Encapsulation of human serum albumin in submicrometer magnetic poly(lactide-co-glycolide) particles as a model system for targeted drug delivery

Two types of iron oxide nanoparticles were synthesized by coprecipitation of Fe(II) and Fe(III) chlorides: water-dispersible γ-Fe2O3 and organic solvent-dispersible oleic acid-coated Fe3O4 particles. The nanoparticles, together with human serum albumin (HSA) serving as a model for a protein-type drug, were then incorporated in poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) particles using double emulsion solvent evaporation technique. Morphology, size and particle size distribution of the resulting particles was analyzed by electron microscopy and dynamic light scattering. Iron oxide and HSA encapsulating efficiency was determined by Prussian Blue staining and micro-BCA assay, respectively

Preparation of Veterinary Premix with Dual Active Ingredients in Granular Form

The aim of the study was to investigate the preparation of granular veterinary premix containing two different antibiotics by fluid bed granulation process. The particle size and density of the active ingredients were investigated for the proper selection of the filler material. The used antibiotics were tylosin tartarate and colistin sulfate, while isomalt sugar alcohol and cellulose materials were selected as filler and binder, respectively. The colistin sulfate was fed together with the binder solution because of its low density, fine particle size and relatively low (1.2%) concentration in the product. The type and concentration of the binder in its solution, the feeding rate and the total amount of added binder solution were optimized for obtaining dust free granules with desirable abrasion resistance and good flowability. The active ingredient content for both antibiotics was preserved even at the elevated temperature applied during the fluid granulation process

Consolidated microcapsules with double alginate shell containing paraffin for latent heat storage

Double-shell alginate microcapsules containing paraffin phase change material (PCM) were prepared for latent heat storage by a method of repeated interfacial coacervation/crosslinking. The proposed process consisted of three main steps: (1) preparation of paraffin containing core particles by dripping an O/W emulsion of melted paraffin and aqueous sodium alginate into a calcium chloride ionic cross-linking solution, (2) encapsulation of the core particles into double alginate shell by ionic gelation/crosslinking by repeated interactions between the sodium alginate and calcium chloride solutions, and (3) consolidation of the capsule shells by contact heat treatment. The effects of process parameters such as the sodium alginate concentration, the calcium chloride concentration in certain stages of the process, and the contact time between the formed core particles and the surrounding alginate solution on the paraffin content and the mean diameter of capsules were studied by experimental design and statistical evaluations. The prepared PCM capsules had uniform sizes, core/shell structure, double-walled non-porous alginate coating, tunable void space inside the core, and suitably high paraffin content at properly selected process conditions, corresponding to 95.0 J/g melting and 91.7 J/g freezing latent heat capacity. Thermogravimetric analysis and repeated thermal cycling evidenced good thermal stability, and proper mechanical strength for leakage free microcapsules

The alteration of irisin - brain-derived neurotrophic factor axis parallels severity of distress disorder in bronchial asthma patients

Distress disorder (a collective term for generalized anxiety disorder and major depressive disorder) is a well-known co-morbidity of bronchial asthma. The irisin—brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) axis is a pathway that influences several neurobehavioral mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of distress disorder. Thus, the aim of the present study was to quantify the serum irisin and BDNF concentrations in order to investigate the possible link between the irisin/BDNF axis and distress disorder in an asthma patient cohort. Data of 167 therapy-controlled asthma patients were analyzed. Demographic, anthropometric, and anamnestic data were collected, routine laboratory parameters supplemented with serum irisin and BDNF levels were determined, pulmonary function test was performed using whole-body plethysmography, and quality of life was quantified by means of the St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ). Correlation analysis as well as simple and multiple linear regression were used to assess the relationship between the irisin level and the Impacts score of SGRQ, which latter is indicative of the presence and severity of distress disorder. We have found a significant, positive linear relationship between the Impacts score and the reciprocal of irisin level. This association was stronger in patients whose BDNF level was higher, and it was weaker (and statistically non-significant) in patients whose BDNF level was lower. Our results indicate that higher serum irisin level together with higher serum BDNF level are associated with milder (or no) distress disorder. This finding suggests that alteration of the irisin/BDNF axis influences the presence and severity of distress disorder in asthma patients

Sustainable Stabilizer-Free Nanoparticle Formulations of Valsartan Using Eudragit^® RLPO

The bioavailability of the antihypertensive drug valsartan can be enhanced by various microencapsulation methods. In the present investigation, valsartan-loaded polymeric nanoparticles were manufactured from Eudragit® RLPO using an emulsion–solvent evaporation method. Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) was found to be a suitable stabilizer for the nanoparticles, resulting in a monodisperse colloid system ranging in size between 148 nm and 162 nm. Additionally, a high encapsulation efficiency (96.4%) was observed. However, due to the quaternary ammonium groups of Eudragit® RLPO, the stabilization of the dispersion could be achieved in the absence of PVA as well. The nanoparticles were reduced in size (by 22%) and exhibited similar encapsulation efficiencies (96.4%). This more cost-effective and sustainable production method reduces the use of excipients and their expected emission into the environment. The drug release from valsartan-loaded nanoparticles was evaluated in a two-stage biorelevant dissolution set-up, leading to the rapid dissolution of valsartan in a simulated intestinal medium. In silico simulations using a model validated previously indicate a potential dose reduction of 60–70% compared to existing drug products. This further reduces the expected emission of the ecotoxic compound into the environment