Long-term controlled release of PLGA microparticles containing antidepressant mirtazapine.

The aim of the study was to prepare PLGA microparticles for prolonged release of mirtazapine by o/w solvent evaporation method and to evaluate effects of PVA concentration and organic solvent choice on microparticles characteristics (encapsulation efficiency, drug loading, burst effect, microparticle morphology). Also in vitro drug release tests were performed and the results were correlated with kinetic model equations to approximate drug release mechanism. It was found that dichloromethane provided microparticles with better qualities (encapsulation efficiency 64.2%, yield 79.7%). Interaction between organic solvent effect and effect of PVA concentration was revealed. The prepared samples released the drug for 5 days with kinetics very close to that of zero order (R(2 )= 0.9549 - 0.9816). According to the correlations, the drug was probably released by a combination of diffusion and surface erosion, enhanced by polymer swelling and chain relaxation.

The development and in vitro evaluation of herbal pellets coated with Eudragit FS 30.

The objective of this study was to prepare pellets of thyme (Thymus vulgaris L.), stinging nettle (Urtica dioica L.) and sage (Salvia officinalis L.) dry extracts by extrusion-spheronization technique to improve technological properties and investigate dissolution profiles of pellets covered different levels of pH-sensitive polymer Eudragit® FS. Optimal sample of pellets were prepared using microcrystalline cellulose and lactose as excipients and demonstrated excellent technological quality properties such as Hausner ratio (1.07 ± 0.11) and compressibility index (6.73 ± 0.94%) value, spericity (0.87 ± 0.001) and friability (0.22 ± 0.08 N). Pellets were coated by 10-35% (w/w) of Eudragit® FS. Dissolution studies showed that less than 20% of coating could not prevent dissolution of phenols in pH 1.2, 20% Eudragit® FS coating is enough to prevent herbal extract against dissolution in the stomach. There were observed no statistical significant differences between 20% and 25% or higher amount of coating polymer to a dissolution of phenols in low pH.

Influence of different formulations and process parameters during the preparation of drug-loaded PLGA microspheres evaluated by multivariate data analysis.

The main objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of the formulation and process parameters on PLGA microparticles containing a practically insoluble model drug (ibuprofen) prepared by the o/w solvent evaporation method. Multivariate data analysis was used. The effects of altered stirring speed of a mechanical stirrer (600, 1000 rpm), emulsifier concentrations (PVA concentration 0.1 %, 1 %) and solvent selection (dichloromethane, ethyl acetate) on microparticle characteristics (encapsulation efficiency, drug loading, burst effect) were observed. It was found that with increased stirring speed, the PVA concentration or the use of ethyl acetate had a significantly negative effect on encapsulation efficiency. In addition, ethyl acetate had an adverse effect on the burst effect, while increased stirring speed had the opposite effect. Drug load was not affected by any particular variable, but rather by the interactions of evaluated variables.

Formulation of cores for the controlled release of glucose for prevention of hypoglycemia in diabetes patients.

Hypoglycemic episodes are a frequent and serious complication in both types of diabetes mellitus. The risk of hypoglycemic conditions can be managed by a coated pellet dosage form, which can release glucose in a delayed regime to achieve the maximum estimated effect of antidiabetics. The pellet cores, intended for coating with ethylcellulose, were prepared consisting of four osmotically active excipients: crosscarmellose (Ac-Di-Sol®), a mixture of microcrystalline cellulose and carmellose sodium (Avicel® RC 591), carboxymethyl starch sodium (Vivastar® P 5000) and macrogol 6000, respectively. The aim of this study was to increase the glucose content in the pellets to minimize their volume and to improve the administration to the patients. The content of glucose in the pellet cores was increased from 45 to 75 or 80%, respectively, for all compositions. All pellet samples had satisfactory mechanical and flow properties required for the coating process. The highest values of sphericity were achieved in the lower mean particle size sample containing 80% of glucose, 15% of Avicel® PH 101 and 5% of carboxymethyl starch sodium and the higher mean particle size sample containing 75% of glucose and 25% of Avicel® RC 591.

Evaluation of the influence of formulation and process variables on mechanical properties of oral mucoadhesive films using multivariate data analysis.

Oral mucosa is an attractive region for the local and systemic application of many drugs. Oral mucoadhesive films are preferred for their prolonged time of residence, the improved bioavailability of the drug they contain, their painless application, their protection against lesions, and their nonirritating properties. This work was focused on preparation of nonmedicated carmellose-based films using both solvent casting and impregnation methods, respectively. Moreover, a modern approach to evaluation of mucoadhesive films applying analysis of texture and subsequent multivariate data analysis was used. In this experiment, puncture strength strongly correlated with tensile strength and could be used to obtain necessary information about the mechanical film characteristics in films prepared using both methods. Puncture work and tensile work were not correlated in films prepared using the solvent casting method, as increasing the amount of glycerol led to an increase in the puncture work in thinner films. All measured texture parameters in films prepared by impregnation were significantly smaller compared to films prepared by solvent casting. Moreover, a relationship between the amount of glycerol and film thickness was observed, and a greater recalculated tensile/puncture strength was needed for an increased thickness in films prepared by impregnation.

[Impact of formulation and process parameters on the properties of chitosan-based microspheres prepared by external ionic gelation]. / Vliv formulacních a procesních promenných na vlastnosti chitosanových mikrosfér pripravených vnejsí iontovou gelací

The aim of this experimental study was to optimize a preparation of microspheres from high viscosity chitosan by external ion gelation and to evaluate selected aspects of their preparation. For drug-free microparticles, the concentration of chitosan dispersions was chosen as a formulation variable; the position of instrument for a dispersion extrusion (horizontal vs. vertical) was evaluated as a process variable. On the basis of sphericity and equivalent diameter results, three different concentrations of chitosan dispersions were used for 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) encapsulation with the extrusion instrument in horizontal position, which was considered as the optimal. In consequent drug-loaded microparticle preparation, the influence of the concentration of chitosan dispersions and composition of hardening solution (10% sodium tripolyphosphate (TPP) vs. 10% TPP containing drug) was evaluated. In prepared 5-ASA microspheres it was found that the equivalent diameter increased with increasing chitosan concentration. In the case of sphericity, significant differences were not found. Samples prepared with the drug in both chitosan dispersion and hardening solution had a higher drug content, a smaller equivalent diameter and they showed a faster in vitro drug release in comparison with the samples prepared with the drug in chitosan dispersion only.

[Possibilities of influencing the drug content and encapsulation efficiency of chitosan microspheres prepared by ionic gelation process]. / Moznosti ovlivnení obsahu léciva a enkapsulacní úcinnosti chitosanových mikrosfér pripravených procesem iontové gelace.

UNLABELLED: This study aimed to prepare high molecular weight chitosan blank and drug-loaded microparticles using 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) as the model active substance by an external ionic gelation. Formulation and process variables included the chitosan concentration and presence of drug in the polymer solution, and/or in hardening solution during the microparticles preparation. The effect of different preparation conditions on the properties of the microparticles was observed with a view to increase drug content in microparticles. For both types of microparticles (with and without the drug), it was found that their sphericity and equivalent diameter increased with increasing chitosan concentration. The drug content of drug-loaded microparticles was the highest in the case of the sample prepared from 1.75% chitosan dispersion, when the drug was present both in the chitosan dispersion and the hardening solution. Maximum six times higher drug content was achieved by change of the placement of 5-ASA during preparation (1.25% chitosan concentration). KEYWORDS: microparticles external ionotropic gelation chitosan 5-ASA encapsulation efficiency.

The effect of acid pH modifiers on the release characteristics of weakly basic drug from hydrophlilic-lipophilic matrices.

The solubility of weakly basic drugs within passage though GI tract leads to pH-dependent or even incomplete release of these drugs from extended release formulations and consequently to lower drug absorption and bioavailability. The aim of the study was to prepare and evaluate hydrophilic-lipophilic (hypromellose-montanglycol wax) matrix tablets ensuring the pH-independent delivery of the weakly basic drug verapamil-hydrochloride by an incorporation of three organic acidifiers (citric, fumaric, and itaconic acids) differing in their concentrations, pK a, and solubility. The dissolution studies were performed by the method of changing pH values, which better corresponded to the real conditions in the GI tract (2 h at pH 1.2 and then 10 h at pH 6.8). Within the same conditions, pH of matrix microenvironment was measured. To determine relationships between the above mentioned properties of acidifiers and the monitored effects (the amount of released drug and surface pH of gel layer in selected time intervals-360 and 480 min), the full factorial design method and partial least squares PLS-2 regression were used. The incorporation of the tested pH modifiers significantly increased the drug release rate from matrices. PLS-components explained 75% and 73% variation in the X- and Y-data, respectively. The obtained results indicated that the main crucial points (p < 0.01) were the concentration and strength of acidifier incorporated into the matrix. Contrary, the acid solubility surprisingly did not influence the selected effects except for the surface pH of gel layer in time 480 min.

The influence of process variables of preparation of oxycellulose beads on their dissolution profile.

Particles preparation from biodegradable polymers as carriers for the controlled release of drugs has been the focus of many investigations and the subject of a growing field of research in recent years. The aim of this study was to develop and optimize the preparation of oxycellulose beads containing diclofenac sodium as a model drug. Particle size, surface, drug content and encapsulation efficiency were evaluated, drug dissolution profiles were measured and drug release mechanism estimated. The prepared oxycellulose beads were uniform in size with encapsulation efficiency ranging from 53.2 to 74.9%. The lower temperature of the crosslinking solution and its saturation with diclofenac sodium increased the encapsulation efficiency, especially when both parameters were combined. The application of ultrasound had a negative effect on drug encapsulation. The dissolution of diclofenac sodium in pH 1.2 was close to zero as its solubility in this medium is very limited. The drug release in pH 6.8 lasted from 10 to 16 h showing biphasic behavior with a significant lag time. T1/2 decreased with increasing encapsulation efficiency and ultrasound application. Diclofenac sodium was released from the prepared oxycellulose particles by diffusion as well as by erosion process; ahigh correlation was found with zero order kinetics.

Physiological factors with impact on the drug behaviour in the gastrointestinal tract.

Orally administered drugs are passed through the gastrointestinal tract (GIT), which influences their next metabolism in the body. In the case of systemic administration, the drug is released from the dosage form, is dissolved and eventually absorbed. The residual amount is excreted in the faeces. The main factors influencing administered drugs are particularly pH, passage time, solubilizers or the oxido-reductive potential in different parts of the GIT. These factors are directly related to the release, absorption and stability of drugs. They can be used for simulation of the GIT environment in vitro and for the overall design of the dosage form in vivo. Because some literature data are not given in context and sometimes they are contradictory, this paper summarizes elementary values of the above-mentioned physiological parameters in the form of a review.

Cationic Eudragit® polymers as excipients for microparticles prepared by solvent evaporation method.

Three cationic acrylic polymers, i. e. Eudragit® RL, Eudragit® RS and Eudragit® E 100, were evaluated for the purpose of microparticles preparation by the solvent evaporation method. The practically insoluble drug mirtazapine and the freely soluble drug tramadol hydrochloride were selected for encapsulation as extreme limits of drug solubility. The prepared microspheres were analyzed by optical microscopy, drug content analysis and dissolution test. It was observed that Eudragit® RL did not provide microparticles while Eudragit® RS and Eudragit® E 100 yielded spherical microparticles. Samples prepared with mirtazapine showed sustained drug release whereas tramadol hydrochloride samples released the drug in a pattern similar to the immediate release profile. Eudragit® RS was found to be superior to Eudragit® E 100 in its encapsulation efficiency, drug loading and smaller mean size of microparticles.

The development of Eudragit® NM-based controlled-release matrix tablets.

UNLABELLED: Eudragit® NM was investigated as a matrix former in combination with microcrystalline cellulose as an insoluble filler for preparing controlled-release tablets containing model drugs with different solubility. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Three sets of matrix tablets differing in the drug-to-filler ratio (1:1, 2:1, and 4:1) and polymer amount with diltiazem hydrochloride (freely soluble) or caffeine (sparingly soluble) were prepared. Samples were evaluated by the dissolution test at pH 6.8 corresponding to the upper part of the small intestine; the selected samples were tested at a changing pH level to better simulate in vivo conditions. RESULTS: The prepared matrix tablets fulfilled all the requirements of the European Pharmacopoeia. Tablets with Eudragit® NM showed excellent mechanical characteristics. In vitro studies showed that the set 1:1 was the most suitable for the sustained release of a freely soluble drug concerning the burst effect and the total drug amount released within 12 hours. The significant effect of the drug-to-filler ratio and polymer amount on the dissolution profile was confirmed by similarity factor analysis. A faster drug release was observed during the dissolution test within changing pH levels because of the pH-dependent solubility of diltiazem. A prolonged release of the sparingly soluble drug was not achieved, and a trend for fast disintegration was observed. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of Eudragit®NM with microcrystalline cellulose as an insoluble filler seems to be suitable only for freely soluble drugs, when the amount of the drug and the filler is similar.

Stability testing of alginate-chitosan films.

Pellets containing rutin prepared by the extrusion/spheronization method were coated with sodium alginate-chitosan film. Important quality parameters in the pellets before coating were determined, and after coating the dissolution profiles of the drug were evaluated in dissolution media of the pH corresponding to the conditions in the gastrointestinal tract. Samples of coated pellets were located in the boxes for stability testing under different conditions, i.e. 25 degrees C and 60% of relative humidity (RH); 30 degrees C and 65% RH and 40 degrees C and 75% RH. After 1, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months (or 1, 3 and 6 months), the dissolution test was repeated and compared with the original profiles using similarity factors. All similarity factor values above 50 indicate excellent stability of alginate-chitosan films.

Coated chitosan pellets containing rutin intended for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease: in vitro characteristics and in vivo evaluation.

Preparation of coated pellets intended for rutin colon delivery, their evaluation in vitro and in vivo in experimental colitis in rats was the purpose of this study. Pellets were obtained using extrusion/spheronization and coated with three types of coatings (caffeic acid/hypromellose/alginic acid; sodium alginate/hypromellose/zinc acetate; sodium alginate/chitosan). Dissolution using buffers of pH values, ß-glucosidase and times corresponding to gastrointestinal tract (GIT) was provided. Pellets coated with alginate/chitosan showed low rutin dissolution (12-14%) in upper GIT conditions and fast release (87-89%) under colon conditions; that is a good presumption of intended rutin release. After colitis induction and development, the rats were treated with pellets and rutin solution administered orally, solution also rectally. Colon/body weight ratio, myeloperoxidase activity and histological evaluation were performed. Rutin was able to promote colonic healing at the dose of 10mg/kg: colon/body weight ratio decreased and myeloperoxidase activity was significantly suppressed. Pellets coated with alginate/chitosan applied orally and rutin solution administered rectally showed the best efficacy. The combination of rutin as natural product, mucoadhesive chitosan degraded in the colon and sodium alginate as the main coating substance in the form of pellets create a promising preparation for therapy of this severe illness.

Oxycellulose beads with drug exhibiting pH-dependent solubility.

The aim of this study was to develop novel hydrogel-based beads and characterize their potential to deliver and release a drug exhibiting pH-dependent solubility into distal parts of gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Oxycellulose beads containing diclofenac sodium as a model drug were prepared by the ionotropic external gelation technique using calcium chloride solution as the cross-linking medium. Resulting beads were characterized in terms of particle shape and size, encapsulation efficacy, swelling ability and in vitro drug release. Also, potential drug-polymer interactions were evaluated using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The particle size was found to be 0.92-0.96 mm for inactive (oxycellulose only) and 1.47-1.60 mm for active (oxycellulose-diclofenac sodium) beads, respectively. In all cases, the sphericity factor was between 0.70 and 0.81 with higher values observed for samples containing higher polymer and drug concentrations. The swelling of inactive beads was found to be strongly influenced by the pH and composition (i.e. Na(+) concentration) of the selected media (simulated gastric fluid vs. phosphate buffer pH 6.8). The encapsulation efficiency of the prepared particles ranged from 58% to 65%. Results of dissolution tests showed that the drug loading inside of the particles influenced the rate of its release. In general, prepared particles were able to release the drug within 12-16 h after a lag time of 4 h. Fickian diffusion was found as the predominant drug release mechanism. Thus, this novel particulate system showed a good potential to deliver drugs specifically to the distal parts of the human GI tract.

Coated hard capsules as the pH-dependent drug transport systems to ileo-colonic compartment.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate the suitability of hard capsules of different composition (gelatin-G, gelatin coated with hydroxypropyl cellulose-G/HPC, and hypromellose-H) for a coating with aqueous dispersion of pH-dependent synthetic polymer Eudragit(®) FS (E(FS)) and to evaluate in vitro the coated capsules as transport systems for ileo-colonic drug delivery. METHODS: Three sets of hard capsules with increasing coating levels (5-30%) were obtained by Wurster technique. The release of model drug (caffeine) from prepared samples was tested using paddle dissolution method with continual pH change (pH 1.2-2 h, 6.8-4 h and 7.5-2 h). RESULTS: During the coating process, no problems occurred and similar suitability of capsules materials for E(FS) application was observed in contrast to some published reports. The application of HPC subcoating onto gelatin capsules surface was shown as the redundant step. The samples G/E(FS)10-15% and H/E(FS)15-20% with 6 h lag time and fast drug release after the pH adjustment to 7.5 corresponded with the requirements for ileic drug delivery. Samples releasing the drug after the pH change to 7.5 in 2-h interval such as G/E(FS) 20%, G/HPC/E(FS) 25% and H/E(FS) 25% are considered as promising transport systems to ileo-colonic area. Samples G/E(FS) 25-30%, G/HPC/E(FS) 30% and H/E(FS) 30% with 7 h lag time could be used for colon delivery. CONCLUSION: The desired intestinal part could be targeted without significant formulation changes only by the selection of capsules shell forming material and suitable E(FS) coating thickness.

The evaluation of formulations for the preparation of new formula pellets.

The aim of the study was to prepare pellets of maidenhair tree (Ginkgo biloba), motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca) and hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) dry extracts by extrusion/spheronization method. The critical step of this process was the amount of added wetting liquid (water-ethanolic mixture) and the amount of extract in the formulation. The samples of pellets containing 30-50% of extracts were formulated: Pellets contained extracts of Ginkgo, Crataegi and Leonuri. The last sample was aimed at the formulation of pellets with the content of 30% of the mixture of Ginkgo, Leonuri and Crataegi extracts in a ratio of 1:5:6. The remainder of the solid compounds in all formulations was microcrystalline cellulose (Avicel® PH-101). It was not possible to find a way to adequately wet the formulations with the content of extracts higher than 30% because of the unsuitable properties of all three extracts used. On the basis of the experiments, pellets with mixtures of all three previously used extracts were prepared. These pellets showed perfect physico-mechanical properties: Hardness (10.00 ± 2.24 N), friability (0.06%), repose angle (20.99 ± 0.41°), flowability (6.97 ± 0.29 s/100g of pellets), sphericity (0.81 ± 0.05), compressibility index (4.65%), intraparticular porosity (0.09%) and interparticular porosity (45.11%), which predetermine them to other testing and usage (feeling into capsules, tableting, coating etc.).

Coated capsules for drug targeting to proximal and distal part of human intestine.

Coated hard capsules are becoming increasingly important for a number of reasons such as administration of new active ingredients, oral vaccination, colon drug delivery or their use in preclinical and clinical trials. The independency of coating composition on capsules filling is the major advantage of this dosage form. In our study, two types of hard capsules (gelatin and hypromellose) were coated by non-aqueous solutions of Eudragit L and S 12.5, respectively, to achieve intestinal and distal ileic drug delivery. Gelatin hard capsules were coated with Eudragit film either directly or using hydroxypropyl cellulose sub-coating prior to the final coating. Hypromellose capsules were coated directly. Coated capsules were evaluated for coating thickness by optical microscope and for dissolution in different pH media. Gelatin capsules do not seem to be suitable for direct coating with Eudragit due to insufficient film adhesion to the smooth capsule surface and a brittleness of formed films. These problems can be solved by hydroxypropyl celullose interlayer application. Hypromellose hard capsules could be directly easily coated with both Eudragit solutions. Dissolution of caffeine from coated capsules showed the potency for enteric delivery in gelatin capsules with interlayer and Eudragit L film in 7.5 and 10.0% concentrations and in hypromellose capsules coated with EudragitL in 5-17.5% coating levels. Gelatine capsules with interlayer and 10% Eudragit S film and hypromellose capsules only with high coating level (20%) provided potential distal ileum targeting of incorporated drug. Eudragit S film sprayed onto hypromellose capsules surface was brittle especially in the junction zone between capsule cap and body. Better plasticity of Eudragit S coating could be probably achieved using a different plasticizer.

Soluble filler as a dissolution profile modulator for slightly soluble drugs in matrix tablets.

The purpose of this experimental work was the development of hydrophilic-lipophilic matrix tablets for controlled release of slightly soluble drug represented here by diclofenac sodium (DS). Drug dissolution profile optimization provided by soluble filler was studied. Matrix tablets were based on cetyl alcohol as the lipophilic carrier, povidone as the gel-forming agent, and common soluble filler, that is lactose or sucrose of different particle size. Physical properties of tablets prepared by melt granulation and drug release in a phosphate buffer of pH 6.8 were evaluated. In vitro studies showed that used filler type, filler to povidone ratio and sucrose particle size influenced the drug release rate. DS dissolution profile could be changed within a wide range from about 50% per 24 hours to almost 100% in 10 hours. The release constant values confirmed that DS was released from matrices by the diffusion and anomalous transport. The influence of sucrose particle size on the drug release rate was observed. As the particle size decreased, the drug release increased significantly and its dissolution profile became more uniform. Soluble fillers participated in the pore-forming process according to their solubility and particle size. Formulations containing 100 mg of the drug, 80 mg of cetyl alcohol, 40 mg of povidone, and 80 mg of either lactose or sucrose (particle size 250-125 microm) were considered optimal for 24-hour lasting dissolution of DS.

Free radical-scavenging activities of Crataegus monogyna extracts.

UNLABELLED: The aim of this study was to investigate antiradical activity of aqueous and ethanolic hawthorn fruit extracts, their flavonoids, and flavonoid combinations. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Total amount of phenolic compounds and the constituents of flavonoids were determined using a high-performance liquid chromatography. The antioxidant activity of Crataegus monogyna extracts and flavonoids (chlorogenic acid, hyperoside, rutin, quercetin, vitexin-2O-rhamnoside, epicatechin, catechin, and procyanidin B(2)) quantitatively was determined using the method of spectrophotometry (diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH.) radical scavenging assay and 2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid)(ABTS.+) radical cation decolorization assay). The level of tyrosine nitration inhibition was determined using a high-performance liquid chromatography. RESULTS: Ethanolic hawthorn fruit extract contained 182+/-4 mg/100 mL phenolic compounds, i.e. threefold more, as compared to aqueous extract. The antioxidant activity according to DPPH. reduction in the ethanolic extracts was higher 2.3 times (P<0.05). The ABTS.+ technique showed that the effect of ethanolic extracts was by 2.5 times stronger than that of aqueous extracts. Tyrosine nitration inhibition test showed that the effect of ethanolic extracts was by 1.4 times stronger than that of aqueous extracts. The investigation of the antiradical activity of the active constituents in aqueous and ethanolic extracts revealed that epicatechin and catechin contribute to radical-scavenging properties more than other components. Procyanidin B(2) only insignificantly influenced the antiradical activity of the extracts. CONCLUSION: Both aqueous and ethanolic hawthorn extracts had antiradical activity, but ethanolic extract had stronger free radical-scavenging properties, compared to the aqueous extract. The antioxidant activity of the studied preparations was mostly conditioned by epicatechin and catechin. The individual constituents of both extracts had weaker free radical-scavenging properties than the combination of these substances did.