The effect of liquid crystalline structure on chlorhexidine diacetate release

Hexagonal liquid crystalline system containing Cinnamaldehyde for enhancement of skin permeation of Sinomenine hydrochloride

Sinomenine hydrochloride (SH) is usually applied to treat rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with severe side effect due to oral administration. Cinnamaldehyde (CA) as essential oil possesses anti-RA effect and can facilitate transdermal penetration. Hence, this study developed hexagonal liquid crystalline (HII) gels to deliver two components (SH and CA) across the skins. HII gels were prepared and characterized by polarized light microscopy (PLM), small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and rheology. Moreover, in vitro drug release behavior and ex vivo skin permeation were investigated. Finally, Fourier transform infrared spectral analysis (FTIR) and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) were used to explore the skin penetration mechanism. PLM and SAXS showed that the inner structure of the gels was HII phase. The addition of lipophilic or hydrophilic molecule slowed down one another's release and the release model was dominated by Fickian diffusion (n< 0.43). Furthermore, in vitro permeation studies indicated that appropriate CA could improve the skin permeability of SH. FTIR and CLSM suggested that infiltration occurred due to disruption of the lipid bilayer structure and increased fluidity of the skin. In conclusion, HII gels and CA exhibited a penetration-promoting effect for transdermal applications in SH.

The Effect of Prescription on the Framework of Lipid Matrix and In Vitro Properties

PURPOSE

To clarify the inner framework and relative properties in vitro of Lyotropic liquid crystal (LLC) based on various prescriptions by using hydrophilic sinomenine hydrochloride (SH) and lipophilic cinnamaldehyde (CA) as model drugs.

METHODS

Phase structures were checked by polarized light microscopy (PLM) and small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS). Rheological studies and Attenuated Total Reflectance Fourier Transform Infrared (ATR-FTIR) analysis were carried out to reveal their molecular interactions. In vitro release and skin permeation were conducted by Franz diffusion cell.

RESULTS

PLM and SAXS showed double diamond cubic crystal. All the samples displayed characteristics of non-Newtonian fluid, and the molecular interactions increased with the reducing water. ATRFTIR showed that the strongest strength of hydrogen bond emerged in the formulation with 32% water. Released SH of S2 and S3 arrived over 80%, while S1 only reached 45%, and that of CA was about 23%. Water-rich prescription gave higher percutaneous penetration for hydrophilic drugs, whereas no significant difference existed in CA permeation.

CONCLUSION

Proportion of Phytantriol to water determined the LLC assembling and affected the dissolving status of hydrophilic substance, thereby impacting on the location sites of guest molecular interactions among the substances, rheology properties, and finally the release and penetration behavior in vitro. Adjusting the basic prescription was the key to obtain satisfactory percutaneous delivery and stability for LLC carrying multi-therapeutic agents.

Liquid Crystal Systems in Drug Delivery

Liquid crystals have been recently studied as novel drug delivery system. The reason behind this is their similarity to colloidal systems in living organisms. They have proven to be advantageous over Traditional, Dermal, Parentral and Oral Dosage forms. Liquid crystals are thermodynamically stable and possess long shelf life. Liquid crystals show bio adhesive properties and sustained release effects. Objective of this book chapter is to provide in-depth information of Pharmaceutical crystal technology. It shall deal with cubic and hexagonal liquid crystal and their applications in Drug delivery system.

Multifunction hexagonal liquid-crystal containing modified surface TiO2 nanoparticles and terpinen-4-ol for controlled release

Multifunctional products have been developed to combine the benefits of functional components and terpinen-4-ol (TP) delivery systems. In this way, p-toluene sulfonic acid modified titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles and TP, an antioxidant, have been incorporated in liquid-crystalline formulations for photoprotection and controlled release of the TP, respectively. By X-ray powder diffraction and diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, we noted that using p-toluene sulfonic acid as a surface modifier made it possible to obtain smaller and more transparent TiO2 nanoparticles than those commercially available. The liquid-crystalline formulation containing the inorganic ultraviolet filter was classified as broad-spectrum performance by the absorbance spectroscopy measurements. The formulations containing modified TiO2 nanoparticles and TP were determined to be in the hexagonal phase by polarized light microscopy and small-angle X-ray scattering, which makes possible the controlled released of TP following zero-order kinetics. The developed formulations can control the release of TP. Constant concentrations of the substance have been released per time unit, and the modified TiO2 nanoparticles can act as a transparent inorganic sunscreen.

Effect of ethylcellulose and propylene glycol on the controlled-release performance of glyceryl monooleate-mertronidazole periodontal gel

Controlled-release metronidazole, mucoadhesive gel proposed as a drug-delivery system for periodontal application was developed and characterized. The system was based on a mixture of glycerylmonooleate (GMO) and ethylcellulose (EC). The mechanism of release depends: firstly, on the ability of GMO to form a viscous liquid crystalline mesophases and secondly on the solubilized EC to form a hydrophobic network when the mixture comes into contact with water resulting in sustaining the release of the drug. Ethylcellulose dissolved in GMO had a profound influence on the rate of drug release, reduced the initial drug release and prolonged the sustained release of metronidazole. Propylene glycol (PG) was added to increase the solubility of the drug and water was added with PG to control the viscosity. A controlled release formulation containing w/w, 20% metronidazole, 10% PG, 5% water and 65% GMO that contains 7% EC was found to be mucoadhesive, easily injectable at room temperature, and to follow Fickian diffusion release mechanism. When the drug loading was increased the drug release was accelerated, and the mechanism followed anomalous controlled-release mechanism. Stability studies indicated that the formulation should be stored at 4 °C in a dark place.

The study of release of chlorhexidine from preparations with modified thermosensitive poly-N-isopropylacrylamide microspheres

The aim of this study was to investigate and compare the release rates of chlorhexidine (CX) base entrapped in the polymeric beads of modified poly-N-isopropylacrylamides (pNIPAMs) at temperatures below and over the volume phase transition temperature (VPTT) of synthesized polymers: pNIPAM-A with terminal anionic groups resulting from potassium persulfate initiator, pNIPAM-B with cationic amidine terminal groups, and pNIPAM-C comprising anionic terminals, but with increased hydrophobicity maintained by the N-tert-butyl functional groups. The preparations, assessed in vitro below the VPTT, release an initial burst of CX at different time periods between 120 and 240 min, followed by a period of 24 h, when the rate of release remains approximately constant, approaching the zero-order kinetics; the release rates for the polymers beads are as follows: pNIPAM-C>pNIPAM-B>pNIPAM-A. The pattern of release rates at temperature over the VPTT is as follows: pNIPAM-C>pNIPAM-A>pNIPAM-B. In the presence of pNIPAM-C, the duration between the start of the release and the attained minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) for most of the microbes, in conditions over the VPTT, increased from 60 to 90 min. The release prolongation could be ascribed to some interactions between the practically insoluble CX particle and the hydrophobic functional groups of the polymer.

Mucoadhesive gels designed for the controlled release of chlorhexidine in the oral cavity

This study describes the in vitro/ex vivo buccal release of chlorhexidine (CHX) from nine mucoadhesive aqueous gels, as well as their physicochemical and mucoadhesive properties: CHX was present at a constant 1% w/v concentration in the chemical form of digluconate salt. The mucoadhesive/gel forming materials were carboxymethyl- (CMC), hydroxypropylmethyl- (HPMC) and hydroxypropyl- (HPC) cellulose, alone (3% w/w) or in binary mixtures (5% w/w); gels were tested for their mucoadhesion using the mucin method at 1, 2 and 3% w/w concentrations. CHX release from different formulations was assessed using a USP method and newly developed apparatus, combining release/permeation process in which porcine mucosa was placed in a Franz cell. The combination of HPMC or HPC with CMC showed slower drug release when compared to each of the individual polymers. All the systems proved suitable for CHX buccal delivery, being able to guarantee both prolonged release and reduced transmucosal permeation. Gels were compared for the release of previously studied tablets that contained Carbopol and HPMC, alone or in mixture. An accurate selection and combination of the materials allow the design of different pharmaceutical forms suitable for different purposes, by simply modifying the formulation compositions.

The Physicochemical Characterization and In Vitro/In Vivo Evaluation of Natural Surfactants-based Emulsions as Vehicles for Diclofenac Diethylamine

Two sugar-based emulsifiers, cetearyl alcohol & cetearyl glycoside and sorbitan stearate & sucrose cocoate, known as potential promoters of lamellar liquid crystals/gel phases, were investigated in order to formulate an optimal vehicle for amphiphilic drug - diclofenac diethylamine (DDA). Physico-chemical characterization and study of vehicle's physical stability were performed. Then, the in vitro DDA liberation profile, dependent on the mode of drug incorporation to the system, and the in vivo, short-term effects of chosen samples on skin parameters were examined. Droplets size distribution and rheological behavior indicated satisfying physical stability of both types of vehicles. Unexpectedly, the manner of DDA incorporation to the system had no significant influence on DDA release. In vivo study pointed to emulsion's favorable potential for skin hydration and barrier improvement, particularly in cetearyl glycoside-based vehicle.

Quercetin in lyotropic liquid crystalline formulations: physical, chemical and functional stability

The purpose of this study was to develop a lyotropic liquid crystalline formulation using the emulsifier vitamin E TPGS and evaluate its behavior after incorporation of a flavonoid, quercetin. The physical (macro and microscopic), chemical (determination of quercetin content by the HPLC method) and functional (determination of quercetin antioxidant activity by DPPH(*) assay) stability of the lamellar liquid crystalline formulation containing flavonoid was evaluated when stored at 4 +/- 2 degrees C; 30 +/- 2 degrees C/70 +/- 5% RH (relative humidity) and 40 +/- 2 degrees C/70 +/- 5% RH during 12 months. The lamellar liquid crystalline structure of the formulation was maintained during the experiment, however chemical and functional stability results showed a great influence of the storage period in all conditions tested. A significant decrease in quercetin content (approximately 40%) was detected during the first month of storage and a similar significant loss in antioxidant activity was detected after 6 months. The remaining flavonoid content was unchanged during the final 6 months of the experimental period. The results suggest possible interactions between quercetin and the liquid crystalline formulation, which could inhibit or reduce the quercetin activity incorporated in the system. In conclusion, the present study demonstrated that incorporation of quercetin (1%) did not affect the liquid crystalline structure composed of vitamin E TPGS/IPM/PG-H2O (1:1) at 63.75/21.25/15 (w/w/w). Nevertheless, of the total quercetin incorporated in the system only 60% was free to act as an antioxidant.

Liquid crystalline phases of monoolein and water for topical delivery of cyclosporin A: Characterization and study of in vitro and in vivo delivery

Reverse cubic and hexagonal phases of monoolein have been studied as drug delivery systems. The present study was aimed at investigating whether these systems enhance the cutaneous penetration of cyclosporin A (CysA) in vitro (using porcine ear skin) and in vivo (using hairless mice). Different mesophases were obtained depending on CysA concentration. CysA at 4% allowed the formation of reverse cubic and hexagonal phases in a temperature range of 25-40 degrees C. At 8%, CysA induced the formation of other phases, which might be due to an interaction between the polar groups of the peptide and monoolein. In vitro, the cubic phase increased the penetration of CysA in the stratum corneum (SC) and epidermis plus dermis ([E+D]) at 12 h post-application. The reverse hexagonal phase increased CysA penetration in [E+D] at 6 h and percutaneous delivery at 7.5 h post-application. In vivo, both liquid crystalline phases increased CysA skin penetration. Topical application of these systems, though, induced skin irritation after a 3-day exposure. These results demonstrate that liquid crystalline systems of monoolein are effective in optimizing the delivery of peptides to the skin. The skin irritation observed after topical application of cubic and hexagonal phases should be minimized for their safe use as topical delivery systems.

Spray dried glyceryl monooleate-magnesium trisilicate dry powder as cubic phase precursor

Glyceryl monooleate (GMO) is a polar amphiphilic lipid, which forms different sequential lyotropic liquid crystals upon hydration. GMO has been utilized for various delivery systems and routes of administrations. Owing to sticky and waxy nature of GMO, preparation of oral solid dosage form utilizing GMO is still a challenge for pharmaceutical researchers. Therefore, the objective of the present work was to fabricate dry powder precursors using GMO, which upon hydration in situ forms cubic phase and can be wisely used for fabrication of oral solid dosage forms. In addition to this, dry powder precursor was evaluated for drug loading, in vitro release behavior and in vivo performance of model drug diclofenac sodium (DiNa). The dry powder precursor was obtained by spray-drying GMO with DiNa using magnesium trisilicate (MTS) as adsorbent. The percent drug entrapment of various batches of powder precursor was in the range of 84-93% indicating high content uniformity. SEM and image analysis showed that as the amount of MTS in powder precursor was increased, the particle size decreased. Furthermore, the viscosity of powder precursor was function of amount of MTS. The rate of water uptake of powder precursor was higher due to uniform layer of GMO on the MTS surface, which led to faster transformation of lamellar phase into cubic phase. The polarizing light microscopy confirmed that cubic phase was formed upon hydration of powder precursor. The drug released from powder precursor was initially governed by the cubic phase formed and in later stage it depends upon dynamic swelling behavior of hexagonally packed cylindrical aggregates. The drug loaded powder precursor was found to have more effective and prolonged anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity as compared to pure drug. Thus the dry powder precursor of cubic phase was prepared in which drug release was entirely governed by the mesophases formed.

Cubic liquid crystalline glyceryl monooleate matrices for oral delivery of enzyme

In situ cubic phase transforming system of glyceryl monooleate (GMO) has been prepared which offers protection to the metaloenzyme, seratiopeptidase (STP), in gastric environment and provides delayed and controlled release with no initial burst after oral administration. Effect of magnesium trisilicate (MTS) on floating, proteolytic activity and drug release was studied. Gelucire 43/01 was incorporated in the system to provide prolonged lag time. The drug-loaded matrices required 100 mg of MTS to overcome floatability of GMO matrix. Plain GMO matrices showed 85.3% loss of proteolytic activity in acidic medium, whereas matrices containing MTS showed retention of activity (111.6%). The hydrophobic nature of MTS induced formation of cubic phase at faster rate and the existence of cubic phase was confirmed by polarizing light microscopy. Furthermore, MTS provided alkaline microenvironment, which prevented acid-catalyzed hydrolysis and protein unfolding. The magnesium ions restored the activity of STP. The release of STP was decreased with increasing amount of MTS in the matrix. Gelucire did not affect proteolytic activity. The water uptake of matrices with gelucire was decelerated due to formation of hexagonal phase. However, the rate of STP release from these matrices was very slow due to incorporation of gelucire into lipid bilayers, which provided resistance to movement of STP. Thus, microenvironment-controlled in situ cubic phase transforming GMO matrices provided protection to STP and controlled release.