Proteins as Nanocarriers To Regulate Parenteral Delivery of Tramadol.

Tramadol (Td) is a centrally acting opioid analgesic drug used for the treatment of moderate to severe pain. However, the half-life of Td is about 6-8 h, which is a major drawback. To increase the half-life of Td, it needs to be entrapped in a suitable substrate with the capability to release the drug for an extended period of time. Accordingly, in our studies, new protein blends in various compositions were prepared using hydrophilic (egg albumin) and hydrophobic (zein) proteins and fabricated them as nanoparticles with Td by the desolvation method. The prepared nanoparticles were characterized using analytical techniques. The morphology and diameter of the nanoparticles were determined by an environmental scanning electron microscope. The interactions between Td and proteins were confirmed by fluorescence spectroscopy, and the secondary structural changes were evaluated by circular dichroism. The hemolysis test and MTT assay indicated that the nanoparticles were nontoxic, and drug release studies showed an extended duration of release of Td for more than 48 h. The mechanism of the drug release followed the zero order. The overall studies inferred that these protein based nanoparticles have potential to release Td at a slow rate for an extended period of time. Further manipulation of the protein composition may regulate the duration of Td release for an effective therapy.

Bioactive thermoresponsive polyblend nanofiber formulations for wound healing.

The rationale of this work is to develop new bioactive thermoresponsive polyblend nanofiber formulations for wound healing (topical). Various polymer compositions of thermoresponsive, poly(N-isopropylacrylamide), egg albumen and poly(ε-caprolactone) blend solutions with and without a drug [gatifloxacin hydrochloride, Gati] were prepared. Non-woven nanofibers of various compositions were fabricated using an electrospinning technique. The morphology of the nanofibers was analyzed by an environmental scanning electron microscope. The morphology was influenced by the concentration of polymer, drug, and polymer blend composition. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis showed the shift in bands due to hydrogen ion interactions between polymers and drug. Thermogram of PNIPAM/PCL/EA with Gati recorded a shift in lower critical solution temperature (LCST) and glass transition temperature (Tg) of PNIPAM. Similarly Tg and melting temperature (Tm) of PCL were shifted. X-ray diffraction patterns recorded a decrease in the crystalline state of PCL nanofibers and transformed crystalline drug to an amorphous state. In vitro release study of nanofibers with Gati showed initial rapid release up to 10h, followed by slow and controlled release for 696h (29days). Nanofiber mats with Gati exhibited antibacterial properties to Staphylococcus aureus, supported suitable controlled drug release with in vitro cell viability and in vivo wound healing.