The Evaluation of Meloxicam Nanocrystals by Oral Administration with Different Particle Sizes

Study on the Scale-Up Possibility of a Combined Wet Grinding Technique Intended for Oral Administration of Meloxicam Nanosuspension

Background/Objectives: This article reports on the scalability of a combined wet grinding technique applying planetary ball mill and ZrO2 pearls as the grinding medium. After the determination of the parameters in a laboratory scale, the tenfold scale-up method was set. Meloxicam (MEL) was used as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) intended for per os delivery. During grinding, the PVA solution was used as a dispersion medium. Methods: The influence of the scaling-up on the particle size, morphology, crystallinity, and intra- and interparticulate phenomena has been studied. Formulation investigations of the milled suspensions were carried out. The dissolution test and the cytotoxicity analyses were accomplished. Results: Submicron MEL particle-containing samples were produced in both grinding scales. After the particle size determination was achieved from the suspensions, the wet milled, dried products were studied. The particle size of the dried products fell into the same range for both scales of milling (the maximum particle size was about 580 nm). There was no significant difference in drug crystallinity after the grindings; 70% of MEL remained crystalline in both cases. A remarkable interaction between the components did not develop as a result of milling. The polarity of the products increased, which resulted in a better dissolution, especially in the case of intestinal fluid (~100% in the first 5 min). The products were not found to be toxic. Conclusions: This research demonstrates that the scaling-up of combined wet grinding technique is feasible by adjusting the milling parameters and the adequate amount of excipient.

Transepithelial transport of nanoparticles in oral drug delivery: From the perspective of surface and holistic property modulation

Despite the promising prospects of nanoparticles in oral drug delivery, the process of oral administration involves a complex transportation pathway that includes cellular uptake, intracellular trafficking, and exocytosis by intestinal epithelial cells, which are necessary steps for nanoparticles to enter the bloodstream and exert therapeutic effects. Current researchers have identified several crucial factors that regulate the interaction between nanoparticles and intestinal epithelial cells, including surface properties such as ligand modification, surface charge, hydrophilicity/hydrophobicity, intestinal protein corona formation, as well as holistic properties like particle size, shape, and rigidity. Understanding these properties is essential for enhancing transepithelial transport efficiency and designing effective oral drug delivery systems. Therefore, this review provides a comprehensive overview of the surface and holistic properties that influence the transepithelial transport of nanoparticles, elucidating the underlying principles governing their impact on transepithelial transport. The review also outlines the chosen of parameters to be considered for the subsequent design of oral drug delivery systems.

Functional Nanomaterials for the Treatment of Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common degenerative joint disease, affecting more than 595 million people worldwide. Nanomaterials possess superior physicochemical properties and can influence pathological processes due to their unique structural features, such as size, surface interface, and photoelectromagnetic thermal effects. Unlike traditional OA treatments, which suffer from short half-life, low stability, poor bioavailability, and high systemic toxicity, nanotherapeutic strategies for OA offer longer half-life, enhanced targeting, improved bioavailability, and reduced systemic toxicity. These advantages effectively address the limitations of traditional therapies. This review aims to inspire researchers to develop more multifunctional nanomaterials and promote their practical application in OA treatment.

High-Performance Thin-Layer Chromatography (HPTLC) Method for Identification of Meloxicam and Piroxicam

Background: High-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) is an advantageous, modern analytical technique based on the principles of thin-layer chromatography (TLC), which provides essential benefits, such as improved sample application, better and faster separation, and less mobile phase usage. The aim of this work was to develop a simple and rapid HPTLC method that could be used for the identification of meloxicam and piroxicam. Methods: HPTLC. An analysis was carried out using silica gel 60 F254 glass TLC plates and as the mobile phase: hexane: ethyl acetate: glacial acetic acid, in a ratio of 65:30:5 v/v/v. For the standard solution preparation, ethanol was used. Front: 60 mm. Detection was performed at 366 nm. Results: The Rf value for meloxicam was 0.81 and the Rf value for piroxicam was 0.57. The proposed method can be used in the detection of the analyzed compounds in very low concentrations. It was established that the detection limit of meloxicam was 0.04 μg per band and that of piroxicam was 0.05 μg per band. It was also established that the quantitation limit of meloxicam was 0.12 μg per band and that of piroxicam was 0.15 μg per band. Conclusions: The proposed method is simple, sensitive, stable, cost effective, and eco-friendly. It could be used in research or for routine quality control purposes.