Capsule Components Research Articles

Assessment of the anticancer potential of certain phenolic and flavonoid components in ginger capsules using colorectal cancer cell lines coupled with quantitative analysis.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the fourth most common cause of malignant tumor death. The development of novel, more effective drugs is desperately needed to treat CRC. Zingiber officinale is believed to possess anticancer properties due to its flavonoids and phenols. Using Soxhlet (SOXT) and maceration (MACR) techniques, the present study aimed to evaluate the amounts of quercetin, gallic acid, rutin, naringin, and caffeic acid in ginger capsules of Z. officinale. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)/ultraviolet was used for separation and quantitation. In vitro toxicity evaluation of ginger capsules on the CRC cell line HT-29 was also conducted to assess the anticancer activity of the supplement. The cell line HT-29 (HTB-38) colorectal adenocarcinoma was utilized for the antiproliferative effect of 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide. Ginger herbal supplement extract at dosages of 200 and 100 μg had strong cytotoxic effects (IC50 < 50 μg/mL) on HT-29 CRC cells via MACR. This extract is comparable to the SOXT extract, which has an IC50 of less than 50 μg/mL. The anticancer effect of ginger herbal supplement formulations against CRC lines was investigated, and the results obtained from both the MACR and SOXT extraction procedures were noteworthy. The quercetin content was the highest of all the extracts according to the HPLC data.

The environmental impact of small-bowel capsule endoscopy.

The environmental impact of endoscopy, including small-bowel capsule endoscopy (SBCE), is a topic of growing attention and concern. This study aimed to evaluate the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions (kgCO2) generated by an SBCE procedure. Life cycle assessment methodology (ISO 14040) was used to evaluate three brands of SBCE device and included emissions generated by patient travel, bowel preparation, capsule examination, and video recording. A survey of 87 physicians and 120 patients was conducted to obtain data on travel, activities undertaken during the procedure, and awareness of environmental impacts. The capsule itself (4 g) accounted for < 6 % of the total product weight. Packaging (43-119 g) accounted for 9 %-97 % of total weight, and included deactivation magnets (5 g [4 %-6 %]) and paper instructions (11-50 g [up to 40 %]). A full SBCE procedure generated approximately 20 kgCO2, with 0.04 kgCO2 (0.2 %) attributable to the capsule itself and 18 kgCO2 (94.7 %) generated by patient travel. Capsule retrieval using a dedicated device would add 0.98 kgCO2 to the carbon footprint. Capsule deconstruction revealed materials (e. g. neodymium) that are prohibited from environmental disposal; 76 % of patients were not aware of the illegal nature of capsule disposal via wastewater, and 63 % would have been willing to retrieve it. The carbon impact of data storage and capsule reading was negligible. The carbon footprint of SBCE is mainly determined by patient travel. The capsule device itself has a relatively low carbon footprint. Given that disposal of capsule components via wastewater is illegal, retrieval of the capsule is necessary but would likely be associated with an increase in device-related emissions.

Immunohistochemical findings of lens capsules obtained from patients with dead bag syndrome.

To investigate the extracellular matrix and cellular components in lens capsules extracted from patients with dead bag syndrome (DBS) through immunohistochemistry. Department of Ophthalmology, Wakayama Medical University School of Medicine, Wakayama, Japan, and Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, John A. Moran Eye Center, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah. Immunohistochemical experimental study. 9 capsular bag specimens from DBS cases, as well as 2 control specimens from late-postoperative in-the-bag intraocular lens dislocation cases related to previous vitrectomy, pseudoexfoliation, and blunt trauma were included. They were processed for histopathology; unstained sections were obtained from each one and analyzed by immunohistochemistry targeting collagen type IV, laminin, vimentin, collagen type I, and fibronectin. Immunohistochemistry in DBS showed lens capsule stained for basement membrane components. The outer part of the anterior capsule that was split from the inner part was more markedly stained for type IV collagen as compared with the posterior part. Faint staining for fibrous posterior capsular opacification (PCO) components, for example, collagen type I and fibronectin, was detected in limited areas, but the major portion of the capsule was free from these components. Small spotty vimentin-positive materials, suggesting the presence of cell debris, were also detected in limited samples. Small amounts of fibrotic PCO components were detected in capsules extracted from patients with DBS, but their major parts were free from PCO components. Current findings suggest small amounts of lens epithelial cells were present after surgery and secreted fibrous components before undergoing cell death process.

A novel process for the complete recycling of exhausted coffee capsules with a fully circular approach: Design of the industrial plant and Techno-Economic analysis of the process

The objective of this paper is to present the technical and feasibility analysis of an innovative mechanical recycling system for exhausted coffee capsules. This recycling process involved the sorting of spent coffee grounds (SGC) and the subsequent drying and melt-mixing of a portion of these grounds with the remaining capsule components, mainly composed of polypropylene (PP), along with optional virgin PP. These newly developed composite materials exhibited mechanical and rheological properties comparable or even surpassing those of virgin PP. They were also successfully utilized for the injection of new capsule shells, thus alignin with the principles of the circular economy. In addition to the technical aspects, this paper present a comprehensive Techno-Economic Analysis (TEA) of the proposed recycling processes, considering the inclusion of virgin PP (0–20 %) and the initial moisture content (MSGC) of SGC(5–55 %) as varying factors. An industrial plant, designed to handle up to 190 million exhausted coffee capsules and produce up to 1500 tons of recycled compund was appropriately sized. The analysis revealed that processes are profitable across all examined scenarios and that the Net Present Value ranged between 800 k€ (for vPP = 20 % and MSGC = 55 %) and 2000 k€ (for vPP = 0 % and MSGC = 5 %).

A novel process for developing a quantitative chromatographic fingerprint analysis method based on analytical quality by design: A case study of Xiaochaihu capsules

In this study, an improved Analytical Quality by Design (AQbD) process was proposed to establish quantitative fingerprints of Chinese medicines. A quantitative fingerprint method for the strong polar components in Xiaochaihu capsules was developed as an example. Different method evaluation indicators were used to characterize this method, and these indicators were measured at different stages of quantitative fingerprint development. Through this method, the difficulty in determining common peaks in the early stage of quantitative fingerprint development is eliminated. The method parameters that needed to be optimized were the mobile phase gradient conditions, column temperature and flow rate through the Ishikawa diagram. Single-factor experiments were used to determine some parameters. Definitive screening design (DSD) experiments were used to optimize critical method parameters (CMPs). The common peaks were determined, and indices were optimized. The critical method attributes (CMAs) were the resolution of guanosine, the percentage of common peak to the total peak area, retention time of the last peak and the common peak number. A stepwise regression method was used to build quantitative models for critical method attributes and critical method parameters. The method operable design region (MODR) was calculated by the experimental error simulation method and successfully verified. After the analysis conditions were optimized, four components, uridine, adenine, 5-hydroxymethylfurfural, and guanosine, were quantitatively determined. There were 7 common peaks in the fingerprints. The common peak area accounted for 90.64%. Both fingerprint and quantitative detection analysis methods were methodologically validated. The new AQbD process proposed in this study can be potentially applied to develop other Chinese medicines fingerprint methods.

Pseudoexfoliation Syndrome-Clinical Characteristics of Most Common Cause of Secondary Glaucoma.

Pseudoexfoliation syndrome (XFS) is a condition in which excess material builds up not only in the structures of the anterior chamber but also throughout the body. The frequency of the syndrome varies significantly (0.3-18%) depending on the region and the method of examination. Environmental risk factors for XFS include a large number of sunny days, proximity to the equator, dietary factors such as higher consumption of coffee and tea, long-term alcohol consumption, exposure to UV, and outdoor work. The pathognomonic sign of XFS is the presence of white material on the lens capsule and other anterior chamber components. In addition, a characteristic Sampaolesi line can be observed during gonioscopy. Systemic alterations indicative of XFS have been observed in the extracellular matrix of the eyelid skin, the heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, gallbladder, meninges, and endothelium of the blood vessels. XFS is the most common cause of secondary open-angle glaucoma, which is called pseudoexfoliative glaucoma and is more severe than primary open-angle glaucoma. It is plausible that a combination of environmental factors and genetic alterations promotes the onset of pseudoexfoliation syndrome, which requires additional research.

Freestanding region-responsive bilayer for functional packaging of ingestible devices

Ingestible capsules have the potential to become an attractive alternative to traditional means of treating and detecting gastrointestinal (GI) disease. As device complexity increases, so too does the demand for more effective capsule packaging technologies to elegantly target specific GI locations. While pH-responsive coatings have been traditionally used for the passive targeting of specific GI regions, their application is limited due to the geometric restrictions imposed by standard coating methods. Dip, pan, and spray coating methods only enable the protection of microscale unsupported openings against the harsh GI environment. However, some emerging technologies have millimeter-scale components for performing functions such as sensing and drug delivery. To this end, we present the freestanding region-responsive bilayer (FRRB), a packaging technology for ingestible capsules that can be readily applied for various functional ingestible capsule components. The bilayer is composed of rigid polyethylene glycol (PEG) under a flexible pH-responsive Eudragit® FL 30 D 55, which protects the contents of the capsule until it arrives in the targeted intestinal environment. The FRRB can be fabricated in a multitude of shapes that facilitate various functional packaging mechanisms, some of which are demonstrated here. In this paper, we characterize and validate the use of this technology in a simulated intestinal environment, confirming that the FRRB can be tuned for small intestinal release. We also show a case example where the FRRB is used to protect and expose a thermomechanical actuator for targeted drug delivery.

Positive Correlation of Plasma Interleukin-6 Levels with Immunoglobulin M (IgM) Anti Phenolic Glycolipid-1 (PGL-1) Levels in Household Contacts of Multibacillary Leprosy Patients

Background/aim: Leprosy is a chronic infectious disease that can be cured but causes high morbidity because it causes disability. Leprosy is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium leprae, an obligate intracellular virulence factor in the form of phenolic glycolipid-1 (PGL-1), a capsule component in M. leprae. This study aims for known Increased IL-6 correlation with IgM anti PGL-1 level in household contacts of multibacillary leprosy patient. Methods: Analytical observational study with a cross-sectional approach. The sample consisted of 42 household contact persons and 22 non-contact samples aged 18-65 years who were selected through consecutive sampling according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Samples of 3 millilitres of venous blood were taken, which would then be examined for PGL-1 and IL-6 with the ELISA kit. Data analysis with SPSS version 23 and p-value &lt;0.05 was significant Results: The average anti-PGL-1 IgM level in the household contact group was 636.76±288.45 u/ml, while in the non-contact group, it was 211.00±237.43 u/ml. The average IL-6 level in the household contact group was 20.28 ± 12.54 pg/ml, while in the non-contact group, it was 8.29 ± 2.88 pg/ml. There was a significant difference in the levels of IL-6 and anti-PGL-1 IgM in the household contact and non-contact groups (p&lt;0.001). This study found a strong positive relationship (r=0.620, p&lt;0.001) between IL-6 levels and anti-PGL-1 IgM levels. Conclusion: IgM anti-PGL-1 and IL-6 levels in household contacts were higher than in non-contacts, with a significant difference. There is a significant positive relationship between IL-6 and anti-PGL-1 IgM levels. Keywords: leprosy, contacts, IgM anti-PGL-1, IL-6

Phenotypic Characterization of Colorectal Liver Metastases: Capsule versus No Capsule and the Potential Role of Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition.

Background: Colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) can be encased in a fibrous capsule separating cancer from normal liver tissue, which correlates with increased patient survival. This study investigated the cellular and molecular components of capsule formation and the possible role of epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT). Methods: From 222 patients with CRLM, 84 patients (37.8%) were categorized to have CRLM encased with a capsule. A total of 34 CRLM from 34 selected patients was analyzed in detail by EMT pathway-profiling and custom PCR arrays to identify differences in gene expression between CRLM with (n = 20) and without capsule (n = 14). In parallel, those 34 CRLM were used to analyze 16 gene products at the metastasis margin via immunohistochemistry. Results: Encapsulated CRLM showed an elevated expression of signal transduction pathways and effector molecules involved in EMT. E-cadherin and keratin-19 were more prevalent, and transcription as well as translation (immunohistochemistry) of pGSK-3-β, SOX10, tomoregulin-1, and caldesmon were increased. By contrast, the loss of E-cadherin and the prevalence of snail-1 were increased in CRLM without capsule. Collagen I and III and versican were identified as capsule components with extracellular matrix fibers running concentrically around the malignant tissue and parallel to the invasive front. Caldesmon was also demonstrated as a capsule constituent. Conclusions: The fibrous capsule around CRLM can be produced by cells with mesenchymal characteristics. It functions as a protective border by both the features of fiber architecture and the inhibition of invasive growth through EMT recruiting mesenchymal cells such as myofibroblasts by transformation of surrounding epithelial or even carcinoma cells. By contrast, EMT demonstrated in non-encapsulated CRLM may lead to a more mesenchymal, mobile, and tissue-destructive carcinoma cell phenotype and facilitate malignant spread.

Спектральные проявления механизмов межмолекулярного взаимодействия модифицированных малеимидом полиэлектролитных капсул, используемых в таргетной терапии

Mechanisms of intermolecular interaction between components of polyelectrolyte target delivery capsules and maleimide, which enhances the therapeutic action of the capsule, are investigated by quantum chemical modeling methods based on Density Functional Theory (DFT). Molecules of polymer polyelectrolyte capsule components - polyarginine and dextran sulfate and maleimide molecule are investigated. Based on calculation of molecular complexes structures and corresponding IR spectra with analysis of formed hydrogen bonds parameters it was revealed that there was a strong enough hydrogen bonding between maleimide and arginine, included in capsule composition. This allows us to conclude that modification of arginine with maleimide promotes stronger hydrogen bonding with amino acids contained in human body, which is confirmed by calculations, and gives the possibility of using maleimide as an "anchor" to hold the capsule in the tissue.

Capsule-epithelium-fibre unit ultrastructure in the human lens.

This study aimed to investigate the capsule-epithelium-fibre unit ultrastructure of the human lens, particularly the interfaces of the epithelium with the capsule and the epithelium with the fibre cell. A total of 12 lenses from donor humans who died of trauma without systemic and ocular diseases were investigated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), combined with immunofluorescence staining for localising certain specific proteins. Some of the results were further studied in the anterior lens capsules of cataract patients. Our results revealed capsule protrusion into the epithelium in some areas and potential processing of capsule components. The young elongating fibre cells directly adjacent to the epithelium with a high stain density strongly expressed CD24. Numerous extracellular vesicles could be seen in the space between human lens epithelial cells (HLECs) and between HLECs and the capsule. Mitophagy and autophagy were also observed in the HLECs. Our research may be beneficial in better understanding the function of the human lens.

Two‐ and Three‐Phase Self‐assembly of Molecular Capsules

AbstractTwo‐ and three‐phase molecular encapsulations of Me4N+ or C7H7+ in the hydrogen‐bonded dimers of resorcin[4]arene tetraphosphates enable ion pair separations, dissolution of solid capsule components, and stabilization of capsule‐separated ion pairs in solution. Self‐assembly of the capsular ion pairs, the exchange of the encapsulated cations and external anions as well as the formation of heterodimeric capsular complexes are slow on hours time scale in heterogeneous systems and instantaneous in solutions. Spectroscopic studies and molecular modeling related the properties of the capsule‐separated ion pairs to the energies of induced conformational changes, hydrogen bonding, host‐guest interactions, ion pair separation, and the relative polarity of the solvent.

RTA1 Is Involved in Resistance to 7-Aminocholesterol and Secretion of Fungal Proteins in Cryptococcus neoformans.

Cryptococcus neoformans (Cn) is a pathogenic yeast that is the leading cause of fungal meningitis in immunocompromised patients. Various Cn virulence factors, such as the enzyme laccase and its product melanin, phospholipase, and capsular polysaccharide have been identified. During a screen of knockout mutants, the gene resistance to aminocholesterol 1 (RTA1) was identified, the function of which is currently unknown in Cn. Rta1 homologs in S. cerevisiae belong to a lipid-translocating exporter family of fungal proteins with transmembrane regions and confer resistance to the antimicrobial agent 7-aminocholesterol when overexpressed. To determine the role of RTA1 in Cn, the knock-out (rta1Δ) and reconstituted (rta1Δ+RTA1) strains were created and phenotypically tested. RTA1 was involved in resistance to 7-aminocholesterol, and also in exocyst complex component 3 (Sec6)-mediated secretion of urease, laccase, and the major capsule component, glucuronoxylomannan (GXM), which coincided with significantly smaller capsules in the rta1Δ and rta1Δ+RTA1 strains compared to the wild-type H99 strain. Furthermore, RTA1 expression was reduced in a secretory 14 mutant (sec14Δ) and increased in an RNAi Sec6 mutant. Transmission electron microscopy demonstrated vesicle accumulation inside the rta1Δ strain, predominantly near the cell membrane. Given that Rta1 is likely to be a transmembrane protein located at the plasma membrane, these data suggest that Rta1 may be involved in both secretion of various fungal virulence factors and resistance to 7-aminocholesterol in Cn.

Revealing the mechanisms of Weishi Huogu I capsules used for treating osteonecrosis of the femoral head based on systems pharmacology with one mechanism validated with in vitro experiments

Ethnopharmacological relevanceWeishi Huogu I (WH I) capsules, developed through traditional Chinese medicine, have been used to treat clinical osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) for decades. However, the mechanisms have not been systematically studied.Aim of the study: In this study, the mechanisms of WH I capsules used in treating ONFH were examined through a systems pharmacology strategy, and one mechanism was validated with in vitro experiments. Materials and methodsWH I capsules compounds were identified by screening databases; then, a database of the potential active compounds was constructed after absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion (ADME) evaluation. The compounds were identified through a systematic approach in which the probability of an interaction of every candidate compound with each corresponding target in the DrugBank database was calculated. Gene Ontology (GO) and pathway enrichment analyses of the targets was performed with the Metascape and KEGG DISEASE databases. Then, a compound-target network (C-T) and target-pathway network (T-P) of WH I capsule components were constructed, and network characteristics and related information were used for systematically identifying WH I capsule multicomponent-target interactions.Furthermore, the effects of WH I capsule compounds identified through the systematic pharmacology analysis of the osteogenic transformation of human umbilical mesenchymal stem cells (HUMSCs) were validated in vitro. ResultsIn total, 152 potentially important compounds and 176 associated targets were identified. Twenty-two crucial GO biological process (BP) or pathways were related to ONFH, mainly in regulatory modules regulating blood circulation, modulating growth, and affecting pathological processes closely related to ONFH.Furthermore, the GO enrichment analysis showed that corydine, isorhamnetin, and bicuculline were enriched in “RUNX2 regulates osteoblast differentiation”, significantly increased alkaline phosphatase activity and calcium deposition and upregulated runt-related transcription factor 2 mRNA and protein expression and osteocalcin mRNA expression in HUMSCs, suggesting that these compounds promoted the mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) osteogenic transformation. ConclusionsThe study showed that the pharmacological mechanisms of WH I capsule attenuation of ONFH mainly involve three therapeutic modules: blood circulation, modulating growth, and regulating pathological processes. The crosstalk between GOBPs/pathways may constitute the basis of the synergistic effects of the compounds in WH I capsules in attenuating ONFH. One of the pharmacological mechanisms in the WH I capsule effect on ONFH involves enhancement of the osteogenic transformation of MSCs, as validated in experiments performed in vitro; however, more mechanisms should be validated in further studies.

Flavor components in tobacco capsules identified through non-targeted quantitative analysis.

Tobacco flavors increase the attractiveness of a tobacco brand and ultimately promote addiction. Information about what flavor and how much flavor is in flavor capsules can provide an effective way to regulate tobacco flavor. In this study, 128 flavor chemicals were identified and quantified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry using libraries and authentic standards. Validation of the developed method was performed for interference, detection limits, calibration curves, accuracy, and precision. Menthol was the main ingredient in all capsules, and the carcinogenic pulegone was detected. Detected menthofuran, benzyl alcohol, geraniol, and eugenol cause toxic or severe irritation, and detected lactones can increase nicotine addiction by inhibiting nicotine metabolism in smokers. Margin of exposures for carcinogenic pulegone and non-carcinogenic menthol were well below safety thresholds, indicating a significant risk of inhalation exposure. It is desirable to prohibit the use of flavor capsules in consideration of human risk.

Potential molecular mechanism of the Xiexin capsule in the intervention of dyslipidemia based on bioinformatics and molecular docking.

Objective: bioinformatic methods and molecular docking technology were used to predict the active components, targets, and related biological pathways of the Xiexin capsule in the intervention for dyslipidemia, exploring its mechanism. Methods: the active components and targets of the Xiexin capsule were screened by the TCMSP (Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform )database. Genecards (The Human Gene Database), OMIM (Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man), PharmGkb (Pharmacogenomics Knowledge Base database), TTD (Therapeutic Target Database), and Drugbank platforms were used to search the disease targets of dyslipidemia. The Cytoscape 3.8.0 software was used to construct the 'component-target' network diagram, and the STRING (functional protein association networks) platform was used to analyze protein-protein interaction (PPI). Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomics (KEGG) enrichment analyses were performed by R language data packets to predict the mechanism of action. The AutoDockVina and PyMol software were used to dock the key active components in the Xiexin capsule and the core proteins in PPI. Results: a total of 66 effective components were screened, involving 114 targets; 87 key active compounds were screened from the 'drug-component-target' diagram. The PPI network mainly involved core proteins such as PTGS2 (prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2), PTGS1 (prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 1), and HSP90AA1 (heat shock protein 90 alpha family class A member 1). GO and KEGG enrichment analysis results of common targets mainly involved hormone-mediated signaling pathway, steroid hormone response, lipid transport and metabolism, regulation of cholesterol storage, cyclooxygenase pathway, and other biological pathways, as well asMM PPAR (peroxisome proliferators-activated receptor) signaling pathway, IL-17 (interleukin 17) signaling pathway, PI3K-Akt (protein kinase b) signaling pathway, FcεRI signaling pathway, and other related pathways. Molecular docking verification showed that quercetin had the best binding with the core target protein HSP90AA1, and HSP90AA1 was the target protein with the best binding activity for the key chemical components in Xiexin capsules. Conclusion: the main chemical components in the Xiexin capsules may participate in the regulation of PPAR and other signaling pathways by regulating key genes such as ESR1 (estrogen receptor 1), MAPK14 (mitogen-activated protein kinase 14), and HSP90AA1, to exert the pharmacological effect of the intervention on dyslipidemia.

MgaSpn is a negative regulator of capsule and phosphorylcholine biosynthesis and influences the virulence of Streptococcus pneumoniae D39

ABSTRACT Global transcriptional regulators are prevalent in gram-positive pathogens. The transcriptional regulators of the Mga/AtxA family regulate target gene expression by directly binding to the promoter regions, that results in the coordinated expression of virulence factors. The spd_1587 gene of Streptococcus pneumoniae strain D39 encodes MgaSpn, which shares sequence similarity with global transcriptional regulators of the Mga/AtxA family. In this study, we demonstrated that MgaSpn regulates the biosynthesis of the capsule and phosphorylcholine, which play key roles in disease severity in S. pneumoniae infections. MgaSpn directly binds to the cps and lic1 promoters and affects the biosynthesis of the capsule and phosphorylcholine. MgaSpn binds to two specific sites on the promoter of cps, one of which contains the −35 box of the promoter, with high affinity. Consistently, low-molecular-weight capsule components were observed in the mgaSpn-null mutant strain. Moreover, we found that phosphorylcholine content was notably increased in the unencapsulated mgaSpn mutant strain. The mgaSpn null mutant caused more severe systemic disease than the parental strain D39. These findings indicate that the pneumococcal MgaSpn protein can inhibit capsule and phosphorylcholine production, thereby affecting the virulence of S. pneumoniae.

Preparation, Properties and Potential of Carrageenan-Based Hard Capsules for Replacing Gelatine: A Review.

Intense efforts to develop alternative materials for gelatine as a drug-delivery system are progressing at a high rate. Some of the materials developed are hard capsules made from alginate, carrageenan, hypromellose and cellulose. However, there are still some disadvantages that must be minimised or eliminated for future use in drug-delivery systems. This review attempts to review the preparation and potential of seaweed-based, specifically carrageenan, hard capsules, summarise their properties and highlight their potential as an optional main component of hard capsules in a drug-delivery system. The characterisation methods reviewed were dimensional analysis, water and ash content, microbial activity, viscosity analysis, mechanical analysis, scanning electron microscopy, swelling degree analysis, gel permeation chromatography, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and thermal analysis. The release kinetics of the capsule is highlighted as well. This review is expected to provide insights for new researchers developing innovative products from carrageenan-based hard capsules, which will support the development goals of the industry.

A Quality by Design Framework for Capsule-Based Dry Powder Inhalers.

Capsule-based dry powder inhalers (cDPIs) are widely utilized in the delivery of pharmaceutical powders to the lungs. In these systems, the fundamental nature of the interactions between the drug/formulation powder, the capsules, the inhaler device, and the patient must be fully elucidated in order to develop robust manufacturing procedures and provide reproducible lung deposition of the drug payload. Though many commercially available DPIs utilize a capsule-based dose metering system, an in-depth analysis of the critical factors associated with the use of the capsule component has not yet been performed. This review is intended to provide information on critical factors to be considered for the application of a quality by design (QbD) approach for cDPI development. The quality target product profile (QTPP) defines the critical quality attributes (CQAs) which need to be understood to define the critical material attributes (CMA) and critical process parameters (CPP) for cDPI development as well as manufacturing and control.

Validated green spectrophotometric kinetic method for determination of Clindamycin Hydrochloride in capsules

BackgroundSimple, sensitive, free of organic solvents, kinetic spectrophotometric method has been developed for the determination of Clindamycin Hydrochloride, both in pure form and Capsules. Method is based on reaction of Clindamycin with potassium iodide and potassium iodate in an aqueous medium at (25 ± 2 °C) to produce yellow-coloured tri iodide ions (I3−). The reaction is followed spectrophotometrically by measuring the absorbance at wavelength 350 nm during 40 min.ResultsThe effects of analytical parameters on reported kinetic methods were investigated. Under the optimized conditions, the initial rate and fixed time (at 10 min) methods were used for constructing the calibration graphs. The graphs were linear in concentration ranges 1–20 μg ml−1 with limit of detection of 0.12 and 0.22 μg ml−1for the initial rate and fixed time methods, respectively. The results were satisfactory and the analytical performance for both methods was validated.ConclusionThe proposed methods have been applied to determine the components in capsules with an average recovery of 98.25–102.00% and the results are in good agreement with those found by the reference method.