A anestesia local da cavidade bucal é uma etapa fundamental na maioria dos procedimentos odontológicos. A administração não-invasiva efetiva de anestésicos locais na cavidade bucal visando substituir as doloridas injeções, possibilitaria o aprimoramento de procedimentos rotineiros e cirúrgicos. No entanto, a anestesia profunda e pelo tempo adequado de regiões estratégicas da mucosa bucal requer a penetração do anestésico em quantidades efetivas. A combinação dos cloridratos de lidocaína (LCL) e prilocaína (PCL) é uma estratégia interessante do ponto de vista farmacocinético, visto que a lidocaína inicia sua ação mais rapidamente, porém a prilocaína apresenta uma potência maior. A velocidade de liberação e permeação dos fármacos pode ser aumentada e modulada através da aplicação da iontoforese. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar in vitro a influência da iontoforese na permeação de PCL e LCL através de mucosa esofageal suína a partir de uma formulação semi-sólida mucoadesiva. Para tanto, um hidrogel à base de hidroxipropilmetilcelulose foi desenvolvido e o efeito do pH (5,8 e 7,0) avaliado em função da iontoforese (1 mA/cm2 por 60 minutos). Um método analítico de cromatografia líquida de alta eficiência foi validado para quantificação simultânea dos fármacos, apresentando satisfatória seletividade, linearidade no intervalo de 0,25 a 10 ?g/mL, sensibilidade, precisão, exatidão e robustez. A recuperação dos fármacos a partir da mucosa esofageal suína forneceu níveis adequados conforme preconizado pela literatura. A formulação desenvolvida apresentou uniformidade de conteúdo e propriedades mecânicas e mucoadesivas adequadas para a aplicação bucal. A combinação dos fármacos na formulação não ocasionou a formação de uma mistura eutética, porém promoveu mudanças nos coeficientes de distribuição mucosa/formulação do PCL, tendo maior caráter hidrofílico em pH 7,0 e maior caráter hidrofóbico em pH 5,8. Nos estudos de permeação in vitro através de mucosa esofageal suína, a iontoforese a partir da formulação pH 7,0 foi capaz de aumentar as quantidades de PCL permeada e recuperada da mucosa quando isolada e combinada na formulação. Porém, as quantidades de LCL foram aumentadas por iontoforese apenas na mucosa quando combinada ao PCL. A iontoforese a partir da formulação contendo os fármacos isolados em pH 5,8, com o intuito de promover maior ionização dos fármacos, aumentou o fluxo do PCL e do LCL. No entanto, o fluxo passivo foi menor em pH 5,8 e o maior aumento de fluxo proporcionado pela iontoforese neste pH não acarretou em maiores quantidades de fármaco permeadas. O pré-tratamento da mucosa com LCL aumentou ligeiramente o fluxo passivo do PCL, porém quando a iontoforese foi aplicada, tanto o fluxo quanto o acúmulo do PCL na mucosa diminuíram após o pré-tratamento. Assim, para a anestesia não invasiva em procedimentos odontológicos, é recomendável aplicar a iontoforese diretamente na formulação que contém a combinação de PCL e LCL, em pH 7,0. Desta forma, alia-se início de ação mais rápido (LCL) e potência (PCL) e alcançam-se maiores quantidades permeadas e retidas na mucosa para ambos os fármacos. / Local anesthesia of the oral cavity is a key step in most dental procedures. The effective non-invasive administration of local anesthetics in the oral cavity, in order to replace the painful injections, would enable the improvement of routine and surgical procedures. However, deep anesthesia for a suitable period of time of strategic regions of the oral mucosa requires penetration of the anesthetic in effective amounts. The combination of lidocaine hydrochloride (LCL) and prilocaine (PCL) is an interesting strategy, since lidocaine begins to act more quickly, but prilocaine has a higher potency. The rate of release and permeation of drugs can be enhanced and modulated by the application of iontophoresis. The objective of this study was to evaluate in vitro the influence of iontophoresis on the permeation of PCL and LCL through porcine esophageal mucosa from a mucoadhesive semisolid formulation. Thus, a hydroxypropyl methylcellulose hydrogel was developed and the effect of pH (5.8 and 7.0) evaluated in function of iontophoresis (1 mA/cm2 for 60 minutes). An analytical method of high performance liquid chromatography was validated for the simultaneous quantification of drugs with satisfactory selectivity, linearity in the range 0.25 to 10 ?g/mL, sensitivity, precision, accuracy and robustness. The recovery of the drugs from the porcine esophageal mucosa provided adequate levels, as related in the literature. The formulation developed had uniformity of content and mechanical and mucoadhesive properties suitable for buccal application. The combination of the drugs at the formulation did not cause the formation of an eutectic mixture, but provided changes in the distribution coefficients (mucosa/formulation) of PCL, having greater hydrophilicity at pH 7.0 and higher hydrophobic character at pH 5.8. Regarding the in vitro permeation studies across porcine esophageal mucosa, iontophoresis from the formulation at pH 7.0 was able to increase the amounts of PCL permeated and recovered when isolated and combined at the formulation. For LCL, the amount was enhanced by iontophoresis only at the mucosa when the drug was associated with PCL. Iontophoresis from the formulation at pH 5.8, in order to promote higher ionization of the drugs, increased the flow of PCL and the LCL. However, the passive flux was lower at pH 5.8 and the greater increase of flow provided by iontophoresis at this pH did not result in higher amounts of total permeated drug. Pretreatment of the mucosa with LCL slightly increased passive flux of PCL, but when the iontophoresis was applied, both the flow and the amount of PCL recovered from the mucosa decreased after pretreatment. Thus, for a non-invasive anesthesia for dental procedures, it is recommended to apply iontophoresis directly at the formulation containing the combination of PCL and LCL, at pH 7.0. Therefore, it combines a faster onset of action (LCL) and higher potency (PCL), providing larger amounts permeated and recovered from the mucosa for both drugs.

Die vorliegende Arbeit befasst sich mit dem Einfluss von Formulierungsparametern auf die nasale In-vitro-Verfügbarkeit der Arzneistoffe Oxymetazolinhydrochlorid (OXY), Xylometazolinhydrochlorid (XYLO) und Natriumcromoglicat (DSCG) und untersucht das Permeationsverhalten von ausgewählten Fertigpräparaten und Eigenrezepturen an exzidierter Rindernasenmukosa sowie deren Wechselwirkungen mit einer Mucinmodelldispersion. Der Vergleich der strukturanalogen Sympathomimetika XYLO und OXY gegeneinander und mit dem Antiallergikum DSCG sollte hinsichtlich der Einfluss nehmenden Parameter den Bezug zur molekularen Struktur und den physikalisch-chemischen Eigenschaften der Arzneistoffe ermöglichen. Eine mit DSCG durchgeführte In-vivo-Studie (Kaninchen) sollte klären, inwieweit die In-vitro-Daten und -Einflussparameter mit dem In-vivo-Verhalten korrelieren. Während im Resümee dieser Arbeit für XYLO und OXY Zusammenhänge zwischen ihren physikochemischen Eigenschaften, ihrer In-vitro-Permeabilität und den getesteten Formulierungsparametern aufgezeigt werden konnten, war dies für DSCG nicht möglich und ein Querbezug nicht gegeben. DSCG zeigt aufgrund seiner nachgewiesenen konzentrationsabhängigen Selbstassoziationstendenz substanzspezifisches Verhalten und reagiert sensibel auf eine Variation der Formulierungsparameter. Sowohl an der isolierten Mukosa als auch mit der Mucinmodelldispersion resultierten ausgeprägte Wechselwirkungen. Eine Kombination von DSCG mit dem Polymer Natriumhyaluronat erwies sich dabei als vorteilhaft, da sich die Mukoadhäsivität in vivo bestätigte. Eine entsprechende Formulierung scheint geeignet die Dosierungshäufigkeit von Natriumcromoglicat zu reduzieren und damit die Patientencompliance zu verbessern. Da die nasale Verfügbarkeit eines Pharmakons das Resultat eines komplexen Wechselspiels zwischen dem Wirkstoff, den vielfältigen Faktoren der applizierten Arzneiformulierung und den physiologischen Gegebenheiten ist, sind Verallgemeinerungen der Zusammenhänge schwierig und isolierte Effekte kaum zu erfassen. Die vorliegenden Resultate verdeutlichen jedoch, wie eminent wichtig die separate Betrachtung jedes Wirkstoffpräparates ist. / This thesis presents the formulation parameter's influence on the nasal in vitro availability of the model drugs xylometazoline hydrochlorid (XYLO), oxymetazoline hydrochlorid (OXY) and disodium cromoglycate (DSCG). The nasal availability has been studied using excised nasal bovine mucosa to capture the drug's in vitro permeation behaviour and a mucin model dispersion to determine the drug's interactions with the nasal mucus glycoproteins. The aim of this thesis was to determine the influence of different additionals on the nasal availability using commercial and test preparations of the model drugs. Comparing the results of the sympathomimetic XYLO, its hydroxy derivative OXY and the mast cell stabilizer DSCG with regard to the exerting formulation parameters should facilitate a relation between the drugs' molecular structure and physical-chemical properties. In the case of DSCG a concluding in vivo study on rabbits should clarify if influences established in vitro result in a altered availability in vivo too. Whereas for XYLO and its hydroxy derivative OXY connections between their physicalchemical properties, the in vitro permeation behaviour and the investigated formulation parameters excist but not for DSCG is a link between the three drugs not possible. DSCG possesses a strong substance specific component due to its concentartion dependent selfassoziation which reacts sensitively to altered formulation parameters. DSCG interacts with the isolated absorptive mucosa as well as with mucin modell dispersion in a marked extent. The combination of DSCG with the polymer sodium hyaluronate possesses in vivo an in vitro clear mucoadhesive properties which seem to be suitable to reduce DSCG's application frequency and improve thereby the patients' compliance. A drug's nasal availability results on a complex interplay of its physical-chemical properties, diverse formulation parameters and physiological conditions. Generalizations between the determined connections are difficult and isolated effects are hardly ascertainable. Additionally to the numerous formulation parameters with an impact on a drug's nasal availability it is nessecary to look at every drug formulation separatly.

Oropharyngeal candidiasis is a localised infection in the oropharynx region caused by Candida species, predominately C. albicans. It is commonly spread among immunocompromised patients and aggravated by hyposalivation or xerostomia. Current treatment is by systemic antifungals, which might be accompanied by gastrointestinal tract disorders, headache, allergic reactions and drug interactions or Candida becoming resistant to them. In the present work, the anti-candida activity of chlorhexidine diacetate (CHD) was tested as the drug of choice, it has no systemic side effects and microorganisms do not develop resistance against it. Thymol and farnesol were also tested individually and in combination with CHD to investigate a synergistic effect against Candida planktonic cells. The effects of CHD and thymol were investigated against C. albicans biofilm after two hours exposure by testing the metabolic stress, vacuolar activity and protein content. The results of the anti-Candida activity of CHD and thymol based on the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and the minimum biocidal concentration (MBC) were 2.5 and 5 μg/ml for the former and 125 and 250 μg/ml for the later. Farnesol did not show an MIC and MBC at the investigated concentrations, however, it increased the MIC and MBC of CHD to 5 and 40 μg/ml and of thymol to 250 and >250 μg/ml, respectively. The antibiofilm activity of CHD and thymol was concentration dependent and CHD was more potent than thymol. A concentration of 20 μg/ml and 2 hours treatment of Candida biofilm grown for 24 hours showed an 85% decrease in oxidative stress, 78% and 60% loss of vacuolar activity and protein content, respectively. The combination of both drugs showed a limited increase in the activity. The cytotoxic effects of CHD and thymol were tested on human embryo kidney epithelial cell line (HEK 293); the metabolic stress, lysosomal activity and protein content were tested. The cytotoxic effects were also concentration dependent and the combination have increased the cytotoxicity. A concentration of 20 μg/ml and 2 hours treatment showed a 40% decrease in oxidative stress and neither the lysosomal activity nor protein content of HEK 293 cells was affected by the treatment Finally, a mucoadhesive hydrogel buccal tablets for the controlled release of CHD were designed and prepared to increase the residence time of an effective concentration of CHD in the oral cavity for two hours. They were prepared using Poloxamer 407 (P407), hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) and either sorbitol, mannitol or xylitol at different ratios. The tablets were investigated for their physical properties, ex vivo mucoadhesion, the rate of hydration, gelling efficiency using image analysis, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffractometry (XRD) and in vitro dissolution using Apparatus I and a novel method based on controlled flow rate to mimic salivary drug delivery in the oral cavity. Based on the antibiofilm activity and the cytotoxic effect of CHD a concentration of 20 μg/mL was chosen to be released from the tablets to maintain both efficacy and safety. Accordingly, to maintain this concentration the final formulations were prepared with a 2.5 mg dose of CHD. Tablets analysis showed no chemical interaction with the excipient based on DSC, FTIR and XRD. Furthermore, a novel dissolution method was developed based on a constant flow rate of the dissolution media to mimic oral salivary flow. By comparing CHD release using App I and the flow rate method it was shown that hydrogel-forming tablets successfully controlled the release of CHD regardless of the volume of the dissolution media with approximately 90% release and an average release concentration of 19 μg/ml and 1 ml/min flow rate. This making it a potential candidate for future application for treatment of candidiasis in all types of patients.

A inexistência de um agente terapêutico único satisfatório para o tratamento do melanoma metastático e a potencialidade do quimioterápico 5FU (5-fluorouracil) motivou esta pesquisa, a qual teve por objetivo o desenvolvimento tecnológico de sistemas carreadores micro-/ e nanoestruturados contendo 5FU a fim de aumentar sua eficácia terapêutica e reduzir a toxicidade por meio da administração pulmonar. Duas formulações pulverulentas foram desenvolvidas com polímeros naturais, sulfato de condroitina e hidroxipropil-metil-celulose, denominadas 5FU-MS e 5FU-NS, utilizando as técnicas de aspersão e atomização vibracional piezoelétrica, respectivamente. Ambas as formulações foram avaliadas quanto às características físicas e químicas, perfil toxicológico in vivo (C. elegans e em ratos Wistar), e penetração e biodisponibilidade no tecido pulmonar pela quantificação da fração livre de fármaco por microdiálise pulmonar. A análise físico-química revelou a obtenção de partículas micrométricas para 5FU-MS e submicrométricas para 5FU-NS, com diâmetros médios de partícula de 2,546 ± 0,07 m e 0,652 ± 0,03 m, e fração respirável (FR%) de 55,12 ± 2,98 e 76,84 ± 0,07, respectivamente. Ambas demonstraram características e propriedades adequadas para administração pulmonar, com capacidade de deposição nas porções média e profunda. A toxicidade das formulações avaliada em C. elegans considerou o percentual de morte, desenvolvimento, DL50 e produção de ROS para os nematodos sob tratamento agudo e crônico. Os resultados evidenciaram redução significativa da toxicidade proporcionada pela redução da taxa de morte e maior desenvolvimento dos grupos tratados com as formulações 5FU-MS e 5FU-NS em comparação ao fármaco livre, sugerindo perfis de segurança satisfatórios para administração. Além disso, 5FU-MS revelou-se um agente pró-oxidante, representando um diferencial promissor deste sistema, podendo alcançar maior sensibilização das células tumorais com menores doses. A toxicidade pulmonar aguda foi avaliada pela análise de LDH e proteínas totais no fluido de lavagem bronco-alveolar (BALF) após a administração combinada das formulações 5FU-MS e 5FU-NS para administração como um sistema terapêutico único (5FU-MS/NS), e análise de dano tecidual pulmonar em ratos. Os resultados da análise bioquímica e histológica indicaram o baixo potencial de indução de lesão tecidual a partir da administração pulmonar combinada das formulações, em relação ao fármaco livre. A análise do perfil farmacocinético por microdiálise pulmonar evidenciou o êxito no desenvolvimento dos sistemas carreadores, tornando possível duplicar o t1/2 do 5FU e aumentar significativamente a biodisponibilidade no tecido pulmonar. Os resultados obtidos indicam a eficiência das formulações 5FU-MS e 5FU-NS em alcançar os benefícios terapêuticos do fármaco 5FU com menores doses e maiores intervalos de administração. Este trabalho de tese apresenta uma abordagem promissora na terapia de neoplasias com recorrência de metástase pulmonar. / The absence of a single therapeutic agent suitable for the treatment of metastatic melanoma and the potential of 5FU chemotherapy (5-fluorouracil) motivated this study, which aimed the development of carrier systems based on micro-/ and nanostructures containing 5FU to increase the therapeutic efficacy and reduce toxicity of this drug by pulmonary administration. Two different formulations of dry powders were developed with natural polymers, chondroitin sulfate and hydroxypropyl-methyl-cellulose, denomined 5FU-MS and 5FU-NS, using the spray-drying and vibrational piezoelectric atomization techniques, respectively. Both formulations were evaluated in terms of physico-chemical characteristics, in vivo toxicological behaviors (C. elegans and in Wistar rats), bioavailability and penetration in the lung tissue by quantifying of drug free fraction by lung microdialysis. The physicochemical analysis showed that were obtained as micrometric (5FU-MS) and submicron particles (5FU-NS), with average diameters of particle 2.546 ± 0.07 m and 0.652 ± 0.03 m, and respirable fraction (FR%) of 55.12 ± 2.98 and 76.84 ± 0.07, respectively. Both showed suitable characteristics and properties for pulmonary delivery, with deposition capacity in the middle and deep lung portions. The toxicity of the formulations evaluated in C. elegans considered the death rate, body development, DL50 and production of ROS to nematodes under acute and chronic treatment. The results showed significant reduction of toxicity, reducing the death rate and greater development of the groups treated with 5FU-MS and 5FU-NS formulations compared to the free drug, suggesting satisfactory safety profile for administration. In addition, 5FU-MS proved to be a pro-oxidant agent, representing a promising differential of this system which can achieve greater sensitization of tumoral cells with lower doses. Acute pulmonary toxicity was evaluated by analyzing LDH, and total protein in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) after combined administration of 5FU-MS formulations and 5FU-NS for administration as a single therapeutic system (5FU-MS/NS) and analysis of lung tissue damage in rats. The results of biochemical and histological analysis indicated the low potential to induce tissue damage from the pulmonary administration of combined formulations, compared to free drug. Analysis of the pharmacokinetic profile for pulmonary microdialysis showed the successful development of carrier systems, making it possible to double the t1/2 of 5FU and significantly increase bioavailability in lung tissue. The results indicate the effectiveness of the formulations 5FU-MS and 5FU-NS in achieving the therapeutic benefits of the drug 5FU at lower doses and higher dosing intervals. This thesis work presents a promising approach to cancer therapy with lung metastasis recurrence.

Submitted by Erika Demachki (erikademachki@gmail.com) on 2017-01-18T16:16:10Z No. of bitstreams: 2 Dissertação - Aline Carlos de Oliveira - 2016.pdf: 1109303 bytes, checksum: 21ef921b9600f5b6723928640fb5b53f (MD5) license_rdf: 0 bytes, checksum: d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Luciana Ferreira (lucgeral@gmail.com) on 2017-01-19T10:30:52Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 2 Dissertação - Aline Carlos de Oliveira - 2016.pdf: 1109303 bytes, checksum: 21ef921b9600f5b6723928640fb5b53f (MD5) license_rdf: 0 bytes, checksum: d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2017-01-19T10:30:52Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2 Dissertação - Aline Carlos de Oliveira - 2016.pdf: 1109303 bytes, checksum: 21ef921b9600f5b6723928640fb5b53f (MD5) license_rdf: 0 bytes, checksum: d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e (MD5) Previous issue date: 2016-09-22 / Matricial tablets containing cashew gum polysaccharide (PGC) have been developed in order to promote mucoadhesion and prolonged release of model drugs with different water solubilities (theophylline and ketoprofen). Tablets were prepared by mixing the drug (40% m/m), diluent and PGC (10 to 50%, m/m). The control formulations were prepared by adding diluent instead polysaccharide. Tablets were prepared in a hydraulic press with 12.5 kN compaction force and 10s dwell time. Then, tablets were evaluated for their mechanical properties, drug content, drug in vitro release and mucoadhesive properties. The friability of the tablets met the limits recommended by the Brazilian Pharmacopoeia. The addition of the polysaccharide in the formulation significantly reduced the tablet hardness, which was also affected by the type of drug incorporated. The in vitro release test was carried out in acid medium (2h), followed by 0.4 M phosphate buffer pH 6.8 (6h). A more prolonged profile was achieved in ketoprofen-loaded tablets. In the case of theophylline-loaded tablets, prolonged release was less effective, even when the highest PGC concentration was used (50%, w/w). Ketoprofen-loaded tablets prepared with 30% of PGC released only 9% of the drug in acidic medium. In phosphate buffer, PGC tablets were capable to prolong ketoprofen release. Linearization of the drug release data showed that PGC tablets best fitted the Higuchi model. Mucoadhesion tests showed that the presence of polyssacharide increase tablet adhesion on the bowel membrane. The degree of mucoadhesion was dependent of the PGC concentration, it was greater when 30% (w/w) polysaccharide was added. The results suggests the use of cashew gum polysaccharide in matrix tablets for prolonged release of water-insoluble drugs and as mucoadhesive agent. / Comprimidos matriciais contendo polissacarídeo extraído da goma do cajueiro (PGC) foram desenvolvidos no intuito de promover mucoadesão e liberação prolongada de fármacos modelo com diferente solubilidade aquosa (teofilina e cetoprofeno). Os comprimidos foram preparados pela mistura de fármaco (40%, m/m), diluente e PGC, este último em concentração na faixa de 10 a 50% (m/m). Comprimidos controle, sem PGC, foram preparados pela substituição do polissacarídeo por diluente. A compactação foi realizada em prensa hidráulica com força de compressão de 12,5 KN exercida por 10 segundos. Os comprimidos foram avaliados quanto as suas propriedades mecânicas, teor e liberação in vitro dos fármacos incorporados e quanto à sua capacidade de mucoadesão ex vivo. A friabilidade dos comprimidos atendeu aos limites da Farmacopeia Brasileira. A adição do polissacarídeo na formulação diminuiu significativamente a dureza dos compactos, a qual também foi afetada pelo tipo de fármaco incorporado. O teste de liberação in vitro foi realizado em meio ácido (2h), seguido de tampão fosfato 0,4 M pH 6,8 (6h) e o maior prolongamento da liberação foi observado no caso do cetoprofeno. Não foi possível observar um prolongamento significativo na liberação da teofilina, mesmo com o aumento da concentração do polissacarídeo na formulação. Para o cetoprofeno, comprimidos contendo 30% de PGC, foram capazes de promover a liberação de apenas 9% do fármaco em meio ácido. Em pH 6,8 a liberação do cetoprofeno foi gradual. A linearização dos dados de liberação mostrou que o modelo de Higuchi foi o que melhor descreveu o comportamento das matrizes. Os testes de mucoadesão demonstraram que a presença do polissacarídeo conferiu mucoadesividade à forma farmacêutica. O grau de mucoadesão foi dependente da concentração do PGC na formulação, sendo maior quando 30% (m/m) do polissacarídeo foram adicionados à formulação. Os resultados sugerem o uso do PGC como agente prolongador da liberação de fármacos pouco solúveis em água em comprimidos matriciais, assim como demonstram seu potencial como agente mucoadesivo.

Our goal was to develop a mucoadhesive, oral vaccination delivery platform designed to target Peyer’s patches at ileum. In order to achieve this, we prepared poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) particles of various sizes using W/O/W emulsification solvent evaporation and surface polymerization methods. We then coated and employed mucoadhesive polymers into the carrier system to enhance the residence time in the targeted site. Also we developed our own in vitro mucoadhesion testing ramp as an evaluation tool. Finally, nano- and micro-structured particles were manufactured as two different oral vaccine delivery systems (Solid Lipid Nanoparticles, SLNs; and Protein Coated Microcrystals, PCMC). After the model antigen, bovine serum albumin (BSA) was loaded into the SLNs or PCMC; mucoadhesive polymers were then incorporated and formulated the mixture into pellets. The pellets were then layered with an enteric coating, which was composed of a mixture of Eudragit® FS 30 D/Eudragit® L 30 D-55 for ileum targeted delivery. The in vitro mucoadhesion test ramp was capable of investigating the mucoadhesive properties of tablets and pellets, providing a rank order for study. Most important of all, it was anticipated that this might reduce the burden of testing animals for future proposed mucoadhesive studies. Microcapsules/beads of specific size were manufactured reproducibly by solvent evaporation and surface polymerization. Although we could not specify the cut-off size at the pyloric sphincter in mice, we concluded that the cut-off size at the pyloric sphincter in rats was approximately 2.5-3 mm, which was supported by both the biodistribution data and the direct image results from scintigraphy scanning. Moreover, we found that the particle size significantly alters the gastric emptying time in both rodent models. The small microcapsules/beads were hindered in the folds of the stomach (size 50-100μm for mice and size 0.5-1 mm for rats) and emptied the slowest, followed by the large particles, then the medium particles. Finally, PCMC and SLNs we manufactured were suitable carriers for protein API, such as BSA. These particles were of fitting size for M cell uptake, which would possibly induce mucosal immune responses. Therefore, an antigen containing PCMC and SLNs might be suitable platforms for oral vaccination. / text

The absorption enhancing ability of chitosan, a linear polysaccharide, is mediated by protonated amino groups on the C-2 position of the molecules that induce interaction with the anionic sites on the cell membranes to subsequently alter tight junction integrity. In neutral and basic environments, such as those found in the small and large intestines, most chitosan molecules will lose their charge and precipitate from solution rendering it ineffective as an absorption enhancer. To increase the solubility of this polymer, methylation of the amino groups on the C- 2 position was proposed. A partially quaternised and water soluble derivative of chitosan, N-trimethyl chitosan chloride (TMC), which exhibits superior solubility in a basic environment compared with other chitosan salts was synthesised and included in a chitosan microbead solid drug delivery system. Two TMC derivatives were synthesised by reductive methylation from high and medium molecular weight Chitoclear™ chitosan respectively. The degree of quaternisation calculated from the 1H-NMR spectra for the medium molecular weight TMC (TMC-M) and the high molecular weight TMC (TMC-H) polymers were 74.7 % and 48.5 % respectively. The mean molecular weights of the synthesised TMC-M and TMC-H polymers were 64 100 g/mole and 233 700 g/mole respectively. The effect of different concentrations TMC-M and TMC-H on chitosan microbeads was studied with results obtained from scanning electron microscopy (SEM), TMC loading capacity and microbead swelling behaviour. After selection of the most suitable TMC concentration, the effect of varying concentration (0.1, 0.2 and 0.5 %) additives on TMC and ibuprofen release was studied. Commonly used modified cellulose gum (Ac-di-sol®(ADS)), sodium starch glycolate (Explotab®(EXP)) and ascorbic acid (AA) were added as disintegrants to different microbead formulations to promote release of both the ibuprofen as model drug and TMC from the beads. It was noticed that the loading (% drug loading capacity) of TMC-M was much lower than that obtained with TMC-H while the inclusion of different additives in varying concentrations did not seem to have a profound influence on the loading of either TMC-M or TMC-H. It was further noticed from the fit factors (f1 and f2) for dissolution profiles of eighteen chitosan microbead variations that the formulation containing TMC-H and 0.5% (w/v) ascorbic acid was the only formulation with a significantly higher ibuprofen and TMC-H release profile compared to all other formulations tested. The chitosan microbead formulation containing 2%(w/v) TMC-H and 0.5 % (w/v) ascorbic acid (H-AA-0.5) was used for in vitro absorption studies through rat intestine in Sweetana-Grass diffusion chambers. Chitosan containing TMC-H (no ascorbic acid) (CHIT-H) only and a plain chitosan microbead (CHIT) formulation was used as control formulations during the in vitro studies. Although the H-AA-0.5 formulation exhibited the highest transport rate for ibuprofen, the mean rate of transport (P app) obtained from the two formulations containing TMCH (CHIT-H and H-AA-0.5) showed no significant difference in the transport rate of ibuprofen. Compared to the CHlT formulation as control, both formulations containing TMC-H exhibited increased ibuprofen transport across in vitro rat jejunum. However, a statistical significant increase in transport was obtained only from the H-AA-0.5 formulation in comparison with the CHlT formulation. It can be concluded that the combination of high molecular weight TMC with a low degree of quaternisation and ascorbic acid (0.5% w/v) in a chitosan microbead lead to a statistical significant increase in the in vitro transport rate of ibuprofen through rat jejunum. / Thesis (Ph.D. (Pharmaceutics))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2006.

The absorption enhancing ability of chitosan, a linear polysaccharide, is mediated by protonated amino groups on the C-2 position of the molecules that induce interaction with the anionic sites on the cell membranes to subsequently alter tight junction integrity. In neutral and basic environments, such as those found in the small and large intestines, most chitosan molecules will lose their charge and precipitate from solution rendering it ineffective as an absorption enhancer. To increase the solubility of this polymer, methylation of the amino groups on the C- 2 position was proposed. A partially quaternised and water soluble derivative of chitosan, N-trimethyl chitosan chloride (TMC), which exhibits superior solubility in a basic environment compared with other chitosan salts was synthesised and included in a chitosan microbead solid drug delivery system. Two TMC derivatives were synthesised by reductive methylation from high and medium molecular weight Chitoclear™ chitosan respectively. The degree of quaternisation calculated from the 1H-NMR spectra for the medium molecular weight TMC (TMC-M) and the high molecular weight TMC (TMC-H) polymers were 74.7 % and 48.5 % respectively. The mean molecular weights of the synthesised TMC-M and TMC-H polymers were 64 100 g/mole and 233 700 g/mole respectively. The effect of different concentrations TMC-M and TMC-H on chitosan microbeads was studied with results obtained from scanning electron microscopy (SEM), TMC loading capacity and microbead swelling behaviour. After selection of the most suitable TMC concentration, the effect of varying concentration (0.1, 0.2 and 0.5 %) additives on TMC and ibuprofen release was studied. Commonly used modified cellulose gum (Ac-di-sol®(ADS)), sodium starch glycolate (Explotab®(EXP)) and ascorbic acid (AA) were added as disintegrants to different microbead formulations to promote release of both the ibuprofen as model drug and TMC from the beads. It was noticed that the loading (% drug loading capacity) of TMC-M was much lower than that obtained with TMC-H while the inclusion of different additives in varying concentrations did not seem to have a profound influence on the loading of either TMC-M or TMC-H. It was further noticed from the fit factors (f1 and f2) for dissolution profiles of eighteen chitosan microbead variations that the formulation containing TMC-H and 0.5% (w/v) ascorbic acid was the only formulation with a significantly higher ibuprofen and TMC-H release profile compared to all other formulations tested. The chitosan microbead formulation containing 2%(w/v) TMC-H and 0.5 % (w/v) ascorbic acid (H-AA-0.5) was used for in vitro absorption studies through rat intestine in Sweetana-Grass diffusion chambers. Chitosan containing TMC-H (no ascorbic acid) (CHIT-H) only and a plain chitosan microbead (CHIT) formulation was used as control formulations during the in vitro studies. Although the H-AA-0.5 formulation exhibited the highest transport rate for ibuprofen, the mean rate of transport (P app) obtained from the two formulations containing TMCH (CHIT-H and H-AA-0.5) showed no significant difference in the transport rate of ibuprofen. Compared to the CHlT formulation as control, both formulations containing TMC-H exhibited increased ibuprofen transport across in vitro rat jejunum. However, a statistical significant increase in transport was obtained only from the H-AA-0.5 formulation in comparison with the CHlT formulation. It can be concluded that the combination of high molecular weight TMC with a low degree of quaternisation and ascorbic acid (0.5% w/v) in a chitosan microbead lead to a statistical significant increase in the in vitro transport rate of ibuprofen through rat jejunum. / Thesis (Ph.D. (Pharmaceutics))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2006.

This thesis is focused on the development of a gene delivery system, especially for the purpose of DNA vaccination. DNA expression vectors have the potential to be useful therapeutics for a wide variety of applications. A carrier system was designed to realize the delivery of genes to cells and the promotion of controlled adequate expression in the target cells. The low gene delivery efficiency observed with systems composed of polyplexes is mainly due to low stability of polycation e.g polyethylenimine-DNA complexes and inability of most of the complexes to the reach nucleus after entering the cells. The encapsulation of polyethylenimine-DNA complexes inside the alginate microspheres was expected to provide protection from nuclease-based attack, thereby, increasing the stability of the complex and also to achieve controlled release of the complex at the target tissue. In this study, controlled release of complexes from alginate microspheres was studied with DNA staining. In Tris-HCl buffer, the release of PEI-DNA complexes were completed in 48 h, however in cell culture medium (DMEM) 18 % of complexes were released in 48 h because of presence of Ca+2 ions in DMEM. Also, in order to provide mucosal gene delivery for mucosal immunization polyethylene glycol (PEG) was introduced into the composition of microspheres and the two systems were compared in terms of release kinetics of the complexes. In the presence of PEG, release of PEI-DNA complexes from alginate microspheres in the cell culture medium (DMEM) were enhanced and 50 % of PEI-DNA were released from the microspheres in 48 h. To understand the effect of the PEG on the surface of microspheres zeta potential analysis and microscopic examination were carried out. By increasing percentage of PEG (0, 15, 30, 50) in microspheres, less negative zeta potential value were measured. Mucoadhesion of alginate and PEG-alginate microspheres were evaluated by using modified microbalance method, and in the presence of PEG enhancement of mucoadhesion was observed. In this way a gene delivery system with a possible route through mucosa of tissues was prepared.

A inexistência de um agente terapêutico único satisfatório para o tratamento do melanoma metastático e a potencialidade do quimioterápico 5FU (5-fluorouracil) motivou esta pesquisa, a qual teve por objetivo o desenvolvimento tecnológico de sistemas carreadores micro-/ e nanoestruturados contendo 5FU a fim de aumentar sua eficácia terapêutica e reduzir a toxicidade por meio da administração pulmonar. Duas formulações pulverulentas foram desenvolvidas com polímeros naturais, sulfato de condroitina e hidroxipropil-metil-celulose, denominadas 5FU-MS e 5FU-NS, utilizando as técnicas de aspersão e atomização vibracional piezoelétrica, respectivamente. Ambas as formulações foram avaliadas quanto às características físicas e químicas, perfil toxicológico in vivo (C. elegans e em ratos Wistar), e penetração e biodisponibilidade no tecido pulmonar pela quantificação da fração livre de fármaco por microdiálise pulmonar. A análise físico-química revelou a obtenção de partículas micrométricas para 5FU-MS e submicrométricas para 5FU-NS, com diâmetros médios de partícula de 2,546 ± 0,07 m e 0,652 ± 0,03 m, e fração respirável (FR%) de 55,12 ± 2,98 e 76,84 ± 0,07, respectivamente. Ambas demonstraram características e propriedades adequadas para administração pulmonar, com capacidade de deposição nas porções média e profunda. A toxicidade das formulações avaliada em C. elegans considerou o percentual de morte, desenvolvimento, DL50 e produção de ROS para os nematodos sob tratamento agudo e crônico. Os resultados evidenciaram redução significativa da toxicidade proporcionada pela redução da taxa de morte e maior desenvolvimento dos grupos tratados com as formulações 5FU-MS e 5FU-NS em comparação ao fármaco livre, sugerindo perfis de segurança satisfatórios para administração. Além disso, 5FU-MS revelou-se um agente pró-oxidante, representando um diferencial promissor deste sistema, podendo alcançar maior sensibilização das células tumorais com menores doses. A toxicidade pulmonar aguda foi avaliada pela análise de LDH e proteínas totais no fluido de lavagem bronco-alveolar (BALF) após a administração combinada das formulações 5FU-MS e 5FU-NS para administração como um sistema terapêutico único (5FU-MS/NS), e análise de dano tecidual pulmonar em ratos. Os resultados da análise bioquímica e histológica indicaram o baixo potencial de indução de lesão tecidual a partir da administração pulmonar combinada das formulações, em relação ao fármaco livre. A análise do perfil farmacocinético por microdiálise pulmonar evidenciou o êxito no desenvolvimento dos sistemas carreadores, tornando possível duplicar o t1/2 do 5FU e aumentar significativamente a biodisponibilidade no tecido pulmonar. Os resultados obtidos indicam a eficiência das formulações 5FU-MS e 5FU-NS em alcançar os benefícios terapêuticos do fármaco 5FU com menores doses e maiores intervalos de administração. Este trabalho de tese apresenta uma abordagem promissora na terapia de neoplasias com recorrência de metástase pulmonar. / The absence of a single therapeutic agent suitable for the treatment of metastatic melanoma and the potential of 5FU chemotherapy (5-fluorouracil) motivated this study, which aimed the development of carrier systems based on micro-/ and nanostructures containing 5FU to increase the therapeutic efficacy and reduce toxicity of this drug by pulmonary administration. Two different formulations of dry powders were developed with natural polymers, chondroitin sulfate and hydroxypropyl-methyl-cellulose, denomined 5FU-MS and 5FU-NS, using the spray-drying and vibrational piezoelectric atomization techniques, respectively. Both formulations were evaluated in terms of physico-chemical characteristics, in vivo toxicological behaviors (C. elegans and in Wistar rats), bioavailability and penetration in the lung tissue by quantifying of drug free fraction by lung microdialysis. The physicochemical analysis showed that were obtained as micrometric (5FU-MS) and submicron particles (5FU-NS), with average diameters of particle 2.546 ± 0.07 m and 0.652 ± 0.03 m, and respirable fraction (FR%) of 55.12 ± 2.98 and 76.84 ± 0.07, respectively. Both showed suitable characteristics and properties for pulmonary delivery, with deposition capacity in the middle and deep lung portions. The toxicity of the formulations evaluated in C. elegans considered the death rate, body development, DL50 and production of ROS to nematodes under acute and chronic treatment. The results showed significant reduction of toxicity, reducing the death rate and greater development of the groups treated with 5FU-MS and 5FU-NS formulations compared to the free drug, suggesting satisfactory safety profile for administration. In addition, 5FU-MS proved to be a pro-oxidant agent, representing a promising differential of this system which can achieve greater sensitization of tumoral cells with lower doses. Acute pulmonary toxicity was evaluated by analyzing LDH, and total protein in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) after combined administration of 5FU-MS formulations and 5FU-NS for administration as a single therapeutic system (5FU-MS/NS) and analysis of lung tissue damage in rats. The results of biochemical and histological analysis indicated the low potential to induce tissue damage from the pulmonary administration of combined formulations, compared to free drug. Analysis of the pharmacokinetic profile for pulmonary microdialysis showed the successful development of carrier systems, making it possible to double the t1/2 of 5FU and significantly increase bioavailability in lung tissue. The results indicate the effectiveness of the formulations 5FU-MS and 5FU-NS in achieving the therapeutic benefits of the drug 5FU at lower doses and higher dosing intervals. This thesis work presents a promising approach to cancer therapy with lung metastasis recurrence.