Using different structure types of microemulsions for the preparation of poly(alkylcyanoacrylate) nanoparticles by interfacial polymerization

Development and Skin Penetration Pathway Evaluation Using Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy of Microemulsions for Dermal Delivery Enhancement of Finasteride

This study aimed to develop microemulsions using poloxamer 124 as a surfactant to improve the skin penetration of finasteride and to investigate the skin penetration pathways of these microemulsions by colocalization techniques using confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). The prepared finasteride-loaded microemulsions had average particle sizes ranging from 80.09 to 136.97 nm with particle size distributions within acceptable ranges and exhibited negative surface charges. The obtained microemulsions could significantly increase the skin penetration of finasteride compared to a finasteride solution. According to the skin penetration pathway evaluation conducted with CLSM, the microemulsions were hair follicle-targeted formulations due to penetration via the transfollicular pathway as a major skin penetration pathway. Additionally, this study found that the microemulsions also penetrated via the intercluster pathway more than via the intercellular pathway and transcellular pathway. The intercluster pathway, intercellular pathway, and transcellular pathway were considered only minor pathways.

Development and Characterization of Azithromycin-Loaded Microemulsions: A Promising Tool for the Treatment of Bacterial Skin Infections

In recent years, the treatment of bacterial skin infections has been considered a major healthcare issue due to the growing emergence of antibiotic-resistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus. The incorporation of antibiotics in appropriate nanosystems could represent a promising strategy, able to overcome several drawbacks of the topical treatment of infections, including poor drug retention within the skin. The present work aims to develop microemulsions containing azithromycin (AZT), a broad-spectrum macrolide antibiotic. Firstly, AZT solubility in various oils, surfactants and co-surfactants was assessed to select the main components. Subsequently, microemulsions composed of vitamin E acetate, Labrasol^® and Transcutol^® P were prepared and characterized for their pH, viscosity, droplet size, zeta potential and ability to release the drug and to promote its retention inside porcine skin. Antimicrobial activity against S. aureus methicillin-resistant strains (MRSA) and the biocompatibility of microemulsions were evaluated. Microemulsions showed an acceptable pH and were characterized by different droplet sizes and viscosities depending on their composition. Interestingly, they provided a prolonged release of AZT and promoted its accumulation inside the skin. Finally, microemulsions retained AZT efficacy on MRSA and were not cytotoxic. Hence, the developed AZT-loaded microemulsions could be considered as useful nanocarriers for the treatment of antibiotic-resistant infections of the skin.

Development and skin penetration pathway evaluation of microemulsions for enhancing the dermal delivery of celecoxib

This study aimed to develop a microemulsion using PEG-6 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides as a surfactant to enhance the dermal delivery of celecoxib. Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) using the colocalization technique was also used to investigate the skin penetration pathway of the microemulsion. The prepared microemulsion formulations were characterized in terms of size, surface charge, size distribution and type. The celecoxib-loaded microemulsion had particle sizes ranging from 48 to 214 nm with neutral charge and significantly increased the skin penetration of celecoxib. According to the CLSM study, the microemulsion might attach to any part of the skin before releasing the entrapped drug to penetrate the tissue. The transfollicular pathway might be the major skin penetration pathway for the microemulsion, whereas the intercellular and transcellular pathways are minor ones.

Single-Entity Electrochemistry of Nanoemulsion: The Nanostructural Effect on Its Electrochemical Behavior

New electrochemical approaches have been applied to investigate nanoemulsions (NEs) for their nanostructures and the relevant electrochemical activity by single-entity electrochemistry (SEE). Herein, we make highly monodisperse NEs with ∼40 nm diameter, composed of biocompatible surfactants, castor oil as plasticizers, and ion exchangers. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) measurements with periodically varying surfactant to oil ratios provide us with a structural implication about uneven distributions of incorporating components inside NEs. To support this structural insight, we apply SEE and selectively monitor electron-transfer reactions occurring at individual NEs containing ferrocene upon each collision onto a Pt ultramicroelectrode. The quantitative analysis of the nanoelectrochemical results along with DLS and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) measurements reveal nanostructured compartments of incorporating components inside NEs and their effect on the electrochemical behavior. Indeed, a tunneling barrier inside NEs could be formed depending on the NE composition, thus determining an electrochemical behavior of NEs, which cannot be differentiated by a general morphological study such as DLS and TEM but by our SEE measurements. Furthermore, by employing the nanopipet voltammetry with an interface between two immiscible electrolyte solutions (ITIES) to mimic the NE interface, we could explicitly investigate that the electron-transfer reaction occurring inside NEs is facilitated by the ion-transfer reaction. Overall, these comprehensive electrochemical approaches enable us to elucidate the relation between structures and the electrochemical functionality of NEs and provide quantitative criteria for the proper compositions of NEs regarding their activity in the electrochemical applications. Also, this finding should be a prerequisite for suitable biomedical/electrochemical applications of NEs.

Development and mechanistic study of a microemulsion containing vitamin E TPGS for the enhancement of oral absorption of celecoxib

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to develop a microemulsion containing D-α-tocopheryl polyethylene glycol 1000 succinate (vitamin E TPGS) as a biodegradable surfactant to increase the oral absorption of celecoxib. Methods: This study investigated the intestinal absorption enhancement mechanism of this microemulsion by measuring transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) values. This study also evaluated microemulsion particle-intestine interactions in terms of release and attachment processes using confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). Results: The prepared microemulsion particles had a size of <300 nm with a neutral surface charge. The celecoxib-loaded microemulsion release kinetic was classified as the zero-order model. This vitamin E TPGS-based microemulsion significantly increased the in vitro intestinal absorption of celecoxib compared to celecoxib solution. The CLSM study suggested that microemulsion particles with entrapped drugs might attach to the intestinal epithelium before releasing the entrapped drug into tissues. The TEER value of the intestinal tissues treated with the celecoxib-loaded microemulsion was significantly decreased compared to the value before treatment, indicating an increase in drug transport via the paracellular pathway. The evaluation of intestinal tissue cytotoxicity using lactate dehydrogenase cytotoxicity assay suggested that the prepared celecoxib-loaded microemulsion was safe for oral route administration. Conclusions: The prepared celecoxib loaded microemulsion could increase the intestinal absorption of celecoxib compared to celecoxib solution. The intestinal absorption enhancement mechanism of this microemulsion resulted from the increase of the drug transport via the paracellular pathway.

Encapsulation of Antibiotic Levofloxacin in Biocompatible Microemulsion Formulation: Insights from Microstructure Analysis

Microemulsions (μEs) are unique systems that offer exciting perspectives in biophysical research for mimicing biomembranes at the molecular level. In the present study, biocompatible μE formulation of a new oil-in-water (o/w) system comprising clove oil/Tween 20/2-propanol/water was accomplished for encapsulating an antibiotic, levofloxacin (LVF). The pseudoternary phase diagram was delineated at a constant cosurfactant/surfactant (2:1) ratio to meet the economic feasibility. The gradual changes occurring in the microstructure of the as-formulated four-component μEs were explored via multiple complementary characterization techniques. The results of electrical conductivity (σ), viscosity (η), and optical microscopic measurements suggested the existence of a percolation transition to a bicontinuous structure in the microregions of the as-formulated μE. LVF displayed a high solubility (5.0 wt %) at the pH of 6.9 in an optimum μE formulation comprising 2-propanol (36.4%), Tween 20 (18.2%), clove oil (20.7%), and water (24.7%). The LVF-loaded μE composition showed long-term stability for over 6 months of storage. Fourier transform IR analysis showed that LVF was stable inside the μE formulation, indicating the absence of any possible aggregation of LVF. Dynamic light scattering revealed that the average particle size of drug-free μE (64.5 ± 3.4 nm) increases to 129.7 ± 5.8 nm upon loading of LVF, suggesting the accumulation of LVF in the interfacial layers of the micelles. Moreover, fluorescence measurements indicated that LVF might be localized in the interfacial film of μE system, which may result in a controlled release of drug.

Lipid-based nanocarriers for oral peptide delivery

This article is aimed to overview the lipid-based nanostructures designed so far for the oral administration of peptides and proteins, and to analyze the influence of their composition and physicochemical (particle size, zeta potential) and pharmaceutical (drug loading and release) properties, on their interaction with the gastro-intestinal environment, and the subsequent PK/PD profile of the associated drugs. The ultimate goal has been to highlight and comparatively analyze the key factors that may be determinant of the success of these nanocarriers for oral peptide delivery. The article ends with some prospects on the challenges to be addressed for the intended commercial success of these delivery vehicles.

Nano-formulations of drugs: Recent developments, impact and challenges

Nano-formulations of medicinal drugs have attracted the interest of many researchers for drug delivery applications. These nano-formulations enhance the properties of conventional drugs and are specific to the targeted delivery site. Dendrimers, polymeric nanoparticles, liposomes, nano-emulsions and micelles are some of the nano-formulations that are gaining prominence in pharmaceutical industry for enhanced drug formulation. Wide varieties of synthesis methods are available for the preparation of nano-formulations to deliver drugs in biological system. The choice of synthesis methods depend on the size and shape of particulate formulation, biochemical properties of drug, and the targeted site. This article discusses recent developments in nano-formulation and the progressive impact on pharmaceutical research and industries. Additionally, process challenges relating to consistent generation of nano-formulations for drug delivery are discussed.

Cyclodextrin and Meglumine-Based Microemulsions as a Poorly Water-Soluble Drug Delivery System

Cyclodextrins (CDs) and meglumine (MEG) are pharmaceutical excipients widely used to improve solubility of poorly water-soluble drugs. The purpose of this work was to study the effect of CDs or MEG on the internal microstructure of soya oil-based O/W microemulsions (MEs) and on the modulation of the solubility and release rate of Class II model hydrophobic drugs, sulfamerazine and indomethacin. The pseudoternary phase diagrams revealed that higher proportions of oil phase, as well as the presence of β-cyclodextrin (ßCD), methyl-ßCD, and MEG, favored the incorporation of the drugs. The conductivity studies, particle size, and zeta potential analysis showed that the O/W ME structure remained unaffected and that the ME presented reduced droplet sizes after the incorporation of the ligands. The drug-component interactions were assessed by proton nuclear magnetic resonance studies. The highest incorporations of sulfamerazine (35.6 mg/mL) and indomethacin (73.1 mg/mL) were obtained with the ME with W = 5%, MEG and W = 1.8% ßCD in a phosphate buffer solution of pH 8, respectively. In addition, the ligands in ME significantly enhanced the released amount of the drugs, probably due to a solubilizing effect that facilitates the drug to penetrate the unstirred water layer adjacent to membranes.

Solid lipid nanoparticles loaded with edaravone for inner ear protection after noise exposure

BACKGROUND

Antioxidants and the duration of treatment after noise exposure on hearing recovery are important. We investigated the protective effects of an antioxidant substance, edaravone, and its slow-release dosage form, edaravone solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs), in steady noise-exposed guinea pigs.

METHODS

SLNs loaded with edaravone were produced by an ultrasound technique. Edaravone solution or edaravone SLNs were administered by intratympanic or intravenous injection after the 1 st day of noise exposure. Guinea pigs were exposed to 110 dB sound pressure level (SPL) noise, centered at 0.25-4.0 kHz, for 4 days at 2 h/d. After noise exposure, the guinea pigs underwent auditory brainstem response (ABR) threshold measurements, reactive oxygen species (ROS) were detected in their cochleas with electron spin resonance (ESR), and outer hair cells (OHCs) were counted with silvernitrate (AgNO 3 ) staining at 1, 4, and 6 days.

RESULTS

The ultrasound technique was able to prepare adequate edaravone SLNs with a mean particle size of 93.6 nm and entrapment efficiency of 76.7%. Acoustic stress-induced ROS formation and edaravone exerted a protective effect on the cochlea. Comparisons of hearing thresholds and ROS changes in different animal groups showed that the threshold shift and ROS generation were significantly lower in treated animals than in those without treatment, especially in the edaravone SLN intratympanic injection group.

CONCLUSIONS

Edaravone SLNs show noticeable slow-release effects and have certain protective effects against noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL).

Development of carbamazepine transnasal microemulsion for treatment of epilepsy

Carbamazepine is widely preferred therapy for the treatment of epilepsy. However, oral therapy results in slower brain uptake and systemic side effects. Intranasal route can achieve faster brain uptake, but poor aqueous solubility of carbamazepine is the main obstacle for administration by nasal route. The purpose of this study was to prepare and evaluate intranasal oil in water microemulsion of carbamazepine to improve its solubility and enhance the brain uptake. Intranasal microemulsion of carbamazepine was prepared by water titration method using oleic acid as oil, Tween 80 as surfactant and Transcutol® as cosurfactant. Microemulsions were evaluated for various physical parameters including globule size, viscosity, pH and conductivity. Toxicity study of microemulsion was carried out by employing sheep nasal mucosa. The microemulsion was also evaluated by maximal electric shock, and the brain uptake study was done using HPLC method. The microemulsion was stable and transparent with average globule size of 21.03 nm and did not show any toxic symptoms. It showed reduction in the hind limb extension phase and faster recovery from seizures in comparison to oral microemulsion and nasal solution. Higher brain/plasma ratio was obtained with nasal microemulsion in comparison to ratio obtained after intraperitoneal injection of carbamazepine solution.

Reverse micelles based on β-cyclodextrin-incorporated amphiphilic polyurethane copolymers for protein delivery

In DCM and ethyl oleate, all the polyurethanes could form reverse micelles, and PEG–HDI–CD polyurethanes demonstrated higher protein loading than PEG–HDI ones.

Controlled release of lidocaine hydrochloride from polymerized drug-based deep-eutectic solvents

This work takes advantage of the transformation of lidocaine hydrochloride into deep-eutectic solvents (DESs) – ionic liquid analogues – to incorporate polymerizable counterparts into DESs, such that polymer–drug complexes are synthesized by free-radical frontal polymerization without the use of a solvent.

Uniform metal nanoparticles produced at high yield in dense microemulsions

This article demonstrates that bicontinuous microemulsions are optimal templates for high yield production of metal nanoparticles. We have verified this for a variety of microemulsion systems having AOT (sodium bis (2-ethyhexyl) sulphosuccinate) or a fluorocarbon (perfluoro (4-methyl-3,6-dioxaoctane)sulphonate) as surfactant mixed with water and oils like n-heptane or n-dodecane. Several types of metal nanoparticles, including platinum, gold and iron, were produced in these microemulsions having a size range spanning 1.8-17 nm with a very narrow size distribution of ±1 nm. Remarkably high mass concentrations up to 3% were reached. Size and concentration of the nanoparticles could be varied with the stoichiometries of the reagents that constituted them. The optimization towards high yield while maintaining low size polydispersity is due to the decoupling of the time scales for the precipitation reaction and for coarsening. In actual fact, coalescence is essentially prevented by the immobilization of nanoparticles within the bicontinuous microemulsion structure.

Applications of X-ray scattering in pharmaceutical science

The use of X-ray scattering techniques in pharmaceutical science is increasing, in part through increased collaborations with the materials science community, and through increased availability of instrumentation, particularly synchrotron sources. The ability to understand not only the biopharmaceutical outcome, but also arguably, more importantly, the structural aspects of drugs and drug delivery systems, is essential to progressing pharmaceutical science; this review serves as an introduction to the major techniques and the wide range of areas in which X-ray scattering may be applied in understanding and controlling structure in pharmaceutical systems.

Application of in situ polymerization for design and development of oral drug delivery systems

Although preformed polymers are commercially available for use in the design and development of drug delivery systems, in situ polymerization has also been employed. In situ polymerization affords the platform to tailor and optimize the drug delivery properties of polymers. This review brings to light the benefits of in situ polymerization for oral drug delivery and the possibilities it provides to overcome the challenges of oral route of administration.

Biopharmaceutical parameters to consider in order to alter the fate of nanocarriers after oral delivery

Oral route is the most common route for the delivery of drugs because it is simple to implement and improves patient compliance and quality of life. However, oral absorption is limited by various physiological barriers and remains a scientific challenge. Nanometric-sized drug delivery systems are being extensively studied and provide promising potential for oral drug delivery. Many different technological solutions have been proposed to enhance the bioavailability or the targeting of drug after oral administration. To reach these goals, it is important to analyze the biopharmaceutical parameters to consider in order to alter the fate of nanocarriers after oral delivery. In the present review, the gastrointestinal barrier and physiological stress factors with regard to nanocarriers' performance or integrity issues are first described. Second, the different characteristics offered by the nanocarriers (size, surface composition and properties mediated by external factors such as ligands) and their effect on the optimal transport of drug into the bloodstream are discussed. Finally, the integrity issue is discussed in function of the expected role of the nanocarriers: bioavailability enhancement or pharmacological targeting.

Microemulsion formulations for the transdermal delivery of testosterone

The objective was to develop a microemulsion formulation for the transdermal delivery of testosterone. Microemulsion formulations were prepared using oleic acid as the oil phase, Tween20 as a surfactant, Transcutol as cosurfactant, and water. The microemulsions were characterized visually, with the polarizing microscope, and by dynamic light scattering. In addition, the pH, conductivity (sigma) and viscosity (eta) of the formulations were measured. Moreover, differential scanning calorimetry and diffusion-ordered nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy were used to study the formulations investigated. Conductivity measurements revealed, as a function of the weight fraction of the aqueous phase, the point at which the microemulsion made the transition from water-in-oil to bicontinuous. Alterations in the microstructure of the microemulsions, following incorporation of testosterone, have been evaluated using the same physical parameters (pH, sigma and eta) and via Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), (1)H NMR and (13)C NMR. These methods were also used to determine the location of the drug in the colloidal formulation. Finally, testosterone delivery from selected formulations was assessed across porcine skin in vitro in Franz diffusion cells. The physical parameter determinations, combined with the spectroscopic studies, demonstrated that the drug was principally located in the oily domains of the microemulsions. Testosterone was delivered successfully across the skin from the microemulsions examined, with the highest flux achieved (4.6+/-0.6microgcm(-2)h(-1)) from a formulation containing 3% (w/v) of the active drug and the composition (w/w) of 16% oleic acid, 32% Tween20, 32% Transcutol and 20% water. The microemulsions considered offer potentially useful vehicles for the transdermal delivery of testosterone.

New approach to hydrophobic cyanine-type photosensitizer delivery using polymeric oil-cored nanocarriers: hemolytic activity, in vitro cytotoxicity and localization in cancer cells

We report on encapsulation of cyanine IR-768 in oil-in-water (o/w) microemulsion, i.e. fabrication of templated polymeric nanocapsules as effective nanocarriers for a new generation of photodynamic agents suitable for photodynamic therapy (PDT). Discussed here are nanocapsule imaging, their in vitro biological evaluation, cyanine encapsulation potential, and the cellular localization of cyanine IR-768 delivered in the nanocapsules to MCF-7 cancer cells. Oil-cored poly(n-butyl cyanoacrylate) (PBCA) nanocapsules were prepared by interfacial polymerization in o/w microemulsions formed by the nonionics Tween 80 (polysorbate 80, polyoxyethylene 20 sorbitan monooleate), and Brij 96 (polyoxyethylene 10 oleyl ether). Iso-propyl myristate (IPM), ethyl oleate (EOl), iso-octane (IO), and oleic acid (OA) were used as the oil phases and iso-propanol (IP) and propylene glycol (PG) as the cosurfactants. Such o/w droplets, also containing hydrophobic IR-768 in the oil phase, were applied in the interfacial polymerization of n-butyl cyanoacrylate at 10 degrees C at pH 5.0. The isolated cyanine-loaded nanoparticles were visualized by atomic force microscopy (AFM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), which proved their unimodal size distribution and spherical shape, with diameters dependent upon the monomer content and the template type. The entrapment efficiency of cyanine increased with increasing n-butyl cyanoacrylate concentration and varied from 65.7% to 91.7%. The results of in vitro erythrocyte hemolysis and the cell viability of breast cancer MCF-7 cells showed that the PBCA nanocapsules are quite safe carriers of IR-768 in the circulation, having a very low hemolytic potential and being non-toxic to the studied cells. Fluorescence microscopy visualized the cyanine intracellular distribution and, furthermore, demonstrated that PBCA-nanocarriers effectively delivered the IR-768 molecules to the MCF-7 doxorubicin-sensitive and -resistant cell lines. Photoirradiation of the cancer cells with entrapped photosensitizer decreased cell viability, demonstrating that this effect may be utilized in PDT.

Microemulsion system with improved loading of piroxicam: a study of microstructure

Formulation of a new oil-in-water (o/w) microemulsion composed of castor oil/Tween 80/ethanol/phosphate buffer for enhancing the loading capacity of an anti-inflammatory drug piroxicam has been accomplished. The pseudo-ternary phase diagram has been delineated at constant surfactant/cosurfactant ratio (1:2). The internal structure of so created four-component system was elucidated by means of an analysis of isotropic area magnitudes in the phase diagram. Conductivity (sigma), kinematic viscosity (keta), and surface tension (gamma) studies with the variation in Phiw (weight fraction of aqueous phase) show the occurrence of structural changes from water-in-oil (w/o) microemulsion to oil-in-water (o/w). Along with the solubility and partition studies of piroxicam in microemulsion components, the changes in the microstructure of the microemulsion after incorporation of drug have been evaluated using pH, sigma, gamma, keta, and density studies. Piroxicam, a poorly water-soluble drug displayed high solubility (1.0%) in an optimum microemulsion formulation using ethanol (55.0%), Tween 80 (26.5%), castor oil (7.5%), and phosphate buffer (11.0%). The results have shown that the microemulsion remained stable after the incorporation of piroxicam. Fluorescence spectra analysis taking pyrene as fluorescent probe was performed, and the results showed that pyrene was completely solubilized in the oil phases of the bicontinuous microemulsions. The fluorescence spectrum of the model drug piroxicam was used to probe the intramicellar region of nonionic microemulsion. The results showed that the piroxicam was localized in the interfacial film of microemulsion systems more deeply in the palisade layer with ethanol as the cosurfactant.

Oral insulin delivery using nanoparticles based on microemulsions with different structure-types: optimisation and in vivo evaluation

The purpose of this study was to optimise entrapment of insulin in poly(alkylcyanoacrylate) nanoparticles prepared from microemulsions with different microstructure containing isopropyl myristate, caprylocaproyl macrogolglycerides, polyglyceryl oleate and insulin solution and to investigate the in vitro release and bioactivity of insulin in nanoparticles dispersed in the microemulsion templates. Entrapment efficiency and release of insulin were studied using a reverse-phase HPLC assay. Morphology of the nanoparticles was examined with scanning electron microscopy. Bioactivity of insulin was studied using a streptozotocin-diabetic rat model. Nanoparticles were spherical with 200-400 nm in size without significant difference between different microemulsion templates, types and amounts of monomer. Entrapment efficiency increased significantly with increasing monomer concentration but decreased with increasing aqueous fraction in the microemulsion template. Insulin loading however, showed an opposite trend. In vitro release profiles of insulin from the nanoparticles dispersed in the microemulsion templates were controlled by the monomer concentration only. In vivo, a consistent and significant hypoglycemic effect over controls was found for up to 36 h depending on the type of monomer. No significant serum insulin levels were detectable. This study showed that the strategy of delivering insulin orally, entrapped in nanoparticles and dispersed in a biocompatible microemulsion is promising and highlights the importance of optimisation studies in combination with in vivo experiments.

Methods for the preparation and manufacture of polymeric nanoparticles

This review summarizes the different methods of preparation of polymer nanoparticles including nanospheres and nanocapsules. The first part summarizes the basic principle of each method of nanoparticle preparation. It presents the most recent innovations and progresses obtained over the last decade and which were not included in previous reviews on the subject. Strategies for the obtaining of nanoparticles with controlled in vivo fate are described in the second part of the review. A paragraph summarizing scaling up of nanoparticle production and presenting corresponding pilot set-up is considered in the third part of the review. Treatments of nanoparticles, applied after the synthesis, are described in the next part including purification, sterilization, lyophilization and concentration. Finally, methods to obtain labelled nanoparticles for in vitro and in vivo investigations are described in the last part of this review.

Preparation of poly (alkylcyanoacrylate) nanoparticles by polymerization of water-free microemulsions

Phase diagrams of the pseudoternary systems ethyloleate, polyoxyethylene 20 sorbitan mono-oleate/sorbitan monolaurate and propylene glycol with and without butanol as a co-surfactant were prepared. Areas containing optically isotropic, one-phase systems were identified and samples therein designated as droplet, bicontinuous or solution type microemulsions using conductivity, viscosity and self-diffusion NMR. Nanoparticles were prepared by polymerization of selected microemulsions with ethyl-2-cyanoacrylate and the morphology of the particles was investigated. Addition of monomer to all types of microemulsions led to the formation of nanoparticles, which had an average size of 244 +/- 25 nm, an average polydispersity index of 0.15 +/- 0.04 and a zeta-potential of -17 +/- 3 mV. The formation of particles from water-free microemulsions of different types is surprising, particularly considering that polymerization is expected to occur at a water-oil interface by base-catalysed polymerization. It would appear that propylene glycol is sufficiently nucleophilic to initiate the polymerization. The use of water-free microemulsions as templates for the preparation of poly (alkylcyanoacrylate) nanoparticles opens up interesting opportunities for the encapsulation of bioactives which do not have suitable properties for encapsulation on the basis of water-containing microemulsions.

Design aspects of poly(alkylcyanoacrylate) nanoparticles for drug delivery

Poly(alkylcyanoacrylate) (PACA) nanoparticles were first developed 25 years ago taking advantage of the in vivo degradation potential of the polymer and of its good acceptance by living tissues. Since then, various PACA nanoparticles were designed including nanospheres, oil-containing and water-containing nanocapsules. This made possible the in vivo delivery of many types of drugs including those presenting serious challenging delivery problems. PACA nanoparticles were proven to improve treatments of severe diseases like cancer, infections and metabolic disease. For instance, they can transport drugs across barriers allowing delivery of therapeutic doses in difficult tissues to reach including in the brain or in multidrug resistant cells. This review gives an update on the more recent developments and achievements on design aspects of PACA nanoparticles as delivery systems for various drugs to be administered in vivo by different routes of administration.

Characterisation of colloidal drug delivery systems from the naked eye to Cryo-FESEM

Poly(ethylcyanoacrylate) nanoparticles prepared by interfacial polymerisation on the basis of microemulsions were prepared in this study and both colloidal systems, nanoparticles and microemulsions, were analysed by visual observation and several microscopic techniques. Phase boundaries for the microemulsions of the two pseudoternary systems ethyloleate, polyoxyethylene 20 sorbitan mono-oleate/sorbitan monolaurate and water with and without butanol as a cosurfactant were determined by visual observation of the samples. Microemulsions containing liquid crystals were determined by polarisation light microscopy. Using freeze-fracture transmission electron microscopy and Cryo-field emission scanning electron microscopy the type of microemulsion (w/o droplet, bicontinuous, solution) was characterised. Nanoparticles prepared from the different types of microemulsion were additionally observed by conventional scanning electron microscopy. The size of the nanoparticles obtained from electron microscopy was in good agreement with particle sizing techniques (photon correlation spectroscopy) from earlier studies and no morphological differences could be observed in particles prepared from the different types of microemulsions. Cryo-field emission scanning electron microscopy proved to be a most valuable technique in the visualisation of the colloidal systems as samples could be observed close to their natural state.

Active targeting of brain tumors using nanocarriers

The delivery of drugs to brain tumors is limited by the presence of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) separating the blood from the cerebral parenchyma. An understanding of the specific mechanisms of the brain capillary endothelium has led to the development of various strategies to enhance the penetration of drugs into the brain tissue. Active targeting is a non-invasive approach, which consists in transporting drugs to target organs using site-specific ligands. Drug-loaded nanocarriers capable of recognizing brain capillary endothelial cells and cerebral tumoral cells have shown promising potential in oncology. Endogenous and chimeric ligands binding to carriers or receptors of the BBB have been directly or indirectly conjugated to nanocarriers. This review indexes the main targeted colloidal systems used for drug delivery to the brain. Their pharmacological behavior and their therapeutic effect are discussed.

Recent advances in nanoparticle synthesis with reversed micelles

Synthesis of nanoparticles in microemulsions is an area of considerable current interest. This subject can be broadly divided into two sections defined by the nature of the host microemulsion reaction medium. Water-in-oil microemulsions have been used to prepare nanoparticles for more than two decades, and a wide variety of materials has been synthesised by these methods. Control parameters have been elucidated for influencing both nanoparticle concentration and morphology, allowing for tailored syntheses with various applications. More recently, the ability to synthesise nanoparticles in water/supercritical fluid microemulsions was realised. This method promises to be a highly useful route for controlled nanoparticle synthesis due to the added control variables afforded by tuneability of the solvent quality (density) through pressure and temperature. This review presents the current state-of-the-art in both fields.

Immunostimulatory colloidal delivery systems for cancer vaccines

Cancer vaccine delivery is a multidisciplinary scientific field that is currently undergoing rapid development. An important component of cancer vaccines is the development of novel vaccine delivery strategies, such as colloidal immunostimulatory delivery systems. The importance of formulation strategies for cancer vaccines can be explained by the poor immunogenicity of tumour antigens. Colloidal vaccine delivery systems modify the kinetics, body distribution, uptake and release of the vaccine. This review explores recent research that is directed towards more targeted treatments of cancer through to colloidal vaccine delivery systems. Widely investigated carrier systems include polymeric micro- and nanoparticles, liposomes, archaeal lipid liposomes (archaeosomes), immune-stimulating complexes and virus-like particles. These systems are evaluated in terms of their formulation techniques, immunological mechanisms of action as well as the potential and limitations of such colloidal systems in the field of cancer vaccines.