Ultra-performance liquid chromatography electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry method for the simultaneous determination of itraconazole and hydroxy itraconazole in human plasma

Correlating physico-chemical properties of analytes with Hansen solubility parameters of solvents using machine learning algorithm for predicting suitable extraction solvent

Artificial neural networks (ANNs) are biologically inspired algorithms designed to simulate the way in which the human brain processes information. In sample preparation for bioanalysis, liquid-liquid extraction (LLE) represents an important step with the extraction solvent selection is the key laborious step. In the current work, a robust and reliable ANNs model for LLE solvent prediction was generated which could predict the suitable solvent for analyte extraction. The developed ANNs model takes a set of chosen descriptors for the cited analyte as an input and predicts the corresponding Hansen solubility parameters of the suitable extraction solvent as a model output. Then, from the solvent combination's appendix, the analyst can identify the proposed extraction solvents' combination for the cited analyte easily and efficiently. For the experimental validation of the model prediction capabilities, twenty structurally diverse drugs belonging to different pharmacological classes were extracted from human plasma. The extraction process was performed using the predicted extraction solvent combination for each drug and quantitively estimated by HPLC/UV methods to assess their extraction recovery. The developed LLE solvent prediction model is in- line with the global trend towards green chemistry since it limits the consumption of organic solvents.

Glass Microneedles: A Case Study for Regulatory Approval Using a Quality by Design Approach

In this paper, a roadmap is provided for the regulatory approval of one of the exciting and dynamic drug delivery fields, microneedles, by using a Quality by Design approach to pharmaceutical product development. In this regard, a quality target product profile (QTPP) and the critical quality attributes (CQA) of microneedles are identified. A case study of the recently patented method of fabricating glass microneedles entirely from a therapeutic agent, thus eliminating the requirement for additional excipients is discussed. The glass microneedle, ArrayPatch, is a propriety wearable device with platform potential consisting of an array of sharp, but painless, dissolvable microneedles manufactured with 100% drug. The microneedles penetrate the skin on application and dissolve to deliver a locally effective dose. The in vitro characterization of the microneedle CQAs under WHO-guided stability conditions will be described to assess the manufacturing readiness of ArrayPatch.  A live technical video is also provided, presenting a unique procedure of jugular vein cannulation through the ear vein of a pig animal model to study the in vivo pharmacokinetics of ArrayPatch compared to standard-of-care marketed products.

Fluorescence switchable sensor enabled by a calix[4]arene-Cu(II) complex system for selective determination of itraconazole in human serum and aqueous solution

A switchable fluorescence sensor based on a calix (Monapathi et al., 2021) [4]arene:Cu²⁺ complex (FLCX/Cu) has been developed for the detection of itraconazole (ITZ) with high sensitivity and specificity. For the development of the sensor, the selective complexation of a fluorescent calix (Monapathi et al., 2021) [4]arene derivative (FL-CX) with the Cu²⁺ ion causing fluorescence quenching was utilized. In addition, the sensor properties of the FLCX/Cu prepared were investigated. For this purpose, various substances (selected anions, cations, and drugs) with which ITZ can be found together were studied in an aqueous solution. Limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) values were determined in the range of 1.00-60.0 μg/L as 3.34 μg/L and 11.1 μg/L for ITZ, respectively. Moreover, the real sample analyses were performed in human serum and tablet form. Furthermore, the effect of some possible serum contents on sensor performance was also studied. All these studies confirmed the development of a simple, precise, accurate, reproducible, highly sensitive, and very stable fluorescence sensor.