Application of multiple regression analysis in optimization of metronidazole-chitosan nanoparticles

Evaluation of the Potential of Chitosan Nanoparticles as a Delivery Vehicle for Gentamicin for the Treatment of Osteomyelitis

Chitosan nanoparticle delivery systems have the potential for enhancing bone healing and addressing osteomyelitis. The objective was to deliver antimicrobial agents capable of preventing or treating osteomyelitis. Each formulation was optimized to achieve desired characteristics in terms of size (ranging from 100 to 400 nm), PDI (less than 0.5), zeta potential (typically negative), and in vitro release profiles for gentamicin. Entrapment percentages varied with gentamicin ranging from 10% to 65%. The chitosan nanoparticles exhibited substantial antimicrobial efficacy, particularly against P. aeruginosa and MRSA, with zones of inhibition ranging from 13 to 24 mm and a complete reduction in colony forming units observed between 3 and 24 h. These chitosan nanoparticle formulations loaded with antimicrobials hold promise for addressing orthopedic complications.

Metronidazole loaded chitosan-phytic acid polyelectrolyte complex nanoparticles as mucoadhesive vaginal delivery system for bacterial vaginosis

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a recurring infection that is difficult to treat due to the limited bioavailability of antimicrobials. In this study, Metronidazole (MTZ)-loaded chitosan nanoparticles (MCSNP) were synthesized employing phytic acid (PA) as a crosslinking agent for treating bacterial vaginosis. The prepared MCSNPs were characterized for size, shape, surface charge, compatibility, cytotoxicity, biofilm inhibition, and in-vitro/in-vivo antimicrobial activities. Morphological examination revealed that nanoparticles generated from 0.535 % w/v chitosan and 0.112 % w/v PA were non-spherical, discontinuous, and irregular, with zeta potential ranging from 25.00 ± 0.45 to 39 ± 0.7. The results of DSC and XRD demonstrated no change in the physical state of the drug in the finished formulation. The optimized formulation demonstrates a cumulative drug release of about 98 ± 1.5 % within 8 h. Antimicrobial studies demonstrated that the optimized formulation had enhanced efficacy against acid-adapted BV pathogens, with a MIC value of 0.9 ± 0.1 μg/mL. Compared to the MTZ alone, the in-vivo antibacterial results of in the case of developed nanoparticles showed a four-fold reduction in bacterial count in female Swiss albino mice. Based on the experimental findings, it was concluded that MCSNPs, due to their excellent physiochemical and antibacterial properties, could serve as a potential topical alternative for treating BV.

Design and evaluation of antibacterials crosslinked chitosan nanoparticle as a novel carrier for the delivery of metronidazole to treat bacterial vaginosis

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a recurring, chronic infection that is difficult to treat due to the limited bioavailability of antimicrobials within vaginal epithelial cells. Vaginal administration, because of lower dosing and systemic exposure offers a viable option for treating vaginal infections. In this study, Metronidazole-loaded chitosan nanoparticles were synthesised employing borax (BX) or tannic acid (TA) as an antimicrobial crosslinking agent for treating BV. The prepared NPs were characterized for various physical, physicochemical, pharmaceutical, thermal and antibacterial properties. Morphological investigation revealed that nanoparticles prepared from 0.5 % w/v chitosan, 1.2 % w/v BX, and 0.4 % w/v metronidazole (MTZ) were non-spherical, with particle sizes of 377.4 ± 37.3 nm and a zeta potential of 34 ± 2.1 mV. The optimised formulation has MIC values of 24 ± 0.5 and 59 ± 0.5 μg/mL, against Escherichia coli (E.coli) and Candida albicans (C.albicans) respectively. The results of DSC and XRD demonstrated no change in the physical state of the drug in the finished formulation. Under simulated vaginal fluid, the optimised formulation demonstrates a cumulative drug release of about 90 % within 6h. The prepared borax crosslinked NPs exhibit anti-fungal activities by inhibiting ergosterol synthesis. The in-vivo antibacterial data indicated a comparable reduction in bacterial count compared to the marketed formulation in female Swiss albino mice treated with optimised nanoparticles. According to histopathological findings, the prepared nanoparticle was safe for vaginal use. Based on the experimental findings, it was concluded that MBCSNPs, due to their good physiochemical and antimicrobial properties, could serve as a potential topical alternative for treating BV and reducing fungal infection.

Development of double crosslinked sodium alginate/chitosan based hydrogels for controlled release of metronidazole and its antibacterial activity

Double network sodium alginate/chitosan hydrogels were prepared using calcium chloride (CaCl2) and glutaraldehyde as the crosslinking agents by the ionotropic interaction method for controlled metronidazole release. The effect of polymer ratios and CaCl2 amount is investigated by the developing porosity, gel fraction, and extent of swelling in simulated physiological fluids. Interaction between the polymers with the formation of crosslinked structures, good stability, phase nature, and morphology of the hydrogels is revealed by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, X-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy. A sodium alginate/chitosan hydrogel (weight ratio of 75:25) crosslinked with two percent CaCl2 is chosen for the in-situ loading of 200 mg of metronidazole. The drug release kinetics using different models show that the best-fit Korsmeyer-Peppas model suggests metronidazole release from the matrix follows diffusion and swelling-controlled time-dependent non-Fickian transport related to hydrogel erosion. This composition displays enhanced antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli.

Development and Evaluation of Amlodipine-Polymer Nanocomposites Using Response Surface Methodology

Introduction. Polymer nanoparticles are a key tool to deliver drugs to specific sites and to increase drug bioavailability. Aim. This research aims to use poly amide-disulfide nanoparticles as drug delivery systems. Method. Amlodipine (Amlop) was used as a model, forming Amlop-polymer nanocomposites. In this work, we investigated the effect of independent variables (polymer, Fe3+, Al3+, and pH) on the dependent variables (loading efficiency (%LE), zeta potential, and particle size). Nanocomposites were prepared by an inotropic method. Nanocomposites were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and a release study. Results. From the XRD data, the Amlop-polymer nanocomposite shows semi crystallinity. In addition, the disappearance of drug peaks indicates that the drug was incorporated between the polymer molecules and was amorphous in behavior. The FTIR for the nanocomposite shows the functional group of the drug, which indicates the incorporation of Amlop into the nanocomposite. From FE-SEM, the results showed that our nanocomposites have an average particle size of approximately 130 nm. The release of amlodipine from the Amlop-polymer nanocomposite was found to be controlled, with approximately 85% within approximately 24 hours. Conclusion. The amide-disulfide polymer nanoparticles are promising carriers for different types of drugs.

Improving the Solubility, Dissolution, and Bioavailability of Metronidazole via Cocrystallization with Ethyl Gallate

Metronidazole (MTZ) is an antibacterial drug widely used for the treatment of protozoan and anaerobic infections in humans and animals. However, its low bioavailability necessitates the frequent administration of a high dose to attain an effective plasma concentration profile for therapy. To reduce the dose of MTZ, we have prepared a new cocrystal between MTZ and ethyl gallate (EG). The solid-state properties of MTZ-EG were characterized using complimentary techniques, including thermal, spectroscopic, microscopic, and X-ray crystallographic methods. The MTZ-EG cocrystal exhibits a higher solubility and faster dissolution than MTZ. The bioavailability of MTZ in rats was increased by 36% when MTZ-EG was used.

Design of Mucoadhesive Nanostructured Polyelectrolyte Complexes Based on Chitosan and Hypromellose Phthalate for Metronidazole Delivery Intended to the Treatment of Helicobacter pylori Infections

Metronidazole (MT) is an important drug available for Helicobacter pylori infection treatment. However, in the past few years, this drug has presented effective reduction for infection control, one of the most important reasons is attributed to the reduction of retention time in the stomach environment. Mucoadhesive nanostructured polyelectrolyte complexes (nano PECs) based on chitosan (CS) and hypromellose phthalate (HP) were rationally developed using a full factorial design (21 × 21 × 31), for the incorporation of MT based on the enhancement of the antimicrobial potential against active Helicobacter pylori, in the stomach. Different mass ratios of CS:HP (w/w) were tested, reaching the most promising ratios of 1:0.1, 1:0.5, and 1:1, and two methods of polymers addition (pouring-I and drip-II) were also evaluated. From method I, the obtained particles presented a diameter in the range of 811-1293 nm (Z-average) and a polydispersity index (PDI) between 0.47 and 0.88. By method II, there was a significant reduction in diameter and PDI to 553-739 nm and 0.23 at 0.34, respectively. The drug incorporation also resulted in a reduction in the diameter and PDI of the nano PECs. All samples showed positive zeta potential, about 20 mV, and a high percentage of MT incorporation (±95%). The method factor presented a greater influence on the nano PECs characteristics. Interactions in the system constituents were indicated by the FTIR data. Nano PECs mucoadhesiveness was observed and the composition and charge density were responsible for this phenomenon. MT dissolution evaluation showed the similarity of the dissolution profiles of free and loaded MT, in which almost 100% of the drug was in the simulated gastric medium in 120 min of testing. The in vitro antimicrobial potential against H. pylori of loaded nano PECs were measured and the minimum inhibitory concentration observed for free MT was >2000 µg/mL, while for the incorporated MT lower values were observed, showing an increase in the encapsulated MT activity.

Development and Optimization of Inhalable Levofloxacin Nanoparticles for The Treatment of Tuberculosis

BACKGROUND

Levofloxacin has been recommended by the WHO for the treatment of pulmonary tuberculosis and inhalable delivery of levofloxacin can be advantageous over conventional delivery.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to develop and optimize inhalable levofloxacin Loaded Chitosan Nanoparticles (LCN). The objective was to achieve the mean particle size of LCN less than 300nm, sustain the drug release up to 24 h, and achieve MMAD of LCN of less than 5μm.

METHODS

LCN were prepared by ionic gelation of chitosan with sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP) and subsequent lyophilization. A Plackett Burman screening design, 32 full factorial design, and overlay plots were sequentially employed to optimize the formulation. The mean particle size, % entrapment efficiency, in vitro drug release, and minimum inhibitory concentration were all evaluated.

RESULTS

The Pareto chart from the Placket Burman screening design revealed that the concentrations of chitosan and STPP was found to be significant (p < 0.05). Further analysis by 32 full factorial design revealed that F-ratio for each model generated was found to be greater than the theoretical value (p < 0.05), confirming the significance of each model.

CONCLUSION

The optimized formulation showed a mean particle size of 171.5 nm, sustained the drug release up to 24 h in simulated lung fluid, and revealed MMAD of 3.18 μm, which can confirm delivery of the drug to the deep lung region. However, further in vivo studies are required to design a suitable dosage regimen and establish the fate of nanoparticles for safe and efficacious delivery of the drug.

Chitosan and its Derivatives for Ocular Delivery Formulations: Recent Advances and Developments

Chitosan (CS) is a hemi-synthetic cationic linear polysaccharide produced by the deacetylation of chitin. CS is non-toxic, highly biocompatible, and biodegradable, and it has a low immunogenicity. Additionally, CS has inherent antibacterial properties and a mucoadhesive character and can disrupt epithelial tight junctions, thus acting as a permeability enhancer. As such, CS and its derivatives are well-suited for the challenging field of ocular drug delivery. In the present review article, we will discuss the properties of CS that contribute to its successful application in ocular delivery before reviewing the latest advances in the use of CS for the development of novel ophthalmic delivery systems. Colloidal nanocarriers (nanoparticles, micelles, liposomes) will be presented, followed by CS gels and lenses and ocular inserts. Finally, instances of CS coatings, aiming at conferring mucoadhesiveness to other matrixes, will be presented.