Systematic Screening Study for the Selection of Proper Stabilizers to Produce Physically Stable Canagliflozin Nanosuspension by Wet Milling Method

High-throughput preparation, scale up and solidification of andrographolide nanosuspension using hummer acoustic resonance technology

The aim of this study was to rapidly develop a sufficiently robust andrographolide nanosuspension (AG-NS) system using hummer acoustic resonance (HAR) technology. The system can effectively improve the dissolution properties of AG, while having high stability and scale-up adaptability. The formulation of AG-NS was optimized in a high-throughput manner using HAR technology and the preparation process was optimized stepwise. Optimal AG-NS with Z-Ave = 223.99 ± 3.16 nm, PDI=0.095 ± 0.007 and zeta potential = -33.20 ± 0.58 mV was successfully prepared with Polyvinylpyrrolidone K30 and Sodium dodecyl sulfate. The optimal prescription was successfully scaled up 100 and 150 times using HAR technology, which was the initial exploration of its commercial scale production. AG-NS was solidified using freeze drying and fluid bed technology, respectively. The optimal AG-NS and its solidified products were exhaustively characterized using various analytical techniques. The high energy input of HAR technology and drying process converted part of the drug into the amorphous state. The in-vitro drug dissolution studies demonstrated relatively higher drug dissolution for AG-NS and its solidified products compared to controls at both the dissolution media (pH 1.2 buffer and pH 6.8 buffer). AG-NS and its solidified products successfully maintained their physical stability in short-term stability and accelerated stability experiments, respectively.

Recent advances in nanocrystal-based technologies applied for ocular drug delivery

INTRODUCTION

The intricate physiological barriers of the eye and the limited volume of eye drops impede efficient delivery of poorly water-soluble drugs. In the last decade, nanocrystals have emerged as versatile drug delivery systems in various administration routes from bench to bedside. The unique superiorities of nanocrystals, mainly embodied in high drug-loading capacity, good mucosal adhesion and penetration, and greatly improved drug solubility, reveal a promising prospect for ocular delivery of poorly water-soluble drugs.

AREAS COVERED

This article focuses on the ophthalmic nanocrystal technologies and products that are in the literature, clinical trials, and even on the market. The recent research progress in the preparation, ocular application, and absorption of nanocrystals are highlighted, and the pros and cons of nanocrystals in overcoming the physiological barriers of the eye are also summarized.

EXPERT OPINION

Nanocrystals have demonstrated success as glucocorticoid eye drops in the treatment of anterior segment diseases. However, the thermodynamic stability of nanocrystals remains the major challenge in product development. New technologies for efficiently optimizing stabilizers and sterilization processes are still expected. Strategies to confer more diverse functions via surface modification are also worth exploration to improve the potential of nanocrystals in delivering poorly water-soluble drugs to posterior segment of the eye.