Formulation Optimization of Controlled Delivery System for Antihypertensive Peptide using Response Surface Methodology

Formulation, Characterization and Stability Assessment of a Food-Derived Tripeptide, Leucine-Lysine-Proline Loaded Chitosan Nanoparticles

The chicken- or fish-derived tripeptide, leucine-lysine-proline (LKP), inhibits the angiotensin converting enzyme and may be used as an alternative treatment for prehypertension. However, it has low permeation across the small intestine. The formulation of LKP into a nanoparticle (NP) has the potential to address this issue. LKP-loaded NPs were produced using an ionotropic gelation technique, using chitosan (CL113). Following optimization of unloaded NPs, a mixture amount design was constructed using variable concentration of CL113 and tripolyphosphate at a fixed LKP concentration. Resultant particle sizes ranged from 120 to 271 nm, zeta potential values from 29 to 37 mV, and polydispersity values from 0.3 to 0.6. A ratio of 6:1 (CL113:TPP) produced the best encapsulation of approximately 65%. Accelerated studies of the loaded NPs indicated stability under normal storage conditions (room temperature). Cytotoxicity assessment showed no significant loss of cell viability and in vitro release studies indicated an initial burst followed by a slower and sustained release.

Application of quality-by-design approach to optimize diallyl disulfide-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles

The current work was carried out by the principles of quality-by-design approach to develop an optimized solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) formulation of diallyl disulfide (DADS) through systematic statistical study. And its antitumor activity of DADS was also evaluated on breast cancer cell lines. To understand the effect of formulation variables (critical parameters) on the responses (critical quality attributes) of SLN, a 3-factor, 3-level Box-Behnken design, was explored to predict the responses such as particle size (Y1) and % entrapment efficiency (EE) (Y2) when concentration of surfactant (X1), amount of lipid (X2), and volume of solvent (X3) were selected as independent variables. Particle size analysis revealed that all the batches were within the nanometer range. DADS was released from the SLN much more rapidly at pH 4.5 than at pH 7.4, which is a desirable characteristic for tumor-targeted drug delivery. The cytotoxicity, reactive oxygen species (ROS), determination revealed that the antitumor activity of DADS is enhanced with SLN compared to DADS-free drug, and apoptosis is the mechanism underlying the cytotoxicity. The present study indicated the remarkable potential of DADS-SLN in enhancing the anticancer effect of DADS in breast cancer cells in vitro.

Evaluation of dika wax-soybean oil-based artesunate-loaded lipospheres: in vitro-in vivo correlation studies

OBJECTIVES

To formulate and evaluate artesunate-loaded lipospheres and study the in vitro-in vivo correlations (IV-IVC).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Lipospheres were formulated by melt homogenisation using structured lipid matrices consisting of (1:3 and 1:6) soybean oil and dika wax and were characterised in vitro and in vivo.

RESULTS

The small angle X-ray diffraction (SAXD) results of the lipid matrices showed prominent reflection at 2θ = 2.49°, d = 3.55 Å while, wide angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD) showed prominent reflection at 2θ = 20.83°, d = 0.42 Å. Lipospheres had maximum encapsulation efficiency of 80%, showed no significant decrease in pH with time (p < 0.05), and had sustained release properties. The ratio of the area under the curve (AUC) of the lipospheres and the tablets gave bioavailability enhancement factor of 2.108.

CONCLUSION

Artesunate-loaded lipospheres could be used orally or parenterally once daily, for the treatment of malaria.

Formulation development and evaluation of the anti-malaria properties of sustained release artesunate-loaded solid lipid microparticles based on phytolipids

CONTEXTS: Artemisinins and its derivatives are considered the basis in the treatment of Plasmodium falciparum malaria due to their high potency and rapid action. However, they have short half life, low solubility, and poor oral bioavailability, hence the need to formulate sustained release lipid particulate dosage form of these drugs.

OBJECTIVES

To formulate and evaluate artesunate-loaded solid lipid microparticles (SLMs) based on structured lipid matrices consisting of soybean oil and dika wax.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The lipid matrices were characterized by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), small-angle X-ray diffraction (SAXD), and wide-angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD). The SLMs were prepared by hot melt-homogenization. Time-dependent particle size analysis, time-dependent pH stability studies, encapsulation efficiency (EE%), and in vitro drug release were carried out on the SLMs. In vivo anti-malarial studies were performed using a modified Peter's 4-day suppressive protocol using Plasmodium berghei infected mice.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Thermograms of the lipid matrices showed modifications in the microstructure of dika wax as a result of inclusion of soybean oil. SAXD and WAXD diffractograms showed that the lipid matrices were found to be non-lamellar. Particle size of SLM increased with time, while the pH was almost constant. The SLMs had maximum EE% of 80.6% and sustained the release of artesunate more than the reference tablet. In vivo pharmacodynamic studies showed that the SLMs had significant (p < 0.05) reduction in parasitaemia compared with reference tablet.

CONCLUSION

Artesunate-loaded SLMs could be used once daily in the treatment of malaria.

Ceramic nanocarriers: versatile nanosystem for protein and peptide delivery

INTRODUCTION

Proteins and peptides have been established to be the potential drug candidate for various human diseases. But, delivery of these therapeutic protein and peptides is still a challenge due to their several unfavorable properties. Nanotechnology is expanding as a promising tool for the efficient delivery of proteins and peptides. Among numerous nano-based carriers, ceramic nanoparticles have proven themselves as a unique carrier for protein and peptide delivery as they provide a more stable, bioavailable, readily manufacturable, and acceptable proteins and polypeptide formulation.

AREAS COVERED

This article provides an overview of the various aspects of ceramic nanoparticles including their classification, methods of preparation, latest advances, and applications as protein and peptide delivery carriers.

EXPERT OPINION

Ceramic nanocarriers seem to have potential for preserving structural integrity of proteins and peptides, thereby promoting a better therapeutic effect. This approach thus provides pharmaceutical scientists with a new hope for the delivery of proteins and peptides. Still, considerable study on ceramic nanocarrier is necessary with respect to pharmacokinetics, toxicology, and animal studies to confirm their efficiency as well as safety and to establish their clinical usefulness and scale-up to industrial level.