Stabilization of All-trans-retinol by Cyclodextrins: A Comparative Study Using HPLC and Fluorescence Spectroscopy

Purpose: To formulate preparations incorporating cyclodextrins (CDs) which could be used for direct delivery to the retina of vitamin A (all-trans-retinol), while also protecting it from degradation in the aqueous environment. Vitamin A supplementation is being considered for treatment of several ophthalmic diseases characterised by progressive photoreceptor degeneration. Methods: The complexation between vitamin A and ten cyclodextrins, Captisol®(sulfobutyl ether-7-β-cyclodextrin), hydroxypropyl-β-CD, 2-hydroxypropyl-β-CD, α-CD, hydroxypropyl-γ-CD, hydroxypropyl-α-CD, β-CD, methyl-β-CD,Heptakis-(2,6-di-O-methyl)-β-CD andHeptakis-(2,3,6-tri-O-methyl)-β-CD,was investigated using bothhigh sensitivity fluorescence spectrometry and HPLC (high pressure liquid chromatography). Samples of retinol-CD complexes in phosphate buffer, pH 7.4 were analysed for up to 72 hours. Optimum conditions for formation of the Captisol-retinol complexes were investigated. Results: Using spectroscopic measurements and HPLC, the complexes formed between ten cyclodextrins and all-trans-retinol were evaluated. The results indicate that all cyclodextrins tested were able to form inclusion complexes as shown by the fluorescence signals which are considerably larger than those obtained in the absence of cyclodextrin. Only minimal degradation of retinol over 48 hours was observed with three of these cyclodextrins. Captisol was able to stabilise all-trans-retinol for up to 72 hours, as shown by HPLC, and the optimum ratio of Captisol to retinol was determined to be 50 to 1. Addition of glutathione and decrease in pH did not improve stability of the complex. Conclusions: This survey suggests that Captisol and other cyclodextrins could be used to stabilise and solubilise vitamin A in aqueous media and this establishes the basis for an ocular Captisol-retinol drug delivery system now under development in our laboratory.