Background and purpose: Microemulsions are gaining an increased interest in transdermal drug delivery. Microemulsions are stable, easy to prepare, and provide high solubilizing capacity for various drugs. The aim of this work was to prepare microemulsions from jojoba oil for transdermal delivery of ketorolac and lidocaine HCl with improved permeation. Experimental approach: Microemulsions based on jojoba oil as the oil phase were formulated for transdermal delivery of lidocaine HCl and ketorolac. Brij 97 was selected as surfactant and hexanol as cosurfactant. Pseudoternary phase diagrams were constructed. Selected microemulsion formulations were characterized for their physical properties and in vitro drug permeation. Findings/Results: Water-in-oil microemulsions were obtained with droplet sizes not more than 220 nm. The viscosity of the microemulsions was linked to the viscosity of the surfactant used. Improved drug permeation rates were observed for both model drugs. The significant increase in permeation rate in presence of hexanol was due to its impact on skin integrity as indicated by the histopathological study. Drug permeation enhancements were caused by the surfactant, the cosurfactant used, jojoba oil itself, and the microemulsion formulation. Higher surfactant content showed lower lag times and better flux. Conclusion and implications: Jojoba oil microemulsions are considered promising vehicles for transdermal delivery of ketorolac and lidocaine HCl with improved drug permeation. Jojoba oil-based microemulsion would present a safe and effective means for delivering drugs through the skin.

Thymoquinone (TQ) is a phytochemical compound present in Nigella sativa and has potential benefits for treating dermatological conditions such as psoriasis. However, its clinical use is limited due to its restricted bioavailability, caused mainly by its low solubility and permeability. To overcome this, a new transdermal drug delivery system is required. Nanoparticles are known to enhance material solubility and permeability, and hence, this study aimed to synthesize TQ-loaded L-arginine-based polyamide (TQ/Arg PA) nanocapsules incorporated into transdermal patches for prolonged delivery of TQ. To achieve this, Eudragit E polymer, plasticizers, and aloe vera as penetration enhancer were used to develop the transdermal patch. Furthermore, novel TQ/Arg-PA was synthesized via interfacial polymerization, and the resultant nanocapsules (NCs) were incorporated into the matrix transdermal patch. The Arg-PA NCs’ structure was confirmed via NMR and FTIR, and optimal TQ/Arg-PA NCs containing formulation showed high entrapment efficiency of TQ (99.60%). Molecular and thermal profiling of TQ/Arg-PA and the transdermal patch revealed the effective development of spherical NCs with an average particle size of 129.23 ± 18.22 nm. Using Franz diffusion cells and synthetic membrane (STRAT M®), the in vitro permeation profile of the prepared patches demonstrated an extended release of TQ over 24 h, with enhanced permeation by 42.64% when aloe vera was employed. In conclusion, the produced formulation has a potential substitute for corticosteroids and other drugs commonly used to treat psoriasis due to its effectiveness, safety, and lack of the side effects typically associated with other drugs. Graphical Abstract

It was aimed to investigate the compressibility, compactibility, powder flow and tablet disintegration of a new excipient comprising magnesium (Mg) silicate co-processed (5% to 85% w/w) onto chitin, microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) and starch as the hydrophilic polymers of interest. Initially, the mechanism of tablet disintegration was studied by measuring water infiltration rate, moisture sorption, swelling capacity, and hydration ability. Moreover, the powders compression behavior was carried out by applying Kawakita model of compression analysis in addition to porosity and radial tensile strength measurements. In vitro drug release of compacts made of 400 mg ibuprofen and 300 mg of the hydrophilic polymers containing 30% w/w Mg silicate co-precipitate was investigated in phosphate buffer (pH 7.8). This work demonstrated that the incorporation of Mg silicate to the hydrophilic polymers lead to the improvement of powder flowability, compactibility, stability (with regard to storage conditions), compacts crushing strength, and disintegration time in addition to faster drug release. The overall findings are practically advantageous in the context of finding a low cost and multifunctional co-processed excipient of natural origins.

There has been growing interest in orally disintegrating tablets (ODTs) during the last decade due to their better patient acceptance and compliance. Further, drug dissolution and absorption may be significantly improved. This work describes the preparation of fast and pH-dependent release ODTs for domperidone by direct compression using crospovidone as superdisintegrant. Solid dispersions of domperidone and Eudragit L100-55, at different weight ratios, were prepared and characterized by DSC, TGA, X-ray diffraction, and FTIR, which indicated the presence of drug–polymer interaction. Disintegration time, friability, and hardness of ODTs were evaluated. In vitro drug release in 0.1N HCl and in phosphate buffer (pH 5.8 and 6.8) was investigated. All domperidone ODTs had fast disintegration times (6 KP) and acceptable friability (<1%). Drug release from fast release ODTs was highly improved; reaching 97% after 10 min in 0.1N HCl, compared to the dissolution of the free drug. Drug release from solid dispersions was pH dependent; showing higher release rates at pH 6.8 than at lower pH values. The controlled-release ODT resulted in 47% drug release in 0.1N HCl, with the rest of drug released at pH 6.8. Domperidone ODTs were considered suitable for ODT formulation.

Nanoaggregates made from amino acid‐based polymers have been an important platform for targeted drug delivery systems such as the lungs. Therefore, the aim of the present study is to develop tyrosine‐based poly(ester amide)s (Tyr‐PEA) for dry powder inhaler (DPI) of a potent drug (fluticasone propionate [FP]) using interfacial polymerization. The molecular and surface profiling characteristics were evaluated using Fourier‐transformed infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, particle size analysis, nuclear magnetic resonance, differential scanning calorimetry, and scanning electron micrographs. The aerodynamic performance was evaluated using the NGI. The results confirmed the formation of the PEA and FP‐loaded Tyr‐PEA with an average particle size of, 45.39 ± 6.32 nm. The produced FP/Tyr‐PEA showed entrapment efficiency and encapsulation capacity of FP of 92.32% and 0.526% respectively, which enabled the delivery of this potent drug in a reasonable dose. The in‐vitro performance of the FP‐loaded PEA was compared to a marketed product and results revealed a significant enhancement of the emitted dose (87.29% vs. 59% respectively [t‐test, p < 0.05]). FP‐loaded Tyr‐PEA produced a higher respirable dose when compared to the marketed FP DPI (48.63 μg vs. 34.15 μg). Overall, FP‐loaded Tyr‐PEA was successfully prepared with optimal performance. Tyr‐PEA‐based nanoparticles provide a potential platform for targeted drug delivery, particularly potent actives.