Preparation and optimization of fisetin loaded glycerol based soft nanovesicles by Box-Behnken design

Cubosomal nanoformulation increase invitro dissolution and anticancer activity of Fisetin in A549 lung cancer cells

Aim: To prepare fisetin (FIS) cubosomal nanoformulation to increase aqueous solubility and anticancer activity. Methods: Top-down method using glyceryl monooleate (GMO) and Pluronic F-127. Results: Optimized using 2% GMO and 1% Pluronic F-127, reported 93.07 nm particle size, 80.10% drug entrapment, and reports more than 50% enhanced in vitro drug release than native FIS. MTT assay reports IC50 Values of FIS 16.59 μg/ml and optimized cubosomal FIS nanoformulation (FISCUB) 12.18 μg/ml. The colony numbers observed in clonogenic assay for FISCUB were 8.33 ± 0.58 and FIS 11.67 ± 1.15. In flow cytometry study, apoptotic cells in FISCUB and FIS-treated A549 cells were found to be 33.4 and 6.83% respectively. Conclusion: A stable cubosomal nanoformulation of FIS showed enhanced aqueous solubility and anticancer activity.

Sonoprocessing enhances the stabilization of fisetin by encapsulation in Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells

The objective of this study was to investigate for the first time the role of S. cerevisiae natural barriers and endogenous cytoplasmatic bodies on the stabilization of fisetin encapsulated via sonoprocessing coupled to freeze-drying (FD) or spray drying (SD). Both protocols of encapsulation improved the resistance of fisetin against thermal treatments (between 60 and 150 °C) and photochemical-induced deterioration (light exposition for 60 days) compared to non-encapsulated fisetin (antioxidant activity retention of approximately 55% and 90%, respectively). When stored under constant relative humidity (from 32.8 to 90%) for 60 days, yeast carriers improved the half-life time of fisetin by up to 4-fold. Spray dried particles were smaller (4.9 μm) and showed higher fisetin release after simulated gastrointestinal digestion (55.7%) when compared to FD. Freeze-dried particles, in turn, tended to agglomerate more than SD (zeta potential -19.7 mV), resulting in reduced loading features (6.3 mg/g) and less efficient protection of fisetin to heat, photo, and moisture-induced deterioration. Overall, spray-dried sonoprocessed fisetin capsules are an efficient way to preserve fisetin against harsh conditions. Altogether, this report shows that sonoprocessing coupled to drying is an efficient, creative, and straightforward route to protect and deliver lipophilic fisetin using yeast capsules for food applications.

Mechanochemical Approach to Obtaining a Multicomponent Fisetin Delivery System Improving Its Solubility and Biological Activity

In this study, binary amorphous solid dispersions (ASDs, fisetin-Eudragit®) and ternary amorphous solid inclusions (ASIs, fisetin-Eudragit®-HP-β-cyclodextrin) of fisetin (FIS) were prepared by the mechanochemical method without solvent. The amorphous nature of FIS in ASDs and ASIs was confirmed using XRPD (X-ray powder diffraction). DSC (Differential scanning calorimetry) confirmed full miscibility of multicomponent delivery systems. FT-IR (Fourier-transform infrared analysis) confirmed interactions that stabilize FIS's amorphous state and identified the functional groups involved. The study culminated in evaluating the impact of amorphization on water solubility and conducting in vitro antioxidant assays: 2,2-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)-ABTS, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl-DPPH, Cupric Reducing Antioxidant Capacity-CUPRAC, and Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power-FRAP and in vitro neuroprotective assays: inhibition of acetylcholinesterase-AChE and butyrylcholinesterase-BChE. In addition, molecular docking allowed for the determination of possible bonds and interactions between FIS and the mentioned above enzymes. The best preparation turned out to be ASI_30_EPO (ASD fisetin-Eudragit® containing 30% FIS in combination with HP-β-cyclodextrin), which showed an improvement in apparent solubility (126.5 ± 0.1 µg∙mL-1) and antioxidant properties (ABTS: IC50 = 10.25 µg∙mL-1, DPPH: IC50 = 27.69 µg∙mL-1, CUPRAC: IC0.5 = 9.52 µg∙mL-1, FRAP: IC0.5 = 8.56 µg∙mL-1) and neuroprotective properties (inhibition AChE: 39.91%, and BChE: 42.62%).

Oral administration of Huanglian-Houpo herbal nanoemulsion loading multiple phytochemicals for ulcerative colitis therapy in mice

How to achieve stable co-delivery of multiple phytochemicals is a common problem. This study focuses on the development, optimization and characterization of Huanglian-HouPo extract nanoemulsion (HLHPEN), with multiple components co-delivery, to enhance the anti-ulcerative colitis (UC) effects. The formulation of HLHPEN was optimized by pseudo-ternary phase diagram combined with Box-Behnken design. The physicochemical properties of HLHPEN were characterized, and its anti-UC activity was evaluated in DSS-induced UC mice model. Based on preparation process optimization, the herbal nanoemulsion HLHPEN was obtained, with the droplet size, PDI value, encapsulation efficiency (EE) for 6 phytochemicals (berberine, epiberberine, coptisine, bamatine, magnolol and honokiol) of 65.21 ± 0.82 nm, 0.182 ± 0.016, and 90.71 ± 0.21%, respectively. The TEM morphology of HLHPEN shows the nearly spheroidal shape of particles. The optimized HLHPEN showed a brownish yellow milky single-phase and optimal physical stability at 25 °C for 90 days. HLHPEN exhibited the good particle stability and gradual release of phytochemicals in SGF and SIF, to resist the destruction of simulated stomach and small intestine environment. Importantly, the oral administration of HLHPEN significantly restored the shrunk colon tissue length and reduced body weight, ameliorated DAI value and colon histological pathology, decreased the levels of inflammatory factors in DSS-induced UC mice model. These results demonstrated that HLHPEN had a significant therapeutic effect on DSS-induced UC mice, as a potential alternative UC therapeutic agent.

Quality by Design-Optimized Glycerosome-Enabled Nanosunscreen Gel of Rutin Hydrate

Sunburn is caused by prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun, resulting in redness of the skin as well as tenderness, swelling, and blistering issues. During the healing process, it can cause peeling, irritation, and some long-term effects, including premature aging, pigmentation, and a high risk of skin cancer. Rutin has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, which could potentially reduce inflammation and soothe sunburned skin. The objective of the current proposal is to develop and create carbopol gel-encased glycerosomes for the treatment of sunburn. The Design of Expert (DoE) technique was used to optimize the proposed formulation and was subjected to various characterization parameters such as nanovesicles size, polydispersity index (PDI), surface charge, entrapment efficiency (EE), and surface morphology. The optimized rutin-loaded glycerosomes (opt-RUT-loaded-GMs) were further characterised for drug release, 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay, and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). The formulation showed sustained release, greater permeation into the skin, and good antioxidant activity. The dermatokinetic study of opt-RUT-loaded-GMs confirms that the Rutin hydrate had better retention in the epidermis as compared to the dermis, owing to its potential for long lasting protection after topical application. It was observed that the prepared formulation was stable, highly safe, and had good sun protection factor (SPF) values that could be used as a suitable option for topical drug administration to maximize the therapeutic efficacy of the drugs.

Fisetin-In Search of Better Bioavailability-From Macro to Nano Modifications: A Review

As secondary plant metabolites, polyphenols are abundant in fruits and vegetables. They are in high demand because of their many health benefits. However, their low bioavailability makes them complex compounds to use for therapeutic purposes. Due to the limited solubility of phytocompounds, dietary supplements made from them may only be partially effective. Such molecules include fisetin, found in strawberries, and have shown great promise in treating Alzheimer's disease and cancer. Unfortunately, because of their limited water solubility, low absorption, and poor bioavailability, the assistance of nanotechnology is required to allow them to fulfil their potential fully. Here, we provide evidence that nanodelivery methods and structure modifications can improve fisetin bioavailability, which is linked to improvements in therapeutic efficacy. An open question remains as to which nanocarrier should be chosen to meet the abovementioned requirements and be able to enhance fisetin's therapeutic potential to treat a particular disease.

QbD-Optimized, Phospholipid-Based Elastic Nanovesicles for the Effective Delivery of 6-Gingerol: A Promising Topical Option for Pain-Related Disorders

In this study, elastic nanovesicles, constructed of phospholipids optimized by Quality by Design (QbD), release 6-gingerol (6-G), a natural chemical that may alleviate osteoporosis and musculoskeletal-related pain. A 6-gingerol-loaded transfersome (6-GTF) formulation was developed using a thin film and sonication approach. 6-GTFs were optimized using BBD. Vesicle size, PDI, zeta potential, TEM, in vitro drug release, and antioxidant activity were evaluated for the 6-GTF formulation. The optimized 6-GTF formulation had a 160.42 nm vesicle size, a 0.259 PDI, and a -32.12 mV zeta potential. TEM showed sphericity. The 6-GTF formulation's in vitro drug release was 69.21%, compared to 47.71% for the pure drug suspension. The Higuchi model best described 6-G release from transfersomes, while the Korsmeyer-Peppas model supported non-Fickian diffusion. 6-GTF had more antioxidant activity than the pure 6-G suspension. The optimized transfersome formulation was converted into a gel to improve skin retention and efficacy. The optimized gel had a spreadability of 13.46 ± 4.42 g·cm/s and an extrudability of 15.19 ± 2.01 g/cm². The suspension gel had a 1.5 μg/cm²/h ex vivo skin penetration flux, while the 6-GTF gel had 2.71 μg/cm²/h. Rhodamine B-loaded TF gel reached deeper skin layers (25 μm) compared to the control solution in the CLSM study. The gel formulation's pH, drug concentration, and texture were assessed. This study developed QbD-optimized 6-gingerol-loaded transfersomes. 6-GTF gel improved skin absorption, drug release, and antioxidant activity. These results show that the 6-GTF gel formulation has the ability to treat pain-related illnesses effectively. Hence, this study offers a possible topical treatment for conditions connected to pain.

Current Advances in Lipid Nanosystems Intended for Topical and Transdermal Drug Delivery Applications

Skin delivery is an exciting and challenging field. It is a promising approach for effective drug delivery due to its ease of administration, ease of handling, high flexibility, controlled release, prolonged therapeutic effect, adaptability, and many other advantages. The main associated challenge, however, is low skin permeability. The skin is a healthy barrier that serves as the body's primary defence mechanism against foreign particles. New advances in skin delivery (both topical and transdermal) depend on overcoming the challenges associated with drug molecule permeation and skin irritation. These limitations can be overcome by employing new approaches such as lipid nanosystems. Due to their advantages (such as easy scaling, low cost, and remarkable stability) these systems have attracted interest from the scientific community. However, for a successful formulation, several factors including particle size, surface charge, components, etc. have to be understood and controlled. This review provided a brief overview of the structure of the skin as well as the different pathways of nanoparticle penetration. In addition, the main factors influencing the penetration of nanoparticles have been highlighted. Applications of lipid nanosystems for dermal and transdermal delivery, as well as regulatory aspects, were critically discussed.

Fisetin in Cancer: Attributes, Developmental Aspects, and Nanotherapeutics

Cancer is one of the major causes of mortality, globally. Cancerous cells invade normal cells and metastasize to distant sites with the help of the lymphatic system. There are several mechanisms involved in the development and progression of cancer. Several treatment strategies including the use of phytoconstituents have evolved and been practiced for better therapeutic outcomes against cancer. Fisetin is one such naturally derived flavone that offers numerous pharmacological benefits, i.e., antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiangiogenic, and anticancer properties. It inhibits the rapid growth, invasiveness, and metastasis of tumors by hindering the multiplication of cancer cells, and prompts apoptosis by avoiding cell division related to actuation of caspase-9 and caspase-8. However, its poor bioavailability associated with its extreme hydrophobicity hampers its clinical utility. The issues related to fisetin delivery can be addressed by adapting to the developmental aspects of nanomedicines, such as formulating it into lipid or polymer-based systems, including nanocochleates and liposomes. This review aims to provide in-depth information regarding fisetin as a potential candidate for anticancer therapy, its properties and various formulation strategies.

Liposomes encapsulating novel antimicrobial peptide Omiganan: Characterization and its pharmacodynamic evaluation in atopic dermatitis and psoriasis mice model

Omiganan is a novel 12 amino acid synthetic cationic peptide from the cathelicidin family. Omiganan possesses antimicrobial action against a wide range of microbes, including gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria and fungi. Omiganan mainly acts by depolarizing the cytoplasmic membrane, resulting in cellular disruption and death. Apart from its antimicrobial effect, Omiganan also has anti-inflammatory activity. The present investigation aimed to evaluate and compare the efficacy of Omiganan liposomal gel with conventional formulations (Omiganan gel and lotion) in atopic dermatitis (AD) and psoriasis mice animal models. Liposomes encapsulating Omiganan were prepared using the reverse-phase evaporation technique and incorporated into Carbopol 934P gel. The optimized Omiganan liposomes were then characterized for various physicochemical parameters such as vesicle size, shape and surface morphology, zeta-potential, rheological parameters, in-vitro drug release, ex-vivo skin permeation/deposition, in-vitro antimicrobial activity, proteolytic stability, and cellular toxicity and uptake studies. Liposomes exhibited 72 % encapsulation with 7.8 % loading efficacy, a vesicle size, and zeta potential of 120 nm and - 17.2 mv, respectively. Moreover, Omiganan liposomal gel demonstrated controlled release and a better permeation profile than conventional formulations. A substantial reduction in levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and improvement in AD and psoriatic lesions were achieved by Omiganan liposomal gel compared to Omiganan gel and lotion-based formulations. The present study confirms that Omiganan liposomal formulation can be an effective, safe, and novel alternative treatment approach in atopic dermatitis and psoriasis.

Stimuli-Responsive Miktoarm Polymer-Based Formulations for Fisetin Delivery and Regulatory Effects in Hyperactive Human Microglia

Branched star polymers offer exciting opportunities in enhancing the efficacy of nanocarriers in delivering biologically active lipophilic agents. We demonstrate that the star polymeric architecture can be leveraged to yield soft nanoparticles of vesicular morphology with precisely located stimuli-sensitive chemical entities. Amphiphilic stars of AB₂ (A = PEG, B = PCL) composition with/without oxidative stress or reduction responsive units at the core junction of A and B arms, are constructed using synthetic articulation. Fisetin, a natural flavonoid with remarkable anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, but of limited clinical value due to its poor aqueous solubility, was physically encapsulated into miktoarm star-derived aqueous polymersomes. We evaluated polymersomes and fisetin separately, and in combination, in human microglia (HMC3), to show if (i) polymersomes are toxic; (ii) fisetin reduces the abundance of reactive oxygen species (ROS); and (iii) fisetin modulates the activation of ERK1/2. These signaling molecules and pathways are implicated in inflammatory processes and cell survival. Fisetin, both incorporated and non-incorporated into polymersomes, reduced ROS and ERK1/2 phosphorylation in lipopolysaccharide-treated human microglia, normalizing excessive oxidative stress and ERK-mediated signaling. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Glycerosomal thermosensitive in situ gel of duloxetine HCl as a novel nanoplatform for rectal delivery: in vitro optimization and in vivo appraisal

Duloxetine HCl (DXH) is a reuptake inhibitor of serotonin and norepinephrine used to treat the major depressive disorder. Following its extensive hepatic metabolism, acid-labile nature, and limited aqueous solubility, DXH has poor oral bioavailability (40%). The rectal route has been suggested as another route of administration to surmount such challenges. The present study aimed to prepare DXH-loaded glycerosomal (DXH-GLYS) in situ gel for rectal administration to increase DXH permeability and improve its bioavailability. Box-Behnken design (BBD) was adopted to prepare and optimize nanoglycerosomes. The impact of Phospholipon 90G (PL90G), Tween 80 concentrations, and glycerol percentage on encapsulation efficiency, nanoglycerosomal size, % cumulative DXH released, and the cumulative DXH permeated per unit area after 24 h were studied by the design. The pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic behavior of optimized formulation was investigated in rats. The formulated DXH-GLYS had a vesicle size ranging between 135.9 and 430.6 nm and an entrapment efficiency between 69.11 and 98.12%. The permeation experiment revealed that the optimized DXH-GLYS in situ gel increased DXH permeation by 2.62-fold compared to DXH solution. Pharmacokinetics studies disclosed that the DXH-GLYS in situ rectal gel exhibited 2.24-times increment in DXH bioavailability relative to oral DXH solution. The pharmacodynamic study revealed that the DXH-GLYS rectal treatment significantly improved the behavioral analysis parameters and was more efficacious as an antidepressant than the oral DXH solution. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that GLYS can be considered a potentially valuable rectal nanocarrier that could boost the DXH efficacy.

Improved stability and skin penetration through glycethosomes loaded with glycyrrhetinic acid

OBJECTIVE

In recent years, glycyrrhetinic acid (GA) has been popularly used in cosmetics because of its anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects. However, due to the poor water solubility of GA and the barrier effect of human skin, the penetration of GA through the skin may be hindered. Liposomes are a common delivery system for functional compounds in cosmetics. Nonetheless, the stability and transdermal effect of traditional liposomes are limited. The aim of this work was to prepare a new liposome system that contained glycerol and ethanol to enhance the stability of the vesicles and promote the penetration of GA into the skin.

METHODS

The glycethosomes were prepared by ethanol injection and sonication method. The effects of different concentrations of glycerol and ethanol on the particle size, polydispersity (PDI), entrapment efficiency (EE), stability and rheological properties of vesicles were evaluated. Lipophilic and hydrophilic fluorescent probes were used to investigate the microviscosity of vesicles. In vitro permeation tests were performed with pig skin in Franz cells and the concentration of GA in different skin layers was determined by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The ability of different vesicles to induce lipid extraction and fluidization was analyzed by using attenuated total reflection-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR).

RESULTS

When glycerol was 50% and ethanol was 25%, the obtained glycethosomes had the smallest particle size and the best stability with a mean particle size of 94.5 nm, PDI 0.216 and 99.8% EE. Fluorescence probe studies indicated that the microviscosity of glycethosomes was the largest when the concentration of glycerol and ethanol was 50% and 25%, which was consistent with the storage stability of glycethosomes. It was found that the glycethosomes had the best transdermal effect and the total skin permeation percentage of GA was 20.67%, while that of ethosomes, glycerosomes, liposomes and dispersion were 10.56%, 9.38%, 7.78% and 5.02%, respectively. And glycethosomes had effectively lipid extraction and fluidization effect on the skin stratum corneum.

CONCLUSION

Compared to other traditional liposomes, glycethosomes can significantly improve the stability of vesicles and the transdermal effect of GA. Glycethosomes are promising vesicles for the delivery of GA.

Optimizing glycerosome formulations via an orthogonal experimental design to enhance transdermal triptolide delivery

Triptolide exerts strong anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects; however, its oral administration might be associated with side effects. Transdermal administration can improve the safety of triptolide. In this study, glycerosomes were prepared as the transdermal vehicle to enhance the transdermal delivery of triptolide. With entrapment efficiency and drug loading as dependent variables, the glycerosome formulation was optimized using an orthogonal experimental design. Phospholipid-to-cholesterol and phospholipid-to-triptolide mass ratios of 30:1 and 5:1, respectively and a glycerol concentration of 20 % (V/V) were used in the optimization. The glycerosomes prepared with the optimized formulation showed good stability, with an average particle size of 153.10 ± 2.69 nm, a zeta potential of -45.73 ± 0.60 mV and an entrapment greater than 75 %. Glycerosomes significantly increased the transdermal delivery of triptolide compared to conventional liposomes. As efficient carriers for the transdermal delivery of drugs, glycerosomes can potentially be used as an alternative to oral triptolide administration.

ZnO Nanoparticles of Rubia cordifolia Extract Formulation Developed and Optimized with QbD Application, Considering Ex Vivo Skin Permeation, Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Properties

The objective of the current research is to develop ZnO-Manjistha extract (ZnO-MJE) nanoparticles (NPs) and to investigate their transdermal delivery as well as antimicrobial and antioxidant activity. The optimized formulation was further evaluated based on different parameters. The ZnO-MJE-NPs were prepared by mixing 10 mM ZnSO₄·7H₂O and 0.8% w/v NaOH in distilled water. To the above, a solution of 10 mL MJE (10 mg) in 50 mL of zinc sulfate was added. Box-Behnken design (Design-Expert software 12.0.1.0) was used for the optimization of ZnO-MJE-NP formulations. The ZnO-MJE-NPs were evaluated for their physicochemical characterization, in vitro release activity, ex vivo permeation across rat skin, antimicrobial activity using sterilized agar media, and antioxidant activity by the DPPH free radical method. The optimized ZnO-MJE-NP formulation (F13) showed a particle size of 257.1 ± 0.76 nm, PDI value of 0.289 ± 0.003, and entrapment efficiency of 79 ± 0.33%. Drug release kinetic models showed that the formulation followed the Korsmeyer-Peppas model with a drug release of 34.50 ± 2.56 at pH 7.4 in 24 h. In ex vivo studies ZnO-MJE-NPs-opt permeation was 63.26%. The antibacterial activity was found to be enhanced in ZnO-MJE-NPs-opt and antioxidant activity was found to be highest (93.14 ± 4.05%) at 100 µg/mL concentrations. The ZnO-MJE-NPs-opt formulation showed prolonged release of the MJE and intensified permeation. Moreover, the formulation was found to show significantly (p < 0.05) better antimicrobial and antioxidant activity as compared to conventional suspension formulations.

Fisetin as a Senotherapeutic Agent: Biopharmaceutical Properties and Crosstalk between Cell Senescence and Neuroprotection

Like other organs, brain functions diminish with age. Furthermore, for a variety of neurological disorders—including Alzheimer’s disease—age is one of the higher-risk factors. Since in many Western countries the average age is increasing, determining approaches for decreasing the effects of aging on brain function is taking on a new urgency. Neuroinflammation and oxidative stress are two convoluted key factors in brain aging and chronic neurodegenerative diseases. The diverseness of factors, causing an age-related decrease in brain functions, requires identifying small molecules that have multiple biological activities that can affect all these factors. One great source of these small molecules is related to polyphenolic flavonoids. Recently, 3,3′,4′,7-tetrahydroxyflavone (fisetin) has been reported as a potent senotherapeutic capable of extending lifespan by reducing peroxidation levels and enhancing antioxidant cell responses. The neuroprotective effects of fisetin have been shown in several in vitro and in vivo models of neurological disorders due to its actions on multiple pathways associated with different neurological disorders. The present work aims to collect the most recent achievements related to the antioxidant and neuroprotective effects of fisetin. Moreover, in silico pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and toxicity of fisetin are also comprehensively described along with emerging novel drug delivery strategies for the amelioration of this flavonol bioavailability and chemical stability.

Comprehensive review on use of phospholipid based vesicles for phytoactive delivery

Plant-derived phytoconstituents are well known for their therapeutic potential. It has been experimentally demonstrated that whole-plant extract or isolated phytoconstituents reveal various therapeutic potentials like hepatoprotective, antimicrobial, neuroprotective, antitumor, antioxidant, skin protectives, etc. Although these phytoconstituents have potential therapeutic benefits, their use is limited due to their poor bioavailability, stability in biological fluids, and authentication issues. These continue to be an open problem that affects the application of these valuable ancient herbal herbs in the effective treatment and management of various disease conditions. A potential solution to these difficult problems could be the loading of phytoactives in phospholipid-based vesicular systems. Phospholipid-based vesicles like liposomes, phytosomes, ethosomes as well as transfersomes were effectively utilized recently to solve drawbacks and for effective delivery of phytoactives. Several landmark studies observed better therapeutic efficacy of phytoactive loaded vesicles compared to conventional drug delivery. Thus phospholipid-based vesicles mediated phytoactive delivery is a recently developed promising and attractive strategy for better therapeutic control on disease conditions. The present short review highlights recent advances in herbal bioactive loaded phospholipid-based vesicles.

Liver Targeting of Daclatasvir via Tailoring Sterically Stabilized Bilosomes: Fabrication, Comparative In Vitro/In Vivo Appraisal and Biodistribution Studies

INTRODUCTION

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a significant public health concern that threatens millions of individuals worldwide. Daclatasvir (DAC) is a promising direct-acting antiviral approved for treating HCV infection around the world. The goal of this study was to encapsulate DAC into novel polyethylene glycol (PEG) decorated bilosomes (PEG-BILS) to achieve enhanced drug delivery to the liver.

METHODS

DAC-loaded BILS were primed by a thin film hydrating technique. The study of the impact of various formulation variables on the properties of BILS and selection of the optimal formulation was generated using Design-Expert® software. The optimum preparation was then pegylated via the incorporation of PEG-6-stearate (5% w/w, with respect to the lipid phase).

RESULTS

The optimum PEG-BILS formulation, containing PL:SDC ratio (5:1), 5 mg cholesterol, and 30 min sonication, yielded spherical vesicles in the nanoscale (200±15.2 nm), elevated percent of entrapment efficiency (95.5±7.77%), and a sustained release profile of DAC with 35.11±2.3% release. In vivo and drug distribution studies revealed an enhanced hepatocellular delivery of DAC-loaded PEG-BILS compared to DAC-unPEG-BILS and DAC suspension, where DAC-PEG-BILS achieved 1.19- and 1.54 times the AUC0-24 of DAC-unPEG-BILS and DAC suspension, respectively. Compared with DAC-unPEG-BILS and DAC suspension, DAC-PEG-BILS delivered about 2 and 3 times higher DAC into the liver, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The innovative encapsulation of DAC-PEG-BILS has a great potential for liver targeting.

3D printed ocusert laden with ultra-fluidic glycerosomes of ganciclovir for the management of ocular cytomegalovirus retinitis

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitisis a vision-threatening disease that principally afflicts immunosuppressed patients. For the management of the disease, Ganciclovir (GCV) is usually administered systemically, where patients may suffer severe untoward effects. The ocularly-applied alternatives are either the intravitreal injections, which are frequently administered due to GCV short half-life, or the sustained-release implants, which require surgical removal upon drug depletion. Both therapies are invasive and should be completed by a medical expert. The objective of this research was to formulate a non-invasive alternative represented in GCV loaded ultra-fluidic glycerosomes (UFGs), which are glycerosomes containing sodium taurocholate as an edge activator (EA), then incorporating the optimal UFGs in polylactic acid (PLA)-based 3D printed ocusert to prolong the release of GCV. The experimental design, the statistical analysis, and the optimization were performed via Design-Expert® software. The optimal formulation (UFGs 6; composed of 600 mg Phosphatidylcholine (PC), 20 mg cholesterol, 0.1:1 weight molar ratio of EA: PC and 1 gm glycerol) possessed nanovesicles (441.70 ± 1.13 nm) that entrapped 69.33 ± 0.28 % of GCV, with zeta potential value of -37.00 ± 0.42 mV and deformability index value of 74.68 ± 0.71. The confocal microscopy results showed the supreme penetration power of UFGs through the rabbit's cornea, compared to edge-activated vesicles and conventional glycerosomes from the laden ocusert. Moreover, the topical application of the ocusert laden with the optimal GCV loaded UFGs to the rabbits' eyes evidenced their safety as per the histopathological findings. Furthermore, a pharmacokinetic study in the rabbit's aqueous humor demonstrated the sustained release of GCV from the ocusert laden with the optimal GCV loaded UFGs over 5 days. Inclusively, the ocusert laden with UFGs could be considered as a non-invasive sustaining drug delivery system of GCV for the management of CMV retinitis.

Brucine-loaded transliposomes nanogel for topical delivery in skin cancer: statistical optimization, in vitro and dermatokinetic evaluation

The aim of the present study was to develop, optimize brucine-loaded transliposomes (BRC-TL) formulation for dermal delivery of brucine for skin cancer. The BRC-TL formulations were evaluated for vesicle size, entrapment efficiency, and in vitro drug release. The optimized formulation was further evaluated for skin penetration by confocal laser microscopy and dermatokinetic study. The optimized BRC-TL formulation presented sealed lamellar shaped vesicles, with vesicles size, polydispersity index, entrapment efficiency, and in vitro drug release of 136.20 ± 2.87 nm, 0.354 ± 0.02, 86.01 ± 1.27%, and 83.09 ± 2.07%, respectively. Ex vivo permeation study showed that, developed BRC-TL formulation had a 2.4-fold increment in permeation as compared to BRC suspension. Texture analysis showed that the BRC-TL gel presented firmness of 158.91 g, consistency of 615.03 g/s, cohesiveness of  - 115.26 g and a viscosity index of  - 472.05 g/s. The confocal images of rat skin clearly showed the deeper penetration of rhodamine B-loaded TL formulation as compared to the Rhodamine B-hydro alcoholic solution. The optimized BRC-TL formulation demonstrated significantly higher cytotoxicity than placebo liposome and BRC suspension (P < 0.05). Further, the BRC-TL nanogel treated rat skin showed a substantial increase in C_{Skin max} and AUC_0-8 in comparison to rat skin treated with BRC conventional gel (P < 0.05). The data revealed that the developed TLs formulation could be a promising drug nanocarrier for brucine dermal delivery in the treatment of skin cancer.

Combinatorial lipid-nanosystem for dermal delivery of 5-fluorouracil and resveratrol against skin cancer: Delineation of improved dermatokinetics and epidermal drug deposition enhancement analysis

In the present study, combinatorial nanostructured lipid carrier gel of 5-fluorouracil and resveratrol was formulated, optimized and characterized to enhance permeation in between epidermis and dermis layers of the skin to obtain a synergistic effect against skin cancer. After extensive trials, a newly modified emulsiosonication method was developed and additionally, for the first time, stability studies were done in the beginning to optimize formulation technique, which exhibited two major benefits simultaneously; first, it provided best-optimized technique for preparation of combinatorial lipid-nanosystem, and secondly, it also demonstrated a detailed report card of durability of formulations. In vitro release study showed a significantly improved, slow and prolonged release of drugs from the optimized lipid-nanosystem (***p < 0.05), which followed non-Fickian Higuchi kinetics. Besides, mechanism of skin permeation enhancement study, dermatokinetic assessment, and depth analysis of optimized formulation on skin exhibited improved permeation and well distribution of drugs up to the dermis layer of skin. Moreover, combinatorial linogel possessed significantly greater efficacy (**p < 0.01) on the A431 cell line, as compared to the conventional formulation. Thus, findings revealed that modified method of preparation for dual drug-loaded lipid-nanosystem lead to the production of a stable formulation that also improved the retention of both 5-fluorouracil and resveratrol in between the epidermis and dermis region of skin thereby helping in the management and treatment of skin cancer.

Preparing, optimising, and evaluating chitosan nanocapsules to improve the stability of anthocyanins from Aronia melanocarpa

During in vitro digestion and enviromental storage, the chitosan nanocapsulation was successfully improved the physical and oxidative stability of anthocyanins from Aronia melanocarpa.

Extraction, Characterization and Incorporation of Hypericum scruglii Extract in Ad Hoc Formulated Phospholipid Vesicles Designed for the Treatment of Skin Diseases Connected with Oxidative Stress

An extract of Hypericum scruglii, an endangered endemic plant of Sardinia (Italy), was prepared and characterized. It was loaded in special phospholipid vesicles, glycerosomes, which were modified by adding maltodextrin (glucidex) and a polymer (gelatin or hyaluronan). The corresponding liposomes were also prepared and used as reference. The vesicles disclosed suitable physicochemical features for skin delivery. Indeed, their mean diameter ranged from 120 to 160 nm, they were homogeneously dispersed (polydispersity index ≤ 0.30), and their zeta potential was highly negative (~−45 mV). The vesicle dispersions maintained unchanged characteristics during 60 days of storage, were highly biocompatible, and were able to protect keratinocytes against damages due to oxidative stress induced by treating them with hydrogen peroxide. Vesicles were also capable of promoting cell proliferation and migration in vitro by means of a scratch wound assay. The results confirmed the fruitful delivery of the extract of H. scruglii in glycerosomes modified with glucidex and gelatin and their promising ability for skin protection and treatment.

Phospholipid Vesicles for Dermal/Transdermal and Nasal Administration of Active Molecules: The Effect of Surfactants and Alcohols on the Fluidity of Their Lipid Bilayers and Penetration Enhancement Properties

This is a comprehensive review on the use of phospholipid nanovesicles for dermal/transdermal and nasal drug administration. Phospholipid-based vesicular carriers have been widely investigated for enhanced drug delivery via dermal/transdermal routes. Classic phospholipid vesicles, liposomes, do not penetrate the deep layers of the skin, but remain confined to the upper stratum corneum. The literature describes several approaches with the aim of altering the properties of these vesicles to improve their penetration properties. Transfersomes and ethosomes are the most investigated penetration-enhancing phospholipid nanovesicles, obtained by the incorporation of surfactant edge activators and high concentrations of ethanol, respectively. These two types of vesicles differ in terms of their structure, characteristics, mechanism of action and mode of application on the skin. Edge activators contribute to the deformability and elasticity of transfersomes, enabling them to penetrate through pores much smaller than their own size. The ethanol high concentration in ethosomes generates a soft vesicle by fluidizing the phospholipid bilayers, allowing the vesicle to penetrate deeper into the skin. Glycerosomes and transethosomes, phospholipid vesicles containing glycerol or a mixture of ethanol and edge activators, respectively, are also covered. This review discusses the effects of edge activators, ethanol and glycerol on the phospholipid vesicle, emphasizing the differences between a soft and an elastic nanovesicle, and presents their different preparation methods. To date, these differences have not been comparatively discussed. The review presents a large number of active molecules incorporated in these carriers and investigated in vitro, in vivo or in clinical human tests.