Simple Rapid Validated RP-LC Method for the Estimation of Flurbiprofen in Rabbit Serum and Aqueous Humor

Abstract

New reversed-phase liquid chromatographic methods, with UV detection, were developed for the quantitative estimation of flurbiprofen in rabbit blood serum and aqueous humor. The mobile phase and other chromatographic conditions were optimized to minimize interference from biological matrix and at the same time provide sufficient sensitivity for the method to be adopted for in vivo studies of ophthalmic formulations of flurbiprofen. Acetonitrile was used to precipitate proteins from serum or aqueous humor during sample preparation. A mobile phase of methanol: acetonitrile: phosphate buffer pH 5.6 (40:20:40) was employed with UV detection at 248 nm for estimation of drug in both the biological matrix. The retention time and asymmetry factor for the proposed method of estimation in serum and aqueous humor was found to be 3.1312±0.0101 min and 1.1310±0.0091 respectively. The linear regression equations obtained by least square regression method, were Area (µV sec) = 52.27 × Conc. (in ng/ml)–1618.70 in serum and Area (µV sec) = 61.79 × Conc. (in ng/ml) ? 783.24 in aqueous humor. The results of analysis were treated statistically, as per ICH guidelines for validation of analytical procedures, USP-2003, and by recovery studies. The results were found to be accurate, reproducible and free from interference. The developed methods were further used for estimation of flurbiprofen in rabbit serum and aqueous humor following single topical administration of in-house aqueous drop and market formulation to rabbit eye.     

Cyclodextrin solubilization of celecoxib: solid and solution state characterization

The low aqueous solubility of celecoxib (CCB) hampers its oral bioavailability and permeation from aqueous environment through biological membranes. The aim of this study was to enhance the aqueous solubility of CCB by complexation with cyclodextrin (CD) in the presence of water-soluble polymer. The effects of different CDs (αCD, βCD, γCD, 2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin and randomly methylated β-cyclodextrin (RMβCD)) and mucoadhesive, water-soluble polymers (hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), chitosan and hyaluronic acid) were investigated. The phase solubility profiles and CCB/CD complex characteristics were determined. RMβCD exhibited the greatest solubilizing effect of the two CDs tested. However, γCD was also selected for further investigations due to its safety profile. Addition of polymer to the aqueous CD solutions enhanced the CD solubilization. Formation of CCB/RMβCD/HPMC and CCB/γCD/HPMC ternary complexes resulted in 11 and 19-fold enhancement in the apparent complexation efficiency in comparison to their CCB/CD binary complex, respectively. The size of ternary complex aggregates in solution were determined to be from about 250 to about 350 nm. The data obtained from Fourier transform infra-red, differential scanning calorimetry and powder X-ray diffraction indicated presence of CCB/CD inclusion complexes in the solid state. Proton nuclear magnetic resonance data demonstrated that CCB was partially and totally inserted into the hydrophobic central cavities of RMβCD and γCD.     

Evaluation the effect of cyclodextrin complexation on aqueous solubility of fluorometholone to achieve ophthalmic solution

In this study, the effect of different CDs including α-CD, β-CD, γ-CD, hydroxypropyl β-CD (HP β-CD), sulphobutylether β-CD (SBE β-CD) and HP γ-CD on aqueous solubility of fluorometholone (Flu) was investigated. Also the phase solubility studies were performed in the presence of eye drop excipients such as benzalkonium chloride, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) and buffers. The aqueous solubility of Flu was increased by 8, 15, 5, 100, 65 and 135 folds in the presence of 20% w/v α-CD, β-CD, γ-CD, HP β-CD, HP γ-CD and SBE β-CD, respectively. Aqueous solubility of Flu was 0.43 ± 0.08 and 1.16 ± 0.04 mg/mL in systems containing 5% w/v HP γ-CD and SBE β-CD, respectively. The aqueous solubility of Flu in the presence of HP γ-CD was not influenced by buffer type while the phosphate buffer caused a reduction in the aqueous solubility in the presence of SBE-β-CD. Also, investigations on the solubility of Flu in water in the presence of 5% HP γ-CD and SBE-β-CD and the additives such as benzalkonium chloride and HPMC indicated that these components had no remarkable effect on the aqueous solubility of Flu. In conclusion, CD complexation is able to improve the aqueous solubility of Flu and it would be possible to prepare ophthalmic solution of Flu by this method.     

Effect of external factors on the curcumin/2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin: in vitro and in vivo study

The effect of 2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HPβCD) on solubility, stability and oral bioavailability of curcumin by external factors adjustment, was investigated with an aim of a simple, stable and effective formulation. The phase solubility studies showed the solubility of curcumin increased slightly with increasing pH. However, the apparent stability constant (K _S) were found to decrease with increasing pH from 1.29?×?10⁴?M^?1 at pH 3.0 to 5.22?×?10³?M^?1 at pH 7.0. The thermodynamic parameters were calculated for inclusion complex formation in aqueous solution. Interestingly, it could be concluded that the degrees of curcumin stability improved by HPβCD grew with increasing drug–cyclodextrin binding ability. Furthermore, in vivo study not only revealed that the bioavailability of curcumin after oral administration to rats was significantly improved by curcumin/HPβCD inclusion complex, but also showed more dramatic changes in the plasma concentration–time curve (1752.76–866.70?ng?mL^?1?h) and the peak plasma concentration (370.10–178.11?ng?mL^?1) of drug by formation of complexes in pH 3–7 solution.     

Cyclodextrins in Eye Drop Formulations

Ideally, eye drop formulations are aqueous solutions. Many drugs that are useful in topical application to the eye are not sufficiently water soluble to be dissolved in simple aqueous solutions. This problem is approached through hydrophilic prodrugs, suspensions, lipid based solutions and excipients such as cyclodextrins. Cyclodextrins can be used to form aqueous eye drop solutions with lipophilic drugs, such as steroids. The cyclodextrins increase the water solubility of the drug, enhance drug absorption into the eye, improve aqueous stability and reduce local irritation. Cyclodextrins are useful excipients in eye drop formulations of various ophthalmic drugs, including steroids of any kind, carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, pilocarpine and cyclosporins. Their use in ophthalmology has already begun and it is likely to expand the selection of drugs available as eye drops. In this paper we review the use of cyclodextrins in eye drop formulations. The use of cyclodextrins to formulate dexamethasone eye drops is an example of their usefulness. Cyclodextrins have been used to formulate eye drops containing corticosteroids, such as dexamethasone, with concentration and ocular absorption, which in human and animal studies is many fold that seen with presently available formulations. Such formulations offer the possibility of once a day application of corticosteroid eye drops after eye surgery, and more intensive topical steroid treatment in severe inflammation.     

Determination of Ketorolac Tromethamine in Human Eye Samples by HPLC with Photo Diode-Array Detection

A sensitive and selective reversed-phase HPLC method for analysis of ketorolac in aqueous and vitreous humor from the human eye has been developed and validated. Chromatographic separation was achieved on a 250 mm × 4.6 mm i.d., 5-μm particle, C₁₈ analytical column. Photo diode-array detection was performed at 314 nm. Response was a linear function of ketorolac concentration from 10 to 800 ng mL⁻¹. The limits of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ) were 3.0 and 10 ng mL⁻¹, respectively. Intra-day and inter-day bias were less than 2.05 and 2.28%, respectively, and intra-day and inter-day RSD were no higher than 3.60 and 5.80%, respectively. Fluid obtained from patients eyes’ after topical application of Acular eye drops before retina decolman surgery was analyzed by use of the method. The method enabled successful quantification of levels of ketorolac in aqueous and vitreous humor.

     

Physicochemical characterization of spray dried ternary micro-complexes of cefuroxime axetil with hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin

The physicochemical properties of spray dried micro-complexes of cefuroxime axetil (CFA) with hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HPβCD) in presence and/or absence of ternary components polyvinylpyrrolidone K30 (PVP K30), hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC), poloxamer 188 and/or polyethylene glycol 4000 (PEG 4000) along with Aerosil^®200 as an adsorbent were investigated. The phase solubility studies revealed A_L type of solubility curve in binary as well as ternary systems. The stability constant 382.70 ± 2.4 M^?1 of binary system i.e. CFA with HPβCD was significantly improved to 427.84 ± 3.8, 447.09 ± 4.3, 488.28 ± 4.6 and 502.21 ± 5.1 M^?1 in presence of PVP K30, HPMC, poloxamer 188 and PEG 4000 respectively indicating positive effect of their addition. The micro-complexes of CFA were characterized by Fourier transformation infrared spectroscopy, X-ray powder diffractometry, differential scanning calorimetry, scanning electron microscopy, particle size analysis, and dissolution. In all characterization studies, ternary systems performed better in comparison to binary systems as a result of synergistic effect of ternary complexation as well as particle size reduction achieved by a spray drying technology.     

Effect of self-aggregation of γ-cyclodextrin on drug solubilization

The purpose of this study was to investigate the physicochemical properties of drug-saturated aqueous cyclodextrin (CD) solutions. Phase solubility profiles of different drugs were determined in aqueous solutions containing γ-cyclodextrin (γCD) and/or hydroxypropyl-γ-cyclodextrin (HPγCD) in absence or presence of water-soluble polymers. ¹H-NMR and turbidity analysis were performed as well as permeation studies. Phase solubility diagrams showed that the observed γCD content (1–20% w/v) was only slightly different from the theoretical values for aqueous solutions that had been saturated with indomethacin, diclofenac sodium or amphotericin B, all displayed A-type profiles, while it was less than the theoretical value in solutions that had been saturated with corticosteroids (hydrocortisone and dexamethasone) that displayed B_S-type profiles. In the latter case self-assemble of drug/CD complexes decreased the overall CD solubility. Water-soluble polymers enhanced aqueous solubility of the drugs tested by stabilizing the drug/CD complexes, i.e. enhancing their stability constants, without affecting the observed aqueous γCD solubility. When the drug solubility leveled off (the B_S-type profiles) the amount of dissolved γCD increased and approached the theoretical values. Hydrocortisone formed partial inclusion complex with γCD and HPγCD and no non-inclusion or aggregates could be detected in diluted solutions by ¹H-NMR. Both permeation and turbidity studies showed that formation of dexamethasone/γCD complex promoted CD aggregation. All these observations indicate that CD aggregate formations play a role in CD solubilization of lipophilic and poorly water-soluble drugs and that the water-soluble polymers enhance the complexation efficiency of γCD and HPγCD by stabilizing the self-assembled drug/CD nanoparticles and promote non-inclusion complex formation.     

Electrospinning of polymer-free nanofibers from cyclodextrin inclusion complexes

The electrospinning of polymer-free nanofibers from highly concentrated (160%, w/v) aqueous solutions of hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HPβCD) and its inclusion complexes with triclosan (HPβCD/triclosan-IC) was achieved successfully. The dynamic light scattering (DLS) and rheology measurements indicated that the presence of considerable HPβCD aggregates and the high solution viscosity were the key factors in obtaining electrospun HPβCD and HPβCD/triclosan-IC nanofibers without the use of any polymeric carrier. The HPβCD and HPβCD/triclosan-IC solutions containing 20% (w/w) urea yielded no fibers but only beads and splashes because of the depression of the self-aggregation of the HPβCD. The inclusion complexation of triclosan with HPβCD was studied by isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) and turbidity measurements. The characteristics of the HPβCD and HPβCD/triclosan-IC nanofibers were investigated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). It was found that the electrospinning of HPβCD/triclosan-IC solution having a 1:1 molar ratio was optimal for obtaining nanofibers without any uncomplexed guest molecules.     

Thermodynamic and geometric study of diasteroisomeric complexes formed by racemic flavanones and three cyclodextrins through NMR

The main purpose of this work was to study the chiral recognition thermodynamics of inclusion complexes formed by flavanones and β-cyclodextrins, and its relation with the inclusion geometries, through NMR experiments. By using the racemic mixtures of (±)-flavanone (FL) and (±)-2′-hydroxyflavanone (2′OHFL), diasteroisomeric complexes were formed employing β-cyclodextrin (βCD), (2-hydroxypropil)-β-cyclodextrin (HPβCD) and heptakis-(2,6-O-dimethyl)-β-cyclodextrin (DMβCD). ¹H NMR experiments of the complexes showed enantiodifferentiation for FL/βCD, FL/HPβCD, FL/DMβCD, 2′OHFL/HPβCD and 2′OHFL/DMβCD complexes, so they were able to be studied by obtaining the stoichiometry (1:1 for each complex), association constants (Ka), Ka ratios, and thermodynamics (ΔH, ΔS and ΔG). The results show that Ka values decrease with increasing temperature and that Ka ratio values removed from 1 not always reflect better enantiodiscrimination by NMR. Thermodynamics (ΔH and ΔG) show an exothermic and spontaneous formation of the complexes. Since the results were established for each couple of diasteroisomeric complexes separately, comparison of thermodynamics between them was possible, concluding that one half of the couples of diasteroisomeric complexes present chiral recognition due to enthalpic phenomena and the other half due to entropic phenomena. Additionally, ROESY experiments were performed to estimate the inclusion geometry of the complexes, which are in good agreement with the thermodynamic and Ka results.     

Cyclodextrins and the liquid-liquid phase distribution of progesterone, estrone and prednicarbate

The purpose of the present work was to investigate the interaction of drugs and octanol with hydroxypropyl β- (HPβCD) and γ- (HPγCD) cyclodextrin, sulfobutyl ether β-cyclodextrin (SBEβCD) and randomly methylated-β-cycoldextrin (RMβCD) and to describe the interaction by theoretical models. The poorly soluble steroid drugs progesterone, estrone and prednicarbate were used as model compounds in this study. Hexane and chloroform were also investigated in combination with HPβCD. Octanol formed a complex with all cyclodextrins and the saturation of the aqueous solution with this solvent therefore had a significant effect on the solubilization and extraction potential of cyclodextrins. Hexane had less affinity for cyclodextrins, but the drugs were poorly soluble in this solvent and it could therefore not be used in phase-distribution investigations. Previously we have derived equations that can be used to account for the competitive interaction between two guest compounds that compete for space in the cyclodextrin cavity. These equations were rearranged to calculate the complexation efficacy from phase-solubility data. An equation was derived that obtains intrinsic solubility (S ₀) and intrinsic partition coefficient (P) from the slopes of the phase-solubility and phase-distribution profiles. Investigation of the data showed that the results could not be sufficiently explained by the “classical” drug/cyclodextrin complex model that recognizes the possibility of competitive interactions but ignores any contribution from higher order complexes or aggregation of the cyclodextrin complexes. Relative difference in solubilization potential of different cyclodextrins cannot be translated to relative differences in extraction efficacy. Thus, for these three steroid compounds, RMβCD and SBEβCD gave the best solubilization potential whereas the best extraction efficacy was observed with HPγCD.     

Development of cyclodextrin-based extract of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Lotus corniculatus</Emphasis> as a potential substrate reduction therapy in mucopolysaccharidoses type III

A novel sustainable and eco-friendly procedure simultaneously combining the use of ultrasound irradiation and hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HPβCD) complexation was used to extract phytochemicals from Lotus corniculatus and to prepare flavonoid rich extract having potential as substrate reduction therapy of mucopolysaccharidosis type III (MPS III), a rare autosomal recessive lysosomal storage disorder. For that instance, Box-Behnken design and response surface methodology was employed to statistically assess the influence of HPβCD concentration, ultrasonic power, and extraction time on the total phenolic compounds, total flavonoids, total phenolic acids and radical scavenging activity (RSA) of the extracts prepared, chosen as the responses indicative of the product quality and performance. The potential of such optimised extract to modulate accumulation of gylcosoaminoglycans (GAGs) was evaluated on the fibroblast obtained from patients suffering from MPS type III. Optimized extract prepared by 45 min extraction using HPβCD at concentration of 20 mM and ultrasonic irradiation of 648 W was rich in flavonoids (1.36 mg/mL) and showed notable RSA of 1.04 mg/mL. Freeze-dried extract, at concentration of 3 and 6 µg/mL, reduced GAG levels in skin fibroblasts by 33.97 and 50.08%, respectively, without any toxic effects at given doses, showing a potential to be considered as a part of the substrate reduction therapy of MPS III.     

Preparation and characterization of cyclodextrin complexes of doxycycline hyclate for improved photostability in aqueous solution

Doxycycline hyclate is Biopharmaceutical Classification System, class I drug (high solubility and high permeability), but it is associated with poor photostability. It is in the class of tetracycline antibiotic, which is used to treat various infections, but its bioavailability is compromised due to its sensitivity to light and aqueous instability. In this paper, the influence of inclusion complexation with different cyclodextrins, i.e., αCD, γCD, HPβCD and RMβCD, on the photostability of doxycycline hyclate in aqueous media was investigated. Host–guest inclusion complexes were prepared by freeze- drying method. The prepared complexes were characterized for drug content, SEM, XRPD, in vitro permeation studies and photostability studies. XRPD showed diffused peaks for most of the complexes, while SEM showed irregularly shaped particles. The formulation D20 (Drug: γCD in 1:20 molar ratio) showed the highest % drug content (83.72?±?1.2%), and the formulations D1 (Drug: αCD in 1: 2 molar ratio) showed the lowest % drug content among all the CD complexes. It was found that the photodegradation of the drug was reduced significantly upon complexation. For Drug: CD complexes, the photostability of the aqueous solution of drug/CD complexes was found to be in the order of γCD?>?RMβCD?>?HPβCD?>?αCD with maximum photostability shown by Drug: γCD (1:20 molar ratio) complex. The obtained results suggested that cyclodextrin complexation can be used as an alternative approach for increasing the photostability of doxycycline hyclate.

     

Preclinical pharmacokinetics comparison between resveratrol 2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin complex and resveratrol suspension after oral administration

Trans-Resveratrol (RV) is a natural polyphenol characterized by interesting pleiotropic potentials and health benefits, but its administration is hampered by a unsatisfactory pharmacokinetics. Various approaches have been identified to circumvent it: among them, 2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrins (HPβCD) are valuable strategy. Here, we compare the employment of HPβCD based formulation with a resveratrol nanosupension (obtained by diluting a RV ethanol solution with PBS, added of 0.05 % hydroxyethylcellulose) to improve RV bioavailability after oral administration to mice. The inclusion of RV in HPβCD was confirmed by differential scanning calorimetry, Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy, and phase solubility study. The two formulations were orally administered to BALB-c mice. RV concentrations in plasma and tissues were detected at different time (0–120 min) by HPLC method. HPβCD complexation mediate a approximately fourfold increment in plasma RV C_max and  approximately twofold augment of RV AUC_0-120 in comparison with RV nanosuspension. Similar increased concentrations were observed in heart, liver, kidney and gut. In particular, HPβCD mediated a 5.5-folds increase of resveratrol concentration in the intestine, in comparison to the nanosuspension. In conclusion, based on our results, HPβCD complexation is a promising approach to increase the oral bioavailability of RV. Moreover, the achievement of high concentrations in gut suggested a potential employment of oral RV-HPβCD as anti-inflammatory/chemopreventive agent in this tissue.     

Binary and ternary inclusion complexes of dapsone in cyclodextrins and polymers: preparation, characterization and evaluation

Dapsone (DAP) is a synthetic sulfone drug with bacteriostatic activity, mainly against Mycobacterium leprae. In this study we have investigated the interactions of DAP with cyclodextrins, 2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HPβCD) and β-cyclodextrin (βCD), in the presence and absence of water-soluble polymers, in order to improve its solubility and bioavailability. Solid systems DAP/HPβCD and DAP/βCD, in the presence or absence of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP K30) or hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), were prepared. The binary and ternary systems were evaluated and characterized by SEM, DSC, XRD and NMR analysis as well as phase solubility assays, in order to investigate the interactions between DAP and the excipients in aqueous solution. This study revealed that inclusion complexes of DAP and cyclodextrins (HPβCD and βCD) can be produced in order to improve DAP solubility and bioavailability in the presence or absence of polymers (PVP K30 and HPMC). The more stable inclusion complex was obtained with HPβCD, and consequently HPβCD was more efficient in improving DAP solubility than βCD, and the addition of polymers had no influence on DAP solubility or on the stability of the DAP/CDs complexes.     

Pharmacokinetic study of an oral piroxicam formulation containing different molar ratios of β-cyclodextrins

The objective of this work was to compare the pharmacokinetic parameters of piroxicam-β-cyclodextrin (PIX-CD) complex at molar ratio of 1:1, 1:2.5, 1:3, and 1:4 after an oral administration in rabbits and either to prove or not the Haborn et al. theory which states that the peak plasma concentration (C_max) of piroxicam increases with an increase of β-cyclodextrin concentration. The results showed an increase in C_max from 11 ± 1.7, 13.3 ± 6.17 to 17 ± 2.03 μg/ml for piroxicam alone, 1:1 (PIX-CD) and 1:2.5 (PIX-CD), respectively, and declined starting at molar ratio of 1:3 (PIX-CD). However, more rapid drug absorption was observed where the time of peak plasma concentration (T_max) became shorter and changed from 2 h (Piroxicam alone) to 0.5 h in the presence of cyclodextrin.     

虫草素与羟丙基-β-环糊精的包合行为及性能研究

通过饱和溶液方法制备了虫草素(COR)与羟丙基-β-环糊精(HPβCD)形成的包合物.采用紫外-可见光谱法对水溶液中HPβCD与虫草素(COR)的包合行为进行研究,利用Job曲线法确定COR/HPβCD包合物的包合比,通过1 H NMR和2D NMR、DSC、TG、XRD、FTIR和SEM对COR/HPβCD包合物进行表征和性能测定.结果表明,COR/HPβCD包合物的包合比为1:1,虫草素与HPβCD形成包合物后,其水溶性、热稳定性及生物环境稳定性都得到明显提高.COR/HPβCD包合物在医药领域具有潜在的应用前景.     

Complexation of ebastine with β-cyclodextrin derivatives

Complexation of ebastine (EB) with hydroxypropyl and methyl-β-cyclodextrin (HP-β-CD and Me-β-CD) was studied in aqueous solutions and in the solid state. The formation of inclusion complexes in aqueous solutions was analysed by the solubility method. The assays were designed using low CD concentrations compared with the solubility of these derivatives in order to avoid non-inclusion phenomena and to obtain a linear increase in EB solubility as a function of CD concentration. The values of complexation efficiency for HP-β-CD and Me-β-CD were 1.9 × 10^?2 and 2.1 × 10^?2, respectively. It seems that the non polar character of the methyl moiety slightly favoured complexation. In relation to solid state complexation, 1:1 EB:CD systems were prepared by kneading, and by heating a drug-CD mixture at 90 ºC. They were analysed using X ray diffraction analysis by comparison with their respective physical mixtures. A complex with a characteristic diffraction pattern similar to that of the channel structure of β-CD was formed with Me-β-CD in 1:1 melted and 1:2 EB:CD kneaded systems. Complexation with HP-β-CD was not clearly evidenced because only a slight reduction of drug crystallinity was detected. Finally, the loading of EB in two β-CD polymers cross-linked with epichlorohydrin yielded 7.3 and 7.7 mg of EB/g polymer respectively.     

Physicochemical characterization and stability of microbeads containing cod-liver oil encircled with natural cyclodextrins

The ability of cyclodextrins (CDs) to solubilize cod-liver oil in aqueous solutions was evaluated. Only the natural α-cyclodextrin (αCD) and γ-cyclodextrin (γCD) were able to fully disperse 10 % (v/v) cod-liver oil in aqueous solutions. Confocal imaging revealed that the oil was located in the center of the CD enveloped microbeads (<20 μm in diameter) where it was enclosed within nanocompartments (<1 μm in diameter). The aqueous microbead suspensions were lyophilized to produce dry powder microbeads with rough surfaces. To assess the stability of the cod-liver oil/γCD (3:1 molar ratio) microbead powder, three groups of samples were incubated over a period of 1, 2, 4, 12 and 84 weeks. Group 1 (G1) and group 2 (G2) were incubated at 25 °C and 60 % humidity. G1 was exposed to O₂ for 10 min before sealing off the glass containers while G2 was kept under nitrogen. Group 3 was stored under accelerated conditions at 40 °C and 75 % humidity under nitrogen. The reference was pure cod-liver oil. Results indicated that encapsulating cod-liver oil with γCD delays oxidative degradation when oxygen is present, but does not significantly decrease or increase the long term stability of cod-liver oil under anaerobic conditions. Cod-liver oil/γCD microbeads could be compressed into tablets without decreasing the integrity of encapsulation. The cod-liver oil/γCD microbead powder might be of interest to the pharmaceutical industry as a carrier for lipophilic drugs.