Docetaxel-Loaded Methoxy poly(ethylene glycol)-poly (L-lactic Acid) Nanoparticles for Breast Cancer: Synthesis, Characterization, Method Validation, and Cytotoxicity.

This study aimed to synthesize and characterize DTX-mPEG-PLA-NPs along with the development and validation of a simple, accurate, and reproducible method for the determination and quantification of DTX in mPEG-PLA-NPs. The prepared NPs were characterized using AFM, DLS, zetasizer, and drug release kinetic profiling. The RP-HPLC assay was developed for DTX detection. The cytotoxicity and anti-clonogenic effects were estimated using MTT and clonogenic assays, respectively, using both MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cell lines in a 2D and 3D culture system. The developed method showed a linear response, high precision, accuracy, RSD values of ≤2%, and a tailing factor ≤2, per ICH guidelines. The DTX-mPEG-PLA-NPs exhibited an average particle size of 264.3 nm with an encapsulation efficiency of 62.22%. The in vitro drug kinetic profile, as per the Krosmeyers-Peppas model, demonstrated Fickian diffusion, with initial biphasic release and a multistep sustained release over 190 h. The MTT assay revealed improved in vitro cytotoxicity against MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 in the 2D cultures and MCF-7 3D mammosphere cultures. Significant inhibitions of the clonogenic potential of MDA-MB-231 were observed for all concentrations of DTX-mPEG-PLA-NPs. Our results highlight the feasibility of detecting DTX via the robust RP-HPLC method and using DTX-mPEG-PLA-NPs as a perceptible and biocompatible delivery vehicle with greater cytotoxic and anti-clonogenic potential, supporting improved outcomes in BC.

Development, characterization and optimization of methotrexate-olive oil nano-emulsion for topical application.

The chronic inflammatory conditions like psoriasis has an increased prevalence and is linked with various associated life threatening disease conditions. The main objective of this project was to developed a methotrexate-olive loaded nano emulsion. The formulation was assessed for various parameters including Thermodynamic Stability, physico-chemically characterization, drug release kinetics and entrapment efficiency and in vitro/ in vivo skin permeation analysis. Final optimized formulation had a particle size 18.27±5.78 nm with a PDI of 0.25±0.01, whereas the average entrapment efficiency of formulation was 74.68±2.1%. The release kinetics suggested 97.72% drug release at pH 5 after 20 hrs. The FTIR data confirmed that the chemical structure of drug is retained with efficient loading into the formulation. Permeation data showed that an average of 79.23±3.6µg/cm2 of methotrexate was permeated from the nano emulsion with an average flux of 2.326±0.45µg/cm2/h after 24 hrs. Finally in vivo studies on rabbit skin confirmed that the structural changes of intercellular lipid layers in the stratum corneum are not responsible for enhanced skin permeation of methotrexate loaded nano emulsion. It was concluded that olive oil based MTX-NE is suitable for topical application and can be used for management of psoriasis.

Development of cetyl dimethicone based water-in-oil emulsion containing botanicals: Physical characteristics and stability.

The aim of current research was to develop a water-in-oil emulsion containing grape seed extract for application in cosmeceuticals. Finally grinded dried grape seeds powder was extracted with hydro alcoholic mixture. Emulsions consisting of different concentrations of cetyl dimethicone (Abile EM90), the nonionic emulsifier, liquid paraffin as oily phase and water as aqueous phase were developed. Color, odor, pH, viscosity, liquefaction, phase separation, centrifugation and thermal stability of the formulated emulsions were observed at various storage temperatures i.e. 8±0.5°C, 25±0.5°C, 40±0.5°C and 40°C±0.5°C with 70% RH. The stable formulation consist of 16% mineral oil, 4% of ABIL EM 90(®), 4% grape seeds extract, 1% rose oil and 75% distilled water. All the results derived from this study showed good stability over the three months study period which indicates w/o emulsion can be used as carrier of 4% grape seeds extract to enhance desired effects when applied topically.

Analytical, nutritional and biological evaluation of various brands of fortified and non-fortified wheat flour.

In Pakistan, a funded flour fortification program was launched for malnourished population, residing mainly in rural low income areas, but the urban population having comparatively better nutritional as well as economic status was focused wherein excessive intake of fortificants might cause complications. Therefore, the present study describes the physicochemical properties, elemental composition, nutritional components and hemoglobin/ferritin increasing potential of fortified and non-fortified flour. Domesticated chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus), either sex, age one month, weight 380 ± 18.28 g, were randomly segregated into 4 groups (n=6). The group I, II and III were fed on fortified flour, whereas group IV was fed on non-fortified flour for 30 days. The birds were weighed and blood samples of each of the birds were analyzed for determination of markers of iron status, hemoglobin (Hb) and serum ferritin (SF). Moisture, ash and iron contents were found to be lower in non-fortified flour than that of the fortified samples. Hb and SF levels in groups fed on fortified flour were significantly higher than the one received non-fortified flour (P < 0.05). The consumption of iron-fortified flour increases iron stores in the body without any further complication but long-term usage needs to be monitored.