Determination of required hydrophilic–lipophilic balance of citronella oil and development of stable cream formulation

Development and Optimization of a Novel Lozenge Containing a Metronidazole-Peppermint Oil-Tranexamic Acid Self-Nanoemulsified Delivery System to Be Used after Dental Extraction: In Vitro Evaluation and In Vivo Appraisal

In-depth studies on essential oil-based nanoemulsions (NEs) have centered on a variety of oral health issues. NEs improve the delivery of nonpolar active agents to sites and thereby boost the dissolution and distribution of the agents. Metronidazole-peppermint oil-tranexamic acid self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery systems (MZ-PO-TX-SNEDDS) were created and loaded into novel lozenges to act as antifungal, hemostatic, antimicrobial, and analgesic dosage forms after dental extractions. The design-of-experiments approach was used in creating them. To generate the NEs, different concentrations of MZ-PO (240, 180, and 120 mg), 2% TX (600, 450, and 300 mg), and Smix1:1 (600, 400, and 200 mg) were used. The ideal formulation had serum levels of 1530 U/mL of interleukin-6, a minimal inhibitory concentration against bacteria of 1.5 µg/mL, a droplet size of 96 nm, and a blood coagulation time of 16.5 min. Moreover, the produced NE offered better MZ release. The adopted design was used to produce the ideal formulation; it contained 240 mg of MZ-PO, 600 mg of 2% TX, and 600 mg of Smix1:1. It was incorporated into lozenges with acceptable characteristics and an improved capability for drug release. These lozenges had reasonable coagulation times, IL-6 serum levels, and MIC values. All of these characteristics are desirable for managing symptoms following tooth extractions. Therefore, these lozenges loaded with MZ-PO-TX-SNEDDs might be considered a beneficial paradigm for relieving complications encountered after tooth extractions.

Assessing and Predicting Physical Stability of Emulsion-Based Topical Semisolid Products: A Review

The emulsion-based topical semisolid dosage forms present a high degree of complexity due to their microstructures which is apparent from their compositions comprising at least two immiscible liquid phases, often times of high viscosity. These complex microstructures are thermodynamically unstable, and the physical stability of such preparations is governed by formulation parameters such as phase volume ratio, type of emulsifiers and their concentration, HLB value of the emulsifier, as well as by process parameters such as homogenizer speed, time, temperature etc. Therefore, a detailed understanding of the microstructure in the DP and critical factors that influence the stability of emulsions is essential to ensure the quality and shelf-life of emulsion-based topical semisolid products. This review aims to provide an overview of the main strategies used to stabilize pharmaceutical emulsions contained in semisolid products and various characterization techniques and tools that have been utilized so far to evaluate their long-term stability. Accelerated physical stability assessment using dispersion analyzer tools such as an analytical centrifuge to predict the product shelf-life has been discussed. In addition, mathematical modeling for phase separation rate for non-Newtonian systems like semisolid emulsion products has also been discussed to guide formulation scientists to predict a priori stability of these products.

Fast Prediction of the Equivalent Alkane Carbon Number Using Graph Machines and Neural Networks

The hydrophobicity of oils is a key parameter to design surfactant/oil/water (SOW) macro-, micro-, or nano-dispersed systems with the desired features. This essential physicochemical characteristic is quantitatively expressed by the equivalent alkane carbon number (EACN) whose experimental determination is tedious since it requires knowledge of the phase behavior of the SOW systems at different temperatures and for different surfactant concentrations. In this work, two mathematical models are proposed for the rapid prediction of the EACN of oils. They have been designed using artificial intelligence (machine-learning) methods, namely, neural networks (NN) and graph machines (GM). While the GM model is implemented from the SMILES codes of a 111-molecule training set of known EACN values, the NN model is fed with some σ-moment descriptors computed with the COSMOtherm software for the 111-molecule set. In a preliminary step, the leave-one-out algorithm is used to select, given the available data, the appropriate complexity of the two models. A comparison of the EACNs of liquids of a fresh set of 10 complex cosmetic and perfumery molecules shows that the two approaches provide comparable results in terms of accuracy and reliability. Finally, the NN and GM models are applied to nine series of homologous compounds, for which the GM model results are in better agreement with the experimental EACN trends than the NN model predictions. The results obtained by the GMs and by the NN based on σ-moments can be duplicated with the demonstration tool available for download as detailed in the Supporting Information.

Antimicrobial Formulation of Chrysopogon zizanioides Essential Oil in an Emulsified Lotion for Acne

Acne is a skin condition arising from excess sebum production and microbial overgrowth within the pilosebaceous unit. Several commercial essential oils have shown promising activity against acne-related pathogens. Due to their volatility and thermal instability, the formulation of essential oils into commercial products remains a pharmaceutical challenge. Thus, this study aimed to develop a viable anti-acne topical treatment as an oil-in-water emulsified lotion to overcome these challenges. Chrysopogon zizanioides (vetiver) displayed noteworthy antimicrobial activity with a mean minimum inhibitory concentration of 0.14 mg/mL against Cutibacterium acnes, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Streptococcus pyogenes. Emulsified lotions containing C. zizanioides were developed through the hydrophilic-lipophilic balance approach. At tested hydrophilic-lipophilic balance values of 8, 9, and 10, C. zizanioides emulsified lotions displayed maximum stability at hydrophilic-lipophilic balance 9 with a minimum change in mean droplet size and polydispersity index of 20.61 and 33.33%, respectively, over 84 days. The C. zizanioides emulsified lotion at optimum hydrophilic-lipophilic balance 9 completely inhibited the growth of C. acnes and killed S. aureus, S. epidermidis, and S. pyogenes within 24 h. Additionally, the lotion retained antimicrobial activity against these test micro-organisms over the 84-day stability test period. Thus, the C. zizanioides emulsified lotion demonstrated physical stability and antimicrobial efficiency, making it an ideal natural product anti-acne treatment.

Nanoemulsified Formulation of Cedrela odorata Essential Oil and Its Larvicidal Effect against Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith)

Cedrela odorata L. is a plant species from the Meliaceae family that is cultivated for timber production. Although the C. odorata essential oil (EO) contains mainly sesquiterpenes, its insecticidal potential is unknown. The lipophilic properties and high degradation capacity of EOs have limited their application for use in pest control. However, the currently available knowledge on the nanoemulsification of EOs, in addition to the possibility of improving their dispersion, would allow them to prolong their permanence in the field. The objective of the present work was to develop a nanoemulsion of the C. odorata EO and to evaluate its larvicidal activity against Spodoptera frugiperda. The EO was obtained by the hydrodistillation of C. odorata dehydrated leaves, and the nanoemulsion was prepared with non-ionic surfactants (Tween 80 and Span 80) using a combined method of agitation and dispersion with ultrasound. The stability of the nanoemulsion with a droplet diameter of <200 nm was verified in samples stored at 5 °C and 25 °C for 90 days. Both the C. odorata EO and its corresponding nanoemulsion presented lethal properties against S. frugiperda. The results obtained provide guidelines for the use of wood waste to produce sustainable and effective insecticides in the fight against S. frugiperda. In addition, considering that a phytochemical complex mixture allows the simultaneous activation of different action mechanisms, the development of resistance in insects is slower.

Development of a Gas Chromatography-Time-of-Flight Method for Detecting Glucosinolate Metabolites and Volatile Organic Compounds in Kimchi

This study examined the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and metabolites of glucosinolate (GLS) contained in kimchi and analyzed GLS using myrosinase. The analysis was conducted using gas chromatography-time of flight (GC-TOF), and VOC and the metabolite quantities were detected and analyzed. Based on 22 samples, tests were conducted, and 12 metabolites and 52 VOCs were found. When the detected metabolites were compared in general, the rate of isothiocyanate, which is well known for its anticancer effects and various other activities, was the highest. A total of 52 VOCs, including 15 aliphatic hydrocarbons, 7 acids, and 6 alcohols, were detected by GC-TOF. Therefore, the analytical methods provide a good basis to examine VOC and GLS metabolites; furthermore, the methods are of great help to secure excellent kimchi and evaluate its quality.

Therapeutic Nanoemulsion: Concept to Delivery

Nanoemulsions (NEs) or nanometric-scaled emulsions are transparent or translucent, optically isotropic and kinetically stable heterogeneous system of two different immiscible liquids namely, water and oil stabilized with an amphiphilic surfactant having droplet size ranges up to 100 nm. They offer a variety of potential interests for certain applications: improved deep-rooted stability; excellent optical clarity; and, enhanced bioavailability due to its nanoscale of particles. Though there is still comparatively narrow insight apropos design, development, and optimization of NEs, which mainly stems from the fact that conventional characteristics of emulsion development and stabilization only partly apply to NEs. The contemporary article focuses on the nanoemulsion dosage form journey from concept to key application in drug delivery. In addition, industrial scalability of the nanoemulsion, as well as its presence in commercial and clinical practice, are also addressed.

Development and Characterization of A New Dimethicone Nanoemulsion and its Application for Electronic Gastroscopy Examination

Purpose

Although the effective and safe medical defoamers, dimethicone (DM) and simethicone (SM) are widely used in electronic gastroscope examination (EGE), their preparations are presented in the form of suspensions or emulsions, these are untransparent or milk-like in appearance and can easily cause misdiagnosis as a result of an unclear field of vision if the doctor does not master the amount of defoamer or operates incorrectly. At the same time, it is also difficult to wash out the camera and pipeline, due to the large oil droplets of preparations. The purpose of this study was to develop a new clear and transparent oil in water (O/W) DM nanoemulsions (DMNs) and observe the effect of application in EGE.

Methods

The oil phase was chosen for its antifoaming activity and viscosity. The emulsifier and co-emulsifier were selected according to the solubility of the oil phase in them. The water titration method was used to make the pseudoternary phase diagrams of nanoemulsions and optimize the prescription composition. DM-in-water nanoemulsion was prepared by the low energy method and evaluated for appearance, antifoaming ability, droplet size, and stability. The effect of DMNs utilized in EGEs was also observed.

Results

The optimal formulation of DMNs contained CRH-40 as an emulsifier, PEG-400 as a co-emulsifier, DM as oil phase with the viscosity of 10 mPa.s, and their proportion was 4.5:4.5:1, respectively. DMNs obtained the average particle size of 67.98 nm with the polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.332, and 57.14% defoaming rate. The result of using an EGE showed that DMNs were superior in comparison to the emulsions with regard to the defoaming effect, visual clarity, and easy cleanup.

Conclusion

DMNs were found to provide excellent visual clarity to its other preparations. The novel DMNs is a promising substitute for DM emulsions or suspensions in EGEs.

Investigation Utilizing the HLB Concept for the Development of Moisturizing Cream and Lotion: In-Vitro Characterization and Stability Evaluation

The current study aims to utilize the concept of the hydrophilic–lipophilic balance (HLB) value of ingredients for the development of a stable emulsion-based moisturizing cream and lotion for cosmetic application. The combination of a hydrophilic and lipophilic emulsifier such as glyceryl stearate (HLB value 3.8) and PEG-100 stearate (HLB value 18.8) were found to be effective to emulsify the chosen oil phase system at a specific concentration to achieve the required HLB for the development of the stable emulsion-based system. The developed formulation was characterized for pH, viscosity, spreadability, rheology, and droplet morphology. The influence of carbopol® ETD 2020 and the concentration of the oil phase on the rheology of the product was investigated and found to be significant to achieve the required thickening to convert the lotion into a cream. The formulation system developed through utilizing the concept of HLB was compared to a product developed through the conventional approach. It was observed that the utilization of the HLB method for the development of an emulsion-based product is a promising strategy compared to the conventional method. The physical stability and thermodynamic stability tests were carried out under different storage conditions. It was observed that the developed formulation was able to retain its integrity without showing any signs of instability during storage.

Nanoemulsion as pharmaceutical carrier for dermal and transdermal drug delivery: Formulation development, stability issues, basic considerations and applications

The use of nanoemulsion in augmenting dermal and transdermal effectiveness of drugs has now well established. The development of nanoemulsion based semisolid dosage forms is an active area of present research. However, thickening or liquid-to-semisolid conversion of the nanoemulsions provides opportunities to the formulation scientist to explore novel means of solving instability issues during transformation. Extending knowledge about the explicit role of nature/magnitude of zeta potential, types of emulsifiers and selection of appropriate semisolid bases could place these versatile carriers from laboratory to industrial scale. This article reviews the progressive advancement in the delivery of medicament via nanoemulsion with special reference to the dermal and transdermal administration. It is attempted to explore the most suitable semi solid dosage form for the particular type of nanoemulsion (o/w, w/o and others) and effect of particle size and zeta potential on the delivery of drugs through dermal or transdermal route. Finally, this review also highlights the basic principles and fundamental considerations of nanoemulsion manufacture, application of nanoemulsion based semisolid dosage forms in the dermal/transdermal administration and basic considerations during the nanoemulsion absorption into and through skin.

Influence of hydrophilic polymers on functional properties and wound healing efficacy of hydrocolloid based wound dressings

The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of different hydrophilic polymers on the swelling, bioadhesion and mechanical strength of hydrocolloid wound dressings (HCDs) in order to provide an appropriate composition for a hydrocolloid wound dressing system. In this study, the HCDs were prepared with styrene-isoprene-styrene copolymer (SIS) and polyisobutylene (PIB) as the base using a hot melting method. Additionally, numerous SIS/PIB-based HCDs were prepared with six hydrophilic polymers, and their wound dressing properties were assessed. Finally, the wound healing efficacy of the selected formulations was compared to a commercial wound dressing. The swelling ratio, bioadhesive force and mechanical strengths of HCDs were increased in the order of sodium alginate>sodium CMC=poloxamer=HPMC>PVA=PVP, sodium alginate>sodium CMC=poloxamer>PVA>HPMC=PVP and sodium alginate≥PVA>PVP=HPMC=sodium CMC>poloxamer, respectively. Among the hydrophilic polymers tested, sodium alginate most enhanced the swelling capacity, bioadhesive force and mechanical strengths. Thus, the hydrophilic polymers played great role in the swelling, bioadhesion and mechanical strength of SIS/PIB-based HCDs. The HCD formulation composed of PIB, SIS, liquid paraffin and sodium alginate at the weight ratio of 20/25/12/43 gave better wound dressing properties and more excellent wound healing efficacy than the commercial wound dressing. Therefore, the novel HCD formulation could be a promising hydrocolloid system for wound dressings.

Development of an α-linolenic acid containing a soft nanocarrier for oral delivery-part II: buccoadhesive gel

Development and evaluation of a novel buccoadhesive gel containing microemulsion to enhance the permeation and bioavailability of simvastatin.

Pharmacokinetic interaction study of combining imatinib with dasatinib in rats by UPLC-MS/MS

This study examined whether oral administration of dasatinib to the rats with imatinib led to any pharmacokinetic interactions. Twenty-four rats were divided randomly into three groups, imatinib group (imatinib 25 mg/kg, n = 8), dasatinib group (dasatinib 15 mg/kg, n = 8) and co-administration group (dasatinib 15 mg/kg and imatinib 25 mg/kg, n = 8). The concentration of imatinib and dasatinib in rat plasma was determined by a sensitive and simple UPLC-MS/MS method. There was statistical pharmacokinetics difference for imatinib in the imatinib group and co-administration group, when co-oral administration imatinib with dasatinib, MRT(0-t) increased (p < 0.01). There was statistical pharmacokinetics difference for dasatinib in the dasatinib group and co-administration group, when co-oral administration dasatinib with imatinib, Cmax and AUC increased (p < 0.01), CL and V decreased (p < 0.01). These data indicate dasatinib could slightly influence the pharmacokinetic profile of imatinib in rats, and imatinib could influence the pharmacokinetic profile of dasatinib in rats, which might cause drug-drug interactions when using imatinib with dasatinib.