- Home
- A-Z Publications
- Current Drug Delivery
- Issue Home
Current Drug Delivery - Current Issue
Volume 21, Issue 10, 2024
-
-
Customizable Microfluidic Devices: Progress, Constraints, and Future Advances
The field of microfluidics encompasses the study of fluid behavior within micro-channels and the development of miniature systems featuring internal compartments or passageways tailored for fluid control and manipulation. Microfluidic devices capitalize on the unique chemical and physical properties exhibited by fluids at the microscopic scale. In contrast to their larger counterparts, microfluidic systems offer a multitude of advantages. Their implementation facilitates the investigation and utilization of reduced sample, solvent, and reagent volumes, thus yielding decreased operational expenses. Owing to their compact dimensions, these devices allow for the concurrent execution of multiple procedures, leading to expedited experimental timelines. Over the past two decades, microfluidics has undergone remarkable advancements, evolving into a multifaceted discipline. Subfields such as organ-on-a-chip and paper-based microfluidics have matured into distinct fields of study. Nonetheless, while scientific progress within the microfluidics realm has been notable, its translation into autonomous end-user applications remains a frontier to be fully explored. This paper sets forth the central objective of scrutinizing the present research paradigm, prevailing limitations, and potential prospects of customizable microfluidic devices. Our inquiry revolves around the latest strides achieved, prevailing constraints, and conceivable trajectories for adaptable microfluidic technologies. We meticulously delineate existing iterations of microfluidic systems, elucidate their operational principles, deliberate upon encountered limitations, and provide a visionary outlook toward the future trajectory of microfluidic advancements. In summation, this work endeavors to shed light on the current state of microfluidic systems, underscore their operative intricacies, address incumbent challenges, and unveil promising pathways that chart the course toward the next frontier of microfluidic innovation.
-
-
-
Mechanism of Action and Related Natural Regulators of Nrf2 in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Authors: Wenfei Yu, Fengxia Zhang, Decheng Meng, Xin Zhang, Yanan Feng, Guoliang Yin, Pengpeng Liang, Suwen Chen and Hongshuai LiuWith the acceleration of people's pace of life, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has become the most common chronic liver disease in the world, which greatly threatens people's health and safety. Therefore, there is still an urgent need for higher-quality research and treatment in this area. Nuclear factor Red-2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), as a key transcription factor in the regulation of oxidative stress, plays an important role in inducing the body's antioxidant response. Although there are no approved drugs targeting Nrf2 to treat NAFLD so far, it is still of great significance to target Nrf2 to alleviate NAFLD. In recent years, studies have reported that many natural products treat NAFLD by acting on Nrf2 or Nrf2 pathways. This article reviews the role of Nrf2 in the pathogenesis of NAFLD and summarizes the currently reported natural products targeting Nrf2 or Nrf2 pathway for the treatment of NAFLD, which provides new ideas for the development of new NAFLD-related drugs.
-
-
-
Recent Updates in Inhalable Drug Delivery System against Various Pulmonary Diseases: Challenges and Future Perspectives
Authors: Kabi R. Chaudhary, Karanvir Singh and Charan SinghIn the current scenario, pulmonary disease has become a prime burden for morbidity and mortality alongside tremendous social and economic crises throughout the world. Numerous conventional drug delivery system and treatment approach targeting the respiratory region has been driven out. However, effective and accurate recovery has not been achieved yet. In this regard, nanotechnological- based inhalable drug delivery strategy including polymeric, lipidic, or metallic-based respirable microparticles plays an indispensable role in circumventing numerous challenges faced during traditional treatment. Excellent aerodynamic performance leads to enhanced lung targetability, reduced dosing frequency and hence systemic toxicities, as well as improved pharmaceutical attributes, and therefore pharmacokinetic profiles are interminable factors associated with nanotechnologicalbased inhalable delivery. In this review, we comprehensively explored recent advancements in nanotechnologically engineered inhalable formulations targeting each of the mentioned pulmonary diseases. Moreover, we systematically discussed possible respiratory or systemic toxicities about the indeterminate and undefined physicochemical characteristics of inhaled particles.
-
-
-
Liposomal Doxorubicin In vitro and In vivo Assays in Non-small Cell Lung Cancer: A Systematic Review
Background: Liposomal Doxorubicin (Doxil®) was one of the first nanoformulations approved for the treatment of solid tumors. Although there is already extensive experience in its use for different tumors, there is currently no grouped evidence of its therapeutic benefits in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). A systematic review of the literature was performed on the therapeutic effectiveness and benefits of Liposomal Doxil® in NSCLC. Methods: A total of 1022 articles were identified in publications up to 2020 (MEDLINE, Cochrane, Web of Science Core Collection and Scopus). After applying inclusion criteria, the number was restricted to 114, of which 48 assays, including in vitro (n=20) and in vivo (animals, n=35 and humans, n=6) studies, were selected. Results: The maximum inhibitory concentration (IC50), tumor growth inhibition rate, response and survival rates were the main indices for evaluating the efficacy and effectiveness of Liposomal DOX. These have shown clear benefits both in vitro and in vivo, improving the IC50 of free DOX or untargeted liposomes, depending on their size, administration, or targeting. Conclusion: Doxil® significantly reduced cellular proliferation in vitro and improved survival in vivo in both experimental animals and NSCLC patients, demonstrating optimal safety and pharmacokinetic behavior indices. Although our systematic review supports its benefits for the treatment of NSCLC, additional clinical trials with larger sample sizes are necessary to obtain more precise clinical data on its activity and effects in humans.
-
-
-
Development of Polyvinyl Alcohol/Polyethylene Glycol Copolymer-based Orodispersible Films Loaded with Entecavir: Formulation and In vitro Characterization
Authors: Teng Wei, Bing-yu Zhou, Xin-Hong Wu, Xue-Ai Liu, Ming-Wei Huo, Xiang-Xiang Huang, Ling-Zhi Shi, Li-Li Shi and Qin-Ri CaoPurpose: The aim of the study is to prepare entecavir (ETV)-loaded orodispersible films (ODFs) using polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/polyethylene glycol (PEG) graft copolymer (Kollicoat® IR) as a film-forming agent, and further to evaluate the dissolution rate, mechanical and physicochemical properties of films. Methods: ETV-ODFs were prepared by a solvent casting method. The amount of film-forming agent, plasticizer, and disintegrating agent was optimized in terms of the appearance, thickness, disintegration time and mechanical properties of ODFs. The compatibility between the drug and each excipient was conducted under high temperature (60 °C), high humidity (RH 92.5%), and strong light (4500 Lx) for 10 days. The dissolution study of optimal ODFs compared with the original commercial tablet (Baraclude®) was performed using a paddle method in pH 1.0, pH 4.5, pH 6.8, and pH 7.4 media at 37 °C. The morphology of ODFs was observed via scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The mechanical properties such as tensile strength (TS), elastic modulus (EM), and percentage elongation (E%) of ODFs were evaluated using the universal testing machine. The physicochemical properties of ODFs were investigated using X-ray diffraction (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). Results: The related substances were less than 0.5% under high temperature, high humidity, and strong light for 10 days when ETV was mixed with excipients. The optimal formulation of ODFs was set as the quality ratio of Kollicoat® IR, glycerol, sodium alginate (ALG-Na): TiO2: MCC+CMC-Na: ETV was 60:9:12:1:1:1. The drug-loaded ODFs were white and translucent with excellent stripping property. The thickness, disintegration time, EM, TS, and E% were 103.33±7.02 μm, 25.31±1.95 s, 25.34±8.69 Mpa, 2.14±0.26 Mpa, and 65.45±19.41 %, respectively. The cumulative drug release from ODFs was more than 90% in four different media at 10 min. The SEM showed that the drug was highly dispersible in ODFs, and the XRD, DSC, and FT-IR results showed that there occurred some interactions between the drug and excipients. Conclusion: In conclusion, the developed ETV-loaded ODFs showed relatively short disintegration time, rapid drug dissolution, and excellent mechanical properties. This might be an alternative to conventional ETV Tablets for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B.
-
-
-
Amlodipine Ocular Delivery Restores Ferning Patterns and Reduces Intensity of Glycosylated Peak of Carrageenan-Induced Tear Fluid: An In-Silico Flexible Docking with IL-β1
Background: The tear ferning test can be an easy clinical procedure for the evaluation and characterization of the ocular tear film. Objective: The objective of this study was to examine the restoration of tear ferning patterns and reduction of glycosylation peak after amlodipine application in carrageenan-induced conjunctivitis. Methods: At the rabbit's upper palpebral region, carrageenan was injected for cytokine-mediated conjunctivitis. Ferning pattern and glycosylation of the tear fluid were characterized using various instrumental analyses. The effect of amlodipine was also examined after ocular instillation and flexible docking studies. Results: Optical microscopy showed a disrupted ferning of the tear collected from the inflamed eye. FTIR of the induced tear fluid exhibited peaks within 1000-1200 cm-1, which might be due to the protein glycosylation absent in the normal tear spectrogram. The glycosylation peak reduced significantly in the tear sample collected from the amlodipine-treated group. Corresponding energy dispersive analysis showed the presence of sulphur, indicating protein leakage from the lacrimal gland in the induced group. The disappearance of sulphur from the treated group indicated its remedial effect. The flexible docking studies revealed a stronger binding mode of amlodipine with Interleukin-1β (IL-1β). The reduction in the intensity of the glycosylated peak and the restoration offering are probably due to suppression of IL-1β. Conclusion: This study may be helpful in obtaining primary information for drug discovery to be effective against IL-1β and proving tear fluid as a novel diagnostic biomarker.
-
-
-
Nanostructured Lipid Carrier-Mediated Transdermal Delivery System of Glibenclamide for Gestational Diabetes: Pharmacokinetic and Pharmacodynamic Evaluation
Authors: Ashwini M., Preethi Sudheer and Bharani S. SogaliBackground: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) poses significant risks during pregnancy for both mother and fetus. Adherence to oral antidiabetic medications, like glibenclamide (GB), can be challenging, necessitating novel drug delivery methods. Nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC) offer a promising approach by efficiently permeating the skin due to their small size and lipid-based composition. Objective: This study aimed to develop and evaluate transdermal patches loaded with glibenclamide NLCs to treat GDM. Methods: Glibenclamide NLCs were prepared using hot homogenization with ultrasonication and melt dispersion method. A central composite design was utilized to optimize the formulations. Transdermal patches containing optimized NLCs were developed using HPMC K 100 and Eudragit L polymers. The patches were evaluated for various parameters, and their pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic studies were carried out to assess their safety and efficacy. Results: Optimized NLCs efficiently permeated rat skin. Cell viability studies indicated the nontoxicity of the formulations. NLC-loaded transdermal patches (F2 and F7) showed drug release of 1098 μg/cm2 and 1001.83 μg/cm2 in 24 h, with a 2.5-fold higher flux and permeation coefficient than the GB patch. Pharmacokinetic analysis revealed Tmax of 8 and 10 h and Cmax of 7127 ng/ml and 7960 ng/ml for F2 and F7, respectively, ensuring sustained drug action. AUC0-α was 625681 ng/ml·h and 363625 ng/ml·h for F2 and F7, respectively, indicating improved bioavailability. Conclusion: Transdermal patches incorporating NLCs hold promise for enhancing glibenclamide's therapeutic efficacy in GDM treatment. Improved skin permeation, sustained drug release, and enhanced bioavailability make NLC-based transdermal patches a potential alternative with better patient compliance.
-
-
-
Volatile Oil of Magnolia biondii Pamp. for Transnasal Administration: Its Preparation, Characterization, and Mechanism of Action in the Treatment of Allergic Rhinitis
Authors: Qiuting Guo, Xuan Wang, Yao Wang, Peijie Zhou and Xiaofei ZhangBackground: Allergic Rhinitis (AR) is a common chronic nasal condition usually caused by allergens. The immune system overreacts when the body is exposed to allergens, releasing a lot of tissue chemicals that cause congestion, more secretions, and an inflammatory reaction in the nasal mucosa. Method: In clinical practice, it remains a significant public health issue. Modern pharmacological studies have demonstrated that Magnolia Volatile Oil (MVO) has good anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, immunomodulatory, and other pharmacological effects. Previous research and literature reports have reported that MVO has good therapeutic effects on allergic rhinitis. However, due to the poor water solubility of Magnolia, its bioavailability is low. The purpose of this present work is to develop a new microemulsion formulation to improve the stability and bioavailability of MVO. Results: The droplet size, PDI, and zeta potential of Magnolia volatile oil microemulsion (MVOME) were characterized along with its physical characteristics, and these values were found to be 14.270.03 nm, 0.09410.31, and -0.35850.12 mV, respectively, demonstrating the successful formation of microemulsion. In OVA-induced AR rats, MVO-ME dramatically reduced the serum levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 inflammatory factors. In addition, MVO-ME significantly inhibited the expression of protein levels of PPAR-γ and P65 in the nasal mucosa of AR rats. In this regard, we hypothesized that MVO-ME may play a therapeutic role in AR by activating the PPAR signaling pathway as well as inhibiting the activation of the NF/ΚB signaling pathway. Conclusion: MVO-ME has systematic advantages, such as high solubility, bioavailability, etc. It is expected to be an efficient nano-drug delivery system for the clinical treatment of allergic rhinitis.
-
-
-
Supersaturation Behavior: Investigation of Polymers Impact on Nucleation Kinetic Profile for Rationalizing the Polymeric Precipitation Inhibitors
Authors: Uditi Handa, Anuj Malik, Kumar Guarve, Nidhi Rani and Prerna SharmaBackground: Although nucleation kinetic data is quite important for the concept of supersaturation behavior, its part in rationalizing the crystallization inhibitor has not been well understood. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the nucleation kinetic profile of Dextromethorphan HBr (as an ideal drug, BCS-II) by measuring liquid-liquid phase segregation, nucleation induction time, and Metastable Zone width. Methods: Surfeit action was examined by a superfluity assay of the drug. The concentration was scrutinized by light scattering techniques (UV spectrum (novel method) and Fluorometer (CL 53)). Results: The drug induction time was 20 min without polymer and 90 and 110 min with polymers, such as HPMC K15M and Xanthan Gum, respectively. Therefore, the order of the polymer's ability to inhibit nucleation was Xanthan Gum > HPMC K15M in the medium (7.4 pH). Similarly, the drug induction time was 30 min without polymer and 20, 110, and 90 min with polymers, such as Sodium CMC, HPMC K15M, and Xanthan Gum, respectively. Therefore, the order of the polymer's ability to inhibit nucleation was HPMC K15M > Xanthan Gum > Sodium CMC in SIFsp (6.8 pH), which synchronizes the polymer’s potentiality to interdict the drug precipitation. Conclusion: The HPMC K15M and xanthan Gum showed the best crystallization inhibitor effect for the maintenance of superfluity conditions till the drug absorption time. The xanthan gum is based on the “glider” concept, and this shows the novelty of this preliminary research. The screening methodology used for rationalizing the best polymers used in the superfluity formulations development successfully.
-
Volumes & issues
-
Volume 21 (2024)
-
Volume 20 (2023)
-
Volume 19 (2022)
-
Volume 18 (2021)
-
Volume 17 (2020)
-
Volume 16 (2019)
-
Volume 15 (2018)
-
Volume 14 (2017)
-
Volume 13 (2016)
-
Volume 12 (2015)
-
Volume 11 (2014)
-
Volume 10 (2013)
-
Volume 9 (2012)
-
Volume 8 (2011)
-
Volume 7 (2010)
-
Volume 6 (2009)
-
Volume 5 (2008)
-
Volume 4 (2007)
-
Volume 3 (2006)
-
Volume 2 (2005)
-
Volume 1 (2004)