Tailoring the formulation of sugar-snap cookies to lower in vitro starch digestibility: A response surface modelling approach

An I-optimal response surface experimental design revealed impacts of dough moisture content (DMC, 14-22%) and level of wheat flour substitution (10-50%) by wheat gluten and one of six different native starches [wheat, (waxy) maize, rice, potato, pea] on sugar-snap cookie starch thermal properties, in vitro starch digestion, dough and cookie hardness and spread ratio. Increasing DMCs from 14 to 22% increased the cookie starch digestion rate constants of each starch source used. A linear increase of the constant by 25-30% across the 14 to 22% DMC range for all starches was predicted and validated. That cookie spread and hardness were related to the water retention capacity of the native starches used suggested that they underwent limited changes during baking. For each starch examined, formulations were optimized to lower in vitro starch digestion rate and extent, and cookie hardness, while maximizing dough spread ratio.

Preparation of copolymer 7-hydroxyethyl chrysin loaded PLGA nanoparticles and the in vitro release

OBJECTIVES

To prepare 7-hydroxyethyl chrysin (7-HEC) loaded poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles and to detect the in vitro release.

METHODS

The 7-HEC/PLGA nanoparticles were prepared by emulsification solvent volatilization method. The particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), encapsulation rate, drug loading and zeta potential were measured. The prescription was optimized by single factor investigation combined with Box-Behnken response surface method. Mannitol was used as protectant to prepare lyophilized powder, and the optimal formulation was characterized and studied for the in vitro release.

RESULTS

The optimal formulation of 7-HEC/PLGA nanoparticles was as follows: drug loading ratio of 2.12∶20, oil-water volume ratio of 1∶14.7, and 2.72% soybean phospholipid as emulsifier. With the optimal formulation, the average particle size of 7-HEC/PLGA nanoparticles was (240.28±0.96) nm, the PDI was 0.25±0.69, the encapsulation rate was (75.74±0.80)%, the drug loading capacity was (6.98±0.83)%, and the potentiostatic potential was (－18.17±0.17) mV. The cumulative in vitro release reached more than 50% within 48 h.

CONCLUSIONS

The optimized formulation is stable and easy to operate. The prepared 7-HEC/PLGA nanoparticles have uniform particle size, high encapsulation rate and significantly higher dissolution rate than 7-HEC.

Development, characterisation, and in vitro anti-tumor effect of self-microemulsifying drug delivery system containing polyphyllin I

Polyphyllin I (PPI), an effective active ingredient in Paris polyphylla, has a diverse set of pharmacological properties. However, due to its poor solubility and oral absorption, its application and development are limited. In the study, we were committed to improving the solubility of PPI by developing a self-microemulsifying drug delivery system of PPI (PPI-SMEDDS), screening the best preparation process, and evaluating the quality and the in vivo pharmacokinetics of PPI, and PPI-SMEDDS following oral administration to rats were also studied. In addition, the pharmacological activities against human lung adenocarcinoma cell A549 in vitro were assessed. The best formulation had 15.89% ethyl oleate, 47.38% Cremophor RH40, and 36.73% 1,2 propylene glycol. The produced PPI-SMEDDS was clear and transparent, with an average particle size of 24.51 nm and a zeta potential of -17.54 ± 0.51 mV. In vitro, the cumulative release rate of PPI-SMEDDS was nearly 80% within 2 h. PPI-SMEDDS had a substantially greater area under the curve than PPI following oral treatment in rats, and the relative bioavailability of PPI in rats was 278.99%. More importantly, the anti-tumor effect of PPI-SMEDDS in vitro was significantly greater than that of PPI. These findings suggested that PPI-SMEDDS has the potential to improve the solubility, oral bioavailability of PPI, and anti-tumor effect, laying the groundwork for future research on the new PPI dosage form.

Topical formulation based on disease-specific nanoparticles for single-dose cure of psoriasis

First-line treatments for mild to moderate psoriasis are typically topical formulations containing corticosteroids, however, the therapeutic efficacy of these formulations is compromised by limited penetration and skin retention. Even more challenging, off-target corticosteroids are known to adversely affect healthy skin, including induction of epidermal and dermal atrophy. Here, we report a nanoparticle-based topical formulation that cures psoriasis in a single dose, but leaves healthy skin intact. Specifically, we developed tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane-modified bioadhesive nanoparticles (Tris-BNPs) that exploit the high permeability characteristic of psoriasis to penetrate only psoriatic skin but not the healthy skin. Furthermore, as Tris-BNPs diffuse and penetrate into the epidermis, the Tris molecules slowly diffuse away, exposing the aldehyde groups of BNPs, which can bind to amine groups present within lesional skin, leading to long local retention of BNPs in lesions of psoriatic skin. The accumulated BNPs within lesions release corticosteroids over a ~ 3 day period to maintain local drug concentration above the therapeutic level. In addition to deeper penetration and longer retention compared with commercial psoriasis treatments, the topical applied Tris-BNPs were not affected by sweating, humidity, or active wiping due to their preferential accumulation between the stratum corneum and the basal cells of the epidermis. Overall, Tris-BNP as a topical formulation hold promise to overcome the limitations of current psoriasis treatment.

Preparation, optimization, characterization and in vitro release of baicalein-solubilizing glycyrrhizic acid nano-micelles

Glycyrrhizic acid is an amphiphilic molecule, which can form host-guest complexes by self-assembly, thereby encapsulating the guest molecule and increasing its solubility. The complexes can also achieve a controlled release effect for encapsulated drugs, so they have potential as drug delivery-systems. Baicalein is a flavonoid, with many pharmacological activities, but its oral bioavailability is limited by its poor solubility. In this study, glycyrrhizic acid-baicalein nano-micelles were prepared by an ultrasonic-film hydration method. The baicalein-loaded nano-micelles were evaluated by encapsulation efficiency, baicalein loading, particle size, polydispersity index and ζ-potential. A Box-Behnken statistical design was applied to obtain the optimal formulation (glycyrrhizic acid: 90 mg, baicalein: 8 mg, water bath shaking time: 12 h, ultrasonication time: 10 min). Nano-micelles prepared with the optimal formulation improved the solubility of baicalein in water by more than 4500 times and were characterized by differential scanning calorimetry and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. An in vitro drug release study determined the cumulative drug release of baicalein in pH 6.8 and pH 8.3 buffer medium, after 6 h to be 18.20% and 47.96%, respectively, which indicates that the nano-micelles have a sustained-release effect on baicalein and that the release rate can be modulated by changing the pH.

Preparation and formulation optimization of methotrexate-loaded human serum albumin nanoparticles modified by mannose

BACKGROUND

Methotrexate (MTX) is the representative drug among the disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs. But the conventional treatment with MTX showed many limitations and side effects.

OBJECTIVE

To strengthen the targeting ability and circulation time of MTX in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, the present study focused on developing a novel drug delivery system of methotrexate-loaded human serum albumin nanoparticles (MTX-NPs) modified by mannose, which referred as MTX-M-NPs.

METHODS

Firstly, mannose-derived carboxylic acid was synthesized and further modified on the surface of MTX-NPs to prepare MTX-M-NPs. The formulation of nanoparticles was optimized by method of central composite design (CCD), with the drug lipid ratio, oil-aqueous ratio, and cholesterol or lecithin weight as the independent variables. The average particle size and encapsulation efficiency were the response variables. Response of different formulations was calculated and the response surface diagram, contour diagram and mathematical equation were used to relate the dependent and independent variables to predict the optimal formula ratio. The uptake of MTX-M-NPs by neutrophils was studied through the laser confocal detection. Further, MTX-M-NPs was subjected to assess the pharmacokinetics profile after intravenous injection with Sprague-Dawley rats.

RESULTS

This targeting drug delivery system was successfully developed. Results from Nuclear Magnetic Resonance and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy analysis can verify the successful preparation of this drug delivery system. Based on the optimized formula, MTX-M-NPs was prepared with a particle size of 188.17 ± 1.71 nm and an encapsulation rate of 95.55 ± 0.33%. MTX-M-NPs displayed significantly higher cellular uptake than MTX-NPs. The pharmacokinetic results showed that MTX-M-NPs could prolong the in vivo circulation time of MTX.

CONCLUSION

This targeting drug delivery system laid a promising foundation for the treatment of RA.

Production of high-density polyethylene biocomposites from rice husk biochar: Effects of varying pyrolysis temperature

The novelty of this study is to explore the effect of temperature varied biochar on the properties of biochar/polymers composites. Rice husk biochar (RB) samples were prepared at different pyrolysis temperatures and injection molding was used to prepare RB/high-density polyethylene (HDPE) composites. Additionally, ultimate analysis, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscope (SEM), pore structure characteristics, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), tensile properties, and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) were used to characterize these RB and RB/HDPE composites samples. The results validated that RB obtained at 600 °C showed the highest carbon content, the most complete pore structure, and the largest specific surface area. Moreover, the thermal studies revealed that the addition of RB improved the thermal stability of HDPE. The best tensile strength (26.25 MPa) and Young's modulus (1.87 GPa) were obtained in 500 °C RB/HDPE composites and 600 °C RB/HDPE composites due to their good physical/mechanical interlocking structures shown in SEM. DMA revealed that the stiffness, elasticity, creep resistance and stress relaxation of the composites were improved by the addition of RB. The utilization of temperature varied biochars in biocomposites is important to manage wastes and optimize the properties of biocomposites in terms of reducing production cost and ensuring environmental safety.

Zebrafish as a preclinical in vivo screening model for nanomedicines

The interactions of nanomedicines with biological environments is heavily influenced by their physicochemical properties. Formulation design and optimization are therefore key steps towards successful nanomedicine development. Unfortunately, detailed assessment of nanomedicine formulations, at a macromolecular level, in rodents is severely limited by the restricted imaging possibilities within these animals. Moreover, rodent in vivo studies are time consuming and expensive, limiting the number of formulations that can be practically assessed in any one study. Consequently, screening and optimisation of nanomedicine formulations is most commonly performed in surrogate biological model systems, such as human-derived cell cultures. However, despite the time and cost advantages of classical in vitro models, these artificial systems fail to reflect and mimic the complex biological situation a nanomedicine will encounter in vivo. This has acutely hampered the selection of potentially successful nanomedicines for subsequent rodent in vivo studies. Recently, zebrafish have emerged as a promising in vivo model, within nanomedicine development pipelines, by offering opportunities to quickly screen nanomedicines under in vivo conditions and in a cost-effective manner so as to bridge the current gap between in vitro and rodent studies. In this review, we outline several advantageous features of the zebrafish model, such as biological conservation, imaging modalities, availability of genetic tools and disease models, as well as their various applications in nanomedicine development. Critical experimental parameters are discussed and the most beneficial applications of the zebrafish model, in the context of nanomedicine development, are highlighted.

Preparation of self-assembled nanoparticles of ε-polylysine-sodium alginate: A sustained-release carrier for antigen delivery

Low immunogenicity prohibits the widespread use of subunit vaccine against infectious diseases and cancers. Hence, a new generation of adjuvants and delivery systems is indispensable for more potent antigen-specific immune responses. Predominantly, nanoparticles formulated from biodegradable polymers are being widely explored as carriers of novel vaccines owing to their outstanding natural properties. We fabricated a model antigen - bovine serum albumin (BSA) encapsulated ε-polylysine (ε-PL) - sodium alginate (SA) nanoparticles (PSNPs), which were self-assembled by ionotropic complexation method, a very simple and mild process, as a result of the electrostatic interaction between oppositely charged polyelectrolyte complexes (PEC). After the preparation, various in vitro parameters were characterized. Scanning electron microscope and dynamic light scattering were employed to study the morphology, size, zeta potential and optimize formulation. Forming mechanism of PSNPS was analyzed and verified by infrared absorption spectra and thermal analysis. Delivery behavior of PSNPs was assessed via release study, cytotoxicity measurement and cellular uptake. BSA-PSNPs with a mean particle diameter 133.2 ± 0.5 nm, narrow size distribution and negatively charged surface had been synthesized successfully by this method. The results of in vitro studies demonstrated that the nanosuspension was able to prevent burst release of loaded BSA and presented sustained-release behavior. It was no cytotoxicity by the bio-assessment using macrophage cells, and was observed significantly higher uptake compared with BSA free solution. Herein, ε-polylysine - sodium alginate nanoparticles had been found to be a potential candidate for vaccine delivery.

Escherichia coli removal from model substrates: Underlying mechanism based on nanofluid structural forces

Understanding the interactions between bacteria and solid surfaces that result in bacterial adhesion and removal is of immense importance for reducing foodborne illness outbreaks. A nanofluid formulation comprised of a sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) micellar aqueous solution in the presence of an organic acid (as a pH controller) was used to test the E. coli K12 removal from two substrates, polyvinylchloride (PVC) and partially hydrophobic glass. We investigated the bacterial removal efficacy based on the combined effect of the nanofluid's structural forces and bacterial isoelectric point. To quantify the bacteria-PVC coverage, we used fluorescence microscope. The Langmuir isotherm at the low volume fraction was applied to estimate the adsorption energy of E. coli K12. We obtained a value of about 2.5±0.2kT. This value compared favorably with the value of 2.1kT reported previously for E. coli NCTC 9002 (Vanloosdrecht et al., 1989). We applied the dynamic light scattering method to estimate the radius of the gyration of E. coli K12. The radius of the gyration was used to estimate the limit of surface area covered by the bacterium and compared it to the surface area measured from the image taken with fluorescence microscope. We found that they are in good agreement with each other. We modeled the nanofluid oscillatory structural energy against the E. coli K12 adsorption energy by applying the statistical mechanics approach. Based on the model prediction, the oscillatory interaction energy was estimated at the vertex between a bacterium and the substrate (i.e., the wedge film's interaction energy at one particle layer). The evaluated film's repulsive energy due to the oscillatory structural forces (OSF) was about 15.6±4.4kT of the 0.02M SMNF (the SDS micellar nanofluid formulation) and several times higher than the bacterial adsorption energy, 2.5±0.2kT. The OSF of the 0.06M SMNF was measured by AFM (the oscillatory decay force curve). The period and number of oscillations versus distance was annualized and used to obtain information for the effective size of the nanoparticles and nanofluid's effective volume fraction. These findings suggest that the OSF is capable of bacteria/microorganism removal from contaminated substrates.

Profiling biopharmaceutical deciding properties of absorption of lansoprazole enteric-coated tablets using gastrointestinal simulation technology

The aim of the present study was to correlate in vitro properties of drug formulation to its in vivo performance, and to elucidate the deciding properties of oral absorption. Gastrointestinal simulation technology (GST) was used to simulate the in vivo plasma concentration-time curve and was implemented by GastroPlus™ software. Lansoprazole, a typical BCS class II drug, was chosen as a model drug. Firstly, physicochemical and pharmacokinetic parameters of lansoprazole were determined or collected from literature to construct the model. Validation of the developed model was performed by comparison of the predicted and the experimental plasma concentration data. We found that the predicted curve was in a good agreement with the experimental data. Then, parameter sensitivity analysis (PSA) was performed to find the key parameters of oral absorption. The absorption was particularly sensitive to dose, solubility and particle size for lansoprazole enteric-coated tablets. With a single dose of 30 mg and the solubility of 0.04 mg/ml, the absorption was complete. A good absorption could be achieved with lansoprazole particle radius down to about 25 μm. In summary, GST is a useful tool for profiling biopharmaceutical deciding properties of absorption of lansoprazole enteric-coated tablets and guiding the formulation optimization.