Implementing Spanlastics for Improving the Ocular Delivery of Clotrimazole: In vitro Characterization, Ex vivo Permeability, Microbiological Assessment and In vivo Safety Study

Repurposing celecoxib for colorectal cancer targeting via pH-triggered ultra-elastic nanovesicles: Pronounced efficacy through up-regulation of Wnt/β-catenin pathway in DMH-induced tumorigenesis

Celecoxib (CLX), a selective inhibitor for cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2), has manifested potential activity against diverse types of cancer. However, low bioavailability and cardiovascular side effects remain the major challenges that limit its exploitation. In this work, we developed ultra-elastic nanovesicles (UENVs) with pH-triggered surface charge reversal traits that could efficiently deliver CLX to colorectal segments for snowballed tumor targeting. CLX-UENVs were fabricated via a thin-film hydration approach. The impact of formulation factors (Span 80, Tween 80, and sonication time) on the nanovesicular features was evaluated using Box-Behnken design, and the optimal formulation was computed. The optimum formulation was positively coated with polyethyleneimine (CLX-PEI-UENVs) and then coated with Eudragit S100 (CLX-ES-PEI-UENVs). The activity of the optimized nano-cargo was explored in 1,2-dimethylhydrazine-induced colorectal cancer in Wistar rats. Levels of COX-2, Wnt-2 and β-catenin were assessed in rats' colon. The diameter of the optimized CLX-ES-PEI-UENVs formulation was 253.62 nm, with a zeta potential of -23.24 mV, 85.64% entrapment, and 87.20% cumulative release (24 h). ES coating hindered the rapid release of CLX under acidic milieu (stomach and early small intestine) and showed extended release in the colon section. In colonic environments, the ES coating layer was removed due to high pH, and the charge on the nanovesicular corona was shifted from negative to positive. Besides, a pharmacokinetics study revealed that CLX-ES-PEI-UENVs had superior oral bioavailability by 2.13-fold compared with CLX suspension. Collectively, these findings implied that CLX-ES-PEI-UENVs could be a promising colorectal-targeted nanoplatform for effective tumor management through up-regulation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway.

Assembly of In-Situ Gel Containing Nano-Spanlastics of an Angiotensin II Inhibitor as a Novel Epitome for Hypertension Management: Factorial Design Optimization, In-vitro Gauging, Pharmacokinetics, and Pharmacodynamics Appraisal

More than 1 billion people worldwide suffer from hypertension; therefore, hypertension management has been categorized as a global health priority. Losartan potassium (LP) is an antihypertensive drug with a limited oral bioavailability of about 33% since it undergoes the initial metabolic cycle. Thus, nasal administration is a unique route to overcome first-pass metabolism. The investigation focused on the potential effects of LP-loaded spanlastic vesicles (SNVs) on LP pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetic parameters, utilizing a thin-film hydration methodology established on a 3122 full factorial design. Entrapment efficiency (EE%) ranged from 39.8 ± 3.87.8 to 83.8 ± 2.92% for LP-SNVs. Vesicle size (VS) varied from 205.5 ± 6.5.10 to 445.1 ± 13.52 nm, and the percentage of LP released after 8 h (Q8h) ranged from 30.8 ± 3.10 to 68.8 ± 1.45%. LP permeated through the nasal mucosa during 24 h and flocculated from 194.1 ± 4.90 to 435.3 ± 13.53 µg/cm2. After twenty-four hours, the optimal LP-SNVs in-situ gel showed 2.35 times more permeation through the nasal mucosa than the LP solution. It also lowered systolic blood pressure, so it is thought to be better than the reference formulation in terms of pharmacodynamics. The pharmacokinetics studies demonstrated that the intranasal LP-SNVs gel boosted its bioavailability approximately 6.36 times compared to the oral LP solution. Our research showed that intranasal LP-SNVs could be a good nanoplatform because they are well-tolerated and have possible pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics.

Vesicular Drug Delivery Systems: Promising Approaches in Ocular Drug Delivery

Ocular drug delivery poses unique challenges due to the complex anatomical and physiological barriers of the eye. Conventional dosage forms often fail to achieve optimal therapeutic outcomes due to poor bioavailability, short retention time, and off-target effects. In recent years, vesicular drug delivery systems have emerged as promising solutions to address these challenges. Vesicular systems, such as liposome, niosome, ethosome, transfersome, and others (bilosome, transethosome, cubosome, proniosome, chitosome, terpesome, phytosome, discome, and spanlastics), offer several advantages for ocular drug delivery. These include improved drug bioavailability, prolonged retention time on the ocular surface, reduced systemic side effects, and protection of drugs from enzymatic degradation and dilution by tears. Moreover, vesicular formulations can be engineered for targeted delivery to specific ocular tissues or cells, enhancing therapeutic efficacy while minimizing off-target effects. They also enable the encapsulation of a wide range of drug molecules, including hydrophilic, hydrophobic, and macromolecular drugs, and the possibility of combination therapy by facilitating the co-delivery of multiple drugs. This review examines vesicular drug delivery systems, their advantages over conventional drug delivery systems, production techniques, and their applications in management of ocular diseases.

Bile salt-enriched vs. non-enriched nanoparticles: comparison of their physicochemical characteristics and release pattern

Bile salts were first used in the preparation of nanoparticles due to their stabilizing effects. As time went by, they attracted much attention and were increasingly employed in fabricating nanoparticles. It is well accepted that the physicochemical properties of nanoparticles are influential factors in their permeation, distribution, elimination and degree of effectiveness as well as toxicity. The review of articles shows that the use of bile salts in the structure of nanocarriers may cause significant changes in their physicochemical properties. Hence, having information about the effect of bile salts on the properties of nanoparticles could be valuable in the design of optimal carriers. Herein, we review studies in which bile salts were used in preparing liposomes, niosomes and other nanocarriers. Furthermore, the effects of bile salts on entrapment efficiency, particle size, polydispersity index, zeta potential, release profile and stability of nanoparticles are pointed out. Finally, we debate how to take advantage of bile salts potential for preparing desirable nanocarriers.

Capped flexosomes for prominent anti-inflammatory activity: development, optimization, and ex vivo and in vivo assessments

This study aimed to formulate diacerein (DCN)-loaded flexosomes for enhanced efficacy against osteoarthritis. A 23 D-optimal design was employed, investigating the impact of surfactant type (A), surfactant concentration (%w/v) (B), and oleylamine amount (mg) (C). Flexosomes were formulated using a rotary evaporator, and Design-Expert® software was utilized to statistically analyze entrapment efficiency (EE%), zeta potential (ZP), poly-dispersity index (PDI), and particle size (PS) to determine the optimum formula. The selection criteria prioritized increased ZP (as absolute value) and EE%, coupled with decreased PDI and PS. Rigorous physicochemical, in vivo, and ex vivo tests were conducted to validate the safety, stability, and activity of the optimal formula. Physicochemical assessments encompassed pH measurement, transmission electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, release profiles, storage effects, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. In vivo tests included permeation studies, histopathology, anti-inflammatory activity, and skin irritancy, while ex vivo tests focused on permeation parameters and skin deposition. The optimum formula demonstrated high desirability (0.931), along with favorable EE% (90.93%), ZP (- 40.4 mV), particle size (188.55 nm), and sustained behavior. Notably, improved in vivo permeation (132 µm), skin deposition (193.43 µg/cm2), and antinociceptive activity (66%) compared to DCN suspension (48 µm, 66.31 µg/cm2, and 26%, respectively) were observed. The optimal formula also exhibited excellent safety and storage characteristics. In conclusion, DCN-loaded flexosomes exhibit significant potential for effectively managing osteoarthritis.

Spanlastic-laden in situ gel as a promising approach for ocular delivery of Levofloxacin: In-vitro characterization, microbiological assessment, corneal permeability and in-vivo study

The objective of this study was to encapsulate the antibacterial drug levofloxacin hemihydrate (LF) into spanlastics (SLs) followed by incorporation into gelrite in situ gel to enhance its antibacterial activity and sustain ocular delivery. A combination of Span 60 as main vesicle component and Tweens as an edge activator (EA) was used to prepare SLs using the thin film hydration method. A 32 factorial design was applied to study the effect of formulation variables (ratio of Span 60: EA and type of EA) on SLs characteristics (encapsulation efficiency (EE%), particle size (PS), zeta potential (ZP) and percentage of drug released). In-vitro antimicrobial study was conducted to determine the antibacterial activity of the optimized formula. Finally confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) was applied to monitor SLs corneal penetration. The optimum formulation (F5), contains 240 mg Span 60 and 60 mg Tween 60 as EA. F5 exhibited EE% = 59.7 ± 4.2%, PS = 177.6 ± 1.8 nm, PDI = 0.27 ± 0.022 and ZP = -40.6 ± 0.68 mV. Furthermore, only 39.37 ± 0.72% of LF amount was released after 4 h compared to complete release from drug solution. The apparent permeation coefficient was (14.7 × 10-3 cm/h) compared to (9.7 × 10-3 cm/h) for LF solution. Moreover, F5 exhibited 200% and 100% increase in the antibacterial efficacy against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus respectively.

Enhancing the anticancer potential of metformin: fabrication of efficient nanospanlastics, in vitro cytotoxic studies on HEP-2 cells and reactome enhanced pathway analysis

Metformin (MET), an oral antidiabetic drug, was reported to possess promising anticancer effects. We hypothesized that MET encapsulation in unique nanospanlastics would enhance its anticancer potential against HEP-2 cells. Our results showed the successful fabrication of Nano-MET spanlastics (d = 232.10 ± 0.20 nm; PDI = 0.25 ± 0.11; zeta potential = (-) 44.50 ± 0.96; drug content = 99.90 ± 0.11 and entrapment efficiency = 88.01 ± 2.50%). MTT assay revealed the enhanced Nano-MET cytotoxicity over MET with a calculated IC50 of 50 μg/mL and > 500 μg/mL, respectively. Annexin V/PI apoptosis assay showed that Nano-MET significantly decreased the percentage of live cells from 95.49 to 93.70 compared to MET and increased the percentage of cells arrested in the G0/G1 phase by 8.38%. Moreover, Nano-MET downregulated BCL-2 and upregulated BAX protein levels by 1.57 and 1.88 folds, respectively. RT-qPCR revealed that Nano-MET caused a significant 13.75, 4.15, and 2.23-fold increase in caspase-3, -8, and - 9 levels as well as a 100 and 43.47-fold decrease in cyclin D1 and mTOR levels, respectively. The proliferation marker Ki67 immunofluorescent staining revealed a 3-fold decrease in positive cells in Nano-MET compared to the control. Utilizing the combined Pathway-Enrichment Analysis (PEA) and Reactome analysis indicated high enrichment of certain pathways including nucleotides metabolism, Nudix-type hydrolase enzymes, carbon dioxide hydration, hemostasis, and the innate immune system. In summary, our results confirm MET cytotoxicity enhancement by its encapsulation in nanospanlastics. We also highlight, using PEA, that MET can modulate multiple pathways implicated in carcinogenesis.

Development of Carvedilol Nanoformulation-Loaded Poloxamer-Based In Situ Gel for the Management of Glaucoma

The objective of the current study was to fabricate a thermosensitive in situ gelling system for the ocular delivery of carvedilol-loaded spanlastics (CRV-SPLs). In situ gel formulations were prepared using poloxamer analogs by a cold method and was further laden with carvedilol-loaded spanlastics to boost the precorneal retention of the drug. The gelation capacity, rheological characteristics, muco-adhesion force and in vitro release of various in situ gel formulations (CS-ISGs) were studied. The optimized formula (F2) obtained at 22% w/v poloxamer 407 and 5% w/v poloxamer 188 was found to have good gelation capacity at body temperature with acceptable muco-adhesion properties, appropriate viscosity at 25 °C that would ease its ocular application, and relatively higher viscosity at 37 °C that promoted prolonged ocular residence of the formulation post eye instillation and displayed a sustained in vitro drug release pattern. Ex vivo transcorneal penetration studies through excised rabbit cornea revealed that F2 elicited a remarkable (p ˂ 0.05) improvement in CRV apparent permeation coefficient (Papp = 6.39 × 10-6 cm/s) compared to plain carvedilol-loaded in situ gel (CRV-ISG; Papp = 2.67 × 10-6 cm/s). Most importantly, in normal rabbits, the optimized formula (F2) resulted in a sustained intraocular pressure reduction and a significant enhancement in the ocular bioavailability of carvedilol, as manifested by a 2-fold increase in the AUC0-6h of CRV in the aqueous humor, compared to plain CRV-ISG formulation. To sum up, the developed thermosensitive in situ gelling system might represent a plausible carrier for ophthalmic drug delivery for better management of glaucoma.

Spanlastics: a novel elastic drug delivery system with potential applications via multifarious routes of administration

Drug delivery systems (DDS) based on nanocarriers are designed to transport therapeutic agents to specific areas of the body where they are required to exhibit pharmacodynamic effect. These agents rely on an appropriate carrier to protect them from rapid degradation or clearance and enhance their concentration in target tissues. Spanlastics, an elastic, deformable surfactant-based nanovesicles have the potential to be used as a drug delivery vehicle for wide array of drug molecules. Spanlastics are formed by the self-association of non-ionic surfactants and edge activators in an aqueous phase and have gained attention as promising drug carriers due to their biodegradable, biocompatible, and non-immunogenic structure. In recent years, numerous scientific journals have published research articles exploring the potential of spanlastics to serve as a DDS for various types of drugs as they offer targeted delivery and regulated release of the drugs. Following brief introduction to spanlastics, their structure and methods of preparation, this review focuses on the delivery of various drugs using spanlastics as a carrier via various routes viz. topical, transdermal, ototopical, ocular, oral and nasal. Work carried out by various researchers by employing spanlastics as a carrier for enhancing therapeutic activity of different moieties has been discussed in detail.

A comprehensive review on recent nanosystems for enhancing antifungal activity of fenticonazole nitrate from different routes of administration

This review aims to comprehensively highlight the recent nanosystems enclosing Fenticonazole nitrate (FTN) and to compare between them regarding preparation techniques, studied factors and responses. Moreover, the optimum formulae were compared in terms of in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo studies in order to detect the best formula. FTN is a potent antifungal imidazole compound that had been used for treatment of many dangerous fungal infections affecting eye, skin or vagina. FTN had been incorporated in various innovative nanosystems in the recent years in order to achieve significant recovery such as olaminosomes, novasomes, cerosomes, terpesomes and trans-novasomes. These nanosystems were formulated by various techniques (ethanol injection or thin film hydration) utilizing different statistical designs (Box-Behnken, central composite, full factorial and D-optimal). Different factors were studied in each nanosystem regarding its composition as surfactant concentrations, surfactant type, amount of oleic acid, cholesterol, oleylamine, ceramide, sodium deoxycholate, terpene concentration and ethanol concentration. Numerous responses were studied such as percent entrapment efficiency (EE%), particle size (PS), poly-dispersity index (PDI), zeta potential (ZP), and in vitro drug release. Selection of the optimum formula was based on numerical optimization accomplished by Design-Expert® software taking in consideration the largest EE %, ZP (as absolute value) and in vitro drug release and lowest PS and PDI. In vitro comparisons were done employing different techniques such as Transmission electron microscopy, pH determination, effect of gamma sterilization, elasticity evaluation and docking study. In addition to, ex vivo permeation, in vivo irritancy test, histopathological, antifungal activity and Kinetic study.

Implementing Nanovesicles for Boosting the Skin Permeation of Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs

The consumption of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have increased lately around the world, as they are considered essential and popular drugs for effective reduction of pain and inflammation. They have analgesic, antipyretic, and anti-inflammatory activities; also, it was reported recently that they protect against various critical disorders like heart attacks and cancer. However, oral use of NSAIDs may cause several pulmonary, gastrointestinal, hepatic, cardiovascular, cerebral, and renal complications. Therefore, topical NSAIDs were recommended as a substitute to oral NSAIDs for the treatment of inflammation and pain. Still, the skin permeation of NSAIDs is considered a challenge, as the skin have an effective barrier function. Therefore, this review investigates various advanced vesicular nanocarriers and their applications through the skin, to augment the topical delivery of NSAIDs through stratum corneum over the conventional systems, enhance their effectiveness, and reduce the unwanted side effects. These innovative systems can manage bioavailability, solubility, stability, safety, and efficacy issues present in conventional systems.

Enhancement of Bottle Gourd Oil Activity via Optimized Self-Dispersing Lipid Formulations (SDLFs) to Mitigate Isoproterenol-Evoked Cardiac Toxicity in Rats via Modulating BMP, MMP2, and miRNA-21 and miRNA-23a Genes' Expression

Bottle gourd (BG) oil (family Cucurbitaceae) has several pharmacological activities including a reduction of the hazard of cardiovascular and atherosclerosis conditions. This work aimed to develop and optimize self-dispersing lipid formulations (SDLFs) of BG oil by applying a full 32 factorial design. The formulation variables (oil concentration and surfactant mixture ratio) showed an obvious impact on the characters of the prepared BG-SDLFs including droplet size (DS), polydispersity index (PDI), emulsification time (ET), and transmission percentage (Tr%). The optimum BG-SDLF composed of 30% oil and Tween 80/Cremophor® RH40 (1:1) showed good emulsification characteristics and a better drug release profile compared with BG oil. In vivo study in isoproterenol-injected rats showed that BG oil and the optimized BG-SDLF improved cardiac function, by elevating the miRNA-23a gene expression level and decreasing miRNA-21 gene expression. They also caused the inhibition of the plasma B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), N-terminal proatrial natriuretic peptide (NT-pro-BNP), cystatin c, galectin-3, lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2), matrix metallopeptidase 2 (MMP2), cardiac troponin I (cTnI), and cardiac troponin T (cTnT). Our study demonstrated that BG oil and the optimized BG-SDLF provided a cardioprotection against isoproterenol-induced cardiac toxicity with better results in groups treated with the optimized BG-SDLF.

Recent Advances of Ocular Drug Delivery Systems: Prominence of Ocular Implants for Chronic Eye Diseases

Chronic ocular diseases can seriously impact the eyes and could potentially result in blindness or serious vision loss. According to the most recent data from the WHO, there are more than 2 billion visually impaired people in the world. Therefore, it is pivotal to develop more sophisticated, long-acting drug delivery systems/devices to treat chronic eye conditions. This review covers several drug delivery nanocarriers that can control chronic eye disorders non-invasively. However, most of the developed nanocarriers are still in preclinical or clinical stages. Long-acting drug delivery systems, such as inserts and implants, constitute the majority of the clinically used methods for the treatment of chronic eye diseases due to their steady state release, persistent therapeutic activity, and ability to bypass most ocular barriers. However, implants are considered invasive drug delivery technologies, especially those that are nonbiodegradable. Furthermore, in vitro characterization approaches, although useful, are limited in mimicking or truly representing the in vivo environment. This review focuses on long-acting drug delivery systems (LADDS), particularly implantable drug delivery systems (IDDS), their formulation, methods of characterization, and clinical application for the treatment of eye diseases.

Recent trends and updates on ultradeformable and elastic vesicles in ocular drug delivery

Ocular drug delivery is enigmatic on account of various physiological precorneal barriers that ultimately hinder efficient drug penetration and corneal absorption. Ultradeformable vesicles embody non-ionic surfactants, edge activators and vesicular builders that provide enormous elasticity and deformability. The elastic vesicles can cross the ocular barriers owing to their peculiar squeezability and distorting ability and, thus, establish an infallible shot for ocular delivery. This review provides an overview of the recent advancements and updates of elastic vesicles as effective ocular drug delivery vehicles.

Brij® integrated bilosomes for improving the transdermal delivery of niflumic acid for effective treatment of osteoarthritis: In vitro characterization, ex vivo permeability assessment, and in vivo study

Bilosomes are innovative vesicular carriers containing bile salt with a non-ionic surfactant. Being highly flexible, bilosomes can squeeze themselves through the skin carrying the drug to the action site and improving its skin penetration. The objective of this research was to encapsulate niflumic acid (NA), a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug into Brij® integrated bilosomes (BIBs) for effective treatment of osteoarthritis through transdermal delivery. BIBs were formulated using 100 mg of Span 20 with different amounts of sodium cholate (NaC), sodium taurocholate (NaTC), or sodium glycocholate (NaGC) as bile salt, with the addition of 5 mg of Brij-93 or Brij-35. BIBs were prepared utilizing ethanol injection method with the application of (3¹×2²) complete factorial design using Design-Expert® software. The optimal BIBs formulation determined was (B5) which contains 5 mg of NaTC used as bile salt and 5 mg of Brij-93. B5 exhibited entrapment efficiency% = 95.21 ± 0.00%, particle size = 373.05 ± 0.07 nm, polydispersity index = 0.27 ± 0.01, and zeta potential = -32.00 ± 0.00 mV. It also had a high elasticity with a spherical shape. B5 gel displayed a sustained release profile with a significantly 2.3 folds' higher drug permeation percent across rat skin than that permeated from NA gel. Moreover, in vivo anti-osteoarthritic and histopathological studies assured the efficacy and safety of B5 gel and its superiority over NA gel. Generally, the outcomes confirmed the great efficacy of NA loaded BIBs for the topical treatment of osteoarthritis.

Nanospanlastics as a Novel Approach for Improving the Oral Delivery of Resveratrol in Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Endotoxicity in Mice

Purpose

Resveratrol (RSV) is a natural polyphenolic compound that has numerous biological effects. Owing to its poor bioavailability, only trace concentrations of RSV could be found at the site of action. Therefore, the present study was aimed at developing RSV-loaded nanospanlastics to improve its oral delivery and therapeutic activity.

Methods

RSV-loaded nanospanlastics were prepared using the thin film hydration technique. The developed formulations were characterized via vesicular size (VS), polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential (ZP) measurements, fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy analysis and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). In vitro release profile was carried out using dialysis bag diffusion technique. In vivo study was carried out using lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced endotoxicity model in mice to evaluate the formulations activity.

Results

The results revealed the successful development of RSV-loaded nanospanlastics which exhibited EE% ranging from 45 to 85%, particle sizes ranging from 260.5 to 794.3 nm; negatively charged zeta potential (≤ − 20 mV) and TEM revealed their spherical shape. An in vitro release study showed biphasic pattern with sustained release of drug up to 24 h. In vivo results showed the superiority of RSV-loaded nanospanlastics over conventional niosomes in attenuating serum levels of liver and kidney functions (aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), and creatinine) in LPS-induced endotoxic mice. Furthermore, both of them suppressed the elevated oxidative stress and inflammatory markers (malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), and interleukin-1beta (IL-1β)) estimated in the liver and kidney tissues. However, the nanospanlastics showed a prevalence effect over conventional niosomes in kidney measurements and the histopathological examinations.

Conclusions

These findings reveal the potential of nanospanlastics in improving the oral delivery and therapeutic efficacy of RSV.

Pronounced capping effect of olaminosomes as nanostructured platforms in ocular candidiasis management

The aim of this study was to formulate and boost ocular targeting of Fenticonazole Nitrate (FTN)-loaded olaminosomes in order to improve drug corneal permeation and candidiasis treatment. Olaminosomes were formulated by ethanol injection technique applying a central composite design. The independent variables were: span 80 amount (mg) (A), oleylamine concentration (mg%) (B) and oleic acid: drug ratio (C). The dependent responses were: percent entrapment efficiency (EE %), particle size (PS), poly-dispersity index (PDI), zeta potential (ZP) and in vitro drug release after 10 hours (Q10h). Numerical optimization by Design-Expert® software was adopted to select the optimum formula. This formula was chosen based on highest EE %, ZP (as absolute value) and Q10h and lowest PS and PDI. The optimum formula was subjected to further in vitro characterization via Differential scanning calorimetry, Transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, pH determination, effect of storage, influence of terminal sterilization, detection of Minimal Inhibitory Concentration and ex vivo corneal penetration analysis. Safety and antifungal activity of the optimum formula were tested through various in vivo studies like ocular irritancy, corneal tolerance, corneal uptake and susceptibility test. The optimum formula with the maximum desirability value (0.972) revealed EE% (84.24%), PS (117.55 nm), ZP (-74.85 mV) and Q10h (91.26%) respectively. The optimum formula demonstrated ocular tolerance with enhanced corneal penetration behavior (428.66 µg/cm²) and boosted antifungal activity (56.13%) compared to FTN suspension (174.66 µg/cm² and 30.83%). The previous results ensured the ability of olaminosomes to enhance the corneal penetration and antifungal efficacy of Fenticonazole Nitrate.

Fabrication of nanostructured lipid carriers ocugel for enhancing Loratadine used in treatment of COVID-19 related symptoms: statistical optimization, in-vitro, ex-vivo, and in-vivo studies evaluation

Loratadine (LORA), is a topical antihistamine utilized in the treatment of ocular symptoms of COVID-19. The study aimed to develop a Loratadine Nanostructured Lipid Carriers Ocugel (LORA-NLCs Ocugel), enhance its solubility, trans-corneal penetrability, and bioavailability. full-factorial design was established with 2⁴ trials to investigate the impact of several variables upon NLCs properties. LORA-NLCs were fabricated by using hot melt emulsification combined with high-speed stirring and ultrasonication methods. All obtained formulae were assessed in terms of percent of entrapment efficiency (EE%), size of the particle (PS), zeta potential (ZP), as well as in-vitro release. Via using Design Expert® software the optimum formula was selected, characterized using FTIR, Raman spectroscopy, and stability studies. Gel-based of optimized LORA-NLCs was prepared using 4% HPMC k100m which was further evaluated in terms of physicochemical properties, Ex-vivo, and In-vivo studies. The optimized LORA-NLCs, comprising Compritol 888 ATO^®, Labrasol^®, and Span^® 60 showed EE% of 95.78 ± 0.67%, PS of 156.11 ± 0.54 nm, ZP of -40.10 ± 0.55 Mv, and Qh6% of 99.67 ± 1.09%, respectively. Additionally, it illustrated a spherical morphology and compatibility of LORA with other excipients. Consequently, gel-based on optimized LORA-NLCs showed pH (7.11 ± 0.52), drug content (98.62%± 1.31%), viscosity 2736 cp, and Q12% (90.49 ± 1.32%). LORA-NLCs and LORA-NLCs Ocugel exhibited higher ex-vivo trans-corneal penetrability compared with the aqueous drug dispersion. Confocal laser scanning showed valuable penetration of fluoro-labeled optimized formula and LORA-NLCs Ocugel through corneal. The optimized formula was subjected to an ocular irritation test (Draize Test) that showed the absence of any signs of inflammation in rabbits, and histological analysis showed no effect or damage to rabbit eyeballs. C_max and the AUC_0-24 were higher in LORA-NLCs Ocugel compared with pure Lora dispersion-loaded gel The research findings confirmed that NLCs could enhance solubility, trans-corneal penetrability, and the bioavailability of LORA.

Corneal targeted fenticonazole nitrate-loaded novasomes for the management of ocular candidiasis: Preparation, in vitro characterization, ex vivo and in vivo assessments

The purpose of this manuscript was to develop and optimize Fenticonazole Nitrate (FTN)-loaded novasomes aiming to enhance drug corneal penetration and to improve its antifungal activity. Ethanol injection was used to formulate FTN-loaded novasomes adopting a central composite design. The researched factors were: stearic acid concentration (g%) (A), span 80: drug ratio (B) and cholesterol amount (mg) (C), and their effects on percent entrapment efficiency (EE%), particle size (PS), poly-dispersity index (PDI), zeta potential (ZP), and in vitro drug release after 8 hours (Q8h) were studied. Numerical optimization by Design-Expert® software was employed to select the optimum formula in respect to highest EE%, ZP (as absolute value), and Q8h >80% and lowest PS and PDI. Additional evaluation of the optimum formula was accomplished by short term stability study, effect of gamma sterilization, determination of Minimal Inhibitory Concentration and ex vivo corneal permeation study. The in vivo evaluation of the optimum formula was done to ensure its safety via in vivo ocular irritancy and in vivo corneal tolerance studies. Also, the efficacy was confirmed through in vivo corneal uptake study and susceptibility test. The optimum formula with the highest desirability value (0.738) showed EE% (94.31%), PS (197.05 nm), ZP (-66.95 mV) and Q8h (85.33%). It revealed to be safe, with augmented corneal permeation (527.98 µg/cm²) that leads to higher antifungal activity. The above results confirmed the validity of novasomes to improve the corneal permeation and antifungal activity of Fenticonazole Nitrate.

An Update on Novel Ocular Nanosystems with Possible Benefits in the Treatment of Corneal Neovascularization

Corneal neovascularization (CNV) is an ocular pathological change that results from an imbalance between angiogenic factors and antiangiogenic factors as a result of various ocular insults, including infection, inflammation, hypoxia, trauma, corneal degeneration, and corneal transplantation. Current clinical strategies for the treatment of CNV include pharmacological treatment and surgical intervention. Despite some degree of success, the current treatment strategies are restricted by limited efficacy, adverse effects, and a short duration of action. Recently, gene-based antiangiogenic therapy has become an emerging strategy that has attracted considerable interest. However, potential complications with the use of viral vectors, such as potential genotoxicity resulting from long-term expression and nonspecific targeting, cannot be ignored. The use of ocular nanosystems (ONS) based on nanotechnology has emerged as a great advantage in ocular disease treatment during the last two decades. The potential functions of ONS range from nanocarriers, which deliver drugs and genes to target sites in the eye, to therapeutic agents themselves. Various preclinical studies conducted to date have demonstrated promising results of the use of ONS in the treatment of CNV. In this review, we provide an overview of CNV and its current therapeutic strategies and summarize the properties and applications of various ONS related to the treatment of CNV reported to date. Our goal is to provide a comprehensive review of these considerable advances in ONS in the field of CNV therapy over the past two decades to fill the gaps in previous related reports. Finally, we discuss existing challenges and future perspectives of the use of ONS in CNV therapy, with the goal of providing a theoretical contribution to facilitate future practical growth in the area.

Combinatorial Therapy of Letrozole- and Quercetin-Loaded Spanlastics for Enhanced Cytotoxicity against MCF-7 Breast Cancer Cells

Breast cancer is the most widespread cancer in women with rising incidence, prevalence, and mortality in developed regions. Most breast cancers (80%) are estrogen receptor–positive, indicating that disease progression could be controlled by estrogen inhibition in the breast tissue. However, drug resistance limits the benefits of this approach. Combinatorial treatment could overcome the resistance and improve the outcome of breast cancer treatment. In the current study, we prepared letrozole-(LTZSPs) and quercetin-loaded spanlastics (QuSPs) using different edge activators—Tween 80, Brij 35, and Cremophor RH40—with different concentrations. The spanlastics were evaluated for their average particles size, surface charge, and percent encapsulation efficiency. The optimized formulations were further examined using transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, in vitro drug release and ex vivo skin permeation studies. The prepared spherical LTZSPs and QuSPs had average particle sizes ranged between 129–310 nm and 240–560 nm, respectively, with negative surface charge and high LTZ and Qu encapsulation (94.3–97.2% and 97.9–99.6%, respectively). The in vitro release study of LTZ and Qu from the selected formulations showed a sustained drug release for 24 h with reasonable flux and permeation through the rat skin. Further, we evaluated the in vitro cytotoxicity, cell cycle analysis, and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) of the combination therapy of letrozole and quercetin either in soluble form or loaded in spanlastics against MCF-7 breast cancer cells. The LTZSPs and QuSPs combination was superior to the individual treatments and the soluble free drugs in terms of in vitro cytotoxicity, cell cycle analysis, and ROS studies. These results confirm the potential of LTZSPs and QuSPs combination for transdermal delivery of drugs for enhanced breast cancer management.

Advanced Vesicular Systems for Antifungal Drug Delivery

Fungal infections are considered one of the most serious conditions as their occurrence has increased lately. Fungi like Candida, Fusarium, and Aspergillus species mostly affect immunocompromised patients as they are considered opportunistic pathogens. These infections can be superficial, cutaneous, subcutaneous, or systemic fungal infections that require specific treatment. There is a wide variety of antifungal drugs that can be used to cure fungal infections; however, most of them have many systemic side effects due to their physicochemical characteristics and high toxicity profile. Hence, the current review focuses on various advanced vesicular carriers with high biocompatibility that can encapsulate the antifungal drugs owing to increase their efficacy and limit the undesirable side effects. These advanced systems can manage stability, solubility, bioavailability, safety, and effectiveness issues present in conventional systems.

Fenticonazole nitrate loaded trans-novasomes for effective management of tinea corporis: design characterization, in silico study, and exploratory clinical appraisal

The current investigation aimed for loading fenticonazole nitrate (FTN), an antifungal agent with low aqueous solubility, into trans-novasomes (TNs) for management of tinea corporis topically. TNs contain Brij^® as an edge activator besides the components of novasomes (cholesterol, Span 60, and oleic acid) owing to augment the topical delivery of FTN. TNs were fabricated applying ethanol injection method based on D-optimal experiment. TNs were evaluated with regard to entrapment efficiency percent (EE%), particle size (PS), polydispersity index (PDI), and zeta potential (ZP). Further explorations were conducted on the optimum formulation (F7). F7 showed spherical appearance with EE%, PS, PDI, and ZP of 100.00 ± 1.10%, 358.60 ± 10.76 nm, 0.51 ± 0.004, and −30.00 ± 0.80 mV, respectively. The in silico study revealed the ability of the FTN–cholesterol complex to maintain favorable interactions throughout the molecular dynamics simulation (MDS) study. Moreover, Trichophyton mentagrophytes growth was inhibited effectively by F7 than by FTN suspension applying 2,3-bis(2-methyloxy-4-nitro-5-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium-5-carboxanilide (XTT) reduction assay. Furthermore, a clinical appraisal on patients with tinea corporis fungal lesions confirmed the superiority of F7 compared to Miconaz^® cream in the magnitude of clinical cure of tinea corporis. Thereby, TNs could be considered as promising vesicles for enhancing the antifungal potential of FTN for the topical management of tinea corporis.

Formulation of Chitosan-Coated Brigatinib Nanospanlastics: Optimization, Characterization, Stability Assessment and In-Vitro Cytotoxicity Activity against H-1975 Cell Lines

The purpose of the current study was to develop Brigatinib (BGT)-loaded nanospanlastics (BGT-loaded NSPs) (S1-S13) containing Span 60 with different edge activators (Tween 80 and Pluronic F127) and optimized based on the vesicle size, zeta potential (ZP), and percent entrapment efficiency (%EE) using Design-Expert® software. The optimum formula was recommended with desirability of 0.819 and composed of Span-60:Tween 80 at a ratio of 4:1 and 10 min as a sonication time (S13). It showed predicted EE% (81.58%), vesicle size (386.55 nm), and ZP (−29.51 mv). The optimized nanospanlastics (S13) was further coated with chitosan and further evaluated for Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), in vitro release, Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), stability and in-vitro cytotoxicity studies against H-1975 lung cancer cell lines. The DSC and XRD revealed complete encapsulation of the drug. TEM imagery revealed spherical nanovesicles with a smooth surface. Also, the coated formula showed high stability for three months in two different conditions. Moreover, it resulted in improved and sustained drug release than free BGT suspension and exhibited Higuchi kinetic release mechanism. The cytotoxic activity of BGT-loaded SPs (S13) was enhanced three times in comparison to free the BGT drug against the H-1975 cell lines. Overall, these results confirmed that BGT-loaded SPs could be a promising nanocarrier to improve the anticancer efficacy of BGT.