Felice Cerreto

Influence of the formulation components on the properties of the system SLN-dextran hydrogel for the modified release of drugs

A system composed by solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) entrapped into a chemical hydrogel of dextran was recently proposed for the controlled release of lipophilic drugs in oral formulations. This study reports now an extension of such study focused on the investigation of how the nature and the amount of the formulation components are able to modify the properties of the system. In particular the concentration of the two surfactants used for the nanosuspension stabilization, the nature of the lipid phase used for the nanoparticles preparation, as well as the concentration and the derivatization degree of the polymer employed for the gel preparation were investigated. The effects of these variables on the physicochemical properties of the nanoparticles and/or on the release profiles of the model drug (S)-(+)-2-(4-isobutylphenyl)-propionic acid (ibuprofen) were reported and discussed. Rheological experiments on samples of SLN, dextran hydrogel, and SLN-dextran hydrogel were also performed.

Study of Interaction Effects of Polyacrylic Acid Polymers (Carbopol 940) on Antimicrobial Activity of Methyl Parahydroxybenzoate Against Some Gram-negative, Gram-positive Bacteria and Yeast

Cosmetic or pharmaceutical formulations containing hydrophilic polymers of natural or synthetic origin, may be more exposed to successful microbial contamination because of a polymer‐preservative interaction. The experimental data reported in this paper relate to the possible interference of Carbopol 940 with methyl parahydroxybenzoate.

Studies on anti-Candida agents with a pyrrole moiety. Synthesis and microbiological activity of some 3-aminomethyl-1,5-diaryl-2-methyl-pyrrole derivatives

Abstract The synthesis and anti- Candida activity of some 3-aminomethyl-1,5-diaryl-2-methyl-pyrrole derivatives are reported. Some derivatives show a rather strong anti- Candida activity. On the basis of experimental results, microbiological activity of 1,5-diarylpyrroles appears to be mainly related to aminic nitrogen lone pair availability of C3 substituent of the pyrrole nucleus. The C5 and N1 substituents play an important role in modulating biological activity. Some structure-activity relationships are proposed.

Solid Lipid Nanoparticles as Effective Reservoir Systems for Long-Term Preservation of Multidose Formulations

Cosmetic multidose preparations, as well as pharmaceutical ones, are at risk of contamination by microorganisms, due to their high water content. Besides the risk of contamination during manufacturing, multidose cosmetic preparations may be contaminated by consumers during their use. In this paper, the results of the utilization of nanoparticles as reservoir systems of parabens, the most used class of preservatives, were reported. Two different systems, solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) made of pure precirol and nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC) made of precirol and almond oil, containing three parabens as single molecules or as a mixture, were prepared and tested. All the systems were characterized for size, polydispersion index, zeta potential and encapsulation efficiency. Release experiments, carried out in steady state and sink conditions, allowed to evidence that both SLN and NLC were able to act as reservoir systems. The antimicrobial activity of the systems was tested against Candida albicans ATCC 10231 with repeat insult tests. The results of the release experiments and the antimicrobial tests showed very low water concentration of parabens still maintaining their antimicrobial activity.

Research on anti-bacterial and anti-fungal agents II. Synthesis and anti-fungal activity of new(1H-imidazol-1-ylmethyl)-benzenamine derivatives

Abstract The synthesis and in vivo and in vitro anti-fungal activities of new (1H-imidazol-1-ylmethyl)benzenamine derivatives are reported. Anti-microbial data in comparison with miconazole show that many compounds exhibit an interesting anti-mycotic activity.

Infant Milk Formulas: Effect of Storage Conditions on the Stability of Powdered Products towards Autoxidation

Thirty samples of powdered infant milk formulas containing polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) have been stored at four different temperatures (20, 28, 40 and 55 °C) and periodically monitored for their malondialdehyde (MDA) content up to one year. MDA levels ranged between 250 and 350 ng/kg in sealed samples with a maximum of 566 ng/kg in samples stored at 28 °C for three weeks after opening of their original packages, previously maintained for ten months at 20 °C. Sample stored at 40° and 55 °C were also submitted to CIE (Commission Internationale de l’Eclairage) colorimetric analysis, since color is the first sensorial property that consumers may evaluate. Overall, the results demonstrated a good stability of PUFA-enriched infant milk formulas in terms of MDA content. However, some care has to be paid when these products are not promptly consumed and stored for a long time after first opening.

Synthesis and antimycotic activity of new (1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl-methyl)benzeneamine derivatives

Abstract The synthesis and antimycotic activity of new triazole derivatives are reported. Microbiological assays show a good effectiveness against Aspergillus flavus, A. parassiticus and Fusarium solani . The same structures are completely inactive against Microsporum gypseum, Penicillum sp. and Candida albicans .