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Topical application of omega-3-, omega-6-, and omega-9-rich oil emulsions for cutaneous wound healing in rats

Ishak WMW, Katas H, Yuen NP, Abdullah MA, Zulfakar MH

Drug Deliv Transl Res, 2019 04;9(2):418-433.
PMID: 29667150 DOI: 10.1007/s13346-018-0522-8

Wound healing is a physiological event that generates reconstitution and restoration of granulation tissue that ends with scar formation. As omega fatty acids are part of membrane phospholipids and participate in the inflammatory response, we investigated the effects of omega-3, omega-6, and omega-9 fatty acids in the form of oils on wound healing. Linseed (LO), evening primrose (EPO), and olive oils (OO) rich in omega-3, omega-6, and omega-9 fatty acids were formulated into emulsions and were topically applied on rats with excision wounds. All omega-3-, omega-6-, and omega-9-rich oil formulations were found to accelerate wound closure compared to untreated, with significant improvement (p
Fulltext Regioselective Sequential Modification of Chitosan via Azide-Alkyne Click Reaction: Synthesis, Characterization, and Antimicrobial Activity of Chitosan Derivatives and Nanoparticles

Sarwar A, Katas H, Samsudin SN, Zin NM

PLoS One, 2015;10(4):e0123084.
PMID: 25928293 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0123084

Recently, the attention of researchers has been drawn toward the synthesis of chitosan derivatives and their nanoparticles with enhanced antimicrobial activities. In this study, chitosan derivatives with different azides and alkyne groups were synthesized using click chemistry, and these were further transformed into nanoparticles by using the ionotropic gelation method. A series of chitosan derivatives was successfully synthesized by regioselective modification of chitosan via an azide-alkyne click reaction. The amino moieties of chitosan were protected during derivatization by pthaloylation and subsequently unblocked at the end to restore their functionality. Nanoparticles of synthesized derivatives were fabricated by ionic gelation to form complexes of polyanionic penta-sodium tripolyphosphate (TPP) and cationic chitosan derivatives. Particle size analysis showed that nanoparticle size ranged from 181.03 ± 12.73 nm to 236.50 ± 14.32 nm and had narrow polydispersity index and positive surface charge. The derivatives and corresponding nanoparticles were evaluated in vitro for antibacterial and antifungal activities against three gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria and three fungal strains, respectively. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of all derivatives ranged from 31.3 to 250 µg/mL for bacteria and 188 to1500 µg/mL for fungi and was lower than that of native chitosan. The nanoparticles with MIC ranging from 1.56 to 25 µg/mLfor bacteria and 94 to 750 µg/mL for fungi exhibited higher activity than the chitosan derivatives. Chitosan O-(1-methylbenzene) triazolyl carbamate and chitosan O-(1-methyl phenyl sulfide) triazolyl carbamate were the most active against the tested bacterial and fungal strains. The hemolytic assay on erythrocytes and cell viability test on two different cell lines (Chinese hamster lung fibroblast cells V79 and Human hepatic cell line WRL68) demonstrated the safety; suggesting that these derivatives could be used in future medical applications. Chitosan derivatives with triazole functionality, synthesized by Huisgen 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition, and their nanoparticles showed significant enhancement in antibacterial and antifungal activities in comparison to those associated with native, non-altered chitosan.
Formulation and Cost-Effectiveness of Fluid Gels as an Age-Appropriate Dosage Form for Older Adults with Dysphagia

Abd Aziz ZH, Katas H, Omar MS, Mohamed Shah N, Yusop SM

Dysphagia, 2021 Sep 13.
PMID: 34518932 DOI: 10.1007/s00455-021-10365-6

Dysphagia is associated with increased dependency and treatment costs, whereby patients resort to extemporaneous compounding that may further increase the number of adverse events and medical errors. In the management of dysphagia, increasing the bolus viscosity of medication such as fluid gels can be practiced. This study aimed to prepare and characterize the fluid gels as well as to estimate the cost of using fluid gels and compare it to the conventional practice of extemporaneous preparation of thickened liquid. Fluid gels were formulated using gellan gum and determined for physicochemical characteristics and in vitro drug release profile. The cost-based price of the fluid gel was estimated and compared to the cost of administering standard medication as well as administering thickened liquid using thickening powder. Fluid gels exhibited good physicochemical properties with the viscosity within nectar and honey consistency. A similar dissolution profile to the reference was observed for the 0.5% w/v gellan gum fluid gel and exhibiting the Higuchi release model. The price for 100 mL unit of 50 mg/mL paracetamol/acetaminophen and 20 mg/mL ibuprofen fluid gel was estimated to be about USD2.30 and USD2.37, respectively. A dose of 1000 mg paracetamol and 400 mg ibuprofen fluid gel was estimated to be about USD0.46 and USD0.47, respectively, which is lower than the cost of administering the same dose using extemporaneous thickened liquid. Fluid gels could be a cost-effective formulation for delivering medication in patients with dysphagia and can be developed on a profitable scale.
Fulltext Downregulation of immunological mediators in 2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene-induced atopic dermatitis-like skin lesions by hydrocortisone-loaded chitosan nanoparticles

Hussain Z, Katas H, Mohd Amin MC, Kumolosasi E, Sahudin S

Int J Nanomedicine, 2014;9:5143-56.
PMID: 25395851 DOI: 10.2147/IJN.S71543

Atopic dermatitis is a chronic, noncontiguous, and exudative disorder accompanied by perivascular infiltration of immune mediators, including T-helper (Type 1 helper/Type 2 helper) cells, mast cells, and immunoglobulin E. The current study explores the immunomodulatory and histological effects of nanoparticle (NP)-based transcutaneous delivery of hydrocortisone (HC).
Antidermatitic perspective of hydrocortisone as chitosan nanocarriers: an ex vivo and in vivo assessment using an NC/Nga mouse model

Hussain Z, Katas H, Amin MC, Kumulosasi E, Sahudin S

J Pharm Sci, 2013 Mar;102(3):1063-75.
PMID: 23303620 DOI: 10.1002/jps.23446

The aim of this study to administer hydrocortisone (HC) percutaneously in the form of polymeric nanoparticles (NPs) to alleviate its transcutaneous absorption, and to derive additional wound-healing benefits of chitosan. HC-loaded NPs had varied particle sizes, zeta potentials, and entrapment efficiencies, when drug-to-polymer mass ratios increased from 1:1 to 1:8. Ex vivo permeation analysis showed that the nanoparticulate formulation of HC significantly reduced corresponding flux [∼24 µg/(cm(2) h)] and permeation coefficient (∼4.8 × 10(-3) cm/h) of HC across the full thickness NC/Nga mouse skin. The nanoparticulate formulation also exhibited a higher epidermal (1610 ± 42 µg/g of skin) and dermal (910 ± 46 µg/g of skin) accumulation of HC than those associated with control groups. An in vivo assessment using an NC/Nga mouse model further revealed that mice treated with the nanoparticulate system efficiently controlled transepidermal water loss [15 ± 2 g/(m(2) h)], erythema intensity (232 ± 12), dermatitis index (mild), and thickness of skin (456 ± 27 µm). Taken together, histopathological examination predicted that the nanoparticulate system showed a proficient anti-inflammatory and antifibrotic activity against atopic dermatitic (AD) lesions. Our results strongly suggest that HC-loaded NPs have promising potential for topical/transdermal delivery of glucocorticoids in the treatment of AD.
Self-assembled polymeric nanoparticles for percutaneous co-delivery of hydrocortisone/hydroxytyrosol: an ex vivo and in vivo study using an NC/Nga mouse model

Hussain Z, Katas H, Mohd Amin MC, Kumolosasi E, Buang F, Sahudin S

Int J Pharm, 2013 Feb 28;444(1-2):109-19.
PMID: 23337632 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2013.01.024

In this study, hydroxytyrosol (HT; a potent antioxidant) was co-administered with hydrocortisone (HC) to mitigate the systemic adverse effects of the latter and to provide additional anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits in the treatment of atopic dermatitis (AD). The co-loaded nanoparticles (NPs) prepared had shown different particle sizes, zeta potentials, loading efficiencies, and morphology, when the pH of the chitosan solution was increased from 3.0 to 7.0. Ex vivo permeation data showed that the co-loaded NPs formulation significantly reduced the corresponding flux (17.04μg/cm(2)/h) and permeation coefficient (3.4×10(-3)cm/h) of HC across full-thickness NC/Nga mouse skin. In addition, the NPs formulation showed higher epidermal (1560±31μg/g of skin) and dermal (880±28μg/g of skin) accumulation of HC than did a commercial HC formulation. Moreover, an in vivo study using an NC/Nga mouse model revealed that compared to the other treatment groups, the group treated with the NPs formulation efficiently controlled transepidermal water loss (13±2g/m(2)/h), intensity of erythema (207±12), and dermatitis index (mild). In conclusion, NPs co-loaded with HC/HT is proposed as a promising system for the percutaneous co-delivery of anti-inflammatory and antioxidative agents in the treatment of AD.
Simvastatin nanoparticles loaded polymeric film as a potential strategy for diabetic wound healing: in vitro and in vivo evaluation

Tufail S, Siddique MI, Sarfraz M, Sohail MF, Shahid MN, Omer MO, et al.

Curr Drug Deliv, 2021 Jul 20.
PMID: 34288836 DOI: 10.2174/1567201818666210720150929

INTRODUCTION: The pleiotropic effects of statins are recently explored for wound healing through angiogenesis and lymph-angiogenesis that could be of great importance in diabetic wounds.
AIM: Aim of the present study is to fabricate nanofilm embedded with simvastatin loaded chitosan nanoparticles (CS-SIM-NPs) has been reported herein to explore the efficacy of SIM in diabetic wound healing.
METHODS: The NPs, prepared via ionic gelation, were 173nm ± 2.645 in size with a zeta potential -0.299 ± 0.009 and PDI 0.051 ± 0.088 with excellent encapsulation efficiency (99.97%). The optimized formulation (CS: TPP, 1:1) that exhibited the highest drug release (91.64%) was incorporated into polymeric nanofilm (HPMC, Sodium alginate, PVA), followed by in vitro characterization. The optimized nanofilm was applied to the wound created on the back of diabetes-induced (with alloxan injection 120 mg/kg) albino rats.
RESULTS: The results showed significant (p < 0.05) improvement in the wound healing process compared to the diabetes-induced non-treated group. The results highlighted the importance of nanofilms loaded with SIM-NPs in diabetic wound healing through angiogenesis promotion at the wound site.
CONCLUSION: Thus, CS-SIM-NPs loaded polymeric nanofilms could be an emerging diabetic wound healing agent in the industry of nanomedicines.
Fabrication and characterization of matrix type transdermal patches loaded with tizanidine hydrochloride: potential sustained release delivery system

Shahid N, Siddique MI, Razzaq Z, Katas H, Waqas MK, Rahman KU

Drug Dev Ind Pharm, 2018 Dec;44(12):2061-2070.
PMID: 30081679 DOI: 10.1080/03639045.2018.1509081

OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to optimize and develop matrix type transdermal drug delivery system (TDDS) containing tizanidine hydrochloride (TZH) using different polymers by solvent evaporation method.
SIGNIFICANCE: A strong need exists for the development of transdermal patch having improved bioavailability at the site of action with fewer side effects at off-target organs.
METHODS: The patches were physically characterized by texture analysis (color, flexibility, smoothness, transparency, and homogeneity), in vitro dissolution test and FTIR analysis. Furthermore, functional properties essential for TDDS, in vitro percentage of moisture content, percentage of water uptake, in vitro permeation by following different kinetic models, in vivo drug content estimation and skin irritation were determined using rabbit skin.
RESULTS: The optimized patches were soft, of uniform texture and thickness as well as pliable in nature. Novel transdermal patch showed ideal characteristics in terms of moisture content and water uptake. FTIR analysis confirmed no interaction between TZH and cellulose acetate phthalate (CAP). The patch showed sustained release of the drug which increased the availability of short acting TZH at the site of action. The patch also showed its biocompatibility to the in vivo model of rabbit skin.
CONCLUSIONS: The results demonstrated that topically applied transdermal patch will be a potential medicated sustain release patch for muscle pain which will improve patient compliance.
Potential treatment of atopic dermatitis: tolerability and safety of cream containing nanoparticles loaded with hydrocortisone and hydroxytyrosol in human subjects

Siddique MI, Katas H, Jamil A, Mohd Amin MCI, Ng SF, Zulfakar MH, et al.

Drug Deliv Transl Res, 2019 04;9(2):469-481.
PMID: 29159691 DOI: 10.1007/s13346-017-0439-7

Hydrocortisone (HC), topical glucocorticoid along with hydroxytyrosol (HT), and anti-microbial- and anti-oxidant-loaded chitosan nanoparticles (CSNPs) were prepared in large scale and analyzed for their adverse effects on healthy human skin followed by repeated applications. Ten subjects were randomized to receive test (HC-HT CSNPs) and vehicle samples (aqueous (AQ) cream). They were applied on the arms for 28 days, and transepidermal water loss (TEWL), erythema intensity, and irritation score were measured. Blood samples were analyzed for blood hematology, blood biochemistry, and adrenal cortico-thyroid hormone (ACTH) levels. Skin biopsy was obtained to assess histopathological changes in the skin. HC-HT CSNP AQ cream was stored at 4, 25, and 45 °C for a period of 1 year, and its stability was assessed by monitoring their physical appearances, particle size, and pH. Spherical-shaped NPs were successfully upscaled using spinning-disc technology, with insignificant changes in particle size, zeta potential, and incorporation of drugs as compared to the well-established laboratory method. Particle size of HC-HT CSNPs was H&E) staining results. Comparative results of blood hematology, blood biochemistry, and adrenal cortico-thyroid hormone level at day 0 and day 28 were not significant, indicating non-systemic toxicity. In conclusion, HC-HT CSNP AQ cream is safe, well-tolerated, and non-toxic, which may be useful in treating atopic dermatitis.
Fulltext Preparation and characterisation of highly loaded fluorescent chitosan nanoparticles

Katas H, Mui Wen C

ISRN Pharm, 2011;2011:246162.
PMID: 22389847 DOI: 10.5402/2011/246162

Chitosan (CS) nanoparticles have been developed as a versatile drug delivery system to transport drugs, genes, proteins, and peptides into target sites. Demands on fluorescent nanoparticles have increased recently due to various applications in medical and stem-cell-based researches. In this study, fluorescent CS nanoparticles were prepared by a mild method, namely, complex coacervation. Entrapment efficiency of sulforhodamine (SR101) loaded into CS nanoparticles was investigated to evaluate their capacity in incorporating fluorescent molecule. Particle size of produced fluorescent nanoparticles was in the range of 600-700 nm, and their particle size was highly dependent on the CS molecular weight as well as concentration. A high entrapment efficiency of SR101 into CS nanoparticles could also be obtained when it was dissolved in methanol. In conclusion, highly loaded fluorescent CS nanoparticles could be easily prepared using complex coacervation method and therefore can be applied in various medical researches.
Thermoresponsive curcumin/DsiRNA nanoparticle gels for the treatment of diabetic wounds: synthesis and drug release

Katas H, Wen CY, Siddique MI, Hussain Z, Mohd Fadhil FH

Ther Deliv, 2017 01;8(3):137-150.
PMID: 28145827 DOI: 10.4155/tde-2016-0075

AIM: Chitosan (CS) has been extensively studied as drug delivery systems for wound healing. Results/methodology: CS nanoparticles were loaded with curcumin (Cur) and DsiRNA against prostaglandin transporter gene and they were incorporated into 20 and 25% w/v Pluronic F-127. The gels were later analyzed for their rheology, gelation temperature (Tgel), morphology, drug incorporation and in vitro drug release. The particle size was in the range of 231 ± 17-320 ± 20 nm, depending on CS concentration. The gels had Tgel of 23-28°C and exhibited sustained drug release with high accumulated amount of drugs over 48 h.
CONCLUSION: A thermo-sensitive gel containing Cur/DsiRNA CS nanoparticles was successfully developed and has a great potential to be further developed.
Fulltext Dual-action of thermoresponsive gels containing DsiRNA-loaded gold nanoparticles for diabetic wound therapy: Characterization, in vitro safety and healing efficacy

Nor Azlan AYH, Katas H, Habideen NH, Mh Busra MF

Saudi Pharm J, 2020 Nov;28(11):1420-1430.
PMID: 33250649 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsps.2020.09.007

Diabetic wounds are difficult to treat due to multiple causes, including reduced blood flow and bacterial infections. Reduced blood flow is associated with overexpression of prostaglandin transporter (PGT) gene, induced by hyperglycaemia which causing poor vascularization and healing of the wound. Recently, gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) have been biosynthesized using cold and hot sclerotium of Lignosus rhinocerotis extracts (CLRE and HLRE, respectively) and capped with chitosan (CS) to produce biocompatible antibacterial nanocomposites. The AuNPs have shown to produce biostatic effects against selected gram positive and negative bacteria. Therefore, in this study, a dual therapy for diabetic wound consisting Dicer subtract small interfering RNA (DsiRNA) and AuNPs was developed to improve vascularization by inhibiting PGT gene expression and preventing bacterial infection, respectively. The nanocomposites were incorporated into thermoresponsive gel, made of pluronic and polyethylene glycol. The particle size of AuNPs synthesized using CLRE (AuNPs-CLRE) and HLRE (AuNPs-HLRE) was 202 ± 49 and 190 ± 31 nm, respectively with positive surface charge (+30 to + 45 mV). The thermoresponsive gels containing DsiRNA-AuNPs gelled at 32 ± 1 °C and released the active agents in sufficient amount with good texture and rheological profiles for topical application. DsiRNA-AuNPs and those incorporated into thermoresponsive pluronic gels demonstrated high cell viability, proliferation and cell migration rate via in vitro cultured cells of human dermal fibroblasts, indicating their non-cytotoxicity and wound healing properties. Taken together, the thermoresponsive gels are expected to be useful as a potential dressing that promotes healing of diabetic wounds.
Fulltext Antibacterial activity of biosynthesized gold nanoparticles using biomolecules from Lignosus rhinocerotis and chitosan

Katas H, Lim CS, Nor Azlan AYH, Buang F, Mh Busra MF

Saudi Pharm J, 2019 Feb;27(2):283-292.
PMID: 30766441 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsps.2018.11.010

A simple, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly method is needed for synthesizing metal nanoparticles, including gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). In this study, AuNPs were synthesized with Lignosus rhinocerotis sclerotial extract (LRE) and chitosan (CS) as reducing and stabilizing agents, respectively. Different LRE concentrations from cold and hot water extraction (CWE and HWE, respectively) were used to reduce chloroauric acid (HAuCl4) to form AuNPs. Positively charged chitosan stabilized AuNPs (CS-AuNPs) mediated by LRE exhibited a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) band at 533 nm. The CS-AuNPs synthesized using CWE had a smaller particle size (49.5 ± 6.7-82.4 ± 28.0 nm) compared to that of the HWE samples (80.3 ± 23.4-125.3 ± 41.5 nm), depending on LRE concentration. FTIR results suggested protein and polysaccharides in LRE were the sources of reducing power, reducing gold ions to AuNPs. CS-AuNPs were mostly spherical with higher LRE concentrations, whereas some triangular, pentagonal, irregular, and rod shaped AuNPs were observed at lower LRE concentrations. CS-AuNPs mediated by LRE displayed effective antibacterial activity against gram-negative (Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli) and gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus sp.). Thus, the biosynthesized AuNPs using LRE and chitosan provide opportunities for developing stable and eco-friendly nanoparticles with effective antibacterial properties.
Fulltext Development of Chitosan Nanoparticles as a Stable Drug Delivery System for Protein/siRNA

Katas H, Raja MA, Lam KL

Int J Biomater, 2013;2013:146320.
PMID: 24194759 DOI: 10.1155/2013/146320

Chitosan nanoparticles (CS NPs) exhibit good physicochemical properties as drug delivery systems. The aim of this study is to determine the modulation of preparative parameters on the physical characteristics and colloidal stability of CS NPs. CS NPs were fabricated by ionic interaction with dextran sulphate (DS) prior to determination of their storage stability. The smallest CS NPs of 353 ± 23 nm with a surface charge of +56.2 ± 1.5 mV were produced when CS and DS were mixed at pH 4 and with a DS : CS mass ratio of 0.5 : 1. An entrapment efficiency of 98% was achieved when BSA/siRNA was loaded into the nanoparticles. The results also showed that particle size and surface charge of CS NPs were slightly changed up to 2 weeks when stored at 4°C. Greater particle size and surface charge were obtained with increasing the concentration of DS. In conclusion, NPs were sufficiently stable when kept at 4°C and able to carry and protect protein.
Fulltext Efficient immuno-modulation of TH1/TH2 biomarkers in 2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene-induced atopic dermatitis: nanocarrier-mediated transcutaneous co-delivery of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant drugs

Hussain Z, Katas H, Mohd Amin MC, Kumolosasi E

PLoS One, 2014;9(11):e113143.
PMID: 25396426 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0113143

The present study was conducted with the aim to investigate the immuno-modulatory and histological stabilization effects of nanocarrier-based transcutaneous co-delivery of hydrocortisone (HC) and hydroxytyrosol (HT). In this investigation, the clinical and pharmacological efficacies of nanoparticle (NP)-based formulation to alleviate 2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB)-induced atopic dermatitis (AD) was explored by using an NC/Nga mouse model. Ex vivo visual examination of AD induction in experimental mice indicated remarkable control of NP-based formulations in reducing pathological severity of AD-like skin lesions. Therapeutic effectiveness of NP-based formulations was also evaluated by comparing skin thickness of AD-induced NP-treated mice (456±27 µm) with that of atopic mice (916±37 µm). Analysis of the immuno-spectrum of AD also revealed the dominance of NP-based formulations in restraining immunoglobulin-E (IgE), histamine, prostaglandin-E2 (PGE2), vascular endothelial growth factor-α (VEGF-α), and T-helper cells (TH1/TH2) producing cytokines in serum and skin biopsies of tested mice. These anti-AD data were further supported by histological findings that revealed alleviated pathological features, including collagen fiber deposition, fibroblasts infiltration, and fragmentation of elastic fibers in experimental mice. Thus, NP-mediated transcutaneous co-delivery of HC and HT can be considered as a promising therapy for managing immunological and histological spectra associated with AD.
Fulltext Formulation and Evaluation of Microwave-Modified Chitosan-Curcumin Nanoparticles-A Promising Nanomaterials Platform for Skin Tissue Regeneration Applications Following Burn Wounds

Basit HM, Mohd Amin MCI, Ng SF, Katas H, Shah SU, Khan NR

Polymers (Basel), 2020 Nov 06;12(11).
PMID: 33171959 DOI: 10.3390/polym12112608

Improved physicochemical properties of chitosan-curcumin nanoparticulate carriers using microwave technology for skin burn wound application are reported. The microwave modified low molecular weight chitosan variant was used for nanoparticle formulation by ionic gelation method nanoparticles analyzed for their physicochemical properties. The antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa cultures, cytotoxicity and cell migration using human dermal fibroblasts-an adult cell line-were studied. The microwave modified chitosan variant had significantly reduced molecular weight, increased degree of deacetylation and decreased specific viscosity. The nanoparticles were nano-sized with high positive charge and good dispersibility with entrapment efficiency and drug content in between 99% and 100%, demonstrating almost no drug loss. Drug release was found to be sustained following Fickian the diffusion mechanism for drug release with higher cumulative drug release observed for formulation (F)2. The microwave treatment does not render a destructive effect on the chitosan molecule with the drug embedded in the core of nanoparticles. The optimized formulation precluded selected bacterial strain colonization, exerted no cytotoxic effect, and promoted cell migration within 24 h post application in comparison to blank and/or control application. Microwave modified low molecular weight chitosan-curcumin nanoparticles hold potential in delivery of curcumin into the skin to effectively treat skin manifestations.
Doxorubicin and siRNA Codelivery via Chitosan-Coated pH-Responsive Mixed Micellar Polyplexes for Enhanced Cancer Therapy in Multidrug-Resistant Tumors

Butt AM, Amin MC, Katas H, Abdul Murad NA, Jamal R, Kesharwani P

Mol Pharm, 2016 12 05;13(12):4179-4190.
PMID: 27934479

This study investigated the potential of chitosan-coated mixed micellar nanocarriers (polyplexes) for codelivery of siRNA and doxorubicin (DOX). DOX-loaded mixed micelles (serving as cores) were prepared by thin film hydration method and coated with chitosan (CS, serving as outer shell), and complexed with multidrug resistance (MDR) inhibiting siRNA. Selective targeting was achieved by folic acid conjugation. The polyplexes showed pH-responsive enhanced DOX release in acidic tumor pH, resulting in higher intracellular accumulation, which was further augmented by downregulation of mdr-1 gene after treatment with siRNA-complexed polyplexes. In vitro cytotoxicity assay demonstrated an enhanced cytotoxicity in native 4T1 and multidrug-resistant 4T1-mdr cell lines, compared to free DOX. Furthermore, in vivo, polyplexes codelivery resulted in highest DOX accumulation and significantly reduced the tumor volume in mice with 4T1 and 4T1-mdr tumors as compared to the free DOX groups, leading to improved survival times in mice. In conclusion, codelivery of siRNA and DOX via polyplexes has excellent potential as targeted drug nanocarriers for treatment of MDR cancers.
Purification, characterization and comparative studies of spray-dried bacterial cellulose microparticles

Amin MC, Abadi AG, Katas H

Carbohydr Polym, 2014 Jan;99:180-9.
PMID: 24274495 DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2013.08.041

Bacterial cellulose (BC) is a biopolymer with significant potential for the development of novel materials. This work aimed to prepare and characterize BC powders from nata de coco, and assess the possible enhancement of the powder properties by spray drying. Therefore, BC powders prepared by acid treatment and mechanical processing were spray-dried, and characterized according to their morphology, flowability, thermal stability, water retention capacity, and compared with commercial microcrystalline cellulose (MCC). The powders redispersibility and suspensions rheology were also evaluated. SEM showed that spray-dried BC microparticles exhibited semispherical shape and had flow rate of 4.23 g s(-1) compared with 0.52 g s(-1) for MCC. Particle size analysis demonstrated that spray-dried BC microparticles could be redispersed. TGA showed that BC samples had higher thermal stability than MCC. Water retention capacities of BC samples were greater than MCC. These findings provide new insight on the potential applications of spray-dried BC as a promising pharmaceutical excipient.
Fulltext Antifungal activity of chitosan nanoparticles and correlation with their physical properties

Ing LY, Zin NM, Sarwar A, Katas H

Int J Biomater, 2012;2012:632698.
PMID: 22829829 DOI: 10.1155/2012/632698

The need of natural antimicrobials is paramount to avoid harmful synthetic chemicals. The study aimed to determine the antifungal activity of natural compound chitosan and its nanoparticles forms against Candida albicans, Fusarium solani and Aspergillus niger. Chitosan nanoparticles were prepared from low (LMW), high molecular weight (HMW) chitosan and its derivative, trimethyl chitosan (TMC). Particle size was increased when chitosan/TMC concentration was increased from 1 to 3 mg/mL. Their zeta potential ranged from +22 to +55 mV. Chitosan nanoparticles prepared from different concentrations of LMW and HMW were also found to serve a better inhibitory activity against C. albicans (MIC(LMW) = 0.25-0.86 mg/mL and MIC(HMW) = 0.6-1.0 mg/mL) and F. solani (MIC(LMW) = 0.86-1.2 mg/mL and MIC(HMW) = 0.5-1.2 mg/mL) compared to the solution form (MIC = 3 mg/mL for both MWs and species). This inhibitory effect was also influenced by particle size and zeta potential of chitosan nanoparticles. Besides, Aspergillus niger was found to be resistant to chitosan nanoparticles except for nanoparticles prepared from higher concentrations of HMW. Antifungal activity of nanoparticles prepared from TMC was negligible. The parent compound therefore could be formulated and applied as a natural antifungal agent into nanoparticles form to enhance its antifungal activity.
Oral Dispersible Films from Product Development to End-User Acceptability: A Review

Khan QU, Siddique MI, Sarfraz M, Rehman K, Sohail MF, Katas H

Crit Rev Ther Drug Carrier Syst, 2022;39(1):33-64.
PMID: 34936317 DOI: 10.1615/CritRevTherDrugCarrierSyst.2021036885

Orodispersible films (ODFs) have served as an emerging platform for the delivery of drugs in a convenient way. They have numerous advantages, the significant one is simplicity of administration for special populations such as pediatric and geriatric as well as patients with swallowing difficulty. Besides, the advantages include accurate dosing and fast action. The ODFs are efficiently designed with detailed knowledge of drug and polymers as well as a suitable selection of method. Many conventional and advance formulation strategies have been used for the development of ODFs. The biopharmaceutical concerns of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) are given in this review in light of the fact that ODFs can be utilized to increase the bioavailability of APIs. The basic critical issues such as good mechanical properties, water solubility of the API and taste masking are very important to be considered during the development of ODFs. The knowledge of critical quality concerns of ODFs will be helpful in the future development of ODF. As ODFs remain in the mouth until complete degradation, taste, texture and mouth-feel are the qualities that in all respects liable for acceptability of the patient. An assortment of packaging choices is also accessible for ODFs. This review focuses on the different critical concerns of ODF related to composition, bio-pharmaceutical, manufacturing, quality tests, packaging and acceptability. Additionally, potential barriers in the ODFs development are discussed in details. Therefore, this review is an informative bundle of ODFs concerns from the product development stage to the end-user acceptability.

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