Development and in vivo evaluation of chitosan nanoparticles for the oral delivery of albumin

Albumin is used as a plasma expander in critically ill patients and for several other clinical applications mainly via intravenous infusion. Oral administration of albumin can improve patient compliance although limited oral bioavailability of proteins is still a major challenge. Although nanomaterials have been extensively utilized for improving oral delivery of proteins, albumin has been utilized only as either a model drug or as a carrier for drug delivery. In the current study, for the first time, chitosan nanoparticles have been developed and extensively optimized to improve oral bioavailability of albumin as a therapeutic protein. Several characterizations have been performed for the albumin-loaded nanoparticles (e.g. drug encapsulation efficiency, DSC, FTIR, particle size, zeta potential, morphology, release kinetics, and enzymatic stability). Nanosized spherical particles were prepared and demonstrated high stability over three months either in a powdered form or as suspensions. Sustained release of albumin over time and high enzymatic stability as compared to the free albumin were observed. In vivo, higher serum concentrations of albumin in normal rabbits and cirrhotic rats were attained following oral and intraperitoneal administrations of the albumin-loaded nanoparticles as compared to the free albumin. The nanoparticles developed in the current study might provide efficient nanovehicles for oral administration of therapeutic albumin.     

水飞蓟素自微乳化浓乳的制备和体内外评价

目的:制备和评价水飞蓟素自微乳化浓乳(self-microemulsifying concentrated microemulsion,SCM)。方法:由以前的工作确定微乳的组成;以光散射法测定微乳的粒度及其分布;用透射电镜考察微乳的形态;用加速试验的方法考察SCM的物理和化学稳定性;用透析袋法评价该SCM的释放特征;以市售水飞蓟素胶囊为对照,测定了SCM经家犬口服的生物利用度。结果:SCM在5 min内即可形成粒径均匀、单分散的微乳,其平均粒径为21 nm;所形成微乳乳滴为球形;SCM于加速试验条件下放置6个月,所有指标未见明显变化;SCM和市售水飞蓟素胶囊在12 h的释放百分率分别为(72.5±4.0)%及(44.0±6.9)%;SCM和水飞蓟素胶囊的AUC值分别为(4.78±1.02)和(2.09±0.15)μg.mL-1.h,相对生物利用度为227.2%。结论:本实验研制的SCM可迅速自发形成粒径均匀、液滴呈球形的微乳,且长期放置的稳定性良好,体外释放特征和家犬体内生物利用度均优于市售水飞蓟素胶囊,有望成为水飞蓟素的优良口服制剂。     

PLGA nanoparticles for the oral delivery of nuciferine: preparation,physicochemical characterization and in vitro/in vivo studies

This article reports a promising approach to enhance the oral delivery of nuciferine (NUC), improve its aqueous solubility and bioavailability, and allow its controlled release as well as inhibiting lipid accumulation. NUC-loaded poly lactic-co-glycolic acid nanoparticles (NUC-PLGA-NPs) were prepared according to a solid/oil/water (s/o/w) emulsion technique due to the water-insolubility of NUC. PLGA exhibited excellent loading capacity for NUC with adjustable dosing ratios. The drug loading and encapsulation efficiency of optimized formulation were 8.89?±?0.71 and 88.54?±?7.08%, respectively. NUC-PLGA-NPs exhibited a spherical morphology with average size of 150.83?±?5.72?nm and negative charge of ?22.73?±?1.63?mV, which are suitable for oral administration. A sustained NUC released from NUC-PLGA-NPs with an initial exponential release owing to the surface associated drug followed by a slower release of NUC, which was entrapped in the core. In addition, ～77?±?6.67% was released in simulating intestinal juice, while only about 45.95?±?5.2% in simulating gastric juice. NUC-PLGA-NPs are more efficient against oleic acid (OA)-induced hepatic steatosis in HepG₂ cells when compared to naked NUC (n-NUC, *p < 0.05). The oral bioavailability of NUC-PLGA-NPs group was significantly higher (**p < 0.01) and a significantly decreased serum levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), as well as a higher concentration of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) was observed, compared with that of n-NUC treated group. These findings suggest that NUC-PLGA-NPs hold great promise for sustained and controlled drug delivery with improved bioavailability to alleviating lipogenesis.     

Novel tablet formulation of amorphous candesartan cilexetil solid dispersions involving P-gp inhibition for optimal drug delivery: in vitro and in vivo evaluation

Objective: The aim of this study was to develop a novel tablet formulation of amorphous candesartan cilexetil (CAN) solid dispersion involving effective P-gp inhibition for optimal drug delivery by direct compression (DC) method.

Methods: To accomplish DC, formulation blends were evaluated for micromeritic properties. The Carr index, Hausner ratio, flow rate and cotangent of the angle α were determined. The tablets with and without naringin prepared by DC technique were evaluated for average weight, hardness, disintegration time and friability assessments. The drug release profiles were determined to study the dissolution kinetics. In vivo pharmacokinetic studies were conducted in rabbits. Accelerated stability studies were performed for tablets at 40?±?2?°C/75% RH?±?5% for 6 months.

Results: FTIR studies confirmed no discoloration, liquefaction and physical interaction between naringin and drug. The results indicated that tablets prepared from naringin presented a dramatic release (82%) in 30?min with a similarity factor (76.18), which is most likely due to the amorphous nature of drug and the higher micromeritic properties of blends. Our findings noticed 1.7-fold increase in oral bioavailability of tablet prepared from naringin with mean C_max and AUC_0–12?h values as 35.81?±?0.13?μg/mL and 0.14?±?0.09?μg h/mL, respectively. The tablets with and without naringin prepared by DC technique were physically and chemically stable under accelerated stability conditions upon storage for 6 months.

Conclusion: These results are attractive for further development of an oral tablet formulation of CAN through P-gp inhibition using naringin, a natural flavonoid as a pharmaceutical excipient.     

A novel matrix dispersion based on phospholipid complex for improving oral bioavailability of baicalein: preparation,in vitro and in vivo evaluations

Phospholipid complex is one of the most successful approaches for enhancing oral bioavailability of poorly absorbed plant constituents. But the sticky property of phospholipids results in an unsatisfactory dissolution of drugs. In this study, a matrix dispersion of baicalein based on phospholipid complex (BaPC-MD) was first prepared by a discontinuous solvent evaporation method, in which polyvinylpyrrolidone-K30 (PVP-K30) was employed for improving the dispersibility of baicalein phospholipid complex (BaPC) and increasing dissolution of baicalein. The combination ratio of baicalein and phospholipids in BaPC-MD was 99.39% and baicalein was still in a complete complex state with phospholipid in BaPC-MD. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) analyzes demonstrated that baicalein was fully transformed to an amorphous state in BaPC-MD and phospholipid complex formed. The water-solubility and n-octanol solubility of baicalein in BaPC-MD significantly increased compared with those of pure baicalein. Compared with baicalein and BaPC, the cumulative dissolution of BaPC-MD at 120?min increased 2.77- and 1.23-fold, respectively. In vitro permeability study in Caco-2 cells indicated that the permeability of BaPC-MD was remarkably higher than those of baicalein and BaPC. Pharmacokinetic study showed that the average C_max of BaPC-MD was significantly increased compared to baicalein and BaPC. AUC_0–14?h of BaPC-MD was 5.01- and 1.91-fold of baicalein and BaPC, respectively. The novel BaPC-MD significantly enhanced the oral bioavailability of baicalein by improving the dissolution and permeability of baicalein without destroying the complexation state of baicalein and phospholipids. The current drug delivery system provided an optimal strategy to significantly enhance oral bioavailability for poorly water-soluble drugs.     

pH-responsive thiolated chitosan nanoparticles for oral low-molecular weight heparin delivery: in vitro and in vivo evaluation

The aim of present study was to investigate a pH-responsive and mucoadhesive nanoparticle system for oral bioavailability enhancement of low-molecular weight heparin (LMWH). The thioglycolic acid (TGA) was first covalently attached to chitosan (CS) with 396.97?±?54.54?μmol thiol groups per gram of polymer and then the nanoparticles were prepared with thiolated chitosan (TCS) and pH-sensitive polymer hydroxypropyl methylcellulose phthalate (HPMCP) by ionic cross-linking method. The obtained nanoparticles were characterized for the shape, particle size, zeta potential, drug entrapment efficiency and loading capacity. In vitro results revealed the acid stability of pH-responsive nanoparticles, which had a significant control over LMWH release and could effectively protect entrapped drugs in simulated gastric conditions. By the attachment of the thiol ligand, an improvement of permeation-enhancing effect on freshly excised carp intestine (1.86-fold improvement) could be found. The mucoadhesive properties were evaluated using fluorescently labeled TCS or CS nanoparticles. As compared with the controls, a significant improvement of mucoadhesion on rat intestinal mucosa was observed in TCS/HPMCP nanoparticles via confocal laser scanning microscopy. The activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) was significantly prolonged and an increase in the oral bioavailability of LMWH was turned out to be pronounced after oral delivered LMWH-loaded TCS/HPMCP nanoparticles in rats, which suggested enhanced anticoagulant effects and improved absorption of LMWH. In conclusion, pH-responsive TCS/HPMCP nanoparticles hold promise for oral delivery of LMWH.     

Development and in vitro/in vivo evaluation of Zn-pectinate microparticles reinforced with chitosan for the colonic delivery of progesterone

The colon is a promising target for drug delivery owing to its long transit time of up to 78?h, which is likely to increase the time available for drug absorption. Progesterone has a short elimination half-life and undergoes extensive first-pass metabolism, which results in very low oral bioavailability (～25%). To overcome these shortcomings, we developed an oral multiparticulate system for the colonic delivery of progesterone. Zn-pectinate/chitosan microparticles were prepared by ionotropic gelation and characterized for their size, shape, weight, drug entrapment efficiency, mucoadhesion and swelling behavior. The effect of cross-linking pH, cross-linking time and chitosan concentration on progesterone release were also studied. Spherical microparticles having a diameter of 580–720?µm were obtained. Drug entrapment efficiency of ～75–100% was obtained depending on the microparticle composition. Microparticle mucoadhesive properties were dependent on the pectin concentration, as well as the cross-linking pH. Progesterone release in simulated gastric fluids was minimal (3–9%), followed by burst release at pH 6.8 and a sustained phase at pH 7.4. The in vivo study revealed that the microparticles significantly increased progesterone residence time in the plasma and increased its relative bioavailability to ～168%, compared to the drug alone. This study confirms the potential of Zn-pectinate/chitosan microparticles as a colon-specific drug delivery system able to enhance the oral bioavailability of progesterone or similar drugs.     

Preparation,characterization, and in vivo study of rhein solid lipid nanoparticles for oral delivery

In this study, rhein‐SLN s were successfully produced by hot homogenization followed by ultrasonication. Precirol ATO 5 in which rhein exhibited higher partition coefficient was selected for preparation of SLN s. In the dynamic light scattering, the rhein‐SLN s showed a smaller size with a mean value of 120.8 ± 7.9 nm and with zeta potential of ?16.9 ± 2.3 mV. SLN s exhibited a good stability during the period of 2 months. The SLN s indicated faster drug release with a burst release within 2 hr and followed by a sustained release with a biphasic drug‐release pattern. Comparing with the same concentration (free drug), the cellular cytotoxicity of rhein‐loaded SLN s increased significantly at the same incubation condition. In vivo, the AUC _0‐t of rhein in the form of SLN s was significantly increased and was 2.06‐fold that of suspensions group. The results showed an increased oral absorption and improved the oral bioavailability of rhein by the formulation of SLN s.     

Preparation oral levofloxacin colon-specific microspheres delivery: in vitro and in vivo studies

The aim of this study was to prepare levofloxacin-loaded chitosan microspheres and to evaluate their in vitro and in vivo characteristics. Glutaraldehyde-crosslinked microspheres were prepared using a spray-drying method, and characterized in terms of the morphological examination, particle size distribution, entrapment efficiency, drug loading and in vitro release. Pharmacokinetics and colon biodistribution studies were used to evaluate that microspheres have more advantage than the conventional formulations. The surface morphology of the freeze-dried microspheres were smooth, discrete with a regular spherical to near-spherical shape. Size of the microspheres after freeze-drying was 4.96?±?0.76?μm and well-distributed. The zeta potential of microspheres was ?29.3?±?2.1?mV. An average drug loading of 9.3?±?0.4% and encapsulation efficiency of 81.1?±?4.7% of levofloxacin microspheres were obtained with the optimized preparation parameters. The cumulative release rate of levofloxacin microspheres was followed by a sustained release and fitted for classic Higuchi kinetic model. In vivo studies showed that chitosan microspheres are thought to have the potential to maintain levofloxacin concentration within target ranges for a long time, decreasing side effects caused by concentration fluctuation, ensuring the efficiency of treatment and improving patient compliance by reducing dosing frequency. It also does not cause any harmful or toxic effect in colon and rectum as evaluated by histopathologic studies.     

薄膜分散法制备白藜芦醇长循环热敏前体脂质体及其表征研究

目的:对白藜芦醇长循环热敏前体脂质体制备的研究以及对其性质进行分析。方法:先用薄膜分散法制备白藜芦醇长循环热敏脂质体后,再用冷冻干燥法来制备白藜芦醇长循环热敏脂质体的前体。采用电势测定仪、HPLC等方法对该脂质体的包封率、粒径、稳定性、载药量、电位、释放度等来展开系统的检查。结果:白藜芦醇长循环热敏前体脂质体水合后形成白藜芦醇长循环热敏脂质体,粒径均值为(107.9±3.6)nm,Zeta电位的均值为(-12.2±1.6)m V,包封率可达89.4%;该脂质体在相变温度42℃下药物释放达到94%以上。结论:采用长循环热敏来制备的白藜芦醇前体脂质体含量与包封率检查方法准确、快速、简单且方法简便易行。载药量大,包封率好,工艺比较稳定。本实验可为新型白藜芦醇静脉注射用热敏脂质体的研究提供基础。     

Difference in oral absorption of ginsenoside Rg1 between in vitro and in vivo models

AIM: To clarify the cause of poor oral absorption of ginsenoside Rg1 (Rg1), the active ingredient in Panax notoginseng saponins (PNS) used for treating hemorrhage. METHODS: Caco-2 cell monolayers were used as an in vitro model to study the transport mechanism of Rg1 across the intestinal mucosa. Moreover, the serum concentration-time profiles after peroral (po), intraduodenal (id), portal venous (pv) and tail venous (iv) administration of Rg1 in rats were compared to evaluate the first-pass effects in the stomach, intestine, and liver. RESULTS: Uptake of Rg1 by Caco-2 cell monolayers was temperature-dependent, but was not influenced by cyclosporin A. The change in the apical pH produced no obvious effect on the uptake of Rg1. The uptake and transport of Rg1 was non-saturable; whereas the flux from the apical compartment to the basolateral compartment (A-B) increased in a linear manner with the increase in concentration, indicating passive transport. An apparent permeability coefficient of (2.59+/-0.17)*10(-7) cm/s (C0=1 mg/mL) predicted incomplete absorption. A significant difference was observed between the po (F(po) was 3.29% at a dose of 1500 mg/kg), id (F(id) was 6.60% at a dose of 1200 mg/kg) and pv (F(pv) was 50.56%) administration methods, and the barrier function of the intestine was more significant than those of the stomach and liver in the absorption process. CONCLUSION: Elimination in the stomach, large intestine and liver contributed to the low oral bioavailability of Rg1, but low membrane permeability might be a more important factor in determining the extent of absorption.     

基于粉末直接压片工艺的硝苯地平缓释片：制备、体外释放度及比格犬体内药动学评价

目的选用粉末直接压片工艺,以羟丙基甲基纤雏素为骨架材料制备日服1次的硝苯地平缓释片。方法建立24h的释放度测定方法并进行硝苯地平缓释片的体外评价;应用液相色谱-质谱联用技术研究缓释片在比格犬体内药代动力学,与市售参比制剂对比并计算相对生物利用度。结果受试制剂和参比制剂有相似的药代动力学参数,相对生物利用度为（100．9±12．4）％;药物体外累积释放百分数与体内吸收百分数有较好的相关性,r=0．9625。结论本工艺制得的硝苯地平缓释片可以达到缓释24h的要求。     

Development of gastroretentive drug delivery system for cefuroxime axetil: In vitro and in vivo evaluation in human volunteers

The objective of this investigation was to develop the cefuroxime axetil sustained-release floating tablets to prolong the gastric residence time and compare their pharmacokinetic behavior with marketed conventional tablets (Zocef). The floating tablets were developed using polymers like HPMC K4M and HPMC K100M alone, and polymer combination of HPMC K4M and Polyox WSR 303 by effervescent technique. Tablets were prepared by slugging method and evaluated for their physical characteristics, in vitro drug release, and buoyancy lag time. The best formulation (F10) was selected based on in vitro characteristics and used in vivo radiographic and bioavailability studies in healthy human volunteers. All the formulations could sustain drug release for 12 h. The dissolution profiles were subjected to various kinetic release models and it was found that the mechanism of drug release followed Peppas model. The in vivo radiographic studies revealed that the tablets remained in stomach for 225±30 min. Based on in vivo performance, the developed floating tablets showed superior bioavailability than Zocef tablet. Based on in vivo performance significant difference was observed between C_max, t_max, t_1/2, AUC_0–∞, and mean residence time of test and reference (p<0.05). The increase in relative bioavailability of test was 1.61 fold when compared to reference.     

Lipid-based nanosystem of edaravone: development,optimization, characterization and in vitro/in vivo evaluation

Edaravone (EDR) is a well-recognized lipophilic free radical scavenger for diseases including neurodegenerative disease, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. However, its oral use is restricted due to poor oral bioavailability (BA). The aim of present research was to enable its oral use by developing a lipid-based nanosystem (LNS). The components of LNS including oil, surfactants, and co-surfactants were selected based on their potential to maximize the solubilization in gastrointestinal (GI) fluids, reduce its glucuronidation and improve transmembrane permeability. The liquid LNS (L-LNS) with Capryol? PGMC (Oil), Cremophor^® RH 40:Labrasol^®:TPGS 1000 (1:0.8:0.2) (Surfactant) and Transcutol P^® (Co-surfactant) were optimized to form microemulsion having droplet size (16.25?nm), polydispersity index (0.039), % Transmittance (99.85%), and self-emulsification time (32?s). It significantly improved the EDR loading as well as its metabolism and permeability profile during transport across the GI tract. To overcome the possible drawbacks of L-LNS, Aerosil^® 200 was used to formulate solid LNS (S-LNS), and its concentration was optimized based on flow properties. S-LNS possessed all quality attributes of L-LNS confirmed by solid-state characterization, reconstitution ability, and stability study. The dissolution rate of EDR was significantly enhanced with L-LNS and S-LNS in simulated gastric, and intestinal fluids. The pharmacokinetic study revealed significant improvement in relative BA, C_max, and t_1/2 with L-LNS and S-LNS against EDR suspension. Moreover, S-LNS showed superior cellular uptake and neuroprotective effect compared to EDR in SH-SY5Y695 cell line. An appropriate selection of the components of LNS could enable effective oral delivery of challenging therapeutics that are conventionally used by the parenteral administration.     

水飞蓟素前体脂质体的制备和大鼠药代动力学的研究水飞蓟素前体脂质体的制备和大鼠药代动力学的研究

目的为了提高水飞蓟素的口服生物利用度，研制水飞蓟素前体脂质体并对其理化性质进行考察；研究水飞蓟素前体脂质体的大鼠体内生物利用度。方法采用薄膜载体沉积法制备水飞蓟素前体脂质体，通过研究水合后脂质体的包封率、粒径、稳定性来考察其理化性质；将水飞蓟素前体脂质体在体外进行水合，再给予大鼠灌胃，用RP-HPLC法测定不同时间血浆中总的和游离的水飞蓟素的浓度，通过3P97程序计算药代动力学参数。结果用该法制得的前体脂质体包封率可达90%以上，平均粒径为238.8 nm，稳定性较好；药代动力学研究表明水飞蓟素脂质体在体内吸收较快，生物利用度较高。结论采用薄膜载体沉积法制备水飞蓟素前体脂质体，制备工艺简单，易于工业化生产；将水飞蓟素制备成前体脂质体提高了水飞蓟素的生物利用度。     

Sustained release ivermectin-loaded solid lipid dispersion for subcutaneous delivery: in vitro and in vivo evaluation

This work aimed to develop a sustained release solid dispersion of ivermectin (IVM-SD) in a lipid matrix (hydrogenated castor oil, HCO) for subcutaneous delivery. Solvent-melting technology was employed to prepare IVM-SDs using HCO. The physicochemical properties of the IVM-SDs were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The release of IVM from IVM-SDs was evaluated with HPLC in vitro. Pharmacokinetics of IVM was studied in rabbits following a single subcutaneous administration of IVM-SD formulations. The efficacy of IVM-SD against the ear mange mite was evaluated in rabbits. IVM was completely dispersed in HCO in an amorphous state at a drug:carrier ratio lower than 1:3. No chemical interactions between drug and carrier were found besides hydrogen bonding for the amorphous IVM-SDs. The amorphous IVM-SDs formulations exhibited a sustained release of IVM versus physical mixtures (PMs) of IVM and HCO. The drug release decreased as the drug:carrier ratios decreased, and the release kinetics of IVM were controlled via diffusion. Cytotoxicity of IVM-SD to MDCK cells was lower than native IVM. The IVM plasma concentration of SD1:3 remained above 1?ng/mL for 49 d. Higher AUC, MRT, and T_max values were obtained at a SD1:3 relative to the IVM group. The IVM-SD improved almost 1.1-fold bioavailability of drug compared with IVM in rabbits. IVM-SD could provide longer persistence against rabbit’s ear mites than a commercial IVM injection. This study shows that these solid lipid dispersions are a promising approach for the development of subcutaneous IVM formulations.     

口服固体自微乳化给药系统的研究进展

目的对新近发展的固体自微乳化给药系统（S-SMEDDS）文献进行综述。方法查阅近年国内外相关文献并进行归纳和总结。结果对固体自微乳的载体、固化技术以及缓控释制剂进行了探讨,为研究水难溶性药物的生物利用度及适合药物释放特性的S-SMEDDS技术提供相关参考。结论固体自微乳化系统可以显著提高难溶性药物的口服生物利用度,且兼顾了液态自微乳和固体制剂二者的优势,是一个极具潜力的新型制剂。     

Formulation in vitro and in vivo evaluation of SRMS-based heterolipid-templated homolipid delivery system for diclofenac sodium

The sole objective of this work was to design successful dosage oral forms of diclofenac sodium (DiNa)-loaded solid lipid microparticles (SLM) based on solidified reverse micellar solution (SRMS). Hot homogenization technique was employed to prepare DicNa SLM using a mixture goat fat and Phospholipon® 90?G as lipid matrix and Tween®-80 as mobile surfactant. Characterization based on percentage yield, morphology, particle size, zeta potential, percentage encapsulation, pH and stability of SLMs were investigated. Anti-inflammatory, gastrointestinal tract (GIT) sparing effect and pharmacokinetics were carried out in rat model after oral administration. Results showed that the SLMs were spherical and smooth. The optimized formulation (SLM-4) had particle size of 79.40?±?0.31?µm, polydispersity index of 0.633?±?0.190, zeta potential of ?63.20?±?0.12?mV and encapsulation efficiency of 91.2?±?0.1% with good stability after 8?months of storage. The DicNa SLM had sustained release effect with good anti-inflammatory activity. Higher and prolonged plasma DicNa concentration was shown by the SLM-4 compared to pure drug and a conventional sample. These studies demonstrate that DicNa-loaded SLM based on SRMS could be a promising oral formulation for enhanced bioavailability, pharmacologic activity and gastrointestinal sparing effect of the NSAID, DicNa.     

Development and optimisation of atorvastatin calcium loaded self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system (SNEDDS) for enhancing oral bioavailability: in vitro and in vivo evaluation

The objective of this study was to develop and optimise self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system (SNEDDS) of atorvastatin calcium (ATC) for improving dissolution rate and eventually oral bioavailability. Ternary phase diagrams were constructed on basis of solubility and emulsification studies. The composition of ATC–SNEDDS was optimised using the Box–Behnken optimisation design. Optimised ATC–SNEDDS was characterised for various physicochemical properties. Pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic and histological findings were performed in rats. Optimised ATC–SNEDDS resulted in droplets size of 5.66?nm, zeta potential of ?19.52?mV, t₉₀ of 5.43?min and completely released ATC within 30?min irrespective of pH of the medium. Area under the curve of optimised ATC–SNEDDS in rats was 2.34-folds higher than ATC suspension. Pharmacodynamic studies revealed significant reduction in serum lipids of rats with fatty liver. Photomicrographs showed improvement in hepatocytes structure. In this study, we confirmed that ATC–SNEDDS would be a promising approach for improving oral bioavailability of ATC.     

Nanosuspensions as delivery system for gambogenic acid: characterization and in vitro/in vivo evaluation

Nanosuspensions (NS) can enhance the saturation solubility and dissolution velocity of poorly soluble drugs. PEG as a non-ionic surfactant plays an important role in surface modification of nanoparticles for prolonging in vivo circulation. In this study, anti-solvent precipitation method was introduced to prepare gambogenic acid nanosuspensions (GNA-NS) with PVPK30 and PEG2000 as stabilizers to settle the disadvantages of GNA. The obtained nanoparticles were spherical with a mean particle size of 183.7?nm and a zeta potential of ?22.8?mV. The entrapment efficiency and drug loading of the resultant formulation were 97.3 and 29.73%. X-ray diffraction analysis confirmed the amorphous phase of GNA in NS. Fourier transform infrared indicated there may be hydrogen bond interaction between the drug and excipients. After lyophilization of GNA-NS, the freeze-dried powder displayed sufficient long-term physical stability at 4 and 25?°C. In comparison to GNA solution, in vitro studies of GNA-NS showed much slower release and higher cytotoxicity in HepG2 cells. What’s more, the pharmacokinetic study in rats revealed that the AUC_0–∞ and t_1/2 of GNA-NS were increased 2.63- and 1.77-fold than that of the reference formulation. Taken together, in vitro/in vivo evaluations showed NS would be an effectively strategy to change the poor aqueous solubility and prolong the half-life for GNA. The GNA-NS with enhanced bioavailability and drug efficacy provided a promising delivery system for the application of GNA.