Paclitaxel-Loaded Colloidal Silica and TPGS-Based Solid Self-Emulsifying System Interferes Akt/mTOR Pathway in MDA-MB-231 and Demonstrates Anti-tumor Effect in Syngeneic Mammary Tumors.

A solid self-emulsifying drug delivery system (SEDDS) of paclitaxel (PTX) was developed that could enhance its oral bioavailability and neutralize other niggles associated with conventional delivery systems of PTX. TPGS-centered SEDDS containing PTX was optimized by Box-Behnken experimental design and then formulated as fumed colloidal silica-based solid SEDDS microparticles (Si-PTX-S-SEDDS). AFM analysis exhibited round-shaped microparticles of approximately 2-3 µM diameter, whereas after reconstitution, particle size measurement showed nanoemulsion droplets of 30.00 ± 2.00 nm with a zeta potential of 17.38 ± 2.88 mV. Si-PTX-S-SEDDS displayed improved efficacy proven by reduced IC50 of 0.19 ± 0.03 µM against MDA-MB-231 cells and a 45.83-fold higher cellular uptake in comparison to free PTX. Molecular mechanistic studies showed mitochondria-mediated intrinsic pathway of apoptosis following Akt/mTOR pathway, which is accompanied by survivin downregulation. Rhodamine 123 assay and chylomicron flow blocking studies revealed P-gp inhibition potential and lymphatic uptake of Si-PTX-S-SEDDS, responsible for over 4-fold increment in oral bioavailability compared to PTX administered as Taxol. In vivo anti-tumor studies in syngeneic mammary tumor model in SD rats revealed higher efficacy of Si-PTX-S-SEDDS as evident from significant reduction in tumor burden. In total, the developed Si-PTX-S-SEDDS formulation was found as an appropriate option for oral delivery of PTX.

Click Biotinylation of PLGA Template for Biotin Receptor Oriented Delivery of Doxorubicin Hydrochloride in 4T1 Cell-Induced Breast Cancer.

PLGA was functionalized with PEG and biotin using click chemistry to generate a biotin receptor targeted copolymer (biotinylated-PEG-PLGA) which in turn was used to fabricate ultrafine nanoparticles (BPNP) of doxorubicin hydrochloride (DOX) for effective delivery in 4T1 cell induced breast cancer. However, adequate entrapment of a hydrophilic bioactive like DOX in a hydrophobic polymer system made of PLGA is not usually possible. We therefore modified a conventional W/O/W emulsion method by utilizing NH4Cl in the external phase to constrain DOX in dissolved polymer phase by suppressing DOX's inherent aqueous solubility as per common ion effect. This resulted in over 8-fold enhancement in entrapment efficiency of DOX inside BPNP, which otherwise is highly susceptible to leakage due to its relatively high aqueous solubility. TEM and DLS established BPNP to be sized below 100 nm, storage stability studies showed that BPNP were stable for one month at 4 °C, and in vitro release suggested significant control in drug release. Extensive in vitro and in vivo studies were conducted to propound anticancer and antiproliferative activity of BPNP. Plasma and tissue distribution study supplemented by pertinent in vivo fluorescence imaging mapped the exact fate of DOX contained inside BPNP once it was administered intravenously. A comparative safety profile via acute toxicity studies in mice was also generated to out rightly establish usefulness of BPNP. Results suggest that BPNP substantially enhance anticancer activity of DOX while simultaneously mitigating its toxic potential due to altered spatial and temporal presentation of drug and consequently deserve further allometric iteration.

Doxorubicin Hydrochloride Loaded Zymosan-Polyethylenimine Biopolymeric Nanoparticles for Dual 'Chemoimmunotherapeutic' Intervention in Breast Cancer.

OBJECTIVE: To utilize nanoparticles produced by condensation of zymosan (an immunotherapeutic polysaccharide) with pegylated polyethylenimine (PEG-PEI) for dual intervention in breast cancer by modulating tumor microenvironment and direct chemotherapy. METHOD: Positively charged PEG-PEI and negatively charged sulphated zymosan were utilized for electrostatic complexation of chemoimmunotherapeutic nanoparticles (ChiNPs). ChiNPs were loaded with doxorubicin hydrochloride (DOX) for improved delivery at tumor site and were tested for in-vivo tolerability. Biodistribution studies were conducted to showcase their effective accumulation in tumor hypoxic regions where tumor associated macrophages (TAMs) are preferentially recruited. RESULTS: ChiNPs modulated TAMs differentiation resulting in decrement of CD206 positive population. This immunotherapeutic action was furnished by enhanced expression of Th1 specific cytokines. ChiNPs also facilitated an anti-angiogenetic effect which further reduces the possibility of tumor progression and metastasis.

Subcutaneously Administered Ultrafine PLGA Nanoparticles Containing Doxycycline Hydrochloride Target Lymphatic Filarial Parasites.

Systemic chemotherapeutic targeting of filarial parasites is unfocused due to their deep seated location in lymphatic vessels. This warrants a prolonged dosing regimen in high doses for an anthelmintic like doxycycline hydrochloride (DOX). In order to provide an alternative, we have constructed ultrafine PLGA nanoparticles of DOX (DPNPs), so as to exploit the peculiarity of lymphatic vasculature underneath the subcutaneous layer of skin, which preferentially allows entry of only 10-100 nm sized particles. DPNPs were constructed using a novel solvent diffusion method aided by probe sonication, which resulted in an average size 95.43 ± 0.8 nm as per DLS, PDI 0.168 ± 0.03, zeta potential -7.38 ± 0.32, entrapment efficiency 75.58 ± 1.94%, and refrigerator stability of 7 days with respect to size in the optimized batch. TEM further substantiated the spherical shape of DPNPs along with their actual nonhydrated size as being well below 100 nm. FTIR analysis of DOX, dummy nanoparticles, and freeze-dried DPNPs revealed that the formulation step did not induce prominent changes in the chemical nature of DOX. The drug release was significantly altered (p < 0.05) with 64.6 ± 1.67% release in 48 h from DPNPs and was dictated by Fickian diffusion. Pharmacokinetic studies in Wistar rats further revealed that DPNPs caused a 16-fold prolongation in attainment of plasma Tmax and a 2-fold extension of elimination half-life (28.569 ± 1.27 h) at a dose of 5 mg/kg when compared to native drug (DOX solution) of the same strength. Contrastingly the trend was reversed in regional lymph nodes where Cmax for DPNPs (820 ± 84 ng/mg) was 4-fold greater, and lymphatic Tmax was attained in one-fourth of what was required for DOX solution. This size based preferential lymphatic targeting resulted in significantly greater in vivo antifilarial activity of DPNPs when compared to DOX solution as gauged by several parameters in Brugia malayi infected Mastomys coucha. Interestingly, the magnification in efficacy was obtained despite equivalent in vitro antifilarial activity of DOX solution and DPNPs against B. malayi worms.

Cellulose Buccoadhesive Film Bearing Glimepiride: Physicomechanical Characterization and Biophysics of Buccoadhesion.

The present study aimed to develop buccoadhesive film of glimepiride with unique combination of polymers and to investigate its effect(s) on physicomechanical parameters, drug-release, and permeation of films. Drug-polymer interaction was examined by FTIR and DSC analysis. Films were prepared by solvent casting technique and characterized for film strength (320 ± 8.5 g, 28.98 ± 2.00 mJ), buccoadhesive strength (28.8 ± 1.37 g, 3.04 ± 0.32 mJ), and tensile strength (260 ± 6.88 g, 18.00 ± 0.44 mJ) by new instrumental techniques. Increase in polymer concentration augmented zeta potential of polymeric matrix-mucin mixture and exhibited strong buccoadhesion (electrical theory). Buccoadhesion was also influenced by particle size (adsorption theory) and swelling (wetting theory). Erosion behavior of films was observed in swelling and SEM studies. Film GM4 exhibited 98 ± 2% in vitro drug release and 85 ± 8% ex vivo drug permeation in 12 h with controlled diffusion mechanism. Films were compatible with oral probiotic microorganisms. Stability studies revealed no significant (P < 0.05) variation in physicomechanical characteristics.

Determination of required hydrophilic-lipophilic balance of citronella oil and development of stable cream formulation.

CONTEXT: Citronella oil is reported to have excellent mosquito-repellent activity. To develop a stable cream formulation (emulsion), its hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) value is important. OBJECTIVE: To determine required hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (rHLB) value of citronella oil and to develop stable cream formulation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Emulsions of citronella oil were prepared by phase inversion temperature technique using water, Tween 80 and Span 80. A first series of 11 emulsions with HLB values ranging from 5.0 to 15.0 and a second series of eight emulsions with smaller interval in HLB values from 11.0 to 13.8 were prepared. Emulsions were evaluated for creaming index, droplet size and turbidity to determine rHLB. Utilizing determined rHLB, citronella oil cream was formulated and evaluated for different texture parameters. rHLB of light liquid paraffin was also determined for validation of methodology. RESULTS: rHLB of light liquid paraffin and citronella oil was determined to be 11.80 and 12.60, respectively. Stable citronella oil cream was developed with 10% emulsifier blend. Texture parameters were found to be consistent over the entire storage period. DISCUSSION: Creaming index, droplet diameter, percent increase in droplet diameter and turbidity are the established parameters to determine rHLB and to develop stable emulsion. Emulsions with optimum emulsifier concentration resulted in less percentage creaming index, smallest droplet, less percentage increase in droplet diameter and highest turbidity. Texture properties evaluation ensures the stability of the developed cream. CONCLUSION: rHLB value of citronella oil was found 12.6 and a stable cream was formulated utilizing determined rHLB.

Improved chemotherapy against breast cancer through immunotherapeutic activity of fucoidan decorated electrostatically assembled nanoparticles bearing doxorubicin.

Immunotherapeutic nanoparticles (NPs) could be a viable option for delivering cytotoxic agents in a manner which suppresses their toxic manifestations. Doxorubicin (DOX) loaded NPs were prepared using fucoidan (FCD), an immunomodulatory polysaccharide and evaluated against cancer. FCD was electrostatically assembled with cationic polyethylenimine (PEI) through intermolecular electrostatic interactions to develop an immunomodulatory platform to deliver DOX. FCD NPs offered improved cytotoxicity (2.64 folds), cell cycle arrest in G1-S phase (34.65%) and apoptosis (66.12%) in tumor cells compared to free DOX. The enhanced apoptosis was due to raised mitochondrial depolarization (88.00%). In vivo anticancer activity in 4T1 induced tumor bearing BALB/c mice demonstrated a 2.95 folds enhanced efficacy of NPs. Importantly, NPs treatment generated an immunotherapeutic response indicated by gradual increment of the plasma IL-12 levels and reversed polarization of tumor associated macrophages (TAMs) towards M1 subtype. Furthermore, pharmacokinetic study suggested that NPs administration in tumor infested mice caused serum DOX levels to vary in a biphasic pattern, with twin peaks occurring at 1 h and 6 h which help in maintaining preferential drug localization in tumor. Developed NPs would be an excellent approach for improved immune-chemotherapy (in terms of efficacy, safety and immunocompetency) against cancer.

Paclitaxel-loaded TPGS enriched self-emulsifying carrier causes apoptosis by modulating survivin expression and inhibits tumour growth in syngeneic mammary tumours.

Paclitaxel (PTX) in its commercial products exhibits adverse effects owing to excipients and also has poor oral bioavailability. Present work is directed towards development of tocopheryl polyethylene glycol succinate-assisted self-nanoemulsifying system (SEDDS) for oral delivery of PTX. Box-Behnken design of experiment was employed to optimize PTX-SEDDS and was characterized for droplet size (29.76 ± 2.64 nm), zeta potential (-21.46 ± 2.52 mV), PDI (0.177 ± 0.012), drug content (4.97 ± 0.98 mg), entrapment efficiency (98.33 ± 0.54%) and in vitro drug release (51.03 ± 2.23% PTX at 72 h). PTX-SEDDS exhibited IC50; 1.58 ± 0.12 µM and a 52.46-folds higher cell uptake in MDA-MB-231 cells along with cellular and nuclear morphology changes. Significantly higher G2M cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, mitochondrial membrane potential disruption and ROS production was exhibited by PTX-SEDDS in comparison to Taxol. Up-regulation of Bax, p21, cleaved-caspase 3, -caspase 9 and down-regulation of Bcl2 and survivin suggested apoptosis via intrinsic pathways. Pharmacokinetic study showed approximately 4-folds higher oral bioavailability of PTX-SEDDS than Taxol. Significant reduction in tumour volume and weight was observed in syngeneic mammary tumour in SD rats. Tumour histopathology and TUNEL assay showed apoptosis in tumour tissue. PTX-SEDDS caused low lung metastasis, and was safe and stable. Conclusively, PTX-SEDDS could be suitable option for oral delivery of PTX.

Nanoemulsion: Concepts, development and applications in drug delivery.

Nanoemulsions are biphasic dispersion of two immiscible liquids: either water in oil (W/O) or oil in water (O/W) droplets stabilized by an amphiphilic surfactant. These come across as ultrafine dispersions whose differential drug loading; viscoelastic as well as visual properties can cater to a wide range of functionalities including drug delivery. However there is still relatively narrow insight regarding development, manufacturing, fabrication and manipulation of nanoemulsions which primarily stems from the fact that conventional aspects of emulsion formation and stabilization only partially apply to nanoemulsions. This general deficiency sets up the premise for current review. We attempt to explore varying intricacies, excipients, manufacturing techniques and their underlying principles, production conditions, structural dynamics, prevalent destabilization mechanisms, and drug delivery applications of nanoemulsions to spike interest of those contemplating a foray in this field.

Nanosized complexation assemblies housed inside reverse micelles churn out monocytic delivery cores for bendamustine hydrochloride.

OBJECTIVE: We explore a plausible method of targeting bendamustine hydrochloride (BM) to circulatory monocytes by exploiting their intrinsic endocytic/phagocytic capability. METHODS: We do so by complexation of sodium alginate and chitosan inside dioctyl sulfo succinate sodium (AOT) reverse micelles to form bendamustine hydrochloride loaded nanoparticles (CANPs). Dynamic light scattering, electrophoretic mobility and UV spectroscopy were used to detail intra-micellar complexation dynamics and to prove that drug was co-captured during interaction of carbohydrate polymers. A fluorescent conjugate of drug (RBM) was used to trace its intracellular fate after its loading into nanoparticles. RESULTS: CANPs were sized below 150nm, had 75% drug entrapment and negative zeta potential (-30mV). Confocal microscopy demonstrated that developed chitosan alginate nanoparticles had the unique capability to carry BM specifically to its site of action. Quantitative and mechanism based cell uptake studies revealed that monocytes had voracious capacity to internalize CANPs via simultaneous scavenger receptor based endocytic and phagocytic mechanism. Comparative in vitro pharmacokinetic studies revealed obtainment of significantly greater intracellular drug levels when cells were treated with CANPs. This caused reduction in IC50 (22.5±2.1µg/mL), enhancement in G2M cell cycle arrest, greater intracellular reactive oxygen species generation, and increased apopotic potential of bendamustine hydrochloride in THP-1 cells. CONCLUSION: Selective monocytic targeting of bendamustine hydrochloride using carbohydrate constructs can prove advantageous in case of leukemic disorders displaying overabundance of such cells.

Targeting tumor associated macrophages (TAMs) via nanocarriers.

Recruitment of inflammatory cells to tumor has been well documented, with the most frequent inhabitants being macrophages termed as tumor associated macrophages, (TAMs). Their presence was thought to be an evidence of immune system initiating a fight response towards the tumor, i.e. immune surveillance. This is the case too initially, when TAMs majorly exhibit an M1 phenotype, but their continued presence in tumor microenvironment brings about their polarization to M2 phenotype, which not only participate in continued sustenance of existing tumor but also open up deleterious avenues for further progression and metastasis of cancer. Current perspective is built around this very premise and focuses specifically on TAMs and how they are being targeted by researchers working in annals of nanomedicine. To do so, we dwell into tumor microenvironment and focus on nanotechnology based drug delivery aspects which have either been already or can be potentially employed in the future to target tumor associated macrophages for improved immunoadjuvant therapy of cancer.

Chitosan coated PluronicF127 micelles for effective delivery of Amphotericin B in experimental visceral leishmaniasis.

The goal of study was to develop micellar formulation of Amphotericin B (AmB) to improve its antileishmanial efficacy. AmB loaded pluronic F127 (PF 127) micelles were developed and coated with chitosan (Cs-PF-AmB-M) to accord immunoadjuvant and macrophage targeting properties. Hemolysis and cytotoxicity studies demonstrated that Cs-PF-AmB-M was 7.93 fold (at 20µg/ml AmB concentration) and 9.35 fold less hemolytic and cytotoxic, respectively in comparison to AmB suspension. Flow cytometry studies indicated that Cs-PF-FITC-M was 21.97 fold higher internalized byJ774A.1 macrophage in comparison to PF-FITC-M.Cs-PF-AmB-M showed excellent in-vitro (1.82 fold in compared to AmB suspension) and in-vivo (75.84±7.91% parasitic inhibition) antileishmanial activity against macrophage resident intracellular promastigotes and Leishmania donovani infected Syrian hamsters, respectively. Chitosan coating stimulated a Th1 immune response mediating auxiliary immunotherapeutic action as judged by in-vitro and in-vivo cytokine and mRNA expression. Toxicity studies demonstrated normal blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and plasma creatinine (PC) level and no sign of abnormal histopathology upon intravenous administration of micellar formulations. Pharmacokinetic profiling and tissue distribution studies indicated that AmB was preferentially localized in macrophage harboring tissue instead of kidney, thereby circumventing the characteristic nephrotoxicity. Conclusively, Cs-PF-AmB-M could be a viable alternative for the current immuno and chemotherapy of visceral leishmaniasis (VL).

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

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.

Pluronic F-127 Stabilised Docetaxel Nanocrystals Improve Apoptosis by Mitochondrial Depolarization in Breast Cancer Cells: Pharmacokinetics and Toxicity Assessment.

Docetaxel (DTX) is favoured option for breast cancer treatment; however its marketed formulation (Taxotere) generates therapeutic response at the cost of undue toxicity. In order to circumvent such limitations, DTX nanocrystals (DTX-NCs) were prepared through high pressure homogenization (HPH) technique using pluronic F-127 (PF-127) as a stabilizer. DTX-NCs presented higher efficacy against MCF-7 breast cancer cells with exposition of 1.75 and 2.13 fold lower inhibitory concentration (IC50) compared to free drug and Taxotere, respectively. DTX-NCs enhanced the DTX induce G2-M arrest by 1.24 and 1.79 fold compared to Taxotere and free DTX whereas highest apoptotic population (54.79%) of MCF-7 cells was also observed when cells were incubated with DTX-NCs for 24 h in comparison to free DTX (9.69%) and Taxotere (12.55%). The claims of improvement were substantiated by investigating the modulation in apoptotic mechanism induced by the subtle physical state variation of DTX in DTX-NCs. Results revealed that DTX-NCs induced apoptosis was linked to altered mitochondrial membrane potential. DTX-NCs caused highest (39.53%) depolarization of mitochondria compared to free DTX (9.34%) and Taxotere (18.72%). Further, safety of DTX-NCs was ascertained via haemolytic testing and in-vivo toxicity studies in mice. Developed formulation exhibited acceptable haemolytic potential which suggested its suitability towards parenteral administration. Moreover, in-vivo acute toxicity studies demonstrated that the developed NCs were safer than marketed Taxotere. These results elicit that DTX-NCs would be a viable alternative to commercial formulation for treatment of breast cancer.

Bridging small interfering RNA with giant therapeutic outcomes using nanometric liposomes.

The scope of RNAi based therapeutics is unquestionable. However, if we dissect the current trend of clinical trials for afore mentioned drug class, some stark trends appear: 1) naked siRNA only exerts influence in topical mode whilst systemic delivery requires a carrier and 2) even after two decades of extensive efforts, not even a single siRNA containing product is commercially available. It was therefore felt that a perspective simplifying the unique intricacies of working with a merger of siRNA and liposomes from a pharmaceutical viewpoint could draw the attention of a wider array of interested researchers. We begin from the beginning and attempt to conduit the gap between theoretical logic and experimental/actual constraints. This, in turn could stimulate the next generation of investigators, gearing them to tackle the conundrum, which is siRNA delivery.

Targeting of gastrointestinal tract for amended delivery of protein/peptide therapeutics: strategies and industrial perspectives.

Delivery of proteins/peptides to the gastrointestinal (GI) tract via peroral/oral route involves tremendous challenges due to unfavorable environmental conditions like harsh pH, presence of proteolytic enzymes and absorption barriers. Detailed research is being conducted at the academic and industrial levels to diminish these troubles and various products are under clinical trials. Several approaches have been established to optimize oral delivery of proteins and peptides and can be broadly categorized into chemical and physical strategies. Chemical strategies include site specific mutagenesis, proteinylation, glycosylation, PEGylation and prodrug approaches, whereas physical strategies comprise formulation based approaches including application of absorption enhancers and metabolism modifiers along with delivering them via colloidal carrier systems such as nanoparticles, liposomes, microparticles, and micro- and nano-emulsions. This review stands to accomplish the diverse aspects of oral delivery of proteins/peptides and summarizes the key concepts involved in targeting the biodrugs to specific sites of the GI tract such as the intestine and colon. Furthermore some light has also been shed on the current industrial practices followed in developing oral formulations of such bioactives.

Engineered nanocrystal technology: in-vivo fate, targeting and applications in drug delivery.

Formulation of nanocrystals is a robust approach which can improve delivery of poorly water soluble drugs, a challenge pharmaceutical industry has been facing since long. Large scale production of nanocrystals is done by techniques like precipitation, media milling and, high pressure homogenization. Application of appropriate stabilizers along with drying accords long term stability and commercial viability to nanocrystals. These can be administered through oral, parenteral, pulmonary, dermal and ocular routes showing their high therapeutic applicability. They serve to target drug molecules in specific regions through size manipulation and surface modification. This review dwells upon the in-vivo fate and varying applications in addition to the facets of drug nanocrystals stated above.

Immunotherapeutic vitamin E nanoemulsion synergies the antiproliferative activity of paclitaxel in breast cancer cells via modulating Th1 and Th2 immune response.

Paclitaxel (PTX) is used as first line treatment for metastatic breast cancer but the relief comes at a heavy cost in terms of accompanying adverse effects. The pharmaceutical credentials of PTX are further dampened by the intrinsically low aqueous solubility. In order to sideline such insidious tendencies, PTX was incorporated in a vitamin E nanoemulsion using high pressure homogenization. The encapsulation efficiency of PTX in nanoemulsion was 97.81±2.7% and a sustained drug release profile was obtained. PTX loaded nanoemulsion exhibited higher cytotoxicity in breast cancer cell line (MCF-7) when compared to free PTX and marketed formulation (Taxol). Cell cycle arrest study depicted that MCF-7 cells treated with PTX loaded nanoemulsion showed high arrest in G2-M phase. Moreover blank nanoemulsion induced additional apoptosis in breast cancer cells through G1-S arrest by disrupting mitochondrial membrane potential. Cytokine estimation study in macrophages showed that both PTX loaded nanoemulsion and blank nanoemulsion enhanced secretion of IL-12 and downregulated secretion of IL-4 and IL-10. Results suggest that inclusion of vitamin E in nanoemulsion opened multiple complementary molecular effects which not only magnified the principle antiproliferative activity of PTX but also independently showcased potential in restoring the proactive nature of the breast cancer slackened chronic immune response. In-vivo anticancer activity showed significantly improved efficacy of PTX loaded nanoemlsion compare to Taxol and free PTX. The list of plausible advantages of PTX nanoemulsification was further substantiated by acceptable haemolytic potential, reduced in-vivo toxicity and conveniently modified pharmacokinetic profile in which the AUC and MRT were extended considerably. Overall, there were strong evidences that developed formulation can serve as a viable alternative to currently available PTX options.

Development and characterization of cellulose-polymethacrylate mucoadhesive film for buccal delivery of carvedilol.

The aim of the present work was to develop and characterize mucoadhesive film of cellulose (methyl cellulose and hydroxy propyl methyl cellulose) and polymethacrylate (Eudragit RSPO) polymers for buccal delivery of carvedilol. Drug and polymers were found to be compatible as revealed by FTIR and DSC analysis. Mucoadhesive films were prepared by solvent casting technique. Swelling studies up to 4h did not show erosion of film, which was further confirmed by SEM analysis. New, simple and precise instrumental methods were established for the evaluation of mucoadhesive strength (33.8 ± 0.37-38.4 ± 0.24 g) and film strength (331.2 ± 0.73-369.0 ± 1.00 g) of developed films. Mucoadhesive film F5 showed 88 ± 1.15% in vitro drug release and 80 ± 2.30% ex vivo drug permeation through goat buccal mucosa in 12h. Drug release and permeation followed Higuchi's model and mechanism was found to be Fickian type diffusion controlled.

Enrichment, development, and assessment of Indian basil oil based antiseptic cream formulation utilizing hydrophilic-lipophilic balance approach.

The present work was aimed to develop an antiseptic cream formulation of Indian basil oil utilizing hydrophilic-lipophilic balance approach. In order to determine the required-hydrophilic lipophilic balance (rHLB) of basil oil, emulsions of basil oil were prepared by phase inversion temperature technique using water, Tween 80, and Span 80. Formulated emulsions were assessed for creaming (BE9; 9.8, BE10; 10.2), droplet size (BE18; 3.22 ± 0.09 µ m), and turbidity (BE18; 86.12 ± 2.1%). To ensure correctness of the applied methodology, rHLB of light liquid paraffin was also determined. After rHLB determination, basil oil creams were prepared with two different combinations of surfactants, namely, GMS : Tween 80 (1 : 3.45) and SLS : GMS (1 : 3.68), and evaluated for in vitro antimicrobial activity, skin irritation test, viscosity and consistency. The rHLB of basil oil and light liquid paraffin were found to be 13.36 ± 0.36 and 11.5 ± 0.35, respectively. Viscosity, and consistency parameters of cream was found to be consistent over 90 days. Cream formulations showed net zone of growth inhibition in the range of 5.0-11.3 mm against bacteria and 4.3-7.6 mm against fungi. Primary irritation index was found to be between 0.38 and1.05. Conclusively stable, consistent, non-irritant, enriched antiseptic basil oil cream formulations were developed utilizing HLB approach.