A physico-chemical study on amphiphilic cyclodextrin/liposomes nanoassemblies with drug carrier potential.

In this paper, two medusa-like ACyDs, modified at the primary rim bearing four (ACyD4) and eight carbons (ACyD8) acyl chain length, and one bouquet-like CyD, modified at primary side with thiohexyl and at secondary one with oligoethylene moiety (SC6OH), were investigated for their ability to assemble in nanostructures or to form hybrid dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC)/ACyDs systems. The lipophilicity of these molecules and the different preparation methods used in this study (thin layer evaporation and nanoprecipitation method) significantly affect the aggregation behaviour in aqueous medium. Except for the shortest medusa-like ACyD4, the other ACyDs formed stable nanoaggregates for at least 45 days. The effect of ACyDs on the thermotropic behaviour of DPPC liposomes was also studied by differential scanning calorimetry analysis, thus elucidating their interaction with liposomes to afford hybrid liposome/ACyDs systems. The medusa-like ACyD4 cannot be used to realize nanosystems because it quickly aggregates or it induces a complete destabilization of the liposomes. At the highest concentration investigated (0.01 molar fraction), both ACyD8 and SC6OH interacted with DPPC liposomes, forming ACyD/DPPC or SC6OH/DPPC hybrid vesicular carriers.

Characterization of micellar systems produced by new amphiphilic conjugates of poly(ethylene glycol).

This study proposes polymeric micelles produced using new amphiphilic conjugates between amino- or carboxy-mPEG2000 and three different α-lipoamino acids (PEG-LAA). The characterization of these colloidal systems showed CMC values, in the order of 10(-5 )M, that are interesting in the view of an in vivo administration. The PEG-LAA micelles also showed a good stability at 37 °C and upon dilution in aqueous media. Using a colored probe as a model lipophilic compound, the loading efficiency and in vitro release profile were also outlined.

Mediterranean essential oils as precious matrix components and active ingredients of lipid nanoparticles.

Essential oils are recognized as valuable active pharmaceutical ingredients attributed to a set of biological properties, which include antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, antioxidant, anticancer, immune-modulatory, analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities. Their use in pharmaceutics is however compromised by their limited water solubility and low physicochemical stability (i.e. volatility, oxidation). In order to overcome these limitations, we aimed to develop nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC) as delivery systems for Mediterranean essential oils, in particular Rosmarinus officinalis L., Lavandula x intermedia "Sumian", Origanum vulgare subsp. hirtum and Thymus capitatus essential oils, selected on the basis of their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. NLC composed of Softisan (as solid lipid) have been produced by phase inversion temperature (PIT) and high-pressure homogenization (HPH), using two different emulsifiers systems. Particles have been further characterized for their mean particle size, polydispersity, zeta potential, morphology and chemical interactions. Best NLC formulations were obtained with Kolliphor/Labrafil as surfactants, and using Rosmarinus, Lavandula and Origanum as essential oils (PDI between 0.126 and 0.141, Zave < 200 nm). Accelerated stability studies have also been carried out to estimate the effect of the production method and surfactant composition on the long-term stability of EOs-loaded NLC. In vitro biological cell viability and anti-inflammatory activities were evaluated in Raw 264.7 cells (macrophage cell line), while in vitro antioxidant activity was checked by DPPH assay. Lavandula and Rosmarinus NLC were shown to be the most biocompatible formulations up to a concentration of 0.1% (v/v), whereas they were able to induce a dose-dependent anti-inflammatory activity in the order Lavandula > Rosmarinus ≥ Origanum.

Dexamethasone sodium phosphate-loaded Chitosan based delivery systems for buccal application.

Chitosan (CH) was used as a biocompatible and bioadhesive polymer material to prepare solid dispersions as well as hydrogels loaded with dexamethasone sodium phosphate (DSP), a steroidal anti-inflammatory agent clinically used for treatment of different mouth diseases. Binary solid dispersions at various drug-to-polymer weight ratios were prepared by freeze-drying; their direct compression gave tablets which were characterized for the swelling behaviour and drug release in vitro. Similarly, DSP-loaded hydrogels composed of CH and glycerine were prepared and characterized. CH and DSP showed a good physical compatibility. A slow and prolonged release of the drug was observed in vitro from both kinds of systems. The swelling properties of the polymer seemed to be the main parameter affecting the drug release profile from both tablets and hydrogels at the pH value of mouth. In vivo buccal application of both the systems allowed to obtain a prolonged release of DSP, as compared with a glycerine solution of the drug. From the in vitro swelling studies and in vivo test, the 2:1 CH-DSP solid dispersion in particular can be designated for further investigation.

Evaluation of cell tolerability of a series of lipoamino acids using biological membranes and a biomembrane model.

The interaction of a series of amphiphilic 2-alkyl aminoacids (lipoamino acids, LAAs) with different cell cultures and biomembrane models was investigated. LAAs can be useful promoieties to modify the physico-chemical properties of many drugs, and in particular their lipophilicity. Tests were performed in vitro on mammalian cells (murine astrocytes) and human red blood cells (haemolysis), and in vivo on rabbit eye as alternative models to assess the tolerability or the potential damaging effects of these compounds on different biological systems. The mode of interaction of LAAs with pure phospholipid multilamellar liposomes, taken as a biomembrane model, was also analysed by differential scanning calorimetry experiments. Different tolerability/toxicity patterns were obtained in the various models; in particular, the most lipophilic terms of the series, methyl 2-aminohexadecanoate (LAA16), displayed haemolytic activity and toxicity for mouse astrocyte cultures. A specific assay confirmed that LAA16 acted at level of cell membranes, while neither any damaging effects on nucleus or apoptotic induction were observed. The shorter-chain LAAs and the tetradecyl homologue (LAA14) showed the best compatibility with the various cell models.

Conjugation of thymopentin (TP5) with lipoamino acid residues increases the hydrolytic stability and preserves the biological activity.

Three conjugates of thymopentin (TP5), an oligopeptide derived from the thymic hormone thymopoietin, with lipoamino acid (LAAs) have been obtained by solid-phase peptide synthesis. Both linear and dendrimer structures have been prepared to achieve enhanced lipophilicity. After incubation in foetal calf serum the lipophilic conjugates showed a higher stability to hydrolysis with respect to the parent drug. In a preliminary in vitro biological assay, LAA conjugates showed the ability to retain or improve the growth inhibitory activity of the parent peptide against a human lymphoblastoid cell line. The interaction of the prepared conjugates with 1,2-L-alpha-dimiristoylphosphatidylcholine multilamellar liposomes, chosen as a biological membrane model, was studied. The higher lipophilicity of TP5 conjugates was reflected in a better penetration through phospholipid bilayers, whose thermal behaviour was altered in a concentration-dependent way. Such enhanced affinity of TP5-LAA conjugates for this membrane model could anticipate a better interaction with cell membranes and, ultimately, an improved biological activity of compounds compared with the parent pentapeptide.

Technological evaluation and equivalence assessment of lorazepam tablets in rabbits.

Four different oral lorazepam tablets (Tavor tablets as reference preparation and three generic tablet formulations, A, B and C) were investigated after administration to 12 rabbits to evaluate their bioequivalence. A single 2 mg/kg dose was administered orally as powder and lorazepam plasma concentrations were determined by a validated HPLC method. Maximum plasma concentrations (Cmax), of 207 ng/ml (reference), 198 ng/ml (A), 166 ng/ml (B) and 169 ng/ml (C) were achieved. Lorazepam appeared in the plasma at 0.66 h (Tmax) for all formulations, probably because the disintegration step was bypassed due to the pulverization of the administered doses. Areas under the plasma concentration-time curves (AUC(0-t) and AUC(0-infinity)) were determined. The obtained AUC(0-t) values were 556.57 ng h/ml (reference), 554.70 ng h/ml (A), 493.08 ng h/ml (B), and 487.88 ng h/ml (C). ANOVA results (P > or = 0.05) and 90% confidence intervals for the mean ratio (T/R) of AUC(0-t), AUC(0-infinity), and Cmax were within the EMEA acceptance range. Pharmacokinetic and statistical results of this study show that the four tested drug products (Tavor, A, B, C) are to be considered bioequivalent and interchangeable in medical practice.

Lyoprotected nanosphere formulations for paclitaxel controlled delivery.

The preparation and technological characterization of nanosphere formulations (NS) containing the anticancer drug paclitaxel (PTX) are reported. Poly(lactide) (PLA) and poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) nanospheres (NS) were prepared by a solvent displacement method. They showed a mean particle size in the range 150-300 nm, with a high homogeneity (polydispersity index < 0.3). For long term stability, NS require additional procedures, such as freeze-drying. In this study, the effect on NS particle size and surface charge of different lyoprotectants (mono- and disaccharides, polyalcohols, and hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin) at various concentrations was tested by means of light scattering size analysis. The formulations freeze-dried with the addition of 10% glucose (w/v) showed interesting characteristics after freeze-drying. They were chosen for specific studies on drug encapsulation efficiency, in vitro drug release and biological activity on the human anaplastic thyroid carcinoma cell line 8305C. The PLGA NS, in particular, showed a cell growth inhibitory activity comparable to the free drug.

PLA/PLGA nanoparticles for sustained release of docetaxel.

This study investigates the potentiality of nanosphere colloidal suspensions as sustained release systems for intravenous administration of docetaxel (DTX). Nanospheres were prepared by solvent displacement method using polylactic acids (PLA) at different molecular weight and polylactic-co-glycolic (PLGA) as biodegradable matrices. The systems were characterized by light scattering analysis for their mean size, size distribution and zeta potential and by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for surface morphology. The average diameters of the nanoparticles ranged from 100 to 200 nm. Negative zeta potential values were observed for all systems, particularly the nanospheres produced with the lowest molecular weight PLA showed a zeta potential value of -28mV. Differential scanning calorimetry analysis (DSC) suggested that DTX was molecularly dispersed in the polymeric matrices. A biphasic release of DTX was observed for all colloidal suspensions, after a burst effect in which about 50% (w/w) of the loaded drug was released a sustained release profile for about 10 days was observed. To evaluate the influence of the polymeric carrier on the interaction of DTX with biological membranes, we performed an in vitro study using lipid vesicles made of dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) as a biomembrane model. DSC was used as a simple and not invasive technique of analysis. DTX produced a depression of DPPC pretransition peak, no variation of the main phase transition temperature and a significative increase of DeltaH value, showing a superficial penetration of the drug into DPPC bilayer. Kinetic experiments demonstrated that the release process of DTX form nanospheres is affected by the molecular weight of the employed polymers.

Enhancement of availability of cloricromene at brain level by a lipophilic prodrug.

The pharmacokinetics of a lipophilic alkylamino acid (LAA) prodrug of cloricromene (AD6), name CLOR-C4, was studied in rat plasma and brain. In particular, we observed that the intraperitoneal administration of CLOR-C4 to rats was able to provide a slight but statistically significant higher concentration of the active drug metabolite (cloricromene acid) in the brain compared with the parent drug administered by the same way. The correlation between pharmacokinetic data and calculated partition (LogP) and brain distribution coefficients (LogBB) supported the hypothesis that the amphiphilic nature of the LAA promoiety could be responsible for a better penetration into the brain, more than the simple increase of lipophilicity gained with respect to the parent drug.

A calorimetric evaluation of the interaction of amphiphilic prodrugs of idebenone with a biomembrane model.

Lipoamino acids (LAA) are useful promoieties to modify physicochemical properties of drugs, namely lipophilicity and amphiphilicity. The resulting membrane-like character of drug-LAA conjugates can increase the absorption profile of drugs through cell membranes and biological barriers. To show the role of amphiphilicity with respect to lipophilicity in the interaction of drugs with biomembranes, in the present study we evaluated the mode of such an interaction of lipophilic conjugates of LAA with the antioxidant drug idebenone (IDE). DSC analysis and transfer kinetic studies were carried out using dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine (DMPC) multilamellar liposomes (MLVs) as a model. For comparison, two esters of IDE with alkanoic acids were synthesized and included in the analysis. The experimental results indicate that based on their different structure, IDE-LAA conjugates interacted at different levels with respect to pure IDE with DMPC bilayers. In particular, a progressive penetration inside the vesicles was observed upon incubation of IDE-LAA compounds with empty liposomes. The enhanced amphiphilicity of the drug due to the LAA moieties caused more complex interactions with DMPC bilayers, compared to those registered with the native drug or IDE alkanoate esters.

Flurbiprofen-loaded acrylate polymer nanosuspensions for ophthalmic application.

Polymeric nanoparticle suspensions were prepared from Eudragit RS100R and RL100R polymer resins and loaded with flurbiprofen (FLU), with the aim at improving the availability of the drug at an intra-ocular level for the prevention of the myosis induced during extracapsular cataract surgery. Nanosuspensions were prepared by a quasi-emulsion solvent diffusion technique using different formulation parameters (drug-to-polymer ratio, initial polymer concentration, agitation speed, etc.). The resulting nanoparticles showed mean sizes around 100 nm and a fixed positive charge (zeta-potential around +40/+60 mV). Stability tests after mid-time storage (4 degrees C or room temperature) or freeze-drying were carried out to optimise a possible final pharmaceutical preparation. In vitro, dissolution tests showed a controlled release profile of FLU from the nanoparticles. In vivo anti-inflammatory efficacy was assessed in the rabbit eye after induction of an ocular trauma (paracentesis). FLU-loaded nanosuspensions did not show toxicity on ocular tissues. Moreover, an inhibition of the miotic response to the surgical trauma comparable to a control eye-drop formulation was obtained, even though an actual lower concentration of free drug in the conjunctival sac was achieved from the nanoparticle system. Drug levels in the aqueous humour were also higher after application of the nanosuspensions.

Chemical and enzymatic stability evaluation of lipoamino acid esters of idebenone.

Lipophilic conjugates of idebenone (IDE) with short-chain alkylamino acids were previously synthesized and evaluated in vitro for their antioxidant properties. In this study, their susceptibility to chemical and enzymatic hydrolysis was evaluated. Results indicated that these derivatives release the parent drug quantitatively via enzymatic hydrolysis by serum and liver esterases, with a cleavage rate related to the length of the alkyl side chain. Consequently, the present lipoamino acid conjugates of IDE are prodrugs and their in vivo effects are mediated through the parent compound released in the body.

Ocular tolerability of Eudragit RS100 and RL100 nanosuspensions as carriers for ophthalmic controlled drug delivery.

Polymeric nanoparticle suspensions were prepared from inert polymer resins (Eudragit RS100, RS, and RL100, RL). When loaded with drugs, these resins have been recently proposed as delivery systems to prolong the release and improve ocular availability of the drug. To verify the absence of toxicity toward the ocular structures, blank RS and RL nanosuspensions were applied to rabbit eye and a modified Draize test was performed. Polymer nanoparticles appeared to be avoiding of any irritant effect on cornea, iris, and conjunctiva up to 24 h after application, thus appearing to be a suitable inert carrier for ophthalmic drug delivery.

Lipoamino acid conjugates of methotrexate with antitumor activity.

The synthesis, characterization, and in vitro antitumor activity against a wild and a transport-resistant CCRF-CEM cell line is described for a series of alpha,gamma-bisamide lipoamino acid and oligomer conjugates of methotrexate. The influence of the lipophilicity of the conjugates on the cytotoxicity and the dihydrofolate reductase inhibition was investigated. All compounds were more active than their fatty acid conjugate analogues. Compound le with a 12-carbon atom aliphatic side chain showed the highest in vitro activity.

Correlation between monoamino oxidase inhibitor activity of some thiazol-2-ylhydrazines and their interaction with dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine liposomes.

A calorimetric investigation has been carried out on the influence exerted by some 1-(alkoxybenzoyl)-2-(4-substituted thiazolyl-2-yl)hydrazines, possessing monoamine oxidase inhibitory (MAOI) activity, on the thermotropic behavior of model membranes constituted by dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) vesicles. Attention was paid to evaluate how structural variations of drugs may influence drug-lipid interaction. The examined drugs were found to modify the gel to liquid-crystal phase transition of DPPC liposomes, by causing a shift of the transition temperature (Tm) toward lower values and a negligible variation in the enthalpy changes (delta H). The different effects on DPPC thermotropic behavior of these MAOI drugs could be considered in terms of different substituents on the molecule's backbone. The calorimetric results were related to drug's MAO inhibitory activity measured by fluorescence techniques and the apparent distribution coefficient of the compounds in water/n-octanol. A hypothesis on a correlation between a drug's structure, inhibitory activity, and membrane interaction has been suggested.

Lipophilic methotrexate conjugates with antitumor activity.

Lipophilic methotrexate (MTX)-lipoamino acid conjugates coupled with amide or ester linkages (1a-1r) were synthesised. The inhibitory activity of the conjugates was evaluated on bovine liver DHFR. The in vitro growth inhibitory effect against MTX-sensitive human lymphoblastoid CCRF-CEM cells and an MTX-resistant sub-line (CEM/MTX), which displays defective intracellular transport of MTX, was determined under short-term and continuous (120-h incubation) exposure conditions. The alpha, gamma, or alpha,gamma amide conjugates showed different activity in inhibiting the growth of parent cells. CEM/MTX cells were much less susceptible than CCRF-CEM cells to inhibition by alpha or alpha,gamma-substituted lipoamino acid conjugates, whereas both cell lines were almost equally sensitive to the MTX-gamma conjugates. Although less potent than MTX, they could partially circumvent the impaired transport system. These findings confirm that lipophilic MTX conjugates may be good lead compounds on the drug development for the treatment of some MTX-resistant tumors. Ester-type conjugates displayed an interesting activity against parent CCRF-CEM cells, although they were less potent against the transport-resistant sub-line. Stability studies on these molecules indicated that they are not degraded into MTX in the culture medium, thus suggesting that they are not able to over-cross cell resistance despite of their lipophilicity.

Preparation, characterisation and photosensitivity studies of solid dispersions of diflunisal and Eudragit RS100 and RL100.

Solid dispersions of diflunisal (DIF) with Eudragit RS100 (RS) and RL100 (RL) with different drug-to-polymer ratios were prepared by a solvent method (coevaporates) and were characterised in the solid state in comparison with the corresponding physical mixtures. The work was aimed at characterising the interactions occurring between DIF and RS or RL polymers, along with their influence on the in-vitro drug-dissolution pattern. The findings suggest that the drug did not change its crystalline form within the polymer network. Drug dispersion in the polymer matrix strongly influences its dissolution rate, which appears slower and more gradual while increasing the polymer ratios. Moreover, DIF is known to be a photosensitive compound, and its photoproduct has been found to be a toxic agent. This can be evidenced by testing red blood cell membranes for their resistance to the osmotic shock induced by UVA irradiation in the presence of DIF. The presence of some DIF/RS coevaporates was shown to reduce significantly the drug photosensitization process towards cell membranes. This suggests the possibility of combining the design of a drug delivery system with a photoprotective strategy.

Enhancement of 4-biphenylacetic acid bioavailability in rats by its beta-cyclodextrin complex after oral administration.

4-Biphenylacetic acid, a potent non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent forms a solid inclusion complex with beta-cyclodextrin in a 1:1 molar ratio, which exhibits better solubility and dissolution characteristics than the uncomplexed drug. Following oral administration of the complex to rats, quicker and higher drug plasma concentrations can be achieved than with the drug alone. Parallel studies, using the carrageenan paw oedema test, demonstrate a greater anti-inflammatory activity of the complex (ED50 of 2.9 mg kg-1 for the complex and of 6.2 mg kg-1 for the free drug). The complex displayed a better gastric tolerability in the rat than drug alone.

Effect of pH on diclofenac release from Eudragit RS100 microparticles. A kinetic study by DSC.

The present work is aimed at investigating the release of Diclofenac (DCF) from Eudragit RS100 (RS) microparticles to a biological model membrane consisting of dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine (DMPC) multilamellar vesicles (MLV). The microparticles were prepared by the Quasi-Emulsion Solvent Diffusion method (QESD). The drug release was monitored by Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) technique, following the effects exerted by DCF on the thermotropic behaviour of DMPC multilamellar vesicles at different temperatures. DCF affects the transition temperature (Tm) of phospholipid vesicles, causing a shift towards lower values, which is modulated by the drug fraction entering into the lipid bilayer. Calorimetric measurements were performed at two different pH (4.0 and 7.4) on suspensions of blank liposomes added to weighed amounts of unloaded and DCF-loaded microspheres, as well as to the powdered free drug, after incubation at 37 degrees C. The Tm shifts, caused by the drug released from the polymeric system or by the free drug during incubation cycles, were compared to those caused by a chosen molar fractions of the free drug dispersed directly in the membrane. This in vitro study suggests as the kinetic process involved in drug release is influenced by the amount of drug loaded in the microspheres as well as by the pH value, acting on drug solubility and membrane disorder.