Physicochemical properties to determine the buoyancy of hollow microspheres (microballoons) prepared by the emulsion solvent diffusion method.

Hollow microspheres (microballoons) floatable on JPXIII No.1 solution were developed as a dosage form capable of floating in the stomach. Hollow microspheres were prepared by the emulsion solvent diffusion method using enteric acrylic polymers with drug in a mixture of dichloromethane and ethanol. It was found that preparation temperature determined the formation of cavity inside the microsphere and the surface smoothness, determining the floatability and the drug release rate of the microballoon. The correlation between the buoyancy of microballoons and their physical properties, e.g. apparent density and roundness of microballoons were elucidated. The drug loading efficiency of microballoons with various types of drug was investigated and correlated to the distribution coefficient of drug between dichloromethane and water. The optimum loading amount of riboflavin in the microballoon was found to impart ideal floatable properties to the microballoons. On the other hand, little entrapment was observed for aspirin due to the low distribution coefficient; however, entrapment improved to some extent upon reduction of the pH of the process.     

Hollow microspheres for use as a floating controlled drug delivery system in the stomach.

Hollow microspheres (microballoons), loaded with drug in their outer polymer shells, were prepared by a novel emulsion-solvent diffusion method. The ethanol:dichloromethane solution of drug (tranilast or ibuprofen) and an enteric acrylic polymer were poured into an agitated aqueous solution of polyvinyl alcohol that was thermally controlled at 40 degrees C. The gas phase generated in the dispersed polymer droplet by the evaporation of dichloromethane formed an internal cavity in the microsphere of the polymer with the drug. The drugs incorporated in the solidified shell of the polymer were found to be partially or completely amorphous. The flowability and packability of the resultant microballoons were much improved compared with the raw crystals of drug. The microballoons floated continuously over the surface of acidic dissolution media containing surfactant for greater than 12 h in vitro. The drug release behavior of the microballoons was characterized as an enteric property, and drug release rates were drastically reduced depending on the polymer concentration at pH 6.8.     

Preparation and evaluation of sustained release microballoons of propranolol

Background and the purpose of the study

The purpose of the present investigation was to characterize, optimize and evaluate microballoons of Propranolol hydrochloride and to increase its boioavailability by increasing the retention time of the drug in the gastrointestinal tract.

Methods

Propranolol hydrochloride-loaded microballoons were prepared by the non-aqueous O/O emulsion solvent diffusion evaporation method using Eudragit RSPO as polymer. It was found that preparation temperature determined the formation of cavity inside the microballoon and this in turn determined the buoyancy. Microballoons were subjected to particle size determination, micromeritic properties, buoyancy, entrapment efficiency, drug loading, in vitro drug release and IR study. The correlation between the buoyancy, bulk density and porosity of microballoons were elucidated. The release rate was determined in simulated gastric fluid (SGF) of pH 1.2 at 37±0.5°C.

Results

The microballoons presented spherical and smooth morphologies (SEM) and were porous due to presence of hollow cavity. Microballoons remained buoyant for >12 hrs for the optimized formulation. The formulation demonstrated favorable in vitro floating and release characteristics. The encapsulation efficiency was high. In vitro dissolution kinetics followed the Higuchi model. The drug release from microballoons was mainly controlled by diffusion and showed a biphasic pattern with an initial burst release, followed by sustained release for 12 hrs. The amount of the drug which released up to 12 hrs was 82.05±0.64%. Statistical analysis (ANOVA) showed significant difference (p<0.05) in the cumulative amount of drug released after 30 min, and up to 12 hrs from optimized formulations.

Conclusion

The designed system for propanolol would possibly be advantageous in terms of increased bioavailability and patient compliance.     

Biodegradable microspheres of ketorolac tromethamine for parenteral administration

Ketorolac tromethamine loaded microspheres were prepared using two different polyesters, namely poly (lactic acid) and poly (glycolic acid) by solvent evaporation technique. The morphology of microspheres was analysed by scanning electron microscopy. In vitro release profiles of these microspheres were studied in phosphate buffered saline pH 7.4. The release kinetics of ketorolac tromethamine from the microspheres was evaluated by fitting the release data to the zero-order, Higuchi and korsemeyer-peppas equations. All microspheres showed initial burst release, followed by fickian diffusion of drug through microspheres. These microspheres were formulated as parenterals to have controlled release system.     

Biodegradable microspheres of ketorolac tromethamine for parenteral administration

Ketorolac tromethamine loaded microspheres were prepared using two different polyesters, namely poly (lactic acid) and poly (glycolic acid) by solvent evaporation technique. The morphology of microspheres was analysed by scanning electron microscopy. In vitro release profiles of these microspheres were studied in phosphate buffered saline pH 7.4. The release kinetics of ketorolac tromethamine from the microspheres was evaluated by fitting the release data to the zero-order, Higuchi and korsemeyer-peppas equations. All microspheres showed initial burst release, followed by fickian diffusion of drug through microspheres. These microspheres were formulated as parenterals to have controlled release system.     

Development of oral drug delivery system using floating microspheres

Floating acrylic resin microspheres with an internal hollow structure were prepared by a solvent diffusion and evaporation method. The yield of microspheres depended on the diffusion rate of ethanol and/or isopropanol in the organic phase. They were successfully produced when a mixture of ethanol and isopropanol was used instead of ethanol alone. The mixing ratio of components in the organic phase affected the size and the yield of microspheres and the best results were obtained at the volume ratio of ethanol:isopropanol:dichloromethane (8:2:5). Direct introduction of the organic phase into the aqueous phase through a glass tube also significantly improved the yield by avoiding the contact of organic phase with the surface of water. The optimum rotation speed and temperature were 250 rpm and 25 degrees C, respectively. Several different drugs with various physico-chemical properties were used as model drugs for encapsulation and release tests. When a drug had low solubility in dichloromethane and high solubility in both water and a mixture of ethanol/isopropanol, the loading efficiency was the lowest. The release profiles were significantly different depending on the solubility of a drug in the release medium and the physico-chemical properties of an encapsulated drug.     

In vitro drug release mechanism and drug loading studies of cubic phase gels

Glyceryl monooleate/water cubic phase systems were investigated as drug delivery systems, using salicylic acid as a model drug. The liquid crystalline phases formed by the glyceryl monooleate (GMO)/water systems were characterized by polarizing microscopy. In vitro drug release studies were performed and the influences of initial water content, swelling and drug loading on the drug release properties were evaluated. Water uptake followed second-order swelling kinetics. In vitro release profiles showed Fickian diffusion control and were independent on the initial water content and drug loading, suggesting GMO cubic phase gels suitability for use as drug delivery system.     

Mechanism of in vitro release kinetics of flurbiprofen loaded ethylcellulose micropellets

Flurbiprofen loaded ethylcellulose micropellets with different drug loading were prepared by a quasi-emulsion solvent diffusion technique. Encapsulation parameters of micropellets such as actual drug loading, drug encapsulation efficiency (DEE) and loss of coating polymer (LCP) were determined. Actual drug loading was increased with the increased initial drug loading whereas encapsulation efficiency decreased with the increase of actual drug loading. In vitro drug release profiles of these micropellets were evaluated in distilled water (DW) and also in phosphate buffer solution (PBS) to indicate pH dependency release rates. All the batches of micropellets released about 35-59% in DW and 89-97% in PBS during the period of 8 h and the burst effect of about 50-75% in the first 1.5 h was seen only in PBS. The mechanism of release kinetics was evaluated by fitting the release data to the zero order, first order, Higuchi, Baker-Lonsdale and Peppas equations and also to the differential forms of zero order, first order and Higuchi model. Adequate fitting of release data was found with first order, Higuchi and Peppas models and hence these models were selected for F-test statistics for ascertaining the mechanism of drug release. Higuchi model of drug release in DW and PBS of all the formulations was ruled out due to its significantly different F-value with other models. Thus, mechanism of release of flurbiprofen from ethylcellulose micropellets may be explained by the diffusional exponent model of Peppas et al. as ascertained by F-test statistics rather than the same, based on some other diffusional models even though they have shown good correlation.     

Release kinetic studies of aspirin microcapsules from ethyl cellulose, cellulose acetate phthalate and their mixtures by emulsion solvent evaporation method

The present study was oriented towards microencapsulation of aspirin and the study of its release kinetics. The desired encapsulation was achieved by emulsion solvent evaporation method using ethyl cellulose (EC), cellulose acetate phthalate (CAP) and their mixture (1:1) of polymeric constituents. Characterization of the formulations was performed by size, shape, drug loading efficiency and in-vitro drug release analysis. The in-vitro release profiles from different polymeric microcapsules were applied on different kinetic models. The prepared microcapsules were found free flowing and almost spherical in shape with particle sizes ranging from 300–700μm, having a loading efficiency of 75–85%. The best fit model with the highest correlation coefficient was observed in Higuchi model, indicating diffusion controlled principle. The n value obtained from Korsemeyer-Peppas model varied between 0.5–0.7, confirming that the mechanism of drug release was diffusion controlled. Comparative studies revealed that the release of aspirin from EC microcapsules was slower as compared to that of CAP and their binary mixture.     

Sucrose acetate isobutyrate as an in situ forming system for sustained risperidone release

The objective of this study was to develop sustained-release sucrose acetate isobutyrate (SAIB) in situ formulations of risperidone for parenteral delivery. The formulations contained SAIB, solvent (anhydrous ethanol, ethyl lactate, or N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone), and additives such as polylactic acid (PLA). In vitro release profiles of risperidone from the SAIB formulations, which followed the Higuchii square root law, were obtained. An increase in SAIB content from 75% to 85% resulted in a reduction in the initial burst and the rate of risperidone release. The initial drug release could be increased by reducing the pH of the release medium and the release rate could be increased by an increase in drug loading. The burst release fell significantly from 20.0% to 3.5% following the inclusion of 10% (w/w) PLA in the formulations. In the case of this high viscosity depot system containing SAIB, anhydrous ethanol, PLA, and 25 mg/g risperidone, the in vivo biocompatible test results obtained support the use of SAIB as an injectable risperidone sustained-release formulation.     

Effects of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs on human neutrophil NADPH oxidase in both whole cell and cell-free systems

The effects of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) on the respiratory burst oxidase (NADPH oxidase, EC 1.6.99.6) from human neutrophils in both whole cell and fully soluble (cell-free) systems were investigated. Three NSAIDs, indomethacin, salicylic acid and acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin), were found to inhibit the superoxide generation by human neutrophils exposed to phorbol myristate acetate in a whole cell system and the activation of superoxide-generating NADPH oxidase by sodium dodecyl sulfate in a cell-free system. Concentrations of these NSAIDs required for 50% inhibition of the oxidase (IC50) were: indomethacin (180 microM in both systems), salicylic acid (1.30 mM in the cell-free system, and more than 3.0 mM in the whole cell system) and acetylsalicylic acid (1.35 mM in the cell-free system, and more than 3.0 mM in the whole cell system). In addition, in the cell-free system, these NSAIDs did not change the Km values for NADPH of the oxidase. These results suggest that these NSAIDs, especially indomethacin, concentration-dependently inhibit the reconstitution of the solubilized membrane-bound enzyme by sodium dodecyl sulfate in the cell-free system.     

Influence of ethanol on aspirin release from hypromellose matrices

Release profiles of aspirin from hypromellose matrices in hydro-ethanolic media were studied. Percent aspirin released increased with increasing levels of ethanol in the dissolution media, correlating with the drug's solubility, however, dose dumping of aspirin did not occur. An initial rapid release was observed in media comprising 40% ethanol. Release in these conditions was considered to be both erosion and diffusion-mediated, in contrast to the release in 0, 10, 20 and 30% ethanol media, where erosion-controlled release dominated. Image analysis of matrix swelling indicated a slower initial interaction between ethanol and hypromellose accounting for the initial rapid release. Cloud point studies suggested that ethanol retarded hydration of the polymer.     

Investigation of the release of aspirin from spray-congealed micro-pellets

The release behaviour of aspirin from spray-congealed hydrogenated soybean oil micro-pellets of different sizes was studied. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of particle size of micro-pellets on the drug release profile and mechanism. Micro-pellets produced were sieved into several fractions and their drug content and dissolution profiles in two media were determined. The dissolution mechanism was studied by fitting the data to release kinetic models. Micro-pellets with high encapsulation efficiency were successfully produced. The micro-pellets were able to sustain the release of aspirin in pH 1.2 and pH 6.8 dissolution media. As particle size of micro-pellets increased, the drug release rate decreased. The drug release mechanism was affected by the size of micro-pellets. Micro-pellets in the range of 90-250 microm tended to follow the first order or Higuchi model. However, micro-pellets in the range of 250-355 microm were found to follow zero-order release model. This result showed that drug release could be modified by controlling the size of micro-pellets and that controlled release of drug might be achieved by using larger size micro-pellets.     

Aspirin induces nitric oxide release from vascular endothelium: a novel mechanism of action

1. The study was designed to test the hypothesis that aspirin may stimulate nitric oxide (NO) release from vascular endothelium, a pivotal factor for maintenance of vascular homeostasis. 2. Clinical evidence suggests that low-dose aspirin may improve vascular endothelial function. Since other cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitors showed no beneficial vascular effects, aspirin may exhibit a vasculoprotective, COX-independent mechanism. 3. Luminal NO release was monitored in real time on dissected porcine coronary arteries (PCA) by an amperometric, NO-selective sensor. Additionally, endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) activity was measured in EA.hy 926 cell homogenates by an l-[(3)H]citrulline/l-[(3)H]arginine conversion assay. Superoxide scavenging capacity was assessed by lucigenin-enhanced luminescence. 4. Aspirin induced an immediate concentration-dependent NO release from PCA with an EC(50) of 50 nm and potentiated the NO stimulation by the receptor-dependent agonist substance P. These effects were independent of an increase in intracellular calcium and could be mimicked by stimulation with acetylating aspirin derivatives. The aspirin metabolite salicylic acid or the reversible cyclooxygenase inhibitor indomethacin failed to modulate NO release. Incubation of soluble eNOS for 15 min with 100 microm aspirin or acetylating aspirin analogues increased the l-[(3)H]citrulline yield by 40-80%, while salicylic acid had no effect. Aspirin and salicylic acid showed a similar, but only modest, magnitude and velocity of superoxide scavenging. 5. Our findings demonstrate that therapeutically relevant concentrations of aspirin elicit NO release from vascular endothelium. This effect appears to be due to a direct acetylation of the eNOS protein, but is independent of COX inhibition or inhibition of superoxide-mediated NO degradation.     

Controlling the in vitro release profiles for a system of haloperidol-loaded PLGA nanoparticles

We have used a systematic methodology to tailor the in vitro drug release profiles for a system of PLGA/PLA nanoparticles encapsulating a hydrophobic drug, haloperidol. We applied our previously developed sonication and homogenization methods to produce haloperidol-loaded PLGA/PLA nanoparticles with 200-1000 nm diameters and 0.2-2.5% drug content. The three important properties affecting release behavior were identified as: polymer hydrophobicity, particle size and particle coating. Increasing the polymer hydrophobicity reduces the initial burst and extends the period of release. Increasing the particle size reduces the initial burst and increases the rate of release. It was also shown that coating the particles with chitosan significantly reduces the initial burst without affecting other parts of the release profile. Various combinations of the above three properties were used to achieve in vitro release of drug over a period of 8, 25 and >40 days, with initial burst <25% and a steady release rate over the entire period of release. Polymer molecular weight and particle drug content were inconsequential for drug release in this system. Experimental in vitro drug release data were fitted with available mathematical models in literature to establish that the mechanism of drug release is predominantly diffusion controlled. The average value of drug diffusivities for PLGA and PLA nanoparticles was calculated and its variation with particle size was established.     

Investigation of the release of aspirin from spray-congealed micro-pellets

The release behaviour of aspirin from spray-congealed hydrogenated soybean oil micro-pellets of different sizes was studied. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of particle size of micro-pellets on the drug release profile and mechanism. Micro-pellets produced were sieved into several fractions and their drug content and dissolution profiles in two media were determined. The dissolution mechanism was studied by fitting the data to release kinetic models. Micro-pellets with high encapsulation efficiency were successfully produced. The micro-pellets were able to sustain the release of aspirin in pH 1.2 and pH 6.8 dissolution media. As particle size of micro-pellets increased, the drug release rate decreased. The drug release mechanism was affected by the size of micro-pellets. Micro-pellets in the range of 90–250?µm tended to follow the first order or Higuchi model. However, micro-pellets in the range of 250–355?µm were found to follow zero-order release model. This result showed that drug release could be modified by controlling the size of micro-pellets and that controlled release of drug might be achieved by using larger size micro-pellets.     

Calcium pectinate gel beads for controlled release drug delivery: II. Effect of formulation and processing variables on drug release.

The effect of four formulation and processing variables, calcium concentration, drying condition, concentration of hardening agent and hardening time on the bead properties and the release characteristics of a model drug from calcium pectinate gel (CPG) beads were studied. A poorly soluble compound, indomethacin, was used as the model drug. The investigated variables affected the bead size, the entrapment efficiency and the release of indomethacin from CPG beads. Drug release was found to be a function of the formulation and processing variables. The slower drug release was achieved from the formulations with higher calcium concentration, higher concentration of hardening agent and longer hardening time. The drying condition, however, did not influence the drug release. The mechanism of indomethacin release from CPG beads followed the diffusion controlled model for an inert porous matrix. All drug release data fitted well to the Higuchi square root time expression.     

Calcium pectinate gel beads for controlled release drug delivery: II. Effect of form ulation and processing variables on drug release

The effect of four formulation and processing variables, calcium concentration, drying condition, concentration of hardening agent and hardening time on the bead properties and the release characteristics of a model drug from calcium pectinate gel (CPG) beads were studied. A poorly soluble compound, indomethacin, was used as the model drug. The investigated variables affected the bead size, the entrapment efficiency and the release of indomethacin from CPG beads. Drug release was found to be a function of the formulation and processing variables. The slower drug release was achieved from the formulations with higher calcium concentration, higher concentration of hardening agent and longer hardening time. The drying condition, however, did not influence the drug release. The mechanism of indomethacin release from CPG beads followed the diffusion controlled model for an inert porous matrix. All drug release data fitted well to the Higuchi square root time expression.     

Molecular interaction between a reduced riboflavin derivative and salicylic acid derivatives

The interaction of reduced riboflavin-2′,3′,4′,5′-tetrabutyrate with salicylic acid, aspirin, and salicylamide has been spectroscopically investigated to determine the binding mechanism. Hydrogen-1 and carbon-13 nuclear magnetic resonance, infrared, and absorption spectra were measured in chloroform-d and chloroform. The association of the reduced riboflavin with salicylic acid derivatives is different from that oxidized one. Salicylic acid and the reduced riboflavin form a cyclic hydrogen bonded complex through the imino (3-N, 5-N) protons and the carbonyl (2-C, 4-C) oxygens of the isoalloxazine ring of the latter, and the carboxylic hydroxyl proton and carbonyl oxygen of the former. Aspirin and the reduced riboflavin form a complex by the same mode as salicylic acid. Salicylamide forms a cyclic hydrogen bonded complex with the reduced riboflavin through the imino (3-N, 5-N) protons and the carbonyl (2-C, 4-C) oxygens of the isoalloxazine ring, and the amino proton and the carbonyl oxygen of salicaylmide. It appears that both the oxidized and reduced form of riboflavin are associated with salicylic acid derivatives.     

Development of oral drug delivery system using floating microspheres

Floating acrylic resin microspheres with an internal hollow structure were prepared by a solvent diffusion and evaporation method. The yield of microspheres depended on the diffusion rate of ethanol and/or isopropanol in the organic phase. They were successfully produced when amixture of ethanol and isopropanol was used instead of ethanol alone. The mixing ratioof components in the organic phase affected the size and the yield of microspheres and the best results were obtained at the volume ratio of ethanol:isopropanol:dichloromethane (8:2:5). Direct introduction of the organic phase into the aqueous phase through aglass tube alsosignificantly improved the yield by avoiding the contact of organic phase with the surface of water. The optimum rotation speed and temperature were 250rpm and 25 C, respectively. Several different drugs with various physico-chemical properties were used as model drugs for encapsulation and release tests. When a drug had low solubility in dichloromethaneandhighsolubilityin both water and amixture of ethanol/isopropanol, the loading efficiency was the lowest. The release profiles were significantly different depending on the solubility of a drug in the release medium and the physico-chemical properties of an encapsulated drug.