Development and In Vitro Evaluation of Propranolol Hydrochloride Controlled Release Tablets Using HPMC as Matrix Former

The purpose of this paper was to produce controlled-release matrices with 120 mg of propranolol hydrochloride (PHCl) employing hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC, Methocel (R) K100) as the gel forming barrier. Although this class of polymers has been commonly used for direct compression, with the intent of use reduced polymer concentrations to achieve controlled drug release, in this study tablets were produced by the wet granulation process. HPMC percentages ranged from 15-34 % and both soluble and non soluble diluents were tested in the 10 proposed tablet compositions. Dissolution testing of matrices was performed over a 12 h period in 1.2 pH medium (the first 2 h) and in pH 6.8 (10 h). Dissolution kinetic analysis was performed by applying Zero-order, First-order and Higuchi models with the aim of elucidating the drug release mechanism. All physical-chemical characteristics such as average weight, friability, hardness, diameter, height, and drug content were in accordance to the pharmacopeial specifications. Taking into account that PHCl is a very soluble drug, low concentrations (15 %) of HPMC were sufficient to reduce the drug release and to promote controlled release of PHCl, presenting good dissolution efficiencies, between 50 % and 63 %. The Higuchi model has presented the best fit to the 15 % HPMC formulations, indicating that the main release mechanism was diffusion. It could be concluded that the application of the wet granulation method reduced matrices erosion and promoted controlled release of the drug at low HPMC percentages.

Spectrophotometric determination of fenoterol hydrobromide in pharmaceutical preparations

A simple spectrophotometric method has been developed,for the determination of fenoterol hydrobromide (FH) in tablets, drops and syrup, as the only active principle and associated with ibuprofen. The method is based on the oxidative coupling reaction of the FH with 3-methyl-2-benzothiazolinone hydrazone (MBTH) and ceric sulphate as oxidant reagent. The mixture of the drug, MBTH and ceric sulfate, in acid medium, produces a red brown color compound, with absorption maximum at 475 nm. The calibration curve was linear over a concentration range from 3.0 to 12.0 mu g/mL, with correlation coefficient of 0.9998. The different experimental parameters affecting the development and stability of the color compound were carefully studied and optimized. The method was applied successfully to assay FH in dosage forms and simulated samples. The coefficient of variation was from 0.25 % to 0.82 % and average recoveries of the standard from 98 % to 102 %. The excipients (tablets and drops) did not interfere in the analysis and the results showed that method can be used for determination of the FH isolated or associated with ibuprofen with precision, accuracy and specificity. In case of syrup, the interference in the analysis suggests a possible reaction between vehicle components with MBTH.

Emulsified systems based on glyceryl monostearate and potassium cetyl phosphate: Scale-up and characterization of physical properties

introducing a pharmaceutical product on the market involves several stages of research. The scale-up stage comprises the integration of previous phases of development and their integration. This phase is extremely important since many process limitations which do not appear on the small scale become significant on the transposition to a large one. Since scientific literature presents only a few reports about the characterization of emulsified systems involving their scaling-up, this research work aimed at evaluating physical properties of non-ionic and anionic emulsions during their manufacturing phases: laboratory stage and scale-up. Prototype non-ionic (glyceryl monostearate) and anionic (potassium cetyl phosphate) emulsified systems had the physical properties by the determination of the droplet size (D[4,3 1, mu m) and rheology profile. Transposition occurred from a batch of 500-50,000 g. Semi-industrial manufacturing involved distinct conditions: intensity of agitation and homogenization. Comparing the non-ionic and anionic systems, it was observed that anionic emulsifiers generated systems with smaller droplet size and higher viscosity in laboratory scale. Besides that, for the concentrations tested, augmentation of the glyceryl monostearate emulsifier content provided formulations with better physical characteristics. For systems with potassium cetyl phosphate, droplet size increased with the elevation of the emulsifier concentration, suggesting inadequate stability. The scale-up provoked more significant alterations on the rheological profile and droplet size on the anionic systems than the non-ionic. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Quantitative Determination of Gemifloxacin Mesylate in Tablets by Capillary Zone Electrophoresis and High Performance Liquid Chromatography

The aim of this study was to develop and validate selective and sensitive methods for quantitative determination of an antibacterial agent, gemifloxacin, in tablets by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE). The HPLC method was carried out on a LiChrospher (R) 100 RP-8e, 5 mu m (125 x 4 mm) column with a mobile phase composed of tetrahydrofuran-water (25:75, v/v) with 0.5 % of triethylamine and pH adjusted to 3.0 with orthophosphoric acid. The CZE method was performed using 50 mM sodium tetraborate buffer (pH 8.6). Samples were injected hydrodynamicaly (0.5 psi, 5 s) and the electrophoretic system was operated under normal polarity, at +20 kV and capillary temperature of 18 degrees C. A fused-silica capillary 40.2 cm (30 cm effective length) x 75 mu m i.d. was used. Both, HPLC and CZE could be interesting and efficient techniques to be applied for quality control in pharmaceutical industries.

Development and validation of a method for quantitative determination of econazole nitrate in cream formulation by capillary zone electrophoresis

A simple, fast, inexpensive and reliable capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE) method for the determination of econazole nitrate in cream formulations has been developed and validated. Optimum conditions comprised a pH 2.5 phosphate buffer at 20 mmol L(-1) concentration, +30 kV applied voltage in a 31.5 cm x 50 mu m I.D. capillary. Direct UV detection at 200 nm led to an adequate sensitivity without interference from sample excipients. A single extraction step of the cream sample in hydrochloric acid was performed prior to injection. Imidazole (100 mu g mL(-1)) was used as internal standard. Econazole nitrate migrates in approximately 1.2 min. The analytical curve presented a coefficient of correlation of 0.9995. Detection and quantitation limits were 1.85 and 5.62 mu g mL(-1), respectively. Excellent accuracy and precision were obtained. Recoveries varied from 98.1 to 102.5% and intra- and inter-day precisions, calculated as relative standard deviation (RSD), were better than 2.0%. The proposed CZE method presented advantageous performance characteristics and it can be considered suitable for the quality control of econazole nitrate cream formulations. (c) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Stability and in vitro penetration study of rutin incorporated in a cosmetic emulsion through an alternative model biomembrane

Rutin is employed as antioxidant and to prevent the capillary fragility and, when incorporated in cosmetic emulsions, it must target the action site. In vitro cutaneous penetration studies through human skin is the ideal situation, however, there are difficulties to obtain and to maintain this tissue viability. Among the membrane models, shed snake skin presents itself as pure stratum corneum, providing barrier function similar to human and it is obtained without the animal sacrifice. The objectives of this research were the development and stability evaluation of a cosmetic emulsion containing rutin and propylene glycol (penetration enhancer) and the evaluation or rutin in vitro cutaneous penetration and retention from the emulsion, employing an alternative model biomembrane. Emulsion was developed with rutin and propylene glycol, both at 5.0% w/w. Active substance presented on the formulation was quantified by a validated spectrophotometric method at 361.0 nm. Rutin Rutin cutaneous penetration and retention was performed in vertical diffusion cells with shed snake skin of Crotalus durissus, as alternative model biomembrane, and distilled water and ethanol 99.5% (1:1), as receptor fluid. The experiment was conducted for six hours, at 37.0 +/- 0.5 degrees C with constant stirring of 300 rpm. Spectrophotometry at 410.0 nm, previously validated, determined the active substance after cutaneous penetration/ retention. Emulsion did not promote rutin cutaneous penetration through C. durissus skin, retaining 0.931 +/- 0.0391 mu g rutin/mg shed snake skin. The referred formulation was chemically stable for 30 days after stored at 25.0 +/- 2.0 degrees C, 5.0 +/- 0.5 degrees C and 45.0 +/- 0.5 degrees C. In conclusion, it has not been verified the active cutaneous penetration through the model biomembrane, but only its retention on the Crotalus durissus stratum corneum, condition considered stable for 30 days.

Rutin association with ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate and benzophenone-3: In vitro evaluation of the photoprotection effectiveness by reflectance spectrophotometry

There is a world tendency to the development of sunscreens possessing reduced concentration of UV filters and, yet, with high UVA-UVB protection. This research work proposes the development and in vitro efficacy evaluation of sunscreens containing rutin, an antioxidant flavonol, associated or not to UVA (benzophenone-3) and UVB (ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate) filters. Formulations were in vitro assayed by reflectance spectrophotometry with integrated sphere, regarding the following parameters: estimated sun protection factor (SPF), critical wavelength (nm) and UVA/UVB ratio. Rutin 0.1% w/w photoprotection efficacy presented dependent of the concentration and presence of the UVA and UVB filters, and it was verified synergism on the SPF elevation, from 7.34 +/- 0.24 to 9.97 +/- 0.18, when the flavonoid was associated with the filters in minimum concentrations. Isolated rutin exerted UVA protection superior to the formulation not added to UV filters and their associations.

Influence of Pluronic (R) F68 on Ceftazidime Biological Activity in Parenteral Solutions

beta-Lactam antimicrobials are known to have a low concentration/therapeutic response. However, extending the period in which beta-lactam are free in the plasma does directly influence therapeutic outcomes. The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of Pluronic (R) F68 on the antimicrobial activity of ceftazidime when admixed with aminophylline in parenteral solutions by the evaluation of its minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) within 24 h. Ceftazidime, aminophylline, and Pluronics (R) F68 were evaluated using the MIC method against Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, with these compounds individually and associated in the same parenteral solutions. When Pluronics (R) F68 was admixtured with ceftazidime alone or with ceftazidime and aminophylline, it was possible to observe lower MIC values not only at 24 h but also at 0 h for both microorganisms. This indicates that Pluronics (R) F68 may be able to enhance ceftazidime antimicrobial activity in the presence or absence of aminophylline. This fact suggests that Pluronics (R) F68 can be applied to allow the administration of ceftazidime under continuous infusion in parenteral solutions, beneficiating hospital pharmacotherapy. It may also be possible to reduce ceftazidime doses in formulations achieving the same therapeutic results. (C) 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc. and the American Pharmacists Association J Pharm Sci 100:715-720, 2011

Transient process in ice creams evaluated by laser speckles

When a coherent light beam is scattered from a colloidal medium, in the observation plane, appears a random grainy image known as speckle pattern. The time evolution of this interference image carries information about the ensemble-averaged dynamics of the scatterer particles. The aim of this work was to evaluate the use of dynamic speckles as an alternative tool to monitoring frozen foams formulated with glucose and fructose syrups. Ice creams, after preparation and packing, were stored at 18 degrees C. Changes in properties of products were analyzed by speckle phenomena at three room temperatures (20 degrees C, 25 degrees C and 30 degrees C), minute by minute, during 50 min. Two moments were identified in which samples activity achieved significant levels. These instants were associated, respectively, to ice crystals melting and to air bubbles dissipation into the food matrix causing motion of diverse structures. As expected, ice crystals melting was first in formulations containing fructose syrup, but for same samples, air losses were delayed. Speckle methodology was satisfactory to observe temporal evolution of transient process, opening goods prospects to application, still incoming, in foodstuffs researches. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

EGG ALBUMIN AND GUAR GUM INFLUENCE ON FOAM THIXOTROPY

Food foams may be defined as products containing a gaseous phase stabilized in a matrix containing water and proteins. The rheology of a foam can be altered by how the air bubbles inside are organized, its size and shape, allowing a product that was initially fluid to be molded, like marshmallow. Rheology makes possible to understand how these properties are affected using dynamic oscillatory measurements to evaluate the behavior through G` and G `, and rotational to characterize the product through stress, and viscosity curves under controlled shear stress. These two methodologies combined are useful to analyze thixotropy. Nine formulations containing albumin and gelatin, and five others containing guar gum were evaluated by oscillatory rheology focusing thixotropy determination. Replacing gelatin by guar gum elasticity and thixotropy were increased, improving film stability around the air bubbles. It is possible to say that gelatin can be replaced by guar gum at concentrations of 0.4%, creating a product with a better ability of structure recovery. PRACTICAL APPLICATION This study indicated an important role of thixotropic analysis choice to understand the behavior of structure of products like foam. It was tested with three alternatives to get information about thixotropy of the products. It is very important for those who work with rheological analysis and products formulation.

A recombinant vaccine based on domain II of Plasmodium vivax Apical Membrane Antigen 1 induces high antibody titres in mice

The Apical Membrane Antigen 1 (AMA-1) is considered a promising candidate for development of a malaria vaccine against asexual stages of Plasmodium. We recently identified domain II (DII) of Plasmodium vivax AMA-1 (PvAMA-1) as a highly immunogenic region recognised by IgG antibodies present in many individuals during patent infection with P. vivax. The present study was designed to evaluate the immunogenic properties of a bacterial recombinant protein containing PvAMA-1 DII. To accomplish this, the recombinant protein was administered to mice in the presence of each of the following six adjuvants: Complete/Incomplete Freund`s Adjuvant (CFA/IFA), aluminium hydroxide (Alum), Quil A, QS21 saponin, CpG-ODN 1826 and TiterMax. We found that recombinant DII was highly immunogenic in BALB/c mice when administered in the presence of any of the tested adjuvants. Importantly, we show that DII-specific antibodies recognised the native AMA-1 protein expressed on the surface of P. vivax merozoites isolated from the blood of infected patients. These results demonstrate that a recombinant protein containing PvAMA-1 DII is immunogenic when administered in different adjuvant formulations, and indicate that this region of the AMA-1 protein should continue to be evaluated as part of a subunit vaccine against vivax malaria. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Determination of chlorpheniramine in human plasma by HPLC-ESI-MS/MS: application to a dexchlorpheniramine comparative bioavailability study

In the present study a fast, sensitive and robust validated method to quantify chlorpheniramine in human plasma using brompheniramine as internal standard (IS) is described. The analyte and the IS were extracted from plasma by LLE (diethyl ether-dichloromethane, 80:20, v/v) and analyzed by HPLC-ESI-MS/MS. Chromatographic separation was performed using a gradient of methanol from 35 to 90% with 2.5 mm NH(4)OH on a Gemini Phenomenex C(8) 5 mu m column (50 x 4.6 mm i.d.) in 5.0 min/run. The method fitted to a linear calibration curve (0.05-10 ng/mL, R > 0.9991). The precision (%CV) and accuracy ranged, respectively: intra-batch from 1.5 to 6.8% and 99.1 to 106.6%, and inter-batch from 2.4 to 9.0%, and 99.9 to 103.1%. The validated bioanalytical procedure was used to assess the comparative bioavailability in healthy volunteers of two dexchlorpheniramine 2.0 mg tablet formulations (test dexchlorpheniramine, Eurofarma, and reference Celestamine (R), Schering-Plough). The study was conducted using an open, randomized, two-period crossover design with a 2 week washout interval. Since the 90% confidence interval for C(max) and AUC ratios were all within the 80-125% interval proposed by ANVISA and FDA, it was concluded that test and reference formulations are bioequivalent concerning the rate and the extent of absorption. Copyright (C) 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Effect of natural pigments on the oxidative stability of sausages stored under refrigeration

The objective was to use natural pigments to replace sodium erythorbate (NaEry), a synthetic compound used as an antioxidant in sausage formulations, and to evaluate the oxidative stability of the samples. Six assays were prepared in which sodium erythorbate (ERY) at 0.05 g/100 g was substituted by norbixin (NOR), lycopene (LYC), zeaxanthin (ZEA), beta-carotene (CAR) or dextrose (used as a control (CON)). Physical, chemical, color, texture and sensory parameters were measured on the first day and after 45 days of storage at 4 degrees C. All pigments used in the sausage formulations were able to maintain the oxidative stability of the sausages (MDA equivalents <038 mg/kg). Zeaxanthin and norbixin were the most efficient antioxidants of those tested. This antioxidant effect might be associated with the intermediate polarities of these two compounds, which would allow them to concentrate in the membrane lipids or emulsion interface, where lipid oxidation is most prevalent. Other volatile secondary products of oxidation besides MDA should be evaluated in further studies involving natural pigments and sensory oxidative stability. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Host-guest complexation of a nitroheterocyclic compound with cyclodextrins: a spectrofluorimetric and molecular modeling study

Nitroheterocyclic compounds (NC) were candidate drugs proposed for Chagas disease chemotherapy. In this study, we investigated the complexation of hydroxymethylnitrofurazone (NFOH), a potential antichagasic compound, with alpha-cyclodextrin (alpha-CD), beta-cyclodextrin (beta-CD), Hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin (HP-beta-CD), Dimethyl-beta-cyclodextrin (DM-beta-CD) and gamma-cyclodextrin (gamma-CD) by fluorescence spectroscopy and molecular modeling studies. Hildebrand-Benesi equation was used to calculate the formation constants of NFOH with cyclodextrins based on the fluorescence differences in the CDs solution. The complexing capacity of NFOH with different CDs was compared through the results of association constant according to the following order: DM-beta-CD > beta-CD > alpha-CD > HP-beta-CD > gamma-CD. Molecular modeling studies give support for the experimental assignments, in favor of the formation of an inclusion complex between cyclodextrins with NFOH. This is an important study to investigate the effects of different kinds of cyclodextrins on the inclusion complex formation with NFOH and to better characterize a potential formulations to be used as therapeutic options for the oral treatment of Chagas disease.

UV-Derivative Spectrophotometric and Stability-Indicating High-Performance Liquid Chromatographic Methods for Determination of Simvastatin in Tablets

A stability-indicating high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) and a second-order derivative spectrophotometric (UVDS) analytical methods were validated and compared for determination of simvastatin in tablets. The HPLC method was performed with isocratic elution using a C18 column and a mobile phase composed of methanol:acetonitrile:water (60:20:20, v/v/v) at a flow rate of 1.0 ml/min. The detection was made at 239 nm. In UVDS method, methanol and water were used in first dilution and distilled water was used in consecutive dilutions and as background. The second-order derivative signal measurement was taken at 255 nm. Analytical curves showed correlation coefficients > 0.999 for both methods. The quantitation limits (QL) were 2.41 mu g/ml for HPLC and 0.45 mu g/ml for UVDS, respectively. Intra and inter-day relative standard deviations were < 2.0 %. Statistical analysis with t- and F-tests are not exceeding their critical values demonstrating that there is no significant difference between the two methods at 95 % confidence level.