Galenic-on-chip concept for development and production of Lipid NanoEmulsions encapsulated Miltefosine for Leishmaniasis treatment
Résumé
Introduction: Continuous production of drug delivery systems (DDS) assisted by microfluidics [1-5] has drawn a growing interest because of the high reproducibility, low batch-to-batch variation of formulations, narrow and controlled particle size distribution and scale-up facilities induced by this process. Besides, microfluidics offers opportunities for high throughput screening of process parameters and the implementation of Process Analytical Technologies (PAT) as close to the product. In this context, we propose to spotlight the GALECHIP concept through the development of an instrumented microfluidic pilot considered as a Galenic Lab-on-Chip to formulate nanomedicines, such as Lipid NanoEmulsions (LNE), under controlled process conditions which are essential to obtain DDS with controlled properties. Therefore, we propose (i) the technological development of microfluidic systems in order to rationally develop the formulation process of LNE, (ii) the in situ Small Angle X-ray Scattering (SAXS) investigations in order to understand the physicochemical mechanisms involved in the formation of LNE, and (iii) the application to the formulation development and sterile production of antiparasitic Miltefosine (MLF) loaded-LNE for Leishmaniasis treatment. Methods: LNE were produced by a phase inversion concentration (PIC) process with own-developed microfluidic pilot and chips. LNE were characterized in terms of structure, size, polydispersity index (PDI), zeta-potential, MLF loading and encapsulation efficiency. In situ SAXS characterizations of LNE were performed at the SOLEIL Synchrotron to study the PIC phenomenology. In vitro hemocompatibility, toxicity on macrophages and efficacy of MLF-LNE have been studied. Results: 3D printed PEEK chips (for production) and Silicon/Glass Chip (for SAXS characterizations) were designed and statistically proven to produce blank LNE from 25 to 100 nm with a polydispersity index below 0.1. Hence, it permitted to show the versatility of the GALECHIP pilot to carry out formulation and fundamental works to better understand and control the LNE characteristics. Then, MLF-LNE were produced aseptically in an isolator and tested in vitro. MLF-LNE had low complement activation properties. MLF-LNE had a four times higher half-maximal inhibitory concentration on macrophages than free MLF and an equivalent efficacy on Leishmania strains with the same dosage. Conclusion: GALECHIP is a microfluidic tool contributing to (i) the pharmaceutical development, (ii) the implementation of PAT for process understanding and (iii) the simulation of aseptic and GMP production of nanomedicines. All of this is done with the ultimate goal of "better understanding" and "better producing" in order to "better administrate" future nano-DDS candidates.