Development and evaluation of an oral fast disintegrating anti-allergic film using hot-melt extrusion technology.

The main objective of this novel study was to develop chlorpheniramine maleate orally disintegrating films (ODF) using hot-melt extrusion technology and evaluate the characteristics of the formulation using in vitro and in vivo methods. Modified starch with glycerol was used as a polymer matrix for melt extrusion. Sweetening and saliva-simulating agents were incorporated to improve palatability and lower the disintegration time of film formulations. A standard screw configuration was applied, and the last zone of the barrel was opened to discharge water vapors, which helped to manufacture non-sticky, clear, and uniform films. The film formulations demonstrated rapid disintegration times (6-11s) and more than 95% dissolution in 5min. In addition, the films had characteristic mechanical properties that were helpful in handling and storage. An animal model was employed to determine the taste masking of melt-extruded films. The lead film formulation was subjected to a human panel for evaluation of extent of taste masking and disintegration.

Formulation and evaluation of gemcitabine-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles.

Gemcitabine-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) were produced by double emulsification technique using stearic acid as lipid, soy lecithin as surfactant and sodium taurocholate as cosurfactant. Prepared nanoparticles are characterized for particle size and surface morphology using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Particle yield, entrapment efficiency and zeta potential were also determined. In-vitro release studies were performed in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) pH 7.4 using metabolic shaker. The formulation F6 with maximum entrapment efficiency 72.42% and satisfactory in-vitro release was selected. In-vivo tissue distribution to liver, spleen, lung, heart and kidneys of optimized formulation followed by stability study under specific conditions were also determined. This investigation has shown preferential drug targeting to liver followed by spleen, lungs, kidneys and heart. Stability studies showed no significant change in the particle size followed with very slight decrease in entrapment efficiency at 25 ± 2 °C/60 ± 5% RH over a period of three months.

Formulation and evaluation of carnosic acid nanoparticulate system for upregulation of neurotrophins in the brain upon intranasal administration.

To develop formulations of carnosic acid nanoparticles and to assess their in vivo efficacy to enhance the expression of neurotrophins in rat model. Carnosic acid loaded chitosan nanoparticles were prepared by ionotropic gelation technique using central composite design. Response surface methodology was used to assess the effect of three factors namely chitosan concentration (0.1-1% w/v), tri-poly phosphate concentration (0.1-1% w/v) and sonication time (2-10 min) on the response variables such as particle size, zeta potential, drug encapsulation efficiency and drug release. The neurotrophins level in the rat brain upon intranasal administration of optimized batch of carnosic acid nanoparticles was determined. The experimental values for the formulation were in good agreement with those predicted by the mathematical models. A single intranasal administration of the optimized formulation of carnosic acid nanoparticles was sufficient to result in comparable levels of endogenous neurotrophins level in the brain that was almost on par with four, once a day intranasal administration of solution in rats. The results clearly demonstrated the fact that nanoparticulate drug delivery system for intranasal administration of carnosic acid would require less number of administrations to elicit the required pharmacological activity owing to its ability to localize on the olfactory mucosal region and provide controlled delivery of carnosic acid for prolonged time periods.

Albumin microspheres for oral delivery of iron.

Bovine serum albumin (BSA) microspheres of ferric pyrophosphate (FPP) intended for passive targeting to the Peyer's patches has been proposed for oral iron supplementation. Microspheres prepared by emulsification chemical cross linking method were characterized for surface topography, entrapment efficiency, particle size, particle charge and in vitro drug release. Microspheres of batch C with FPP to BSA ratio of 1:5 were found to be most suitable for targeting as they exhibited high entrapment (83.88 +/- 4.31), high monodispersity (span = 1.24 +/- 0.01), and least particle size (d(vm) = 4.40 +/- 0.01). In addition the amount of iron retained in these microspheres despite exposure to simulated gastrointestinal conditions for 5 h was found to be 83.72 +/- 4.22%, the highest in the three batches. The in vivo serum iron profiles in normal rats following oral administration displayed a reduced T(max) (2 h), elevated C(max) (106.06 +/- 12.18 mug/dL) and increased AUC (0-16 h) (647.44 +/- 52.33 mug.h/dL) for these microspheres which significantly differed (P <0.05) from FPP solution indicating a higher iron repletion potential of the BSA microspheres.