An Updated Risk Assessment as Part of the QbD-Based Liposome Design and Development

Development, QbD-based optimisation, in-vivo pharmacokinetics, and ex-vivo evaluation of Eudragit® RS 100 loaded flurbiprofen nanoparticles for oral drug delivery

This study aims to develop and evaluate flurbiprofen-loaded polymeric nanoparticles to achieve sustained drug release, enhancing therapeutic efficacy and minimising dosing frequency for improved patient outcomes. Flurbiprofen-loaded polymeric nanoparticles were prepared using a tubular microreactor and spray drying, optimised via Box-Behnken Design. Characterisation included particle size, encapsulation efficiency, in vitro and in vivo drug release, and techniques like FTIR, DSC, XRD, and SEM. Statistical analysis ensured robust formulation optimisation and evaluation of performance. The optimised batch of flurbiprofen-loaded polymeric nanoparticles was characterised for mean diameter, PDI, zeta potential, drug release, and EE% were found to be 306.1 ± 6.00 nm, 0.184 ± 0.02 Mw, -23.6 ± 1.51 mV, 85.46 ± 0.53% and 92.31 ± 0.84 (% w/w) respectively. Pharmacokinetic analysis further confirmed the sustained release, extending up to 12 hours and enhancing permeation compared to the pure flurbiprofen. Sustained release of flurbiprofen-loaded polymeric nanoparticles significantly enhances therapeutic effectiveness for inflammatory conditions.

Quality by Design-Based Methodology for Development of Titanate Nanotubes Specified for Pharmaceutical Applications Based on Risk Assessment and Artificial Neural Network Modeling

BACKGROUND

Nanotechnology has been the main area of focus for research in different disciplines, such as medicine, engineering, and applied sciences. Therefore, enormous efforts have been made to insert the use of nanoparticles into the daily routines of different platforms due to their impressive performance and the huge potential they could offer. Among numerous types of nanomaterials, titanate nanotubes have been widely recognised as some of the most promising nanocarriers due to their outstanding profile and brilliant design. Their implementation in pharmaceutical applications is of huge interest nowadays as it could be of fundamental importance in the development of the pharmaceutical industry and therapeutic systems.

METHODS

In the present work, a risk assessment-based procedure was developed and completed using ANN-based modeling to enable the design and fabrication of titanate nanotube-based drug delivery systems with desired properties, based on the critical analysis and evaluation of data collected from published articles regarding titanate nanotube preparation using the hydrothermal treatment method.

RESULTS

This analysis is presented as an integrated pathway for titanate nanotube preparation and utilization in a proper way that meets the strict requirements of pharmaceutical systems (quality, safety, and efficacy). Furthermore, a reasonable estimation of the factors affecting titanate nanotube preparation and transformation from traditional uses to novel pharmaceutical ones was established with the aid of a quality by design approach and risk assessment tools, mainly an Ishikawa diagram, a risk estimation matrix, and Pareto analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first article using the QbD approach to suggest a systematic method for the purpose of upgrading TNT use to the pharmaceutical domain.

Surface-anchored N-based functional groups driven photoactivity of SrTiO3

Surface modification, including the anchoring of functional groups is a popular method to increase the photocatalytic activity of semiconductor photocatalysts. These species can trap excited electrons, thus prolonging the life of the charge carriers. N-containing functional groups are suitable for this purpose due to their high electron density. Here, we report a facile synthesis method for preparing interfacial N-based functional groups-modified and nitrogen-doped SrTiO3 photocatalysts. Among the modified samples (with 0.42-11.14 at.% nominal nitrogen content), the one with 7.71 at.% nitrogen showed 6.4 times higher photooxidation efficiency for phenol and 2.2 times better photoreduction efficiency for CO2 conversion than the unmodified SrTiO3 reference. Characterization results showed that using a low amount of nitrogen source resulted in low but measurable nitrogen doping, which did not significantly affect the photocatalytic activity. The formation of surface amine groups was significant even at lower initial nitrogen concentrations, while higher amounts of nitrogen source gradually resulted in the incorporation of nitrogen in higher amounts. Surface amine groups decreased the recombination of charge carriers, resulting in increased photocatalytic activity.

A novel liposomal formulation for ocular delivery of caspofungin: an experimental study by quality by design-based approach

Aim: This study focuses on the development of a Caspofungin liposome for efficient ocular delivery by enhancing corneal penetration.Method: Quality by design (QbD) approach was adopted to identify critical factors that influence final liposomal formulation. The liposome developed using thin film hydration after optimization was subjected to characterization for physicochemical properties, irritation potential and corneal uptake.Results: The numerical optimization suggests an optimal formulation with a desirability value of 0.706, using CQAs as optimization goals with 95% prediction intervals. The optimized formulation showed no signs of irritation potential along with observation of significant corneal permeation.Conclusion: The liposomal formulation increased the permeability of Caspofungin, which could enhance the efficacy for the treatment of conditions, like fungal keratitis.

Nintedanib and miR-29b co-loaded lipoplexes in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: formulation, characterization, and in vitro evaluation

OBJECTIVE

This study was aimed to develop a cationic lipoplex formulation loaded with Nintedanib and miR-29b (LP-NIN-miR) as an alternative approach in the combination therapy of idiopathic pulmonary dibrosis (IPF) by proving its additive anti-fibrotic therapeutic effects through in vitro lung fibrosis model.

SIGNIFICANCE

This is the first research article reported that the LP-NIN-MIR formulations in the treatment of IPF.

METHODS

To optimize cationic liposomes (LPs), quality by design (QbD) approach was carried out. Optimized blank LP formulation was prepared with DOTAP, CHOL, DOPE, and DSPE-mPEG 2000 at the molar ratio of 10:10:1:1. Nintedanib loaded LP (LPs-NIN) were produced by microfluidization method and were incubated with miR-29b at room temperature for 30 min to obtain LP-NIN-miR. To evaluate the cellular uptake of LP-NIN-miR, NIH/3T3 cells were treated with 20 ng.mL-1 transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) for 96 h to establish the in vitro IPF model and incubated with LP-NIN-miR for 48 h.

RESULTS

The hydrodynamic diameter, polydispersity index (PDI), and zeta potential of the LP-NIN-miR were 87.3 ± 0.9 nm, 0.184 ± 0.003, and +24 ± 1 mV, respectively. The encapsulation efficiencies of Nintedanib and miR-29b were 99.8% ± 0.08% and 99.7% ± 1.2%, respectively. The results of the cytotoxicity study conducted with NIH/3T3 cells indicated that LP-NIN-miR is a safe delivery system.

CONCLUSIONS

The outcome of the transfection study proved the additive anti-fibrotic therapeutic effect of LP-NIN-miR and suggested that lipoplexes are effective delivery systems for drug and nucleic acid to the NIH/3T3 cells in the treatment of IPF.

Transethosomes: Cutting edge approach for drug permeation enhancement in transdermal drug delivery system

The skin is a major route of drug administration. Despite the high surface area of the skin, drug delivery via the skin route is problematic due to its physiological obstacles. The formulation scientist has developed a vesicular system to enhance the skin's absorption of bioactive substances. Among numerous vesicular systems, concept of transethosomes (TEs) introduced in 2012 are being tested for drug delivery to the dermis. When transferosomes and ethosomes interact, TEs are produced. It consists of water, ethanol, phospholipids, and an edge activator. Ethanol and the edge activator increase the absorption of medication through the skin. In the presence of ethanol and an edge activator, skin permeability can increase. The advantages of TEs include increased patient compliance, bypassing first-pass metabolism, including non-toxic raw components, being a noninvasive method of drug delivery, being more stable, biocompatible, biodegradable, and administered in semisolid form. TEs can be produced through the use of hot, cold, mechanical dispersion, and conventional techniques. The morphology, shape, size, zeta potential, drug loading efficiency, vesicle yield, biophysical interactions, and stability of TEs define them. Recent studies reported successful transdermal distribution of antifungal, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and cardiovascular bioactive while using ethosomes with significant deeper penetration in skin. The review extensively discussed various claims on TEs developed by researchers, patents, and marketed ethosomes. However, till today no patens being granted on TEs. There are still lingering difficulties related to ethanol-based TEs that require substantial research to fix.

Skin drug delivery using lipid vesicles: A starting guideline for their development

Lipid vesicles can provide a cost-effective enhancement of skin drug absorption when vesicle production process is optimised. It is an important challenge to design the ideal vesicle, since their properties and features are related, as changes in one affect the others. Here, we review the main components, preparation and characterization methods commonly used, and the key properties that lead to highly efficient vesicles for transdermal drug delivery purposes. We stand by size, deformability degree and drug loading, as the most important vesicle features that determine the further transdermal drug absorption. The interest in this technology is increasing, as demonstrated by the exponential growth of publications on the topic. Although long-term preservation and scalability issues have limited the commercialization of lipid vesicle products, freeze-drying and modern escalation methods overcome these difficulties, thus predicting a higher use of these technologies in the market and clinical practice.

Improved Activity of Herbal Medicines through Nanotechnology

Phytochemicals or secondary metabolites are substances produced by plants that have been shown to have many biological activities, providing a scientific basis for using herbs in traditional medicine. In addition, the use of herbs is considered to be safe and more economical compared to synthetic medicine. However, herbal medicines have disadvantages, such as having low solubility, stability, and bioavailability. Some of them can undergo physical and chemical degradation, which reduces their pharmacological activity. In recent decades, nanotechnology-based herbal drug formulations have attracted attention due to their enhanced activity and potential for overcoming the problems associated with herbal medicine. Approaches using nanotechnology-based delivery systems that are biocompatible, biodegradable, and based on lipids, polymers, or nanoemulsions can increase the solubility, stability, bioavailability, and pharmacological activity of herbals. This review article aims to provide an overview of the latest advances in the development of nanotechnology-based herbal drug formulations for increased activity, as well as a summary of the challenges these delivery systems for herbal medicines face.

Expanding Quality by Design Principles to Support 3D Printed Medical Device Development Following the Renewed Regulatory Framework in Europe

The vast scope of 3D printing has ignited the production of tailored medical device (MD) development and catalyzed a paradigm shift in the health-care industry, particularly following the COVID pandemic. This review aims to provide an update on the current progress and emerging opportunities for additive manufacturing following the introduction of the new medical device regulation (MDR) within the EU. The advent of early-phase implementation of the Quality by Design (QbD) quality management framework in MD development is a focal point. The application of a regulatory supported QbD concept will ensure successful MD development, as well as pointing out the current challenges of 3D bioprinting. Utilizing a QbD scientific and risk-management approach ensures the acceleration of MD development in a more targeted way by building in all stakeholders' expectations, namely those of the patients, the biomedical industry, and regulatory bodies.

Quality by Design-Driven Zeta Potential Optimisation Study of Liposomes with Charge Imparting Membrane Additives

Liposomal formulations, as versatile nanocarrier systems suitable for targeted delivery, have a highly focused role in the therapy development of unmet clinical needs and diagnostic imaging techniques. Formulating nanomedicine with suitable zeta potential is an essential but challenging task. Formulations with a minimum ±30 mV zeta potential are considered stable. The charge of the phospholipid bilayer can be adjusted with membrane additives. The present Quality by Design-derived study aimed to optimise liposomal formulations prepared via the thin-film hydration technique by applying stearylamine (SA) or dicetyl phosphate (DCP) as charge imparting agents. This 32 fractional factorial design-based study determined phosphatidylcholine, cholesterol, and SA/DCP molar ratios for liposomes with characteristics meeting the formulation requirements. The polynomials describing the effects on the zeta potential were calculated. The optimal molar ratios of the lipids were given as 12.0:5.0:5.0 for the SA-PBS pH 5.6 (optimised sample containing stearylamine) and 8.5:4.5:6.5 for the DCP-PBS pH 5.6 (optimised sample containing dicetyl phosphate) particles hydrated with phosphate-buffered saline pH 5.6. The SA-PBS pH 5.6 liposomes had a vesicle size of 108 ± 15 nm, 0.20 ± 0.04 polydispersity index, and +30.1 ± 1.2 mV zeta potential, while these values were given as 88 ± 14 nm, 0.21 ± 0.02, and -36.7 ± 3.3 mV for the DCP-PBS pH 5.6 vesicles. The prepared liposomes acquired the requirements of the zeta potential for stable formulations.

Central Composite Design (CCD) for the Optimisation of Ethosomal Gel Formulation of Punica granatum Extract: In Vitro and In Vivo Evaluations

This research manuscript’s objective was to develop the Punica granatum extract ethosome gel. The use of nanotechnology can improve transdermal drug delivery permeation of its major bioactive compound β-sitosterol. The optimised and developed formulations were further studied in vitro and in vivo. The assessment of the anti-inflammatory activity of the gel was performed in Albino rats. Methanolic extract was prepared and developed into an ethosome suspension and an ethosome gel. To optimise the formulation’s response in terms of particle size (nm) and entrapment efficiency (%), the central composite design (CCD) was used in 2² levels. The effects of factors such as lecithin (%) and ethanol (mL) in nine formulations were observed. Characterisation of ethosome gel was performed and the results showed the particle size (516.4 nm) and mean zeta potential (−45.4 mV). Evaluations of the gel formulation were performed. The results were good in terms of pH (7.1), viscosity (32,158 cps), spreadability (31.55 g cm/s), and no grittiness. In an in vitro study, the percentages of β-sitosterol release of ethosome gel (91.83%), suspension (82.74%), and extracts (68.15%) at 279 nm were recorded. The effects of the formulated gel on formalin-induced oedema in Albino rats showed good results in terms of anti-inflammatory activity. The comparative anti-inflammatory activity of Punica granatum extract and gel showed that the gel action was good for their topical application.

Nano-Liposomes Double Loaded with Curcumin and Tetrandrine: Preparation, Characterization, Hepatotoxicity and Anti-Tumor Effects

(1) Background: Curcumin (CUR) and tetrandrine (TET) are natural compounds with various bioactivities, but have problems with low solubility, stability, and absorption rate, resulting in low bioavailability, and limited applications in food, medicine, and other fields. It is very important to improve the solubility while maintaining the high activity of drugs. Liposomes are micro–vesicles synthesized from cholesterol and lecithin. With high biocompatibility and biodegradability, liposomes can significantly improve drug solubility, efficacy, and bioavailability. (2) Methods: In this work, CUR and TET were encapsulated with nano–liposomes and g DSPE–MPEG 2000 (DP)was added as a stabilizer to achieve better physicochemical properties, biosafety, and anti–tumor effects. (3) Results: The nano–liposome (CT–DP–Lip) showed stable particle size (under 100 nm) under different conditions, high solubility, drug encapsulation efficiency (EE), loading capacity (LC), release rate in vitro, and stability. In addition, in vivo studies demonstrated CT–DP–Lip had no significant toxicity on zebrafish. Tumor cytotoxicity test showed that CT–DP–Lip had a strong inhibitory effect on a variety of cancer cells. (4) Conclusions: This work showed that nano–liposomes can significantly improve the physical and chemical properties of CUR and TET and make them safer and more efficient.

Characterizing the Drug-Release Enhancement Effect of Surfactants on Megestrol-Acetate-Loaded Granules

In this study, the effect of Cremophor® RH 40 (CR 40) classic micelles and Soluplus® (SP) polymeric micelles were investigated on a novel granule-type drug-delivery system containing megestrolacetate (MGA). Using a risk assessment-based approach on the formulation via melt technology resulted in the formation of these granules, presented as the dosage, with proper particle size and flow characteristics. Due to the application of a eutectic carrier base composition, gentle process conditions were reached, retaining the crystalline structure of the carrier system and allowing for the proper distribution of MGA in the granules. The increased water solubility (0.111 mg/mL to 2.154 mg/mL), and the decreased nano particle size (102.27 nm) with uniform distribution (polydispersity index of 0.259) and colloid stability (zeta potential of −12.99 mV) resulted in SP polymeric micelles prevailing over CR 40 micelles in this gastric dissolution study, performed in biorelevant fasted and fed state drug-release media. Mathematical characterization and kinetic model fitting supported the fast drug-release mechanism of polymeric micelles over micelles. The value-added polymeric micelle-containing formulation developed can be successfully administered perorally and the enhanced drug release offers the possibility of greater drug absorption in the gastrointestinal tract.