Alginate microspheres obtained by the spray drying technique as mucoadhesive carriers of ranitidine

The present study is aimed at formulation of alginate (ALG) microspheres with ranitidine (RNT) by the spray drying method. Obtained microspheres were characterized for particle size, surface morphology, entrapment efficiency, drug loading, in vitro drug release and zeta potential. Mucoadhesive properties were examined by a texture analyser and three types of adhesive layers – gelatine discs, mucin gel and porcine stomach mucosa. Microspheres showed a smooth surface with narrow particle size distribution and RNT loading of up to 70.9 %. All formulations possessed mucoadhesive properties and exhibited prolonged drug release according to the first-order kinetics. DSC reports showed that there was no interaction between RNT and ALG. Designed microspheres can be considered potential carriers of ranitidine with prolonged residence time in the stomach

Reversed better-than-average effect in direct comparisons of nonsocial stimuli depends on the set size

Studies on direct comparative judgments typically show that, for items that are positively evaluated, a single item randomly drawn from a larger set of similar items tends to be judged as better than average (the BTA effect). However, Windschitl, Conybeare, and Krizan (2008) demonstrated that, under timing conditions that do not favor focusing attention on the single item, the reversal of the BTA effect occurs. We report two experiments showing that the magnitude of the reversed BTA effect increases as a function of the size of a multiitem referent with which a single item target is compared. Specifically, in direct comparative judgments of the attractiveness of positively evaluated objects (nice-looking cloth buttons, attractive buildings, or cupcakes), underestimation of the attractiveness of singletons, as compared with a multiitem set (reversed BTA effect), increased with the increased set size. Analysis of absolute judgments obtained for singletons and for small and large multiitem sets suggests that, for attractive stimuli, both the reversed BTA effect in comparative judgments and its sensitivity to set size occur as a result of a positive relationship between set size and perceived attractiveness in absolute judgments

Characterization and taste masking evaluation of microparticles with cetirizine dihydrochloride and methacrylate-based copolymer obtained by the spray drying

Taste of a pharmaceutical formulation is an important parameter for the effectiveness of pharmacotherapy. Cetirizine dihydrochloride (CET) is a second-generation antihistamine that is commonly administered in allergy treatment. CET is characterized by extremely bitter taste and it is a great challenge to successfully mask its taste; therefore the goal of this work was to formulate and characterize the microparticles obtained by the spray drying method with CET and poly(butyl methacrylate-co-(2-dimethylaminoethyl) methacrylate-co-methyl methacrylate 1:2:1 copolymer (Eudragit E PO) as a barrier coating. Assessment of taste masking by the electronic tongue has revealed that designed formulations created an effective taste masking barrier. Taste masking effect was also confirmed by the in vivo model and the in vitro release profile of CET. Obtained data have shown that microparticles with a drug/polymer ratio (0.5:1) are promising CET carriers with efficient taste masking potential and might be further used in designing orodispersible dosage forms with CET

Alginate: Current Use and Future Perspectives in Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Applications

Over the last decades, alginates, natural multifunctional polymers, have increasingly drawn attention as attractive compounds in the biomedical and pharmaceutical fields due to their unique physicochemical properties and versatile biological activities. The focus of the paper is to describe biological and pharmacological activity of alginates and to discuss the present use and future possibilities of alginates as a tool in drug formulation. The recent technological advancements with using alginates, issues related to alginates suitability as matrix for three-dimensional tissue cultures, adjuvants of antibiotics, and antiviral agents in cell transplantation in diabetes or neurodegenerative diseases treatment, and an update on the antimicrobial and antiviral therapy of the alginate based drugs are also highlighted

The Spray-Dried Alginate/Gelatin Microparticles with Luliconazole as Mucoadhesive Drug Delivery System

Candida species are opportunistic fungi, which are primary causative agents of vulvovaginal candidiasis. The cure of candidiasis is difficult, lengthy, and associated with the fungi resistivity. Therefore, the research for novel active substances and unconventional drug delivery systems providing effective and safe treatment is still an active subject. Microparticles, as multicompartment dosage forms due to larger areas, provide short passage of drug diffusion, which might improve drug therapeutic efficiency. Sodium alginate is a natural polymer from a polysaccharide group, possessing swelling, mucoadhesive, and gelling properties. Gelatin A is a natural high-molecular-weight polypeptide obtained from porcine collagen. The purpose of this study was to prepare microparticles by the spray-drying of alginate/gelatin polyelectrolyte complex mixture, with a novel antifungal drug—luliconazole. In the next stage of research, the effect of gelatin presence on pharmaceutical properties of designed formulations was assessed. Interrelations among polymers were evaluated with thermal analysis and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. A valid aspect of this research was the in vitro antifungal activity estimation of designed microparticles using Candida species: C. albicans, C. krusei, and C. parapsilosis. It was shown that the gelatin addition affected the particles size, improved encapsulation efficiency and mucoadhesiveness, and prolonged the drug release. Moreover, gelatin addition to the formulations improved the antifungal effect against Candida species.This researchwas funded by Medical University of Bialystok grant SUB/2/DN/22/004/2215.Marta Szekalska: [email protected] Szekalska - Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Medical University of Białystok, Mickiewicza 2c, 15-222 Białystok, PolandMagdalena Wróblewska - Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Medical University of Białystok, Mickiewicza 2c, 15-222 Białystok, PolandAnna Czajkowska-Kośnik - Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Medical University of Białystok, Mickiewicza 2c, 15-222 Białystok, PolandKatarzyna Sosnowska - Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Medical University of Białystok, Mickiewicza 2c, 15-222 Białystok, PolandPaweł Misiak - Department of Polymers and Organic Synthesis, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Białystok, 15-245 Białystok, PolandAgnieszka Zofia Wilczewska - Department of Polymers and Organic Synthesis, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Białystok, 15-245 Białystok, PolandKatarzyna Winnicka - Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Medical University of Białystok, Mickiewicza 2c, 15-222 Białystok, PolandWillems, H.M.E.; Ahmed, S.S.; Liu, J.; Xu, Z.; Peters, B.M. 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Stiffness-tuneable nanocarriers for controlled delivery of ASC-J9 into colorectal cancer cells

Hypothesis One of the main challenges in cancer therapy is the poor water solubility of many anticancer drugs which results in low bioavailability at the tumour sites and reduced efficacy. The currently available polymer-based anticancer drug delivery systems often suffer from low encapsulation efficiency, uncontrolled release, and lack of long-term stability. Herein, we report the development of novel stiffness-tuneable core–shell nanocarriers composed of naturally derived polymers silk fibroin (SF) and sodium alginate (SA) inside a liposomal shell for enhanced cellular uptake and controlled release of hydrophobic anticancer agent ASC-J9 (Dimethylcurcumin). It is anticipated that the stiffness of the nanocarriers has a significant effect on their cellular uptake and anticancer efficacy. Experiments The nanocarriers were prepared by thin film hydration method followed by extrusion and cross-linking of SA to obtain a uniform size and shape, avoiding harsh processing conditions. The structural transformation of SF in the nanocarriers induced by SA crosslinking was determined using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The size, zeta potential, morphology and stiffness of the nanocarriers were measured using dynamic light scattering (DLS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Drug loading and release were measured using UV–Vis spectrophotometry. The cellular uptake and anticancer efficacy of the nanocarriers were studied in HCT 116 human colorectal adenocarcinoma cells and 3D tumour spheroids using high content microscopy. Findings The synthesized nanocarriers had high encapsulation efficiency (62–78%) and were physically stable for up to 5 months at 4 ˚C. The release profile of the drug from the nanocarriers was directed by their stiffness and was easily tuneable by changing the ratio of SF to SA in the core. Furthermore, the designed nanocarriers improved the cellular uptake and anticancer activity of ASC-J9, and enhanced its tumour penetration in HCT 116 3D colorectal cancer spheroids. These findings suggest that the designed core–shell nanocarriers can be used as a highly efficient drug delivery system for cancer therapy

The Influence of Chitosan Cross-linking on the Properties of Alginate Microparticles with Metformin Hydrochloride—In Vitro and In Vivo Evaluation

Sodium alginate is a polymer with unique ability to gel with different cross-linking agents in result of ionic and electrostatic interactions. Chitosan cross-linked alginate provides improvement of swelling and mucoadhesive properties and might be used to design sustained release dosage forms. Therefore, the aim of this research was to develop and evaluate possibility of preparing chitosan cross-linked alginate microparticles containing metformin hydrochloride by the spray-drying method. In addition, influence of cross-linking agent on the properties of microparticles was evaluated. Formulation of microparticles prepared by the spray drying of 2% alginate solution cross-linked by 0.1% chitosan was characterized by good mucoadhesive properties, high drug loading and prolonged metformin hydrochloride release. It was shown that designed microparticles reduced rat glucose blood level, delayed absorption of metformin hydrochloride and provided stable plasma drug concentration. Additionally, histopathological studies of pancreas, liver and kidneys indicated that all prepared microparticles improved degenerative changes in organs of diabetic rats. Moreover, no toxicity effect and no changes in rats behavior after oral administration of chitosan cross-linked alginate microparticles were noted

The acts of terrorism directed at means of public transportation in the light of the international law

Praca magisterska zawiera analizę prawną oraz omówienie stanów faktycznych związanych z atakami terrorystycznymi skierowanymi przeciwko środkom transportu publicznego. Dzięki współpracy między państwami powstało wiele aktów prawnych regulujących to zagadnienie, jednak pewne kwestie wciąż budzą wątpliwości lub pozostają nieunormowane. Nie bez znaczenia są także prawne i polityczne działania Polski w walce z terroryzmem.Praca składa się z czterech rozdziałów. W rozdziale pierwszym omówiono liczne problemy wynikające z mnogości sposobów definiowania terroryzmu oraz zaprezentowano akty prawa międzynarodowego zajmujące się tym zagadnieniem. Kolejne rozdziały przedstawiają ataki terrorystyczne skierowane przeciwko środkom transportu lotniczego, morskiego i lądowego. Bardzo istotne znaczenie dla walki z terroryzmem mają takie organizacje jak Międzynarodowa Organizacja Lotnictwa Cywilnego czy Międzynarodowa Organizacja Morska.Master's thesis contains a legal analysis and discussion of the facts related to the terrorist attacks directed at means of public transportation. Thanks to cooperation between countries it was created a number of legal acts regulating this issue, but some matters are still undefined. Very significant are also legal and political actions taken by Poland to fight with terrorism.Master's thesis consists of four chapters. The first chapter discusses the numerous problems arising from the multiplicity of ways of defining terrorism and presents acts of international law dealing with this issue. Next chapters set out the terrorist attacks against the means of air, sea and land transportation. Also organizations such as the International Civil Aviation Organization and the International Maritime Organization are involved in the fight with terrorism