Use of Active Salmon-Lecithin Nanoliposomes to Increase Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Bioavailability in Cortical Neurons and Mice.

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) play an important role in the development, maintenance, and function of the brain. Dietary supplementation of n-3 PUFAs in neurological diseases has been a subject of particular interest in preventing cognitive deficits, and particularly in age-related neurodegeneration. Developing strategies for the efficient delivery of these lipids to the brain has presented a challenge in recent years. We recently reported the preparation of n-3 PUFA-rich nanoliposomes (NLs) from salmon lecithin, and demonstrated their neurotrophic effects in rat embryo cortical neurons. The objective of this study was to assess the ability of these NLs to deliver PUFAs in cellulo and in vivo (in mice). NLs were prepared using salmon lecithin rich in n-3 PUFAs (29.13%), and characterized with an average size of 107.90 ± 0.35 nm, a polydispersity index of 0.25 ± 0.01, and a negative particle-surface electrical charge (-50.4 ± 0.2 mV). Incubation of rat embryo cortical neurons with NLs led to a significant increase in docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) (51.5%, p < 0.01), as well as palmitic acid, and a small decrease in oleic acid after 72 h (12.2%, p < 0.05). Twenty mice on a standard diet received oral administration of NLs (12 mg/mouse/day; 5 days per week) for 8 weeks. Fatty acid profiles obtained via gas chromatography revealed significant increases in cortical levels of saturated, monounsaturated, and n-3 (docosahexaenoic acid,) and n-6 (docosapentaenoic acid and arachidonic acid) PUFAs. This was not the case for the hippocampus or in the liver. There were no effects on plasma lipid levels, and daily monitoring confirmed NL biocompatibility. These results demonstrate that NLs can be used for delivery of PUFAs to the brain. This study opens new research possibilities in the development of preventive as well as therapeutic strategies for age-related neurodegeneration.

Drinkable lecithin nanovesicles to study the biological effects of individual hydrophobic macronutrients and food preferences.

Fundamental nutritional studies on bioactive molecules require minimizing exposure to confounding foreign elements, like solvents. Herein, aqueous formulations of lecithin nanovesicles are proposed to study three individual trans fatty acids relevant to human nutrition: elaidic acid, trans-vaccenic acid and trans-palmitoleic acid. This proof-of-concept study describes the encapsulation of fatty acids, in vivo bioavailability, and the use of nanovesicles in behavioral experiments. The oral bioavailability of the encapsulated molecules and the selective exposure of animals to each trans-fatty acid of interest were confirmed in healthy rats. Behavioral studies also evidenced that nanovesicles can be used to evaluate the palatability of the lipids and investigate food preferences in mice. Altogether this study shows that lecithin nanovesicles offer an elegant tool to efficiently deliver hydrophobic molecules to animal models. This approach paves the way for future studies deconvoluting the nutritional effects of trans-fatty acids.

Lipid-PLGA hybrid nanoparticles of paclitaxel: Preparation, characterization, in vitro and in vivo evaluation.

Paclitaxel loaded lipid-polymer nanoparticles (NPs) were successfully synthesized using poly lactide-co-glycolide (PLGA) as polymer and stearyl amine, soya lecithin as lipids via single step nanoprecipitation method. The study was aimed to combine the advantage of structural integrity of hybrid NPs containing PLGA core and lipid in the shell. Surfactants such as polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), tocopheryl polyethylene glycol succinate (TPGS), pluronic 68 (F68) and human serum albumin (HSA) were used as stabilizers. NPs were characterized w.r.t. morphology, particle size, zeta potential, encapsulation efficiency, in vitro drug release, protein binding capability and blood compatibility. NPs were in size range of 150-400 nm and the particle size was greatly influenced by type and concentration of surfactants and lipids. TEM analysis confirmed the spherical shape and coating of the lipid on the NPs surface. Highest percentage entrapment efficiency was observed in NPs prepared with HSA as surfactant. The release rate of paclitaxel from modified NPs was much slower as compared to unmodified NPs. The percent protein binding of P-PVA, P-TPGS, P-F68 and P-HSA (unmodified NPs) was found to be 15.11%, 16.27%, 27.90% and 33.72%, respectively demonstrating effect of surface properties of NPs on protein binding. The hemolytic activity of the NPs was found to be dependent on type of surfactant and not on the lipid employed. PVA, TPGS, F68, HSA surfactants showed ~16%, ~10%, ~13%, ~7% hemolysis rate, respectively. The surface nature of NPs had a significant effect on the circulation profile of formulations. The HSA based NPs showed prolonged blood circulation time when compared to NPs without lipid coating. Thus, the synthesized dual lipid coated PLGA NPs with HSA could act as a potential nano-system for controlled delivery of paclitaxel.

Distribution of benzalkonium chloride into the aqueous phases of submicron dispersed systems: emulsions, aqueous lecithin dispersion and nanospheres.

Partitioning of benzalkonium chloride (BAC) into the aqueous phases of submicron dispersed systems such as submicron emulsions, aqueous lecithin dispersion (WLD), and suspension of nanospheres (NLC) was studied. The aqueous phases of the investigated systems were obtained by ultracentrifugation and subsequently were subjected to ultrafiltration, which procedure allowed distinguishing between the fractions of free benzalkonium chloride (w) and those incorporated in the liposomal and micellar region (wlm). The fractions present in the oily phase and in the interphase of submicron emulsions were calculated. Despite the various composition of the investigated formulations and the initial concentration of BAC, w values were very small at 0.2-8.0%. The wlm value in submicron emulsions was increased by increasing the total concentration of preservative from 29.0 to 42.0%. Using polysorbate 80 instead of lecithin resulted in a distribution of BAC to aqueous-liposomal-micellar phase that was twice as high. The very low concentration of antimicrobial active form of benzalkonium chloride was analyzed in the aqueous phase of emulsions stabilized with lecithin as well as in aqueous lecithin dispersion and nanospheres (below 3%). Replacement of lecithin with polysorbate 80 in emulsions with polysorbate significantly increase (up to 8%) the fraction of benzalkonium chloride in the aqueous phase where microbial growth occurs.

Rapamycin loaded TPGS-Lecithins-Zein nanoparticles based on core-shell structure for oral drug administration.

Rapamycin as a novel macrolide immunosuppressive agent has been commonly used in organ transplantation owing to its stronger immunosuppressive effect, non-nephrotoxicity and lower side effect. However its drawbacks of low bioavailability and big individual difference remain to be improved in clinical application. Here rapamycin loaded TPGS-Lecithins-Zein nanoparticles (RTLZ-NPs) with core-shell structure were prepared by the phase separation method. The RTLZ-NPs were approximately 190.3 nm in size, with PDI and zeta potential about 0.256 and -19.71 mV respectively. Drug entrapment and loading achieved were about 86.64 and 25.73% respectively. Meanwhile RTLZ-NPs exhibited favorable enzymolysis resistance abilities in gastrointestinal environments and enhanced uptake in Caco-2 cells. The optimum absorption sites of rapamycin in the intestine were duodenum and jejunum as single-pass intestinal perfusion assay. Upon also considering the results of Caco-2 cell assay, it could be speculated that the transport of rapamycin in vivo involved active transport as well as P-glycoprotein (P-gp) based efflux. Finally, the relative oral bioavailability of RTLZ-NPS was 4.33 fold higher than free rapamycin in SD rat. Altogether the designed nanoparticles can be an efficient oral delivery strategy for rapamycin analogues to prevent the attacks from destructive enzymes, reduce cell efflux, increase cell uptake, and then enhance the oral bioavailability.

Hypoglycemic and Hypolipemic Effects of a New Lecithin Formulation of Bergamot Polyphenolic Fraction: A Double Blind, Randomized, Placebo- Controlled Study.

OBJECTIVE: Hyperlipemia represents an independent risk factor in the development of atherosclerosis in patients undergoing type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). Moreover, the pharmacological treatment of dyslipemia in patients undergoing type 2 DM (e.g. by means of statins), is accompanied by relevant side effects and oral supplementation with natural antioxidants, such as Citrus polyphenols, has recently been suggested to improve cardioprotection in such patients. However, due to the poor gastrointestinal absorption of polyphenols, novel formulations have recently been developed for getting a better bioavailability of polyphenolic rich fractions of citrus species extract rich in polyphenols. METHODS: Here, we investigated the effect of standard bergamot polyphenolic fraction (BPF®) as well as of its phytosomal formulation (BPF Phyto), in patients with type 2 DM and hyperlipemia. A randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled study was carried out in 60 patients suffering from type 2 DM and mixed hyperlipemia. Patients were divided into three groups: one receiving placebo, the second receiving standard BPF and the third BPF Phyto. RESULTS: In the groups receiving BPF and BPF Phyto, a significant reduction of fasting plasma glucose, serum LDL cholesterol and triglycerides accompanied by increased HDL cholesterol was observed. This effect was associated with significant reduction of small dense atherogenic LDL particles, as detected by means of proton NMR Spectroscopy, thus confirming the hypolipemic and hypoglycemic effect of bergamot extract both when using standard formulation as well as BPF Phyto. No differences were seen in the therapeutic response among groups receiving BPF and BPF Phyto, thus suggesting a substantial bioequivalence in their hypoglycemic and hypolipemic profile. However, when comparing the pharmacokinetic profile of naringin (the major component of BPF) and its metabolites, in patients treated with BPF Phyto, an at least 2,5 fold increase in its absorption was found, confirming in human studies the better profile of BPF Phyto compared to standard BPF. CONCLUSION: These data suggest that better absorption and tissue distribution of BPF Phyto formulation represents an innovative approach in supplementation treatments of cardiometabolic disorders.

Phytosome complexed with chitosan for gingerol delivery in the treatment of respiratory infection: In vitro and in vivo evaluation.

Respiratory infection is a viral spreading disease and a common issue, particularly in kids. The treatments are available but have so many limitations because the drawback of this disease is more morbidity and mortality in the severely immune compromised. Even, the phyto-constituent antibacterial drug Gingerol was selected to treat respiratory infection but it exhibits low bioavailability profile, less aqueous-solubility issue and most important is rapidly eliminated from the body. To overcome these problems, novel drug delivery (nanoparticle) based phytosome complexed with chitosan approach was implemented. In this research work, the phytosome (GP) was prepared by blending of gingerol with soya lecithin in organic solvent using anti-solvent precipitation technique and it was further loaded in the aqueous solution of chitosan to formulate the phytosome complexed with chitosan (GLPC). To optimize the formulations of gingerol, it was characterized for percentage yield, percentage entrapment efficiency, drug loading and particle size, physical compatibility studies etc. which demonstrated the confirmation of complex of GLPC with soya lecithin and chitosan. The % entrapment efficiency and % drug loading of GLPC was found (86.02 ±â€¯0.18%, 08.26 ±â€¯0.72%) and of GP (84.36 ±â€¯0.42%, 08.05 ±â€¯0.03%), respectively. The average particle size and zeta potential of GLPC and GP were 254.01 ±â€¯0.05 nm (-13.11 mV), and 431.21 ±â€¯0.90 nm (-17.53 mV), respectively which confirm the inhibition of particle aggregation by using chitosan in complex. The in vitro release rate of GP (86.03 ±â€¯0.06%) was slower than GLPC (88.93 ±â€¯0.33%) in pH 7.4 phosphate buffer up to 24 h by diffusion process (Korsmeyer Peppas model). The optimized GLPC and GP were shown irregular particle shapes & spherical and oval structures with smooth surface by SEM analysis. Furthermore, GLPC has shown the potent in vitro antioxidant activity, susceptible antibacterial activity and effective anti-inflammatory activity as compared to GP against stress, microbial infection and inflammation which were causable reason for the respiratory infections. GLPC has improved the significant bioavailability and also correlated the hematological values on rabbit blood against the incubation of microorganisms. Thus, the prepared nanoparticle based approach to deliver the gingerol, has the combined effect of chitosan and phytosome which shown better sustained-release profile and also prolonging the oral absorption rate of gingerol with effective antibacterial activity to treat respiratory infection.

Enhanced oral bioavailability of an antipsychotic drug through nanostructured lipid carriers.

Olanzapine is an atypical antipsychotic, undergoes extensive first pass metabolism, also has poor aqueous solubility and belongs to BCS (Biopharmaceutical Classification System) Class II drug) exhibit low oral bioavailability. To overcome this and to enhance the bioavailability, intestinal lymphatic transport of drugs can be exploited through Nano structured lipid carriers (NLCs). The NLCs were formulated by solvent diffusion method using solid lipid (glyceryl tripalmitate), liquid lipid (castor oil) and surfactants (Pluronic F-68, Soylecithin). The formulated NLCs were characterized for physico-chemical properties, in-vitro release studies and in-vivo oral bioavailability. F6 has shown average particle size of 158.5 nm with PI of 0.115 indicating narrow particle size distribution and follows uni modal distribution. It was found that the batch with stearyl amine has a zeta potential of 28.39 mV which confers stability to the dispersion. Bioavailability studies indicate that there was more than 5½-fold increase in oral bioavailability in case of NLCs (F6) compared to olanzapine suspension which indicates that NLCs provided sustained release of the drugs, and these systems can be the preferred as drug carriers for lipophilic drugs in long term disease conditions such as schizophrenia for enhanced bioavailability.

Needle-Free Injection of Vesicular Phospholipid Gels-A Novel Approach to Overcome an Administration Hurdle for Semisolid Depot Systems.

Vesicular phospholipid gels (VPGs) are depot formulations for the sustained release of drugs which are characterized by a high amount of phospholipids in the formulation. They consist of physiological excipients only and therefore display high biocompatibility. Their manufacture is simple, cheap, solvent free, and ideal for the processing of proteins and peptides because of the low stress on the molecule, for example, by elevated temperatures. One major hurdle of VPGs is their high viscosity which makes them hard to almost impossible to inject with conventional, thin needles used for subcutaneous administration. However, so far no data are published to overcome this administration challenge. In the present study, needle-free injection was investigated and successfully applied as a technology for the easy and elegant administration of VPGs. VPGs with different phospholipid content were injected with a Biojector 2000 into gelatin blocks and full thickness pig skin postmortem as in vitro models and the injection depth was determined after injection. The release behavior was tested after shearing the VPG with the device to evaluate the effect of shearing on the drug release from the formulation. No differences were observed when compared to an ejection with needle and syringe.

Development and Characterization of Lecithin-based Self-assembling Mixed Polymeric Micellar (saMPMs) Drug Delivery Systems for Curcumin.

Self-assembling mixed polymeric micelles (saMPMs) were developed for overcoming major obstacles of poor bioavailability (BA) associated with curcumin delivery. Lecithin added was functioned to enlarge the hydrophobic core of MPMs providing greater solubilization capacity. Amphiphilic polymers (sodium deoxycholate [NaDOC], TPGS, CREMOPHOR, or a PLURONIC series) were examined for potentially self-assembling to form MPMs (saMPMs) with the addition of lecithin. Particle size, size distribution, encapsulation efficacy (E.E.), and drug loading (D.L.) of the mixed micelles were optimally studied for their influences on the physical stability and release of encapsulated drugs. Overall, curcumin:lecithin:NaDOC and curcumin:lecithin:PLURONIC P123 in ratios of 2:1:5 and 5:2:20, respectively, were optimally obtained with a particle size of < 200 nm, an E.E. of >80%, and a D.L. of >10%. The formulated system efficiently stabilized curcumin in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) at room temperature or 4 °C and in fetal bovine serum or PBS at 37 °C and delayed the in vitro curcumin release. In vivo results further demonstrated that the slow release of curcumin from micelles and prolonged duration increased the curcumin BA followed oral and intravenous administrations in rats. Thus, lecithin-based saMPMs represent an effective curcumin delivery system, and enhancing BA of curcumin can enable its wide applications for treating human disorders.

Lecithin and PLGA-based self-assembled nanocomposite, Lecithmer: preparation, characterization, and pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic evaluation.

The present study investigates the drug delivery potential of polymer lipid hybrid nanocomposites (Lecithmer®) composed of poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide (PLGA) and soya lecithin. Core-shell structure of Lecithmer was evident from cryo-TEM images. Daunorubicin (DNR) and lornoxicam (LNX)-incorporated Lecithmer nanocomposites were evaluated for anticancer and anti-inflammatory activity. DNR- and LNX-loaded Lecithmer had mean particle size of ∼335 and ∼282.7 nm, respectively. Lecithmer formulated with different cationic lipids resulted in lower particle size (∼120 nm) and positive zeta potential. Entrapment efficiency of DNR and LNX was 93.16 and 88.59 %, respectively. In vitro release of DNR from Lecithmer was slower compared to PLGA nanoparticles. DNR release from Lecithmer was significantly higher at pH 5.5 (80.96 %) as compared to pH 7.4 (55.95 %), providing advantage for selective tumor therapy. Similarly, sustained release of LNX (30 % in 10 h) was observed at pH 7.4. DNR in Lecithmer showed superior cytotoxicity on human erythroleukemic K562 cells. Pharmacokinetic study in Wistar rats with i.v. administered DNR-loaded Lecithmer showed higher volume of distribution, lower elimination rate constant, and longer half-life (81.68 L, 0.3535 h(-1), 1.96 h) as compared to DNR solution (57.46 L, 0.4237 h(-1), 1.635 h). Pharmacodynamic evaluation of orally administered LNX-loaded Lecithmer showed superior anti-inflammatory activity with maximum inhibition of 81.2 % vis-à-vis 53.57 % in case of LNX suspension. In light of these results, Lecithmer can be envisaged as a promising nanosystem for parenteral as well as oral drug delivery.

Formulation and evaluation of gemcitabine-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles.

Gemcitabine-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) were produced by double emulsification technique using stearic acid as lipid, soy lecithin as surfactant and sodium taurocholate as cosurfactant. Prepared nanoparticles are characterized for particle size and surface morphology using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Particle yield, entrapment efficiency and zeta potential were also determined. In-vitro release studies were performed in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) pH 7.4 using metabolic shaker. The formulation F6 with maximum entrapment efficiency 72.42% and satisfactory in-vitro release was selected. In-vivo tissue distribution to liver, spleen, lung, heart and kidneys of optimized formulation followed by stability study under specific conditions were also determined. This investigation has shown preferential drug targeting to liver followed by spleen, lungs, kidneys and heart. Stability studies showed no significant change in the particle size followed with very slight decrease in entrapment efficiency at 25 ± 2 °C/60 ± 5% RH over a period of three months.

Comparison of PLGA and lecithin/chitosan nanoparticles for dermal targeting of betamethasone valerate.

Poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) and lecithin/chitosan (LC) nanoparticles were prepared to evaluate the difference in the behavior upon administration on skin, for steroidal treatment. For this purpose, betamethasone-17-valerate (BMV)-loaded nanoparticles with a narrow size distribution and high entrapment efficiency were prepared. Permeation studies showed that both polymeric nanoparticles enhanced the amount of BMV in epidermis, which is the target site of topical steroidal treatment, when compared with commercial formulation. 1.58-Fold increase was determined in the epidermis concentration of BMV by LC nanoparticles with respect to PLGA nanoparticles. Nanoparticles were diluted in chitosan gel (10%, w/w) to prepare suitable formulation for topical application. Accumulation from both gel formulations were found significantly higher than commercial formulation in skin layers (p < 0.05). In addition, pharmacodynamic responses were also investigated as anti-inflammatory and skin-blanching parameters. Both formulations significantly improved these parameters although they contained 10 times less amount of BMV than commercial cream. Moreover, TEWL measurement exhibited no barrier function changes upon the application of nanoparticles on skin. Overall, both nanoparticles improved the localization of BMV within skin layers; but when compared with PLGA nanoparticles, the LC nanoparticles could be classified as a better candidate for topical delivery vehicle in the treatment of various dermatological inflammatory diseases.

LCAT cholesterol esterification is associated with the increase of ApoE/ApoA-I ratio during atherosclerosis progression in rabbit

Apolipoprotein A-I and Apolipoprotein E promote different steps of reverse cholesterol transport, including lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase stimulation. Our aim was to study the changes in the levels of Apolipoprotein A-I, Apolipoprotein E, and lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase activity during atherosclerosis progression in rabbits. Quantitative echocardiographic parameters were analyzed in order to evaluate, for the first time, whether atherosclerosis progression in rabbit is associated to apolipoproteins changes and alteration of indices of cardiac function, such as systolic strain and strain rate of the left ventricle. Atherosclerosis was induced by feeding rabbits for 8 weeks with 2 % cholesterol diet. The HDL levels of cholesterol and cholesteryl esters were measured by HPLC. The lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase activity was evaluated both ex vivo, as cholesteryl esters/cholesterol molar ratio, and in vitro. Apolipoproteins levels were analyzed by ELISA. The HDL levels of cholesterol and cholesteryl esters increased, during treatment, up to 3.7- and 2.5-fold, respectively, compared to control animals. The lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase activity in vitro was halved after 4 weeks. During cholesterol treatment, Apolipoprotein A-I level significantly decreased, whereas Apolipoprotein E concentration markedly increased. The molar ratio Apolipoprotein E/Apolipoprotein A-I was negatively correlated with the enzyme activity, and positively correlated with both increases in the intima-media thickness of common carotid wall and cardiac dysfunction signs, such as systolic strain and strain rate of the left ventricle (AU)

A propofol microemulsion with low free propofol in the aqueous phase: formulation, physicochemical characterization, stability and pharmacokinetics.

The purpose of this study was to develop a propofol microemulsion with a low concentration of free propofol in the aqueous phase. Propofol microemulsions were prepared based on single-factor experiments and orthogonal design. The optimal microemulsion was evaluated for pH, osmolarity, particle size, zeta potential, morphology, free propofol in the aqueous phase, stability, and pharmacokinetics in beagle dogs, and comparisons made with the commercial emulsion, Diprivan(®). The pH and osmolarity of the microemulsion were similar to those of Diprivan(®). The average particle size was 22.6±0.2 nm, and TEM imaging indicated that the microemulsion particles were spherical in appearance. The concentration of free propofol in the microemulsion was 21.3% lower than that of Diprivan(®). Storage stability tests suggested that the microemulsion was stable long-term under room temperature conditions. The pharmacokinetic profile for the microemulsion showed rapid distribution and elimination compared to Diprivan(®). We conclude that the prepared microemulsion may be clinically useful as a potential carrier for propofol delivery.

Formulation, characterization and pharmacokinetic studies of coenzyme Q10 PUFA's nanoemulsions.

Coenzyme Q(10) (CoQ(10)) is an insoluble antioxidant molecule with great biological value but exhibit poor bioavailability. To improve the bioavailability of CoQ(10), we have proposed to formulate a nanoemulsion consisting of salmon oil, salmon lecithin, CoQ(10) and water. A commercial oily mixture, based on soybean oil and CoQ(10), was used for comparison, as well as a second oily mixture, composed of salmon lecithin, salmon oil and CoQ(10). Salmon oil and salmon lecithin were used as sources of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). The maximum solubility of CoQ(10) in salmon oil was 81.30 ± 0.08 mg/mL at 37 °C. Mean droplets size of the control and CoQ(10) nanoemulsions was 164 and 167 nm, respectively. The nanoemulsion was stable during 30 days at 25 °C. Bioavailability was evaluated as the area under the curve of CoQ(10) plasma concentration in male Wistar rats following oral administration of the three formulations of CoQ(10). The nanoemulsion increases at twice the bioavailability of CoQ(10) than conventional oily formulations regardless the nature of used fatty acids (soybean and salmon oils). Prepared nanoemulsion represents a vectorization of both LC-PUFAs and CoQ(10). That could be an interesting way to increase the absorption of these two bioactive molecules with natural low availability.

AS1411 aptamer tagged PLGA-lecithin-PEG nanoparticles for tumor cell targeting and drug delivery.

Liposomes and polymers are widely used drug carriers for controlled release since they offer many advantages like increased treatment effectiveness, reduced toxicity and are of biodegradable nature. In this work, anticancer drug-loaded PLGA-lecithin-PEG nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized and were functionalized with AS1411 anti-nucleolin aptamers for site-specific targeting against tumor cells which over expresses nucleolin receptors. The particles were characterized by transmission electron microscope (TEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The drug-loading efficiency, encapsulation efficiency and in vitro drug release studies were conducted using UV spectroscopy. Cytotoxicity studies were carried out in two different cancer cell lines, MCF-7 and GI-1 cells and two different normal cells, L929 cells and HMEC cells. Confocal microscopy and flowcytometry confirmed the cellular uptake of particles and targeted drug delivery. The morphology analysis of the NPs proved that the particles were smooth and spherical in shape with a size ranging from 60 to 110 nm. Drug-loading studies indicated that under the same drug loading, the aptamer-targeted NPs show enhanced cancer killing effect compared to the corresponding non-targeted NPs. In addition, the PLGA-lecithin-PEG NPs exhibited high encapsulation efficiency and superior sustained drug release than the drug loaded in plain PLGA NPs. The results confirmed that AS1411 aptamer-PLGA-lecithin-PEG NPs are potential carrier candidates for differential targeted drug delivery.

Comparative absorption of a standardized curcuminoid mixture and its lecithin formulation.

The relative absorption of a standardized curcuminoid mixture and its corresponding lecithin formulation (Meriva) was investigated in a randomized, double-blind, crossover human study. Clinically validated dosages were used for both products, and plasma levels of all three major curcuminoids [curcumin (1a), demethoxycurcumin (1b), and bisdemethoxycurcumin (1c)] were evaluated. Total curcuminoid absorption was about 29-fold higher for Meriva than for its corresponding unformulated curcuminoid mixture, but only phase-2 metabolites could be detected, and plasma concentrations were still significantly lower than those required for the inhibition of most anti-inflammatory targets of curcumin. Remarkably, phospholipid formulation increased the absorption of demethoxylated curcuminoids much more than that of curcumin (1a), with significant differences in plasma curcuminoid profile between Meriva and its corresponding unformulated curcuminoid mixture. Thus, the major plasma curcuminoid after administration of Meriva was not curcumin (1a), but demethoxycurcumin (1b), a more potent analogue in many in vitro anti-inflammatory assays. The improved absorption, and possibly also a better plasma curcuminoid profile, might underlie the clinical efficacy of Meriva at doses significantly lower than unformulated curcuminoid mixtures.

Development and pharmacological evaluation of a PEG based nanoparticulate camptothecin analog for oral administration.

The aim of this study was to formulate polyethylene glycol (PEG) based nanoparticulate camptothecin analog for oral administration and to evaluate its pharmacological activity. Camptothecin analog (CA) belongs to topoisomerase-I inhibitor class of compounds with proven antitumor activity but exhibits poor solubility. To enhance solubility and oral bioavailability, a PEG based nanoparticulate formulation was developed using a high pressure homogenization technique. The saturation solubility and dissolution characteristics of the nanoparticulate formulation were investigated and compared with as-is drug formulation to ascertain the impact of particle size on drug dissolution in physiologically relevant dissolution media. Systemic exposure of nanoparticulate formulation were evaluated in Wistar rats for increase in the rate and extent of drug absorption. The antitumor activity of nanoparticulate formulation was evaluated on human tumor xenografts (NCI-H460 cell lines) grown in athymic nude mice and compared with a positive control, Irinotecan Hydrochloride administered intravenously. The saturation solubility and dissolution rate of the nanoparticulate formulation were significantly higher as compared to as-is drug formulation. Pharmacokinetic (PK) studies in Wistar rats indicated significant increase in the rate and extent of absorption for the nanoparticulate formulation. Pharmacological activity of nanoparticles in athymic nude mice with implanted tumors revealed that the tumor inhibition activity was equivalent to Irinotecan Hydrochloride intravenous formulation with comparable safety profile at lower doses. These studies demonstrated the feasibility of developing a safe and efficacious oral formulation for a sparingly soluble camptothecin analog that may provide a viable, patient compliant and, cost effective option for the treatment of solid tumors.

Comparative transmembrane transports of four typical lipophilic organic chemicals.

Transmembrane transports of four kinds of lipophilic organic chemicals (LOCs) on suspending multilamellar liposomes (SML) and Escherichia coli (E. coli) were investigated, where both anthracene and phenanthrene were accorded to the lipid-water partition law and Sudan I and III to the Langmuir isothermal adsorption. Less than half of phenanthrene is transported into E. coli, where more than 60% are located in the cytoplasm. About 60% of anthracene entered the E. coli where only 10% was released into the cytoplasm. The partition coefficients of phenanthrene and anthracene partitioning from the extracellular liquid into membrane are 502 and 1190L/kg but their inverse partition coefficients are only 0.180 and 0.018kg/L. Over 60% of Sudan I and less than 40% of Sudan III accumulated on E. coli where most of them remained on the membrane. The transmembrane impedance effect (TMIE) is proposed for evaluating the cell-transport of polar LOCs.