Prevention of benzyl alcohol-induced aggregation of chymotrypsinogen by PEGylation

Objectives Addition of the antimicrobial preservative benzyl alcohol to reconstitution buffer promotes the formation of undesirable aggregates in multidose protein formulations. Herein we investigated the efficiency of PEGylation (attachment of poly(ethylene glycol)) to prevent benzyl alcohol‐induced aggregation of the model protein α‐chymotrypsinogen A (aCTgn). Methods Various PEG‐aCTgn conjugates were prepared using PEG with a molecular weight of either 700 or 5000 Da by varying the PEG‐to‐protein ratio during synthesis and the formation of insoluble aggregates was studied. The effect of benzyl alcohol on the thermodynamic stability and tertiary structure of aCTgn was also examined. Key findings When the model protein was reconstituted in buffer containing 0.9% benzyl alcohol, copious amounts of buffer‐insoluble aggregates formed within 24 h (>10%). Benzyl alcohol‐induced aggregation was completely prevented when two or five molecules of PEG with a molecular weight of 5000 Da were attached to the protein, whereas two or four molecules of bound 700 Da PEG were completely inefficient in preventing aggregation. Mechanistic investigations excluded prevention of structural perturbations or increased thermodynamic stability by PEGylation from being responsible for the prevention of aggregation. Simple addition of PEG to the buffer was also inefficient and PEG had to be covalently linked to the protein to be efficient. Conclusions The most likely explanation for the protective effect of the 5000 Da PEG is shielding of exposed hydrophobic protein surface area and prevention of protein–protein contacts (molecular spacer effect).     

Interleukin-1 Receptor (IL-1R) Liquid Formulation Development Using Differential Scanning Calorimetry

Purpose. To elucidate the solution conditions that confer stability of aqueous IL-1R using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Methods. Optimal pH conditions were determined by monitoring degradation products encountered during accelerated studies (at elevated temperatures) using SDS-PAGE. At the pH optimum, DSC screened for excipients that enhanced thermal stability by shifting the Tm to higher values. Using SEC the relationship between thermal unfolding and stability was investigated by considering if lower Tm's in the presence of preservatives correlated with degradation products at 37°C over time. The degree of aggregation relative to that of a control determined the level of stability achieved. Results. Circular dichroism (CD) measurements confirmed molecular modeling studies showing IL-1R to be about 39% -sheet. Two major transitions characterized the DSC data with Tm's observed near 47°C and 66°C. Among 21 excipients screened, NaCl exhibited the greatest stabilizing influences based on shifting the low temperature transition to 53°C. The low temperature transition was later found to comprise two transitions, yielding a total of three melting transitions for IL-1R. High Tm's arising from the presence of preservatives correlated with the order of stability (i.e., 0.065% phenol > 0.1% m-Cresol > 0.9% benzyl alcohol). Conclusions. The three melting transitions are consistent in origin with the cooperative unfolding of three unique immunoglobulin-like domains of IL-1R. Optimal stability was achieved in 20 mM sodium citrate at pH 6 with sufficient NaCl to attain the tonicity of human serum. A correlation between the predicted ranking of stability and the extent of aggregation was demonstrated using DSC.     

Role of benzyl alcohol in the prevention of heat-induced aggregation and inactivation of hen egg white lysozyme

The aim of the study was to investigate the stability of a model protein, lysozyme, in the presence of the commonly used preservative benzyl alcohol. Techniques including lytic assay, size exclusion chromatography, circular dichroism, differential scanning calorimetry, native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and dynamic light scattering were used to study the overall stability of lysozyme in the presence of benzyl alcohol. The stability of lysozyme against thermal stress was higher in the presence of benzyl alcohol. In the presence of 0.5%, 0.9% and 2% v/v benzyl alcohol, the enzyme showed 33%, 42% and 75% residual activity, respectively, when exposed to 75 °C for 2 h, as compared to the 22% activity of control sample. A gradual increase in the size of aggregates was observed for the control sample relative to the samples containing benzyl alcohol, as a result of loss of monomer concentration. The effect was found to be concentration-dependent with 2% benzyl alcohol showing maximum prevention of heat-induced unfolding and aggregation. This effect is remarkable since the thermal transition temperature of the enzyme decreases in the presence of benzyl alcohol. Benzyl alcohol favours the thermal denaturation of lysozyme but stabilizes the lysozyme against the heat-induced aggregation.     

Oxidation of Human Insulin-Like Growth Factor I in Formulation Studies,II. Effects of Oxygen,Visible Light,and Phosphate on Methionine Oxidation in Aqueous Solution and Evaluation of Possible Mechanisms

Purpose. The oxidation of methionine in human Insulin-like Growth Factor I (hIGF-I) in aqueous solution was studied with respect to oxygen, visible light and sodium phosphate. Methods. Aqueous solutions of hIGF-I were prepared with different amounts of phosphate and dissolved oxygen. The solutions were stored either in darkness or exposed to artificial visible light. The oxidized hIGF-I was quantified by RP-HPLC. A two level full factorial experimental design, with two levels of each of the three factors studied, was used. Results. Oxidation was found to be positively correlated with light, oxygen content and, interestingly, phosphate. The increasing effect of phosphate on the oxidation appears not to originate from metal contaminants. The influence of both oxygen and phosphate increased with time. The pH dependence of oxidation indicated the formation of a phosphorylated sulfonium ion as an oxidation intermediate. A significant interaction effect between phosphate and visible light suggested participation of radicals. Conclusions. Factorial experiments provide a valuable tool when studying complex mechanisms with interacting factors. The oxidation of methionine in hIGF-I is significantly affected by light but also by the presence of phosphate buffer.     

Modulation of Organic Cation Transport and Lipid Fluidity by Benzyl Alcohol in Rat Renal Brush-border Membranes

Purpose. Organic cations are actively transported in renal brush-border membranes (BBM) by the H⁺/organic cation antiport system. In the present study, we investigated the relationship between membrane fluidity and organic cation transport in the BBM. Methods. The effects of benzyl alcohol, a membrane fluidizing agent, on the organic cation tetraethylammonium (TEA) uptake were studied using renal BBM vesicles isolated from rat kidney. BBM fluidity was assessed by fluorescence polarization technique. Results. H⁺ gradient-dependent uptake of TEA in BBM vesicles was inhibited by benzyl alcohol in a dose-dependent manner, with an apparent half inhibitory concentration of 18mM. The decrease in fluorescence anisotropy of l,6-diphenyl-l,3,5-hexatriene in BBM, which represents the increase in membrane fluidity, was correlated with the decrease in TEA transport activity. The dissipation rate of H⁺ gradient, a driving force for organic cation transport in BBM, was increased by benzyl alcohol. In addition, H⁺ gradient-independent TEA-TEA exchange was also inhibited by benzyl alcohol. These findings indicate that benzyl alcohol inhibits the uptake of TEA by affecting the intrinsic activity of the organic cation transporter and the H⁺ gradient dissipation rate. Conclusions. The membrane fluidity should be an important determinant for organic cation transport in renal BBM.     

The Effect of Benzyl Alcohol on Recombinant Human Interferon-γ

Purpose. The goal of this study was to investigate the conformational change and aggregation of recombinant human interferon-gamma (rhIFN-) as a result of interaction between benzyl alcohol and the protein. The effects of buffer concentration, buffer species, ionic strength, rhIFN- and benzyl alcohol concentrations on the dynamics of the interaction in liquid formulations were also examined. Methods. The effect of benzyl alcohol on the secondary and tertiary structure of rhIFN- in succinate and acetate buffers was studied using far-UV and near-UV circular dichroism spectrophotometry, respectively. Dynamic light scattering was employed to detect aggregate formation due to the interaction of benzyl alcohol with rhIFN-. Results. The addition of benzyl alcohol at 0.9% (w/v) in various liquid rhIFN- formulations induced changes in circular dichroism (CD) spectra of the protein in the near-UV region, while the CD spectra in the far-UV region remained unaltered. There were gradual decreases in ellipticity with time throughout the near-UV CD spectra. The decreases in near-UV ellipticity induced by benzyl alcohol were accompanied by the formation of high molecular weight aggregates as measured by dynamic light scattering. Loss in near-UV ellipticity was accelerated at lower protein concentration and by increasing buffer or benzyl alcohol concentration. It was also faster in succinate than in acetate buffer. Formulation ionic strength did not affect the CD spectral changes in both the near- and far-UV regions. Conclusions. Interaction between benzyl alcohol and rhIFN- is formulation dependent. Protein concentration, buffer species, buffer concentration, and preservative concentration play a significant role in determining the extent of the interaction and consequently the stability of the product.     

Mechanism for benzyl alcohol-induced aggregation of recombinant human interleukin-1 receptor antagonist in aqueous solution

Benzyl alcohol, an antimicrobial preservative, accelerates aggregation and precipitation of recombinant human interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (rhIL-1ra) in aqueous solution. The loss of native monomer during incubation at 37 degrees C was determined by analysis of sample aliquots with size exclusion high performance liquid chromatography (SE-HPLC). Benzyl alcohol caused minor perturbation of the tertiary structure of the protein without changing its secondary structure, documenting that the preservative caused a minor shift in the protein molecular population toward partially unfolded species. Consistent with this conclusion, in the presence of benzyl alcohol the rate of H-D exchange was accelerated and the fluorescence of 1-anilinonaphthalene-8-sulfonic acid in the presence of rhIL1ra was increased. Benzyl alcohol did not alter the free energy of unfolding based on unfolding experiments in urea or guanidine HCl. With differential scanning calorimetry it was determined that benzyl alcohol reduced the apparent Tm of rhIL-1ra, but this effect occurred because the preservative lowered the temperature at which the protein aggregated during heating. Isothermal calorimetry documented that the interaction of benzyl alcohol with rhIL-1ra is relatively weak and hydrophobically driven. Thus, benzyl alcohol accelerates protein aggregation by binding to the protein and favoring an increase in the level of partially unfolded, aggregation-competent species. Sucrose partially inhibited benzyl alcohol-induced aggregation and tertiary structural change. Sucrose is preferentially excluded from the surface of the protein, favoring most compact native state species over expanded aggregation-prone forms.     

Assessment of genotoxic effects of benzyl derivatives by the comet assay

In this study, different concentrations of four benzyl derivatives (benzyl alcohol, benzyl acetate, benzoic acid and benzaldehyde) used as flavour ingredients were investigated for genotoxicity in in vitro. By taking blood from two healthy people comet assay was carried on to investigate the potential health damages of benzyl derivatives. For the evaluation of genotoxic effects, the tail moment and % tail DNA in the treated chemicals were compared to the solvent control, which is distilled water. The alkaline comet assay showed significantly increased tail moment and % tail DNA at 25 and 50 mM concentrations of benzyl alcohol. Benzyl acetate increased both % tail DNA and tail moment at 50 mM concentrations. While % tail DNA was statistically increased at 10 mM and higher concentrations, tail moment has significant difference at 10 and 25 mM concentrations of benzaldehyde. Benzoic acid has apoptotic effects at the concentrations higher than 5 mM, for this reason we tested concentrations less than 5 mM (0.05, 0.1, 0.5, 1 and 5 mM). Only the highest concentration of benzoic acid increased both tail moment and % tail DNA.     

Oxidation of Human Insulin-like Growth Factor I in Formulation Studies: Kinetics of Methionine Oxidation in Aqueous Solution and in Solid State

Purpose. The aim of this work was to study the kinetics of oxidation of methionine in human Insulin-like Growth Factor I (hIGF-I)¹ in aqueous solution and in the solid state by the aid of quantification of oxygen. Methods. The oxidized form of hIGF-I was characterized by tryptic peptide analysis, RP-HPLC and FAB-MS and quantified by RP-HPLC. The oxygen content was quantified polarographically by a Clark-type electrode. Results. Second-order kinetics with respect to amount of protein and dissolved oxygen was found to be appropriate for the oxidation of methionine in hIGF-I. The rate constants ranged from 1 to 280 M^–1 month^–l and had an activation energy of 95 (+/–4) kJ/mole. Light exposure, storage temperature and oxygen content were found to have a considerable impact on the oxidation rates. No significant difference in reaction rates was found for the oxidation of hIGF-I in aqueous solution or in the solid state. A method for decreasing the oxygen content in aqueous solution without purging is described. Conclusions. Polarographic quantification of dissolved oxygen makes it possible to establish the kinetics for oxidation of proteins. The oxidation of methionine in hIGF-I appears to follow second-order kinetics.     

Effects of pH, temperature, and sucrose on benzyl alcohol-induced aggregation of recombinant human granulocyte colony stimulating factor

Antimicrobial preservatives (e.g., benzyl alcohol), which are required in multidose formulations, can induce protein aggregation. In this study, the mechanism of benzyl alcohol-induced aggregation of recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (rhGCSF) was investigated by determining the effects of temperature, pH, and sucrose on this process. rhGCSF was incubated at 25 and 37 degrees C and at pH 7.0 (phosphate-buffered saline, PBS) and pH 3.5 (HCl). Benzyl alcohol (0.9% w/v) accelerated aggregation of rhGCSF at pH 7.0, an effect that was much greater at 37 degrees C than at 25 degrees C and partially counteracted by 1.0 M sucrose. At pH 3.5, benzyl alcohol did not induce aggregation of rhGCSF. Spectroscopic studies showed that 0.9% benzyl alcohol altered the tertiary structure of rhGCSF at both pH, without detectably altering secondary structure. Structural perturbation was greater at 37 degrees C than at 25 degrees C. At both pH 7.0 and 3.5, the hydrogen-deuterium (H-D) exchange rate for rhGCSF was increased by 0.9% benzyl alcohol. Sucrose (1.0 M) partially counteracted the benzyl alcohol-induced perturbation of tertiary structure and the increase in H-D exchange rate. Thus, benzyl alcohol accelerates aggregation of rhGCSF at pH 7.0, because it favors partially unfolded aggregation-prone conformations of the protein. Sucrose partially counteracts benzyl alcohol-induced rhGCSF aggregation by shifting the molecular population away from these species and towards more compact conformations. We postulate that the absence of aggregation at pH 3.5, even with benzyl alcohol-induced structural perturbation, is due to the unfavorable energetics of intermolecular interactions (i.e., colloidal stability) between rhGCSF molecules at this pH.     

高效液相色谱法测定盐酸苯海拉明注射液中苯甲醇含量

目的 采用高效液相色谱法建立测定盐酸苯海拉明注射液中苯甲醇的方法.方法 色谱柱Agilent氰基柱（250mm×4.6mm,5μm）,流动相为乙腈-20mM乙酸铵（用甲酸调pH值至6.5）（50：50）,检测波长为257nm.结果 苯甲醇浓度在0.625～3.75μL·mL-1范围内与峰面积呈良好的线性关系,r为1.000;苯甲醇加样回收率的平均值为100.3%,RSD=1.4%.结论 本方法简便、准确可靠,适用于盐酸苯海拉明注射液中苯甲醇的质量控制.     

The Effect of Formulation Excipients on Protein Stability and Aerosol Performance of Spray-Dried Powders of a Recombinant Humanized Anti-IgE Monoclonal Antibody1

Purpose. To study the effect of trehalose, lactose, and mannitol on the biochemical stability and aerosol performance of spray-dried powders of an anti-IgE humanized monoclonal antibody. Methods. Protein aggregation of spray-dried powders stored at various temperature and relative humidity conditions was assayed by size exclusion chromatography and sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Protein glycation was determined by isoelectric focusing and affinity chromatography. Crystallization was examined by X-ray powder diffraction. Aerosol performance was assessed as the fine particle fraction (FPF) of the powders blended with coarse carrier lactose, and was determined using a multiple stage liquid impinger. Results. Soluble protein aggregation consisting of non-covalent and disulfide-linked covalent dimers and trimers occurred during storage. Aggregate was minimized by formulation with trehalose at or above a molar ratio in the range of 300:1 to 500:1 (excipient:protein). However, the powders were excessively cohesive and unsuitable for aerosol administration. Lactose had a similar stabilizing effect, and the powders exhibited acceptable aerosol performance, but protein glycation was observed during storage. The addition of mannitol also reduced aggregation, while maintaining the FPF, but only up to a molar ratio of 200:1. Further increased mannitol resulted in crystallization, which had a detrimental effect on protein stability and aerosol performance. Conclusions. Protein stability was improved by formulation with carbohydrate. However, a balance must be achieved between the addition of enough stabilizer to improve protein biochemical stability without compromising blended powder aerosol performance.     

Development of a Freeze-Dried Albumin-Free Formulation of Recombinant Factor VIII SQ

Purpose. To develop a stable freeze-dried formulation of recombinant factor VIII-SQ (r-VIII SQ) without the addition of albumin. Methods. Different formulations were evaluated for their protective effect during sterile filtration, freeze-thawing, freeze-drying, reconstitution and long term storage. Factor VIII activity (VIII:C), visual inspection, clarity, solubility, moisture content and soluble aggregates and/or fragments were assayed. Results. A combination of non-crystallising excipients (L-histidine and sucrose), a non-ionic surfactant (polysorbate 80) and a crystalline bulking agent (sodium chloride) was found to preserve the factor VIII activity during formulation, freeze-drying and storage. Calcium chloride was included to prevent dissociation of the heavy and light chains of r-VIII SQ. Sodium chloride was chosen as the primary bulking agent since the concentration of sodium chloride necessary for dissolution of r-VIII SQ in the buffer will inhibit the crystallization of many potential cake formers. It was found that L-histidine, besides functioning as a buffer, also protected r-VIII SQ during freeze-drying and storage. A pH close to 7 was found to be optimal. Some potential macromolecular stabilisers, PEG 4000, Haes^®-steril and Haemaccel^®, were evaluated but they did not improve the recovery of VII:C. The freeze-dried formulation was stable for at least two years at 7°C and for at least one year at 25°C. The reconstituted solution was stable for at least 100 hours at 25°C. Conclusions. The albumin-free formulation resulted in consistently high recovery of VII:C, very low aggregate formation and good storage stability. The stability of the reconstituted solution makes the formulation suitable for continuous administration via infusion pump. The formulation strategy described here may also be useful for other proteins which require a high ionic strength.     

Solubilization of Retinoids by Bile Salt/ Phospholipid Aggregates

Purpose. The capacity and specificity of bile salt (BS)/phosphatidylcholine (PC) mixed lipid aggregated systems in solubilizing four structurally related retinoids, etretinate, motretinid, fenretinide and N-ethyl retinamide, were determined. Methods. Excess solid drug was dispersed into sodium taurocholate (NaTC)/egg PC systems at lipid ratios of 10:0, 10:2 and 10 mM:10 mM in isotonic HEPES buffer, pH 6.5. A sensitive HPLC method was used to quantify the amount solubilized. The melting point and associated enthalpy change as well as the aqueous solubilities were also measured. Results. The retinoids had aqueous solubilities of less than 25 nM. The predicted aqueous solubility was less than 0.01 nM. The amount of retinoid in 10 mM NaTC was increased from three to four orders of magnitude relative to the aqueous solubility. Further increases in the amount solubilized were observed in the 10:10 mixed micelle dispersion. Fenretinide and N-ethyl retinamide were particularly well solubilized by BS and BS/PC aggregated systems which may be related to the presence of a cyclohexenyl ring. Conclusions. The discrepancy between the observed and predicted aqueous solubility may be due to self-association of the retinoids. Micellar/aqueous distribution ratios appear to be dominated by the hydrophobic effect, although specific interactions also are important. In considering intestinal absorption, the large increase in solubilization with BS/PC micelles would be capable of dramatically increasing the bioavailability in spite of the smaller effective diffusivity of the solubilized retinoid.     

Effective Inhibition of Mannitol Crystallization in Frozen Solutions by Sodium Chloride

Purpose. The purpose of this work was to study the possibility of preventing mannitol crystallization in frozen solutions by using pharmaceutically acceptable additives. Methods. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and low-temperature X-ray diffractometry (LTXRD) were used to characterize the effect of additives on mannitol crystallization. Results. DSC screening revealed that salts (sodium chloride, sodium citrate, and sodium acetate) inhibited mannitol crystallization in frozen solutions more effectively than selected surfactants, -cyclodextrin, polymers, and alditols. This finding prompted further studies of the crystallization in the mannitol-NaCl-water system. Isothermal DSC results indicated that mannitol crystallization in frozen solutions was significantly retarded in the presence of NaCl and that NaCl did not crystallize until mannitol crystallization completed. Low-temperature X-ray diffractometry data showed that when a 10% w/v mannitol solution without additive was cooled at 1°C/min, the crystalline phases emerging after ice crystallization were those of a mannitol hydrate as well as the anhydrous polymorphs. In the presence of NaCl (5% w/v), mannitol crystallization was suppressed during both cooling and warming and occurred only after annealing and rewarming. In the latter case however, mannitol did not crystallize as the hydrate, but as the anhydrous polymorph. At a lower NaCl concentration of 1% w/v, the inhibitory effect of NaCl on mannitol crystallization was evident even during annealing at temperatures close to the Tg (–40°C). A preliminary lyophilization cycle with polyvinyl pyrrolidone and NaCl as additives rendered mannitol amorphous. Conclusion. The effectiveness of additives in inhibiting mannitol crystallization in frozen solutions follows the general order: salts > alditols > polyvinyl pyrrolidone > -cyclodextrin > polysorbate 80 polyethylene glycol poloxamer. The judicious use of additives can retain mannitol amorphous during all the stages of the freeze-drying cycle.     

Solubility Predictions for Solid Nitriles and Tertiary Amides Based on the Mobile Order Theory

The solubilities of hexadecanenitrile, octadecanenitrile, N,N-diphenyl capramide, and N.N-diphenyl lauramide are predicted in common organic nonelectrolyte solvents using the solubility equation derived from the mobile order theory. In the framework of this theory, the formation of hydrogen bonds is treated on the basis of stability constants. Two values characterizing the nitrile–alcohol and the tertiary amide–alcohol hydrogen bonds, 175 and 600 cm³ mol^–1, respectively, are determined. Although the formation of solute–solvent specific molecular interactions brings about a net increase in the solubility, the solubilities of the nitriles and amides in alcohols remain lower than those measured in nonassociated solvents because of the large negative hydrophobic effect of the alcohol molecules.     

Reactivity, SCE induction and mutagenicity of benzyl chloride derivatives

Benzyl chloride, benzyl bromide, p-methylbenzyl chloride, and p-nitrobenzyl chloride were used to study chemical reactivity with 4-(p-nitrobenzyl)-pyridine (NBP), and with guanosine in vitro, in relation to mutagenic potency in S. typhimurium and sister chromatid exchange (SCE) induction in CHO cells. Benzyl bromide was found to be the most reactive compound, followed by p-methylbenzyl chloride, benzyl chloride and p-nitrobenzyl chloride. The order of mutagenicity was p-nitrobenzyl chloride much greater than benzyl bromide greater than benzyl chloride approximately equal to p-methylbenzyl chloride. The compounds tested caused base-pair mutations only. The order of SCE-inducing ability decreased as follows: benzyl bromide greater than benzyl chloride approximately equal to p-nitrobenzyl chloride approximately equal to p-methylbenzyl chloride. The particularly high mutagenicity of p-nitrobenzyl chloride in bacteria may be due to reactions other than direct aralkylation, or it may react particularly actively with DNA. Among the other compounds, benzyl bromide was the most active aralkylating compound, mutagen and SCE inducer. The results suggested that reaction of N2 of guanine, as compared with N-7 of guanine, failed to show any remarkable mutagenicity or SCE induction, since p-methylbenzyl chloride, reacting preferentially at N2 of guanosine, failed to show unexceptional potency.     

5-羟基-4'-硝基-7-取代苄氧基-异黄酮的合成及抗肿瘤活性

目的设计合成7-取代苄氧基-5-羟基-4’-硝基金雀异黄素衍生物,并进行体外抗肿瘤活性测试。方法以氯苄为起始原料,经取代、硝化、Friedel-Crafts反应、环合和苄基化得到目标化合物。结果合成了2类重要中间体:4’-硝基脱氧安息香和4’-硝基金雀异黄素和7个目标化合物,并经元素分析和1H NMR确证其结构。结论 7位羟基引入苄基不能提高该类化合物的抗肿瘤活性。     

Crystallization Behavior of Mannitol in Frozen Aqueous Solutions

Purpose. To study the effect of cooling rate, the influence of phosphate buffers and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) on the crystallization behavior of mannitol in frozen aqueous solutions. Methods. Low-temperature differential scanning calorimetry and powder X-ray diffractometry were used to characterize the frozen solutions. Results. Rapid cooling (20°C/min) inhibited mannitol crystallization, whereas at slower cooling rates (10°C and 5°C/min) partial crystallization was observed. The amorphous freeze-concentrate was characterized by two glass transitions at -32°C and -25°C. When the frozen solutions were heated past the two glass transition temperatures, the solute crystallized as mannitol hydrate. An increase in the concentration of PVP increased the induction time for the crystallization of mannitol hydrate. At concentrations of 100 mM, the buffer salts significantly inhibited mannitol crystallization. Conclusions. The crystallization behavior of mannitol in frozen solutions was influenced by the cooling rate and the presence of phosphate buffers and PVP.     

Improved oral delivery of resveratrol using proliposomal formulation: investigation of various factors contributing to prolonged absorption of unmetabolized resveratrol

Objectives: The objective of this study was to design lipid-based formulation to enhance the absorption of unmetabolized resveratrol (RSV) over adequate time and investigate various factors that contribute to prolonged absorption of RSV.

Methods: Proliposomal formulations containing distearoyl phosphatidyl choline (DSPC) with or without cholesterol were prepared and evaluated. The liposomes obtained from hydration of proliposomal mixture were evaluated for size, zeta, physical appearance and entrapment. The integrity of liposomes in bile salt solution and solubility of RSV in sodium taurocholate solution in the presence of various concentrations of DSPC were evaluated to assess the stability and in varied gastrointestinal conditions. Finally, oral pharmacokinetic studies of liposomal dispersions in comparison with RSV solution were evaluated.

Results: Results revealed that spontaneous formation of liposomes did not occur upon hydration of RSV: DSPC proliposomes rather showed tendency to form loose cotton-like aggregates. Cholesterol aided in the formation of stable liposomes with large negative zeta potential. Release of RSV from liposomes in the presence of taurocholate was dependent on the amount and type of total lipid. Liposomes without cholesterol showed faster release, and release increased as the amount of DSPC in the formulation increased. Solubility studies indicated that DSPC increases the solubility of RSV in the presence of sodium taurocholate, and corroborates that bilayer assembly is disrupted because of interaction between RSV and DSPC. Mixture of RSV:DSPC:Chol at 1:0.25:0.25 formed stable colloidal dispersion with zeta potential ?22 and released only 20 – 23% of entrapped RSV when incubated with 20 mM sodium taurocholate. Pharmacokinetic profile revealed that AUC and C_max were twofold higher than plain RSV.

Conclusion: The proliposomal formulation optimized by considering various physicochemical factors and simulated in vitro testing result in significant improvement rate and extent of absorption of unmetabolized RSV.