Modulation of drug (metoprolol succinate) release by inclusion of hydrophobic polymer in hydrophilic matrix

Impact of rasagiline nanoparticles on brain targeting efficiency via gellan gum based transdermal patch: A nanotheranostic perspective for Parkinsonism

Rasagiline mesylate is used as first line agent for early management of Parkinson's disease but its water soluble nature creates hurdles to cross blood brain barrier also its low oral bioavailability and rapid elimination requires frequent dosing. Thus present study aims to prepare rasagiline mesylate-nanoparticles (RM-NPs) loaded gellan gum transdermal film for non-invasive; self-administration in elderly patients. PLGA coated RM-NPs prepared by solvent evaporation technique were incorporated into film prepared by solvent casting method. Optimized films with 1.127 g gellan gum and 1.962 % linoleic acid showed enhanced ex-vivo diffusion over a period of 72 h. Comparative pharmacokinetic study revealed increased bioavailability of rasagiline on transdermal application compared to oral route. In-vivo anti-Parkinson activity estimated by behavioural and biochemical analysis indicate reserpine to interfere with monoamine storage hence resulting in development of akinesia and PD-like symptoms in rats. Brain targeting monitored by gamma imaging showed effective brain drug uptake from transdermal film which was also supported by increased brain targeting efficiency estimated from biodistribution study. Thus, the data support efficacy of gellan gum film to target drug to brain region compared to oral route and hence can be employed as a convenient approach for long-term treatment of Parkinson's disease in elderly patients.

Measurements, Thermodynamic Modeling, and a Hydrogen Bonding Study on the Solubilities of Metoprolol Succinate in Organic Solvents

The solubilities of metoprolol succinate (a cardioselective β1 adrenergic receptor) in methanol, ethanol, n-propanol, isopropanol, n-butanol, ethyl acetate, and acetone were measured at temperatures ranging from (278.2 to 318.2) K using a solid–liquid equilibrium method. The solubility of metoprolol succinate increases with increasing temperature. At a fixed temperature, the solubility decreases in the order methanol > ethanol > n-butanol > n-propanol > isopropanol > acetone > ethyl acetate. The enthalpy of fusion and the melting point of metoprolol succinate were determined by differential scanning calorimetry. The thermodynamic properties of the dissolution process, determined by a van’t Hoff analysis, have been obtained and are discussed. The modified Apelblat equation, Wilson model, and non-random two-liquid (NRTL) model were employed to correlate the solubilities of metoprolol succinate in different solvents. Finally, a quantitative structure–property relationship (QSPR) study of physical properties of solvents and density functional theory simulations of hydrogen-bonding structure were carried out to give the explanation for the sequence of solubility in alcohols. The density functional theory (DFT) calculations well illustrated that the solubility of metoprolol succinate in various alcohols can be mainly attributed to the intra- and intermolecular hydrogen bonds in metoprolol succinate-solvent complexes.

Study of drug release and tablet characteristics of silicone adhesive matrix tablets

Matrix tablets of a model drug acetaminophen (APAP) were prepared using a highly compressible low glass transition temperature (T(g)) polymer silicone pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) at various binary mixtures of silicone PSA/APAP ratios. Matrix tablets of a rigid high T(g) matrix forming polymer ethyl cellulose (EC) were the reference for comparison. Drug release study was carried out using USP Apparatus 1 (basket), and the relationship between the release kinetic parameters of APAP and polymer/APAP ratio was determined to estimate the excipient percolation threshold. The critical points attributed to both silicone PSA and EC tablet percolation thresholds were found to be between 2.5% and 5% w/w. For silicone PSA tablets, satisfactory mechanical properties were obtained above the polymer percolation threshold; no cracking or chipping of the tablet was observed above this threshold. Rigid EC APAP tablets showed low tensile strength and high friability. These results suggest that silicone PSA could eliminate issues related to drug compressibility in the formulation of directly compressed oral controlled release tablets of poorly compressible drug powder such as APAP. No routinely used excipients such as binders, granulating agents, glidants, or lubricants were required for making an acceptable tablet matrix of APAP using silicone PSA.