The purpose of this research project was to develop and characterise matrix type microspheres prepared from Eudragit® L100, containing insulin as model peptide drug as well as an absorption enhancer, N-trimethyl chitosan chloride (TMC), to improve intestinal absorption via the paracellular route. Insulin loaded microspheres were prepared using a single water in oil emulsification/evaporation method in accordance with a fractional factorial design (23) and subsequently characterised in terms of morphology as well as internal structure. Also, insulin and TMC loading were determined using a high pressure liquid chromatography analysis (HPLC) and colorimetric assay, respectively. Scanning electron microscopic characterisation revealed that most microsphere formulations showed a spherical shape and smooth surface with a sponge-like internal structure as well as relatively good homogeneity in terms of size distribution. Insulin loading ranged from 27.9 ± 14.25 – 52.4 ± 2.72% between the different formulations. TMC loading was lower than for insulin and ranged from 29.1 ± 3.3 - 37.7 ± 2.3% between the different formulations. The pronounced difference in insulin and TMC loading between the microsphere formulations is probably the result of the multitude parameters involved as well as the complex physicochemical processes which govern emulsification/solvent evaporation. Based on the microsphere characterisation results, two formulations were selected (i.e. B and F) for further characterisation (i.e. particle size distribution, dissolution behaviour, and enteric nature) and for in vitro evaluation of insulin transport across excised Fischer (FSR) rat intestinal tissue using a Sweetana-Grass diffusion chamber. Particle size analysis by means of laser light diffraction of the two selected microsphere formulations revealed that the mean particle size (based on volume) ranged from 135.7 ± 41.05 to 157.3 ± 31.74 m. Dissolution results for microsphere Formulations B and F revealed that both insulin and TMC were released from the microsphere formulations in an alkaline environment (pH 7.4). The mean dissolution time (MDT) for insulin ranged from 34.5 ± 4.01 to 42.6 ± 9.06 min, while the MDT for TMC ranged from 1.2 ± 1.73 to 6.8 ± 6.42 min. Statistical analysis revealed no significant differences in the MDT of either insulin or TMC (p-value > 0.05) between the two formulations, although the difference between insulin and TMC of each formulation was significant (p-value < 0.05). Microsphere formulations B and F released 36.92 and 48.21% of their total drug content over a period of 1 h in 0.1 M HCl. Microsphere Formulation B showed 8.3 ± 0.52% and formulation F 8.9 ± 2.26% transport of the initial insulin dose after a period of 120 min across excised rat intestinal tissue. The increase in insulin transport by the microsphere formulations compared to that of the control group (i.e. insulin alone) correlated well with the decrease in transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) caused by the microsphere formulations. The transport of insulin from Formulations B and F represented transport enhancement ratios of 10.67 and 9.68, respectively. Insulin loaded EudragitL100 microspheres containing TMC were successfully prepared by emulsification/solvent evaporation that demonstrated promising potential to serve as oral drug delivery systems for insulin. The microspheres exhibited improved insulin permeability across intestinal epithelial tissue; however, its enteric properties should be improved and clinical effectiveness need to be confirmed by future in vivo studies. / Thesis (MSc (Pharmaceutics))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013.

The purpose of this research project was to develop and characterise matrix type microspheres prepared from Eudragit® L100, containing insulin as model peptide drug as well as an absorption enhancer, N-trimethyl chitosan chloride (TMC), to improve intestinal absorption via the paracellular route. Insulin loaded microspheres were prepared using a single water in oil emulsification/evaporation method in accordance with a fractional factorial design (23) and subsequently characterised in terms of morphology as well as internal structure. Also, insulin and TMC loading were determined using a high pressure liquid chromatography analysis (HPLC) and colorimetric assay, respectively. Scanning electron microscopic characterisation revealed that most microsphere formulations showed a spherical shape and smooth surface with a sponge-like internal structure as well as relatively good homogeneity in terms of size distribution. Insulin loading ranged from 27.9 ± 14.25 – 52.4 ± 2.72% between the different formulations. TMC loading was lower than for insulin and ranged from 29.1 ± 3.3 - 37.7 ± 2.3% between the different formulations. The pronounced difference in insulin and TMC loading between the microsphere formulations is probably the result of the multitude parameters involved as well as the complex physicochemical processes which govern emulsification/solvent evaporation. Based on the microsphere characterisation results, two formulations were selected (i.e. B and F) for further characterisation (i.e. particle size distribution, dissolution behaviour, and enteric nature) and for in vitro evaluation of insulin transport across excised Fischer (FSR) rat intestinal tissue using a Sweetana-Grass diffusion chamber. Particle size analysis by means of laser light diffraction of the two selected microsphere formulations revealed that the mean particle size (based on volume) ranged from 135.7 ± 41.05 to 157.3 ± 31.74 m. Dissolution results for microsphere Formulations B and F revealed that both insulin and TMC were released from the microsphere formulations in an alkaline environment (pH 7.4). The mean dissolution time (MDT) for insulin ranged from 34.5 ± 4.01 to 42.6 ± 9.06 min, while the MDT for TMC ranged from 1.2 ± 1.73 to 6.8 ± 6.42 min. Statistical analysis revealed no significant differences in the MDT of either insulin or TMC (p-value > 0.05) between the two formulations, although the difference between insulin and TMC of each formulation was significant (p-value < 0.05). Microsphere formulations B and F released 36.92 and 48.21% of their total drug content over a period of 1 h in 0.1 M HCl. Microsphere Formulation B showed 8.3 ± 0.52% and formulation F 8.9 ± 2.26% transport of the initial insulin dose after a period of 120 min across excised rat intestinal tissue. The increase in insulin transport by the microsphere formulations compared to that of the control group (i.e. insulin alone) correlated well with the decrease in transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) caused by the microsphere formulations. The transport of insulin from Formulations B and F represented transport enhancement ratios of 10.67 and 9.68, respectively. Insulin loaded EudragitL100 microspheres containing TMC were successfully prepared by emulsification/solvent evaporation that demonstrated promising potential to serve as oral drug delivery systems for insulin. The microspheres exhibited improved insulin permeability across intestinal epithelial tissue; however, its enteric properties should be improved and clinical effectiveness need to be confirmed by future in vivo studies. / Thesis (MSc (Pharmaceutics))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013.

No description available.

L’épithélium intestinal est un exemple de tissu qui a évolué pour former une barrière. Cette barrière limite le passage de produits toxiques d’agents pathogènes à partir de la lumière vers les tissus, tout en absorbant les nutriments, électrolytes et l'eau nécessaire à l'hôte. Les jonctions serrées sont des structures qui limitent le passage de la matière à travers l'espace intercellulaire. La capacité de mesurer le transport à travers cette barrière est d'une importance capitale car elle fournit des renseignements sur l’état de celle-ci, révélatrice de certains états pathologiques, puisque la perturbation ou dysfonctionnement des jonctions serrées est souvent due à ou est un indicatif de toxicité ou de maladie. En outre, le degré d'intégrité de la barrière est un indicateur clé de la pertinence d'un modèle in vitro particulier pour une utilisation en toxicologie et screening de médicaments. L'avènement de l'électronique organique a créé une occasion unique pour connecter les mondes de l'électronique et de la biologie, à l'aide des dispositifs tels que le transistor électrochimique organique (OECT), qui fournisse un moyen très sensible pour détecter des courants ioniques. Ces dispositifs ont une sensibilité sans précédent, dans un format qui peut être produit en masse à faible coût.Le but de cette étude était d'intégrer une couche de cellules représentative de la barrière gastro intestinale avec des OECTs, pour créer des dispositifs qui permettent de détecter les perturbations de cette barrière d’une manière rapide et sensible. Cette technique a était démontrée pour être au minimum aussi sensible mais d’une rapidité supérieure que les techniques actuelles sur le marché. / In biological systems, different tissues have evolved to form a barrier. An example is the intestinal epithelium, consisting of a single layer of cells lining the wall of the stomach and colon. It restricts the passage of harmful chemicals or pathogens from the light into the tissue, while selectively absorbing the most nutrients, electrolytes and water are necessary for the host. Tight junctions are structures which limit the passage of the material through the space between the cells. The ability to measure the paracellular and transcellular transport is of vital importance because it provides a wealth of information on the state of the barrier, indicative of certain disease states , since the disruption or malfunction of the structures involved in the transport through the tissue barrier is often caused or is indicative of toxicity or disease. In addition, the degree of integrity of the barrier is a key indicator of the relevance of a particular model in vitro for use in toxicology and drug screening. The advent of organic electronics has created a unique opportunity to connect the worlds of electronics and biology, using devices such as organic electrochemical transistor (OECT), which provides a very sensitive way to detect ionic currents. These devices have unprecedented sensitivity in a format that can be mass produced at low cost.The purpose of this study was to integrate a monolayer of cells representative of the gastro intestinal barrier with OECTs , to create devices that detect disruptions of the barrier in a timely and sensitive manner. This technique was demonstrated to be at least as sensitive, but a higher speed than current techniques on the market

In biological systems, different tissues have evolved to form a barrier. An example is the intestinal epithelium, consisting of a single layer of cells lining the wall of the stomach and colon. It restricts the passage of harmful chemicals or pathogens from the light into the tissue, while selectively absorbing the most nutrients, electrolytes and water are necessary for the host. Tight junctions are structures which limit the passage of the material through the space between the cells. The ability to measure the paracellular and transcellular transport is of vital importance because it provides a wealth of information on the state of the barrier, indicative of certain disease states , since the disruption or malfunction of the structures involved in the transport through the tissue barrier is often caused or is indicative of toxicity or disease. In addition, the degree of integrity of the barrier is a key indicator of the relevance of a particular model in vitro for use in toxicology and drug screening. The advent of organic electronics has created a unique opportunity to connect the worlds of electronics and biology, using devices such as organic electrochemical transistor (OECT), which provides a very sensitive way to detect ionic currents. These devices have unprecedented sensitivity in a format that can be mass produced at low cost.The purpose of this study was to integrate a monolayer of cells representative of the gastro intestinal barrier with OECTs , to create devices that detect disruptions of the barrier in a timely and sensitive manner. This technique was demonstrated to be at least as sensitive, but a higher speed than current techniques on the market

Introduction Oral delivery of proteins faces numerous challenges due to their enzymatic susceptibility and instability in the gastrointestinal tract. In recent years, the polyelectrolyte complexes have been explored for their ability to complex protein and protect them against chemical and enzymatic degradation. However, most of the conventional binary polyelectrolyte complexes (PECs) are formed by polycations which are associated with toxicity and non-specific bio-interactions. The aim of this thesis was to prepare a series of ternary polyelectrolyte complexes (APECs) by introduction of a polyanion in the binary complexes to alleviate the aforementioned limitations. Method Eight non-insulin loaded ternary complexes (NIL APECs) were spontaneously formed upon mixing a polycation [polyallylamine (PAH), palmitoyl grafted-PAH (Pa2.5), dimethylamino-1-naphthalenesulfonyl grafted-PAH (Da10) or quaternised palmitoyl-PAH (QPa2.5)] with a polyanion [dextran sulphate (DS) or polyacrylic acid (PAA)] at 2:1 ratio, in the presence of ZnSO4 (4μM). A model protein i.e., insulin was added to a polycation, prior to addition of a polyanion and ZnSO4 to form eight insulin loaded (IL) APECs. PECs were used as a control to compare APECs. The complexes were characterised by dynamic light scattering (DLS) and transmission electron microscope (TEM). In vitro stability of the complexes was investigated at pH (1.2-7.4), temperature (25˚C, 37˚C and 45˚C) and ionic strength (NaCl-68mM, 103mM and 145mM). Insulin complexation efficiency was assessed by using bovine insulin ELISA assay kit. The in vitro cytotoxicity was investigated on CaCo2 and J774 cells by MTT (3-4,5 dimethyl thialzol2,5 diphenyl tetrazolium bromide) assay. All complexes were evaluated for their haemocompatibility by using haemolysis assay, oxidative stress by reactive oxygen species (ROS) assay and immunotoxicity by in vitro and in vivo cytokine generation assay. The potential of the uptake of complexes across CaCo2 cells was determined by flow cytometry and fluorescent microscopy. The underlying mechanism of transport of complexes was determined by TEER measurement, assessment of FITC-Dextran and insulin transport across CaCo2 cells. 15 Results NIL QPa2.5 APECs (except IL QPa2.5-DS) exhibited larger hydrodynamic sizes (228-468nm) than all other APECs, due to the presence of bulky quaternary ammonium moieties. QPa2.5 APECs exhibited lower insulin association efficiency (≤40%) than other APECs (≥55%) due to a competition between the polyanion and insulin for QPa2.5 leading to reduced association of insulin in the complexes. DS based APECs generally offered higher insulin association efficiency (≥75%) than PAA based APECs (≤55%) due to higher molecular weight (6-10kDa) of DS. In comparison to other complexes, Pa2.5 PECs and APECs were more stable at varying temperature, ionic strength and pH due to the presence of long palmitoyl alkyl chain (C16) which reduced the chain flexibility and provided stronger hydrophobic association. The cytotoxicity of polycations on CaCo2 and J774 cells is rated as PAH>Da10=Pa2.5>QPa2.5. The introduction of PAA in Pa2.5 and Da10 brought most significant improvement in IC50 i.e., 14 fold and 16 fold respectively on CaCo2 cells; 9.3 fold and 3.73 fold respectively on J774 cells. In comparison to other complexes, Da10 (8mgml-1) induced higher haemolytic activity (~37%) due to a higher hydrophobic load of 10 percent mole grafting of dansyl pendants. The entire range of APECs displayed ≤12% ROS generation by the CaCo2 cells. The degree of in vitro TNFα production (QPa2.5≥Da10≥Pa2.5=PAH) and in vitro IL-6 generation (QPa2.5≥Pa2.5=PAH≥Da10) by J774 cells established an inverse relationship of cytotoxicity with the cytokine generation. Similar to MTT data, the introduction of PAA in APECs brought more significant reduction in in vitro cytokine secretion than DS based APECs. Pa2.5-PAA brought the most significant reduction in both in vitro and in vivo cytokine generation. All the formulations were able to significantly reduce original TEER, however did not demonstrate appreciable paracellular permeation of a hydrophilic macromolecular tracer of paracellular transport i.e., FITC Dextran. The uptake study revealed internalisation of APECs predominantly by a transcellular route. Transcellular uptake of IL QPa2.5 (≤73%), IL QPa2.5-DS (67%) was higher than their NIL counterparts, whereas the uptake of NIL Pa2.5 (≤89%), NIL Pa2.5-PAA (42%) was higher than their IL counterparts. Conclusion In essence, amphiphilic APECs have shown polyanion dependent ability to reduce polycation associated toxicity and they are able to facilitate transcellular uptake of insulin across CaCo2 cells.