Formulation and optimization of quinoa starch nanoparticles: Quality by design approach for solubility enhancement of piroxicam

Tominaga T, Moretti Bonadio TG, P. da Silveira N, C. Leite D. A Study on the Behavior of Smart Starch-co-poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) Hybrid Microgels for Encapsulation of Methylene Blue

Hybrid microgels made from starch nanoparticles (SNPs) and poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) p(NIPAM) were used as promising hosts for the methylene blue (MB) dye. In this paper, these thermoresponsive microgels were characterized by dynamic light scattering (DLS), zeta potential measurements (ZP), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and evaluated as carriers for skin-targeted drug delivery. The hybrid microgel-MB systems in PBS solution were also studied by UV-vis spectroscopy and DLS, revealing discernible differences in spectral intensity and absorption shifts compared to microgels devoid of MB. This underscores the successful integration of methylene blue within the SNPs-co-p(NIPAM) microgels, signifying their potential as efficacious drug delivery vehicles.

Starch Nanoparticles: Preparation, Properties and Applications

Starch as a natural polymer is abundant and widely used in various industries around the world. In general, the preparation methods for starch nanoparticles (SNPs) can be classified into 'top-down' and 'bottom-up' methods. SNPs can be produced in smaller sizes and used to improve the functional properties of starch. Thus, they are considered for the various opportunities to improve the quality of product development with starch. This literature study presents information and reviews regarding SNPs, their general preparation methods, characteristics of the resulting SNPs and their applications, especially in food systems, such as Pickering emulsion, bioplastic filler, antimicrobial agent, fat replacer and encapsulating agent. The aspects related to the properties of SNPs and information on the extent of their utilisation are reviewed in this study. The findings can be utilised and encouraged by other researchers to develop and expand the applications of SNPs.

Enhancement of ketoprofen dissolution rate by the liquisolid technique: optimization and in vitro and in vivo investigations

The objective of the current study is to evaluate the prospective of liquisolid formulation to improve the dissolution rate of ketoprofen and thereby the bioavailability. Different batches of liquisolid were prepared using polyethylene glycol 200 as a solvent, microcrystalline cellulose, and aerosil 200 as carrier and coating material, respectively. Central composite design (3²) was utilized to examine the effects of independent variables (load factor and excipient ratio) on dependent variables (solubility and % in vitro drug release). Differential scanning calorimetry, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy techniques were employed for characterization of optimized batch (LS-10) of liquisolid formulation. The half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) values for in vitro anti-inflammatory activity for liquisolid formulation exhibited a higher anti-inflammatory effect than ketoprofen and physical mixture. The statistical analysis of in vivo (anti-inflammatory and analgesic) activities data demonstrated that the test (optimized formulation) treatment group resulted in quick pharmacological response in Wistar rats and Albino mice when compared with standard (pure drug) and control treatment groups. The results obtained in the present study illustrated that the liquisolid formulation could be a propitious approach to increase the bioavailability of ketoprofen and could be used in oral therapy.

Biomedical applications of polysaccharide nanoparticles for chronic inflammatory disorders: Focus on rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes and organ fibrosis

Polysaccharides are biopolymers distinguished by their complex secondary structures executing various roles in microorganisms, plants, and animals. They are made up of long monomers of similar type or as a combination of other monomeric chains. Polysaccharides are considered superior as compared to other polymers due to their diversity in charge and size, biodegradability, abundance, bio-compatibility, and less toxicity. These natural polymers are widely used in designing of nanoparticles (NPs) which possess wide applications in therapeutics, diagnostics, delivery and protection of bioactive compounds or drugs. The side chain reactive groups of polysaccharides are advantageous for functionalization with nanoparticle-based conjugates or therapeutic agents such as small molecules, proteins, peptides and nucleic acids. Polysaccharide NPs show excellent pharmacokinetic and drug delivery properties, facilitate improved oral absorption, control the release of drugs, increases in vivo retention capability, targeted delivery, and exert synergistic effects. This review updates the usage of polysaccharides based NPs particularly cellulose, chitosan, hyaluronic acid, alginate, dextran, starch, cyclodextrins, pullulan, and their combinations with promising applications in diabetes, organ fibrosis and arthritis.

Ketoprofen-FA Co-crystal: In Vitro and In Vivo Investigation for the Solubility Enhancement of Drug by Design of Expert

The present piece of research work is framed for improving the solubility of ketoprofen by forming co-crystal using fumaric acid as a coformer. Co-crystal of ketoprofen and fumaric acid was prepared by simple solvent-assisted grinding method, containing drug and coformer as independent variables and solubility and % drug release were assumed to be dependent variables. Differential scanning calorimetry, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, nuclear magnetic resonance and scanning electron microscopy techniques were used to characterize the preparation of optimized batch of co-crystal and further, evaluated for in vitro and in vivo anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities. Based on results of solubility and dissolution rate studies the formulation showed magnified improvement in both the properties on co-crystallization. The values of Gibbs free energy are negative at all levels of carrier demonstrating spontaneity of the drug solubilization process. The IC₅₀ value of optimized batch of co-crystal formulation and the pure drug was observed as 327.33 μg/ml and 556.11 μg/ml, respectively, demonstrating that co-crystal formulation possesses more percentage protection against protein denaturation than the drug ketoprofen. In vivo (anti-inflammatory and analgesic) activities revealed that optimized batch of co-crystal formulation delivered a rapid pharmacological response in Wistar rats and albino mice when compared with standard drug.

Preparation and characterization of quinoa starch nanoparticles as quercetin carriers

Quinoa starch nanoparticles (QSNPs) prepared by nanoprecipitation method under the optimal condition was developed as a carrier for quercetin. The QSNPs prepared under the optimal condition (90 DMSO/H₂O ratio, 10 ethanol/solvent ratio, and ultrasonic oscillation dispersion mode) had the smallest particle size and polymer dispersity index through full factorial design. Compared with maize starch nanoparticles (MSNPs), QSNPs exhibited a smaller particle size of 166.25 nm and a higher loading capacity of 26.62%. Starch nanoparticles (SNPs) interacted with quercetin through hydrogen bonding. V-type crystal structures of SNPs were disappeared and their crystallinity increased after loading with quercetin. QSNPs was more effective in protecting and prolonging quercetin bioactivity because of their small particle sizes and high loading capacities. This study will be useful for preparing starch-based carrier used to load sensitive bioactive compounds.

Synthesis, characteristics, and applications of modified starch nanoparticles: A review

Nowadays, starch nanoparticles (SNPs) are drawing attention to the scientific community due to their versatility and wide range of applications. Although several works have extensively addressed the SNP production routes, not much is discussed about the SNPs modification techniques, as well as the use of modified SNPs in typical and unconventional applications. Here, we focused on the SNP modification strategies and characteristics and performance of the resulting products, as well as their practical applications, while pointing out the main limitations and recommendations. We aim to guide researchers by identifying the next steps in this emerging line of research. SNPs esterification and oxidation are preferred chemical modifications, which result in changes in the functional groups. Moreover, additional polymers are incorporated into the SNP surface through copolymer grafting. Physical modification of starch has demonstrated similar changes in the functional groups without the need for toxic chemicals. Modified SNPs rendered differentiated properties, such as size, shape, crystallinity, hydrophobicity, and Zeta-potential. For multiple applications, tailoring the aforementioned properties is key to the performance of nanoparticle-based systems. However, the number of studies focusing on emerging applications is fairly limited, while their applications as drug delivery systems lack in vivo studies. The main challenges and prospects were discussed.

Gastroretentive Metformin loaded Nanoparticles for the effective management of Type-2 Diabetes Mellitus

INTRODUCTION

Metformin, an anti-diabetic drug, has low bioavailability and a short biological half-life. Thus, bioavailability enhancement and prolonged release of the drug are highly desirable. In this regard, we aimed to developed gastroretentive nanoparticles made of jackfruit seed starch (JFSS) loaded with metformin.

METHODS

The developed nanoparticles were optimized for various process variables and were further characterized. Nanoparticles exhibited good results with respect to particle size (244.3 to 612.4 nm), particle size distribution, shape, and drug entrapment efficiency (75.8 to 89.2 %) with sustained drug release for 24 h and a high buoyancy (89% for F7, formulation made of the highest concentration of Jackfruit seed starch prepared at 1000 RPM stirring speed).

RESULTS

The hypoglycemic potential of these nanoparticles was tested in the nicotinamide streptozocin induced diabetic model; there was a significant reduction in blood glucose level (50 % reduction from 4 - 8 h, p < 0.01) for a prolonged period of time (up to 24 h) in comparison to diabetic control and plain metformin solution.

CONCLUSION

The outcome of the study suggested that the developed formulations are suitable for gastro-retentive delivery of Metformin in a controlled manner appropriate for a single administration per day.

Synthesis of Starch Nanoparticles and Their Applications for Bioactive Compound Encapsulation

In recent years, starch nanoparticles (SNPs) have attracted growing attention due to their unique properties as a sustainable alternative to common nanomaterials since they are natural, renewable and biodegradable. SNPs can be obtained by the breakdown of starch granules through different techniques which include both physical and chemical methods. The final properties of the SNPs are strongly influenced by the synthesis method used as well as the operational conditions, where a controlled and monodispersed size is crucial for certain bioapplications. SNPs are considered to be a good vehicle to improve the controlled release of many bioactive compounds in different research fields due to their high biocompatibility, potential functionalization, and high surface/volume ratio. Their applications are frequently found in medicine, cosmetics, biotechnology, or the food industry, among others. Both the encapsulation properties as well as the releasing processes of the bioactive compounds are highly influenced by the size of the SNPs. In this review, a general description of the different types of SNPs (whole and hollow) synthesis methods is provided as well as on different techniques for encapsulating bioactive compounds, including direct and indirect methods, with application in several fields. Starches from different botanical sources and different bioactive compounds are compared with respect to the efficacy in vitro and in vivo. Applications and future research trends on SNPs synthesis have been included and discussed.