Mario Jug

Analysis of triclosan inclusion complexes with β-cyclodextrin and its water-soluble polymeric derivative

Interaction in solution and in the solid state of triclosan (TR), a practically water-insoluble antimicrobial agent, with parent β-cyclodextrin (βCD) and its water-soluble epichlorohydrin polymer (EPI-βCD) was investigated by several analytical techniques, to evaluate the role of the carrier features on the physicochemical properties of the drug-cyclodextrin complex. Phase-solubility studies showed the higher solubilizing and complexing ability of EPI-βCD (K(s) =1 1,733 M(-1)) than parent βCD (K(s) = 2526 M(-1)). Actual inclusion complex formation between TR and both cyclodextrins tested was confirmed by 2D (1)H NMR studies (ROESY), which also gave insight into some different drug/cyclodextrin binding modes between polymeric and parent βCD. Addition of hydrophilic polymers (hydroxypropylcellulose, hypromellose or amidated pectin) to TR/βCD systems increased βCD solubilizing efficacy, but, unexpectedly, decreased its complexing ability towards the drug. Solid binary and ternary samples prepared by co-grinding of components in high energy mills were carefully characterised by Differential Scanning Calorimetry, X-ray powder diffractometry and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The results pointed out the higher affinity of EPI-βCD than βCD for the interaction with TR even in the solid state, resulting in the formation of completely amorphous products with superior dissolution properties. Addition of hydrophilic polymers failed to effectively promote solid-state interactions between TR and βCD, while their positive influence on drug solubility, observed in phase-solubility studies, was absent in solid TR/βCD/polymer products. Finally, the time-kill analysis, used to evaluate the TR antimicrobial activity against Streptococcus mutans, demonstrated the significantly (p < 0.001) superior performance of both cyclodextrin complexes than drug alone, and confirmed the higher effectiveness (p < 0.05) of TR/EPI-βCD than TR/βCD complex.

Preparation and solid-state characterization of bupivacaine hydrochloride cyclodextrin complexes aimed for buccal delivery

Binary products of bupivacaine hydrochloride (BVP HCl), an amide type local anesthetic, with parent beta-cyclodextrin (beta-CD) and its soluble beta-cyclodextrin-epichlorohydrin polymer (EPI-beta-CD) were prepared and evaluated as a first phase in the development of a novel mucoadhesive formulation aimed for buccal delivery of this drug. The solid products were obtained by physical mixing, ball milling in high-energy mills, co-evaporation and lyophilisation, in order to rationally select the most effective preparation technique. The solid products obtained were carefully characterised by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray powder diffractometry (XRPD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM). The impact of the preparation techniques on the physicochemical properties of plain drug was also studied. Results of solid-state analysis revealed more intense interactions of BVP HCl with EPI-beta-CD than with native beta-CD, accompanied by stronger reduction of drug crystallinity in the samples, probably favoured by the amorphous nature of the polymeric carrier. While summarising the results of DSC and XRPD analyses, it seems that ball milling of drug/cyclodextrin binary mixtures was particularly efficient in inducing solid-state interaction between the components and it can be considered as the method of choice for preparation of complexes of BVP HCl with beta-CD and EPI-beta-CD. In vitro dissolution properties in artificial saliva of ball-milled BVP HCl and corresponding CD complexes were investigated by simulating the conditions present at the surface of the buccal mucosa. The obtained results confirmed that complexation of BVP HCl with beta-CD and EPI-beta-CD is a suitable tool for properly tailoring the dissolution properties of the drug and it can be favourably exploited for the development of an effective buccal drug delivery system.

Comparative analysis of binary and ternary cyclodextrin complexes with econazole nitrate in solution and in solid state

The aim of this work was to investigate in-depth interactions of econazole nitrate (ECN), a very poorly water-soluble antifungal agent, with different β-cyclodextrin (βCD) derivatives, and to evaluate the potential synergistic effect of suitable third compounds (l-amino acids, citric acid, hydrophilic polymers). Phase-solubility studies showed the formation of equimolar complexes with all tested CDs, and indicated sulfobutyl-βCD (SBEβCD) as the best complexing and solubilizing agent for ECN, followed by hydroxypropyl-βCD (HPβCD). 1D and 2D (1)H NMR studies demonstrated the actual formation of inclusion complexes of 1:1mol:mol stoichiometry, and gave insight about different inclusion modes of ECN molecule into the CD cavity, simultaneously existing in solution. Among the different tested ternary systems, only those with citric acid (CA) enabled a significant increase in complexing and solubilizing ability towards the drug with respect to the binary ones, indicating a synergistic effect between SBEβCD and CA and the formation of highly soluble ternary complexes, which was further supported by NMR studies. Solid equimolar binary and ternary systems of ECN, CDs and CA were prepared by co-grinding in high energy vibrational micro-mills and characterized by differential scanning calorimetry, X-ray powder diffractometry and in vitro dissolution studies. In the case of binary systems, total sample amorphization, indicative of strong solid state interactions and possible inclusion complex formation, was obtained only for co-ground products with HPβCD and SBEβCD, but they both presented a dissolution profile typical of a supersaturated system, with a limited improvement of drug dissolution efficiency (8.3 and 22.13 times, respectively). On the contrary, the ternary ECN/SBEβCD/CA co-ground product presented superior dissolution properties, increasing the ECN dissolution efficiency of 66.62 times, clearly having the best potential for further development of a novel ECN delivery system for efficient delivery of the drug to the oral cavity, thus improving the therapy of oral candidosis.

Novel cyclodextrin-based film formulation intended for buccal delivery of atenolol

Background: Unknown influence of cyclodextrin on the properties of the film formulation aimed for buccal application. Aim: Development and characterization of a novel bioadhesive film formulation for buccal atenolol delivery containing drug/cyclodextrin inclusion. Method: Interaction between atenolol and randomly methylated β-cyclodextrin (RAMEB) in solution was studied by phase solubility studies. The complex in solid state was prepared by the freeze-drying method and characterized by differential scanning calorimetry and Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The drug, free or in complex form, was incorporated into polymeric films prepared by the casting method using ethylcellulose (EC), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC). The prepared film formulations were characterized in terms of swelling, bioadhesion, and in vitro drug release. Results: The formation of a stabile inclusion complex (Ks = 783.4 ± 21.6 M−1) in 1:1 molar stoichiometry was confirmed in solution and in solid state. The swelling properties of films were predominated by the type of polymer used in the formulation. In vitro bioadhesive properties of the films were well correlated with the swelling properties of the polymers used in the formulation. Although incorporation of the drug, free or in complex form, decreased the bioadhesion of the films, PVA- and HPMC-based formulations retained suitable bioadhesive properties. Higher atenolol solubility upon complexation with RAMEB increased the drug dissolution rate under conditions designed to be similar to those on the buccal mucosa, but it has decreased the drug release rate from the PVA and HPMC film formulation, leading to a sustained drug release pattern. In the case of EC-based films, RAMEB promoted drug release. Other parameters that influenced the drug release rate were associated with the structure of the polymer used in the formulation, swelling characteristics of the films, and the interaction between atenolol and hydrophilic polymers that was demonstrated by FTIR analysis. Conclusion: Incorporation of atenolol in the form of an inclusion complex into hydrophilic films may be an appropriate strategy to prepare a suitable formulation for buccal drug delivery.

Development of low methoxy amidated pectin-based mucoadhesive patches for buccal delivery of triclosan: Effect of cyclodextrin complexation

A novel mucoadhesive buccal patch formulation of triclosan (TR), a broad spectrum antibacterial agent, was developed using low methoxy amidated pectin (AMP). The integrity of AMP matrix was improved by addition of 20% (w/w) Carbopol (CAR). The efficiency of β-cyclodextrin-epichlorohydrin polymer (EPIβCD) and anionic carboxymethylated β-cyclodextrin-epichlorohydrin polymer (CMEPIβCD) in optimization of TR solubility and release from such a matrix was investigated and confronted to that of parent β-cyclodextrin (βCD). Loading of TR/βCD co-ground complex into AMP/CAR matrix resulted in a biphasic release profile which was sensitive upon the hydration degree of the matrix, due to lower solubilizing efficiency of βCD, while the drug release from patches loaded with TR/EPIβCD complex was significantly faster with a constant release rate. Microbiological studies evidenced faster onset and more pronounced antibacterial action of TR/EPIβCD loaded patches, clearly demonstrating their good therapeutic potential in eradication of Streptococcus mutans, a cariogenic bacteria, from the oral cavity.

Native and polymeric β-cyclodextrins in performance improvement of chitosan films aimed for buccal delivery of poorly soluble drugs

Abstractβ-Cyclodextrin (βCD) and its soluble polymeric derivative (EPIβCD) were used to improve the effectiveness of chitosan-based bucco-adhesive film formulations containing bupivacaine hydrochloride and triclosan as poorly-soluble model drugs. The film formulations were characterized in terms of swelling, mucoadhesion and in vitro drug release, while possible interactions between the components were investigated by DSC and FTIR analyses. For both drugs EPIβCD showed a higher solubilizing efficiency than βCD; however cyclodextrin effectiveness in improving the release rate from film formulations was influenced by their different interactions with chitosan. Free βCD acted as a channelling agent, favouring the film swelling, while EPIβCD due to interaction with chitosan caused an opposite effect. βCD was the optimal partner for bupivacaine-loaded films in terms of film swelling, mucoadhesion and drug release. Contrariwise, EPIβCD was the best partner for triclosan-loaded films, allowing the highest drug release rate increase, due to its higher solubilizing ability with respect to βCD. Addition of the suitable cyclodextrin enabled formulation of buccal films with suitable drug release properties.

Multicomponent Complexes of Piroxicam with Cyclodextrins and Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose

The purpose of the study was to investigate the effect of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) on the complexation of piroxicam (PX) with β‐cyclodextrin (β‐CD) and dimethyl‐β‐cyclodextrin (DM‐β‐CD) in solution and in the solid state. Phase solubility study revealed a positive effect of the polymer on the drug complexation. Improvement in stability constants values, Ks, of ternary complexes clearly proves the benefit of the HPMC addition for promoting higher complexation efficiency. Solid binary and ternary complexes were prepared by spray drying. Drug‐CD and drug‐CD‐polymer interactions were studied in the solid state by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), zeta‐potential measurements, and particle size distribution. A marked increase in the PX dissolution rate was observed even in binary and ternary complexes. The presence of HPMC in ternary complexes slightly retarded the release of PX. Cyclodextrin complexation increased the PX concentration gradient over the semipermeable membrane, resulting in an increased PX flux. The retarded diffusion of PX to the membrane interface decreased the PX flux values of the ternary complexes.

Development of a cyclodextrin based nasal delivery system for lorazepam

A new drug delivery system containing hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HP-β-CD) and a mucoadhesive polymer was developed with the aim to overcome the limitations connected with the nasal application of drugs with low water solubility. Lorazepam, free or as cyclodextrin inclusion complex, was loaded into mucoadhesive microparticles by spray drying, using hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose (HPMC), carbomer, and HPMC/carbomer interpolymer complex (IPC) as mucoadhesive components. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) indicated the presence of drug crystalline areas in microparticles loaded with free lorazepam, whereas in those loaded with HP-β-CD inclusion complex, the drug was amorphous. Zeta potential measurement revealed that the polymer was the main component on the surface of the microparticles. The swelling rate and mucoadhesive properties of the microparticles were determined by the polymer type used in formulation. IPC- and carbomer-based microparticles showed superior swelling rate and mucoadhesion compared with the HPMC-based microparticles (p < .05). Drug loading into the polymer matrix decreased the swelling rate as well as the mucoadhesive properties of microparticles (p < .05), whereas the presence of HP-β-CD in the matrix did not induce any additional reduction of those parameters (p > .05). The in vitro dissolution studies demonstrated that the microparticles containing the lorazepam inclusion complex displayed 1.8–2.5 times faster drug release compared with those containing free lorazepam. The change in the drug release rate could be connected with improved drug solubility inside the polymer matrix due to inclusion complex formation, as well as to the reduction in crystallinity following complexation, as confirmed by DSC studies.

Comparative analysis of zaleplon complexation with cyclodextrins and hydrophilic polymers in solution and in solid state

The aim of this work was to investigate the potential synergistic effect of water-soluble polymers (hypromellose, HPMC and polyvinylpyrrolidone, PVP) on zaleplon (ZAL) complexation with parent β-cyclodextrin (βCD) and its randomly methylated derivative (RAMEB) in solution and in solid state. The addition of HPMC to the complexation medium improved ZAL complexation and solubilization with RAMEB (K(ZAL/RAMEB)=156±5M(-1) and K(ZAL/RAMEB/HPMC)=189±8M(-1); p<0.01), while such effect was not observed for βCD (K(ZAL/βCD)=112±2M(-1) and K(ZAL/βCD/HPMC)=119±8M(-1); p>0.05). Although PVP increased the ZAL aqueous solubility from 0.22 to 0.27mg/mL, it did not show any synergistic effects on ZAL solubilization with the cyclodextrins tested. Binary and ternary systems of ZAL with βCD, RAMEB and HPMC were prepared by spray-drying. Differential scanning calorimetry, X-ray powder diffraction and scanning electron microscopy demonstrated a partial ZAL amorphization in spray-dried binary and ternary systems with βCD, while the drug was completely amorphous in all samples with RAMEB. Furthermore, inclusion complex formation in all systems prepared was confirmed by solid-state NMR spectroscopy. The in vitro dissolution rate followed the rank order ZAL/RAMEB/HPMC>ZAL/RAMEB=ZAL/βCD/HPMC>ZAL/βCD≫ZAL, clearly demonstrating the superior performance of RAMEB on ZAL complexation in the solid state and its synergistic effect with HPMC on drug solubility. Surprisingly, when loaded into tablets made with insoluble microcrystalline cellulose, RAMEB complexes had no positive effect on drug dissolution, because HPMC and RAMEB acted as a binders inside the tablets, prolonging their disintegration. Oppositely, the formulation with mannitol, a soluble excipient, containing a ternary RAMEB system, released the complete drug-dose in only 5min, clearly demonstrating its suitability for the development of immediate-release oral formulation of ZAL.

Biopharmaceutical characterization of praziquantel cocrystals and cyclodextrin complexes prepared by grinding

&NA; Mechanochemical activation using several different co‐grinding additives was applied as a green chemistry approach to improve physiochemical and biopharmaceutical properties of praziquantel (PZQ). Liquid assisted grinding with an equimolar amount of citric acid (CA), malic acid (MA), salicylic acid (SA) and tartaric acid (TA) gained in cocrystal formation, which all showed pH‐dependent solubility and dissolution rate. However, the most soluble cocrystal of PZQ with MA was chemically unstable, as seen during the stability testing. Equimolar cyclodextrin complexes prepared by neat grinding with amorphous hydroxypropyl‐&bgr;‐cyclodextrin (HP&bgr;CD) and randomly methylated &bgr;‐cyclodextrin (ME&bgr;CD) showed the highest improvement in drug solubility and the dissolution rate, but only PZQ/HP&bgr;CD product presented an acceptable chemical and photostability profile. A combined approach, by co‐grinding the drug with both MA and HP&bgr;CD in equimolar ratio, also gave highly soluble amorphous product which again was chemical instable and therefore not suitable for the pharmaceutical use. Studies on Caco‐2 monolayer confirmed the biocompatibility of PZQ/HP&bgr;CD complex and showed that complexation did not adversely affect the intrinsically high PZQ permeability (Papp(PZQ) = (3.72 ± 0.33) × 10−5 cm s−1 and Papp(PZQ/HP&bgr;CD) = (3.65 ± 0.21) × 10−5 cm s−1; p > 0.05). All this confirmed that the co‐grinding with the proper additive is as a promising strategy to improve biopharmaceutical properties of the drug. Graphical abstract Figure. No caption available. HighlightsGrinding as eco‐friendly method to improve the praziquantel solubility was proposed.Liquid assisted grinding gained in cocrystals with pH dependent solubility.Neat grinding gained in highly soluble amorphous cyclodextrin complexes.Cocrystal formation impaired the chemical stability of drug.Cyclodextrin complexation did not change intrinsically high drug permeability.