Polyvinylpyrrolidone K30 Research Articles

Particle Size of Calcium Hydroxide Prepared by Wet Digestion: Influencing Factors and Mechanism

AbstractThe wet dissolution process of lime is an effective approach for synthesizing calcium hydroxide. Process parameters and additives exert influence on the product particle. Among the process parameters, lime particle size, reaction temperature, and time have a significant impact on product particle size, followed by liquid‐solid ratio and stirring speed. The experiment proved that reaction time affects product particle size by affecting the crystal growth, while other process parameters affect the particle size by affecting the ion diffusion behavior. In terms of inorganic additives, Ca(OH)2 has minimal effect on product particle size; however, NaOH and CaCl2 can significantly enhance it with a greater dose leading to a larger increase. The experiment proved that Ca(OH)2, NaOH, and CaCl2 influence particle size through their impact on ion diffusion behavior. Regarding organic additives, soluble starch exhibits the greatest effect on product size followed by triethanolamine and polyvinylpyrrolidone K30. The experiment proved that soluble starch, triethanolamine, and polyvinylpyrrolidone K30 affect product particle size by influencing its crystallization position. Finally, an ultrafine slurry of calcium hydroxide was prepared using the lime wet digestion method based on the aforementioned research, with particle size distribution characterized by D10, D50, and D90 values of 0.303, 1.750, and 4.534 µm respectively.

Myricetin Amorphous Solid Dispersions-Antineurodegenerative Potential.

Our research aimed to develop an amorphous solid dispersion (ASD) of myricetin (MYR) with Polyvinylpyrrolidone K30 (PVP30) to enhance its solubility, dissolution rate, antioxidant, and neuroprotective properties. Employing a combination of solvent evaporation and freeze drying, we successfully formed MYR ASDs. XRPD analysis confirmed complete amorphization in 1:8 and 1:9 MYR-PVP weight ratios. DSC thermograms exhibited a single glass transition (Tg), indicating full miscibility. FT-IR results and molecular modeling confirmed hydrogen bonds stabilizing MYR's amorphous state. HPLC analysis indicated the absence of degradation products, ensuring safe MYR delivery systems. Solubility, dissolution rate (pH 1.2 and 6.8), antioxidant (ABTS, DPPH, CUPRAC, and FRAP assays), and in vitro neuroprotective activities (inhibition of cholinesterases: AChE and BChE) were significantly improved compared to the pure compound. Molecular docking studies revealed that MYR had made several hydrogen, hydrophobic, and π-π stacking interactions, which could explain the compound's potency to inhibit AChE and BChE. MYR-PVP 1:9 w/w ASD has the best solubility, antioxidant, and neuroprotective activity. Stability studies confirmed the physical stability of MYR-PVP 1:9 w/w ASD immediately after dissolution and for two months under ambient conditions. Our study showed that the obtained ASDs are promising systems for the delivery of MYR with the potential for use in alleviating the symptoms of neurodegenerative diseases.

Co-release of paclitaxel and encequidar from amorphous solid dispersions increase oral paclitaxel bioavailability in rats

The oral bioavailability of paclitaxel is limited due to low solubility and high affinity for the P-glycoprotein (P-gp) efflux transporter. Here we hypothesized that maximizing the intestinal paclitaxel levels through apparent solubility enhancement and controlling thesimultaneous release of both paclitaxel and the P-gp inhibitor encequidar from amorphous solid dispersions (ASDs) would increase the oral bioavailability of paclitaxel. ASDs of paclitaxel and encequidar in polyvinylpyrrolidone K30 (PVP-K30), hydroxypropylmethylcellulose 5 (HPMC-5), and hydroxypropylmethylcellulose 4 K (HPMC-4K) were hence prepared by freeze-drying. In vitro dissolution studies showed that both compounds were released fastest from PVP-K30, then from HPMC-5, and slowest from HPMC-4K ASDs. The dissolution of paclitaxel from all polymers resulted in stable concentration levels above the apparent solubility. The pharmacokinetics of paclitaxel after oral administration to male Sprague-Dawley rats was investigated with or without 1 mg/kg encequidar, as amorphous solids or polymer-based ASDs. The bioavailability of paclitaxel increased 3- to 4-fold when administered as polymer-based ASDs relative to solid amorphous paclitaxel. However, when amorphous paclitaxel was co-administered with encequidar, either as an amorphous powder or as a polymer-based ASD, the bioavailability increased 2- to 4-fold, respectively. Interestingly, a noticeable increase in paclitaxel bioavailability of 24-fold was observed when paclitaxel and encequidar were co-administered as HPMC-5-based ASDs. We, therefore, suggest that controlling the dissolution rate of paclitaxel and encequidar in order to obtain simultaneous and timed release from polymer-based ASDs is a strategy to increase oral paclitaxel bioavailability.

Formulation and characterization of glipizide solid dosage form with enhanced solubility.

Glipizide, a poor water-soluble drug belongs to BCS class II. The proposed work aimed to enhance the solubility of glipizide by preparing solid dispersions, using polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) and polyethylene glycol (PEG). Solvent evaporation method was used for the preparation of glipizide solid dispersions. Solid dispersions were prepared in four different drug-to-polymer ratios i.e. 1:1, 1:2, 1:3 and 1:4. Mainly effect of three polymers (PVP K30, PVP K90 and PEG 6000) was evaluated on the solubility and dissolution of glipizide. The in-vitro dissolution of all prepared formulations was performed under pH 6.8 at 37°C using USP type II apparatus. In-vitro dissolution results revealed that the formulations having high concentrations of the polymer showed enhanced solubility. Enhancements in the solubility and rate of dissolution of the drug were noted in solid dispersion formulations compared to the physical blends and pure drug. Solid dispersions containing polyvinyl pyrrolidone exhibited a more favorable pattern of drug release compared to the corresponding solid dispersions with PEG. An increase in the maximum solubility of the drug within the solid dispersion systems was observed in all instances. Two solid dispersion formulations were optimized and formulated into immediate-release tablets, which passed all the pharmacopoeial and non-pharmacopoeial tests. Fourier transformed Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) were used to indicate drug: polymer interactions in solid state. Analysis of the solid dispersion samples through characterization tests indicated the compatibility between the drug and the polymer.

Solid Dispersions of Genistein via Solvent Rotary Evaporation for Improving Solubility, Bioavailability, and Amelioration Effect in HFD-Induced Obesity Mice.

Genistein (GEN) is an active pharmaceutical ingredient that presents the challenges of poor water solubility and low oral bioavailability. To tackle these challenges, a GEN solid dispersion was prepared by solvent rotary evaporation using polyvinylpyrrolidone K30 (PVP K30) as a carrier. The optimal formulation was determined by drug loading efficiency and in vitro release. The physical state of the solid dispersion was characterized by DSC, XRD, SEM and FT-IR. And the results of the in vitro release study indicate that the drug release of SD (1:7) increased 482-fold that of pure GEN at 60 min. Following oral administration to rats, the Cmax and AUC0-24 of SD (1:7) was increased 6.86- and 2.06-fold to that of pure GEN. The adipose fat index and body weight of the SD (1:7) group were significantly lower than those of the GEN group (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, the levels of TC and TG in the serum were significantly decreased in the SD (1:7) group compared with the GEN group (p < 0.05). All experiments revealed that solid dispersion could be a promising formulation approach to improve the dissolution rate, oral bioavailability, and effect on the reduction of lipid accumulation in high-fat diet-induced obesity mice.

Film-forming polymer solutions containing cholesterol myristate and berberine mediate pressure ulcer repair via the Wnt/β-catenin pathway.

Pressure ulcer (PU) is a worldwide problem that is difficult to address because of the related inflammatory response, local hypoxia, and repeated ischaemia/reperfusion, causing great suffering and financial burden to patients. Traditional Chinese medicine turtle plate powder can treat skin trauma, but its composition is complex and inconvenient to use. Here, we combined cholesterol myristate (S8) with berberine (BBR), with anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects, as a drug and used hydroxypropyl methylcellulose and polyvinylpyrrolidone K30 as carriers to construct a novel film-forming polymeric solution (S8 + BBR FFPS), comprehensively study its reparative effect on PU and explore the potential mechanism in rat PU models. The results showed that S8 + BBR FFPS inhibits excessive inflammatory response, promotes re-epithelialization, and promotes hair follicle growth during the healing process of PU, which may be related to the activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathway by S8 + BBR FFPS to mediate hair follicle stem cell proliferation and maintain skin homeostasis. Therefore, S8 + BBR FFPS may be a potential candidate for the treatment of chronic skin injury, and its association with the Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathway may provide new ideas to guide the design of biomaterial-based wound dressings for chronic wound repair.

Establishment and Validation of a Transdermal Drug Delivery System for the Anti-Depressant Drug Citalopram Hydrobromide.

To enhance the bioavailability and antihypertensive effect of the anti-depressant drug citalopram hydrobromide (CTH) we developed a sustained-release transdermal delivery system containing CTH. A transdermal diffusion meter was first used to determine the optimal formulation of the CTH transdermal drug delivery system (TDDS). Then, based on the determined formulation, a sustained-release patch was prepared; its physical characteristics, including quality, stickiness, and appearance, were evaluated, and its pharmacokinetics and irritation to the skin were evaluated by applying it to rabbits and rats. The optimal formulation of the CTH TDDS was 49.2% hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose K100M, 32.8% polyvinylpyrrolidone K30, 16% oleic acid-azone, and 2% polyacrylic acid resin II. The system continuously released an effective dose of CTH for 24 h and significantly enhanced its bioavailability, with a higher area under the curve, good stability, and no skin irritation. The developed CTH TDDS possessed a sustained-release effect and good characteristics and pharmacokinetics; therefore, it has the potential for clinical application as an antidepressant.

The Fabrication, Drug Loading, and Release Behavior of Porous Mannitol.

Porous materials are widely used as an effective strategy for the solubilization of insoluble drugs. In order to improve the solubility and bioavailability of low water-solubility drugs, it is necessary to prepare porous materials. Mannitol is one of the most popular excipients in food and drug formulations. In this study, porous mannitol was investigated as a drug carrier for low water solubility drugs. Its fabrication, drug loading, and drug release mechanisms were investigated. Porous mannitol was fabricated using the co-spray-antisolvent process and utilizing polyvinylpyrrolidone K30 (PVP K30) as the template agent. Porous mannitol particles were prepared by changing the proportion of the template agent, spraying the particles with mannitol, and eluting with ethanol in order to regulate their pore structure. In subsequent studies, porous mannitol morphology and characteristics were determined systematically. Furthermore, curcumin and ibuprofen, two poorly water-soluble drugs, were loaded into porous mannitol, and their release profiles were analyzed. The results of the study indicated that porous mannitol can be prepared using PVP K30 as a template and that the amount of template agent can be adjusted in order to control the structure of the porous mannitol. When the template agent was added in amounts of 1%, 3%, and 5%, the mannitol pore size increased by 167.80%, 95.16%, and 163.98%, respectively, compared to raw mannitol. Molecular docking revealed that mannitol and drugs are adsorbents and adhere to each other by force interaction. The cumulative dissolution of curcumin and ibuprofen-loaded porous mannitol reached 69% and 70%, respectively. The release mechanism of curcumin and ibuprofen from drug-loaded mannitol was suitable for the Korsmeyer-Peppas kinetic model. In summary, the co-spray-antisolvent method proved effective in fabricating porous materials rapidly, and porous mannitol had a remarkable effect on drug solubilization. The results obtained are conducive to the development of porous materials.

Solid Dispersions: An Effective Technology for Improving Dissolution Kinetics of Poorly Soluble Drugs

Solid dispersions are one of the essential technologies for improving solubility and dissolution kinetics of drugs. They can be prepared in several ways and using different carriers. This technique is very suitable for class II BCS drugs, one of which is mefenamic acid. This paper is devoted to improving the solubility and dissolution rate of mefenamic acid by preparing solid dispersions using polyethylene glycol 4000, polyvinylpyrrolidone K30, and polysorbate 80 as carriers. Solid dispersions were prepared by kneading method, and dissolution was studied for two hours in phosphate buffer (pH=8). Experimental data of drug release from prepared solid dispersions were analysed according to different mathematical models. The results showed that the dissolution rate varied depending on the type and fraction of the carrier. However, mefenamic acid was released from all prepared formulations in accordance with the Higuchi model, and the release mechanism was better described by Fickian diffusion.

Solubility Enhancement of Poorly Water-Soluble Drug Ritonavir using Polyvinylpyrrolidone and Chitosan-based Platform Technique

The antiviral medication ritonavir (RTV) belongs to the biopharmaceutics classification system (BCS) class II drug category and is known for its high permeability and poor solubility. Therefore, the prime objective of this research was to increase the rate of dissolution and improve the solubility of RTV using a polymer system. Solid dispersions consisting of binary polymer components i.e., chitosan (CH) and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) were prepared using microwave microwave-assisted physical mixing technique and optimization of solid dispersion was performed with 32 factorial designs. Dispersions were analyzed for their physicochemical characteristics by the use of X-ray diffraction (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The polymeric dispersions prepared were evaluated for the release of RTV throughout 1 h in 0.1N sodium chloride in a USP class II dissolving device. The phase solubility study demonstrated a considerable improvement in the saturation solubility of RTV when CH and PVP K30 were present either individually or in combination. Virtual interaction studies between the drug and polymers revealed physical interactions driven by van der Waals and hydrophobic forces between RTV and excipients. Carbonyl, amine, and hydroxyl groups, among others, were probably present in both RTV and CH, which allowed for these interactions to take place. There was no discernible interaction between the RTV and the polymers included in the FTIR research. The dispersion strategies have improved the dissolving rate, according to the in-vitro drug release investigation. A formulation including a polymeric dispersion of the optimal concentration of PVP and chitosan may efficiently boost the release of RTV, according to the in-vitro release profile.

Preparation and evaluation of fast-dissolving albendazole sulfoxide and praziquantel-loaded polyvinylpyrrolidone nanofiber films by electrospinning

Albendazole sulfoxide (ALBSOX) and Praziquantel (PRZ) are broad-spectrum anthelmintic medications used in the treatment of both humans and animals that are challenging to manufacture for geriatric and pediatric populations and have poor oral bioavailability due to their low water solubility and high lipophilicity. To increase the solubility and bioavailability of the drugs, ALBSOX and PRZ-loaded nanofiber films were prepared using polyvinylpyrrolidone K90 (PVP), a non-toxic, inert polymer with high hydrophilic characteristics. SEM analysis of the produced ALBSOX and PRZ-loaded PVP nanofiber films revealed them to be uniform and smooth, with good uniformity and mechanical properties. The PVP nanofiber films of ALBSOX and PRZ disintegrated in phosphate buffer (pH 6.8) in less than 1 s and increased the solubility of ALBSOX and PRZ about five times compared to pure active ingredients. Furthermore, the prepared ALBSOX and PRZ-loaded PVP nanofiber films were found to have no cytotoxic effect in cell viability studies using L929 cells, and increased the protoscolicidal effect of the ALBSOX and PRZ combination approximately 2-fold in studies of Echinococcus granulosus protoscoleces. The findings of the present study reveal that the developed PVP nanofiber films have the potential to improve the dissolution profile and pharmacological efficacy of the ALBSOX and PRZ.

Photocatalytic activity evaluation of polyvinylpyrrolidone K30 assisted synthesis of 1D oxygen-vacancy-rich Bi5O7BrxI1-x nanorod solid solution

The unique layered structure of bismuth halide oxide has led to an extensive application in the degradation of refractory antibiotics from water environments. With the aid of regulating the energy band structure of photocatalytic materials and equilibrating the response towards visible light and redox ability, a novel oxygen-vacancy-rich Bi5O7BrxI1−x nanorod solid solution was synthesized by polyvinylpyrrolidone K30 assisted solvothermal method, and its photocatalytic behavior was investigated for the degradation of antibiotic levofloxacin under visible light. The degradation rate of the optimal Bi5O7Br0.5I0.5 to levofloxacin can reach 82.7% within 30 min, which is 9.22 and 4.74 times higher than those of the monomers Bi5O7Br and Bi5O7I. The catalyst of Bi5O7Br0.5I0.5 shows 99.88% antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli. The efficient photocatalytic ability of the Bi5O7Br0.5I0.5 is resulted from the alteration of energy band structure and suppression of charge recombination due to benign changes in the electronic and crystal structures. Furthermore, both various characterizations and Density Functional Theory calculations reveal that a multitude of oxygen vacancies exist in the Bi5O7Br0.5I0.5. The photocatalytic degradation pathways were explored and the toxicity of the intermediates was also appraised. The present work provides a mild and feasible construction of solid solutions and introduction of oxygen vacancies to eliminate environmentally refractory organic pollutants with photocatalytic technology.

Preparation of Tetrandrine Nanocrystals by Microfluidic Method and Its In Vitro and In Vivo Evaluation.

The anti-hepatocellular carcinoma effects of TET are acknowledged, but its application is hindered by its poor water solubility and low bioavailability. Conventional methods for nanocrystal preparation are laborious and lack control. To address these limitations, we propose employing the microfluidic method in the preparation of TET nanocrystals, aiming to enhance the aforementioned constraints. The objectives of this study were to prepare TET nanocrystals (TET-NC@GL) using a Y-microfluidic method with glycyrrhetinic acid (GL) as a stabilizer. The optimal preparation prescription was determined through a single-factor test and Box-Behnken response surface method. Additionally, the nanocrystals prepared with the commonly used stabilizer polyvinylpyrrolidone K30 (PVPK30), known as TET-NC@PVPK30, were characterized and evaluated for their toxicity to HepG2 cells. Hybridized nanocrystals (TET-HNC@GL and TET-HNC@PVPK30) were synthesized using a water-soluble aggregation-induced emission (AIE) fluorescent probe (TVP). Qualitative and quantitative cellular uptake experiments were conducted using these hybridized nanocrystals. Conducting in vivo pharmacokinetic assays evaluates the relative bioavailability of nanocrystals. The results indicated that TET-NC@GL, optimized using the response surface method, had a particle size of 136.47 ± 3.31nm and a PDI of 0.219 ± 0.002. The administration of TET-NC@GL significantly enhanced the cell inhibition rate compared to the TET group and the TET-NC@PVPK30 group (P < 0.01). Moreover, the qualitative and quantitative cellular uptake results revealed a significant enhancement in cellular uptake in the TET-HNC@GL administration group compared to the TET-HNC@PVPK30 group (P < 0.01). In vivo pharmacokinetic results showed that the bioavailability of TET-NC@GL group was 3.5 times higher than that of the TET group. The results demonstrate the successful preparation of TET-NC@GL nanocrystals.

Effect of Hydrophilic Polymers on Solubility Properties of Ketoprofen - 2,5-Dihydroxybenzoic Acid Multicomponent Solids

Ketoprofen is a medicinal compound derivative of phenyl alkanoic acid that works as an anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, and analgesic. In the Biopharmaceutical Classification Systems, ketoprofen is a class II drug with high permeability but low solubility. Due to its low solubility, the absorption and bioavailability of ketoprofen are very limited, which can affect its therapeutic effectiveness. This study aimed to increase ketoprofen's solubility by forming multicomponent solids using 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid coformer with adding hydrophilic polymers ((hydroxypropyl)methylcellulose, polyvinylpyrrolidone K90, and polyethylene glycol 4000). The results showed that ketoprofen with 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid coformer prepared using the solvent evaporation method formed a eutectic mixture. Adding hydrophilic polymers to the ketoprofen - 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid multicomponent solid increased the crystallinity and decreased the melting point of the multicomponent solids. The multicomponent solids of ketoprofen - 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid with the addition of hydrophilic polymers had solubility and dissolution efficiency significantly higher (p&lt;0.05) than the ketoprofen - 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid multicomponent solids without hydrophilic polymers.

Mapping multiple phases in curcumin binary solid dispersions by fluorescence contrasting

The microphases and miscibility in binary curcumin (Cur) solid dispersions (SDs) with amorphous polyvinylpyrrolidone K30 (PVP K30) and semi-crystalline poloxamer (P407) and poly(ethylene glycol) 6000 (PEG6000) as carriers were investigated by fluorescence contrasting utilizing confocal laser scanning microscopy. A super sensitive fluorophore P4 with typical aggregation-caused quenching properties was employed to stain the continuous polymer phases and contrasted with the autofluorescence of the model drug Cur. In addition, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) were utilized to assist in explanation of the fluorescence results. In all three SD systems, there is always a homogenous polymer phase stained by P4 and it is difficult to adulterate Cur crystals by P4. Cur-enriched rather than polymer-enriched domains could be detected. In the Cur-PVP K30 system, Cur exists in an amorphous form at a Cur loading level of 50% and below, while Cur crystallines phase out and continuously grow with the increase of Cur loading from 60% to 90%. The phase behaviors in the Cur-P407 and Cur-PEG 6000 systems are similar but with minor differences. In both systems, Cur phases out as clusters of drug-enriched domains at a loading level of 20% and below, which however cannot be correlated with crystallization, as evidenced by both DSC and PXRD. There is a transition from an amorphous to a crystalline state from 20% to 30% Cur loading, above which Cur crystallines can be detected. It is interesting that a co-mix phase of both Cur- and PEG 6000-enriched domains can be identified at Cur loading levels of 10% and less. Taking together, it is concluded that contrasting Cur autofluorescence with the signals of P4 proves to be a functional strategy to reveal multiple phases in the binary SD systems investigated.

Abstract 10 — Enhancing Dissolution Efficiency of Ketoprofen, A Rheumatoid Arthritis Pain Management Drug, through Solid Dispersion Formulation

Background Ketoprofen (KPN) is commonly prescribed drug to alleviate pain related with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, KETO belongs to the BCS class-II category, characterized by poor water solubility, resulting in less dissolution capability leading to limited systemic absorption. Purpose of this study was to increase aqueous solubility as well as rate of dissolution of KPN using solid-dispersion technique. Methods Two different hydrophilic carriers, D-mannitol and polyvinylpyrrolidone K30 (PVP K30) and, were utilized, in varying ratios with the drug, to formulate solid dispersions. Kneading and solvent evaporation techniques were employed for preparing KPN solid dispersions with PVP K30, while kneading and melting methods were utilized for solid dispersions containing D-mannitol. The liquid state of the formulations was characterized through phase-solubility studies, while Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis were performed to examine the solid state. Results Both carriers demonstrated a favorable impact on the aqueous solubility of KPN. Solid state examination of D-mannitol solid dispersions revealed that KPN existed as fine particles, while it was entrapped within the polymer matrix in solid dispersions with PVP K30. Compared to poor rate of dissolution of pure drug KPN, the drug dispersions in both carriers showed a significantly improved dissolution rate. Improvement of dissolution rate can be ascribed to enhanced wetting behavior and dispersion of fine particles along with reduced crystalline fraction and an increase in the amorphous nature of KPN. Conclusion PVP K30 solid dispersions of KPN exhibited a noteworthy enhancement in the dissolution efficacy of KPN. Moreover, physical mixtures of KPN exhibited better dissolution profiles with D-mannitol and PVP K30 in comparison to pure KPN.

Cedrol-loaded dissolvable microneedles based on flexible backing for promoting hair growth

ABSTRACT Objectives The dissolvable microneedles loaded with cedrol based on flexible backing were developed to deliver cedrol directly and continuously to the dermis, where the drug concentration in the hair follicle can be increased locally. Methods The tip-layer matrix solution was prepared by mixing cedrol and polyvinylpyrrolidone K25 (PVP K25), and the pedestal matrix solution was prepared with aqueous hyaluronic acid. The cedrol-loaded dissolvable microneedles (cedrol-DMNs) were prepared under vacuum conditions. The mechanical properties, pig skin penetration efficiency, in vitro cutaneous permeation test, and the amount of drug in the skin and receptor chamber were evaluated. Pharmacodynamical studies were performed with C57BL/6 mice. Results The mechanical properties of cedrol-DMNs were good. In vitro cutaneous permeation tests and pharmacodynamical studies demonstrated that cedrol-DMN could efficiently deliver the drug to the deep dermis and effectively promote hair growth. Conclusions The cedrol-DMNs offer a promising strategy for treating patients suffering from hair loss.

The Exploration of Ink Formulations in Binder Jet 3D Printing Drugs.

The application of binder jet 3D printing technology in the pharmaceutical field is developing rapidly. The properties of the ink are very important, affecting the stability of the ejection and the precision of the finished product, but there is a great lack of research on pharmaceutical inks. This study used solvents and excipients commonly used in pharmaceuticals to quantify the printability of inks using printability Z value theory, while using an ink-jet printing and observation platform to analyze the droplet ejection state of different composition inks from microscopic level. Studies have shown that compared to ethanol, the ejection effect of droplets was better when isopropanol was added to the ink, and the proportion added should not be greater than 40%; as the molecular weight of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) increased, the concentration of PVP tolerated by the ink decreased; glycerin has a high ejection efficiency when the proportion is within 10%. In summary, a superior ink formulation of 40% aqueous isopropanol plus 0.1% PVP K30 and 4% glycerin was obtained. With this ink, levetiracetam dispersible tablets were prepared with a smooth printing process and the tablets had good appearance, good mechanical properties, and rapid release. This study provides a mutual validation of the Z value theory and the results of droplet ejection and tablet printing, while providing good ideas.

Preparation and characterization of drug-loaded, electrospun nanofiber mats formulated with zein or zein-based mixtures for wound healing applications.

Electrospun zein mats are known to have poor mechanical and water uptake properties limiting their usefulness as wound dressings.&#x0D; In this study, the effects of the solvent system used, the incorporation of the polymeric additives; polyethylene glycol 20000 (PEG20K) and polyvinylpyrrolidone K30 (PVPK30); and the crosslinking agent Tannic Acid (TA) on the mechanical and water uptake characteristics of zein – based nanofiber mats were investigated.&#x0D; The incorporation of either PEG20K or PVPK30 resulted in an improvement in water vapor sorption and a reduction in water contact-angle of the nanofiber mats. In addition, the incorporation of PEG20K and PVPK30 reduced the ultimate tensile strength, and Young’s modulus while increasing the percent elongation of the nanofiber mats. The use of tannic acid as a crosslinking agent led to an increase in the water vapor sorption, ultimate tensile strength, and Young’s modulus of the nanofiber mats.&#x0D; Mats with smaller average fiber diameter, greater ultimate tensile strength, higher Young's modulus, and greater water vapor sorption were obtained when using 80% (v/v) aqueous ethanol as a solvent system during the preparation of the nanofiber mats when compared to those produced using 60% (v/v) aqueous ethanol. In addition, using solutions with lower zein concentration resulted in mats with lower average fiber diameter, lower ultimate tensile strength and Young’s modulus, and higher percent elongation.&#x0D; Selected formulations were loaded with tetracycline hydrochloride and drug release was evaluated in bulk liquid and using Franz diffusion cells. The use of Franz diffusion cells allowed the discrimination between formulation performance as a function of composition and water uptake properties. Drug release from nanofiber mats was also confirmed by observing the formation of an inhibition zone in cultures of E. coli and S. aureus using the agar diffusion assay.&#x0D; Improved performance of zein nanofiber mats was achieved using polymeric modifiers and crosslinking with tannic acid improving their suitability for wound dressing applications.

Vacuum foam drying of docetaxel mixed micelles for improved stability and ovarian cancer treatment

The current study aimed to evaluate the usefulness of sugars in improving processing and storage stability of docetaxel mixed micelles (DTX-MMs) in dried foam. DTX-MMs were prepared by solvent evaporation using TPGS and Pluronic® F108. The compositions outlined followed 32 full factorial design. Dried foam products optimized for sugars and polyvinyl pyrrolidone K30 were processed by vacuum foam drying (VFD). Dried products were tested for foamability, process performance, and storage stability. Sugars successfully immobilized DTX-MMs in a composite glass. The optimized DTX-MMs VFD products exhibited good product features retaining low levels of residual moisture, faster reconstitution, compliant drug content, and % entrapment efficiency. Moreover, VFD product sustained drug release essential to reduce hemolysis and in vitro cytotoxicity against SKVO-3 ovarian cancer cells. Studies revealed intermolecular hydrogen bonding responsible for the successful integration of the drug into a composite glass. P-XRD analysis demonstrated effective drug entrapment within the nano micelles in amorphous form. Spherical-shaped self-assembled MMs with highly porous structures were evidenced by SEM analysis. Experimental findings demonstrated efficient foam formation with good processability and better DTX-MMs storage stability verifying the water replacement hypothesis that demonstrated proof-of-concept for efficient use of sugars in DTX-MMs in dried foams eliminating cold chain challenges.