Potentiation of Brain Bioavailability Using Thermoreversible Cubosomal Formulation.

The aim of the present study was to develop and evaluate intranasal formulations of the thermoreversible fluoxetine cubosomal in situ gel. This gel was intended for permeation and bioavailability enhancement to target the brain effectively by bypassing the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Fluoxetine-loaded cubosomes were prepared by the homogenization method followed by the cold method approach to develop in situ gel. Fluoxetine-loaded cubosomes displayed a higher encapsulation efficiency (82.60 ± 1.25%) than fluoxetine. This might be due to the solubilizing activity of the polymer to cause partitioning of the lipophilic drug into the aqueous phase during the change from the cubic gel phase to cubosomes. In vitro analysis of fluoxetine-loaded cubosomal in situ gel showed a sustained release profile (93.22 ± 2.47%) due to limited diffusion of fluoxetine. The formation of strong affinity bonds of the drug with GMO (drug transporter) decreased the drug release in comparison to that with fluoxetine-loaded cubosomes (90.68 ± 1.74%). The ex vivo drug release profile revealed the drug release of 96.31 ± 2.88% by the end of 24 h. This is attributed to the higher capability of the intranasal cubosomal in situ gel to prolong the retention and enable better permeation through the nasal mucosa. In male Wistar rats, in vivo biodistribution studies for cubosomal in situ gel administered via the intranasal route at a dose of 3.5 mg/kg demonstrated an increase in pharmacokinetic parameters like the AUC (406 ± 75.35 µg/mL), Cmax (368.07 ± 0.23 µg/mL), Tmax (4 h), and t1/2 (14.06 h). The mucoadhesive nature of the in situ gel led to an increase in the residence time of the gel in the nasal mucosa. The biodistribution study of intranasal in situ cubosomal gel improved the bioavailability 2.21-fold in comparison to that with the cubosomal dispersion but 2.83-fold in comparison to that with the drug solution. Therefore, fluoxetine-loaded cubosomal in situ gel proved as a promising carrier for effective transportation of fluoxetine via the intranasal route with significant brain bioavailability.

Nanostructured lipid carrier-loaded metformin hydrochloride: Design, optimization, characterization, assessment of cytotoxicity and ROS evaluation.

Metformin hydrochloride (MET) is commonly used in diabetes treatment. Recently, it has gained interest for its anticancer potential against a wide range of cancers. Owing to its hydrophilic nature, the delivery and clinical actions of MET are limited. Therefore, the present work aims to develop MET-encapsulated NLCs using the hot-melt emulsification and probe-sonication method. The optimization was accomplished by 33 BB design wherein lipid ratio, surfactant concentration, and sonication time were independent variables while the PS (nm), PDI, and EE (%) were dependent variables. The PS, PDI, % EE and ZP of optimized GMSMET-NLCs were found to be 114.9 ± 1.32 nm, 0.268 ± 0.04 %, 60.10 ± 2.23 %, and ZP - 15.76 mV, respectively. The morphological features, DSC and PXRD, and FTIR analyses suggested the confirmation of formation of the NLCs. Besides, optimized GMSMET-NLCs showed up to 88 % MET release in 24 h. Moreover, GMSMET-NLCs showed significant cell cytotoxicity against KB oral cancer cells compared with MET solution as shown by the reduction of IC50 values. Additionally, GMSMET-NLCs displayed significantly increased intracellular ROS levels suggesting the GMSMET-NLCs induced cell death in KB cells. GMSMET-NLCs can therefore be explored to deliver MET through different routes of administration for the effective treatment of oral cancer.

Evaluation of Nanocarrier-Based Dry Powder Formulations for Inhalation with Special Reference to Anti-Tuberculosis Drugs.

Pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) is a leading cause of death worldwide and is caused by the pathogen Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTb). As treatment for TB, dry powders for inhalation (DPIs) are considered stable compared with nebulizers and metered dose inhalers and are suitable for high-dose formulations. Although extensive research has been done over the last two to three decades on nanocarrier-based DPIs for targeting MTb infection, none of the anti-TB DPI formulations have reached the market. Challenges in the proper assessment of nanocarrier-based DPIs due to the complexity of lungs is one of the reasons. In this review, the details of in vitro evaluation parameters of nanocarriers and nanocarrier-based DPIs along with their need and basic principles are discussed. Further, the thorough in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo pharmacological evaluations, together with their procedures wherever required, are covered. The different evaluation parameters during process development, release specifications, and stability studies suggested by U.S. Food and Drug Administration Center for Drug Evaluation and Research to apply for new drug applications and abbreviated new drug applications of DPIs are also discussed. Lastly, the evaluation parameters for DPIs provided in European, United States, British, and Indian pharmacopeias are summarized.

Role of Solid-Gas Interface of Nanobubbles for Therapeutic Applications.

The development of nanoscale particles offers tremendous potential for the formulation of nanobubbles, an area of great interest in therapeutic ultrasound, detection, diagnosis, and drug delivery systems. This review compiles information for designing nanobubbles tailored to various applications such as color Doppler imaging, multidrug-resistant treatment, cosmeceuticals, gene therapy, cancer treatment, water treatment, and so forth. Nanobubbles also extend a path for convenient and eco-friendly systems for cleaning conducting surfaces. We anticipate that this review will provide insights into nanobubble formulation, applications, and future approaches. It also focuses on newer technologies and formulation of gases, polymers, and excipients. Nanobubbles emerge as novel biocompatible, nontoxic carriers for clinical and commercial applications in healthcare but have yet to be explored in other fields.

Effect of inclusion complexation of meloxicam with ß-cyclodextrin- and ß-cyclodextrin-based nanosponges on solubility, in vitro release and stability studies.

The objective of the present work was to develop inclusion complexes of meloxicam with ß-cyclodextrin- and ß-cyclodextrin-based nanosponges to enhance their solubility and stability and to prolong release using different methods that included physical mixing, kneading and sonication. Particle size, zeta potential, encapsulation efficiency, stability study results, in vitro and in vivo drug release study results, FTIR, DSC and XRPD were used as characterization parameters. SEM (Scanning Electron Microscope) studies revealed that the particle sizes of the inclusion complexes of meloxicam were within the range of 350 ± 5.69-765 ± 13.29 nm. The zeta potentials were sufficiently high to obtain stable formulations. In vitro and in vivo release studies revealed the controlled release of meloxicam from the nanosponges for 24h. The interaction of the meloxicam with the nanosponges was confirmed by FTIR and DSC. A XRPD study revealed that the crystalline nature of meloxicam was changed to an amorphous form due to the complexation with the nanosponges. A stability study revealed that the meloxicam nanosponges were stable. Therefore, ß-cyclodextrin-based nanosponges represent a novel approach for the controlled release of meloxicam for anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects.