Development of Nanogel Loaded with Lidocaine for Wound-Healing: Illustration of Improved Drug Deposition and Skin Safety Analysis

Novel embelin-loaded transniosomes for topical delivery: comprehensive exploration of in vitro, ex vivo and dermatokinetic assessment for anti-cancer activity

BACKGROUND

This study systematically designed and optimised a transniosomal formulation containing embelin for skin cancer management. The transniosomes were developed using a rotary evaporation method and then optimised using a Box-Behnken design.

RESULTS

The optimized embelin-loaded transniosomes (Opt-EMB-TNs) exhibited a vesicle size of 149.01 nm, polydispersity index of 0.184, a zeta potential of -21.14 mV, an entrapment efficiency of 75.6 ± 0.65%, drug loading of 3.36 ± 0.03% and drug release of 80.88 ± 2.55%. The antioxidant potential of Opt-EMB-TNs was found to be 88.54% when compared to standard ascorbic acid. Dermatokinetic studies showed a greater drug deposition in targeted skin areas with Opt-EMB-TN gel compared to the embelin conventional gel (EMB-CF gel). In addition, the penetration depth study of the skin sample revealed that the transniosomal gel containing rhodamine B dye exhibited higher penetration than that of the rhodamine B dye containing hydroalcoholic solution. The efficacy of Opt-EMB-TNs for skin cancer was confirmed by cytotoxicity assay against the B16F10 melanoma cell line.

CONCLUSION

The study concluded that the Opt-EMB-TN gel formulation is a promising and effective topical treatment for skin cancer, demonstrating significant potential for further development and clinical application. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Recent advances in nanogels for drug delivery and biomedical applications

Nanotechnology has shown great promise for researchers to develop efficient nanocarriers for better therapy, imaging, and sustained release of drugs. The existing treatments are accompanied by serious toxicity limitations, leading to severe side effects, multiple drug resistance, and off-target activity. In this regard, nanogels have garnered significant attention for their multi-functional role combining advanced therapeutics with imaging in a single platform. Nanogels can be functionalized to target specific tissues which can improve the efficiency of drug delivery and other challenges associated with the existing nanocarriers. Translation of nanogel technology requires more exploration towards stability and enhanced efficiency. In this review, we present the advances and challenges related to nanogels for cancer therapy, ophthalmology, neurological disorders, tuberculosis, wound healing, and anti-viral applications. A perspective on recent research trends of nanogels for translation to clinics is also discussed.

Radiation-induced nanogel engineering based on pectin for pH-responsive rutin delivery for cancer treatment

This research investigates the formulation of a nanogel complex using pectin and poly(acrylic acid) (PAAc) to encapsulate rutin. The nanogel's pH-responsive behavior and its potential as a targeted drug delivery platform are investigated. The gamma irradiation-induced crosslinking mechanism is elucidated, highlighting its role in creating a stable three-dimensional network structure within the polymer matrix. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis sheds light on the molecular interactions within rutin and the nanogel-rutin complex. The pH-responsive behavior of the nanogel is explored, showcasing its ability to release rutin selectively in response to pH variations and displaying high physical and chemical stability. Transmission electron microscopy imaging provides visual insights into nanogel morphology and interactions. The cumulative drug content from the nanogel was 86.14 ± 2.61%. The pH-dependent release profile of the nanogel was examined, demonstrating selective rutin release in response to varying pH levels. Cytotoxicity studies were conducted against four human cancer cell lines-HepG2, A549, MCF-7, and HCT-116 showing significant reductions in IC50 values, indicating enhanced therapeutic efficacy. Additionally, molecular docking studies revealed strong binding interactions of rutin with VEGFR-2 and EGFRT790M. Our nanogel compound 5 significantly reduced the IC50 values for HepG2, A549, MCF-7, and HCT-116 cells by 58.19%, 81.29%, 71.81%, and 67.16%, respectively. Furthermore, it lowered the IC50 values for VEGFR-2 and EGFRT790M by 29.66% and 68.18%, respectively.

Pongamia pinnata seed extract-mediated green synthesis of silver nanoparticle loaded nanogel for estimation of their antipsoriatic properties

This research describes the eco-friendly green synthesis of silver nanoparticles employing Pongamia pinnata seed extracts loaded with nanogel formulations (AgNPs CUD NG) to improve the retention, accumulation, and the penetration of AgNPs into the epidermal layer of psoriasis. AgNPs were synthesized using the Box-Behnken design. Optimized AgNPs and AgNPs CUD NG were physico-chemically evaluated using UV-vis spectroscopy, SEM, FT-IR, PXRD, viscosity, spreadability, and retention studies. It was also functionally assessed using an imiquimod-induced rat model. The entrapment efficiency of AgNPs revealed ~ 79.35%. Physico-chemical parameters announced the formation of AgNPs via surface plasmon resonance and interaction between O-H, C = O, and amide I carbonyl group of protein extract and AgNO3. Optimized AgNPs showed spherical NPs ~ 116 nm with better physical stability and suitability for transdermal applications. AgNPs CUD NG revealed non-Newtonian, higher spreadability, and better extrudability, indicating its suitability for a transdermal route. AgNPs CUD NG enhanced the retention of AgNPs on the psoriatic skin compared to normal skin. Optimized formulations exhibit no irritation by the end of 72 h, indicating formulation safety. AgNPs CUD NG at a dose of 1 FTU showed significant recovery from psoriasis with a PASI score of ~ 0.8 compared to NG base and marketed formulations. Results indicated that seed extract-assisted AgNPs in association with CUD-based NG formulations could be a promising nanocarrier for psoriasis and other skin disorders.

Improvement of lidocaine skin permeation by using passive and active enhancer methods

Lidocaine is generally recognized and preferred for local anaesthesia, but in addition, studies have described additional benefits of lidocaine in cancer therapy, inflammation reduction, and wound healing. These properties contribute to its increasing importance in dermatological applications, and not only in pain relief but also in other potential therapeutic outcomes. Therefore, the purpose of our study was to enhance lidocaine delivery through the skin. A stable nanostructured lipid carrier (NLC), as a passive permeation enhancer, was developed using a 23 full factorial design. The nanosystems were characterized by crystallinity behaviour, particle size, zeta potential, encapsulation efficiency measurements, and one of them was selected for further investigation. Then, NLC gel was formulated for dermal application and compared to a traditional dermal ointment in terms of physicochemical (rheological behaviour) and biopharmaceutical (qualitative Franz diffusion and quantitative Raman investigations) properties. The study also examined the use of 3D printed solid microneedles as active permeation enhancers for these systems, offering a minimally invasive approach to enhance transdermal drug delivery. By actively facilitating drug permeation through the skin, microneedles can complement the passive transport achieved by NLCs, thereby providing an innovative and synergistic approach to improving lidocaine delivery.

Rutin-Loaded Transethosomal Gel for Topical Application: A Comprehensive Analysis of Skin Permeation and Antimicrobial Efficacy

This study conducts a systematic investigation of the creation and optimization of a rutin-loaded transethosome intended for topical use. The formulation's characteristics were thoroughly assessed for vesicle size (160.45 ± 1.98 nm), polydispersity index (0.235 ± 0.067), and zeta potential (-22.89 mV), with an entrapment efficiency and drug loading of 89.99 ± 1.55% and 8.9 ± 2.11%, respectively, and found to have a spherical shape by the use of transmission electron microscopy. The conversion to a gel suitable for application on the skin was carried out. The drug release form Opt-RUT-TE formulation (73.61 ± 2.55%) was significantly higher than that of release form RUT-suspension (34.52 ± 1.19%). The drug that permeated the skin from Opt-RUT-TEG (935.25 ± 10.49 μg/cm2) was significantly higher than the permeability from RUT-Suspension gel (522.57 ± 6.79 μg/cm2). Notably, tape stripping analysis revealed that the Opt-RUT-TE gel effectively penetrated the skin layers, with a higher concentration observed in the epidermis-dermis than in the RUT-suspension gel. The transethosomal gel exhibited favorable characteristics, highlighting its capacity to efficiently permeate the skin and suppress the growth of microorganisms, and Opt-RUT-TEG showed a higher microorganism inhibition zone (Gram-positive bacteria) than that of RUT-suspension gel. The investigation highlights the significant therapeutic possibilities of rutin in a transethosomal gel formulation for treating dermatological diseases by improving skin permeability and exhibiting antibacterial effects.

Fabrication and evaluation of cross-linked nanogels of Dexibuprofen

The objective of this study was to design and develop an Agarose-based polymeric nanogel network system for solubility enhancement of a lipophilic drug, Dexibuprofen. Polymeric nanogels were synthesized through free radical polymerization where Agarose was cross-linked with 2-Acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfonic acid (AMPS) in the presence of ammonium persulfate (APS) as an initiator and N, N’-Methylenebisacrylamide (MBA) as crosslinking agent. The resulting polymeric nanogels underwent a comprehensive characterization process including Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), particle size analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), and swelling studies to confirm the preparation of a stable polymeric nanogel system. FTIR spectral findings revealed that Agarose was chemically cross-linked with AMPS and confirmed the successful insertion of AMPS chains on the Agarose backbone. Particle size analysis revealed a diameter of 168 nm with a zeta potential of −9.91 mV, providing assurance of a stable polymeric nanogel system. SEM images depicted a highly porous surface. DSC and TGA results showed a more thermally stable network system than individual ingredients. Swelling studies revealed an increased swelling ratio of polymeric nanogels at phosphate buffer of pH 6.8 than acidic buffer of pH 1.2. Dexibuprofen was efficiently loaded into a polymeric nanogel system with a high entrapment efficiency of up to 80%. The solubility of the drug was enhanced when introduced to a polymeric nanogel formulation when compared to pure drug. The system reproducibility was evaluated through in vitro drug release and kinetic modeling of drug release. Toxicity studies confirmed the formulation’s effectiveness, showcasing the developed polymeric nanogels as a promising option for delivering lipophilic drugs, with outstanding physicochemical properties, improved solubility, and minimal oral toxicity.

Date Palm Extract (Phoenix dactylifera) Encapsulated into Palm Oil Nanolipid Carrier for Prospective Antibacterial Influence

It is worthwhile to note that using natural products today has shown to be an effective strategy for attaining the therapeutic goal with the highest impact and the fewest drawbacks. In Saudi Arabia, date palm (Phoenix dactylifera) is considered the principal fruit owing to its abundance and incredible nutritional benefits in fighting various diseases. The main objective of the study is to exploit the natural products as well as the nanotechnology approach to obtain great benefits in managing disorders. The present investigation focused on using the powder form of date palm extract (DPE) of Khalas cultivar and incorporates it into a nanolipid formulation such as a nanostructured lipid carrier (NLC) prepared with palm oil. Using the quality by design (QbD) methodology, the most optimized formula was chosen based on the number of assigned parameters. For more appropriate topical application, the optimized DP-NLC was combined with a pre-formulated hydrogel base forming the DP-NLC-hydrogel. The developed DP-NLC-hydrogel was evaluated for various physical properties including pH, viscosity, spreadability, and extrudability. Additionally, the in vitro release of the formulation as well as its stability upon storage under two different conditions of room temperature and refrigerator were investigated. Eventually, different bacterial strains were utilized to test the antibacterial efficacy of the developed formulation. The optimized DP-NLC showed proper particle size (266.9 nm) and in vitro release 77.9%. The prepared DP-NLC-hydrogel showed acceptable physical properties for topical formulation, mainly, pH 6.05, viscosity 9410 cP, spreadability 57.6 mm, extrudability 84.5 (g/cm2), and in vitro release 42.4%. Following three months storage under two distinct conditions, the formula exhibited good stability. Finally, the antibacterial activity of the developed DP-NLC-hydrogel was evaluated and proved to be efficient against various bacterial strains.

The Application of Nanogels as Efficient Drug Delivery Platforms for Dermal/Transdermal Delivery

The delivery of active molecules via the skin seems to be an efficient technology, given the various disadvantages of oral drug administration. Skin, which is the largest human organ of the body, has the important role of acting as a barrier for pathogens and other molecules including drugs; in fact, it serves as a primary defense system blocking any particle from entering the body. Therefore, to overcome the skin barriers and poor skin permeability, researchers implement novel carriers which can effectively carry out transdermal delivery of the molecules. Another significant issue which medical society tries to solve is the effective dermal delivery of molecules especially for topical wound delivery. The application of nanogels is only one of the available approaches offering promising results for both dermal and transdermal administration routes. Nanogels are polymer-based networks in nanoscale dimensions which have been explored as potent carriers of poorly soluble drugs, genes and vaccines. The nanogels present unique physicochemical properties, i.e., high surface area, biocompatibility, etc., and, importantly, can improve solubility. In this review, authors aimed to summarize the available applications of nanogels as possible vehicles for dermal and transdermal delivery of active pharmaceutical ingredients and discuss their future in the pharmaceutical manufacturing field.

Formulation of lemongrass oil (Cymbopogon citratus)-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles: an in vitro assessment study

Cymbopogon citratus (DC) stapf. (Gramineae) is a herb known worldwide as lemongrass. The oil obtained, i.e., lemongrass oil has emerged as one among the most relevant natural oils in the pharmaceutical industry owing to its extensive pharmacological and therapeutic benefits including antioxidant, antimicrobial, antiviral and anticancer properties. However, its usage in novel formulations is constrained because of its instability and volatility. To address these concerns, the present study aims to formulate lemongrass-loaded SLN (LGSLN) using hot water titration technique. In the Smix, Tween 80 was selected as a surfactant component, while ethanol was taken as a co-surfactant. Different ratios of Smix (1:1, 1:2, 1:3, 2:1 and 3:1) were utilized to formulate LG-loaded SLN. The results indicated the fact that the LGSLN formulation (abbreviated as LGSLN1), containing lipid phase 10% w/w (i.e., LG 3.33% and SA 6.67%), Tween 80 (20% w/w), ethanol (20% w/w) and distilled water (50% w/w), revealed suitable nanometric size (142.3 ± 5.96 nm) with a high zeta potential value (- 29.12 ± 1.7 mV) and a high entrapment efficiency (77.02 ± 8.12%). A rapid drug release (71.65 ± 5.33%) was observed for LGSLN1 in a time span of 24 h. Additionally, the highest values for steady-state flux (Jss; 0.6133 ± 0.0361 mg/cm2/h), permeability coefficient (Kp; 0.4573 ± 0.0141 (cm/h) × 102) and enhancement ratio (Er; 13.50) was also conferred by LGSLN1. Based on in vitro study results, the developed SLN appeared as a potential carrier for enhanced topical administration of lemongrass oil. The observed results also indicated the fact that the phyto-cosmeceutical prospective of the nanolipidic carrier for topical administration of lemongrass oil utilizing pharmaceutically acceptable components can be explored further for widespread clinical applicability.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13205-023-03726-5.

Formulation and Evaluation of Prednisolone Sodium Metazoate-Loaded Mucoadhesive Quatsomal Gel for Local Treatment of Recurrent Aphthous Ulcers: Optimization, In Vitro, Ex Vivo, and In Vivo Studies

This study aims to formulate a buccal mucoadhesive gel containing prednisolone sodium metazoate-loaded quatsomes for efficient localized therapy of recurrent aphthous ulcers. Quatsomes were prepared using a varied concentration of quaternary ammonium surfactants (QAS) and cholesterol (CHO). A 2³ factorial design was conducted to address the impact of independent variables QAS type (X₁), QAS to CHO molar ratio (X₂), and sonication time (X₃). The dependent variables were particle size (PS; Y₁), polydispersity index (PDI; Y₂), zeta potential (ZP; Y₃), entrapment efficiency percent (EE%; Y₄) and percent of drug released after 6 h (Q6%: Y₅). Then, the selected quatsomes formula was incorporated into different gel bases to prepare an optimized mucoadhesive gel to be evaluated via in vivo study. The PS of the developed quatsomes ranged from 69.47 ± 0.41 to 113.28 ± 0.79 nm, the PDI from 0.207 ± 0.004 to 0.328 ± 0.004, ZP from 45.15 ± 0.19 to 68.1 ± 0.54 mV, EE% from 79.62 ± 1.44 to 98.60% ± 1.22 and Q6% from 58.39 ± 1.75 to 94.42% ± 2.15. The quatsomal mucoadhesive gel showed rapid recovery of ulcers, which was confirmed by the histological study and the evaluation of inflammatory biomarkers. These results assured the capability of the developed quatsomal mucoadhesive gel to be a promising formulation for treating buccal diseases.

Development and Optimization of Erythromycin Loaded Transethosomes Cinnamon Oil Based Emulgel for Antimicrobial Efficiency

Erythromycin (EM) is a macrolide antibiotic that is frequently used to treat skin bacterial infections. It has a short half-life (1-1.5 h), instability in stomach pH, and a low oral bioavailability. These foregoing factors limit its oral application; therefore, the development of topical formulations loaded with erythromycin is an essential point to maximize the drug's concentration at the skin. Accordingly, the current study's goal was to boost the antimicrobial activity of EM by utilizing the advantages of natural oils such as cinnamon oil. Erythromycin-loaded transethosomes (EM-TE) were generated and optimized using a Box-Behnken design employing, phospholipid concentration (A), surfactant concentration (B), and ethanol content (C) as independent variables. Their effects on entrapment efficiency, EE, (Y₁) and the total amount of erythromycin that penetrated the skin after 6 h, Q6h (Y₂), were assessed. The optimized transethosome showed a particle size of 256.2 nm, EE of 67.96 ± 0.59%, and Q6h of 665.96 ± 5.87 (µg/cm²) after 6 h. The TEM analysis revealed that, the vesicles are well-known packed structures with a spherical shape. The optimized transethosomes formulation was further transformed into a cinnamon oil-based emulgel system using HPMC as a gelling agent. The generated EM-TE-emulgel was characterized by its physical features, in vitro, ex vivo studies, and antimicrobial activities. The formulation showed sufficient characteristics for effective topical application, and demonstrated a great stability. Additionally, EM-TE-Emulgel had the highest transdermal flux (120.19 μg/cm²·h), and showed considerably (p < 0.05) greater antimicrobial activity, than EM-TE-gel and placebo TE-Emulgel. The action of EM was subsequently augmented with cinnamon oil, which eventually showed a notable effect against bacterial growth. Finally, these results demonstrate that the transethosomes-loaded cinnamon oil-based emulgel is an alternative way to deliver erythromycin for the treatment of topical bacterial infections.

Formulation Development and Investigations on Therapeutic Potential of Nanogel from Beta vulgaris L. Extract in Testosterone-Induced Alopecia

The objective of the present study was to develop a novel nanogel containing Beta vulgaris L. hydroalcoholic extract and assess its efficacy for treating testosterone-induced alopecia. Beta vulgaris L. leaf hydroalcoholic extract nanogel (BVEN) was prepared by ionic gelation method, incorporated in carbopol 934 gel. Optimization of particle size and entrapment efficiency as the responses was carried out by central composite design response surface methodology. Prepared nanoparticles were evaluated for entrapment efficiency, particle size, zeta potential, polydispersity index, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and differential scanning calorimetry. Nanogel was evaluated for pH, colour, appearance and homogeneity, viscosity, spreadability, in vitro release study, and stability studies. Further, 2.5% and 5% BVEN were also evaluated for antialopecic activity in Swiss albino mice by using parameters as hair growth initiation, testosterone content, total protein, prostate weight measurement, hair follicular density, anagen/telogen ratio, and histopathological studies. The resulting nanoparticles had better entrapment efficiency with particle size of 274 nm, polydispersity index of 0.259, and zeta potential of +28.8. BVEN pH 6.5, drug content, i.e., quercetin 99.84 ± 1.30% and stigmasterol 99.89 ± 1.52%, spreadability 20.3 ± 0.5925 g cm/sec, and viscosity 110 × 10⁵ cps were observed. Stability studies showed that nanogel was stable at 4°C ± 2°C/60% ± 5% RH. It was found that 5% BVEN showed better antialopecic activity as compared to 2.5% BVEN.

Targeted Delivery Strategies of Herbal-Based Nanogels: Advancements and Applications

The objective of this review is to thoroughly investigate herbal nano gels as a promising drug delivery approach for the management of various chronic and acute disorders. Herbal nano gels are a novel and promising drug delivery technique, offering special benefits for better therapeutic efficacy. This review offers a comprehensive analysis of the herbal nano gels with a particular emphasis on their evaluation concerning conventional dosage forms, polymer selection criteria, drug release mechanisms, and applications. The comparison study demonstrates that herbal nano gels have different benefits over conventional dose forms. In the areas of oral administration for improved bioavailability and targeted delivery to the gastrointestinal tract, topical drug delivery for dermatological conditions, and targeted delivery strategies for the site-specific treatment of cancer, inflammatory diseases, and infections, they demonstrate encouraging results in transdermal drug delivery for systemic absorption. A promising platform for improved medication delivery and therapeutic effectiveness is provided by herbal nanogels. Understanding drug release mechanisms further contributes to the controlled and sustained delivery of herbal therapeutics. Some of the patents are discussed and the comparative analysis showcases their superiority over conventional dosage forms, and the polymer selection criteria ensure the design of efficient and optimized formulations. Herbal-based nano gels have become a potential approach for improving drug administration. They provide several advantages such as better stability, targeted delivery, and controlled release of therapeutic components. Herbal nano gels are a promising therapeutic approach with the ability to combat a wide range of conditions like cancer, wound healing and also improve patient compliance.

Amphiphilic Chitosan Porous Membranes as Potential Therapeutic Systems with Analgesic Effect for Burn Care

Eliminating or at least lessening the pain is a crucial aspect of burns management, as pain can negatively affect mental health and quality of life, and it can also induce a delay on wound healing. In this context, new amphiphilic chitosan 3D porous membranes were developed and investigated as burns therapeutic systems with analgesic effect for delivery of lidocaine as local anesthetic. The highly porous morphology of the membranes and the structural modifications were evidenced by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis and infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Improved compression mechanical properties, long-term hydrolytic degradation (28 days) evaluation and high swelling capacities (ranging from 8 to 22.6 g/g) indicate an increased capacity of the prepared membranes to absorb physiological fluids (burns exudate). Lidocaine in vitro release efficiency was favored by the decreased content of cross-linking agent (reaching maximum value of 95.24%) and the kinetic data modeling, indicating that lidocaine release occurs by quasi-Fickian diffusion. In addition to the in vitro evaluation of analgesic effect, lidocaine-loaded chitosan membranes were successfully investigated and proved antibacterial activity against most common pathogens in burns infections: Staphylococcus aureus and Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.

Nanoemulsion-Based Hydrogels and Organogels Containing Propolis and Dexpanthenol: Preparation, Characterization, and Comparative Evaluation of Stability, Antimicrobial, and Cytotoxic Properties

Recently, nanoemulsion-based gels have become very popular for dermal drug delivery, overcoming the disadvantages of conventional semi-solid drug forms. The aim of this study is to prepare and characterize nanoemulsion-based hydrogels and organogels containing combined propolis and dexpanthenol, and to compare their stability, antimicrobial, and cytotoxicity properties. Within the scope of characterization studies, organoleptic properties, drug content, morphology, pH, gel-sol conversion temperature, spreadability, viscosity, FT-IR, and release properties were evaluated in hydrogels and organogels. The characterization studies carried out were subjected to short-term stability evaluation at room temperature and refrigerator for 3 months. While no phase separation was observed in any of the formulations kept in the refrigerator, phase separation was observed in four formulations kept at room temperature. The release study successfully obtained an extended release for propolis and dexpanthenol. In the antimicrobial susceptibility study, Hydrogel 1 showed activity against S. aureus, while Organogel 1 showed activity against both S. aureus and S. epidermidis. In the cytotoxicity study against HDFa cells, both Hydrogel 1 and Organogel 1 were found to be nontoxic at low doses. These hydrogels and organogels, which contain propolis and dexpanthenol in combination for the first time, are promising systems that can be used in wound and burn models in the future.