Methods: The nanoemulsions were formulated using a high-pressure homogenization technique and were characterized for their physicochemical properties.
Results: The characterizations revealed a particle size of 100.32±0.75 nm, polydispersity index of 0.18±0.01, zeta potential of -46.9±1.39 mV, viscosity of 1.24±0.34 cps, and osmolality of 285.33±0.58 mOsm/kg, indicating that the nanoemulsion has compatibility for parenteral application. CLN was physicochemically stable within 6 months of storage at 4°C, and the transmission electron microscopy revealed that the CLN droplets were almost spherical in shape. The in vitro release of CLN profile followed a sustained release pattern. The pharmacokinetic profile of CLN showed a significantly higher Cmax, area under the curve (AUC)0-
t
, prolonged half-life, and lower total plasma clearance, indicating that the systemic concentration of cefuroxime was higher in CLN-treated rats as compared to cefuroxime-free treated rats. A similar profile was obtained for the biodistribution of cefuroxime in the brain, in which CLN showed a significantly higher Cmax, AUC0-
t
, prolonged half-life, and lower clearance as compared to free cefuroxime solution.
Conclusion: Overall, CLN showed excellent physicochemical properties, fulfilled the requirements for parenteral administration, and presented improved in vivo pharmacokinetic profile, which reflected its practical approach to enhance cefuroxime delivery to the brain.
METHODS: SoLE 20% was prepared using superolein oil and MCT oil (1:1), stabilized with egg lecithin and homogenized using a high pressure homogenizer. Mean droplet size was used as the response variable and was measured using laser diffraction and dynamic light scattering method. Physical stability at 4 °C, 25 °C and 40 °C storage temperatures were determined based on particle size and distribution, polydispersity index, zeta potential, viscosity, vitamin E contents and pH. Sterility and pyrogenicity were also investigated. Rabbits were administered with 1.0 g/kg SoLE 20% for 5 h and repeated daily for 3 days to investigate its effect on blood lipid and liver enzymes profile.
RESULTS: SoLE 20% was succesfully prepared using the optimized parameters of 800 psi, 7 cycles and 1.2 g lecithin. The IVLE prepared had a particle size of 252.60 ± 4.88 nm and was physically stable for 4 weeks at different storage temperatures. SoLE 20% had a high content of natural vitamin E, remained sterile and pyrogen free. It was also safe for intravenous administration and did not alter the blood lipid (p > 0.05) and liver enzymes profiles (p > 0.05) of the rabbits.
CONCLUSION: The optimal parameters to develop a stable superolein based IVLE are 800 psi homogenization pressure, 7 homogenization cycles and using 1.2 g lecithin as the emulsifier. SoLE 20% is safe for intravenous administration and does not significantly alter lipid and liver enzymes profiles of the rabbits.