Self-emulsifying Drug Delivery System (SEEDS)

The oral delivery of hydrophobic drugs presents a major challenge because of the low aqueous solubility of such compounds. Self-emulsifying drug delivery systems (SEDDS) can be used for the design of formulations in order to improve the oral absorption of highly lipophilic drug compounds. As a leading service provider in the field of biological research and drug discovery, Creative Biolabs has successfully developed a series of innovative and diversified lipid-based drug delivery (LDD) platform to provide fast and convenient services for our worldwide customers. Our professional team is optimized to help you get a milestone development in your drug delivery development.

Background of SEEDS

Self-emulsifying drug delivery systems (SEDDSs), which are isotropic mixtures of oils, surfactants, solvents and co-solvents/surfactants, can be used for the design of formulations in order to improve the oral absorption of highly lipophilic drug compounds. SEDDSs spread readily in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and the digestive motility of the stomach and the intestine provide the agitation necessary for self-emulsification. SEDDS typically produce emulsions with a droplet size between 100 and 300 nm while SMEDDS (self-micro emulsifying drug delivery systems) form transparent microemulsions with a droplet size of less than 50 nm. When compared with emulsions, which are sensitive and metastable dispersed forms, SEDDS are physically stable formulations that are easy to manufacture.

Function of SEEDS

For the lipophilic compounds which exhibit dissolution rate limited absorption, SEDDS is considered as a potential platform for oral delivery of hydrophobic drug in order to overcome their poor and irregular bioavailability challenges. The hydrophobic drugs can be achieved by pre-dissolving the compounds in suitable solvents, which overcome the initial rate limiting step of particulate dissolution in the aqueous environment within the GI tract, and fill the formulations into capsules. The oral delivery of these drugs presents a major challenge due to the low aqueous solubility. SEDDS can be orally administered in soft or hard gelatin capsules and form fine relatively stable oil−in−water (o/w) emulsions upon aqueous dilution owing to the gentle agitation of the gastrointestinal fluids. The efficiency of oral absorption of the drug compound from the SEDDS depends on many formulation−related parameters, such as surfactant concentration, oil/surfactant ratio, polarity of the emulsion, droplet size and charge, all of which in essence determine the self-emulsification ability.

SEEDS in Drug Delivery

The oral delivery of hydrophobic drugs can be made possible by SEDDS, which have been shown to improve oral bioavailability substantially by enhancing the solubility and maintaining the drug in a dissolved state, in small droplets of oil, during its transit through the GI tract. The improvement of oral bioavailability has been attributed to dissolution increase of drug, larger surface area provided by the fine emulsion droplets, improved diffusion across the unstirred aqueous layer, and increased mucosal permeability due to high content of surfactants and also by the long chain oil that promotes lipoprotein synthesis with subsequent lymphatic absorption.

Fig. 1 Main factors that influence the bioavailability of drugs formulated in SEDDS, SMEDDS or SNEDDS. (Beatriz Zanchetta, 2015)

What We Can Do about SEEDS?

SMEDDS is a drug delivery system that uses a microemulsion achieved by chemical rather than mechanical means which possesses unparalleled potential in improving oral bioavailability of poorly water-soluble drugs. With our high-end technologies, well-established platforms and experienced scientists, we can provide customized services of SEEDS for drug delivery. Moreover, a wide spectrum of LDD formulations is also available for your choice.

• Custom platform
• Planning and design
• Seasoned technology
• One-stop pipeline
• High efficiency
• Best after-sale service

Creative Biolabs is fully competent and dedicated to providing LDD services. With the comprehensive advanced LDD platform, we are capable to provide the largest and diversiform portfolio of LDD products and services. Our scientists had explored the proven and optimized platforms and are committed to being your best partner in LDD services. Moreover, we also provide custom services based on the requirements of the clients to meet the specific demand. Please contact us for more information.

For Research Use Only. Not For Clinical Use