Enhanced Antibacterial Activity Of Doxycycline And Rifampicin Combination Loaded In Nanoparticles Against Intracellular Brucella Abortus

Development and optimization of in-situ gel containing chitosan nanoparticles for possible nose-to-brain delivery of vinpocetine

Vinpocetine (VIN), a derivative of vincamine found in the vinca plant, widens blood vessels in the brain and has been shown to improve cognitive function, memory, and cerebrovascular disorders. Nevertheless, the clinical utility of VIN is constrained by factors such as low oral bioavailability owing to the first-pass metabolism that often demands frequent dosing of 3-4 tablets/day. In this regard, the present work aimed to develop VIN-loaded chitosan nanoparticles (VIN-CH-NPs) to surmount these limitations and in view to enhance delivery to the brain of VIN by minimizing systemic exposure. The chitosan (CH) nanoparticles (NP) were developed by ionotropic gelation technique employing tripolyphosphate (TPP) as a cross-linking agent. Employing Design of Experiments (DoE), the effect of CH and TPP concentrations and stirring speed were systematically optimized using Box Behnken design (BBD). The optimized batch of nanoparticles displayed a particle size, zeta potential, entrapment efficiency, and drug loading of 130.6 ± 8.38 nm, +40.81 ± 0.11 mV, 97.56 ± 0.04 %, and 61 ± 0.89 %, respectively. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy indicated the chemical integrity of the drug ruling out the interaction between the VIN and excipients used. DSC and PXRD data indicated that reduction of the crystallinity of VIN in the chitosan matrix. These VIN-CH-NPs manifested good stability, exhibiting an almost spherical morphology. To mitigate rapid mucociliary clearance upon intranasal administration, the optimized VIN-CH-NPs were incorporated into thermosensitive in situ gel (VIN-CHN-ISG). It was observed that the in-situ gel loaded with nanoparticles was opalescent with a pH level of 5.3 ± 0.38. It was also noted that the gelation temperature was 32 ± 0.89 °C, and the gelation time was approximately 15 s. The drug delivery to the brain through the nasal application of optimized VIN-NPs in situ gel was assessed in rats. The results indicated significant nasal application of the in-situ gel nearly doubled the Cmax (P < 0.05) and AUC0-t (P < 0.05) in the brain compared to oral administration. Nasal administration improved drug delivery to the brain by reducing systemic exposure to VIN. A histopathological study of the nasal mucosa revealed no irritation or toxicity, making it safe for nasal administration. These findings suggest that the developed NPs in-situ gel effectively targeted vinpocetine to the brain through the nasal pathway, providing a potential therapeutic strategy for managing Alzheimer's disease.

Development of favipiravir loaded PLGA nanoparticles entrapped in in-situ gel for treatment of Covid-19 via nasal route

In 2019 the emergence of SARS-COV-2 caused pandemic situation worldwide and claimed ∼6.4 M lives (WHO 2022). Favipiravir (FAV) is recommended as a therapy for Covid-19 which belongs to BCS class III with a short half-life of 2-5.5h. Thus, the objective of current study was the development of favipiravir loaded PLGA nanoparticles (NPs) by box-behnken design. Moreover, these NPs were entrapped in thermosensitive gel to increase the permeation through nasal route. The nanoparticles exhibit particle size of 175.6 ± 2 nm with >70 ± 0.5 %EE. NPs showed PDI (0.130) and zeta potential (-17.1 mV) suggesting homogeneity and stability of NPs. DSC, XRD, and FTIR studies concluded absence of any interaction of FAV and the excipients. SEM and AFM studies demonstrated spherical morphology of NPs with smooth surface. The NPs entrapped in-situ gel showed clarity and pH 5.5-6.1. The gelation temperature of NPs dispersed in-situ gel was found in the range of 35 °C -37 °C. The gel has viscosity in range of 34592-4568 cps. The texture analysis profile of gel showed good gelling properties. Dissolution study suggested a sustained release of FAV from NPs (24h) and NPs dispersed gel (32h) as compared to FAV solution (4h). The gel showed good mucoadhesion properties (9373.9 dyne/cm²). Ex-vivo permeation through nasal mucosa of goat elucidated NPs dispersed gel demonstrated significantly higher permeation than solution and NPs. Therefore, it would be a prospective formulation to combat Covid-19 infection with high patient compliance.