Solid lipid nanoparticles of irbesartan: preparation, characterization, optimization and pharmacokinetic studies

ABSTRACT Irbesartan is an antihypertensive with limited bioavailability and solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) is one of the approaches to improve bioavailability. Solid lipid nanoparticles were prepared using glyceryl monostearate by solvent emulsification method followed by probe sonication. Irbesartan loaded SLNs were characterized and optimized by parameters like particle size, zeta potential, surface morphology entrapment efficiency and in vitro release. The optimized formulation was then further evaluated for the pharmacokinetic studies in Wistar rats. Irbesartan-loaded SLN of particle size 523.7 nm and 73.8% entrapment efficiency showed good bioavailability in Wistar rats and also showed optimum stability in the studies. The SLN prepared using glyceryl monostearate by solvent emulsification method leads to improve bioavailability of the drug.

Ameliorating the antitumor activity of lenalidomide using PLGA nanoparticles for the treatment of multiple myeloma

Abstract Lenalidomide (LND) is an anti-cancer drug and an effective derivative of thalidomide used for multiple myeloma therapy. Because of its poor solubility in water, LND is known to cause low oral bioavailability (below 33%), and as a direct consequence of this, the dosing frequency is extended thus increasing risk of toxicity. To improve its bioavailability and sustained release, the present study aims to formulate polymeric nanoparticles (NPs) for LND using [Poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid)] (PLGA) as a polymer. The polymeric NPs were evaluated for particle size, SEM, XRD, drug content, entrapment efficiency (EE), in vitro release studies and in vivo bioavailability studies in rats. The formulated NPs possessed a size of 179±0.9 nm and a zeta potential of -24.4 ± 0.2 mV. The drug loading and EE of the optimized formulation was 32 ± 0.37 % and 78 ± 0.92% respectively. After oral administration of LND PLGA-NPs, the relative bioavailability was enhanced about 3.67-fold compared to LND. This study demonstrates the novel drug delivery for LND with PLGA-NPs as effective drug delivery system for sustained delivery of LND.

Development of a new HPLC method for in vitro and in vivo studies of haloperidol in solid lipid nanoparticles

ABSTRACT A simple and sensitive HPLC method was developed and validated for the quantification of haloperidol in solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs). The developed method was used for detection of shelf life of haloperidol in SLNs. Calibration curve of haloperidol was also constructed in rat plasma using loratidine as internal standard. In vivo studies were performed on rats and concentration of haloperidol in brain and blood was measured for the determination of various pharmacokinetic and hence brain targeting parameters. Chromatogram separation was achieved using C18 column as stationary phase. The mobile phase consisted of 100 mM/L potassium dihydrogen phosphate-acetonitrile-TEA (10:90:0.1, v/v/v) and the pH was adjusted with o-phosphoric acid to 3.5. Flow rate of mobile phase was 2 mL/minute and eluents were monitored at 230 nm using UV/VIS detector. The method was validated for linearity, precision, accuracy, reproducibility, limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ). Linearity for haloperidol was in the range of 1-16 µg/mL. The value of LOD and LOQ was found to be 0.045 and 0.135 μg/mL respectively. The shelf life of SLNs formulation was found to be 2.31 years at 4 oC. Various parameters like drug targeting index (DTI), drug targeting efficiency (DTE) and nose-to-brain direct transport (DTP) were determined for HP-SLNs & HP-Sol administered intranasally to evaluate the extent of nose-to-brain delivery. The value of DTI, DTE and DTP for HP-SLNs was found to be 23.62, 2362.43 % and 95.77% while for HP-Sol, values were 11.28, 1128.61 % and 91.14 % respectively.

A simple HPLC method for the determination of halcinonide in lipid nanoparticles: development, validation, encapsulation efficiency, and in vitro drug permeation

ABSTRACT Halcinonide is a high-potency topical glucocorticoid used for skin inflammation treatments that presents toxic systemic effects. A simple and quick analytical method to quantify the amount of halcinonide encapsulated into lipid nanoparticles, such as polymeric lipid-core nanoparticles and solid lipid nanoparticles, was developed and validated regarding the drug's encapsulation efficiency and in vitro permeation. The development and validation of the analytical method were carried out using the high performance liquid chromatography with the UV detection at 239 nm. The validation parameters were specificity, linearity, precision and accuracy, limits of detection and quantitation, and robustness. The method presented an isocratic flow rate of 1.0 mL.min-1, a mobile phase methanol:water (85:15 v/v), and a retention time of 4.21 min. The method was validated according to international and national regulations. The halcinonide encapsulation efficiency in nanoparticles was greater than 99% and the in vitro drug permeation study showed that less than 9% of the drug permeated through the membrane, indicating a nanoparticle reservoir effect, which can reduce the halcinonide's toxic systemic effects. These studies demonstrated the applicability of the developed and validated analytical method to quantify halcinonide in lipid nanoparticles.

Can gold nanoparticles affect the histological structure of the pulmonary alveoli in adult albino rats?

Gold nanoparticles [GNPs] are currently used in several consumer products as well as in laboratory-based research either as a diagnostic imaging agent or as a therapeutic agent in gene delivery and photothermal cancer therapy. They are synthesized by chemical methods in which toxic reducing agents are involved. There is a growing need to develop environmentally benign NP synthesis processes that are free from toxic chemicals. The study aimed to ascertain the possible histological alterations that might occur in the pulmonary alveoli of adult albino rats after intraperitoneal administration of 10 nm GNPs prepared by two different methods [chemically prepared and green synthesized]. Fifty adult male albino rats [140-160 g] were assigned to three groups. Group I was the control group. The rats in this group were further divided into three equal subgroups Ia, Ib, and Ic that received daily intraperitoneal injection of PBS, trisodium citrate, and cumin-gum Arabic solutions, respectively. Rats in group II received a daily intraperitoneal injection of 100 micro l of chemically prepared GNPs using trisodium citrate. Rats in group III received a daily intraperitoneal injection of 100 micro l of green-synthesized GNPs using cumin and gum Arabic. After 7 days, the animals were euthanized and specimens from the lungs were taken and processed for histological and immunohistochemical studies. H and E-stained sections of group II rats depicted multifocal thickening of the interalveolar septa and collapsed alveoli. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed high vimentin expression. Ultrastructurally, type II pneumocytes showed degenerative changes. Relatively thick interalveolar septa with many active interstitial cells were also seen. GNPs were detected in pneumocytes and alveolar macrophages. In contrast, the lung sections of group III rats showed considerable preservation of normal alveolar architecture with nearly normal vimentin immunoreactivity. GNPs were detected in the pneumocytes and interalveolar septa as well. Green-synthesized GNPs using cumin-gum Arabic are safer for the pulmonary alveoli compared with chemically prepared GNPs using trisodium citrate. Long-term studies are required to verify the toxicity of GNPs on various cell types

Desenvolvimento, caracterização, avaliação da estabilidade e da penetração cutânea de nanopartículas de ácido ursólico incorporadas em formulação cosmética / Development, characterization, evaluation of stability and skin penetration of ursolic acid nanoparticles incorporated in cosmetic formulation

A indústria cosmética tem investido em tecnologias inovadoras na busca de maior eficácia de seus produtos. A Nanotecnologia tem sido utilizada com o propósito de desenvolver formulações de menor risco de irritação cutânea e que promovam a liberação modificada do componente ativo. Este trabalho teve como objetivo geral desenvolvimento, caracterização e avaliação de nanopartículas de ácido ursólico incorporadas em formulação cosmética. Nesta pesquisa, para determinar a eficiência de encapsulação do AU (ácido ursólico) livre e nas nanopartículas poliméricas, foi validada uma metodologia que empregou a CLAE (Cromatografia em fase Líquida de Alta Eficiência) e os resultados obtidos indicaram boa reprodutibilidade do método e concordância entre os resultados obtidos, sendo a metodologia empregada na avaliação do AU livre e nanoparticulado. As nanopartículas contendo AU apresentaram características de potencial estabilidade química, obtendo eficiência de encapsulação de 80% de AU para as nanopartículas poliméricas e 100% para os carreadores lipídicos nanoestruturados. A caracterização físico-química das nanopartículas poliméricas contendo AU foi realizada determinando-se diâmetro da partícula (353,4 ± 1,4 nm), índice de polidispersividade (0,106 ± 0,008) e potencial zeta (-35,6 ± 1,2 mV). Os resultados obtidos para os carreadores lipídicos nanoestruturados contendo AU nas formulações foram: tamanho de partícula entre 125,3±40,4 e 237,4±62,7 nm, índice de polidispersividade entre 0,01 e 0,38 e potencial zeta entre -20,5±9,2 e -50,7±9,5 mV. Os resultados obtidos indicaram estabilidade das nanopartículas desenvolvidas. O resultado relativo ao planejamento fatorial para otimização dos agentes tensoativos revelou modelo matemático de segunda ordem para a previsão de valores de potencial zeta em função das concentrações de SDS. Dessa forma, foi possível a preparação de carreador lipídico nanoestruturado contendo reduzida concentração de SDS e valor de potencial zeta menor...

The cosmetic industry has invested in innovative technologies in search of greater effectiveness of their products. Nanotechnology has been used with this propose to reduce the risk of skin irritation by promoting the modified release of the active component. This study had as main objective development, characterization and evaluation of ursolic acid nanoparticles incorporated in cosmetic formulation. In this research, to determine the entrapment efficiency of UA (ursolic acid) free and in polymeric nanoparticles, a methodology was validated using HPLC (high performance liquid chromatography) and the results indicated good reproducibility of the method and agreement between the results, the methodology employed could be assessed in the evaluation of free and UA nanoparticles. Nanoparticles containing UA showed characteristics of potential chemical stability obtaining entrapment efficiency of 80% for UA polymer nanoparticles and 100% for the nanostructured lipid carriers. The physicochemical characterization of polymeric nanoparticles containing UA was accomplished by determining the particle diameter (353.4 ± 1.4 nm), polydispersity index (0.106 ± 0.008) and zeta potential (-35.6 ± 1.2mV). The results obtained for the nanostructured lipid carriers containing UA formulations were: particle size between 125.3±40.4 and 237.4±62.7 nm, polydispersity index between 0.01 and 0.38, and zeta potential between -20.5±9.2 and -50.7±9.5 mV. The results indicated stability of the developed nanoparticles. The result for the factorial design for optimization of surfactant revealed a quadratic effect of the independent variable sodium dodecyl sulfate in zeta potential. Thus, it was possible to prepare nanostructured lipid carrier containing reduced concentrations of SDS and zeta potential value of less than -40 mV. By means of the techniques of TG/DTG and DSC, was observed that the UA remained stable. Cosmetic formulations containing free ursolic acid (AUL) and incorporated...

Análise térmica de uma resina composta de nanopartículas: caracterização e envelhecimento / Thermal analysis of nanofilled composite resin: characterization and aging

O objetivo deste estudo foi acompanhar o envelhecimento de uma resina composta de nanopartículas (Concept Advanced®) ao longo de um ano. A caracterização e a avaliação de sua homogeneidade foram realizadas após o envase em seringa de apresentação comercial por meio de Termogravimetria (TG/DTG), Calorimetria Exploratória Diferencial (DSC) e Análise Termomecânica (TMA). No grupo 1, foram realizadas 15 análises ao longo de seringas que não foram submetidas à pressão do êmbolo. Nos grupos 2 e 3, a resina composta foi totalmente removida pela torção do êmbolo e subdividida em cinco porções. Contudo, ao longo do tempo, no grupo 2, as seringas foram mantidas na vertical e no grupo 3, na horizontal. No grupo 4, cada amostra foi obtida de 24 em 24 horas da área central de cada porção por cinco dias. A análise dos diferentes grupos foi realizada em três seringas para os tempos: inicial, seis meses e um ano. As curvas TG/DTG foram obtidas em amostras não polimerizadas, seguindo programa de aquecimento de 25 a 650ºC, em atmosfera dinâmica de ar. A DSC e a TMA foram realizadas apenas no grupo 1, no tempo inicial, para caracterização do material em amostras fotoativadas de 3mm de diâmetro x 1mm de espessura por 20 segundos. As curvas DSC foram obtidas seguindo o programa de aquecimento da temperatura ambiente a 250°C, sob fluxo de nitrogênio. A TMA foi realizada em atmosfera de nitrogênio da temperatura ambiente a 150oC. As curvas TG/DTG de cada área analisada mostraram o mesmo padrão de decomposição em três etapas com percentuais de perda de massa semelhantes entre todas as amostras independente do tempo de armazenamento. Também o resíduo final, considerado como percentual de carga inorgânica, ficou em torno de 71,5% mostrando homogeneidade de distribuição ao longo das seringas. A pressão contínua determinou alteração estatisticamente significante na estabilidade térmica (p<0,05). Na DSC, as curvas mostraram temperatura de transição vítrea na faixa de 94 a 105ºC e um evento exotérmico a ~160ºC relacionado à polimerização secundária da resina composta. A TMA mostrou três faixas de alterações dimensionais e os valores do coeficiente de expansão térmica linear variaram dentro da mesma seringa, não mostrando homogeneidade de resultados.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the aging of a nanofilled composite resin (Concept Advanced®) during one year. The characterization and evaluation of its homogeneity in commercial syringe was made by Thermogravimetric Analysis (TG/DTG), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) and Thermomechanical Analysis (TMA). In group 1, 15 analyses throughout syringes were carried without pressing the pestle screw. In groups 2 and 3, the composite resin was all pressed out by the pestle screw and divided in five portions. However, in group 2, throughout the time, the syringes had been kept in the vertical position and group 3 in the horizontal position. In group 4, each sample was obtained every 24 in 24 hours from the central area of each portion during five days. All the analyses of groups 1, 2, 3 and 4 were carried through three syringes in the following times: initial, 6 months and one year. The TG/DTG analyses were carried in not polymerized samples, following a thermal program from 25 to 650ºC, under dynamic air atmosphere. The DSC and the TMA were just carried in group 1, in the initial time, to characterize the material in polymerized samples of 3mm diameter x 1mm thickness per 20 seconds. The curves DSC were obtained following the thermal program from room temperature to 250°C under a nitrogen flow. The TMA was carried under a nitrogen atmosphere from room temperature to 150°C. The curves of TG/DTG showed similar patterns of decomposition in three stages, in all groups independent of the storage time, with similar percentages of loss of mass. Also the weight fraction of inorganic fillers was around 71.5%, showing homogeneity of distribution throughout the syringes. The continuous pressure determined significant alteration in the thermal stability (p< 0,05). The DSC curves showed a glass transition ranged between 94 and 105ºC and eventually an exotherm event at ~160ºC. The TMA showed that the values of the linear coefficient of thermal expansion had varied inside of the same syringe

Hidrogéis de PVP e blendas de PVP/polianidridos como potenciais curativos para feridas crônicas / PVP hydrogels and PVP/Polyanhydride blends as potential materials for chronic wounds dressings

Hidrogéis compreendem uma importante classe de materiais poliméricos adequados à aplicação como curativos de feridas e queimaduras. A estrutura tridimensional hidrofílica dos hidrogéis permite que estes mantenham a umidade ideal no leito das feridas, absorvam o exsudato e não causem danos ao novo tecido durante as trocas dos curativos. No caso dos hidrogéis, essas trocas podem ser menos frequentes. Além disso, curativos que auxiliem na remoção de tecidos necrosados e ainda sejam capazes de oferecer tratamentos extras que acelerem o processo de cicatrização são desejáveis. Este trabalho apresenta a produção de materiais à base de hidrogel capazes de auxiliar neste processo de diferentes maneiras. Primeiramente, são apresentados hidrogéis formados a partir de nanofibras de poli(N-vinil-2-pirrolidona) (PVP) produzidas por eletrofiação, seguido da reticulação através da utilização de radiação UV-C ou reação de Fenton. A utilização da eletrofiação como técnica auxiliar na formação dos hidrogéis permitiu o controle da porosidade através da formação de fibras de diferentes diâmetros. A evidência de tal propriedade foi constatada através da produção de materiais que apresentam diferentes perfis de liberação da proteína modelo albumina de soro bovino (BSA). O hidrogel de PVP nanoestruturado foi capaz de liberar e manter a atividade da colagenase, uma importante enzima aplicada no tratamento de feridas via desbridamento enzimático, durante as 48 horas em que foi avaliado. Além disso, hidrogéis bactericidas nanoestruturados foram produzidos a partir de nanocompósitos de PVP e nanopartículas de prata (AgNP) produzidos por eletrofiação. Esses hidrogéis apresentaram propriedades térmicas semelhantes aos hidrogéis sem AgNP, diminuindo, contudo, a sua capacidade de intumescimento. Esses hidrogéis mostraram-se ativos contra bactérias gram-positivas e gram-negativas a partir de 100 ppm de AgNPs. Adicionalmente, foi estudada a formação de um hidrogel modelo composto PVP/AgNP/Imidazol, almejando-se a produção de um material bactericida-fungicida a base de hidrogel. Este hidrogel apresentou atividade conta três espécies de Candida a partir de 500 ppm de imidazol no material. Embora exista a formação de um complexo estável entre AgNP e Imidazol, cálculos teóricos e a constatação da atividade fungicida corroboram com o fato de que derivados imidazólicos podem ser liberados a partir deste hidrogel híbrido. A produção de hidrogéis físicos compostos por blendas de PVP/Polianidridos sintetizados a partir de derivados de hidroxicinamatos e ácido salicílico, capazes de liberar moléculas de interesse biológico quando parcialmente degradados hidroliticamente, também é descrita neste trabalho. Os resultados indicam que interações hidrofóbicas entre a PVP e os polianidridos sintetizados podem ser responsáveis pela formação dos hidrogéis físicos e pela miscibilidade das blendas produzidas. Os hidrogéis físicos de PVP/Polianidridos foram obtidos na forma de filmes por evaporação do solvente. Micro- e nanofibras também foram obtidas por eletrofiação. Desta maneira, o presente trabalho contribui com o desenvolvimento de uma geração de curativos multifuncionais aplicados no tratamento de feridas crônicas e queimaduras

Hydrogels comprise an important class of polymeric materials that finds application as wound and burn dressings. The hydrophilic three-dimensional structure of hydrogels helps to provide the ideal humidity at the wound bed, to remove exsudates and to prevent damages to the new tissue during dressing substitution. Furthermore, these wound dressings are able to remove necrotic tissues and, therefore, capable to offer extra treatments that would benefit the healing processes. This work describes the production of hydrogel based materials that are able to act in wound healing by different ways. First, it is presented hydrogels composed of poly(N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone) (PVP) nanofibers produced by electrospinning, followed by its crosslinking using UV-C radiation or Fenton reaction. The use of electrospinning in the hydrogel formation allowed porosity control by obtaining fibers of different diameters. This was evidenced by achieving materials that present different release profiles of the model protein bovine serum albumin (BSA). The nanostructured PVP hydrogel was capable of releasing and maintaining collagenase activity during 48 hour of evaluation. This is an important enzyme that find application in wound healing based on enzymatic debridement. Moreover, nanostructured bactericidal hydrogels were produced from PVP and silver nanoparticles (AgNP) composite through electrospinning, resulting in hydrogels with thermal properties similar to those hydrogels without AgNP, decreasing its swelling ability. These hydrogels were active against gram-positives and gram-negatives bacteria starting from 100 ppm of AgNP. In addition, the production of a model hydrogel composed by PVP/AgNP/Imidazole was investigated, aiming at a bactericidal-fungicidal hydrogel based material. This hydrogel was active against three Candida having 500 ppm of imidazole into the structure. In spite of the formation of a stable complex between AgNP and imidazole, theoretic calculations and the observed fungicidal activity corroborate with the fact that imidazoles derivatives can be released from this hybrid hydrogel. Physical hydrogels composed of PVP/Polyanhydrides blends were synthesized from hydroxycinammates derivatives and salicylic acid. These materials which were capable of releasing molecules with biological potential upon hydrolysis, are also described in this work. The results indicate that hydrophobic interactions between PVP and the synthesized polyanhydrides could be responsible for the hydrogel formation and blend miscibility as well. PVP/Polyanhydride physical hydrogels were obtained from cast films. Micro- and nanofibers were also obtained by electrospinning. Thus, the present work contributes with the development of the new generation of smart dressings for wound and burn healing