Use of prebiotic sources to increase probiotic viability in pectin microparticles obtained by emulsification/internal gelation followed by freeze-drying.

The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of hi-maize, inulin, and rice bran in the survival of Lactobacillus acidophilus LA-5 in pectin microparticles obtained by internal gelation and subjected to freeze-drying. For this, the development of a matrix capable of extending Lactobacillus acidophilus viability to develop new functional foods was emphasized. Microparticle size, encapsulation efficiency, probiotic survivability after gastrointestinal simulation, and storage stability were analyzed. The pectin + inulin encapsulation matrix presented the highest encapsulation efficiency (68.1%) compared to the other treatments. Microparticle sizes ranged from 166 ± 2 µm (pectin + hi-maize) to 345 ± 9 µm (pectin + inulin). The microparticles added from the different prebiotics showed better microorganism protection when compared to treatment without prebiotics, which presented greater viability in the gastrointestinal simulation. Under storage conditions of 25 °C and -18 °C, the microparticles containing hi-maize, inulin, and rice bran maintained the probiotic microorganisms viable for longer periods than the pectin microparticles. At 7 °C, the pectin + rice bran treatment stood out from the other treatments, as it was able to maintain probiotic stability during 120 days of storage.

Development of nanoemulsions containing Physalis peruviana calyx extract: A study on stability and antioxidant capacity.

The aim of this study was to develop and evaluate the physicochemical and antioxidant stability of nanoemulsions containing a Physalis peruviana calyx extract (CPp-NE) and free extracts under different storage conditions (7 and 25 °C) and with absence or incidence of light for 120 days. The calyx extracts were prepared with ethanol 60% and characterized for later preparation of the nanoemulsions by spontaneous emulsification. The formulations presented nanometric sizes, low polydispersity index, negative zeta potential, acid pH, rutin content (11 µg·mL-1), and encapsulation efficiency of 85%. Regarding the stability, the droplet size and PdI of the CPp-NE stored at refrigeration temperature in the dark, room temperature in the dark, and refrigeration temperature with light incidence were stable for 120 days and with no visible changes in the formulations. The antioxidant capacity was related to the reducing capacity, and the best results were found for nanoemulsions stored at room temperature and in absence of light. In addition, CPp-NE presented higher antioxidant and reducing capacity in relation to the free extracts.

Physicochemical characterization and evaluation of in vitro and in vivo toxicity of goldenberry extract nanoemulsion / Caracterização físico-química e avaliação da toxicidade in vitro e in vivo de nanoemulsão contendo extrato de goldenberry

ABSTRACT: Oil-in-water (O/W) nanoemulsion containing goldenberry extract was elaborated using a high-energy ultrasonic bath method. Physicochemical characterization of the formulation was carried out by determining pH, mean droplet diameter, polydispersity index (PDI) and zeta potential. Nanoemulsion toxicity was assessed using in vitro assays with tumor and non-tumor cell lines, and in vivo using Caenorhabditis elegans. The pH of the nanoemulsion was 3.84, the mean droplet diameter was 268 ± 7 nm, PDI 0.113 and zeta potential -13.94 mV. Results of the cytotoxicity assays employing non-tumor cells indicated that the extract associated or not with nanoemulsion maintained cell viability at different concentrations tested. In the assays using tumor lineage, it is observed that the nanoemulsion containing the extract had higher antitumor activity than the free extract. As for the in vivo tests, there was no change in the survival rate of the worms.

RESUMO: Nanoemulsão óleo/água (O/A) contendo extrato de goldenberry foi elaborada utilizando método de banho ultrassônico de alta energia. A caracterização físico-química da formulação foi realizada pela determinação do pH, diâmetro médio de gotas, índice de polidispersão (PDI) e potencial zeta. A toxicidade das nanoemulsões foi avaliada utilizando ensaios in vitro com linhas celulares tumorais e não tumorais e in vivo utilizando Caenorhabditis elegans. O pH da nanoemulsão foi de 3,84, o diâmetro médio das gotículas foi de 268 ± 7 nm, PDI 0,113 e o potencial zeta -13,94 mV. Os resultados dos ensaios de citotoxicidade empregando células não tumorais indicaram que o extrato associado ou não à nanoemulsão manteve a viabilidade celular em diferentes concentrações testadas. Nos ensaios, utilizando linhagem tumoral, observou-se que a nanoemulsão contendo o extrato apresentou maior atividade antitumoral do que o extrato livre. Quanto aos testes in vivo, não houve mudança na taxa de sobrevivência dos vermes.

Improvement of the viability of probiotics (Lactobacillus acidophilus) by multilayer encapsulation / Melhoramento da viabilidade de probióticos (Lactobacillus acidophilus) por encapsulação em multicamadas

ABSTRACT: This study produced pectin microcapsules containing Lactobacillus acidophilus by external ionic gelation, followed by the adsorption of whey protein and pectin to form multilayers. The viability of free and microencapsulated lactobacilli was evaluated after in vitro exposure to gastrointestinal conditions. They were also assessed by heat treatment, and stability was examined at -18 °C, 5 °C and 25 °C for 120 days. Exposure to different pHs, simulating passage through the gastrointestinal tract, showed that treatment of the microcapsules with only pectin (LA/P0) and with one and two layers of whey protein (treatments LA/P1 and LA/P3, respectively), were able to protect Lactobacillus acidophilus , with microcapsules increasing the release of probiotics from the stomach into the intestines. Free cells showed a decrease in their counts over the course of the simulated gastrointestinal system. Regarding heat treatments, microcapsules with a layer of whey protein (LA/P1) maintained the viability of their encapsulated Lactobacillus acidophilus (9.57 log CFU/g-1). The best storage viability was at -18 °C, with a count of 7.86 log CFU/g-1at 120 days for microcapsule LA/P1,with those consisting of two layers of whey protein (LA/P3)having a 6.55 log CFU/g-1 at 105 days. This study indicated that external ionic gelation was effective and could be used for the production of pectin microcapsules, with multilayer whey protein promoting greater protection and viability of Lactobacillus acidophilus.

RESUMO: O objetivo deste trabalho foi produzir microcápsulas de pectina, contendo Lactobacillus acidophilus por gelificação iônica externa, seguida da adsorção de proteína de soro de leite e multicamadas formadoras de pectina. Além disso, a viabilidade de lactobacilos livres e microencapsulados, após exposição in vitro a condições gastrintestinais, foi avaliada após simulação de tratamentos térmicos e, finalmente, estabilidade a -18 ºC, 5 ºC e 25 ºC durante 120 dias de armazenamento. A exposição a diferentes pHs, simulando a passagem pelo trato gastrointestinal, mostrou que os tratamentos das microcápsulas com apenas pectina (LA/P0) e com uma e duas camadas proteína do soro (tratamentos LA/P1 e LA/P3, respectivamente), foram capazes de proteger o Lactobacillus acidophilus , enquanto as microcápsulas aumentaram a liberação de probióticos do estômago para o intestino. As células livres diminuíram suas contagens no curso do sistema. Em relação aos tratamentos térmicos aplicados, pode-se afirmar que a microcápsula com uma camada de proteína do soro (LA/P1) resistiu e manteve a viabilidade de Lactobacillus acidophilus (9,57 log CFU / g-1). A melhor viabilidade foi obtida no armazenamento a -18 ° C, com uma contagem de 7,86 log CFU / g-1 para essa mesma microcápsula (LA/P1) no final do armazenamento (120 dias) e 6,55 log CFU / g-1 para as microcápsulas com duas camadas de proteína do soro (LA/P3) por 105 dias. Este estudo indica que a gelificação iônica externa é eficaz e pode ser usada para a produção de microcápsulas de pectina com multicamadas de proteína de soro para promover maior proteção e viabilidade ao Lactobacillus acidophilus.

Cytotoxicity and antioxidant activity of goldenberry extracts obtained with high intensity ultrasound / Citotoxicidade e atividade antioxidante de extratos de goldenberry obtidos com ultrassom de alta intensidade

ABSTRACT: The high intensity ultrasound-assisted extraction (HIU) is one of the most simple, quick and efficient techniques for the extraction of phenolic and other antioxidant compounds from plants. This is the first application of HIU for the extraction of these compounds from goldenberry fruit. The HIU and conventional extraction techniques showed similar results regarding to phenolic compounds and antioxidant capacity. However, the time required for HIU extraction (5min) was 24 times lower than conventional extraction (120min). Phenolic compounds reported were chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid and rutin. In vitro cytotoxicity assays were used for evaluation of extracts and the results showed that in a wide range of concentration, the extract maintains cell viability, thus indicating the possibility to use it as food with safety.

RESUMO: A extração assistida com ultrassom de alta intensidade (HIU) é uma das técnicas mais simples, rápidas e eficientes na extração de compostos fenólicos e antioxidantes de plantas. Este trabalho foi o primeiro a utilizar HIU na extração destes compostos presentes na fruta goldenberry. As técnicas HIU e extração convencional apresentaram resultados semelhantes com relação aos compostos fenólicos e capacidade antioxidante. Entretanto, o tempo necessário na HIU (5min) foi 24 vezes menor que na extração convencional (120min). Os compostos fenólicos encontrados foram ácido clorogênico, ácido cafeico e rutina. Ensaios de citotoxicidade in vitro foram usados para avaliação dos extratos e os resultados demonstraram que, em ampla faixa de concentração, o extrato mantém a viabilidade celular, indicando assim possível segurança para utilização em alimentos.

Encapsulation of Lactobacillus acidophilus La-5 and Bifidobacterium Bb-12 by spray drying and evaluation of its resistance in simulated gastrointestinal conditions, thermal treatments and storage conditions / Encapsulação de Lactobacillus acidophilus La-5 e Bifidobacterium Bb-12 por spray dryer e avaliação da sua resistência em condições gastrointestinais simuladas, tratamentos térmicos e em condições de armazenamento

ABSTRACT: Lactobacillus acidophillus La-5 (ML) and Bifidobacterium Bb-12 (MB) microparticles were produced at different temperatures by spray dryer. The influence of different temperatures on the viability, encapsulation efficiency, water activity and moisture were evaluated. Microparticles that presented more viability were submitted to thermal resistance, gastrointestinal simulation, storage stability, morphology and particle size analyses. Drying temperature of 130°C showed higher encapsulation efficiency, 84.61 and 79.73% for Lactobacillus acidophillus (ML) and Bifidobacterium Bb-12 (MB) microparticles, respectively. In the evaluation of thermal resistance and gastrointestinal simulation, the microparticles of Lactobacillus acidophillus La-5 (ML) presented higher survival than Bifidobacterium Bb-12 (MB) under these conditions. In storage viability only the Lactobacillus acidophillus La-5 (ML) microparticles remained viable at all evaluated temperatures during the 120 days. The particle sizes reported were 4.85 for Lactobacillus acidophillus La-5 (ML) and 8.75 for Bifidobacterium Bb-12 (MB), being in agreement with the desired values for products obtained by spray dryer. Finally, the Lactobacillus acidophilus La-5 (ML) microparticles were shown to be more resistant under the conditions evaluated in this study.

RESUMO: Micropartículas de Lactobacillus acidophillus La-5 (ML) e Bifidobacterium Bb-12 (MB) foram produzidas em diferentes temperaturas de secagem no spray dryer. A influência das diferentes temperaturas sobre a viabilidade, eficiência de encapsulação, atividade de água e umidade foram avaliadas. As micropartículas que apresentaram maior viabilidade foram submetidas a análises de resistência térmica, simulação gastrointestinal, estabilidade ao armazenamento, morfologia e tamanho de partícula. A temperatura de secagem de 130°C mostrou maior eficiência de encapsulação, 84.61 e 79.73% para micropartículas de Lactobacillus acidophillus (ML) e Bifidobacterium Bb-12 (MB), respectivamente. Na avaliação da resistência térmica e simulação gastrointestinal as micropartículas de Lactobacillus acidophillus La-5 (ML) apresentaram maior sobrevivência que Bifidobacterium Bb-12 (MB) nestas condições. Na viabilidade ao armazenamento somente as micropartículas Lactobacillus acidophillus La-5 (ML) mantiveram-se viáveis em todas as temperaturas avaliadas durante os 120 dias. Os tamanhos de partícula encontrados foram de 4.85 para Lactobacillus acidophillus La-5 (ML) e 8.75 para Bifidobacterium Bb-12 (MB), estando de acordo aos valores desejáveis para produtos obtidos por spray dryer. Por fim, as micropartículas de Lactobacillus acidophilus La-5 (ML) demostraram ser mais resistentes frente as condições avaliadas neste estudo.

Development of alternative methods for the determination of raloxifene hydrochloride in tablet dosage form / O desenvolvimento de métodos alternativos para a determinação do cloridrato de raloxifeno na forma de dosagem em comprimidos

Three methods are proposed for the quantitative determination of raloxifene hydrochloride in pharmaceutical dosage form: ultraviolet method (UV) high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and micellar capillary electrophoresis (MEKC). These methods were developed and validated and showed good linearity, precision and accuracy. Also they demonstrated to be specific and robust. The HPLC and MEKC methods were tested in regards to be stability indicating methods and they showed to have this attribute. The UV method used methanol as solvent and optimal wavelength at 284 nm, obeying Lambert-Beer law in these conditions. The chromatographic conditions for the HPLC method included: NST column C18 (250 x 4.6 mm x 5 µm), mobile phase water:acetonitrile:triethylamine (67:33:0,3 v/v), pH 3.5, flow rate 1.0 mL min^-1, injection volume 20.0 µl, UV detection 287 nm and analysis temperature 30 °C. The MEKC method was performed on a fused-silica capillary (40 cm effective length x 50 µm i.d.) using as background electrolyte 35.0 mmol L^-1 borate buffer and 50.0 mmol L^-1 anionic detergent sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) at pH 8.8. The capillary temperature was 32°C, applied voltage 25 kV, UV detection at 280 nm and injection was perfomed at 45 mBar for 4 s, hydrodimanic mode. In this MEKC method, potassium diclofenac (200.0 µg mL^-1) was used as internal standard. All these methods were statistically analyzed and demonstrated to be equivalent for quantitative analysis of RLX in tablets and were successfully applied for the determination of the drug...

Três métodos são propostos para a quantificação de cloridrato de raloxifeno em sua forma farmacêutica de comprimidos: espectrofotometria no ultravioleta (UV), cromatografia líquida de alta eficiência (HPLC) e eletroforese capilar micelar (MEKC). Estes métodos desenvolvidos e validados demonstraram linearidade, precisão e exatidão. Também foram específicos e robustos. Os métodos HPLC e MEKC foram desenvolvidos para indicar a estabilidade do fármaco e demonstraram ter este atributo. O método UV usou metanol como solvente e comprimento de onda de 284nm, obedecendo a Lei de Lambert-Beer nestas condições. Os parâmetros cromatográficos para o método HPLC foram: coluna NST C18 (250 x 4,6 mm x 5 µm), fase móvel composta de água:acetonitrila:trietilamina (67:33:0,3 v/v), pH 3,5, vazão da fase móvel de 1,0 mL min^-1, volume de injeção de 20 µl, detecção no comprimento de onda de 287 nm e temperatura de análise de 30°C. O método MEKC foi realizado utilizando capilar de sílica fundida (40 cm de comprimento efetivo x 50 µm de diâmetro interno) usando como fase móvel solução tampão borato 35.0 mmol L^-1 e solução de dodecil sulfato de sódio (SDS) 50.0 mmol L^-1 pH 8,8. A temperatura de análise foi de 32 °C, com voltagem aplicada de 25 kV, detecção no comprimento de onda de 280 nm e injeção da amostra realizada a 45 mBar por 4 s em modo hidrodinâmico. Para este método MEKC, foi utilizado diclofenaco de potássio (200.0 µg mL^-1) como padrão interno. Todos os métodos foram analisados estatisticamente e demostraram ser equivalentes para a análise quantitativa de raloxifeno em comprimidos e foram aplicados com sucesso na determinação do fármaco...

Development and validation of a dissolution test for lodenafil carbonate based on in vivo data.

INTRODUCTION: Lodenafil carbonate is a phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor used for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. Currently, there is no dissolution test reported for lodenafil carbonate and this drug is not listed in any pharmacopoeia. OBJECTIVE: The present study focused on the development and validation of a dissolution test for lodenafil carbonate tablets, using a simulated absorption profile based on in vivo data. METHODS: The appropriate conditions were determined after testing sink conditions. Different conditions as medium, surfactant concentration and rotation speed were evaluated. The percentage of dose absorbed was calculated by deconvolution, using the Wagner-Nelson method. RESULTS: According to the obtained results, the use of 0.1 M HCl + 1.5% SLS (900 mL, at 37 + 0.5 °C) as the dissolution medium, paddles at 25 rpm were considered adequate. The samples were quantified by UV spectroscopy at 295 nm and the validation was performed according to international guidelines. The method showed specificity, linearity, accuracy and precision, within the acceptable range. Kinetics of drug release was better described by the first-order model. CONCLUSION: The proposed dissolution test can be used for the routine quality control of lodenafil carbonate in tablets.

A review of analytical methods for the determination of four new phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors in biological samples and pharmaceutical preparations

The introduction of oral phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor therapy in 1998 revolutionized the treatment of erectile dysfunction. Erectile dysfunction is the most common sexual problem in men. It often has a profound effect on intimate relationships and quality of life. The analysis of pharmaceuticals is an important part of the drug development process as well as for routine analysis and quality control of commercial formulations. Whereas the determination of sildenafil citrate, vardenafil and tadalafil are well documented by a variety of methods, there are few publications about the determination of udenafil, lodenafil carbonate, mirodenafil and avanafil. The paper presents a brief review of the action mechanism, adverse effects, pharmacokinetics and the most recent analytical methods that can determine drug concentration in biological matrices and pharmaceutical formulations of these four drugs.

A introdução da terapia oral com inibidores da fosfodiesterase tipo 5, em 1998, revolucionou o tratamento da disfunção erétil. A disfunção erétil é o problema sexual mais comum em homens. Muitas vezes tem um efeito profundo nas relações íntimas e na qualidade de vida. A análise de produtos farmacêuticos é uma parte importante do processo de desenvolvimento de fármacos, bem como para a análise de rotina e controle de qualidade das formulações comerciais. Enquanto a determinação do citrato de sildenafila, vardenafila e tadalafila está bem documentada por uma variedade de métodos, existem poucas publicações sobre a determinação de udenafila, carbonato de lodenafila, mirodenafila e avanafila. O artigo apresenta uma breve revisão do mecanismo de ação, efeitos adversos, farmacocinética e os mais recentes métodos analíticos, que podem determinar a concentração do fármaco em matrizes biológicas e formulações farmacêuticas destes quatro fármacos.

Development and validation of a stability-indicating LC method for the assay of lodenafil carbonate in tablets.

A stability-indicating liquid chromatographic method has been developed for the quantitative determination of lodenafil carbonate in tablets. The method employs a Synergi Fusion C18 column (250 × 4.6 mm, i.d., 4 µm particle size), with mobile phase consisting of a mixture of methanol-acetic acid 0.1% pH 4.0 (65:35, v/v) and UV detection at 290 nm, using a photodiode array detector. A linear response (r = 0.9999) was observed in the range of 10-80 µg/mL. The method showed good recoveries (average 100.3%) and also intra and inter-day precision (RSD < 2.0%). Validation parameters as specificity and robustness were also determined. Specificity analysis showed that no impurities or degradation products were co-eluting with the lodenafil carbonate peak. The method was found to be stability-indicating and due to its simplicity and accuracy can be applied for routine quality control analysis of lodenafil carbonate in tablets.

Validation of the anti-factor Xa assay for the potency assessment of enoxaparin in pharmaceutical formulations.

Enoxaparin is a low-molecular weight heparin used clinically for the prevention and treatment of venous and arterial thrombosis. An anti-factor Xa assay was used to evaluate the potency of the final drug preparation. Method validation investigated parameters such as the range, linearity (r2 = 0.9971), precision, accuracy, and robustness; the biological assay incorporated a chromogenic endpoint and detection at 405 nm. The method yielded good results with a quantitation limit of 0.037 IU/mL and a detection limit of 0.011 IU/mL. The results demonstrated the validity of the anti-factor Xa assay for the determination of enoxaparin.