Consideration on the formulation of benzoyl peroxide at ambient temperature: choice of non-polar solvent and preparation of submicron emulsion gels

The aim of this study performed at ambient temperature was first to determine the solubility of benzoyl peroxide in various solvents with a large range of polarity. All these solvents can be used in the dermatological field. Then, using the most suitable solvent, a new drug vehicle submicron oil-in-water emulsion was formulated. Correlation between dielectric constant (ε) and drug solubility in various solvents and different binary mixtures was verified. An original ternary diagram with surfactant-co-surfactant/oil/water was performed at low temperature to determine the regions of submicron emulsions. A dramatic change in the magnitude of benzoyl peroxide solubility occurred above a dielectric constant value of about 20. The solubility of this drug can be enhanced by the replacement of polar solvent by a vehicle of lower dielectric constant. A stable submicron emulsion gel was made with cremophor EL, glycerol, caprilic-capric triglycerides, and water in the proportion of 20-20/35/25, respectively; 1.5% benzoyl peroxide was also added. This submicron emulsion vehicle consisted of oil droplets, with a mean diameter of approximately 100-150 nm, dispersed in a continuous water phase. These studies confirm the potential of benzoyl peroxide incorporation into submicron emulsion gel and the stability of this formulation.     

Preparation and Characterization of a Submicron Lipid Emulsion of Docetaxel: Submicron Lipid Emulsion of Docetaxel

Docetaxel, a widely used anticancer agent, has sparingly low aqueous solubility, thus Tween 80 and ethanol need to be added into its formulation, probably resulting in the toxic effects. In this study, we aimed to utilize submicron lipid emulsions as a carrier of docetaxel to avoid these potential toxic vehicles. Preformulation study was performed for rational emulsions formulation design, including drug solubility, distribution between oil and water, and degradation kinetics. Supersaturated submicron lipid emulsion of docetaxel was prepared by temperature elevation method. Soya oil and Miglyol 812 can incorporate docetaxel up to 1.0% (drug to lipid ratio) and were used as the oil phase of emulsions. The optimal formulation of docetaxel is composed of 10% oil phase, 1.2% soybean lecithin, 0.3% Pluoronic F68, and 0.4 or 0.8 mg/mL docetaxel, with particle size in the nanometer range, entrapment efficiency more than 90%, and is physicochemically stable at 4 and 25°C for 6 months. Animal studies showed that docetaxel emulsion has significantly higher area under the curve (AUC) and C_max in rats compared to its micellar solution. The results suggested that the submicron lipid emulsion is a promising intravenous carrier for docetaxel in place of its present commercially available docetaxel micellar solution with potential toxic effects.     

Preparation and characterization of a submicron lipid emulsion of docetaxel: submicron lipid emulsion of docetaxel

Docetaxel, a widely used anticancer agent, has sparingly low aqueous solubility, thus Tween 80 and ethanol need to be added into its formulation, probably resulting in the toxic effects. In this study, we aimed to utilize submicron lipid emulsions as a carrier of docetaxel to avoid these potential toxic vehicles. Preformulation study was performed for rational emulsions formulation design, including drug solubility, distribution between oil and water, and degradation kinetics. Supersaturated submicron lipid emulsion of docetaxel was prepared by temperature elevation method. Soya oil and Miglyol 812 can incorporate docetaxel up to 1.0% (drug to lipid ratio) and were used as the oil phase of emulsions. The optimal formulation of docetaxel is composed of 10% oil phase, 1.2% soybean lecithin, 0.3% Pluoronic F68, and 0.4 or 0.8 mg/mL docetaxel, with particle size in the nanometer range, entrapment efficiency more than 90%, and is physicochemically stable at 4 and 25 degrees C for 6 months. Animal studies showed that docetaxel emulsion has significantly higher area under the curve (AUC) and C(max) in rats compared to its micellar solution. The results suggested that the submicron lipid emulsion is a promising intravenous carrier for docetaxel in place of its present commercially available docetaxel micellar solution with potential toxic effects.     

Preparation,solubility, and electrorheological properties of carbon nanotubes/poly(methyl methacrylate) nanocomposites by in situ functionalization

Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) nanobeads-decorated multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) and single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) nanocomposites were prepared using two processing steps. Initially, spherical PMMA nanoparticles were synthesized using an emulsion polymerization method. Afterward, the PMMA nanobeads were decorated to MWNTs and SWNTs using benzoyl peroxide as an initiator in water during a high temperature refluxing process. The results confirmed the linkage of the nanotubes to the surrounding PMMA nanobeads via a covalent bond. The resultant nanocomposites showed high solubility in chloroform without flocculation after 24 h. In addition, the nanotubes/PMMA nanocomposites were characterized by electrical resistance measurements to analyze their electrical conductivity and examined as electrorheological (ER) materials when dispersed in silicone oil.     

Characterization of the Enhancing Effect of a Vehicle in a Transdermal System

Abstract

The percutaneous absorption of Morphine and Morphine hydrochloride is optimized using binary solvent systems as vehicle of the drugs. Release kinectics through hairless mouse skin are performed in vitro: variations of the flux, of the lagtime and of the cumulative released quantities as a function of the vehicle composition point out a synergistic effect of the two solvents (Labrafac hydrophile and Transcutol). Independant determinations of the skin/vehicle partition coefficient, of the solubility and of the diffusion coefficient are realized; the results allow us to explain the different enhancing effects of each solvent: the first one has an enhancing effect on the drug concentration in the skin, and the second one modifies the mobility of the drug in the skin

The rate of the drug release is usually optimized increasing the drug activity in the donor in relation with the solubility variation. With transdermal system (matrix, film) a more accurate approach is to increase the skin permeation of the drug (1) (2). This effect is commonly attempted with enhancers contained in the system, but a particular vehicle can act as an enhancer and as a solvent (3–7). In this case, we optimize the permeation coefficient, P = (K D/e), where K is the skin/vehicle partition coefficient, D is the diffusion coefficient and e is the skin thickness. The partition coefficient allows variation of the drug concentration in the skin, while the diffusion coefficient represents the mobility of the drug in the skin

The aim of this presentation is to analyze, on experimental data, the variation of the permeation to identifie, to localize, and to explain the role of a such vehicle. We studied the morphine permeation through hairless mouse skin with a binary solvents system. The solvents used are a diethylene glycol monoether (T) and a glycolysed ethoxylated glyceride (L). We propose to analyze the influence of the mixture composition on the partition and diffusion coefficient of morphine. We used an hydrophilic specie, morphine hydrochloride (MHCl), and a lipophilic specie, basic morphine (M), assuming that their routes of penetration are different: etheir hydrophilic inter or intra cellular route, or lipidic intercellular route. We suppose that each solvent can modifie the physical or chemical structure of these routes and consequently, the permeation of one particular specie of morphine     

The effect of solvent dependent local field factor in the optical properties of CdTe quantum dots

CdTe quantum dots (QDs) are synthesized at room temperature in aqueous solvents of different dielectric constants and characterized using optical spectroscopy. Absorption spectra of the QDs obtained is used to calculate the size dependent dielectric function of the QDs using Kramers–Kronig relation and iterative matrix inversion method. Effect of solvent dielectric constant on optical properties of QDs is studied theoretically using Maxwell–Garnett effective medium theory. Direct correlation between absorption intensity and solvent dielectric constant is explained on the basis of decreasing local field factor of the solvents. Emission rates of QDs is also found to have dependence on the dielectric constant of the solvent. Spontaneous emission rates of QDs in Ionic liquid environment is studied theoretically using Maxwell–Garnett effective medium theory. Our results show that variation in dielectric constant of Ionic liquids have a significant impact on spontaneous emission properties of the QDs.     

In Vitro Dissolution Profile of Theophvlline Lorded Ethvl Cellulose Microspheres Preprred by Emulsificrtion Soluent Eurporrtion

Abstract

Theophylline was entrapped in ethyl cellulose microspheres by a water/oil/water emulsification-solvent evaporation method. Aqueous solution of drug was emulsified into a solution of ethyl cellulose in toluene, containing polyisobutylene as protective colloid, followed by emulsification of this primary emulsion into an external aqueous phase to form a water/oil/water emulsion. Microspheres was formed after solvent evaporation and precipitation of ethyl cellulose. In vitro dissolution profile and effect of polyisobutylene on it were studied.     

Some Properties of an Ethoxylated Castor Oil and Ethoxylated Oleyl Alcohol

Ethoxylated derivates have been used as surfactants for some years. In this work, ethoxylated castor oil and ethoxylated oleyl alcohol alone and/or their I:I mixtures were used as surfactants in oil/water type of emulsion systems.

The physicochemical properties of ethoxylated castor oil (Simulsol OL 50) and ethoxylated oleyl alcohol (Simulsol 98) have been investigated.

Both of these materials have properties associated with non-ionic surfactants, although considerably soluble in water, the compounds have slight solubility in nonpolar solvents.

Surface tensions of aqueous solutions were measured over a temperature range of 20°C to 40°C. CMC were determined by surface tension measurements. pH, refractive index, conductivity and density of the two surfactants were also determined.     

In Vitro Dissolution Profile of Theophvlline Lorded Ethvl Cellulose Microspheres Preprred by Emulsificrtion Soluent Eurporrtion

Theophylline was entrapped in ethyl cellulose microspheres by a water/oil/water emulsification-solvent evaporation method. Aqueous solution of drug was emulsified into a solution of ethyl cellulose in toluene, containing polyisobutylene as protective colloid, followed by emulsification of this primary emulsion into an external aqueous phase to form a water/oil/water emulsion. Microspheres was formed after solvent evaporation and precipitation of ethyl cellulose. In vitro dissolution profile and effect of polyisobutylene on it were studied.     

Some Properties of an Ethoxylated Castor Oil and Ethoxylated Oleyl Alcohol

Abstract

Ethoxylated derivates have been used as surfactants for some years. In this work, ethoxylated castor oil and ethoxylated oleyl alcohol alone and/or their I:I mixtures were used as surfactants in oil/water type of emulsion systems.

The physicochemical properties of ethoxylated castor oil (Simulsol OL 50) and ethoxylated oleyl alcohol (Simulsol 98) have been investigated.

Both of these materials have properties associated with non-ionic surfactants, although considerably soluble in water, the compounds have slight solubility in nonpolar solvents.

Surface tensions of aqueous solutions were measured over a temperature range of 20°C to 40°C. CMC were determined by surface tension measurements. pH, refractive index, conductivity and density of the two surfactants were also determined.     

High drug loading self-microemulsifying/micelle formulation: design by high-throughput formulation screening system and in vivo evaluation

Purpose: To design a high drug loading formulation of self-microemulsifying/micelle system. Methods: A poorly-soluble model drug (CH5137291), 8 hydrophilic surfactants (HS), 10 lipophilic surfactants (LS), 5 oils, and PEG400 were used. A high loading formulation was designed by a following stepwise approach using a high-throughput formulation screening (HTFS) system: (1) an oil/solvent was selected by solubility of the drug; (2) a suitable HS for highly loading was selected by the screenings of emulsion/micelle size and phase stability in binary systems (HS, oil/solvent) with increasing loading levels; (3) a LS that formed a broad SMEDDS/micelle area on a phase diagram containing the HS and oil/solvent was selected by the same screenings; (4) an optimized formulation was selected by evaluating the loading capacity of the crystalline drug. Aqueous solubility behavior and oral absorption (Beagle dog) of the optimized formulation were compared with conventional formulations (jet-milled, PEG400). Results: As an optimized formulation, d-α-tocopheryl polyoxyethylene 1000 succinic ester: PEG400?=?8:2 was selected, and achieved the target loading level (200?mg/mL). The formulation formed fine emulsion/micelle (49.1?nm), and generated and maintained a supersaturated state at a higher level compared with the conventional formulations. In the oral absorption test, the area under the plasma concentration-time curve of the optimized formulation was 16.5-fold higher than that of the jet-milled formulation. Conclusions: The high loading formulation designed by the stepwise approach using the HTFS system improved the oral absorption of the poorly-soluble model drug.     

Chemical characterization of crude petroleum using nanospray desorption electrospray ionization coupled with high-resolution mass spectrometry

Nanospray desorption electrospray ionization (nano-DESI) combined with high-resolution mass spectrometry was used for the first time for the analysis of the polar constituents of liquid petroleum crude oil samples. The analysis was performed in both positive and negative ionization modes using three solvents, one of which (acetonitrile/toluene mixture) is commonly used in petroleomics studies while two other polar solvents (acetonitrile/water and methanol/water mixtures) are generally not compatible with petroleum characterization using mass spectrometry. The results demonstrate that nano-DESI analysis efficiently ionizes petroleum constituents soluble in a particular solvent. When acetonitrile/toluene is used as a solvent, nano-DESI generates electrospray-like spectra. In contrast, strikingly different spectra were obtained using acetonitrile/water and methanol/water. Comparison with the literature data indicates that these solvents selectively extract water-soluble constituents of the crude oil. Water-soluble compounds are predominantly observed as sodium adducts in nano-DESI spectra indicating that addition of sodium to the solvent may be a viable approach for efficient ionization of water-soluble crude oil constituents. Nano-DESI enables rapid screening of different classes of compounds in crude oil samples based on their solubility in solvents that are rarely used for petroleum characterization providing better coverage of the crude oil composition as compared to electrospray ionization (ESI). It also enables rapid characterization of water-soluble components of petroleum samples that is difficult to perform using traditional approaches.     

High drug loading self-microemulsifying/micelle formulation: design by high-throughput formulation screening system and in vivo evaluation

Purpose: To design a high drug loading formulation of self-microemulsifying/micelle system.

Methods: A poorly-soluble model drug (CH5137291), 8 hydrophilic surfactants (HS), 10 lipophilic surfactants (LS), 5 oils, and PEG400 were used. A high loading formulation was designed by a following stepwise approach using a high-throughput formulation screening (HTFS) system: (1) an oil/solvent was selected by solubility of the drug; (2) a suitable HS for highly loading was selected by the screenings of emulsion/micelle size and phase stability in binary systems (HS, oil/solvent) with increasing loading levels; (3) a LS that formed a broad SMEDDS/micelle area on a phase diagram containing the HS and oil/solvent was selected by the same screenings; (4) an optimized formulation was selected by evaluating the loading capacity of the crystalline drug. Aqueous solubility behavior and oral absorption (Beagle dog) of the optimized formulation were compared with conventional formulations (jet-milled, PEG400).

Results: As an optimized formulation, d-α-tocopheryl polyoxyethylene 1000 succinic ester: PEG400?=?8:2 was selected, and achieved the target loading level (200?mg/mL). The formulation formed fine emulsion/micelle (49.1?nm), and generated and maintained a supersaturated state at a higher level compared with the conventional formulations. In the oral absorption test, the area under the plasma concentration-time curve of the optimized formulation was 16.5-fold higher than that of the jet-milled formulation.

Conclusions: The high loading formulation designed by the stepwise approach using the HTFS system improved the oral absorption of the poorly-soluble model drug.     

Characterization of the Enhancing Effect of a Vehicle in a Transdermal System

The percutaneous absorption of Morphine and Morphine hydrochloride is optimized using binary solvent systems as vehicle of the drugs. Release kinectics through hairless mouse skin are performed in vitro: variations of the flux, of the lagtime and of the cumulative released quantities as a function of the vehicle composition point out a synergistic effect of the two solvents (Labrafac hydrophile and Transcutol). Independant determinations of the skin/vehicle partition coefficient, of the solubility and of the diffusion coefficient are realized; the results allow us to explain the different enhancing effects of each solvent: the first one has an enhancing effect on the drug concentration in the skin, and the second one modifies the mobility of the drug in the skin

The rate of the drug release is usually optimized increasing the drug activity in the donor in relation with the solubility variation. With transdermal system (matrix, film) a more accurate approach is to increase the skin permeation of the drug (1) (2). This effect is commonly attempted with enhancers contained in the system, but a particular vehicle can act as an enhancer and as a solvent (3-7). In this case, we optimize the permeation coefficient, P = (K D/e), where K is the skin/vehicle partition coefficient, D is the diffusion coefficient and e is the skin thickness. The partition coefficient allows variation of the drug concentration in the skin, while the diffusion coefficient represents the mobility of the drug in the skin

The aim of this presentation is to analyze, on experimental data, the variation of the permeation to identifie, to localize, and to explain the role of a such vehicle. We studied the morphine permeation through hairless mouse skin with a binary solvents system. The solvents used are a diethylene glycol monoether (T) and a glycolysed ethoxylated glyceride (L). We propose to analyze the influence of the mixture composition on the partition and diffusion coefficient of morphine. We used an hydrophilic specie, morphine hydrochloride (MHCl), and a lipophilic specie, basic morphine (M), assuming that their routes of penetration are different: etheir hydrophilic inter or intra cellular route, or lipidic intercellular route. We suppose that each solvent can modifie the physical or chemical structure of these routes and consequently, the permeation of one particular specie of morphine     

A lyophilized etoposide submicron emulsion with a high drug loading for intravenous injection: preparation,evaluation, and pharmacokinetics in rats

Objective: To develop a submicron emulsion for etoposide with a high drug loading capacity using a drug–phospholipid complex combined with drug freeze-drying techniques. Methods: An etoposide–phospholipid complex (EPC) was prepared and its structure was confirmed by X-ray diffraction and differential scanning calorimetry analysis. A freeze-drying technique was used to produce lyophilized etoposide emulsions (LEPE), and LEPE was investigated with regard to their appearance, particle size, and zeta potential. The pharmacokinetic study in vivo was determined by the UPLC/MS/MS system. Results: It showed that EPC significantly improved the liposolubility of etoposide, indicating a high drug loading intravenous emulsion could be easily prepared by EPC. Moreover, the obtained loading of etoposide in the submicron emulsion was 3.0 mg/mL, which was three times higher than that of the previous liquid emulsions. The optimum cryoprotectant was trehalose (15%) in freeze-drying test. The median diameter, polydispersity index, and zeta potential of the optimum formulation of LEPE were 226.1 ± 5.1 nm, 0.107 ± 0.011, and ?36.20 ± 1.13 mV, respectively. In addition, these parameters had no significant change during 6 months storage at 4 ± 2°C. The main pharmacokinetic parameters exhibited no significant differences between LEPE and etoposide commercial solution except for area under the concentration–time curve and clearance. Conclusions: The stable etoposide emulsion with a high drug loading was successfully prepared, indicating the amount of excipients such as the oil phase and emulsifiers significantly decreased following administration of the same dose of drug, effectively reducing the metabolism by patients while increasing their compliance. Therefore, LEPE has a great potential for clinical applications.     

Organic redox-initiated polymerization process for the fabrication of hydrogels for colon-specific drug delivery

Organic-redox initiated polymerization technique based on the co-initiators system comprising benzoyl peroxide and N-phenyldiethanolamine was used at ambient temperature to fabricate pH-responsive hydrogels. The effects of changes in the concentration of the co-initiators system, the ratio in which the co-initiators combined, the type of the polymerization solvent, the pH of the hydrating medium, the concentration of the cross-linking agent based on azo-bond and the pH-sensitive cross-linking agent on the properties of the hydrogels were investigated. Increasing the concentration of the co-initiators system, decreasing the concentration of the two types of cross-linking agents, and replacing DMSO by ethanol as the polymerization solvent resulted in hydrogels with increased equilibrium swelling ratio and increased molecular weight between cross-links at pH 7.4. Increasing the concentration of N-phenyldiethanolamine while keeping the concentration of benzoyl peroxide constant gave hydrogels with increased equilibrium swelling ratios. The equilibrium swelling ratios of the hydrogels at pH 2.0 were not affected by the factors investigated. The polymerization technique may be suitable for the design of drug delivery systems containing thermolabile bioactive agents like peptides and proteins.     

Improved Dissolution Behavior of Fenbufen by Spherical Crystallization

Fenbufen is an analgesic, antipyretic and anti-inflammatory drug that is characterized by poor water solubility, a defect increased by very low wettability. Poor water solubility, particularly at low pH, could decrease absorption in the upper part of the gastrointestinal tract, which would be inconvenient for good bioavailability. Different spherical crystallization processes have been considered as methods to improve fenbufen dissolution behavior. A two-solvent system, in the presence of a bridging liquid, is the only method capable of producing spherical fenbufen crystals. In a first step, fenbufen solubility was considered in different solvents. The drug crystals formed were typically needle shaped. This characteristic was considered as a favorable parameter to obtain spherical crystals. After the selection of the best fenbufen solvent, several ratios of solvent (S)–nonsolvent (NS) (tetrahydrofuran [THF]–demineralized water) were studied. The addition of a bridging liquid (isopropyl acetate) improved spherical crystallization. The results from this method were reproducible batch to batch. The spherical crystals obtained showed a clear improvement in dissolution capacity, probably due to better wettability. Dissolution studies were then carried out on these spherical crystals stored for 1 month at different relative humidities (RHs). The dissolution profiles remained unchanged.     

Preparation of PLGA nanoparticles using TPGS in the spontaneous emulsification solvent diffusion method

D-alpha-tocopheryl poly (ethylene glycol) 1000 succinate (TPGS) is a widely used form of vitamin E that has been used as a solubilizer, an emulsifier and as a vehicle for drug delivery formulations. In this study, poly lactide-co-glycolide (PLGA) nanoparticles were prepared by spontaneous emulsification solvent diffusion (SESD) method. TPGS as an emulsifier and further as a matrix material blended with PLGA was used to enhance the encapsulation efficiency and improve the drug release profile of nanoparticles. Rifampicin and estradiol valerate were used as model drugs with different water solubility. The effect of formulation parameters such as drug/polymer ratio, oil phase combination, volume and surfactant content was evaluated. The surface morphology and size of the nanoparticles were studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and laser light scattering. Drug encapsulation efficiency and in vitro drug release profiles of nanoparticles were determined using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The nanoparticles prepared in this study were spherical with size range of 150–250?nm. It was shown that TPGS was a good emulsifier for producing nanoparticles of hydrophobic drugs and improving the encapsulation efficiency and drug loading and drug release profile of nanoparticles. However, the drug loading efficiency of rifampicin, a slightly water-soluble molecule, was significantly lower than that of estradiol valerate, a water insoluble molecule.     

Injectable PLA-based in situ forming implants for controlled release of Ivermectin a BCS Class II drug: solvent selection based on physico-chemical characterization

In situ forming implants (ISI) prepared from biodegradable polymers such as poly(d,l-lactide) (PLA) and biocompatible solvents can be used to obtain sustained drug release after parenteral administration. The aim of this work was to study the effect of several biocompatible solvents with different physico-chemical properties on the release of ivermectin (IVM), an antiparasitic BCS II drug, from in situ forming PLA-based implants. The solvents evaluated were N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP), 2-pyrrolidone (2P), triacetine (TA) and benzyl benzoate (BB). Hansen’s solubility parameters of solvents were used to explain polymer/solvent interactions leading to different rheological behaviours. The stability of the polymer and drug in the solvents were also evaluated by size exclusion and high performance liquid chromatography, respectively. The two major factors determining the rate of IVM release from ISI were miscibility of the solvent with water and the viscosity of the polymer solutions. In general, the release rate increased with increasing water miscibility of the solvent and decreasing viscosity in the following order NMP>2P>TA>BB. Scanning electron microscopy revealed a relationship between the rate of IVM release and the surface porosity of the implants, release being higher as implant porosity increased. Finally, drug and polymer stability in the solvents followed the same trends, increasing when polymer-solvent affinities and water content in solvents decreased. IVM degradation was accelerated by the acid environment generated by the degradation of the polymer but the drug did not affect PLA stability.     

Effects of solvents on characteristics of crystalline lactose extracted in ternary and quaternary systems

In a technique referred to as lactose extractive crystallisation, a volatile solvent was added to a solution of lactose dissolved in water. As this second solvent was miscible in water, its presence in the saturated or supersaturated lactose solution would reduce the lactose solubility and hence lactose crystals were formed and grew in the ternary system lactose–ethanol–water. It was found that selecting ethanol as a second solvent could produce needle-shaped crystals having the lowest median size of 8 μm, and β-lactose content up to 60% at 60 °C. On the other hand, using two miscible solvents, one non-volatile and one volatile, such as by adding ethanol to the ternary system, lactose–water–glycerol, crystals having large needle-like or trapezoidal shape and β-lactose content up to 90% could be made at 70 °C. The triangle diagram comparing the solubility of lactose in the glycerol and ethanol aqueous solutions at equilibrium and at different temperatures is presented for the first time. Based on this diagram, it is suggested that the weight ratios of two solvents used and reaction temperatures could be manipulated to produce lactose crystals with different characteristic properties.