Pharmaceutical Communications is a biannual, peer-reviewed, open-access journal published online and in print that publishes research articles and reviews that focus on basic and advanced pharmaceutics. The journal accepts manuscripts related to all aspects of pharmaceutics, especially the chemical processing of pharmaceuticals, such as crystallization, lyophilization, chemical stability of drugs, pharmacokinetics, biopharmaceutics, pro-drug developments, metabolic disposition of bioactive agents, dosage form design, pharmaceutical technology, and targeted drug delivery. Pharmaceutical Communications primarily accepts original research articles and reviews, however, invited editorial summaries and letters to the editor are also occasionally published.
Polymeric Nanoparticle-Mediated Delivery of Oncolytic Measles Virus for Targeted Therapy in Cervical Cancer
Globally, cervical cancer is a leading cause of mortality in women, highlighting the need for effective treatment strategies. Oncolytic viruses (OVs), including Oncolytic Measles Virus (OMV), not only preferentially infect the cancer cells but also enhance anti-tumor immunity and safety. This paper focuses on developing polymeric OMV nanoparticles (NPs) for cervical cancer therapy. NPs with hyaluronic acid (HA) were synthesized through a green synthesis process, in a preparation with biodegradable materials. Moreover, the ionic gelation method was used to encapsulate OMV. Chitosan was cross-linked with glacial acetic acid while OMV was incorporated under stirring for better encapsulation. OMV-loaded NPs had a size of 1236 nm with a PDI of 0.972, while blank NPs had a size of 522.5 nm, indicating stability with a negative charge of -14.5 mV. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) reveal the amorphous nature and proper encapsulation of OMV NPs for targeted drug delivery. The HA-coated NPs synthesized in this study had better stability, cellular penetration, and CD44-mediated cancer therapy applications. This approach seems to offer a viable strategy to promote the clinical efficacy of OMV-based therapeutics in cervical cancer therapy.
Copyright (c) 2024 Hoorian Ahmed https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Optimization of Lipid-Based Ketoconazole Nanoformulations Through Stirring Techniques and Ingredient Quantity Adjustments
The Biopharmaceutical Classification System (BCS) classifies drugs on the basis of solubility and permeability. Ketoconazole belongs to class II drugs of the Biopharmaceutical Classification System (BCS) which are characterized by high permeability but low solubility issues. The current research work aimed to formulate optimized nano-formulation for ketoconazole by altering stirring time, speed, and ingredient ratios. In this study, a stirring speed minimum of 600 rpm and a maximum of 1200 rpm was used. The minimum stirring time of 7 minutes and a maximum of 30 minutes was noted. Olive oil was used as a lipid, Tween 80 was incorporated as a surfactant, and polyethylene glycol (PEG 6000) was used as a co-surfactant. Different ratios of Surfactants and Co-surfactants were used. Formulations with different particle sizes and polydispersity index were obtained. The quantity of surfactant (tween 80) used was 1.5g, the Co-surfactant (polyethylene glycol) was 0.4g, the lipid used was 1g, and drug quantity was 0.12g in the optimized formulation (KZME 1). The stirring time applied for optimized ketoconazole nano-formulation was 15 minutes and a stirring speed of 800 rpm was applied while keeping the drug quantity at 120 mg. The optimized ketoconazole nano-formulation obtained has a particle size of 50.29nm and a Polydispersity index of 0. 377. It was observed that optimized and stable ketoconazole nano-formulation can be achieved with the help of proper stirring speed and time which can improve the solubility of ketoconazole drug, and can lead to an increase in the bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy of ketoconazole.
Copyright (c) 2024 Muhammad Irfan https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Antibiotic-laden Nanoparticle Drug Delivery Systems for Enhanced Antimicrobial Activity and Reduced Multi-Drug Resistance
The rapid growth of multidrug-resistant bacteria presents a significant therapeutic challenge, necessitating the development of new antimicrobials and their combinations with nanoparticles (NPs). Nanoparticles have been used both independently and in combination to combat multidrug-resistant bacteria, offering new avenues through nanotechnology. The spread of antibiotic-resistant pathogenic bacteria has become a major global health issue. Traditional antibiotic treatments frequently contribute to the development of pathogen resistance, resulting in a reduced number of effective antimicrobials available for future use. The antibacterial activity was assessed through the minimum inhibitory concentration assay (MIC). Findings showed that substances including silver, gold, chitosan, and aminoglycosides entrapped silica networks alone had no or minimum effect on bacterial growth, but in combination, they greatly reduced bacterial growth. This review concludes the evolution of antimicrobial resistance, emphasizing the need for new synthetic or natural antibacterial agents in combination with NPs such as silver, gold, chitosan, and aminoglycosides entrapped silica networks providing insights into various medication strategies.
Copyright (c) 2024 Sagheer Ahmed https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Biomaterials in Regenerative Therapy for Cardiovascular Diseases: A Review
Loss of cardiac function is caused by the physical damage that a cardiovascular disease inflicts on the heart. While medications can help reduce symptoms, treating the underlying cause of an injury by repairing damaged tissues will benefit patients more in the long run. Cardiovascular surgeons use various techniques, in addition to heart transplants, to repair damaged heart tissue, including the ventricular septal wall and valves. Damaged cardiac tissues are replaced and repaired using a wide range of biomaterials. The two primary types of biomaterials are natural and synthetic. Metals and polymers are among other examples of synthetic materials used in cardiovascular applications. Natural materials come from biological sources, including tissues taken from animals or donated by humans. To maximize the prospects and reduce the negative aspects of both synthetic and natural materials, a new class of composite materials has emerged. These materials give a variety of new and better options for a permanent or a more persistent cure for cardiac diseases. The present and future uses of biomaterials in cardiovascular therapy are reviewed in this article. This study is done to further elaborate and highlight the uses of different materials in regenerative therapy. Its main objective is to focus on commonly used biomaterials and to compare them in different parameters. Regenerative therapy is the future of modern medicine and many new methods are being studied daily for advancement in regenerative therapy. This study focuses on different cardiac diseases and how different materials as a medium of regenerative therapy improve these conditions.
Copyright (c) 2024 Madiha Arshad https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Determination of Saturated Solubility of Mirtazapine Using UV Visible Spectrophotometer
Solubility is an important parameter for designing new drug formulations. Many drugs possess poor aqueous solubility hence, poor bioavailability. Many pharmaceutical industries face these issues while designing new drug entities. A new assessment revealed that about 70–90% of drug candidates are in the development stage, while up to 40% of the marketed products are water-insoluble which leads to low bioavailability, reduced therapeutic effects, and increased dose. Poor solubility is one of the major driving forces behind the development of numerous new drugs. There are various techniques to enhance the drug solubility such as particle size reduction, Nano-suspension, use of surfactants, salt formation, solid dispersion, etc. Mirtazapine (BCS Class II) has poor water solubility; to test an optimum pH for its solubility, a saturated solubility method was applied. Saturated solubility is a method in which drugs with poor solubility are dissolved in different acidic, basic media, and in distilled water. This study suggests proper dissolution media improves the solubility of water-insoluble drugs. UV-spectroscopy is a method to determine the solubility of drugs in various media and through this method, maximum absorption at a particular wavelength is determined for drug solution. Afterward, this solution of the drug, in various media, is studied to decipher the unknown concentration of the drug in a given solution by the Beer-Lambert law. With the aid of UV-spectroscopy, it was determined that the solubility of mirtazapine increases with increasing pH of mediums.
Copyright (c) 2024 Yasar Shah, Faiza Naureen, Fazli Khuda, Sadia Habib Khattak https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Development of Self-Nano-Emulsifying Drug Delivery System for Gemcitabine: In Vitro and Ex Vivo Evaluation
Researchers often aim to develop novel drug delivery systems to overcome the barriers associated with conventional drug delivery systems. Therefore, GEM (Gemcitabine), an anti-cancerous drug, belonging to the Biopharmaceutics Classification System (BCS) Class III with reduced permeability, is an important challenge. Self-nano-emulsifying drug delivery system (SNEDDS) was opted to be designed in such a way that it improves the permeability of GEM. From compatibility and solubility studies, Kolliphor RH40, castor oil, and polyethylene glycol-400 were chosen in optimized ratios for preparation into GEM-SNEDDS. GEM-SNEDDS F3 showed -12.1±6.83 mV zeta-potential, 0.406 PDI, and 94.81±82.73 nm particle size when tested for in vitro and ex vivo studies, F3 showed improved GEM release in simulated gastric fluid and simulated intestinal fluid in vitro and enhanced permeability ex vivo. These factors are prerequisites for the improvement of poor bioavailability of GEM. From stability studies, it was evident that F3 retained its physical stability at several stability conditions and in drug encapsulation and loading. Hence, we developed GEM-SNEDDS as a novel drug delivery system for increasing the permeability and, in turn, the oral bioavailability of GEM.
Copyright (c) 2023 Pharmaceutical Communications https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Enhancing Oral Solubility and Permeability of Edoxaban Tosylate Via Development of Self-microemulsifying Drug Delivery System
Edoxaban tosylate monohydrate (EDTM) is present in class IV of the biopharmaceutics classification system (BCS), as it is poorly soluble and poorly permeable, which limits its bioavailability. The rationale of this study was to improve the permeability and solubility of EDTM by incorporating it into a self-micro-emulsifying drug delivery system (SMEDDS). Suitable excipients were selected and evaluated for their compatibility. The solubility of EDTM was evaluated for all excipients (oil, surfactant, and co-surfactants) at different ratios. Olive oil, Kolliphor RH40, and PEG-400 were chosen as the oil, surfactant, and co-surfactants, respectively, and were developed into a SMEDDS by adding 15 mg of EDTM. The optimized EDTM-SMEDDS (F1, F2, F3, and F4) were characterized for particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential, stability, in vitro release, and ex vivo permeation studies. F2 showed a particle size of 56.43 ± 1.78, PDI of 0.190 and -3.30 ± 0.56 mV of zeta-potential. The enhanced release and permeability of F2 were observed for all other EDTM-SMEDDSs and raw EDTM dispersions. Upon storage under continuous temperature and accelerated stability conditions, F2 showed no signs of phase separation and was visually clear while retaining the %encapsulation efficiency and drug loading, that is, it was stable. The liquid EDTM-SMEDDS improved the bioavailability of EDTM.
Exploring the Therapeutic Potential and Pharmaceutical Applications of Avian Egg Shell Membrane: A Comprehensive Review
The eggshell membrane (ESM) is a useful biomaterial derived from egg industry byproducts. This detailed overview discusses ESM's complicated structural composition and molecular chemistry, along with its applications in several sectors. ESM is made up of collagen, glycosaminoglycans, and proteins from the eggshell matrix. This review investigates extraction approaches, such as mechanical, chemical, and enzymatic procedures, and discusses the multiple issues connected with solubilizing ESM proteins. ESM offers a wide range of therapeutic applications, including tissue regeneration, wound healing, joint health, osteoarthritis symptom reduction, and improved skin wound recovery. ESM has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial characteristics, which make it a key component in pharmaceutical compositions. ESM also plays an important role in electric devices and next-generation batteries, which can provide potential future opportunities for sustainable energy solutions. This review focuses on the diverse applications of ESM and possible developments, emphasizing its importance as a promising biomaterial in the fields of medicine and pharmaceuticals.
Copyright (c) 2024 Pharmaceutical Communications https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Formulation and In Vitro Evaluation of Diacerein Microspheres Using Ethyl-cellulose as Rate Retarding Agent
Diacerein is a newly developed anti-inflammatory drug that is chemically and pharmacologically different from NSAIDs. Diacerein is poorly soluble in water and possesses a slower dissolution rate. The development of Diacerein microspheres improved the aqueous solubility and the drug dissolution rate. Similarly, Diacerein microspheres enabled us to control the drug's release rate and minimize the dosing frequency. The solvent evaporation method prepared diacerein microspheres using ethyl cellulose and hydroxyl propyl cellulose as encapsulation material. In this study, six different formulations were prepared using different proportions of ethyl cellulose, and two formulations encompassing different combinations of ethyl cellulose and hydroxyl propyl cellulose were prepared. Different proportions of gelatin were used as emulsifying agents. The formulated microspheres were evaluated through FTIR, SEM, %age yield, chemical assay, release kinetics, in vitro dissolution studies, and entrapment efficiency. FTIR spectra depicted that there was no drug-to-polymer interaction. SEM confirmed the spherical nature of microspheres, and the drug entrapment efficiency was 89%. Our study demonstrates that microspheres could be a suitable technique to formulate DCN sustained release formulation.
A Sensitive and Specific Analytical Method for Determination of Diclofenac Sodium Using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography
Diclofenac Sodium (DCL-Na) is a widely prescribed nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to treat conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, osteoarthritis, and gout. This study aims to develop and validate a simple, precise, and accurate high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method for quantifying DCL-Na in pharmaceutical formulations. The method utilizes a Supelcosil C-18 column with a mobile phase consisting of potassium dihydrogen phosphate solution and acetonitrile. The method validation follows International Conference on Harmonization (ICH) guidelines, evaluating precision, accuracy, specificity, linearity, and range parameters. The developed method demonstrated excellent linearity with an R² value of 0.9996 over a concentration range of 5-50 μg/ml, and the limits of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ) were found to be 6.634 μg/ml and 22.114 μg/ml, respectively. Intraday and interday precision tests showed relative standard deviations (% RSD) well within acceptable ranges. The method's practical applicability was confirmed through the analysis of controlled-release tablets, which showed a release of approximately 80% of DCL-Na after 20 hours. This validated HPLC method is suitable for routine quality control of DCL-Na in pharmaceutical products.
The Promise of Exosomes as Drug Delivery Systems
Exosomes are small extracellular vesicles that play a role in cell-to-cell communication by transferring bioactive molecules such as proteins, nucleic acids, and lipids between cells. Over the past few years, there have been significant advances in utilizing exosomes as drug delivery systems due to their unique properties, including their ability to target specific cells and tissues. Especially advances in targeted delivery, nanoparticle incorporation, personalized medicine, cargo delivery, imaging, and tracking have excited the pharmaceutical community about their potential use in these areas. I briefly discuss the significance of exosomes in these areas or research interests. Natural Cargo Delivery: Exosomes naturally transport a variety of biomolecules, making them attractive vehicles for delivering drugs, nucleic acids (such as siRNA and miRNA), proteins, and even small molecules. Researchers are harnessing this inherent cargo delivery capability to load exosomes with therapeutic agents. Engineered Exosomes: Scientists are engineering exosomes to enhance their drug delivery capabilities. This includes modifying the surface of exosomes to display targeting ligands that can direct them to specific cell types or tissues, improving their stability, and optimizing their cargo-loading efficiency. Targeted Delivery: One of the key advantages of using exosomes for drug delivery is their potential for targeted delivery. By engineering exosomes to carry targeting molecules on their surface, researchers can selectively deliver therapeutic agents to specific cells or disease sites, minimizing off-target effects. Personalized Medicine: Exosomes can be isolated from a patient's cells (autologous exosomes), loaded with personalized therapies, and then re-administered to the patient. This personalized approach holds promise for tailoring treatments to individual patients' needs. Imaging and Tracking: Exosomes can be labeled with imaging agents to track their distribution and uptake in vivo. This information is crucial for understanding the pharmacokinetics and biodistribution of exosome-based drug delivery systems. Nanoparticle Incorporation: Exosomes can be loaded with nanoparticles, such as liposomes or polymer-based carriers, to increase their cargo capacity and control drug release kinetics. This combination allows for synergistic benefits of both exosome-mediated and nanoparticle-based drug delivery. Clinical Translation: Clinical trials involving exosome-based therapies are underway for various diseases, including cancer and neurodegenerative disorders. These trials provide valuable insights into the safety, efficacy, and challenges associated with exosome-based drug delivery in humans. Regulatory Considerations: The field of exosome-based drug delivery is also evolving in terms of regulatory considerations. Regulatory agencies are working to establish guidelines and standards for developing and approving exosome-based therapies. Exosome Isolation and Purification Techniques: Advances in exosome isolation and purification methods are critical for obtaining high-quality and consistent exosome preparations for drug delivery studies. Improved techniques contribute to the reproducibility and reliability of exosome-based therapies. Disease-Specific Cargo: Exosomes derived from specific cell types or disease models can be isolated and used as delivery vehicles for disease-specific cargo, including diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic agents. This enables precise delivery to disease-affected cells. Combination Therapies: Researchers are exploring the potential of using exosomes to deliver combination therapies, where multiple therapeutic agents are loaded into a single exosome to achieve synergistic effects. The study of exosomes as drug delivery systems is rapidly advancing and holds great promise for improving the targeted delivery of therapeutic agents, reducing side effects, and enabling personalized medicine approaches. However, scalability, cargo loading efficiency, safety, and regulatory approval challenges still need to be addressed as the field progresses.
Applications of Natural Polymers in Regenerative Medicine and Tissue Engineering
Natural polymers, or biopolymers, are widely utilized in regenerative medicine and tissue engineering. These polymers, derived from proteins, polysaccharides, and nucleic acids, serve as biomaterials for scaffolds, drug delivery systems, and bioactive materials that mimic the extracellular matrix. They offer advantages such as biocompatibility, biodegradability, versatility, and integration with gene therapy. Collagen, gelatin, chitosan, hyaluronic acid, fibrin, and alginate are commonly used natural polymers in regenerative medicine. They promote cell growth, tissue formation, wound healing, and tissue regeneration. Natural polymers also play a crucial role in controlled drug and gene delivery systems, providing safe and effective alternatives to synthetic polymers. Moreover, they contribute to developing bioactive and bio-functional materials, including hydrogels, which mimic natural biological processes and have applications in tissue engineering, drug delivery, and wound healing. Overall, natural polymers hold great promise for advancing regenerative medicine and tissue engineering. However, several challenges impede the widespread adoption and utilization of natural polymers in regenerative medicine. These challenges include variations in batch-to-batch composition, limited mechanical strength, rapid degradation rates, immunogenicity concerns, and difficulties achieving precise control over their properties. Overcoming these challenges necessitates a comprehensive understanding of the structure-function relationships of natural polymers and the development of innovative processing techniques to enhance their mechanical properties and stability. The future of natural polymers in regenerative medicine holds immense potential. Ongoing research efforts focus on refining their properties, tailoring their degradation rates, and integrating them with advanced technologies like 3D bioprinting and nanotechnology. By leveraging these advancements, natural polymers can be further optimized for specific tissue engineering applications, enabling the creation of patient-specific scaffolds, enhanced wound healing materials, and personalized drug delivery systems. Additionally, harnessing the innate bioactivity of natural polymers and their interactions with cells and tissues opens new avenues for the development of bioactive materials that promote tissue regeneration and healing.
Advancing Pharmaceuticals with Machine Learning: A Short Review of Research and Development Applications
In recent years, the field of pharmaceutical research and development (RD) has seen a surge of interest in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) technologies. These advancements may transform the industry by addressing challenges related to data analysis, computational capabilities, and rising costs associated with drug development. ML techniques have been progressively refined and applied to various stages of drug discovery over the past 15–20 years. Notably, there is a growing focus on utilizing ML in clinical trial design, conduct, and analysis, which the COVID-19 pandemic and the increased reliance on digital technology in clinical trials have further accentuated. However, it is crucial to move beyond mere buzzwords and acknowledge that the scientific method remains essential for drawing meaningful insights from data. By doing so, we can distinguish between genuine advancements and exaggerated claims, leading to informed decision-making regarding the optimal integration of ML methods in drug development. This review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of key concepts, understand real-world usage, and offer a balanced perspective on the effective utilization of ML in RD.
Effect of Polymer Type, Concentration and Formulation Technique on Mucoadhesive Strength and Swelling Index of Clarithromycin Tablets
This study aims to evaluate the effect of polymer type, concentration, and formulation technique on mucoadhesion and the Swelling Index of matrix tablets. Tablets were formulated by wet-granulation, solid dispersions, and direct compression techniques using different polymers in different concentrations (D:P 5:1, 5:2, and 5:3). Swelling Index and Mucoadhesive strength were analyzed for all the formulations (F1-15). The physicochemical parameters of the tablets were found to be within the acceptable limit. The swelling index for matrix tablets (F1-15) prepared by wet-granulations technique was found to be ranging from 33.81±2.42 - 67.36±0.77; by solid dispersions technique ranging from 34.02±1.32 - 65.09±1.08; by direct compression technique ranging from 36.82±2.02 - 68.35±1.73, after 6 hours. Mucoadhesive strength ranged from 13.673 ± 1.542 to 40.378 ± 2.345N, increasing with an increase in the polymer concentrations. The study helped to find the drug's optimum formulation with excellent bio-adhesive strength.
Development and Evaluation of Ibuprofen-Loaded Glycerin Nanoparticles for Topical Application
The aim of this study was to prepare ibuprofen-loaded glycerin nanoparticle (IBU-GNP) based hydrogel for improved antiinflammatory effect. Ibuprofen (IBU) has low oral bioavailability and topical permeability because of poor solubility and transdermal permeability barriers. Glycerin nanoparticles (GNPs) are emerging nanotechnology for solubility improvement with the help of glycerin. Precipitation technique was opted to prepare IBU-GNPs, and the prepared nanoparticles (NPs) were subjected to appropriate in-vitro characterization techniques. IBU-GNPs revealed a uniform average diameter of 492.9 ± 44.2 nm. IBU-GNPs were formulated in hydrogel dosage form for topical application using carbopol 934 (2% w/v). Physical characterization, in-vitro release, and in-vivo antiinflammatory study in comparison to marketed IBU gel was performed for IBU-GNP hydrogel. The in-vitro drug release data revealed quick and sustained release behavior, which best fit the Higuchi model and followed Fickian diffusion as the release mechanism. IBU-GNP hydrogel rapidly lowered inflammation induced by carrageenan, followed by a sustained antiinflammatory activity, confirming an in vitro release pattern.
Photo-catalytic Degradation of Ciprofloxacin using Manganese and Cobalt Co-Doped Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles (Mn-Co-TiO2)
The presence of Ciprofloxacin (CIP) in wastewater sources is a major concern for the health of the aquatic system and the soil environment. Several attempts have been made for Ciprofloxacin detection in wastewater. This study reports the synthesis of a new catalyst called 'Manganese and Cobalt codoped titanium dioxide (Mn-Co-TiO2) nanoparticles' for photocatalytic degradation of ciprofloxacin. Mn-Co-TiO2 nanoparticles were synthesized using the sol-gel method. The nanoparticles were characterized using Fourier Transform Infra-Red spectroscopy for a functional group, Scanning Electron Microscopy for surface morphology, and X-Ray diffraction analysis for crystallinity. Various parameters such as solution pH, ultraviolet (UV) light exposure time, and initial drug concentrations were optimized for quantitative percent degradation. Moreover, the limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) were also calculated under optimized experimental conditions. The kinetic data show that the degradation of CIP by Mn-Co-TiO2 follows pseudo-first-order kinetics. The proposed method was successfully applied to commercial formulations like Cipro, Cipro XR, and ProQuin XR with satisfied addiction recovery results.
Photo catalytic degradation, Doping, Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles, Ciprofloxacin.
Welcome to Pharmaceutical Communications
Welcome to the inaugural issue of Pharmaceutical Communications-a biannual, open access, and peer-reviewed journal aiming to publish high-quality research articles in the field of basic & advanced pharmaceutics and pharmaceutical technology. Pharmaceutical Communications is a biannual, peer-reviewed journal published online and in print that primarily publishes research articles and reviews that focus on basic and advanced pharmaceutics. The journal accepts manuscripts related to but not limited to, the processing of pharmaceuticals, such as crystallization, lyophilization, chemical stability of drugs, pharmacokinetics, biopharmaceutics, pro-drug developments, metabolic disposition of bioactive agents, dosage form design, pharmaceutical technology, targeted drug delivery. Other topics include pharmaceutical marketing, pharmaceutical promotion, patient-provider communication, healthcare communication, patient safety, and innovations in the pharmaceutical industry. Pharmaceutical Communications primarily accepts original research articles and reviews. However, invited editorial summaries and letters to the editor are also occasionally published. The journal provides a platform for scientists, practitioners, and healthcare professionals to share their knowledge and experiences in the field of pharmaceutics. The journal also serves as a forum for discussing and debating current issues and trends in the pharmaceutical industry. The journal welcomes submissions from academics, practitioners, and industry professionals who wish to share their research and perspectives on topics related to pharmaceutics. In the last two decades, rapid technological advances have enabled researchers to investigate arcane technological phenomena and ask more profound questions. Several pharmaceutical processes involved in the manufacturing of various dosage forms are being unraveled at a rapid pace, high resolution, and with unprecedented details. Authors carrying out investigations leveraging these technologies dealing with the composition, formulation, preparation, or manufacturing and quality control of extemporaneously compounded or commercially manufactured drugs are encouraged to submit their findings to Pharmaceutical Communications. The purpose of this journal is to provide a platform to the scientific fraternity, especially regional and national academics, where they could get their studies published after a rapid, transparent, and high-quality peer review. All the articles published in Pharmaceutical Communications will be freely available to readers immediately after publication. The open-access policy of our journal is likely to increase the readership of articles and enhance their visibility and citation potential. The journal also welcomes submissions from authors from any country. Therefore, I invite you to submit your work to Pharmaceutical Communications. We look forward to receiving your submissions! Professor Dr. Fazli Nasir Editor-In-Chief Pharmaceutical Communications
Copyright (c) 2022 Pharmaceutical Communications https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Biological Applications of Magnetic Nanoparticles; A Review
In nanotechnology field, iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles (IONPs) have gained much interest. The magnetic nanoparticles have been widely explored for applications due to ease of manufacturing and functionalization with polymers and other materials which makes them highly sensitive for many biological and biomedical applications. They transform electromagnetic energy into heat when exposed to magnetic field, and, hence, prove themselves as potent anti-cancer agent. The most advanced application of nanoscale materials towards human health is application as contrast agents in imaging modalities. MNPs proved safer as imaging contrast agents than conventional methods. MNPs have also been used in overcoming bacterial resistance and as anti-viral agent. They provide further evidences as emerging means in treatment and diagnosis of CVD and chronic inflammatory diseases like Rheumatoid arthritis. They also have employed in gene therapy to treat chronic diseases now a day.
A Review on Transdermal Drug Delivery: Design, Evaluation and Approach towards Painless Drug Delivery System
Transdermal drug delivery systems were developed in order to overcome the difficulties associated with oral drug delivery. Through an adhesive patch affixed to the skin, transdermal patches deliver medications into the bloodstream. This treatment may benefit damaged areas of the body. Unlike oral, topical, intramuscular, and intravenous drug delivery methods, transdermal drug delivery enables controlled drug release into the body. Body heat is used to melt thin layers of medication embedded in the adhesive through the transdermal patch's porous membrane. As a barrier against foreign invaders, the skin serves as a protective layer. A medication with a molecular weight less than 500 Da can penetrate the stratum corneum through the outermost layer of the skin. An overview of transdermal patches is provided in this review article, including matrix patches, reservoir patches, membrane patches, micro reservoir patches, and patches that contain drugs in adhesive forms. These dosage forms have also been evaluated using various methods.
Pre-formulation Study of Tamoxifen and Excipients in Formulation of Nanoparticle Drug Delivery System
The inactive ingredients (excipients) are integral to the pharmaceutical drug delivery system. If not selected intelligently and added without a proper scientific approach can lead to the instability of the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API), low therapeutic outcome, or untoward effects. In this investigation, pre-formulation studies were carried out to confirm that the excipients used in the preparation of the nanoparticles were compatible with tamoxifen. The high-performance liquid chromatography-ultra-violet assay, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) of the stored preparation showed that the nanoparticles were stable, indicating that the ingredients were not reactive and compatible with each other. The tamoxifen drug content was above 98%. Also, the FTIR spectrum of the optimized and physical mixture showed that the API retained its major (1357.89 cm-1, 1589.34 cm-1, 1739.79 cm-, 12870.08 cm-1, and 3402.43 cm-1) characteristic peaks. The XRD confirmed that the drug is very well dispersed in amorphous form with no extraneous peaks. The TGA isotherm indicated that the melting point of the optimized formulation was 400 oC which is significantly higher than the pure tamoxifen, which is 150 oC. the TGA results indicated that the formulation is heat stable.
Formulation and Evaluation of Metronidazole Loaded Nanosponges for Topical Delivery
Formulations of metronidazole M1, M2, M3, M4, and M5 with the polymer ethyl cellulose and M1*, M2*, M3*, M4* and M5* with the polymer Eudragit RS100 at varying concentrations were prepared and characterized by Zeta sizer, SEM, DSC, FTIR and XRD. The gel was evaluated for its spreadability, skin irritancy, entrapment efficiency and drug release. Size in M5* was 292.2 nm with PDI of 1.00 and in M2, 371.8 nm with PDI of 0.809 was observed. The entrapment efficiency and production yield with M5* was observed to be 68.40 % and 66.9 % respectively. While the EE and PY with M2 were 66.70 % and 58 % respectively. FTIR did not reveal any incompatibility between the polymer and the drugs and by SEM results, the shape of nanosponges appeared to be spherical and porous. 10% of the drug was released from nanosponges in Ist hour and almost 70 % in 8 hours.
Effects of Hydrotropic Phenomenon on Solubility Enhancement of Ebastine; Formulation and Characterization
Hydrotropes are the nontoxic small organic molecules that at certain concentrations result in solubility enhancement of poorly water-soluble compounds. In this study various hydrotropes including nicotinamide, sodium acetate and trisodium citrate were used at varying ratios to observe the effect on solubility enhancement of Ebastine. Various combinations of drug-hydrotrope complexes were prepared with each above mentioned hydrotropes using solvent evaporation technique. The resultant residues were subjected to various analytical and characterization techniques for verification of complexation and solubility enhancement. These techniques included Powder X-ray diffraction studies, FTIR and UV spectroscopy. Three different formulations were prepared using various hydrotrop-drug complexes and their stability studies along with in-vitro release were carried out using simulated environment in dissolution apparatus and then later UV spectrophotometric studies were conducted.Standard curve was constructed for UV Spectroscopic analysis and the UV analysis of %age drug release from final suspension dosage form revealed 67.56%, 55.04 % and 66.76 % for the complex containing drug-nicotinamide at ratio of 3:1, drug- sodium acetate at 2:2and drug-trisodium citrate at 2:2 respectively. This release profile clearly indicated the increment in water solubility of the said insoluble drug in the prepared suspension formulated from the drug-hydrotrope complex