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Feb 2025, Volume 3 Issue 1
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  • Full length article
    Development, optimization, and in-vivo bioavailability study of erlotinib hydrochloride loaded microsponge for colon targeting
    Ayan Kumar Kar, Beduin Mahanti, Banhishikha Kar, Anupam Jana, Subhasis Chakrabarty, Smriti Singh, Subhabrota Majumdar

    The present investigation aimed to develop as well as optimize microsponge containing erlotinib hydrochloride (ETB) that was composed of ethyl cellulose (EC) and pectin. The water solubility and enzymatic susceptibility make it easier to fabricate the microsponge formulation. The ETB loaded microsponge was manufactured using quasi-emulsion solvent diffusion process. By this technique, organic solution of the primary component is emulsified with stabilizing agents that are soluble in water. To design the formation of the microsponge, 32 factorial design was implemented. It was investigated how the response variables like particle dimension, entrapment efficiency, ETB diffusion at 12 h were influenced by independent variables such as rotation speed and the pectin to ethyl cellulose ratio. The optimal microsponge formulation loaded with ETB (F0) composed of 1:2.8 ratio of pectin to ethyl cellulose (EC) with stirring rate at 478 rpm. Particle dimension, entrapment efficiency, and ETB release at 12 h from optimized formulation were shown 104.89 ± 0.62 nm, 82.36 ± 2.85 %, and 85.49 ± 1.84 % respectively. The In-vivo pharmacokinetic study conducted on rabbit model shows a significant improvement in bioavailability. The optimized microsponge formulation has been found to have a higher Cmax than the ETB aqueous suspension. The stability of the formulation has been determined by the accelerated stability study of optimized microsponge formulation. This study indicated that the optimized formulation retained its stability even after 90days. In general, the present investigation demonstrated that drug loaded microsponge based formulation is a suitable method to improve the therapeutic efficacy and bioavailability of ETB.

  • Full length article
    Design, optimization, and characterization of Zolmitriptan loaded liposomal gels for intranasal delivery for acute migraine therapy
    A.K. Chettupalli, Sunand Katta, Mohd Vaseem Fateh, M. Akiful Haque, Daniel Kothapally, Prasanth Damarasingu, Budumuru Padmasri, Palavalasa Archana

    Zolmitriptan is the primary drug for the treatment of Migraine. However, the bioavailability of the drug is low and requires repetitive administration leading to side effects. Zolmitriptan's bioavailability can be improved by incorporating it into liposomes as a topical intranasal gel. The formulation was developed using a Central composite design employing a response surface approach. The new formulations were tested for particle size, shape, drug entrapment efficiency, and in vitro drug release. Permeation experiments and histopathology in rats were also conducted to determine the formulation's safety. The vesicle size was found to be in the range of 103.82 ± 7.16 to 694.38 ± 1.02 nm, zeta potential –19.28 to -32.8 mV, Entrapment Efficiency from 55.49 ± 1.37 to 99.12 ± 0.36 %, and cumulative drug release from 59.71 ± 6.94 to 99.38 ± 0.13 % respectively. In-vitro drug release of G1 and G3 gel formulations showed a non-Fickian released pattern during the studies. A comparison of the permeation coefficient of G1 (0.539 μg/cm2) and G3 (5.3 μg/cm2) showed a slight variation in the drug release rate after 24 h. For the liposomal gel and its solution, we found a significant difference in drug penetration of p0.05 after 12 h compared to the control gel. There were substantial differences in bioavailability and pharmacokinetics between the optimal Liposomal Gel Formulation and other formulations, including the drug solution, liposomal suspension, and optimized formulation F12. The liposomal gel is non-irritating and safe for topical administration by histopathological investigations. Therefore, the study demonstrated that Zolmitriptan Liposomal gel has better efficacy, good tolerability, and enhanced bioavailability, making it an optimal treatment for acute Migraine.

  • Review article
    Exploring nanoformulation drug delivery of herbal actives for enhanced therapeutic efficacy: A comprehensive review
    Divyanshi Sharma, Arti Gupta, Reetika Rawat, Shipra Sharma, Jitendra Singh Yadav, Anshika Saxena

    Background: In this present review we have focused on nanoformulation drug delivery approach to deliver active drug constituents. As it can minimizes the limitations associated with conventional therapies such as rapid gastric emptying, high surface area, site specific controlled drug delivery high cellular uptake, improved bioavailability, cost effectiveness, patient compliance, and improved therapeutic efficacy of drug along with reduction in systemic and local toxicity by governing the drug release behaviour.

    Purpose: Over the years, nanoparticles have emerged as an amazing dosage form owing to their advantages such as permeability across barriers, controlled drug release and higher stability. They can be linked to specific ligands which can allow the development of targeted therapies. Hence, targeted treatments of nanoformulations for asthma and sepsis may help to maximize therapeutic benefit and helps to lower their severity.

    Conclusion: This review highlights the nanoformulations and their potential application in drug delivery. Mechanism of action of various phytoconstituents such as flavonoids and triterpenoids is also discussed. The flavonoid as well as triterpenoid loaded nanoparticles seems to be a promising drug delivery systems, especially on account of account of its management in inflammatory diseases.

  • Full length article
    Formulation development and evaluation of floating microspheres of drotaverine hydrochloride as gastroretentive dosage form
    Hritik R. Bhilare, Vishwas C. Bhagat, Pravin B. Awate, Dipak P. Kardile, Rajkumar V. Shete

    The aim of the current research work is to formulate and characterized the floating microspheres of drotaverine hydrochloride (DRH). DRH is an antispasmodic drug which has a short residence in the intestine during diarrhoea that prompts poor bioavailability and frequent dosing. Microspheres were prepared by solvent evaporation technique by using polymers such as ethyl cellulose and HPMC. Floating microspheres prepared by using Design-Expert® version13 software with 32 full factorial designs. Further, microspheres were evaluated for flow characteristics, entrapment efficiency, % yield, particle size analysis, % buoyancy, zeta potential analysis, scanning electron microscopy and in-vitro drug release. In vitro, drug release studies were carried out in a 0.1N HCl solution. Micromeritics studies showed good flow properties and maximum entrapment efficiency was found to be 84.83%. The microspheres were spherical in shape with distinct pores, observed under scanning electron microscopy. The in vitro buoyancy was found to be in the range of 69.23%–84.72% and a total buoyancy time of more than 10 h. Results clearly stated that DRH floating microspheres were safe and effective drug delivery over an extended period which can increase bioavailability, and patient compliance, and decrease dosing frequency.

  • Review article
    AI-driven insights into the microbiota: Figuring out the mysterious world of the gut
    Abhinandan Patil, Neha Singh, Mohsina Patwekar, Faheem Patwekar, Anasuya Patil, Jeetendra Kumar Gupta, Selvaraja Elumalai, Nagam Santhi Priya, Alapati sahithi

    This review delves into the fascinating realm of microbial insights enabled by artificial intelligence (AI), unveiling the mysteries of the intricate gut environment. Research into the human microbiome has evolved due to the fast development of AI and Machine learning (ML). Never before have such novel avenues for individualized medical care and therapeutic therapies been available as a result of this. Our first stop is at software developed specifically for microbiome data analysis. Complex datasets can be accessed and valuable information extracted using AI algorithms and machine learning approaches. Next, we take a look at predictive modeling of gut microbial interactions. Here we see how AI can foretell the actions of microorganisms and their effects on host health and illness. Afterwards, we investigate the efficacy of AI in detecting microbe biomarkers, which are crucial indicators of gut health and potential dangers of disease. A disease's root cause can be identified and a treatment strategy developed using this innovative approach. We also delve into the realm of personalized microbiome analysis and demonstrate how AI may assist in making dietary and lifestyle adjustments that are most suited to each individual in order to enhance their health. The impact of AI extends beyond the realm of research and assessment and include the development of novel medications. Our focus is on the ways AI is assisting the hunt for novel probiotics and microbiome-based therapies, which could one day lead to the development of effective remedies for various medical conditions. However, although we anticipate AI's potential, we must equally consider the ethical considerations involved in studying microbiota. This paper highlights the significance of data protection, transparency, and bias reduction in ensuring the responsible and fair use of AI. We can maximize AI's potential without trampling on people's rights or exacerbating existing inequalities if we adhere to ethical guidelines and work to earn the public's trust. Finally, this study demonstrates the potential power of AI-driven microbiome discoveries. By being committed to ethical principles and vigilant in our pursuit of new challenges, we may advance microbiota research toward a future of data-driven, customized healthcare that utilizes AI as a valuable tool for optimal health and wellness.

  • Review article
    A critical review on zinc oxide nanoparticles: Synthesis, properties and biomedical applications
    Suddhasattya Dey, Dibya lochan Mohanty, Noota Divya, Vasudha Bakshi, Anshuman Mohanty, Deepankar Rath, Sriparni Das, Arijit Mondal, Sourav Roy, Rajarshee Sabui

    Background: ZnO-NPs is an inorganic metal oxide that meets as medicine, a preservative in packaging, as well as an antibacterial agent without risk. The qualities of ZnO-NPs are influenced by their size, shape, concentration, and length of contact with the bacterial cell. There are many uses for ZnO including food technology, agriculture, cosmetology, optoelectronics, drug transporters, and antibacterial agents.

    Methods: The antibacterial potential of ZnO-NPs mediated by plant extracts is superior against bacterial and fungal infections and human diseases. Trifolium, Justicia adhathoda, Physalis alkekengi L, Cassia auriculata, Pretence blossoms, Aloe barbadenis, Pongamia pinnata, Limoniaacidissima, Plectranthusamboinicus, Sedum alfredii Hance, and Aspidoterys cordata have all been discovered as excellent sources for the synthesis of NPs. ZnO-NPs is an inorganic metal oxide that meets the above-mentioned requirements, which can be utilised as medicine, a preservative in packaging, as well as an antibacterial agent without risk16. The qualities of ZnO-NPs are influenced by their size, shape, concentration, and length of contact with the bacterial cell.

    Conclusion: It provides an overview of the numerous synthesis approaches, characterization techniques, and biomedical uses of organically generated ZnO-NPs in food, pharmaceutical and textile sectors. It has been discovered that ZnO-NPs produced by green synthesis are more useful for pharmacological and biological applications, particularly antimicrobials.

  • Full length article
    Trends in research on AI-aided drug discovery from 2009 to 2023: A 15-year bibliometric analysis
    Wenshuo Jiang, Zhigang Zhao

    Purpose: In recent years, the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence technology has brought opportunities for the acceleration and improvement of the drug discovery process by aiding in all stages of drug discovery like drug target identification and validation, virtual screening, de novo drug design, and ADMET property prediction. The present study aims to provide an overview of the developing tendency, cooperation, and influence of academic groups and individuals, hotspots, and crucial problems in the field of AI-aided drug discovery using bibliometric methods.

    Methods: Publications on AI-aided drug discovery published from January 1, 2009, to December 31, 2023, were retrieved from the Web of Science core collection. The document type was limited to articles or reviews, and the language was set to English. Citespace was used to conduct the bibliometric analysis.

    Results: A total of 9700 publications were included, and the number of them generally increased over time, with a rapid increase tendency since 2018. The US and China were the leading countries in this field. The Chinese Academy of Sciences was the most influential institution. Ekins, Sean was the most productive author and Hou, Tingjun formed the largest cooperation network. Networks and clusters of keywords highlighted terms like “virtual screening”, “expression” and “drug delivery” as focused topics, and burst analysis showed that “support vector machines”, and “classification” received the longest attention. Meanwhile the keywords “sars cov 2”, “molecular design” and “clinical trials” were hotspots in recent years. The content analysis of the co-cited literature identified the significant questions to be tackled in future research.

    Conclusions: This study offers a comprehensive landscape of the global contributions given to this increasingly important and prolific field of research and points out several areas that might be addressed by future research to better develop the field of AI-aided drug discovery.

  • Review article
    Enhancing monoclonal antibodies with natural products: Mechanisms and applications
    Madhan Gunasekaran, Sarvananda L, Amal D. Premarathna

    Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) have revolutionized therapeutic strategies across a broad spectrum of diseases, yet their efficacy remains constrained by challenges such as suboptimal tumor penetration and insufficient cytotoxicity. This study pioneers an integrative approach, harnessing the untapped potential of plant-derived glycosides and innovative biotechnological advances to redefine mAb efficacy. Specifically, we investigate the novel application of beta-glucan analogs engineered for enhanced immunomodulatory effects, targeting not only malignant cells but also the tumor microenvironment to optimize mAb penetration. Moreover, we introduce a groundbreaking strategy in antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) by leveraging previously unexploited natural toxins, such as modified saporin variants, which are bioengineered to achieve selective cytotoxicity with minimal offtarget effects. This novel ADC formulation is further optimized through the use of nanoencapsulation techniques, ensuring precise delivery and controlled release within the tumor milieu. The research also focuses on hybrid expression systems, scalable mAb production, nanoencapsulation for targeted delivery, and the integration of natural and synthetic techniques for improved antibody therapies. By combining plant-based expression systems with synthetic biology tools, creating a hybrid platform that surpasses traditional plant or mammalian systems in both yield and safety. This approach not only reduces production costs but also introduces a scalable method for the rapid adaptation of mAbs in response to emerging pathogens or tumor mutations. This study opens new avenues by blending natural and synthetic methodologies, ultimately enhancing the therapeutic outcomes of mAbs across various disease states. It underscores the transformative potential of integrating cutting-edge technologies with natural compounds, paving the way for more effective, targeted, and adaptable antibody-based therapies.

  • Full length article
    Optimization of microwave-assisted green synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles using Ocimum americanum and Euphorbia hirta extracts: In vitro evaluation of antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, cytotoxicity, and wound healing properties
    J. Nandhini, E. Karthikeyan, M. Sheela, M. Bellarmin, B. Gokula Kannan, A. Pavithra, D. Sowmya Sri, S. Siva Prakash, S. Rajesh Kumar

    This investigation optimized the microwave-assisted green synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles utilizing Ocimum americanum and Euphorbia hirta extracts for enhanced wound healing applications. The synthetic process employed microwave radiation and natural reductants from plant extracts, offering an environmentally benign, cost-effective, and time-efficient approach. Design expert software was utilized to optimize the synthesis, with the concentration of the zinc sulphate precursor, microwave irradiation time, and plant extract ratio as independent variables, and nanoparticle size as the dependent variable. The optimal conditions (12.8 mM zinc sulphate, 12 min of irradiation, and a 26:1 plant extract ratio) yielded Zinc oxide nanoparticles characterized by UV, SEM, FTIR, XRD, EDX, and zeta-sizer techniques to assess the nanoparticle formation, morphology, functional groups, crystal structure, elemental composition, and stability. The nanoparticles exhibited strong antioxidant activity (90.23% ± 0.82% at 50 μg/mL), comparable anti-inflammatory effects to diclofenac sodium (86.13% ± 1.03% at 50 μg/mL), significant concentration-dependent antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas sp., and effective biofilm inhibition. Time-kill curve assays demonstrated effective bacterial count reduction, while zebrafish embryonic toxicity studies indicated minimal toxicity at lower concentrations (5–20 μg/mL) with reduced hatching and survival rates at higher concentrations (40–80 μg/mL). Additionally, zinc oxide nanoparticles promoted wound healing in vitro by enhancing fibroblast cell migration and proliferation of mouse fibroblast (3T3-L1) cells. The results elucidate the potential of microwave-assisted green-synthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles incorporating plant extracts in advancing wound care therapies through their multifaceted biological applications.