Optimization and Characterization of Chitosan-Based Nanoparticles Containing Methylprednisolone Using Box-Behnken Design for the Treatment of Crohn’s Disease

Abstract

Objective: The present research was designed to produce methylprednisolone containing chitosan-based nanoparticles using Box-Behnken Design (BBD) and Response Surface Methodology (RSM) for optimization.
 Methods: Nanostructures were prepared using the ionic gelation method with screened process parameters. According to the design, methylprednisolone chitosan-based nanoparticles (MCSNPs) were optimized using factors like methylprednisolone concentration, stirring speed and temperature whereas particle size, zeta potential and % encapsulation efficiency as responses. From the observed values of responses with confirmation location and desirability, the predicted values were very close to the observed values.
 Results: Observed values for the optimized formulation have a particle size of 243±2.33 nm with an encapsulation efficiency of 79.3±7.2%. Morphology of the particles using scanning electron microscopy reveals nearly spherical shaped particles. Methylprednisolone was released in vitro in a sustained manner for about 24 h in simulated colonic fluid pH 7, pH 7.8 (Fasted state) and phosphate buffer pH 7.4, when compared to simulated colonic fluid at pH 6 (Fed state). Optimized MCSNPs followed Korsmeyer peppas kinetics with drug release mechanism as anomalous transport.
 Conclusion: Application of Box-Behnken design and Response Surface Methodology using Design Expert software was successfully used in the optimization of methylprednisolone loaded chitosan-based nanoparticles with high encapsulation efficiency.

Mastic-G-Poly (Acrylamide): Microwave-Assisted Synthesis and Characterisation

“…Different concentration of three CSPP (as shown in table 1) viz., A = polyacrylamide with their low (1.4 g), medium (2.1 g) and high level (2.8 g) and B = ceric ammonium nitrate with their low (25 mg), medium (50 mg) and high level (75 mg) and Temperature low (40 °C), medium (50 °C) and high level (60 °C) were selected. Box behnken design was applied using design expert software [13,14] (version 7.0, Statease. Inc, USA) and the polynomial equation generated was given below:…”

“…. In the above polynomial equations, the magnitude of coefficients revealed that the concentration of initiator (B) had maximum effect on all the three parameters [13,14].…”

Gum Karaya-G-Poly (Acrylamide): Microwave Assisted Synthesis, Optimisation and Characterisation

“…Where Y is the measured response of the dependent variables, β0 is the intercept, β1-β9 are the regression coefficients computed from the observed experimental values of Y. X1, X2 and X3 are the coded value of the independent variables. X1 X2X3 (a, b = 1, 2, 3) and X 2 i (i = 1, 2, 3) represent the interaction and quadratic terms, respectively [16,17]. The graft copolymer of karaya with acrylamide was characterized by FTIR, DSC, XRD and SEM and % grafting (%G) and % grafting efficiency (%GE) were calculated by using following equations [18]:…”

Alcohol-Induced Dose Dumping Studies in Gastro-Resistant Hard Gelatine Capsules Containing Immunosuppressant Drug

“…The active substance, Dimethyl Fumarate, is thought to work by activating a protein called 'Nrf2' that regulates certain 'antioxidant' genes involved in protecting cells from damage of various form of multiple sclerosis [6]. Dimethyl fumarate is a white crystalline powder, nonhygroscopic [7,8] BCS class 1 (highly soluble and highly permeable) [7,8]. The structural formula of the Dimethyl Fumarate has been given in Figure 1 [9].…”