Development of mucoadhesive films for buccal administration of flufenamic acid: Effect of cyclodextrin complexation

Multiple Roles of Chitosan in Mucosal Drug Delivery: An Updated Review

Chitosan (CS) is a linear polysaccharide obtained by the deacetylation of chitin, which, after cellulose, is the second biopolymer most abundant in nature, being the primary component of the exoskeleton of crustaceans and insects. Since joining the pharmaceutical field, in the early 1990s, CS attracted great interest, which has constantly increased over the years, due to its several beneficial and favorable features, including large availability, biocompatibility, biodegradability, non-toxicity, simplicity of chemical modifications, mucoadhesion and permeation enhancer power, joined to its capability of forming films, hydrogels and micro- and nanoparticles. Moreover, its cationic character, which renders it unique among biodegradable polymers, is responsible for the ability of CS to strongly interact with different types of molecules and for its intrinsic antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and hemostatic activities. However, its pH-dependent solubility and susceptibility to ions presence may represent serious drawbacks and require suitable strategies to be overcome. Presently, CS and its derivatives are widely investigated for a great variety of pharmaceutical applications, particularly in drug delivery. Among the alternative routes to overcome the problems related to the classic oral drug administration, the mucosal route is becoming the favorite non-invasive delivery pathway. This review aims to provide an updated overview of the applications of CS and its derivatives in novel formulations intended for different methods of mucosal drug delivery.

Role of Cyclodextrins and Drug Solid State Properties on Flufenamic Acid Dissolution Performance from Tablets

Flufenamic acid (FFA) is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug characterised by a low solubility and problems of variable dissolution rate and bio-inequivalence. Different FFA batches, obtained by different suppliers, showed different powder characteristics (particle size, shape and surface properties) that may affect its dissolution behaviour from solid dosage forms. Aim of this work was the improvement of FFA solubility and dissolution rate by the use of cyclodextrins (CDs) and the obtainment of an effective tablet formulation by direct compression. Several CDs have been tested, both in solution and in solid state and several binary systems drug-CDs have been obtained with different techniques, with the scope to select the most effective system. Grinding technique with randomly methylated-β-cyclodextrin (RAMEB) was the only one that allowed the complete drug amorphization, together with the highest improvement in drug dissolution rate, and was then selected for tablets formulation. Conventional and immediate release tablets were obtained and fully characterised for technological properties. In both cases an improved and well reproducible drug dissolution performance was obtained, independently from the FFA supplier and thus no more affected by the differences observed between the original FFA crystalline samples.

Management and control of intraocular pressure applying macitentan hydrogel film formulation: improved effect of surfactant and cosurfactant system

BACKGROUND

Macitentan blocks endothelin receptors in order to control the pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Oral administration of macitentan is associated with painful urination and troubled breathing.

OBJECTIVES

Formulated macitentan hydrogel film was used for examining the control of intraocular pressure, and the effect of surfactant and cosurfactant was studied.

METHODS

Macitentan ocular film formulation has been prepared in hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) matrix system using different surfactant/co-surfactant system, and intraocular pressure was monitored on normotensive rabbit eyes after application in the cul-de-sac.

RESULTS

The solid state characterization of the film indicated amorphisation of macitentan and no issues regarding major incompatibility was observed. Combination of surfactant, co-surfactant and hydrophilic co-solvent systems in the said films markedly improved the drug release and mucosal tissue permeation. Presence of PEG and Transcutol significantly improved ex vivo corneal permeation of MP and MT respectively compared to other films. Transcutol (MT) exhibited greatest difference among the formulations by improving the vesicular bilayer fluidity and reducing the mucosal tissue barrier facilitating the transcorneal diffusion. A combination of diffusion and erosion control behavior was observed in drug release and corneal permeation of the films due to the balanced liquid penetration and polymeric chain relaxation rate. MP and MT films were used for further in vivo studies to achieve possible effective and prolonged control of intraocular pressure. In vivo study has revealed the reduction in intraocular pressure upto about 23 % when tested on normotensive rabbit model. The films has managed to lower the IOP upto 3 h.

CONCLUSION

Developed macitentan hydrogel film containing Transcutol (MT) could have a high potential for the control and management of ocular hypertension after topical application.

Cyclodextrin Inclusion Complexes of Auranofin and Its Iodido Analog: A Chemical and Biological Study

Auranofin (AF) and its iodido analog, i.e., Au(PEt₃) I (AFI), were reported to exhibit very promising anticancer properties both in vitro and in vivo. However, both these gold compounds have a scarce aqueous solubility that hampers their pharmaceutical use. Here, we explore whether encapsulation of these metallodrugs inside hydroxypropyl-beta–cyclodextrin (HPβ–CD) may lead to an improved biopharmaceutical profile for the resulting adducts. Phase solubility studies, performed at 25 °C in an aqueous buffer, revealed, in both cases, the formation of a 1:1 drug to cyclodextrin complex; a far greater apparent stability constant (K_1:1) was measured for AFI compared to AF (331 M⁻¹ versus ca. 30 M⁻¹). NMR studies conducted on the AFI/HPβ–CD system confirmed the formation of a stable 1:1 adduct. Then, binary systems of AF and AFI with HPβ–CD were prepared by colyophilization and characterized by DSC and PXRD. The results revealed the occurrence of drug complexation and/or amorphization for the AFI/HPβ–CD binary system. Afterwards, the antiproliferative properties of the two cyclodextrin adducts and of the corresponding free drugs were comparatively evaluated in vitro in three representative ovarian cancer cell lines, i.e., A2780, SKOV3, and IGROV-1. The results, in all cases, point out that CD complexation of the two gold drugs does not substantially affect their biological activity. The implications of these findings are discussed in the frame of the current knowledge of AF and its analogs.

TPP ionically cross-linked chitosan/PLGA microspheres for the delivery of NGF for peripheral nerve system repair

To control the release of nerve growth factor (NGF) in the injured peripheral nerve, NGF-loaded chitosan/PLGA composite microspheres ionically cross-linked by tripolyphosphate (TPP/Chitosan/PLGA-NGF) were prepared. The encapsulation efficiency of NGF ranged from 83.4 ± 1.5 % to 72.1 ± 1.6 % with TPP concentrations from 1 % to 10 %. Zeta potential and FT-IR analyses together with confocal microscopy demonstrated that multiple NGF-loaded PLGA microspheres were embedded in chitosan matrix, the mean size of TPP/Chitosan/PLGA-NGF microspheres ranged from 40.2 ± 3.4 to 49.3 ± 3.1 μm. The increase of TPP concentration improved the network stability and decreased the swelling ratio, resulting in the decreased NGF release from 67.7 ± 1.2 % to 45.7 ± 0.8 % in 49 days. The sustained release of NGF could promote PC12 cells differentiation and neurite growth in vitro. Moreover, in comparison with NGF solution without microencapsulation, TPP/Chitosan/PLGA-NGF microspheres enhanced sciatic nerve regeneration and prevented gastrocnemius muscle atrophy in rats. These results demonstrate the feasibility of using TPP/Chitosan/PLGA-NGF microspheres for neural tissue repair.

Enhancement of Simvastatin ex vivo Permeation from Mucoadhesive Buccal Films Loaded with Dual Drug Release Carriers

BACKGROUND

Simvastatin (SMV), a hypocholesterolemic agent, suffers from very low bioavailability due to its poor aqueous solubility and extensive first-pass metabolism.

METHODS

Two SMV carrier systems, namely, polymeric drug inclusion complex (IC) and mixed micelles (MM) nanoparticles, were developed and loaded into mucoadhesive buccal films to enhance SMV bioavailability. The two carrier systems were characterized and their permeation across human oral epithelial cells (OEC) was studied. The effect of IC to MM ratio (X1) and the mucoadhesive polymer concentration (X2) on the cumulative percent of drug released, elongation percent and the mucoadhesive strength, from the prepared mucoadhesive films, were optimized. Ex vivo permeation across bovine mucosal tissue was investigated. The permeation parameters for the in vitro and ex vivo release data were calculated.

RESULTS

Complexation of SMV with hydroxypropyl beta-cyclodextrin (HP β-CD) was superior to all other polymers as revealed by the equilibrium saturation solubility, stability constant, complexation efficiency and thermodynamic potential. SMV-HP β-CD IC was utilized to develop a saturated polymeric drug solution. Both carrier systems showed enhanced permeation across OEC when compared to pure drug. X1 and X2 were significantly affecting the characteristics of the prepared films. The optimized mucoadhesive buccal film formulation loaded with SMV IC and drug MM nanoparticles demonstrated superior ex vivo permeation when compared to the corresponding pure drug buccal film, and the calculated permeation parameters confirmed this finding.

CONCLUSION

Mucoadhesive buccal films containing SMV IC and drug MM can be used to improve drug bioavailability; however, additional pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic studies are required.

Large-Scale and Rapid Preparation of Nanofibrous Meshes and Their Application for Drug-Loaded Multilayer Mucoadhesive Patch Fabrication for Mouth Ulcer Treatment

Electrospinning provides a simple and convenient method to fabricate nanofibrous meshes. However, the nanofiber productivity is often limited to the laboratory scale, which cannot satisfy the requirements of practical application. In this study, we developed a novel needleless electrospinning spinneret based on a double-ring slit to fabricate drug-loaded nanofibrous meshes. In contrast to the conventional single-needle electrospinning spinneret, our needless spinneret can significantly improve nanofiber productivity due to the simultaneous formation of multiple jets during electrospinning. Curcumin-loaded poly(l-lactic acid) (PLLA) nanofiber meshes with various concentrations and on the large scale were manufactured by employing our developed needleless spinneret-based electrospinning device. We systematically investigated the drug release behaviors, antioxidant properties, anti-inflammatory attributes, and cytotoxicity of the curcumin-loaded PLLA nanofibrous meshes. Furthermore, a bilayer nanofibrous composite mesh was successfully generated by electrospinning curcumin-loaded PLLA solution and diclofenac sodium loaded poly(ethylene oxide) solution in a predetermined time sequence, which revealed potent antibacterial properties. Subsequently, novel mucoadhesive patches were assembled by combining the bilayer composite nanofibrous meshes with (hydroxypropyl)methyl cellulose based mucoadhesive film. The multilayered mucoadhesive patch has excellent adhesion properties on the porcine buccal mucosa. Overall, our double-ring slit spinneret can provide a novel method to rapidly produce large-scale drug-loaded nanofibrous meshes to fabricate mucoadhesive patches. The multiple-layered mucoadhesive patches enable the incorporation of multiple drugs with different targets of action, such as analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial compounds, for mouth ulcer or other oral disease treatments.

Cyclodextrin complexes: Perspective from drug delivery and formulation

Cyclodextrins (CDs) have been widely investigated as a unique pharmaceutical excipient for past few decades and is still explored for new applications. They are highly versatile oligosaccharides which possess multifunctional characteristics, and are mainly used to improve the physicochemical stability, solubility, dissolution rate, and bioavailability of drugs. Stability constant, factors affecting complexation, techniques to enhance complexation efficiency, the preparation methods for molecular inclusion complexes and release of guest molecules are discussed in brief. In addition, different CD derivatives and their pharmacokinetics are elaborated. Further, the significance of CD complex in aqueous solubility, dissolution and bioavailability, stability, and taste masking is explained. The recent advancement of CDs in developing various drug delivery systems is enlightened. Indeed, the potential of CDs by means of inclusion complex formation have widen the applicability of these materials in various drug delivery systems including ocular, osmotic, mucoadhesive, transdermal, nasal, and targeted delivery systems. Feasibility studies have been performed on the benefit of these cyclic oligomers as nanocarriers, a strategy that can modify the drugs with improved physicochemical properties. Studies also demonstrated the feasibility of CDs to self-assemble in the form of stable nanoaggregates, which may extend the scope of CDs in drug delivery to the continually expanding list of new drug entities.

Mucoadhesive buccal film containing ornidazole and dexamethasone for oral ulcers: in vitro and in vivo studies

A bilayered mucoadhesive buccal film containing a combination of ornidazole (OD) and dexamethasone sodium phosphate (DEX) was prepared using solvent casting to treat oral ulcers. Films were systematically evaluated in vitro to obtain the optimum formulation. The therapeutic effects of these films were investigated in the rabbit oral ulcer model and the in vivo release of OD and DEX in the human oral cavity was also evaluated. The backing layer contained ethyl cellulose and an optimal mucoadhesive layer containing both OD and DEX was produced. Films from the optimum formulation were 0.427 ± 0.015 mm thick, weighed 55.89 ± 0.79 mg, and had a surface pH of 6.34 ± 0.01. The drug content of the optimum formulation approximated the theoretical value with good uniformity (2.959 ± 0.106 mg/cm² for OD and 0.877 ± 0.031 mg/cm² for DEX). The formulation showed favorable swelling characteristics and both drugs were released at >95% after 4 h. Moreover, the compound film had a statistically significant effect on mucosal repair and reduced ulcer inflammation without stimulating the human oral mucosa. C_max of OD in saliva was 37.04 μg/ml and that of DEX was 9.737 μg/ml. Given promising therapeutic effects, the compound film developed here could become a local drug delivery device for treating oral ulcers.

Development and Evaluation of Buccal Films Based on Chitosan for the Potential Treatment of Oral Candidiasis

In this work, chitosan films were prepared by a casting/solvent evaporation methodology using pectin or hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose to form polymeric matrices. Miconazole nitrate, as a model drug, was loaded into such formulations. These polymeric films were characterized in terms of mechanical properties, adhesiveness, and swelling as well as drug release. Besides, the morphology of raw materials and films was investigated by scanning electron microscopy; interactions between polymers were analyzed by infrared spectroscopy and drug crystallinity studied by differential scanning calorimetry and X-ray diffraction. In addition, antifungal activity against cultures of the five most important fungal opportunistic pathogens belonging to Candida genus was investigated. Chitosan:hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose films were found to be the most appropriate formulations in terms of folding endurance, mechanical properties, and adhesiveness. Also, an improvement in the dissolution rate of miconazole nitrate from the films up to 90% compared to the non-loaded drug was observed. The in vitro antifungal activity showed a significant activity of the model drug when it is loaded into chitosan films. These findings suggest that chitosan-based films are a promising approach to deliver miconazole nitrate for the treatment of candidiasis.

Cyclodextrin complexation highly enhances efficacy of arylsulfonylureido benzenesulfonamide carbonic anhydrase inhibitors as a topical antiglaucoma agents

Two new sulfonamides incorporating arylsulfonylureido moieties were complexed with gamma cyclodextrin (γ-CD), hydroxypropyl-gamma cyclodextrin (HPγ-CD), hydroxypropyl-beta cyclodextrin (HPβ-CD) and hydroxyethyl-beta cyclodextrin (HEβ-CD) in order to obtain drug formulations with effective topical intraocular pressure (IOP) lowering effects, in an animal model of glaucoma. The HPγ-CD was the best solubilizing agent for the two sulfonamides and its complexes were characterized in detail and administered to rabbits with eye hypertension of 45-50 mmHg. The peak IOP lowering was observed after 1h post-administration and was of 36-37 mmHg. A low IOP pressure (of around-35 mmHg) was then maintained for the next 24h post-administration, which has not been observed before with any IOP lowering drug.

Polymeric films as a promising carrier for bioadhesive drug delivery: Development, characterization and optimization

Bioadhesive films using tamarind seed polysaccharide were prepared for the treatment of candida vaginitis using nystatin as the model drug. Films were prepared by solvent casting method. A 3² factorial design was employed to study the effect of independent variables (polymer and plasticizer concentration) on a range of dependent variables namely mechanical, swelling, interfacial, and bioadhesive properties through response surface methodological approach, using Design Expert® software. Formulation composition that provided the most desired and optimized results was selected using desirability approach. Nystatin was solubilized using Tween 60 and was incorporated into the selected film. Drug solubilization and dispersion were confirmed by scanning electron microscopy and differential scanning calorimetry. The optimized film released 73.92 ± 2.54% of nystatin at the end of 8 h in simulated vaginal fluid and the release data showed best fit to Korsmeyer–Peppas model with R² of 0.9990 and the release mechanism to be super case-II. The optimized film also showed appropriate anti candida activity through appearance of zone of inhibition during antifungal activity testing study.

Development of a Nanoparticle-Embedded Chitosan Sponge for Topical and Local Administration of Chemotherapeutic Agents

The following work describes the development of a novel noninvasive transmucosal drug delivery system, the chitosan sponge matrix (CSM). It is composed of cationic chitosan (CS) nanoparticles (NPs) that encapsulate cisplatin (CDDP) embedded within a polymeric mucoadhesive CS matrix. CSM is designed to swell up when exposed to moisture, facilitating release of the NPs via diffusion across the matrix. CSM is intended to be administered topically and locally to mucosal tissues, with its initial indication being oral cancer (OC). Currently, intravenous (IV) administered CDDP is the gold standard chemotherapeutic agent used in the treatment of OC. However, its clinical use has been limited by its renal and hemotoxicity profile. We aim to locally administer CDDP via encapsulation in CS NPs and deliver them directly to the oral cavity with CSM. It is hypothesized that such a delivery device will greatly reduce any systemic toxicity and increase antitumor efficacy. This paper describes the methods for developing CSM and maintaining the integrity of CDDP NPs embedded in the CSM.

The involvement of cholesterol in sepsis and tolerance to lipopolysaccharide highlighted by the transcriptome analysis of zebrafish (Danio rerio)

Septic shock is the most common cause of death in intensive care units due to an aggressive inflammatory response that leads to multiple organ failure. However, a lipopolysaccharide (LPS) tolerance phenomenon (a nonreaction to LPS), is also often described. Neither the inflammatory response nor the tolerance is completely understood. In this work, both of these responses were analyzed using microarrays in zebrafish. Fish that were 4 or 6 days postfertilization (dpf) and received a lethal dose (LD) of LPS exhibited 100% mortality in a few days. Their transcriptome profile, even at 4 dpf, resembled the profile in humans with severe sepsis. Moreover, we selected 4-dpf fish to set up a tolerance protocol: fish treated with a nonlethal concentration of Escherichia coli LPS exhibited complete protection against the LD of LPS. Most of the main inflammatory molecules described in mammals were represented in the zebrafish microarray experiments. Additionally and focusing on this tolerance response, the use of cyclodextrins may mobilize cholesterol reservoirs to decrease mortality after a LD dose of LPS. Therefore, it is possible that the use of the whole animal could provide some clues to enhance the understanding of the inflammatory/tolerance response and to guide drug discovery.

Antibacterial electrospun nanofibers from triclosan/cyclodextrin inclusion complexes

The electrospinning of nanofibers (NF) from cyclodextrin inclusion complexes (CD-IC) with an antibacterial agent (triclosan) was achieved without using any carrier polymeric matrix. Polymer-free triclosan/CD-IC NF were electrospun from highly concentrated (160% CD, w/w) aqueous triclosan/CD-IC suspension by using two types of chemically modified CD; hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin (HPβCD) and hydroxypropyl-gamma-cyclodextrin (HPγCD). The morphological characterization of the electrospun triclosan/CD-IC NF by SEM elucidated that the triclosan/HPβCD-IC NF and triclosan/HPγCD-IC NF were bead-free having average fiber diameter of 520 ± 250 nm and 1,100 ± 660 nm, respectively. The presence of triclosan and the formation of triclosan/CD-IC within the fiber structure were confirmed by (1)H-NMR, FTIR, XRD, DSC, and TGA studies. The initial 1:1 molar ratio of the triclosan:CD was kept for triclosan/HPβCD-IC NF after the electrospinning and whereas 0.7:1 molar ratio was observed for triclosan/HPγCD-IC NF and some uncomplexed triclosan was detected suggesting that the complexation efficiency of triclosan with HPγCD was lower than that of HPβCD. The antibacterial properties of triclosan/CD-IC NF were tested against Gram-negative (Escherichia coli) and Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) bacteria. It was observed that triclosan/HPβCD-IC NF and triclosan/HPγCD-IC NF showed better antibacterial activity against both bacteria compared to uncomplexed pure triclosan.

Development and characterization of novel polyurethane films impregnated with tolfenamic acid for therapeutic applications

The present study deals with the preparation of polyurethane (PU) films impregnated with a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, tolfenamic acid (TA). Solvent evaporation technique has been employed for the preparation of TA-PU films in two different ratios of 1 : 2 and 1 : 5 in Tetrahydrofuran (THF) or THF-ethanol mixtures. The prepared films were characterized using X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and release studies. The results indicate transformation of crystalline TA to its amorphous form. The degree of crystallinity changes both by increasing the polymer concentration and solvent used for the film preparations. The release profiles of TA were also found to be affected, showing a decrease from approximately 50% to 25% from 1 : 2 to 1 : 5 ratios, respectively.

A clinical perspective on mucoadhesive buccal drug delivery systems

Mucoadhesion can be defined as a state in which two components, of which one is of biological origin, are held together for extended periods of time by the help of interfacial forces. Among the various transmucosal routes, buccal mucosa has excellent accessibility and relatively immobile mucosa, hence suitable for administration of retentive dosage form. The objective of this paper is to review the works done so far in the field of mucoadhesive buccal drug delivery systems (MBDDS), with a clinical perspective. Starting with a brief introduction of the mucoadhesive drug delivery systems, oral mucosa, and the theories of mucoadhesion, this article then proceeds to cover the works done so far in the field of MBDDS, categorizing them on the basis of ailments they are meant to cure. Additionally, we focus on the various patents, recent advancements, and challenges as well as the future prospects for mucoadhesive buccal drug delivery systems.

Design, characterization, and in vitro evaluation of antifungal polymeric films

The objective of the present paper was the development and the full characterization of antifungal films. Econazole nitrate (ECN) was loaded in a polymeric matrix formed by chitosan (CH) and carbopol 971NF (CB). Polyethylene glycol 400 and sorbitol were used as plasticizing agents. The mechanical properties of films were poorer when the drug was loaded, probably because crystals of ENC produces network outages and therefore reduces the polymeric interactions between the polymers. Polymers-ECN and CH-CB interactions were analyzed by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermal gravimetry analysis, and differential thermal analysis (DTA-TGA). ECN did not show structure alterations when loaded into the films. In scanning electron microphotographs and atomic force microscopy analysis, films prepared with CB showed an evident wrinkle pattern probably due to the strong interactions between the polymers, which were observed by FTIR and DTA-TGA. The in vitro activity of the formulations against Candida krusei and Candida parapsilosis was twice as greater as the commercial cream, probably as a result of the antifungal combination of the drug with the CH activity. All these results suggest that these polymeric films containing ECN are potential candidates in view of alternatives dosages forms for the treatment of the yeast assayed.

COMPETING PROPERTIES OF MUCOADHESIVE FILMS DESIGNED FOR LOCALIZED DELIVERY OF IMIQUIMOD

Oral mucosal delivery has gained prominence in the last two decades because the rich vasculature of the tissue enables rapid delivery and avoidance of first pass metabolism. Although commercial mucoadhesives are used for systemic delivery, systems are not currently available for treatment of local conditions. In the present work, mucoadhesive films are being developed for locally controlled release of an immune response modifier for preventing precancerous lesions from progressing to oral squamous cell carcinoma. Previous research showed that films composed of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) released imiquimod in a sustained manner for 3 hr. In continuing development of the system, additional key properties were investigated with changes in composition. While adhesive properties in pull-off (0.42±0.03 to 1.1±0.1 N/cm²) and shear adhesion (1.7±0.25 to 5.6±1.4 N/cm²) increased with increasing PVP content of films, tensile properties, such as modulus (6.9±1.5 to 1.8±0.2 MPa) and ultimate strength (4.2±0.7 to 2.1±0.02 MPa), decreased as PVP content increased. Release profiles of the films showed that an increased PVP content resulted in burst release and faster erosion compared to sustained release and slower erosion with more CMC. Studies of transport kinetics showed that the films doubled the amount of imiquimod localized within epithelium compared to drug in solution, increasing their potential for local treatment of oral dysplasia. The mucoadhesive drug delivery system based on CMC and PVP offers a wide range of these properties without addition of new constituents.

Development of low methoxy amidated pectin-based mucoadhesive patches for buccal delivery of triclosan: effect of cyclodextrin complexation

A novel mucoadhesive buccal patch formulation of triclosan (TR), a broad spectrum antibacterial agent, was developed using low methoxy amidated pectin (AMP). The integrity of AMP matrix was improved by addition of 20% (w/w) Carbopol (CAR). The efficiency of β-cyclodextrin-epichlorohydrin polymer (EPIβCD) and anionic carboxymethylated β-cyclodextrin-epichlorohydrin polymer (CMEPIβCD) in optimization of TR solubility and release from such a matrix was investigated and confronted to that of parent β-cyclodextrin (βCD). Loading of TR/βCD co-ground complex into AMP/CAR matrix resulted in a biphasic release profile which was sensitive upon the hydration degree of the matrix, due to lower solubilizing efficiency of βCD, while the drug release from patches loaded with TR/EPIβCD complex was significantly faster with a constant release rate. Microbiological studies evidenced faster onset and more pronounced antibacterial action of TR/EPIβCD loaded patches, clearly demonstrating their good therapeutic potential in eradication of Streptococcus mutans, a cariogenic bacteria, from the oral cavity.

Advanced technologies for oral controlled release: cyclodextrins for oral controlled release

Cyclodextrins (CDs) are used in oral pharmaceutical formulations, by means of inclusion complexes formation, with the following advantages for the drugs: (1) solubility, dissolution rate, stability, and bioavailability enhancement; (2) to modify the drug release site and/or time profile; and (3) to reduce or prevent gastrointestinal side effects and unpleasant smell or taste, to prevent drug-drug or drug-additive interactions, or even to convert oil and liquid drugs into microcrystalline or amorphous powders. A more recent trend focuses on the use of CDs as nanocarriers, a strategy that aims to design versatile delivery systems that can encapsulate drugs with better physicochemical properties for oral delivery. Thus, the aim of this work was to review the applications of the CDs and their hydrophilic derivatives on the solubility enhancement of poorly water-soluble drugs in order to increase their dissolution rate and get immediate release, as well as their ability to control (to prolong or to delay) the release of drugs from solid dosage forms, either as complexes with the hydrophilic (e.g., as osmotic pumps) and/or hydrophobic CDs. New controlled delivery systems based on nanotechnology carriers (nanoparticles and conjugates) have also been reviewed.

Evaluation of protein stability and in vitro permeation of lyophilized polysaccharides-based microparticles for intranasal protein delivery

Biocompatible microparticles prepared by lyophilization were developed for intranasal protein delivery. To test for the feasibility of this formulation, stability of the incorporated protein and enhancement of in vitro permeation across the nasal epithelium were evaluated. Lyophilization was processed with hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC) or water soluble chitosan (WCS) as biocompatible polymers, hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HP-β-CD) and d-alpha-tocopheryl poly(ethylene glycol 1000) succinate (TPGS 1000) as permeation enhancers, sugars as cryoprotectants and lysozyme as the model protein. As a result, microparticles ranging from 6 to 12μm were developed where the maintenance of the protein conformation was verified by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), circular dichroism and fluorescence intensity detection. Moreover, in vitro bioassay showed that the lysozyme activity was preserved during the preparation process while exhibiting less cytotoxicity in primary human nasal epithelial (HNE) cells. Results of the in vitro release study revealed slower release rate in these microparticles compared to that of the lysozyme itself. On the other hand, the in vitro permeation study exhibited a 9-fold increase in absorption of lysozyme when prepared in lyophilized microparticles with HPMC, HP-β-CD and TPGS 1000 (F4-2). These microparticles could serve as efficient intranasal delivery systems for therapeutic proteins.

Effect of 2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin on solubility of sparingly soluble drug derivatives of anthranilic acid

Guest-host complex formation of three drug derivatives of anthranilic acid, mefenamic acid, niflumic acid, and flufenamic acid with 2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (2HP-β-CD) in aqueous solutions was investigated using “Phase solubility study” with UV-vis spectrophotometry. Solubility of sparingly soluble drugs has been improved by addition of 2HP-β-CD at two temperatures 298.15 K and 310.15 K and two pH values 2 and 7. The influence of different 2HP-β-CD concentration on solubility of drugs at different pH and temperatures has been investigated. The 2HP-β-CD-drug complex stability constants (K_s), and dissociations constants (K_d), as well as the thermodynamic parameters of reaction, i.e., the free energy change (ΔG), the enthalpy change (ΔH) and the entropy change (ΔS), were determined. The experimental data indicated formation of 1:1 inclusion complexes, which were found effective binders increasing the solubility of drugs.

Pharmaceutical applications of cyclodextrins: effects on drug permeation through biological membranes

Objectives

Cyclodextrins are useful solubilizing excipients that have gained currency in the formulator's armamentarium based on their ability to temporarily camouflage undesirable physicochemical properties. In this context cyclodextrins can increase oral bioavailability, stabilize compounds to chemical and enzymatic degradation and can affect permeability through biological membranes under certain circumstances. This latter property is examined herein as a function of the published literature as well as work completed in our laboratories.

Key findings

Cyclodextrins can increase the uptake of drugs through biological barriers if the limiting barrier component is the unstirred water layer (UWL) that exists between the membrane and bulk water. This means that cyclodextrins are most useful when they interact with lipophiles in systems where such an UWL is present and contributes significantly to the barrier properties of the membrane. Furthermore, these principles are used to direct the optimal formulation of drugs in cyclodextrins. A second related critical success factor in the formulation of cyclodextrin-based drug product is an understanding of the kinetics and thermodynamics of complexation and the need to optimize the cyclodextrin amount and drug-to-cyclodextrin ratios. Drug formulations, especially those targeting compartments associated with limited dissolution (i.e. the eye, subcutaneous space, etc.), should be carefully designed such that the thermodynamic activity of the drug in the formulation is optimal meaning that there is sufficient cyclodextrin to solubilize the drug but not more than that. Increasing the cyclodextrin concentration decreases the formulation ‘push’ and may reduce the bioavailability of the system.

Conclusions

A mechanism-based understanding of cyclodextrin complexation is essential for the appropriate formulation of contemporary drug candidates.