Calorimetric Evaluation of Glycyrrhetic Acid (GA)- and Stearyl Glycyrrhetinate (SG)-Loaded Solid Lipid Nanoparticle Interactions with a Model Biomembrane

Glycyrrhetic acid (GA) and stearyl glycyrrhetinate (SG) are two interesting compounds from Glycyrrhiza glabra, showing numerous biological properties widely applied in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic fields. Despite these appreciable benefits, their potential therapeutic properties are strongly compromised due to unfavourable physical-chemical features. The strategy exploited in the present work was to develop solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) as carrier systems for GA and SG delivery. Both formulations loaded with GA and SG (GA-SLNs and SG-SLNs, respectively) were prepared by the high shear homogenization coupled to ultrasound (HSH-US) method, and we obtained good technological parameters. DSC was used to evaluate their thermotropic behaviour and ability to act as carriers for GA and SG. The study was conducted by means of a biomembrane model (multilamellar vesicles; MLVs) that simulated the interaction of the carriers with the cellular membrane. Unloaded and loaded SLNs were incubated with the biomembranes, and their interactions were evaluated over time through variations in their calorimetric curves. The results of these studies indicated that GA and SG interact differently with MLVs and SLNs; the interactions of SG-SLNs and GA-SLNs with the biomembrane model showed different variations of the MLVs calorimetric curve and suggest the potential use of SLNs as delivery systems for GA.     

Modification and stabilizing effects of PEG on resveratrol-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles

Resveratrol-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) modified by polyethylene glycol (PEG2000) (RES–PEG–SLNs) were prepared to study the stabilizing influences of PEG2000 on SLNs properties including loading capacity, particle size, photostability, and release. The micromorphology, particle size distribution, drug–lipid–modifier interaction and crystalline structure were characterized to elucidate stabilizing effects of PEG2000 on SLNs. Compared with ordinary SLNs, SLNs modified by PEG2000 at relatively low amounts of [m(PEG2000):m(lipids) = 1:10] exhibit high drug loading, steady nanoparticle size distributions, photostability and sustained release. According to characterizations, RES–PEG–SLNs formation is dependent on the physical interactions of drug–lipid–modifier. Since PEG2000 is doped into lipid matrix in a non-crystalline state, the lipids crystalline arrangement is disrupted. Additionally, RES–PEG–SLNs are crystallized in a PEG2000/lipid eutectic mixture rather than a simple mixture, inhibiting the lipid polymorphism transformation from α- to β-form, and therefore preventing drug exclusion from the lipid matrix. The PEG2000/lipid matrix contains lattice defects, which allow for the incorporation of more resveratrol and preventing it from photodegradation effectively. In contrast to the burst release of SLNs modified without PEG2000, resveratrol is released more slowly from the lattice defects in lipid matrix of RES–PEG–SLNs, resulting in a sustained release fitted by a two-stage exponential kinetic equation. PEG2000 is distributed on the RES–PEG–SLNs surface, increasing repulsion between nanoparticles and avoiding particles aggregation. These results confirm that both matrix doping effects and surface steric hindrance produced by the presence of PEG2000 play important roles in maintaining high loadings, nanoparticle size, photostability and sustained release.     

Design and In Vitro Evaluation of Solid-Lipid Nanoparticle Drug Delivery for Aceclofenac

Solid-lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) are an interesting nanoparticulate delivery system. The present work was carried out with the aim to develop a prolonged release solid-lipid nanoparticulate system for the drug using aceclofenac. Aceclofenac-loaded solid-lipid nanoparticles (ACSLNs) was prepared by hot high pressure homogenization technique. Tripalmitin was used as the lipid core. Surfactants (Poloxamer 188, Tween 80, and soya lecithin) and co-surfactant (sodium tauro glycholate) were used in the formulations. The prepared ACSLN formulations were characterized for encapsulation efficiency (EE), photon correlation spectroscopy (PCS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and x-ray diffraction (XRD). From these studies, mean particle diameter of the formulation prepared with combination of surfactants (Poloxmer 188 and Tween 80) was about 200 nm with spherical morphology and amorphous nature. Higher EE was obtained with SLNs prepared using combination of soya lecithin and poloxmer 188. The organization and distribution of the ingredients in the nanoparticulate system were studied by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and the results showed that the drug is incorporated into the solid matrix. The prepared formulations demonstrated favorable in vitro prolonged release characteristics. Experimental in vitro release data were substituted in available mathematical models to establish the release kinetics of ACSLNs and it was found to follow first-order kinetics and Higuchi diffusion mechanism. Our results suggest that these SLN formulations could constitute a promising approach for the drug delivery of aceclofenac.     

Perspectives and Prospective on Solid Lipid Nanoparticles as Drug Delivery Systems

Combating multiple drug resistance necessitates the delivery of drug molecules at the cellular level. Novel drug delivery formulations have made it possible to improve the therapeutic effects of drugs and have opened up new possibilities for research. Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs), a class of colloidal drug carriers made of lipids, have emerged as potentially effective drug delivery systems. The use of SLNs is associated with numerous advantages such as low toxicity, high bioavailability of drugs, versatility in the incorporation of hydrophilic and lipophilic drugs, and the potential for production of large quantities of the carrier systems. The SLNs and nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) are the two most frequently used types of nanoparticles. These types of nanoparticles can be adjusted to deliver medications in specific dosages to specific tissues, while minimizing leakage and binding to non-target tissues.     

Phase diagram of ibuprofen with fatty acids

Drug formulation often implies the preparation of multicomponent systems based both on drug–drug and drug-excipient combinations. It is well-known that drug-excipient interactions can deeply influence the technological and biopharmaceutical properties of solid dosage forms. Thermal analysis is often employed to evidence such interactions. Using Differential scanning calorimetry, we have determined two binaries solid–liquid phase diagram for ibuprofen (1) + lauric acid (2) and ibuprofen (1) + palmitic acid (2) mixtures. The eutectic temperature is also measured. Group-contribution model (UNIFAC, versions modified) is used to predict the diagram. The excipient, Lauric Acid and Palmitic Acid, were found to form simple eutectics with ibuprofen, and deviations were observed between experimental and predicted solid–liquid equilibria.     

Formulation design, preparation and physicochemical characterizations of solid lipid nanoparticles containing a hydrophobic drug: effects of process variables

This study aimed to prepare solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) of a hydrophobic drug, tretinoin, by emulsification-ultrasonication method. Solubility of tretinoin in the solid lipids was examined. Effects of process variables were investigated on particle size, polydispersity index (PI), zeta potential (ZP), drug encapsulation efficiency (EE), and drug loading (L) of the SLNs. Shape and surface morphology of the SLNs were investigated by cryogenic field emission scanning electron microscopy (cryo-FESEM). Complete encapsulation of drug in the nanoparticles was checked by cross-polarized light microscopy and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Crystallinity of the formulation was analyzed by DSC and powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD). In addition, drug release and stability studies were also performed. The results indicated that 10mg tretinoin was soluble in 0.45±0.07 g Precirol? ATO5 and 0.36±0.06 g Compritol? 888ATO, respectively. Process variables exhibited significant influence in producing SLNs. SLNs with <120 nm size, <0.2 PI, >I30I mV ZP, >75% EE, and ～0.8% L can be produced following the appropriate formulation conditions. Cryo-FESEM study showed spherical particles with smooth surface. Cross-polarized light microscopy study revealed that drug crystals in the external aqueous phase were absent when the SLNs were prepared at ≤0.05% drug concentration. DSC and PXRD studies indicated complete drug encapsulation within the nanoparticle matrix as amorphous form. The drug release study demonstrated sustained/prolonged drug release from the SLNs. Furthermore, tretinoin-loaded SLNs were stable for 3 months at 4°C. Hence, the developed SLNs can be used as drug carrier for sustained/prolonged drug release and/or to improve oral absorption/bioavailability.     

Physicochemical properties of nevirapine-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles and nanostructured lipid carriers

Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) and nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) coated with human serum albumin (HSA) were fabricated for formulating nevirapine (NVP). Here, NLCs contained low-melting-point oleic acid (OA) in the internal lipid phase. The results revealed that the two nanoparticles were uniformly distributed with the average diameter ranging from 145 to 180 nm. The surface HSA neutralized the positive charge of dimethyldioctadecyl ammonium bromide (DODAB) on SLNs and NLCs and reduced their zeta potential. In a fixed ratio of solid lipids, SLNs entrapped more NVP than NLCs. The incorporation of OA also reduced the thermal resistance of NLCs and accelerated the release of NVP from the nanocarriers. When incubated with DODAB-stabilized SLNs, the viability of human brain-microvascular endothelial cells (HBMECs) reduced. However, the surface HSA increased the viability of HBMECs about 10% when the concentration of SLNs was higher than 0.8 mg/mL. HSA-grafted SLNs and NLCs can be effective formulations in the delivery of NVP for viral therapy.     

Lipid-Based Nanostructures for the Delivery of Natural Antimicrobials

Encapsulation can be a suitable strategy to protect natural antimicrobial substances against some harsh conditions of processing and storage and to provide efficient formulations for antimicrobial delivery. Lipid-based nanostructures, including liposomes, solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs), and nanostructured lipid nanocarriers (NLCs), are valuable systems for the delivery and controlled release of natural antimicrobial substances. These nanostructures have been used as carriers for bacteriocins and other antimicrobial peptides, antimicrobial enzymes, essential oils, and antimicrobial phytochemicals. Most studies are conducted with liposomes, although the potential of SLNs and NLCs as antimicrobial nanocarriers is not yet fully established. Some studies reveal that lipid-based formulations can be used for co-encapsulation of natural antimicrobials, improving their potential to control microbial pathogens.     

Preparation,Characterization, and In Vitro Release of Chloramphenicol Loaded Solid Lipid Nanoparticles

In the present contribution, solid lipid nanoparticles have been prepared from oil-in-water microemulsion, using various monoglycerides (monocaprate, monolaurate and monomyristin) as solid matrix, polyethylene glycol sorbitan monooleate (Tween 80) as emulsifier, and chloramphenicol as target drug. The morphology and microstructure of drug loaded SLNs were investigated by use of the transmission electron microscope (TEM) and x-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques. The pictures of TEM showed that SLNs are spherical particles, and the average diameters measured by dynamic light scattering (DLS) were under 100 nm. The crystallographic properties of them were characterized by XRD. It was found that chloramphenicol do not exist in crystalline state in SLN. Both drug-free and drug-loaded SLN existed in amorphous state. In addition, zeta potentials of SLNs were investigated. Zeta potentials of all the samples were around ?6 to ?23 mv. Further more, the core-shell model with drug enriched shell was proposed for the present system. Release kinetics of chloramphenicol from SLN showed a relative fast release in the initial several hours, and the release profile was accordance with the drug incorporation model we presented. Effects of types and concentration of lipids, and surface modifiers on drug release behavior were studied.     

Tryptanthrin-loaded nanoparticles for delivery into cultured human breast cancer cells, MCF7: the effects of solid lipid/liquid lipid ratios in the inner core

Tryptanthrin is an ancient medicine which recently was also found to have a function of downregulating multidrug resistance (MDR). However, tryptanthrin is insoluble in water, which limits its availability for delivery into cancer cells. There is a need to improve delivery systems to increase the inhibition of MDR. The aim of this study was to employ nanoparticles encapsulating tryptanthrin to improve the delivery and promote the sustained release of this drug. The approach was to encapsulate tryptanthrin in various nanoparticles, including solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs), nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs), and lipid emulsions (LEs). We compared the particle size and zeta potential of these nanoparticles, and evaluated the partitioning behavior of tryptanthrin in them. We also determined the release kinetics of tryptanthrin from these nanoparticles. Moreover, cellular cytotoxicity toward and uptake of tryptanthrin-loaded nanoparticles by human breast cancer cells were determined. We found that the mean particle size of NLCs was lower, and the partition coefficient was higher than those of SLNs, and an increased tryptanthrin release rate was found with the NLC delivery system. NLCs achieved the sustained release of tryptanthrin without an initial burst. In particular, the NLC-C formulation, composed of a mixture of Compritol and squalene as the core materials, showed the highest release rate and cytotoxic effect. Confocal laser scanning microscopic images confirmed drug internalization into cells which enhanced the endocytosis of the particles. These results suggested that NLCs can potentially be exploited as a drug carrier for topical or intravenous use in the future.     

On the Rational Drug Design for Hypertension through NMR Spectroscopy

Antagonists of the AT1receptor (AT1R) are beneficial molecules that can prevent the peptide hormone angiotensin II from binding and activating the specific receptor causing hypertension in pathological states. This review article summarizes the multifaced applications of solid and liquid state high resolution nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy in antihypertensive commercial drugs that act as AT1R antagonists. The 3D architecture of these compounds is explored through 2D NOESY spectroscopy and their interactions with micelles and lipid bilayers are described using solid state ¹³CP/MAS, ³¹P and ²H static solid state NMR spectroscopy. Due to their hydrophobic character, AT1R antagonists do not exert their optimum profile on the AT1R. Therefore, various vehicles are explored so as to effectively deliver these molecules to the site of action and to enhance their pharmaceutical efficacy. Cyclodextrins and polymers comprise successful examples of effective drug delivery vehicles, widely used for the delivery of hydrophobic drugs to the active site of the receptor. High resolution NMR spectroscopy provides valuable information on the physical-chemical forces that govern these drug:vehicle interactions, knowledge required to get a deeper understanding on the stability of the formed complexes and therefore the appropriateness and usefulness of the drug delivery system. In addition, it provides valuable information on the rational design towards the synthesis of more stable and efficient drug formulations.     

Application of deep eutectic solvents in the extraction and separation of target compounds from various samples

Deep eutectic solvents, as a new type of eco‐friendly solvent, have attracted increasing attention in chemistry for the extraction and separation of target compounds from various samples. To summarize the application of deep eutectic solvents, this review highlights some of the unique properties of deep eutectic solvents and deep‐eutectic‐solvent‐based materials, as well as their applications in extraction and separation. In this paper, the available data and references in this field are reviewed to summarize the application developments of deep eutectic solvents. Based on the development of deep eutectic solvents, the exploitation of new deep eutectic solvents and deep‐eutectic‐solvent‐based materials are expected to diversify into extraction and separation.     

Biredox Eutectic Electrolytes Derived from Organic Redox‐Active Molecules: High‐Energy Storage Systems

One promising candidate for high‐energy storage systems is the nonaqueous redox flow battery (NARFB). However, their application is limited by low solubility of redox‐active materials and poor performance at high current density. Reported here is a new strategy, a biredox eutectic, as the sole electrolyte for NARFB to achieve a significantly higher concentration of redox‐active materials and enhance the cell performance. Without other auxiliary solvents, the biredox eutectic electrolyte is formed directly by the molecular interactions between two different redox‐active molecules. Such a unique electrolyte possesses high concentration with low viscosity (3.5 m , for N‐butylphthalimide and 1,1‐dimethylferrocene system) and a relatively high working voltage of 1.8 V, enabling high capacity and energy density of NARFB. The resulting high‐performance NARFB demonstrates that the biredox eutectic based strategy is potentially promising for low‐cost and high‐energy storage systems.     

Predicting eutectic behavior of drugs and excipients by unique calculations

A eutectic is formed from a mixture of two or more solids and has a melting point lower than that of each of its constituents. It is generally represented by a phase diagram where the liquid and solid phases impact upon each other with a value known as the eutectic point. In pharmaceuticals, poor water solubility is a major obstacle for releasing new dosage forms into the market. Eutectic formation overcomes these problems. Preparation of a phase diagram by Differential Scanning Calorimetry can determine eutectic properties, but it is tedious. A modified Van’t Hoff (VH) equation was used in this study. Devalina Law developed a dimensionless index for the VH equation. The difference in melting points of an excipient polymer and drug are divided by the slope of the VH equation. In previous studies, five excipient–drug compositions were evaluated. The final index relationship was in good agreement except for the salt, quinine sulfate. In order to test the validity of the VH index, further studies of PEG with acetylsalicylic acid, acetaminophen, diflunisal, dimenhydrinate, ketoconazole, and mefenamic acid were performed.     

In vitro and in vivo study of two types of long-circulating solid lipid nanoparticles containing paclitaxel.

Paclitaxel (Taxol), a diterpenoid isolated from Taxus brevifolia, is effective against several murine tumors, and is one of the most exciting anticancer molecules currently available. Due to its low solubility in water, it is clinically administered with polyethoxylated castor oil (Cremophor EL), which causes serious side effects. Inclusion of paclitaxel in solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) has proved to be a good approach to eliminate the need for Cremophor EL and improve the drug's antitumor efficacy. This paper describes the development of two types of long-circulating SLNs as colloidal carriers for paclitaxel. SLNs are constituted mainly of bioacceptable and biodegradable lipids. In vitro release kinetics showed that the release was very slow, the release of paclitaxel from F68-SLN is linear, and the release of paclitaxel from Brij78-SLN followed the Weibull equation. Pharmacokinetics was evaluated in KM mice after injection of paclitaxel formulated in Cremophor EL or in Brij78-SLN and F68-SLN. Encapsulation of paclitaxel in both SLNs produced marked differences compared with the free drug pharmacokinetics. F68-SLN and Brij78-SLN are long-circulating (t 1/2 beta, 10.06 and 4.88 h, respectively) compared with paclitaxel injection (t 1/2 beta, 1.36 h).     

Natural deep eutectic solvents as new potential media for green technology

Developing new green solvents is one of the key subjects in Green Chemistry. Ionic liquids (ILs) and deep eutectic solvents, thus, have been paid great attention to replace current harsh organic solvents and have been applied to many chemical processing such as extraction and synthesis. However, current ionic liquids and deep eutectic solvents have still limitations to be applied to a real chemical industry due to toxicity against human and environment and high cost of ILs and solid state of most deep eutectic solvents at room temperature. Recently we discovered that many plant abundant primary metabolites changed their state from solid to liquid when they were mixed in proper ratio. This finding made us hypothesize that natural deep eutectic solvents (NADES) play a role as alternative media to water in living organisms and tested a wide range of natural products, which resulted in discovery of over 100 NADES from nature. In order to prove deep eutectic feature the interaction between the molecules was investigated by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. All the tested NADES show clear hydrogen bonding between components. As next step physical properties of NADES such as water activity, density, viscosity, polarity and thermal properties were measured as well as the effect of water on the physical properties. In the last stage the novel NADES were applied to the solubilization of wide range of biomolecules such as non-water soluble bioactive natural products, gluten, starch, and DNA. In most cases the solubility of the biomolecules evaluated in this study was greatly higher than water. Based on the results the novel NADES may be expected as potential green solvents at room temperature in diverse fields of chemistry.     

Thermal analysis study of flavonoid solid dispersions having enhanced solubility

Purposes of this paper were to prepare and study new drug delivery systems for both flavanone glycosides and their aglycones based on solid-dispersion systems. These compounds are poor water soluble drugs, so an enhancement of their dissolution is a high priority. Solid-dispersion systems were prepared using PVP, PEG and mannitol as drug carrier matrices. Characterizations of these dispersions were done by differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The glass transition (T_g) temperature of PVP was only recorded in the DSC thermograms of PVP solid-dispersions of both flavanone glycosides and their aglycones, while in case of PEG and mannitol solid-dispersions endotherms of both glycosides and aglycones were noticed with low peak intensity, indicating that high percent of drug is in amorphous state. The XRD patterns of all PVP solid-dispersions of aglycones show typical amorphous materials, but XRD patterns of their glycosides reveal the presence of crystalline material. However, in all solid dispersions shifts in T_g of PVP as well as T_m of PEG were observed, indicating the existence of some interactions between drugs and matrices. SEM and TEM microscopy revealed that PVP/aglycone flavanone compounds are nanodispersed systems while all the other solid dispersions are microcrystalline dispersions. The solubility of both flavanone glycosides and their aglycones was directly affected by the new physical state of solid dispersions. Due to the amorphous drug state or nano-dispersions in PVP matrices, the solubility was enhanced and found to be 100% at pH 6.8 in the nano-dispersion containing 20 mass% of aglycones. Also solubility enhancement was occurred in solid dispersions of PEG and mannitol, but it was lower than that of PVP nano-dispersions due to the presence of the drug compounds in crystalline state in both matrices.     

Molecular Simulation and Statistical Learning Methods toward Predicting Drug–Polymer Amorphous Solid Dispersion Miscibility,Stability, and Formulation Design

Amorphous solid dispersions (ASDs) have emerged as widespread formulations for drug delivery of poorly soluble active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). Predicting the API solubility with various carriers in the API–carrier mixture and the principal API–carrier non-bonding interactions are critical factors for rational drug development and formulation decisions. Experimental determination of these interactions, solubility, and dissolution mechanisms is time-consuming, costly, and reliant on trial and error. To that end, molecular modeling has been applied to simulate ASD properties and mechanisms. Quantum mechanical methods elucidate the strength of API–carrier non-bonding interactions, while molecular dynamics simulations model and predict ASD physical stability, solubility, and dissolution mechanisms. Statistical learning models have been recently applied to the prediction of a variety of drug formulation properties and show immense potential for continued application in the understanding and prediction of ASD solubility. Continued theoretical progress and computational applications will accelerate lead compound development before clinical trials. This article reviews in silico research for the rational formulation design of low-solubility drugs. Pertinent theoretical groundwork is presented, modeling applications and limitations are discussed, and the prospective clinical benefits of accelerated ASD formulation are envisioned.     

Study on synthesis of two-armed polymers containing a crown ether core and their self-assembly behaviors in selective solvents

A series of well-defined two-armed polymers containing a crown ether core, poly(stearyl methacrylate)-crown ether-poly(stearyl methacrylate) (PSMA-crown-PSMA), with different molecular weight were synthesized via atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP). The resultant polymers were characterized by ¹H NMR and GPC. The self-assembly behaviors of this kind of polymer in selective solvents were studied by TEM, and it was found that polymers with different molecular weight can directly self-assemble into hollow spheres, solid spheres and a monolayer film with regular pores by varying molecular weight and water content. The possible molecular packing motels for their self-assembly behaviors were proposed.     

Photostability enhancement by encapsulation of α-tocopherol into lipid-based nanoparticles loaded with a UV filter

The aim of this study was to develop some sunscreen formulations able to maintain their photoprotection when exposed to UV radiation. In this context, the influence of the antioxidant α-tocopherol on the photostability of lipid-based nanoparticles, namely solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) and nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs), encapsulated with a UVA filter, has been investigated. The nanoparticles co-encapsulated with both actives exhibited dimensions smaller than 200 nm and zeta potentials of –45 mV. The photoprotection of the creams based on lipid nanoparticles was evaluated in terms of two protection factors, SPF and erythemal UVA–PF. By exposing the creams to UV radiation, it was observed that tocopherol results in obtaining quite stable formulations, but it does not improve the overall photoprotection much. However, by adding the antioxidant to the formulation confers a double action: protection of the skin against reactive oxygen species and the photostabilization of the UVA filter into lipid nanoparticles.