Skin- and Eco-Friendly Hand Sanitizer: A Novel Composition of Natural Extracts to Prevent the Spread of Respiratory Viruses.

Respiratory diseases caused by viruses are a serious global health threat. Although the use of hand sanitizers containing alcohol and synthetic antiseptic agents is recognized as an effective, simple, and low-cost measure to combat viral transmission, they can harm human health and the environment. Thus, this work aimed to study the efficacy of combining Camellia sinensis and Chamomilla recutita extracts in a skin- and eco-friendly leave-on hand sanitizer to prevent the spread of respiratory viruses. An oil-in-water emulsion containing C. recutita oily extract (5.0%), C. recutita glycolic extract (0.2%) and C. sinensis glycolic extract (5.0%) showed virucidal activity against HAdV-2 (respiratory virus) and two surrogate viruses of SARS-CoV-2 (HSV-1 and MVH-3), showing great potential to prevent the spread of respiratory viruses. These natural extracts combined are also promising to combat a broad spectrum of other viruses, in the form of antiseptic mouthwashes or throat sprays, surface disinfectants, and veterinary products, among others. Complementally, the developed hand sanitizer demonstrated efficacy against bacteria and fungus.

Liquisolid Pellets and Liqui-Pellets Are Not Different.

Our research group has pioneered the development of liquisolid pellets as a new drug delivery system targeting at the improvement of the dissolution rates of poorly water-soluble drugs, combining the technological and biopharmaceutical advantages of both multiparticulate and liquisolid systems. Recently, Lam and collaborators claimed the invention of "liqui-pellets" as "the emerging next-generation oral dosage form which stems from liquisolid concept in combination with pelletization technology". However, the concept of liqui-pellet is not novel. As we demonstrate in this commentary, liqui-pellets are the same type of preparation as our previously and extensively reported liquisolid pellets. Liquisolid pellets have been disclosed in a patent application and public peer-reviewed articles covering the concept, preparation and challenges associated with these systems. There are no technical differences that justify excluding our previous reports as the first reports on liquisolid pellets or liqui-pellets. This commentary highlights the similarities between liquisolid pellets and liqui-pellets, focusing on the anteriority of liquisolid pellets as disclosed by our group.

Liquisolid pellets: A pharmaceutical technology strategy to improve the dissolution rate of ritonavir.

Liquisolid pellets (LPs) prepared by extrusion-spheronization are promising delivery systems to improve the dissolution rate of poorly water-soluble drugs. However, developing LPs for high dose drugs (e.g. antiretroviral ritonavir, RTV) is a major challenge due to technical and quality constraints. In this study, formulations LP1 and LP2 were obtained (RTV 100 mg/unit dose) using microcrystalline cellulose (carrier), Kollidon® CL-SF (coating and disintegrating material) and high load (30%, w/w) of Kolliphor® EL or PEG 400 (non-volatile solvent). LP1 and LP2 had narrow size distribution, good morphological properties, and excellent flowability. The partial conversion of RTV polymorph I to the less soluble form II occurred during the preparation of the liquid medications. LP1 (containing Kolliphor® EL) achieved 82.64 ±â€¯2.17% of drug dissolved in 30 min (Q30min), compared with 53.14 ±â€¯0.6% and 42.42 ±â€¯2.09% for LP2 (containing PEG 400) and Norvir® tablets, respectively. Also, LP1 promoted 1.9-fold/1.7-fold and 8.19-fold/8.29-fold increases in Q30min/DE60min (dissolution efficiency) as compared to neat RTV polymorphs I and II, respectively.

New Approach for the Application of USP Apparatus 3 in Dissolution Tests: Case Studies of Three Antihypertensive Immediate-Release Tablets.

The USP Apparatus 3 is a compendial dissolution Apparatus that has been mainly used to assess the performance of modified-release drug products. However, this Apparatus can be applied to dissolution testing of immediate-release tablets as well, with several advantages such as lower consumption of dissolution media, reduced setup time in quality control routine, and minimized hydrodynamic issues. In this work, three immediate-release (IR) tablets containing antihypertensive drugs of different Biopharmaceutic Classification System (BCS) classes were evaluated in order to assess the possible interchangeability between the official dissolution method using typical USP Apparatus 1 or 2 and the proposed methods using USP Apparatus 3. Depending on the selection of the appropriate operational conditions, such as dip rate and sieve mesh size, it was observed that USP Apparatus 3 could provide similar dissolution profiles compared to USP Apparatus 1 or 2 to the drug products tested. In addition, USP Apparatus 3 avoided conning issues related to USP Apparatus 2. The successful application of USP Apparatus 3 in dissolution tests for IR drug products depends on the definition of specific test conditions for each product, considering all the equipment variables, as well as drug and formulation characteristics.

It is Possible to Achieve Tablets With Good Tabletability From Solid Dispersions - The Case of the High Dose Drug Gemfibrozil.

BACKGROUND: Solid Dispersions (SDs) have been extensively used to increase the dissolution of poorly water-soluble drugs. However, there are few studies exploring SDs properties that must be considered during tablet development, like tabletability. Poorly water-soluble drugs with poor compression properties and high therapeutic doses, like gemfibrozil, are an additional challenge in the production of SDs-based tablets. OBJECTIVE: This study evaluates the applicability of SDs to improve both tabletability and dissolution rate of gemfibrozil. A SD-based tablet formulation was also proposed. METHODS: SDs were prepared by ball milling, using hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) as a carrier, according to a 23 factorial design. The formulation variables were gemfibrozil:HPMC ratio, milling speed, and milling time. The response in the factorial analysis was the tensile strength of the compacted SDs. Dissolution rate and solid-state characterization of SDs were also performed. RESULTS: SDs showed simultaneous drug dissolution enhancement and improved tabletability when compared to corresponding physical mixtures and gemfibrozil. The main variable influencing drug dissolution and tabletability was the gemfibrozil:HPMC ratio. Tablets containing gemfibrozil- HPMC-SD (1:0.250 w/w) and croscarmellose sodium showed fast and complete drug release, while those containing the same SD and sodium starch glycolate exhibited poor drug release due to their prolonged disintegration time. CONCLUSION: SDs proved to be effective for simultaneously improving tabletability and dissolution profile of gemfibrozil. Tablets containing gemfibrozil-HPMC-SD and croscarmellose sodium as disintegrating agent showed improved drug release and good mechanical strength, demonstrating the potential of HPMC-based SDs to simultaneously overcome the poor dissolution and tabletability properties of this drug.

Eutectic mixtures as an approach to enhance solubility, dissolution rate and oral bioavailability of poorly water-soluble drugs.

Eutectic mixtures have been known for a long time in the pharmaceutical field. However, its potential as a system to improve the solubility and dissolution of poorly water-soluble drugs remains little explored. Studies involving the microstructural characterization and the preparation of solid dosage forms containing eutectic mixtures are also an issue to be developed. Recently, the number of studies involving the preparation of eutectic mixtures to improve the solubility and oral bioavailability of poorly soluble drugs has increased considerably, including drug-carrier and drug-drug mixtures. In this review is discussed the potential of eutectic mixtures as an alternative pharmaceutical solid system to enhance drugs solubility, dissolution rate or oral bioavailability. Different aspects like history, physico-chemical, microstructural properties, preparation methods, mechanisms involved in solubility/dissolution enhancement, techniques for solid state characterization, in vivo studies, advantages, limitations and formulation perspective are also discussed.

How tenofovir disoproxil fumarate can impact on solubility and dissolution rate of efavirenz?

Efavirenz (EFZ) and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) can be used simultaneously in the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus type1 infection. In this work the impact of TDF, a hydrophilic drug, on the solubility and dissolution rate of EFZ, a poorly water-soluble drug, was evaluated. EFZ/TDF binary mixtures in different molar ratios were prepared. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) results indicate the formation of a eutectic mixture, the molar ratio of 65/35 being the eutectic point. It was observed an increase in the EFZ solubility in water and acidic conditions (0.1 N HCl and biorelevant medium), in the presence of TDF. On the other hand, there was a decreasing on EFZ solubility in phosphate buffer pH 6.8, probably influenced by the lower solubility of TDF in this medium. The high solubility of TDF in water and acidic medium may have contributed to improve the solubility of EFZ, as well as the formation of a eutectic mixture, supported by X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD) and Fourier Transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analyses. However, TDF solubility and dissolution rate was not significantly influenced by the presence of EFZ.

Liquisolid systems: Understanding the impact of drug state (solution or dispersion), nonvolatile solvent and coating material on simvastatin apparent aqueous solubility and flowability.

The drug in a solid dosage form must undergo dissolution before it is available for absorption from the gastrointestinal tract. Liquisolid system (LS) is a technology used for increasing aqueous solubility of the drugs, which has an important role in the dissolution and absorption phenomena. However, many factors can influence the performance and success of LS. Therefore this study aimed to evaluate through a factorial design, the factors such as drug state (solution or dispersion), nonvolatile solvent and coating material that influence the increase simvastatin (BSC II drug) apparent aqueous solubility and LS flow properties. Through numerical optimization the best formulation was selected to develop a liquisolid compact (LC) and it was evaluated by dissolution tests over commercial tablets using two dissolution media. Analyzing the data, the type of nonvolatile solvent and the state of the drug (solution or dispersion) were the factors with the greatest effects on the apparent aqueous solubility response (p < 0.0001 for both). Regarding the responses that evaluated the flow properties, the type of coating material and the type of nonvolatile solvent were the factors that influenced the Carr index (p < 0.0006, p < 0.0023, respectively) and Hausner ratio (p < 0.0006, p < 0.0014, respectively), where formulations containing Kollidon® CL were more efficient than Aerosil® (which is the most commonly used coating material for LS manufacture). These results enabled us to identify which factors were most influential and to move towards the use of new excipients in the case of Kollidon® CL. In addition, allowed a wider evaluation and understanding of LS, which is considered an important technological alternative for the increase of drug solubility.

Carnauba wax as a promising excipient in melt granulation targeting the preparation of mini-tablets for sustained release of highly soluble drugs.

Mini-tablets are a new tendency in solid dosage form design for overcoming therapeutic obstacles such as impaired swallowing and polypharmacy therapy. Among their advantages, these systems offer therapeutic benefits such as dose flexibility and combined drug release patterns. The use of lipids in the formulation has also drawn considerable interest as means to modify the drug release from the dosage form. Therefore, this paper aimed at developing sustained release mini-tablets containing the highly soluble drugs captopril and metformin hydrochloride. Carnauba wax was used as a lipid component in melt granulation, targeting the improvement of the drugs poor flowability and tabletability, as well as to sustain the drug release profiles in association with other excipients. To assist sustaining the drug release, Ethocel™ (EC) and Kollicoat® SR 30D associated with Opadry® II were employed as matrix-forming and reservoir-forming materials, respectively. The neat drugs, granules and the bulk formulations were evaluated for their angle of repose, compressibility index, Hausner ratio and tabletability. Mini-tablets were evaluated for their weight variation, hardness, friability, drug content and in-vitro drug release. The results indicated that melt granulation with carnauba wax improved the flow and the tabletability of the drugs, allowing the preparation of mini-tablets with adequate tensile strength under reduced compaction pressures. All mini-tablet formulations showed acceptable hardness (within the range of 1.16 to 3.93Kp) and friability (<0.1%). The melt-granulated captopril in matrix systems containing 50% EC (45P, 100P or 100FP) and the melt-granulated metformin hydrochloride in reservoir systems coated with Kollicoat® SR 30D and Opadry® II (80:20 with 10% weight gain or 70:30 with 20% weight gain) exhibited release profiles adequate to sustained release formulations, for over 450min. Therefore, carnauba wax proved to be a promising excipient in melt granulation targeting the preparation of mini-tablets for sustained release of soluble drugs.

Sodium alginate as a potential carrier in solid dispersion formulations to enhance dissolution rate and apparent water solubility of BCS II drugs.

The solid dispersion technique is the most effective method for improving the dissolution rate of poorly water-soluble drugs, however it depends on a suitable carrier selection. The work explored the use of the biopolymer sodium alginate (SA) as a potential carrier in solid dispersions (SD). The data demonstrated that SA was able to improve the biopharmaceutical properties of the BCS II drug telmisartan (TEL) of low solubility even using relative small drug:polymer ratio. A solid state grinding process was used to prepare the solid dispersions (SD) during 45 min. The SD were prepared in different proportions of drug and carrier of 1:1, 1:3, 1:5, 1:7 and 1:9 (mass/mass). DSC, XRPD, FTIR and Raman confirmed the presence of molecular interactions between TEL and the carrier. FTIR supports the presence of hydrogen bonds between TEL and the carrier. SD_1:5, SD_1:7 and SD_1:9 enhanced the dissolution rate of the drug releasing more than 80% of the drug in just 30 min (83%, 84% and 87%). The the t-test results demonstrated equal dissolution efficiency values for SD_1:7 and Micardis(®), however the similarity (f2) and difference (f1) fit factors showed that the SD and Micardis(®) are statistically different. The physical stability studies demonstrated that SD using sodium alginate as a carrier remained unchanged during the period of 90 days at room temperature, showing that the sodium alginate acts as a good anti plasticizer agent, preventing the drug recrystallization.

Spectrophotometric determination of the total flavonoid content in Ocimum basilicum L. (Lamiaceae) leaves.

BACKGROUND: The chemical characterization is essential to validate the pharmaceutical use of vegetable raw materials. Ultraviolet spectroscopy is an important technique to determine flavonoids, which are important active compounds from Ocimum basilicum. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this work was to optimize a spectrophotometric method, based on flavonoid-aluminum chloride (AlCl3) complexation to determine the total flavonoid content (TFC) in leaves of O. basilicum (herbal material), using response surface methodology. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The effects of (1) the herbal material: Solvent ratio (0.02, 0.03, 0.05, 0.07, and 0.08 g/mL), (2) stock solution volume (0.8, 2.3, 4.4, 6.5, and 8.0 mL) and (3) AlCl3 volume (0.8, 1.0, 1.2, 1.4, and 1.6 mL) on the TFC were evaluated. The analytical performance parameters precision, linearity and robustness of the method were tested. RESULTS: The herbal material: Solvent ratio and stock solution volume showed an important influence on the method response. After choosing the optimized conditions, the method exhibited a precision (RSD%) lower than 6% for repeatability (RSD%) and lower than 8% for intermediate precision (on the order of literature values for biotechnological methods), coefficient of correlation of 0.9984, and no important influence could be observed for variations of the time of complexation with AlCl3. However, the time and temperature of extraction were critical for TFC method and must be carefully controlled during the analysis. CONCLUSION: Thus, this study allowed the optimization of a simple, fast and precise method for the determination of the TFC in leaves of O. basilicum, which can be used to support the quality assessment of this herbal material.

Applications of USP apparatus 3 in assessing the in vitro release of solid oral dosage forms / Aplicações do aparelho USP 3 em avaliar a libertação in vitro de formas de dosagem orais sólidas

USP Apparatus 3 (reciprocating cylinder) is a very versatile device for the in vitro assessment of release characteristics of solid oral dosage forms, because it enables the product to be subjected to different dissolution media and agitation speeds in a single run. In this paper, a brief history and a description of this system are presented, along with its applications in the development of immediate and modified release products and in the simulation of fasted and fed states using biorelevant media. Furthermore, a comparison is made with the basket and paddle apparatus, especially highlighting the superior hydrodynamics of USP apparatus 3, since the results are not sensitive to factors such as the presence of sample collection probes or air bubbles in the dissolution medium...

USP aparato 3 (cilindros recíprocos) é um equipamento bastante versátil para a avaliação das características de liberação in vitro de formas farmacêuticas sólidas orais, pois permite que o produto seja submetido a diferentes meios de dissolução e condições de agitação, em um único ensaio. Neste trabalho, são apresentados um breve histórico e a descrição desse sistema, suas aplicações no desenvolvimento de produtos de liberação imediata e modificada, assim como sua utilização na simulação dos estados não alimentado e alimentado com o emprego de meios biorrelevantes. Além disso, uma comparação é estabelecida com o cesto e a pá, com destaque para a hidrodinâmica superior do USP aparato 3, que faz com que os resultados não sejam influenciados por fatores como o uso de sondas de coleta de amostras ou presença de bolhas de ar no meio de dissolução...

Avaliação do aumento da solubilidade aquosa do praziquantel incorporado em microesferas de poli(3-hidroxibutirato) e Eudragit® E / Evaluation of enhanced aqueous solubility of praziquantel incorporated in poly (3-hydroxybutyrate) and Eudragit® E microspheres

O praziquantel é o fármaco de escolha no tratamento da esquistossomose, porém, sua baixa solubilidade aquosa pode comprometer sua biodisponibilidade por via oral. Neste trabalho o praziquantel foi incorporado em microesferas de poli(3-hidroxibutirato) (PHB) e Eudragit® E pela técnica de emulsão-evaporação do solvente, com o intuito de melhorar sua solubilidade aquosa. As micropartículas preparadas com PHB apresentaram forma esférica e eficiência de encapsulação do fármaco de 78%. Quando preparadas com Eudragit® E/PHB na proporção de 50/50, apresentaram-se porosas e com eficiência de encapsulação de 42%. As microesferas preparadas com os polímeros na proporção de 75/25 apresentaram-se mais porosas que as anteriores e com 52% de praziquantel encapsulado. Ensaios de dissolução in vitro demonstraram melhora significativa na solubilidade aquosa do praziquantel incorporado às microesferas de Eudragit® E/PHB 75/25. O aumento da solubilidade está associado à elevada porosidade das microesferas e ao emprego do Eudragit® E como carreador hidrofílico.

Praziquantel is the drug of choice for the treatment of schistosomiasis, however, its low water solubility may undermine the oral bioavailability. In this study, praziquantel was incorporated into microspheres prepared with poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) and a polymethacrylate (Eudragit® E), using an emulsion-solvent evaporation method, in order to improve its aqueous solubility. Microparticles prepared with PHB had spherical shape and encapsulation efficiency of 78%. When prepared with Eudragit® E/PHB at a ratio of 50/50 the microspheres were porous and encapsulated 42% of the drug, and for a ratio of 75/25 the microspheres were more porous than those of the previous formulations, with an encapsulation efficiency of 52%. Dissolution in vitro led to a significant improvement in the aqueous solubility of praziquantel incorporated into Eudragit® E/PHB 75/25 microspheres. This increased solubility is linked to the high porosity of the microspheres and the use of Eudragit® E as a hydrophilic carrier.

Comprimidos contendo microesferas de cetoprofeno como sistema de liberação bifásica / Tablets containing ketoprofen microspheres as abiphasic delivery system

Sistema de liberação bifásica é aquele que promove a liberação do fármaco em dois estágios: um de liberação imediata e o outro de liberação prolongada. No presente trabalho o cetoprofeno foi incorporado em microesferas de Kollidon® SR e acetobutirato de celulose e, posteriormente, as microesferas foram comprimidas com o intuito de obter comprimidos de liberação bifásica. As microesferas foram obtidas através do método de emulsão e evaporação do solvente óleo em água (O/A), originando partículas esféricas e eficiência de encapsulação de 81,9%, indicando que o processo de obtenção permitiu uma incorporação bastante eficiente do fármaco nas microesferas. Três formulações (F) de comprimidos foram obtidas por compressão direta utilizando-se uma prensa hidráulica: F1 - contendo as microesferas de cetoprofeno; F2 - contendo microesferas de cetoprofeno, crospovidona e celulose microcristalina; e F3 - contendo as microesferas de cetoprofeno, o cetoprofeno não encapsulado, além dos excipientes citados anteriormente (comprimidos bifásicos). Análises por microscopia eletrônica de varredura evidenciaram que o processo de compressão não afetou a morfologia das microesferas, as quais mantiveram sua integridade. A liberação do fármaco a partir dos comprimidos bifásicos inicialmente foi rápida, com 75% do fármaco dissolvido em uma hora, seguida de uma liberação prolongada, atingindo 88% de fármaco dissolvido em doze horas. Os resultados obtidos sugerem que o sistema proposto pode ser otimizado para a liberação do cetoprofeno em dois estágios, para administração por via oral.

A biphasic delivery system is one from which a drug is released in two stages, consisting of an immediate release and a prolonged release. In this study, ketoprofen was incorporated into Kollidon SR® and cellulose acetate butyrate microspheres, which were then compressed in order to obtain biphasic release tablets. The microspheres were produced by an oil-in-water (O/W) emulsion and solvent evaporation method, resulting in spherical particles and an encapsulation efficiency of 81.9%, indicating that the process allowed a very efficient incorporation of the drug into the microspheres. Three tablet formulations were compounded by direct compression in a hydraulic press: F1, containing only the ketoprofen microspheres; F2, containing ketoprofen microspheres, crospovidone and microcrystalline cellulose, and F3, containing the ketoprofen microspheres plus non-encapsulated ketoprofen, together with the aforementioned excipients (biphasic tablets). Examination by scanning electron microscopy showed that the compression process did not affect the morphology of the microspheres, which remained whole and undamaged. The drug release from the biphasic tablets was initially rapid, 75% of the drug being dissolved in one hour, followed by a sustained slow release, 88% of the drug being dissolved in twelve hours. These results suggest that the proposed delivery system can be optimized for two-stage ketoprofen release via oral administration.

Microspheres prepared with biodegradable PHBV and PLA polymers as prolonged-release system for ibuprofen: in vitro drug release and in vivo evaluation

In this study, poly(hydroxybutyrate-co-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) and poly(l-lactide) (PLA) microspheres containing ibuprofen were prepared with the aim of prolonging the drug release. The oil-in-water (O/W) emulsion solvent evaporation technique was used, varying the polymer ratio. All formulations provided spherical particles with drug crystals on the surface and a porous and rough polymeric matrix when PHBV was used and smooth external surface when prepared with PLA. The in vitro dissolution profiles show that the formulation containing PHBV/PLA at the proportion of 30/70 presented the best results in terms of prolonging the ibuprofen release. The analysis of the concentration of ibuprofen in the blood of rats showed that maximum levels were achieved at between one and two hours after administration of the immediate-release form (pure drug), while the prolonged microspheres led to a small amount of the drug being released within the first two hours and reached the maximum level after six hours of administration. It was concluded that it is possible to prolong the release of ibuprofen through its incorporation into PHBV/PLA microspheres.

No presente estudo foram preparadas microesferas de poli(hidroxibutirato-co-hidroxivalerato) (PHBV) e poli(ácido láctico) (PLA) com o objetivo de prolongar a liberação do ibuprofeno, utilizado como fármaco modelo. Empregou-se o método de emulsificação e evaporação do solvente óleo em água (O/A), variando-se a proporção entre os polímeros. Todas as formulações originaram partículas esféricas com cristais de fármaco aderidos à superfície externa. As microesferas apresentaram superfície rugosa e porosa, quando o PHBV foi utilizado, e superfície externa lisa, quando preparadas com o PLA. Os perfis de dissolução in vitro evidenciaram que a formulação que continha PHBV/PLA na proporção de 30/70 apresentou melhores resultados para prolongar a liberação do ibuprofeno. Através da análise da concentração de ibuprofeno no plasma de ratos, após administração oral, verificou-se que os níveis máximos ocorreram entre 1 e 2 horas após a administração de ibuprofeno não encapsulado, enquanto o fármaco presente nas microesferas atingiu um pico máximo após 6 horas da administração. Conclui-se, portanto, que é possível prolongar a liberação do ibuprofeno após a sua incorporação às microesferas preparadas com os polímeros PHBV e PLA, especialmente na proporção de 30/70.

Preparo e caracterização de micropartículas de acetobutirato decelulose e poli(3-hidroxibutirato) contendo piroxicam / Preparation and characterization of cellulose acetate butyrate and poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) microparticles containing piroxicam

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a influência da massa molar do acetobutirato de celulose (ABC) e da adição de poli(3-hidroxibutirato) [PHB] sobre amorfologia das micropartículas, a eficiência de encapsulação e os perfis de liberação do piroxicam. As micropartículas foram preparadas por meio da técnica de emulsão/evaporação do solvente O/A e caracterizadas quanto à morfologia por microscopia eletrônica de varredura. O teor de fármaco nas micropartículas foi determinado utilizando o método de espectrofotometria de absorção na região do ultravioleta; os ensaios de liberação realizados, utilizando tampão fosfato pH 6,8. As micropartículas obtidas apresentaram formas irregulares, e aquelas preparadas a partir do ABC com maior massa molar apresentaram maior tamanho. Mediante planejamento fatorial, observou-se que as variáveis analisadas(massa molar do ABC e adição de PHB) não influenciaram a eficiência de encapsulação do piroxicam, mas exerceram influência sobre a quantidade inicial de piroxicam liberada a partir das micropartículas.

This work aims to evaluate the influence of the cellulose acetate butyrate (CAB) molar weight and the additionof poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) [PHB] on microparticle morphology, encapsulation efficiency and release profile of piroxicam. The microparticles were prepared using the O/Wemulsion/solvent evaporation technique and characterized according to the morphologyusing scanning electron microscopy. The drug content in the microparticles was determined through UV spectrophotometry and a dissolution assay was conducted usingphosphate buffer pH 6.8. The obtained microparticles presented irregular shape; the ones prepared with CAB with large molar weight presented a larger size. Through a factorial design, it was observed that the analyzed variables (CAB molar weight and PHB addition)did not influence the encapsulation efficiency, but did influence the initial release of piroxicam from the microparticles.

Formas farmacêuticas sólidas orais de liberação prolongada: sistemas monolíticos e multiparticulados: [revisão] / Sustained release solid oral dosage forms: single-unity or multiple-unity systems: [review]

As formas farmacêuticas sólidas orais (FFSO) de liberação prolongada caracterizam-se pela liberação gradual do fármaco e manutenção da sua concentração plasmática em níveis terapêuticos, durante um período de tempo prolongado. Podem ser desenvolvidas como sistemas monolíticos ou multiparticulados, empregando-se tecnologias como matrizes poliméricas, sistemas reservatório ou bombas osmóticas. Este trabalho apresenta uma revisão acerca das tecnologias utilizadas para a obtenção de FFSO de liberação prolongada, destacando os benefícios tecnológicos e biofarmacotécnicos dos sistemas multiparticulados sobre os monolíticos. Os métodos empregados para a avaliação das características de dissolução desses sistemas são também abordados, especialmente o aparato 3 da Farmacopéia Americana. Por fim, são apresentados exemplos de produtos disponíveis no mercado brasileiro, com o objetivo de ilustrar a aplicabilidade das FFSO de liberação prolongada, além de verificar o perfil de utilização desses sistemas pela indústria nacional.

Sustained release solid oral dosage forms are characterized by the gradual release of the drug and maintenance of its plasmatic concentration in therapeutic levels, during a prolonged period of time. They can be designed as single-unity or multiple-unity dosage forms, using technologies such as matrix, reservoir or osmotic systems. The present work is a review on the technologies used to obtain sustained release oral dosage forms, with a special attention to the technological and biopharmaceutical benefits of multiple-unity over single-unity systems. The methods used in the evaluation of the dissolution characteristics of such systems are also approached. Examples of products available in the Brazilian market are shown with the purpose of illustrating the applicability of sustained release solid oral dosage forms, besides verifying the profile of utilization of these systems by the national industry.

Dissolução de comprimidos e péletes de liberação prolongada empregando-se os métodos da pá e Bio-Dis / Dissolution of sustained release tablets and pellets using the paddlle and Bio-Dis methods

Matrizes hidrofílicas de diclofenaco sódico e de cetoprofeno foram preparadas por meio de compressão direta ou granulação úmida seguida de compressão, utilizando-se hipromelose para modular a dissolução do fármaco. Foram também obtidos péletes de liberação prolongada de cetoprofeno, mediante extrusão-esferonização e revestimento, em leito fluidizado, com Kollicoat® EMM 30D. Um planejamento fatorial 22 foi usado para elucidar os efeitos de variáveis de formulação sobre os perfis de liberação do fármaco a partir dos sistemas em estudo, determinados empregando-se os métodos da pá e/ou Bio-Dis. No caso dos comprimidos matriciais, os efeitos do grau de viscosidade e concentração de hipromelose foram investigados. Para os péletes, avaliou-se os efeitos da granulometria e ganho de peso em revestimento. A influência do pH sobre a liberação do fármaco a partir dos sistemas preparados foi também estudada, usando-se meios de dissolução com pH 1,2-7,2. Os métodos ANOVA e teste de Tukey (comparação estatística entre porcentuais de fármaco dissolvido e/ou eficiência de dissolução), f1, f2 e Weibull foram usados para caracterizar e comparar os perfis de dissolução. O grau de viscosidade e concentração de hipromelose influenciaram a liberação de diclofenaco sádico e cetoprofeno a partir das matrizes em estudo, sendo a concentração do polímero o fator principal que governou o processo. A granulação alterou os perfis de dissolução de cetoprofeno em relação às matrizes obtidas por compressão direta, diminuindo a velocidade e modificando o mecanismo de liberação. No caso dos péletes, o ganho de peso em revestimento foi o parâmetro que exerceu maior efeito sobre a liberação do cetoprofeno, enquanto a granulometria apenas influenciou os perfis de dissolução dás formulações com maior ganho de peso em revestimento. A liberação do fármaco a partir dos sistemas em estudo aumentou com a elevação do pH, o que ocorreu devido à solubilidade pH-dependente do cetoprofeno e diclofenaco sódico.

Diclofenac sodium and ketoprofen hydrophilic matrices were prepared by direct compression or wet granulation followed by compression, using hypromellose to modulate the drug dissolution. Sustained release ketoprofen pellets were also obtained by extrusion-spheronization and fluidized bed coating with Kollicoat® EMM 30D. A 22 factorial design has been used to elucidate the effects of formulation variables on the drug release profiles from the systems in study, determined using the paddle method and Bio-Dis. In the case of matrix tablets, the effects of the viscosity grade and concentration of hypromellose were investigated. For the pellets, the effects of granulometry and weight gain were evaluated. The influence of the pH value on the drug release from the prepared systems was also studied, using pH 1,2-7,2 dissolution media. ANOVA and Tukey's test (statistical comparison between percentages of drug dissolved and/or dissolution efficiency), f1, f2 and Weibull methods were used to characterize and compare the dissolution profiles. The concentration and viscosity grade of hypromellose influenced the ketoprofen and diclofenac sodium release from the studied matrices, being the polymer concentration the main factor that has governed the process. Granulation has modified the dissolution profiles of ketoprofen in relation to the matrices obtained by direct compression, reducing the rate and modifying the mechanism of drug release. In the pellets case, weight gain was the main factor that has influenced the ketoprofen release, while ganulometry has only influenced the dissolution profiles of the formulation with the highest weight gain. Drug release from the systems under study increased with the increase of the pH value of the medium because of the diclofenac sodium and ketoprofen pH-dependent solubility.