Biomedical subjects

C Vervaet

Publications and source records attributed to C Vervaet.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2006

Influence of particle size on the quantitative determination of salicylic acid in a pharmaceutical ointment using FT-Raman spectroscopy.

A second order polynomial calibration model was developed and statistically validated for the direct and non-destructive quantitative analysis - without sample preparation - of the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) salicylic acid in a pharmaceutical ointment using FT-Raman spectroscopy. The calibration curve was modeled by plotting the peak intensity of the vector normalized spectral band between 757 and 784cm(-1) against the known salicylic acid concentrations in standards. At this band, no spectral interferences from the ointment vehiculum (white vaseline) are observed. For the validation of the polynomial model, its fit and its predictive properties were evaluated. The validated model was used for the quantification of 25 ointments, compounded by different retail pharmacists. The same standards and samples were used, both for development and validation of a regression model and for quantitative determination by HPLC - with sample preparation - as described for the related substances of salicylic acid in the Ph. Eur. IV. The quantification results obtained by the FT-Raman method corresponded with the HPLC results (p=0.22), provided that the particle size of salicylic acid in the standards is the same as in the analyzed samples. The non-destructive FT-Raman method is a reliable alternative for the destructive HPLC method, as it is faster and does not require sample pre-treatment procedures.

Calibration↗

PubMed2006

Raman spectroscopy as a process analytical technology tool for the understanding and the quantitative in-line monitoring of the homogenization process of a pharmaceutical suspension.

The aim of this study was to propose a Process Analytical Technology (PAT) strategy for the quantitative in-line monitoring of an aqueous pharmaceutical suspension using Raman spectroscopy. A screening design was used to study the significance of process variables (mixing speed and height of the stirrer in the reactor) and of formulation variables (concentration of the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) ibuprofen and the viscosity enhancer (xanthan gum)) on the time required to homogenize an aqueous pharmaceutical model suspension as response variable. Ibuprofen concentration (10% and 15% (w/v)) and the height of stirrer (position 1 and 2) were discrete variables, whereas the viscosity enhancer (concentration range: 1-2 g L-1) and the mixing speed (700-1000 rpm) were continuous variables. Next, a multilevel full factorial design was applied to study the effect of the remaining significant variables upon the homogenization process and to establish the optimum conditions for the process. Interactions between these variables were investigated as well. During each design experiment, the conformity index (CI) method was used to monitor homogeneity of the suspension mixing system in real-time using Raman spectroscopy in combination with a fibre optical immersion probe. Finally, a principal component regression (PCR) model was developed and evaluated to perform quantitative real-time and in-line measurements of the API during the mixing process. The experimental design results showed that the suspension homogenization process is an irregular process, for which it is impossible to model the studied variables upon the measured response variable. However, applying the PCR model it is possible to predict in-line and real-time the concentration of the API in a suspension during a mixing process. In this study, it is shown that Raman spectroscopy is a suitable PAT tool for the control of the homogenization process of an aqueous suspension. Raman spectroscopy not only allowed real-time monitoring of the homogeneity of the suspension, but also helped (in combination with experimental design) to understand the process. Further, the technique allowed real-time and in-line quantification of the API during the mixing process.

Chemistry, Pharmaceutical↗

PubMed2006

Xanthan gum to tailor drug release of sustained-release ethylcellulose mini-matrices prepared via hot-melt extrusion: in vitro and in vivo evaluation.

Mini-matrices (multiple-unit dosage form) with release-sustaining properties were developed by means of hot-melt extrusion using ibuprofen as the model drug and ethylcellulose as sustained-release agent. Xanthan gum, a hydrophilic polymer, was added to the formulation to increase the drug release since ibuprofen release from the ibuprofen/ethylcellulose matrices (60/40, w/w) was too slow (20% in 24 h). Changing the xanthan gum concentration as well as its particle size modified the in vitro drug release. Increasing xanthan gum concentrations yielded a faster drug release due to a higher liquid uptake, swelling and erosion rate. Regarding the effect of the xanthan gum particle size, no difference was observed for formulations containing 10% and 20% xanthan gum. However, using 30% xanthan gum, drug release was influenced by the particle size of the hydrophilic polymer due to the susceptibility of the coarser xanthan gum particles to erosion. Drug release from the mini-matrices was mainly diffusion controlled, but swelling played an important role to obtain complete drug release within 24 h. Drug release was influenced by the ionic strength of the medium as the conformation of xanthan gum molecules is determined by the salt concentration. An oral dose of 300 mg ibuprofen was administered to dogs (n=6) in a cross-over study design either as an immediate-release preparation (Junifen), as a sustained-release formulation (Ibu-Slow 600 mg (1/2 tablet)) or as the experimental mini-matrices (varying in xanthan gum concentration). Administration of the experimental formulations sustained the ibuprofen release. Although a significant difference in dissolution rate of the 20% and 30% xanthan gum mini-matrices was detected in vitro, the difference in relative bioavailability was limited (70.6% and 73.8%, respectively).

Animals↗

PubMed2006

Influence of deposition and spray pattern of nasal powders on insulin bioavailability.

The influence of the deposition pattern and spray characteristics of nasal powder formulations on the insulin bioavailability was investigated in rabbits. The formulations were prepared by freeze drying a dispersion containing a physical mixture of drum dried waxy maize starch (DDWM)/Carbopol 974P (90/10, w/w) or a spray-dried mixture of Amioca starch/Carbopol 974P (25/75, w/w). The deposition in the nasal cavity of rabbits and in a silicone human nose model after actuation of three nasal delivery devices (Monopowder, Pfeiffer and experimental system) was compared and related to the insulin bioavailability. Posterior deposition of the powder formulation in the nasal cavity lowered the insulin bioavailability. To study the spray pattern, the shape and cross-section of the emitted powder cloud were analysed. It was concluded that the powder bulk density of the formulation influenced the spray pattern. Consequently, powders of different bulk density were prepared by changing the solid fraction of the freeze dried dispersion and by changing the freezing rate during freeze drying. After nasal delivery of these powder formulations no influence of the powder bulk density and of the spray pattern on the insulin bioavailability was observed.

Administration, Intranasal↗

PubMed2006

[Maxillary transversal expansion obtained by transpalatal distractor and Le Fort I osteotomy with posterior impaction of the maxilla, in one stage].

INTRODUCTION: The transpalatal distractor (TPD", Surgi-Tec, Bruges, Belgium) is a bone support device whose transversal expansion effect is well known in teenagers at the end of their growth and in adults. Surgical assisted rapid palatal expansion is usually carried out before the orthodontic treatment phase. The transversal gain is mainly seen at the anterior level, and can avoid, in some cases, extraction of bicuspids. It is difficult to correct a sizeable posterior transversal deficit using this technique, and patients presenting a complex dismorphosis must go through a second surgical phase to correct the vertical and sagittal abnormalities at the end of the orthodontic preparation. OBSERVATION: We describe a clinical case of posterior transversal surgical expansion, associated with posterior impaction of the maxilla, in one stage, at the end of orthodontic preparation. The osteotomies, the positioning of the distractor and the orthodontic apparatus enable the palatal transversal expansion to be modulated as required. DISCUSSION: The advantages and limitations of this therapeutic technique are discussed.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2006

[Bisphosphonates and maxillo-mandibular osteo(chemo)necrosis].

INTRODUCTION: Maxillo-mandibular osteonecrosis is exceptional outside a context of cervico-facial radiotherapy. Bisphosphonates are non-metabolized pyrophosphate analogues which inhibit osteoclastic activity. Bisphosphonates are prescribed for the treatment of malignant hypercalcemia, osteolysis associated with metastatic bone disease, Paget's disease and osteoporosis. Maxillomandibular osteonecrosis with bisphosphonates can be observed in 1/10000 patients, but is probably underestimated due to lack of dental examination. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We describe six cases of mandibular necrosis associated with bisphosphonates: five of them as part of their treatment regimen for a neoplastic condition and one for osteoporosis. RESULTS: Two patients developed spontaneous bone necrosis. In two others, tooth extraction preceded the onset of osteonecrosis. In the last two patients, we noted a preexisting dental infection. All the histopathological examinations showed necrotic bone colonized by Actinomyces. DISCUSSION: Bisphosphonate-induced osteonecrosis is only found in the maxillomandibular area because the jaws are the only bone in the skeleton exposed to the external environment. The mandible is rendered particularly prone to necrosis even after minor trauma because of its terminal vascularization. Careful oral examination is recommended before prescribing bisphosphonate therapy.

Actinomycosis, Cervicofacial↗

PubMed2006

Deposition of differently sized airborne microspheres in the respiratory tract of chickens.

As a part of the development of an efficient dry powder aerosol vaccine for poultry, the objective of this study was to accurately determine the deposition pattern of nebulized microspheres in the airways of unanaesthetized chickens of different ages (1 day, 2 weeks and 4 weeks old). In the first part of the study, the aerosol administration method was characterized: the influence of different nebulizers and nebulizing protocols on the relative humidity in the exposure chamber, the particle size distributions, the microsphere output and single microsphere percentage were determined. In the second part, birds were exposed to nebulized fluorescently labelled polystyrene microspheres (1 to 20 microm). Respiratory and gastro-intestinal tract tissue samples were collected and the number of fluorescent microspheres per sample was determined. In 2-week-old and 4-week-old chickens, microspheres of 5 and 10 microm, respectively, were too large for deposition in the lungs and air sacs as less than 5% of these microspheres penetrated into the lower airways. The larger size of microspheres reaching the lower airways of 4-week-old birds was explained by increasing airway dimensions with age. For 1-day-old chickens, deposition in the lungs decreased from 17 to 3% with increasing particle size (1 to 20 microm), but increased in the air sacs from 6 to 20%. Consequently, the total deposition percentage in the lower airways was independent of microsphere size and even 20 microm particles were able to penetrate into the lower airways, which was attributed to mouth breathing of the 1-day-old chickens.

Aerosols↗

PubMed2005

Human bioavailability of propranolol from a matrix-in-cylinder system with a HPMC-Gelucire core.

The bioavailability of propranolol from a matrix-in-cylinder system for sustained drug delivery, consisting of a hot-melt extruded ethylcellulose pipe surrounding a drug-containing HPMC-Gelucire 44/14 core, was determined. An oral dose of 80 mg propranolol hydrochloride was administered to healthy volunteers (n = 10) in a randomized cross-over study design either as a commercial pellet formulation (Inderal retard mitis) or as a matrix-in-cylinder system. The influence of concomitant food intake on drug release from the matrix-in-cylinder system was also studied. During the first 10 h after administration, the matrix-in-cylinder system resulted in similar plasma levels as the reference formulation Inderal. The concomitant intake of a high-fat, high-calorie breakfast did not cause dose-dumping. Between 10 h and 24 h after administration of the matrix-in-cylinder system, a remarkable increase of the propranolol plasma levels was noticed (compared to Inderal). This effect was even more pronounced under fed conditions. The matrix-in-cylinder system had a relative bioavailability of 156% (fasted conditions) and 222% (fed conditions) compared to the marketed reference product. In order to elucidate the origin of this increased bioavailability, Caco-2 experiments and dog lymph studies were performed. However, none of these experiments was able to provide a conclusive answer.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2005

Starch/Carbopol spray-dried mixtures as excipients for oral sustained drug delivery.

The present study evaluated if mixtures prepared by spray-drying an aqueous dispersion of Amioca starch and Carbopol 974P could be used as matrix for oral sustained drug delivery. The influence of the Amioca/Carbopol 974P ratio (0/100, 25/75, 50/50, 60/40, 85/15, 90/10, 95/5 and 100/0) and the pH and ionic strength (mu) of the dissolution medium on the drug release was investigated. The matrices composed of the spray-dried mixtures with 10% or 15% Carbopol 974P sustained the drug release over the longest time period. At this Carbopol concentration, shear viscosity measurements indicated the formation of an optimal network between the polymer chains of Amioca starch and Carbopol 974P, forming a rigid gel layer offering resistance to erosion during the dissolution experiments.

Acrylic Resins↗

PubMed2005

Tablets prepared by single-step granulation/tabletting: interparticulate binding mechanism and stability.

The binding mechanism of tablets prepared by single-step granulation/tabletting (SSGT), a novel technique for the production of tablets, was evaluated. SSGT yielded hard tablets having a short disintegration time due to their porous, spongelike internal structure. Calculation of the interaction factor and electrical conductance tests confirmed the presence of solid bridges that provided a higher tensile strength to these compacts in comparison to tablets prepared by conventional tabletting techniques. At high relative humidity, moisture sorption and glass-to-rubber transition of the binder (polyvinylpyrrolidone), or condensation of moisture on the internal pore surface, reduced the tensile strength of the SSGT-manufactured tablets. Contrary to tablets prepared by granulation and compression, the SSGT tablets did not harden during storage under conditions of varying relative humidity (alternating the relative humidity every 24 hr between 33% and 75%).

Drug Stability↗

PubMed2004

In vitro and in vivo evaluation of a matrix-in-cylinder system for sustained drug delivery.

A matrix-in-cylinder system for sustained drug delivery, consisting of a hot-melt extruded ethylcellulose (EC) pipe surrounding a drug containing HPMC-Gelucire 44/14 core, was evaluated in vitro and in vivo. In an aqueous medium, the HPMC-Gelucire core forms a gel plug, which releases the drug-through the open ends of the EC pipe--by means of erosion. The influence of hydrodynamic and mechanical stress and the effect of different 'physiologically relevant' dissolution media on the in vitro drug release were investigated. From these in vitro dissolution tests, it was concluded that the EC pipe has a protective effect on the drug containing HPMC-Gelucire core. It largely protects the core against hydrodynamics and mechanical stress. Furthermore, drug release from the matrix-in-cylinder system was only slightly affected by the composition of the dissolution medium. A randomised crossover in vivo study in dogs revealed that the matrix-in-cylinder system containing propranolol hydrochloride has an ideal sustained release profile with constant plasma levels maintained over 24 h. Moreover, administration of the matrix-in-cylinder system resulted in a 4-fold increase in propranolol bioavailability when compared with a commercial sustained release formulation (Inderal).

Administration, Oral↗

PubMed2004

Twin screw granulation as a simple and efficient tool for continuous wet granulation.

The modification of a twin screw extruder for continuous wet granulation was investigated. Modification of the extruder setup as well as the screw design allowed the continuous wet granulation of alpha-lactose monohydrate without the need of a wet sieving step. The robustness of twin screw granulation was evaluated by studying the influence of processing parameters and formulation variables on the process performance and on the properties of alpha-lactose monohydrate granules and tablets. The process reproducibility during long term production was evaluated. Screw speed (200-450 rpm) and total input rate (5.5-9.5 kg/h) had no significant influence on the granule properties, while the water concentration during granulation influenced the process as well as the granule properties. At a water concentration (calculated on wet granule basis) of 5.5-8.5%, continuous twin screw granulation of alpha-lactose monohydrate 200 M was feasible and the granules obtained had good properties. PVP addition mainly affected tablet properties. Tablets made from granules containing 2.5% PVP had a tensile strength above 0.94 MPa, a friability below 1% and a disintegration time ranging between 495 and 576 s. Tablets containing hydrochlorothiazide complied with the dissolution requirements as 60% was released after 5 and 15 min from tablets without PVP and with 2.5% PVP, respectively. No problems were observed during continuous twin screw granulation over a period of 8h and the granule and tablet properties were reproducible throughout the process. These results indicated that twin screw granulation is an efficient tool for continuous wet granulation.

Excipients↗

PubMed2004

Hot-melt extruded ethylcellulose cylinders containing a HPMC-Gelucire core for sustained drug delivery.

The objective of the study was to develop a sustained release system consisting of a hot-melt extruded ethylcellulose pipe surrounding a drug-containing hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC)-Gelucire 44/14 core, yielding a monolithic matrix system applicable in the domain of sustained drug release. The influence of HPMC substitution type and viscosity grade was investigated through dissolution testing and erosion studies. All sustained release systems showed a nearly constant drug release profile with only 40% of the drug released after 24 h. To achieve complete drug release after 24 h, the core formulation and the dimensions of the hollow pipe were modified. Changing the composition of the core did not result in the intended zero-order drug release. Shortening the length of the ethylcellulose cylinder accelerated drug release, while modifying the diameter did not affect the drug release rate. The drug dissolution profile and the release mechanism were independent of drug solubility. Increasing the drug loading caused a small increase of the drug release rate, but did not alter the release mechanism.

Cellulose↗

PubMed2004

Single-step granulation/tabletting of different grades of lactose: a comparison with high shear granulation and compression.

The influence of the particle size, particle morphology and crystallinity of lactose on the extrusion properties and on the quality of tablets were investigated using single-step granulation/tabletting as a tabletting technique. Results showed that particle size and type of lactose (alpha-lactose monohydrate, anhydrous beta-lactose and spray dried lactose) affected the powder feeding, the process performance as well as the process capacity. Different grades of lactose yielded tablets with similar tensile strength, but significantly different disintegration time. Single-step granulation/tabletting always yielded tablets with a significantly higher tensile strength and similar or significantly lower disintegration time compared to high shear granulation and compression. The tensile strength of alpha-lactose monohydrate tablets (without and with PVP) did not change during one year of storage at 60% RH-25 degrees C and at 75% RH-40 degrees C, whereas a significant increase in disintegration time was observed. It can be concluded that although the lactose grade affected the performance and the optimal parameters of single-step granulation/tabletting, all lactose grades can be efficiently processed using this technique.

Compressive Strength↗

PubMed2004

In-line monitoring of a pharmaceutical blending process using FT-Raman spectroscopy.

FT-Raman spectroscopy (in combination with a fibre optic probe) was evaluated as an in-line tool to monitor a blending process of diltiazem hydrochloride pellets and paraffinic wax beads. The mean square of differences (MSD) between two consecutive spectra was used to identify the time required to obtain a homogeneous mixture. A traditional end-sampling thief probe was used to collect samples, followed by HPLC analysis to verify the Raman data. Large variations were seen in the FT-Raman spectra logged during the initial minutes of the blending process using a binary mixture (ratio: 50/50, w/w) of diltiazem pellets and paraffinic wax beads (particle size: 800-1200 microm). The MSD-profiles showed that a homogeneous mixture was obtained after about 15 min blending. HPLC analysis confirmed these observations. The Raman data showed that the mixing kinetics depended on the particle size of the material and on the mixing speed. The results of this study proved that FT-Raman spectroscopy can be successfully implemented as an in-line monitoring tool for blending processes.

Fourier Analysis↗

PubMed2004

Development and validation of a direct, non-destructive quantitative method for medroxyprogesterone acetate in a pharmaceutical suspension using FT-Raman spectroscopy.

A simple linear regression method was developed and statistically validated for the direct and non-destructive quantitative analysis--without sample preparation--of the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) in an aqueous pharmaceutical suspension (150 mg in 1.0 ml) using FT-Raman spectroscopy. The linear regression was modelled by plotting the highest peak intensity of the vector normalized spectral band between 1630 and 1590 cm-1 against different MPA standard suspension concentrations. At this band, no spectral interferences from additives in the suspension are observed. The validated model was used for the quantification of a commercial suspension (150 mg in 1.0 ml) of the commercialized preparations. The same standards and samples were used, respectively, for the development and validation of a simple linear regression model and for the quantitative determination by means of HPLC-with sample preparation-as described for the related substances of MPA in the Ph. Eur. IV. The quantification results obtained by the FT-Raman method corresponded with the claimed label concentration (150.01+/-0.96 mg/ml (n=6)). Applying the HPLC method, however, a systematic error was observed (157.77+/-0.94 mg/ml (n=6)). The direct FT-Raman method hence appears the most reliable for the quantification of the MPA component in suspension, compared to the HPLC method that requires sample preparation. The latter method provides a systematic error because the exact volume or density of a suspension sample is unknown. A precise isolation of fixed volumes from a suspension is rather unfeasible because of the continuous sagging of the suspended particles and their sticking to the used materials in the isolation process.

Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid↗

PubMed2004

Extrusion granulation and high shear granulation of different grades of lactose and highly dosed drugs: a comparative study.

Formulations containing different lactose grades, paracetamol, and cimetidine were granulated by extrusion granulation and high shear granulation. Granules were evaluated for yield, friability, and compressibility. Tablets were prepared from those granules and evaluated for tensile strength, friability, disintegration time, and dissolution. The different lactose grades had an important effect on the extrusion granulation process. Particle size and morphology affected powder feeding and power consumption, but had only a minor influence on the granule and tablet properties obtained by extrusion granulation. In contrast, the lactose grades had a major influence on the granule properties obtained by high shear granulation. Addition of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) was required to process pure paracetamol and cimetidine by high shear granulation, whereas it was feasible to granulate these drugs without PVP by extrusion granulation. Granules prepared by extrusion granulation exhibited a higher yield and a lower friability than those produced by high shear granulation. Paracetamol and cimetidine tablets compressed from granules prepared by extrusion granulation showed a higher tensile strength, lower friability, and lower disintegration time than those prepared from granules produced by high shear granulation. Paracetamol tablets obtained via extrusion granulation exhibited faster dissolution than those obtained via high shear granulation. For all lactose grades studied, extrusion granulation resulted in superior granule and tablet properties in comparison with those obtained by high shear granulation. These results indicate that extrusion granulation is more efficient than high shear granulation.

Acetaminophen↗

PubMed2004

The quality of essential antimicrobial and antimalarial drugs marketed in Rwanda and Tanzania: influence of tropical storage conditions on in vitro dissolution.

OBJECTIVE: The quality of 33 formulations of essential antimicrobial and antimalarial drugs (amoxicillin capsules, metronidazole tablets, sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim tablets, quinine tablets and sulphadoxine/pyrimethamine tablets) marketed in Rwanda and Tanzania was assessed and the influence of tropical storage conditions on potency and in vitro dissolution investigated. METHODS: Drug content and in vitro dissolution were determined immediately after purchase and during 6-month storage under simulated tropical conditions (75% relative humidity, 40 degrees C) using the methods described in the USP 24 monographs on the drugs concerned. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: At the time of purchase, the drug content of all the formulations was within the limits recommended by the USP 24, but after 6-month storage, the drug content of one sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim and one quinine formulation were found to be substandard. Immediately after purchase, four formulations (three sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim and one sulphadoxine/pyrimethamine combination) failed the USP 24 dissolution test. Except for three metronidazole and one quinine formulations, dissolution tests performed after 6 months of storage under simulated tropical conditions showed that drug release remained within the USP 24 recommended values. CONCLUSION: In both countries, essential drug formulations met pharmacopoeial potency requirements, but some had a poor in vitro drug release profiles. Some of the formulations tested were not stable upon storage under simulated tropical conditions.

Anti-Infective Agents↗