Potential Active Targeting of Gatifloxacin to Macrophages by Means of Surface-Modified PLGA Microparticles Destined to Treat Tuberculosis.

Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis and represents one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide due to multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB). In our work, a new formulation of biodegradable PLGA microparticles was developed for pulmonary administration of gatifloxacin, using a surface modifier agent to actively target alveolar macrophages thereby allowing to gain access of the drug to Mycobacterium tuberculosis. For this, rapid uptake of the particles by macrophages is beneficial.

Surface-modified gatifloxacin nanoparticles with potential for treating central nervous system tuberculosis.

A new nanocarrier is developed for the passage of gatifloxacin through the blood-brain barrier to treat central nervous system tuberculosis. Gatifloxacin nanoparticles were prepared by nanoprecipitation using poly(lactic--glycolic acid) (PLGA) 502 and polysorbate 80 or Labrafil as surface modifiers. The evaluation of in vivo blood-brain barrier transport was carried out in male Wistar rats using rhodamine-loaded PLGA nanoparticles prepared with and without the surface modifiers.

HPLC-UV method development and validation for the quantification of ropinirole in new PLGA multiparticulate systems: Microspheres and nanoparticles.

A simple HPLC-UV method was developed and validated for the quantitation of RP free base encapsulated into two new multiparticulate systems (microparticles and nanoparticles), as well as for the quantification of RP hydrochloride when given as a loading dose together with the new delivery system developed. HPLC separation was achieved using a C18 Kromasil column (250 mm × 4 mm) with a mobile phase composed of acetonitrile-phosphate buffer solution (55:45, v/v) adjusted at pH 6.0 and containing 0.

New celecoxib multiparticulate systems to improve glioblastoma treatment.

Treatment of malignant gliomas consists of resection followed by radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Celecoxib (CXB), a selective COX-2 inhibitor, is able to control inflammation and pain, to improve the efficacy of radiotherapy, and to inhibit at high doses the growth of cancer cells. Two new delivery systems for CXB are developed: microspheres (MPs) for implantation in the brain after partial/complete removal of the tumor, and nanoparticles (NPs) for their potential to cross the blood brain barrier and deliver CXB into the CNS.