Self-nanoemulsifying Formulation Research Articles

Natural microbial surfactant containing self-nanoemulsifying formulation with improved performance of paclitaxel therapy: A newer avenue in breast cancer treatment

Due to the presence of a high concentration of surfactants (e.g., Cremophor EL, Tween 80), paclitaxel (PTX) drug delivery systems administered orally and intravenously demonstrate severe toxicity. In the current research work, a unique self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system (SNEDDS) comprising surfactin, a microbial biosurfactant was used for reducing the formulation toxicity and improving the biopharmaceutical performance. The preformulation study including solubility analysis indicated suitability of corn oil as the natural lipophile. Nanoemulsion boundaries were delineated by aqueous titration of the lipid phase (ethyl oleate: plurol oleique), surfactants (Tween 80 and Surfactin) and cosolvent (Transcutol HP) to identify the optimum compositions on the basis of formulation quality attributes with globule size <250 nm, emulsification time <3 min and in vitro drug release >85% in 60 min. Biocompatibility evaluation of PTX-Surfactin SNEDDS on rat hepatocytes by H2DCF assay to determine the ROS level indicated an insignificant increase in fluorescence intensity, while PTX Tween 80-SNEDDS showed nearly 20% increase in ROS levels compared to the control cells. Furthermore, histopathology examination showed the absence of any signs of inflammation from intestinal segments treated with PTX Surfactin-SNEDDS, while PTX Tween 80-SNEDDS revealed infiltration of cells and the presence of inflammation on the intestinal villous microstructures. The anticancer activity evaluation by in vitro cytotoxicity on MCF-7 cells showed PTX Surfactin-SNEDDS and PTX Tween 80-SNEDDS with IC50 of 2.65 μM and 11.52 μM, respectively, while PTX suspension showed IC50 of 18.5 μM. Moreover, blank Surfactin-SNEDDS showed IC50 of 15.23 μM, while no cytotoxicity was observed for blank Tween 80-SNEDDS. Overall, the study interpreted high suitability of biosurfactant for developing the self-nanoemulsifying formulation of PTX with enhanced bioavailability, biocompatibility and synergistic improvement in the anticancer activity over the formulations containing synthetic surfactant.

Cytotoxicity and bioavailability assessment from thiamin-phospholipid complexation loaded Ajwain oil based self nanoemulsifying system

Poor bioavailability (<5%) of thiamin hydrochloride (TH) primarily relates to its impaired permeability across gut mucosa. To modulate its permeability, a dual system based approach consisting of phospholipid complexation embedded into a self nanoemulsifying system was investigated. Thiamin-Phospholipid Complex (TPC) was developed and its Ajwain oil (AJO)-based self nanoemulsifying formulations (SNFs) were evaluated. Formation of TPC complexation was resulted from molecular interactions held between free bases of thiamin and phospholipid (PL). FTIR characterization reveals that the amino group (-NH2) in the free base of thiamin was physically interacted to phosphate linkage in PL. Single endothermic event in TPC & TH, reveals complexation between PL & free bases as interpreted from DSC data. Their corresponding melting point was 127 °C and 258 °C, respectively. Heat of fusion (ΔHf) in TPC was higher than TH or PL. TPC exhibits a poor conductive environment over TH when diluted with ethanol/Tween20 (T2) medium. Lipophilic character of TPC was confirmed from partition coefficient (log P). Exact combination where ternary components produced fully dilutable nanoemulsion system, was identified using ternary diagram drawn between AJO (incorporated with TPC) as oil phase, and Tween20/Polyethylene glycol 600 (PEG600) as Surfactant/co-surfactant (Smix) at ratios 1:1; 1:2 & 2:1. Seven TPC-loaded self nanoemulsifying formulations (SNFs) were designed which, upon subjected to aqueous phase dilution yielded nanoemulsion with droplet size range 95–190 nm with zeta potential −1.78 ± 0.10 mV. Conductivity and Refractive index (RI) data of SNFs were in the range of 98 ± 7.0 to 231 ± 27 μS/cm and 1.458 to 1.463 units, respectively. In vitro TH release from SNF was determined in hydrochloric (HCl) buffer at pH 1.2, and in phosphate buffer solution (PB) at pH 6.8, data interpretation reveals that TPC delayed the release pattern compared to TH and could be attributed to lipophilic behavior of TPC. Intestinal permeability of drug was assessed from optimized SNF (F1) vs. TH across intestinal gut sac model (Apical to basolateral A→B) resulted in a significant difference in permeability coefficient (1.09 × 10−5cm/h). Antioxidant potential of SNF was demonstrated in the DPPH method. MTT assay of TPC formulation conducted on MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 (Breast cancer) cell lines showed the developed system from AJO possessed cytotoxicity effect. Pharmacokinetic assessment showed that optimized SNFs produced more than four-fold enhancement in bioavailability over control (TH solution) in the Wistar rat model. Meanwhile Area under curve (AUC) data obtained from TPC (in coarse emulsion) vs.TH produced a significant difference (p < 0.001). It can be concluded that developed SNFs via phospholipid complexation produced lipophilic transformation of TH and its SNFs modulated permeability as well as bioavailability enhancement of thiamin.

Nanoformulation of a novel potent ebselen analog for treatment of vulvovaginal candidiasis.

Background: Vulvovaginal candidiasis is primarily caused by Candida albicans (C. albicans). Here, a novel organoselenium compound (G20) was synthesized and evaluated for anti-Candida activity. Methods: Growth-inhibition studies and medium acidification assays to assess theinhibition of the yeast plasma membrane H+-ATPase (Pma1p) were carried out in vitro using G20. A self-nanoemulsifying formulation (SNEP) of G20 was prepared and evaluated for antimycotic activity in a mouse model. Results: G20 inhibited the growth of C. albicans through a mechanism that, at least in part, involves the inhibition of Pma1p. The G20-SNEP formulation significantly reduced vaginal colonization and vaginal inflammation relative to yeast-infected but untreated control mice. Conclusion: G20-SNEP exhibits potent antimycotic activity in a mouse model of vulvovaginal candidiasis.

Physical characterization of clove oil based self Nano-emulsifying formulations of cefpodoxime proxetil: Assessment of dissolution rate, antioxidant & antibacterial activity

Cefpodoxime proxetil (CPD) is a broad-spectrum cephalosporin widely indicated in respiratory tract infections like pneumonia. CPD is a BCS class IV drug with the constraint of low bioavailability attributable to its poor aqueous solubility (10µg/ml) and impaired permeability. Clove oil (CO) acts as a lipophilic additive for lipid-based delivery systems designed to facilitate dissolution characteristics of poorly soluble drugs, modulating drug permeability as well as stability against oxidation. The present work aims to improve CPD solubilization by developing CO-based fully dilutable self nano emulsifying formulation (SNF), and assessment of its antibacterial and antioxidant potential. The existence of nanoemulsion domains was tracked from ternary phase diagrams plotted between CO, Tween 20/PEG400 to act as oil phase, surfactant/co-surfactant (Smix) respectively at weight ratios 1:1, 1:2, and 2:1 whereas aqueous phase acted its tertiary component. Two subsets of SNF formulations coded as (DAO1-DAO5) and (DAM1-DAM3) were prepared and assessed for antioxidant and antibacterial activities respectively, along with their naive CO-counterparts (AO1-AO5) and (AM1- AM5) respectively. Physical characterization revealed SNFs were droplet size range 35-170nm, conductivities in the range 200-500uS/cm, and RI values in 1.361-1.429. The dilution-induced microstructure transition effect was observed in SNF with the addition of an aqueous phase as its oil-continuous domain transformed into water-continuous via bi-continuous structure formation as interpreted from conductivity and refractive index data. In-vitro dissolution characterization of SNF formulation exhibits a quick CPD release pattern in comparison to control in phosphate buffer at pH 6.8 and HCl buffer at pH3.0. SNF produced significant differences in the CPD release characteristics measured at different pH conditions in comparison to controls. These observations are plausible in terms of drug solubilization effect since SNFs possess a high proportion of surfactant and produce interfacial action on CO and CPD. Antioxidant activities in DAO and AO at CO 20, 40 & 100µg/ml levels were significantly different from controls as measured using the DPPH method. Comparison of antibacterial activity of DAMs against E. coli, B. subtilis, Enterobacter species, and S. aureus (scheme-II) vs CPD suspension or its coarse emulsion or even naive CO counterpart were statistically different and minimum inhibitory concentration of CPD was reduced in SNF formulations. These differences were well corroborated in the data exhibited in zones of inhibition studies. CO-based SNFs produced significantly improved dissolution characteristics of poorly soluble drugs like CPD and potentiated the antibacterial and antioxidant activities. Developed SNFs could be employed as Self nano emulsifying drug delivery systems (SNEDDS) for BCS class IV drugs.

Development, Validation and Application of a Novel UHPLC-UV Method for the Simultaneous Determination of Valsartan and Nifedipine in the New Formulation of Self-Nanoemulsifying Drug Delivery Systems

Our objective is to develop a robust method to quantify valsartan (VAL) and nifedipine (NIF) in developed a self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery formulation. An in-house ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC UV) method has been developed and validated for the simultaneous determination of VAL and NIF. The UV detection was performed isocratically, with a mobile phase comprised of acetonitrile, methanol and ammonium formate in the ratios of (15:45:40% v/v) and a flow rate of 0.35 mL/min at 236 nm. The correlation coefficients (R2) of this linear regression were 0.9984 for NIF and 0.9997 for VAL, respectively. The limit of detection (LOD) for NIF as 3.78 ppm, whereas the limit of detection (LOD) for VAL was 1.56 ppm. The limit of quantification (LOQ) of NIF and VAL were 11.47 ppm and 4.73 ppm, respectively. This method was effectively utilized to determine the amount of drug entrapped and drug loading efficiency percentage of the NIF and VAL self-nanoemulsifying formulations.

Self-nanoemulsifying formulation for oral delivery of sildenafil: effect on physicochemical attributes and in vivo pharmacokinetics.

Sildenafil (SLD) is employed for the management of erectile dysfunction and pulmonary arterial hypertension. It exhibits meagre water solubility and is available in the form of citrate salt hydrate to improve the solubility. However, it still exhibits moderate solubility, high first-pass metabolism, resulting in very less oral bioavailability. The present study demonstrates the preparation of self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system for augmenting the oral bioavailability of SLD. Oleic acid and Capmul MCM C8 blend (oil phase), Cremophor® RH40 (surfactant), and Labrafil® M1944 CS (cosurfactant) were selected as main constituents for making liquid preconcentrate based on the solubility and emulsification study. The preconcentrate upon dilution and emulsification showed droplet size 52.03 ± 13.03nm, PDI 0.143 ± 0.028, and % transmittance was 99.77 ± 1.86% with SLD load of 40mg/g of formulation. The prepared formulation was further assessed for stability, in vitro release, Caco-2 cell uptake, and in vivo pharmacokinetic performance. SLD-SNEDDS formulation was found to be robust in terms of stability against several folds dilution in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT), freeze-thaw cycles, and had a storage stability of 3months at 4°C and 25°C. SLD-SNEDDS showed ~4.7-fold and ~5-fold increase in time- and concentration-dependent cellular uptake as against SLD cultured with Caco-2 cells. In vivo pharmacokinetic study revealed ~5.8- and ~2.5-fold increase in AUC0-∞ values in case of SLD-SNEDDS as against SLD suspension and SLD citrate solution, respectively.

A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW ON SUPERSATURABLE SELF-NANO EMULSIFYING DRUG DELIVERY SYSTEM: A POTENTIAL STRATEGY FOR DRUGS WITH POOR ORAL BIOAVAILABILITY

The most fundamental important extensive constitutive of drug molecules to be available for systemic absorption is aqueous solubility; subsequently, that is the nature of GIT fluid. When the drug molecules become solubilized, it has to reach the systemic circulation via the biological membrane. The solubility problem of many effective pharmaceutical molecules is still one of the major challenges in the formulation of this molecule. Drug molecules that belong to class II have a problem in bioavailability mainly due to low aqueous solubility and the rate-limiting step is the dissolution process and so electing of suitable drug delivery and proper additives are decisive to overcome this major obstruction and promote the fraction that will reach the systemic circulation. Among the different lipid-based systems, the su-SNEDDSs have gained attention because the inclusion of precipitation inhibitors within su-SNEDDSs helps maintain drug supersaturation after dispersion and digestion in the gastrointestinal tract. This enhances the bioavailability of drugs and minimizes the variability of exposure. Nowadays, supersaturable self-nano emulsifying and nano lipid-based drug delivery systems have constrained a substantial concern from pharmaceutical scientists for managing the oral delivery of poorly water-soluble compounds. By following oral administration, self-nano emulsifying drug delivery systems show complex aqueous dispersion and digestion in the GIT and enduring intestinal lymphatic transport, exorbitant pre-absorptive metabolism by gut membrane-bound cytochrome enzymes and preventing P-gp mediated drug efflux. Mostly these processes result in drug supersaturation, which leads to increased absorption or the high drug concentrations may cause precipitation with capricious and variable oral bioavailability. This procession review briefly summarized drug supersaturation obtained from self-nano emulsifying and other lipid-based formulations and this review also delineate the effects of numerous physiological factors and the probable interactions between PIs and lipid, lipase or lipid digested products on the in vivo performance of su-SNEDDS and focuses on reviewing the application of su-SNEDDS in enhancing the solubility and bioavailability of anti-cancer drugs in cancer therapy.

Formulation and Evaluation of Solid Self-Nanoemulsifying Drug Delivery System for Enhancing the Solubility and Dissolution Rate of Budesonide

Objective: To enhance solubility and dissolution rate of budesonide through development of solid self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system (S-SNEDDS). Methods: Liquid self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery systems (L-SNEDDS) were prepared and ternary phase diagram was constructed using Origin pro 8. Liquid self-nanoemulsifying formulation LF2 having 20% oil and 80% of surfactant/co-surfactant was optimized from the three formulations (LF1-LF3) to convert in to solid, through various characterization techniques like self-emulsification, in vitro drug release profile and drug content estimation. The prepared L-SNEDDS converted into S-SNEDDS, SF1-SF6 by adsorption technique using Aerosil 200, Neusilin US2, and Neusilin UFL2 to improve flowability, compressibility and stability. Results: Formulation LF2 exhibited globule size of 82.4 nm, PDI 0.349 and Zeta potential -28.6 mV with drug indicating the stability and homogeneity of particles. The optimized formulation SF4 containing Neusilin UFL2 was characterized by DSC, FTIR, X-Ray diffraction studies and found no incompatibility and no major shifts were noticed. Formulation SF4 released 100 % drug in 20 min against pure drug release of 47 % in 60 min. Regardless of the form (i.e. liquid or solid) similar performance of emulsification efficiency is observed. Conclusion: The results demonstrated that the technique of novel solid self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system can be employed to enhance the solubility and dissolution rate of poorly water-soluble drug budesonide.

Delineating a potent antiviral activity of Cuphea ignea extract loaded nano-formulation against SARS-CoV-2: In silico and in vitro studies

The outbreak of coronavirus disease-2019, caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a worldwide emerging crisis. Polyphenols are a class of herbal metabolites with a broad-spectrum antiviral activity. However, most polyphenols encounter limited efficacy due to their poor solubility and degradation in neutral and basic environments. Thus, the effectiveness of their pharmaceutical application is critically dependent on the delivery systems to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks. Herein, Polyphenols-rich Cuphea ignea extract was prepared and its constituents were identified and quantified. Molecular docking was conducted for 15 compounds in the extract against SARS-CoV-2 main protease, among which rutin, myricetin-3-O-rhamnoside and rosmarinic acid depicted the most promising antiviral activity. Further, a self-nanoemulsifying formulation, composed of 10% oleic acid, 40% tween 20 and propylene glycol 50%, was prepared to improve the solubility of the extract components and enable its concurrent delivery permitting combined potency. Upon dilution with aqueous phases, the formulation rapidly Formsnanoemulsion of good stability and excellent dissolution profile in acidic pH when compared to the crude extract. It inhibited SARS-CoV-2 completely in vitro at a concentration as low as 5.87 μg/mL presenting a promising antiviral remedy for SARS-CoV-2, which may be attributed to the possible synergism between the extract components.

Wound Healing Activity of Opuntia ficus-indica Fixed Oil Formulated in a Self-Nanoemulsifying Formulation.

IntroductionDelayed wound healing represents a common health hazard. Traditional herbal products have been often utilized to promote wound contraction. The current study aimed at assessing the wound healing activity of Opuntia ficus-indica seed oil (OFI) and its self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system (OFI-SNEDDS) formula in a rat model of full-thickness skin excision.MethodsBased on droplet size, an optimized OFI-SNEDDS formula was prepared and used for subsequent evaluation. Wound healing activity of OFI and OFI-SNEDDS was studied in vivo.ResultsThe optimized OFI-SNEDDS formula droplet size was 50.02 nm. The formula exhibited superior healing activities as compared to regular OFI seed oil-treated rats at day 14 of wounding. This effect was further confirmed by histopathological examinations of H&E and Masson’s Trichrome-stained skin sections. Moreover, OFI-SNEDDS showed the highest antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities as compared to OFI seed oil-treated animals. Both OFI and OFI-SNEDDS significantly enhanced hydroxyproline skin content and upregulated Col1A1 mRNA expression, accompanied by enhanced expression of transforming factor-beta (TGF-β). Further, OFI-SNEDDS improved angiogenesis as evidenced by increased expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF).ConclusionOFI possesses wound healing properties that are enhanced by self-emulsification of the oil into nano-droplets. The observed activity can be attributed, at least partly, to its anti-inflammatory, pro-collagen and angiogenic properties.

Oral self-nanoemulsifying formulation of GLP-1 agonist peptide exendin-4: development, characterization and permeability assesment on Caco-2 cell monolayer.

The objective of this study was to prepare a stable self-nanoemulsifying formulation of exendin-4, which is an antidiabetic peptide. As exendin-4 is commercially available only in subcutaneous form, several attempts have been made to discover an effective oral formulation. Self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery systems are known to be suitable carriers for the oral administration of peptide drugs. Various ratios of oil, surfactant, and co-surfactant mixtures were used to determine the area in the pseudoternary phase diagram for clear nanoemulsion. The Design of Experiment approach was used for the optimization of the formulation. Blank self-nanoemulsifying formulations containing ethyl oleate as oil phase, Cremophor EL®, and Labrasol® as surfactant, absolute ethanol, and propylene glycol as co-solvent in various proportions were approximately 18-50nm, 0.08-0.204 and -3 to -23mV in droplet size, polydispersity index, and zeta potential, respectively. When all formulations were compared by statistical analysis, five of them with smaller droplet sizes were selected for further studies. The physical stability test was performed for 1month at 5°C ± 3°C and 25°C ± 2°C/60% RH ± 5% RH storage conditions. As a result of the characterization and physical stability test results, ethyl oleate: Cremophor EL®:absolute ethanol (30:52.5:17.5) formulation and four formulations containing ethyl oleate: Cremophor EL®:Labrasol®:propylene glycol:absolute ethanol at varying concentrations were considered for peptide encapsulation efficiency. Formulation having the highest encapsulation efficiency of exendin-4 containing ethyl oleate: Cremophor EL®:Labrasol®:propylene glycole:absolute ethanol (15:42.5:21.25:15.94:5.31) was selected for in vitro Caco-2 intestinal permeability study. The permeabiliy coefficient was increased by 1.5-folds by exendin-4-loaded self-nanoemulsifying formulation as compared to the exendin-4 solution. It can be concluded that intestinal permeability has been improved by self-nanoemulsifying formulation.

Advance of Etiologies and Treatments on Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a severe psychiatric disorder. Among the globe, almost 70% of people with schizophrenia would experience hallucinations that make them feel insecure and progressively weakened. Etiologies and treatments of this perilous disease, therefore, are supposed to be studied in depth. Although the exact causes are still unknown, scientists highly suggest that this disorder results from the combination of genes and environments. For genetic influences, genes such as NR3C2, Dysbindin-1 (DTNBP1), Neuritin-1 (NRN1), KPNB3, and KPNA3 play insignificant roles in the development of schizophrenia. For environmental influences, researchers collected data from different aspects to infer the causes of schizophrenia. The reasons, including season of birth, urbanization, are not related to schizophrenia causation. Furthermore, if pharmacological interventions such as chlorpromazine, followed by some psychotherapy at an early stage, schizophrenia has a chance of being cured and not relapsing. Many drugs on the market target G-protein-coupled receptors. To improve their bioavailability, a new technique called lipid-based self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery systems formulations assists with the absorption of them.

Analysis of a "3-(Naphthalen-1-ylimino) Indoline-2-one" compound and Its Antimicrobial Assessment Using Lipid-based Self-nanoemulsifying Formulations.

In recent years, indole derivatives have acquired conspicuous significance due to their wide spectrum of biological activities—antibacterial, antiviral, and anticonvulsant. This compound is derived from naturally grown plants. Therefore, synthesis of a novel “3-(Naphthalen-1-ylimino)indolin-2-one” compound (2) and its analysis using UPLC systems along with antimicrobial assessment was the aim of the current study. Isatin was used as a parent drug for synthesizing compound (2). Liquid Chromatographic analysis was performed using a C18 BEH column (1.7 μm 2.1 × 50 mm) by UPLC systems. Degradation studies were carried out to see whether acid, base, thermal, and oxidizing agents had any impact on the synthesized molecule in stress conditions (100 °C). A lipid-based self-nanoemulsifying formulation was developed and selectivity, specificity, recovery, accuracy, and precision were measured as part of the UPLC system’s validation process. Antimicrobial studies were conducted using gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. The standard samples were run with a concentration range of 5.0–100.0 μg/mL using the isocratic mobile phase comprising of methanol/water (70/30 %v/v) at 234 nm; good linearity (R2 = 0.9998) was found. The lower limits of detection (LOD) and quantitation (LOQ) of the method were found to be 0.81 μg/mL and 2.5 μg/mL, respectively. The coefficients of variation were found to be less than 2%. The antimicrobial study suggests that compound (2) has a substantial growth effect against gram-negative bacteria. It was successfully synthesized and applied to measure the concentrations in lipid-based dosage form, along with potent antimicrobial activities.

Development and optimization of sitagliptin and dapagliflozin loaded oral self-nanoemulsifying formulation against type 2 diabetes mellitus

Control of hyperglycemia and prevention of glucose reabsorption (glucotoxicity) are important objectives in the management of type 2 diabetes. This study deals with an oral combined dosage form design for two anti-diabetic drugs, sitagliptin and dapagliflozin using self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery systems (SNEDDS). The SNEDDS were developed using naturally obtained bioactive medium-chain/long-chain triglycerides oil, mixed glycerides and nonionic surfactants, and droplet size was measured followed by the test for antioxidant activities. Equilibrium solubility and dynamic dispersion experiments were conducted to achieve the maximum drug loading. The in vitro digestion, in vivo bioavailability, and anti-diabetic effects were studied to compare the representative SNEDDS with marketed product Dapazin®. The representative SNEDDS containing black seed oil showed excellent self-emulsification performance with transparent appearance. Characterization of the SNEDDS showed nanodroplets of around 50–66.57 nm in size (confirmed by TEM analysis), in addition to the high drug loading capacity without causing any precipitation in the gastro-intestinal tract. The SNEDDS provided higher antioxidant activity compared to the pure drugs. The in vivo pharmacokinetic parameters of SNEDDS showed significant increase in C max (1.99 ± 0.21 µg mL−1), AUC (17.94 ± 1.25 µg mL−1), and oral absorption (2-fold) of dapagliflozin compared to the commercial product in the rat model. The anti-diabetic studies showed the significant inhibition of glucose level in treated diabetic mice by SNEDDS combined dose compared to the single drug therapy. The combined dose of sitagliptin-dapagliflozin using SNEDDS could be a potential oral pharmaceutical product for the improved treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Development, Characterization Optimization, and Assessment of Curcumin-Loaded Bioactive Self-Nanoemulsifying Formulations and Their Inhibitory Effects on Human Breast Cancer MCF-7 Cells

Curcumin (CUR) is an attractive polyphenol for its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antioxidant, and anticancer properties. Poor solubility in water and sensitivity against sunlight are the most challenging characteristics in the development of CUR for clinical use. The aim is to develop oral lipid-based bioactive self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery systems (Bio-SNEDDSs) for curcumin as a candidate for cancer therapy. Bio-SNEDDSs containing black seed oil, medium-chain mono- and diglycerides, and surfactants were prepared as CUR delivery vehicles. The morphology, droplet size, physical stability, encapsulation efficiency, risk of precipitation, lipid digestion, antioxidant activity, and antimicrobial activity were evaluated for the representative formulations. Finally, an MTT assay was performed on MCF-7 cells to determine the cytotoxic effect of the different formulations. The results showed lower droplet size (28.53 nm) and higher drug-loading (CUR 20 mg, thymoquinone 1.2 mg) for the representative Bio-SNEDDS (black seed oil/Imwitor 988/KolliphorEL (35/15/50) % w/w), along with a transparent appearance upon aqueous dilution. The dynamic dispersion and in-vitro lipolysis data proved that the Bio-SNEDDS was able to keep the CUR in a solubilized form in the gastrointestinal tract. From the antioxidant and antimicrobial studies, it was suggested that the Bio-SNEDDS had the highest activity for disease control. The MTT assay showed that the representative Bio-SNEDDS treatment led to a reduction of cell viability of MCF-7 cells compared to pure CUR and conventional SNEDDSs. A Bio-SNEDDS with elevated entrapment efficiency, antioxidant/antimicrobial activities, and an antiproliferative effect could be the best anticancer drug candidate for potential oral delivery.

Self-nanoemulsifying Delivery of Andrographolide: Ameliorating Islet Beta Cells and Inhibiting Adipocyte Differentiation.

Purpose: Insulin resistance is a characteristic of non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus associated with obesity and caused by the failure of pancreatic beta cells to secrete sufficient amount of insulin. Andrographolide (AND) improves beta-cell reconstruction and inhibits fat-cell formation. This research aimed to improve the delivery of water-insoluble AND in self-nanoemulsifying (ASNE) formulation, tested in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats and 3T3-L1 preadipocyte cells. Methods: A conventional formulation of AND in suspension was used as a control. The experimental rats were orally administered with self-nanoemulsifying (SNE) and suspension of AND for 8 days. Measurements were performed to evaluate blood glucose levels in preprandial and postprandial conditions. Immunohistochemistry was used to assess the process of islet beta cell reconstruction. In vitro study was performed using cell viability and adipocyte differentiation assay to determine the delivery of AND in the formulation. Results: ASNE lowered blood glucose levels (day 4) faster than AND suspension (day 6). The histological testing showed that ASNE could regenerate pancreatic beta cells. Therefore, ASNE ameliorated pancreatic beta cells. The in vitro evaluation indicated the inhibition of adipocyte differentiation by both AND and ASNE, which occurred in a time-dependent manner. ASNE formulation had better delivery than AND. Conclusion: ASNE could improve the antidiabetic activity by lowering blood glucose levels, enhancing pancreatic beta cells, and inhibiting lipid formation in adipocyte cells.

Cationic self-nanoemulsifying formulations of tamoxifen with improved biopharmaceutical attributes and anticancer activity: Systematic development and evaluation

A cationic nanoemulsion of tamoxifen (Tmx) containing a charge inducer was developed for improving biopharmaceutical attributes and anticancer potential of the drug. The lipidic formulation constituted of corn oil, labrasol and transcutol HP and optimized using a mixture design by selecting these excipients as the independent variables. The formulation was evaluated for globule size, polydispersity index and drug release characteristics as the dependent variables. Oleylamine was incorporated into the optimized nanoemulsion for inducing a positive charge. The optimized cationic Tmx-nanoemulsion with 34%:48%:17% of the aforementioned excipients and 0.5% v/v of the charge inducer showed particle size of 138 nm and a polydispersity index 0.31, zeta potential +35.45 mV and more than 85% Tmx release in a 1 h time period. In vitro evaluation of the cytotoxicity, qualitative and quantitative uptake studies on Caco-2 and MCF-7 cells revealed satisfactory results. In vivo pharmacokinetic study in rats under fasting condition showed a significant increase in the rate and extent of drug absorption (2 to 4-folds) from the optimized cationic Tmx-nanoemulsion vis-à-vis the pure drug (p < 0.001). The results observed from the aforementioned studies construed significant augmentation in the biopharmaceutical performance and anticancer activity of the drug from the prepared cationic nanoemulsion.

Integrated Quality by Design Approach for Developing Nanolipidic Drug Delivery Systems of Olmesartan Medoxomil with Enhanced Antihypertensive Action.

Purpose: The present work endeavors to report a systematic approach of developing the lipidic self-nanoemulsifying formulation of olmesartan medoxomil (OMT) on the principles of Quality by Design (QbD). Methods: For preparing the self-nanoemulsifying formulation, a mixture of oil, surfactant and cosurfactant were used as vehicles. The excipients were selected after screening by solubility as well as pseudoternary phase titration studies. Mixture design was adopted for systematic optimization of the composition of nanolipidic formulations, which were evaluated for smaller globule size, stable zeta potential and lower values of polydispersity index. The optimized liquid self-nanoemulsifying formulation was identified using numerical and graphical optimization techniques, followed by validation of the experimental model. Solidification of self-nanoemulsifying formulation was carried out using porous carriers, and then optimized on the basis of oil adsorption potential, powder flow property and drug release performance. Pharmacokinetic study was performed in male Wistar rats for evaluating the drug absorption parameters. All the experimental data obtained were subjected to statistical analysis using oneway ANOVA followed by post hoc analysis using Student’s t test. Results: The optimized liquid self-nanoemulsifying formulation showed globule size <100 nm, emulsification efficiency <5 minutes andin vitro drug release >85% within in 30 minutes. Further, the solid SNEDDS formulation was effectively formulated using Neusilin US2 with maximum oil adsorption capacity and good micromeritic properties. Pharmacokinetic evaluation indicated 4 to 5-folds increase (P <0.05) in the values of Cmax, AUC, and reduction in Tmax from the nanoformulations vis-à-vis the marketed formulation. Conclusion: Overall, the developed nanolipidic formulation of olmesartan indicated superior efficacy in augmenting the drug dissolution and absorption performance.

Utilization of novel self-nanoemulsifying formulations (SNEFs) loaded paclitaxel for the treatment prosperity of bladder cancer

BackgroundLimited drug penetration into solid tumors has been one of the potential causes of resistance to chemotherapy for the treatment of bladder cancer. The aim of the studies was to develop non-toxic nanoemulsion carriers of paclitaxel and to evaluate their ability to serve as a tool increasing and/or controlling the penetration of paclitaxel through the bladder tissue. MethodsVarious oil-in-water non-toxic self-nanoemulsifying formulations (SNEFs) were developed using Cremercoor MCT, Kollisolv MCT, Miglyol 812, 810, Capmul MCM, Imwitor 988, Imwitor 742 with TO106V, Tween 85, HCO30, Kolliphor EL and Cremophor RH40 at size ranges from approximately 19 to 110 nm that are capable of enhancing the solubility and stability of paclitaxel. Visual assessment was employed and droplet size measurement was taken into initial consideration for optimized SNEFs. Paclitaxel was added with the oil/surfactant mixture before dispersing the mixture in water to form SNEF. The penetration study of the optimal SNEFs formulation was compared with the raw paclitaxel dispersion using transwell apparatus. ResultsInitial characterisation and solubility studies showed that mixed glycerides of Kollisolv MCT/Imwitor 742 with water-soluble surfactant (high HLB) containing formulations generated highly efficient SNEFs as they are stable and produced lower nanodroplets with higher drug loading. The results have demonstrated that the SNEFs have good ability to retain its characteristics under conditions similar to that found in the urinary bladder up to 48 h. However, the results also showed that chemosensitivity of cancer cells exposed to paclitaxel was attenuated in the presence of SNEFs. Larger size SNEFs have shown to induce more inhibitory effects on paclitaxel activity. The reduction effects of SNEFs on doxorubicin (a relatively water-soluble drug) efficacy were almost absent, indication a poor loading of such compounds. ConclusionThe reduction of the efficacy of SNEF loaded treatments does not give a strong indication of their ability to penetrate as examined their ability to penetrate through the cultivated multicell layers (MCL) of bladder cancer. However, these results may open the horizon to reflect the use of SNEFs in the introduction of intravenous paclitaxel because of its potential role in reducing the injection site toxicity.

Design, Development and Evaluation of Solid Form of Liquid Self-Nanoemulsifying Formulation for improving the Oral Bioavailability of Itraconazole

The aim of the present study is to improve the dissolution rate and developed Itraconazole solid powder. Cotton seed oil, tween 80 and transcutol were selected as key ingredients to formulated self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system. Ternary phase diagrams were constructed, several formulations were designed. These formulations were characterized and evaluated for parameters such as thermodynamic stability, emulsifying rate, robustness to dilution and pH effects, globules size, zeta potential, in vitro study etc. The optimized formulation has globules size of 141.20±0.69 nm, pdi 0.29±0.04, zeta potential 11.2±0.69 mV and fast dissolution as within 30 min with more than 90% drug released. Further cytotoxicity studies of optimized formulation revealed safe formulation. Using neusilin US2 as solid adsorbent method to transformed the optimized formulation into powder form. It was further characterized and evaluated and the obtained results are acceptable. In vitro drug released of solid self-nanoemulsifying formulation and liquid self-nanoemulsifying formulation has almost similar. Thus, can conclude that implementation of solid approach of this strategy could be considered as alternative approach.