Jan Henrik Finke

In vitro and ex vivo toxicological testing of sildenafil-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles

Abstract The aim of this study was to investigate the potential cytotoxicity of solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) loaded with sildenafil. The SLNs were tested as a new drug delivery system (DDS) for the inhalable treatment of pulmonary hypertension in human lungs. Solubility of sildenafil in SLN lipid matrix (30:70 phospholipid:triglyceride) was determined to 1% sildenafil base and 0.1% sildenafil citrate, respectively. Sildenafil-loaded SLN with particle size of approximately 180 nm and monomodal particle size distribution were successfully manufactured using a novel microchannel homogenization method and were stable up to three months. Sildenafil-loaded SLN were then used in in vitro and ex vivo models representing lung and heart tissue. For in vitro models, human alveolar epithelial cell line (A459) and mouse heart endothelium cell line (MHEC5-T) were used. For ex vivo models, rat precision cut lung slices (PCLS) and rat heart slices (PCHS) were used. All the models were treated with plain SLN and sildenafil-loaded SLN in a concentration range of 0–5000 µg/ml of lipid matrix. The toxicity was evaluated in vitro and ex vivo by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Median lethal dose 50% (LD50) values for A549 cells and PCLS were found to be in the range of 1200–1900 µg/ml while for MHEC5-T cells and precision cut heart slices values were found between 1500 and 2800 µg/ml. PCHS showed slightly higher LD50 values in comparison to PCLS. Considering the toxicological aspects, sildenafil-loaded SLN could have potential in the treatment of pulmonary hypertension via inhalation route.

Physicochemical characterization of sildenafil-loaded solid lipid nanoparticle dispersions (SLN) for pulmonary application

For the development of any colloidal system, thorough characterization is extremely essential. This article discusses the physicochemical characterization of sildenafil-loaded solid lipid nanoparticle dispersions (SLN) including stability analysis over 6 months time period for possible pulmonary administration for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). SLN consisting of phospholipid and triglycerides were manufactured using a novel microchannel homogenization method. These sildenafil-loaded SLN were then subjected to physicochemical characterization namely, particle size and distribution over shelf life, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), wide angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD) and analysis of nebulization performance of these SLN by the means of next generation impactor (NGI). Additionally, the morphology of nebulized particles was assessed by transmission electron microscopy using negative staining technique. The solubility of sildenafil citrate and base in the lipid matrix was determined and was 0.1% w/w and 1% w/w, respectively. From the particle size measurements, it was observed that SLN without sildenafil demonstrated consistent particle sizes over 6 months. For the sildenafil-loaded SLN, increased particle sizes were found after manufacturing and further increased within weeks. From WAXD studies, after 6 months high intensity reflections corresponding to the stable β modification were observed. From DSC results, the peak minimum temperatures increased upon storage, hinting at a transformation to the stable β modification of triglycerides in the case of sildenafil-loaded SLN. Hence, it can be concluded that even small drug concentration influences particle size and stability.

Controlling solid lipid nanoparticle adhesion by polyelectrolyte multilayer surface modifications.

This study addresses the tunability of polyelectrolyte multilayers (PEM) toward adsorption of solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN). In SLN production for pharmaceutical applications, repellence from production equipment is desired while targeted adsorption is necessary for the functionalization of surfaces. SLN containing triglyceride/phospholipid or wax matrices were exposed to different PEM (consisting of poly(allylamine hydrochloride) (PAH), poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride), and poly(acrylic acid)). PEM varied regarding layer architecture and surface properties by means of deposition pH, top layer variation, PEGylation with poly(acrylic acid)-graft-poly(ethylene glycol) copolymer, and thermal crosslinking. FTIR-ATR and SEM revealed SLN adhesion depending on PEM composition. Particle adsorption was tunable toward attraction as well as repellence: PEGylated PEM displayed lowest adsorption while PEM capped with PAH provided the strongest attraction of particles. Examinations at elevated temperatures resembled production conditions of SLN where these are processed as emulsions. Crystalline triglyceride SLN displayed high anisometry and, consequently, a large specific surface area. These platelets were more adherend than spherical droplets from the same formulation as an emulsion. Wax-based nanoparticles showed spherical shape, both in crystalline and molten state. However, adsorption was fostered as the fluidity of the disperse phase increased upon melting. Additionally, coalescence of adsorbed droplets took place, further increasing adsorption.

Efficient production of nanoparticle-loaded orodispersible films by process integration in a stirred media mill.

Orodispersible films possess a great potential as a versatile platform for nanoparticle-loaded oral dosage forms. In this case, poorly water-soluble organic materials were ground in a stirred media mill and embedded into a polymer matrix. The aim of this study was the shortening of this manufacturing process by the integration of several process steps into a stirred media mill without facing disadvantages regarding the film quality. Furthermore, this process integration is time conserving due to the high stress intensities provided in the mill and applicable for high solids contents and high suspension viscosities. Two organic materials, the model compound Anthraquinone and the active pharmaceutical ingredient Naproxen were investigated in this study. Besides the impact of the film processing on the crystallinity of the particles in the orodispersible film, a particle load of up to 50% was investigated with the new developed processing route. Additionally, a disintegration test was developed, combining an appropriate amount of saliva substitute and a clear endpoint determination. In summary, high nanoparticle loads in orodispersible films with good particle size preservation after film redispersion in water as well as a manufacturing of the film casting mass within a few minutes in a stirred media mill was achieved.

Novel strategies for the formulation and processing of poorly water-soluble drugs

Graphical abstract Figure. No Caption available. ABSTRACT Low aqueous solubility of active pharmaceutical ingredients presents a serious challenge in the development process of new drug products. This article provides an overview on some of the current approaches for the formulation of poorly water‐soluble drugs with a special focus on strategies pursued at the Center of Pharmaceutical Engineering of the TU Braunschweig. These comprise formulation in lipid‐based colloidal drug delivery systems and experimental as well as computational approaches towards the efficient identification of the most suitable carrier systems. For less lipophilic substances the preparation of drug nanoparticles by milling and precipitation is investigated for instance by means of microsystem‐based manufacturing techniques and with special regard to the preparation of individualized dosage forms. Another option to overcome issues with poor drug solubility is the incorporation into nanospun fibers.

Instant ODFs – Development of an intermediate, nanoparticle-based product platform for individualized medication

Graphical abstract Figure. No Caption available. ABSTRACT The individualization of solid dosage forms to realize a flexible therapy for all patient groups is a topic which increasingly gains importance in pharmaceutical research. The goal of this study was to develop a nanoparticulate, instant orodispersible film (iODF) powder which can easily be reconstituted in water to cast ODFs containing an individualized concentration of an active pharmaceutical ingredient (API). It was shown that the processing of the film casing mass to iODF powders by spray drying provides the same advantageous film properties, particles sizes redispersed from the ODF and dissolution profiles as compared to the common production route. Due to the realization of nanoparticle loads up to 50 wt.% in the iODF powders, high API loads (11.8 mg cm−2) are achieved in final ODFs. The powders are well storable at different temperatures for at least three months and do not change their crystalline state during storage. Furthermore, dissolution of a defined amount of API from ODFs was found to be the fastest with the highest drug loads in the films.

The effect of miscellaneous oral dosage forms on the environmental pollution of sulfonamides in pig holdings.

BackgroundDue to antibiotic treatment of humans and animals, the prevalence of bacterial resistances increases worldwide. Especially in livestock farming, large quantities of faeces contaminated with antibiotics pose a risk of the carryover of the active ingredient to the environment. Accordingly, the aim of the present study was the evaluation of the benefit of different oral dosage forms (powder, pellets, granula) in pigs concerning the environmental pollution of sulfadiazine. Two subtherapeutic dosages were evaluated in powder mixtures to gain information about their potential to pollute the pig barn. Furthermore, a new group of pigs was kept in the stable after powder feeding of another pig group to determine the possible absorption of environmentally distributed antibiotics.Pigs were orally treated with three dosage forms. Simultaneously, sedimentation and airborne dust were collected and plasma and urine levels were determined.ResultsAll formulations result in comparable plasma and urine levels, but massive differences in environmental pollution (powder > pellets, granula). Pigs housing in a contaminated barn exhibit traces of sulfadiazine in plasma and urine.ConclusionUsing pharmaceutical formulations like pellets or granula, the environmental pollution of sulfonamides can significantly be diminished due to massive dust reduction during feeding.

Fouling in a Micro Heat Exchanger During Continuous Crystallization of Solid Lipid Nanoparticles

During the continuous crystallization of various solid lipid nanoparticle (LNP) formulations, certain formulations lead to fouling and blocking of small passages in the applied micro heat exchanger. In order to investigate the fouling behavior of different LNP formulations in detail, integral fouling evaluations by pressure drop measurements were performed. Results show more fluctuations compared to particle fouling experiments in macro devices. These variations result from detached agglomerates from compounds formed in micro devices in the inlet header regions, breaking off randomly due to shear stress. This results in downstream microchannel blockage, in the transfer tubings or in subsequent unit operations. During corresponding cleaning experiments different observations compared to macro dimensions were made: Based on significant lower ratios of characteristic dimension of the microchannel to particle or agglomerate diameter, agglomerates remain in the microchannels, preventing smaller particles from being washed off (i.e., capturing effect). Furthermore, low Reynolds numbers, high surface-to-volume ratios, and small characteristic dimensions may result in a total blockage of microchannels.

Characterization of Mechanical Property Distributions on Tablet Surfaces

Powder densification through uniaxial compaction is governed by a number of simultaneous processes taking place on a reduced time as the result of the stress gradients within the packing, as well as the frictional and adhesive forces between the powder and the die walls. As a result of that, a density and stiffness anisotropy is developed across the axial and radial directions. In this study, microindentation has been applied to assess and quantify the variation of the module of elasticity (Emod) throughout the surface of cylindrical tablets. A representative set of deformation behaviors was analyzed by pharmaceutical excipients ranging from soft/plastic behavior (microcrystalline cellulose) over medium (lactose) to hard/brittle behavior (calcium phosphate) for different compaction pressures. The results of the local stiffness distribution over tablet faces depicted a linear and directly proportional tendency between a solid fraction and Emod for the upper and lower faces, as well as remarkable stiffness anisotropy between the axial and radial directions of compaction. The highest extent of the stiffness anisotropy that was found for ductile grades of microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) in comparison with brittle powders has been attributed to the dual phenomena of overall elastic recovery and Poisson’s effect on the relaxation kinetics. As a reinforcement of this analysis, the evolution of the specific surface area elucidated the respective densification mechanism and its implementations toward anisotropy. For ductile excipients, the increase in the contact surface area as well as the reduction and closing of interstitial pores explain the reduction of surface area with increasing compaction pressure. For brittle powders, densification evolves through fragmentation and the subsequent filling of voids.

Formation of long-term stable amorphous ibuprofen nanoparticles via antisolvent melt precipitation (AMP)

Graphical abstract Figure. No caption available. ABSTRACT Antisolvent precipitation of poorly water‐soluble drugs is a promising formulation technique to synthesize amorphous nanoparticles. The dissolution behavior of these nanoparticles is improved because of the high specific surface area and the amorphous state, leading to an enhanced bioavailability of the drug molecules. Nevertheless, stabilization of precipitated drug nanoparticles against agglomeration and recrystallization, which constitutes a key issue for further processing steps, has turned out to be a major challenge. For that reason, the present study presents a synthesis method to produce long‐term stable amorphous ibuprofen nanoparticles via antisolvent precipitation. To reach this goal, a new precipitation method was developed: antisolvent melt precipitation (AMP). Formulation strategies (e.g. varying fraction of stabilizer) as well as process parameters (e.g. temperature) were under study to estimate their influence on particle size, size distribution, crystallinity, morphology and stability of synthesized drug nanoparticles.