On the plasticizing properties of divalproex sodium: physicochemical and spectroscopic characterization studies.

The objective of the research was to demonstrate the plasticization properties of divalproex sodium, due to its component-valproic acid, on ethyl cellulose, which could prove beneficial for film fabrications or hot melt extrusion based formulations. Films containing 10-50% w/w (DVS/EC) as dry weight were prepared using solvent evaporation method and characterized using texture analyzer, hybrid rheometer, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetry, X-ray diffractometry, polarized microscopy, FTIR, and Raman spectroscopy. It was found that there was a decrease in average peak load, melt viscosity, and glass transition temperature (T) while increase in elongation, with increase in concentration of DVS in the films.

Recent Advances in Lipid-Based Vesicles and Particulate Carriers for Topical and Transdermal Application.

In the recent decade, skin delivery (topical and transdermal) has gained an unprecedented popularity, especially due to increased incidences of chronic skin diseases, demand for targeted and patient compliant delivery, and interest in life cycle management strategies among pharmaceutical companies. Literature review of recent publications indicates that among various skin delivery systems, lipid-based delivery systems (vesicular carriers and lipid particulate systems) have been the most successful. Vesicular carriers consist of liposomes, ultradeformable liposomes, and ethosomes, while lipid particulate systems consist of lipospheres, solid lipid nanoparticles, and nanostructured lipid carriers.