The Potential of Macroporous Silica—Nanocrystalline Cellulose Combination for Formulating Dry Emulsion Systems with Improved Flow Properties: A DoE Study

The objective of this study was to explore the possible use of a new combination of two excipients, i.e., nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC) and macroporous silica (MS), as matrix materials for the compounding of dry emulsion systems and the effects these two excipients have on the characteristics of dry emulsion powders produced by the spray drying process. A previously developed liquid O/W nanoemulsion, comprised of simvastatin, 1-oleoyl-rac-glycerol, Miglyol 812 and Tween 20, was employed. In order to comprehend the effects that these two matrix formers have on the spray drying process and on dry emulsion powder characteristics, alone and in combination, a DoE (Design of Experiment) approach was used. The physicochemical properties of dry emulsion samples were characterised by atomic force microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, mercury intrusion porosimetry, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and laser diffraction analysis. Additionally, total release and dissolution experiments were performed to assess drug release from multiple formulations. It was found that the macroporous silica matrix drastically improved flow properties of dry emulsion powders; however, it partially trapped the oil—drug mixture inside the pores and hindered complete release. NCC showed its potential to reduce oil entrapment in MS, but because of its rod-shaped particles deposited on the MS surface, powder flowability was deteriorated.

Formulation and evaluation of raloxifene hydrochloride dry emulsion tablet using solid carrier adsorption technique

Aim: The present study focused on the development of a dry emulsion tablet of raloxifene hydrochloride (RXF) using a solid carrier adsorption technique to enhance oral bioavailability. Methods: An oil-in-water emulsion was formulated and converted into dry powder using HPMC K4M plus Aerosil 200, then compressed into tablets. Results: The prepared emulsion was evaluated for globule size, drug content and zeta potential. In vitro release study revealed significantly higher release from emulsion. The prepared tablets possessed acceptable hardness, friability, weight variation, disintegration time, thickness, etc. In vivo pharmacokinetic studies indicated a more than sevenfold increase in oral bioavailability. Stability studies indicated good physical and chemical stability of the developed formulation. Conclusion: The authors successfully formulated dry emulsion tablets with enhanced oral bioavailability.

Dry Emulsions based on Alpha Cyclodextrin and Vegetable Oils for Buccal Delivery of Lipophilic Drugs

Background: Buccal delivery of drugs can be used as an alternative administration route to conventional oral route avoiding the liver first-pass effect and improving patient compliance. Objective: The goal of this work was to develop dry emulsions for buccal delivery of ketoprofen, used as a lipophilic model drug. The influence of two vegetable oils, olive oil or wheat germ oil, in the presence of α-cyclodextrin and different drying techniques on the dry emulsion properties was evaluated. Methods: Emulsions were prepared by adding olive oil or wheat germ oil to an aqueous solution of α-cyclodextrin and subsequently dried through an oven, freeze-dryer or spray-dryer. Dry emulsions were characterized in terms of yield, encapsulation efficiency, morphology and drug solid-state. In vitro drug release and permeation studies were carried out to evaluate dry emulsion ability to release the drug and to allow its permeation through the esophageal porcine epithelium. Results: The formation of stable and milky emulsion was assured by cyclodextrin ability to interact with oil components obtaining an inclusion complex with amphiphilic property able to act as a surfaceactive agent. The drying process influenced the yield and the encapsulation efficiency, while no significant differences were observed between olive oil and wheat germ oil. Freeze-dried emulsions, selected as the best formulations, resulted in fast release of drug thereby ensuring its permeation across the epithelium. Conclusion: Dry emulsions prepared with a simple and easy method, using natural ingredients and avoiding synthetic surfactants and organic solvents, could be used for buccal delivery of lipophilic drugs.