Preparation and In Vitro Evaluation of Chitosan Microspheres Containing Prednisolone: Comparison of Simple and Conjugate Microspheres

The purpose of the present study was to obtain a novel microparticulate formulation of prednisolone, which was adequate for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The formulations prepared were evaluated in vitro. Two types of chitosan microspheres containing prednisolone, named Ch-Pred and Ch-SP-MS, were prepared by an emulsification-solvent evaporation method using a chitosan-prednisolone mixture and a chitosan-succinyl-prednisolone conjugate (Ch-SP), respectively. Ch-Pred and Ch-SP-MS were obtained in almost spherical shape. Ch-Pred showed a relatively high drug content of 13.2% (w/w), but the particle size was distributed from 10 to 45 µm, and a large initial burst release of approximately 60% was observed. On the other hand, although Ch-SP-MS exhibited a fairly low drug content of 3.5% (w/w), their particle size ranged from several hundred nanometers to 20 µm, with the mean diameter of 5 µm, and a gradual drug release profile was achieved. These characteristics on particle size and in vitro release suggested that Ch-SP-MS should have good potential as a microparticulate system for the treatment of IBD.     

Preparation and characterization of chitosan microspheres containing doxifluridine

Chitosan microspheres containing 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), tegafur (FT), and doxifluridine (DFUR) were prepared by the dry-in-oil method using silicone oil with no surfactant as a dispersion medium. For DFUR-containing chitosan microspheres (DFUR-M), reacetylation with acetic anhydride or coating using chitosan and glutaraldehyde was performed. DFUR-M, reacetylated DFUR-M, and chitosan-coated DFUR-M were investigated on in vitro drug release, and the former two microspheres were examined for in vivo degradation after subcutaneous (s.c.) implantation in mice, and in vivo plasma concentration-time profiles after s.c. implantation in rats. The present method gave fairly large microspheres purely composed of chitosan and drug because of no use of surfactant, which showed the mean particle diameters of 300-900 µm and the drug contents of 4-22% (w/w). Encapsulation efficiency of DFUR was higher than that of 5-FU and FT. DFUR-M and reacetylated DFUR-M exhibited spherical shape except chitosan-coated DFUR-M. DFUR-M showed high initial rapid release, which was suppressed to some extent by reacetylation or chitosan coating. DFUR-M and reacetylated DFUR-M subcutaneously implanted were gradually degraded, and approximately half or a little more of the microspheres disappeared from the implanted site at 3 weeks postimplantation. DFUR-M and reacetylated DFUR-M implanted subcutaneously gave similar plasma concentration-time profiles of DFUR, which did not indicate prolonged release in vivo. DFUR-containing chitosan microspheres with fairly large size and good drug content could be obtained by the present preparation but remained to be improved for drug release properties.     

Preparation and in vitro characteristics of lactoferrin-loaded chitosan microparticles

In order to achieve the delivery and controlled release of lactoferrin (LF), a biologically multifunctional protein, chitosan microparticles loaded with LF were prepared. Several types of chitosan microparticles containing LF were prepared by the w/o emulsification-solvent evaporation method, and the particle characteristics and release properties in JP 2nd fluid, pH 6.8, were examined. All kinds of microparticles were obtained at a yield of more than 75% (w/w). LF-loaded microparticles prepared by nonsonication and nonaddition of sulfate, named Ch-LF(N), showed high drug content, small particle size and spherical particle shape. Also, for release properties, Ch-LF(N) exhibited gradual drug release over 7 hr with less remaining in the microparticles. Considering the mucoadhesive properties of chitosan microparticles, Ch-LF(N) are suggested to be useful for gradual supply to topical diseased sites or for effective delivery to intestinal areas with abundant LF receptors.     

Preparation and In Vitro Characteristics of Lactoferrin-loaded Chitosan Microparticles

ABSTRACT

In order to achieve the delivery and controlled release of lactoferrin (LF), a biologically multifunctional protein, chitosan microparticles loaded with LF were prepared. Several types of chitosan microparticles containing LF were prepared by the w/o emulsification-solvent evaporation method, and the particle characteristics and release properties in JP 2nd fluid, pH 6.8, were examined. All kinds of microparticles were obtained at a yield of more than 75% (w/w). LF-loaded microparticles prepared by nonsonication and nonaddition of sulfate, named Ch-LF(N), showed high drug content, small particle size and spherical particle shape. Also, for release properties, Ch-LF(N) exhibited gradual drug release over 7 hr with less remaining in the microparticles. Considering the mucoadhesive properties of chitosan microparticles, Ch-LF(N) are suggested to be useful for gradual supply to topical diseased sites or for effective delivery to intestinal areas with abundant LF receptors.     

Eudragit coating of chitosan-prednisolone conjugate microspheres and in vitro evaluation of coated microspheres

Chitosan-prednisolone conjugate microspheres (Ch-SP-MS) were prepared, and Eudragit coating was applied in order to efficiently deliver the microspheres and drug to the intestinal disease sites. The Eudragit L100-coated microspheres (Ch-SP-MS/EuL100) were examined for particle characteristics and the release of drug and Ch-SP-MS in different pH media at 37°C. Ch-SP-MS were spherical, with a mean size of 4.5 μm and prednisolone content of 3.3% (w/w). Ch-SP-MS/EuL100 were fairly spherical, with a mean size of 22. 5 μm and drug content of 0.32% (w/w). At pH 1.2, the release extent was less than 5% even at 48 h, and Eudragit coating tended to suppress the release. In contrast, at pH 6.8 and 7.4, Ch-SP-MS/EuL100 tended to show somewhat faster drug release than Ch-SP-MS. Ch-SP-MS/EuL100 displayed a release extent of 23 and 27% at pH 6.8 and 7.4, respectively. Ch-SP-MS aggregated at pH 1.2, but almost kept their initial size and shape at pH 6.8 and 7.4. Ch-SP-MS/EuL100 almost maintained their original shape and size at pH 1.2, and gradually released Ch-SP-MS at pH 6.8 and 7.4 due to dissolution of the Eudragit layer. Eudragit coating is suggested to be useful to efficiently deliver Ch-SP-MS to the intestinal disease sites.     

双氯灭痛壳聚糖水凝胶微球的制备及其性能研究

在Span80与植物油形成的反相胶束体系中,通过戊二醛交联制备出壳聚糖水凝胶微球(CHM)。采用红外光谱和透射电镜等方法对CHM结构及粒子形态进行了研究。同时对CHM的溶胀度及其对模型药物双氯灭痛的体外释放行为进行了考察。结果表明,CHM具有较好的控制药物释放的作用。交联程度对微球粒径、溶胀度及药物释放性能影响较大。     

Bioadhesive characteristics of chitosan microspheres to the mucosa of rat small intestine

Chitosan (Chi) microspheres were examined in vitro and in vivo in terms of their bioadhesive characteristics to the mucosa of rat small intestine. Chi was labeled with fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC), and the microspheres (FTC-MS) were prepared by the dry-in-oil method using the obtained fluorescein thiocarbamyl-chitosan (FTC-Chi). FTC-MS with a mean diameter of 27 μm and size distribution of a few micrometers to several tens of micrometers was used for the bioadhesion experiment. FTC-MS exhibited a tendency to adhere to each part of the small intestine to a greater extent than dissolved FTC-Chi, and the ratio of adhering FTC-MS increased as the amount of added FTC-MS decreased. FTC-MS showed slower transit following intraduodenal injection than oral administration. Following the intraduodenal injection of FTC-MS, more than half remained in the upper or middle part of the small intestine for over 8 h. Further, insulin-containing chitosan microspheres with a mean diameter of 20 μm and size distribution of 5 μm to 45 μm were checked in situ for drug absorption, but intraduodenal or intraileal application hardly gave any decrease in plasma glucose level at a very high dose. The present chitosan microsphere system showed good adhesion to the intestinal mucosa, but scarcely facilitated absorption of insulin.     

Sustained release effects of berberine-loaded chitosan microspheres on in vitro chondrocyte culture

The low bioavailability and short biological half-life of berberine chloride (BBR) negatively affect the protective role of this compound against osteoarthritis (OA). The present study was performed to evaluate the effectiveness of sustained BBR release system. Novel BBR-loaded chitosan microspheres (BBR-loaded CMs) were successfully synthesized using an ionic cross-linking method for sustained release. The basic characteristics of the prepared microspheres were subsequently evaluated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques, encapsulation efficiency (EE), and in vitro release experiments. BBR-loaded CMs displayed spherical forms to encapsulate a considerable quantity of BBR (100.8?±?2.7?mg/g); these microspheres also exhibited an ideal releasing profile. The FT-IR spectra and XRD results revealed that BBR-loaded CMs were successfully synthesized via electrostatic interaction. In vitro experiments further showed that BBR-loaded CMs significantly inhibited sodium nitroprusside (SNP)-stimulated chondrocyte apoptosis as well as cytoskeletal remodeling, and led to increasing mitochondrial membrane potential and maintaining the nuclear morphology. BBR-loaded CMs exerted markedly higher anti-apoptotic activity in the treatment of OA, and markedly inhibited the protein expression levels of caspase-3, a disintegrin, and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs (ADAMTS)-5 and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-13 induced by SNP in rat articular chondrocytes, compared with free BBR at equivalent concentration. Therefore, novel BBR-loaded CMs may offer potential for application in the treatment of OA.     

壳聚糖-固态分散体载药微球的制备及性能研究

首先采用不同分子量的壳聚糖通过乳化-化学交联法制备了4种不同的壳聚糖载药微球。通过对微球的粒径、溶胀率、载药率、包封率等指标检测以及缓释性能的研究,发现分子量为240kDa的壳聚糖制备的载药微球缓释效果明显,载药率、包封率均较高,综合性能优于其它分子量壳聚糖制备的微球。利用该分子量壳聚糖包埋固态分散体制备了壳聚糖-固态分散体载药微球,改善了药物的溶解性并具有药物缓释作用。因此,壳聚糖-固态分散体载药微球是一种理想的药物缓释体系,可以用于包埋溶解性差,生物半衰期短,对胃肠刺激性强的药物。     

Comparison of simple Eudragit microparticles loaded with prednisolone and Eudragit-coated chitosan-succinyl-prednisolone conjugate microparticles: Part I. Particle characteristics and in vitro evaluation as a colonic delivery system

Objective: Simple Eudragit microparticles loaded with prednisolone and chitosan-succinyl-prednisolone conjugate microparticles coated with Eudragit were prepared and characterized in vitro in order to obtain their basic features as a colonic delivery system.

Materials and methods: Both types of microparticles were prepared by the emulsification-solvent evaporation modified somewhat from the previous one. Their particle size, shape and their drug content were investigated, and in vitro release profiles were examined using JP-15 1st fluid (pH 1.2), JP-15 2nd fluid (pH 6.8) and PBS (pH 7.4) as release media. Furthermore, the regeneration of conjugate microparticles from Eudragit-coated microparticles was investigated under the same incubation conditions.

Results: Simple Eudragit S100 (EuS) microparticles (ES-M) were almost spherical, ca. 1.2 μm diameter, and PD content ca. 3.7% (w/w). Conjugate microparticles (CS-M1) and EuS-coated conjugate microparticles (CS-M1/S) had particle sizes of ca. 2.8 and 15.3 μm, respectively, and PD contents of 5.4 and 2.1% (w/w), respectively. ES-M exhibited suppressed release at pH 1.2, gradual release at pH 6.8 and rapid release at pH 7.4. CS-M1 showed no release at pH 1.2, and very slow release at pH 6.8 and 7.4. CS-M1 regenerated poorly from CS-M1/S at pH 6.8.

Conclusions: Simple Eudragit micrparticles and Eudragit-caoted conjugate microparticles, prepared by the present methods, were found in vitro to be possibly useful as the delivery systems of PD to the lower intestine, although there were differences in their release rate and morphological features.     

Preparation and in vitro evaluation of chitosan matrices cross-linked by formaldehyde vapors

Rifampicin-chitosan matrices were prepared by a chemical cross-linking method to develop a sustained-release form. The effects of cross-linking agent (formaldehyde) on the drug release rate and release kinetics were investigated in this study. Moreover, the kinetics of rifampicin released from chitosan matrices exposed to formaldehyde vapors for predetermined time intervals were analyzed using Ritger and Peppas exponential equation. The in vitro release kinetics exhibited a non-Fickian transport model. Increasing the exposure time to formaldehyde vapors decreased the release rate of rifampicin from chitosan matrices as a result of formation of greater structural strength and tighter texture.     

Release behavior and kinetic evaluation of berberine hydrochloride from ethyl cellulose/chitosan microspheres

Novel ethyl cellulose/chitosan microspheres （ECCMs） were prepared by the method of w/o/w emulsion and solvent evaporation. The microspheres were spherical, adhesive, and aggregated loosely with a size not bigger than 5 pm. The drug loading efficiency of berberine hydrochloride （BH） loaded in microspheres were affected by chitosan （CS） concentration, EC concentration and the volume ratio of V（CS）/V（EC）. ECCMs prepared had sustained release efficiency on BH which was changed with different preparation parameters. In addition, the pH value of release media had obvious effect on the release character of ECCMs. The release rate of BH from sample B was only a little more than 30% in diluted hydrochloric acid （dHCl） and that was almost 90% in PBS during 24 h. Furthermore, the drug release data were fitted to different kinetic models to analyze the release kinetics and the mechanism from the microspheres. The released results of BH indicated that ECCMs exhibited non-Fickian diffusion mechanism in dHCI and diffusion-controlled drug release based on Fickian diffusion in PBS. So the ECCMs might be an ideal sustained release system especially in dHCl and the drug release was governed by both diffusion of the drug and dissolution of the polymeric network.     

Ondansetron-loaded chitosan microspheres for nasal antiemetic drug delivery: an alternative approach to oral and parenteral routes

Background: The aim of this study was to develop chitosan microspheres for nasal delivery of ondansetron hydrochloride (OND). Method: Microspheres were prepared with spray-drying method using glutaraldehyde as the crosslinking agent. Microspheres were characterized in terms of morphology, particle size, zeta potential, production yield, drug content, encapsulation efficiency, and in vitro drug release. Results: All microspheres were spherical in shape with smooth surface and positively charged. Microspheres had also high encapsulation efficiency and the suitable particle size for nasal administration. In vitro studies indicated that all crosslinked microspheres had a significant burst effect, and sustained drug release pattern was observed until 24 hours following burst drug release. Nasal absorption of OND from crosslinked chitosan microspheres was evaluated in rats, and pharmacokinetic parameters of OND calculated from nasal microsphere administration were compared with those of both nasal and parenteral administration of aqueous solutions of OND. In vivo data also supported that OND-loaded microspheres were also able to attain a sustained plasma profile and significantly larger area under the curve values with respect to nasal aqueous solution of OND. Conclusion: Based on in vitro and in vivo data, it could be concluded that crosslinked chitosan microspheres are considered as a nasal delivery system of OND.     

Dual cross-linked chitosan microspheres formulated with spray-drying technique for the sustained release of levofloxacin

Objective: This study was aimed to develop sustained drug release from levofloxacin (LF)-loaded chitosan (CS) microspheres for treating ophthalmic infections.

Significance: Dual cross-linked CS microspheres developed by the spray-drying technique displays significantly higher level of sustained drug release compared with non-cross-linked CS microspheres.

Methods: LF-loaded CS microspheres were prepared using the spray-drying technique, and then solidified with tripolyphosphate and glutaraldehyde as dual cross-linking agents. The microspheres were characterized by surface morphology, size distribution, zeta potential, encapsulation efficiency, and drug release profiles in vitro. The drug quantification was verified and analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The structural interactions of the CS with LF were studied with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The effect of various influencing excipients in the formulation of the dual cross-linked CS microspheres on drug encapsulation efficiency and the drug release profiles were extensively investigated.

Result: The microspheres demonstrated high encapsulation efficiency (72.4?～?98.55%) and were uniformly spherical with wrinkled surface. The mean particle size was between 1020.7?±?101.9 and 2381.2?±?101.6?nm. All microspheres were positively charged (zeta potential ranged from 31.1?±?1.32 to 42.81?±?1.55?mV). The in vitro release profiles showed a sustained release of the drug and it was remarkably influenced by the cross-linking process.

Conclusion: This novel spray-drying technique we have developed is suitable for manufacturing LF-loaded CS microspheres, and thus could serve as a potential platform for sustained drug release for effective therapeutic application in ocular infections.     

Preparation and properties of calcium sulfate bone cement incorporated with silk fibroin and Sema3A-loaded chitosan microspheres

To search for new bioactive materials which can be used as the substitute of bone repairing and drug carriers, Sema3A-loaded chitosan microspheres (SLCM) and silk fibroin (SF) were mixed with calcium sulfate cement (CSC). SEM, particle size analysis and swelling rate determination were performed to study properties of the microspheres. The drug loading, encapsulation efficiency and drug release rate were determined by ELISA. Microspheres with different SLCM weight contents (0.5%, 1% and 5%) were prepared to determine which one has the strongest mechanical properties and the appropriate setting time. It was revealed that CSC/SF/0.5SLCM has satisfactory mechanical properties, and its in vitro biocompatibility was assessed by MTS. Chitosan microspheres (5--18 μm) were globular, the surface was smooth, and the swelling rate is (77.02±5.57)%. With this formula, the setting time was increased with the addition of SLCM in CSC/SF, and the cumulative drug release rate is 44.62% in 28 d. XRD results demonstrate that the main component is calcium sulfate. Also it was found that CSC/SF/0.5SLCM supports the growth of MC3T3 cells. Thus the preparation of CSC/SF/0.5SLCM was reliable, and the products had good structures, physical properties and biocompati-bility, appearing to be a promising bone substitute material.     

Preparation and blood coagulation evaluation of chitosan microspheres

Cross-linked chitosan microspheres (40–100 μm) with smooth surface were prepared by the methods of emulsification and ethanol coagulant. FTIR results showed that the cross-linking reaction occurred on the amino groups of chitosan molecules. The swelling characteristic of chitosan microspheres was influenced by the environment pH, being generally greater at low rather than higher pH values. The coagulation properties of chitosan microspheres were evaluated by dynamic blood clotting, platelet adhesion and activation, erythrocyte adhesion, hemolysis, and protein absorption assays. Chitosan microspheres can shorten the clotting time and induce the adhesion and activation of platelets. But the shortening of clotting time by chitosan microspheres may be related to not only platelet aggregation, but also erythrocyte aggregation. Take together, chitosan microspheres may be potential use as thrombospheres.     

Sustained-release from layered matrix system comprising chitosan and xanthan gum

Sustained-release tablets of propranolol HCl were prepared by direct compression using chitosan and xanthan gum as matrix materials. The effective prolongation of drug release in acidic environment was achieved for matrix containing chitosan together with xanthan gum which prolonged the drug release more extensive than that containing single polymer. Increasing lactose into matrix could adjust the drug release characteristic by enhancing the drug released. Component containing chitosan and xanthan gum at ratio 1:1 and lactose 75% w/w was selected for preparing the layered matrix by tabletting. Increasing the amount of matrix in barrier or in middle layer resulted in prolongation of drug release. From the investigation of drug release from one planar surface, the lag time for drug release through barrier layer was apparently longer as the amount of barrier was enhanced. Least square fitting the experimental dissolution data to the mathematical expressions (power law, first order, Higuchi's and zero order) was performed to study the drug release mechanism. Layering with polymeric matrix could prolong the drug release and could shift the release pattern approach to zero order. The drug release from chitosan-xanthan gum three-layer tablet was pH dependent due to the difference in charge density in different environmental pH. FT-IR and DSC studies exhibited the charge interaction between of NH₃⁺ of chitosan molecule and COO^- of acetate or pyruvate groups of xanthan gum molecule. The SEM images revealed the formation of the loose membranous but porous film that was due to the gel layer formed by the polymer relaxation upon absorption of dissolution medium. The decreased rate of polymer dissolution resulting from the decreased rate of solvent penetration was accompanied by a decrease in drug diffusion due to ionic interaction between chitosan and xanthan gum. This was suggested that the utilization of chitosan and xanthan gum could give rise to layered matrix tablet exhibiting sustained drug release.     

Preparation of carbon nanotube/chitosan/gold nanoparticle composite microspheres

The electrostatic layer-by-layer (LbL) assembly of acid-modified multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) and biopolymer chitosan (CHIT) is realized on planar substrates and polystyrene (PS) microsphere templates, respectively. The successful stepwise growing process of the composite films on planar substrates is investigated and confirmed by scanning electron microscopy and UV-vis spectroscopy. The transfer of the LbL assembly of MWNTs and CHIT to spherical PS microspheres leads to novel (MWNT/CHIT)PS core-shell structure, on which the gold nanoparticles (GNPs) are deposited to fabricate GNP(MWNT/CHIT)PS composite microspheres. The glass carbon electrodes modified with such (MWNT/CHIT)PS or GNP(MWNT/CHIT)PS composites exhibit satisfactory electrocatalytic activities for biomolecule dopamine.     

Development and evaluation of chitosan and chitosan derivative nanoparticles containing insulin for oral administration

Abstract

Chitosan and chitosan derivative-based nanoparticles loaded with insulin were prepared by self-assembly, via electrostatic interactions between the negatively charged drug and the positively charged polymers. In the investigated chitosan derivatives, the amine groups were substituted to different extents (33, 52 or 99%) by 2-hydroxypropyl-3-trimethyl ammonium groups, rendering the polymers permanently positively charged, irrespective of the pH. This is an important property for this type of advanced drug delivery system, since the pH value changes throughout the gastrointestinal tract and electrostatic interactions are of crucial importance for the stability of the nanoparticles. Permanent positive charges are also in favor of mucoadhesion. In contrast, the electric charges of chitosan molecules depend on the pH of the surrounding medium. Since the solubility of the chitosan derivatives increased due to the introduction of quaternary ammonium groups, sodium tripolyphosphate (TPP) was added to the systems to create supplementary cross-links and stabilize the nanoparticles. The presence of TPP influenced both the dissolution of the polymer matrix as well as the resulting release kinetics. The underlying drug release mechanisms were found to be more complex than simple diffusion under constant conditions, likely involving also ionic interactions and matrix dissolution. The most promising formulation was based on a chitosan derivative with 33% substitution degree and characterized by a Z-average of 142?±?10?nm, a zeta potential of 29?±?1?mV, an encapsulation efficacy of 52?±?3% and, most importantly, the release of insulin was sustained for more than 210?min.     

Preparation and in vitro release of dual-drug resinates containing equivalent content dextromethorphan and diphenhydramine

The dual-drug resinate containing equivalent content of dextromethorphan hydrobromide (DTM) and diphenhydramine hydrochloride (DPH) was developed and characterized. To achieve this specific resinate, a procedure of simultaneous dual-drug loading using loading solutions composed of different proportions of DTM and DPH was performed and a dual-drug loading diagram was constructed to determine the equivalent drug loading solution (ELS) and also the estimated equivalent drug content (EQC). The effects of resin crosslinkage, overall drug concentration of the loading solution, and temperature during drug loading on the values of ELS and EQC were assessed. The increased overall drug concentration from 0.25 to 1.0% w/v elevated the EQC values from 18 to 35% w/w for low crosslinked resins (Dowex 50W × 2 and × 4), and from 18 to 27% w/w for high crosslinked resin (Dowex 50W × 8). It also changed the values of ELS from 0.50 to 0.48 for the low crosslinked resins, and 0.50 to 0.55 for the high crosslinked resin. For the high crosslinked resin, the applied heat from 35 to 65°C further increased the values of EQC from 27 to 32% w/w, and changed the values of ELS in the reverse direction from 0.55 to 0.48. However, the heat did not exert significant effects on the values of EQC and ELS for the low crosslinked resins. Different batches of dual-drug resinates prepared from the determined ELS provided the resultant resinates with equivalent contents of DTM and DPH which were very close to the estimated EQC. The drug release from the resinates was performed in 0.05, 0.1, 0.2, and 0.4 N of KCl solutions. The increased ionic strength generally accelerated the release of both drugs except for 0.4 N KCl solution in which the drug release from the resinates of high crosslinkage was decreased. The congestion on the outward movement of drugs through the high crosslinked matrix might cause the delay of drug release. In conclusion, the release study demonstrated that the dual-drug resinate using a suitable crosslinked resin could be used for extended delivery of two combined drugs with the equivalent therapeutic dose.