Formulation Development, Characterization and Antifungal Evaluation of Chitosan NPs for Topical Delivery of Voriconazole In Vitro and Ex Vivo

Development of antifungal fibrous ocular insert using freeze-drying technique

Candida species is one of the pathogenic fungi of the eye responsible for keratitis that frequently causes vision impairment and blindness. Effective treatment requires long-term use of antifungal drugs, which is opposed by the defensive mechanisms of the eye and inadequate corneal penetration. The objective of this study was to develop a carrier for prolonged ocular application of fluconazole (FLZ) to treat keratitis. FLZ was encapsulated into chitosan fibrous matrices (F1-F4) using different chitosan concentrations (0.02, 0.1, 0.5, and 1%w/v, respectively) by freeze-drying as a single-step technique. Studying the morphology and surface properties of the inserts revealed a porous matrix with fibrous features with a large surface area. Thermal stability and chemical compatibility were confirmed by DSC/TGA/DTA and FT-IR, respectively. Loading capacity (LC) and entrapment efficiency (EE) were determined. According to the in vitro release study, F4 (0.11 mg mg-1 LC and 87.53% EE) was selected as the optimum insert because it had the most sustained release, with 15.85% burst release followed by 75.62% release within 12 h. Ex vivo corneal permeation study revealed a 1.2-fold increase in FLZ permeation from F4 compared to FLZ aqueous solution. Also, in the in vivo pharmacokinetic study in rabbits, F4 increased the AUC0-8 of FLZ by 9.3-fold and its concentration in aqueous humor was maintained above the MIC through the experimentation time. Studies on cytotoxicity (MTT assay) provide evidence for the safety and biocompatibility of F4. Therefore, the freeze-dried FLZ-loaded chitosan fibrous insert could be a promising candidate for treating ocular keratitis.

Revolutionizing treatment for topical fungal infections: evaluating penetration-enhancer-containing vesicles as a fluconazole delivery system: Ex-vivo and in-vivo dermal testing

Fungal infections pose a significant challenge in numerous developing nations and worldwide, necessitating urgent solutions. Oral administration of antifungal medications often leads to severe adverse reactions. Hence, employing topical delivery systems is preferred to ensure efficient dermal delivery of antifungal agents while minimizing side effects. Furthermore, the incorporation of penetration enhancers into nanocarriers loaded with antifungal agents has demonstrated enhanced efficacy in combating mycotic infections. Consequently, ultra-deformable penetration enhancer-containing vesicles (PEVs) were developed to explore this promising approach. In this study, Labrasol® and Transcutol® were used as penetration enhancers in formulating ultra-deformable PEVs containing the antifungal agent Fluconazole (FCZ). The PEVs underwent comprehensive characterization, including measurements of particle size (PS), charge, and entrapment efficiency (EE%). The results revealed that the size of tested PEVs ranged from 100 to 762 nm. All particles exhibited a negative charge, with a minimum zeta potential (ZP) of -38.26 mV, and an intermediate entrapment efficiency (EE%) that reached approximately 40%w/w. Ex-vivo studies demonstrated the ability of PEVs to deliver FCZ to the dermis while minimizing transdermal delivery. The selected formula was tested in-vivo using candidiasis-induced rat model and showed a superiority in its antifungal effect against Candida Albicans compared to the drug control. Stability studies were executed for the selected formula, and revealed good stability shown by the insignificant change in the PS, ZP& EE% over a six-month period.

Synergistic antifungal activity against Candida albicans between voriconazole and cyclosporine a loaded in polymeric nanoparticles

The goal of this work is to investigate if the synergistic antifungal activity between cyclosporine A, CsA, and voriconazole, VRZ, increases when both drugs are encapsulated in a nanocarrier as compared when they are free. The preparation and characterization of blank and VRZ and CsA loaded polymeric based PLGA nanoparticles (PLGA, PLGA-PEG, and PLGA+PEG) was a necessary previous step. Using the more suitable NPs, those of PLGA, the antifungal susceptibility tests performed with VRZ-loaded PLGA NPs, show no significant increase of the antifungal activity in comparison to that of free VRZ. However, the synergistic behavior found for the (VRZ+CsA)-loaded PLGA NPs was fourfold stronger than that observed for the two free drugs together. On the other hand, the investigation into the suppression of C. albicans biofilm formation showed that blank PLGA NPs inhibit the biofilm formation at high NPs concentrations. However, a minor effect or even a slight biofilm increase formation was observed at low and moderate NPs concentrations. Therefore, the enhancement of the biofilm inhibition found for the three tested treatments (CsA alone, VRZ alone, and VRZ+CsA) when comparing free and encapsulated drugs, within the therapeutic window, can be attributed to the drug encapsulation approach. Indeed, polymeric PLGA NPs loaded with CsA, VRZ, or VRZ+CsA are more effective at inhibiting the C. albicans biofilm growth than their free counterparts.

Nanotechnology-based fungal detection and treatment: current status and future perspective

Fungal infections impose a significant impact on global health and encompass major expenditures in medical treatments. Human mycoses, a fungal co-infection associated with SARS-CoV-2, is caused by opportunistic fungal pathogens and is often overlooked or misdiagnosed. Recently, there is increasing threat about spread of antimicrobial resistance in fungus, mostly in hospitals and other healthcare facilities. The diagnosis and treatment of fungal infections are associated with several issues, including tedious and non-selective detection methods, the growth of drug-resistant bacteria, severe side effects, and ineffective drug delivery. Thus, a rapid and sensitive diagnostic method and a high-efficacy and low-toxicity therapeutic approach are needed. Nanomedicine has emerged as a viable option for overcoming these limitations. Due to the unique physicochemical and optical properties of nanomaterials and newer biosensing techniques, nanodiagnostics play an important role in the accurate and prompt differentiation and detection of fungal diseases. Additionally, nano-based drug delivery techniques can increase drug permeability, reduce adverse effects, and extend systemic circulation time and drug half-life. This review paper is aimed at highlighting recent, promising, and unique trends in nanotechnology to design and develop diagnostics and treatment methods for fungal diseases.

Enhanced drug delivery and wound healing potential of berberine-loaded chitosan-alginate nanocomposite gel: characterization and in vivo assessment

Berberine-encapsulated polyelectrolyte nanocomposite (BR-PolyET-NC) gel was developed as a long-acting improved wound healing therapy. BR-PolyET-NC was developed using an ionic gelation/complexation method and thereafter loaded into Carbopol gel. Formulation was optimized using Design-Expert® software implementing a three-level, three-factor Box Behnken design (BBD). The concentrations of polymers, namely, chitosan and alginate, and calcium chloride were investigated based on particle size and %EE. Moreover, formulation characterized in vitro for biopharmaceutical performances and their wound healing potency was evaluated in vivo in adult BALB/c mice. The particle distribution analysis showed a nanocomposite size of 71 ± 3.5 nm, polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.45, ζ-potential of +22 mV, BR entrapment of 91 ± 1.6%, and loading efficiency of 12.5 ± 0.91%. Percentage drug release was recorded as 89.50 ± 6.9% with pH 6.8, thereby simulating the wound microenvironment. The in vitro investigation of the nanocomposite gel revealed uniform consistency, well spreadability, and extrudability, which are ideal for topical wound use. The analytical estimation executed using FT-IR, DSC, and X-ray diffraction (XRD) indicated successful formulation with no drug excipients and without the amorphous state. The colony count of microbes was greatly reduced in the BR-PolyET-NC treated group on the 15th day from up to 6 CFU compared to 20 CFU observed in the BR gel treated group. The numbers of monocytes and lymphocytes counts were significantly reduced following healing progression, which reached to a peak level and vanished on the 15th day. The observed experimental characterization and in vivo study indicated the effectiveness of the developed BR-PolyET-NC gel toward wound closure and healing process, and it was found that >99% of the wound closed by 15th day, stimulated via various anti-inflammatory and angiogenic factors.

Chitosan tamarind-based nanoparticles as a promising approach for topical application of curcumin intended for burn healing: in vitro and in vivo study

One of the most prevalent worldwide problems that affect all ages and genders is skin burn. The goal of our study was to assess the ability of curcumin nanoparticles to cure a rat burn model. Three formulations were selected after several tests were performed including investigation of encapsulation efficiency, particle size and zeta potential measurements. In vitro release was achieved on the three selected formulations. The effectiveness of the chosen formulation for healing was evaluated. The induced burn wound was smeared, starting just after excision, once daily with curcumin nanoparticles for 18 days. Our findings revealed that curcumin nanoparticles improved the burn healing potential by augmenting the skin regeneration indices as evidenced by enhancing the new production of hyaluronic acid and collagen type I. Additionally, curcumin nanoparticles could increase levels of vascular endothelial growth factor and alpha smooth muscle activity while drastically reducing the skin's tumour necrosis factor content, revealing a significant potential for burn healing process that is also reflected in the histopathological and immunohistochemical studies. Finally, our results demonstrated that curcumin nanoparticles revealed a significant potential for burn healing than curcumin alone due to its potent antimicrobial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Recent progressions in biomedical and pharmaceutical applications of chitosan nanoparticles: A comprehensive review

Nowadays, the most common approaches in the prognosis, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases are along with undeniable limitations. Thus, the ever-increasing need for using biocompatible natural materials and novel practical modalities is required. Applying biomaterials, such as chitosan nanoparticles (CS NPs: FDA-approved long-chain polymer of N-acetyl-glucosamine and D-glucosamine for some pharmaceutical applications), can serve as an appropriate alternative to overcome these limitations. Recently, the biomedical applications of CS NPs have extensively been investigated. These NPs and their derivatives can not only prepare through different physical and chemical approaches but also modify with various molecules and bioactive materials. The potential properties of CS NPs, such as biocompatibility, biodegradability, serum stability, solubility, non-immunogenicity, anti-inflammatory properties, appropriate pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, and so forth, have made them excellent candidates for biomedical applications. Therefore, CS NPs have efficiently applied for various biomedical applications, like regenerative medicine and tissue engineering, biosensors for the detection of microorganisms, and drug delivery systems (DDS) for the suppression of diseases. These NPs possess a high level of biosafety. In summary, CS NPs have the potential ability for biomedical and clinical applications, and it would be remarkably beneficial to develop new generations of CS-based material for the future of medicine.

Nanotechnology-Based Approaches for Voriconazole Delivery Applied to Invasive Fungal Infections

Invasive fungal infections increase mortality and morbidity rates worldwide. The treatment of these infections is still limited due to the low bioavailability and toxicity, requiring therapeutic monitoring, especially in the most severe cases. Voriconazole is an azole widely used to treat invasive aspergillosis, other hyaline molds, many dematiaceous molds, Candida spp., including those resistant to fluconazole, and for infections caused by endemic mycoses, in addition to those that occur in the central nervous system. However, despite its broad activity, using voriconazole has limitations related to its non-linear pharmacokinetics, leading to supratherapeutic doses and increased toxicity according to individual polymorphisms during its metabolism. In this sense, nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems have successfully improved the physicochemical and biological aspects of different classes of drugs, including antifungals. In this review, we highlighted recent work that has applied nanotechnology to deliver voriconazole. These systems allowed increased permeation and deposition of voriconazole in target tissues from a controlled and sustained release in different routes of administration such as ocular, pulmonary, oral, topical, and parenteral. Thus, nanotechnology application aiming to delivery voriconazole becomes a more effective and safer therapeutic alternative in the treatment of fungal infections.

The Therapeutic Application of Tamarix aphylla Extract Loaded Nanoemulsion Cream for Acid-Burn Wound Healing and Skin Regeneration

Background and Objectives: Nanomedicine is a constantly growing field for the diagnosis and treatment of various diseases as well as for regenerative therapy. Nanotechnology-based drug-delivery systems improve pharmacological and pharmacokinetic profiles of plants based biologically active molecules. Based on traditional claims, leaves of the Tamarix aphylla (TA) were investigated for their potential healing activity on burn wounds. Materials and Methods: In this study, TA-based nanoemulsion was prepared. The nanoemulsion was characterized for size, zeta potential, pH, viscosity, and stability. The nanoemulsion containing plant extract was converted into cream and evaluated for its efficacy against acid-burn wounds inflicted in the dorsum of rabbits. The animals were classified into four main groups: Group A as a normal control group, Group B as a positive control (treated with cream base + silver sulfadiazine), Group C as a standard drug (silver sulfadiazine), and Group D as a tested (treated with nanoemulsion cream containing TA extract). The prepared system could deliver TA to the target site and was able to produce pharmacological effects. On days 0, 7, 14, 21, 28, and 35, wound contraction rate was used to determine healing efficacy. The wound samples were collected from the skin for histological examination. Results: Based on statistical analysis using wound-healing time, Group D showed a shorter period (21.60 ± 0.5098) (p < 0.01) than the average healing time of Group C (27.40 ± 0.6002) (p < 0.05) and Group B (33.40 ± 0.8126) (p < 0.05). The histopathological assessment showed that burn healing was better in Group D compared with Group C and Group B. The nanoemulsion cream had a non-sticky texture, low viscosity, excellent skin sensations, and a porous structure. By forming a protective layer on the skin and improving moisture, it enhanced the condition of burnt skin. Conclusions: According to the findings of this study, nanoemulsion cream containing TA extract has great potential in healing acid-burn wounds

Formulation Development and In Vitro/In Vivo Characterization of Methotrexate-Loaded Nanoemulsion Gel Formulations for Enhanced Topical Delivery

Methotrexate-loaded oil-in-water nanoemulsion formulations were prepared using the high shear homogenization technique. A drug excipient study (ATR-FTIR) was carried out to investigate the compatibility between the drug, the polymers, and its admixtures. The thermal stability of the nanoemulsion formulations was evaluated by subjecting them to a heating and cooling cycle. The prepared nanoemulsion formulations (FNE1 to FNE6) were evaluated for particle size, PDI value, and entrapment efficiency (EE). They were analyzed for morphological information using transmission electron microscopy. The drug (methotrexate)-loaded nanoemulsion formulations (FNE2, FNE4, and FNE6) were then converted into nanoemulsion gel formulations by adding 1% chitosan (polymer) as a gelling agent. The nanoemulsion gel formulations (FNEG2, FNEG4, and FNEG6) were investigated for physicochemical parameters, viscosity, spreadability, extrudability, drug content, and skin irritation. Various penetration enhancers (olive oil, clove, and almond oil) were employed to examine the potency of the prepared nanoemulsion gel formulations. In vitro drug release, ex vivo permeation, skin drug retention, and stability tests were carried out for evaluation of the prepared nanoemulsion gel formulations (FNEG2, FNEG4, and FNEG6). The data obtained from the in vitro study were subjected to the kinetic model, and the Korsemeyer-Peppas model was best fitted to the data. The nanoemulsion gel formulation FNEG6 showed the maximum controlled drug release and followed an anomalous, non-Fickian release mechanism. The use of almond oil in the preparation of the nanoemulsion gel formulation FNEG6 helped the penetration of the drug across stratum corneum and the restructuring of the properties of skin and resulted in a higher penetration and retention of methotrexate in a deeper layer of the skin. The current study concluded that the methotrexate-loaded nanoemulsion gel formulation FNEG6 showed the best optimum release, permeation, and retention results as compared to the available oral tablets' formulations, followed by a low serum concentration and the maximum drug retention, which is beneficial in treating skin infections and reducing systemic toxicity.

Full factorial design, physicochemical characterization, ex vivo investigation, and biological assessment of glutathione-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles for topical application

l-Glutathione (GSH) has exceptional antioxidant activities against UVA irradiation-induced oxidative stress and is used widely for combatting skin ageing. However, topical administration of GSH is challenging due to its inability to penetrate the stratum corneum (SC). This study aims to evaluate the solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) carrier system for improving the skin penetration and stability of GSH. The GSH-loaded SLNs (GSH-SLNs) were prepared by the double emulsion technique and were optimized by a full factorial design. The optimized GSH-SLNs formulation had a mean particle size of 305 ± 0.6 nm and a zeta potential of + 20.1 ± 9.5 mV, suitable for topical delivery. The ex-vivo penetration study using human skin demonstrated a 3.7-fold improvement of GSH penetration across SC with GSH-SLNs when compared with aqueous GSH. GSH-SLNs prolonged antioxidant activity on UVA irradiated fibroblast cells when compared to GSH solution, preventing UVA-induced cell death and promoting cell growth for times over 48 h. This research has illustrated that as a carrier system, SLNs were able to enhance the physicochemical stability, skin penetration, and drug deposition in the viable epidermis and dermis layers of the skin for GSH, while also maintaining the ability to protect human skin fibroblast cells against oxidative stress caused by UVA irradiation. This delivery system shows future promise as a topical delivery platform for the topical delivery of GSH and other chemically similar bioactive compounds for improving skin health.

Nanoparticles for Antimicrobial Agents Delivery-An Up-to-Date Review

Infectious diseases constitute an increasing threat to public health and medical systems worldwide. Particularly, the emergence of multidrug-resistant pathogens has left the pharmaceutical arsenal unarmed to fight against such severe microbial infections. Thus, the context has called for a paradigm shift in managing bacterial, fungal, viral, and parasitic infections, leading to the collision of medicine with nanotechnology. As a result, renewed research interest has been noted in utilizing various nanoparticles as drug delivery vehicles, aiming to overcome the limitations of current treatment options. In more detail, numerous studies have loaded natural and synthetic antimicrobial agents into different inorganic, lipid, and polymeric-based nanomaterials and tested them against clinically relevant pathogens. In this respect, this paper reviews the most recently reported successfully fabricated nanoformulations that demonstrated a great potential against bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites of interest for human medicine.

Recent Advances of Chitosan Formulations in Biomedical Applications

Chitosan, a naturally abundant cationic polymer, is chemically composed of cellulose-based biopolymers derived by deacetylating chitin. It offers several attractive characteristics such as renewability, hydrophilicity, biodegradability, biocompatibility, non-toxicity, and a broad spectrum of antimicrobial activity towards gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria as well as fungi, etc., because of which it is receiving immense attention as a biopolymer for a plethora of applications including drug delivery, protective coating materials, food packaging films, wastewater treatment, and so on. Additionally, its structure carries reactive functional groups that enable several reactions and electrochemical interactions at the biomolecular level and improves the chitosan’s physicochemical properties and functionality. This review article highlights the extensive research about the properties, extraction techniques, and recent developments of chitosan-based composites for drug, gene, protein, and vaccine delivery applications. Its versatile applications in tissue engineering and wound healing are also discussed. Finally, the challenges and future perspectives for chitosan in biomedical applications are elucidated.

Formulation and Evaluation of Chitosan-Gelatin Thermosensitive Hydrogels Containing 5FU-Alginate Nanoparticles for Skin Delivery

(1) Background: Chitosan-gelatin-based thermosensitive hydrogel containing 5FU-alginate nanoparticles was formulated for the effective and sustained delivery of 5FU to the skin. (2) Methods: Alginate, a polysaccharide was used for the formulation of nanoparticles using a spray drying technique. Size, zeta potential, and surface morphology were investigated using a zetasizer and scanning electron microscope. The hydrogel was fabricated using chitosan and gelatin. Several important analyses were used to characterize these prepared topical hydrogels. The pH, visual transparency, rheological behavior, and swelling index of the prepared hydrogels were evaluated. The in vitro release studies were performed at different pH (5.5 and 7.4) and temperature (32 and 37 °C) conditions using a Franz diffusion cell. Ex vivo permeation and in vivo studies were performed using Sprague Dawley rats. (3) Results: Results show that spherical nanoparticles were produced at sizes of 202−254 nm and with zeta potentials of −43 to −38 mV. The prepared nanoparticles were successfully incorporated into chitosan-gelatin-based hydrogels using a glycerol 2-phosphate disodium salt hydrates crosslinker. Drug polymers and excipients compatibility and formulation of hydrogels was confirmed by ATR-FTIR results. The pH of the prepared hydrogels was in accordance with the skin pH. The viscosity of prepared hydrogel increased with temperature increase and phase transition (sol-gel transition) occurred at 34 °C. The release of drug was sustained in case of nanoparticles incorporated hydrogels (5FU-Alg-Np-HG) as compared to nanoparticles (5FU-Alg-Np) and simple hydrogels (5FU-HG) (ANOVA; p < 0.05). The premature and initial burst release of 5FU was prevented using 5FU-Alg-Np-HG. The release mechanism of 5FU from the 5FU-Alg-Np-HG diffusion was followed by swelling and erosion, as suggested by Korsmeyer-Peppas model. The prepared hydrogel proved to be non-irritant. Ex vivo permeation study across rat’s skin suggests that permeability of nanoparticles (5FU-Alg-Np) was higher than the 5FU-Alg-Np-HG (ANOVA; p < 0.05). However, skin-related drug retention of 5FU-Alg-Np-HG was significantly higher than the 5FU solution, 5FU-Alg-Np, and 5FU-HG (ANOVA; p < 0.05). This was due to swelling of hydrogels in the lower layers of skin where the temperature is 37 °C. The higher concentration of 5FU in the skin is helpful for treatment of local skin cancer, such as melanoma, and actinic keratosis. In vivo results also confirmed maximum AUC, t1/2, and skin-related drug retention of 5FU-Alg-Np-HG. (4) Conclusions: Chitosan-gelatin-based hydrogels containing 5FU-Alg-Np possess exceptional properties, and can be used for the sustained delivery of 5FU for the treatment of local skin cancers.

Formulation and Optimization of Alogliptin-Loaded Polymeric Nanoparticles: In Vitro to In Vivo Assessment

The nano-drug delivery system has gained greater acceptability for poorly soluble drugs. Alogliptin (ALG) is a FDA-approved oral anti-hyperglycemic drug that inhibits dipeptidyl peptidase-4. The present study is designed to prepare polymeric ALG nanoparticles (NPs) for the management of diabetes. ALG-NPs were prepared using the nanoprecipitation method and further optimized by Box−Behnken experimental design (BBD). The formulation was optimized by varying the independent variables Eudragit RSPO (A), Tween 20 (B), and sonication time (C), and the effects on the hydrodynamic diameter (Y1) and entrapment efficiency (Y2) were evaluated. The optimized ALG-NPs were further evaluated for in vitro release, intestinal permeation, and pharmacokinetic and anti-diabetic activity. The prepared ALG-NPs show a hydrodynamic diameter of between 272.34 nm and 482.87 nm, and an entrapment efficiency of between 64.43 and 95.21%. The in vitro release data of ALG-NPs reveals a prolonged release pattern (84.52 ± 4.1%) in 24 h. The permeation study results show a 2.35-fold higher permeation flux than pure ALG. ALG-NPs exhibit a significantly (p < 0.05) higher pharmacokinetic profile than pure ALG. They also significantly (p < 0.05) reduce the blood sugar levels as compared to pure ALG. The findings of the study support the application of ALG-entrapped Eudragit RSPO nanoparticles as an alternative carrier for the improvement of therapeutic activity.

5-Fluorouracil-Loaded Folic-Acid-Fabricated Chitosan Nanoparticles for Site-Targeted Drug Delivery Cargo

Nanoparticles play a vital role in cancer treatment to deliver or direct the drug to the malignant cell, avoiding the attacking of normal cells. The aim of the study is to formulate folic-acid-modified chitosan nanoparticles for colon cancer. Chitosan was successfully conjugated with folic acid to produce a folic acid–chitosan conjugate. The folate-modified chitosan was loaded with 5-FU using the ionic gelation method. The prepared nanoparticles were characterized for size, zeta potential, surface morphology, drug contents, entrapment efficiency, loading efficiency, and in vitro release study. The cytotoxicity study of the formulated nanoparticles was also investigated. The conjugation of folic acid with chitosan was confirmed by FTIR and NMR spectroscopy. The obtained nanoparticles were monodispersed nanoparticles with a suitable average size and a positive surface charge. The size and zeta potential and PDI of the CS-5FU-NPs were 208 ± 15, 26 ± 2, and +20 ± 2, respectively, and those of the FA-CS-5FU-NPs were 235 ± 12 and +20 ± 2, respectively, which are in the acceptable ranges. The drug contents’ % yield and the %EE of folate-decorated NPs were 53 ± 1.8% and 59 ± 2%, respectively. The in vitro release of the FA-CS-5FU-NPs and CS-5FU-NPs was in the range of 10.08 ± 0.45 to 96.57 ± 0.09% and 6 ± 0.31 to 91.44 ± 0.21, respectively. The cytotoxicity of the nanoparticles was enhanced in the presence of folic acid. The presence of folic acid in nanoparticles shows much higher cytotoxicity as compared to simple chitosan nanoparticles. The folate-modified nanoparticles provide a potential way to enhance the targeting of tumor cells.

Assessment of antifungal efficacy of itraconazole loaded aspasomal cream: comparative clinical study

Topical conveyance of antifungal agents like itraconazole ITZ has been giving good grounds for expecting felicitous antifungal medicines. The defiance of topical delivery of this poorly water soluble and high-molecular-weight drug, however, mightily entail an adequate vehiculation. ITZ aspasomes, newer antioxidant generation of liposomes, have been designed and enclosed in a cream to ameliorate skin deposition. The proposed creams containing non-formulated ITZ or encapsulated in aspasomes (0.1% or 0.5%) were topically applied in patients with diagnosed diaper dermatitis complicated by candidiasis, tinea corporis (TC), and tinea versicolor (TVC). Placebos (void aspasomal cream and cream base) were also utilized. The obtained results for diaper rash revealed that aspasomal cream (0.5% ITZ) was eminent with respect to complete cure and negative candida culture after 10-day therapy relative to counterparts containing 0.1% ITZ aspasomes or non-formulated ITZ (0.1% and 0.5%). For tinea, the same trend was manifested in terms of ‘cleared’ clinical response in 90% of patients and absence of fungal elements after 4-week treatment. Relative to non-formulated ITZ, ITZ aspasomal cream was endorsed to be auspicious especially when ITZ concentration was lowered to half commercially available cream concentration (1%), pushing further exploitation in other dermal fungal infections.

Novasomes as Nano-Vesicular Carriers to Enhance Topical Delivery of Fluconazole: A New Approach to Treat Fungal Infections

The occurrence of fungal infections has increased over the past two decades. It is observed that superficial fungal infections are treated by conventional dosage forms, which are incapable of treating deep infections due to the barrier activity possessed by the stratum corneum of the skin. This is why the need for a topical preparation with advanced penetration techniques has arisen. This research aimed to encapsulate fluconazole (FLZ) in a novasome in order to improve the topical delivery. The novasomes were prepared using the ethanol injection technique and characterized for percent entrapment efficiency (EE), particle size (PS), zeta potential (ZP), drug release, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and antifungal activity. The FN7 formulation with 94.45% EE, 110 nm PS and -24 ZP proved to be the best formulation. The FN7 formulation showed a 96% release of FLZ in 8 h. FTIR showed the compatibility of FLZ with excipients and DSC studies confirmed the thermal stability of FLZ in the developed formulation. The FN7 formulation showed superior inhibition of the growth of Candida albicans compared to the FLZ suspension using a resazurin reduction assay, suggesting high efficacy in inhibiting fungal growth.

Thiolated Chitosan Microneedle Patch of Levosulpiride from Fabrication, Characterization to Bioavailability Enhancement Approach

In this study, a first attempt has been made to deliver levosulpiride transdermally through a thiolated chitosan microneedle patch (TC-MNP). Levosulpiride is slowly and weakly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract with an oral bioavailability of less than 25% and short half-life of about 6 h. In order to enhance its bioavailability, levosulpiride-loaded thiolated chitosan microneedle patches (LS-TC-MNPs) were fabricated. Firstly, thiolated chitosan was synthesized and characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance (¹HNMR) spectroscopy, attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Thiolated chitosan has been used in different drug delivery systems; herein, thiolated chitosan has been used for the transdermal delivery of LS. LS-TC-MNPs were fabricated from different concentrations of thiolated chitosan solution. Furthermore, the levosulpiride-loaded thiolated chitosan microneedle patch (LS-TC-MNP) was characterized by FTIR spectroscopic analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) study, penetration ability, tensile strength, moisture content, patch thickness, and elongation test. LS-TC-MNP fabricated with 3% thiolated chitosan solution was found to have the best tensile strength, moisture content, patch thickness, elongation, drug-loading efficiency, and drug content. Thiolated chitosan is biodegradable, nontoxic and has good absorption and swelling in the skin. LS-TC-MNP-3 consists of 100 needles in 10 rows each with 10 needles. The length of each microneedle was 575 μm; they were pyramidal in shape, with sharp pointed ends and a base diameter of 200 µm. The microneedle patch (LS-TC-MNP-3) resulted in-vitro drug release of 65% up to 48 h, ex vivo permeation of 63.6%, with good skin biocompatibility and enhanced in-vivo pharmacokinetics (AUC = 986 µg/mL·h, Cmax = 24.5 µg/mL) as compared to oral LS dispersion (AUC = 3.2 µg/mL·h, Cmax = 0.5 µg/mL). Based on the above results, LS-TC-MNP-3 seems to be a promising strategy for enhancing the bioavailability of levosulpiride.

Synthesis and Characterization of Acrylamide/Acrylic Acid Co-Polymers and Glutaraldehyde Crosslinked pH-Sensitive Hydrogels

This project aims to synthesize and characterize the pH-sensitive controlled release of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) loaded hydrogels (5-FULH) by polymerization of acrylamide (AM) and acrylic acid (AA) in the presence of glutaraldehyde (GA) as a crosslinker with ammonium persulphate as an initiator. The formulation's code is named according to acrylamide (A1, A2, A3), acrylic acid (B1, B2, B3) and glutaraldehyde (C1, C2, C3). The optimized formulations were exposed to various physicochemical tests, namely swelling, diffusion, porosity, sol gel analysis, and attenuated total reflection-Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR). These 5-FULH were subjected to kinetic models for drug release data. The 5-FU were shown to be soluble in distilled water and phosphate buffer media at pH 7.4, and sparingly soluble in an acidic media at pH 1.2. The ATR-FTIR data confirmed that the 5-FU have no interaction with other ingredients. The lowest dynamic (0.98 ± 0.04% to 1.90 ± 0.03%; 1.65 ± 0.01% to 6.88 ± 0.03%) and equilibrium swelling (1.85 ± 0.01% to 6.68 ± 0.03%; 10.12 ± 0.02% to 27.89 ± 0.03%) of formulations was observed at pH 1.2, whereas the higher dynamic (4.33 ± 0.04% to 10.21 ± 0.01%) and equilibrium swelling (22.25 ± 0.03% to 55.48 ± 0.04%) was recorded at pH 7.4. These findings clearly indicated that the synthesized 5-FULH have potential swelling characteristics in pH 6.8 that will enhance the drug's release in the same pH medium. The porosity values of formulated 5-FULH range from 34% to 62% with different weight ratios of AM, AA, and GA. The gel fractions data showed variations ranging from 74 ± 0.4% (A1) to 94 ± 0.2% (B3). However, formulation A1 reported the highest 24 ± 0.1% and B3 the lowest 09 ± 0.3% sol fractions rate among the formulations. Around 20% drug release from the 5-FULH was found at 1 h in an acidic media (pH1.2), whereas >65% of drug release (pH7.4) was observed at around 25 h. These findings concluded that GA crosslinked 5-FU loaded AM and AA based hydrogels would be a potential pH-sensitive oral controlled colon drug delivery carrier.