Simulated Intestinal Environment Research Articles

In Vitro Study of Adsorption Kinetics of Dextromethorphan Syrup onto Activated Charcoal in Simulated Gastric and Intestinal Fluids

Adsorption kinetics of dextromethorphan (DXM) syrup in simulated gastric and intestinal fluids onto activated charcoal (AC) were investigated in an in vitro model. The adsorption studies were performed as a function of time, initial concentration, and temperature. The quantification of DXM adsorbed onto AC was obtained from the Langmuir adsorption isotherms using HPLC. The maximum adsorption capacities (at 95% confidence limits) of AC for DXM were 111.615 [106.38; 126.85] mg in simulated intestinal environment (pH 6.8) and 78.314 [86.206; 70.422] mg in simulated gastric environment (pH 1.2). The adsorption capacity of AC for DXM in simulated gastric fluid (pH 1.2) was not significantly different from the adoption capacity of AC for DXM in simulated intestinal fluid (pH 6.8). Moreover, the adsorption kinetics behavior of dextromethorphan onto AC followed pseudo-second-order kinetics. Our results show that AC in therapeutically acceptable doses can be beneficial in the majority of oral overdose of DXM.

Fabrication, characterization and controlled release properties of oat protein gels with percolating structure induced by cold gelation

Cold-set oat protein isolate (OPI) gels possessing a percolating network structure were successfully prepared using a glucono-δ-lactone (GDL) induced acidification method. The polymer-like percolating structures were established by active OPI monomers as small building block units through abundant cross-linking points. By increasing the GDL concentration, more intra-floc linkages and greater particle volume fractions were created at the supramolecular level, resulting in a dense rough gel wall with superior mechanical properties. In particular, at a 10% GDL content the gel was generated at the OPI isoelectric point (IEP). This OPI gel had a compact network structure with small pores and a thick wall, with an excellent water holding capacity (90%) and comparable mechanical strength (30 kPa) to egg white gel (22–32 kPa). Also, the cold-set OPI gels could resist acidic juice and pepsin digestion, which protected both α-amylase enzyme activity and the viability of probiotics in harsh gastric conditions. The in vitro release experiment demonstrated that OPI gels had the capacity to prevent the premature release of bioactive compounds in simulated gastric fluids, and yet still allowed their gradual release in a simulated intestinal environment where they normally would be absorbed. A convenient and non-toxic method to prepare OPI gels with superior performance has been described. These gels have the potential to act as delivery vehicles for sensitive compounds in food and non-food applications.

Effect of high pressure treatment on rapeseed protein microparticle properties and gastrointestinal release behavior of the encapsulated peptides

ABSTRACT This study investigated the high pressure (HP) modifications of rapeseed protein isolate (RPI) to improve its functional properties as wall materials for rapeseed peptides (RPs) microencapsulation by spray-drying. Results indicated that the surface hydrophobicity of HP-treated RPI microparticles was increased at 400 MPa and 5–15 min but decreased when extended to 20 min. Microparticles obtained with HP-treated RPI showed lower spray-drying yield than native RPI microparticles (67 ± 1.0% and 73 ± 1.4% respectively). Conversely, HP-treated RPI (400 MPa, 15 min) formed microparticles that enabled significantly higher encapsulation efficiency of up to 94.7 ± 1.8% (91.4 ± 1.4% for control samples). Morphological characterization indicated that microparticles with 6.1–8.5 μm diameters were spherical without fissures or cracks. Release profiles revealed that the core of microparticles (especially the 400 MPa, 15 min) achieved controlled release without an initial burst when exposed to the simulated intestinal environment; meanwhile they were resistant to gastric release-stimuli, such as extremely low pH and pepsin.

O-carboxymethyl chitosan/fucoidan nanoparticles increase cellular curcumin uptake

Curcumin (Cur) is a polyphenolic compound extracted from turmeric (Curcuma longa), and exhibits several biological activities like antitumor, antioxidant, inhibiting cardiovascular diseases and inducing apoptosis. However, because of extremely low solubility and sensitivity to pH values, Cur is easily degradable in the gastrointestinal tract, resulting in reduced bioavailability. In this study, we developed pH-sensitive O-carboxymethyl chitosan/fucoidan (O-CMC/F) nanoparticles (NPs) for Cur delivery, and evaluated their physicochemical properties and influence on cells. Our results suggest that O-CMC and F reacted with calcium ions to obtain ionic crosslinked NPs of 100–200 nm. At a weight ratio of O-CMC to F of 1:1, the O-CMC/F NPs exhibited pH-sensitive properties. The Cur-loaded O-CMC/F NPs was 270 nm and encapsulated 92.8% Cur. Encapsulated Cur was stable in a simulated limosis pH environment (pH 2.5). However, in a simulated intestinal pH environment (pH 7.4), Cur was released from the O-CMC/F NPs. Encapsulated Cur was associated with considerably lower cytotoxicity to mouse fibroblasts cells (L929) than free Cur. When we used Caco-2 cells as an in vitro model to evaluate cellular uptake, we observed that the Cur-loaded O-CMC/F NPs were internalized by the cells through energy-dependent endocytic pathways. In conclusion, pH-sensitive O-CMC/F NPs effectively increase the cellular uptake of Cur and can potentially be used as carriers in oral delivery systems.

PTU-016 Wireless Capsule Endoscope Localisation Based On Visual Odometry

IntroductionThe localisation of a wireless capsule endoscope (WCE) within the small-bowel is typically performed by wearable radiofrequency sensors triangulation. The accuracy of this approach is low.1 Only a few approaches...

장류유래 Exopolysaccharide 생성 유산균의 잠재적 Probiotic 특성

전통 장류에서 유산균 성상을 보이는 균주를 분리하여, TLC와 PCR을 통하여 HoPS를 우수하게 생성하는 균주 HSB15, JSA22, JSA57, JSB22, JSB66 및 JSB89를 선발하였다. 선발된 6균주의 16S rDNA의 염기서열을 분석한 결과 HSB15는 L. alimentarius, JSA22는 L. plantarum, JSA57은 L. pentosus, JSB22는 L. brevis, JSB66는 L. alimentarius, JSB89는 L. parabrevis로 동정되었다. 항균 활성은 6균주 중에서 JSA22가 4개의 병원성균에 대한 항균을 나타내어 항균 활성이 가장 우수하게 나타났고, 인공위액 저항성은 HSB15, JSA22와 JSA57 균주가 70% 이상의 높은 인공위액 저항성으로 가장 우수했으며, 인공담즙 저항성은 HSB15를 제외한 5균주에서 80% 이상의 생존율을 나타내며 담즙액 저항성이 우수하게 나타났다. 또한 probiotic 특성을 지닌 분리 균주의 prebiotics로써 AOS를 이용한 성장율을 관찰한 결과, 모든 분리 균주가 AOS를 선택적으로 이용하며 성장하는 것을 관찰하였고 특히 JSB22가 AOS 이용 성장률이 가장 우수한 것으로 확인되었다. 본 연구를 통해 장류유래 probiotics를 선발하였고 AOS의 새로운 prebiotics로 활용을 검토한 바, synbiotics로 이용할 수 있는 가치가 있다고 판단되었다.

Double-layered microparticles with enzyme-triggered release for the targeted delivery of water-soluble bioactive compounds to small intestine

Double-layered microparticles for enzyme-triggered release in the gastrointestinal tract were prepared by spray-chilling a water/oil/water emulsion, which could be a promising candidate for the targeted delivery of water-soluble bioactive compounds. Based on response surface methodology, the optimum conditions for 2nd emulsifier content, concentration ratio of the single emulsion to the coating material, and dispersion fluid temperature were 201.5μmol, 0.30, and 10.1°C, respectively. Morphological characterisation using an FE-SEM indicated that double-layered microparticles with diameters of 7–10μm were spherical and possessed scores of inner droplets. Release profiles generated using in vitro digestion models revealed that the core of double-layered microparticles was gradually released by enzymatic degradation when exposed to the simulated intestinal environment. The accumulative release reached 59.8±0.2% within a residence time of 3h, whereas they were resistant to gastric release-stimuli, such as extremely low pH and pepsin (below 2.4±0.6%).

Effect of simulated gastrointestinal conditions on biofilm formation by Salmonella 1,4,[5],12:i:-.

Salmonella Typhimurium 1,4,[5],12:i:- is a major serovar responsible for human salmonellosis whose biofilm-forming ability, influenced by environmental conditions like those found in the gastrointestinal tract, is one of the main contributing factors to its ability to persist in the host and thus one of the main causes of chronic relapsing infections. Most studies to evaluate biofilm formation are performed in microtiter assays using standard media. However, no reports are available on the ability of this serovar to produce biofilm under in vitro simulated gastrointestinal conditions which better correlate with the environment found in the gastrointestinal tract. To address this, a modified biofilm assay simulating intestinal fluid was conceived to assess the biofilm formation of 133 Salmonella Typhimurium 1,4,[5],12:i:- isolates with and without agitation and at three different time points (24 h, 48 h, and 72 h). The results were then compared to the existing microtiter method using conventional biofilm growth medium (Mueller Hinton Broth). Statistical analysis revealed significant differences in the results obtained between the three protocols used. The simulated human intestinal environment impaired biofilm production demonstrating that conditions like pH, agitation or the presence of enzymes can influence biofilm production. Therefore, results from in vitro simulation of in vivo conditions may contribute to unravelling factors relating to biofilm formation and persistence in the context of the human host.

Elaboration and characterization of barley protein nanoparticles as an oral delivery system for lipophilic bioactive compounds

This is the first report in which barley protein nanoparticles were prepared with the aim of developing a delivery system for lipophilic bioactive compounds at ambient temperature using high pressure homogenization. No organic solvents or crosslinking reagents were involved in the nanoparticle preparation. Effects of processing conditions and formulae on particle size and size distribution were investigated. Optimal nanoparticles with regular spherical shape, small size (90-150 nm) and narrow size distribution (PDI < 0.3) could be achieved at a protein weight concentration of up to 5% when the oil/protein ratio was maintained within a range of 1 to 1.5. These nanoparticles exhibited high zeta-potential (about -35 mV), high payload (51.4-54.5%) and good stability without the use of surfactants. As shown by the release test, though the bulk protein matrices of nanoparticles were degraded in the simulated gastric tract, even smaller nanoparticles were released and bioactive compounds were protected by a layer of barley protein. Then, complete release occurred in the simulated intestinal environments due to pancreatin degradation. In vitro studies showed that barley protein nanoparticles are relatively safe and could be internalized by Caco-2 cells and accumulated in the cytoplasm.

Survival of microencapsulated Bifidobacterium longum in Cheddar cheese during production and storage

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of microencapsulation (ME) in alginate beads on the viability of Bifidobacterium longum 15708 in terms of their tolerance to freezing, storage in a frozen state, cheddar cheese manufacturing and storage as well as to a simulated gastro-intestinal environment. Two ME methods namely i) droplet extrusion method (ADE) and ii) emulsion method, involving two polymers (native (NA) and palmitoylated alginate (PA)) were compared. Results showed that ADE maintained higher viability of B. longum after 24 h freezing at −80 °C with no viability loss as compared to the emulsion process and free cells which lost approximately 0.8 and 1.5 log CFU/mL respectively. However, during a 4 weeks storage period at −80 °C, no significant difference (P > 0.05) was observed in the survival of free and immobilized B. longum, with no loss of viability. Cheddar cheeses supplemented with B. longum culture were prepared and analysed during storage at 4 °C. After 21 days of storage, Cheddar cheese containing encapsulated B. longum in NA and PA polymers produced with the emulsion process showed a good survival with 2 log CFU/mL reduction after 21 days, as compared to ADE-encapsulated B. longum and free cells with 3 and 4 log CFU/mL reductions respectively. The immobilized bacteria in both polymers were also more resistant than free cells to simulated gastric and intestinal environments by a factor of 30.

Preliminary studies on pH-sensitive hydrogels and in vitro release profiles of two model drugs

The main aim of the present study was to develop a series of pH-sensitive hydrogels for targeted releasing drugs under simulated intestinal environment instead of stomach condition. These hydrogels were prepared via free radical polymerization with polyethylene glycol methacrylate 475 (PEGMA475), PEGMA950 and methacrylic acid as monomers, triethylene glycol dimethacrylate (TRGDMA), and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate as cross-link agents. The surface morphology and internal structures of hydrogels were detected by scanning electron microscope. The swelling experiments were also performed and the results revealed that the smart hydrogels were pH sensitive and their sensitiveness was reversible. Diclofenac sodium and bull serum albumin used as model drugs were loaded in the hydrogels to target releasing them in simulative intestinal tract. In vitro releasing studies showed that medicated hydrogels released model drugs slowly in acid conditions (pH 1.2), while the cumulated release amounts of drugs increased greatly when ambient pH value increased to 7.4. These phenomena indicated that these hydrogels tended to target release stimulating and destructible drugs in intestinal canal instead of gastric environment.

Fate of curcumin encapsulated in silica nanoparticle stabilized Pickering emulsion during storage and simulated digestion

Stability and release of curcumin was evaluated in silica nanoparticle stabilized Pickering emulsion during storage and simulated gastric and intestinal digestion. Stability and release kinetics of curcumin were characterized based on spectrophotometric measurements to quantify the amount of encapsulated curcumin in Pickering emulsion as a function of time. Physical stability of the emulsion during digestion was characterized using particle size, zeta potential and fluorescence imaging measurements. Biocompatibility of the emulsion and intracellular delivery of a model lipophilic fluorescent compound encapsulated in the emulsion were also determined. Stability of curcumin encapsulated in emulsion was approximately 100 fold higher than the stability of curcumin suspended in distilled water. Passive release measurements showed sustained release of over 80% of the encapsulated curcumin in 36h. During simulated gastric digestion (2h), over 80% of the encapsulated curcumin was retained, although limited aggregation of the emulsion droplets was observed. Incubation in simulated intestinal environment resulted in destabilization of the emulsion and approximately 60% of the encapsulated curcumin was released within 2h of incubation. Fluorescence imaging measurements showed successful cellular uptake of emulsion droplets. Overall, this study demonstrates that Pickering emulsion has a potential for effective delivery of bioactive compounds.

Second Place: The Effects of Oxazyme on Oxalate Degradation: Results and Implications ofIn VitroExperiments

Abstract Background and Purpose: Urinary oxalate excretion influences the development of calcium oxalate kidney stones. Urinary oxalate is derived from dietary sources and endogenous synthesis. Oxalate decarboxylase metabolizes oxalate and, if consumed, could theoretically accomplish this in the gastrointestinal tract. This study aimed to determine whether a commercially produced form of oxalate decarboxylase (Oxazyme(®)) could degrade oxalate in simulated gastric and intestinal environments. One buffer (pH 3.6) simulated the gastric environment, while another (pH 6.5), approximated the proximal intestine. Potassium oxalate (soluble form of oxalate) and whole and homogenized spinach (a high oxalate containing food) were incubated in the different buffered solutions, with or without Oxazyme. Oxalate content, after incubation, was measured using established ion chromatographic techniques. Oxazyme resulted in complete degradation of oxalate derived from potassium oxalate in the intestinal buffer; meanwhile, oxalate derived from potassium oxalate in the gastric buffer was profoundly digested by Oxazyme. Adding Oxazyme also substantially reduced the oxalate content of both whole and homogenized spinach preparations, in either buffer. These in vitro findings demonstrate that Oxazyme can metabolize oxalate in both simulated gastric and small intestinal environments.

Effects of molecular structure on the calcium-binding properties of phosphopeptides

Six synthetic phosphopeptides (SPP) and casein phosphopeptides (CPP) were obtained to investigate the relationship between the molecular structure of phosphopeptides and their calcium-binding property. SPP1, SPP2, SPP3, SPP4, SPP5, and SPP6 were synthesized with 0-3 continuous or discontinuous phosphorylated serines based on a core structure of casein phosphopeptides, respectively. CPP were acquired by pancreatin hydrolysis of casein and subsequent purification. The ranking of calcium-binding ability of the six synthetic phosphopeptides was SPP5 > SPP6 > SPP4 > SPP3 > SPP1 ~ SPP2. SPP4 was found to release calcium more easily in a simulated intestinal environment. CPP, contained various fragments ranged from 1 to 4 Ser(P)s, bound calcium slightly weaker than SPP6 that contained same amount of phosphorus with the CPP solution. The number and the position of phosphoserine residue are important factors for calcium-binding activities. SPP4, the phosphopeptide with two discontinuous phosphorylated serines, has the best calcium adsorption efficiency in a simulated intestinal environment among all the tested phosphopeptides.

Fabrication and characterization of novel assembled prolamin protein nanofabrics with improved stability, mechanical property and release profiles

In spite of the numerous advantages of natural polymer nanofibers as biomedical materials, they are suffering due to their poor water resistance and tensile strength which largely restrict their applications. Here, we present a novel assembled protein nanofabric prepared by incorporating compact zein nanoparticles into electrospun hordein networks. The effects of zein content on the structure, morphology and properties of assembled protein fibers were investigated in detail. The results revealed that zein particles were well dispersed in hordein networks while maintaining their compact structures, which in one aspect acted as the plasticizer to decrease the strong hydrogen bonding interactions among extended hordein molecules, leading to the accelerated continuous electrospinning and narrowed diameter distribution of composite fibers. In another, hydrophobic zein nanoparticles also acted as the reinforcing filler in the flexible hordein matrix. The fibers with a zein content of 30 wt% exhibited the stable assembled network structure and significantly improved tensile strength and wet stability in both water and ethanol. The release experiment indicated that such fibers with a 3D porous structure could serve as the carrier for controlled release of incorporated bioactive compounds into phosphate-buffered saline (PBS). In addition, they were stable in simulated gastric fluid and pepsin resistant, whereas they could be digested in a simulated intestinal environment to gradually release the incorporated compounds where they are normally absorbed. These fibers also demonstrated low toxicity in both human colon carcinoma (Caco-2) and primary epidermal keratinocyte (NHEK) cell cultures. Therefore, the novel assembled fabrics showed promise as a three-dimensional delivery vehicle of bioactive compounds for wound healing and food industry applications.

Neutron-activated 153Sm-ion-exchange resin as a tracer for gastrointestinal scintigraphy

Nuclear medicine techniques are well established for the investigation of gastrointestinal (GI) motility and transit. Ion-exchange resins radiolabelled with ⁹⁹mTc and ¹¹¹In are widely used as nonabsorbable radiopharmaceutical markers, with ¹¹¹In being preferred for whole-gut transit studies. This radionuclide, however, is not produced in many countries and may be expensive when obtained through international shipment. This study describes the use of neutron-activated ¹⁵³Sm-resin as an alternative tracer for use in GI scintigraphic investigation. A measure of 50 mg of stable samarium-152 chloride (¹⁵²SmCl₃) was incorporated into 100 mg of cation-exchange resin and irradiated in a neutron flux of 1 × 10¹³ cm⁻² s⁻¹ for 100 s to achieve an activity of 5 MBq after 66 h. Aliquots of ¹¹¹In-radiolabelled resin (5 MBq) were prepared for comparison of labelling and stability. Radiolabelling efficiencies were obtained by washing resin with distilled water, and the activity lost was measured. The radiolabelled resins were immersed in simulated gastric and intestinal fluid environments, and the retention of ¹⁵³Sm³⁺ and ¹¹¹In³⁺ was measured over a 24 h period. At 66 h after production, 91.15 ± 12.42% of ¹⁵³Sm was bound to the resin after washing in distilled water, whereas radiolabelling with ¹¹¹In achieved 99.96 ± 0.02% efficiency. Both radiolabelled resins demonstrated almost 100% stability in simulated intestinal fluid and >90% stability in artificial gastric juice over 24 h. The performance of neutron-activated ¹⁵³Sm-resin is similar to that of ¹¹¹In-resin and can be used as an alternative tracer for GI transit studies when In is not available.

Immunostimulatory effect of faecalBifidobacteriumspecies of breast-fed and formula-fed infants in a peripheral blood mononuclear cell/Caco-2 co-culture system

Bifidobacterium spp. typical of the human intestinal microbiota are believed to influence the balance of immune responses in the intestinal mucosa. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of different bifidobacterial species and their mixtures in in vitro experiments with peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and Caco-2 cells. Bifidobacterium adolescentis, B. angulatum, B. breve, B. catenulatum, B. infantis, B. longum and two combinations of these bifidobacteria simulating the species composition found in faecal samples from breast-fed (BF) and formula-fed (FF) infants were used. The levels of several cytokines were measured by direct stimulation of PBMC and by stimulation of a Caco-2/PBMC co-culture with bifidobacteria. B. catenulatum and B. breve were the strongest enhancers of interferon-γ (IFN-γ) production by direct stimulation of PBMC. B. longum was the highest inducer of IL-10 and the lowest TNF-α stimulus. In the Caco-2/PBMC system, B. breve was the highest inducer of IL-8 production by Caco-2 cells, significantly different from B. infantis, B. adolescentis and the FF mixture (P<0·05). IFN-γ produced by PBMC stimulated with the BF mixture (containing 22% B. breve, compared with 7% in the FF mixture) was significantly higher compared with B. adolescentis, B. infantis and B. longum. B. adolescentis also inhibited IFN-γ production compared with the FF mixture and B. longum. The proportion of different Bifidobacterium strains seems to be an important determinant of the cytokine balance in the simulated intestinal environment studied. B. breve and the combination of the Bifidobacterium species typically found in the microbiota of BF infants have shown the most significant effects.

Zinc-binding capacity of yak casein hydrolysate and the zinc-releasing characteristics of casein hydrolysate-zinc complexes

Many factors affect the bioavailability of dietary Zn, which leads to its low availability in some food systems and Zn nutrient deficiency. However, some proteins or peptides can form complexes with Zn and increase its absorption and bioavailability in intestinal conditions. The purpose of this work was to determine the Zn-binding activity of yak casein hydrolysate (YCH) and examine its stability, solubility, and dialyzability in a simulated intestinal environment. The Zn-binding activity of YCH, prepared using alcalase, pepsin, trypsin, Flavozyme (Novo Nordisk Biochem Inc., Franklinton, NC), or papain, was investigated. Evidence for the formation of complexes between Zn and YCH also were detected by UV-visible spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Results were that YCH prepared with alcalase and trypsin possessed the highest Zn-binding capacity compared with YCH prepared with pepsin, Flavozyme, or papain. The 6-h YCH obtained with alcalase showed the highest Zn-binding capacity. Compared with native yak casein, the Zn-binding activity of YCH was significantly lower, but its solubility and dialyzability were markedly higher under intestinal basic pH ranges. This is important because high solubility and dialyzability is associated with better bioavailability. Both UV-visible spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy spectra indicated that some sites of YCH can bind with Zn ions and form complexes that make Zn more soluble and dialyzable under simulated intestinal conditions. Therefore, YCH-Zn complexes may have potential to improve Zn bioavailability.

G3.5 PAMAM dendrimers enhance transepithelial transport of SN38 while minimizing gastrointestinal toxicity

Poly(amido amine) (PAMAM) dendrimers have shown promise in oral drug delivery. Conjugation of SN38 to PAMAM dendrimers has the potential to improve its oral absorption while minimizing gastrointestinal toxicity. In this work we evaluated G3.5 PAMAM dendrimer-SN38 conjugates with ester-linked glycine and β-alanine spacers for their suitability in oral therapy of hepatic colorectal cancer metastases. G3.5-βAlanine-SN38 was mostly stable while G3.5-Glycine-SN38 showed 10%, 20%, and 56% SN38 release in simulated gastric, intestinal and liver environments for up to 6, 24 and 48 hours, respectively. Short-term treatment of Caco-2 cells with G3.5-SN38 conjugates did not reduce cell viability, while comparable concentrations of SN38 caused significant cytotoxicity. G3.5-Glycine-SN38 and G3.5-βAlanine-SN38 showed IC 50 values of 0.60 and 3.59 μM, respectively, in HT-29 cells treated for 48 h, indicating the efficacy of the drug delivery system in colorectal cancer cells with longer incubation time. Both conjugates increased SN38 transepithelial transport compared to the free drug. Transport of G3.5-Glycine-SN38 was highly concentration-dependent whereas transport of G3.5-βAlanine-SN38 was concentration-independent, highlighting the influence of drug loading and spacer chemistry on transport mechanism. Together these results show that PAMAM dendrimers have the potential to improve the oral bioavailability of potent anti-cancer drugs.

Predicting the Effect of Fed-State Intestinal Contents on Drug Dissolution

There are several endogenous and exogenous species in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract which can act as solubilizing agents and thereby affect drug dissolution. The purpose of this study is to understand food effects on drug dissolution and provide insight into their anticipated overall effect on absorption and bioavailability. Dissolution kinetics of 15 drugs of variable logP, charge, and molecular weight were tested in simulated intestinal environment. The ability of a film-equilibrium-based model to predict the influence of a simulated intestinal environment on drug dissolution was examined. The most significant improvement in dissolution kinetics and solubility (up to 6-fold) was evident with highly hydrophobic compounds (logP > 4). Improvement in solubility did not always constitute improvement in dissolution kinetics on a relevant time scale. Comparison of simulation and experimental results indicates that a model considering micelle partitioning as a pseudo-equilibrium process can predict trends in the influence of food-related solubilizing agents on drug dissolution kinetics. The significance of food-related solubilizing agents to drug dissolution is not always obvious, as it depends on multiple physicochemical parameters; however, simple modeling may provide insight into food effects on dissolution and, ultimately, overall absorption and bioavailability of compounds considered for oral formulation.