Simultaneous Water Sorption and Crystallization in ASDs 2: Modeling Long-Term Stabilities.

The physical stability of amorphous solid dispersions (ASDs) is a major topic in the formulation research of oral dosage forms. To minimize the effort of investigating the long-term stability using cost- and time-consuming experiments, we developed a thermodynamic and kinetic modeling framework to predict and understand the crystallization kinetics of ASDs during long-term storage below the glass transition. Since crystallization of the active phrarmaceutical ingredients (APIs) in ASDs largely depends on the amount of water absorbed by the ASDs, water-sorption kinetics and API-crystallization kinetics were considered simultaneously. The developed modeling approach allows prediction of the time evolution of viscosity, supersaturation, and crystallinity as a function of drug load, relative humidity, and temperature. It was applied and evaluated against two-year-lasting crystallization experiments of ASDs containing nifedipine and copovidone or HPMCAS measured in part I of this work. We could show that the proposed modeling approach is able to describe the interplay between water sorption and API crystallization and to predict long-term stabilities of ASDs just based on short-term measurements. Most importantly, it enables explaining and understanding the reasons for different and sometimes even unexpected crystallization behaviors of ASDs.

Multiscale structure analysis of a pH-responsive gelatin/hydroxypropyl methylcellulose phthalate blend using small-angle scattering.

HYPOTHESIS: Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose phthalate (HPMCP) is an enteric polymer that has been employed in drug delivery systems to delay the release of the encapsulated active pharmaceutical ingredients through its pH-responsive solubility change. This has been recently demonstrated as an effective means for delaying the drug release from gelatin/HPMCP hydrogels at gastric pH values. However, structural characteristics of HPMCP agglomeration in gelatin/HPMCP hydrogels is not well understood thus limiting further tailoring of their material properties. EXPERIMENTS: We investigated the multiscale structure of a gelatin/HPMCP hydrogel (1:1 by weight) between pH 2 and 6 at 37 °C, i.e. above the upper critical solution transition temperature of gelatin, using small-angle X-ray scattering and contrast-variation small-angle neutron scattering to understand the pH-responsive structure of HPMCP and the cross-correlation between gelatin and HPMCP. FINDINGS: Agglomeration of HPMCP between pH 2 and 4 was evidenced by the formation of mass fractal structures, with a fractal dimension ranging from 1.5 to 2.7, comprising primary particles with a radius of gyration ranging from 70 to 140 Å. Blending with gelatin influenced the fractal structure of HPMCP and the primary particle size. Gelatin and HPMCP exhibited negative cross-correlation in all probed length scales and pH values, which was attributed to volume-exclusion interaction in a double-network-like solution architecture.

Interplay of Drug-Polymer Interactions and Release Performance for HPMCAS-Based Amorphous Solid Dispersions.

The interplay between drug and polymer chemistry and its impact on drug release from an amorphous solid dispersion (ASD) is a relatively underexplored area. Herein, the release rates of several drugs of diverse chemistry from hydroxypropyl methylcellulose acetate succinate (HPMCAS)-based ASDs were explored using surface area normalized dissolution. The tendency of the drug to form an insoluble complex with HPMCAS was determined through coprecipitation experiments. The role of pH and the extent of drug ionization were probed to evaluate the role of electrostatic interactions in complex formation. Relationships between the extent of complexation and the drug release rate from an ASD were observed, whereby the drugs could be divided into two groups. Drugs with a low extent of insoluble complex formation with HPMCAS tended to be neutral or anionic and showed reasonable release at pH 6.8 even at higher drug loadings. Cationic drugs formed insoluble complexes with HPMCAS and showed poor release when formulated as an ASD. Thus, and somewhat counterintuitively, a weakly basic drug showed a reduced release rate from an ASD at a bulk solution pH where it was ionized, relative to when unionized. The opposite trend was observed in the absence of polymer for the neat amorphous drug. In conclusion, electrostatic interactions between HPMCAS and lipophilic cationic drugs led to insoluble complex formation, which in turn resulted in ASDs with poor release performance.

Zein and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose acetate succinate microfibers combined with metronidazole benzoate and/or metronidazole-incorporated cellulose nanofibrils for potential periodontal treatment.

The development of flexible and porous materials to control antibacterial delivery is a pivotal endeavor in medical science. In this study, we aimed to produce long and defect-free fibers made of zein and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose acetate succinate (HPMCAS) to be used as a platform for the release of metronidazole (MDZ) and metronidazole benzoate (BMDZ) to be potentially used in periodontal treatment. Microfibers prepared via electrospinning under a 2:3 (w/w) zein to HPMCAS ratio, containing 0.5 % (w/w) poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) and 1 % (w/w) cellulose nanofibril (CNF) were loaded with 40 % (w/w) MDZ, 40 % (w/w) BMDZ, or a combination of 20 % (w/w) of each drug. The addition of CNF improved the electrospinning process, resulting in long fibers with reduced MDZ and BMDZ surface crystallization. MDZ- and BMDZ-incorporated fibers were semicrystalline and displayed commendable compatibility among drugs, nanocellulose and polymeric chains. Release tests showed that zein/HPMCAS/PEO fibers without CNF and with 20 % (w/w) MDZ/ 20 % (w/w) BMDZ released the drug at a slower and more sustained rate compared to other samples over extended periods (up to 5 days), which is a favorable aspect concerning periodontitis treatment.

Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose acetate succinate as an exceptional polymer for amorphous solid dispersion formulations: A review from bench to clinic.

Amorphous solid dispersions (ASDs) are a proven system for achieving a supersaturated state of drug, in which the concentration of drug is greater than its crystalline solubility. The usage of Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose Acetate Succinate (HPMCAS) in the development of ASDs has grown significantly, as evidenced by the fact that majority of commercially approved ASD formulations are based on HPMCAS. HPMCAS has been widely utilized as a solubility enhancer and precipitation inhibitor or stabilizer to achieve supersaturation and inhibit crystallization of drugs in the gastrointestinal tract. The characteristics of HPMCAS ASDs such as less hygroscopic, strong drug-polymer hydrophobic interactions, high solubilization efficiency, greater potential to generate, maintain drug supersaturation and crystallization inhibition outperform other polymeric carriers in ASD development. Furthermore, combining HPMCAS with other polymers or surfactants as ternary ASDs could be a viable approach for enhancing oral absorption of poorly soluble drugs. This review discusses the concepts of supersaturation maintenance or precipitation inhibition of HPMCAS in the ASD formulations. In addition, the mechanisms underlying for improved dissolution performance, oral bioavailability and stability of HPMCAS ASDs are explored.

Solid dispersions based on chitosan/hypromellose phthalate blends to modulate pharmaceutical properties of zidovudine.

Zidovudine (AZT) has been widely used alone or in combination with other antiretroviral drugs for the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus. Its erratic oral bioavailability necessitates frequent administration of high doses, resulting in severe side effects. In this study, the design of mucoadhesive solid dispersions (SDs) based on chitosan (CS) and hypromellose phthalate (HP) was rationalized as a potential approach to modulate AZT physicochemical and pharmaceutical properties. SDs were prepared at different drug:polymer ratios, using an eco-friendly technique, which avoids the use of organic solvents. Particles with diameter from 56 to 73 µm and negative zeta potentials (-27 to -32 mV) were successfully prepared, achieving high drug content. Infrared spectroscopy revealed interactions between polymers but no interactions between the polymers and AZT. Calorimetry and X-ray diffraction analyses showed that AZT was amorphized into the SDs. The mucoadhesive properties of SDs were evidenced, and the control of AZT release rates from the matrix was achieved, mainly in acid media. The simple, low-cost, and scalable technology proposed for production of SDs as a carrier platform for AZT is an innovative approach, and it proved to be a feasible strategy for modulation the physico-chemical, mucoadhesive, and release properties of the drug.

Evolution of Solid Dispersion Technology: Solubility Enhancement Using Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose Acetate Succinate: Myth or Reality?

Poorly aqueous soluble active pharmaceutical ingredients are highly risky development candidates and remain a concern of pharmaceutical industries in drug discovery and development processes. Pharmaceutical industries are putting significant efforts into the target identification and lead candidate development using combinatorial chemistry. About 40% of compounds arising from combinatorial screening are poorly water soluble. Pharmaceutical industries evolved over this challenge by coming up with reproducible and scalable particle size reduction or by identifying alternate morphs. Another important area where pharmaceutical industries are working is solid dispersion technology. With the emergence of the hot-melt extrusion and spray drying approach, many molecules have been brought to the market using solid dispersion technology from the discovery phase by improving bioavailability and thereby efficacy. Although the solid solution technology in the last 60 years evolved from eutectic mixtures, solid dispersions using water-soluble polymers, and enteric polymers especially hydroxypropyl methylcellulose acetate succinate (HPMCAS), still there is no preformulation tool to identify correct polymer or polymer combination at the early stage of development. Thus, this leads to the urgent need to focus on the design and development of third-generation solid dispersions for the unmet needs of the industries and society.

HPMCAS-Coated Alginate Microparticles Loaded with Ctx(Ile21)-Ha as a Promising Antimicrobial Agent against Salmonella Enteritidis in a Chicken Infection Model.

Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Enteritidis (S. Enteritidis) in poultry is most often transmitted by the fecal-oral route, which can be attributed to high population density. Upon encountering the innate immune response in a host, the pathogen triggers a stress response and virulence factors to help it survive in the host. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of hypromellose acetate/succinate (HPMCAS)-coated alginate microparticles containing the Ctx(Ile21)-Ha antimicrobial peptide (AMP) on both intestinal colonization and systemic infection of laying hens challenged with S. Enteritidis. The applied AMP microsystem reduced the bacterial load of S. Enteritidis in the liver, with a statistical significance between groups A (control, no Ctx(Ile21)-Ha peptide) and B (2.5 mg of Ctx(Ile21)-Ha/kg) at 2 days postinfection (dpi), potentially indicating the effectiveness of Ctx(Ile21)-Ha in the first stage of infection by S. Enteritidis. In addition, the results showed a significant decrease in the S. Enteritidis counts in the spleen and cecal content at 5 dpi; remarkably, no S. Enteritidis counts were observed in livers at 5, 7, and 14 dpi, regardless of the Ctx(Ile21)-Ha dosage (p-value <0.0001). Using the Chi-square test, the effect of AMP microparticles on S. Enteritidis fecal excretion was also evaluated, and a significantly lower bacterial excretion was observed over 21 days in groups B and C, in comparison with the untreated control (p-value <0.05). In summary, the use of HPMCAS-Ctx(Ile21)-Ha peptide microcapsules in laying hens drastically reduced the systemic infection of S. Enteritidis, mainly in the liver, indicating a potential for application as a feed additive against this pathogen.

3D printing of pharmaceutical oral solid dosage forms by fused deposition: The enhancement of printability using plasticised HPMCAS.

3D printing (3DP) by fused deposition modelling (FDM) is one of the most extensively developed methods in additive manufacturing. Optimizing printability by improving feedability, nozzle extrusion, and layer deposition is crucial for manufacturing solid oral dosage forms with desirable properties. This work aimed to use HPMCAS (AffinisolTM HPMCAS 716) to prepare filaments for FDM-3DP using hot-melt extrusion (HME). It explored and demonstrated the effect of HME-filament composition and fabrication on printability by evaluating thermal, mechanical, and thermo-rheological properties. It also showed that the HME-Polymer filament composition used in FDM-3DP manufacture of oral solid dosage forms provides a tailored drug release profile. HME (HAAKE MiniLab) and FDM-3DP (MakerBot) were used to prepare HME-filaments and printed objects, respectively. Two diverse ways of improving the mechanical properties of HME-filaments were deduced by changing the formulation to enable feeding through the roller gears of the printer nozzle. These include plasticizing the polymer and adding an insoluble structuring agent (talc) into the formulation. Experimental feedability was predicted using texture analysis results was a function of PEG concentration, and glass-transition temperature (Tg) values of HME-filaments. The effect of high HME screw speed (100 rpm) resulted in inhomogeneity of HME-filament, which resulted in inconsistency of the printer nozzle extrudate and printed layers. The variability of the glass-transition temperature (Tg) of the HME-filament supported by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images of nozzle extrudates and the lateral wall of the printed tablet helped explain this result. The melt viscosity of HPMCAS formulations was investigated using a capillary rheometer. The high viscosity of unplasticized HPMCAS was concluded to be an additional restriction for nozzle extrusion. The plasticization of HPMCAS and the addition of talc into the formulation were shown to improve thickness consistency of printed layers (using homogeneous HME-filaments). A good correlation (R2 = 0.9546) between the solidification threshold (low-frequency oscillation test determined by parallel-plate rheometer) and Tg of HME-filaments was also established. Drug-loaded and placebo HPMCAS-based formulations were shown to be successfully printed, with the former providing tailored drug release profiles based on variation of internal geometry (infill).

Hot-melt extruded hydroxypropyl methylcellulose acetate succinate based amorphous solid dispersions: Impact of polymeric combinations on supersaturation kinetics and dissolution performance.

Nucleation inhibition and maintenance of drug supersaturation over a prolonged period are desirable for improving oral absorption of amorphous solid dispersions. The present study investigates the impact of binary and ternary amorphous solid dispersions on the supersaturation kinetics of nifedipine using the polymers hydroxypropylmethylcellulose acetate succinate (HPMCAS) LG, and HG, Eudragit® RSPO, Eudragit® FS100, Kollidon® VA64 and Plasdone™ K-29/32. The amorphous solubility, nucleation induction time, and particle size analysis of nifedipine in a supersaturated solution were performed with and without the presence of polymers, alone or in combination. The HPMCAS-HG and HPMCAS-HG + LG combinations showed the highest nifedipine amorphous solubility of 169.47, 149.151 µg/mL, respectively and delay in nucleation induction time up to 120 min compared to other polymeric combinations. The solid dispersions prepared via hot melt extrusion showed the transformation of crystalline nifedipine to amorphous form. The in-vitro non-sink dissolution study revealed that although the binary nifedipine/HPMCAS-LG system had shown the greater supersaturation concentration of 66.1 µg/mL but could not maintain a supersaturation level up to 360 min. A synergistic effect emerged for ternary nifedipine/HPMCAS-LG/HPMCAS-HG, and nifedipine/HPMCAS-LG/Eudragit®FS100 systems maintained the supersaturation level with enhanced dissolution performance, demonstrating the potential of polymeric combinations for improved amorphous solid dispersion performance.

Assessment of Exenatide loaded Biotinylated Trimethylated Chitosan/HP- 55 Nanoparticles.

BACKGROUND: Exenatide(EXE) is an anti-hyperglycemic agent approved for treating type 2 diabetes by the Food and Drug Administration(FDA). However, twice-daily injection of exenatide is inconvenient for most of the patients. OBJECTIVE: In this study, biotinylated trimethylated chitosan(Bio-TMC) based nanoparticles were proposed to promote oral absorption of exenatide. Realizing the oral administration of exenatide is very important to alleviate patient suffering and improve patient compliance. METHODS: Bio-TMC was synthesized, and the chemical structure was characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy and 1H NMR spectroscopy. Nanoparticles were prepared through polyelectrolyte interaction in the presence of sodium Tripolyphosphate (TPP) and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose phthalate (HP-55). Formulations were physically and chemically characterized. In vitro release was investigated in different pH media. In vivo antidiabetic activities of biotin modified and non-biotin modified chitosan were evaluated in db/db mice. RESULTS: EXE-loaded Bio-TMC/HP-55 nanoparticles were spherical in shape with a mean diameter of 156.2 nm and zeta potential of +11.3 mV. The drug loading efficiency and loading content were 52.38% and 2.08%, respectively. In vitro release revealed that EXE-loaded Bio-TMC/HP-55 nanoparticles were released faster in pH 1.2 than pH 6.8 (63.71% VS 50.12%), indicating that nanoparticles have enteric characteristics. Antidiabetic activity study revealed that after oral administration to diabetic mice, the relative pharmacological bioavailability (FPharm%) of the biotin modified nanoparticles was found to be 1.27-fold higher compared to the unmodified ones, and the hypoglycemic effect was also found to be better. CONCLUSION: Bio-TMC/HP-55 nanoparticles are feasible as oral drug carriers of exenatide and have the potential to be extended to other drugs that are not readily oral, such as monoclonal antibodies, vaccines, genes, etc. These would be beneficial to the pharmaceutical industry. Further research will focus on the biodistribution of Bio-TMC/HP-55 nanoparticles after oral administration.

Insights into the Release Mechanisms of ITZ:HPMCAS Amorphous Solid Dispersions: The Role of Drug-Rich Colloids.

Understanding the dissolution mechanisms of amorphous solid dispersions (ASDs) and being able to link enhanced drug exposure with process parameters are key when formulating poorly soluble compounds. Thus, in this study, ASDs composed by itraconazole (ITZ) and hydroxypropylmethylcellulose acetate succinate (HPMCAS) were formulated with different polymer grades and drug loads (DLs) and processed by spray drying with different atomization ratios and outlet temperatures. Their in vitro performance and the ability to form drug-rich colloids were then evaluated by a physiologically relevant dissolution method. In gastric media, drug release followed a diffusion-controlled mechanism and drug-rich colloids were not formed since the solubility of the amorphous API at pH 1.6 was not exceeded. After changing to intestinal media, the API followed a polymer dissolution-controlled release, where the polymer rapidly dissolved, promoting the immediate release of API and thus leading to liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) and consequent formation of drug-rich colloids. However, the release of API and polymer was not congruent, so API surface enrichment occurred, which limited the further dissolution of the polymer, leading to a drug-controlled release. ASDs formulated with M-grade showed the highest ability to maintain supersaturation and the lowest tendency for AAPS due to its good balance between acetyl and succinoyl groups, and thus strong interactions with both the hydrophobic drug and the aqueous dissolution medium. The ability to form colloids increased for low DL (15%) and high specific surface area due to the high amount of polymer released until the occurrence of API surface enrichment. Even though congruent release was not observed, all ASDs formed drug-rich colloids that were stable in the solution until the end of the dissolution study (4 h), maintaining the same size distribution (ca. 300 nm). Drug-rich colloids can, in vivo, act as a drug reservoir replenishing the drug while it permeates. Designing ASDs that are prone to form colloids can overcome the solubility constraints of Biopharmaceutics Classification System (BCS) II and IV drugs, posing as a reliable formulation strategy.

Dissolution Kinetics of Nifedipine-Ionizable Polymer Amorphous Solid Dispersion: Comparison Between Bicarbonate and Phosphate Buffers.

PURPOSE: The intestinal fluid pH is maintained by the bicarbonate buffer system that shows unique properties regarding drug dissolution. Nevertheless, current compendial dissolution tests use phosphate buffers. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of bicarbonate and phosphate buffers on the dissolution profiles of amorphous solid dispersions (ASD) composed of ionizable polymers. METHODS: Hydroxypropylmethylcellulose acetate succinate (HPMCAS), amino methacrylate copolymer (AMC), and hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC) were employed as acidic, basic, and neutral polymers, respectively. Nifedipine (NIF) was used as a model drug. Dissolution profiles were measured in pH 6.5 bicarbonate and phosphate buffers by a mini-scale paddle dissolution test. The pH of bicarbonate buffers was maintained by the floating lid method. RESULTS: The pH change of the bicarbonate buffer was suppressed to less than + 0.25 pH for 3 h by the floating lid method. In all cases, the NIF concentration was supersaturated against the solubility of crystalline NIF. The dissolution rates of HPMCAS and AMC ASDs were 1.5 to 2.0-fold slower in the bicarbonate buffer than in the phosphate buffer when compared at the same buffer capacity. The dissolution profile of HPMC ASD was not affected by the buffer species. The higher the buffer capacity and ionic strength, the faster the dissolution rate of HPMCAS ASD. CONCLUSION: The dissolution rate of ASDs with ionizable polymers would be overestimated by using unphysiological phosphate buffer solutions. It is important to use a biorelevant bicarbonate buffer solution for dissolution testing.

Impact of Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose Acetate Succinate Critical Aggregation Concentration on Celecoxib Supersaturation.

Polymers play an important role in amorphous solid dispersions (ASDs), enhancing stability in the solid state and maintaining supersaturation in aqueous solutions of intrinsically low-water-soluble drug candidates. Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose acetate succinate (HPMCAS) is widely used in ASDs due to its hydrophobic/hydrophilic balance and ionizability of the substituent functionalities. While colloid formation of HPMCAS in solution due to this hydrophobic/hydrophilic balance has been studied, the impact of the polymer conformation (random coil vs aggregated) on drug supersaturation of ASDs is not well understood. To our knowledge, this is the first report where the critical aggregation concentration for three grades of HPMCAS (HF/MF/LF) has been determined via fluorescence spectroscopy using the environment-sensitive probe pyrene. The specific impact of polymer conformation (random coil vs aggregate) on the model drug celecoxib (CLX) has been elucidated with fluorescence quenching and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. A negative deviation of the Stern-Volmer plot indicated that aggregated HPMCAS effectively blocked the quencher's access to CLX. This is further supported by NMR observations, where NMR spectra indicate a larger change of chemical shift of the -NH group of CLX when HPMCAS is above its aggregated concentration, suggesting strong H-bonding interactions between aggregated HPMCAS and CLX. Finally, the supersaturation-precipitation study shows that all three grades of HPMCAS in the aggregated state significantly enhanced CLX supersaturation compared to the nonaggregated state, indicating that polymer aggregation plays a critical role in maintaining drug supersaturation.

Impact of co-administered stabilizers on the biopharmaceutical performance of regorafenib amorphous solid dispersions.

Poor solubility of drug candidates is a well-known and thoroughly studied challenge in the development of oral dosage forms. One important approach to tackle this challenge is the formulation as an amorphous solid dispersion (ASD). To reach the desired biopharmaceutical improvement a high supersaturation has to be reached quickly and then be conserved long enough for absorption to take place. In the presented study, various formulations of regorafenib have been produced and characterized in biorelevant in-vitro experiments. Povidone-based formulations, which are equivalent to the marketed product Stivarga®, showed a fast drug release but limited stability and robustness after that. In contrast, HPMCAS-based formulations exhibited excellent stability of the supersaturated solution, but unacceptably slow drug release. The attempt to combine the desired attributes of both formulations by producing a ternary ASD failed. Only co-administration of HPMCAS as an external stabilizer to the rapidly releasing Povidone-based ASDs led to the desired dissolution profile and high robustness. This optimized formulation was tested in a pharmacokinetic animal model using Wistar rats. Despite the promising in-vitro results, the new formulation did not perform better in the animal model. No differences in AUC could be detected when compared to the conventional (marketed) formulation. These data represent to first in-vivo study of the new concept of external stabilization of ASDs. Subsequent in-vitro studies revealed that temporary exposure of the ASD to gastric medium had a significant and long-lasting effect on the dissolution performance and externally administered stabilizer could not prevent this sufficiently. By applying the co-administered HPMCAS as an enteric coating onto Stivarga tablets, a new bi-functional approach was realized. This approach achieved the desired tailoring of the dissolution profile and high robustness against gastric medium as well as against seeding.

Structural changes in pH-responsive gelatin/hydroxypropyl methylcellulose phthalate blends aimed at drug-release systems.

The present study aimed to investigate the thermal- and pH-dependent gelation behavior of gelatin/HPMCP blends using ultraviolet (UV) spectrophotometry, viscoelasticity, and dynamic light scattering (DLS). We found that the release of lisinopril from gelatin/HPMCP gels can be inhibited at low pH. UV spectrophotometric analysis showed that pH had a significant effect on the transparency of aqueous HPMCP systems and gelatin/HPMCP gels. The viscoelastic patterns of gelatin/HPMCP at pH 4.6 considerably differed from those of gelatin/HPMCP at pH 5.2 and 6.0. DLS measurements showed that HPMCP molecules in low concentrations underwent strong aggregation below pH 4.8. Such HPMCP aggregation induces a physical barrier in the matrix structures of the gelatin/HPMCP gels, which inhibits the drug release at pH 1.2. This hydrogel delivery system using polymer blends of gelatin/HPMCP can be used in oral gel formulations with pH-responsive properties.

Development and Quality evaluation of sustained release pellets of eperisone HCl.

The objective was to develop eperisone HCl sustained-release pellets through extrusion spheronization technique and to determine the influence of different hydrophobic (polymeric based and wax-based) and hydrophilic (polymeric based) matrix former on the release of eperisone HCl (BCS class I drug) and on pellet sphericity. The pellet formulations consisted of different hydrophobic and hydrophilic matrix formers like HPMC K4M (10-20%) HPMC K15M (10%), EC (7cps) (10-20%), Carnauba wax (10-20%), Compritol ATO 888 (10-20%), Glyceryl monostearate (10%), lactose and microcrystalline cellulose. The initial burst release of the drug from matrix pellet formulations was effectively controlled by coating with 5% EC (ethylcellulose) dispersion. The dissolution profile and drug release kinetics of coated pellet formulations were determined at both acidic and basic pH medium. SEM (Scanning electron microscope) technique was used to determine the surface morphology and cross-section of F5 and F7 pellet formulation. The mechanism of drug release of coated formulation followed non-Fickian diffusion. FTIR spectroscopy was conducted and no drug and excipients interaction was observed. The results had shown that optimized coated formulation was F5 and F7 which effectively extend the drug release for 12 hours.

Preparation and Characterization of a Lutein Solid Dispersion to Improve Its Solubility and Stability.

Lutein has been used as a dietary supplement for the treatment of eye diseases, especially age-related macular degeneration. For oral formulations, we investigated lutein stability in artificial set-ups mimicking different physiological conditions and found that lutein was degraded over time under acidic conditions. To enhance the stability of lutein upon oral intake, we developed enteric-coated lutein solid dispersions (SD) by applying a polymer, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose acetate succinate (HPMCAS-LF), through a solvent-controlled precipitation method. The SD were characterized in crystallinity, morphology, and drug entrapment. In the dissolution profile of lutein SD, a F80 formulation showed resistance toward the acidic environment under simulated gastric conditions while exhibiting a bursting drug release under simulated intestinal conditions. Our results highlight the potential use of HPMCAS-LF as an effective matrix to enhance lutein bioavailability during oral delivery and to provide novel insights into the eye-care supplement industry, with direct benefits for the health of patients.

Alginate-based microparticles coated with HPMCP/AS cellulose-derivatives enable the Ctx(Ile21)-Ha antimicrobial peptide application as a feed additive.

Microencapsulation is a potential biotechnological tool, which can overcome antimicrobial peptides (AMP) instabilities and reduce toxic side effects. Thus, this study evaluates the antibacterial activities of the Ctx(Ile21)-Ha AMP against multidrug-resistant (MDR) and non-resistant bacteria and develop and characterize peptide-loaded microparticles coated with the enteric polymers hydroxypropylmethylcellulose acetate succinate (HPMCAS) and hydroxypropylmethylcellulose phthalate (HPMCP). Ctx(Ile21)-Ha was obtained by solid phase peptide synthesis (SPPS) method, purified and characterized by HPLC and Mass Spectrometry. The peptide exhibited potent antibiotic activities against Salmonella enteritidis, Salmonella typhimurium, Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MDR), Acinetobacter baumannii (MDR), and Staphylococcus aureus (MDR). Ctx(Ile21)-Ha microencapsulation was performed by ionic gelation with high efficiency, maintaining the physical-chemical stability. Ctx(Ile21)-Ha coated-microparticles were characterized by DSC, TGA, FTIR-Raman, XRD and SEM. Hemolytic activity assay demonstrated that hemolysis was decreased up to 95% compared to single molecule. In addition, in vitro release control profile simulating different portions of gastrointestinal tract was performed and showed the microcapsules' ability to protect the peptide and release it in the intestine, aiming pathogen's location, mainly by Salmonella sp. Therefore, use of microencapsulated Ctx(Ile21)-Ha can be allowed as an antimicrobial controller in monogastric animal production as an oral feed additive (antimicrobial controller), being a valuable option for molecules with low therapeutic indexes or high hemolytic rates.

Effect of gastrointestinal transit on micro-environmental pH inside HPMC matrix tablets - in vitro study.

A commonly used approach to enhance the dissolution of drugs with pH-dependent solubility is the incorporation of pH modifiers. The aim of this study was to evaluate the duration and extent of pH modifying effect on the micro-environmental pH in HPMC matrix by applying two mechanistic approaches regarding hydrodynamic stress on the tested formulation (i.e. static dissolution apparatuses (USP2) and dynamic approaches including the Advanced gastric simulator (AGS) and the Intestinal model for simulation of peristaltic action (IMSPA)). Moreover, the aim of our research was also the preparation of sustained-release matrix systems with improved - enhanced drug dissolution. In our study, the occurrence of a pH gradient in the gel layer of the HPMC tablets was observed during simulation of their passage along different compartments of the GIT. The pH gradient was affected by the media composition and duration of tablet exposure to the surrounding media. Both dissolution methods were also used to evaluate the influence of the mechanical stress on the drug release kinetics. Micro-environmental pH (pHM) was evaluated, using two methods: the cryostatic method with a surface pH electrode, and with the incorporation of a pH sensitive dye (methyl orange) into the matrix tablets. Our study demonstrates a significantly higher dissolution rate due to mechanical stress during the bio-relevant simulation of GIT transit of the mechanically sensitive HPMC tablets with poorly soluble drugs. A considerably higher release rate was also observed from tablets with the weakly basic drugs dipyridamole and propranolol hydrochloride containing pH modifier in case of mechanically bio-relevant dissolution models compared to the USP2 apparatus. For the assessment of the pHM, the incorporation of a pH indicator dye in the HPMC tablet proved to be more suitable, while the cryostatic method was found to be useful only for a rough pHM estimation.