Development and Optimisation of Spironolactone Nanoparticles for Enhanced Dissolution Rates and Stability.

Stable solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) and nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) formulations to enhance the dissolution rates of poorly soluble drug spironolactone (SP) were being developed. Probe ultra-sonication method was used to prepare SLNs and NLCs. All NLCs contained stearic acid (solid lipid carrier) and oleic acid (liquid lipid content), whereas, SLNs were prepared and optimised by using the solid lipid only. The particles were characterised in terms of particle size analysis, thermal behaviour, morphology, stability and in vitro release. The zeta sizer data revealed that the increase in the concentration of oleic acid in the formulations reduced the mean particle size and the zeta potential. The increase in concentration of oleic acid from 0 to 30% (w/w) resulted in a higher entrapment efficiency. All nanoparticles were almost spherically shaped with an average particle size of about ∼170 nm. The DSC traces revealed that the presence of oleic acid in the NLC formulations resulted in a shift in the melting endotherms to a higher temperature. This could be attributed to a good long-term stability of the nanoparticles. The stability results showed that the particle size remained smaller in NLC compared to that of SLN formulations after 6 months at various temperatures. The dissolution study showed about a 5.1- to 7.2-fold increase in the release of the drug in 2 h compared to the raw drug. Comparing all nanoparticle formulations indicated that the NLC composition with a ratio of 70:30 (solid:liquid lipid) is the most suitable formulation with desired drug dissolution rates, entrapment efficiency and physical stability.

Ferrocene functionalized nanoscale mixed-oxides as a potent phosphate adsorbent from the synthetic and real (Persian Gulf) waters.

The application of covalently attached ferrocene groups to the aluminum-silicate nanoparticles (ASNPs) for phosphate (P) removal from the synthetic and real waters has been studied and the prepared nanomaterials were analyzed by XPS, EDS, BET, TEM, chemical analysis (CHN), FTIR, and ICP-AES. The immobilization of the ferrocene on the surface of the inorganic support (mixed oxides) can lead to reduce the drawback of the pristine ferrocene molecules which may have strong tendency to agglomerate into larger particles, resulting in the negative effect on both available active sites and catalyst performance. XPS of Fe ions evidenced that most of the active sites of the nano-adsorbent is in the form of Fe(III) ions at the surface. The heterogeneous Fe(III) ions were effective toward removal of phosphate. The contact time to obtain equilibrium for maximum adsorption of phosphate (100%) was found to be 120 min. The adsorption kinetics of P has been evaluated in terms of pseudo-first- and -second-order kinetics, and the Freundlich and Langmuir isotherm models have also been tested to the equilibrium adsorption results. The adsorption process was spontaneous and endothermic in nature and followed pseudo-second-order kinetic model. FTIR, EDS and XPS results confirmed the formation of Fe-O-P bond on the Si/Al@Fe surface after adsorption of P from aqueous media. The Si/Al@Fe displayed high reusability due to its high removal capacity after 10th adsorption-desorption runs. The proposed adsorbent could also be utilized to adsorb the P ions from the real sample (Persian Gulf water). The high removal capacity of P ions from the real water and the high levels of reusability confirmed the versatility of the heterogenized ferrocene groups on the ASNPs.

Formulation optimization and in vitro skin penetration of spironolactone loaded solid lipid nanoparticles.

The aim of the current investigation was to prepare and evaluate the potential use of solid lipid nanoparticles for the dermal delivery of spironolactone (SP). The spironolactone loaded SLN (SP-SLN) was prepared by emulsion-solvent evaporation method followed by ultrasonication. The properties of obtained SLNs were characterized by photon correlation spectroscopy (PCS), scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and differential scanning calorimetry. FT-IR was also used to investigate any interaction between SP and excipients in the molecular level during the preparation of SLNs. The performance of the formulations was investigated in terms of drug release, skin permeation and also the retention of drug by the skin. The SP-SLNs presented spherical shape with the mean diameter, zeta potential and entrapment efficiency of 88.9 nm, -23.9 mV and 59.86%, respectively. DSC study showed that SP alone encapsulated in SLNs was in the amorphous form. FT-IR analysis revealed that there were hydrogen bond interactions between the SP alone and SLN components. The dissolution results revealed that the drug release from SP-SLNs was at least 4.9 times faster than original SP within the first 30 min. The cumulative amount of SP penetrated through rat skin from SP-SLNs was almost twofold that of the SP alone in 24h after the administration. In vitro permeation studies indicated that SP-SLN may be a promising vector for use in the topical treatment. It can be concluded that SLNs provide good skin permeation for SP and may be a promising carrier for topical delivery of spironolactone offering the biphasic release pattern that might be interesting for topical application resulting in an effective treatment for skin disorders such as acne.

Job stress among Iranian prison employees.

BACKGROUND: Exposure to job stress causes deleterious effects on physical and mental health of employees and productivity of organizations. OBJECTIVE: To study work-related stressors among employees of prisons of Ilam, western Iran. METHODS: In a cross-sectional study conducted from July to October 2013, 177 employees of Ilam prisons and security-corrective measures organization were enrolled in this study. The UK Health and Safety Executive Organization 35-item questionnaire for assessment of occupational stress was used to determine job stress among the studied employees. RESULTS: Job stress was highest among employees of "correction and rehabilitation center" of Ilam province followed by "Dalab vocational training center." There was no significant relationship between occupational stress and age, work experience, level of education, marital status, sex of employees, and obesity. CONCLUSION: Employees of prisons, for their nature of job and work environment, are exposed to high level of occupational stress.