1
|
Zahel P, Bruggink V, Hülsmann J, Steiniger F, Hofstetter RK, Heinzel T, Beekmann U, Werz O, Kralisch D. Exploring Microemulsion Systems for the Incorporation of Glucocorticoids into Bacterial Cellulose: A Novel Approach for Anti-Inflammatory Wound Dressings. Pharmaceutics 2024; 16:504. [PMID: 38675165 PMCID: PMC11054342 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics16040504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2024] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The effective pharmacological treatment of inflamed wounds such as pyoderma gangraenosum remains challenging, as the systemic application of suitable drugs such as glucocorticoids is compromised by severe side effects and the inherent difficulties of wounds as drug targets. Furthermore, conventional semi-solid formulations are not suitable for direct application to open wounds. Thus, the treatment of inflamed wounds could considerably benefit from the development of active wound dressings for the topical administration of anti-inflammatory drugs. Although bacterial cellulose appears to be an ideal candidate for this purpose due to its known suitability for advanced wound care and as a drug delivery system, the incorporation of poorly water-soluble compounds into the hydrophilic material still poses a problem. The use of microemulsions could solve that open issue. The present study therefore explores their use as a novel approach to incorporate poorly water-soluble glucocorticoids into bacterial cellulose. Five microemulsion formulations were loaded with hydrocortisone or dexamethasone and characterized in detail, demonstrating their regular microstructure, biocompatibility and shelf-life stability. Bacterial cellulose was successfully loaded with the formulations as confirmed by transmission electron microscopy and surprisingly showed homogenous incorporation, even of w/o type microemulsions. High and controllable drug permeation through Strat-M® membranes was observed, and the anti-inflammatory activity for permeated glucocorticoids was confirmed in vitro. This study presents a novel approach for the development of anti-inflammatory wound dressings using bacterial cellulose in combination with microemulsions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paul Zahel
- JeNaCell GmbH—An Evonik Company, 07745 Jena, Germany; (P.Z.); (V.B.); (U.B.)
- Department of Pharmaceutical/Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy, Friedrich Schiller University, 07743 Jena, Germany; (R.K.H.); (O.W.)
| | - Vera Bruggink
- JeNaCell GmbH—An Evonik Company, 07745 Jena, Germany; (P.Z.); (V.B.); (U.B.)
- Department of Pharmaceutical/Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy, Friedrich Schiller University, 07743 Jena, Germany; (R.K.H.); (O.W.)
| | - Juliana Hülsmann
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Center for Molecular Biomedicine, Friedrich Schiller University, 07745 Jena, Germany; (J.H.); (T.H.)
| | - Frank Steiniger
- Electron Microscopy Center, University Hospital Jena, Friedrich Schiller University, 07743 Jena, Germany;
| | - Robert K. Hofstetter
- Department of Pharmaceutical/Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy, Friedrich Schiller University, 07743 Jena, Germany; (R.K.H.); (O.W.)
| | - Thorsten Heinzel
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Center for Molecular Biomedicine, Friedrich Schiller University, 07745 Jena, Germany; (J.H.); (T.H.)
| | - Uwe Beekmann
- JeNaCell GmbH—An Evonik Company, 07745 Jena, Germany; (P.Z.); (V.B.); (U.B.)
| | - Oliver Werz
- Department of Pharmaceutical/Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy, Friedrich Schiller University, 07743 Jena, Germany; (R.K.H.); (O.W.)
| | - Dana Kralisch
- JeNaCell GmbH—An Evonik Company, 07745 Jena, Germany; (P.Z.); (V.B.); (U.B.)
- Evonik Operations GmbH, 45128 Essen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Sorgi D, Sartori A, Germani S, Gentile RN, Bianchera A, Bettini R. Imiquimod Solubility in Different Solvents: An Interpretative Approach. Pharmaceutics 2024; 16:282. [PMID: 38399335 PMCID: PMC10893280 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics16020282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2023] [Revised: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Imiquimod (IMQ) has been successfully formulated to date mainly as semi-solid lipophilic formulations for topical application. In this study, we investigated the solubility of IMQ in solvents suitable for developing innovative formulations in the form of powder obtained, for instance, by spray drying; thus, water, ethanol, methanol, acetone, acetonitrile, and dimethyl sulfoxide were tested at different temperatures. Temperature variations, stirring intensity, and the contact time between IMQ and the solvent greatly affected the evaluation of IMQ equilibrium solubility. The attainment of the solid-liquid equilibrium requires 13 days starting from solid IMQ and 2 days from a cooled-down supersaturated IMQ solution. A correlation between IMQ solubility and the solubility parameters of solvents was not found. IMQ solutions in water, ethanol, methanol, acetonitrile, and dimethyl sulfoxide were neither ideal nor regular. The Scatchard-Hildebrand equation does not apply to IMQ solutions because of association phenomena due to intermolecular hydrogen bonds and/or π-stacking, as supported by the hyperchromic effect that was very pronounced in highly polar solvents, such as water, with the increase in temperature. Finally, IMQ solubility values measured in acetone cannot be considered reliable due to the reaction with the solvent, leading to the formation of new molecules.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daisy Sorgi
- Food and Drug Department, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 27/A, 43124 Parma, Italy
| | - Andrea Sartori
- Food and Drug Department, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 27/A, 43124 Parma, Italy
| | - Saveria Germani
- Food and Drug Department, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 27/A, 43124 Parma, Italy
| | - Rosita Nicolella Gentile
- Food and Drug Department, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 27/A, 43124 Parma, Italy
| | - Annalisa Bianchera
- Food and Drug Department, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 27/A, 43124 Parma, Italy
| | - Ruggero Bettini
- Food and Drug Department, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 27/A, 43124 Parma, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Talianu MT, Dinu-Pîrvu CE, Ghica MV, Anuţa V, Prisada RM, Popa L. Development and Characterization of New Miconazole-Based Microemulsions for Buccal Delivery by Implementing a Full Factorial Design Modeling. Pharmaceutics 2024; 16:271. [PMID: 38399325 PMCID: PMC10893023 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics16020271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2024] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
This research aimed to develop miconazole-based microemulsions using oleic acid as a natural lipophilic phase and a stabilizer mixture comprising Tween 20 and PEG 400 to solubilize miconazole as an antifungal agent known for its activity in oral candidiasis and to improve its bioavailability. The formulation and preparation process was combined with a mathematical approach using a 23-full factorial plan. Fluid and gel-like microemulsions were obtained and analyzed considering pH, conductivity, and refractive index, followed by extensive analyses focused on droplet size, zeta potential, rheological behavior, and goniometry. In vitro release tests were performed to assess their biopharmaceutical characteristics. Independent variables coded X1-Oleic acid (%, w/w), X2-Tween 20 (%, w/w), and X3-PEG 400 (%, w/w) were analyzed in relationship with three main outputs like mean droplet size, work of adhesion, and diffusion coefficient by combining statistical tools with response surface methodology. The microemulsion containing miconazole base-2%, oleic acid-5%, Tween 20-40%, PEG 400-20%, and water-33% exhibited a mean droplet size of 119.6 nm, a work of adhesion of 71.98 mN/m, a diffusion coefficient of 2.11·10-5 cm2/s, and together with remarked attributes of two gel-like systems formulated with higher oil concentrations, modeled the final optimization step of microemulsions as potential systems for buccal delivery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marina-Theodora Talianu
- Department of Physical and Colloidal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 6 Traian Vuia Str., 020956 Bucharest, Romania; (M.-T.T.); (C.-E.D.-P.); (V.A.); (R.M.P.); (L.P.)
| | - Cristina-Elena Dinu-Pîrvu
- Department of Physical and Colloidal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 6 Traian Vuia Str., 020956 Bucharest, Romania; (M.-T.T.); (C.-E.D.-P.); (V.A.); (R.M.P.); (L.P.)
- Innovative Therapeutic Structures R&D Center (InnoTher), “Carol Davila’’ University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 6 Traian Vuia Str., 020956 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Mihaela Violeta Ghica
- Department of Physical and Colloidal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 6 Traian Vuia Str., 020956 Bucharest, Romania; (M.-T.T.); (C.-E.D.-P.); (V.A.); (R.M.P.); (L.P.)
- Innovative Therapeutic Structures R&D Center (InnoTher), “Carol Davila’’ University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 6 Traian Vuia Str., 020956 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Valentina Anuţa
- Department of Physical and Colloidal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 6 Traian Vuia Str., 020956 Bucharest, Romania; (M.-T.T.); (C.-E.D.-P.); (V.A.); (R.M.P.); (L.P.)
- Innovative Therapeutic Structures R&D Center (InnoTher), “Carol Davila’’ University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 6 Traian Vuia Str., 020956 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Răzvan Mihai Prisada
- Department of Physical and Colloidal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 6 Traian Vuia Str., 020956 Bucharest, Romania; (M.-T.T.); (C.-E.D.-P.); (V.A.); (R.M.P.); (L.P.)
| | - Lăcrămioara Popa
- Department of Physical and Colloidal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 6 Traian Vuia Str., 020956 Bucharest, Romania; (M.-T.T.); (C.-E.D.-P.); (V.A.); (R.M.P.); (L.P.)
- Innovative Therapeutic Structures R&D Center (InnoTher), “Carol Davila’’ University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 6 Traian Vuia Str., 020956 Bucharest, Romania
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Petrová E, Chvíla S, Balouch M, Štěpánek F, Zbytovská J. Nanoformulations for dermal delivery of imiquimod: The race of "soft" against "hard". Int J Pharm 2023; 648:123577. [PMID: 37931726 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2023.123577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023]
Abstract
Imiquimod (IMQ) is an immunostimulating agent used in the treatment of basal cell carcinoma and actinic keratosis. Due to its low solubility and poor skin bioavailability, the dermal formulation of IMQ remains challenging. In analogy to tyre compounds used in Formula 1 racing, we compare four types of nanosystems belonging to three groups: (i) "hard" nanoparticles in the form of IMQ nanocrystals, (ii) "intermediate" nanoparticles in the form of liposomes and lipid nanocapsules, and (iii) "soft" nanoparticles in the form of a nanoemulsion based on oleic acid. The nanoemulsion and nanocrystals were able to incorporate the highest amount of IMQ (at least 2 wt%) compared to liposomes (0.03 wt%) and lipid nanocapsules (0.08 wt%). Regarding size, liposomes, and lipid nanocapsules were rather small (around 40 nm) whereas nanocrystals and nanoemulsion were larger (around 200 nm). All developed nanoformulations showed high efficiency to deliver IMQ into the skin tissue without undesirable subsequent permeation through the skin to acceptor. Especially, the 2 wt% IMQ nanoemulsion accumulated 129 μg/g IMQ in the skin, compared to 34 μg/g of a 5 wt% commercial cream. The effects of the respective nanoparticulate systems were discussed with respect to their possible diffusion kinetics (Brownian motion vs. settling) in the aqueous phase.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eliška Petrová
- Department of Organic Technology, University of Chemistry and Technology Prague, Technická 5, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Stanislav Chvíla
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Chemistry and Technology Prague, Technická 3, 166 28 Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Balouch
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Chemistry and Technology Prague, Technická 3, 166 28 Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - František Štěpánek
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Chemistry and Technology Prague, Technická 3, 166 28 Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Jarmila Zbytovská
- Department of Organic Technology, University of Chemistry and Technology Prague, Technická 5, Prague, Czech Republic.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Ait-Touchente Z, Zine N, Jaffrezic-Renault N, Errachid A, Lebaz N, Fessi H, Elaissari A. Exploring the Versatility of Microemulsions in Cutaneous Drug Delivery: Opportunities and Challenges. NANOMATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 13:nano13101688. [PMID: 37242104 DOI: 10.3390/nano13101688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Microemulsions are novel drug delivery systems that have garnered significant attention in the pharmaceutical research field. These systems possess several desirable characteristics, such as transparency and thermodynamic stability, which make them suitable for delivering both hydrophilic and hydrophobic drugs. In this comprehensive review, we aim to explore different aspects related to the formulation, characterization, and applications of microemulsions, with a particular emphasis on their potential for cutaneous drug delivery. Microemulsions have shown great promise in overcoming bioavailability concerns and enabling sustained drug delivery. Thus, it is crucial to have a thorough understanding of their formulation and characterization in order to optimize their effectiveness and safety. This review will delve into the different types of microemulsions, their composition, and the factors that affect their stability. Furthermore, the potential of microemulsions as drug delivery systems for skin applications will be discussed. Overall, this review will provide valuable insights into the advantages of microemulsions as drug delivery systems and their potential for improving cutaneous drug delivery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zouhair Ait-Touchente
- Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon-1, CNRS, ISA-UMR 5280, 69100 Villeurbanne, France
| | - Nadia Zine
- Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon-1, CNRS, ISA-UMR 5280, 69100 Villeurbanne, France
| | | | - Abdelhamid Errachid
- Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon-1, CNRS, ISA-UMR 5280, 69100 Villeurbanne, France
| | - Noureddine Lebaz
- Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon-1, CNRS, LAGEPP UMR 5007, 69100 Villeurbanne, France
| | - Hatem Fessi
- Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon-1, CNRS, LAGEPP UMR 5007, 69100 Villeurbanne, France
| | - Abdelhamid Elaissari
- Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon-1, CNRS, ISA-UMR 5280, 69100 Villeurbanne, France
| |
Collapse
|