Acta pharmaceutica Nordica最新文献

The applicability of a tensile testing machine (M30K, JJ Lloyd Instruments Ltd, GB) is investigated for measuring mucoadhesive strengths. A sample of an aqueous dispersion of a polymer with expected mucoadhesive properties is placed between two homemade discs of polyoxymethylene. The upper disc is mounted on a movable part of the machine while the lower disc is fixed on the stationary frame. A tensile force is submitted and the maximum detachment force at fracture and the adhesion work are estimated from the force displacement curve recorded. In some experiments, native mucous tissue of the large intestine of pigs was glued to the upper disc. Four polymers polycarbophil (Carbopol EX-55), carboxypolymethylene (Carbopol 934P), hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (Methocel K4M), and sodium alginate, are used in five different concentrations. At least three measurements are made of each polymer and concentration. Viscosity and osmolality are determined. By standardizing the time of sample equilibration and the run rate before measurement, it is possible to get good reproducibility of the tensile values. Based on the maximum nominal breaking force and the work consumed, it is concluded that the tensile strength is dependent both on the concentration and the type of polymer. The conclusions are the same independent of whether mucous pig tissue is used, or not. The same rank order in adhesive properties of the polymers is achieved as from using modified surface tensiometers.

Parenteral emulsions similar in composition to the commercially available fat emulsions were prepared using a Microfluidizer. The relationship of pH and terminal heat sterilization by autoclaving on the stability of phospholipid-stabilized emulsions was evaluated. The stability of these formulations was determined by using droplet size and zeta potential measurements. It was found that the zeta potentials of emulsions stabilized by more purified phospholipid were lower in magnitude compared to those stabilized by less purified phospholipid. Furthermore, acidic emulsions (between pH 5.0 and 7.0) showed an increased droplet size upon autoclaving, whereas the emulsions adjusted to an alkaline pH (pH 8.0 to 10.0) did not show a significant change in their droplet sizes upon autoclaving. The zeta potentials of all the emulsions "increased" (in magnitude) upon autoclaving and achieved values between -40 and -50 mV. The results of our studies could be explained on the basis of hydrolysis of phosphatidylcholine at different pH values, leading to a breakdown of the film surrounding the oil droplet, which results in coalescence and/or cracking of the emulsions.

From colchicine-treated seeds of Papaver bracteatum Lindl. some poppy plants were obtained that developed capsules richer in thebaine than the controls. The individual poppies were analyzed for capsule thebaine content annually for eight successive years, the results revealing significant year-to-year differences. One of the poppies, X7, (ca 5% thebaine) developed capsules consisting partly of polyploid tissue during the first and second year. This plant was propagated vegetatively to give a series (the X7 series) of new P. bracteatum plants. The capsule thebaine content of these individuals differed markedly the first two years, whereupon the alkaloid production decreased and appeared to level out and reach a value still clearly higher than the controls (mean values 2.3% and 1.3%, respectively). From seeds of four of the thebaine-rich poppies of the X7 series, four new series of P. bracteatum plants were obtained. The capsule thebaine level of these was significantly lower than that of the mother plants.