Current Issue : July-September Volume : 2026 Issue Number : 3 Articles : 5 Articles
Self-emulsifying drug delivery systems are a lipid-based technological approach with immense promise in enhancing the oral bioavailability of poorly water-soluble drugs. The aim of the present study is to develop and characterize self-emulsifying drug delivery systems of Ibuprofen using medium-chain (MCT) and long-chain triglyceride (LCT) oils, Tween 80 and RH-40 as surfactants, and ethanol, polyethylene glycol 400, and propylene glycol as co-surfactants. Twelve formulations have been prepared, with the components and their ratios derived through solubility studies and construction of pseudoternary phase diagrams. All formulations have been characterized through Fourier transform IR spectroscopy (FTIR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermodynamic stability studies, accelerated stability studies, percent transmittance, droplet size and zeta-potential analysis, and in vitro drug release studies. The results indicate that self-emulsifying drug delivery systems are a promising approach for enhancing the solubility, and the rate and extent of release of Ibuprofen. The advantages of the combination of medium-chain triglycerides and Cremophor RH-40 are evident....
Chronic kidney disease (CKD), whose prevalence is rising substantially, has become a major global health challenge. In this study, we developed linagliptin-loaded chitosan nanoparticles (HCS-LGP NPs) for the treatment of renal fibrosis. The synthesized nanoparticles exhibited a uniform particle size of 178.8 ± 4.4 nm and a zeta potential of −29.9 ± 2.5 mV, along with acid-responsive drug release properties. In vitro, the HCS-LGP NPs showed efficient cellular uptake in TGF-β1-induced HK-2 cells and significantly inhibited cell proliferation by downregulating the expression of TGF-β1 and Collagen I. In vivo studies demonstrated effective renal accumulation of HCS-LGP NPs in rats with renal fibrosis. Treatment with HCS-LGP NPs significantly reduced serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, and the protein levels of TGF-β1 and Collagen I. Notably, the administration of HCS-LGP NPs promoted marked recovery from renal injury and markedly reduced collagen fiber deposition in rats with renal fibrosis. Histopathological analysis confirmed excellent biocompatibility, with no observable damage to the heart, liver, spleen, or lungs. These findings indicate that HCS-LGP NPs hold great potential as a targeted therapy for renal fibrosis, offering enhanced efficacy and a favorable safety profile....
The aim of this study was to synthesize alginate hydrogel beads using ionotropic gelation containing pH-sensitive magnetic reduced graphene oxide (MGO). MGO was prepared using a hydrothermal method and surrounded by alginate beads. FTIR, XRD, FESEM, TEM, VSM and TGA showed that the synthesized beads have a quasi-spherical structure, exhibit superparamagnetic behavior, and are thermally stable up to 350 ◦C. The model drug, quercetin, was loaded into these particles with an efficiency of 25.8%. These particles showed a pH-dependent release. HFF-2 and Caco-2 cells were used to investigate cytotoxicity. At a concentration of 140 μg/mL, more than 80% viability was observed in HFF-2 cells and anticancer effects were observed on Caco-2 cells with a decrease in viability of less than 50% at a concentration of 200 μg/mL. The obtained cell culture results indicate that the hydrogel beads are biocompatible and act as a drug delivery system....
Background/Objectives: Drug development and delivery remain critical areas of research for addressing modern bioanalytical challenges. Understanding drug biodistribution, stability, and metabolism within biological systems is essential for optimising therapeutic efficacy. This study focuses on synthesising and characterising a novel fluorescent conjugate derived from commercially available rapid-acting insulin glulisine (Apidra®) and fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC). The objective was to produce a mono-labelled FITC-insulin glulisine conjugate without employing complex protective group strategies or multi-step processes. Methods: The conjugation was optimised by varying molar ratios (1:1 to 3:1) and reaction times (18–24 h) at pH 7. Results: The desired B1 mono-labelled conjugate was successfully achieved at a 2:1 molar ratio, pH 7, and 18 h reaction time. MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry confirmed the molecular weight and conjugation site, with fragmentation analysis identifying FITC attachment at phenylalanine (B1) on the β-chain (m/z = 537.11). Western blots performed on C2C12 skeletal cell lysates stimulated with the FITC–insulin glulisine conjugate showed Akt and IRS-1 activity similar to that of cells treated with native commercial insulin glulisine. Confocal imaging also demonstrated translocation of GLUT4 in FITC–insulin glulisine conjugate-treated C2C12 cells similar to that of commercial native insulin glulisine. Octanol-water partitioning studies assessed the physicochemical properties of the conjugate. Conclusions: This approach demonstrates an efficient method for fluorescent labelling of insulin analogues, enabling future applications in imaging, biodistribution studies, and pharmacokinetic profiling....
Background: Diabetes mellitus is common and associated with numerous complications including diabetic foot ulcers (DFU), which affect a third of patients and are associated with high morbidity and mortality. There are limited pharmacologic treatment options available with mixed efficacy. We have developed a novel therapeutic targeting inflammation and oxidative stress by conjugating microRNA-146a to cerium oxide nanoparticles to create CNP-miR146a and have found that injectable CNP-miR146a is associated with improved wound healing in a diabetic murine model. We hypothesized that a topical formulation of CNP-miR146a would be associated with equivalent improvements in wound healing. Methods: Release tests of CNP conjugated to fluorescein isothiocyanate were performed to determine the optimal gel base for sustained release. Diabetic (db/db) mice were cutaneously wounded and treated with topical CNP-miR146a, empty gel, injectable CNPmiR146a, or injectable phosphate-buffered saline (PBS). Wound healing over time was compared between groups. Histological samples were collected and analyzed for CD45 and CD31 positivity at multiple timepoints. Results: CNP-miR146a in a topical pluronic lecithin organogel (PLO) base was associated with significantly improved wound healing compared to empty gel or injected PBS and equivalent to injected CNP-miR146a. Treatment with CNP-miR146a was also associated with decreased CD45 positivity and increased CD31 positivity, suggesting decreased inflammation and improved angiogenesis. Conclusions: Topical delivery of CNP-miR46a in a PLO base holds significant promise as a potential therapeutic for DFU and may improve patient compliance due to ease of delivery....
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