Choline-Amino Acid-Derived Bio-ionic Liquids for Solubility Enhancement of Zafirlukast.

This study investigated the application of bio-ionic liquids (ILs) prepared from choline as cation and amino acid as anion for solubility enhancement of poorly water-soluble drug, Zafirlukast (ZFL). Herein, the solubility of ZFL in water and mixtures of water and ILs was assessed using UV spectroscopy at two temperature points 25°C and 37°C with increasing concentrations of IL. ZFL solubility was found to improve linearly with increasing concentration of [Ch][Pro] in water, representing 35- to 37-fold improvement in ZFL solubility at maximum concentration of [Ch][Pro] (1% w/v) compared to when only pure water was present. Also, the effect of IL on ZFL solubility was analyzed using NMR, DSC, and TGA. These results clearly suggest that ZFL solubility was increased by forming hydrogen bonds with selected [Ch][Pro] IL. Toxicity study of ILs was tested against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. Since IL solvent was found to increase the solubility of ZFL, this may serve as "functional excipient solvent" for solubility enhancement in its commercialized formulations.

Preferential Formulation of Second Generation Antipsychotic Asenapine as Inclusion Complex with Sulphobutylether-ßCD (Captisol): In vitro and In vivo Evaluation.

BACKGROUND: Asenapine is an anti-psychotic agent approved by the US-FDA for treatment of acute schizophrenia and manic or bipolar I disorder in adults. It is poorly absorbed when administered orally, hence exhibits poor oral bioavailability, which limits its use in clinical practice. OBJECTIVE: Enhancement in solubility of asenapine through complexation with three different cyclodextrins, viz. ßCD, HPßCD and sulphobutylether-ßCD (Captisol®) was attempted and compared due to its poor bioavailability. METHOD: Kneading method was used for preparation of inclusion complexes which were characterized by FTIR, DSC, and XRD methods. Extent of binding and stability of the 1:1 inclusion complexes were evaluated by molecular modelling and phase solubility studies. Pharmacokinetic studies were also carried out of these inclusion complexes. RESULTS: Captisol® complex was the most stable amongst all complexes showing 4.9 times solubility enhancement of asenapine and 96% drug release at the end of 60 min, whereas asenapine maleate (uncomplexed drug) was released completely at the end of 120min. The Cmax and AUC values of Captisol® asenapine complex (AS-Captisol complex) were 2.8 and 2.3 times higher than the uncomplexed drug. CONCLUSION: This study thus demonstrated that Captisol® inclusion complex is an effective strategy for solubility and bioavailability enhancement of asenapine.

Design and characterization of multifaceted lyophilized liposomal wafers with promising wound healing potential.

Various dressings are available to heal chronic wounds which many times fail to achieve the expected results. To overcome some of their drawbacks, formulation of a novel dressing; lyophilized liposomal wafers having better wound healing potential has been proposed in the present study. The drug incorporated in the formulation is gatifloxacin (GTX) which is a fourth-generation fluoroquinolone antibiotic having in vitro activity against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. The formulation was designed in three stages where at first liposomes were prepared, the liposomes were converted to gel using chitosan and lastly this gel was lyophilized to form liposomal wafers. Liposomes were prepared by varying the concentration of lipid and cholesterol and evaluated for particle size, entrapment efficiency, in vitro cumulative release, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Liposomes were converted to liposomal gel using chitosan and evaluated for texture, clarity, viscosity, spreadibility and in vitro drug release. Finally, this liposomal batch was subjected to lyophilization to convert it to liposomal wafers and subjected to SEM, differential scanning calorimetric, X-ray diffraction and drug release studies. The in vivo studies were carried out on Wistar rats where wound healing potential of the wafers was confirmed by histopathological evaluation.

Pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic investigation of cyclodextrin-mediated asenapine maleate in situ nasal gel for improved bioavailability.

Asenapine maleate (AM) is used in the treatment of schizophrenia. Its oral and sublingual bioavailability is <2% and 35%, respectively, due to first pass metabolism and poor solubility. To avoid first pass metabolism and to enhance solubility at all nasal pH conditions, thermo-responsive in situ nasal gel containing asenapine maleate-hydroxyl propyl ß cyclodextrin inclusion complex (AM-HPßCD) was prepared in the present study. Inclusion complex (1:1 molar ratio) was characterized using UV spectroscopy, FITR and XRD techniques. Selected formulation (F8b) contained a thermo-sensitive polymer poloxamer 407 which formed gel at 23%w/v concentration and a mucoadhesive polymer PVP K 30 (0.3%w/v) in temperature range of 29-34 °c. It was analyzed for pH, clarity, gelation temperature, mucoadhesive strength, gel strength and rheological parameters using Anton paar compact rheometer. This formulation was subjected to in vitro drug diffusion study using the Franz diffusion cell. Maximum % drug diffusion was obtained at the end of 120 min (99.1 ± 0.44%w/v). Dissolution in simulated nasal fluid was 92.33 ± 0.15%w/v at the end of 120 min. Locomotor activity was improved with nasal gel containing AM-HPßCD as compared to AM and AM-HPßCD oral solution in rats. Cmax for nasal gel was found to be more (9 ng/ml) as compared to AM-HPßCD (5.5 ng/mL) and oral standard solution (2 ng/ml). Tmax was found to be 1.5 h. AUC and thus bioavailability in rats by nasal route was increased by 2.5 fold.

Feasibility studies of concomitant administration of optimized formulation of probiotic-loaded Vancomycin hydrochloride pellets for colon delivery.

Objective of this study was to develop Vancomycin HCl pellets loaded with Saccharomyces boulardii (S.b.) for pH-dependent system and CODES™ for augmenting the efficacy of Vancomycin HCl in the treatment of colitis. Pellets were prepared by extrusion-spheronization. In the pH-dependent system, the pellets were coated with Eudragit FS 30D. These pellets exhibited spherical form and a uniform surface coating. The CODES™ system consisted of three components: core containing mannitol, drug and probiotic, an inner acid-soluble coating layer, and an outer layer of enteric coating material. Statistical factorial design was used to optimize both formulations. Scanning electron micrographs of coated pellets revealed uniform coating. In vitro drug release of these coated pellets was studied sequentially in various buffers with (2%) and without rat cecal content for a period of 12 h. From the optimized pH-dependent formulation, F6 (20% w/w coating level and 15% w/v concentration of polymer), higher amount of probiotic was released in earlier time phase (first 5 h) as compared to the CODES™ and so R5 [containing acid-soluble inner coating layer (15% w/w coating level and 12% w/v concentration of Eudragit E100), and an outer layer of enteric coating material (12% w/w coating level and 10% w/v concentration of Eudragit L100)] was considered as the best formulation after confirming in vivo X-ray studies conducted on rabbits, suggesting that Vancomycin HCl and S.b. may be co-administered as pellets [CODES™] to enhance the effectiveness of Vancomycin HCl in the treatment of colitis without its associated side effects, which can only be confirmed after clinical trials.

Self nanoemulsifying drug delivery system of stabilized ellagic acid-phospholipid complex with improved dissolution and permeability.

Ellagic acid (EA), a plant polyphenol known for its wide-range of health benefits has limited use due to its low oral bioavailability. In this study, a new self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system (SNEDDS), based on the phospholipid complex technique, was developed to improve the oral bioavailability of ellagic acid. Ellagic acid-phospholipid complex was prepared by an anti-solvent method and characterized. Enhanced lipophilicity after the formation of ellagic acid-phospholipid complex was verified through solubility studies. Preliminary screening was carried out to select oil, surfactant and co-surfactant. Ternary phase diagrams were constructed to identify the area of nanoemulsification. Formulations were optimized on the basis of globule size, cloud point and robustness to dilution. The optimized SNEDDS of ellagic acid-phospholipid complex showed mean globule size of 106 ± 0.198 nm and cloud point at 83-85 °C. The in vitro drug release from SNEDDS was found to be higher compared to EA suspension and complex, while ex vivo studies showed increased permeation from SNEDDS compared to EA suspension. Moreover, SNEDDS overcome the food effect which was shown by EA suspension. Thus, SNEDDS were found to be influential in improving the release performance of EA, indicating their potential to improve the oral bioavailability of EA.

Formulation and development of bicontinuous nanostructured liquid crystalline particles of efavirenz.

Efavirenz is a lipophilic non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor used in the first-line pediatric therapeutic cocktail. Due to its high lipophilicity (logP = 5.4) and poor aqueous solubility (intrinsic water solubility = 8.3 µg/mL) efavirenz has low bioavailability. A 30 mg/mL solution in a medium-chain triglyceride vehicle is the only pediatric formulation available with an oral bioavailability 20% lower than the solid form. The current work was aimed at formulating and characterizing liquid crystal nanoparticles for oral delivery of efavirenz to improve oral bioavailability, provide sustained release, minimize side effects and drug resistance. Formulation of cubosomes was done by two methods; sonication and spray drying. Sonication gave highest entrapment efficiency and least particle size. Further, monoolein was substituted with phytantriol as monoolein gets degraded in the presence of lipase when administered orally with consequent loss of liquid crystalline structure. It was confirmed that there was no difference in particle size, entrapment efficiency and nature of product formed by using monoolein or phytantriol. The best formulation was found to be F9, having particle size 104.19 ± 0.21 nm and entrapment efficiency 91.40 ± 0.10%. In vitro release at the end of 12h was found to be 56.45% and zeta potential to be -23.14 mV which stabilized the cubic phase dispersions. It was further characterized for TEM, small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), DSC and stability studies. SAXS revealed Pn3m space group, indicating a diamond cubic phase which was further confirmed by TEM. Pharmacokinetics of EFV was studied in male Wistar rats. EFV-loaded cubosome dispersions exhibited 1.93 and 1.62-fold increase in peak plasma concentration (Cmax) and 1.48 and 1.42-fold increase in AUC in comparison to that of a suspension prepared with the contents of EFV capsules suspended in 1.5% carboxymethylcellulose PBS solution (pH 5.0), and an EFV solution in medium-chain triglyceride respectively. Thus, stable cubosomes of efavirenz with increased bioavailability providing sustained release effect could be prepared successfully using phytantriol and poloxamer 407.

Preliminary investigation of topical nitroglycerin formulations containing natural wound healing agent in diabetes-induced foot ulcer.

Nitroglycerin (NTG) is an organic nitrate rapidly denitrated by enzymes to release free radical nitric oxide and shows improved wound healing and tissue protection from oxidative damage. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether topical application of NTG in the form of gel/ointment along with a natural wound healing agent, aloe vera, would bring about wound healing by using diabetes-induced foot ulcer model and rat excision wound model. All these formulations were evaluated for pH, viscosity, drug content and ex vivo diffusion studies using rat skin. Based on ex vivo permeation studies, the formulation consisting of carbopol 974p as a gelling agent and aloe vera was found to be suitable. The in vivo study used streptozotocin-induced diabetic foot ulcer and rat excision wound models to analyse wound healing activity. The wound size in animals of all treated groups was significantly reduced compared with that of the diabetic control and marketed treated animals. This study showed that the gel formed with carbopol 974p (1%) and aloe vera promotes significant wound healing and closure in diabetic rats compared with the commercial product and provides a promising product to be used in diabetes-induced foot ulcer.

Stability indicating method development and validation for simultaneous estimation of atorvastatin calcium and celecoxib in bulk and niosomal formulation by RP-HPLC

The present work describes development and validation of a specific, sensitive, precise and stability-indicating high-performance liquid chromatographic method of analysis of atorvastatin calcium and celecoxib, both as a bulk drug and in niosomal formulation. The analysis has been performed by using Cosmosil-C18 column (4.6 mm´250 mm, 5 m) at 25 °C using acetonitrile: ammonium acetate buffer pH 5.0: methanol (50:25:25 v/v/v) as mobile phase. The detection was carried out at 277nm with a flow rate of 1.0mL/min. The retention times of Atorvastatin calcium and Celecoxib were 6.195 and 3.989min, respectively. The method was validated according to ICH guidelines, for specificity, precision, linearity, accuracy and robustness. Atorvastatin calcium and Celecoxib were subjected to stress conditions of hydrolysis, oxidation, photolysis and thermal degradation. The degradation was observed in oxidation and acid hydrolysis. The linearity for atorvastatin calcium and celecoxib were in the range of 100-500 µg/mL. The recovery study of atorvastatin and celecoxib were found to be in the range of 98.96 - 99.92% and 98.90-100%, respectively. The proposed method was validated and successfully applied to the estimation of Atorvastatin calcium and Celecoxib in combined in-house niosomal formulation.

O presente trabalho descreve o desenvolvimento e a validação de método de análise por cromatografia de alta eficiência específico, sensível, preciso e indicador de estabilidade de atorvastatina cálcica e celecoxibe, ambos como fármaco e como formulação niosômica. A análise foi realizada utilizando coluna Cosmosil-C18 (4,6 mm´250 mm, 5 m) a 25 °C, e acetonitrila: tampão acetato de amônio pH 5,0: metanol (50:25:25 v/v/v) como fase móvel. A detecção foi realizada a 277 nm, com fluxo de 1,0 mL/min. Os tempos de retenção de atorvastatina cálcica e de celecoxibe foram 6,195 e 3,989 min, respectivamente. O método foi validado de acordo com as regras da ICH para especificidade, precisão, exatidão e robustez. A atorvastatina cálcica e o celecoxibe foram submetidos a condições de estresse por hidrólise, oxidação, fotólise e degradação térmica. A degradação foi observada por oxidação e hidrólise ácida. Observou-se a linearidade da atorvastatina cálcica e do celecoxibe na faixa de 100-500 µg/mL. A recuperação da atorvastatina e do celecoxibe foi observada na faixa de 98,96-99,92% e 98,90-100%, respectivamente. O método proposto foi validado e aplicado com sucesso para a determinação de atorvastatina cálcica e celecoxibe em formulação niosômica caseira combinada.

Asenapine maleate in situ forming biodegradable implant: an approach to enhance bioavailability.

Biodegradable injectable in-situ forming implants (ISFI) correspond to an alternative parenteral depot system to microspheres and surgical implants. Objective of present work was to formulate and evaluate long acting implant of asenapine maleate (ASM) using PLGA which would release drug uniformly for 21 days. PLGA 50:50 with different drug: polymer ratios were tried. N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone and dimethyl sulphoxide were used as organic solvents. The influence of various parameters viz. polymer concentration, solvent ratio, viscosity and morphology on formation of implant was investigated. In-vitro dissolution studies indicated that drug: polymer ratio of 1:2 and N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (0.3ml) gave desired release profile, total cumulative drug released being 97.66% at the end of 21 days. Mathematical models point towards erosion mechanism with zero order kinetics. Ex-vivo studies confirmed the formation of implant in extensor digitorum muscle with desired drug release profile. In-vivo study was performed in Sprague- Dawley rats. Compared to marketed sublingual formulation area under curve of ASM implant was found to increase 2.215 fold. The Cmax was found to be 11ng/ml. Thus long acting ISFI of ASM was successfully formulated showing improved therapeutic results for the treatment of schizophrenia and bipolar disorders which could be a potentialsubstitute to marketed sublingual tablets.

Preparation and characterization of rivastigmine loaded human serum albumin (HSA) nanoparticles.

The aim of the present study was to develop and characterize rivastigmine loaded Human Serum Albumin (HSA) nanoparticles (NPs) for sustained release. Rivastigmine tartrate (RT) is a short acting cholinesterase inhibitor (ChEI) used for Alzheimer's disease (AD). In the present study sustained release nanoparticulate formulation of RT was prepared, optimized (using 32 factorial design) and characterized (using biodegradable polymer HSA as a carrier). HSA NPs were prepared by desolvation-crosslinking technique using ethanol with variable drug/polymer ratios (1:1, 1:2, 1:3, and 1:5) and using glutaraldehyde as a crosslinking agent. All prepared nanoparticles were coated with polysorbate-80 to facilitate brain targeting via endocytosis. Effect of key formulation variables on particle size (PS) and percentage drug entrapment (PDE) of NPs was studied by using 32 factorial design. Among different ratios studied, 1:2 showed minimum PS of 83.71 ± 4.2 nm with highest PDE of 81.46 ± 0.76 %. FTIR interpretation showed that there is no interaction between the drug and excipients used, DSC thermograms indicated that RT was dispersed as an amorphous state in HSA NPs. SEM studies indicated that the drug was completely entrapped in HSA NPs. In vitro studies showed 55.59 ± 3.80% release of drug from HSA NPs in 12 h. The experimental results showed the suitability of HSA nanoparticles as a potential carrier for providing sustained delivery of RT.

Design and development of ethosomal transdermal drug delivery system of valsartan with preclinical assessment in Wistar albino rats.

Valsartan (VLT) is a highly selective and orally active antihypertensive drug. However, its oral administration is associated with drawbacks like low bioavailability. The objective of this study was to design and develop a transdermal delivery system for VLT using ethosomal carriers to investigate their enhanced transdermal delivery potential. VLT ethosomes were prepared by cold method. VLT ethosomes were characterized by scanning electron microscopy. The prepared ethanolic liposomes were characterized to be spherical having low polydispersity of nano-size range with good entrapment efficiency. ETC5 ethosomal suspension with 4% of phospholipon 90H and 40% of ethanol was found to have highest entrapment efficiency, i.e. 80.230 ± 0.8748%. The permeation study of ethosomes was evaluated by ex vivo diffusion study through rat abdominal skin using Franz's diffusion cells and ETC5 ethosomal suspension was found to have highest permeation with flux of 92.819 ± 1.539 µg/cm²/h, when compared to the permeation profiles of drug solutions either in water or in a water-ethanol mixture. Transdermal application of ethosomal VLT on Wistar rats showed better and prolonged antihypertensive activity in comparison to orally administered VLT suspension by virtue of transdermal permeation through Wistar rat skin. Histopathological study of skin applied with ETC5 showed intercellular permeation across skin by dissolving intercellular lipids in epidermis without causing any rigorous changes in the skin cellular structure. In conclusion, ethosomes enabled the transdermal permeation of VLT, which amply proves its superiority over oral administration for antihypertensive treatment.

Development and evaluation of tamarind seed xyloglucan-based mucoadhesive buccal films of rizatriptan benzoate.

Mucoadhesive buccal films were developed using tamarind seed xyloglucan (TSX) as novel mucoadhesive polysaccharide polymer for systemic delivery of rizatriptan benzoate through buccal route. Formulations were prepared based on 3(2) factorial design with concentrations of TSX and carbopol 934P (CP) as independent variables. Three dependent variables considered were tensile strength, bioadhesion force and drug release. DSC analysis revealed no interaction between drug and polymers. Ex vivo diffusion studies were carried out using Franz diffusion cell, while bioadhesive properties were evaluated using texture analyzer with porcine buccal mucosa as model tissue. Results revealed that bilayer film containing 4% (w/v) TSX and 0.5% (w/v) CP in the drug layer and 1% (w/v) ethyl cellulose in backing layer demonstrated diffusion of 93.45% through the porcine buccal mucosa. Thus, this study suggests that tamarind seed polysaccharide can act as a potential mucoadhesive polymer for buccal delivery of a highly soluble drug like rizatriptan benzoate.

Thermoreversible nasal in situ gel of venlafaxine hydrochloride: formulation, characterization, and pharmacodynamic evaluation.

In order to improve the bioavailability of the antidepressant drug, venlafaxine hydrochloride, in situ mucoadhesive thermoreversible gel, was formulated using Lutrol F127 (18%) as a thermo gelling polymer. Mucoadhesion was modulated by trying carbopol 934, PVP K30, HPMC K4M, sodium alginate, tamarind seed gum, and carrageenan as mucoadhesive polymers. Results revealed that as the concentration of mucoadhesive polymer increased the mucoadhesive strength increased but gelation temperature decreased. Formulation was optimized on the basis of clarity, pH, gelation temperature, mucoadhesive strength, gel strength, viscosity, drug content, diffusion through sheep nasal mucosa, histopathological evaluation of mucosa, and pharmacodynamic study in rats. Final formulation T5 containing 18% Lutrol F127 and 0.3% PVP K30 was considered as an optimized formulation. T5 released 97.86±0.073% drug in 150 min with a flux of 0.1545 mg cm(-2) min(-1) and gelation temperature 31.17±0.30°C. Histopathological evaluation of nasal mucosa revealed that T5 formulation was safe for nasal administration as it caused no damage to nasal epithelium. From the results of pharmacodynamic study, mainly forced swim test (FST), it was concluded that venlafaxine hydrochloride was more effective as an antidepressant by nasal route as in situ gel nasal drops in comparison to oral administration of equivalent dose.

Sustained release microspheres of ropinirole hydrochloride: effect of process parameters.

An emulsion solvent evaporation method was employed to prepare microspheres of ropinirole hydrochloride, a highly water soluble drug, by using ethylcellulose and PEG with the help of 32 full factorial design. The microspheres were made by incorporating the drug in a polar organic solvent, which was emulsified using liquid paraffin as an external oil phase. Effects of various process parameters such as viscosity of the external phase, selection of the internal phase, surfactant selection and selection of stirring speed were studied. Microspheres were evaluated for product yield, encapsulation efficiency and particle size. Various drug/ethylcellulose ratios and PEG concentrations were assayed. In vitro dissolution profiles showed that ethylcellulose microspheres were able to control release of the drug for a period of 12 h.

Formulation and characterization of an expandable, gastroretentive system of carvedilol phosphate by 32 factorial design.

A 3(2) full factorial design was employed for the formulation and characterization of an expandable, gastroretentive sustained-release formulation of carvedilol phosphate to maintain drug levels within a desired range, reduce dosing frequency, and to increase the bioavailability of drug. Due to its pH-dependent solubility, it is necessary to improve the concentration of the drug in the stomach so as to improve its absorption there and in the upper part of the small intestine. In the present study, an attempt has been made to improve drug concentration in the stomach by preparing gastroretentive, swellable, matrix-based sustained release tablets of carvedilol phosphate that due to their size would be retained in the upper part of gastrointestinal tract. LAY ABSTRACT: Carvedilol phosphate (CP) exhibits typical solubility behavior in neutral or alkaline media-that is, the solubility of CP is maximum in the upper part of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). Improvement in the concentration of the drug in solution at the site of absorption (i.e., in the upper part of the GIT) is essential to improve absorption because CP has pH-dependent solubility. These gastroretentive dosage forms are easily swallowed and reach a significantly larger size in the stomach due to swelling, achieve a size more than the diameter of the pylorus, and are not able to pass through the pylorus, thus causing prolongation of gastric residence time. A statistical optimization design is a powerful, efficient, and systematic tool that shortens the time required for the development of pharmaceutical dosage forms. This design was used for optimizing the concentration of polymer so as to achieve the desired swelling of the dosage form for retention in the upper part of the GIT. In this design, two variables were evaluated, each at three levels, and experimental trials were performed using all nine possible combinations. In the present investigation, the amounts of polyethylene oxide (PEO) K12N and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) K100M were selected as independent variables.

Tailored release drug delivery system for rifampicin and isoniazid for enhanced bioavailability of rifampicin.

The front line antitubercular drugs rifampicin (RMP) and isoniazid (INH), when co-administered, face the problem of reduced bioavailability of RMP. Stabilization of RMP in the presence of INH under acidic environment may improve the bioavailability of RMP. In vitro degradation studies showed around 15-25% degradation of RMP under the aforesaid conditions if the ratio of RMP: INH is above 1:0.5.This degradation is reduced to less than 10% when the ratio of RMP: INH is below 1:0.25. Based on these findings, an innovative drug delivery system was designed with the immediate release of RMP and tailored prolonged release of INH. The bilayer tablets prepared with this concept were subjected to relative bioavailability studies in healthy human volunteers in an open label, balanced, randomized, single-dose, cross-over study under fasted state. A validated LC-MS/MS bioanalytical method was employed for estimation of RMP and INH in plasma. Bioavailability studies revealed that C(max) and AUC for RMP increased by 18 and 20%, respectively, confirming the above innovative concept. Even in the case of INH, AUC increased significantly by around 30% and thus time above minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) would also increase, which may result in further improved clinical outcome.