Preparation and testing of cefquinome-loaded poly lactic-co-glycolic acid microspheres for lung targeting

The aim of this study was to prepare cefquinome-loaded poly lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) microspheres and to evaluate their in vitro and in vivo characteristics. Microspheres were prepared using a spry drier and were characterized in terms of morphology, size, drug-loading coefficient, encapsulation ratio and in vitro release. The prepared microspheres were spherical with smooth surfaces and uniform size (12.4?±?1.2?μm). The encapsulation efficiency and drug loading of cefquinome was 91.6?±?2.6 and 18.3?±?1.3%, respectively. In vitro release of cefquinome from the microspheres was sustained for 36?h. In vivo studies identified the lung as the target tissue and the region of maximum cefquinome release. A partial lung inflammation was observed but disappeared spontaneously as the microspheres were removed through in vivo decay. The sustained cefquinome release from the microspheres revealed its applicability as a drug delivery system that minimized exposure to healthy tissues while increasing the accumulation of therapeutic drug at the target site. These results indicated that the spray-drying method of loading cefquinome into PLGA microspheres is a straightforward method for lung targeting in animals.     

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.     

Design and formulation of mucoadhesive microspheres of sitagliptin

Mucoadhesive microspheres of sitagliptin (SITCM), a new anti-diabetic drug was prepared with carbopol 934?P using Buchi B-90 nano spray drier and optimized to analyse the key effects and relations of three factors on formulation of SITCM were studied. The appearance of the microspheres was found to be shriveled to nearly spherical, with a narrow size of 2–8?µm. The drug loading and percentage yield was found to be 73?±?0.2% and 92?±?0.3%, respectively. In vitro release indicated Korsmeyer–Peppas pattern mucoadhesion of SITCM-8 was found to be 7.8?±?0.3?h. In vivo studies in rats suggest that the sitagliptin was retained in the gastrointestinal tract for an extended period of time (～12?h) and control group was reduced significantly (～4?h). This study concludes that the mucoadhesive microsphere could be one of the most appropriate drug delivery approaches for the successful delivery of sitagliptin.     

Release optimization of epidermal growth factor from PLGA microparticles

Abstract

The objective of this study was to prepare poly lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA)-based microparticles as potential carriers for recombinant human epidermal growth factor (rhEGF). In order to optimize characteristic parameters of protein-loaded microspheres, bovine serum albumin (BSA) was selected as the model protein. To reduce burst release as a common problem of microspheres, a proper alteration in the particle composition was used, such as addition of poly vinyl alcohol and changes in initial drug loading. The effects of these parameters on particle size, encapsulation efficiency and in vitro release kinetics of BSA in PLGA microspheres were investigated using a Box–Behnken response surface methodology. The biological activity of the released rhEGF was assessed using human skin fibroblasts cell proliferation assay. The prepared rhEGF-loaded microspheres had an average size of 6.44?±?2.45?µm, encapsulation efficiency of 97.04?±?1.13%, burst release of 13.06?±?1.35% and cumulative release of 22.56?±?2.41%. The proliferation of human skin fibroblast cells cultivated with rhEGF releasate of microspheres was similar to that of pure rhEGF, indicating the biological activity of released protein confirming the stability of rhEGF during microsphere preparation. These results are in agreement with the purpose of our study to prepare rhEGF-entrapped PLGA microparticles with optimized characteristics.     

Development and characterization of colon specific drug delivery system bearing 5-ASA and camylofine dihydrochloride for the treatment of ulcerative colitis

The treatment of ulcerative colitis (inflammatory bowel disease, IBD) has been achieved by using colon specific drug delivery system bearing 5-ASA and Camylofine dihydrochloride. Chitosan microspheres were prepared separately for both the drugs using emulsion method followed by enteric coating with Eudragit^®S-100. The in vitro drug release was investigated in different simulated GIT medium. The drug release in PBS (pH7.4) and simulated gastric fluid has shown almost similar pattern and rate, whereas a significant increase in drug release (70.3?±?1.36 and 72.5?±?1.33% of 5-ASA and Camylofine, respectively) was observed in medium containing 3% rat caecal matter, after 24?h. In control study, 57.1?±?1.13% of 5-ASA and 59.2?±?1.2% of Camylofine release was observed in 24?h. For enzyme induction, rats were orally administered with 1?mL of 1% w/v dispersion of chitosan for 5 days and release rate studies were conducted in SCF with 3% w/v of caecal matter. An enhanced drug release (i.e., 92.3?±?3.81 and 95.5?±?3.52% 5-ASA and Camylofine, respectively) was observed after 24?h in dissolution medium containing 3% caecal content obtained from enzyme induced animals. In vivo data showed that microspheres delivered most of its drug load (76.55?±?2.13%) to the colon after 9?h, which reflects its targeting potential to the colon. It is concluded that orally administered microspheres of both drugs can be used together for the specific delivery of drug to the colon and reduce symptoms of ulcerative colitis.     

Enhanced oral bioavailability of calcium using bovine serum albumin microspheres

Low oral bioavailability of calcium leads to impairment of calcium homeostasis particularly during the high requirement phases of human growth. The objective of the current study was to prepare microspheres of calcium using bovine serum albumin and assess its viability to enhance the oral bioavailability. Microspheres of calcium were prepared by emulsion chemical cross linking method, characterized, evaluated for in vitro release and in vivo absorption. The prepared microspheres were found to be spherical in shape with smooth surface. High entrapment efficiency (>50%), desired particle size (<10 µm), high zeta potential values (?30.91?±?3.06 to ?34.65?±?1.01 mV) and low polydispersity indices (0.61?±?0.04 to 0.88?±?0.05) were recorded in the prepared microspheres. In vitro release profile suggests that <10% of calcium was discharged in the gastric media (in 30?min) from the microspheres prepared using higher drug/polymer ratio (1:1, formulation F4). The pharmacokinetic data obtained in Sprague–Dawley rats showed that the rate and extent of calcium absorption was significantly enhanced following the administration of microspheres. The serum calcium level profiles indicate that the C_max and AUC_0–α were significantly higher (p < 0.001) when calcium was administered from microspheres when compared to control. Rapid absorption of calcium was also observed from microspheres and may be attributed to a greater uptake into intestinal Peyer’s patches. Given the excellent results in the in vivo studies, it can be concluded that calcium loaded bovine serum albumin microspheres could be an effective and promising approach for the oral therapy of calcium. Indeed, this approach can be an alternative to parenteral therapy in acute hypocalcaemia as well.     

5-Fluorouracil-loaded microspheres prepared by spray-drying poly(D,L-lactide) and poly(lactide-co-glycolide) polymers: Characterization and drug release

5-Fluorouracil (5-FU), a hydrosoluble anti-neoplastic drug, was encapsulated in microspheres of poly(D,L-lactide) (PLA) and poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) polymers using the spray-drying technique, in order to obtain small size microspheres with a significant drug entrapment efficiency. Drug-loaded microspheres included between 47?±?11 and 67?±?12?µg 5-FU?mg^?1 microspheres and the percentage of entrapment efficiency was between 52?±?12 and 74?±?13. Microspheres were of small size (average diameter: 0.9?±?0.4–1.4?±?0.8?µm microspheres without drug; 1.1?±?0.5–1.7?±?0.9?µm 5-FU-loaded microspheres) and their surface was smooth and slightly porous, some hollows or deformations were observed in microspheres prepared from polymers with larger T_g. A fractionation process of the raw polymer during the formation of microspheres was observed as an increase of the average molecular weight and also of T_g of the polymer of the microspheres. The presence of 5-FU did not modify the T_g values of the microspheres. Significant interactions between the drug and each one of the polymers did not take place and total release of the included drug was observed in all cases. The time needed for the total drug release (28–129?h) was in the order PLA?>?PLGA 75/25?>?PLGA 50/50. A burst effect (17–20%) was observed during the first hour and then a period of constant release rate (3.52?±?0.82–1.46?±?0.26?µg 5-FU?h^?1 per milligram of microspheres) up to 8 or 13?h, depending on the polymer, was obtained.     

Insulin delivery through nasal route using thiolated microspheres

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to investigate the potential of developed thiolated microspheres for insulin delivery through nasal route. In the present study, cysteine was immobilized on carbopol using EDAC. A total of 269.93?µmol free thiol groups per gram polymer were determined. The prepared nonthiolated and thiolated microspheres were studied for particle shape, size, drug content, swellability, mucoadhesion and in vitro insulin release. The thiolated microspheres exhibited higher mucoadhesion due to formation of covalent bonds via disulfide bridges with the mucus gel layer. Drug permeation through goat nasal mucosa of nonthiolated and thiolated microspheres were found as 52.62?±?2.4% and 78.85?±?3.1% in 6?h, respectively. Thiolated microspheres bearing insulin showed better reduction in blood glucose level (BGL) in comparison to nonthiolated microspheres as 31.23?±?2.12% and 75.25?±?0.93% blood glucose of initial BGL were observed at 6?h after nasal delivery of thiolated and nonthiolated microspheres in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rabbits.     

In vitro evaluation of α-lipoic acid-loaded lipid nanocapsules for topical delivery

This study aimed at in vitro evaluation of α-lipoic acid-loaded lipid nanocapsules for topical delivery, which was prepared by hot high-pressure homogenisation. Stable particles could be formed and particle size was 148.54?±?2.31?nm with polydispersity index below 0.15. Encapsulation efficiency and drug loading of α-lipoic acid were 95.23?±?0.45% and 2.81?±?0.37%. Antioxidant study showed α-lipoic acid could be protected by lipid nanocapsules without loss of antioxidant activity. Sustained release of α-lipoic acid from lipid nanocapsules was obtained and cumulative release was 62.18?±?1.51%. In vitro percutaneous study showed the amount of α-lipoic acid distributed in skin was 1.7-fold than permeated. Cytotoxicity assay and antioxidant activity on L929 cells indicated this formulation had low cytotoxicity and ability of protecting cells from oxidative damage within specific concentration. These studies suggested α-lipoic acid-loaded lipid nanocapsules could be potential formulation for topical delivery.     

Nanoparticle-based topical ophthalmic formulation for sustained release of stereoisomeric dipeptide prodrugs of ganciclovir

Poly(d,l-lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles (NP) of Val-Val dipeptide monoester prodrugs of ganciclovir (GCV) including L-Val-L-Val-GCV (LLGCV), L-Val-D-Val-GCV (LDGCV) and D-Val-L-Val-GCV (DLGCV) were formulated and dispersed in thermosensitive PLGA-PEG-PLGA polymer gel for the treatment of herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1)-induced viral corneal keratitis. Nanoparticles containing prodrugs of GCV were prepared by a double-emulsion solvent evaporation technique using various PLGA polymers with different drug/polymer ratios. Nanoparticles were characterized with respect to particle size, entrapment efficiency, polydispersity, drug loading, surface morphology, zeta potential and crystallinity. Prodrugs-loaded NP were incorporated into in situ gelling system. These formulations were examined for in vitro release and cytotoxicity. The results of optimized entrapment efficiencies of LLGCV-, LDGCV- and DLGCV-loaded NP are of 38.7?±?2.0%, 41.8?±?1.9%, and 45.3?±?2.2%; drug loadings 3.87?±?0.20%, 2.79?±?0.13% and 3.02?±?0.15%; yield 85.2?±?3.0%, 86.9?±?4.6% and 76.9?±?2.1%; particle sizes 116.6?±?4.5, 143.0?±?3.8 and 134.1?±?5.2?nm; and zeta potential ?15.0?±?4.96, ?13.8?±?5.26 and ?13.9?±?5.14?mV, respectively. Cytotoxicity studies suggested that all the formulations are non-toxic. In vitro release of prodrugs from NP showed a biphasic release pattern with an initial burst phase followed by a sustained phase. Such burst effect was completely eliminated when NP were suspended in thermosensitive gels with near zero-order release kinetics. Prodrugs-loaded PLGA NP dispersed in thermosensitive gels can thus serve as a promising drug delivery system for the treatment of anterior eye diseases.     

Sodium fusidate-poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) microspheres: Preparation,characterisation and in vivo evaluation of their effectiveness in the treatment of chronic osteomyelitis

Purpose: The aim of this study was to prepare poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) microspheres containing sodium fusidate (SF) using a double emulsion solvent evaporation method with varying polymer:drug ratios (1:1, 2.5:1, 5:1) and to evaluate its efficiency for the local treatment of chronic osteomyelitis.

Methods: The particle size and distribution, morphological characteristics, thermal behaviour, drug content, encapsulation efficiency and in vitro release assessments of the formulations had been carried out. Sterilized SF-PLGA microspheres were implanted in the proximal tibia of rats with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) osteomyelitis. After 3 weeks of treatment, bone samples were analysed with a microbiological assay.

Results: PLGA microspheres between the size ranges of 2.16–4.12?µm were obtained. Production yield of all formulations was found to be higher than 79% and encapsulation efficiencies of 19.8–34.3% were obtained. DSC thermogram showed that the SF was in an amorphous state in the microspheres and the glass transition temperature (T_g) of PLGA was not influenced by the preparation procedure. In vitro drug release studies had indicated that these microspheres had significant burst release and their drug release rates were decreased upon increasing the polymer:drug ratio (p?<?0.05). Based on the in vivo data, rats implanted with SF-PLGA microspheres and empty microspheres showed 1987?±?1196 and 55526?±?49086 colony forming unit of MRSA in 1?g bone samples (CFU/g), respectively (p?<?0.01).

Conclusion: The in vitro and in vivo studies had shown that the implanted SF loaded microspheres were found to be effective for the treatment of chronic osteomyelitis in an animal experimental model. Hence, these microspheres may be potentially useful in the clinical setting.     

CXCL1 microspheres: a novel tool to stimulate arteriogenesis

Context: After arterial occlusion, diametrical growth of pre-existing natural bypasses around the obstruction, i.e. arteriogenesis, is the body’s main coping mechanism. We have shown before that continuous infusion of chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 1 (CXCL1) promotes arteriogenesis in a rodent hind limb ischemia model.

Objective: For clinical translation of these positive results, we developed a new administration strategy of local and sustained delivery. Here, we investigate the therapeutic potential of CXCL1 in a drug delivery system based on microspheres.

Materials and methods: We generated poly(ester amide) (PEA) microspheres loaded with CXCL1 and evaluated them in vitro for cellular toxicity and chemokine release characteristics. In vivo, murine femoral arteries were ligated and CXCL1 was administered either intra-arterially via osmopump or intramuscularly encapsulated in biodegradable microspheres. Perfusion recovery was measured with Laser-Doppler.

Results: The developed microspheres were not cytotoxic and displayed a sustained chemokine release up to 28?d in vitro. The amount of released CXCL1 was 100-fold higher than levels in native ligated hind limb. Also, the CXCL1-loaded microspheres significantly enhanced perfusion recovery at day 7 after ligation compared with both saline and non-loaded conditions (55.4?±?5.0% CXCL1-loaded microspheres versus 43.1?±?4.5% non-loaded microspheres; n?=?8–9; p?<?0.05). On day 21 after ligation, the CXCL1-loaded microspheres performed even better than continuous CXCL1 administration (102.1?±?4.4% CXCL1-loaded microspheres versus 85.7?±?4.8% CXCL1 osmopump; n?=?9; p?<?0.05).

Conclusion: Our results demonstrate a proof of concept that sustained, local delivery of CXCL1 encapsulated in PEA microspheres provides a new tool to stimulate arteriogenesis in vivo.     

Preparation and characterization of textile-based carrier systems for anal fissure treatment

Anal fissure is common and painful disease of anorectum. In this study, microparticles containing nifedipine and lidocaine HCl were prepared by spray drying and applied to bio-degradable and bio-stable tampons. Characterization of microparticles was determined by visual analyses, mass yield, particle size measurement, encapsulation efficiency, drug loading and in vitro drug release. Mass yield was between 5.5 and 45.9%. The particle size was between 15.1 and 26.8?µm. Encapsulation efficiency were 96.142?±?5.931 and 85.571?±?3.301; drug loading were 65.261?±?3.914% and 37.844?±?4.339% of L2 and N1, respectively. Well-separated, mainly spherical microparticles with suitable properties were obtained. Optimum microparticles were applied to tampons. Physical properties and visual characteristics of tampons were investigated before and after binder application. In vitro drug release from tampons were also examined. According to the results, textile-based carrier systems loaded microparticles containing nifedipine and lidocaine HCl will be an effective and promising alternative for current anal fissure treatment.     

Effects of formulation parameters on encapsulation efficiency and release behavior of thienorphine loaded PLGA microspheres

To develop a long-acting injectable thienorphine biodegradable poly (d, l-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) microsphere for the therapy of opioid addiction, the effects of formulation parameters on encapsulation efficiency and release behavior were studied. The thienorphine loaded PLGA microspheres were prepared by o/w solvent evaporation method and characterized by HPLC, SEM, laser particle size analysis, residual solvent content and sterility testing. The microspheres were sterilized by gamma irradiation (2.5 kGy). The results indicated that the morphology of the thienorphine PLGA microspheres presented a spherical shape with smooth surface, the particle size was distributed from 30.19?±?1.17 to 59.15?±?0.67μm and the drug encapsulation efficiency was influenced by drug/polymer ratio, homogeneous rotation speed, PVA concentration in the water phase and the polymer concentration in the oil phase. These changes were also reflected in drug release. The plasma drug concentration vs. time profiles were relatively smooth for about 25 days after injection of the thienorphine loaded PLGA microspheres to beagle dogs. In vitro and in vivo correlation was established.     

Influence of magnesium stearate on the physicochemical and pharmacodynamic characteristics of insulin-loaded Eudragit entrapped mucoadhesive microspheres

Abstract

Effective oral insulin delivery has remained a challenge to the pharmaceutical industry. This study was designed to evaluate the effect of magnesium stearate on the properties of insulin-loaded Eudragit® RL 100 entrapped mucoadhesive microspheres. Microspheres containing Eudragit® RL 100, insulin, and varying concentrations of magnesium stearate (agglomeration-preventing agent) were prepared by emulsification-coacervation method and characterized with respect to differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), morphology, particle size, loading efficiency, mucoadhesive and micromeritics properties. The in vitro release of insulin from the microspheres was performed in simulated intestinal fluid (SIF, pH 7.2) while the in vivo hypoglycemic effect was investigated by monitoring the plasma glucose level of the alloxan-induced diabetic rats after oral administration. Stable, spherical, brownish, mucoadhesive, discrete and free flowing insulin-loaded microspheres were formed. While the average particle size and mucoadhesiveness of the microspheres increased with an increase in the proportion of magnesium stearate, loading efficiency generally decreased. After 12?h, microspheres prepared with Eudragit® RL 100: magnesium stearate ratios of 15:1, 15:2, 15:3 and 15:4 released 68.20?±?1.57, 79.40?±?1.52, 76.60?±?1.93 and 70.00?±?1.00 (%) of insulin, respectively. Reduction in the blood glucose level for the subcutaneously (sc) administered insulin was significantly (p?≤?0.05) higher than for most of the formulations. However, the blood glucose reduction effect produced by the orally administered insulin-loaded microspheres prepared with four parts of magnesium stearate and fifteen parts of Eudragit® RL 100 after 12?h was equal to that produced by subcutaneously administered insulin solution. The results of this study can suggest that this carrier system could be an alternative for the delivery of insulin.     

Insulin-loaded PLGA microspheres for glucose-responsive release

Porous poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) microspheres were prepared, loaded with insulin, and then coated in poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and a novel boronic acid-containing copolymer [poly(acrylamide phenyl boronic acid-co-N–vinylcaprolactam); p(AAPBA-co-NVCL)]. Multilayer microspheres were generated using a layer-by-layer approach depositing alternating coats of PVA and p(AAPBA-co-NVCL) on the PLGA surface, with the optimal system found to be that with eight alternating layers of each coating. The resultant material comprised spherical particles with a porous PLGA core and the pores covered in the coating layers. Insulin could successfully be loaded into the particles, with loading capacity and encapsulation efficiencies reaching 2.83?±?0.15 and 82.6?±?5.1% respectively, and was found to be present in the amorphous form. The insulin-loaded microspheres could regulate drug release in response to a changing concentration of glucose. In vitro and in vivo toxicology tests demonstrated that they are safe and have high biocompatibility. Using the multilayer microspheres to treat diabetic mice, we found they can effectively control blood sugar levels over at least 18 days, retaining their glucose-sensitive properties during this time. Therefore, the novel multilayer microspheres developed in this work have significant potential as smart drug-delivery systems for the treatment of diabetes.     

Lung-targeted delivery system of curcumin loaded gelatin microspheres

The purpose of the study is to design and evaluate curcumin loaded gelatin microspheres (C-GMS) for effective drug delivery to the lung. C-GMS was prepared by the emulsification-linkage technique and the formulation was optimized by orthogonal design. The mean encapsulation efficiency and drug loading of the optimal C-GMS were 75.5?±?3.82 % and 6.15?±?0.44%, respectively. The C-GMS presented a spherical shape and smooth surface with a mean particle diameter of 18.9 μm. The in vitro drug release behavior of C-GMS followed the first-order kinetics. The tissue distribution showed that the drug concentrations at lung tissue for the C-GMS suspension were significantly higher than those for the curcumin solution, and the Ce for lung was 36.19. Histopathological studies proved C-GMS was efficient and safe to be used as a passive targeted drug delivery system to the lung. Hence, C-GMS has a great potential for the targeted delivery of curcumin to the lung.     

A Comparison of Two Methods for the Preparation Cefquinome-Loaded Gelatin Microspheres for Lung Targeting

Purpose

The aim of this study was to prepare CEQ-loaded gelatin microspheres and compare two preparation methods, evaluate targeting to the lungs.

Methods

Gelatin microspheres containing CEQ were prepared by an emulsion cross-linking method (ECLM) and a spray-drying method (SDM) and were characterized in terms of morphology, size, drug-loading coefficient, encapsulation ratio and in vitro release.

Results

The microspheres prepared by ECLM gave a drug loading (DL) of 19.4?±?2.4% and an entrapment efficiency (EE) of 80.8?±?3.2%. The microspheres prepared by SDM resulted in a DL value of 20.8?±?2.7% and an EE of 95.3?±?3.8%. The average particle size of microspheres was 7-30 μm by both methods and both preparations sustained CEQ release for 36 h in the target tissue (lungs). The in vitro release profile of the microspheres matched the Korsmeyer-Peppas release pattern. In vivo studies identified the lung as the target tissue and the region of maximum CEQ release. Histopathological examination showed a partial lung inflammation that disappeared spontaneously as the microspheres were biodegraded. In general, the formulations were safe.

Conclusion

The well-sustained CEQ release from the microspheres revealed its suitability as a drug delivery vehicle that minimized injury to healthy tissues while achieving the accumulation of therapeutic drug for lung targeting. The intravenous administration of CEQ gelatin microspheres prepared by SDM is of potential value in treating lung diseases in animals.

     

Enhanced oral bioavailability of salmeterol by loaded PLGA microspheres: preparation,in vitro,and in vivo evaluation

The objective of the current study was to prepare microspheres of salmeterol (SM) using poly (lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) and assess its viability to enhance the oral bioavailability. Microspheres of SM were prepared by oil-in-water emulsion-solvent evaporation method. The formulations were characterized in encapsulation efficiency, particle size, zeta potential, and in vitro release. The prepared microspheres were found to be spherical in shape with smooth surface. The size of microspheres ranged from 14.7 to 16.5?µm. The polydispersity index (PDI) was 0.12?±?0.05 and the zeta potential was ?33.2?±?1.4?mV. In vitro release profile, SM was graduated released from the microspheres as time lapsed, suggesting that SM was well entrapped in SM-loaded PLGA microspheres. The model that fitted best for SM released from the microspheres was Higuchi equation. In vivo study, SM-loaded PLGA microspheres are thought to have the potential to maintain SM 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.     

Perspectives of nanoemulsion assisted oral delivery of docetaxel for improved chemotherapy of cancer

Abstract

Context: Nanoemulsions (NE) are one of the robust delivery tools for drugs due to their higher stability and efficacy.

Objectives: The purpose of present investigation is to develop stable, effective and safe NE of docetaxel (DTX).

Methods: Soybean oil, lecithin, Pluronic F68, PEG 4000 and ethanol were employed as excipients and NEs were prepared by hot homogenization followed by ultra-sonication. NEs were optimized and investigated for different in vitro and in vivo parameters viz. droplet size, poly dispersity index, charge; zeta potential, drug content and in vitro drug release, in vitro cytotoxicity, in vitro cell uptake and acute toxicity. Transmission electron microscopy was performed to study morphology and structure of NEs. Stability studies of the optimized formulation were performed.

Results: Droplet size, poly dispersity index, zeta potential, drug content and in vitro drug release were found to be 233.23?±?4.3?nm, 0.24?±?0.010, ?43.66?±?1.9?mV, 96.76?±?1.5%, 96.25?±?2.1%, respectively. NE F11 exhibited higher cell uptake (2.83 times than control) and strong cytotoxic activity against MCF-7 cancer cells (IC₅₀; 13.55?±?0.21?µg/mL at 72?h) whereas no toxicity or necrosis was observed with liver and kidney tissues of mice at a dose of 20?mg/kg. Transmission electron microscopy ensured formation of poly-dispersed and spherical droplets in nanometer range. NE F11 (values indicated above) was selected as the optimized formulation based on the aforesaid parameters.

Conclusion: Conclusively, stable, effective and safe NE was developed which might be used as an alternative DTX therapy.