scholarly journals Considerable Improvement of Ursolic Acid Water Solubility by Its Encapsulation in Dendrimer Nanoparticles: Design, Synthesis and Physicochemical Characterization

Nanomaterials ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (9) ◽  
pp. 2196 ◽  
Author(s):  
Silvana Alfei ◽  
Anna Maria Schito ◽  
Guendalina Zuccari

Ursolic acid (UA) is a pentacyclic triterpenoid found in many medicinal plants and aromas endowed with numerous in vitro pharmacological activities, including antibacterial effects. Unfortunately, UA is poorly administered in vivo, due to its water insolubility, low bioavailability, and residual systemic toxicity, thus making urgent the development of water-soluble UA formulations. Dendrimers are nonpareil macromolecules possessing highly controlled size, shape, and architecture. In dendrimers with cationic surface, the contemporary presence of inner cavities and of hydrophilic peripheral functions, allows to encapsulate hydrophobic non-water-soluble drugs as UA, to enhance their water-solubility and stability, and to promote their protracted release, thus decreasing their systemic toxicity. In this paper, aiming at developing a new UA-based antibacterial agent administrable in vivo, we reported the physical entrapment of UA in a biodegradable not cytotoxic cationic dendrimer (G4K). UA-loaded dendrimer nanoparticles (UA-G4K) were obtained, which showed a drug loading (DL%) much higher than those previously reported, a protracted release profile governed by diffusion mechanisms, and no cytotoxicity. Also, UA-G4K was characterized by principal components analysis (PCA)-processed FTIR spectroscopy, by NMR and elemental analyses, and by dynamic light scattering experiments (DLS). The water solubility of UA-G4K was found to be 1868-fold times higher than that of pristine UA, thus making its clinical application feasible.

2014 ◽  
Vol 5 (19) ◽  
pp. 5775-5783 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lin Dai ◽  
Dan Li ◽  
Jing Cheng ◽  
Jing Liu ◽  
Li-Hong Deng ◽  
...  

Multiarm-polyethylene glycol–betulinic acid prodrugs were prepared by using multiarm-polyethylene glycol linkers and betulinic acid, which exhibited high drug loading capacity, good water solubility, and excellent anticancer activity.


Pharmaceutics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (11) ◽  
pp. 1976
Author(s):  
Anna Maria Schito ◽  
Debora Caviglia ◽  
Gabriella Piatti ◽  
Alessia Zorzoli ◽  
Danilo Marimpietri ◽  
...  

Ursolic acid (UA), a pentacyclic triterpenoid acid found in many medicinal plants and aromas, is known for its antibacterial effects against multi-drug-resistant (MDR) Gram-positive bacteria, which seriously threaten human health. Unfortunately, UA water-insolubility, low bioavailability, and systemic toxicity limit the possibilities of its application in vivo. Consequently, the beneficial activities of UA observed in vitro lose their potential clinical relevance unless water-soluble, not cytotoxic UA formulations are developed. With a nano-technologic approach, we have recently prepared water-soluble UA-loaded dendrimer nanoparticles (UA-G4K NPs) non-cytotoxic on HeLa cells, with promising physicochemical properties for their clinical applications. In this work, with the aim of developing a new antibacterial agent based on UA, UA-G4K has been tested on different strains of the Enterococcus genus, including marine isolates, toward which UA-G4K has shown minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) very low (0.5–4.3 µM), regardless of their resistance to antibiotics. Time-kill experiments, in addition to confirming the previously reported bactericidal activity of UA against E. faecium, also established it for UA-G4K. Furthermore, cytotoxicity experiments on human keratinocytes revealed that nanomanipulation of UA significantly reduced the cytotoxicity of UA, providing UA-G4K NPs with very high LD50 (96.4 µM) and selectivity indices, which were in the range 22.4–192.8, depending on the enterococcal strain tested. Due to its physicochemical and biological properties, UA-G4K could be seriously evaluated as a novel oral-administrable therapeutic option for tackling difficult-to-treat enterococcal infections.


Author(s):  
Upasana Yadav ◽  
Angshuman Ray Chowdhuri ◽  
Sumanta Kumar Sahu ◽  
Nuzhat Husain ◽  
Qamar Rehman

  Objective: In this study, we have made an attempt to the developed formulation of nanoparticles (NPs) of telmisartan (TLM) incorporated in carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCS) for the better drug delivery and enhanced bioavailability.Materials and Methods: The NPs size and morphology were investigated by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy and field emission scanning electron microscopy, respectively. The crystal structures and surface functional groups were analyzed using X-ray diffraction pattern, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, respectively.Results: To increase the solubility of TLM by targeted delivery of the drug through polymeric NPs is an alternative efficient, option for increasing the solubility. TLM nanosuspension powders were successfully formulated for dissolution and bioavailability enhancement of the drug. We focused on evaluating the influence of particle size and crystalline state on the in vitro and in vivo performance of TLM.Conclusion: In summary, we have developed a new approach toward the delivery of poorly water-soluble drug TLM by CMCS NPs. The particles having a good drug loading content and drug encapsulation efficiency. The cytotoxicity of the synthesized NPs is also very less.


Planta Medica ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 85 (16) ◽  
pp. 1233-1241
Author(s):  
Michael Kirchinger ◽  
Lara Bieler ◽  
Julia Tevini ◽  
Michael Vogl ◽  
Elisabeth Haschke-Becher ◽  
...  

AbstractThe chroman-like chalcone Xanthohumol C, originally found in hops, was demonstrated to be a potent neuroregenerative and neuroprotective natural product and therefore constitutes a strong candidate for further pharmaceutical research. The bottleneck for in vivo experiments is the low water solubility of this chalcone. Consequently, we developed and validated a suitable formulation enabling in vivo administration. Cyclodextrins were used as water-soluble and nontoxic complexing agents, and the complex of Xanthohumol C and 2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin was characterized using HPLC, HPLC-MS, NMR, and differential scanning calorimetry. The water solubility of Xanthohumol C increases with increasing concentrations of cyclodextrin. Using 50 mM 2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin, solubility was increased 650-fold. Furthermore, in vitro bioactivity of Xanthohumol C in free and complexed form did not significantly differ, suggesting the release of Xanthohumol C from 2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin. Finally, a small-scaled in vivo experiment in a rat model showed that after i. p. administration of the complex, Xanthohumol C can be detected in serum, the brain, and the cerebrospinal fluid at 1 and 6 h post-administration. Mean (± SD) Xanthohumol C serum concentrations after 1, 6, and 12 h were determined as 463.5 (± 120.9), 61.9 (± 13.4), and 9.3 (± 0.8) ng/mL upon i. v., and 294.3 (± 22.4), 45.5 (± 0.7), and 13 (± 1.0) ng/mL after i. p. application, respectively. Accordingly, the formulation of Xanthohumol C/2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin is suitable for further in vivo experiments and further pharmaceutical research aiming for the determination of its neuroregenerative potential in animal disease models.


2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (5) ◽  
pp. 419-428
Author(s):  
Li Li ◽  
Chunjiao Pan ◽  
Zhongqiu Guo ◽  
Bingmi Liu ◽  
Hao Pan ◽  
...  

In this study, graphene oxide was synthesized using the Hummers method, and stable and homogeneous graphene oxide aqueous solutions were obtained through mechanical stirring and ultrasonic stripping. In conjunction with our previous studies, graphene oxide-loaded insoluble compound delivery systems were prepared to verify the in vivo release profiles of the graphene oxide delivery system. Several insoluble compounds including imatinib, nilotinib, erlotinib, gefitinib, and afatinib were selected for loading and in vitro graphene oxide release assays to study the non-covalent adsorption mechanisms. Computer simulations were employed for validation processes. For in vivo release assays, the T1/2 values of the poorly water soluble groups were 1.104 ± 0.18 h and the Cmax was 2.600 ± 2.06 mg/L. In previous assays, compounds with high water solubility supported by graphene oxide were released and detected in vivo. The solubility of the compound and its binding force with the carrier played a crucial role in release. The results of graphene oxide loading experiments showed that the maximum loading and entrapment efficiencies of the insoluble model compounds with similar aromatic rings were comparable. Under basic conditions, the in vitro release rates and maximum release levels of amino pyrimidine were elevated. In contrast, quinazoline release declined. Combined with computer simulations, π–π stacking was identified as the dominant mechanism for adsorption onto graphene oxide. Both hydrogen bonding and cation-π bonds played an auxiliary reinforcing role, and the two were regarded as antagonistic.


Molecules ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (11) ◽  
pp. 2560 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gökçe Şeker Karatoprak ◽  
Esra Küpeli Akkol ◽  
Yasin Genç ◽  
Hilal Bardakcı ◽  
Çiğdem Yücel ◽  
...  

Combretastatins are a class of closely related stilbenes (combretastatins A), dihydrostilbenes (combretastatins B), phenanthrenes (combretastatins C) and macrocyclic lactones (combretastatins D) found in the bark of Combretum caffrum (Eckl. & Zeyh.) Kuntze, commonly known as the South African bush willow. Some of the compounds in this series have been shown to be among the most potent antitubulin agents known. Due to their structural simplicity many analogs have also been synthesized. Combretastatin A4 phosphate is the most frequently tested compounds in preclinical and clinical trials. It is a water-soluble prodrug that the body can rapidly metabolize to combretastatin A4, which exhibits anti-tumor properties. In addition, in vitro and in vivo studies on combretastatins have determined that these compounds also have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects. Nano-based formulations of natural or synthetic active agents such as combretastatin A4 phosphate exhibit several clear advantages, including improved low water solubility, prolonged circulation, drug targeting properties, enhanced efficiency, as well as fewer side effects. In this review, a synopsis of the recent literature exploring the combretastatins, their potential effects and nanoformulations as lead compounds in clinical applications is provided.


Pharmaceutics ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 180 ◽  
Author(s):  
Charu Dwivedi ◽  
Himanshu Pandey ◽  
Avinash C. Pandey ◽  
Sandip Patil ◽  
Pramod W. Ramteke ◽  
...  

Tissue engineering technologies involving growth factors have produced one of the most advanced generations of diabetic wound healing solutions. Using this approach, a nanocomposite carrier was designed using Poly(d,l-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA)/Gelatin polymer solutions for the simultaneous release of recombinant human epidermal growth factor (rhEGF) and gentamicin sulfate at the wound site to hasten the process of diabetic wound healing and inactivation of bacterial growth. The physicochemical characterization of the fabricated scaffolds was carried out using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ay diffraction (XRD). The scaffolds were analyzed for thermal stability using thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry. The porosity, biodegradability, and swelling behavior of the scaffolds was also evaluated. Encapsulation efficiency, drug loading capacity, and in vitro drug release were also investigated. Further, the bacterial inhibition percentage and detailed in vivo biocompatibility for wound healing efficiency was performed on diabetic C57BL6 mice with dorsal wounds. The scaffolds exhibited excellent wound healing and continuous proliferation of cells for 12 days. These results support the applicability of such systems in rapid healing of diabetic wounds and ulcers.


2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (6) ◽  
pp. 3255
Author(s):  
Amina Ben Mihoub ◽  
Samir Acherar ◽  
Céline Frochot ◽  
Catherine Malaplate ◽  
Frances T. Yen ◽  
...  

Self-aggregation of Curcumin (Cur) in aqueous biological environment decreases its bioavailability and in vivo therapeutic efficacy, which hampers its clinical use as candidate for reducing risk of neurodegenerative diseases. Here, we focused on the design of new Cur- β-Cyclodextrin nanoconjugates to improve the solubility and reduce cell toxicity of Cur. In this study, we described the synthesis, structural characterization, photophysical properties and neuron cell toxicity of two new water soluble β-CD/Cur nanoconjugates as new strategy for reducing risks of neurodegenerative diseases. Cur was coupled to one or two β-CD molecules via triazole rings using CuAAC click chemistry strategy to yield β-CD@Cur and (β-CD)2@Cur nanoconjugates, respectively. The synthesized nanoconjugates were found to be able to self-assemble in aqueous condition and form nano-aggregates of an average diameter size of around 35 and 120 nm for β-CD@Cur and (β-CD)2@Cur, respectively. The photophysical properties, water solubility and cell toxicity on rat embryonic cortical neurons of the designed nanoconjugates were investigated and compared to that of Cur alone. The findings revealed that both new nanoconjugates displayed better water solubility and in vitro biocompatibility than Cur alone, thus making it possible to envisage their use as future nano-systems for the prevention or risk reduction of neurodegenerative diseases.


2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (9) ◽  
pp. 5813-5818
Author(s):  
Eun-Ji Heo ◽  
Sang Yeob Park ◽  
Hye-In Kim ◽  
Ji-Hun Sung ◽  
Hyeok Jin Kwon ◽  
...  

The purpose of this study is to identify the effects of a stabilizer and matrix former in the development of a celecoxib dried nanosuspension (DNS) for high dissolution rate and drug loading. Tween 80 and Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (HPMC) were used as stabilizers in the bead-milling process and dextrin was used as the matrix former in the spray-drying. Various nanosuspensions (NS) were prepared by varying the ratio of HPMC and dextrin, and the physicochemical properties of each formulation were evaluated for particle size, morphology, drug loading, crystallinity, redispersibility, physical stability and dissolution rate. HPMC efficiently stabilized the NS system and reduced the particle size of NS. The mean particle size of the NS with 0.5% HPMC (w/v) was the smallest (248 nm) of all formulations. Dextrin has been shown to inhibit the increase of particle size efficiently, which is known to occur frequently when NS is being solidified. As the dextrin increased in DNS, the dissolution rates of reconstituted NS were significantly improved. However, it was confirmed that more than the necessary amount of dextrin in DNS reduced the dissolution and drug loading. The dissolution of celecoxib in DNS prepared at the ratio (drug:dextrin, 1:2.5) was almost the highest. The dissolution of optimal formulation was 95.8% at 120 min, which was 2.0-fold higher than that of NS dried without dextrin. In conclusion, these results suggest that the formulation based on Tween 80, HPMC and dextrin may be an effective option for DNS to enhance its in vitro dissolution and in vivo oral absorption.


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