Modern trends in the formulation of microparticles for lung delivery using porogens: methods, principles and examples.

Inhalation drug administration is increasingly used for local pharmacotherapy of lung disorders and as an alternative route for systemic drug delivery. Modern inhalation powder systems aim to target drug deposition in the required site of action. Large porous particles (LPP), characterized by an aerodynamic diameter over 5 µm, density below 0.4 g/cm3, and the ability to avoid protective lung mechanisms, come to the forefront of the research. They are mostly prepared by spray techniques such as spray drying or lyophilization using pore-forming substances (porogens). These substances could be gaseous, solid, or liquid, and their selection depends on their polarity, solubility, and mutual compatibility with the carrier material and the drug. According to the pores-forming mechanism, porogens can be divided into groups, such as osmogens, extractable porogens, and porogens developing gases during decomposition. This review characterizes modern trends in the formulation of solid microparticles for lung delivery; describes the mechanisms of action of the most often used porogens, discusses their applicability in various formulation methods, emphasizes spray techniques; and documents discussed topics by examples from experimental studies.

Preparation and evaluation of spray-dried inhalable microparticles from carrier mixtures.

The formulation of microparticles composed of a mixture of carriers represents an innovative approach for lung drug delivery of dry powder. The carriers used can significantly influence the properties of the microparticles, such as size, shape, surface area, hygroscopicity, or aggregation, thus improving the aerosolization of the drugs after inhalation. The properties mentioned above are crucial for effective  pulmonary  therapy. The  combination of carriers of a carbohydrate nature and gelling agents is advantageous for controlled drug release. The experimental work aimed to prepare by spray drying and subsequently evaluate ten batches of microparticles composed of sugar-based carriers (mannitol, maltodextrin, dextran) and gelling polymers (chitosan, chondroitin sulfate) and to select a suitable combination for follow-up experimental work aimed at drug incorporation into the microparticle matrix. The most suitable parameters were exhibited by batches whose aerodynamic diameter was close to 5 µm, particles prepared from a combination of mannitol and dextran, chitosan and chondroitin, or maltodextrin and chondroitin. These batches also showed the highest fine particle fraction value (> 43%). From a processability point of view, the batch with maltodextrin and chondroitin is preferable due to the lower viscosity of the dispersion and the more regular shape of the final microparticles.

Preparation and evaluation of spray-dried inhalable microparticles from carrier mixtures.

The formulation of microparticles composed of a mixture of carriers represents an innovative approach for lung drug delivery of dry powder. The carriers used can significantly influence the properties of the microparticles, such as size, shape, surface area, hygroscopicity, or aggregation, thus improving the aerosolization of the drugs after inhalation. The properties mentioned above are crucial for effective  pulmonary  therapy. The  combination of carriers of a carbohydrate nature and gelling agents is advantageous for controlled drug release. The experimental work aimed to prepare by spray drying and subsequently evaluate ten batches of microparticles composed of sugar-based carriers (mannitol, maltodextrin, dextran) and gelling polymers (chitosan, chondroitin sulfate) and to select a suitable combination for follow-up experimental work aimed at drug incorporation into the microparticle matrix. The most suitable parameters were exhibited by batches whose aerodynamic diameter was close to 5 µm, particles prepared from a combination of mannitol and dextran, chitosan and chondroitin, or maltodextrin and chondroitin. These batches also showed the highest fine particle fraction value (> 43%). From a processability point of view, the batch with maltodextrin and chondroitin is preferable due to the lower viscosity of the dispersion and the more regular shape of the final microparticles.

Optimization of spray-dried porous microparticles preparation for pulmonary delivery.

Inhalation administration of dry powder particles is a common application route to achieve local and systemic drug effects. For pulmonary diseases, the deposition of drugs at the site of action is desirable. Thus, the parameters of the inhaled particles, especially their size, shape, or aerosolization, are essential for effective treatment. Suitable parameters can be achieved by choice of preparation method or excipients (carriers, porogens, or aerosolizing agents). This experiment aimed to prepare 11 batches of powder mixtures by spray drying, which differed in the carrier used and the amount of leucine or porogen. The aim was to optimize the formulation for drug binding concerning the requirements for pulmonary administration. The prepared particles were evaluated in terms of morphology, flow properties, porosity, and geometric and aerodynamic diameter. It was found that with increasing concentration of leucine, the bulk density of the particles decreased while the FPF value increased. Similarly, there was a decrease in MMAD. The batch containing 15% leucine was the most suitable. In determining the optimum porogen concentration for mannitol particles, the batch with its 1% gave the best results due to its adequate particle size compared to the other batches (MMAD 5.92 ± 1.32 µm), suitable porosity, and particle morphology. Thus, to formulate drug-loaded particles, it would be advisable to reduce the aerodynamic diameter of the particles, e.g., by spray drying process parameters.

Development of Orodispersible Films Containing Benzydamine Hydrochloride Using a Modified Solvent Casting Method.

The aim of this study was to develop benzydamine hydrochloride-loaded orodispersible films using the modification of a solvent casting method. An innovative approach was developed when the drying process of a small-scale production was used based on a heated inert base for casting the film. During this process, two types of film-forming maltodextrins for rapid drug delivery were used. They were plasticized with two different polyols (xylitol and sorbitol). Superdisintegrant Kollidon® CL-F was tested as an excipient that can induce faster disintegration of the prepared films. The influence of the formulation parameters (dextrose equivalent of film-forming maltodextrins, a type of plasticizer, and the presence of superdisintegrant) on the disintegration time, mechanical properties, and moisture content of films was statistically evaluated using a multivariate data analysis. Orodispersible films containing maltodextrin with lower dextrose equivalent value showed better mechanical properties (tensile strength ranged from 886.6 ± 30.2 to 1484.2 ± 226.9 N cm-2), lower moisture content (0.5 ± 0.0 to 1.2 ± 0.2%), and shorter disintegration time (17.6 ± 2.9 to 27.8 ± 2.8 s). Films plasticized with xylitol showed shorter disintegration time (17.6 ± 2.9 to 29.2 ± 3.8 s) than films containing sorbitol (23.8 ± 2.9 to 31.7 ± 3.9 s). With the addition of superdisintegrant Kollidon® CL-F, a significant influence on disintegration time was not observed. The modified solvent casting method shows great promise in a small-scale laboratory production of orodispersible films, e.g., in a pharmacy lab.

Superdisintegrants used in pharmaceutical technology.

Disintegrants are substances which promote disintegration of the solid dosage form in the dissolution medium or body fluids. Efficient disintegration is an important prerequisite for ensuring release of the active substance and its good bioavailability. Several mechanisms of disintegrants´ action are currently recognized, but disintegration is a complex process, and the majority of substances act by combining multiple mechanisms. Superdisintegrants as an innovative materials allow more efficient disintegration of the dosage form in lower concentrations, without any negative impact on processability and mechanical properties of the final dosage form. Currently are in pharmaceutical technology used synthetic, modified (semi-synthetic), and also natural superdisintegrants, whose main representatives discribes this article. Key words: disintegrants • superdisintegrants • solid dosage forms • tablets • disintegration time • excipients.

Buccal films as a dressing for the treatment of aphthous lesions.

BACKGROUND: Buccal flexible films in the form of solid, thin, mucoadhesive patches can be used as dressings separating aphthous lesions from the environment of the oral cavity, which can in turn shorten the treatment period and reduce the pain perception. METHODS: The clinical study was performed on 36 volunteers suffering from aphthous lesions. The first group was treated using standard means-by application of an oral gel containing cholin salicylate (Mundisal) on the aphthous lesion. The second group was treated with the same preparation; however, the lesion was covered with a mucoadhesive film following the application of the gel. The criteria for statistical evaluation were the size of lesions in relation to the length of the treatment and the subjective perception of the treatment results. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: The application of buccal films covering aphthous lesions during the treatment significantly increased the rate of healing when compared with the standard methods of treatment. While the pain improvement was statistically significant as soon as Day 3 in the experimental group, it was only apparent on Day 5 in the control group, and the number of successfully treated patients (pain perception improving to visual analogue scale 2 or less) was at all time points higher in the experimental group than in the control group. The results imply that the use of buccal films for treatment of aphthous lesions is very promising and can lead to a significant reduction in the duration of patients' discomfort.

The effect of superdisintegrants on the properties and dissolution profiles of liquisolid tablets containing rosuvastatin.

CONTEXT: The preparation of liquisolid systems (LSS) represents a promising method for enhancing a dissolution rate and bioavailability of poorly soluble drugs. The release of the drug from LSS tablets is affected by many factors, including the disintegration time. OBJECTIVE: The evaluation of differences among LSS containing varying amounts and types of commercially used superdisintegrants (Kollidon® CL-F, Vivasol® and Explotab®). MATERIALS AND METHODS: LSS were prepared by spraying rosuvastatin solution onto Neusilin® US2 and further processing into tablets. Varying amounts of superdisintegrants were used and the differences among LSS were evaluated. The multiple scatter plot method was used to visualize the relationships within the obtained data. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: All disintegrants do not showed negative effect on the flow properties of powder blends. The type and concentration of superdisintegrant had an impact on the disintegration time and dissolution profiles of tablets. Tablets with Explotab® showed the longest disintegration time and the smallest amount of released drug. Fastest disintegration and dissolution rate were observed in tablets containing Kollidon® CL-F (≥2.5% w/w). Also tablets with Vivasol® (2.5-4.0% w/w) showed fast disintegration and complete drug release. CONCLUSION: Kollidon® CL-F and Vivasol® in concentration ≥2.5% are suitable superdisintegrants for LSS with enhanced release of drug.

Design and evaluation of mucoadhesive oral films containing sodium hyaluronate using multivariate data analysis.

CONTEXT: Mucoadhesive oral films, with their prolonged residence time at the site of application, offer a promising approach for protection of the oral lesion surface. The addition of sodium hyaluronate of different molecular weights as a second mucoadhesive polymer into the film matrix could positively influence the physico-mechanical and mucoadhesive properties of films. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the formulation of a monolayered film matrix containing varying amounts of sodium hyaluronate and to test the properties of such matrices by applying different characterization methods. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Film matrix was composed of two mucoadhesive polymers, carmellose sodium and sodium hyaluronate, plasticized with glycerol. Resulting films were characterized with regard to their viscosity and physico-mechanical properties. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Multivariate data analysis was employed to evaluate the influence of varying amounts of mucoadhesive polymers on the main mucoadhesive oral films' properties. The lower content of sodium hyaluronate caused improvements in mechanical properties and residence time on the artificial oral mucosa, both of which are the main characteristics that determine the quality of the final product. CONCLUSIONS: The best results were obtained by samples containing carmellose sodium with a small amount of sodium hyaluronate (about 0.5% in casting dispersion).

[Possibilities of using sodium hyaluronate in pharmaceutical and medical fields]. / Moznosti vyuzití hyaluronátu sodného ve farmacii a medicíne.

Sodium hyaluronate represents a contemporary biomaterial with broad use in different pharmaceutical and medical fields. It is a physiological glycosaminoglycan, which occurs primarily in the extracellular matrix, synovial fluid, cartilage, epidermis and vitreous body. It plays a critical role as a signalling molecule in immunological processes, cell motility and wound healing, and it possesses antioxidant activity. It is used in many fields of medicine if supplementation of hyaluronan is needed or in the cases of preventive and therapeutic interventions. Thanks to its moisturizing, regenerative and protective effects it is used in cosmetics as well.Key words: sodium hyaluronate hyaluronic acid hyaluronan derivatives of sodium hyaluronate dosage forms medicinal use.

[Oral films as perspective dosage form]. / Orální filmy jako perspektivní léková forma.

UNLABELLED: Oral films, namely buccal mucoadhesive films and orodispersible films represent innovative formulations for administration of a wide range of drugs. Oral films show many advantageous properties and are intended for systemic drug delivery or for local treatment of the oral mucosa. In both cases, the film represents a thin layer, which could be intended to adhere to the oral mucosa by means of mucoadhesion; or to rapid dissolution and subsequent swallowing without the need of liquid intake, in the case of orodispersible films. Main constitutive excipients are film-forming polymers, which must in the case of mucoadhesive forms remain on the mucosa within the required time interval. Oral films are currently available on the pharmaceutical market and could compete with conventional oral dosage forms in the future. KEY WORDS: oral cavity oral films buccal mucoadhesive films orodispersible films film-forming polymers.

The influence of hyaluronan addition on thickness, weight, uniformity of mass and water content of mucoadhesive films.

Characteristics of the buccal mucoadhesive films (film thickness, film weight, uniformity of mass and moisture content) prepared by solvent casting method were tested in this experimental study. The formulations consisted either of one mucoadhesive polymer (sodium hyaluronate of two different molecular weights and sodium carboxymethylcellulose) or combinations thereof. On the basis of the aforementioned tests, it was determined that water content was influenced by the molecular weight of sodium hyaluronate as well as by the ratio of mucoadhesive polymers in the composition. The composition of the films influences also other tested parameters.Key words: buccal mucoadhesive films solvent casting method sodium hyaluronate sodium carboxymethylcellulose water content.

Determination of flowable liquid retention potential of aluminometasilicate carrier for liquisolid systems preparation.

CONTEXT: Liquisolid systems are modern formulations used to increase the bioavailability of poorly water-soluble drugs. Their preparation is based on the sorption of a drug in liquid state onto a carrier with a high adsorption capacity. The carrier particles are subsequently coated with material having a large surface area to form free-flowing powder. The main principle of bioavailability increasing is based on the presence of the dissolved drug, which is ready for immediate absorption in GI tract. OBJECTIVE: Determination of capability of aluminometasilicate carrier Neusilin® US2 to adsorb different solvents. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The maximum amounts of polyethylene glycol 200 (PEG 200), polyethylene glycol 400 and propylene glycol (PG), which can be sorbed by Neusilin® US2, while maintaining an acceptable flowability of the powder mixture, were evaluated using determination of the flowable liquid retention potential. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: From the evaluation of liquisolid powder mixtures, it could be observed that 1 g of Neusilin® US2 can retain up to 1.00 g of PG, 1.16 g of polyethylene glycol 400 and 1.48 g of PEG 200, while maintaining acceptable flowing properties. CONCLUSION: Large specific surface area in combination with a high absorption capacity makes Neusilin® US2 suitable carrier for liquisolid system preparation.

The development and in vitro evaluation of herbal pellets coated with Eudragit FS 30.

The objective of this study was to prepare pellets of thyme (Thymus vulgaris L.), stinging nettle (Urtica dioica L.) and sage (Salvia officinalis L.) dry extracts by extrusion-spheronization technique to improve technological properties and investigate dissolution profiles of pellets covered different levels of pH-sensitive polymer Eudragit® FS. Optimal sample of pellets were prepared using microcrystalline cellulose and lactose as excipients and demonstrated excellent technological quality properties such as Hausner ratio (1.07 ± 0.11) and compressibility index (6.73 ± 0.94%) value, spericity (0.87 ± 0.001) and friability (0.22 ± 0.08 N). Pellets were coated by 10-35% (w/w) of Eudragit® FS. Dissolution studies showed that less than 20% of coating could not prevent dissolution of phenols in pH 1.2, 20% Eudragit® FS coating is enough to prevent herbal extract against dissolution in the stomach. There were observed no statistical significant differences between 20% and 25% or higher amount of coating polymer to a dissolution of phenols in low pH.

EVALUATION OF SORPTIVE PROPERTIES OF VARIOUS CARRIERS AND COATING MATERIALS FOR LIQUISOLID SYSTEMS.

The basic principle of liquisolid systems formulation lies in the conversion of the drug in a liquid state into an apparently dry, free-flowing and readily compressible powder by its blending (or spraying) with specific carriers and coating materials. The selection of the most suitable carrier and coating material depends especially on their values of flowable liquid retention potential (Φ), which is defined as the maximum mass of liquid that can be retained per unit mass of powder material, while maintaining an acceptable flowability. The presented work focused on the determination of the maximum amount of propylene glycol (PG), which can be retained by several selected carriers and coating materials while maintaining acceptable flow properties of the liquisolid powder blend. Granulated forms of magnesium aluminometasilicates (Neusilin® US2 and Neusilin® NS2N), dibasic calcium phosphate (Fujicalin®) and microcrystalline cellulose (Avicel® PH 101) were tested due to their frequent use. Powdered forms of magnesium aluminometasilicate (Neusilin® UFL2) and colloidal silica (Aerosil® 200) were used as common coating materials. From the evaluation of liquisolid mixtures with different amounts of liquid, it could be observed that 1 g of Neusilin® US2, Neusilin® UFL2, Neusilin® NS2N, Aerosil® 200, Fujicalin® and Avicel® PH 101 can retain 1.00, 0.97, 0.54, 0.04, 0.25 and 0.12 g of propylene glycol, respectively, while maintaining acceptable flowing properties for further processing.

[Enhancing of drug bioavailability using liquisolid system formulation]. / Zvysování biologické dostupnosti léciv pomocí formulace liquisolid systému.

One of the modern technologies of how to ensure sufficient bioavailability of drugs with limited water solubility is represented by the preparation of liquisolid systems. The functional principle of these formulations is the sorption of a drug in a liquid phase to a porous carrier (aluminometasilicates, microcrystalline cellulose, etc.). After addition of further excipients, in particular a coating material (colloidal silica), a powder is formed with the properties suitable for conversion to conventional solid unit dosage forms for oral administration (tablets, capsules). The drug is subsequently administered to the GIT already in a dissolved state, and moreover, the high surface area of the excipients and their surface hydrophilization by the solvent used, facilitates its contact with and release to the dissolution medium and GI fluids. This technology, due to its ease of preparation, represents an interesting alternative to the currently used methods of bioavailability improvement. The article follows up, by describing the specific aspects influencing the preparation of liquid systems, on the already published papers about the bioavailability of drugs and the possibilities of its technological improvement.Key words: liquisolid systems bioavailability porous carrier coating material preformulation studies.

Methods used in Pharmaceutical Technology to Increase Bioavailability of Poorly Soluble Drugs after Oral Administration.

Bioavailability increasing of poorly soluble drugs has become one of the main topics of modern pharmaceutical technology. Many methods based on the chemical modification, physical modification or new technological processes have been already used to improve bioavailability. Some of these methods (e.g. micronization, preparation of solid dispersions, formulation of an inclusion complex, etc.) have been for many years successfully used by pharmaceutical companies. On the other hand, methods such as liquisolid system and self-emulsifying drug delivery systems are still in the early stages of their development. It is expected that this novel methods could play a significant role in the preparation of modern dosage forms. The aim of this paper is to provide the summary of methods improving bioavailability of poorly soluble drugs used in the field of pharmaceutical technology.

[Bioavailability and factors influencing its rate]. / Biologická dostupnost léciva a moznosti jejího ovlivnování.

Bioavailability can be defined as the rate and range of active ingredient absorption, when it becomes available in the systemic circulation or at the desired site of drug action, respectively. Drug bioavailability after oral administration is affected by anumber of different factors, including physicochemical properties of the drug, physiological aspects, the type of dosage form, food intake, biorhythms, and intra- and interindividual variability of the human population. This article is the first from the series dealing with the bioavailability and methods leading to its improvement. The aim of the present paper is to provide an overview of aspects influencing the rate of bioavailability after oral administration of the active ingredient. Subsequentarticles will provide detailed descriptions of methods used for dug bioavailability improvement, which are here only summarized.

Formulation optimization and evaluation of oromucosal in situ gel loaded with silver nanoparticles prepared by green biosynthesis.

Treating oral diseases remains challenging as API is quickly washed out of the application site by saliva turnover and mouth movements. In situ gels are a class of application forms that present sol-gel transition's ability as a response to stimuli. Their tunable properties are provided using smart polymers responsible for stimuli sensitivity, often providing mucoadhesivity. In this study, antimicrobial in situ gels of thermosensitive and pH-sensitive polymers loaded with silver nanoparticles were prepared and evaluated. The nanoparticles were prepared by green synthesis using Agrimonia eupatoria L. extract. According to the data analysis, the in situ gel with the most promising profile contained 15 % of Pluronic® F-127, 0.25 % of methylcellulose, and 0.1 % of Noveon® AA-1. Pluronic® F-127 and methylcellulose significantly increased the viscosity of in situ gels at 37 °C and shear rates similar to speaking and swallowing. At 20 °C, a behavior close to a Newtonian fluid was observed while being easily injectable (injection force 13.455 ±â€¯1.973 N). The viscosity of the formulation increased with temperature and reached 2962.77 ±â€¯63.37 mPa·s (37 °C). A temperature increase led to increased adhesiveness and rigidity of the formulation. The critical sol-gel transition temperature at physiological pH was 32.65 ±â€¯0.35 °C. 96.77 ±â€¯3.26 % of Ag NPs were released by erosion and dissolution of the gel after 40 min. The determination of MIC showed effect against E. coli and S. aureus (0.0625 mM and 0.5000 mM, respectively). The relative inhibition zone diameter of the in situ gel was 73.32 ±â€¯11.06 % compared to gentamicin sulfate. This work discusses the optimization of the formulation of novel antibacterial in situ gel for oromucosal delivery, analyses the impact of the concentration of excipients on the dependent variables, and suggests appropriate evaluation of the formulation in terms of its indication. This study offers a promising dosage form for local treatment of oral diseases.

The influence of process variables of preparation of oxycellulose beads on their dissolution profile.

Particles preparation from biodegradable polymers as carriers for the controlled release of drugs has been the focus of many investigations and the subject of a growing field of research in recent years. The aim of this study was to develop and optimize the preparation of oxycellulose beads containing diclofenac sodium as a model drug. Particle size, surface, drug content and encapsulation efficiency were evaluated, drug dissolution profiles were measured and drug release mechanism estimated. The prepared oxycellulose beads were uniform in size with encapsulation efficiency ranging from 53.2 to 74.9%. The lower temperature of the crosslinking solution and its saturation with diclofenac sodium increased the encapsulation efficiency, especially when both parameters were combined. The application of ultrasound had a negative effect on drug encapsulation. The dissolution of diclofenac sodium in pH 1.2 was close to zero as its solubility in this medium is very limited. The drug release in pH 6.8 lasted from 10 to 16 h showing biphasic behavior with a significant lag time. T1/2 decreased with increasing encapsulation efficiency and ultrasound application. Diclofenac sodium was released from the prepared oxycellulose particles by diffusion as well as by erosion process; ahigh correlation was found with zero order kinetics.