Browsing by Author "Ajala T. O."

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Date Mucilage as Co-Polymer in Metformin-loaded Microbeads for Controlled Release
(International Pharmaceutical Excipients Council (IPEC), 2019-03) Akin-Ajani O. D.; Ajala T. O.; Ikehin, M.
Mucilage from the fruit of the date palm (Phoenix dactylifera) was characterized and evaluated for use as a polymer in controlled release metformin-loaded microbeads. Metformin-loaded (1% w/w) microbeads were formed by the ionotropic gelation method using blends (2% w/v) of date mucilage: sodium alginate in varying concentrations (20:80 C4, 25:75 C3, 33:67 C2, 50:50 C1) using zinc chloride (10% w/v) as a crosslinking agent. Bead size and morphology, swelling index, entrapment efficiency and release properties were then measured. The dissolution profiles were fitted to kinetic equations to determine the kinetics and mechanisms of drug release while the similarity factor, ƒ2 was used to determine formulations with similar drug release patterns. The results showed that the date mucilage had crude fat content of 2.5%. The microbeads formed were spherical with bead sizes ranging from 0.44 to 1.99 mm except for the one prepared using blend C4 which was ellipsoidal. Drug entrapment efficiency ranged between 25.0 and 91.1%w/w with alginate alone giving the least entrapment. Microbeads formulated with blends C2 and C3 had the slowest dissolution rates at t15 < 9% in 240 minutes. C3, however, had a higher entrapment efficiency and was considered the optimum formulation. All microbead formulations fitted the Korsmeyer-Peppas’ model with super case II transport mechanism except for the one made of sodium alginate alone, which had an anomalous (non-Fickian) diffusion. Secondary parameters of the Korsmeyer-Peppas’ model showed that microbead formulations C2 and C3 provided controlled release for longer than 24 hours. Similarity factor, ƒ2 showed comparable release profiles between C2 and C3 (ƒ2=94.2). This study shows that mucilage from the date fruit could potentially be used as a polymer in the formulation of controlled release metformin-loaded microbeads.
Formulation and Antimicrobial Evaluation of Isopropyl Hand Sanitizer using Co-processed Excipients
(African Journals OnLine, 2020-02) Akin-Ajani, O. D.; Ajala T. O.; Ogunnubi M. A
Background: In response to the Ebola virus outbreak in West Africa in the year 2014, which caused the Ebola haemorrhagic fever, the WHO alcohol-based hand rub formulation was adopted in addition to regular hand washing to prevent the spread. However, other formulation factors rather than alcohol concentration alone can greatly influence the overall antimicrobial efficacy of hand disinfectants. Objective: To formulate an antimicrobial hand sanitizer using co-processed carriers. Methodology: Carbopol (F), HPMC (G) and co-processed forms of both polymers in batches- 1:1(A), 1:2(B), 1:4(C), 2:1(D) and 4:1(E) respectively were used. The polymers were characterized, and used as carriers in formulating hand sanitizers (A to G). The formulated hand sanitizers were evaluated for physical appearance, pH, clarity, viscosity, drying time and antimicrobial activity, in comparison to a commercially available hand sanitizer (CAHS). Results: Co-processing significantly (p0.05) improved both hydration capacity of carbopol and viscosity of HPMC. The physical appearance, pH and opacity were maintained throughout the study. All the formulations showed dilatant rheological behaviour while the CAHS exhibited plastic flow. The drying times for the formulated hand sanitizers were comparable to CAHS but longer than isopropyl alcohol implying prolonged action at application site. The antimicrobial activity of the formulations was of the rank order isopropyl alcohol>B>F>CAHS>D>E>C>G>A. Conclusion: Co-processing of excipients improved the pharmaceutical properties of the hand sanitizers with antimicrobial activity that was comparable to CAHS but lower than isopropyl alcohol. The hand sanitizer formulated with polymer batch B, demonstrated optimum antimicrobial and pharmaceutical properties and may be developed for commercial use.
Formulation of Diclofenac Sodium Emulsion Using Colocynthis Citrullus L. (Melon) Seed Oil
(West African Postgraduate College of Pharmacists (WAPCP), 2019) Akin-Ajani, O. D.; Ajala T. O.; Ogunnubi M. A
Background: Melon seed obtained from the fruit of Colocynthis citrullus L. is widely used in Nigeria as a soup thickener. The seed has a high oil yield (42-57%) which has been largely unexplored as excipient in pharmaceutical formulations. Objectives: To evaluate melon seed oil as a drug carrier in emulsion using diclofenac as a model drug. Methods: Melon seed oil was extracted and the physicochemical properties were characterised. The emulsions were prepared using the traditional wet and dry gum methods, and all the emulsions were evaluated using viscosity measurements, creaming rate, and in-vitro drug release. Results: Melon seed oil had a pale yellow colour, with characteristic taste, and a neutral pH. Melon seed oil exhibited higher acid, saponification and ester values than castor oil but lower iodine value indicating an edible non-drying oil, unsusceptible to auto-oxidation. Both oils achieved a great degree of emulsification with globule size < 15mm μm. Emulsions of melon seed oil were generally less viscous with a higher degree of creaming compared to castor oil emulsions. Diclofenac emulsions prepared with melon seed oil, however, were more viscous and gave the highest release of diclofenac irrespective of the method of preparation. Only diclofenac emulsion prepared with melon seed oil using the wet gum method had > 70 % release within 45 minutes thus meeting the official specification. Conclusion: Melon seed oil functioned as a drug carrier for diclofenac. Thus, it will find application in pharmaceutical emulsions.