Sunil Kumar Jain

Transferrin coupled liposomes as drug delivery carriers for brain targeting of 5-florouracil

Diseases and disorders of the brain are extremely difficult to treat pharmacologically because most drugs are unable to pass across the blood–brain barriers. Complex multi-strand tight junctions between adjacent cerebral endothelial cells and between choroid plexus epithelial cells form a physical barrier and prevent the passage of water soluble drugs from the blood into the brain, whereas the inward passage of lipid soluble drugs is restricted by drug efflux pumps which act as a functional barrier. In the present work, a transferrin-coupled liposomal system for brain delivery of 5-florouracil has been investigated. 5-florouracil and 99mTc-DTPA bearing non-coupled liposomes were prepared by cast film method, which were coupled with the transferrin by incubating these liposomes with transferrin in the presence of the 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide hydrochloride in saline phosphate buffer (pH 7.4). These liposomal systems were characterized for vesicle size, percent drug entrapment, and in vitro drug release. The size of the liposomes was increased on coupling with transferrin while percent drug entrapment reduced. The results of the in vitro release profile demonstrated that non-coupled liposomal formulation releases a comparatively higher percent (i.e. 74.8±3.21%) of drug than coupled liposomes. Results of in vivo study suggested a selective uptake of the transferrin-coupled liposomes from the brain capillary endothelial cells. In case of coupled liposomes, the level of radioactivity was 17-fold more as compared to the free radioactive agent and 13 times more with the non-coupled liposomes. Therefore, it could be concluded that using transferrin coupled liposomes the brain uptake of the drug could be enhanced.

Transferrin-conjugated liposomal system for improved delivery of 5-fluorouracil to brain

The objective of this study is to achieve the enhanced delivery of 5-fluorouracil to brain through transferrin-coupled liposomes. 5-Fluorouracil-loaded liposomes were prepared by cast film method and characterized for particle size, shape, percent encapsulation efficiency and in vitro drug release. Biodistribution studies were carried out with the help of radiolabelled 5-fluorouracil. 5-Fluorouracil was labelled with 99mTc-DTPA by oxidation–reduction method using stannous chloride and optimized for labelling parameters to get a high labelling efficiency. The in vitro stability was determined to check the efficiency of a system to find out the suitability of the radiolabelled system for in vivo studies. 99mTc-DTPA-labelled 5-fluorouracil bearing non-coupled and coupled liposomes were administered intravenously and biodistribution studies were performed. The distribution of 5-fluorouracil via non-coupled and coupled liposomes was determined in various organs, such as lungs, liver, kidneys, spleen and brain, by measuring the radioactivity using a gamma scintillation unit. The results of in vivo studies confirmed a selective uptake of the transferrin-coupled liposomes from the brain capillary endothelial cells. An average of 10-fold increase in the brain uptake of the drug was observed after the liposomal delivery of 5-fluorouracil, while the transferrin-coupled liposomes caused a 17-fold increase in the brain uptake of 5-fluorouracil. Therefore, it can be concluded that transferrin-coupled liposomes enhance the brain uptake of the drug, like 5-fluorouracil.

Preparation and Characterization of Oxybenzone-Loaded Gelatin Microspheres for Enhancement of Sunscreening Efficacy

The objective of our present study was to prepare and evaluate gelatin microspheres of oxybenzone to enhance its sunscreening efficacy. The gelatin microspheres of oxybenzone were prepared by emulsion method. Process parameters were analyzed to optimize the formulation. The in vitro drug release study was performed in pH 7.4 using cellulose acetate membrane. Microspheres prepared using oxybenzone:gelatin ratio of 1:6 showed slowest drug release and those prepared with oxybenzone:gelatin ratio of 1:2 showed fastest drug release. The gelatin microspheres of oxybenzone were incorporated in aloe vera gel. Sun exposure method using sodium nitroprusside solution was used for in vitro sunscreen efficacy testing. The formulation C5 containing oxybenzone-bearing gelatin microspheres in aloe vera gel showed best sunscreen efficacy. The formulations were evaluated for skin irritation test in human volunteers, sun protection factor, and minimum erythema dose in albino rats. These studies revealed that the incorporation of sunscreening agent–loaded microspheres into aloe vera gel greatly increased the efficacy of sunscreen formulation more than four times.

Microsphere Based Improved Sunscreen Formulation of Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate

Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) microspheres of ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate (EHM) were prepared by emulsion solvent evaporation method to improve its photostability and effectiveness as sunscreening agent. Process parameters like stirring speed and aqueous polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) concentration were analyzed in order to optimize the formulations. Shape and surface morphology of the microspheres were examined using scanning electron microscopy. Particle size of the microspheres was determined using laser diffraction particle size analyzer. The PMMA microspheres of EHM were incorporated in water-removable cream base. The in vitro drug release of EHM in pH 7.4 was performed using dialysis membrane. Thin layer chromatography was performed to determine photostability of EHM inside the microspheres. The formulations were evaluated for sun protection factor (SPF) and minimum erythema dose (MED) in albino rats. Cream base formulation containing microspheres prepared using EHM:PMMA in ratio of 1:3 (C(3)) showed slowest drug (EHM) release and those prepared with EHM: PMMA in ratio of 1:1 showed fastest release. The cream base formulations containing EHM loaded microspheres had shown better SPF (more than 16.0) as compared to formulation C(d) that contained 3% free EHM as sunscreen agent and showed SPF 4.66. These studies revealed that the incorporation of EHM loaded PMMA microspheres into cream base had greatly increased the efficacy of sunscreen formulation approximately four times. Further, photostability was also shown to be improved in PMMA microspheres.

Potential of transferrin and transferrin conjugates of liposomes in drug delivery and targeting

Targeted drug delivery has gained recognition in modern therapeutics and attempts are being made to explore the potential of cell biology-related bioevents in the development of specific and target-oriented systems. In connection to modern therapeutic systems, most of the emphasis has been laid upon the bioconjugated drug delivery systems. Bioconjugates involve the linking of two or more molecules to form a novel complex having the combined properties of its individual components. The nature of the linking agent between the pharmacologic agent and the delivery-augmenting moiety dictates the degree of successful delivery and its outcome. The component for the bioconjugated drug delivery includes receptors and ligands, where the receptors act as molecular targets or portals whereas ligands with receptors provide selective and specific trafficking towards the targeting site. Recently, a number of bioconjugated systems have been discovered for the site-specific presentation and delivery of various bioactive substances using biorelevant ligands, including antibodies, glycoprotein, viral proteins, and molecules of endogenous origin. In this review, the potential of transferrin (Tf) and Tf conjugates of liposomes in site-specific drug delivery systems are discussed. Tf is an abundant component of serum with the capacity to bind and transport iron, while Tf receptor (TfR), a dimeric transmembrane glycoprotein, is present on the surface of the most proliferating, higher eukaryotic cells. Tf expression is also found in nonproliferating tissues, such as hepatocytes, tissue macrophages, pituitary cells, pancreatic islet cells, and the endothelium of brain capillaries. Tumor cells frequently carry elevated numbers of TfRs compared with corresponding normal cells, and reduced serum levels of Tf are often observed in patients with tumors. In the past, various strategies have been developed, which include coupling of the liposomal surface with Tf by using various linking agents. Low-molecular weight drugs and proteins as well as liposomes can be linked with Tf. The Tf-coupled vesicular system is physicochemically stable in the bioenvironment and is site-specific. The aim of coupling liposomes with Tf is to improve the physical and biochemical stability of liposomes and make them appropriate for targeting specific organs and cells. Tf may be widely applied either as a carrier or targeting ligand in the active targeting of anticancer agents, proteins, and genes to primarily proliferating malignant cells that overexpress TfRs. Tf has been used as a molecular conjugate to deliver DNA to erythroleukemic, lung, and liver cell lines. Tf can also be modified with the positive charge N-acylurea groups to make them suitable for electrostatic binding of DNA, in order to achieve a well defined DNA-binding ligand for receptor-mediated gene transfer. Association of Tf with lipoplexes, in particular the negatively charged ternary complexes, significantly overcomes the inhibitory effect of serum and facilitates efficient transfection in many cell lines, including HeLa, K-562 cells, and lung carcinoma cells Calu-3 and H-292 cells. Tf-lipoplex has demonstrated high efficiency in tumor-targeted gene delivery and long-term therapeutic accuracy in systemic p53 gene therapy for both human head and neck cancer and prostate cancer. Tf and Tf-coupled liposomal drug delivery systems may prove particularly valuable to enable the use of a drug that seems to be ineffective or toxic if delivered systematically. The delivery of drugs to the brain has been particularly challenging because of the presence of the blood-brain barrier, which restricts the passage of most therapeutic agents into the brain. Therefore, active targeting of the brain is crucial for effective treatment of brain diseases. The anti-TfR antibody, such as OX26, when coupled with therapeutic agents, has shown potential in drug and gene delivery to the brain.

Floating Microspheres as Drug Delivery System: Newer Approaches

A controlled drug delivery system with prolonged residence time in the stomach can be of great practical importance for drugs with an absorption window in the upper small intestine. The main limitations are attributed to the inter- and intra-subject variability of gastro-intestinal (GI) transit time and the non-uniformity of drug absorption throughout the alimentary canal. Floating drug delivery systems (FDDSs) are expected to remain buoyant in a lasting way upon the gastric contents and consequently to enhance the bioavailability of drugs. The various buoyant preparations include hollow microspheres, granules, powders, tablets, capsules, pills and laminated films. Floating microspheres are specially gaining attention due to their wide applicability in the targeting of drugs to stomach. These floating microspheres have the advantage that they remain buoyant and distributed uniformly over the gastric fluid to avoid the vagaries of gastric emptying and release the drug for prolonged period of time. A major drawback of low-density floating drug delivery systems is that their performance is strongly dependent upon the gastric emptying process of stomach. Multiparticulate low-density particles can successfully prolong the gastric retention time of drugs. This article is a review of two important approaches utilized to prepare and improve the performance of floating microspheres.

Controlled release calcium silicate based floating granular delivery system of ranitidine hydrochloride.

The objective of the present investigation was to prepare and evaluate floating granular delivery system consisting of (i) calcium silicate (CS) as porous carrier; (ii) ranitidine hydrochloride (RH), an anti-ulcer agent; and (iii) hydroxypropyl methylcellulose K4M (HPMC) and ethylcellulose (EC) as matrix forming polymers. The effect of various formulation and process variables on the particle morphology, particle size, micromeritic properties, percent drug content, in vitro floating behavior, and in vitro drug release from the floating granules was studied. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of granules revealed that that more pores of CS in secondary coated granules (SCG) were covered by the polymer film than those in primary coated granules (PCG). The formulation demonstrated favorable in vitro floating and drug release characteristics. The in vivo evaluation for the determination of pharmacokinetic parameters was performed in albino rats. Higher plasma concentration was maintained throughout the study period from the floating granules of RH. The enhanced bioavailability and elimination half-life observed in the present study may be due to the floating nature of the dosage form. The results suggested that CS is a useful carrier for the development of floating and sustained release preparations.

Development and characterization of nanolipobeads-based dual drug delivery system for H. Pylori targeting

Abstract The objective of the present investigation was to prepare and evaluate nanolipobeads which permit the targeting of drugs to H. Pylori and potentially used for the treatment of gastric ulcer. For this polyvinyl alcohol nanoparticles were prepared by freeze thaw cyclizing method and surface acylation was done by treating with (1M) palmitoyl chloride in hexane followed by addition of 0.1 N NaOH to induce acylation by adjusting pH below 6.5. Finally, nanolipobeads synthesis was carried out by combining equal parts of suspension of acylated poly vinyl alcohol nanoparticles (PVA-NPs) and AMOX encapsulated PE liposomes suspension. The uniformity of supported PE lipid layer on acylated PVA-NPs was examined using fluorescence and confocal laser scanning electron microscopy. The optimized nanolipobeads formulation demonstrated 773.3 ± 4.3 nm average age size and 84.7 ± 2.9% of AMOX and 67.5 ± 2.8% of RBC release up to 72 h, respectively. Furthermore, binding specificity and targeting propensity toward H. pylori (SKP-56) was confirmed by agglutination and in situ adherence assay. Reduction of the absolute alcohol induced ulcerogenic index from 3.01 ± 0.25 to 0.31 ± 0.09 and 100% H. pylori clearance rate was observed. These results suggested that nanolipobeads are potential vector for development of dual drug delivery for effective treatment of H. pylori associated peptic ulcer.

Calcium-silicate-based floating granular delivery system of ranitidine hydrochloride for effective management of peptic ulcer

The objective of the present investigation was to prepare and evaluate a floating granular delivery system for the treatment of mucosal ulcer consisting of (i) calcium silicate (CS) as a porous carrier; (ii) ranitidine hydrochloride (RH), an anti-ulcer agent; and (iii) hydroxypropyl methylcellulose K4M (HPMC) and ethylcellulose (EC) as matrix-forming polymers. The effect of various formulation and process variables on the particle morphology, particle size, micromeritic properties, percent drug content, in vitro floating behavior, and in vitro drug release from the floating granules was studied. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of the granules revealed that that more pores of CS in secondary coated granules (SCG) were covered by the polymer solution than those in primary coated granules (PCG). The formulation demonstrated favorable in vitro floating and sustained drug release characteristics. The in vivo evaluation for the determination of pharmacokinetic parameters was performed in albino rats. Higher plasma concentration was maintained throughout the study period from the floating granules of RH. The enhanced bioavailability and elimination half-life observed in the present study may be due to the floating nature of the dosage form and the reduction of the absolute alcohol-induced ulcerogenic index from 3.0 to 0.6. The results suggested that CS is a useful carrier for the development of floating and sustained release preparations.

Concanavalin-A Conjugated 5-Fluorouracil Loaded PLGA Nanoparticles: A Novel Approach for Effective Treatment of Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer in men and the second in women worldwide. In colorectal cancer therapy, as it is in other cancers, biodistribution to tumor tissue can be limited and not reach effective concentrations. Concanavalin (Con-A) conjugated polylactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) nanoparticles loaded with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), were prepared and evaluated under in vitro and in vivo conditions. Con-A conjugated 5-FU nanoparticles (CFUNP) was employed as the carriers for cancer treatment. Solvent evaporation method was employed for the preparation of nanoparticles and characterized for particles size, size distribution, zeta potential, surface morphology, % drug entrapment and in vitro drug release in the simulated intestinal fluid. Optimized nanoparticles were conjugated with Con-A and further characterized by Con-A conjugation efficiency, mucoadhesion, and gamma scintigraphy study. Conjugated nanoparticles sustained the drug release significantly (p<0.05) over a period of 24 h when compared to the marketed formulation of 5-FU. A measurable number of counts of 99mTc-tagged CFUNP3 formulation after 24h study period suggested retention of nanoparticles for a prolonged period of time in the colonic region. These results suggested that Con-A conjugated nanoparticles could be considered as a promising carrier for selectively targeting drug(s) to the colon for the treatment of colon cancer.