Nanosuspensions of poorly water-soluble drugs prepared by bottom-up technologies

Oral Delivery of Puerarin Nanocrystals To Improve Brain Accumulation and Anti-Parkinsonian Efficacy

Puerarin (PU) has emerged as a promising herb-derived anti-Parkinsonism compound. However, the undesirable water solubility as well as the unwanted bioavailability of PU limit its application. Therefore, this study aimed to develop and characterize PU nanocrystals (PU-NCs) with enhanced oral bioavailability and improved brain accumulation for the treatment of Parkinson's disease (PD). The fabricated PU-NCs were approximately spherical, with a mean size of 83.05 ± 1.96 nm, a PDI of 0.047 ± 0.009, a drug loading of 72.7%, and a rapid dissolution rate in vitro. Molecular dynamics simulation of PU and Pluronic F68 demonstrated the interaction energy and binding energy of -88.1 kJ/mol and -40.201 ± 0.685 kJ/mol, respectively, indicating a spontaneous binding with van der Waals interactions. In addition, the cellular uptake and permeability of PU-NCs were significantly enhanced as compared to PU alone ( p < 0.01). Moreover, PU-NCs exerted a significant neuroprotective effect against the cellular damage induced by the 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium ion (MPP⁺). Besides, PU-NCs demonstrated no obvious toxic effects on zebrafish, as evidenced by the unaltered morphology, hatching, survival rate, body length, and heart rate. Fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) imaging revealed that intact nanocrystals were found in the intestine and brain of adult zebrafish gavaged with DiO/DiI/PU-NCs. Increased values of C_max and AUC_{0- t} were observed in the plasma of rats following oral administration of PU-NCs compared to PU suspension. Likewise, brain accumulation of PU-NCs was higher than that of PU suspension. Furthermore, PU-NCs attenuated dopamine depletion, ameliorated 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-induced behavioral deficits, and enhanced the levels of dopamine and its metabolites. Taken altogether, this study provides evidence that PU-NCs could be exploited as a potential oral delivery system to treat PD, by improving the poor bioavailability of PU and enhancing their delivery into the brain.

Tuning HIV drug release from a nanogel-basedin situforming implant by changing nanogel size

This paper reports anin situforming implant based on responsive nanogels that gives tuneable long-acting drug release.

Pure paclitaxel nanoparticles: preparation, characterization, and antitumor effect for human liver cancer SMMC-7721 cells

Introduction

Pure paclitaxel nanoparticles (PPN), consisting entirely of drug molecules, were prepared by the electrostatic spraying method as promising candidates for antitumor application. Compared with the traditional preparation method, the advantage of the electrostatic spraying method included high production rates, relatively small particle sizes, and ease of preparation.

Materials and methods

Paclitaxel was used to prepared PPN by electrostatic spray. The electrostatic spray device included a constant speed pump with a syringe, a high-voltage power supply, and a metal foil receiver was used to prepare and evaluate PPN. The syringe drew off a certain amount of paclitaxel chloroform solution (150 μg/mL) and was placed on the constant speed injection pump. The dissolution behavior of PPN was evaluated by dissolution test and the presence of paclitaxel in PPN was detected by X-Ray powder diffraction and differential scanning calorimetry. Effect of PPN on SMMC-7721 cells were studied by cell uptake, cell apoptosis and antitumor study.

Results

The results of X-ray powder diffraction and differential scanning calorimetry characterization showed that the PPN were in an amorphous state. A dissolution study indicated that PPN have a significantly enhanced dissolution rate of paclitaxel. Moreover, SMMC-7721 tumor cells treated with PPN exhibited a distinctly high uptake rate that promoted cell apoptosis. An in vivo antitumor study demonstrated that PPN had significant antitumor efficacy.

Conclusion

All conclusions verified that electrostatic spraying is a potential technology for developing PPN, and PPN can be regarded as a promising treatment for cancer.

Smart nanocarrier based on PEGylated hyaluronic acid for deacetyl mycoepoxydience: High stability with enhanced bioavailability and efficiency

Deacetyl mycoepoxydience (DM) nanocrystals core were stabilized by the folate modified distearoylphosphatidyl ethanolamine-polyethylene glycol (DSPE-PEG₂₀₀₀-FA) as the active-targeting stabilizer and D-α-tocopherol polyethylene glycol 1000 succinate (TPGS) as the reversion of multidrug resistance stabilizer, respectively. The DM nanocrystals was acted as the core and shelled by the polyethylene glycol-hyaluronic acid (PEG-HA). The optimal core-shell system demonstrated superior stability at 4 °C for 6 weeks by the stability study and higher dissolution velocity. Cytotoxicity in vitro and cell proliferation inhibition was evaluated by MCF-7 cells line. Furthermore, the core-shell nanocrystals revealed a concentration- and time-dependent cytotoxicity activity and enhanced the cell proliferation inhibition. Pharmacokinetic studies in rabbits showed core-shelled DM nanocrystals significantly increased AUC and t_1/2 and reduced CL_z compared to the DM solution for intravenous delivery. Results indicated that core-shell nanocrystals nanogel was successfully established with higher stability and the bioavailability of DM with higher safety was improved.

Nano based drug delivery systems: recent developments and future prospects

Nanomedicine and nano delivery systems are a relatively new but rapidly developing science where materials in the nanoscale range are employed to serve as means of diagnostic tools or to deliver therapeutic agents to specific targeted sites in a controlled manner. Nanotechnology offers multiple benefits in treating chronic human diseases by site-specific, and target-oriented delivery of precise medicines. Recently, there are a number of outstanding applications of the nanomedicine (chemotherapeutic agents, biological agents, immunotherapeutic agents etc.) in the treatment of various diseases. The current review, presents an updated summary of recent advances in the field of nanomedicines and nano based drug delivery systems through comprehensive scrutiny of the discovery and application of nanomaterials in improving both the efficacy of novel and old drugs (e.g., natural products) and selective diagnosis through disease marker molecules. The opportunities and challenges of nanomedicines in drug delivery from synthetic/natural sources to their clinical applications are also discussed. In addition, we have included information regarding the trends and perspectives in nanomedicine area.

Comparative studies on amphotericin B nanosuspensions prepared by a high pressure homogenization method and an antisolvent precipitation method

Amphotericin B (AmB) is a widely used polyene antifungal agent; however, its poor solubility limits its clinical application. In this study, AmB nanosuspensions were prepared by a high pressure homogenization method (AmB-HPH) and an antisolvent precipitation method (AmB-AP) to improve the drug solubility. To reveal the distinct influences of these two different preparation methods, systematic comparisons of particle size, crystalline state, wettability, in vitro dissolution and in vivo pharmacokinetics on the properties of AmB-HPH and AmB-AP were performed. The results indicated that AmB-AP was in an amorphous state, exhibiting higher saturation solubility and dissolution rate than those of AmB-HPH in the crystalline state. However, the relative bioavailability of AmB-HPH was higher than that of AmB-AP in vivo, which was likely attributed to its better stability. In conclusion, both AmB-HPH and AmB-AP can enhance the solubility and bioavailability of AmB, but the stability of the nanosuspension prepared by the anti-solvent precipitation method should be carefully considered.

Effect of taste masking technology on fast dissolving oral film: dissolution rate and bioavailability

Fast dissolving oral film is a stamp-style, drug-loaded polymer film with rapid disintegration and dissolution. This new kind of drug delivery system requires effective taste masking technology. Suspension intermediate and liposome intermediate were prepared, respectively, for the formulation of two kinds of fast dissolving oral films with the aim of studying the effect of taste masking technology on the bioavailability of oral films. Loratadine was selected as the model drug. The surface pH of the films was close to neutral, avoiding oral mucosal irritation or side effects. The thickness of a 2 cm × 2 cm suspension oral film containing 10 mg of loratadine was 100 μm. Electron microscope analysis showed that liposomes were spherical before and after re-dissolution, and drugs with obvious bitterness could be masked by the encapsulation of liposomes. Dissolution of the two films was superior to that of the commercial tablets. Rat pharmacokinetic experiments showed that the oral bioavailability of the suspension film was significantly higher than that of the commercial tablets, and the relative bioavailability of the suspension film was 175%. Liposomal film produced a certain amount of improvement in bioavailability, but lower than that of the suspension film.

Design and characterization of loratadine nanosuspension prepared by ultrasonic-assisted precipitation

Nanoparticle engineering is a well-defined technique employed as a novel and effective method in drug design and delivery. It is widely used to control particle size, as well as the morphological and physicochemical properties of active pharmaceutical ingredients. Furthermore, it serves as a method of pre-dispersion preparation for various dosage form developments. Nanotechnology produces nanomaterials with enhanced properties in terms of solubility, dissolution and permeability. In this work, ultrasonic-assisted precipitation was employed to produce nanosuspensions of poorly water-soluble loratadine, using different stabilizers. The objective of our study was attempting to prepare solid nanoparticles of loratadine to be used as a possible intermediate for designing various dosage forms. The effects of the type(s) and concentration(s) of stabilizer(s) on mean particle size were assessed. Optimal process parameters required to produce homogeneous nanoparticles with particle size below 500 nm and polydispersity less than 0.3 were determined both for precipitation and ultrasonication. Pre-dispersions were evaluated for their particle size, polydispersity index and zeta potential. Freeze-drying was employed to produce dry nanoparticles. Particle size, particle size distribution and zeta potential of the dried nanoparticles were measured after reconstitution in water. Besides thermal analysis using DSC and structural analyses (XRPD and FT-IR), the morphological characteristics and dissolution behaviors were also investigated. The selected freeze-dried nanoparticles had a mean particle size range of 353-441 nm, a polydispersity index ranging between 0.167 and 0.229 and a zeta potential between -25.7 and -20.7 mV. These results suggest that material and process parameters were successfully optimized. DSC and XRPD spectra confirmed interactions between the formulation's components during freeze-drying. The solid nanoparticles showed 30-42% of cumulative release after 10 min compared to less than 1% of dissolution characterizing loratadine without pre-processing. This study demonstrates that preparing dried loratadine nanoparticles suitable for designing effective drug preparations is a feasible approach.

Production of pure drug nanocrystals and nano co-crystals by confinement methods

The use of drug nanocrystals in the drug formulation is increasing due to the large number of poorly water-soluble drug compounds synthetized and due to the advantages brought by the nanonization process. The downsizing processes are done using a top-down approach (milling and homogenization currently employed at the industrial level), while the crystallization process is performed by bottom-up techniques (e.g., antisolvent precipitation, use of supercritical fluids or spray and freeze drying). In addition, the production of nanocrystals in confined environment can be achieved within microfluidics channels. This review analyzes the processes for the preparation of nanocrystals and co-crystals, divided by top-down and bottom-up approaches, together with their combinations. The combination of both strategies merges the favorable features of each process and avoids the disadvantages of single processes. Overall, the applicability of drug nanocrystals is highlighted by the widespread research on the production processes at the engineering, pharmaceutical, and nanotechnology level.

Supercritical carbon dioxide-based technologies for the production of drug nanoparticles/nanocrystals - A comprehensive review

Low drug bioavailability, which is mostly a result of poor aqueous drug solubilities and of inadequate drug dissolution rates, is one of the most significant challenges that pharmaceutical companies are currently facing, since this may limit the therapeutic efficacy of marketed drugs, or even result in the discard of potential highly effective drug candidates during developmental stages. Two of the main approaches that have been implemented in recent years to overcome poor drug solubility/dissolution issues have frequently involved drug particle size reduction (i.e., micronization/nanonization) and/or the modification of some of the physicochemical and structural properties of poorly water soluble drugs. A large number of particle engineering methodologies have been developed, tested, and applied in the synthesis and control of particle size/particle-size distributions, crystallinities, and polymorphic purities of drug micro- and nano-particles/crystals. In recent years pharmaceutical processing using supercritical fluids (SCF), in general, and supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO₂), in particular, have attracted a great attention from the pharmaceutical industry. This is mostly due to the several well-known advantageous technical features of these processes, as well as to other increasingly important subjects for the pharmaceutical industry, namely their "green", sustainable, safe and "environmentally-friendly" intrinsic characteristics. In this work, it is presented a comprehensive state-of-the-art review on scCO₂-based processes focused on the formation and on the control of the physicochemical, structural and morphological properties of amorphous/crystalline pure drug nanoparticles. It is presented and discussed the most relevant scCO₂, scCO₂-based fluids and drug physicochemical properties that are pertinent for the development of successful pharmaceutical products, namely those that are critical in the selection of an adequate scCO₂-based method to produce pure drug nanoparticles/nanocrystals. scCO₂-based nanoparticle formation methodologies are classified in three main families, and in terms of the most important role played by scCO₂ in particle formation processes: as a solvent; as an antisolvent or a co-antisolvent; and as a "high mobility" additive (a solute, a co-solute, or a co-solvent). Specific particle formation methods belonging to each one of these families are presented, discussed and compared. Some selected amorphous/crystalline drug nanoparticles that were prepared by these methods are compiled and presented, namely those studied in the last 10-15 years. A special emphasis is given to the formation of drug cocrystals. It is also discussed the fundamental knowledge and the main mechanisms in which the scCO₂-based particle formation methods rely on, as well as the current status and urgent needs in terms of reliable experimental data and of robust modeling approaches. Other addressed and discussed topics include the currently available and the most adequate physicochemical, morphological and biological characterization methods required for pure drug nanoparticles/nanocrystals, some of the current nanometrology and regulatory issues associated to the use of these methods, as well as some scale-up, post-processing and pharmaceutical regulatory subjects related to the industrial implementation of these scCO₂-based processes. Finally, it is also discussed the current status of these techniques, as well as their future major perspectives and opportunities for industrial implementation in the upcoming years.

The emerging role of physiologically based pharmacokinetic modelling in solid drug nanoparticle translation

The use of solid drug nanoparticles (SDN) has become an established approach to improve drug delivery, supporting enhancement of oral absorption and long-acting administration strategies. A broad range of SDNs have been successfully utilised for multiple products and several development programmes are currently underway across different therapeutic areas. With some approaches, a large range of material space is available with diversity in physical characteristics, excipient choice and pharmacological behaviour. The selection of SDN lead candidates is a complex process including a broad range of in vitro and in vivo data, and a better understanding of how physical characteristics relate to performance is required. Physiologically-based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modelling is based upon a comprehensive integration of experimental data into a mathematical description of drug distribution, allowing simulation of SDN pharmacokinetics that can be qualified in vivo prior to human prediction. This review aims to provide a description of how PBPK can find application into the development of SDN. Integration of predictive PBPK modelling into SDN development allows a better understanding of the SDN dose-response relationship, supporting a framework for rational optimisation while reducing the risk of failure in developing safe and effective nanomedicines.

Formulation and Evaluation of Naringenin Nanosuspensions for Bioavailability Enhancement

The clinical potential of naringenin (NRG) is compromised due to its poor aqueous solubility and low oral bioavailability. The study is aimed at addressing these issues by means of naringenin nanosuspensions (NRG-NS) formulated using polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP K-90) as stabiliser via antisolvent sonoprecipitation method. Optimisation of sonication time, drug concentration and stabilisers was done based on particle size. Characterisation of pure NRG and NRG-NS was carried out by scanning electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), x-ray powder diffractometry (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). In vitro dissolution, intestinal absorption by non-everted rat intestinal sac model and in situ single pass intestinal perfusion techniques were performed for further investigation. Nanosuspensions prepared using PVP K-90 lead to minimum particle size (117 ± 5 nm) with zeta potential of -14.6 ± 5.6 mV. The particle size was affected by increasing sonication time, concentration of stabiliser and drug. Nanosizing process converted the crystalline drug into amorphous form as predicted from DSC and XRD patterns. FTIR demonstrated the formation of hydrogen bonds between drug and polymer. NRG-NS displayed a higher dissolution amount (91 ± 4.4% during 60 min) compared to NRG powder (42 ± 0.41%). The apparent and effective permeability of NRG-NS was increased as compared to the pure NRG. The in vivo pharmacokinetics demonstrated that the C _max and AUC_0-24 h values of NRG-NS were approximately 2- and 1.8-fold superior than the pure drug. Hence, overall results confirmed nanosuspensions as promising approach for NRG delivery with high absorption in gastrointestinal tract, improved dissolution and oral bioavailability.

A Natural Triterpenoid Saponin as Multifunctional Stabilizer for Drug Nanosuspension Powder

The objective of this study is to prepare a novel drug nanosuspension modified by a natural triterpenoid saponin (glycyrrhizin (GZ)) and evaluate its stability and redispersibility. A poorly soluble drug (andrographolide (AGE)) was used as a model drug. AGE nanosuspensions (AGE-NS) using GZ as natural stabilizer with mean particle size of 487 nm were firstly prepared by homogenization and converted into dried AGE nanosuspension powder (AGE-NP) by freeze-drying. It was found that GZ was able to prevent the aggregation of AGE nanocrystals and the freeze-dried AGE-NP could easily redisperse back to AGE-NS. It was related with special properties of GZ that possessed the interfacial property (37.02 ± 0.29 N/m) and electrostatic effect (-43.6 ± 0.9 mV) and could entrap AGE nanocrystals into its network structure. The freeze-dried AGE-NP/GZ exhibited excellent performance, compared with those combined with trehalose as matrix formers. The powder X-ray diffraction result demonstrated that GZ did not alter the AGE crystal state. The dissolution of AGE-NP/GZ (99.87%) was significantly enhanced, compared with the coarse AGE (42.35%). This study demonstrated that GZ could be used as a novel multifunctional stabilizer for production of drug nanosuspensions and provided a promising basis for further formulation development of poorly soluble drug.

Comparative study on stabilizing ability of food protein, non-ionic surfactant and anionic surfactant on BCS type II drug carvedilol loaded nanosuspension: Physicochemical and pharmacokinetic investigation

Carvedilol (CAR) in its pure state has low aqueous solubility and extremely poor bioavailability which largely limit its clinical application. The aim of the study is to improve the dissolution rate and the bioavailability of CAR via preparing nanosuspensions with different stabilizers. Antisolvent precipitation-ultrasonication technique was used here. Attempts have been made to use food protein- Whey protein isolate (WPI) as a stabilizer in CAR loaded nanosuspension and also to compare its stabilizing potential with conventional nanosuspension stabilizers such as non-ionic linear copolymer-poloxamer 188 (PLX188) and anionic surfactant-sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS). Optimized nanosuspensions showed narrow size distribution with particle size ranging from 275 to 640nm. Amorphous state of CAR nanocrystals which also improved the solubility by 16-, 25-, 55-fold accordingly was confirmed by powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). From scanning electron microscopy (SEM), flaky shape of PLX188 and SDS nanosuspensions could be revealed but WPI nanosuspension was sphere-shaped. Up to 70% dissolution of loaded drug was observed within 15min in phosphate buffer (pH6.8). A pharmacokinetic study in rats indicated that both C_max and AUC_0-36 values of nanosuspensions were estimated to be 2-fold higher than those of reference, suggesting a significant increase in CAR bioavailability.

Biomacromolecule/lipid hybrid nanoparticles for controlled delivery of sorafenib in targeting hepatocellular carcinoma therapy

Aim: Hybrids composed of various materials are highly versatile for drug delivery in tumor therapy including hepatocellular carcinoma. Herein, a sorafenib (SF)-loaded biomacromolecule hyaluronic acid (HA)/lipid hybrid nanoparticles (HA/SF-cLNS) were developed for targeting drug delivery. Materials & methods: In vitro assays determined HA/SF-cLNS release behavior, enzymatic degradation, uptake and cytotoxicity. H22-bearing liver cancer xenograft murine models were used to evaluate the biodistribution and therapeutic efficacy in vivo. Results: HA/SF-cLNS could be disassembled and drug was released in response to hyaluronidase. In vivo imaging results demonstrated HA/cLNS could enhance drug accumulation at tumor site. Meanwhile, HA/SF-cLNS exhibited improved antitumor efficacy in vitro and in vivo. Conclusion: HA/SF-cLNS demonstrated the potential to enhance antitumor efficacy of SF.

Denatured protein-coated docetaxel nanoparticles: Alterable drug state and cytosolic delivery

Many lead compounds have a low solubility in water, which substantially hinders their clinical application. Nanosuspensions have been considered a promising strategy for the delivery of water-insoluble drugs. Here, denatured soy protein isolate (SPI)-coated docetaxel nanosuspensions (DTX-NS) were developed using an anti-solvent precipitation-ultrasonication method to improve the water-solubility of DTX, thus improving its intracellular delivery. DTX-NS, with a diameter of 150-250nm and drug-loading up to 18.18%, were successfully prepared by coating drug particles with SPI. Interestingly, the drug state of DTX-NS was alterable. Amorphous drug nanoparticles were obtained at low drug-loading, whereas at a high drug-loading, the DTX-NS drug was mainly present in the crystalline state. Moreover, DTX-NS could be internalized at high levels by cancer cells and enter the cytosol by lysosomal escape, enhancing cell cytotoxicity and apoptosis compared with free DTX. Taken together, denatured SPI has a strong stabilization effect on nanosuspensions, and the drug state in SPI-coated nanosuspensions is alterable by changing the drug-loading. Moreover, DTX-NS could achieve cytosolic delivery, generating enhanced cell cytotoxicity against cancer cells.

Phytobioactive compound-based nanodelivery systems for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus - current status

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a major chronic disease that is prevalent worldwide, and it is characterized by an increase in blood glucose, disturbances in the metabolism, and alteration in insulin secretion. Nowadays, food-based therapy has become an important treatment mode for type 2 diabetes, and phytobioactive compounds have gained an increasing amount of attention to this end because they have an effect on multiple biological functions, including the sustained secretion of insulin and regeneration of pancreatic islets cells. However, the poor solubility and lower permeability of these phyto products results in a loss of bioactivity during processing and oral delivery, leading to a significant reduction in the bioavailability of phytobioactive compounds to treat T2DM. Recently, nanotechnological systems have been developed for use as various types of carrier systems to improve the delivery of bioactive compounds and thus obtain a greater bioavailability. Furthermore, carrier systems in most nanodelivery systems are highly biocompatible, with nonimmunologic behavior, a high degree of biodegradability, and greater mucoadhesive strength. Therefore, this review focuses on the various types of nanodelivery systems that can be used for phytobioactive compounds in treating T2DM with greater antidiabetic effects. There is also additional focus on improving the effects of various phytobioactive compounds through nanotechnological delivery to ensure a highly efficient treatment of type 2 diabetes.

Co-delivery of docetaxel and curcumin prodrug via dual-targeted nanoparticles with synergistic antitumor activity against prostate cancer

PURPOSE

Combination therapy is increasingly used as a primary cancer treatment regimen. In this report, we designed EGFR peptide decorated nanoparticles (NPs) to co-deliver docetaxel (DTX) and pH sensitive curcumin (CUR) prodrug for the treatment of prostate cancer.

RESULTS

EGFR peptide (GE11) targeted, pH sensitive, DTX and CUR prodrug NPs (GE11-DTX-CUR NPs) had an average diameter of 167nm and a zeta potential of -37.5mV. The particle size of the NPs was adequately maintained in serum and a sustained drug release pattern was observed. Improved inhibition of cancer cell and tumor tissue growth was shown in the GE11-DTX-CUR NPs group compared to the other groups.

CONCLUSION

It can be summarized that DTX and CUR prodrug could be delivered into tumor cells simultaneously by the GE 11 targeting and the EPR effect of NPs. The resulting GE11-DTX-CUR NPs is a promising system for the synergistic antitumor treatment of prostate cancer.

Construction and comparison of different nanocarriers for co-delivery of cisplatin and curcumin: A synergistic combination nanotherapy for cervical cancer

PURPOSE

Co-delivery of two or more drugs into the same cancer cells or tissues in the same nanocarriers provides a new paradigm in cancer treatment. In this study, two kinds of nanocarriers: lipid-polymer hybrid nanoparticles (LPNs) and polymeric nanoparticles (PNPs) were constructed and compared for co-delivery of cisplatin (DDP) and curcumin (CUR).

METHODS

DDP and CUR loaded LPNs (D/C/LPNs) and PNPs (D/C/PNPs) were prepared. Two kinds of nanocarriers were characterized in terms of particle size, zeta potential, drug encapsulation efficiency (EE), and drug release. Their in vitro cytotoxicity and in vivo anti-tumor efficacy was studied on human cervix adenocarcinoma cell line (HeLa cells) and mice bearing cervical cancer model.

RESULTS

Compared with D/C/PNPs, D/C/LPNs showed significantly higher cytotoxicity in vitro. D/C/LPNs also displayed the best antitumor activity than other formulations tested in vivo.

CONCLUSIONS

The results demonstrated that LPNs could improve the anticancer efficacy of drugs to higher levels than PNPs and free drugs, thus could serve as an effective drug system for targeted and synergistic co-delivery nanomedicine for cervical cancer chemotherapy.

Approaches to developing fast release pellets via wet extrusion-spheronization

Microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) is widely regarded as the excellent choice to manufacture pellets via wet extrusion-spheronisation (ES) process due to its excellent water uptake capability, water holding capacity, desirable rheological properties, cohesiveness and plasticity etc. Nevertheless, in spite of all these advantages, limitations associated with the application of MCC also have been reported. The most prevailing limitation is prolonged or incomplete drug release profile due to the lack of disintegration as pellet contracts significantly during the drying process, especially when in combination with poorly soluble drug at a high level. This characteristic limits the application of MCC in immediate release formulations. Over the years, many approaches have been tried to overcome this disadvantage, such as modifying MCC, incorporation of superdisintegrant, increasing the porosity of pellet, partial or complete substitution for MCC, enhancing the solubility of poorly soluble drug (e.g. solid dispersion, self-emulsifying drug-delivery system), etc. In this review, we will provide an updated and integrated discussion of current approaches to prepare fast release pellets via wet ES.

Scale-up from batch to flow-through wet milling process for injectable depot formulation

Injectable depot formulations are aimed at providing long-term sustained release of a drug into systemic circulation, thus reducing plasma level fluctuations and improving patient compliance. The particle size distribution of the formulation in the form of suspension is a key parameter that controls the release rate. In this work, the process of wet stirred media milling (ball milling) of a poorly water-soluble substance has been investigated with two main aims: (i) to determine the parametric sensitivity of milling kinetics; and (ii) to develop scale-up methodology for process transfer from batch to flow-through arrangement. Ball milling experiments were performed in two types of ball mills, a batch mill with a 30ml maximum working volume, and a flow-through mill with a 250ml maximum working volume. Milling parameters were investigated in detail by methodologies of QbD to map the parametric space. Specifically, the effects of ball size, ball fill level, and rpm on the particle breakage kinetics were systematically investigated at both mills, with an additional parameter (flow-rate) in the case of the flow-through mill. The breakage rate was found to follow power-law kinetics with respect to dimensionless time, with an asymptotic d₅₀ particle size in the range of 200-300nm. In the case of the flow-through mill, the number of theoretical passes through the mill was found to be an important scale-up parameter.

Safety of nanosuspensions in drug delivery

Nanosuspension technology is currently undergoing dramatic expansion in pharmaceutical science research and development. However, most of the research efforts generally focus on formulation and potential beneficial description, while the research into potential toxicological effects and implications (i.e., in vivo safety and health effects) is lacking. This review identifies some of the key factors for studying nanosuspension safety and the potential undesired effects related to nanosuspension exposure. The key factors for discussion herein include particle characterization, preparation approach, composition, and excipients of the formulation and sterilization methods. A few comments on the primary and required safety aspects of each administration route are also reviewed.

Effect of PEGylated chitosan as multifunctional stabilizer for deacetyl mycoepoxydience nanosuspension design and stability evaluation

Here a series of multifunctional stabilizers was designed and used in a nanosuspension stability enhancement study. Methoxypolyethylene glycol (M PEG)-grafted chitosan, accompanied by space steric hindrance, an electrostatic repulsion function, and a solvation effect, is a multifunctional stabilizer. Deacetyl mycoepoxydience (DM) nanosuspension was prepared using the anti-solvent precipitation approach. The effects of the DM and the multifunctional stabilizer concentration, solvent to anti-solvent ratio, crystallization and storage temperature, and ultrasonic time on drug particle formation during the anti-solvent processing were investigated and the nanosuspension stability was studied. The nanosuspension showed dendritic-like nanostructures and a crystalline state in a morphology and crystalline state study. The optimized drug and multifunctional stabilizer concentration range were selected through the response surface optimization method. The most appropriate and stable nanosuspension could be obtained through the optimal parameters. This study demonstrated that M PEG-grafted chitosan (M PEGC) could be used as a multifunctional stabilizer to control particle size and improve nanosuspension stability.

Strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and challenges for long acting injectable therapies: Insights for applications in HIV therapy

Advances in solid drug nanoparticle technologies have resulted in a number of long-acting (LA) formulations with the potential for once monthly or longer administration. Such formulations offer great utility for chronic diseases, particularly when a lack of medication compliance may be detrimental to treatment response. Two such formulations are in clinical development for HIV but the concept of LA delivery has its origins in indications such as schizophrenia and contraception. Many terms have been utilised to describe the LA approach and standardisation would be beneficial. Ultimately, definitions will depend upon specific indications and routes of delivery, but for HIV we propose benchmarks that reflect perceived clinical benefits and available data on patient attitudes. Specifically, we propose dosing intervals of ≥1week, ≥1month or ≥6months, for oral, injectable or implantable strategies, respectively. This review focuses upon the critical importance of potency in achieving the LA outcome for injectable formulations and explores established and emerging technologies that have been employed across indications. Key technological challenges such as the need for consistency and ease of administration for drug combinations, are also discussed. Finally, the review explores the gaps in knowledge regarding the pharmacology of drug release from particulate-based LA injectable suspensions. A number of hypotheses are discussed based upon available data relating to local drug metabolism, active transport systems, the lymphatics, macrophages and patient-specific factors. Greater knowledge of the mechanisms that underpin drug release and protracted exposure will help facilitate further development of this strategy to achieve the promising clinical benefits.

A stabilizer-free and organic solvent-free method to prepare 10-hydroxycamptothecin nanocrystals: in vitro and in vivo evaluation

10-Hydroxycamptothecin (10-HCPT) is a promising anticancer drug with a wide spectrum of antitumor activities. Due to its poor solubility, the carboxylate form that shows high water solubility but minimal anticancer activity and pharmacokinetic defects is used in the marketed 10-HCPT injections, resulting in its limited clinical application. To develop a simple, safe, and highly effective drug delivery system, a modified acid–base microprecipitation combined with a high-pressure homogenization technique was adopted to prepare 10-HCPT nanocrystals. Neither organic solvents nor stabilizers were employed throughout the preparation process. The in vitro and in vivo performances of the resulting10-HCPT nanocrystals were investigated systematically. The nanocrystals were spherical with a small size of ~130 nm, and the actual drug-loading content was as high as 75%. The nanocrystals displayed a sustained release pattern and were proven to have a higher cell uptake and antiproliferative activity than the 10-HCPT injections. The 10-HCPT nanocrystals also showed enhanced drug accumulation in tumors and better anticancer efficacy in 4T1-bearing mice. In summary, the 10-HCPT nanocrystals prepared in this study seem to be a promising delivery system for a new form of 10-HCPT dosages.

Enhanced dissolution and oral bioavailability of lurasidone hydrochloride nanosuspensions prepared by antisolvent precipitation–ultrasonication method

Lurasidone hydrochloride nanosuspensions exhibited a significant improvement in the bioavailability, which was correlated with the increased solubility and in vitro dissolution resulting from the smaller particle size of lurasidone hydrochloride.