Niosomal carriers enhance oral bioavailability of carvedilol: effects of bile salt-enriched vesicles and carrier surface charge

Glyceroniosomes for enhanced intestinal absorption of hydrochlorothiazide and lisinopril in their fixed dose combination

The objective was to investigate the effect of co-administration of hydrochlorothiazide and lisinopril as fixed dose combination on their intestinal absorption. The scope was extended to enhance intestinal absorption of both drugs. In situ rabbit intestinal absorption through the duodenum and jejuno-ileum was used to monitor membrane permeability of both drugs when perfused alone or in combination. Niosomes containing glycerols (glyceroniosomes) were loaded with both drugs. Glyceroniosomes comprised Span 60 or Tween 40 in combination with cholesterol and glycerol were prepared by bath sonication. Glyceroniosomes were characterized with respect to vesicle size, drug entrapment efficiency and were examined using transmission electron microscope (TEM). The prepared vesicles were nanosized spherical vesicles with average size of 202.4 nm and 108.8 nm for span free and span containing glyceroniosomes, respectively. The recorded Zeta potential values suggested good stability of the prepared formulations. Intestinal absorption studies reflected incomplete absorption of hydrocholothiazide and lisinopril correlating with their categorization as class IV and III drugs, respectively. Co-perfusion of both drugs reduced the intestinal absorption of lisinopril. Simultaneous encapsulation in glyceroniosomes enhanced the intestinal absorption of both drugs. Tween based systems were more efficient. The study introduced glyceroniosomes as carriers of simultaneous delivery of hydrochlorothiazide and lisinopril.

Rutin loaded bilosomes for enhancing the oral activity and nephroprotective effects of rutin in potassium dichromate induced acute nephrotoxicity in rats

Rutin, a flavone glycoside, has shown to have a significant beneficial kidney protection effect in drug-induced nephropathy. However, its poor solubility and low oral bioavailability have limited its pharmacological applications. This study aimed at formulating rutin-loaded bilosomes to enhance the renal protective effect of rutin for oral application. Rutin-loaded bilosomes were developed using thin-film hydration technique. The prepared formulations were characterized by entrapment efficiency percentage (EE%), vesicular size (VS) and zeta potential (ZP) measurement. The developed formula exhibited moderate EE%, ranging from 20.02 ± 2.85 to 48.57 ± 3.57%, suitable VS results that ranged from 502.1 ± 36 to 665.1 ± 45 nm and high ZP values (≤ -41.4 ± 7.27 mV). Transmission electron microscopy revealed the spherical shape of the developed bilosomes. The in-vitro release study revealed prolonged release of rutin from bilosomes, relative to free drug. F2, prepared using the molar ratio span 60: cholesterol: sodium cholate 1:1:0.5, was selected for further investigations as it showed the highest EE%, smallest VS, optimum ZP, and persistent release profile. In-vivo studies were performed on drug-induced nephropathy in rats. Acute renal failure was induced using a single dose of potassium dichromate (PDC; 15 mg/kg; i.p). The selected formulation, F2, alleviated kidney dysfunction, oxidative stress and inflammation via decreasing MDA, TNF-α and TGF-β and increasing GSH. In addition, F2 promoted Akt/PI3K activation against PDC-induced acute renal failure. Histopathology results came in accordance with in-vivo results. Thus, bilosomes could be considered a potential delivery system for enhancing the oral delivery and kidney protection activity of rutin.

Olive oil and flaxseed oil incorporating niosomes for enhanced in vivo anti-diabetic efficacy of canagliflozin

BACKGROUND

Canagliflozin (CFZ) is broadly implicated for the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Unfortunately, it has low oral bioavailability due to poor solubility behavior and restricted membrane permeability.

OBJECTIVE

The current work focuses on development of CFZ encapsulated niosomes for enhanced oral anti-diabetic efficacy.

METHODOLOGY

Niosomes comprising Span 60 and cholesterol were formulated both in absence and presence of olive oil or flaxseed oil. These were evaluated in vitro for average vesicular size, structural morphology, CFZ entrapment efficiency, and drug release. Additionally, the oral hypoglycemic effect of CFZ encapsulated niosomes was explored in diabetic rats.

RESULTS

The fabricated niosomes were negatively charged spherical vesicles with a size range of 103.0-141.7 nm. These entrapped CFZ with efficiency ranging from 92.3% to 96.0%. Drug release investigations reflected that incorporating CFZ into niosomes significantly sustained drug release compared to the aqueous drug dispersion. Oral administration of niosomal formulations significantly enhanced the oral antidiabetic effect of CFZ. Comparing the tested niosomes, similar efficiency was shown eliminating the effect of composition.

CONCLUSION

The enhanced oral bioavailability of niosomes' encapsulated drugs is related to niosomal vesicular structure which allows intact niosomes absorption. The study presented niosomes as promising carriers for improved oral anti-diabetic activity of CFZ.

Insights into the prospects of nanobiomaterials in the treatment of cardiac arrhythmia

Cardiac arrhythmia, a disorder of abnormal electrical activity of the heart that disturbs the rhythm of the heart, thereby affecting its normal function, is one of the leading causes of death from heart disease worldwide and causes millions of deaths each year. Currently, treatments for arrhythmia include drug therapy, radiofrequency ablation, cardiovascular implantable electronic devices (CIEDs), including pacemakers, defibrillators, and cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). However, these traditional treatments have several limitations, such as the side effects of medication, the risks of device implantation, and the complications of invasive surgery. Nanotechnology and nanomaterials provide safer, effective and crucial treatments to improve the quality of life of patients with cardiac arrhythmia. The large specific surface area, controlled physical and chemical properties, and good biocompatibility of nanobiomaterials make them promising for a wide range of applications, such as cardiovascular drug delivery, tissue engineering, and the diagnosis and therapeutic treatment of diseases. However, issues related to the genotoxicity, cytotoxicity and immunogenicity of nanomaterials remain and require careful consideration. In this review, we first provide a brief overview of cardiac electrophysiology, arrhythmia and current treatments for arrhythmia and discuss the potential applications of nanobiomaterials before focusing on the promising applications of nanobiomaterials in drug delivery and cardiac tissue repair. An in-depth study of the application of nanobiomaterials is expected to provide safer and more effective therapeutic options for patients with cardiac arrhythmia, thereby improving their quality of life.

Review on novel targeted enzyme drug delivery systems: enzymosomes

The goal of this review is to present enzymosomes as an innovative means for site-specific drug delivery. Enzymosomes make use of an enzyme's special characteristics, such as its capacity to accelerate the reaction rate and bind to a particular substrate at a regulated rate. Enzymosomes are created when an enzyme forms a covalent linkage with a liposome or lipid vesicle surface. To construct enzymosomes with specialized activities, enzymes are linked using acylation, direct conjugation, physical adsorption, and encapsulation techniques. By reducing the negative side effects of earlier treatment techniques and exhibiting efficient medication release, these cutting-edge drug delivery systems improve long-term sickness treatments. They could be a good substitute for antiplatelet medication, gout treatment, and other traditional medicines. Recently developed supramolecular vesicular delivery systems called enzymosomes have the potential to improve drug targeting, physicochemical characteristics, and ultimately bioavailability in the pharmaceutical industry. Enzymosomes have advantages over narrow-therapeutic index pharmaceuticals as focusing on their site of action enhances both their pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic profiles. Additionally, it reduces changes in normal enzymatic activity, which enhances the half-life of an enzyme and accomplishes enzyme activity on specific locations.

Surface entrenched β-sitosterol niosomes for enhanced cardioprotective activity against isoproterenol induced cardiotoxicity in rats

Cardiotoxicity (CT) is a severe condition that negatively impacts heart function. β-sitosterol (BS) is a group of phytosterols and known for various pharmacological benefits, such as managing diabetes, cardiac protection, and neuroprotection. This study aims to develop niosomes (NS) containing BS, utilizing cholesterol as the lipid and Tween 80 as the stabilizer. The research focuses on designing and evaluating both conventional BS-NS and hyaluronic acid (HA) modified NS (BS-HA-NS) to enhance the specificity and efficacy of BS within cardiac tissue. The resulting niosomal formulation was spherical, with a size of about 158.51 ± 0.57 nm, an entrapment efficiency of 93.56 ± 1.48 %, and a drug loading of 8.07 ± 1.62 %. To evaluate cytotoxicity on H9c2 heart cells, the MTT assay was used. The cellular uptake of BS-NS and BS-HA-NS was confirmed by confocal microscopy on H9c2 cardiac cells. Administering BS-NS and BS-HA-NS intravenously at a dose of 10 mg/kg showed the ability to significantly decrease the levels of cardiac troponin-I (cTn-I), creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and lipid peroxidation (MDA). Tissue histopathology indicated a substantial potential for repairing cardiac tissue after treatment with BS-NS and BS-HA-NS and strong cardioprotection against ISO induced myocardial tissue damages. Thus, enhancing BS's therapeutic effectiveness through niosome surface modification holds promise for mitigating cardiac damage resulting from CT.

Bile salt-enriched vs. non-enriched nanoparticles: comparison of their physicochemical characteristics and release pattern

Bile salts were first used in the preparation of nanoparticles due to their stabilizing effects. As time went by, they attracted much attention and were increasingly employed in fabricating nanoparticles. It is well accepted that the physicochemical properties of nanoparticles are influential factors in their permeation, distribution, elimination and degree of effectiveness as well as toxicity. The review of articles shows that the use of bile salts in the structure of nanocarriers may cause significant changes in their physicochemical properties. Hence, having information about the effect of bile salts on the properties of nanoparticles could be valuable in the design of optimal carriers. Herein, we review studies in which bile salts were used in preparing liposomes, niosomes and other nanocarriers. Furthermore, the effects of bile salts on entrapment efficiency, particle size, polydispersity index, zeta potential, release profile and stability of nanoparticles are pointed out. Finally, we debate how to take advantage of bile salts potential for preparing desirable nanocarriers.

Engineering nanosystems for transdermal delivery of antihypertensive drugs

To control hypertension, long-term continuous antihypertensive therapeutics are required and five classes of antihypertensive drugs are frequently involved, including diuretics, β-blockers, calcium channel blockers, angiotensin II receptor blockers, and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors. Although with demonstrated clinical utility, there is still room for the improvement of many antihypertensive drugs in oral tablet or capsule dosage form, in terms of reducing systemic side effects and first-pass hepatic drug uptake. Meanwhile, nanocarrier-mediated transdermal drug delivery systems have emerged as a powerful tool for various disease treatments. With benefits such as promoting patient compliance for long-time administration, enhancing skin permeability, and reducing systemic side effects, these systems are reasonably investigated and developed for the transdermal delivery of multiple antihypertensive drugs. This review aims to summarize the literature relating to nanosystem-based transdermal antihypertensive drug delivery and update recent advances in this field, as well as briefly discuss the challenges and prospects of engineering transdermal delivery nanosystems for hypertension treatment.

Vesicle-Encapsulated Rolipram (PDE4 Inhibitor) and Its Anticancer Activity

Vesicular carriers of drugs are popular for specific targeting and delivery. The most popular vesicles among these are liposomes. However, they suffer from some inherent limitations. In this work, alternative vesicles with enhanced stability, i.e., niosomes and bilosomes have been prepared, characterized, and their delivery efficiency studied. Bilosomes have the additional advantage of being able to withstand the harsh environment of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). The taurine-derived bile salt (NaTC) was incorporated into the bilosome bilayer. The inspiration behind NaTC insertion is the recent reports on antiaging action and immune function of taurine. Fluorescence probing was used to study the vesicle environment. The entrapment and subsequent release of the important cAMP-specific PDE4 inhibitor/drug Rolipram, which has antibreast cancer properties, was assessed on the breast cancer cell line MCF-7. Rolipram has important therapeutic applications, one of the most significant in recent times being the treatment of Covid-19-triggered pneumonia and cytokine storms. As for cancer chemotherapy, the localization of drug, targeted delivery, and sustained release are extremely important issues, and it seemed worthwhile to explore the potential of the bilosomes and niosomes to entrap and release Rolipram. The important finding is that niosomes perform much better than bilosomes in the hormone-responsive breast cancer mileau MCF-7. Moreover, there was a 4-fold decrease in the IC50 of Rolipram encapsulated in niosomes compared to Rolipram alone. On the other hand, bilosome-encapsulated Rolipram shows higher IC50 value. The results can be further understood by molecular docking studies.

Bilosomes and Biloparticles for the Delivery of Lipophilic Drugs: A Preliminary Study

In this study, bile acid-based vesicles and nanoparticles (i.e., bilosomes and biloparticles) are studied to improve the water solubility of lipophilic drugs. Ursodeoxycholic acid, sodium cholate, sodium taurocholate and budesonide were used as bile acids and model drugs, respectively. Bilosomes and biloparticles were prepared following standard protocols with minor changes, after a preformulation study. The obtained systems showed good encapsulation efficiency and dimensional stability. Particularly, for biloparticles, the increase in encapsulation efficiency followed the order ursodeoxycholic acid < sodium cholate < sodium taurocholate. The in vitro release of budesonide from both bilosytems was performed by means of dialysis using either a nylon membrane or a portion of Wistar rat small intestine and two receiving solutions (i.e., simulated gastric and intestinal fluids). Both in gastric and intestinal fluid, budesonide was released from bilosystems more slowly than the reference solution, while biloparticles showed a significant improvement in the passage of budesonide into aqueous solution. Immunofluorescence experiments indicated that ursodeoxycholic acid bilosomes containing budesonide are effective in reducing the inflammatory response induced by glucose oxidase stimuli and counteract ox-inflammatory damage within intestinal cells.

Characterization of Co-amorphous Carvedilol-Maleic Acid System Prepared by Solvent Evaporation

The aim of this study was to enhance the solubility and stability of the water-insoluble drug carvedilol (CAR) with maleic acid (MLE) to create a co-amorphous system by a solvent evaporation method. Phase diagrams of co-amorphous CAR-MLE, constructed from peak height in the Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectra and the glass transition temperature (Tg) from differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) measurements, revealed that the optimal molar ratio of CAR to MLE was 2:1. The FTIR spectra indicated that the secondary amine-derived peak of CAR and the carboxy group-derived peak of MLE disappeared in the CAR:MLE (2:1) co-amorphous system. DSC measurements showed that the endothermic peaks associated with the melting of CAR and MLE disappeared and a Tg at 43 °C was apparent. Furthermore, the solubility of CAR tested using the shaking flask method for 24 h at 37 °C was 1.2 μg/mL, whereas that of the co-amorphous system was approximately three times higher, at 3.5 μg/mL. Finally, the stability was evaluated by powder- X-ray diffraction at 40 °C; no clear diffraction peaks originating from crystals were observed in the amorphous state until after approximately 3 months of storage. These results indicate that co-amorphization of CAR with MLE improved the solubility of CAR while maintaining its stability in an amorphous form.

Incorporating sodium deoxycholate endorsed the buccal administration of avanafil to heighten the bioavailability and duration of action

The highly effective phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor (avanafil; AVA) is routinely prescribed to treat erectile dysfunction. The drug has poor oral bioavailability and undergoes a significant first-pass metabolism. Therefore, altering AVA's solubility and choosing a different delivery method may boost its effectiveness. Nine different solid dispersion formulations utilizing polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) at three different ratios were prepared and characterized. The Box-Behnken design was employed to optimize AVA-buccal tablets. The pre-compression and post-compression characteristics of the tablets were assessed. The mucoadhesion strength of the optimized tablet was investigated using cow buccal mucosal tissue. In vivo performance of the optimized tablets was examined on human volunteers compared to the commercial tablets. PVP K90 at 2:1 drug to polymer ratio showed the highest solubilization capacity. The mucoadhesive polymer type and percentage and the mucopenetration enhancer percentage were significantly affect the mucoadhesion strength, tablet hardness, and the initial and cumulative AVA released from the prepared tablets. The optimized AVA-buccal tablet showed 4.96 folds increase in the mean residence time, higher plasma exposure, and an improvement in the relative bioavailability of AVA by 1076.27% compared with the commercial tablet. Therefore, a successful approach to deal with AVA first-pass metabolism and low bioavailability could be to employ buccal tablets containing a solubility-enhanced form of AVA.

A Sojourn on Liposomal Delivery System: Recent Advances and Future Prospects

Liposomes are unique novel drug delivery carriers that favor the effective transportation of pharmaceuticals. These vesicles acquire one or more phospholipid bilayer membranes, and an inner aqueous core can carry both aqueous and lipid drugs. While hydrophilic molecules can be confined in the aqueous core, hydrophobic molecules are injected into the bilayer membrane. Liposomes have many benefits as a drug delivery method, including biocompatibility, the capacity to carry large drug payloads, and a variety of physicochemical and biological parameters that can be altered to influence their biological characteristics. In addition, being a size of 10-100 nm range can have numerous additional benefits, including enhanced pharmacokinetics, clever escape from the reticuloendothelial system, greater in vivo stability, longer and site-specific administration, and increased internalization in tumor tissue (enhanced permeability and retention impact). The current review focuses on the structural composition of liposomes, formulation technologies, and suitable case studies for optimizing biopharmaceutical performance. Moreover, clinical trials and marketed formulations of liposomes have been also stated in the prior art.

Bilosomes as a promising nanoplatform for oral delivery of an alkaloid nutraceutical: improved pharmacokinetic profile and snowballed hypoglycemic effect in diabetic rats

Diabetes mellitus is a life-threatening metabolic disease. At the moment, there is no effective treatment available to combat it. In this study, we aimed to develop berberine-loaded bilosomes (BER-BLS) to boost the oral bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy of berberine, a natural antidiabetic medication. The BER-BLS was fabricated using a thin-film hydration strategy and optimized using a central composite design (face-centered). The average vesicle size, entrapment efficiency, and surface charge of the optimized BER-BLS preparation were 196.5 nm, 89.7%, (−) 36.4 mV, respectively. In addition, it exhibited higher stability and better-sustained release of berberine than the berberine solution (BER-SOL). BER-BLS and BER-SOL were administered to streptozocin-induced diabetic rats. The optimized BER-BLS formulation had a significant hypoglycemic impact, with a maximum blood glucose decrease of 41%, whereas BER-SOL only reduced blood glucose by 19%. Furthermore, the pharmacological effect of oral BER-BLS and BER-SOL corresponded to 99.3% and 31.7%, respectively, when compared to subcutaneous insulin (1 IU). A pharmacokinetic analysis found a 6.4-fold rise in the relative bioavailability of berberine in BER-BLS when compared to BER-SOL at a dosage of 100 mg/kg body weight. Histopathological investigation revealed that BER-BLS is suitable for oral administration. Our data demonstrate that BLS is a potential nanocarrier for berberine administration, enhancing its oral bioavailability and antidiabetic activity.

Nano drugs delivery system: A novel promise for the treatment of atrial fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is one of the most common sustained tachyarrhythmias worldwide, and its prevalence is positively correlated with aging. AF not only significantly reduces the quality of life of patients but also causes a series of complications, such as thromboembolism, stroke, and heart failure, increases the average number of hospitalizations of patients, and places a huge economic burden on patients and society. Traditional drug therapy and ablation have unsatisfactory success rates, high recurrence rates, and the risk of serious complications. Surgical treatment is highly traumatic. The nano drug delivery system has unique physical and chemical properties, and in the application of AF treatment, whether it is used to assist in enhancing the ablation effect or for targeted therapy, it provides a safer, more effective and more economical treatment strategy.

Menthol augmented niosomes for enhanced intestinal absorption of lopinavir

Lopinavir is effective in treatment of HIV infection but experiences low oral bioavailability due to poor solubility, pre-systemic metabolism, and P-gp intestinal efflux. Co-processing with menthol enhanced its dissolution and intestinal permeability. Niosomes comprising Span 60, cholesterol and poloxamer 407 were formulated in absence and presence of menthol. These were evaluated for size, morphology, entrapment efficiency (EE%), lopinavir release and intestinal absorption. The later employed in situ rabbit intestinal absorption model. Niosomes were spherical with vesicle size of 140.2 ± 23 and 148.2 ± 27nm for standard and menthol containing niosomes, respectively. The EE% values were 94.4% and 96.3% for both formulations, respectively. Niosomes underwent slow release during the time course of absorption with menthol hastening lopinavir release, but the release did not exceed 9%. Niosmoal encapsulation enhanced lopinavir intestinal absorption compared with drug solution. This was reflected from the fraction absorbed from duodenum which was 24.15%, 73.09% and 83.23% for solution, standard niosomes and menthol containing vesicles, respectively. These values were 34.32%, 80.8% and 86.56% for the same formulations in case of jejuno-ileum. Lopinavir absorption from niosomes didn't depend on release supporting intact vesicle absorption. The study introduced menthol containing niosomes as carriers for enhanced lopinavir intestinal absorption.

Addressing the Superior Drug Delivery Performance of Bilosomes─A Microscopy and Fluorescence Study

The global health scenario in present times has raised human awareness about drug delivery strategies. Among colloidal drug delivery vehicles, vesicular nanocarriers such as liposomes and niosomes are popular. However, liposomes and niosomes get disrupted in the harsh environment of the gastrointestinal tract. In this context, the drug delivery community has reported the superior performance of vesicles containing bile salts, that is, bilosomes. The present work attempts to examine the structural/morphological aspects underlying the superior performance of bilosomes. Optical microscopy, electron microscopy, and light scattering give a definite proof of the enhanced stability of bilosomes compared to niosomes, both prepared from the same amphiphilic molecule. Fluorescence probing of the vesicles provides detailed insight into the bilayer characteristics and the differences between bilosomes and niosomes. Fluorescence resonance energy transfer studies lend further support to the findings that bilosomes have a more flexible bilayer structure than niosomes. The entrapment efficiency of the vesicles for the well-known antioxidant curcumin (whose bioavailability is a matter of concern due to low water solubility) was also studied. Bilosomes show higher curcumin entrapment efficiency than niosomes. For use in drug delivery, one needs to establish a trade-off between cargo/drug entrapment and release. Thus, a flexible bilayer structure is an advantage.

Development of a Novel Bilosomal System for Improved Oral Bioavailability of Sertraline Hydrochloride: Formulation Design, In Vitro Characterization, and Ex Vivo and In Vivo Studies

This study was proposed to develop an optimized sertraline hydrochloride (SER)-loaded bilosomal system and evaluate its potential for enhancement of drug oral bioavailability. A full 2³ factorial design was used to prepare SER-loaded bilosomal dispersions by thin film hydration using span 60, cholesterol (CHL), and sodium deoxycholate (SDC). The investigated factors included the total concentration of span 60 and CHL (X₁), span 60:CHL molar ratio (X₂), and SER:SDC molar ratio (X₃). The studied responses were entrapment efficiency (EE%) (Y₁), zeta potential (Y₂), particle size (Y₃), and in vitro % drug released at 2 (Y₄), 8 (Y₅), and 24 h (Y₆). The selected optimal bilosomal dispersion (N1) composition was 0.5% w/v (X₁), 1:1 (X₂), and 1:2 (X₃). Then, N1 was freeze dried into FDN1 that compared with pure SER for in vitro drug release, ex vivo permeation through rabbit intestine, and in vivo absorption in rats. Moreover, storage effect on FDN1 over 3 months was assessed. The optimal dispersion (N1) showed 68 ± 0.7% entrapment efficiency, - 41 ± 0.78 mV zeta potential, and 377 ± 19 nm particle size. The freeze-dried form (FDN1) showed less % drug released in simulated gastric fluids with remarkable sustained SER release up to 24 h compared to pure SER. Moreover, FDN1 showed good stability, fivefold enhancement in SER permeation through rabbit intestine, and 222% bioavailability enhancement in rats' in vivo absorption study compared to pure SER. The SER-loaded bilosomal system (FDN1) could improve SER oral bioavailability with minimization of gastrointestinal side effects.

Lipid-Based Nanovesicular Drug Delivery Systems

In designing a new drug, considering the preferred route of administration, various requirements must be fulfilled. Active molecules pharmacokinetics should be reliable with a valuable drug profile as well as well-tolerated. Over the past 20 years, nanotechnologies have provided alternative and complementary solutions to those of an exclusively pharmaceutical chemical nature since scientists and clinicians invested in the optimization of materials and methods capable of regulating effective drug delivery at the nanometer scale. Among the many drug delivery carriers, lipid nano vesicular ones successfully support clinical candidates approaching such problems as insolubility, biodegradation, and difficulty in overcoming the skin and biological barriers such as the blood-brain one. In this review, the authors discussed the structure, the biochemical composition, and the drug delivery applications of lipid nanovesicular carriers, namely, niosomes, proniosomes, ethosomes, transferosomes, pharmacosomes, ufasomes, phytosomes, catanionic vesicles, and extracellular vesicles.

Development of Piperine-Loaded Solid Self-Nanoemulsifying Drug Delivery System: Optimization, In-Vitro, Ex-Vivo, and In-Vivo Evaluation

Hypertension is a cardiovascular disease that needs long-term medication. Oral delivery is the most common route for the administration of drugs. The present research is to develop piperine self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system (PE-SNEDDS) using glyceryl monolinoleate (GML), poloxamer 188, and transcutol HP as oil, surfactant, and co-surfactant, respectively. The formulation was optimized by three-factor, three-level Box-Behnken design. PE-SNEDDs were characterized for globule size, emulsification time, stability, in-vitro release, and ex-vivo intestinal permeation study. The optimized PE-SNEDDS (OF3) showed the globule size of 70.34 ± 3.27 nm, percentage transmittance of 99.02 ± 2.02%, and emulsification time of 53 ± 2 s Finally, the formulation OF3 was transformed into solid PE-SNEDDS (S-PE-SNEDDS) using avicel PH-101 as adsorbent. The reconstituted SOF3 showed a globule size of 73.56 ± 3.54 nm, PDI of 0.35 ± 0.03, and zeta potential of −28.12 ± 2.54 mV. SEM image exhibited the PE-SNEDDS completely adsorbed on avicel. Thermal analysis showed the drug was solubilized in oil, surfactant, and co-surfactant. S-PE-SNEDDS formulation showed a more significant (p < 0.05) release (97.87 ± 4.89% in 1 h) than pure PE (27.87 ± 2.65% in 1 h). It also exhibited better antimicrobial activity against S. aureus and P. aeruginosa and antioxidant activity as compared to PE dispersion. The in vivo activity in rats exhibited better (p < 0.05) antihypertensive activity as well as 4.92-fold higher relative bioavailability than pure PE dispersion. Finally, from the results it can be concluded that S-PE-SNEDDS might be a better approach for the oral delivery to improve the absorption and therapeutic activity.

Lipid-Based Nanocarrier System for the Effective Delivery of Nutraceuticals

Nutraceuticals possess several health benefits and functions; however, most nutraceuticals are prone to degradation in the gastrointestinal environment and have poor bioavailability. Application of a novel carrier system is of increasing importance to overcome obstacles and provide efficient applicability. Lipid-based nanocarriers provide a large surface-to-mass ratio, enhanced intestinal absorption by solubilization in the intestinal milieu, intestinal lymphatic transport, and altering enterocyte-based transport. A critical overview of the current limitation, preparation, and application of lipid-based nanocarriers (liposomes and niosomes) and lipid nanoparticles (SLNs and NLCs) is discussed. Physical and gastrointestinal stability and bioavailability of nanoencapsulated nutraceuticals are considered as well.

New Peceol™/Span™ 60 Niosomes Coated with Chitosan for Candesartan Cilexetil: Perspective Increase in Absolute Bioavailability in Rats

PURPOSE

Candesartan cilexetil (CC), a prodrug of candesartan (CDT), is a class II BCS drug that suffers from poor oral bioavailability because of low aqueous solubility, P-gp efflux and first-pass metabolism. The absolute bioavailability reported for CC was only 15% and the methods to increase it remain elusive, thus the aim of our work was to prepare new CC-loaded niosomes encompassing, for the first time, glycerol monooleate GMO (Peceol™), as P-gp efflux inhibitor and promoter of lymphatic transport with Span™ 60 as bioenhancer. The prepared niosomes were further coated with chitosan for augmenting the CC oral absorption.

METHODS

The niosomes were prepared by thin film hydration method through quality by design approach, using two levels of each of three critical process parameters (CPPs), namely, XA (the molar ratio of surfactant mixture to cholesterol) at a ratio of 1:1 or 2:1; XB (the molar ratio of Span™ 60 to Peceol™) at a ratio of 1:1 or 2:1; and XC (the drug amount) at 15 mg or 30 mg. The investigated critical quality attributes (CQAs) were entrapment efficiency percent, particle size, and polydispersity index. The optimized uncoated and chitosan coated formulations were subjected to DSC and stability study. In vitro drug release, biocompatibility with Caco-2 cells and lastly the absolute bioavailability evaluation in rats were assessed.

RESULTS

The physical properties of the optimized and stable niosomes were satisfactory. The ingredients were compatible with each other and biocompatible with Caco-2 cells. The synergistic combination of Peceol™ and Span™ 60 probably surmounted the P-gp efflux with an increase in oral absolute bioavailability of niosomes to five times that of CC suspension.

CONCLUSION

The new niosomal formulations of CC containing Peceol™ with Span™ 60 and cholesterol either uncoated or coated with chitosan were a successful paradigm in achieving high oral absolute bioavailability and increased Caco-2 cells biocompatibility.

Piceatannol-Loaded Bilosome-Stabilized Zein Protein Exhibits Enhanced Cytostatic and Apoptotic Activities in Lung Cancer Cells

Piceatannol (PIC) is a naturally occurring polyphenolic stilbene, and it has pleiotropic pharmacological properties. Moreover, PIC has cytotoxic actions among various cancer cells. In this work, preparations of PIC-loaded bilosome-zein (PIC-BZ) were designed, formulated, and characterized, and the optimized PIC-BZ cytotoxic activities, measured as half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50), against lung cancer cell line was investigated. Box-Behnken design was utilized in order to examine the effect of preparation factors on drug entrapment and particle size. PIC-BZ showed a spherical shape after optimization, and its particle size was determined as 157.45 ± 1.62 nm. Moreover, the efficiency of drug entrapment was found as 93.14 ± 2.15%. The cytotoxic activity evaluation revealed that the adjusted formulation, which is PIC-BZ formula, showed a substantially smaller IC50 versus A549 cells. Cell cycle analysis showed accumulation of cells in the G2-M phase. Moreover, it showed in the sub-G1 phase, a rise of cell fraction suggestion apoptotic improving activity. Increased early and late phases of apoptosis were demonstrated by staining of cells with annexin V. Furthermore, the cellular caspase-3 protein expression was significantly raised by PIC-BZ. In addition, the wound healing experiment confirmed the results. To conclude, compared to pure PIC, PIC-BZ demonstrated a higher cell death-inducing activity against A549 cells.

Preparation of Casein Biopeptide-Loaded Niosomes by High Shear Homogenization and Their Characterization

The aim of this study was to develop a niosomal system to deliver milk bioactive peptides with potential for enhanced bioavailability. Milk casein was hydrolyzed with Flavourzyme, and the hydrolysates were ultrafiltered to obtain low-molecular-weight peptides with enhanced antioxidant activity. Biopeptide-loaded niosomes were prepared by a high shear homogenization method. Peptide-loaded niosomes exhibited a mean particle size of 37.64 ± 0.98 nm with narrow size distribution (PDI = 24.66 ± 0.008%) and high zeta potential (-23.36 mV). The niosomes encapsulated about 67% of peptides into the vesicles and showed controlled and sustained release under simulated gastrointestinal conditions as compared to free peptides. The antioxidant activity of the peptides was not affected due to their encapsulation into niosomes. Morphology of peptide-loaded niosomes was determined by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy, and the microstructural interactions analyzed by Fourier transform infrared clearly indicated the formation of peptide-loaded niosomes. High-performance liquid chromatography spectra of peptides in the niosomes and the free peptides were similar, thus confirming their entrapment into the niosomes.

Curcumin Niosomes Prepared from Proniosomal Gels: In Vitro Skin Permeability, Kinetic and In Vivo Studies

Curcumin is a poorly water-soluble drug that is used for the treatment of inflammations, tumors, wound healing antioxidant and other diseases. In the current manuscript, it is successfully formulated into proniosome gels. The proniosomes are readily hydrated into niosomal formulations using warm water. Proniosomes were prepared using nonionic surfactants (tween 80, span 60) either solely or in combinations with cholesterol. The produced niosomal formulations were homogenous in size with vesicular sizes >343 and <1800 nm. The encapsulation efficiency percentage “EE%” of curcumin in niosomal formulations was different according to niosomal composition. It increased up to 99.74% in formulations of tween 80/Chol of 200 μmole/mL lipid concentration. Span 60/chol niosomes showed decreased curcumin EE%. Niosomal formulations showed increased SSTF and PC with enhancement ratios of more than 20-fold compared with curcumin suspension form. Kinetically, niosomes fitted to the Korsemeyer-Peppas model with non-Fickian transport according to their calculated n-values where curcumin suspension form showed Korsemeyer-Peppas kinetics with Fickian transport. Niosomal formulations deposited higher curcumin amounts in the skin compared with the suspension form. The best niosomal formulation (F9) was used for niosomal gel and emulgel fabrication. Finally, the anti-inflammatory activity of curcumin in various formulations was evaluated using a rat hind paw edema method and the % of swelling was 17.5% following 24 h in group treated with curcumin niosomal emulgel. In conclusion, this study suggests that the developed niosomal emulgel could significantly enhance the anti-inflammatory effect of curcumin and be an efficient carrier for the transdermal delivery of the drug.

Formulation and Optimization of Nanospanlastics for Improving the Bioavailability of Green Tea Epigallocatechin Gallate

The present study aimed to investigate the potential of nanospanlastics for boosting the bioavailability of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). EGCG has valuable effects like anti-inflammation, anti-oxidation, and anti-tumorigenesis. Unfortunately, it has a low oral bioavailability due to its limited permeation and poor stability. To overcome these pitfalls, EGCG was fabricated as a nanospanlastic. Nanospanlastics are flexible nanovesicles that are composed of surfactants and edge activators (EAs). EAs improve the deformability of spanlastics by acting as a destabilizing factor of their vesicular membranes. EGCG-loaded spanlastics were prepared by an ethanol injection method, according to 2³ factorial design, to explore the impact of different independent variables on entrapment efficiency (EE%), % drug released after 12 h (Q_12h), and particle size (PS). In vitro characterization, ex vivo intestinal permeation test, and pharmacokinetic study of the optimized formula were performed. A newly developed RP-HPLC technique was adopted for the estimation of EGCG. The optimized formula (F4) demonstrated more prolonged drug release and a significant improvement in the EE%, permeability, deformability and stability than the corresponding niosomes. The pharmacokinetic study investigated that F4 had a more sustained drug release and a higher bioavailability than the conventional niosomes and free drugs. Nanospanlastics could be a promising approach for improving the bioavailability of EGCG.

Clinical Pharmacokinetic Evaluation of Optimized Liquisolid Tablets as a Potential Therapy for Male Sexual Dysfunction

The study aimed at developing a liquisolid tablet (LST) containing tadalafil (TDL) and dapoxetine (DPX) with improved bioavailability as a potential therapy for male sexual dysfunction. A mixture of nonvolatile solvents, namely PEG 200 and Labrasol®, was utilized to prepare LSTs that were assessed for their quality characteristics. The Box–Behnken design (BBD) was employed to statistically explore the effect of the formulation factors on the quality attributes of LSTs. Furthermore, an in vivo pharmacokinetic study was carried out for the optimized LST in comparison with the marketed tablets on healthy human volunteers. The optimized LST revealed acceptable quality limits with enhanced dissolution for both APIs. The pharmacokinetic parameters after oral administration of the optimized LST indicated that the Cmax of TDL in LSTs was 122.61 ng/mL within 2h compared to the marketed tablets, which reached 91.72 ng/mL after 3 h, indicating the faster onset of action. The AUC was improved for TDL in LST (4484.953 vs. 2994.611 ng/mL∙h in the marketed tablet) and DPX in LST (919.633 vs. 794.699 ng/mL∙h in the marketed tablet). This enhancement in bioavailability potentially minimizes the associated side effects and improves the treatment of male sexual dysfunction, particularly for diabetic patients.

Molecular docking and statistical optimization of taurocholate-stabilized galactose anchored bilosomes for the enhancement of sofosbuvir absorption and hepatic relative targeting efficiency

The work aimed to improve both absorption and hepatic availability of sofosbuvir. Bilosomes and galactose-anchored bilosomes were investigated as potential nanocarriers for this purpose. Sofosbuvir is a class III drug with high solubility and low permeability. Thus, the drug entrapment into lipid-based galactose-anchored carriers would enhance drug permeability and improve its liver availability. The galactosylated taurocholate was designed and synthesized based on molecular docking studies, where both galactose and taurocholate molecules were connected in a way to avoid affecting crucial interactions and avoid steric clashes with their cellular uptake receptors. The suggested nano-carriers were prepared using a thin-film hydration technique with sodium taurocholate and span 60 as stabilizers. The prepared formulae were statistically optimized using a central composite design. The optimized plain and galactosylated formulae, composed of SAA to drug ratio of 1:1 w/w and sodium taurocholate to span ratio of 10:1 w/w, have a vesicular size, zeta potential and entrapment efficiency in the range of 140-150 nm, -50 mV and 85%, respectively. The optimized formulae were lyophilized to increase their physical stability and facilitate accurate drug dosing. In vivo results showed that Sofosbuvir availability in the liver was significantly increased after oral administration of the plain and the galactosylated bilosomal formulae when compared to the oral drug solution with relative targeting efficiencies (RTIs) of 1.51 and 3.66, respectively. These findings confirmed the hypothesis of considering the galactosylated bilosomes a promising nanocarrier to efficiently target sofosbuvir to the liver.

Topical Delivery of Carvedilol Loaded Nano-Transfersomes for Skin Cancer Chemoprevention

The β-blocker carvedilol has been shown to prevent skin carcinogenesis in vitro and in vivo. Since systemic absorption of the β-blocker may cause cardiovascular disturbance, we developed a carvedilol loaded transfersome for skin-targeted delivery. Transfersomes were prepared using phospholipids and surfactants at various ratios and characterized. One formulation (F18) selected for further analysis was composed of carvedilol, soy phosphatidylcholine, and Tween-80 at a ratio of 1:3:0.5, which had a particle size of 115.6 ± 8.7 nm, a zeta potential of 11.34 ± 0.67 mV, and an encapsulation efficiency of 93.7 ± 5.1%. F18 inhibited EGF-induced neoplastic transformation of mouse epidermal JB6 P+ cells at non-toxic concentrations, while only high concentrations induced cytotoxicity in JB6 P+ and human keratinocytes HaCaT. Compared to the free drug, F18 released through the dialysis membrane and permeated through the porcine ear skin at a slower rate, but similarly depositing the drug in the epidermis and dermis of the skin. Consistently, surface application of F18 on reconstructed full-thickness human skin showed slower drug permeation, while it suppressed ultraviolet-induced DNA damage, inflammatory gene expression, and apoptosis. These data indicate that transfersome is a promising topical delivery system of carvedilol for preventing ultraviolet-induced skin damage and carcinogenesis.

The Impact of Surfactant Composition and Surface Charge of Niosomes on the Oral Absorption of Repaglinide as a BCS II Model Drug

Background

Niosomes, bilayer vesicles formed by the self-assembly of nonionic surfactants, are receiving increasing attention as potential oral drug delivery systems but the impact of niosomal formulation parameters on their oral capability has not been studied systematically. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of surfactant composition and surface charge of niosomes in enhancing oral bioavailability of repaglinide (REG) as a BCS II model drug.

Methods

Niosomes (13 formulations) from various nonionic surfactants having HLB in the range of 4–28 (Tweens, Spans, Brijs, Myrj, poloxamer 188, TPGS and Labrasol) were prepared and characterized concerning their loading efficiency, hydrodynamic diameter, zeta potential, drug release profile, and stability. The oral pharmacokinetics of the selected formulations were studied in rats (8 in vivo groups).

Results

The results revealed that type of surfactant markedly affected the in vitro and in vivo potentials of niosomes. The C_max and AUC values of REG after administration of the selected niosomes as well as the drug suspension (as control) were in the order of Tween 80> TPGS> Myrj 52> Brij 35> Span 60≈Suspension. Adding stearyl amine as a positive charge-inducing agent to the Tween 80-based niosomes, resulted in an additional increase in drug absorption and values of AUC and C_max were 3.8- and 4.7-fold higher than the drug suspension, respectively.

Conclusion

Cationic Tween 80-based niosomes may represent a promising platform to develop oral delivery systems for BCS II drugs.

Crosslink among phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase/Akt, PTEN and STAT-5A signaling pathways post liposomal galactomannan hepatocellular carcinoma therapy

Liposomal drug-delivery systems (LDDs) provide a promising opportunity to precisely target organs, improve drug bioavailability and reduce systemic toxicity. On the other hand, PI₃K/Akt signaling pathways control various intracellular functions including apoptosis, invasion and cell growth. Hyper activation of PI3K and Akt is detected in some types of cancer that posses defect in PTEN. Tracking the crosstalk between PI3K/Akt, PTEN and STAT 5A signaling pathways, in cancer could result in identifying new therapeutic agents. The current study, identified an over view on PI3K/Akt, PTEN and STAT-5A networks, in addition to their biological roles in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In the current study galactomannan was extracted from Caesalpinia gilliesii seeds then loaded in liposomes. Liposomes were prepared employing phosphatidyl choline and different concentrations of cholesterol. HCC was then induced in Wistar albino rats followed by liposomal galactomannan (700 ± 100 nm) treatment. Liver enzymes as well as antioxidants were assessed and PI3K/Akt, PTEN and STAT-5A gene expression were investigated. The prepared vesicles revealed entrapment efficiencies ranging from 23.55 to 69.17%, and negative zeta potential values. The optimum formulation revealed spherical morphology as well as diffusion controlled in vitro release pattern. Liposomal galactomannan elucidated a significant reduction in liver enzymes and MDA as well as PI3K/Akt, PTEN and STAT 5A gene expression. A significant elevation in GST and GSH were deduced. In conclusion, Liposomal galactomannan revealed a promising candidate for HCC therapy.

In vitro Characterization and Release Studies of Combined Nonionic Surfactant-Based Vesicles for the Prolonged Delivery of an Immunosuppressant Model Drug

Background

Cyclosporine A (CsA) is an exceptional immunosuppressant used for the treatment of immune disorders. Niosomal vesicles are promising drug carriers that are formed by self-association of nonionic surfactants and cholesterol in an aqueous phase. The objective of the study was to formulate combined nonionic surfactant based vesicles and to evaluate their in vitro characterization, release studies and in vivo studies.

Materials and Methods

Five niosomal formulations (F₇ to F₁₁) were prepared using the thin film hydration method. The molar ratio of cholesterol and non-ionic surfactant taken was 1:1. In formulation F₁₀, the combination of surfactants Span 20 and Brij 35 was used. The niosomes were characterized by zeta sizer and SEM for particle size analysis, in vitro drug release and stability studies. The pharmacokinetic studies were conducted on healthy albino rabbits.

Results

The size of niosome was found in the range of 427.1 nm to 972.3 nm. SEM image of optimized formulations F₁₀ exhibit the spherical nature of niosomal vesicles. DSC thermograms of niosomal formulations exhibited a broadened endothermic peak. The stability study exhibited that all formulations are stable and negligible change of vesicle size and entrapment was observed with time. The percentage drug release was significantly higher as compared to CsA plain dispersion for all niosomal formulations at pH 1.2 and 7.4. The release kinetic behavior showed that all preparations were best described by zero order and can release active ingredient in a sustained manner. The pharmacokinetic data showed the test formulation (F10) possessed greater bioavailability as compared to the reference formulation (CsA aqueous dispersion).

Conclusion

The formulation F₁₀ demonstrated a comparatively more delayed rate of release with enhanced dissolution as compared to a single surfactant scheme. The F₁₀ formulation can be a remarkable nanotechnology for prolonged delivery of CsA orally with improved dissolution profile and bioavailability.

Bile acid transporter-mediated oral drug delivery

Bile acids are synthesized in the liver, stored in the gallbladder, and secreted into the duodenum at meals. Apical sodium-dependent bile acid transporter (ASBT), an ileal Na⁺-dependent transporter, plays the leading role of bile acid absorption into enterocytes, where bile acids are delivered to basolateral side by ileal bile acid binding protein (IBABP) and then released by organic solute transporter OSTα/β. The absorbed bile acids are delivered to the liver via portal vein. In this process called "enterohepatic recycling", only 5% of the bile acid pool (~3 g in human) is excreted in feces, indicating the large recycling capacity and high transport efficacy of ASBT-mediated absorption. Therefore, bile acid transporter-mediated oral drug delivery has been regarded as a feasible and potential strategy to improve the oral bioavailability. This review introduces the key factors in enterohepatic recycling, especially the mechanism of bile acid uptake by ASBT, and the development of bile acid-based oral drug delivery for ASBT-targeting, including bile acid-based prodrugs, bile acid/drug electrostatic complexation and bile acid-containing nanocarriers. Furthermore, the specific transport pathways of bile acid in enterocytes are described and the recent finding of lymphatic delivery of bile acid-containing nanocarriers is discussed.

Niosomal Drug Delivery Systems for Ocular Disease-Recent Advances and Future Prospects

The eye is a complex organ consisting of several protective barriers and particular defense mechanisms. Since this organ is exposed to various infections, genetic disorders, and visual impairments it is essential to provide necessary drugs through the appropriate delivery routes and vehicles. The topical route of administration, as the most commonly used approach, maybe inefficient due to low drug bioavailability. New generation safe, effective, and targeted drug delivery systems based on nanocarriers have the capability to circumvent limitations associated with the complex anatomy of the eye. Nanotechnology, through various nanoparticles like niosomes, liposomes, micelles, dendrimers, and different polymeric vesicles play an active role in ophthalmology and ocular drug delivery systems. Niosomes, which are nano-vesicles composed of non-ionic surfactants, are emerging nanocarriers in drug delivery applications due to their solution/storage stability and cost-effectiveness. Additionally, they are biocompatible, biodegradable, flexible in structure, and suitable for loading both hydrophobic and hydrophilic drugs. These characteristics make niosomes promising nanocarriers in the treatment of ocular diseases. Hereby, we review niosome based drug delivery approaches in ophthalmology starting with different preparation methods of niosomes, drug loading/release mechanisms, characterization techniques of niosome nanocarriers and eventually successful applications in the treatment of ocular disorders.

Investigating the Potential of Transmucosal Delivery of Febuxostat from Oral Lyophilized Tablets Loaded with a Self-Nanoemulsifying Delivery System

Gout is the most familiar inflammatory arthritis condition caused by the elevation of uric acid in the bloodstream. Febuxostat (FBX) is the latest drug approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (US FDA) for the treatment of gout and hyperuricemia. FBX is characterized by low solubility resulting in poor gastrointestinal bioavailability. This study aimed at improving the oral bioavailability of FBX by its incorporation into self-nanoemulsifying delivery systems (SNEDS) with minimum globule size and maximum stability index. The SNEDS-incorporated FBX was loaded into a carrier substrate with a large surface area and lyophilized with other excipients to produce a fluffy, porous-like structure tablet for the transmucosal delivery of FBX. The solubility of FBX was studied in various oils, surfactants, and cosurfactants. Extreme vertices design was utilized to optimize FBX-SNEDS, and subsequently loaded into lyophilized tablets along with suitable excipients. The percentages of the main tablet excipients were optimized using a Box–Behnken design to develop self-nanoemulsifying lyophilized tablets (SNELTs) with minimum disintegration time and maximum drug release. The pharmacokinetics parameters of the optimized FBX-SNELTs were tested in healthy human volunteers in comparison with the marketed FBX tablets. The results revealed that the optimized FBX-SNELTs increased the maximum plasma concentration (C_max) and decreased the time to reach C_max (T_max) with a large area under the curve (AUC) as a result of the enhanced relative oral bioavailability of 146.4%. The significant enhancement of FBX bioavailability is expected to lead to reduced side effects and frequency of administration during the treatment of gout.

Therapeutic Nanoparticles and Their Targeted Delivery Applications

Nanotechnology offers many advantages in various fields of science. In this regard, nanoparticles are the essential building blocks of nanotechnology. Recent advances in nanotechnology have proven that nanoparticles acquire a great potential in medical applications. Formation of stable interactions with ligands, variability in size and shape, high carrier capacity, and convenience of binding of both hydrophilic and hydrophobic substances make nanoparticles favorable platforms for the target-specific and controlled delivery of micro- and macromolecules in disease therapy. Nanoparticles combined with the therapeutic agents overcome problems associated with conventional therapy; however, some issues like side effects and toxicity are still debated and should be well concerned before their utilization in biological systems. It is therefore important to understand the specific properties of therapeutic nanoparticles and their delivery strategies. Here, we provide an overview on the unique features of nanoparticles in the biological systems. We emphasize on the type of clinically used nanoparticles and their specificity for therapeutic applications, as well as on their current delivery strategies for specific diseases such as cancer, infectious, autoimmune, cardiovascular, neurodegenerative, ocular, and pulmonary diseases. Understanding of the characteristics of nanoparticles and their interactions with the biological environment will enable us to establish novel strategies for the treatment, prevention, and diagnosis in many diseases, particularly untreatable ones.

Niosomes of active Fumaria officinalis phytochemicals: antidiabetic, antineuropathic, anti-inflammatory, and possible mechanisms of action

BACKGROUND

Fumaria officinalis (F. officinalis, FO) has been used in many inflammatory and painful-ailments. The main aim of this work is to perform an in-depth bio-guided phytochemical investigation of F. officinalis by identifying its main-active ingredients. Optimizing pharmacokinetics via niosomal-preparation will also be done to enhance their in vivo antineuropathic and anti-inflammatory potentials, and to explore their possible-mechanism of actions.

METHODS

Bio-guided phytochemical-investigations including fractionation, isolation, chromatographic-standardization, and identification of the most active compound(s) were done. Optimized niosomal formulations of F. officinalis most active compound(s) were prepared and characterized. An in vivo biological-evaluation was done exploring acute, subchronic, and chronic alloxan-induced diabetes and diabetic-neuropathy, and carrageenan-induced acute inflammatory-pain and chronic-inflammatory edema.

RESULTS

In-vivo bio-guided fractionation and chromatographic phytochemical-analysis showed that the alkaloid-rich fraction (ARF) is the most-active fraction. ARF contained two major alkaloids; Stylopine 48.3%, and Sanguinarine 51.6%. In-vitro optimization, analytical, and in vivo biological-investigations showed that the optimized-niosome, Nio-2, was the most optimized niosomal formulation. Nio-2 had particle size 96.56 ± 1.87 nm and worked by improving the pharmacokinetic-properties of ARF developing adequate entrapment-efficiency, rapid-degradation, and acceptable stability in simulated GI conditions. FO, ARF, and Nio 2 were the most potent antidiabetic and anti-inflammatory compounds. The reduction of the pro-inflammatory tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and Interleukin 6 (IL-6), and elevation the anti-inflammatory factor IL-10 levels and amelioration of the in vivo oxidative-stress might be the main-mechanism responsible for their antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities.

CONCLUSIONS

Fumaria officinalis most-active fraction was identified as ARF. This study offers an efficient and novel practical oral formulation ameliorating various inflammatory conditions and diabetic complications especially neuropathic-pain.

Tailoring of PEGylated bilosomes for promoting the transdermal delivery of olmesartan medoxomil: in-vitro characterization, ex-vivo permeation and in-vivo assessment

Introduction

The intention of this work was to load olmesartan medoxomil (OLM), a sparsely water soluble antihypertensive bioactive with low oral bioavailability (26%), into PEGylated bilosomes (PBs) for augmenting its transdermal delivery. PBs contain PEGylated single chain edge activator besides the components of traditional bilosomes (Span 60, cholesterol and bile salts). The PEG gives further resilience to vesicle membrane and is speculated to augment both permeability and bioavailability of OLM.

Methods

A 2⁴ factorial experiment was constructed to inspect the impact of diverse variables on vesicles’ features and sort out the optimal formula adopting Design Expert^® software utilizing thin film hydration technique. Vesicles’ evaluation was done by finding out entrapment efficiency percent (EE%), particle size (PS), polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential (ZP) and amount of drug released after 6 hrs (Q6h). The optimal formula was selected and characterized for further investigations.

Results

The optimal formula (PB15) showed spherical vesicles with EE% of 72.49±0.38%, PS of 559.30±10.70 nm, PDI of 0.57±0.15, ZP of −38.35±0.65 mV and Q6h of 59.60±0.24%. PB15 showed higher deformability index (28.39±5.71 g) compared to traditional bilosomes (5.88±0.90 g) and transethosomes (14.94±0.63 g). Further, PB15 showed superior skin permeation from rat’s skin relative to the drug suspension. Moreover, confocal laser scanning microscopy examination revealed efficient penetration of the fluoro-labeled PB15 through skin. Histopathological study ensured the safety of PB15. In addition, in-vivo skin deposition studies showed higher OLM deposition in rat’s skin from PB15 compared to transethosomes and OLM suspension. Furthermore, pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic studies performed using male Wistar rats and male Albino rabbits, respectively, showed the superiority of PB15 over oral tablets. PB15 was found to have significantly higher AUC_0–48 and AUC_0–∞ relative to the oral tablets. As well, the relative bioavailability of PB15 was found to be 235.04%.

Conclusion

Overall, the obtained results confirmed the creditable effect of PB15 for transdermal delivery.

Cholate-modified polymer-lipid hybrid nanoparticles for oral delivery of quercetin to potentiate the antileukemic effect

Background: Quercetin (QUE) shows a potential antileukemic activity, but possesses poor solubility and low bioavailability. Purpose: This article explored the bile salt transport pathway for oral deliver of QUE using cholate-modified polymer-lipid hybrid nanoparticles (cPLNs) aiming to enhance its antileukemic effect. Methods: QUE-loaded cPLNs (QUE-cPLNs) were developed through a nanoprecipitation technique and characterized by particle size, entrapment efficiency (EE), microscopic morphology and in vitro drug release. In vitro cellular uptake and cytotoxicity of QUE-cPLNs were examined on Caco-2 and P388 cells; in vivo pharmacokinetics and antileukemic effect were evaluated using Sprague Dawley rats and leukemic model mice, respectively. Results: The prepared QUE-cPLNs possessed a particle size of 110 nm around with an EE of 96.22%. QUE-cPLNs resulted in significantly enhanced bioavailability of QUE, up to 375.12% relative to the formulation of suspensions. In addition, QUE-cPLNs exhibited excellent cellular uptake and internalization capability compared to cholate-free QUE-PLNs. The in vitro cytotoxic and in vivo antileukemic effects of QUE-cPLNs were also signally superior to free QUE and QUE-PLNs. Conclusion: These findings indicate that cPLNs are a promising nanocarrier able to improve the oral bioavailability and therapeutic index of QUE.

Buspirone Hydrochloride Loaded In Situ Nanovesicular Gel as an Anxiolytic Nasal Drug Delivery System: In Vitro and Animal Studies

Nasal nanovesicular gels of buspirone hydrochloride (BH) were prepared and characterized aiming for sustained delivery and enhancing bioavailability. Buspirone hydrochloride has low bioavailability of about 4% after oral administration due to first pass metabolism. Buspirone hydrochloride nanovesicles were formulated by thin film hydration method (TFH). The selected nanovesicular formulation was incorporated into two types of in situ gels (pH-induced and thermoreversible) using carbopol 974P and poloxamer 407 (P407), respectively, together with different mucoadhesive polymers. The in situ gels were examined for pH, gelling capability, viscosity, content uniformity, mucoadhesiveness, and in vitro drug release. The ex vivo permeation performance of the in situ gel formulations that showed the most sustained release was also assessed. The in vivo study was done by the determination of BH blood level in albino rabbits after nasal administration. Results revealed that nanovesicles prepared using Span 60 and cholesterol in a ratio of 80:20 showed the highest EE% (70.57 ± 1.00%). The ex vivo permeation data confirmed higher permeability figures for carbopol formulation in comparison to poloxamer formulations. The in vivo study data showed an increase of 3.26 times in BH bioavailability when formulated into the carbopol nanovesicular in situ gel relative to control (nasal drug solution).

Bile Acids and Their Derivatives as Potential Modifiers of Drug Release and Pharmacokinetic Profiles

Bile acids have received considerable interest in the drug delivery research due to their peculiar physicochemical properties and biocompatibility. The main advantage of bile acids as drug absorption enhancers is their ability to act as both drug solubilizing and permeation-modifying agents. Therefore, bile acids may improve bioavailability of drugs whose absorption-limiting factors include either poor aqueous solubility or low membrane permeability. Besides, bile acids may withstand the gastrointestinal impediments and aid in the transporter-mediated absorption of physically complexed or chemically conjugated drug molecules. These biomolecules may increase the drug bioavailability also at submicellar levels by increasing the solubility and dissolution rate of non-polar drugs or through the partition into the membrane and increase of membrane fluidity and permeability. Most bile acid-induced effects are mediated by the nuclear receptors that activate transcriptional networks, which then affect the expression of a number of target genes, including those for membrane transport proteins, affecting the bioavailability of a number of drugs. Besides micellar solubilization, there are many other types of interactions between bile acids and drug molecules, which can influence the drug transport across the biological membranes. Most common drug-bile salt interaction is ion-pairing and the formed complexes may have either higher or lower polarity compared to the drug molecule itself. Furthermore, the hydroxyl and carboxyl groups of bile acids can be utilized for the covalent conjugation of drugs, which changes their physicochemical and pharmacokinetic properties. Bile acids can be utilized in the formulation of conventional dosage forms, but also of novel micellar, vesicular and polymer-based therapeutic systems. The availability of bile acids, along with their simple derivatization procedures, turn them into attractive building blocks for the design of novel pharmaceutical formulations and systems for the delivery of drugs, biomolecules and vaccines. Although toxic properties of hydrophobic bile acids have been described, their side effects are mostly produced when present in supraphysiological concentrations. Besides, minor structural modifications of natural bile acids may lead to the creation of bile acid derivatives with the reduced toxicity and preserved absorption-enhancing activity.

Bile Acids and Their Derivatives as Potential Modifiers of Drug Release and Pharmacokinetic Profiles

Bile acids have received considerable interest in the drug delivery research due to their peculiar physicochemical properties and biocompatibility. The main advantage of bile acids as drug absorption enhancers is their ability to act as both drug solubilizing and permeation-modifying agents. Therefore, bile acids may improve bioavailability of drugs whose absorption-limiting factors include either poor aqueous solubility or low membrane permeability. Besides, bile acids may withstand the gastrointestinal impediments and aid in the transporter-mediated absorption of physically complexed or chemically conjugated drug molecules. These biomolecules may increase the drug bioavailability also at submicellar levels by increasing the solubility and dissolution rate of non-polar drugs or through the partition into the membrane and increase of membrane fluidity and permeability. Most bile acid-induced effects are mediated by the nuclear receptors that activate transcriptional networks, which then affect the expression of a number of target genes, including those for membrane transport proteins, affecting the bioavailability of a number of drugs. Besides micellar solubilization, there are many other types of interactions between bile acids and drug molecules, which can influence the drug transport across the biological membranes. Most common drug-bile salt interaction is ion-pairing and the formed complexes may have either higher or lower polarity compared to the drug molecule itself. Furthermore, the hydroxyl and carboxyl groups of bile acids can be utilized for the covalent conjugation of drugs, which changes their physicochemical and pharmacokinetic properties. Bile acids can be utilized in the formulation of conventional dosage forms, but also of novel micellar, vesicular and polymer-based therapeutic systems. The availability of bile acids, along with their simple derivatization procedures, turn them into attractive building blocks for the design of novel pharmaceutical formulations and systems for the delivery of drugs, biomolecules and vaccines. Although toxic properties of hydrophobic bile acids have been described, their side effects are mostly produced when present in supraphysiological concentrations. Besides, minor structural modifications of natural bile acids may lead to the creation of bile acid derivatives with the reduced toxicity and preserved absorption-enhancing activity.

Nanotechnology: from In Vivo Imaging System to Controlled Drug Delivery

Science and technology have always been the vitals of human's struggle, utilized exclusively for the development of novel tools and products, ranging from micro- to nanosize. Nanotechnology has gained significant attention due to its extensive applications in biomedicine, particularly related to bio imaging and drug delivery. Various nanodevices and nanomaterials have been developed for the diagnosis and treatment of different diseases. Herein, we have described two primary aspects of the nanomedicine, i.e., in vivo imaging and drug delivery, highlighting the recent advancements and future explorations. Tremendous advancements in the nanotechnology tools for the imaging, particularly of the cancer cells, have recently been observed. Nanoparticles offer a suitable medium to carryout molecular level modifications including the site-specific imaging and targeting. Invention of radionuclides, quantum dots, magnetic nanoparticles, and carbon nanotubes and use of gold nanoparticles in biosensors have revolutionized the field of imaging, resulting in easy understanding of the pathophysiology of disease, improved ability to diagnose and enhanced therapeutic delivery. This high specificity and selectivity of the nanomedicine is important, and thus, the recent advancements in this field need to be understood for a better today and a more prosperous future.

Dorzolamide Loaded Niosomal Vesicles: Comparison of Passive and Remote Loading Methods

Glaucoma is a common progressive eye disorder and the treatment strategies will benefit from nanoparticulate delivery systems with high drug loading and sustained delivery of intraocular pressure lowering agents. Niosomes have been reported as a novel approach to improve drug low corneal penetration and bioavailability characteristics. Along with this, poor entrapment efficiency of hydrophilic drug in niosomal formulation remains as a major formulation challenge. Taking this perspective into consideration, dorzolamide niosomes were prepared employing two different loading methodologies (passive and remote loading methods) and the effects of various formulation variables (lipid to drug ratio, cholesterol percentage, drug concentration, freeze/thaw cycles, TPGS content, and external and internal buffer molarity and pH) on encapsulation efficiency were assessed. Encapsulation of dorzolamide within niosomes increased remarkably by the incorporation of higher cholesterol percentage as well as increasing the total lipid concentration. Remote loading method showed higher efficacy for drug entrapment compared to passive loading technique. Incorporation of TPGS in bilayer led to decrease in EE; however, retarded drug release rate. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) studies confirmed homogeneous particle distribution, and spherical shape with smooth surface. In conclusion, the highest encapsulation can be obtained using phosphate gradient method and 50% cholesterol in Span 60 niosomal formulation.

Nanotechnology Based Approaches for Enhancing Oral Bioavailability of Poorly Water Soluble Antihypertensive Drugs

Oral administration is the most convenient route among various routes of drug delivery as it offers high patient compliance. However, the poor aqueous solubility and poor enzymatic/metabolic stability of drugs are major limitations in successful oral drug delivery. There are several approaches to improve problems related to hydrophobic drugs. Among various approaches, nanotechnology based drug delivery system has potential to overcome the challenges associated with the oral route of administration. Novel drug delivery systems are available in many areas of medicine. The application of these systems in the treatment of hypertension continues to broaden. The present review focuses on various nanocarriers available in oral drug administration for improving solubility profile, dissolution, and consequently bioavailability of hydrophobic antihypertensive drugs.