Synthesis and study of controlled release of ofloxacin from polyester conjugates

This research compares the anti-tumor efficacy of paclitaxel delivered intratumorally in PLGA nanoparticles, microparticles, or the commercial Paclitaxel Injection^®. The hypothesis of the research is that larger PLGA microparticles adhere to mucus on the cell surface, release paclitaxel locally, and enhance cellular association of paclitaxel. PLGA-paclitaxel particles of mean diameters 315 nm, 1 μm, and 10 μm were prepared and their drug content, in vitro release, and cellular association of paclitaxel into 4T1 cells quantified. These particles were injected intratumorally into tumor xenografts, and the tumor volumes monitored over 13 days. Mean tumor volumes of the groups that received placebo and the 315 nm nanoparticles increased 2 and 1.5 times, respectively. Tumor growth was arrested in groups that received 1 μm and 10 μm microparticles. Additional cell culture studies were performed to test the hypothesis. The size-dependent increase in cellular concentration of paclitaxel was independent of duration of incubation of PLGA particles with 4T1 cells, and was enhanced 1.5 times by coating the particles or 4T1 cells with mucin. These particles were not internalized by clathrin-mediated endocytosis or macropinocytosis. In conclusion, PLGA microparticles sustained drug release, increased cellular concentration, and enhanced anti-tumor efficacy of paclitaxel compared to nanoparticles and Paclitaxel Injection^®.     

Inhibiting the Gastric Burst Release of Drugs from Enteric Microparticles: The Influence of Drug Molecular Mass and Solubility

Undesired drug release in acid medium from enteric microparticles has been widely reported. In this paper, we investigate the relative contribution of microparticle and drug properties, specifically microsphere size and drug’s molecular weight and acid solubility, on the extent of such undesired release. A series of nine drugs with different physicochemical properties were successfully encapsulated into Eudragit S and Eudragit L microparticles using a novel emulsion solvent evaporation process. The process yielded spherical microparticles with a narrow size distribution (27–60 and 36–56 mm for Eudragit L and Eudragit S microparticles, respectively). Upon incubation in acid medium (pH 1.2) for 2 h, the release of dipyridamole, cinnarizine, amprenavir, bendroflumethiazide, budesonide and prednisolone from both Eudragit microparticles was less than 10% of drug load and conformed with the USP specifications for enteric dosage forms. In contrast, more than 10% of the entrapped paracetamol, salicylic acid and ketoprofen were released. Multiple regression revealed that the drug’s molecular weight was the most important factor that determined its extent of release in the acid medium, while its acid solubility and microsphere’s size had minor influences.     

Reduction in burst release of PLGA microparticles by incorporation into cubic phase-forming systems

A high initial burst release of an phosphorothioate oligonucleotide drug from poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) microparticles prepared by the w/o/w solvent extraction/evaporation was reduced by incorporating the microparticles into the following glycerol monooleate (GMO) formulations: 1) pure molten GMO, 2) preformed cubic phase (GMO + water) or 3) low viscosity in situ cubic phase-forming formulations (GMO + water + cosolvent). The in situ cubic phase-forming formulations had a low viscosity in contrast to the first two formulations resulting in good dispersability of the microparticles and good syringability/injectability. Upon contact with an aqueous phase, a highly viscous cubic phase formed immediately entrapping the microparticles. A low initial burst and a continuous extended release over several weeks was obtained with all investigated formulations. The drug release profile could be well controlled by the cosolvent composition with the in situ systems.     

A novel coating concept for ileo-colonic drug targeting: Proof of concept in humans using scintigraphy

The in vivo proof of concept of a novel double-coating system, based on enteric polymers, which accelerated drug release in the ileo-colonic region, was investigated in humans. Prednisolone tablets were coated with a double-coating formulation by applying an inner layer composed of EUDRAGIT® S neutralised to pH 8.0 and a buffer salt (10% KH₂PO₄), which was overcoated with layer of standard EUDRAGIT® S organic solution. For comparison, a single coating system was produced by applying the same amount of EUDRAGIT® S organic solution on the tablet cores. Dissolution tests on the tablets were carried out using USP II apparatus in 0.1 N HCl for 2 h and subsequently in pH 7.4 Krebs bicarbonate buffer. For comparison, tablets were also tested under the USP method established for modified release mesalamine formulations. Ten fasted volunteers received the double-coated and single-coated tablets in a two-way crossover study. The formulations were radiolabelled and followed by gamma scintigraphy; the disintegration times and positions were recorded. There was no drug release from the single-coated or double-coated tablets in 0.1 N HCl for 2 h. The single-coated tablets showed slow release in subsequent Krebs bicarbonate buffer with a lag time of 120 min, while in contrast drug release from the double-coated tablets was initiated at 60 min. In contrast, using the USP dissolution method, normally employed for modified release mesalamine products, no discrimination was attained. The in vivo disintegration of the single-coated EUDRAGIT® S tablets in the large intestine was erratic. Furthermore, in 2 volunteers, the single-coated tablet was voided intact. Double-coated tablets disintegrated in a more consistent way, mainly in the ileo-caecal junction or terminal ileum. The accelerated in vivo disintegration of the double-coating EUDRAGIT® S system can overcome the limitations of conventional enteric coatings targeting the colon and avoid the pass-through of intact tablets. Moreover, Krebs bicarbonate buffer has the ability to discriminate between formulations designed to target the ileo-colonic region.     

Development of Mucoadhesive Films for Buccal Administration of Flufenamic Acid: Effect of Cyclodextrin Complexation

A new mucoadhesive film for topical administration in the oral cavity of flufenamic acid, a poorly soluble anti-inflammatory drug, has been developed, using complexation with hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HPβCD) to improve drug dissolution and release rate. Buccal films were prepared utilising chitosan as mucoadhesive polymer, KollicoatIR® as film-forming polymer and glycerol as plasticiser. Different combinations of these components were used and the obtained films were characterised for weight, thickness, swelling, mucoadhesive and mechanical properties. The film containing chitosan 2%, glycerol 7.5% and KollicoatIR® 1% showed the best properties for the development of the film formulation. The selected film was loaded with the plain drug and its colyophilised and coground products with HPβCD, and in vitro release studies in simulated saliva were performed. The improved drug dissolution properties, obtained by complexation with HPβCD, were critical to achieve complete release from film formulation during 4–5 h. On the contrary, film loaded with the plain drug showed incomplete release, not exceeding 70% release after 5 h. The developed film formulation containing the drug as complex with HPβCD can assure a prolonged drug release directly at the inflammation site and can be proposed as a new therapeutic tool in the treatment of oral mucosa inflammations.     

Design of a gastroretentive mucoadhesive dosage form of furosemide for controlled release

The aim of the present study was to develop and characterize a gastroretentive dosage form suitable for controlled drug release. It consists of a drug loaded polymeric film made up of a bilayer of immediate (IR) and controlled release (CR) layers folded into a hard gelatin capsule. Gastroretention results from unfolding and swelling of the film and its bioadhesion to the gastric mucosa. Furosemide, a drug with a narrow absorption window, was selected as the model drug. Inclusion of hydroxypropyl β-cyclodextrin in both layers and Carbopol^® 971P NF in the CR layer of the bilayer film resulted in optimum drug release, bioadhesion and mechanical properties. The film with zig-zag folding in the capsule was shown to unfold and swell under acidic conditions and provide IR of drug over 1 h and CR for up to 12 h in acidic medium. X-ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry and scanning electron microscopy revealed uniform dispersion of furosemide in the polymeric matrices. The results indicate the dosage form is gastroretentive and can provide controlled release of drugs with narrow therapeutic windows.     

Design,synthesis and in vitro evaluation of mucoadhesive p-coumarate-thiolated-chitosan as a hydrophobic drug carriers

A hydrophobic mucoadhesive thiolated chitosan for hydrophobic drug delivery was designed and prepared by conjugating p-coumaric acid (pCA) to increase hydrophobic compatibility with drug via pi–pi interaction and then covalently linking homocysteine thiolactone (HT) to the pCA-chitosan to increase the mucoadhesive properties. The degree of substituted phenolics in the modified chitosan was about 7.21 ± 0.05 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/g. The pCA-HT-chitosan formed from a 24 h HT conjugation reaction time showed the highest yield of grafted thiol groups (∼17.6 μmol/g) and the strongest mucoadhesive property, being about 10-, 2- and 1.6-fold more than that for the unmodified chitosan at pH 1.2, 4.0 and 6.4, respectively. Piperine (PIP) as a model hydrophobic drug was encapsulated in pCA-HT-chitosan microparticles via electrospray ionization with an encapsulation efficiency of over 80%. In vitro release studies showed a sustained release of PIP to >75% over 12 h between pH 1.2 and 6.4.     

Novel microparticle drug delivery systems based on chitosan and Eudragit®RSPM to enhance diltiazem hydrochloride release property

The aim of this study was to enhance the release properties of diltiazem hydrochloride (diltiazem HCl) by using microparticle system. For this reason, microparticle drug delivery systems based on chitosan and Eudragit^®RSPM were developed. The microparticles were prepared by using double-emulsion solvent extraction method and the mean sizes of microparticles were less than 120?µm. The in vitro drug release from microparticles was studied in simulated gastric (pH 1.2) and intestinal media (pH 7.4) than the results were evaluated by kinetically. In vitro diltiazem HCl release from microparticles showed good zero order kinetic. For the microparticles with chitosan, the release of diltiazem HCl at pH 1.2 could be effectively sustained, while the release of diltiazem HCl increased at pH 7.4 when compared to Eudragit^®RSPM microparticles. The highest release percent obtained was 1:1 ratio of drug: polymer at pH 1.2 and 7.4. All results clearly suggest that the release properties of diltiazem HCl were improved by using microparticle systems especially which contain chitosan.     

Biodegradable star HPMA polymer conjugates of doxorubicin for passive tumor targeting

New biodegradable star polymer–doxorubicin (Dox) conjugates designed for passive tumor targeting were investigated and the present study described their synthesis, physico-chemical characterization, drug release and biodegradation. In the conjugates the core formed by poly(amido amine) (PAMAM) dendrimers was grafted with semitelechelic N-(2-hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide (HPMA) copolymers bearing doxorubicin attached by hydrazone bonds, which enabled intracellular pH-controlled drug release, or by a GFLG sequence, which was susceptible to enzymatic degradation. The controlled synthesis utilizing semitelechelic copolymer precursors facilitated preparation of biodegradable polymer conjugates in a broad range of molecular weights (110–295 kDa) while still maintaining low polydispersity (～1.7). The polymer grafts were attached to the dendrimers either through stable amide bonds or enzymatically or reductively degradable spacers, which enabled intracellular degradation of the high molecular weight polymer carrier to products that were able to be excreted from the body by glomerular filtration. Biodegradability tests showed that the rate of degradation was much faster for reductively degradable conjugates (completed within 4 h) than the degradation of conjugates linked via an enzymatically degradable oligopeptide GFLG sequence (within 72 h). This finding was likely due to the difference in steric hindrance for the small molecule glutathione and the enzyme cathepsin B. As for drug release, the conjugates were fairly stable in buffer at pH 7.4 (model of blood stream) but released doxorubicin either under mild acidic conditions or in the presence of lysosomal enzyme cathepsin B, both of which modeled the tumor cell microenvironment.     

Novel semi-interpenetrating hydrogel networks with enhanced mechanical properties and thermoresponsive engineered drug delivery,designed as bioactive endotracheal tube biomaterials

Thermoresponsive polymeric platforms are used to optimise drug delivery in pharmaceutical systems and bioactive medical devices. However, the practical application of these systems is compromised by their poor mechanical properties. This study describes the design of thermoresponsive semi-interpenetrating polymer networks (s-IPNs) based on cross-linked p(NIPAA) or p(NIPAA-co-HEMA) hydrogels containing poly(ε-caprolactone) designed to address this issue. Using DSC, the lower critical solution temperature of the co-polymer and p(NIPAA) matrices were circa 34 °C and 32 °C, respectively. PCL was physically dispersed within the hydrogel matrices as confirmed using confocal scanning laser microscopy and DSC and resulted in marked changes in the mechanical properties (ultimate tensile strength, Young’s modulus) without adversely compromising the elongation properties. P(NIPAA) networks containing dispersed PCL exhibited thermoresponsive swelling properties following immersion in buffer (pH 7), with the equilibrium-swelling ratio being greater at 20 °C than 37 °C and greatest for p(NIPAA)/PCL systems at 20 °C. The incorporation of PCL significantly lowered the equilibrium swelling ratio of the various networks but this was not deemed practically significant for s-IPNs based on p(NIPAA). Thermoresponsive release of metronidazole was observed from s-IPN composed of p(NIPAA)/PCL at 37 °C but not from p(NIPAA-co-HEMA)/PCL at this temperature. In all other platforms, drug release at 20 °C was significantly similar to that at 37 °C and was diffusion controlled. This study has uniquely described a strategy by which thermoresponsive drug release may be performed from polymeric platforms with highly elastic properties. It is proposed that these materials may be used clinically as bioactive endotracheal tubes, designed to offer enhanced resistance to ventilator associated pneumonia, a clinical condition associated with the use of endotracheal tubes where stimulus responsive drug release from biomaterials of significant mechanical properties would be advantageous.     

Formulation and evaluation of a bioadhesive patch for buccal delivery of tizanidine

Tizanidine hydrochloride (THCl) is an antispasmodic agent which undergoes extensive first pass metabolism making it a possible candidate for buccal delivery. The aim of this study was to prepare a monolayered buccal patch containing THCl using the emulsification solvent evaporation method. Fourteen formulations were prepared using the polymers Eudragit^® RS 100 or Eudragit^® RL 100 and chitosan. Polymer solutions in acetone were combined with a THCl aqueous solution (in some cases containing chitosan) by homogenization at 9000 rpm for 2 min in the presence of triethyl citrate as plasticizer and cast in novel Teflon molds. Physicochemical properties such as film thickness, in vitro drug release and in vitro mucoadhesion were evaluated after which permeation across sheep buccal mucosa was examined in terms of flux and lag time. Formulations prepared using a Eudragit^® polymer alone exhibited satisfactory physicomechanical properties but lacked a gradual in vitro drug release pattern. Incorporation of chitosan into formulations resulted in the formation of a porous structure which did exhibit gradual release of drug. In conclusion, THCl can be delivered by a buccal patch formulated as a blend of Eudragit^® and chitosan, the latter being necessary to achieve gradual drug release.     

The Effect of Novel Surfactants and Solutol® HS 15 on Paclitaxel Aqueous Solubility and Permeability Across a Caco-2 Monolayer

The effect of novel surfactants on the aqueous solubility and the permeability of paclitaxel across a Caco-2 cell monolayer were examined in this work. The solubility and permeability of paclitaxel was evaluated in the presence of four soft surfactants (SS) KXN441, KXN424, KXN437, and KXN 337 and Solutol® HS15. All surfactants increased the aqueous solubility of paclitaxel. Caco-2 cell membrane integrity in the presence of SS and Solutol® HS15 was assessed by mannitol permeability and LDH release. All surfactants were tested at 0.5 × CMC, 5 × CMC and 1.5 mM concentrations. The effect of SSs on paclitaxel permeability was concentration dependent. At all concentrations tested, KXN 441 and Solutol® HS 15 showed partially inhibition of drug efflux with no discernable change in mannitol permeability or cytotoxicity as observed with LDH release. At these concentrations, other SSs exhibited some partial efflux inhibition along with compromised membrane integrity and increasing mannitol permeability. In conclusion, all SSs were able to increase the aqueous solubility and permeability of paclitaxel across Caco-2 cells monolayer. However, KXN441 and Solutol® HS15 were able to enhance paclitaxel permeability across Caco-2 monolayer without cytotoxicity.     

Dendronized nanoconjugates of lysine and folate for treatment of cancer

Poly-l-lysine (PLL) dendrimers are currently being investigated as antiangiogenic agent for therapy of cancer. In this study, we report folate conjugated poly-l-lysine dendrimers (FPLL) as an efficient carrier for model anticancer drug, doxorubicin hydrochloride (Dox); for pH sensitive drug release, selective targeting to cancer cells, anticancer activity and antiangiogenic activity. This nanoconjugate of Dox showed initial rapid in vitro release followed by gradual slow release, and the drug release was found to be pH sensitive with greater release at acidic pH. In the CAM assay and tubule formation assay with HUVEC, Dox-FPLL formulation showed the significant antiangiogenic activity confirming that activity of PLL was not compromised by the presence of Dox and folic acid. The ex vivo investigations with human breast cancer cell lines MCF-7 showed enhanced cytotoxicity of Dox-FPLL with significantly enhanced intracellular uptake (p < 0.001). The in vivo therapeutic potential of nanoconjugate was determined in MCF-7 breast cancer xenograft model in tumor-bearing mice. Dox-FPLL increased the concentration of Dox in tumor by 121.5-fold after 24 h in comparison with free Dox formulation. The folate conjugated dendrimeric Dox showed superior anti-tumor activity in tumor xenograft model with significantly prolonged survival determined by Kaplan Meier survival analysis (p < 0.001).     

Acyclovir chemical kinetics with the discovery and identification of newly reported degradants and degradation pathways involving formaldehyde as a degradant and reactant intermediate

The purpose of this research was to determine acyclovir (ACV) acidic degradation kinetics which is relevant to gastric retentive device product design. A stability-indicating method revealed two unknown degradation products which have been identified by mass spectrometry as ACV and guanine formaldehyde adducts. In addition to the formation of these adducts, a proposed degradation scheme identifies the formation of methyl acetal ethylene glycol, formaldehyde, ethylene glycol, and guanine as additional ACV degradation products. pH-rate profiles were explained by using a rate law which assumed acid-catalyzed hydrolysis of protonated and unprotonated ACV. The predicted and observed rate constants were in good agreement. Data-driven excipient selection recommendations were based on the chemical kinetic study results, degradation scheme, and pH-rate profiles. The average activation energy for the degradation reaction was determined to be 31.3 ± 1.6 kcal/mol. The predicted ACV t_90% at 37 °C and pH 1.2 was calculated to be 7.2 days. As a first approximation, this suggests that ACV gastric retentive devices designed to deliver drug for 7 days should have acceptable drug product stability in the stomach.     

Development and evaluation of gastroretentive raft forming systems incorporating curcumin-Eudragit® EPO solid dispersions for gastric ulcer treatment

Novel raft forming systems incorporating curcumin-Eudragit® EPO solid dispersions were developed to prolong the gastric residence time and provide for a controlled release therapy of curcumin to treat gastric ulcers. The solid dispersions of curcumin with Eudragit® EPO were prepared by the solvent evaporation method at various ratios to improve the solubility and the dissolution of curcumin. The optimum weight ratio of 1:5 for curcumin to Eudragit® EPO was used to incorporate into the raft forming systems. The raft forming formulations were composed of curcumin-Eudragit® EPO solid dispersions, sodium alginate as a gelling polymer and calcium carbonate for generating divalent Ca²⁺ ions and carbon dioxide to form a floating raft. All formulations formed a gelled raft in 1 min and sustained buoyancy on the 0.1 N hydrochloric acid (pH 1.2) surface with a 60–85% release of curcumin within 8 h. The curative effect on the acetic acid-induced chronic gastric ulcer in rats was determined. The curcumin raft forming formulations at 40 mg/kg once daily showed a superior curative effect on the gastric ulcer in terms of the ulcer index and healing index than the standard antisecretory agent: lansoprazole (1 mg/kg, twice daily) and a curcumin suspension (40 mg/kg, twice daily). These studies demonstrated that the new raft forming systems containing curcumin solid dispersions are promising carriers for a stomach-specific delivery of poorly soluble lipophilic compounds.     

Co-extrusion as manufacturing technique for multilayer mini-matrices with dual drug release

The aim of this work was to develop by means of co-extrusion a multilayered dosage form characterized by a dual release profile of the same drug. Co-extrudates consisted of two concentric polymer matrices: a core having a lipophilic character and a coat with a hydrophilic character. Diclofenac sodium (DS) was incorporated as model drug in both layers. Several polymers were screened on the basis of their processability via hot melt extrusion (HME) and in vitro drug release. Polymer combinations with suitable properties (i.e., similar extrusion temperature, appropriate drug release profile) were processed via co-extrusion. (Co-) extruded samples were characterized in terms of solid state (XRD, SEM), in vitro drug release, core/coat adhesion, and bioavailability. Based on the polymer screening, two polymer combinations were selected for co-extrusion: ethylcellulose (core) combined with Soluplus® (coat) and polycaprolactone (core) with PEO (coat). These combinations were successfully co-extruded. XRD revealed that DS remained crystalline during extrusion in ethylcellulose, Soluplus®, polycaprolactone, and PEO. The polycaprolactone/PEO combination could be processed at a lower temperature (70 °C), vs. 140 °C for ethylcellulose/Soluplus®. The maximum drug load in core and coat depended on the extrusion temperature and the die dimensions, while adhesion between core and coat was mainly determined by the drug load and by the extrusion temperature. In vitro drug release from the co-extruded formulations was reflected in the in vivo behavior: formulations with a higher DS content in the coat (i.e., faster drug release) resulted in higher C_max and higher AUC values. Co-extrusion is a viable method to produce in a single step a multilayer dosage form with dual drug release.     

Triple-component nanocomposite films prepared using a casting method: Its potential in drug delivery

The purpose of this study was to fabricate a triple-component nanocomposite system consisting of chitosan, polyethylene glycol (PEG), and drug for assessing the application of chitosan–PEG nanocomposites in drug delivery and also to assess the effect of different molecular weights of PEG on nanocomposite characteristics. The casting/solvent evaporation method was used to prepare chitosan–PEG nanocomposite films incorporating piroxicam-β-cyclodextrin. In order to characterize the morphology and structure of nanocomposites, X-ray diffraction technique, scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and Fourier transmission infrared spectroscopy were used. Drug content uniformity test, swelling studies, water content, erosion studies, dissolution studies, and anti-inflammatory activity were also performed. The permeation studies across rat skin were also performed on nanocomposite films using Franz diffusion cell. The release behavior of films was found to be sensitive to pH and ionic strength of release medium. The maximum swelling ratio and water content was found in HCl buffer pH 1.2 as compared to acetate buffer of pH 4.5 and phosphate buffer pH 7.4. The release rate constants obtained from kinetic modeling and flux values of ex vivo permeation studies showed that release of piroxicam-β-cyclodextrin increased with an increase in concentration of PEG. The formulation F10 containing 75% concentration of PEG showed the highest swelling ratio (3.42 ± 0.02) in HCl buffer pH 1.2, water content (47.89 ± 1.53%) in HCl buffer pH 1.2, maximum cumulative drug permeation through rat skin (2405.15 ± 10.97 μg/cm²) in phosphate buffer pH 7.4, and in vitro drug release (35.51 ± 0.26%) in sequential pH change mediums, and showed a significantly (p < 0.0001) higher anti-inflammatory effect (0.4 cm). It can be concluded from the results that film composition had a particular impact on drug release properties. The different molecular weights of PEG have a strong influence on swelling, drug release, and permeation rate. The developed films can act as successful drug delivery approach for localized drug delivery through the skin.     

Formulation Design and Optimization for the Improvement of Nystatin-Loaded Lipid Intravenous Emulsion

Nystatin (NYS) is a polyene macrolide with broad antifungal spectrum restricted to topical use owing to its toxicity upon systemic administration. The aims of this work were the design, development, and optimization of NYS-loaded lipid emulsion for intravenous administration. A closed circuit system was designed to apply ultrasound during the elaboration of the lipid intravenous emulsions (LIEs). Additionally, a comparison with the commercially available Intralipid® 20% was also performed. Manufacturing conditions were optimized by factorial design. Formulations were evaluated in terms of physicochemical parameters, stability, release profile, and antimicrobial activity. The average droplet size, polydispersity index, zeta-potential, pH, and volume distribution values ranged between 192.5 and 143.0 nm, 0.170 and 0.135, ? 46 and ? 44 mV, 7.11 and 7.53, 580 and 670 nm, respectively. The selected NYS-loaded LIE (NYS-LIE54) consisted of soybean oil (30%), soybean lecithin (2%), solutol HS® 15 (4%), and glycerol (2.25%) was stable for at least 60 days. In vitro drug release studies of this formulation suggested a sustained-release profile. Equally, NYS-LIE54 showed the best antimicrobial activity being higher than the free drug. Thus, it could be a promising drug delivery system to treat systemic fungal infections.     

New amphiphilic and pH-sensitive hydrogel for controlled release of a model poorly water-soluble drug

This paper presents the development of new pH-sensitive, amphiphilic and biocompatible hydrogels based on alginate-g-PCL, cross-linked with calcium ions to form beads, prepared for controlled delivery of poorly water-soluble drug. We have focused our study on the effect of the length of PCL chains (530 and 1250 g mol⁻¹). Swelling profiles obtained clearly indicated that these hydrogels swell slightly (10–14%) in a simulated gastric fluid (pH 1.2), and strongly (700–1300% before disintegration) in a simulated intestinal fluid (pH 6.8). In both media, rates of swelling were lower for beads based on amphiphilic derivatives than for alginate/Ca²⁺ ones due to the hydrophobic PCL grafts, and decreased when hydrophobic character increased. A model drug, theophylline, was entrapped into these hydrogels and release studies were carried out. The drug was protected in acidic fluid (only 14–20% of release for alginate-g-PCL hydrogel against 35% of release for alginate hydrogel during 350 min). The drug is released completely in neutral fluid due to ion exchanges and disintegration of the hydrogel. PCL leads to decrease in the release kinetics in SIF (2 h for alginate-g-PCL/Ca²⁺ beads against 1 h for alginate/Ca²⁺ beads). It was demonstrated that the establishment of clusters inside beads by intramolecular interactions between PCL grafts of 530 g mol⁻¹ in salt media allowed to retain the drug and to slow down its release considerably.     

Solid Lipid Microparticles for the Stability Enhancement of a Dopamine Prodrug

The oral or peripheral administration of dopamine for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease is hampered by its extensive metabolism and inability to cross the blood-brain barrier. Consequently, the enhancement of dopamine stability in physiologic environments and its brain targeting appear useful in formulation development. We propose the preparation and characterization of solid lipid microparticles based on tristearin as a sustained delivery system for dopamine. The microparticles were produced by conventional hot emulsion techniques. The synthesis of a new valeroyl ester of dopamine (3,4-O-divaleroyl-dopamine, DVD) was necessary to obtain its encapsulation in the microparticles. DVD appeared totally hydrolyzed to dopamine in human plasma within 40 s. The amount of encapsulated DVD in microparticles was 2.67 ± 1.2%. The mean diameter of particles was 14.2 ± 4.8 mm. The DVD release from microparticles was characterized by an initial burst of 20% of incorporated prodrug and a continuous slow release thereafter. The microparticles were able to stabilize DVD in its solid form. In human plasma, DVD encapsulated in microparticles hydrolyzed with a markedly reduced rate in comparison with free prodrug: after 15 min, 35.8% of DVD was still detectable. The DVD-loaded microparticles could represent a potential system for dopamine uptake in the brain, following nasal administration. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc. and the American Pharmacists Association J Pharm Sci 99:4730–4737, 2010