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Prajapati M, Harwansh RK, Rahman MA, Deshmukh R. Implementation of the Box-Behnken Design in the Development and Optimization of Methotrexate-Loaded Microsponges for Colon Cancer. Assay Drug Dev Technol 2025. [PMID: 39841494 DOI: 10.1089/adt.2024.073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2025] Open
Abstract
Methotrexate (MTX) is an effective anticancer agent with limited water solubility, resulting in lower absorption in the gastrointestinal tract when administered orally. The present aim of the study is to construct sustained-release formulation of MTX-loaded microsponges with enhanced intestinal absorption and bioavailability using a quasi-emulsion solvent diffusion method. The Box-Behnken design (BBD) was adopted for this purpose. Particle size, encapsulation efficiency (EE), Q 2 h % (% drug release in 2 h), and Q 24 h % (% drug release in 24 h) were used as dependent factors, and polyvinyl alcohol, solvent, and stirring speed were used as independent factors. The prepared microsponges were characterized to assess their particle size and encapsulation efficacy (%). Attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry were used to verify the compatibility study. Moreover, the cytotoxicity study was conducted on the HT-29 cell line. The optimized formulation exhibited a % encapsulation efficacy of 87.191% and a particle size of 2.176 µm. Furthermore, the optimized formulation demonstrated sustained drug release (85.71%) in Simulated Gastric Fluid (SGF) fluid at different pHs 1.2, 6.8, and 7.4. The stability study of the optimized formulation revealed good stability in terms of drug release, % encapsulation efficacy, and particle size. The results of the optimized formulation demonstrated that the viability of HT-29 colon cancer (CC) cells was dose-dependently decreased by MTX-loaded microsponges. BBD was successfully employed for the development and optimization of MTX microsponges filled in Eudragit S-100-coated hard gelatin capsule, depicting their potential release of MTX from microsponges capsule only at the colonic region and found to be potential carrier system for CC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ranjit K Harwansh
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Research, GLA University, Mathura, India
| | - Mohammad Akhlaquer Rahman
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Industrial Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Taif University, Taif, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Rohitas Deshmukh
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Research, GLA University, Mathura, India
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Fiaschini N, Hanieh PN, Ariaudo D, Cimino R, Abbate C, Romano E, Cavalieri F, Venanzi M, Palumbo V, Scimeca M, Bernardini R, Mattei M, Migliore A, Rinaldi A. Application of Microsponge Drug Platform to Enhance Methotrexate Administration in Rheumatoid Arthritis Therapy. Pharmaceutics 2024; 16:1593. [PMID: 39771571 PMCID: PMC11676977 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics16121593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2024] [Revised: 12/09/2024] [Accepted: 12/11/2024] [Indexed: 01/11/2025] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES This study aimed to develop a novel nanotechnological slow-release drug delivery platform based on hyaluronic acid Microsponge (MSP) for the subcutaneous administration of methotrexate (MTX) in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). RA is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by joint inflammation and damage, while MTX is a common disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD), the conventional use of which is limited by adverse effects and the lack of release control. METHODS MSP were synthesized as freeze-dried powder to increase their stability and allow for a facile reconstitution prior to administration and precise MTX dosing. RESULTS A highly stable and rounded-shaped micrometric MSP, characterized by an open porosity inner structure, achieved both a high MTX loading efficiency and a slow release of MTX after injection. Our drug release assays indeed demonstrated a characteristic drug release profile consisting of a very limited burst release in the first few hours, followed by a slow release of MTX sustained for over a month. By means of a preclinical rat model of RA, the administration of MTX-loaded MSP proved to nearly double the therapeutic efficacy compared to sole MTX, according to a steep reduction in arthritic score compared to control groups. The preclinical study was replicated twice to confirm this improvement in performance and the safety profile of the MSP. CONCLUSIONS This study suggests that the MSP drug delivery platform holds significant potential for clinical use in improving RA therapy by enabling the sustained slow release of MTX, thereby enhancing therapeutic outcomes and minimizing side effects associated with conventional burst-release drug administration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noemi Fiaschini
- Nanofaber S.r.l., Via Anguillarese 301, 00123 Rome, Italy; (N.F.); (P.N.H.)
| | | | - Daniela Ariaudo
- Department of Chemical Science and Technologies, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133 Rome, Italy; (D.A.); (R.C.); (C.A.); (F.C.); (M.V.)
| | - Rita Cimino
- Department of Chemical Science and Technologies, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133 Rome, Italy; (D.A.); (R.C.); (C.A.); (F.C.); (M.V.)
| | - Carlo Abbate
- Department of Chemical Science and Technologies, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133 Rome, Italy; (D.A.); (R.C.); (C.A.); (F.C.); (M.V.)
| | - Elena Romano
- Centre of Advance Microscopy P. Albertano, Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via della Ricerca Scientifica Snc, 00133 Rome, Italy;
| | - Francesca Cavalieri
- Department of Chemical Science and Technologies, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133 Rome, Italy; (D.A.); (R.C.); (C.A.); (F.C.); (M.V.)
| | - Mariano Venanzi
- Department of Chemical Science and Technologies, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133 Rome, Italy; (D.A.); (R.C.); (C.A.); (F.C.); (M.V.)
| | - Valeria Palumbo
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy; (V.P.); (M.S.)
| | - Manuel Scimeca
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy; (V.P.); (M.S.)
| | - Roberta Bernardini
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy;
| | - Maurizio Mattei
- Interdepartmental Center for Comparative Medicine, Alternative Techniques and Aquaculture (CIMETA), University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy;
| | - Alberto Migliore
- San Pietro Fatebenefratelli Hospital, Via Cassia 600, 00189 Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Rinaldi
- Nanofaber S.r.l., Via Anguillarese 301, 00123 Rome, Italy; (N.F.); (P.N.H.)
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Xu M, Feng G, Fang J. Microcapsules based on biological macromolecules for intestinal health: A review. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 276:133956. [PMID: 39029830 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.133956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2024] [Revised: 07/04/2024] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/21/2024]
Abstract
Intestinal dysfunction is becoming increasingly associated with neurological and endocrine issues, raising concerns about its impact on world health. With the introduction of several breakthrough technologies for detecting and treating intestinal illnesses, significant progress has been made in the previous few years. On the other hand, traditional intrusive diagnostic techniques are expensive and time-consuming. Furthermore, the efficacy of conventional drugs (not capsules) is reduced since they are more likely to degrade before reaching their target. In this context, microcapsules based on different types of biological macromolecules have been used to encapsulate active drugs and sensors to track intestinal ailments and address these issues. Several biomacromolecules/biomaterials (natural protein, alginate, chitosan, cellulose and RNA etc.) are widely used for make microcapsules for intestinal diseases, and can significantly improve the therapeutic effect and reduce adverse reactions. This article systematically summarizes microencapsulated based on biomacromolecules material for intestinal health control and efficacy enhancement. It also discusses the application and mechanism research of microencapsulated biomacromolecules drugs in reducing intestinal inflammation, in addition to covering the preparation techniques of microencapsulated drug delivery systems used for intestinal health. Microcapsule delivery systems' limits and potential applications for intestinal disease diagnosis, treatment, and surveillance were highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minhui Xu
- College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Hunan Agricultural University, Hunan Provincial Engineering Research Center of Applied Microbial Resources Development for Livestock and Poultry, Changsha 410128, Hunan, China
| | - Guangfu Feng
- College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Hunan Agricultural University, Hunan Provincial Engineering Research Center of Applied Microbial Resources Development for Livestock and Poultry, Changsha 410128, Hunan, China.
| | - Jun Fang
- College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Hunan Agricultural University, Hunan Provincial Engineering Research Center of Applied Microbial Resources Development for Livestock and Poultry, Changsha 410128, Hunan, China
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Cao X, Wu B, Chen J, Liu Z, Yang Y, Li S, Zhu H, Xu L, Huang H. Hydroxypropyl Cellulose-Based Orally Dissolving Film Loaded with Insoluble Dexamethasone for Treatment of Oral Ulcers. Mol Pharm 2024; 21:4012-4023. [PMID: 38957041 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.4c00391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/04/2024]
Abstract
Oral ulcers present as recurrent and spontaneous lesions, often causing intolerable burning pain that significantly disrupts patients' daily lives and compromises their quality of life. In addressing this clinical challenge, oral dissolving films (ODFs) have emerged as promising pharmaceutical formulations for oral ulcer management due to their rapid onset of action, ease of administration, and portability. In this study, ODFs containing the insoluble drug dexamethasone (Dex) were formulated for the treatment of oral ulcers in rabbits using a solvent casting method with ethanol as the solvent. To optimize the composition of the ODFs, a Box-Behnken Design (BBD) experiment was employed to investigate the effects of varying concentrations of hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC), low-substituted hydroxypropyl cellulose (L-HPC), and plasticizer (glycerol) on key parameters, such as disintegration time, tensile strength, and peel-off efficiency of the films. Subsequently, the film properties of the Dex-loaded ODFs (ODF@Dex) were thoroughly assessed, revealing favorable attributes, including homogeneity, mechanical strength, and solubility. Notably, the use of ethanol as the solvent in the ODF preparation facilitated the homogeneous distribution of insoluble drugs within the film matrix, thereby enhancing their solubility and dissolution rate. Leveraging the potent pharmacological activity of Dex, ODF@Dex was further evaluated for its efficacy in promoting ulcer healing and mitigating the expression of inflammatory factors both in vitro and in vivo. The findings demonstrated that the ODF@Dex exerted significant antiulcer effects by modulating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, thus contributing to ulcer resolution. In conclusion, our study underscores the potential of HPC-based ODFs formulated with ethanol as a solvent as a promising platform for delivering insoluble drugs, offering a viable strategy for the clinical management of oral ulcers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyu Cao
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Bingyu Wu
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Jiayi Chen
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Zhikuan Liu
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Yang Yang
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Shanshan Li
- School of Pharmacy, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu 233030, China
| | - Hongyan Zhu
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Lixing Xu
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Haiqing Huang
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
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