Natamycin solid lipid nanoparticles - sustained ocular delivery system of higher corneal penetration against deep fungal keratitis: preparation and optimization.

BACKGROUND: Fungal keratitis (FK) is a serious pathogenic condition usually associated with significant ocular morbidity. Natamycin (NAT) is the first-line and only medication approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of FK. However, NAT suffers from poor corneal penetration, which limits its efficacy for treating deep keratitis. PURPOSE: The objective of this work was to prepare NAT solid lipid nanoparticles (NAT-SLNs) to achieve sustained drug release and increased corneal penetration. METHODS: NAT-SLNs were prepared using the emulsification-ultrasonication technique. Box- Behnken experimental design was applied to optimize the effects of independent processing variables (lipid concentration [X1], surfactant concentration [X2], and sonication frequency [X3]) on particle size (R1), zeta potential (ZP; R2), and drug entrapment efficiency (EE%) (R3) as responses. Drug release profile, ex vivo corneal permeation, antifungal susceptibility, and cytotoxicity of the optimized formula were evaluated. RESULTS: The optimized formula had a mean particle size of 42 r.nm (radius in nanometers), ZP of 26 mV, and EE% reached ~85%. NAT-SLNs showed an extended drug release profile of 10 hours, with enhanced corneal permeation in which the apparent permeability coefficient (Papp) and steady-state flux (Jss) reached 11.59×10-2 cm h-1 and 3.94 mol h-1, respectively, in comparison with 7.28×10-2 cm h-1 and 2.48 mol h-1 for the unformulated drug, respectively. Antifungal activity was significantly improved, as indicated by increases in the inhibition zone of 8 and 6 mm against Aspergillus fumigatus ATCC 1022 and a Candida albicans clinical isolate, respectively, and minimum inhibitory concentration values that were decreased 2.5-times against both of these pathogenic strains. NAT-SLNs were found to be non-irritating to corneal tissue. NAT-SLNs had a prolonged drug release rate, that improved corneal penetration, and increased antifungal activity without cytotoxic effects on corneal tissues. CONCLUSION: Thus, NAT-SLNs represent a promising ocular delivery system for treatment of deep corneal keratitis.

Design and total synthesis of (-)-codonopsinine, (-)-codonopsine and codonopsinine analogues by O-(2-oxopyrrolidin-5-yl)trichloroacetimidate as amidoalkylating agent with improved antimicrobial activity via solid lipid nanoparticle formulations.

A general strategy towards total synthesis of (-)-codonopsinine, (-)-codonopsine and codonopsinine analogues has been developed from (D)-tartaric acid via the intermediate (3S,4R)-1-methyl-2-oxo-5-(2,2,2-trichloroacetamido)pyrrolidinediacetate (7). α-amidoalkylation studies of 7 with electron rich benzene derivative 8a-g as C-nucleophiles afforded (aryl derivatives) 9a-g. The target compounds 1, 2 and 13c-g were readily obtained from 10a-gvia Grignard addition to the homochiral lactam which was produced by deoxygenation using Lewis-acid followed by deacetylation. The synthesized compounds were loaded onto solid lipid nanoparticle formulations (SLNs) prepared by hot emulsification-ultrasonication technique using Compritol as solid lipid and Pluronic f68 as surfactant. SLNs were fully evaluated and the permeation of synthesized compound from SLNs was assayed against non-formulated compounds through dialysis membranes using Franz cell. The data indicated good physical characteristics of the prepared SLNs, sustaining of release profiles and significant improvement of permeation ability when compared to the non-formulated compounds. The antibacterial and antifungal activities of 1, 2 and 13c-g were determined by disc diffusion and microbroth dilution method to determine the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) against seven microorganisms (Staphyloccus aureus, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus mirabilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter baumannii and Candida albicans). The most active compounds against the Gram positive S. aureus were 1, 13C, 13d, and 13g. Also, 13c, 13d, and 13e had antibacterial activity but not 13f against some Gram negative organisms (E. coli, and P. mirabilis). MIC concentrations against P. aeruginosa, and K. pneumoniae were ≥512 µg/ml, while that against A. baumannii was ≥128 µg/ml except for nanoformulae of 13e and 13f that were 16 and 64 µg/ml, respectively. No antifungal activity against Candida albicans was recorded for all compounds and their nanoformulae (MIC > 1024 µg/ml). SLNs were found to decrease the MIC values for some of the compounds with no effect on the antifungal activity. In conclusion, we demonstrated a novel, straight-forward and economical procedure for the total synthesis of (-)-codonopsinine 1, (-)-codonopsine 2 and codonopsinine analogues 13c-g from simple and commercially available starting materials; d-tartaric acid; with antimicrobial activities against Gram positive and Gram-negative organisms that were improved by SLNs formulations.

Synthesis and Antiproliferative Activities of Benzimidazole-Based Sulfide and Sulfoxide Derivatives.

The design, synthesis, and in vitro antiproliferative activity of a novel series of sulfide (4a-i) and sulfoxide (5a-h) derivatives of benzimidazole, in which different aromatic and heteroaromatic acetamides are linked to benzimidazole via sulfide (4a-i) and sulfoxide (5a-h) linker, are reported and the structure-activity relationship is discussed. The new derivatives were prepared by coupling 2-(mercaptomethyl)benzimidazole with 2-bromo-N-(substituted) acetamides in dry acetone in the presence of anhydrous potassium carbonate. With very few exceptions, all of the synthesized compounds showed varying antiprolific activities against HepG2, MCF-7, and A549 cell lines. Compound 5a was very similar in potency to doxorubicin as an anticancer drug, with IC50 values 4.1 ± 0.5, 4.1 ± 0.5, and 5.0 ± 0.6 µg/mL versus 4.2 ± 0.5, 4.9 ± 0.6, and 6.1 ± 0.6 µg/mL against HepG2, MCF-7, and A549 cell lines, respectively. In contrast, none of the compounds showed activity against human prostate PC3 cancer cells. Additionally, the sulfoxide derivatives were more potent than the corresponding sulfides.

Design, Synthesis, and Molecular Docking of Novel Pyrrolooxazepinediol Derivatives with Anti-Influenza Neuraminidase Activity.

A series of novel pyrrolo[2,1-b][1,3]oxazepine-8,9-diol derivatives 12-15 were synthesized starting from l-tartaric acid, which was transformed into anhydride which then reacted with allylamine in xylene to afford the imide 2. The target molecules 12-15 were achieved via ring-closing metathesis with the Grubbs catalyst, followed by reduction of the carbonyl group and deprotection of hydroxyl groups. Finally, catalytic hydrogenation of the double bond afforded the title compounds 12-15. Molecular docking study of the title compounds 12-15 was carried out against neuraminidase as the target enzyme, in an attempt to understand the mechanism of action of the tested compounds as potential neuraminidase inhibitors. Molecular docking of the target compounds showed that all tested compounds bind to the active site of neuraminidase, with moderate to high binding energy. Compounds 12-15 were examined for their antiviral activity against H5N1 virus (A/chicken/Egypt/1/2008). Oseltamivir phosphate was used as a control for antiviral activity. The results show that compound 12 (EC50 = 0.016 µg/mL) exhibited potent anti-influenza (H5N1) activity, which approximately equals that of oseltamivir (EC50 = 0.012 µg/mL). Also, it had a therapeutic index similar to that of oseltamivir phosphate (∼20). The data also revealed that compounds 13, 14, and 15 had slightly lower antiviral activity and lower cytotoxicity than oseltamivir phosphate, with LD50 of 0.188, 0.162, and 0.176 µg/mL, respectively. However, 13, 14, and 15 had lower therapeutic indices than 12. In conclusion, we were able to synthesize cheap and potent anti-H5N1 compounds.

Design, synthesis and pharmacological evaluation of omeprazole-like agents with anti-inflammatory activity.

A new series of novel benzimidazole derivatives containing substituted pyrid-2-yl moiety and polyhydroxy sugar conjugated to the N-benzimidazole moiety has been synthesized and evaluated as orally bioavailable anti-inflammatory agents with anti-ulcerogenic activity. The anti-inflammatory and anti-ulcerogenic activities of these compounds were compared to diclofenac and omeprazole, respectively. In carrageenan-induced paw oedema assay, 2-methyl-N-((3,4-dimethoxypyridin-2-yl)methyl)-1H-benzimidazol-5-amine (12d) and 1-(1,2,3,5-tetrahydroxy-α-D-mannofuranose)-5-(((3,4-dimethoxypyridin-2yl)methyl)amino)-2-methyl-1H-benzimidazole (15d) displayed dose-dependent anti-inflammatory activities by decreasing the inflammation by 62% and 72%, respectively which is comparable to that of diclofenac (73%). In contrast to diclofenac, the anti-inflammatory activity of these compounds was not only free from any side effects on the gastric mucosa but also showed significant anti-ulcerogenic activity in rat pyloric ligation and ethanol-induced gastric ulcer models similar to that of omeprazole. Together, these findings suggest that 12d and 15d are potent anti-inflammatory agents with concurrent anti-ulcerogenic activity and support its clinical promise as a component of therapeutic strategies for inflammation, for which the gastric side effects are always a major limitation.

Synthesis of some novel D-glucuronic acid acetylated derivatives as potential anti-tumor agents.

A structurally diverse series of Δ(4,5) -uronamide derivatives have been chemically synthesized starting from D-glucuronic acid itself by means of acetylation, activation, amide bond formation and base-catalyzed elimination protocols. Structure elucidation for all products along with optimization of the synthetic steps is described. The synthesized compounds were evaluated for their in-vitro anti-tumor activity against MCF-7, TK-10 and UACC-62 cell lines. The compounds 5, 11, 13, 15 and 16 were the most active against TK-10 cell line. On the other hand, the most active compounds against the MCF-7 cell line were 11 and 15. However, compounds 5, 7, 11, 13, 15 and 16 were the most active against the UACC-62 cell line.

Novel benzimidazo[2,1-c][1,4]thiazinone derivatives with potent activity against HSV-1.

The synthesis of new 2-carboxymethylsulfanylmethyl-1H-benzimidazole and 1,3-dihydro-4H-benzo[4',5']imidazo[2,1-c][1,4]thiazine-4-one-8-carboxylic acid derivatives was investigated. The antiviral activity of compounds 1-14 was tested against the herpes simplex virus 1. Compounds 5 and 14 showed potent activity as they inhibited virus propagation by 94.7% and 91.3% at a dose of 50 µg, respectively. Compounds 5 and 14 showed higher potency than Acyclovir at doses of 20 µg and 50 µg.

Design, synthesis and antitumor activity of novel D-glucuronic acid derivatives.

A series of D-glucuronic acid derivatives were chemically synthesized including acetylated and deacetylated glucuronamides, as well as N-glucuronides starting from the D-glucuronic acid itself by means of protection/deprotection, activation and condensation protocols. Structure elucidation of all products along with optimization of the synthetic steps is described. The synthesized compounds were evaluated for their in vitro antitumor activity against MCF-7, TK-10 and UACC-62 cell lines. The compounds 4, 5, 7, 8, 14, 16 and 18 were the most active against TK-10 cell line. On the other hand, the most active compounds against the MCF-7 cell line were 9, 18 and 20. However, compounds 7-10 13-15 and 17 were the most active against the UACC-62 cell line.

Structure-based design of benzimidazole sugar conjugates: synthesis, SAR and in vivo anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities.

A series of 2-methyl-N-substituted-benzimidazoles, bearing hydroxypyrrolidinon-5-yl or hydroxypyrrolidin-2-yl, 2,3:5,6-di-O-isopropylidene-alpha-D-mannofuranoside, 2,3,5,6-tetrahydroxy-alpha-D-mannofuranoside, 1:2,5:6-di-O-isopropylidene-alpha-D-gluco-furanose,3-O-benzyl-6,7-dideoxy-1:2-O-isopropylidene-alpha-D-xylo-heptofuranos-5-ulose, 3-O-benzyl-6,7-dideoxy-1,2-dihydroxy-alpha-D-xylo-heptofuranos-5-ulose, 1,2,5,6-tetrahydroxy-alpha-D-glucofuranose sugar moieties, were obtained in good yields from 2-methyl N-(trichloroacetamidomethyl)benzimidazole as a donor and carbohydrate residues as acceptor precursors in the presence of catalytic amount of trimethylsilyl trifluoromethanesulfonate (TMSOTf) as Lewis acid. Compounds 6, 7, 10, 13, 15, and 16 showed significant anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities.