity, FTIR spectroscopy, in vitro drug release, ex vivo permeation, and irritancy in rabbits. The optimized formulation, F15 (containing HC 20 mg, egg phosphatidylcholine (EPC) 400 mg, and 75 mg of Span 80), was chosen because it showed the highest (p< 0.05) EE% (60.4±0.80) and optimized sustained in vitro drug release (Q8 = 87.9±0.6%).

RESULTS

Extensive analysis of the drug release data from all formulas was performed using the DDSolver software which quantitatively confirmed the successful formulation. The Weibull equation was the best model to fit the release data compared to others, and the release mechanism was Fickian diffusion.

CONCLUSION

The simulated pharmacokinetic parameters showed that F15 had the highest AUC, MDT, and DE. Furthermore, F15 significantly enhanced HC permeation by 12-folds compared to the control through the excised rat's skin. The skin irritancy test has proven F15 safety and skin compatibility.