scholarly journals Nanoparticle-Mediated Dual Targeting: An Approach for Enhanced Baicalin Delivery to the Liver

Pharmaceutics ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 107 ◽  
Author(s):  
Iman Saad Ahmed ◽  
Hassan Medhat Rashed ◽  
Hend Fayez ◽  
Faten Farouk ◽  
Rehab Nabil Shamma

In this study, water-soluble chitosan lactate (CL) was reacted with lactobionic acid (LA), a disaccharide with remarkable affinity to hepatic asialoglycoprotein (ASGP) receptors, to form dual liver-targeting LA-modified-CL polymer for site-specific drug delivery to the liver. The synthesized polymer was used to encapsulate baicalin (BA), a promising bioactive flavonoid with pH-dependent solubility, into ultrahigh drug-loaded nanoparticles (NPs) via the ionic gelation method. The successful chemical conjugation of LA with CL was tested and the formulated drug-loaded LA-modified-CL-NPs were assessed in terms of particle size (PS), encapsulation efficiency (EE) and zeta potential (ZP) using full factorial design. The in vivo biodistribution and pharmacokinetics of the designed NPs were assessed using 99mTc-radiolabeled BA following oral administration to mice and results were compared to 99mTc-BA-loaded-LA-free-NPs and 99mTc-BA solution as controls. Results showed that the chemical modification of CL with LA was successfully achieved and the method of preparation of the optimized NPs was very efficient in encapsulating BA into nearly spherical particles with an extremely high EE exceeding 90%. The optimized BA-loaded-LA-modified-CL-NPs showed an average PS of 490 nm, EE of 93.7% and ZP of 48.1 mV. Oral administration of 99mTc-BA-loaded-LA-modified-CL-NPs showed a remarkable increase in BA delivery to the liver over 99mTc-BA-loaded-LA-free-CL-NPs and 99mTc-BA oral solution. The mean area under the curve (AUC0–24) estimates from liver data were determined to be 11-fold and 26-fold higher from 99mTc-BA-loaded-LA-modified-CL-NPs relative to 99mTc-BA-loaded-LA-free-CL-NPs and 99mTc-BA solution respectively. In conclusion, the outcome of this study highlights the great potential of using LA-modified-CL-NPs for the ultrahigh encapsulation of therapeutic molecules with pH-dependent/poor water-solubility and for targeting the liver.

Molecules ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (23) ◽  
pp. 7227
Author(s):  
Hui Li ◽  
Guolei Zhang ◽  
Wei Wang ◽  
Changbao Chen ◽  
Lili Jiao ◽  
...  

This work aimed at improving the water solubility of Ginsenoside (G)-Re by forming an inclusion complex. The solubility parameters of G-Re in alpha (α), beta (β), and gamma (γ) cyclodextrin (CD) were investigated. The phase solubility profiles were all classified as AL-type that indicated the 1:1 stoichiometric relationship with the stability constants Ks which were 22 M−1 (α-CD), 612 M−1 (β-CD), and 14,410 M−1 (γ-CD), respectively. Molecular docking studies confirmed the results of phase solubility with the binding energy of −4.7 (α-CD), −5.10 (β-CD), and −6.70 (γ-CD) kcal/mol, respectively. The inclusion complex (IC) of G-Re was prepared with γ-CD via the water-stirring method followed by freeze-drying. The successful preparation of IC was confirmed by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). In-vivo absorption studies were carried out by LC-MS/MS. Dissolution rate of G-Re was increased 9.27 times after inclusion, and the peak blood concentration was 2.7-fold higher than that of pure G-Re powder. The relative bioavailability calculated from the ratio of Area under the curve AUC0–∞ of the inclusion to pure G-Re powder was 171%. This study offers the first report that describes G-Re’s inclusion into γ-CD, and explored the inclusion complex’s mechanism at the molecular level. The results indicated that the solubility could be significantly improved as well as the bioavailability, implying γ-CD was a very suitable inclusion host for complex preparation of G-Re.


Nanomaterials ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (9) ◽  
pp. 2196 ◽  
Author(s):  
Silvana Alfei ◽  
Anna Maria Schito ◽  
Guendalina Zuccari

Ursolic acid (UA) is a pentacyclic triterpenoid found in many medicinal plants and aromas endowed with numerous in vitro pharmacological activities, including antibacterial effects. Unfortunately, UA is poorly administered in vivo, due to its water insolubility, low bioavailability, and residual systemic toxicity, thus making urgent the development of water-soluble UA formulations. Dendrimers are nonpareil macromolecules possessing highly controlled size, shape, and architecture. In dendrimers with cationic surface, the contemporary presence of inner cavities and of hydrophilic peripheral functions, allows to encapsulate hydrophobic non-water-soluble drugs as UA, to enhance their water-solubility and stability, and to promote their protracted release, thus decreasing their systemic toxicity. In this paper, aiming at developing a new UA-based antibacterial agent administrable in vivo, we reported the physical entrapment of UA in a biodegradable not cytotoxic cationic dendrimer (G4K). UA-loaded dendrimer nanoparticles (UA-G4K) were obtained, which showed a drug loading (DL%) much higher than those previously reported, a protracted release profile governed by diffusion mechanisms, and no cytotoxicity. Also, UA-G4K was characterized by principal components analysis (PCA)-processed FTIR spectroscopy, by NMR and elemental analyses, and by dynamic light scattering experiments (DLS). The water solubility of UA-G4K was found to be 1868-fold times higher than that of pristine UA, thus making its clinical application feasible.


Parasitology ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 147 (9) ◽  
pp. 1026-1031
Author(s):  
Julia Fabbri ◽  
Patricia Eugenia Pensel ◽  
Clara María Albani ◽  
Lurdes Milagros Lopez ◽  
Analia Simonazzi ◽  
...  

AbstractAlveolar echinococcosis is a neglected parasitic zoonosis caused by Echinococcus multilocularis. The pharmacological treatment is based on albendazole (ABZ). However, the low water solubility of the drug produces a limited dissolution rate, with the consequent failure in the treatment of the disease. Solid dispersions are a successful pharmacotechnical strategy to improve the dissolution profile of poorly water-soluble drugs. The aim of this work was to determine the in vivo efficacy of ABZ solid dispersions using poloxamer 407 as a carrier (ABZ:P407 solid dispersions (SDs)) in the murine intraperitoneal infection model for secondary alveolar echinococcosis. In the chemoprophylactic efficacy study, the ABZ suspension, the ABZ:P407 SDs and the physical mixture of ABZ and poloxamer 407 showed a tendency to decrease the development of murine cysts, causing damage to the germinal layer. In the clinical efficacy study, the ABZ:P407 SDs produced a significant decrease in the weight of murine cysts. In addition, the SDs produced extensive damage to the germinal layer. The increase in the efficacy of ABZ could be due to the improvement of water solubility and wettability of the drug due to the surfactant nature of poloxamer 407. In conclusion, this study is the basis for further research. This pharmacotechnical strategy might in the future offer novel treatment alternatives for human alveolar echinococcosis.


Planta Medica ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 85 (16) ◽  
pp. 1233-1241
Author(s):  
Michael Kirchinger ◽  
Lara Bieler ◽  
Julia Tevini ◽  
Michael Vogl ◽  
Elisabeth Haschke-Becher ◽  
...  

AbstractThe chroman-like chalcone Xanthohumol C, originally found in hops, was demonstrated to be a potent neuroregenerative and neuroprotective natural product and therefore constitutes a strong candidate for further pharmaceutical research. The bottleneck for in vivo experiments is the low water solubility of this chalcone. Consequently, we developed and validated a suitable formulation enabling in vivo administration. Cyclodextrins were used as water-soluble and nontoxic complexing agents, and the complex of Xanthohumol C and 2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin was characterized using HPLC, HPLC-MS, NMR, and differential scanning calorimetry. The water solubility of Xanthohumol C increases with increasing concentrations of cyclodextrin. Using 50 mM 2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin, solubility was increased 650-fold. Furthermore, in vitro bioactivity of Xanthohumol C in free and complexed form did not significantly differ, suggesting the release of Xanthohumol C from 2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin. Finally, a small-scaled in vivo experiment in a rat model showed that after i. p. administration of the complex, Xanthohumol C can be detected in serum, the brain, and the cerebrospinal fluid at 1 and 6 h post-administration. Mean (± SD) Xanthohumol C serum concentrations after 1, 6, and 12 h were determined as 463.5 (± 120.9), 61.9 (± 13.4), and 9.3 (± 0.8) ng/mL upon i. v., and 294.3 (± 22.4), 45.5 (± 0.7), and 13 (± 1.0) ng/mL after i. p. application, respectively. Accordingly, the formulation of Xanthohumol C/2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin is suitable for further in vivo experiments and further pharmaceutical research aiming for the determination of its neuroregenerative potential in animal disease models.


2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (5) ◽  
pp. 419-428
Author(s):  
Li Li ◽  
Chunjiao Pan ◽  
Zhongqiu Guo ◽  
Bingmi Liu ◽  
Hao Pan ◽  
...  

In this study, graphene oxide was synthesized using the Hummers method, and stable and homogeneous graphene oxide aqueous solutions were obtained through mechanical stirring and ultrasonic stripping. In conjunction with our previous studies, graphene oxide-loaded insoluble compound delivery systems were prepared to verify the in vivo release profiles of the graphene oxide delivery system. Several insoluble compounds including imatinib, nilotinib, erlotinib, gefitinib, and afatinib were selected for loading and in vitro graphene oxide release assays to study the non-covalent adsorption mechanisms. Computer simulations were employed for validation processes. For in vivo release assays, the T1/2 values of the poorly water soluble groups were 1.104 ± 0.18 h and the Cmax was 2.600 ± 2.06 mg/L. In previous assays, compounds with high water solubility supported by graphene oxide were released and detected in vivo. The solubility of the compound and its binding force with the carrier played a crucial role in release. The results of graphene oxide loading experiments showed that the maximum loading and entrapment efficiencies of the insoluble model compounds with similar aromatic rings were comparable. Under basic conditions, the in vitro release rates and maximum release levels of amino pyrimidine were elevated. In contrast, quinazoline release declined. Combined with computer simulations, π–π stacking was identified as the dominant mechanism for adsorption onto graphene oxide. Both hydrogen bonding and cation-π bonds played an auxiliary reinforcing role, and the two were regarded as antagonistic.


2009 ◽  
Vol 1 ◽  
pp. OED.S2857 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ravi S. Talluri ◽  
Ripal Gaudana ◽  
Sudharshan Hariharan ◽  
Ashim K. Mitra

Objective To delineate the plasma pharmacokinetics and determine the corneal uptake of valine based stereoisomeric dipeptide prodrugs of acyclovir (ACV) in rats. Methods Male Sprague-Dawley rats were used for the study. Pharmacokinetics of ACV, L-valine-acyclovir (LACV), L-valine-D-valine-acyclovir (LDACV) and D-valine-L-valine acyclovir (DLACV) prodrugs were delineated. These compounds were administered intravenously as a bolus via jugular vein cannula and orally by gavage. Samples were purified by protein precipitation method and analyzed by LC-MS/MS. Pertinent pharmacokinetic parameters were obtained by using WinNonlin. Corneal uptake studies of LDACV and LACV were studied following oral administration. Results Following i.v. administration, the area under the curve (AUC) in μM*min of generated ACV was in the order of LACV > LDACV > DLACV indicating their rate of metabolism. The AUC values of total drug obtained in the systemic circulation after oral administration LACV and LDACV were 1077.93 ± 236.09 and 1141.76 ± 73.67 μM*min, respectively. DLACV exhibited poor oral absorption. Cmax (μM) and AUC of the intact prodrug obtained in the systemic circulation following oral administration of LDACV were almost 4–5 times higher than LACV. Moreover, concentrations achieved in the cornea after oral administration of LDACV were almost two times of LACV. Conclusions LDACV increased both the oral bioavailability and subsequent in vivo corneal uptake of ACV Hence, LDACV can be considered as the most promising drug candidate for delivery of ACV, in treatment of both genital herpes and ocular herpes keratitis after oral administration.


2018 ◽  
Vol 61 (2) ◽  
pp. M27-M39 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marta Correia-da-Silva ◽  
Verónica Rocha ◽  
Cláudia Marques ◽  
Cláudia M Deus ◽  
Adriana Marques-Carvalho ◽  
...  

Resveratrol (RSV) is a polyphenolic compound with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-aging properties partly associated with sirtuin 1 (SIRT1)-activation in the skin. However, poor water solubility may limit RSV efficacy. This work aimed to clarify the interest of a new synthetic water-soluble RSV derivative (resveratrol glucoside sulfate, RSV-GS) for topical application. Resveratrol glucoside sulfate was synthesized using microwave-assisted sulfation. Cytotoxicity assays were performed with the keratinocyte HaCaT cell line, using MTT reduction, neutral red uptake, Alamar Blue/resazurin reduction, trypan blue exclusion and measurement of ATP concentration. Western blotting was used to evaluate SIRT1 protein content. Regarding SIRT1 binding, an in silico docking study was performed, using AutoDock Vina. Our results showed that the synthetic derivative RSV-GS was 1000 times more soluble in water than RSV and its non-sulfated glucoside. No relevant decrease in HaCaT cell viability was observed for concentrations up to 5 mM for RSV-GS, and up to 500 μM for resveratrol glucoside, while a significant decrease in HaCaT viability occurred from 100 μM for RSV. RSV-GS and RSV showed a similar behavior regarding protective effect against oxidative stress-induced cytotoxicity. SIRT1 protein content increased after treatment with 500 μM of RSV-GS and 100 μM of RSV. Moreover, in silico studies predicted that RSV-GS binds more stably to SIRT1 with a lower binding free energy than RSV. Although these results support the possible use of RSV-GS in topical formulations, in vivo safety and efficacy studies are needed before considering the use of RSV-GS in commercial products.


2014 ◽  
Vol 5 (19) ◽  
pp. 5775-5783 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lin Dai ◽  
Dan Li ◽  
Jing Cheng ◽  
Jing Liu ◽  
Li-Hong Deng ◽  
...  

Multiarm-polyethylene glycol–betulinic acid prodrugs were prepared by using multiarm-polyethylene glycol linkers and betulinic acid, which exhibited high drug loading capacity, good water solubility, and excellent anticancer activity.


2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. 17-22
Author(s):  
Moumita Paul ◽  
Pintu Sarkar ◽  
Riyanka Sengupta ◽  
Saikat Bhunia ◽  
Payal Jana ◽  
...  

Modern drug discovery has led to the development of drug molecules that exhibit high lipophilicity and poor water solubility, which leads to problematic bioavailability. Approaches have thus been made to enhance dissolution of poorly water soluble drugs through modifications and creation of specific formulations. Metaclopramide is an antiemetic and gastroprokinetic agent, commonly used to treat nausea and vomiting. It is absorbed well after oral administration but a significant first pass effect in some human patients may reduce systemic bioavailability to 30%.The Metaclopramide base is thus modified from Metaclopramide hydrochloride to enhance solubility .This has been achieved by the formulating in solid dispersion since Metaclopramide is poorly water soluble. Though it is absorbed well after oral administration, a significant first pass effect in some patients reduces systemic bioavailability, which can cause adverse side effects. This solid dispersion has then been used through transdermal drug delivery. Enhancement of solubility of poorly water soluble drug by solid dispersion may be attributed to particles modified characters such as particle size reduction, improved wettability, higher porosity, decreased lattice energy, amorphous state. The main objective thus includes modification of drug Metaclopramide  hydrochloride to Metaclopramide base, preparation of solid dispersion of modified Metaclopramide  base drug which has poor water solubility, experimental analysis of Metaclopramide base drug and solid dispersion products with carriers. Keywords: solubility, Metaclopramide, solid dispersion, carriers, HPβCD, PVP K-30


Molecules ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (11) ◽  
pp. 2560 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gökçe Şeker Karatoprak ◽  
Esra Küpeli Akkol ◽  
Yasin Genç ◽  
Hilal Bardakcı ◽  
Çiğdem Yücel ◽  
...  

Combretastatins are a class of closely related stilbenes (combretastatins A), dihydrostilbenes (combretastatins B), phenanthrenes (combretastatins C) and macrocyclic lactones (combretastatins D) found in the bark of Combretum caffrum (Eckl. & Zeyh.) Kuntze, commonly known as the South African bush willow. Some of the compounds in this series have been shown to be among the most potent antitubulin agents known. Due to their structural simplicity many analogs have also been synthesized. Combretastatin A4 phosphate is the most frequently tested compounds in preclinical and clinical trials. It is a water-soluble prodrug that the body can rapidly metabolize to combretastatin A4, which exhibits anti-tumor properties. In addition, in vitro and in vivo studies on combretastatins have determined that these compounds also have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects. Nano-based formulations of natural or synthetic active agents such as combretastatin A4 phosphate exhibit several clear advantages, including improved low water solubility, prolonged circulation, drug targeting properties, enhanced efficiency, as well as fewer side effects. In this review, a synopsis of the recent literature exploring the combretastatins, their potential effects and nanoformulations as lead compounds in clinical applications is provided.


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