Upgrading of dissolution and anti-hypertensive effect of Carvedilol via two combined approaches: self-emulsification and liquisolid techniques

Minoxidil Nanosuspension-Loaded Dissolved Microneedles for Hair Regrowth

Minoxidil (MIN) is used topically to treat alopecia. However, its low absorption limits its use, warranting a new strategy to enhance its delivery into skin layers. The objective of this study was to evaluate the dermal delivery of MIN by utilizing dissolved microneedles (MNs) loaded with MIN nanosuspension (MIN-NS) for hair regrowth. MIN-NS was prepared by the solvent-antisolvent precipitation technique. The particle size of MIN-NS was 226.7 ± 9.3 nm with a polydispersity index of 0.29 ± 0.17 and a zeta potential of -29.97 ± 1.23 mV. An optimized formulation of MIN-NS was selected, freeze-dried, and loaded into MNs fabricated with sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (Na CMC) polymeric solutions (MIN-NS-loaded MNs). MNs were evaluated for morphology, dissolution rate, skin insertion, drug content, mechanical properties, ex vivo permeation, in vivo, and stability studies. MNs, prepared with 14% Na CMC, were able to withstand a compression force of 32 N for 30 s, penetrate Parafilm M® sheet at a depth of 374-504 µm, and dissolve completely in the skin within 30 min with MIN %recovery of 95.1 ± 6.5%. The release of MIN from MIN-NS-loaded MNs was controlled for 24 h. MIN-NS-loaded MNs were able to maintain their mechanical properties and chemical stability for 4 weeks, when kept at different storage conditions. The in vivo study of the freeze-dried MIN-NS and MIN-NS-loaded MNs proved hair regrowth on rat skin after 11 and 7 days, respectively. These results showed that MIN-NS-loaded MNs could potentially improve the dermal delivery of MIN through the skin to treat alopecia.

Lipid Horizons: Recent Advances and Future Prospects in LBDDS for Oral Administration of Antihypertensive Agents

The lipid-based drug delivery system (LBDDS) is a well-established technique that is anticipated to bring about comprehensive transformations in the pharmaceutical field, impacting the management and administration of drugs, as well as treatment and diagnosis. Various LBDDSs verified to be an efficacious mechanism for monitoring hypertension systems are SEDDS (self-nano emulsifying drug delivery), nanoemulsion, microemulsions, vesicular systems (transferosomes and liposomes), and solid lipid nanoparticles. LBDDSs overcome the shortcomings that are associated with antihypertensive agents because around fifty percent of the antihypertensive agents experience a few drawbacks including short half-life because of hepatic first-pass metabolism, poor aqueous solubility, low permeation rate, and undesirable side effects. This review emphasizes antihypertensive agents that were encapsulated into the lipid carrier to improve their poor oral bioavailability. Incorporating cutting-edge technologies such as nanotechnology and targeted drug delivery, LBDDS holds promise in addressing the multifactorial nature of hypertension. By fine-tuning drug release profiles and enhancing drug uptake at specific sites, LBDDS can potentially target renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system components, sympathetic nervous system pathways, and endothelial dysfunction, all of which play crucial roles in hypertension pathophysiology. The future of hypertension management using LBDDS is promising, with ongoing reviews focusing on precision medicine approaches, improved biocompatibility, and reduced toxicity. As we delve deeper into understanding the intricate mechanisms underlying hypertension, LBDDS offers a pathway to develop next-generation antihypertensive therapies that are safer, more effective, and tailored to individual patient needs.

Optimization of Potential Nanoemulgels for Boosting Transdermal Glimepiride Delivery and Upgrading Its Anti-Diabetic Activity

Transdermal drug delivery has been widely adopted as a plausible alternative to the oral route of administration, especially for drugs with poor systemic bioavailability. The objective of this study was to design and validate a nanoemulsion (NE) system for transdermal administration of the oral hypoglycemic drug glimepiride (GM). The NEs were prepared using peppermint/bergamot oils as the oil phase and tween 80/transcutol P as the surfactant/co-surfactant mixture (S_mix). The formulations were characterized using various parameters such as globule size, zeta potential, surface morphology, in vitro drug release, drug-excipient compatibility studies, and thermodynamic stability. The optimized NE formulation was then incorporated into different gel bases and examined for gel strength, pH, viscosity, and spreadability. The selected drug-loaded nanoemulgel formulation was then screened for ex vivo permeation, skin irritation, and in vivo pharmacokinetics. Characterization studies revealed the spherical shape of NE droplets with an average size of ~80 nm and a zeta potential of -11.8 mV, which indicated good electrokinetic stability of NE. In vitro release studies revealed enhanced drug release from the NE formulation compared to the plain drug. GM-loaded nanoemulgel showed a 7-fold increment in drug transdermal flux compared to plain drug gel. In addition, the GM-loaded nanoemulgel formulation did not elicit any signs of inflammation and/or irritation on the applied skin, suggesting its safety. Most importantly, the in vivo pharmacokinetic study emphasized the potential of nanoemulgel formulation to potentiate the systemic bioavailability of GM, as manifested by a 10-fold rise in the relative bioavailability compared to control gel. Collectively, transdermal NE-based GM gel might represent a promising alternative to oral therapy in the management of diabetes.

Development of Carvedilol-Loaded Albumin-Based Nanoparticles with Factorial Design to Optimize In Vitro and In Vivo Performance

Carvedilol, an anti-hypertensive medication commonly prescribed by healthcare providers, falls under the BCS class II category due to its low-solubility and high-permeability characteristics, resulting in limited dissolution and low absorption when taken orally. Herein, carvedilol was entrapped into bovine serum albumin (BSA)-based nanoparticles using the desolvation method to obtain a controlled release profile. Carvedilol-BSA nanoparticles were prepared and optimized using 3² factorial design. The nanoparticles were characterized for their particle size (Y₁), entrapment efficiency (Y₂), and time to release 50% of carvedilol (Y₃). The optimized formulation was assessed for its in vitro and in vivo performance by solid-state, microscopical, and pharmacokinetic evaluations. The factorial design showed that an increment of BSA concentration demonstrated a significant positive effect on Y₁ and Y₂ responses with a negative effect on Y₃ response. Meanwhile, the carvedilol percentage in BSA nanoparticles represented its obvious positive impact on both Y₁ and Y₃ responses, along with a negative impact on Y₂ response. The optimized nanoformulation entailed BSA at a concentration of 0.5%, whereas the carvedilol percentage was 6%. The DSC thermograms indicated the amorphization of carvedilol inside the nanoparticles, which confirmed its entrapment into the BSA structure. The plasma concentrations of carvedilol released were observable from optimized nanoparticles up to 72 h subsequent to their injection into rats, revealing their longer in vivo circulation time compared to pure carvedilol suspension. This study offers new insight into the significance of BSA-based nanoparticles in sustaining the release of carvedilol and presents a potential value-added in the remediation of hypertension.

Polymeric hydrogel forming microneedle-mediated transdermal delivery of sildenafil citrate from direct-compressed tablet reservoir for potential improvement of pulmonary hypertension therapy

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a cardiovascular disease affecting patient's life. Sildenafil citrate (SC), the first-line treatment, is present in oral and injectable forms with some drawbacks, primarily poor patient's comfort and low oral bioavailability. To counter these limitations, stratum corneum-penetrating hydrogel-forming microneedles (HFM) was created, making it easier to distribute SC transdermally. HFM was fabricated using polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and two variations of polyvinyl pyrrolidone's (PVP) concentration as polymers and citric acid (CA) as crosslinking agent. The crosslinking time was also variated. The assessment of swelling, insertion characteristics, and mechanical resistance revealed that it possessed swelling capacities up to 470 % and strong insertion capabilities. This HFM was integrated with a tablet reservoir prepared using several concentrations of sodium starch glycolate (SSG) as super disintegrant. The tablet reservoir's hardness, dissolution rate, XRD, and FTIR profiles were evaluated and the results showed that 4 % of SSG was the option for enhancing SC's solubility. According to ex vivo study, this system released 24.12 ± 0.92 % of SC. For the first time, SC was successfully incorporated into a system of HFM and tablet reservoir and was non-toxic, showing promise in terms of improving PAH therapy's efficacy following comprehensive in vivo studies in the future.

Exploring the potential of intranasally administered naturally occurring quercetin loaded into polymeric nanocapsules as a novel platform for the treatment of anxiety

Anxiety is one of the most prevalent forms of psychopathology that affects millions worldwide. It gained more importance under the pandemic status that resulted in higher anxiety prevalence. Anxiolytic drugs such as benzodiazepines have an unfavorable risk/benefit ratio resulting in a shift toward active ingredients with better safety profile such as the naturally occurring quercetin (QRC). The delivery of QRC is hampered by its low water solubility and low bioavailability. The potential to enhance QRC delivery to the brain utilizing polymeric nanocapsules administered intranasally is investigated in the current study. Polymeric nanocapsules were prepared utilizing the nanoprecipitation technique. The best formula displayed a particle size of 227.8 ± 11.9 nm, polydispersity index of 0.466 ± 0.023, zeta potential of - 17.5 ± 0.01 mV, and encapsulation efficiency % of 92.5 ± 1.9%. In vitro release of QRC loaded polymeric nanocapsules exhibited a biphasic release with an initial burst release followed by a sustained release pattern. Behavioral testing demonstrated the superiority of QRC loaded polymeric nanocapsules administered intranasally compared to QRC dispersion administered both orally and intranasally. The prepared QRC loaded polymeric nanocapsules also demonstrated good safety profile with high tolerability.

Enhanced Efficacy of Carvedilol by Utilization of Solid Dispersion and Other Novel Strategies: A Review

Carvedilol is classified as a second class drug of Biopharmaceutical classification system (BCS), and it is an excellent beta blocker and vasodilating agent. It is used in a diverse range of disease states. Despite having tremendous advantages, the drug cannot be used effectively and productively due to aquaphobicity and poor bioavailability. To overcome this limitation, numerous novel approaches and tactics have been introduced over the past few years, such as Selfmicro emulsifying drug delivery systems (SMEDDS), nanoparticles, solid dispersions and liposomal drug delivery. The present review aims to accentuate the role of solid dispersion in improving the dissolution profile and aqua solubility of carvedilol and also to emphasize other novel formulations of carvedilol proposed to prevail the limitations of carvedilol. Solid dispersion and other novel approaches were found to play a significant role in overcoming the drawbacks of carvedilol, among which solid dispersion is the most feasible and effective approach being used worldwide. Reduced particle size, more wettability, and large surface area are obtained by the implementation of solid dispersion technique, hence improving carvedilol solubility and bioavailability.

Ginger Extract-Loaded Sesame Oil-Based Niosomal Emulgel: Quality by Design to Ameliorate Anti-Inflammatory Activity

Ginger, a natural plant belonging to the Zingeberaceae family, has been reported to have reasonable anti-inflammatory effects. The current study aimed to examine ginger extract transdermal delivery by generating niosomal vesicles as a promising nano-carrier incorporated into emulgel prepared with sesame oil. Particle size, viscosity, in vitro release, and ex vivo drug penetration experiments were performed on the produced formulations (ginger extract loaded gel, ginger extract loaded emulgel, ginger extract niosomal gel, and ginger extract niosomal emulgel). Carrageenan-induced edema in rat hind paw was employed to estimate the in vivo anti-inflammatory activity. The generated ginger extract formulations showed good viscosity and particle size. The in vitro release of ginger extract from niosomal formulation surpassed other formulations. In addition, the niosomal emulgel formulation showed improved transdermal flux and increased drug permeability through rabbit skin compared to other preparations. Most importantly, carrageenan-induced rat hind paw edema test confirmed the potential anti-inflammatory efficacy of ginger extract niosomal emulgel, compared to other formulations, as manifested by a significant decrease in paw edema with a superior edema inhibition potency. Overall, our findings suggest that incorporating a niosomal formulation within sesame oil-based emulgel might represent a plausible strategy for effective transdermal delivery of anti-inflammatory drugs like ginger extract.

Optimization of Lipid Nanoparticles by Response Surface Methodology to Improve the Ocular Delivery of Diosmin: Characterization and In-Vitro Anti-Inflammatory Assessment

Diosmin is a flavonoid with a great variety of biological activities including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory ones. Its cytoprotective effect in retinal pigment epithelium cells under high glucose conditions makes it a potential support in the treatment of diabetic retinopathy. Despite its benefits, poor solubility in water reduces its potential for therapeutic use, making it the biggest biopharmaceutical challenge. The design of diosmin-loaded nanocarriers for topical ophthalmic application represents a novelty that has not been yet explored. For this purpose, the response surface methodology (RSM) was used to optimize nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs), compatible for ocular administration, to encapsulate diosmin and improve its physicochemical issues. NLCs were prepared by a simple and scalable technique: a melt emulsification method followed by ultrasonication. The experimental design was composed of four independent variables (solid lipid concentration, liquid lipid concentration, surfactant concentration and type of solid lipid). The effect of the factors was assessed on NLC size and PDI (responses) by analysis of variance (ANOVA). The optimized formulation was selected according to the desirability function (0.993). Diosmin at two different concentrations (80 and 160 µM) was encapsulated into NLCs. Drug-loaded nanocarriers (D-NLCs) were subjected to a physicochemical and technological investigation revealing a mean particle size of 83.58 ± 0.77 nm and 82.21 ± 1.12 nm, respectively for the D-NLC formulation prepared with diosmin at the concentration of 80 µM or 160 µM, and a net negative surface charge (−18.5 ± 0.60 and −18.0 ± 1.18, respectively for the two batches). The formulations were analyzed in terms of pH (6.5), viscosity, and adjusted for osmolarity, making them more compatible with the ocular environment. Subsequently, stability studies were carried out to assess D-NLC behavior under different storage conditions up to 60 days, indicating a good stability of NLC samples at room temperature. In-vitro studies on ARPE-19 cells confirmed the cytocompatibility of NLCs with retinal epithelium. The effect of D-NLCs was also evaluated in-vitro on a model of retinal inflammation, demonstrating the cytoprotective effect of D-NLCs at various concentrations. RSM was found to be a reliable model to optimize NLCs for diosmin encapsulation.

Response Surface Methodology for Optimization of Buspirone Hydrochloride-Loaded In Situ Gel for Pediatric Anxiety

The purpose of the current investigation was to formulate, assess, and optimize oral in situ gels of buspirone hydrochloride (BH) with the specific end goal of expanding the time the medication spends in the stomach, thereby ensuring an extended medication discharge. This would allow the use of a once-a-day dose of liquid BH formulations, which is ideal for the treatment of pediatric anxiety. In situ gels loaded with BH were prepared using various concentrations of sodium alginate (Na alg.), calcium chloride (CaCl₂), and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC K15M). The in situ gels exhibited the desired consistency, drug distribution, pH, ability to form gel, and prolonged drug release in vitro. The (3³) full factorial design was utilized for the revealing of the ideal figures for the selected independent variables, Na alg. (X₁), HPMC (X₂), and CaCl₂ (X₃) based on measurements of the viscosity (Y₁) and percentage drug release after 6 h (Y₂). A pharmacokinetic study of the optimum formulation on rabbits was also performed. The formulation containing 2% of Na alg., 0.9% of HPMC-K15M, and 0.1125% of CaCl₂ was selected as the ideal formulation, which gave the theoretical values of 269.2 cP and 44.9% for viscosity and percentage of drug released after 6 h, respectively. The pharmacokinetic study showed that the selected oral Na alg. in situ gel formulation displayed a prolonged release effect compared to BH solution and the marketed tablet (Buspar^®), which was confirmed by the low C_max and high T_max values. The optimum oral Na alg. in situ gel showed a 1.5-fold increment in bioavailability compared with the drug solution.

The Effect of Surfactant Type and Concentration on Physicochemical Properties of Carvedilol Solid Dispersions Prepared by Wet Milling Method

The present study mainly aimed to prepare solid dispersions (SDs) of a poorly water-soluble compound, carvedilol (CA), in the presence of pluronic F68 (F68) and myrj 52 by wet milling technique in order to enhance drug dissolution. The process enabled the preparation of SDs without using any toxic organic solvents. SDs with different CA: surfactant ratios were prepared by wet milling followed by freeze-drying method and evaluated for their particle size and dissolution. They were also characterized based on/using X-ray diffraction (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope (SEM), and saturated solubility. The effect of cryoprotectant type on the dissolution and particle size of SDs was also investigated. Wet milling process resulted in the reduced particle size depending on the type of surfactant. The significant drug dissolution and saturated solubility enhancement were recorded for milled SD formulations. In this regard, Myrj had a greater impact compared to F68. Dissolution efficiencies (DE₃₀) obtained for the myrj-included SDs were up to 8.2-fold higher than that of untreated CA. The type of cryoprotectant was also found to affect the drug dissolution. According to the results, partial amorphization occurred in wet-milled samples, as confirmed by XRD and DSC analysis. It was concluded that using an appropriate surfactant along with wet-milling method may have been an effective approach for improving the dissolution rate of CA, a poorly soluble compound.

Pectin coated Nanostructured Lipid Carriers for Targeted Piperine Delivery to Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Piperine (PIP) is a herbal drug with well-known anticancer activity against different types of cancer including hepatocellular carcinoma. However, low aqueous solubility and extensive first-pass metabolism limit its clinical use. In this study, positively charged PIP-loaded nanostructured lipid carriers (PIP-NLCs) were prepared via melt-emulsification and ultra-sonication method followed by pectin coating to get novel pectin-coated NLCs (PIP-P-NLCs) targeting hepatocellular carcinoma. Complete in vitro characterization was performed. In addition, cytotoxicity and cellular uptake of nanosystems in HepG2 cells were evaluated. Finally, in vivo anticancer activity was tested in the diethylnitrosamine-induced hepatocellular carcinoma mice model. Successful pectin coating was confirmed by an increased particle size of PIP-NLCs from 150.28±2.51 nm to 205.24±5.13 nm and revered Zeta potential from 33.34±3.52 mV to -27.63±2.05 mV. Nanosystems had high entrapment efficiency, good stability, spherical shape, and sustained drug release over 24 hours. Targeted P-NLCs enhanced the cytotoxicity and cellular uptake compared to untargeted NLCs. Furthermore, PIP-P-NLCs improved in vivo anticancer effect of PIP as proved by histological examination of liver tissues, suppression of liver enzymes and oxidative stress environment in the liver, and alteration of cell cycle regulators. To conclude, PIP-P-NLCs can act as a promising approach for targeted delivery of PIP to hepatocellular carcinoma.

Experimental Design and Optimization of Nano-Transfersomal Gel to Enhance the Hypoglycemic Activity of Silymarin

Current advancements in the research investigations focused at using natural products to generate novel dosage forms with a potential therapeutic impact. Silymarin is a natural product obtained from the herb Silybum marianum that has been shown to have remarkable hypoglycemic activity. Owing to the low enteral absorption, instability in stomach secretion, and poor solubility of Silymarin, it was better to be produced as a topical dosage form. A three-factor, three-level Box Behnken (3³ BB) design was constructed to develop 15 formulations using three independent variables (phospholipid concentration, surfactant concentration, and sonication time) and two dependent variables (encapsulation efficiency and in vitro drug release). The optimized formula was added to HPMC gel and the resulting transfersomal gel was investigated for its characteristics, in vitro, ex vivo and hypoglycemic behaviors. The pH of the Silymarin-loaded transfersomal gel was 7.05, the spreadability was 55.35 mm, and the viscosity was 6.27 Pa. Furthermore, Silymarin loaded transfersomal gel had the greatest transdermal flux (92.41 µg/cm²·h), which was much greater than all other formulations. In vivo observations revealed that Silymarin loaded transfersomal gel significantly reduced blood glucose levels, compared to either Silymarin gel or oral Silymarin suspension. The findings show that the developed transfersomal gel could be an effective carrier for Silymarin transdermal delivery.

Intranasal delivery of Clozapine using nanoemulsion-based in-situ gels: An approach for bioavailability enhancement

Limited solubility and hepatic first-pass metabolism are the main causes of low bioavailability of anti-schizophrenic drug, Clozapine (CZP). The objective of the study was to develop and validate nanoemulsion (NE) based in-situ gel of CZP for intranasal administration as an approach for bioavailability enhancement. Solubility of CZP was initially investigated in different oils, surfactants and co-surfactants, then pseudoternary phase diagrams were constructed to select the optimized ratio of oil, surfactant and co-surfactant. Clear and transparent NE formulations were characterized in terms of droplet size, viscosity, solubilization capacity, transmission electron microscopy, in-vitro drug release and compatibility studies. Selected NEs were incorporated into different in-situ gel bases using combination of two thermosensitive polymers; Pluronic® F-127 (PF127) and F-68 (PF68). NE-based gels (NG) were investigated for gelation temperature, viscosity, gel strength, spreadability and stability. Moreover, selected NGs were evaluated for ex-vivo permeation, mucoadhesive strength and nasal ciliotoxicity. Peppermint oil, tween 80 and transcutol P were chosen for NE preparation owing to their maximum CZP solubilization. Clear NE points extrapolated from tween 80:transcutol P (1:1) phase diagram and passed dispersibility and stability tests, demonstrated globule size of 67.99 to 354.96 nm and zeta potential of −12.4 to −3.11 mV with enhanced in-vitro CZP release (>90% in some formulations). After incorporation of the selected N3 and N9 formulations of oil:Smix of 1:7 and 2:7, respectively to a mixture of PF127 and PF68 (20:2% w/w), the resultant NG formulations exhibited optimum gelation temperature and viscosity with enhanced CZP permeation and retention through sheep nasal mucosa. Ciliotoxicity examinations of the optimum NGs displayed no inflammation or damage of the lining epithelium and the underlying cells of the nasal mucosa. In conclusion, NE-based gels may be a promising dosage form of CZP for schizophrenia treatment.

Quality by Design for Optimizing a Novel Liposomal Jojoba Oil-Based Emulgel to Ameliorate the Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Brucine

One of the recent advancements in research is the application of natural products in developing newly effective formulations that have few drawbacks and that boost therapeutic effects. The goal of the current exploration is to investigate the effect of jojoba oil in augmenting the anti-inflammatory effect of Brucine natural alkaloid. This is first development of a formulation that applies Brucine and jojoba oil int a PEGylated liposomal emulgel proposed for topical application. Initially, various PEGylated Brucine liposomal formulations were fabricated using a thin-film hydration method. (2²) Factorial design was assembled using two factors (egg Phosphatidylcholine and cholesterol concentrations) and three responses (particle size, encapsulation efficiency and in vitro release). The optimized formula was incorporated within jojoba oil emulgel. The PEGylated liposomal emulgel was inspected for its characteristics, in vitro, ex vivo and anti-inflammatory behaviors. Liposomal emulgel showed a pH of 6.63, a spreadability of 48.8 mm and a viscosity of 9310 cP. As much as 40.57% of Brucine was released after 6 h, and drug permeability exhibited a flux of 0.47 µg/cm²·h. Lastly, % of inflammation was lowered to 47.7, which was significant effect compared to other formulations. In conclusion, the anti-inflammatory influence of jojoba oil and Brucine was confirmed, supporting their integration into liposomal emulgel as a potential nanocarrier.

Effects of Formulation and Manufacturing Process on Drug Release from Solid Self-emulsifying Drug Delivery Systems Prepared by High Shear Mixing

This study sought to investigate the influence of formulation and process factors of the high shear mixing (HSM) on the properties of solid self-emulsifying drug delivery systems (S-SEDDS) containing the model drug carvedilol (CAR). Firstly, liquid SEDDS (L-SEDDS) were prepared by mixing castor oil with different proportions of surfactant (Solutol or Kolliphor RH40) and cosolvent (Transcutol or PEG400). A miscible L-SEDDS with high drug solubility (124.3 mg/g) was selected and gave rise to 10% (m/m) CAR loaded-emulsion with reduced particle size. Then, a factorial experimental design involving five component's concentration and two process factors was used to study the solidification of the selected L-SEDDS by HSM. CAR content, diffractometric profile, and in vitro dissolution were determined. Morphological and flow analyses were also performed. Porous and spherical particles with mean sizes ranging from 160 to 210 µm were obtained. Particle size was not affected by any formulation factor studied. Powder flowability, in turn, was influenced by L-SEDDS and crospovidone concentration. CAR in vitro dissolution from S-SEDDS was significantly increased compared to the drug as supplied and was equal (pH 1.2) or lower (pH 6.8) than that determined for L-SEDDS. Colloidal silicon dioxide decreased drug dissolution, whereas an increase in water-soluble diluent lactose and L-SEDDS concentration increased CAR dissolution. The proper selection of liquid and solid constituents proved to be crucial to developing an S-SEDDS by HSM. Indeed, the results obtained here using experimental design contribute to the production of S-SEDDS using an industrially viable process.

Development and in vitro Evaluation of Gastro-protective Aceclofenac-loaded Self-emulsifying Drug Delivery System

AIM

Chronic use of oral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) is commonly associated with gastric irritation and gastric ulceration. Therefore, the aim of study was to develop a novel oral drug delivery system with minimum gastric effects and improved dissolution rate for aceclofenac (ACF), a model BCS class-II drug.

METHODS

Self-emulsifying drug delivery systems (SEDDS) were formulated to increase the solubility and ultimately the oral bioavailability of ACF. Oleic acid was used as an oil phase, Tween 80 (T80) and Kolliphor EL (KEL) were used as surfactants, whereas, polyethylene glycol 400 (PEG 400) and propylene glycol (PG) were employed as co-surfactants. Optimized formulations (F1, F2, F3 and F4) were analyzed for droplet size, poly dispersity index (PDI), cell viability studies, in vitro dissolution in both simulated gastric fluid and simulated intestinal fluid, ex vivo permeation studies and thermodynamic stability.

RESULTS

The optimized formulations showed mean droplet sizes in the range of 111.3 ± 3.2 nm and 470.9 ± 12.52 nm, PDI from 244.6 nm to 389.4 ± 6.51 and zeta-potential from -33 ± 4.86 mV to -38.5 ± 5.15 mV. Cell viability studies support the safety profile of all formulations for oral administration. The in vitro dissolution studies and ex vivo permeation analysis revealed significantly improved drug release ranging from 95.68 ± 0.02% to 98.15 ± 0.71% when compared with control. The thermodynamic stability studies confirmed that all formulations remain active and stable for a longer period.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, development of oral SEDDS might be a promising tool to improve the dissolution of BCS class-II drugs along with significantly reduced exposure to gastric mucosa.

Development of a Self-Emulsifying Drug Delivery System for Optimized Topical Delivery of Clofazimine

A quality-by-design and characterization approach was followed to ensure development of self-emulsifying drug delivery systems (SEDDSs) destined for topical delivery of the highly lipophilic clofazimine. Solubility and water-titration experiments identified spontaneous emulsification capacity of different excipient combinations and clofazimine. After identifying self-emulsification regions, check-point formulations were selected within the self-emulsification region by considering characteristics required to achieve optimized topical drug delivery. Check-point formulations, able to withstand phase separation after 24 h at an ambient temperature, were subjected to characterization studies. Experiments involved droplet size evaluation; size distribution; zeta-potential; self-emulsification time and efficacy; viscosity and pH measurement; cloud point assessment; and thermodynamic stability studies. SEDDSs with favorable properties, i.e., topical drug delivery, were subjected to dermal diffusion studies. Successful in vitro topical clofazimine delivery was observed. Olive oil facilitated the highest topical delivery of clofazimine probably due to increased oleic acid levels that enhanced stratum corneum lipid disruption, followed by improved dermal clofazimine delivery. Finally, isothermal microcalometric experiments studied the compatibility of excipients. Potential interactions were depicted between argan oil and clofazimine as well as between Span®60 and argan-, macadamia- and olive oil, respectively. However, despite some mundane incompatibilities, successful development of topical SEDDSs achieved enhanced topical clofazimine delivery.

Development of Topical/Transdermal Self-Emulsifying Drug Delivery Systems, Not as Simple as Expected

Self-emulsifying drug delivery systems (SEDDSs) originated as an oral lipid-based drug delivery system with the sole purpose of improving delivery of highly lipophilic drugs. However, the revolutionary drug delivery possibilities presented by these uniquely simplified systems in terms of muco-adhesiveness and zeta-potential changing capacity lead the way forward to ground-breaking research. Contrarily, SEDDSs destined for topical/transdermal drug delivery have received limited attention. Therefore, this review is focused at utilising principles, established during development of oral SEDDSs, and tailoring them to fit evaluation strategies for an optimised topical/transdermal drug delivery vehicle. This includes a detailed discussion of how the authentic pseudo-ternary phase diagram is employed to predict phase behaviour to find the self-emulsification region most suitable for formulating topical/transdermal SEDDSs. Additionally, special attention is given to the manner of characterising oral SEDDSs compared to topical/transdermal SEDDSs, since absorption within the gastrointestinal tract and the multi-layered nature of the skin are two completely diverse drug delivery territories. Despite the advantages of the topical/transdermal drug administration route, certain challenges such as the relatively undiscovered field of skin metabolomics as well as the obstacles of choosing excipients wisely to establish skin penetration enhancement might prevail. Therefore, development of topical/transdermal SEDDSs might be more complicated than expected.

In-situ Intestinal Absorption and Pharmacokinetic Investigations of Carvedilol Loaded Supersaturated Self-emulsifying Drug System

BACKGROUND

Carvedilol (CD), a non-selective beta-blocker, is indicated for the management of mild to moderate congestive heart failure. After oral administration, CD is rapidly absorbed with an absolute bioavailability of 18-25% because of low solubility and extensive first-pass metabolism.

OBJECTIVE

The present investigation focused on enhanced oral delivery of CD using supersaturated self-emulsifying drug delivery (SEDDS) system.

METHODS

Optimized SEDDS consisted of a blend of Oleic acid and Labrafil-M2125 as an oil-phase, Cremophor-RH40, polyethylene glycol-400 and HPMC-E5 as a surfactant, co-surfactant and supersaturation promoter respectively. Formulations were characterized for physical characteristics, invitro release in simulated and biorelevant dissolution media, intestinal permeability and bioavailability studies in Wistar rats. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) studies were used to confirm the crystalline nature and shape of the optimized formulation.

RESULTS

DSC and XRD, SEM studies showed that the drug was in amorphous form, and droplets were spherical in shape. Dissolution studies clearly showed distinct CD release in compendial and biorelevant dissolution media. The results from permeability and in-vivo studies depicted 2.2-folds and 3.2-folds increase in permeability and bioavailability, respectively from supersaturated SEDDS in comparison with control.

CONCLUSION

The results conclusively confirmed that the SEDDS formulation could be considered as a new alternative delivery vehicle for the oral supply of CD. Lay Summary: Carvedilol (CD) is a non-selective antihypertensive drug with poor oral bioavailability. Previously, various lipid delivery systems were reported with enhanced oral delivery. We developed suprsaturable SEDDS formulation with immediate onset of action. SEDDS formulation was developed and optimized as per the established protocols. The optimized SEDDS formulation was stable over three months and converted to solid and supersaturated SEDDS. The results from permeability and in-vivo studies demonstrated an enhancement in permeability and bioavailability from supersaturated SEDDS in comparison with control. The results conclusively confirmed that the SEDDS formulation could be considered as a new alternative delivery vehicle for the oral administration of CD.

Preparation and physicochemical characterization of binary and ternary ground mixtures of carvedilol with PVP and SLS aimed to improve the drug dissolution

The objective of the present study was to enhance the dissolution rate of carvedilol (CA), a poorly water-soluble antihypertensive drug, using a co-grinding method in the presence of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS). Various ratios of CA:PVP:SLS were ground by a planetary ball mill. They were studied in terms of dissolution, solubility, and particle size. The solid state and morphology of the intact drug and prepared samples were also characterized using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), infrared spectroscopy (IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscope (SEM). According to the results, co-grinding in the presence of PVP and SLS significantly increased CA dissolution rate. DE₆₀ (dissolution efficiency) obtained for the best ternary ground mixture (89.31%) was 3.4 and 4.5 times higher than that of the related physical mixture (PM) and the intact drug, respectively. Further, the solubility of this formulation was about 10 times higher compared to that of the intact CA. A direct correlation was also observed between the chamber rotation speed of the planetary mill within the range of 100-400 rpm and CA dissolution rate. Finally, DSC, IR, and XRD analysis ruled out any polymorphic changes and chemical interactions during the grinding process.