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We conclude that the initial in vitro characterization of the NPs demonstrates potential in delivering doxorubicin to cancer cells with possible future application in targeting brain cancers in vivo.

Artificial neural networks (ANNs) technology models the pattern recognition capabilities of the neural networks of the brain. Similarly to a single neuron in the brain, artificial neuron unit receives inputs from many external sources, processes them, and makes decisions. Interestingly, ANN simulates the biological nervous system and draws on analogues of adaptive biological neurons. ANNs do not require rigidly structured experimental designs and can map functions using historical or incomplete data, which makes them a powerful tool for simulation of various non-linear systems.ANNs have many applications in various fields, including engineering, psychology, medicinal chemistry and pharmaceutical research. Because of their capacity for making predictions, pattern recognition, and modeling, ANNs have been very useful in many aspects of pharmaceutical research including modeling of the brain neural network, analytical data analysis, drug modeling, protein structure and function, dosage optimization and manufacturing, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics modeling, and in vitro in vivo correlations. This review discusses the applications of ANNs in drug delivery and pharmacological research.

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Cilostazol is a promising drug for antiplatelet combination therapy that is very important for treatment for various cardiovascular disorders. However, oral delivery of this drug is greatly impeded by the poor solubility in aqueous solutions. The aim of this study was to develop microemulsion (ME) delivery system capable of improving the drug bioavailability. In this study, Capmul MCM C8 (glycerol monocaprylate) based MEs containing Tween 20(polysorbate 20) and/or Labrafil M 1944(poly oxyglycerides) as surfactant(S) and Transcutol P(diethyl glycol monoethyl ether) as cosurfactant(CoS) were studied as potential delivery systems of cilostazol. A number of such systems were prepared containing different S:CoS ratios(1:1, 2:1 and 3:1) based on phase diagrams. Loading of cilostazol was selected as per solubilization capacity and was characterized for pH, viscosity, conductivity, particle size, zeta potential and % transmittance. The MEs systems were further investigated for chemical stability, diffusion and bioavailability. Cilostazol displayed high solubility in microemulsions with particle size up to 70 nm. It was also stable at ambient temperature up to 6 months without significant change in particle size, zeta potential, and % transmittance. Dilution up to 100 fold with aqueous medium observed a visible cloudiness having a particle size up to 104 nm. The in vitro release, and ex vivo intraduodenal diffusion, and in vivo study indicated the capacity of developed ME to improve the bioavailability (1.43 fold) via oral route administration when compared with commercially available tablets (Pletoz-50).