scholarly journals Design and Characterization of Chitosan Nanoformulations for the Delivery of Antifungal Agents

2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (15) ◽  
pp. 3686 ◽  
Author(s):  
Natalia L. Calvo ◽  
Sruthi Sreekumar ◽  
Laura A. Svetaz ◽  
María C. Lamas ◽  
Bruno M. Moerschbacher ◽  
...  

Among different Candida species triggering vaginal candidiasis, Candida albicans is the most predominant yeast. It is commonly treated using azole drugs such as Tioconazole (TIO) and Econazole (ECO). However, their low water solubility may affect their therapeutic efficiency. Therefore, the aim of this research was to produce a novel chitosan nanocapsule based delivery system comprising of TIO or ECO and to study their suitability in vaginal application. These systems were characterized by their physicochemical properties, encapsulation efficiency, in vitro release, storage stability, cytotoxicity, and in vitro biological activity. Both nanocapsules loaded with TIO (average hydrodynamic size of 146.8 ± 0.8 nm, zeta potential of +24.7 ± 1.1 mV) or ECO (average hydrodynamic size of 127.1 ± 1.5 nm, zeta potential of +33.0 ± 1.0 mV) showed excellent association efficiency (99% for TIO and 87% for ECO). The analysis of size, polydispersity index, and zeta potential of the systems at 4, 25, and 37 °C (over a period of two months) showed the stability of the systems. Finally, the developed nanosystems presented fungicidal activity against C. albicans at non-toxic concentrations (studied on model human skin cells). The results obtained from this study are the first step in the development of a pharmaceutical dosage form suitable for the treatment of vaginal candidiasis.

2020 ◽  
Vol 26 (14) ◽  
pp. 1543-1555 ◽  
Author(s):  
Meltem E. Durgun ◽  
Emine Kahraman ◽  
Sevgi Güngör ◽  
Yıldız Özsoy

Background: Topical therapy is preferred for the management of ocular fungal infections due to its superiorities which include overcoming potential systemic side effects risk of drugs, and targeting of drugs to the site of disease. However, the optimization of effective ocular formulations has always been a major challenge due to restrictions of ocular barriers and physiological conditions. Posaconazole, an antifungal and highly lipophilic agent with broad-spectrum, has been used topically as off-label in the treatment of ocular fungal infections due to its highly lipophilic character. Micellar carriers have the potential to improve the solubility of lipophilic drugs and, overcome ocular barriers. Objective: In the current study, it was aimed optimization of posaconazole loaded micellar formulations to improve aqueous solubility of posaconazole and to characterize the formulations and to investigate the physical stability of these formulations at room temperature (25°C, 60% RH), and accelerated stability (40°C, 75% RH) conditions. Method: Micelles were prepared using a thin-film hydration method. Pre-formulation studies were firstly performed to optimize polymer/surfactant type and to determine their concentration in the formulations. Then, particle size, size distribution, and zeta potential of the micellar formulations were measured by ZetaSizer Nano-ZS. The drug encapsulation efficiency of the micelles was quantified by HPLC. The morphology of the micelles was depicted by AFM. The stability of optimized micelles was evaluated in terms of particle size, size distribution, zeta potential, drug amount and pH for 180 days. In vitro release studies were performed using Franz diffusion cells. Results: Pre-formulation studies indicated that single D-ɑ-tocopheryl polyethylene glycol succinate (TPGS), a combination of it and Pluronic F127/Pluronic F68 are capable of formation of posaconazole loaded micelles at specific concentrations. Optimized micelles with high encapsulation efficiency were less than 20 nm, approximately neutral, stable, and in aspherical shape. Additionally, in vitro release data showed that the release of posaconazole from the micelles was higher than that of suspension. Conclusion: The results revealed that the optimized micellar formulation of posaconazole offers a potential approach for topical ocular administration.


2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 76-85 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. Nithya ◽  
K. Siram ◽  
R. Hariprasad ◽  
H. Rahman

Background: Paclitaxel (PTX) is a potent anticancer drug which is highly effective against several cancers. Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) loaded with anticancer drugs can enhance its toxicity against tumor cells at low concentrations. Objective: To develop and characterize SLNs of PTX (PSLN) to enhance its toxicity against cancerous cells. Method: The solubility of PTX was screened in various lipids. Solid lipid nanoparticles of PTX (PSLN) were developed by hot homogenization method using Cutina HR and Gelucire 44/14 as lipid carriers and Solutol HS 15 as a surfactant. PSLNs were characterized for size, morphology, zeta potential, entrapment efficiency, physical state of the drug and in vitro release profile in 7.4 pH phosphate buffer saline (PBS). The ability of PTX to enhance toxicity towards cancerous cells was tested by performing cytoxicity assay in MCF7 cell line. Results: Solubility studies of PTX in lipids indicated better solubility when Cutina HR and Gelucire 44/14 were used. PSLNs were found to possess a neutral zeta potential with a size range of 155.4 ± 10.7 nm to 641.9 ± 4.2 nm. In vitro release studies showed a sustained release profile for PSLN over a period of 48 hours. SLNs loaded with PTX were found to be more toxic in killing MCF7 cells at a lower concentration than the free PTX.


2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (9) ◽  
pp. 255
Author(s):  
Md. Khalid Anwer ◽  
Mohammed Muqtader Ahmed ◽  
Mohammed F. Aldawsari ◽  
Saad Alshahrani ◽  
Farhat Fatima ◽  
...  

The aim of the current study was to evaluate the therapeutics potential of eluxadoline (ELX) loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) in ulcerative colitis. ELX loaded SLNs were prepared using three different lipids according to the solvent emulsification technique. The optimization of prepared SLNs (F1-F3) were carried out based on size, PDI, zeta potential, percent drug entrapment (%EE), and loading (%DL). The lipid (stearic acid) based SLNs (F2) was optimized with particle size (266.0 ± 6.4 nm), PDI (0.217 ± 0.04), zeta potential (31.2 ± 5.19 mV), EE (65.0 ± 4.8%), and DL (4.60 ± 0.8%). The optimized SLNs (F2) was further evaluated by DSC, FTIR, SEM, in vitro release, and stability studies, which confirmed the successful encapsulation of ELX in SLNs. The efficacy of optimized SLNs (F2) in comparison to the pure ELX drug was assessed in acetic acid induced colitis rat models. It was observed that the delivery of ELX by SLNs alleviated the induced acetic acid colitis significantly. Thus, ELX loaded SLNs delivery to the colon has a significant potential to be developed for the treatment of ulcerative colitis.


Author(s):  
Noha Saleh ◽  
Soha Elshaer ◽  
Germeen Girgis

Background: Fluconazole (FLZ), a potent antifungal medication, is characterized by poor water solubility that reduced its antifungal efficacy. Objective: This study aimed to prepare FLZ-loaded polymeric nanoparticles (NPs) by using different polymers and techniques as a mean of enhancing the antifungal activity of FLZ. Methods: NP1, NP2, and NP3 were prepared by the double emulsion/solvent evaporation method using PLGA, PCL, and PLA, respectively. The ionotropic pre-gelation technique was applied to prepare an alginate/chitosan-based formulation (NP4). Particle size, zeta potential, encapsulation efficiency, and loading capacity were characterized. FT-IR spectra of FLZ, the polymers, and the prepared NPs were estimated. NP4 was selected for further in-vitro release evaluation. The broth dilution method was used to assess the antifungal activity of NP4 using a resistant clinical isolate of Candida albicans. Results: The double emulsion method produced smaller-sized particles (<390 nm) but with much lower encapsulation efficiency (< 12%). Alternatively, the ionic gelation method resulted in nanosized particles with a markedly higher encapsulation efficiency of about 40%. The FT-IR spectroscopy confirmed the loading of the FLZ molecules in the polymeric network of the prepared NPs. The release profile of NP4 showed a burst initial release followed by a controlled pattern up to 24 hours with a higher percent released relative to the free FLZ suspension. NP4 was able to reduce the value of MIC of FLZ by 20 times. Conclusion: The antifungal activity of FLZ against C. albicans was enhanced markedly via its loading in the alginate/chitosan-based polymeric matrix of NP4.


Author(s):  
Himanshu Paliwal ◽  
Ram Singh Solanki ◽  
Chetan Singh Chauhan

The purpose of conducting this study was to prepare an oral microemulsion formulation of Rosuvastatin calcium (RC) to improve its water solubility. Oil in water microemulsion was formulated using Oleic acid, Tween 80 and Polyethylene Glycol-400(PEG-400) as oil, surfactant and co-surfactant, respectively. The ideal proportion of surfactant: co-surfactant (Smix) was chosen by constructing pseudoternary diagrams. The microemulsion formulations which proved to be stable after thermodynamic stability testing were further evaluated for physical characteristics. Selected formulations were evaluated for droplet size, zeta potential, polydispersity index, viscosity and % drug content. The results were suggestive that optimized microemulsion formulation (F2) was thermodynamically stable and clear having a droplet size of 74.29 nm and zeta potential of -18.44.  In vitro dissolution study for optimized microemulsion was performed using a dialysis bag method and cumulative % drug release was determined. The result from the release study was indicative of improved solubility of Rosuvastatin calcium which may serve to boost up the oral bioavailability of drug.


Pharmaceutics ◽  
2022 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 129
Author(s):  
Hassan Shah ◽  
Asadullah Madni ◽  
Muhammad Muzamil Khan ◽  
Fiaz-ud-Din Ahmad ◽  
Nasrullah Jan ◽  
...  

The current study aimed to develop pH-responsive cisplatin-loaded liposomes (CDDP@PLs) via the thin film hydration method. Formulations with varied ratios of dioleoyl phosphatidylethanolamine (DOPE) to cholesteryl hemisuccinate (CHEMS) were investigated to obtain the optimal particle size, zeta potential, entrapment efficiency, in vitro release profile, and stability. The particle size of the CDDP@PLs was in the range of 153.2 ± 3.08–206.4 ± 2.26 nm, zeta potential was −17.8 ± 1.26 to −24.6 ± 1.72, and PDI displayed an acceptable size distribution. Transmission electron microscopy revealed a spherical shape with ~200 nm size. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic analysis showed the physicochemical stability of CDDP@PLs, and differential scanning calorimetry analysis showed the loss of the crystalline nature of cisplatin in liposomes. In vitro release study of CDDP@PLs at pH 7.4 depicted the lower release rate of cisplatin (less than 40%), and at a pH of 6.5, an almost 65% release rate was achieved compared to the release rate at pH 5.5 (more than 80%) showing the tumor-specific drug release. The cytotoxicity study showed the improved cytotoxicity of CDDP@PLs compared to cisplatin solution in MDA-MB-231 and SK-OV-3 cell lines, and fluorescence microscopy also showed enhanced cellular internalization. The acute toxicity study showed the safety and biocompatibility of the developed carrier system for the potential delivery of chemotherapeutic agents. These studies suggest that CDDP@PLs could be utilized as an efficient delivery system for the enhancement of therapeutic efficacy and to minimize the side effects of chemotherapy by releasing cisplatin at the tumor site.


2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (5-s) ◽  
pp. 265-270
Author(s):  
Swati Patel ◽  
Prabhat Jain ◽  
Geeta Parkhe

Acyclovir has low bioavailability mainly due to low solubility. This study aimed to formulate an optimized acyclovir (ACV) nanoemulsion gel for the slow, variable and incomplete oral drug absorption in patient suffering from herpes simplex viral infection. The dispersion solubility of acyclovir was studied in various oils, surfactants and co-surfactants and by constructing pseudo phase ternary diagram nanoemulsion area was identified. The optimized formulations of nanoemulsions were subjected to thermodynamic stability tests. After stability study, stable formulation was characterized for droplet size, pH determination, centrifugation, % drug content in nanoemulsion, Zeta Potential and Vesicle size measurement and than nanoemulsion gel were prepared and characterized for spreadability, measurement of viscosity, drug content, In-vitro diffusion, in-vitro release data. Span 40 was selected as surfactant, PEG 400 as co surfactant and castor oil as oil component based on solubility study. The in vitro drug release from acyclovir nanoemulsion gel was found to be considerably higher in comparison to that of the pure drug. The in-vitro diffusion of nanoemulsion gel was significantly good. Based on this study, it can be concluded the solubility and permeability of acyclovir can be increased by formulating into nanoemulsion gel. Keywords: Acyclovir, Nanoemulsion, In-vitro diffusion, Zeta potential, Stability


Pharmaceutics ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (10) ◽  
pp. 978 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ji-Hun Jang ◽  
Seung-Hyun Jeong ◽  
Yong-Bok Lee

Methotrexate, which is widely used in the treatment of cancer and immune-related diseases, has limitations in use because of its low bioavailability, short half-life, and tissue toxicity. Thus, in this study, a nano-sized water-in-oil-in-water (W/O/W) double emulsion containing methotrexate was prepared to enhance its lymphatic delivery and bioavailability. Based on the results from solubility testing and a pseudo-ternary diagram study, olive oil as the oil, Labrasol as a surfactant, and ethanol as a co-surfactant, were selected as the optimal components for the nanoemulsion. The prepared nanoemulsion was evaluated for size, zeta potential, encapsulation efficiency, pH, morphology, and in vitro release profiles. Furthermore, pharmacokinetics and lymphatic targeting efficiency were assessed after oral and intravenous administration of methotrexate-loaded nanoemulsion to rats. Mean droplet size, zeta potential, encapsulation efficiency, and pH of formulated nanoemulsion were 173.77 ± 5.76 nm, −35.63 ± 0.78 mV, 90.37 ± 0.96%, and 4.07 ± 0.03, respectively. In vitro release profile of the formulation indicated a higher dissolution and faster rate of methotrexate than that of free drug. The prepared nanoemulsion showed significant increases in maximum plasma concentration, area under the plasma concentration-time curve, half-life, oral bioavailability, and lymphatic targeting efficiency in both oral and intravenous administration. Therefore, our research proposes a methotrexate-loaded nanoemulsion as a good candidate for enhancing targeted lymphatic delivery of methotrexate.


2014 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 119-123
Author(s):  
MS Ashwini ◽  
Mohammed Gulzar Ahmed

The study was designed for the investigation of pulsatile device to achieve time or site specific release of Losartan potassium based on chronopharmaceutical considerations. The basic design involves the preparation of cross linked hard gelatin capsules by using formaldehyde, then the drug diluent mixture were prepared and loaded in, which was separated by using hydrogel plugs of different polymers of different viscosities. Prepared formulations were subjected to evaluation of various parameters like weight variation, percentage drug content, in vitro drug release and stability studies. Weight variation and percentage drug content results showed that they were within the limits of official standards. The in-vitro release studies revealed that the capsules plugged with polymer HPMC showed better pulsatile or sustained release property as compared to the other formulations. The stability studies were carried out for all the formulations and formulations F1 & F2 were found to be stable. Dhaka Univ. J. Pharm. Sci. 12(2): 119-123, 2013 (December) DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/dujps.v12i2.17610


Author(s):  
ARVIND GANNIMITTA ◽  
PRATHIMA SRINIVAS ◽  
VENKATESHWAR REDDY A ◽  
PEDIREDDI SOBHITA RANI

Objective: The main objective of this study was to prepare and evaluate the nanocrystal formulation of docetaxel. Methods: Docetaxel nanocrystals were formulated to improve the water solubility. Docetaxel nanocrystals were prepared by nanoprecipitation method using Tween 80, egg lecithin, and povidone C-12 as stabilizers and poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) as polymer in acceptable limits. A total of 16 formulations were prepared by changing stabilizer and polymer ratios. The prepared nanocrystals were characterized by particle size, zeta potential, crystalline structure, surface morphology, assay, saturation solubility, and in vitro drug release. Results: Based on particle size, polydispersity index, and zeta potential data, four formulations were optimized. The formulation containing Tween 80 as stabilizer has shown lowest particle size and better drug release than the formulations containing egg lecithin and povidone C-12 as stabilizers. The formulation containing Tween 80 and PLGA has shown still lower sized particles than the Tween 80 alone and exhibited prolonged sustained drug release. The release kinetics of formulations containing Tween 80 and PLGA followed zero-order release kinetics and formulations containing egg lecithin and povidone C-12 followed Higuchi diffusion (non-Fickian). Conclusion: From the study, we concluded that as the type and concentration of stabilizer changed the size and shape of the crystals were also changed and the formulations showed sustained drug release with non-Fickian diffusion.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document