Development of phosphorylated nanoparticles as zeta potential inverting systems.

The objective of this study was to generate nanoparticles with a slightly negative zeta potential which switches to positive values under the influence of intestinal alkaline phosphatase in order to address two major physiological barriers (mucus and membrane barrier). Carboxymethyl cellulose and chitosan were modified with phosphotyrosine by means of a water-soluble carbodiimide and polyelectrolyte complexes were formed by mixing two polymer solutions in an appropriate ratio. Due to this modification, phosphate ions could potentially be released which would lead to a change in zeta potential. Their sizes were found to be between 200 and 300 nm while their zeta potentials ranged from -8 mV to -5 mV prior to incubation with the enzyme. It could be shown that phosphate ions are released from the modified polymers and nanoparticles by isolated phosphatase and in a Caco-2 cell model. Incubation with phosphatase led to a change in zeta potential of the nanoparticles up to +8 mV. As neither polymers nor particles display toxic properties within the resazurin assay, these nanoparticles appear to be useful tools in future drug delivery systems as they have appropriate properties regarding particle size and surface charge in order to overcome the mucus and the membrane barrier.

Polyethylene imine-6-phosphogluconic acid nanoparticles--a novel zeta potential changing system.

The aim of the study was to develop nanoparticles with the ability to change their zeta potential. By covalent attachment of 6-phosphogluconic acid to polyethylene imine, a charged, enzymatically removable moiety was introduced into the polymer. The novel conjugate displayed 400 µmol phosphate per gram polymer, as determined by malachite green assay. Studies evaluating the cleavage by intestinal alkaline phosphatase revealed that 69 % of the coupled phosphate could be released from the polymer. Furthermore, nanoparticles generated by polyelectrolyte complexation technique using carboxymethyl cellulose as negatively charged component exhibited a zeta potential of -6 mV and an average particle size of 300 nm. Enzymatic cleavage of the phosphate ester moiety by isolated intestinal alkaline phosphatase on these nanoparticles caused shift of the zeta potential from negative to positive value of +3 mV whereby 58% of the total amount of phosphate were released. Studies on Caco-2 cells revealed the capability of a living system to hydrolyze the phosphate ester in the novel conjugate as well as on the nanoparticles via their intestinal alkaline phosphatase. Based on these results, polymeric nanoparticles comprising an enzymatically degradable phosphate ester moiety can provide a promising strategy for zeta potential changing systems.

In vivo evaluation of thiolated chitosan tablets for oral insulin delivery.

Chitosan-6-mercaptonicotinic acid (chitosan-6-MNA) is a thiolated chitosan with strong mucoadhesive properties and a pH-independent reactivity. This study aimed to evaluate the in vivo potential for the oral delivery of insulin. The comparison of the nonconjugated chitosan and chitosan-6-MNA was performed on several studies such as mucoadhesion, release, and in vivo studies. Thiolated chitosan formulations were both about 80-fold more mucoadhesive compared with unmodified ones. The thiolated chitosan tablets showed a sustained release for 5 h for the polymer of 20 kDa and 8 h for the polymer of 400 kDa. Human insulin was quantified in rats' plasma by means of ELISA specific for human insulin with no cross-reactivity with the endogenous insulin. In vivo results showed thiolation having a tremendous impact on the absorption of insulin. The absolute bioavailabilities were 0.73% for chitosan-6-MNA of 20 kDa and 0.62% for chitosan-6-MNA 400 kDa. The areas under the concentration-time curves (AUC) of chitosan-6-MNA formulations compared with unmodified chitosan were 4.8-fold improved for the polymer of 20 kDa and 21.02-fold improved for the polymer of 400 kDa. The improvement in the AUC with regard to the most promising aliphatic thiomer was up to 6.8-fold. Therefore, chitosan-6-MNA represents a promising excipient for the oral delivery of insulin.

Thiolated and S-protected hydrophobically modified cross-linked poly(acrylic acid)--a new generation of multifunctional polymers.

The aim of this study was to create a novel multifunctional polymer by covalent attachment of l-cysteine to the polymeric backbone of hydrophobically modified cross-linked poly(acrylic acid) (AC1030). Secondly, the free thiol groups of the resulting thiomer were activated using 2-mercaptonicotinic acid (2-MNA) to provide full reactivity and stability. Within this study, 1167.36 µmol cysteine and 865.72 µmol 2-MNA could be coupled per gram polymer. Studies evaluating mucoadhesive properties revealed a 4-fold extended adherence time to native small intestinal mucosa for the thiomer (AC1030-cysteine) as well as an 18-fold prolonged adhesion for the preactivated thiomer (AC1030-Cyst-2-MNA) compared to the unmodified polymer. Modification of the polymer led to a higher tablet stability concerning the thiomer and the S-protected thiomer, but a decelerated water uptake could be observed only for the preactivated thiomer. Neither the novel conjugates nor the unmodified polymer showed severe toxicity on Caco-2 cells. Evaluation of emulsification capacity proofed the ability to incorporate lipophilic compounds like medium chain triglycerides and the preservation of the emulsifying properties after the modifications. According to these results thiolated AC1030 as well as the S-protected thiolated polymer might provide a promising tool for solid and semisolid formulations in pharmaceutical development.

In vivo evaluation of an oral self-microemulsifying drug delivery system (SMEDDS) for leuprorelin.

The objective of this study was to develop a self-microemulsifying drug delivery system (SMEDDS) for the model peptide drug leuprorelin to prove a protective effect against luminal enzymatic metabolism. In order to incorporate leuprorelin into microemulsion droplets (o/w), the commercially available hydrophilic leuprolide acetate was modified by hydrophobic ion paring with sodium oleate. The obtained hydrophobic leuprolide oleate was dissolved in the SMEDDS formulation (30% (m/m) Cremophor EL, 30% (m/m) Capmul MCM, 10% (m/m) propylene glycol and 30% (m/m) Captex 355) in a concentration of 4 mg/g showing a mean droplet size of 50.1 nm when dispersed in a concentration of 1% (m/v) in phosphate buffer pH 6.8. The microemulsion was able to shield leuprolide oleate from enzymatic degradation by trypsin and α-chymotrypsin, so that after 120 min 52.9% and 58.4%, respectively, of leuprolide oleate were still intact. Leuprolide acetate dissolved in an aqueous control solution was completely metabolized by trypsin within 60 min and by α-chymotrypsin within 5 min. Moreover, an in vivo study in rats showed a 17.2-fold improved oral bioavailability of leuprolide oleate SMEDDS compared to a leuprolide acetate control solution. This is the first time, to our knowledge, that hydrophobic ion pairing is utilized in order to incorporate a peptide drug in SMEDDS and evidence of a protective effect of oil-in-water (o/w) microemulsion droplets against enzymatic degradation of a peptide drug was provided. According to these results, the system could be likely a novel platform technology to improve the oral bioavailability of peptide drugs.

Development and in vivo evaluation of papain-functionalized nanoparticles.

The aim of the present study was to develop a novel nanoparticulate delivery system being capable of penetrating the intestinal mucus layer by cleaving mucoglycoprotein substructures. Nanoparticles based on papain grafted polyacrylic acid (papain-g-PAA) were prepared via ionic gelation and labeled with fluorescein diacetate. In vitro, the proteolytic potential of papain modified nanoparticles was investigated by rheological measurements and diffusion studies across fresh porcine intestinal mucus. The presence of papain on the surface and inside the particles strongly decreases viscosity of the mucus leading to facilitated particle transition across the mucus layer. Results of the permeation studies revealed that enzyme grafted particles diffuse through mucus layer to a 3.0-fold higher extent than the same particles without enzyme. Furthermore, the penetration behavior of the nanocarriers along the gastrointestinal tract of Sprague Dawley rats was investigated after oral administration of nanoparticles formulated as enteric coated capsules. The majority of the papain functionalized particles was able to traverse across the mucus layer and remained in the duodenum and jejunum of the small intestine where drug absorption primarily occurs. Polymeric nanoparticles combined with mucolytic enzymes that are capable of overcoming intestinal mucus barriers offer an encouraging new attempt for mucosal drug delivery.

Synthesis and in vitro characterization of entirely S-protected thiolated pectin for drug delivery.

The study was aimed to synthesize a thiolated polymer (thiomer) that is resistant to oxidation in solutions above pH 5. In order to protect a pectin-cysteine conjugate against premature oxidation, the thiomer was S-protected by a disulfide connected leaving group. Therefore, 2-mercaptonicotinic acid was first coupled to L-cysteine by a disulfide exchange reaction and the purified product was subsequently attached to pectin by a carbodiimide mediated amid bond formation. The obtained fully S-protected thiolated pectin was in vitro characterized with respect to co- and mucoadhesive properties and stability toward oxidation. The results indicated a 1.8-fold and 2.3-fold enhanced disintegration time at pH 6.8 of the S-protected thiolated pectin (Pec-Cys-MNA) compared to thiolated pectin (Pec-Cys) and unmodified pectin (Pec). Moreover, rheological measurements of polymer/mucus mixtures showed a 1.6-fold (compared to Pec-Cys) and 6.7-fold (compared to Pec) increased dynamic viscosity of Pec-Cys-MNA. On the other hand, in the presence of a strong oxidizing agent such as H2O2 (0.3% v/v), no increase in viscosity of Pec-Cys-MNA could be observed. A 6-month experiment also demonstrated the long-term stability of a liquid formulation based on Pec-Cys-MNA. Further investigations proved that the first time all thiol groups on a thiolated polymer could be protected owing to the novel synthesis. Accordingly, these features may help to develop thiomer based liquid or gel formulations targeting mucosal surfaces such as nasal, ocular or vaginal drug delivery systems.

Combining two technologies: multifunctional polymers and self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system (SNEDDS) for oral insulin administration.

The aim of the study is to develop a self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system (SNEDDS) based on thiolated chitosan for oral insulin administration. The preparations were characterized by particle size, entrapment efficiency, stability and drug release. Serum insulin concentrations were determined after oral administration of all formulations. Insulin SNEDDS formulation was served as control. The optimized SNEDDS consists of 65% (w/w) miglyol 840, 25% (w/w) cremophor EL, 10% (w/w) co-solvents (a mixture of DMSO and glycerol). The formulations in the presence or absence of insulin (5mg/mL) were spherical with the size range between 80 and 160 nm. Entrapment efficiency of insulin increased significantly when the thiolated chitosan was employed (95.14±2.96%), in comparison to the insulin SNEDDS (80.38±1.22%). After 30 min, the in vitro release profile of insulin from the nanoemulsions was markedly increased compared to the control. In vivo results showed that insulin/thiolated chitosan SNEDDS displayed a significant increase in serum insulin (p-value=0.02) compared to oral insulin solution. A new strategy to combine SNEDDS and thiolated chitosan described in the study would therefore be a promising and innovative approach to improve oral bioavailability of insulin.

Development and in vivo evaluation of an oral vitamin B12 delivery system.

Recently, poly(acrylic acid)-cysteine (PAA-cys) based formulations have shown to modulate vitamin B12 absorption across Caco-2 cells monolayers and rat intestinal mucosa. The aim of the present study was to provide a proof-of-principle for a delivery system based on PAA-cys in vivo by administering vitamin B12 to Sprague Dawley rats. In vitro, the permeation enhancing effect of unmodified and thiolated PAA was evaluated using rat intestinal mucosa mounted on Ussing type chambers and was compared to that of verapamil and reduced glutathione (GSH). Vitamin B12 transport in the presence of 0.5% (m/v) PAA-cys was 3.96-fold improved compared to buffer, while 91.5% and 56.5% increased compared to verapamil and GSH, respectively. In vivo, the oral administration of minitablets based on 0.5mg vitamin B12 with 4.5mg PAA or PAA-cys resulted in a significant improvement of vitamin B12 absolute bioavailability. The area under the serum concentration-time curve (AUC0₋8) of vitamin B12 after administration of PAA and PAA-cys minitablets was 1.74-fold and 2.92-fold higher in comparison with oral solution, respectively. Thiolated formulations provided an absolute bioavailability of 0.89%. According to the achieved results, PAA-cys can be considered a valuable tool for improving the oral bioavailability of vitamin B12.

Thiolated particles as effective intravesical drug delivery systems for treatment of bladder-related diseases.

AIM: To prove in vivo mucoadhesiveness of thiolated and well-established polymeric microparticles and nanoparticles (NPs) as a promising nanomedical tool for the treatment of bladder-related diseases. MATERIALS & METHODS: Spray drying and ionic gelation were used in order to generate microparticles and NPs. For particle detection, the fluorescent marker, fluorescein diacetate, was incorporated in microparticles and NPs, respectively. Mucoadhesive properties of the particles were pre-evaluated via rheological measurements and ex vivo in the porcine urinary bladder model to identify the most appropriate particles for in vivo application in female Sprague Dawley rats. RESULTS: Pretrials indicated that particles based on chitosan were most suitable as an intravesical drug delivery system for in vivo application. The retention time of thiolated chitosan NPs on the rat urinary bladder mucosa was approximately 170-fold higher in comparison with the pure fluorescent marker, fluorescein diacetate, having being applied as aqueous suspension without polymeric excipients. CONCLUSION: This advanced nanomedical tool based on thiolated chitosan seems to be a promising approach for the treatment of bladder-related diseases.

In vivo evaluation of an oral drug delivery system for peptides based on S-protected thiolated chitosan.

The aim of the present study was the development and evaluation in vitro as well as in vivo of an oral delivery system based on a novel type of thiolated chitosan, so-called S-protected thiolated chitosan, for the peptide drug antide. The sulfhydryl ligand thioglycolic acid (TGA) was covalently attached to chitosan (CS) in the first step of modification. In the second step, these thiol groups of thiolated chitosan were protected by disulfide bond formation with the thiolated aromatic residue 6-mercaptonicotinamide (6-MNA). Absorptive transport studies of antide were evaluated ex vivo using rat intestinal mucosa. Matrix tablets of each polymer sample were prepared and their effect on the absorption of antide evaluated in vivo in male Sprague-Dawley rats. In addition, tablets were examined in terms of their disintegration, swelling and drug release behavior. The resulting S-protected thiomer (TGA-MNA) exhibited 840µmol of covalently linked 6-MNA per gram thiomer. Based on the implementation of this hydrophobic ligand on the thiolated backbone, the disintegration behavior was reduced greatly and a controlled release of the peptide could be achieved. Furthermore, permeation studies with TGA-MNA on rat intestine revealed a 4.5-fold enhanced absorptive transport of the peptide in comparison to antide in solution. Additional in vivo studies confirmed the potential of this novel conjugate. Oral administration of antide in solution led to only very small detectable quantities in plasma with an absolute and relative bioavailability (BA) of 0.003 and 0.03%, only. In contrast, with antide incorporated in TGA-MNA matrix tablets an absolute and relative BA of 1.4 and 10.9% could be reached, resulting in a 421-fold increased area under the plasma concentration time curve (AUC) compared to the antide solution. According to these results, S-protected thiolated chitosan as oral drug delivery system might be a valuable tool for improving the bioavailability of peptides.

Thiolated chitosan nanoparticles for the nasal administration of leuprolide: bioavailability and pharmacokinetic characterization.

The purpose of this study was to develop thiolated nanoparticles to enhance the bioavailability for the nasal application of leuprolide. Thiolated chitosan-thioglycolic acid (chitosan-TGA) and unmodified chitosan nanoparticles (NPs) were developed via ionic gelation with tripolyphosphate (TPP). Leuprolide was incorporated during the formulation process of NPs. The thiolated (chitosan-TGA) NPs had a mean size of 252 ± 82 nm, a zeta potential of +10.9 ± 4 mV, and payload of leuprolide was 12 ± 2.8. Sustained release of leuprolide from thiolated NPs was demonstrated over 6h, which might be attributed to inter- and/or intramolecular disulfide formation within the NPs network. Ciliary beat frequency (CBF) study demonstrated that thiolated NPs can be considered as suitable additives for nasal drug delivery systems. Compared to leuprolide solution, unmodified NPs and thiolated NPs provoked increased leuprolide transport through porcine nasal mucosa by 2.0 and 5.2 folds, respectively. The results of a pharmacokinetic study in male Sprague-Dawley rats showed improved transport of leuprolide from thiolated NPs as compared to leuprolide solution. Thiolated NPs had a 6.9-fold increase in area under the curve, more than 4-fold increase in elimination half-life, and a ∼3.8-fold increase in maximum plasma concentration compared to nasal solution alone. The relative nasal bioavailability (versus s.c. injection) of leuprolide thiolated NPs calculated on the basis of AUC((0-6)) was about 19.6% as compared to leuprolide solution 2.8%. The enhanced bioavailability of leuprolide is likely due to facilitated transport by thiolated NPs rather than improved release.

Thiolated chitosan: development and in vivo evaluation of an oral delivery system for leuprolide.

The aim of the present study was to develop an oral delivery system for the peptide drug leuprolide. Gel formulations based on unmodified chitosan/reduced glutathione (GSH) and chitosan-thioglycolic acid (chitosan-TGA)/GSH were prepared, and their effect on the absorption of leuprolide was evaluated in vitro and in vivo in male Sprague Dawley rats. Transport studies were performed with freshly excised rat intestinal mucosa mounted in Ussing-type chambers. Due to the addition of gel formulations comprising 0.5% (m/v) unmodified chitosan/0.5% (m/v) GSH and 0.5% (m/v) chitosan-TGA/0.5% (m/v) GSH, the transport of leuprolide across excised mucosa was improved up to 2.06-fold and 3.79-fold, respectively, in comparison with leuprolide applied in buffer (P(app)=2.87 ± 0.77 × 10⁻6 cm/s). In vivo, the addition of oral gel formulation comprising 8 mg of unmodified chitosan, 1mg of GSH and 1mg of leuprolide increased the area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC0₋8) of leuprolide 1.39-fold in comparison with leuprolide having been administered just in saline. Moreover, the administration of oral gel formulation comprising 8 mg of chitosan-TGA, 1mg of GSH and 1mg of leuprolide resulted in a further enhanced leuprolide plasma concentration, and the area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC0₋8) of leuprolide was increased 3.72-fold in comparison with the control. With the oral gel formulation comprising 8 mg of chitosan-TGA, a relative bioavailability (versus s.c. injection) of 4.5% was achieved in contrast to the control displaying a relative bioavailability of 1.2%. Thus, according to the achieved results, it is suggested that chitosan-TGA in combination with GSH is a valuable tool for improving the oral bioavailability of the peptide drug leuprolide.

Development and in vivo characterization of a novel peptide drug delivery system providing extended plasma half life.

It was the aim of this study to develop a sustained parenteral peptide (DALCE) delivery system by the immobilization of DALCE to thiolated carboxymethyl dextran-cysteine (CMD-Cys) via disulfide bond formation. The resulting CMD-Cys-DALCE conjugate displayed a 22.6±7.9% (m/m) of DALCE (mean±S.D.; n=3). The conjugation of DALCE with CMD-Cys was confirmed by FTIR-ATR spectroscopy. In vitro release studies of conjugate CMD-Cys-DALCE in the presence of 2 µM/ml reduced glutathione (GSH) being also available in the plasma showed a sustained peptide release over a time period of 8 h, because of thiol/disulfide exchange reactions. For in vivo pharmacokinetic study, DALCE and CMD-Cys-DALCE were administered intravenously to male Sprague-Dawley rats at a dose of 1mg/kg. The AUC(0-8) (ng.min/ml) was determined to be 268848±924 and 40019±495 for CMD-Cys-DALCE and DALCE, respectively. The mean residence time (MRT) was determined to be 256±8 and 53.1±9.5 min for CMD-Cys-DALCE and for DALCE, respectively. CMD-Cys-DALCE showed a more than 5-fold increased elimination half-life (p<0.01), 3-fold decreased volume of distribution (p<0.01) and a 6.7-fold decreased plasma clearance rate (p<0.01) compared to DALCE. According to these findings, CMD-Cys-DALCE seems to act as prodrug by improving half-life and decreasing plasma clearance.

Synergistic effects of conjugating cell penetrating peptides and thiomers on non-viral transfection efficiency.

Nanoparticles generated by complex coacervation of plasmid DNA (pDNA) and modified chitosans namely chitosan-thioglycolic acid (TGA) conjugate and chitosan-HIV-1 Tat peptide conjugate were evaluated as gene delivery systems. In order to optimize transfection efficiency, chitosan-HIV-1 Tat peptide conjugate was combined with chitosan-TGA before its complexation with pDNA. Particle size and zeta potential measurements were performed to characterize the generated nanoparticles. The nanoparticles transfection efficiencies were assessed by exploitation of the green fluorescent protein (GFP) reporter gene. HEK293 cells were incubated for 24 h with the nanoparticles and the GFP positive cells were observed by fluorescence microscopy. The nanoparticles in the size range of 200-300 nm could transfect HEK293 cells as a model cell line with different transfection efficiencies. Unlike chitosan-TGA, chitosan-HIV-1 Tat peptide led to increased zeta potential of nanoparticles as compared to unmodified chitosan. The transfection efficiency of the nanoparticles generated by combination of chitosan-HIV-1 Tat peptide with chitosan-TGA was comparatively higher than that of the nanoparticles generated by either chitosan-TGA or the combination of chitosan-HIV-1 Tat peptide with unmodified chitosan. After 72 h of incubation, the combination of chitosan-HIV-1 Tat peptide with chitosan-TGA was found to be 7.12- and 67.37 times more efficient than unmodified chitosan and pDNA alone, respectively and showed a synergistic effect in transfection of pDNA into the cells. Moreover, none of the nanoparticles showed any severe cytotoxicity. Accordingly, this strategy might result in a potent carrier for gene delivery.

Development of a mucoadhesive nanoparticulate drug delivery system for a targeted drug release in the bladder.

PURPOSE: Purpose of the present study was the development of a mucoadhesive nanoparticulate drug delivery system for local use in intravesical therapy of interstitial cystitis, since only a small fraction of drug actually reaches the affected site by conventional treatment of bladder diseases via systemic administration. METHODS: Chitosan-thioglycolic acid (chitosan-TGA) nanoparticles (NP) and unmodified chitosan NP were formed via ionic gelation with tripolyphosphate (TPP). Trimethoprim (TMP) was incorporated during the preparation process of NP. Thereafter, the mucoadhesive properties of NP were determined in porcine urinary bladders and the release of TMP among simulated conditions with artificial urine was evaluated. RESULTS: The particles size ranged from 183nm to 266nm with a positive zeta potential of +7 to +13mV. Under optimized conditions the encapsulation efficiency of TMP was 37%. The adhesion of prehydrated chitosan-TGA NP on the urinary bladder mucosa under continuous urine voiding was 14-fold higher in comparison to unmodified chitosan NP. Release studies indicated a more sustained TMP release from covalently cross linked particles in comparison to unmodified chitosan-TPP NP over a period of 3h in artificial urine at 37°C. CONCLUSION: Utilizing the method described here, chitosan-TGA NP might be a useful tool for local intravesical drug delivery in the urinary bladder.

Thiolated polycarbophil/glutathione: defining its potential as a permeation enhancer for oral drug administration in comparison to sodium caprate.

Thiolated polyacrylates were shown to be permeation enhancers with notable potential. The aim of this study was to evaluate the permeation enhancing properties of a thiolated polycarbophil/glutathione (PCP-Cys/GSH) system for oral drug application in comparison to a well-established permeation enhancer, namely sodium caprate. In vitro permeation studies were conducted in Ussing-type chambers with sodium fluoresceine (NaFlu) and fluoresceine isothiocyanate labeled dextran (molecular mass 4 kDa; FD4) as model compounds. Bioavailability studies were carried out in Sprague Dawley rats with various formulations. Moreover, cytotoxic effects of both permeation enhancers were compared. Permeation enhancement ratios of 1% sodium caprate were found to be 3.0 (FD4) and 2.3 (NaFlu), whereas 1% PCP-Cys/0.5% GSH displayed enhancement ratios of 2.4 and 2.2. Both excipients performed at a similar level in vivo. Sodium caprate solutions increased oral bioavailability 2.2-fold (FD4) and 2.3-fold (NaFlu), while PCP-Cys hydrogels led to a 3.2-fold and 2.2-fold enhancement. Cell viability experiments revealed a significantly higher tolerance of Caco-2 cells towards 0.5% PCP-Cys (81% survival) compared to 0.5% sodium caprate (5%). As PCP-Cys is not absorbed from mucosal membranes due to its comparatively high molecular mass, systemic side-effects can be excluded. In conclusion, both systems displayed a similar potency for permeation enhancement of hydrophilic compounds. However, PCP-Cys seems to be less harmful to cultured cells.

Development and in vivo evaluation of a new oral nanoparticulate dosage form for leuprolide based on polyacrylic acid.

It was the aim of this study to develop a nanoparticulate oral drug delivery system for leuprolide based on polyacrylic acid (PAA). In order to achieve formation of nanoparticles in a mild, aqueous environment, two different techniques were combined, namely hydrophobic ion pairing between leuprolide and sodium dodecyl sulphate in a first step, followed by encapsulation into nanoparticles gained by interpolymer complexation between polyacrylic acid and Pluronic F68. The obtained nanoparticles were characterized regarding particle size distribution, drug encapsulation efficiency and in vitro release profile. Additionally, the pharmacokinetic profiles of leuprolide after oral administration of PAA-nanoparticulate and PAA-control tablets to male Sprague-Dawley rats were assessed and compared. It could be shown, that hydrophobic ion pairing increased encapsulation efficacy of leuprolide and leads to a slowed drug release of nanoparticulate suspensions. Relative oral bioavailability of leuprolide could be increased by nanoparticulate tablets up to 4.2-fold. Results verify that the suggested approach is a promising strategy for the design of oral delivery systems for oral administration of peptide drugs.

In vivo evidence of oral vaccination with PLGA nanoparticles containing the immunostimulant monophosphoryl lipid A.

Although oral vaccination has numerous advantages over the commonly used parenteral route, degradation of vaccine and its low uptake in the lymphoid tissue of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract still impede their development. In this study, the model antigen ovalbumin (OVA) and the immunostimulant monophosphoryl lipid A (MPLA) were incorporated in polymeric nanoparticles based on poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA). These polymeric carriers were orally administered to BALB/c mice (Bagg albino, inbred strain of mouse) and the resulting time-dependent systemic and mucosal immune responses towards OVA were assessed by measuring the OVA-specific IgG and IgA titers using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). PLGA nanoparticles were spherical in shape, around 320 nm in size, negatively charged (around -20 mV) and had an OVA and MPLA payload of 9.6% and 0.86%, respectively. A single immunization with formulation containing (OVA + MPLA) incorporated in PLGA nanoparticles induced a stronger IgG immune response than that induced by OVA in PBS solution or OVA incorporated into PLGA nanoparticles. Moreover, significantly higher IgA titers were generated by administration of (OVA + MPLA)/PLGA nanoparticles compared to IgA stimulated by control formulations, proving the capability of inducing a mucosal immunity. These findings demonstrate that co-delivery of OVA and MPLA in PLGA nanoparticles promotes both systemic and mucosal immune responses and represents therefore a suitable strategy for oral vaccination.

Design and synthesis of a novel cationic thiolated polymer.

The purpose of this study was to design and characterize a novel cationic thiolated polymer. In this regard a hydroxyethylcellulose-cysteamine conjugate (HEC-cysteamine) was synthesized. Oxidative ring opening with periodate and reductive amination with cysteamine were performed in order to immobilize free thiol groups to HEC. The resulting HEC-cysteamine displayed 2035 ± 162 µmol immobilized free thiol groups and 185 ± 64 µmol disulfide bonds per gram of polymer being soluble in both acidic and basic conditions. Unlike the unmodified HEC, in case of HEC-cysteamine, a three-fold increase in the viscosity was observed when equal volumes of the polymer were mixed with mucin solution. Tablets based on HEC-cysteamine remained attached on freshly excised porcine mucosa for 8 0h and displayed increased disintegration time of 2h. Swelling behavior of HEC-cysteamine tablets in 0.1M phosphate buffer pH 6.8 indicated swelling ratio of 19 within 8h. In contrast, tablets comprising unmodified HEC detached from the mucosa within few seconds and immediately disintegrated. In addition, they did not exhibit swelling behavior. The transport of rhodamine 123 across freshly excised rat intestine enhanced by a value of approximately 1.6-fold (p-value = 0.0024) in the presence of 0.5% (m/v) HEC-cysteamine as compared to buffer control. Result from cytotoxicity test of HEC-cysteamine applied to Caco-2 cells in concentration of 0.5% (m/v) revealed 82.4 ± 4.60% cell viability. According to these results, HEC-cysteamine seems to be a promising polymer for various pharmaceutical applications especially for intestinal drug delivery.