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1.
Pharmaceutics ; 10(3)2018 Sep 05.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30189683

ABSTRACT

Thermo-sensitive vesicles are a promising tool for triggering the release of drugs to solid tumours when used in combination with mild hyperthermia. Responsivity to temperature makes them intelligent nanodevices able to provide a site-specific chemotherapy. Following a brief introduction concerning hyperthermia and its advantageous combination with vesicular systems, recent investigations on thermo-sensitive vesicles useful for controlled drug delivery in cancer treatment are reported in this review. In particular, the influence of bilayer composition on the in vitro and in vivo behaviour of thermo-sensitive formulations currently under investigation have been extensively explored.

2.
Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces ; 167: 568-576, 2018 Jul 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29738983

ABSTRACT

pH-responsive polymersomes were obtained by self-assembling of a carboxyl-terminated PEG amphiphile achieved via esterification of PEG diacid with PEG40stearate. The obtained vesicular systems had spherical shape and a mean diameter of 70 nm. The pH sensitivity was assessed by measuring the variations of particles mean diameter after incubation in media mimicking the physiological (pH 7.4) or tumor (pH 5.0) conditions, recording a significant increase of the vesicles dimensions at acidic pH. The ability of the polymersomes to carry both hydrophobic and hydrophilic drugs was evaluated by loading the vesicles with curcumin and methotrexate, respectively, obtaining high encapsulation efficiencies and pH-dependent release profiles. The drug-loaded polymeric vesicles exhibited improved cytotoxic potential against MCF-7 cancer cell line and were found to be highly hemocompatible. Finally, cellular uptake experiments on MCF-7 cancer cells were conducted to demonstrate the ability of the designed polymersomes to enhance drug penetration inside the cells.


Subject(s)
Curcumin/chemistry , Lipids/chemistry , Methotrexate/chemistry , Polyethylene Glycols/chemistry , Polymers/chemistry , Antineoplastic Agents/administration & dosage , Antineoplastic Agents/chemistry , Antineoplastic Agents/pharmacokinetics , Biological Transport , Cell Line , Cell Survival/drug effects , Curcumin/administration & dosage , Curcumin/pharmacokinetics , Drug Delivery Systems/methods , Drug Liberation , Humans , Hydrogen-Ion Concentration , Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Interactions , MCF-7 Cells , Methotrexate/administration & dosage , Methotrexate/pharmacokinetics
3.
Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces ; 164: 177-184, 2018 Apr 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29413594

ABSTRACT

HYPOTHESIS: Due to the well-know surfactant-like properties of diclofenac sodium (DS), vesicular systems consisting exclusively of DS, named diclosomes, were designed with the aim to minimize or avoid the use of other excipients and to improve the formulation biocompatibility. EXPERIMENTS: Diclosomes were designed and characterized in terms of dimensions, polydispersity index, ξ-potential, drug retained, stability as a function of storage time and ex-vivo percutaneous permeation profiles. Additionally, diclosomes were incorporated into gel dosage forms and their performance in terms of permeation enhancement were evaluated. FINDINGS: DS was found to form nanosized vesicular systems, both alone and in presence of cholesterol. Increasing hydrophobicity (due to the presence of cholesterol) resulted in smaller vesicles, always spherical and homogeneous in shape. Permeation of DS from free solution was found to be lower respect to ones obtained for all diclosomal formulations, allowing these aggregates to be considered as percutaneous permeation enhancers. DS permeated from diclosomal gels was higher than that obtained with traditional niosomal gel, DS plain gel and commercial specialty Voltaren Emulgel® 1%, while containing a considerably lower drug amount.


Subject(s)
Diclofenac/pharmacology , Inventions , Surface-Active Agents/administration & dosage , Surface-Active Agents/chemistry , Administration, Cutaneous , Animals , Drug Compounding , Hydrodynamics , Liposomes , Particle Size , Rabbits , Skin Absorption/drug effects
4.
Future Med Chem ; 9(15): 1795-1808, 2017 10.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-28925725

ABSTRACT

Photostability tests applied on commercial specialties for topical use have demonstrated a greater vulnerability of several drugs, due to greater exposure to light than other pharmaceutical forms. Photodegradation of a drug can considerably modify its pharmacokinetic behavior by varying the therapeutic index. The evaluation of the degradation profile of a drug, according to the ICH rules, is of primary importance in developing an appropriate topical formulation. Advanced strategies have been proposed to increase the protection from the light of the photolabile drugs. Supramolecular systems have been investigated to improve both pharmacokinetic profile and photostability. In this review, the more recent stability-monitoring methods for the analysis of drugs in topical formulations are collected and the main approaches for the drug photostabilization are discussed.


Subject(s)
Light , Pharmaceutical Preparations/chemistry , Photolysis/radiation effects , Administration, Topical , Drug Carriers/chemistry , Drug Compounding , Drug Stability , Humans , Nanoparticles/chemistry , Pharmaceutical Preparations/metabolism
5.
Int J Pharm ; 529(1-2): 245-252, 2017 Aug 30.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-28668583

ABSTRACT

The natural capability shown by cationic vesicles in interacting with negatively charged surfaces or biomolecules has recently attracted increased interest. Important pharmacological advantages include the selective targeting of the tumour vasculature, the promotion of permeation across cell membranes, as well as the influence of cationic vesicles on drug delivery. Accordingly, cationic amphiphiles derived from amino acids may represent an alternative to traditional synthetic cationic surfactants due to their lower cytotoxicity. The importance of a synthesized lysine-based gemini surfactant (labelledC6(LL)2) was evaluated in drug delivery by designing cationic niosomes as usable pharmaceutical tools of chemotherapeutics and antibiotics, respectively like methotrexate and tetracycline. The influence of formulation factors on the vesicles' physical-chemical properties, drug entrapment efficiency, in vitro release and ex-vivo skin permeation were investigated. A niosomal gel containing the gemini surfactant was also tested as a viable multi-component topical formulation. Results indicate that in the presence of cholesterol, C6(LL)2 was able to form stable and nanosized niosomes, loading hydrophilic or hydrophobic molecules. Furthermore, in vitro release studies and ex-vivo permeation profiles showed that C6(LL)2-based vesicles behave as sustained and controlled delivery systems in the case of parenteral administration, and as drug percutaneous permeation enhancers after topical application. Finally, cationic C6(LL)2 acts as a carrier constituent, conferring peculiar and interesting functionality to the final formulation.


Subject(s)
Amino Acids/chemistry , Drug Delivery Systems , Drug Liberation , Liposomes/chemistry , Skin Absorption , Surface-Active Agents/chemistry , Animals , In Vitro Techniques , Rabbits
6.
Curr Pharm Des ; 23(35): 5327-5335, 2017.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-28741454

ABSTRACT

In the last decades, gene therapy has become a novel therapeutic strategy for cancer treatment, including immunologic and molecular approaches. Among molecular avenue, the design of efficient and effective gene delivery systems, like cationic liposomes and niosomes, has been widely investigated and proposed as the most promising research area. The advantages of cationic vesicles rely on their natural ability to form complexes with anionic genetic molecules and deliver them into the cells via the endosomal pathway. Obviously, cationic vesicles- mediated gene delivery is affected by numerous factors, in particular composition, that strongly affects vesicle physical-chemistry characteristics and transfection effectiveness. This review will analyse the potential of cationic nanocarriers in cancer gene therapy, focusing on the role of liposomes and niosomes as vesicular devices and giving an exhaustive collection of the most representative investigations.


Subject(s)
Antineoplastic Agents/administration & dosage , Genetic Therapy/trends , Nanoparticles/administration & dosage , Neoplasms/genetics , Neoplasms/therapy , Animals , Antineoplastic Agents/metabolism , Drug Compounding , Genetic Therapy/methods , Humans , Nanoparticles/metabolism , Neoplasms/metabolism
7.
Int J Pharm ; 511(2): 703-8, 2016 Sep 25.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-27484834

ABSTRACT

Inclusion of lipids or polymers with a transition temperature closer to physiological body temperature (40-42°C) is a strategy used in tumor therapy for more than 30 years, because it allows induction of drug release from delivery systems by mild hyperthermia. Unfortunately, most of these thermo-sensitive carriers are removed from circulation before completion of their function. Thus, novel multi-functional niosomes possessing spontaneous stealth and thermo-sensitive properties were developed from L64 Pluronic(®) and L64ox as its derivative, in presence or absence of cholesterol. The use of L64 both as amphiphilic constituent and thermo-sensitive molecule, gave the possibility to bypass the use of additional excipients and increased the system biocompatibility. Niosomes diameter ranged from 400 to 750nm and were long term stable. Calcein and 5-FU possess great affinity to niosomal matrices rich in PEO groups. Negative Z-potential values were attributed to the negative charges onto the niosomes surface and generally change according to the temperature. The in vitro drugs release studies were performed at 25°C, 37°C and 42°C, that are representative of certain conditions (storage, physiological condition and mild hyperthermia, respectively). Results showed that L64-based niosomes possess spontaneous thermo-sensitive properties: drugs releases were found to be more pronounced at 42°C. These early results are a promising first step for the development of multi-functional devices that combine several advantages such as stealth properties and temperature controllability at the desired location and time, for a more specific and efficient pharmacological therapy.


Subject(s)
Fluoresceins/pharmacokinetics , Fluorouracil/pharmacokinetics , Liposomes/chemistry , Poloxamer/chemistry , Cholesterol/chemistry , Drug Carriers , Drug Liberation , Drug Stability , Fluoresceins/chemistry , Fluorouracil/chemistry , Particle Size , Temperature
8.
Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces ; 147: 161-171, 2016 Nov 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-27500359

ABSTRACT

Delivering chemotherapy specifically, effectively and safely to tumor remains a significant challenge in recent years. Although cancer cells are more vulnerable than normal to the effect of anticancer agents, these drugs are non-selective and can cause injury to normal tissues. Different approaches i.e. passive, active and magnetic targeting, smart devices with appropriate stimuli-sensitive properties or drugs combinations, have been already proposed as single methods, contributing to minimize severe side effects and enhancing tumor-targeting efficacy. Often, the use of a single strategy is not sufficient, whereby multi-functional approach has been suggested as further evolution of traditional "magic bullet" proposed in the early 1900s by Paul Ehrlich. Among the macromolecular systems useful for targeted drug delivery, liposomes and niosomes are the most extensively studied and they own the most suitable characteristics to be converted in multi-functional devices. Liposomes and niosomes are nanovesicles that contain amphiphilic molecules arranged in concentric bilayers, delimitating an aqueous core. These vesicular carriers are very versatile, since they can be differently designed and modified in such a way that they exhibit combinations of the following properties: longevity in blood, specific target to the tumor, respond to internal/external stimuli, promotion of drug intracellular delivery. This review will focus on the potential of multi-functional vesicular nanocarriers in cancer therapy, analizing each combination of targeting strategies, stimuli-sensitivity and drug combinations and giving an exhaustive collection of recent investigations. Many multi-functional vesicular devices have shown great promise in clinical application, indicating broad potential as therapeutics in the near future, but more needs to be done. The development of more specific and efficient carriers for a personalized cancer therapy is the next challenge.


Subject(s)
Antineoplastic Agents/therapeutic use , Drug Carriers/chemistry , Drug Delivery Systems , Liposomes/chemistry , Nanoparticles/chemistry , Neoplasms/drug therapy , Drug Carriers/administration & dosage , Humans , Liposomes/administration & dosage , Nanoparticles/administration & dosage
9.
Langmuir ; 32(35): 8926-33, 2016 09 06.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-27504856

ABSTRACT

The loading of chemotherapics into smart nanocarriers that simultaneously possess more than one useful property for specifically targeting a tumor site improves their therapeutic effectiveness, reducing their side effects. Hence, we proposed a combined approach for the treatment of human breast cancer (BC) consisting of the co-encapsulation of doxorubicin and curcumin or doxorubicin and quercetin into multifunctional niosomes, which results in prolonged blood circulation and an ability to spontaneously accumulate at the tumor site (passive target) and to recognize and bind the tumor cells through dual ligand-receptor interactions (active target). The drug-loaded vesicles showed high stability and good capability of loading doxorubicin and antioxidants alone or in combination. Their diameter was around 400 nm. The drugs released from the vesicles were found to be controlled and sustained for over 24 h, with a strong dependence on the co-presence of the loaded molecules. Transferrin and/or folic acid were conjugated on the external surface of the niosomes as ligands, considerably improving the cellular uptake into MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 malignant cells when compared with the uptake of nonconjugated samples. In vitro evaluation of anticancer activity demonstrated the strong potential of niosomes loaded with a doxorubicin/curcumin combination as useful devices in breast tumor treatment. These features hold great promise for the development of multifunctional devices that combine several advantages such as biocompatibility, stealth properties, loading capability, and active targeting, moving toward the development of more specific and efficient carriers for personalized tumoral therapy.


Subject(s)
Antineoplastic Agents/pharmacology , Antioxidants/pharmacology , Curcumin/pharmacology , Doxorubicin/pharmacology , Liposomes/chemistry , Poloxamer/chemistry , Acridine Orange/metabolism , Antineoplastic Agents/chemistry , Antioxidants/chemistry , Cell Line, Tumor , Cell Survival/drug effects , Curcumin/chemistry , Doxorubicin/chemistry , Drug Compounding , Drug Liberation , Endocytosis , Fluorescent Dyes/metabolism , Folic Acid/chemistry , Folic Acid/metabolism , Humans , Kinetics , MCF-7 Cells , Molecular Targeted Therapy , Particle Size , Rhodamines/metabolism , Transferrin/chemistry , Transferrin/metabolism
10.
Mini Rev Med Chem ; 16(8): 668-75, 2016.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-26955878

ABSTRACT

Nanotechnology encompasses the production and applications of physical, chemical, and biological systems at scales ranging from individual atoms or molecules to around 100 nanometres, as well as the integration of the resulting nanostructures into larger systems. Nanomaterials differ from bulk materials for their relatively larger surface-area-to-mass ratio, consequently they become more chemically reactive and can show different optical, magnetic and electrical behaviours. In recent years, engineered nanomaterials have gained a particular attention in some fields such as environmental protection (soil, air and water remediation/treatment) and medicine (bio-sensing, imaging, and drug delivery). Nanoparticles can be used to monitor in real-time some pollutants (including heavy metal ions, organic compounds, microbiological pathogens, etc.) present even at extremely low concentrations in different environments. The use of nanomaterials for waste remediation/treatment results in a technology more cost-effective and rapid than current conventional approaches thanks to their enhanced surface area, transport properties, and sequestration characteristics. In addition, the integration of molecular biology and medicine with nanotechnology has resulted in new active nanostructures able to interact with biological systems. Nanocarriers based on carbon nanotubes, fumed silica (SiO2), titanium dioxide (TiO2), and magnetite and maghemite (Fe3O4, and γ-Fe2O3) nanoparticles have a distinct advantage over other drug carriers as they can be opportunely designed to reach the desired targets. As a consequence, such nanostructures can represent an important platform for enhanced medical imaging and controlled drug delivery. Here, some applications of nanomaterials as water purifying agents and drug delivery systems are reported.


Subject(s)
Drug Carriers/chemistry , Environmental Restoration and Remediation/methods , Nanostructures/chemistry , Nanotechnology/methods , Water Purification/methods , Water Pollutants/isolation & purification
11.
Curr Pharm Des ; 22(22): 3353-63, 2016.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-26861649

ABSTRACT

The use of nanodevices to transport active compounds like small-molecular drugs, peptides, or genes found an increased attention throughout the different fields of natural sciences. Moreover, recent research trends are focused on the employment of smart nanocarriers able to react on certain internal or external applied stimuli, in order to achieve temporal and site-specific drugs/gene release. In contrast to traditional biodegradable nanocarriers that slowly release drugs inside the cells, these smart nanosystems are able to quickly release or even dump drugs in response to a specific biological signal in the target cancer cells such lower pH, high redox potential or over expression of enzymes or to external stimuli such as temperature, light, ultrasounds and magnetic field. This review gives a brief overview about some types of stimuli-responsive nanocarriers, with the main focus on magnetic fieldresponsive devices obtained from natural polymers. The concept of magnetic field-sensitive nanocarriers, their advantages and disadvantages, the methods of preparation and applications in various fields of drug delivery will be explored, giving an exhaustive collection of the findings of recent investigations.


Subject(s)
Biological Products/chemistry , Drug Carriers/chemistry , Magnetite Nanoparticles/chemistry , Polymers/chemistry , Antineoplastic Agents/administration & dosage , Antineoplastic Agents/metabolism , Antineoplastic Agents/pharmacology , Cell Proliferation/drug effects , Humans , Neoplasms/drug therapy , Neoplasms/metabolism , Neoplasms/pathology
12.
Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces ; 139: 132-7, 2016 Mar 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-26705827

ABSTRACT

Cromolyn sodium, or disodium cromoglycate (CS), is a surface active drug: a pharmacologically active compound with an amphiphilic nature. At certain conditions it is able to self-associate in several kind of supramolecular aggregates. Since CS could play the role of both carrier and drug, bypassing the use of additional excipients and increasing the system biocompatibility, the effects of cromolyn self-aggregates on diffusion and percutaneous permeation across rabbit ear skin were investigated. Niosomes (vesicular systems, 0.5wt% of CS), monomeric and isotropic solutions (0.5 and 5wt% of CS), nematic (15wt% of CS) and hexagonal phases (30wt% of CS) were selected as supramolecular systems and tested as transdermal delivery systems. Results demonstrated that CS was able to form vesicular structures of about 500nm of diameter and this formulation gave the higher percutaneous permeation profile (systemic action), while isotropic solution and liquid crystals mesophases acted as slower release reservoir of drug on the skin surface (local action), as confirmed by diffusion coefficients. Diffusion rates through a synthetic membrane were dependent both on CS concentration present into the formulations and on its structural organization: maximum diffusion was noticed with isotropic solution, a lower amount of diffused cromolyn sodium was achieved by hexagonal phase. Consequently, CS appears as a versatile surfadrug as, depending on the disease degree, it is possible to modulate its permeation profile by choosing the most appropriate formulation.


Subject(s)
Cromolyn Sodium/pharmacology , Liposomes/pharmacology , Skin/drug effects , Surface-Active Agents/pharmacology , Administration, Cutaneous , Animals , Cromolyn Sodium/chemistry , Cromolyn Sodium/pharmacokinetics , Diffusion , Ear , Liposomes/chemistry , Permeability , Phase Transition , Rabbits , Skin/metabolism , Skin Absorption/physiology , Surface Properties , Surface-Active Agents/chemistry , Surface-Active Agents/pharmacokinetics
13.
Mini Rev Med Chem ; 16(8): 676-82, 2016.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-26156542

ABSTRACT

Photostability tests applied on topical commercial formulations containing non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs have demonstrated a clear degradation of the active compounds when exposed to light. The photodegradation profile of these drugs is usually monitored by spectrophotometric or chromatographic techniques according to the international ICH rules for photostability testing. In the last years, the data are processed ever more by multivariate analysis, as principal component analysis, partial least squares, multivariate curve resolution. These techniques have proved to be able to resolve the complex data sets from evolving chemical processes, by estimating the number of the involved components, their pure spectra and concentration profiles. When applied to the study of drug photodegradation, the multivariate approach has been able to define completely the reaction mechanisms and kinetics parameters. Several novel pharmaceutical formulations have been described to improve the photostability of NSAIDs in topical formulations. The common use of light protective packaging has recently been replaced or supplemented by incorporating suitable excipients in the drug formulations. The addition of UV absorbent agents, deactivating quench reactions that are either singlet oxygen-driven or involve free radicals, has had good success. A clear improvement in the light protection has been shown by entrapping the drugs into supramolecular matrices as cyclodextrins, liposomes, niosomes and other host-guest matrices. The present review gives an updated overview on the stability-indicating methods adopted for a series of NSAIDs in topical formulations and the supramolecular matrices designed to minimize the drug photodegradation.


Subject(s)
Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal/chemistry , Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal/radiation effects , Chemistry, Pharmaceutical , Drug Stability , Photolysis
14.
Int J Pharm ; 494(1): 490-7, 2015 Oct 15.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-26307262

ABSTRACT

Photostability studies were performed on topical formulations containing diclofenac (DC). Niosomal gels were designed as photostabilization systems and ascorbic acid was also added to the new topical formulations because of its antioxidant property. Photodegradation tests were applied on commercial formulations containing DC and novel prepared gels, according to the ICH rules. The experiments were monitored by spectrophotometry and the data processed by multivariate curve resolution analysis to estimate the spectra and concentration profiles of evolved components. Characterization of niosomes was evaluated by size and distribution measurement, morphological analysis and encapsulation efficiency. Permeation experiments were performed across rabbit ear skin up to 24 h. Photodegradation rate of DC was found very fast in commercial formulation, with a residual content of 90% after only 4.38 min under a radiant exposure of 450 W/m(2). Photostability resulted increased significantly when the drug was entrapped in niosomal systems. The best results were obtained by reaching a 10% degradation after 50.00 min of light exposure after incorporation of DC in niosomes in presence of 5% ascorbic acid. Moreover, niosomal gel also influenced the permeation capability of DC by enhancing the transdermal delivery of the drug. The cumulative dose permeated of DC from niosomal gel was about three times that obtained with the commercial gel.


Subject(s)
Diclofenac/administration & dosage , Drug Stability , Photolysis , Skin Absorption , Administration, Cutaneous , Animals , Ascorbic Acid/administration & dosage , Ascorbic Acid/chemistry , Chemical Phenomena , Chemistry, Pharmaceutical/methods , Diclofenac/chemistry , Diclofenac/pharmacokinetics , Gels/administration & dosage , Gels/chemistry , Gels/pharmacokinetics , Liposomes , Microscopy, Electron, Transmission , Particle Size , Rabbits
15.
Mini Rev Med Chem ; 2015 Jul 08.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-26156547

ABSTRACT

Nanotechnology encompasses the production and applications of physical, chemical, and biological systems at scales ranging from individual atoms or molecules to around 100 nanometres, as well as the integration of the resulting nanostructures into larger systems. Nanomaterials differ from bulk materials for their relatively larger surface-area-to-mass ratio, consequently they become more chemically reactive and can show different optical, magnetic and electrical behaviours. In recent years, engineered nanomaterials have gained a particular attention in some fields such as environmental protection (soil, air and water remediation/treatment) and medicine (bio-sensing, imaging, and drug delivery). Nanoparticles can be used to monitor in real-time some pollutants (including heavy metal ions, organic compounds, microbiological pathogens, etc.) present even at extremely low concentrations in different environments. The use of nanomaterials for waste remediation/treatment results in a technology more cost-effective and rapid than current conventional approaches thanks to their enhanced surface area, transport properties, and sequestration characteristics. In addition, the integration of molecular biology and medicine with nanotechnology has resulted in new active nanostructures able to interact with biological systems. Nanocarriers based on carbon nanotubes, fumed silica (SiO2), titanium dioxide (TiO2), and magnetite and maghemite (Fe3O4, and γ-Fe2O3) nanoparticles have a distinct advantage over other drug carriers as they can be opportunely designed to reach the desired targets. As a consequence, such nanostructures can represent an important platform for enhanced medical imaging and controlled drug delivery. Here, some applications of nanomaterials as water purifying agents and drug delivery systems are reported.

16.
Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces ; 134: 273-8, 2015 Oct 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-26209777

ABSTRACT

Ferrogels (or magnetic hydrogels) are cross-linked polymer networks containing magnetic nanoparticles: they are mechanically soft and highly elastic and at the same time they exhibit a strong magnetic response. Our work focuses on an combinatorial strategy to improve the efficacy of 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) assisted chemotherapy, by developing novel multifunctional pH-sensitive ferrogels. We designed gels based on N,N'-dimethylacrylamide monomers polymerized in presence of methacrylic acid or 2-aminoethyl methacrylate hydrochloride, containing ferro-nanoparticles. The influence of polymeric matrix composition and exposition to magnetic field (MF) on swelling behavior and drugs release were investigated at pH 7.4 and 5. In particular, the magnetic field was obtained by using permanent magnetic bar (0.25 T) or electromagnet (0.5 and 1.2 T), with the aim to analyze quantitatively the magnetic effects. A strong influence of the magnetic field on ferrogels properties have been observed. Swelling analysis indicated a dependence on both pH and network composition, reaching a maximum at pH 7.4, for formulations containing methacrylic acid, while the application of MF appeared to decrease the swelling percentages. Release profiles of 5-FU showed effective modulation in release by application of MF: drug release is always higher in the presence of a magnetic field and generally increases with its intensity. The combining effect of pH sensitive properties and application of MF improved the performance of the systems. Results showed that our ferrogels may be technologically applicable as devices for delivery of 5-FU in a controllable manner.


Subject(s)
Drug Carriers , Fluorouracil/administration & dosage , Gels , Hydrogen-Ion Concentration , Magnetics , Neoplasms/drug therapy , Fluorouracil/therapeutic use , In Vitro Techniques
17.
Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces ; 123: 207-12, 2014 Nov 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-25260220

ABSTRACT

The aim of this study was to improve the transdermal permeation of sulfadiazine sodium, employing synergistic combination of surfactants (in the form of niosomes) and additives with different number of hydroxylic groups, (following referred to as "alcohol"), as component of the bilayer. In particular the effect of different concentration of each alcohol (ethanol, propylene glycol or glycerol, from 5%, to 40% v/v) on niosomes size and distribution, drug entrapment efficiencies and ex vivo drug percutaneous permeation were evaluated, identifying formulations giving the best performances. The findings revealed that the presence of alcohol critically affect the physico-chemical properties of niosomes, with regards to dimensions, drug encapsulation and permeation. Vesicular size increased with the amount of alcohol and at the same alcohol concentration, follow the sequence ethanol>propylene glycol>glycerol. Loaded niosomes were larger than empty ones. Low E% values were found for ethanol, even less in propylene glycol and glycerol based samples, confirming that the chemical structure of the alcohol and its physico-chemical properties, affected the sulfadiazine entrapment efficiency. The comparative evaluation of percutaneous permeation profiles showed that the cumulative amount of permeated drug increases with alcohol concentration up to 20% v/v. Higher concentration (40% v/v) resulted in a strong decrease of the potential skin permeation. Best performances were obtained with glycerol. In all cases ex vivo sulfadiazine percutaneous permeations are controlled and improved respect to the corresponding free drug solutions and traditional niosomes used as controls.


Subject(s)
Liposomes/chemistry , Sulfadiazine/chemistry , Surface-Active Agents/chemistry , Ethanol/chemistry , Glycerol/chemistry , Microscopy, Electron, Transmission , Propylene Glycol/chemistry
18.
Biomed Microdevices ; 16(6): 851-8, 2014 Dec.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-25129111

ABSTRACT

The objective of this research was to study the effect of diclofenac sodium compartmentalization on the physico-chemical properties (such as size, drug entrapment efficiency and percutaneous permeation across rabbit skin) of niosomal vesicles used as carriers. Niosomes were prepared starting from nonionic commercial surfactants belonging to the class of Polysorbates and Pluronics: mixtures of Span 60/F127 and Tween 60/F127 at different ratios were used to obtain vesicles and all formulations were compared in terms of dimensions, morphology, polydispersity index and entrapment efficiency. Moreover, the enhancing effect of niosomes on the ex vivo percutaneous penetration of diclofenac sodium was investigated using Franz-type diffusion chambers and compared to that obtained by using the corresponding drug solution. Results demonstrated that niosomes were spherical and homogeneous in shape. Their size was found to be dependent on the hydrophile-lipophile balance of the surfactant mixture: increasing hydrophobicity resulted in smaller vesicles. Drug incorporation led to a significant variation in vesicle size dependently from the compartment in which the drug was located. The permeation of diclofenac from free solution used as control was found to be lower respect to that obtained for all niosomal formulations, that can be considered as percutaneous permeation enhancers. In particular, the results indicated that the highest cumulative amounts of diclofenac permeated across rabbit skin after 24 h were obtained by formulations in which the drug was located in the aqueous core.


Subject(s)
Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal , Diclofenac/metabolism , Skin Absorption , Administration, Cutaneous , Animals , Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal/chemistry , Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal/pharmacology , Delayed-Action Preparations/chemistry , Delayed-Action Preparations/pharmacology , Diclofenac/chemistry , Diclofenac/pharmacology , Liposomes , Rabbits , Skin
19.
Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces ; 118: 7-13, 2014 Jun 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-24709252

ABSTRACT

Niosomes are vesicular systems composed of surfactant molecules, claimed to be used as drug delivery carriers thanks to their physico-chemical and biological properties. The aim of this work was to design niosomes obtained with a surfactant synthesized from glucuronic acid. Doxorubicin and 5FU were used as model drugs. Niosomes were prepared with different ratios between surfactant and cholesterol, and characterized in terms of size, morphology, drugs entrapment efficiency and in vitro releases, to identify the optimal formulation to be used in pharmaceutical fields. In addition, the hemolytic activity of all formulations have been also evaluated. Results showed that dodecylglucuronamide surfactant was able to produce vesicular systems with or without the presence of cholesterol. Niosomes resulted regular in size and shape and they have been found to encapsulate and release in a controlled manner both doxorubicin and 5-fluorouracil. Hemolytic tests showed that the capability of disrupting erythrocyte only depend on the size of colloidal aggregates. Finally, our formulations could be potentially used as antitumoral delivery systems in anticancer therapy.


Subject(s)
Drug Carriers/chemical synthesis , Glucuronic Acid/chemical synthesis , Liposomes/chemical synthesis , Neoplasms/drug therapy , Surface-Active Agents/chemical synthesis , Antineoplastic Agents/pharmacology , Doxorubicin/pharmacology , Doxorubicin/therapeutic use , Drug Carriers/chemistry , Fluorouracil/pharmacology , Fluorouracil/therapeutic use , Glucuronic Acid/chemistry , Hemolysis/drug effects , Humans , Hydrodynamics , Liposomes/chemistry , Liposomes/ultrastructure , Neoplasms/pathology , Surface-Active Agents/chemistry , Time Factors
20.
Int J Pharm ; 465(1-2): 284-90, 2014 Apr 25.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-24491531

ABSTRACT

Topical commercial formulations containing diclofenac (DC) were submitted to photostability tests, according to the international rules, showing a clear degradation of the drug. The degradation process was monitored by applying the multivariate curve resolution technique to the UV spectral data from samples exposed to stressing irradiation. This method was able to estimate the number of components evolved as well as to draw their spectra and concentration profiles. Three photoproducts (PhPs) were resolved by the analysis of photodegradation kinetics, according to two consecutive reactions with a mechanism postulated as DC>PhP1>PhP2 and PhP3. Photodegradation rate of DC in gel was found to be very fast, with a residual content of 90% only after 3.90 min under a radiant exposure of 450 Wm(-2). Because of a very slow skin uptake of DC, a prolonged time of exposure to light could lead to a significant decrease of drug available or the uptake of undesired photoproducts. New gel formulations were designed to increase the photostability of DC by incorporating chemical light-absorbers or entrapping the drug into cyclodextrin. Drug photostability resulted increased significantly in comparison with that of the commercial formulations. The gel containing the light-absorbers such as octisilate, octyl methoxycinnamate and a combination thereof showed a residual DC of 90% up to 12.22 min, 13.75 min and 15.71 min, respectively, under the same irradiation power. The best results were obtained by incorporating the drug in ß-cyclodextrin with a degradation of 10% after 25.01 min of light exposure.


Subject(s)
Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal/radiation effects , Diclofenac/radiation effects , Excipients/chemistry , Absorption, Radiation , Administration, Cutaneous , Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal/administration & dosage , Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal/chemistry , Chemistry, Pharmaceutical , Cinnamates/chemistry , Diclofenac/administration & dosage , Diclofenac/chemistry , Drug Stability , Gels , Kinetics , Least-Squares Analysis , Models, Chemical , Multivariate Analysis , Photolysis , Salicylates/chemistry , Technology, Pharmaceutical/methods , beta-Cyclodextrins/chemistry
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