2019) Enhancement of zaleplon oral bioavailability using optimized self-nano emulsifying drug delivery systems and its effect on sleep quality among a sample of psychiatric patients, Drug Delivery, 26:1, 1243-1253, ABSTRACTThe aim of this work is to develop self-nano emulsifying drug delivery system (SNEDDS) to enhance the oral bioavailability of zaleplon (Zal) as a poorly water-soluble drug. Moreover, the bioavailability and the effect on the quality of sleep among a sample of psychiatric patients is to be assessed. D-optimal mixture design was used for optimization. Optimized SNEDDS formulation was evaluated for droplet size, transmission electron microscope (TEM) and in-vitro dissolution test. Zal bioavailability was evaluated by determining its serum concentration and pharmacokinetic parameters in 8 patients after oral administration. Effect on sleep quality was assessed among 40 psychiatric patients. Patients' sleep quality was assessed in 40 psychiatric patients before and after medication using the Arabic version of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Zal-SNEDDS appeared as nano-sized spherical vesicles. Moreover, Zal was completely dissolved from optimized formulation after 45 min indicating improved dissolution rate. Zal-SNEDDS showed significantly higher C max , T max and AUC 0!1 compared to commercial product after oral administration. Zal-SNEDDS significantly improved the total score of PSQIs (p < .001) with higher subjective sleep quality, reduced sleep latency, improved day time function and sleep disturbance (p < .001). Using sleep medication was reduced significantly (p ¼ .027). However, it did not modify sleep duration or sleep efficiency. SNEDDS have improved Zal solubility and enhanced its bioavailability. Furthermore, Zal-SNEDDS have improved the total score of PSQIs and may be considered a good choice to enhance the quality of sleep among psychiatric patients. ARTICLE HISTORY KEYWORDSZaleplon; self-nano emulsifying drug delivery system (SNEDDS); bioavailability; poorly watersoluble drug and quality of sleep CONTACT Maha Khalifa Ahmed Khalifa

The aim of this study was to explore the potential of proniosomal gel for topical delivery of fluconazole, an antifungal drug used in fungal infections caused by pathogenic fungi. Fluconazole-loaded proniosomal gels were prepared by the coacervation phase separation method using different nonionic surfactants (spans and tweens). The prepared fluconazole proniosomal gels were evaluated for various parameters such as particle size (PS), drug entrapment efficiency percentage (EE%), and in vitro drug release. The experimental results showed that the EE% for the prepared formulae are acceptable (85.14%–97.66%) and they are nanosized (19.8–50.1 nm) and the diffusion from the gels gave the desired sustaining effect. F4, which was prepared from span 60, tween 80 (1:1), and cholesterol showed highest EE% and gave slow release (40.50% ± 1.50% after 6 h), was subjected to zeta potential (ZP) test, transmission electron microscopy as well as microbiological study. The results showed a well-defined spherical vesicle with sharp boundaries with good physical stability of fluconazole within the prepared gel. Moreover, F4 showed an excellent microbiological activity represented by a greater zone of inhibition (5.3 cm) compared to control gel (fluconazole in 2% hydroxy propyl methyl cellulose (HPMC) gel formula) (4.2 cm) and plain gel with no drug (0 cm) against Candida albicans . This study showed the suitability of the proniosomal gel in attaining the desired sustainment effect for topical delivery of fluconazole for the management of fungal infection. The physical stability study showed that there was no significant change in EE%, PS, and ZP of fluconazole proniosomal gel after storage for 6 months.

Objective: The objective of this current study is to fabricate ocuserts to control the drug release from chosen bioadhesive polymeric matrixes to enhance patient compliance. Ciprofloxacin HCl (CFX HCl) was selected as a model drug.Methods: Different bioadhesive polymers with different film forming capabilities namely Hydroxy Propyl Methyl Cellulose (HPMC K4M), Poly Vinyl Alcohol (PVA), Sodium Carboxy Methyl Cellulose (Na CMC), Hydroxy Propyl Cellulose (HPC), Sodium Alginate (Na Alg.), pullulan and Xanthan Gum (XG) in different ratios were used in fabricating ocuserts using solvent-casting technique. Propylene Glycol (PG) was used as a plasticizer to facilitate the fabrication process. Characterization tests of the developed ocuserts were performed as well as bioadhesive tests and in vitro release studies of the incorporated drug. The obtained results were analysed using different release kinetic models. Stability of the selected ocuserts was investigated at 40±0.5 °C and 75±5% Relative Humidity (RH) for three months’ storage period. In vivo ocular irritation test was performed to investigate the safety of the formula in rabbits’ eyes as well as to test the release profile and thus to estimate In vitro In vivo correlation.Results: All the prepared ocuserts showed the uniformity of film characterization and bioadhesion strength ranged from 240±66 and 158±52dyne/cm2. Selected formula from the in vitro release study tested for in vivo study showed the slow release of ciprofloxacin drug up to 24 h with no signs of eye irritancy. Results for In vitro In vivo correlation showed an excellent correlation with R2 value of 0.9982.Conclusion: PVA based ocuserts proven to be a promising once-daily, effective and safe ocular delivery system of the drug.

Objective: Zolmitriptan, a class of antidepressant drugs with poor bioavailability due to its first-pass metabolism. The aim of this study was to improve systemic bioavailability and explore the brain targeting impact of nasal Zolmitriptan (Zol) solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) gel for migraine treatment.  Methods: Stearic acid and cholesterol used as solid lipid and lecithin as a surfactant, emulsion solvent evaporation technique was used to produce Zolmitriptan SLNs. (Zol) SLNs were characterized for particle size, percent entrapment efficiency and in vitro drug release. Formula S6 showed greater percent entrapment efficiency (PEE), adequate particle size and sustained drug release behavior. Formula S6 was integrated into HPMC gel (3%) to prepare nasal gel. Zol SLN nasal gel was subjected to histopathological study to ensure brain targeting.  Results: It was observed that all prepared Zol SLNs were in the nano-sized range with a polydispersity index of<0.5. In the cholesterol/lecithin combination, higher PEE%, better stability, and less agglomeration inclination were discovered. Results of the release profiles showed that developed Zol-SLNs were able to release Zolmitriptan in a sustained manner. Histopathological study of the brain tissues showed that Zolmitriptan SLN nasal gel can reach brain cells and localized for 24 h although the hydrophobicity of the target drug. Conclusion: Intranasal administration of Solid lipid nanostructure of Zolmitriptan through the olfactory pathway in which it travels from the nasal cavity to brain tissue achieved drug targeting potential of about 90% compared with conventional Zolmitriptan tablets. The small particle size helped them to squeeze themselves through the small opening in the olfactory neurons to the brain via different endo-cystic pathways of neuronal cells in nasal tissue membranes.

Purpose To design and optimize trans -cinnamic acid-loaded PLGA nanoparticles (CIN-PLGA-NPs) and assess its inhibitory effect on epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in triple-negative breast cancer. Methods The quality by design approach was used to correlate the formulation parameters (PLGA amount and Poloxamer188 concentration) and critical quality attributes (entrapment efficiency percent, particle size and zeta potential). Design of CIN-PLGA-NPs formulations was done based on central composite response surface design and formulated by nanoprecipitation method. In addition, the optimized CIN-PLGA-NPs formulation was further evaluated for morphology using transmission electron microscopy and in vitro dissolution test. The cytotoxicity of CIN-PLGA-NPs optimized formula in comparison to the free trans -cinnamic acid (CIN-Free) was investigated in vitro using MDA-MB-231, triple-negative breast cancer cells, followed by scratch wound assay for evaluating the impact on the migratory potential of MDA-MB-231 cells. In vivo antitumor activity was evaluated using Ehrlich ascites carcinoma solid tumor animal model where tumor volumes were measured at different time points and necrotic/apoptotic indices were estimated in tumor sections. EMT markers, E- and N-cadherin, were assessed in solid tumors as well. Results The optimized formulation showed entrapment efficiency of 76.98%, particle size of 186.3 nm with a smooth spherical surface and zeta potential of −28.47 mV indicating its stability. Furthermore, CIN-PLGA-NPs optimized formula released 60.8±1.89% of the total CIN-Free within 24 hours compared to 29±1.25% of the raw CIN-Free indicating improved dissolution rate. The optimized formula showed superior cytotoxicity on MDA-MB-231 cells compared to its free counterpart as well as increased wound closure percentage along with reduced tumor size in mice and increased necrotic and apoptotic indices. Tumor levels of E-cadherin and N-cadherin were indicative of EMT inhibition. Conclusion Our findings proved the capability of PLGA nanoparticles in loading trans -cinnamic acid in addition to enhancing its antitumor efficacy in triple-negative breast cancer possibly via inhibiting EMT.