Asim Ur Rehman

Recent applications of PLGA based nanostructures in drug delivery

Over the years, issues associated with non-biodegradable polymers have paved the way for biodegradable polymers in the domain of pharmaceutical and biomedical sciences. Poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) is considered one of the most thrivingly synthesized biodegradable polymers. To formulate polymeric nanostructures, PLGA has attained noteworthy attention due to its controllable properties, complete biodegradability and biocompatibility, well defined formulation techniques and easy processing. This review focuses on fabrication techniques of PLGA based nanostructures and their advanced biomedical applications covering drug delivery and in-vivo imaging. Researchers have extensively investigated the potential of PLGA nanoparticles for target specific and controlled delivery of various micro and macromolecules including drugs, peptides, proteins, monoclonal antibodies, growth factors and DNA in multifarious biomedical applications like neurodegenerative and cardiovascular diseases, inflammatory disorders, cancer and other dreadful health disorders. Beside this, PLGA is being employed for theranostic purposes where polymer is attached with contrast agents for imaging-directed chemo or photo thermal combinative therapy. Multifunctional PLGA nanostructures have given an avenue to future nanomedicine to consider simultaneous drug delivery, molecular imaging, and real-time monitoring of therapeutic response. This review describes the applications of PLGA in drug delivery revealing its current progress and direction for future research.

Nanotechnology: from In Vivo Imaging System to Controlled Drug Delivery

Science and technology have always been the vitals of human’s struggle, utilized exclusively for the development of novel tools and products, ranging from micro- to nanosize. Nanotechnology has gained significant attention due to its extensive applications in biomedicine, particularly related to bio imaging and drug delivery. Various nanodevices and nanomaterials have been developed for the diagnosis and treatment of different diseases. Herein, we have described two primary aspects of the nanomedicine, i.e., in vivo imaging and drug delivery, highlighting the recent advancements and future explorations. Tremendous advancements in the nanotechnology tools for the imaging, particularly of the cancer cells, have recently been observed. Nanoparticles offer a suitable medium to carryout molecular level modifications including the site-specific imaging and targeting. Invention of radionuclides, quantum dots, magnetic nanoparticles, and carbon nanotubes and use of gold nanoparticles in biosensors have revolutionized the field of imaging, resulting in easy understanding of the pathophysiology of disease, improved ability to diagnose and enhanced therapeutic delivery. This high specificity and selectivity of the nanomedicine is important, and thus, the recent advancements in this field need to be understood for a better today and a more prosperous future.

IN-VITRO RELEASE PATTERN OF KETOPROFEN USING ETHYL CELLULOSE ETHER DERIVATIVES

The aim of this study was to formulate and evaluate polymeric tablets of Ketoprofen for the release rate, and mechanism. Formulations with different types and grades of Ethyl Cellulose Ether derivatives were prepared in several drug-to-polymer ratios (D:P ratio 10:1, 10:2 and 10:3). These formulations were compressed into tablets using the direct compression method. They were examined for the physical properties and appearance. Tablet dimensional tests i.e., (thickness, diameter) and QC tests (hardness, friability, and disintegration) were performed according to the USP methods. Invitro dissolution was performed. In order to analyze the drug release kinetics from each of the prepared matrices, five standard mathematical models were applied to the release data. The study showed that in case of tablets containing Ethocel premium polymers of 7, 10, and 100 grades show approximately 90-98% release of the drug from tablet in 24 hours compared to the Ethocel FP premium of 7, 10, and 100 which showed less release in 24 hours following nearly zero order kinetics.

Lipid polymer hybrid carrier systems for cancer targeting: A review

ABSTRACT Cancer has been the most deleterious disease since few decades and its prevalence is increasing day by day. Scientists have developed many novel carrier systems to modify the delivery of anticancer drugs specifically toward the cancer sites. Liposomes seemed to be the particles of choice to carry anticancer drugs owing to their biomembrane-friendly structure. However, poor stability and storage problems remain a drawback. Polymeric nanoparticles (PNPs) offer their rigid structure making controlled release of drugs possible. PNPs also maintain their integrity for a longer period of time. Recently, the benefits of the two carrier systems mentioned above have been combined into a single hybrid carrier system, i.e., lipid polymer hybrid nanoparticles. Such a setting makes a useful carrier system taking advantages of both the counterparts and minimizing their limitations at the same time. In this review, special types of lipid and polymer hybrid structures are discussed in detail. Also the methods of preparation along with controlling formulation parameters have been discussed. Various targeting moieties have been enlisted along with their mechanisms of active targeting. These moieties can be functionalized onto the surfaces of these hybrid particles. Special focus has been given to the colorectal cancer, throwing light upon its prevalence and already available treatment options. Lipid polymer hybrid nanoparticles enable the researchers to formulate a carrier system that will be able to provide targeted anticancer drug delivery. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

Proniosomes derived niosomes: recent advancements in drug delivery and targeting

Abstract Vesicular drug delivery systems have gained wide attention in the field of nanotechnology. Among them proniosomes become the superior over other vesicular carriers. Proniosomes are dry formulations of water soluble nonionic surfactant coated carrier system which immediately forms niosomes upon hydration. They have the capability to overcome the instability problems associated with niosomes and liposomes and have the potential to improve solubility, bioavailability, and absorption of various drugs. Furthermore, they offer versatile drug delivery concept for enormous number of hydrophilic and hydrophobic drugs. They have the potential to deliver drugs effectively through different routes at specific site of action to achieve controlled release action and reduce toxic effects associated with drugs. This review discusses the general preparation techniques of proniosomes and mainly focus on the applications of proniosomes in drug delivery and targeting. Moreover, this review demonstrates critical appraisal of the literature for proniosomes. Additionally, this review extensively explains the potential of proniosomes in delivering drugs via different routes, such as oral, parenteral, dermal and transdermal, ocular, oral mucosal, vaginal, pulmonary, and intranasal. Finally, the comparison of proniosomes with niosomes manifests the clear distinction between them. Moreover, proniosomes need to be explored for proteins and peptide delivery and in the field of nutraceuticals and develop pilot plant scale up studies to investigate them in industrial set up.

Evaluation of current trends and recent development in insulin therapy for management of diabetes mellitus

OBJECTIVE Diabetes mellitus is a major health problem in developing countries. There are various insulin therapies to manage diabetes mellitus. This systematic review evaluates various insulin therapies for management of diabetes mellitus worldwide. This review also focuses on recent developments being explored for better management of diabetes mellitus. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHOD We reviewed a number of published articles from 2002 to 2016 to find out the appropriate management of diabetes mellitus. The paramount parameters of the selected studies include the insulin type & its dose, type of diabetes, duration and comparison of different insulin protocols. In addition, various newly developed approaches for insulin delivery with potential output have also been evaluated. RESULTS A great variability was observed in managing diabetes mellitus through insulin therapy and the important controlling factors found for this therapy include; dose titration, duration of insulin use, type of insulin used and combination therapy of different insulin. CONCLUSION A range of research articles on current trends and recent advances in insulin has been summarized, which led us to the conclusion that multiple daily insulin injections or continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (insulin pump) is the best method to manage diabetes mellitus. In future perspectives, development of the oral and inhalant insulin would be a tremendous breakthrough in Insulin therapy.

Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Measuring Devices of Oral Liquid Medications in the Population of District East Karachi, Pakistan

Background: Most of the people have poor knowledge and inability to administer liquid medications properly which can lead to medication errors and poor health outcomes as laymen and even health care professionals hardly know about the differences among teaspoon (5ml), tablespoon (15ml) and other measuring devices which have great differences in volumes. Objective: To assess knowledge attitude and practice of measuring devices in the population of district east (Gulshan Iqbal and Jamshed Town) Karachi. Methods: A descriptive survey was conducted and total 98 participants were interviewed and information’s were collected on designed questionnaires proforma. Results: In current results cough syrup were used (74.40%), antacids (12.24%) and (20.40%) multivitamins syrups with different measuring measuring devices such as teaspoons (61.22%), table spoons (33.67%) and other oral cups, syringes and dropper (7.14%) and (25.51%) people had experienced with wrong doses and suffered from ADR’s. Conclusion: Awareness and consciousness about appropriate dosing is important in the use of oral liquid medication, the current study was planned to examine the dosing accurateness of measuring devices used for liquid oral medications above an extensive series of dosing volumes. Key Words: ADR’s, Teaspoons, Tablespoons, Pharmacist, Pakistan.