Chitosan microparticles as oral delivery system for tetanus toxoid

Systemic and local immune response against Chitosan encapsulated tetanus toxoid (CS-TT) microparticles is studied, prepared by ionic cross-linking using Sodium Tripolyphosphate (STPP). Final formulation was evaluated in terms of release of TT in 0.1 N HCl and PBS (pH 7.4), sedimentation profile and stability. CS-TT microparticles, TT in PBS and plain CS microparticles were orally administered to mice and TT (adsorbed) was administered through intramuscular route. Sera were analyzed for anti-TT IgG and intestinal lavage, faeces, intestinal washings for anti-TT IgA levels using an ELISA. Entrapment efficiency of about 100% was obtained. A dose dependent immune response was observed in mice vaccinated with Chitosan-TT microparticles. A strong enhancement of the systemic and local immune response against TT were found when compared with oral feeding of TT in PBS. The study shows the efficacy of chitosan microparticle suspension system, containing a high molecular protein (TT), in inducing the IgA in intestine and IgG in systemic circulation. This demonstrates that chitosan microparticles can prove to be a promising oral vaccine delivery system for mucosal and systemic immunity.     

Thymopentin-loaded pH-sensitive chitosan nanoparticles for oral administration: preparation, characterization, and pharmacodynamics

Thymopentin, a potent immunomodulating drug, was incorporated into pH-sensitive chitosan nanoparticles prepared by ionic gelation of chitosan with tripolyphosphate anions and then coated with Eudragit S100 to improve the stability and the oral bioavailability. Nanoparticles particle size and zeta potential were measured by photo correction spectroscopy and laser Dopper anemometry. Its morphology was examined by environment scan electron microscope. The encapsulation efficiency and the release in vitro were determined by HPLC. Enzymatic stabilization was expressed by the enzymatic degradation of aminopeptidase. Biological activity of TP5 loaded in nanoparticles was assayed by lymphocyte proliferation test in vitro and the immune function (CD4+/CD8+) of irradiated rat in vivo. The results obtained demonstrated that the average sizes of pH-sensitive chitosan nanoparticles were 175.6 +/- 17 nm, the zeta potential was 28.44 +/- 0.5 mV and the encapsulation efficiency was 76.70 +/- 2.6%. The cumulative release percentages of thymopentin from the pH-sensitive nanoparticles were 24.65%, 41.01%, and 81.44% incubated in different medium, 0.1 N HCl, pH 5.0 PBS, and pH 7.4 PBS, respectively. The pH-sensitive chitosan nanoparticles could efficiently protect TP5 from enzymatic degradation and prolong the degradation half-time of TP5 from 1.5 min to 15 min. It was demonstrated from the lymphocyte proliferation test that the nanoparticle-encapsulated TP5 still kept its biological activity. In immunosuppression rats, the lowered T-lymphocyte subsets values were significantly increased and the raised CD4+/CD8+ ratio was evidently reduced. These results indicated that pH-sensitive chitosan nanoparticles may be used as the vector in oral drug delivery system for TP5.     

ISCOMs/MPLA-Adjuvanted SDAD Protein Nanoparticles Induce Improved Mucosal Immune Responses and Cross-Protection in Mice

The epidemics caused by the influenza virus are a serious threat to public health and the economy. Adding appropriate adjuvants to improve immunogenicity and finding effective mucosal vaccines to combat respiratory infection at the portal of virus entry are important strategies to boost protection. In this study, a novel type of core/shell protein nanoparticle consisting of influenza nucleoprotein (NP) as the core and NA1-M2e or NA2-M2e fusion proteins as the coating antigens by SDAD hetero-bifunctional crosslinking is exploited. Immune-stimulating complexes (ISCOMs)/monophosphoryl lipid A (MPLA) adjuvants further boost the NP/NA-M2e SDAD protein nanoparticle-induced immune responses when administered intramuscularly. The ISCOMs/MPLA-adjuvanted protein nanoparticles are delivered through the intranasal route to validate the application as mucosal vaccines. ISCOMs/MPLA-adjuvanted nanoparticles induce significantly strengthened antigen-specific antibody responses, cytokine-secreting splenocytes in the systemic compartment, and higher levels of antigen-specific IgA and IgG in the local mucosa. Meanwhile, significantly expanded lung resident memory (RM) T and B cells (T_RM/B_RM) and alveolar macrophages population are observed in ISCOMs/MPLA-adjuvanted nanoparticle-immunized mice with a 100% survival rate after homogeneous and heterogeneous H3N2 viral challenges. Taken together, ISCOMs/MPLA-adjuvanted protein nanoparticles could improve strong systemic and mucosal immune responses conferring protection in different immunization routes.     

Intranasal Nanovaccine Confers Homo‐ and Hetero‐Subtypic Influenza Protection

Cross‐protective and non‐invasively administered vaccines are attractive and highly desired for the control of influenza. Self‐assembling nanotechnology provides an opportunity for the development of vaccines with superior performance. In this study, an intranasal nanovaccine is developed targeting the conserved ectodomain of influenza matrix protein 2(M2e). 3‐sequential repeats of M2e (3M2e) is presented on the self‐assembling recombinant human heavy chain ferritin (rHF) cage to form the 3M2e‐rHF nanoparticle. Intranasal vaccination with 3M2e‐rHF nanoparticles in the absence of an adjuvant induces robust immune responses, including high titers of sera M2e‐specific IgG antibodies, T‐cell immune responses, and mucosal secretory‐IgA antibodies in mice. The 3M2e‐rHF nanoparticles also confer complete protection against a lethal infection of homo‐subtypic H1N1 and hetero‐subtypic H9N2 virus. An analysis of the mechanism of protection underlying the intranasal immunization with the 3M2e‐rHF nanoparticle indicates that M2e‐specific mucosal secretory‐IgA and T‐cell immune responses may play critical roles in the prevention of infection. The results suggest that the 3M2e‐rHF nanoparticle is a promising, needle‐free, intranasally administered, cross‐protective influenza vaccine. The use of self‐assembling nanovaccines could be an ideal strategy for developing vaccines with characteristics such as high immunogenicity, cross‐protection, and convenient administration, as well as being economical and suitable for large‐scale production.     

Subunit-based mucosal vaccine delivery systems for pulmonary delivery - Are they feasible?

Pulmonary infections are the most common cause of death globally. However, the development of mucosal vaccines that provide protective immunity against respiratory pathogens are limited. In contrast to needle-based vaccines, efficient vaccines that are delivered via noninvasive mucosal routes (such as via the lungs and nasal passage) produce both antigen-specific local mucosal IgA and systemic IgG protective antibodies. One major challenge in the development of pulmonary vaccines using subunit antigens however, is the production of optimal immune responses. Subunit vaccines therefore rely upon use of adjuvants to potentiate immune responses. While the lack of suitable mucosal adjuvants has hindered progress in the development of efficient pulmonary vaccines, particle-based systems can provide an alternative approach for the safe and efficient delivery of subunit vaccines. In particular, the rational engineering of particulate vaccines with optimal physicochemical characteristics can produce long-term protective immunity. These protect antigens against enzymatic degradation, target antigen presenting cells and initiate optimal humoral and cellular immunity. This review will discuss our current understanding of pulmonary immunology and developments in fabricating particle characteristics that may evoke potent and durable pulmonary immunity.     

Development of rocket electrophoresis technique as an analytical tool in preformulation study of tetanus vaccine formulation

Rocket Electrophoresis (RE) technique relies on the difference in charges of the antigen and antibodies at the selected pH. The present study involves optimization of RE run conditions for Tetanus Toxoid (TT). Agarose gel (1% w/v, 20 ml, pH 8.6), anti-TT IgG - 1 IU/ml, temperature 4-8°C and run duration of 18 h was found to be optimum. Height of the rocket-shaped precipitate was proportional to TT concentration. The RE method was found to be linear in the concentration range of 2.5 to 30 Lf/mL. The method was validated and found to be accurate, precise, and reproducible when analyzed statistically using student's t-test. RE was used as an analytical method for analyzing TT content in plain and marketed formulations as well as for the preformulation study of vaccine formulation where formulation additives were tested for compatibility with TT. The optimized RE method has several advantages: it uses safe materials, is inexpensive, and easy to perform. RE results are less prone to operator's bias as compared to flocculation test and can be documented by taking photographs and scanned by densitometer; RE can be easily standardized for the required antigen concentration by changing antitoxin concentration. It can be used as a very effective tool for qualitative and quantitative analysis and in preformulation studies of antigens.     

Influence of the preparation procedure and chitosan type on physicochemical properties and release behavior of alginate–chitosan microparticles

Background: The potential for use of chitosan-treated alginate microparticles as a vehicle for oral phenytoin delivery has not been thoroughly exploited. Aim: We studied the influence of preparation procedure and chitosan type on physicochemical properties and release behavior of alginate-chitosan microparticles. Method: The total number of 24 microparticles formulations prepared by varying contents of calcium gelling ions and varying contents and type of chitosan was examined. As an additional variable, two different hardening times (1 and 24 hours) were employed. Possible interactions of components, surface morphology of microparticles as well as release profile of phenytoin were studied. Results: Both series of formulations with regard to hardening times, irrespective of the chitosan type and/or concentration employed appeared to be highly loaded with the model drug (above 90%). The drug release studies showed that the kinetics of phenytoin cannot be straightforwardly predicted based on the molecular weight of chitosan alone. On the other hand, prolonging the hardening time from 1 to 24 hours had significantly improved phenytoin kinetics, and gave rise to a formulation with the liberation half-time of about 2.5 hours. Conclusion: This study showed that the latter formulation is eligible for further modifications aimed at improving the regularity of phenytoin absorption.     

Cross-linked cationic polymer microparticles: effect of N-trimethyl chitosan chloride on the release and permeation of ibuprofen

Microparticles made by cross-linking hydrophilic polymers, such as chitosan, have been used to modify the release rate of a loaded drug. In this study a polymer with fixed positive charges, N-trimethyl chitosan chloride (TMC), was used in combination with chitosan to formulate microparticles to investigate its effects on drug release rate and transport across intestinal epithelial cells. The microparticles were prepared by cross-linking these cationic polymer(s) using sodium citrate as the ionic cross-linker. This process was done under homogenization and ultrasonication to control the size of the particles. The addition of TMC to the chitosan microparticles resulted in an increase in particle size of the microparticles and an increase in ibuprofen release rate as compared to the microparticles containing chitosan alone. Permeation of ibuprofen across Caco-2 cell monolayers, after administration of a suspension of the microparticles to the apical side, was not significantly different for the microparticles containing TMC as compared to those consisting of chitosan alone. It was concluded that release of TMC molecules from the microparticles was probably not sufficient to interact with the intestinal epithelial cells in order to change the permeation of the released drug.     

Chitosan microparticles: influence of the gelation process on the release profile and oral bioavailability of albendazole,a class II compound

Encapsulation of albendazole, a class II compound, into polymeric microparticles based on chitosan-sodium lauryl sulfate was investigated as a strategy to improve drug dissolution and oral bioavailability. The microparticles were prepared by spray drying technique and further characterized by means of X-ray powder diffractometry, infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The formation of a novel polymeric structure between chitosan and sodium lauryl sulfate, after the internal or external gelation process, was observed by infrared spectroscopy. The efficiency of encapsulation was found to be between 60 and 85% depending on the internal or external gelation process. Almost spherically spray dried microparticles were observed using scanning electron microscopy. In vitro dissolution results indicated that the microparticles prepared by internal gelation released 8% of the drug within 30?min, while the microparticles prepared by external gelation released 67% within 30?min. It was observed that the AUC and C_max values of ABZ from microparticles were greatly improved, in comparison with the non-encapsulated drug. In conclusion, the release properties and oral bioavailability of albendazole were greatly improved by using spraydried chitosan-sodium lauryl sulphate microparticles.     

Development of Rocket Electrophoresis Technique as an Analytical Tool in Preformulation Study of Tetanus Vaccine Formulation

ABSTRACT

Rocket Electrophoresis (RE) technique relies on the difference in charges of the antigen and antibodies at the selected pH. The present study involves optimization of RE run conditions for Tetanus Toxoid (TT). Agarose gel (1% w/v, 20 ml, pH 8.6), anti-TT IgG – 1 IU/ml, temperature 4–8°C and run duration of 18 h was found to be optimum. Height of the rocket-shaped precipitate was proportional to TT concentration. The RE method was found to be linear in the concentration range of 2.5 to 30 Lf/mL. The method was validated and found to be accurate, precise, and reproducible when analyzed statistically using student's t-test. RE was used as an analytical method for analyzing TT content in plain and marketed formulations as well as for the preformulation study of vaccine formulation where formulation additives were tested for compatibility with TT. The optimized RE method has several advantages: it uses safe materials, is inexpensive, and easy to perform. RE results are less prone to operator's bias as compared to flocculation test and can be documented by taking photographs and scanned by densitometer; RE can be easily standardized for the required antigen concentration by changing antitoxin concentration. It can be used as a very effective tool for qualitative and quantitative analysis and in preformulation studies of antigens.     

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.     

Development of part-dissolvable chitosan fibers with surface N-succinylation for wound care dressing

To enhance the liquor absorptivity of chitosan fibers (CS-Fs), N-succinyl surface-modified chitosan fibers (NSCS-Fs) were developed and evaluated for wound healing. The NSCS-Fs exhibited cracks on the surface and high liquor absorbing capacity with absorbing--dissolvable equilibrium state in phosphate buffer solution (PBS). The bacteriostasis ratios of NSCS-Fs against E. coli, S. aureus and C. albicans were higher than 80%. No cytotoxicity has been found for mouse embryo fibroblasts (MEFs) treated with NSCS-Fs leach liquor. Acute oral toxicity and skin irritation experiment were taken to evaluate the safety of NSCS-Fs in vitro. Muscle implant study showed that NSCS-Fs were biodegradable and non-toxic in vivo. These results suggested that the surface modified NSCS-Fs had favorable biological properties and improved liquor absorptivity, indicating that they could be used as promising dressing materials for wound care.     

Sublingual spray drug delivery of ketorolac-loaded chitosan nanoparticles

Introduction: The aim of this study was to investigate ketorolac (KT) systemic absolute bioavailability after sublingual (SL) administration in vivo to conscious rabbits. Furthermore, the study investigated the potential use of chitosan nanoparticles as a delivery system to enhance the systemic bioavailability of KT following SL administration.

Methods: Ketorolac-loaded chitosan nanoparticles were prepared through ionotropic gelation of chitosan with tripolyphosphate anions. The KT-nanoparticles were administered SL as a spray to rabbits and KT plasma concentration at predetermined time points was compared to SL spray administration of KT in solution. The concentrations of KT in plasma were analyzed by ultra-performance liquid chromatography mass spectroscopy (UPLC/MS).

Results: KT-loaded chitosan nanoparticles significantly (p?Conclusions: The results of the present study suggest that SL absorption of KT illustrated flip-flop kinetics with prolonged persistence in the body compared to intravenous administration. Formulation of KT as chitosan nanoparticles has increased its systemic bioavailability after SL spray administration. The new delivery system could be an attractive approach for the delivery of KT.     

Inhalable chitosan microparticles for simultaneous delivery of isoniazid and rifabutin in lung tuberculosis treatment

The direct delivery of antibiotics to the lung has been considered an effective approach to treat pulmonary tuberculosis, which represents approximately 80% of total cases. In this sense, this work aimed at producing inhalable chitosan microparticles simultaneously associating isoniazid and rifabutin, for an application in pulmonary tuberculosis therapy. Spray-dried chitosan microparticles were obtained with adequate flow properties for deep lung delivery (aerodynamic diameter of 4?µm) and high drug association efficiencies (93% for isoniazid and 99% for rifabutin). The highest concentration of microparticles that was tested (1?mg/mL) decreased the viability of macrophage-differentiated THP-1 cells to around 60% after 24?h exposure, although no deleterious effect was observed in human alveolar epithelial (A549) cells. The release of LDH was, however, increased in both cells. Chitosan microparticles further evidenced capacity to activate macrophage-like cells, inducing cytokine secretion well above basal levels. Moreover, the propensity of macrophages to internalize microparticles was demonstrated, with uptake levels over 90%. Chitosan microparticles also inhibited bacterial growth by 96%, demonstrating that the microencapsulation preserved drug antibacterial activity in vitro. Overall, the obtained data suggest the potential of chitosan microparticles for inhalable lung tuberculosis therapy.     

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.     

A chitosan lactate/poloxamer 407-based matrix containing Eudragit RS microparticles for vaginal delivery of econazole: design and in vitro evaluation

A matrix based on chitosan lactate and poloxamer 407 was evaluated as a delivery system for the vaginal administration of the antifungal drug econazole. The matrix was investigated both containing the pure drug and after introducing microparticles of Eudragit RS 100 containing econazole. Eudragit RS 100 microparticles were prepared using an emulsion-extraction method and dispersed in a solution containing chitosan lactate (2% w/w) and poloxamer 407 (1.7% w/w). The microparticles, obtained with a yield of 64% w/w and an encapsulation efficiency of 42% w/w, had a diameter of less than 2 μm and a drug loading of 13% w/w. The compressed matrices, characterized by DSC, swelling, erosion, release and mucoadhesion studies, had behaviours dependent on the relative amounts of the contained microparticles. The matrix without microparticles (MECN) showed zero-order release kinetics, with a maximum drug-release of 60% w/w, while those containing 50 or 75% w/w microparticles showed a diffusion controlled release up to 8 and 16 h, respectively, and a linear trend after those time intervals, caused by the erosion process, which allowed reaching a drug-release of approximately 100% w/w at 22 h. In in vitro experiments, the matrices were mucoadhesive and active in inhibiting the growth of Candida albicans 796.     

Nanocage‐Therapeutics Prevailing Phagocytosis and Immunogenic Cell Death Awakens Immunity against Cancer

A growing appreciation of the relationship between the immune system and the tumorigenesis has led to the development of strategies aimed at “re‐editing” the immune system to kill tumors. Here, a novel tactic is reported for overcoming the activation‐energy threshold of the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment and mediating the delivery and presentation of tumor neoantigens to the host's immune system. This nature‐derived nanocage not only efficiently presents ligands that enhance cancer cell phagocytosis, but also delivers drugs that induce immunogenic cancer cell death. The designed nanocage‐therapeutics induce the release of neoantigens and danger signals in dying tumor cells, and leads to enhancement of tumor cell phagocytosis and cross‐priming of tumor specific T cells by neoantigen peptide‐loaded antigen‐presenting cells. Potent inhibition of tumor growth and complete eradication of tumors is observed through systemic tumor‐specific T cell responses in tumor draining lymph nodes and the spleen and further, infiltration of CD8+ T cells into the tumor site. Remarkably, after removal of the primary tumor, all mice treated with this nanocage‐therapeutics are protected against subsequent challenge with the same tumor cells, suggesting development of lasting, tumor‐specific responses. This designed nanocage‐therapeutics “awakens” the host's immune system and provokes a durable systemic immune response against cancer.     

Chitosan-Alginate Microparticles as a Protein Carrier

The oral administration of peptidic drugs requires their protection from degradation in the gastric environment and the improvement of their absorption in the intestinal tract. For these requirements, a microsystem based on cross-linked alginate as the carrier of bovine serum albumin (BSA), used as a model protein, was proposed. A spray-drying technique was applied to BSA/sodium alginate solutions to obtain spherical particles having a mean diameter less than 10 μm. The microparticles were hardened using first a solution of calcium chloride and then a solution of chitosan (CS) to obtain stable microsystems. The cross-linking process was carried out at different CS concentrations and pH values of the cross-linking medium. The CS concentration affected the BSA loading in the microparticles prepared at a pH value less than the protein isoelectric point (pI). Moreover, the BSA loading at a pH value less than the pI was higher than that at a pH similar to the pI regardless of the CS concentration. This finding could be attributable to the formation of a BSA/alginate complex. The evaluation of the interaction between BSA and alginate at different pH values by means rheological measurements confirmed this hypothesis. This approach may represent a promising way to devise a microcarrier system with appropriate size for targeting the Peyer's patches, with appropriate immobilization capacity, and suitable for the oral administration of peptidic drugs.     

Preparation and evaluation of oleoyl-carboxymethy-chitosan (OCMCS) nanoparticles as oral protein carriers

Oleoyl-carboxymethy chitosan (OCMCS) nanoparticles based on chitosan with different molecular weights (50, 170 and 820 kDa) were prepared by self-assembled method. The nanoparticles had spherical shape, positive surface charges and the mean diameters were 157.4, 274.1 and 396.7 nm, respectively. FITC-labeled OCMCS nanoparticles were internalized via the intestinal mucosa and observed in liver, spleen, intestine and heart following oral deliverance to carps (Cyprinus carpio). Extracellular products (ECPs) of Aeromonas hydrophila as microbial antigen was efficiently loaded to form OCMCS–ECPs nanoparticles and shown to be sustained release in PBS. Significantly higher (P < 0.05) antigen-specific antibodies were detected in serum after orally immunized with OCMCS-ECPs nanoparticles than that immunized with ECPs alone and non-immunized in control group in carps. These results implied that amphiphilic modified chitosan nanoparticles had great potential to be applied as carriers for the oral administration of protein drugs.     

Preparation and antimicrobial activity of gelatin microparticles containing propolis against oral pathogens

Gelatin microparticles containing propolis ethanolic extractive solution were prepared by spray-drying technique. Particles with regular morphology, mean diameter ranging of 2.27 μm to 2.48 μm, and good entrapment efficiency for propolis were obtained. The in vitro antimicrobial activity of microparticles was evaluated against microorganisms of oral importance (Enterococcus faecalis, Streptococcus salivarius, Streptococcus sanguinis, Streptococcus mitis, Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus sobrinus, Candida albicans, and Lactobacillus casei). The utilized techniques were diffusion in agar and determination of minimum inhibitory concentration. The choice of the method to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of microparticles showed be very important. The microparticles displayed activity against all tested strains of similar way to the propolis, showing greater activity against the strains of E. salivarius, S. sanguinis, S. mitis, and C. albicans.