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Abstract: Lecithin organogels (LOs) are semi-solid systems with immobilized organic liquid phase in 3-D network of self-assembled gelators. This paper attempts to study the various attributes of LOs, starting from selection of materials, optimization of influential components to LO specific characterization. After screening of various components (type of gelators, organic and aqueous phase) and construction of phase diagrams, a D-optimal mixture design was employed for the systematic optimization of the LO composition. The response surface plots were constructed for various response variables, viz. viscosity, gel strength, spreadability and consistency index. The optimized LO composition was searched employing overlay plots. Subsequent validation of the optimization study employing check-point formulations, located using grid search, indicated high degree of prognostic ability of the experimental design. The optimized formulation was characterized for morphology, drug content, rheology, spreadability, pH, phase transition temperatures, and physical and chemical stability. The outcomes of the study were interesting showing high dependence of LO attributes on the type and amount of phospholipid, Poloxamer™, auxillary gelators and organic solvent. The optimized LO was found to be quite stable, easily applicable and biocompatible. The findings of the study can be utilized for the development of LO systems of other drugs for the safer and effective topical delivery. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Docetaxel has always attracted the researchers owing to its promises and challenges. Despite marked efficacy, concerns like poor aqueous solubility, lower bioavailability, poor tissue penetration and dose related side-effects offer further scope of research on docetaxel. The present study aims to explore the potential of C 60 -fullerenes in the delivery of docetaxel to cancerous cells. C 60 -fullerenes were carboxylated, acylated and conjugated with the drug. The chemical processes were monitored by UV, FT-IR and NMR spectroscopy. The conjugate was further characterized for drug loading, micromeritics, drug release, morphology and evaluated for in-vitro cytotoxicity, haemolysis and in-vivo pharmacokinetic profile. The developed nanoconstruct was able to enhance the bioavailability of docetaxel by 4.2 times and decrease the drug clearance by 50%. The developed system was able to control the drug release and was found to be compatible with erythrocytes. The cytotoxic potential on studied MCF-7 and MDA-MB231 cell lines was also enhanced by many folds, indicating marked promise in efficacy enhancement and dose reduction. The present findings are encouraging and offer a technique to enhance the delivery and efficacy potential of anticancer agents, especially belonging to BCS class IV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]