Biomedical subjects

Vanna Sanna

Publications and source records attributed to Vanna Sanna.

5 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2005

Solid lipid microparticles (SLM) containing juniper oil as anti-acne topical carriers: preliminary studies.

Solid lipid microparticles (SLM) were used as carriers of juniper oil and proposed for the topical treatment of acne vulgare. The formulations were obtained by the o/w emulsification method. Compritol and Precirol were employed as lipidic materials. Emulsions containing 1.5% (w/w) of lipophilic phase (lipid and oil) and two different lipid to oil ratios (1:1 and 2:1) were prepared. Blank particles were also prepared, as a comparison. The SLM were characterized in terms of encapsulation efficiency, size, and morphology. The particle size stability in aqueous dispersions was monitored over one month. Evaporation of volatile compounds of oil from microparticles by weight loss was investigated. The qualitative composition of Juniper oil before and after the encapsulation process was determined by gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography/mass spectrum (GC/MS) analyses. The antimicrobial activity of the oil encapsulated into the lipid microparticles against P. acnes was studied as contact time assay and compared to the activity of the oil not encapsulated. The emulsification method here described was a good technique for the encapsulation of essential oils. Percentage yields of production and encapsulation efficiencies were higher for Compritol preparations than for these prepared using Precirol. All preparations were characterized by similar particle size distributions (dvs about 3-4 microm) regardless of lipid type and lipid to oil ratios. Microscopy observations showed that the microparticles in aqueous dispersions had almost spherical shape, independently from their composition. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analyses showed that when the particles were dried, they had an irregular shape and a rough surface. The SLM dispersions based on Compritol revealed particle size stability over the investigated period of 30 days. In contrast, an increase of the mean dimensions in the preparations containing Precirol was observed. A low loss of volatile oil compounds owing to evaporation from dry particles was found in all preparations. This indicated that the microparticles were able to substantially maintain the oil loaded inside their lipidic structure, reducing its volatility. Some modifications of composition were found in the oil encapsulated in SLM with respect to the juniper oil raw material, but these modifications did not decrease the antibacterial activity of the oil. The SLM here described are promising carriers for the development of anti-acne topical formulations containing Juniper oil.

Dermatologic Agents↗

PubMed2005

Mucoadhesive microspheres for nasal administration of an antiemetic drug, metoclopramide: in-vitro/ex-vivo studies.

Microparticulate delivery systems designed for the nasal administration of an antiemetic drug, metoclopramide hydrochloride, were prepared. Microspheres composed of sodium alginate, chitosan hydrochloride, or both, were obtained using a spray-drying method; some batches of drug-free microparticles were prepared as a comparison. The morphology, in-vitro swelling behaviour, mucoadhesive properties and drug release from microparticles were evaluated. Ex-vivo drug permeation tests were carried out using sheep nasal mucosa; permeation test of the drug solution was performed as comparison. During ex-vivo permeation tests, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analyses were carried out on the nasal mucosa to study the morphological changes of epithelial cells and tight junctions, while the change in microsphere morphology was examined using photostereo microscopy (PM). Spray-dried microparticles had a mean diameter (d(vs)) in the range of about 3-10 microm. They showed good in-vitro mucoadhesive properties. In-vitro release profiles and swelling behaviour depended on their composition: the drug release occurred in 1-3 h. Ex-vivo studies showed that drug permeation through the mucosa from microparticles based on chitosan was higher than from those consisting of alginate alone. This can be related to the penetration enhancing properties of chitosan. Complexation of chitosan with alginate led to a control of the drug release. Microscopy observation of microspheres during the permeation tests revealed that microparticles swelled and gelled, maintaining their shape. TEM analyses of the mucosa after exposure to the microparticles consisting of alginate/chitosan showed opened tight junctions. This preliminary study shows that alginate/chitosan spray-dried microspheres have promising properties for use as mucoadhesive nasal carriers of an antiemetic drug.

Adhesiveness↗

PubMed2004

Preparation and in vivo toxicity study of solid lipid microparticles as carrier for pulmonary administration.

The purpose of this research was to investigate the effects of processing conditions on the characteristics of solid lipid microparticles (SLM) with a potential application as carriers for pulmonary administration. Compritol (5.0% wt/wt) SLM dispersions were prepared by rotor-stator homogenization, at different surfactant concentrations and emulsification times. The SLM were characterized, in terms of morphology and size, after lyophilization and sterilization by autoclaving process. In vivo assessment was carried out in rats by intratracheal instillation of either placebo or SLM dispersion, and by bronchoalveolar lavage for cytological analysis. Mean particle size of 4 to 5 microm was achieved using 0.3% and 0.4% (wt/wt) of emulsifier (Poloxamer 188) and emulsification times of 2 and 5 minutes. The particles showed spherical shape and smooth surface. The morphology of microparticles, the size, and the size distribution were not substantially modified after lyophilization and sterilization. Total cell counts showed no significant differences between placebo and SLM 0.5% or 2.5% groups. Regarding cytology, percentage of polymorphonuclear neutrophils and macrophages did not significantly differ between groups. These results suggest that a single intratracheal administration of the SLMs does not induce a significant inflammatory airway response in rats and that the SLMs might be a potential carrier for encapsulated drug via the pulmonary route.

Animals↗

PubMed2004

Bilayer tablets based on poly (epsilon-caprolactone) and polymethylmethacrilates as controlled-release systems for ruminants.

Rumen-stable devices ensure a protection of active ingredients against chemical degradation and bacterial fermentation processes that occur in the rumen. These systems should also provide postruminal bioavailability and controlled release of the active ingredient. The objective of this study was the preparation of bilayer tablets as rumen-stable delivery systems, designed for the oral administration of active ingredients (folic acid) to ruminants. The tablets are composed of two layers: layer A ("high-density layer") constituted by poly (epsilon-caprolactone) mixed with iron powder and characterized by sufficient density to avoid rumination; layer B ("release layer"), containing folic acid (25 mg), poly (epsilon-caprolactone) or polymethylmethacrylates (Eudragit RS and RL) designed to be rumen-stable and to target a controlled release of folic acid in the intestinal tract. In vitro rumen-protection tests were performed in buffer systems at pH 5.5 and pH 2.0, simulating a ruminal and abomasal environment, to verify the stability of bilayer tablets at these conditions. In vitro release tests were carried out in phosphate buffer at pH 7.4, to study the release behavior of the dosage forms in the intestinal environment. A preliminary in vivo test was carried out with radiographic images made after administration of the tablets to sheep, to evaluate their capacity to be retained in the reticulum-rumen. The amount of iron powder used provides a density of about 2.3 g/cm3 to the whole tablet. The tablets having layer B constituted by poly (epsilon-caprolactone) or Eudragit RS do not disintegrate in buffer media at pH 5.5 and pH 2.0, and they are characterized by a sustained release at pH 7.4. Radiological preliminary tests show that these prepared bilayer tablets are able to be retained in the reticulum-rumen tract of the sheep.

Acrylic Resins↗

PubMed2002

Mucoadhesive vaginal tablets as veterinary delivery system for the controlled release of an antimicrobial drug, acriflavine.

The aim of the study was the development of mucoadhesive vaginal tablets designed for the local controlled release of acriflavine, an antimicrobial drug used as a model. The tablets were prepared using drug-loaded chitosan microspheres and additional excipients (methylcellulose, sodium alginate, sodium carboxymethylcellulose, or Carbopol 974). The microspheres were prepared by a spray-drying method, using the drug to polymer weight ratios 1:1 and 1:2 and were characterized in terms of morphology, encapsulation efficiency, and in vitro release behavior, as MIC (Minimum Inhibitory Concentration), MBC (Minimum Bacterial Concentration), and killing time (KT). The tablets were prepared by direct compression, characterized by in vitro drug release and in vitro mucoadhesive tests. The microparticles have sizes of 4 to 12 microm; the mean encapsulation yields are about 90%. Acriflavine, encapsulated into the polymer, maintains its antibacterial activity; killing time of the encapsulated drug is similar to that of the free drug. In vitro release profiles of tablets show differences depending on the excipient used. In particular Carbopol 974, which is highly cross-linked, is able to determine a drug-controlled release from the matrix tablets for more than 8 hours. The in vitro adhesion tests, carried out on the same formulation, show a good adhesive behavior. The formulation containing microspheres with drug to polymer weight ratios of 1:1 and Carbopol 974 is characterized by the best release behavior and shows good mucoadhesive properties. These preliminary data indicate that this formulation can be proposed as a mucoadhesive vaginal delivery system for the controlled release of acriflavine.

Acriflavine↗