Fabrication of quercetin nanocrystals: comparison of different methods
Quercetin nanocrystals were successfully fabricated by means of three methods, namely high-pressure homogenization, bead milling and cavi-precipitation; and the nanocrystals obtained from these three methods were compared. Bead milling fabricated the smallest particle size whereas high pressure homogenization gave the lowest polydispersity index. However, the saturation solubility of products from both was not significantly different.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejpb.2011.08.006
Lipid nanocarriers for dermal delivery of lutein: preparation, characterization, stability and performance
Middle-chain triglyceride mixed with glyceryl tripalmitate or with carnauba wax, carnauba wax alone and middle-chain triglyceride alone formed stable lutein-loaded lipid nanocarriers. Particle size was affected by the lipid type. However, when the particles are incorporated in a viscous dermal formulation, diffusion velocity of the particles is reduced and even 40°C should be no problem anymore for the stability. The particles provided different release profile, which gives option to choose for a final dermal formulation. They showed good in vitro penetration, from relatively fast (nanoemulsion) to slowest with the SLN system. From the pig ear studies, systemic uptake can be excluded, which is good for a dermal formulation. The active remains in the skin. Remarkable is the photoprotection of the labile lutein achieved by the nanocarriers, being highest for SLNs(0.06% compared to 50% of lutein powder in oil).
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijpharm.2011.05.008
Lutein nanocrystals as antioxidant formulation for oral and dermal delivery
Lutein nanocrystals could be produced by high pressure homogenization with a size as low as about 400 nm just applying the pre-milling procedure. This opens the perspective of a fast production of cosmetic and pharmaceutical lutein nanocrystals, in contrast to many drugs requiring additionally 20 cycles of high-pressure homogenization. Compared to the poorly water-soluble powder, the lutein nanocrystals had manifold higher saturation solubility. This increases release from oral dosage forms, as shown for pellet-filled capsules, and will promote oral uptake of class III compounds of the biopharmaceutical classification system (BCS).
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijpharm.2011.05.008
Production and characterization of antioxidant apigenin nanocrystals as a novel UV skin protective formulation
Flavonoids have many positive effects on various cell layers of the skin (e.g., anti-oxidant, anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory effects). However, the limiting factor of the use of flavonoids is their low water solubility. To overcome the low solubility, apigenin nanosuspensions were prepared using the combination technology (CT), i.e., bead milling and subsequently high-pressure homogenization. Distinct reduction in particle size was observed after each bead milling passage resulting in z-average (PCS) of 413 nm and a polydispersity index of 0.202. The developed smartCrystals can be easily incorporated into gels, which makes apigenin nanocrystals available for dermal application as efficient antioxidant.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijpharm.2011.08.018
Improved Skin Penetration of Hydrophobic Glycyrrhetinic Acid SmartCrystal® Compared to Its Water Soluble Salt
SmartCrystal® formulation of hydrophobic GHA has higher skin penetration than its hydrophilic form. Nanocrystal formulation approach can improve the saturation solubility and skin penetration profile of the compound. The enhancement of penetration of GHA from nanocrystal was also confirmed in human skin. Better penetration of GHA from nanocrystal in the deep skin tissue is beneficial as the molecule has antioxidant and anti-aging property.
https://doi.org/10.2174/2210303107666170929115817
Cancer research and therapy: Where are we today?
Advancement in cancer research and therapies is fastened by possibilities of record-breaking technologies and its applications. Lot of limitations like drug properties, industrial scale up and stability and clinical still hinder the path of drug candidates to clinical trial. However, collaboration of clinicians with research scientist, chemist, and academia is adding value to the new research developments. Nanoparticles are definitely an ideal drug delivery system which offers numerous advantages over conventional dosage forms and can direct drug to specific site or organ in body. Other therapies like radiation, phototherapy, and siRNA delivery are advancing rapidly and studied widely.
http://dx.doi.org/10.14319/ijcto.0204.8