Delivery and Anti-Psoriatic Effect of Silibinin-Loaded Polymeric Micelles: An Experimental Study in the Psoriatic Skin Model

OBJECTIVE

Psoriasis is an inflamed skin disorder associated with the activation of phosphorylation signals in keratinocytes, which leads to proliferation. Phosphorylation signal inhibitors, such as silibinin can inhibit cell proliferation. Unlike current psoriasis treatment approaches that are associated with dangerous side effects; natural components can introduce new trends in psoriasis treatment. The major problem in the topical treatment of psoriasis is drug localization through the psoriasis lesions.

METHODS

In this study, silibinin-loaded polymeric micelles prepared and characterized for drug loading and release and ex vivo permeation through psoriatic and normal mice skin. The optimized batch was used for the treatment of psoriasis lesions in the mice model.

RESULTS

The optimized batch demonstrated mean particle size 18.3 ± 2.1 nm, entrapment efficiency 75.8 ± 5.8%, and prolonged silibinin release. % Silibinin permeated through psoriatic skin after 48 treated by polymeric micelle and aqueous control was 80.35, and 92.6, respectively. Polymeric micelles increased silibinin localization in the psoriatic skin in comparison with control. In psoriatic skin after 7- 10 days treatment by silibinin- loaded polymeric micelle, there was no evidence of psoriasis and the histological evaluation showed no sign of psoriasis. Silibinin-loaded polymeric micelles reduced Psoriasis area index by more than 78% after 14 days.

CONCLUSION

It seems that polymeric micelles increased the effectiveness of silibinin by drug localization into the psoriatic plaque. Topical STAT- 3inhibitors can be introduced as a new strategy in psoriasis treatment.

Potent cyclometallated Pd(II) antitumor complexes bearing α-amino acids: synthesis, structural characterization, DNA/BSA binding, cytotoxicity and molecular dynamics simulation

A rational approach was adopted to design high-potential metal-based antitumor agents. A series of organometallic Pd(ii) complexes with a general formula of [Pd{κ2(C,C)-[(C6H4-2)PPh2]CH(CO)C6H4Ph-4}{κ2(N,O)}] (N,O = alanine (Pd-A), valine (Pd-V), leucine (Pd-L), l-isoleucine (Pd-I) and phenylalanine (Pd-F)) were prepared by cyclopalladation of the phosphorus ylide, bridge cleavage reaction and subsequent chelation of natural α-amino acids. The complexes were fully identified using IR and multinuclear 1H, 13C, 31P NMR spectroscopic methods. X-ray crystallography exhibited that the Pd(ii) atom is located in a slightly distorted square-planar environment surrounded by C,C-orthometallated phosphorus ylide as well as NO-pendant amino acid functionality. In vitro cytotoxicity evaluation of new cyclometallated Pd(ii) complexes toward a human leukemia (K562) cancer cell line indicated promising results. The highest cytotoxic activity was discovered in the case of phenylalanine (CH2C6H5). IC50 values of this complex on a panel of human tumor cell lines representative of liver (HepG2), breast (SKBR-3), and ovarian (A2780-Resistance/Sensitive) cancers also indicated promising antitumor effects in comparison with standard cisplatin. The binding interaction ability of the phenylalanine-containing orthopalladated complex, as the most efficient compound, with calf-thymus deoxyribonucleic acid (CT-DNA) and bovine serum albumin (BSA) was investigated. UV-Vis spectroscopy, competitive emission titration, and circular dichroism (CD) techniques demonstrated the intercalative binding of the Pd(ii) complex with DNA. Molecular docking studies also fully agreed with the experimental data. Examination of the reactivity towards the protein BSA revealed that the static quenching mechanism of BSA intrinsic fluorescence by the Pd(ii) complex with a binding constant (Kb) of ∼105 is indicative of the high affinity of the complex. The competitive binding experiment using site markers with definite binding sites demonstrated that the hydrophobic cavities of site I (subdomain IIA) are responsible for the bimolecular interaction between protein BSA and the complex. Molecular docking studies effectively confirmed the significance of hydrophobic interactions in Pd(ii)-BSA binding. The results of this study could greatly contribute to exploring new potent metal-based anticancer drugs.

Nitric oxide releasing nanofibrous Fmoc-dipeptide hydrogels for amelioration of renal ischemia/reperfusion injury

Renal ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury is responsible for significant mortality and morbidity during renal procedures. Nitric oxide (NO) deficiency is known to play a crucial role in renal I/R injury; however, low stability and severe toxicity of high concentrations of NO have limited its applications. Herein, we developed an in-situ forming Fmoc-dipheylalanine hydrogel releasing s-nitroso-n-acetylpenicillamine (FmocFF-SNAP) for renal I/R injury. Fmoc-FF hydrogel comprising of β-sheet nanofibers was prepared through the pH-titration method. It was then characterized by electron microscopy, pyrene assay, and circular dichroism techniques. Mechanical properties of Fmoc-FF hydrogel (thixotropy and syringeability) were investigated by oscillatory rheology and texture analysis. To assess the therapeutic efficiency in the renal I/R injury model, expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) was measured in various samples (different concentrations of free SNAP and FmocFF-SNAP, unloaded Fmoc-FF, and sham control) by real-time RT-PCR, ROS production, serum biomarkers, and histopathological evaluations. According to the results, Fmoc-FF self-assembly in physiologic conditions led to the formation of an entangled nanofibrous and shear-thinning hydrogel. FmocFF-SNAP exhibited a sustained NO release over 7 days in a concentration-dependent manner. Importantly, intralesional injection of FmocFF-SNAP caused superior recovery of renal I/R injury when compared to free SNAP in terms of histopathological scores and renal function indices (e.g. serum creatinine, and blood urea nitrogen). Compared to the I/R control group, biomarkers of oxidative stress and iNOS expression were significantly reduced possibly due to the sustained release of NO. Interestingly, the eNOS expression showed a significant enhancement reflecting the regeneration of the injured endothelial tissue. Thus, the novel FmocFF-SNAP can be recommended for the alleviation of renal I/R injury.

Antidiabetic effect of fucoxanthin extracted from Sargassum angustifolium on streptozotocin-nicotinamide-induced type 2 diabetic mice

This work aimed to study the antidiabetic effect of encapsulated fucoxanthin with porous starch (PS) in streptozotocin and nicotinamide-induced type 2 diabetic mice. Fucoxanthin was extracted and purified from Sargassum angustifolium and encapsulated in porous starch (PS). Diabetic mice groups were gavaged daily with fucoxanthin (400 mg/kg), either free or encapsulated into PS, and metformin (50 mg/kg) for three weeks. The results exhibited that the fucoxanthin and fucoxanthin-loaded PS markedly prevented the weight gain in treated groups (p < .05). Moreover, both free and encapsulated fucoxanthin could decrease the fasting blood glucose and increase the plasma insulin level similar to metformin (p < .05). In addition, total cholesterol, triglyceride, and low-density lipoprotein were lower in the treated groups. These results confirm antiobesity effect of fucoxanthin by regulating lipid profile parameters. Moreover, the histopathology evaluation of pancreatic tissue in diabetic mice exhibited that oral administration of metformin and fucoxanthin caused regeneration of pancreatic beta cells. This study revealed the healthy effect of seaweed pigment as a suitable bioactive compound which can be used in functional foods for natural diabetes therapy.

Hierarchical mesoporous zinc-imidazole dicarboxylic acid MOFs: Surfactant-directed synthesis, pH-responsive degradation, and drug delivery

The surfactant template-directed solvothermal method was applied in the synthesis of hierarchical mesoporous zinc-imidazolate derivative metal-organic framework (mesoMOF), which was then utilized for active loading of cisplatin (cis-Pt). To fabricate mesoMOF, various amounts of the surfactant (cetyltrimethylammonium bromide: 0.1-0.3 g) and linker (citric acid: 0.05-0.15 g) were added to the reaction mixture, which resulted in different particle sizes and morphologies. MesoMOF quality attributes such as Specific surface area (SSA), total porous volume, and Barrett-Joyner-Halenda (BJH) pore diameter were also determined. At the optimum reaction condition, mesoMOF with a high surface area (1859 m²/g), pore diameter (14.13 nm) and total pore volume (0.314 cm³/g) was attained. In the next step, cis-Pt was actively loaded in the mesoMOF with a high loading capacity (28% w/w), which was remarkably superior to the microporous MOF. Interestingly, in mildly acidic pH (5.5), mesoMOF underwent degradation, resulting in a rapid release of cis-Pt. Cell viability and apoptosis induction assays confirmed the superiority of the cis-Pt loaded mesoMOF over free drug in a resistant ovarian tumor cell line (A2780cp). Altogether, due to their tunable size and morphology, pH-responsiveness, and acceptable tolerability in mice, the mesoMOFs can be regarded as an anti-cancer drug delivery system.

Comparison of binary cress seed mucilage (CSM)/β-lactoglobulin (BLG) and ternary CSG-BLG-Ca (calcium) complexes as emulsifiers: Interfacial behavior and freeze-thawing stability

Protein-polysaccharide complexes often exhibit amended techno-functional characteristics when compared to their individual participant biomolecules. In this study, a complex coacervation of cress seed mucilage (CSM)/β-lactoglobulin (Blg) was used for stabilizing oil-in-water emulsions; they were characterized in terms of physical properties, droplet-size distribution and microstructure. Also, a comprehensive study was carried out on interfacial rheological responses and on the corresponding emulsion stability of different complexes. Freeze-thaw stability of the produced emulsions which had from mixtures of CSM-Blg was also evaluated. More than the size of droplets, interfacial rheological characteristics were associated with the properties of the adsorbed layers and with the stability of emulsions in storage. Using the CSM-Blg-Ca ultimately resulted in emulsions that proved stable against creaming, with no sign of phase separation over 3 weeks. These results show protein-polysaccharide complexes as appropriate emulsifiers that can make emulsion-based products resistant to unwanted changes caused by freeze-thawing.

Nanotechnology approaches for delivery and targeting of Amphotericin B in fungal and parasitic diseases

Amphotericin B (AMB), with widespread antifungal and anti-parasitic activities and low cross-resistance with other drugs, has long been identified as a potent antimicrobial drug. However, its clinical toxicities, especially nephrotoxicity, have limited its use in clinical practice. Lately, nano-based systems have been the subject of serious research and becoming an effective strategy to improve toxicity and antimicrobial potency. Commercial AMB lipid formulations have been developed in order to improve the therapeutic index and nephrotoxicity, while limited use is mainly due to their high cost. The review aimed to highlight the updated information on nanotechnology-based approaches to the development of AMB delivery and targeting systems for treatment of fungal diseases and leishmaniasis, regarding therapeutic challenges and achievements of various delivery systems.

Single-chain antibody-decorated Au nanocages@liposomal layer nanoprobes for targeted SERS imaging and remote-controlled photothermal therapy of melanoma cancer cells

The development of theranostic platforms combining surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) imaging with NIR-stimulated photothermal therapy (PTT) is of utmost importance for the precise diagnosis and selective treatment of cancers, especially in superficial solid tumors. For this purpose, a versatile theranostic nanoprobe of liposomal layer-coated Au nanocages (AuNCs) was decorated with an anti-MUC18 single-chain antibody (scFv). 4-mercapto benzoic acid (p-MBA)-labeled AuNCs (p-AuNCs) were coated by a liposomal layer (p-AuNCs@lip), followed by conjugating anti-MUC18 scFv via post-insertion method to form immuno-liposomal layer-coated AuNCs (p-AuNCs@scFv-lip). Physicochemical characterizations of the p-AuNCs@scFv-lip were investigated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and UV-vis and Raman spectroscopy. Furthermore, the targeting ability and theranostic efficiency of the nanoprobe were evaluated for specific diagnosis and treatment of cancerous melanoma cells by flow cytometry, SERS mapping, and live/dead assay. The formation of lipid layer on p-AuNCs surface was confirmed by TEM imaging. After decorating the liposomal layer with scFv, a relevant red shift was observed in the UV-vis spectrum. Moreover, p-AuNCs@lip presented characteristic peaks in the Raman spectrum, which exhibited only a minor change after scFv conjugation (p-AuNCs@scFv-lip). Interestingly, the cellular uptake of AuNCs@scFv-lip by A375 cell line (MUC18⁺) showed a 24-fold enhancement compared with SKBR3 cells (MUC18^-). AuNCs@scFv-lip specifically identified A375 cells from SKBR cells via SERS mapping and effectively killed A375 cells through the PTT mechanism. Taken together, this theranostic platform can provide a promising tool for both in situ diagnosis and remote-controlled thermal ablation of cancer cells.

Comparative chemical examination of inclusion complexes formed with β-cyclodextrin derivatives and basic amino acids

In this study, we have investigated the host-guest inclusion complexes between β-cyclodextrin (βCD), 2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (2-HPβCD), and mono-6-tosyl-β-cyclodextrin (TS-βCD) excipients and two amino acids, such as L-arginine (L-Arg) and L-lysine (L-Lys). The formation of inclusion complexes was detected, and a comparative study was conducted at different pH, density, and viscosity. A physical mixture, comprising equal amount of amino acids was used to prepare the complex in a solid-state form. The experimental parameters, such as apparent molar volume, limiting apparent molar volume, partial molar volume were analyzed by measuring density at infinite dilution. The other quantities, such as dynamic viscosity, kinematic viscosity, relative viscosity, intrinsic viscosity, spatial viscosity, activation energy were determined for amino acid/βCD complexes at various mass fractions of βCDs and different temperatures. Finally, we found moderate (R² > 0.5) and strong (R² > 0.7) linear relationships (p-value < 0.0001) between the dynamic viscosity and the temperature: the temperature evaluation promotes the decrease in dynamic viscosity for amnio acid-βCD (its derivatives) complexes. The results of this study emphasize important properties of analyzed complexes that can be utilized in the development of controlled drug delivery vectors.

Green synthesis of iron-based nanoparticles using Chlorophytum comosum leaf extract: methyl orange dye degradation and antimicrobial properties

Nowadays, green synthesis methods have gained growing attention in nanotechnology owning to their versatile features including high efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and eco-friendliness. Here, the aqueous extract of Chlorophytum comosum leaf was applied for the preparation of iron nanoparticles (INPs) to obtain spherical and amorphous INPs with a particle size below 100 nm as confirmed by TEM. The synthesized INPs managed to eliminate methyl orange (MO) from the aqueous solution. The concentration of MO can be easily checked via ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy throughout the usage of INPs at the presence of H2O2. The synthesized INPs exhibited MO degradation efficiency of 77% after 6 h. Furthermore, the synthesized INPs exhibited antibacterial activity against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. The prepared INPs have an impressive effect on Staphylococcus aureus at concentrations below 6 μg/ml. Overall, the synthesized INPs could considerably contribute to our combat against organic dyes and bacteria.

The Inflammatory and Fibrotic Patterns of Hepatic Stellate Cells Following Coagulation Factors (VII or X)-Shielded Adenovirus Infection

The role of coagulation factors on the inflammatory effect of adenovirus (Ad) is an unresolved question that was considered herein. Adenovirus-36(Ad36) and adenovector-5-GFP(Ad5-GFP) were prepared; then, they were loaded with VII or FX factors. The size/charge parameters and transduction efficiency were evaluated using fluorescent microscopy and Zetasizer, respectively. The Ad36-coagulation factor complexes were added on the stellate cells, LX-2. Thereafter, the expression levels of inflammatory and fibrotic genes including PKR, IL-1β, TNF-α, TIMP-1, collagen, and TGF-β were measured by qPCR and ELISA assays. The loading of FVII or FX factors not only increased the size/charge of Ad5-GFP but also enhanced the transduction rate up to 60% and 75%, respectively, compared to the controls (45%). The PKR expression analysis showed an upregulation following treatment with all Ad36 forms (P = 0.0152). The IL-1β and TNF-α cytokines analyses demonstrated that the Ad36-FVII complex elicited the highest inflammatory response (P = 0.05). Similarly, the fibrosis-related expression analysis revealed a more inductive role of FVII when loaded on Ad36, compared to the FX factor. The findings suggested that adenovirus elicited the innate inflammatory and activation state in the hepatic stellate cell. In addition, adenovirus shielded by FVII exhibited more innate inflammation as well as activation of the stellate cells than the FX-loaded virus.

Structural, mechanical, and biological characterization of hierarchical nanofibrous Fmoc-phenylalanine-valine hydrogels for 3D culture of differentiated and mesenchymal stem cells

Fmoc-dipeptides are a class of short aromatic peptides featuring eminent supramolecular self-assembly, which is due to the aromaticity of the Fmoc group, which improves the association of peptide building blocks. This study aimed to introduce a new dipeptide hydrogel scaffold, Fmoc-phenylalanine-valine (Fmoc-FV), for 3D culture of various cells. Peptide hydrogel scaffolds were prepared by the pH-titration method in various concentrations and temperatures, and characterized by spectroscopic methods, including circular dichroism, attenuated total reflection FT-IR and fluorimetry. Mechanical behaviors such as thixotropy and temperature-sensitivity were investigated by oscillatory rheology. The Fmoc-FV hydrogels were then applied in 3D-culture of WJ-MSCs (mesenchymal stem cells), HUVECs (normal endothelial cells), and MDA-MB231 (tumor cell line) by live-dead fluorescence microscopy and Alamar blue viability assay experiments. The results confirmed that the β-sheet structure is principally interlocked by π-π stacking of the Fmoc groups and entangled nanofibrous morphologies as revealed by FE-SEM. Fmoc-FV self-assembly in physiologic conditions resulted in a thermo-sensitive and shear-thinning hydrogel. Notably, the Fmoc-FV hydrogel exhibited cell type-dependent biological activity, so higher cell proliferation was attained in HUVEC or MDA-MB231 cells than WJ-MSCs, indicating a possible need for incorporating cell-adhesion ligands in the Fmoc-FV hydrogel matrix. Therefore, the structural and biological properties of the Fmoc-dipeptide hydrogels are inter-related and can affect their applications in 3D cell culture and regenerative medicine.

Vitamin D3 cress seed mucilage -β-lactoglobulin nanocomplexes: Synthesis, characterization, encapsulation and simulated intestinal fluid in vitro release

Vitamin D₃ (VD₃) as an essential lipid-soluble active ingredient with numerous applications in food and pharmaceutical sectors; however, poor water solubility reduces its bioavailability significantly. Application of protein-polysaccharide complexes as a promising way to protect and trigger programmed release of bioactive molecules has established an optimal window in nutraceutical delivery systems. In this study, complexes of β-lactoglobulin (Blg) and cress seed mucilage (CSM) were used to retain VD₃ at undesirable circumstances, such as acidic pH values. The interaction of CSM-Blg was studied by rheological tests and the best formulation was chosen for encapsulation of VD₃ via crosslinking with calcium ions (2-10 mM). The results demonstrated that complexation protect VD₃ at low pH values with the maximum encapsulation efficiency of 84.2 %. The in vitro study indicated that Blg-CSM-VD₃ was more stable in simulated gastric fluid, and in turn VD₃ was released in simulated intestinal fluid; the complexes treated with calcium ions had a slower release rate than normal complexes. The release trend of VD₃ followed the diffusion-Fickian law and the principal interactions included hydrophobic, electrostatic and hydrogen bonding. The results indicated that Blg-CSM complexes can retain VD₃ at acidic environment and induce sustained release, which brings about practical advantages for vitamin delivery in the food and pharmaceutical sectors.

Fabrication of nanostructured mesoporous starch encapsulating soy-derived phytoestrogen (genistein) by well-tuned solvent exchange method

The present research was concerned with preparation of mesoporous starch (MPS) as a carrier for genistein, a model of poorly water-soluble phytoestrogen isoflavone; and exploration of the impact of different fabrication parameters on structural and loading properties. MPS is considered as a highly porous biomaterial which typically possesses nanometer-sized porous microstructure and low density, providing a large effective specific surface area (SSA) and hydrophilic surface to improve solubility, stability and bioavailability of poorly water-soluble active agents. To fabricate MPS, various concentrations (8-14% w/v) of starch from different sources (corn, potato and tapioca) was used for gel formation and the successive solvent exchange process was performed with use of various ethanol concentrations (40-70% v/v), which were then dried by different techniques (rotary vacuum evaporation, microwave and freeze drying). MPS quality attributes such as SSA, total porous volume, BJH pore diameter and swelling ratio were determined and effects of the fabrication parameters were investigated using L9-Taguchi orthogonal array design. The results indicate that second order polynomial regression models were well fitted for all response variables. Interestingly, the starch components greatly influenced physical properties of MPS. Also, the drying type and ethanol concentration altered significantly the model equations. The overall best fabrication condition (14% corn starch, 100% ethanol concentration in aging step and rotary vacuum drying) resulted in favorable MPS preparation with mean size of 105.4 nm and unimodal distribution. In the next step, genistein was encapsulated in MPS microstructure at different ratios, resulting in high loading capacity and efficiency (44.71% and 79.9%, respectively) at 1:1 weight ratio. Equilibrium adsorption isotherm of genistein was evaluated also by four different kinetics models including Langmuir, Freundlich, Dubinin-Radushkevich, and Temkin isotherms. The experimental data were found to be fitted well to the Langmuir model (R2 = 0.989). According to the electron microscopy and XRD analysis, the degree of genistein crystallinity lowered remarkably after the impregnation in to MPS, indicating improved solubility. In-vitro release profile of genistein from MPS in the simulated gastrointestinal buffer solutions (pH 1.2 and 6.8) demonstrated that incorporating genistein into the MPS enhanced the dissolution rate compared with genistein powder. Release kinetic data were fitted to the Higuchi model (R2 = 0.98), indicating diffusion-controlled release mechanism. Altogether, well-tuned MPS fabrication method can be utilized for an efficient encapsulation and dissolution enhancement of poorly soluble phytochemicals, such as genistein.

Core-Shell Imidazoline-Functionalized Mesoporous Silica Superparamagnetic Hybrid Nanoparticles as a Potential Theranostic Agent for Controlled Delivery of Platinum(II) Compound

Introduction

As widely used chemotherapeutic agents, platinum compounds have several therapeutic challenges, such as drug resistance and adverse effects. Theranostic systems, macromolecular or colloidal therapeutics with companion diagnostics, not only address controlled drug delivery but also enable real-time monitoring of tumor sites.

Methods

Synthesis of magnetic mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MMSNs) was performed for dual magnetic resonance imaging and drug delivery. MMSN surfaces were modified by imidazoline groups (MMSN-Imi) for cisplatin (Cis-Pt) conjugation via free N-termini to achieve well-controlled drug-release kinetics. Cis-Pt adsorption isotherms and drug-release profile at pH 5 and 7.4 were investigated using inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy.

Results

MMSN-Imi showed a specific surface area of 517.6 m² g⁻¹, mean pore diameter of 3.26 nm, and saturated magnetization of 53.63 emu/g. A relatively high r₂/r₁ relaxivity value was obtained for MMSN-Imi. The nanoparticles provided high Cis-Pt loading with acceptable loading capacity (~30% w:w). Sustained release of Cis-Pt under acidic conditions led to specific inhibitory effects on the growth of human epithelial ovarian carcinoma cells, determined using MTT assays. Dual acridine orange–propidium iodide staining was investigated, confirming induction of apoptosis and necrotic cell death.

Conclusion

MMSN-Imi exhibited potential for applications in cancer chemotherapy and combined imaging.

Double encapsulation of fucoxanthin using porous starch through sequential coating modification with maltodextrin and gum Arabic

This study aims to assess the effect of gum Arabic (GA), maltodextrin (MD), or their combination as a coating agent at different ratios (1/3, 1/5, and 1/7 w/w) to encapsulate fucoxanthin. For this purpose, fucoxanthin was initially extracted and purified from Sargassum angustifolium brown seaweed and then loaded into porous starch (PS). The fucoxanthin-loaded PS samples were further contributed in another encapsulation process using the coating materials. All samples were evaluated in terms of encapsulation efficiency, Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and stability under light, dark and low or high temperature (4 and 50°C) exposure over a certain time period. Purification of fucoxanthin was verified through HPLC and NMR spectroscopy. It was shown that the subsequent coating with MD + GA (1/7 w/w) caused an enhanced encapsulation of fucoxanthin-loaded PS, reaching to about 96%. In addition, the stability of fucoxanthin-loaded PS was greatly influenced by light and high temperature exposure and decreased from 85% to 58% using the GA-coated material (1/3 w/w). First-order kinetic model was found to be fitted well on thermal degradation data of fucoxanthin. Interestingly, the mixture of MD + GA (1/7 w/w) exhibited the highest fucoxanthin prevention at the end of the storage period. Conclusively, the findings of this study can provide simple and facile protocol for food chemists in protecting the food ingredients using encapsulation process.

Redox-sensitive, PEG-shielded carboxymethyl PEI nanogels silencing MicroRNA-21, sensitizes resistant ovarian cancer cells to cisplatin

A series of branched polyethylenimine (PEI) modifications including PEGylation (PEG2k-PEI) for steric shielding, redox-sensitive crosslinking for synthesis PEG2k-PEI-ss nanogels and subsequent carboxymethylation (PEG2k-CMPEI-ss) for modulation of the polymer pka have been introduced for cellular delivery of Anti-miR-21. The synthesis was characterized using 1H NMR, FTIR, TNBS, potentiometric titration, particle size and ζ potential. Loading of Anti-miR-21 at various N/P ratios was investigated by gel retardation, ethidium bromide dye exclusion, heparin sulfate competition and DNase I digestion experiments. The miR-21 silencing was measured by stem-loop RT PCR in A2780 ovarian cancer cell lines whether it is sensitive to resistant to cisplatin. It has been shown that PEG2k-CMPEI-ss was well suited for delivery of Anti-miR-21 in terms of nucleic acid loading, preservation against extracellular matrix and nucleases and sequence-specific silencing of miRNA-21 in vitro. Moreover, it has been demonstrated that pre-treating cells with Anti-miR-21 loaded nanogels can sensitize them to cis-Pt even at non-toxic concentraions. The results indicate that PEG2k-CMPEI-ss mediated microRNA delivery can be considered as a novel strategy for ovarian cancer therapy.

Progresses in microRNA Delivery Using Synthetic Nanovectors in Cancer Therapy

MicroRNAs are small noncoding RNAs with key roles in gene expression. It has been revealed that aberrant expression of microRNAs is related to gene expression abnormality, and they have the potential to be used as anti-cancer drugs. However, the delivery of microRNAs is limited due to barriers, such as low uptake and insufficient endosomal release, intracellular nucleases degradation, phagocytic elimination, and renal filtration. To overcome these issues, novel delivery systems are developed for improving the efficiency of microRNAs therapy ranging from viral to synthetic; some are further developed with targeted ligands for active targeting purposes. Such delivery systems provide efficient cellular uptake and endosomal release as well as low cytotoxicity and minimum unwanted host immune response. Nevertheless, more complementary studies are warranted before being applied in human studies. This review deals with recent updates on the challenges and achievements of the various nanotechnology-based gene delivery vehicles with a special emphasis on the miRNA delivery in cancer therapy. In addition, we attempted to categorize the designed delivery systems based on miRNA therapeutic molecule. The related cellular signaling pathways and pharmacological action against cancer promotion have also been highlighted.

Synthesis, structural and in-vitro characterization of β-cyclodextrin grafted L-phenylalanine functionalized graphene oxide nanocomposite: A versatile nanocarrier for pH-sensitive doxorubicin delivery

To enhance graphene stability, drug loading capacity and biocompatibility, β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) was grafted onto graphene oxide (GO) using L-plenylalanine (Phe) as a linker. The doxorubicin (DOX) loading efficiency and capacity of GO-Phe-CD were 78.7% and 85.2%, respectively. The cone shaped cavity of CD acts as a host for DOX loading through inclusion complex formation. The GO-Phe-CD nanocarrier showed higher release ratio of DOX in acidic milieu of cancer cells. In addition, general cytotoxicity of the nanocarriers was examined by MTT assay and trypan blue dye exclusion in MCF-7 cell lines. It was established that the MTT assay was not an appropriate technique for predicting the cytotoxicity of graphene based nanocarriers due to the spontaneous formation of MTT formazan by these materials; leading to a false high biocompatibility. According to the trypan blue experiment, the GO-Phe-CD had significant cytocompatibility, and the DOX-loaded GO-Phe-CD had outstanding killing capability to MCF-7 cells.

miR-21, An Oncogenic Target miRNA for Cancer Therapy: Molecular Mechanisms and Recent Advancements in Chemo and Radio-resistance

In the past decade, miRNAs have been extensively attracted the scientist's attentions as tumor suppressors or oncogenes that have been implicated in tumor progression, metastasis and intrinsic resistance to various cancer therapies. microRNA-21 (miR-21) demonstrates a potential oncogenic function and targets tumor inhibitor proteins in almost all types of cancer. miR-21 overexpression has been studied in terms of cell proliferation, migration, invasion, metastasis, and apoptosis regulation. Inhibition of miRNA expression using antisense technology by various nanovectors of different sizes, shapes and compositions has been evolved progressively to overcome the barriers confronted by miRNA delivery. Application of miR-21 antisense oligonucleotides for treating cancerous cells has become a promising achievement for cancer therapy. Moreover, miR-21 can mediate resistance to radiation and chemotherapy. The expanding role of miR-21 functions in human cancers with an emphasis on its regulatory targets and mechanisms, miR-21 related achievements against cancer promotion have been discussed.

Strategies for Improving siRNA-Induced Gene Silencing Efficiency

Purpose: Human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) plays a crucial role in tumorigenesis and progression of cancers. Gene silencing of hTERT by short interfering RNA (siRNA) is considered as a promising strategy for cancer gene therapy. Various algorithms have been devised for designing a high efficient siRNA which is a significant issue in the clinical usage. Thereby, in the present study, the relation of siRNA designing criteria and the gene silencing efficiency was evaluated.

Methods: The siRNA sequences were designed and characterized by using on line soft wares. Cationic co-polymer (polyethylene glycol-g-polyethylene imine (PEG-g-PEI)) was used for the construction of polyelectrolyte complexes (PECs) containing siRNAs. The cellular uptake of the PECs was evaluated. The gene silencing efficiency of different siRNA sequences was investigated and the effect of observing the rational designing on the functionality of siRNAs was assessed.

Results: The size of PEG-g-PEI siRNA with N/P (Nitrogen/Phosphate) ratio of 2.5 was 114 ± 0.645 nm. The transfection efficiency of PECs was desirable (95.5% ± 2.4%.). The results of Real-Time PCR showed that main sequence (MS) reduced the hTERT expression up to 90% and control positive sequence (CPS) up to 63%. These findings demonstrated that the accessibility to the target site has priority than the other criteria such as sequence preferences and thermodynamic features.

Conclusion: siRNA opens a hopeful window in cancer therapy which provides a convenient and tolerable therapeutic approach. Thereby, using the set of criteria and rational algorithms in the designing of siRNA remarkably affect the gene silencing efficiency.