Browsing by Author "Yousry, Carol"

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    Integrated nanovesicular/self-nanoemulsifying system (INV/SNES) for enhanced dual ocular drug delivery: statistical optimization, in vitro and in vivo evaluation
    (Springer, 1/27/2020) Yousry, Carol; El-Gazayerly, Omaima N.; Basalious, Emad B.; Salem, Heba M.; Zikry, Pakinam M.
    Ocular drug administration is usually problematic and suffers low bioavailability due to several physiological and biological factors that hinder their effective treatment. Terconazole (TZ) is considered as one of the effective ocular antifungal agents that is usually administrated intravitreally for higher efficacy. The aim of the work in this study is to formulate a TZ-loaded ocular drug delivery system with high efficiency and good tolerability. First, TZ-loaded bile-based nanovesicles (BBNV) were prepared and the formulation variables (namely, Span 60, cholesterol, and sodium deoxycholate levels) were optimized based on the results of the entrapment efficiency (EE%), particle size (PS), and zeta potential (ZP) using Box-Behnken statistical design. The optimized system was formulated using 73.59 mg Span 60, 1.28 mg cholesterol, and 3.11 mg sodium deoxycholate. The formulated system showed vesicles with PS of 526 nm, − 42.2 mV ZP, and 93.86% EE%. TZ release, cellular uptake, and cytotoxicity of the optimized system were evaluated in vitro. In addition, in vivo assessment of its safety was conducted histopathologically and via ocular irritation test to ensure the ocular tolerance of the system. Afterwards, the optimized TZ-loaded BBNV was integrated into a self-nanoemulsifying system (SNES) to allow faster TZ release for immediate antifungal effect, enhanced ocular residence, and improved ocular permeation. TZ release study revealed more than 2 folds increment in drug release rate from the integrated system compared to BBNV alone. Finally, this integrated system was assessed for its antifungal activity in vivo where it demonstrated higher antifungal activity against induced Candida albicans infection. [Figure not available: see fulltext.]. © 2020, Controlled Release Society.
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    Utilization of PEGylated cerosomes for effective topical delivery of fenticonazole nitrate: in-vitro characterization, statistical optimization, and in-vivo assessment
    (aylor and Francis, 2021) Albash, Rofida; Yousry, Carol; Al-Mahallawi, Abdulaziz Mohsen; Alaa-Eldin, Ahmed Adel
    In this investigation, we focused on ceramide IIIB, a skin component whose depletion tends to augment multiple skin disorders and fungal infections. Ceramide IIIB was included into PEGylated surfactant-based vesicular phospholipid system to formulate ‘PEGylated cerosomes’ (PCs) loaded with fenticonazole nitrate (FTN). FTN is a potent antifungal agent adopted in the treatment of mixed mycotic and bacterial infections. The ceramide content of the vesicles may provide protective and regenerative skin activity whereas Brij®; the PEGylated surfactant, can enhance drug deposition and skin hydration. Both components are expected to augment the topical effect of FTN. PCs were prepared by thin-film hydration technique. A 23 full-factorial design was applied to study the effect of ceramide amount (X1), Brij type (X2) and Brij amount (X3) on the physicochemical properties of the formulated PCs namely; entrapment efficiency (EE%;Y1), particle size (PS;Y2), polydispersity index (PDI;Y3) and zeta potential (ZP;Y4). The optimal formula was selected for further in-vivo dermatokinetic and histopathological study. The optimal FTN-loaded PC (PC6) showed nanosized cerosomes (551.60 nm) with high EE% (83.00%w/w), and an acceptable ZP value of 20.90 mV. Transmission electron micrographs of the optimal formula illustrated intertwined tubulation form deviated from the conventional spherical vesicles. Finally, the dermatokinetic study of PC6 showed higher drug concentration and localization of FTN in skin layers when compared with FTN suspension and the histopathological study confirmed its safety for topical application. The overall findings of our study verified the effectiveness of utilizing PEGylated cerosomes to augment the activity of FTN as a topical antifungal agent. © 2020 The Author(s). Published by Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group