In vitro investigation of lipid implants as a controlled release system for interleukin-18

Biobased Ionic Liquids as Multitalented Materials in Lipidic Drug Implants

Lipidic implants are valuable controlled delivery systems that present good biocompatibility and are useful for long-lasting therapies. However, these promising systems can present inflexible drug release profiles that limit their performance. Thus, finding new materials to overcome this drawback is crucial. Herein, lipidic implants containing caffeine and poorly soluble salicylic acid and rutin were developed. The inclusion of Gelucire^® 50/02, sucrose, and two biobased ionic liquids, [Cho][Phe] and [Cho][Glu], were evaluated as a mean to improve the performance of the systems. The formulation procedure, dye content distribution, drug content, drug release, water content, and lipidic erosion of the developed systems were assessed. AFM analysis of the implants containing ILs was also performed. The results demonstrated that neither Gelucire^® 50/02 nor sucrose were suitable tools to improve the drug release profile. In contrast, the ILs proved to be promising materials for multiple reasons; not only did they facilitate the formulation and incorporation of the studied drugs into the implants, but they also allowed a more suitable release profile, with [Cho][Glu] allowing a higher drug release due to its ability to increase surface wrinkling. Hence, this study showcases ILs as multitalented materials in lipid-based drug implants.

New insights into process understanding of solid lipid extrusion (SLE) of extruded lipid implants for sustained protein delivery

The aim of this work is a better understanding of solid lipid extrusion (SLE) for protein depot production using a lab-scale twin-screw (tsc)-extruder. In this context, little is known about the relationship of process parameters such as extrusion temperature, screw speed, or formulation on implant characteristics. It is difficult to attribute release characteristics to only one parameter, since the release will always be influenced by a combination of parameters. In this study, we describe the use of an online pressure measurement tool which allows to characterize pressure profiles during an extrusion run. We systematically investigated the impact of various process parameters on implant properties as well as release patterns using a monoclonal antibody (mAb). Solid lipid implants (SLIs) were produced by tsc-extrusion using the low melting triglyceride H12 and the high melting triglyceride Dynasan® D118. A mAb available in a freeze-dried matrix containing hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrine (HP-β-CD) was used as incorporated active pharmaceutical ingredient. Extrusion temperature (33-37 °C), screw speed (40-80 rpm) and the lipid composition (30-70% of each triglyceride) were modified. Additionally, freshly extruded SLIs were ground and extruded again as a preparation technique to optimize properties of SLIs. Using the pressure monitoring tool, four characteristic phases were defined for an extrusion run. We found that both, sufficient pressure and adequately molten material, is needed to form a suitable implant. Using the double extrusion technique, release rates could substantially be slowed down without changing formulation.

Long-term release and stability of pharmaceutical proteins delivered from solid lipid implants

Solid lipid implants (SLIs) prepared by twin-screw (tsc) extrusion represent a promising technology platform for the sustained release of pharmaceutical proteins. In this work, we report on two aspects, long-term release and stability of released protein. First, SLIs were produced by tsc-extrusion containing the low melting triglyceride H12 and the high melting triglyceride Dynasan D118. Two different proteins available in a freeze-dried matrix containing hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrine (HP-β-CD) were incorporated into the lipid matrix: a monoclonal antibody (mAb) from the IgG₁ class and the f_ab-fragment Ranibizumab (Lucentis®). SLIs, composed of 10% protein lyophilizate and both triglycerides, were extruded at 35°C and 40rpm. Sustained release of both proteins was observed in a sustained manner for approximately 120days. Protein load per implant was increased by three different approaches resulting in a protein load of 3.00mg per implant without affecting the release profiles. The incubation medium containing the released protein was collected, concentrated and analyzed including liquid chromatography (SE-HPLC, IEX, HIC), electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE, on-chip gel electrophoresis) and FT-IR spectroscopy. The mAb showed a monomer loss of up to 7% (SE-HPLC) and IEX analysis revealed the formation of 16% acidic subspecies after 18weeks. FT-IR spectra of mAb indicated the formation of random coil structures towards the end of the release study. Ranibizumab was mainly released in its monomeric form (>95%), and approximately 5% hydrophobic subspecies were formed after 18weeks of release. FT-IR analysis revealed no changes in secondary structure. The release and stability profiles of both proteins underline the potential of SLIs as a delivery system. SLIs provide a promising platform for applications where really long-term release is needed, for example for intraocular delivery of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) drugs for age related macular degeneration (AMD).

Development, characterizations and biocompatibility evaluations of intravitreal lipid implants

Background:

The treatment of posterior eye diseases is always challenging mainly due to inaccessibility of the region. Many drugs are currently delivered by repeated intraocular injections.

Objectives:

The purpose of this study was to investigate the potential applications of natural triglycerides as alternative carriers to synthetic polymers in terms of drug release profile and also biocompatibility for intraocular use.

Materials and Methods:

In vitro/in vivo evaluations of intravitreal implants fabricated from the physiological lipid, glyceride tripalmitate containing clindamycin phosphate as a model drug was performed. The micro-implants with average diameter of 0.4 mm were fabricated via a hot melt extrusion method. The extrudates were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and in vitro drug dissolution studies. For biocompatibility, the implants were implanted into rabbit eyes. Clinical investigations including fundus observations, electroretinography as well as histological evaluations were performed.

Results:

In vitro tests guaranteed usefulness of the production method for preparing the homogenous mixture of the drug and lipid without affecting thermal and crystalinity characteristics of the components. In vitro releases indicated a bi-phasic pattern for lower lipid ratios, which were completed by the end of day three. With higher lipid ratios, more controlled release profiles were achieved until about ten days for a lipid ratio of 95%. Clinical observations did not show any abnormalities up to two months after implantation into the rabbit eye.

Conclusions:

These results suggest that although the implant could not adequately retard release of the present drug model yet, due to good physical characteristics and in vivo biocompatibility, it can represent a suitable device for loading wide ranges of therapeutics in treatment of many kinds of retinochoroidal disorders.

Accelerated in-vitro release testing methods for extended-release parenteral dosage forms

OBJECTIVES

This review highlights current methods and strategies for accelerated in-vitro drug release testing of extended-release parenteral dosage forms such as polymeric microparticulate systems, lipid microparticulate systems, in-situ depot-forming systems and implants.

KEY FINDINGS

Extended-release parenteral dosage forms are typically designed to maintain the effective drug concentration over periods of weeks, months or even years. Consequently, 'real-time' in-vitro release tests for these dosage forms are often run over a long time period. Accelerated in-vitro release methods can provide rapid evaluation and therefore are desirable for quality control purposes. To this end, different accelerated in-vitro release methods using United States Pharmacopeia (USP) apparatus have been developed. Different mechanisms of accelerating drug release from extended-release parenteral dosage forms, along with the accelerated in-vitro release testing methods currently employed are discussed.

SUMMARY

Accelerated in-vitro release testing methods with good discriminatory ability are critical for quality control of extended-release parenteral products. Methods that can be used in the development of in-vitro-in-vivo correlation (IVIVC) are desirable; however, for complex parenteral products this may not always be achievable.

Towards controlled release of BDNF — Manufacturing strategies for protein-loaded lipid implants and biocompatibility evaluation in the brain

It was the aim of this study to establish triglyceride matrices as potential carriers for long-term release of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a potential therapeutic for Huntington's disease. First, four different manufacturing strategies were investigated with lysozyme as a model substance: either lyophilized protein was mixed with lipid powder, or suspended in organic solution thereof (s/o). Or else, an aqueous protein solution was dispersed by w/o emulsion in organic lipid solution. Alternatively, a PEG co-lyophilization was performed prior to dispersing solid protein microparticles in organic lipid solution. After removal of the solvent(s), the resulting powder formulations were compressed at 250 N to form mini-cylinders of 2 mm diameter, 2.2 mm height and 7 mg weight. Protein integrity after formulation and release was evaluated from an enzyme activity assay and SDS-PAGE. Confocal microscopy revealed that the resulting distribution of FITC-lysozyme within the matrices depended strongly on the manufacturing method, which had an important impact on matrix performance: matrices with a very fine and homogeneous protein distribution (PEG co-lyophilization) continually released protein for 2 months. The other methods did not guarantee a homogeneous distribution and either failed in sustaining release for more than 1 week (powder mixture), completely liberating the loading (s/o dispersion) or preserving protein activity during manufacturing (w/o emulsion, formation of aggregates and 25% activity loss). Based on these results, miniature-sized implants of 1 mm diameter, 0.8 mm height and 1 mg weight were successfully loaded by the PEG co-lyophilization method with 2% BDNF and 2% PEG. Release studies in phosphate buffer pH 7.4 at 4 and 37 degrees C revealed a controlled release of either 20 or 60% intact protein over one month as determined by ELISA. SDS-PAGE detected only minor aggregates in the matrix during release at higher temperature. In vivo evaluation of lipid cylinders in the striatum of rat brains revealed a biocompatibility comparable to silicone reference cylinders.

Influence of wettability and surface activity on release behavior of hydrophilic substances from lipid matrices

The aim of this study was to investigate the role of matrix and drug properties on controlled release from triglyceride matrices. Mini-cylinders of 2 mm diameter, 2.2 mm height and 7 mg weight were produced by compression of lipid powder obtained by using a polyethylene glycol (PEG) co-lyophilization method for the model substances lysozyme and FITC-dextran (Mw 4000 Da). Lysozyme was released with decreasing velocity from glyceryl trilaurate, -myristate, -palmitate and -stearate for more than 14 months. Release correlated well with triglyceride lipophilicity defined by the chain length of the fatty acids. Contact angle measurements and the analysis of buffer penetration visualized by confocal microscopy emphasized the role of matrix wettability as a prerequisite for release. A comparison with FITC-dextran revealed that the protein itself enhances matrix wettability and hence its release due to its surface active properties. FITC-dextran remained trapped within the matrix only to be released at lower compression force or after the addition of surfactant. Protein added externally to the release buffer at 0.1% (w/v) was not efficient in lowering the contact angle and increasing the release rate of FITC-dextran. Tween 20 and 81 could be used in different concentrations (0.1, 0.01 and 0.001% (w/v)) to alter lysozyme and FITC-dextran release profiles: resulting release rates showed a close dependence on the contact angle of the respective release medium and triglyceride matrix material. However, both Tweens seem to act not only by reducing the release medium contact angle but also by moderately affecting interparticulate adhesion of the matrix material.

Confocal Microscopy for the Elucidation of Mass Transport Mechanisms Involved in Protein Release from Lipid-based Matrices

PURPOSE

It was the aim of this study to identify the governing mechanisms during protein release from cylindrical lipid matrices by visualizing mass transport and correlating the data with in vitro dissolution testing.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Glyceryl trimyristate cylinders of 2 mm diameter, 2.2 mm height and 7 mg weight were manufactured by compression of a protein-lipid powder mixture prepared by a polyethylene glycol (PEG) co-lyophilization technique. BSA was fluorescence-labeled and the distribution visualized and quantified at different stages of the release process by confocal microscopy in parallel to the quantification in the release buffer. The impact of matrix loading and protein molecular weight was assessed with the model proteins lysozyme, BSA, alcohol dehydrogenase and thyroglobulin.

RESULTS

Buffer penetration and protein release occurred simultaneously from the outer regions of the cylinder progressing towards the center. Release from the top and bottom of the matrix was not negligible but much slower than penetration from the side, probably due to an oriented arrangement of lipid flakes during compression. The different quantification strategies were found to yield identical results. At 6% protein loading, buffer penetration was complete after 4 days, while only 60% of the protein was liberated in that time and release continued up to day 63. Protein release kinetics could be described using the power law equation M ( t ) /M ( infinity ) = kt ( n ) with an average time exponent n of 0.45 (+/-0.04) for loadings varying between 1 and 8%. A percolation threshold at 5% pure protein loading and 3-4% mixed loading (PEG and protein at a 1:1 mass ratio) could be identified. Release rate was found to decrease with increasing molecular weight.

CONCLUSIONS

Protein release from lipid-based matrices is a purely diffusion controlled mechanism. Potential protein stabilization approaches should address the time span between complete buffer penetration of the matrix and 100% release of the remaining loading, which would be exposed to an aqueous environment before leaving the matrix.