Industrial Pharmacy Research Articles

Study on Synthesis of PHB by Moderate Halophile and Aqueous Extraction of PHB

PHB (Poly-β-hydroxybutyrate) has been widely in the areas of industrial packaging, pharmacy and agriculture. Currently, its production cost, especially in extraction and purification are high. A moderate halophilic bacterium was used for PHB synthesis and an aqueous extraction method based on osmotic downshock was investigated in this paper to further improve the extraction efficiency. PHB synthesised by moderate halophile with certain NaCl concentration can be released with cell lysis by osmotic downshock. Meanwhile the high temperature, ultrasonic and SDS (Sodium dodecyl sulfate) can enhance the release. After 48 h of fermentation, the production of PHB by Halomonas salina was 6.5 g/L. The extraction rate of PHB was 24.6% with osmotic downshock and 35.4% with additional ultrasonic assistance at 65 °C. A further addition of 0.5% SDS made the extraction rate increase to 75.4%. Thereinto, the addition of 6% NaCl had significantly improved the aqueous extraction rate to 92.3%.

Preparation and in vivo absorption evaluation of spray dried powders containing salmon calcitonin loaded chitosan nanoparticles for pulmonary delivery

PurposeThe aim of the present study was to prepare inhalable co-spray dried powders of salmon calcitonin loaded chitosan nanoparticles (sCT-CS-NPs) with mannitol and investigate pulmonary absorption in rats.MethodsThe sCT-CS-NPs were prepared by the ionic gelation method using sodium tripolyphosphate (TPP) as a cross-linking polyion. Inhalable dry powders were obtained by co-spray drying aqueous dispersion of sCT-CS-NPs and mannitol. sCT-CS-NPs co-spray dried powders were characterized with respect to morphology, particle size, powder density, aerodynamic diameter, protein integrity, in vitro release of sCT, and aerosolization. The plasmatic sCT levels following intratracheal administration of sCT-CS-NPs spray dried powders to the rats was also determined.ResultssCT-CS-NPs were able to be incorporated into mannitol forming inhalable microparticles by the spray drying process. The sCT-CS-NPs/mannitol ratios and spray drying process affected the properties of the microparticles obtained. The conformation of the secondary structures of sCTs was affected by both mannitol content and spray dry inlet temperature. The sCT-CS-NPs were recovered after reconstitution of spray dried powders in an aqueous medium. The sCT release profile from spray dried powders was similar to that from sCT-CS-NPs. In vitro inhalation parameters measured by the Andersen cascade impactor indicated sCT-CS-NPs spray dried powders having promising aerodynamic properties for deposition in the deep lung. Determination of the plasmatic sCT levels following intratracheal administration to rats revealed that the inhalable sCT-CS NPs spray dried powders provided higher protein absorption compared to native sCT powders.ConclusionThe sCT-CS-NPs with mannitol based spray dried powders were prepared to have appropriate aerodynamic properties for pulmonary delivery. The developed system was able to deliver sCT via a pulmonary route into the systemic circulation.

EPR-effect: Utilizing size-dependent Nanoparticle Delivery to Solid Tumors

EPR-effect: Utilizing size-dependent Nanoparticle Delivery to Solid Tumors

In Vitro and In Vivo Evaluation of Combined Time and pH- Dependent Oral Colonic Targeted Prednisolone Microspheres

Aims: to enhance the anti-inflammatory effect as well as oral absorption of prednisolone (PR), through formulation of colonic targeted microspheres prepared from a blend of time and pHdependent polymers and loaded with PR. Study Design: In Vitro and In Vivo Evaluation of Combined Time and pHDependent Oral Colonic Targeted Prednisolone Microspheres. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Pharmaceutics and Industrial Pharmacy, Helwan University, Cairo, Egypt between June 2011 and October 2012. Methodology: Microspheres were prepared by solvent evaporation method using different ethyl cellulose (EC) and Eudragit S-100 (ES100) ratios with 0.5 and 1% w/v span 80 as emulsifier. The microspheres were evaluated for surface morphology, particle size, drug encapsulation efficiency % and in vitro drug release at pH 1.2 and 7.4. The antiinflammatory activity of selected formula was compared to that of conventional PR tablets. Results: A decrease in drug entrapment efficiency % was obtained with increasing both polymers and surfactant concentrations. Based on drug release results, the formula of 1: Research Article Article British Journal of Pharmaceutical Research, 3(3): 420-434, 2013 421 1: 0.16 w/w/w, EC: ES100: PR ratio with 1% w/v span 80 was selected for further histopathological evaluation of the anti-inflammatory activity in colitis induced-rats. Histopathological study showed undefined tissue necrosis after treatment with the selected microspheres; however, diffused necrosis was observed in rats treated with the commercial tablets. In vivo absorption study showed that values of Cmax and AUC0-24 of both formulations were insignificantly different. However, the occurrence of Cmax of microspheres was significantly delayed in comparison to free drug (9.17 to 2.67hr) (P<.001). Conclusion: This study has supplied us with brightening results concerning the therapeutic efficacy of a blend of time and pHdependent polymers colonic targeted microspheres.

In Vitro and In Vivo Evaluation of Combined Time and pH- Dependent Oral Colonic Targeted Prednisolone Microspheres

Aims: to enhance the anti-inflammatory effect as well as oral absorption of prednisolone (PR), through formulation of colonic targeted microspheres prepared from a blend of time and pH- dependent polymers and loaded with PR. Study Design: In Vitro and In Vivo Evaluation of Combined Time and pH- Dependent Oral Colonic Targeted Prednisolone Microspheres. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Pharmaceutics and Industrial Pharmacy, Helwan University, Cairo, Egypt between June 2011 and October 2012. Methodology: Microspheres were prepared by solvent evaporation method using different ethyl cellulose (EC) and Eudragit® S-100 (ES100) ratios with 0.5 and 1% w/v span® 80 as emulsifier. The microspheres were evaluated for surface morphology, particle size, drug encapsulation efficiency % and in vitro drug release at pH 1.2 and 7.4. The anti-inflammatory activity of selected formula was compared to that of conventional PR tablets. Results: A decrease in drug entrapment efficiency % was obtained with increasing both polymers and surfactant concentrations. Based on drug release results, the formula of 1: 1: 0.16 w/w/w, EC: ES100: PR ratio with 1% w/v span® 80 was selected for further histopathological evaluation of the anti-inflammatory activity in colitis induced-rats. Histopathological study showed undefined tissue necrosis after treatment with the selected microspheres; however, diffused necrosis was observed in rats treated with the commercial tablets. In vivo absorption study showed that values of Cmax and AUC0-24 of both formulations were insignificantly different. However, the occurrence of Cmax of microspheres was significantly delayed in comparison to free drug (9.17 to 2.67hr) (P&lt;.001). Conclusion: This study has supplied us with brightening results concerning the therapeutic efficacy of a blend of time and pH- dependent polymers colonic targeted microspheres.

Formulation, in vitro and in vivo Characterisation of Diclofenac Potassium Sustained Release Tablets Based on Solidified Reverse Micellar Solution (SRMS)

Aims: To formulate sustained release diclofenac potassium tablets based on solidified reverse micellar solution (SRMS) and to evaluate the in vitro and in vivo properties of the tablets. Study Design: Formulation, in vitro and in vivo evaluation of sustained release diclofenac potassium. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Industrial Pharmacy, University of Nigeria, Nsukka and Department of Pharmaceutics, University of Nigeria, Nsukka 410001, Nigeria. Methodology: SRMS, consisting of mixtures of phospholipid and triglyceride were prepared in the ratios of 1:1, 2:1 and 1:2 (Phospholipon® 90H: Softisan® 154) respectively. SRMS-based tablets containing 100 mg of diclofenac potassium each were prepared using validated plastic mould. The physicochemical properties of the tablet formulations were studied and compared with the market brands of the drug for sustained release properties. In vitro release was carried out in simulated intestinal fluid (SIF, pH 7.5) using the USP paddle method. Anti-inflammatory, analgesic/anti-nociceptive and ulcerogenic properties of the formulated tablets were studied using adult Wistar rats. Results: The results showed that the physicochemical properties of the tablet formulations were significantly affected by the composition/ratio of the lipid matrix (LM) used (p < 0.05). The hardness of the tablets ranged from 4.55 ± 0.50 to 5.10 ± 0.39 kgf for tablets formulated with LM 1:2 and 1:1 (M3 and M1) respectively. Friability results indicated that all the SRMs tablets exhibited friability values less than 1 %. The erosion time ranged from 35.8 ± 1.10 to 120.3 ± 0.32 min. The release profile of the tablets showed maximum release between 8 – 11 h for all the batches. Diclofenac potassium tablets based on SRMS had good anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties and also inhibited the ulcerogenicity of the NSAID by up to 85 %. Conclusion: Diclofenac potassium tablets based on SRMS could be used for once daily administration.

Formulation, in vitro and in vivo Characterisation of Diclofenac Potassium Sustained Release Tablets Based on Solidified Reverse Micellar Solution (SRMS)

Aims: To formulate sustained release diclofenac potassium tablets based on solidified reverse micellar solution (SRMS) and to evaluate the in vitro and in vivo properties of the tablets. Study Design: Formulation, in vitro and in vivo evaluation of sustained release diclofenac potassium. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Industrial Pharmacy, University of Nigeria, Nsukka and Department of Pharmaceutics, University of Nigeria, Nsukka 410001, Nigeria. Methodology: SRMS, consisting of mixtures of phospholipid and triglyceride were prepared in the ratios of 1:1, 2:1 and 1:2 (Phospholipon® 90H: Softisan® 154) respectively. SRMS-based tablets containing 100 mg of diclofenac potassium each were prepared using validated plastic mould. The physicochemical properties of the tablet formulations were studied and compared with the market brands of the drug for sustained release properties. In vitro release was carried out in simulated intestinal fluid (SIF, pH 7.5) using the USP paddle method. Anti-inflammatory, analgesic/anti-nociceptive and ulcerogenic properties of the formulated tablets were studied using adult Wistar rats. Results: The results showed that the physicochemical properties of the tablet formulations were significantly affected by the composition/ratio of the lipid matrix (LM) used (p &lt; 0.05). The hardness of the tablets ranged from 4.55 ± 0.50 to 5.10 ± 0.39 kgf for tablets formulated with LM 1:2 and 1:1 (M3 and M1) respectively. Friability results indicated that all the SRMs tablets exhibited friability values less than 1 %. The erosion time ranged from 35.8 ± 1.10 to 120.3 ± 0.32 min. The release profile of the tablets showed maximum release between 8 – 11 h for all the batches. Diclofenac potassium tablets based on SRMS had good anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties and also inhibited the ulcerogenicity of the NSAID by up to 85 %. Conclusion: Diclofenac potassium tablets based on SRMS could be used for once daily administration.

Prospective Career Preferences of Imminent Pharmacist

The present was conducted with the aim to identify the career preferences and the attributing factors of the career ambitions of fifth professional pharmacy undergraduate students. A previously developed and validated questionnaire was administered to fifth professional pharmacy undergraduate students of different private and government universities of Karachi. The students were asked to complete six sectioned questionnaire to identify the students’ career preferences and future career ambitions. Descriptive statistics were used to elucidate participant’s characteristics and their response to the questionnaire items. Chi square test was used at 0.05 level of significance to observe influence of gender and institutions on their responses. Out of 550, 458 questionnaires were returned back hence the response rate was 83.27%.Industrial pharmacy (31.44%) and hospital pharmacy (31.22%) were the most desired areas of upcoming pharmacy students to start their career. Getting the opportunity to be the part of healthcare team (83.4%) and utilizing their knowledge (83.84%) were the major reasons for selecting particular area of pharmacy practice. In this study the students showed positive attitude towards the pharmacy profession. Industrial and hospital pharmacy were the most preferred choices of pharmacy students to start their career.

Health assessment of Gwoza residents in Borno State, Nigeria: A Case Study

Ogbonna John D.N.1*, Bello mustapha, Eke Ifeanyi G., Kenechukwu Franklin C, Agubata Chukwuma Drug Delivery Research Unit, Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, 41001, Enugu State, Nigeria. Federal Ministry of Health Abuja, Nigeria. Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, 410001, Enugu State, Nigeria. Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Industrial Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, 41001, Enugu State, Nigeria.

Pharmacological justification for the ethnomedical use of Clausena anisata root-bark extract in the management of epilepsy

Kenechukwu FC, Mbah CJ, Momoh MA, Chime SA, Umeyor CE and Ogbonna JDN Department of Pharmaceutics, Department of Medicinal and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Industrial Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria. Department of Pharmaceutics and Industrial Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria.

Attitude of fourth year Doctor of Pharmacy students towards pharmacy profession and their career preferences

Objectives: To identify fourth year Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D) students' attitude towards pharmacy profession, their career preferences, and factors involved in this selection. Materials and Methods: A pre-designed questionnaire was administered to fourth year Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D) students. Information were collected regarding students' attitude about the scope of pharmacy, career preferences, and factors influencing their selection, impact of pharmacy profession on health care system, and post-graduate studies. Results: Overall response rate was 83.6%. Of total 51 respondents, only 17 (33.3%) students were aware of the scope of pharmacy before admission to pharmacy program. A majority of the students (40, 78.4%) believed that pharmacy education and practice affect the health care system. About half of the students (54.9%) were interested in research, while remaining students were either uninterested (35.3%) or unsure about their decision (9.8%). A substantial number of students (58.8%) were unaware of different post-graduate prospects of pharmacy education. Very limited numbers of students (3, 5.9%) were of the opinion that they will join non-pharmacy career areas upon graduation. Clinical pharmacy was selected as preferred area of work upon graduation by 13 (25.5%) students, industrial pharmacy by 11 (21.6%), hospital pharmacy by 10 (19.6%), and teaching by 8 (15.7%) students. Personal interest was the most important factor (68.6%) involved in the selection of career area, followed by anticipated income (9.8%) and family influence (9.8%). Conclusion: Fourth year students believed that pharmacy education and practice affect the health care system. Their favorite career areas were clinical pharmacy, industrial pharmacy, and hospital pharmacy. Personal interest was the most important factor involved in this selection. Most of them were interested in pharmacy-related research activities.

Design of cationic nanostructured heterolipid matrices for ocular delivery of methazolamide

Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) formulated from one type of lipid (homolipid) suffer from low drug encapsulation and drug bursting due to crystallization of the lipid into the more ordered β modification, which leads to decreased drug entrapment and faster drug release. This study assessed the feasibility of using nanostructured lipid matrices (NLMs) for ocular delivery of methazolamide-(MZA) adopting heterolipids composed of novel mixtures of Compritol ® and cetostearyl alcohol (CSA), and stabilized by Tween 80®. The systems were prepared using the modified high shear homogenization followed by ultrasonication method, which avoids the use of organic solvents. A 32 full factorial design was constructed to study the influence of two independent variables, namely the ratio of CSA:Compritol and the concentration of Tween 80, each in three levels. The dependent variables were the entrapment efficiency percentages (EE%), mean particle size (PS), polydispersity index (PDI), and zeta potential (ZP). In vivo intraocular pressure (IOP) lowering activity for the selected formulae was compared to that of MZA solution. The results showed that increasing the ratio of CSA to Compritol increased the EE% and PS, while increasing the concentration of Tween 80, decreased PS with no significant effect on EE%. The ZP values of all formulae were positive, and greater than 30 mV. The best formula, composed of 4% CSA, 2% Compritol, 0.15% stearylamine, and 2% Tween 80, with EE% of 25.62%, PS of 207.1 nm, PDI of 0.243, and ZP of 41.50 mV, showed in vitro sustained release properties for 8 hours and lowered the intraocular pressure by 8.3 mmHg within 3 hours, with this drop in pressure lasting for 12 hours.

La industria del medicamento en el seno del colectivo químico industrial: la unión nacional de laboratorios químico-farmacéuticos (1919-1936)

The pharmaceutical industry associations, as it happened with other businesses, had a significant rise during the dictatorship of Primo de Rivera and II Republic. The 'Cámara Nacional de Industrias Químicas', in Barcelona, represented the national chemical industry to its ultimate assimilation by the 'Organización Sindical' in 1939. In this association, matters relating to pharmaceutical products -- which we will especially deal with in this work -- were managed by the 'Unión Nacional de Laboratorios Químico-Farmacéuticos', which defended the interests of pharmaceutical companies in the presence of government authorities, using the resources and mechanisms also managed by business pressure groups. The inclusion of industrial pharmacy in the Chemical lobby separated the pharmaceutical industry from traditional exercise and its corporate environment. this created ups and downs, conflicts of interests and finally, love and hate relationships with their colleagues of the pharmacy work placement and, of course, with the association that represented them: the 'Unión Farmacéutica Nacional'.

The 2011 PHARMINE report on pharmacy and pharmacy education in the European Union

The PHARMINE consortium consists of 50 universities from European Union member states or other European countries that are members of the European Association of Faculties of Pharmacy (EAFP). EU partner associations representing community (PGEU), hospital (EAHP) and industrial pharmacy (EIPG), together with the European Pharmacy Students' Association (EPSA) are also part of the consortium. THE CONSORTIUM SURVEYED PHARMACIES AND PHARMACISTS IN DIFFERENT SETTINGS: community, hospital, industry and other sectors. The consortium also looked at how European Union higher education institutions and courses are organised. The PHARMINE survey of pharmacy and pharmacy education in Europe produced country profiles with extensive information for EU member states and several other European countries. These data are available at: http://www.pharmine.org/losse_paginas/Country_Profiles/. This 2011 PHARMINE report presents the project and data, and some preliminary analysis on the basic question of how pharmacy education is adapted to pharmacy practice in the EU.

Research Highlights

Research Highlights

Technology evaluation: Kollicoat IR

Introduction: Developments in industrial pharmacy are often linked to the discovery of pharmaceutical excipients. Although recently introduced as a material for immediate release coatings, Kollicoat IR already has other applications.Areas covered: In this review, the different properties and pharmaceutical applications of Kollicoat IR as an excipient are discussed. In the first part, the chemical structure and the physicochemical characteristics are examined. The second part is a presentation of the available Kollicoat IR products followed by a brief overview of the preclinical studies completed for its use as an instant release coating material.Expert opinion: Although the polymer was intended as an immediate release coating material for tablets, grafting PEG with polyvinyl alcohol to form this polymer provides physicochemical properties that lead to ever-broadening applications. Understanding its properties can lead to the development of a new use for Kollicoat IR. The addition of Kollicoat IR to an ethylcellulose or polyvinyl acetate tablet coat was successful at modifying the drug release rate. Designing a successful controlled release coat simply requires acknowledgment of the drug release mechanism from the mixture of polymers that includes Kollicoat IR. Moreover, the interaction between Kollicoat IR and poorly soluble drugs produces fast-dissolving solid dispersions prepared using hot stage extrusion, spray drying, or freeze drying.

Professor Stephen R. Byrn: Scientist, Educator, and Visionary

It is a great personal pleasure to have the opportunity to provide an introduction to this special issue of the Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, honoring my good friend and research collaborator, Stephen R. Byrn, the Charles B. Jordan Professor of Medicinal Chemistry and Professor of Industrial and Physical Pharmacy at the Purdue University, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences. Coming from a background in surface chemistry in the 1960’s and 1970’s my interests in the solid state were primarily focused on adsorption of surfactants and drugs at solid surfaces, as well as problems related to

J. Cosmet. Sci., 59, 263–289 (July/August 2008) Microbiological assessment of the ultraviolet screening effect of sunscreen preparations

This paper was presented as a poster in the Industrial Pharmacy section at the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) Congress, Cairo, 2005.SynopsisThe purpose of this study was the development of a microbiological method for the assessment of the ultraviolet (UV) screening effect of sunscreen preparations and determination of their sun protection factor. The method is based on the lethal effect of UV radiation on Escherichia coli and the protective ability of sunscreens. The time of UV exposure required for the reduction of the E. coli viable count by 90% (decimal reduction time, DRT) was used as the photoprotection assessment parameter. The method was tested by assessing the effect of selected experimental variables on the DRT. The suitability of the method as a quality control tool for sunscreen preparations was then checked by assessing the influence of selected formulation variables on the photoprotective effect of a series of o/w emulsion formulations with different compositions. The method proved valid for detecting changes in the photoprotective effect of a market sunscreen product as a result of modifying experimental conditions. It also proved valid for ranking market sunscreen products according to their UV screening effect. Equally important, the method could successfully detect changes in the photoprotective effect of sunscreen test formulations as a function of the concentration and type of the sunscreen agents.

MSc-FH in Life Sciences Fachgebiet Industrial Life Sciences startet im September 2009

The field of specialization denominated Industrial Life Sciences is one branch within the MSc in Life Sciences program of the Swiss Universities of Applied Sciences. It encompasses seven specializations, offered on four campuses and covers analytical sciences, chemistry, biotechnology, industrial pharmacy and parts of medicinal technologies/biomedical engineering. The program aims at the development of competencies which enable graduates to take further scientific and technical as well as management responsibilities within the context of an industrial environment. The master thesis is an essential element of the program. It is always integrated into a project of applied research and/or development which is, whenever possible, part of a collaboration with an industrial partner.

WTO TRIPS Agreement- Current state of Pharmaceutical Industry and Policy Options for Bangladesh

The Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) requires adoption of a minimum patent standard for all countries. It is often argued by developing countries that the introduction of a uniform (and minimum) patent standard for all countries irrespective of their level of development would prevent people from access to medicines. Moreover, in developing countries, the drug expenses are being paid out of pockets by the patients unlike developed countries where insurance companies bear the burden. In this regard an empirical study was conducted on pharmaceutical stakeholders consisting of leading pharmaceutical companies, drug administration of Bangladesh (the regulatory authority), leading experts on industrial pharmacy, academics and leaders of Bangladesh Association of Pharmaceutical Industries. The study finds that price of medicines will go up and access to health will be denied once Bangladesh enters the patent regime. The perceived impact on the industry however is mixed. The paper concludes with some policy considerations that the government and the industry should consider to ensuring that the patients have access to medicines at an affordable price.