A new polymer-lipid hybrid nanoparticle system increases cytotoxicity of doxorubicin against multidrug-resistant human breast cancer cells

Intratumoral Delivery of Doxorubicin on Folate-Conjugated Graphene Oxide by In-Situ Forming Thermo-Sensitive Hydrogel for Breast Cancer Therapy

By taking advantage of the pH-sensitive drug release property of graphene oxide (GO) after intracellular uptake, we prepared folic acid (FA)-conjugated GO (GOFA) for targeted delivery of the chemotherapeutic drug doxorubicin (DOX). GOFA-DOX was further encapsulated in an injectable in-situ forming thermo-sensitive hyaluronic acid-chitosan-g-poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (HACPN) hydrogel for intratumoral delivery of DOX. As the degradation time of HACPN could be extended up to 3 weeks, intratumoral delivery of GOFA-DOX/HACPN could provide controlled and targeted delivery of DOX through slow degradation HACPN and subsequent cellular uptake of released GOFA-DOX by tumor cells through interactions of GOFA with folate receptors on the tumor cell's surface. GOFA nano-carrier and HACPN hydrogel were first characterized for the physico-chemical properties. The drug loading experiments indicated the best preparation condition of GOFA-DOX was by reacting 0.1 mg GOFA with 2 mg DOX. GOFA-DOX showed pH-responsive drug release with ~5 times more DOX released at pH 5.5 than at pH 7.4 while only limited DOX was released from GOFA-DOX/HACPN at pH 7.4. Intracellular uptake of GOFA by endocytosis and release of DOX from GOFA-DOX in vitro could be confirmed from transmission electron microscopic and confocal laser scanning microscopic analysis with MCF-7 breast cancer cells. The targeting effect of FA was revealed when intracellular uptake of GOFA was blocked by excess FA. This resulted in enhanced in vitro cytotoxicity as revealed from the lower half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) value of GOFA-DOX (7.3 μg/mL) compared with that of DOX (32.5 μg/mL) and GO-DOX (10 μg/mL). The flow cytometry analysis indicated higher apoptosis rates for cells treated with GOFA-DOX (30%) compared with DOX (8%) and GO-DOX (11%). Animal studies were carried out with subcutaneously implanted MCF-7 cells in BALB/c nude mice and subject to intratumoral administration of drugs. The relative tumor volumes of control (saline) and GOFA-DOX/HACPN groups at day 21 were 2.17 and 1.79 times that at day 0 with no significant difference. In comparison, the relative tumor volumes of treatment groups at the same time were significantly different at 1.02, 0.67 and 0.48 times for DOX, GOFA-DOX and GOFA-DOX/HACPN groups, respectively. The anti-tumor efficacy was also supported by images from an in vivo imaging system (IVIS) using MCF-7 cells transfected with luciferase (MCF-7/Luc). Furthermore, tissue biopsy examination and blood analysis indicated that intratumoral delivery of DOX using GOFA-DOX/HACPN did not elicit acute toxicity. Taken together, GOFA-DOX/HACPN could be deemed as a safe and efficient intratumoral drug delivery system for breast cancer therapy.

The new era of nanotechnology, an alternative to change cancer treatment

In the last few years, nanostructures have gained considerable interest for the safe delivery of therapeutic agents. Several therapeutic approaches have been reported, such as molecular diagnosis, disease detection, nanoscale immunotherapy and anticancer drug delivery that could be integrated into clinical use. The current paper aims to highlight the background that supports the use of nanoparticles conjugated with different types of therapeutic agents, applicable in targeted therapy and cancer research, with a special emphasis on hematological malignancies. A particular key point is the functional characterization of nonviral delivery systems, such as gold nanoparticles, liposomes and dendrimers. The paper also presents relevant published data related to microRNA and RNA interference delivery using nanoparticles in cancer therapy.

Nanomedicine applications in the treatment of breast cancer: current state of the art

Breast cancer is the most common malignant disease in women worldwide, but the current drug therapy is far from optimal as indicated by the high death rate of breast cancer patients. Nanomedicine is a promising alternative for breast cancer treatment. Nanomedicine products such as Doxil^® and Abraxane^® have already been extensively used for breast cancer adjuvant therapy with favorable clinical outcomes. However, these products were originally designed for generic anticancer purpose and not specifically for breast cancer treatment. With better understanding of the molecular biology of breast cancer, a number of novel promising nanotherapeutic strategies and devices have been developed in recent years. In this review, we will first give an overview of the current breast cancer treatment and the updated status of nanomedicine use in clinical setting, then discuss the latest important trends in designing breast cancer nanomedicine, including passive and active cancer cell targeting, breast cancer stem cell targeting, tumor microenvironment-based nanotherapy and combination nanotherapy of drug-resistant breast cancer. Researchers may get insight from these strategies to design and develop nanomedicine that is more tailored for breast cancer to achieve further improvements in cancer specificity, antitumorigenic effect, antimetastasis effect and drug resistance reversal effect.

Diruthenium(ii,iii) metallodrugs of ibuprofen and naproxen encapsulated in intravenously injectable polymer-lipid nanoparticles exhibit enhanced activity against breast and prostate cancer cells

A unique class of diruthenium(ii,iii) metallodrugs containing non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), Ru₂(NSAID), have been reported to show anticancer activity in glioma models in vitro and in vivo. This work reports the encapsulation of the lead metallodrug of ibuprofen (HIbp), [Ru₂(Ibp)₄Cl] or RuIbp, and also of the new analogue of naproxen (HNpx), [Ru₂(Npx)₄Cl] or RuNpx, in novel intravenously (i.v.) injectable solid polymer-lipid nanoparticles (SPLNs). A rationally selected composition of lipids/polymers rendered nearly spherical Ru₂(NSAID)-SPLNs with a mean size of 120 nm and zeta potential of about -20 mV. The Ru₂(NSAID)-SPLNs are characterized by spectroscopic techniques and the composition in terms of ruthenium-drug species is analyzed by mass spectrometry. The metallodrug-loaded nanoparticles showed high drug loading (17-18%) with ∼100% drug loading efficiency, and good colloidal stability in serum at body temperature. Fluorescence-labeled SPLNs were taken up by the cancer cells in a time- and energy-dependent manner as analyzed by confocal microscopy and fluorescence spectrometry. The Ru₂(NSAID)-SPLNs showed enhanced cytotoxicity (IC₅₀ at 60-100 μmol L^-1 ) in relation to the corresponding Ru₂(NSAID) metallodrugs in breast (EMT6 and MDA-MB-231) and prostate (DU145) cancer cells in vitro. The cell viability of both metallodrug nanoformulations is also compared with those of the parent NSAIDs, HIbp and HNpx, and their corresponding NSAID-SPLNs. In vivo and ex vivo fluorescence imaging revealed good biodistribution and high tumor accumulation of fluorescence-labeled SPLNs following i.v. injection in an orthotopic breast tumor model. The enhanced anticancer activity of the metallodrug-loaded SPLNs in these cell lines can be associated with the advantages of the nanoformulations, assigned mainly to the stability of the colloidal nanoparticles suitable for i.v. injection and enhanced cellular uptake. The findings of this work encourage future in vivo efficacy studies to further exploit the potential of the novel Ru₂(NSAID)-SPLN nanoformulations for clinical application.

MDR in cancer: Addressing the underlying cellular alterations with the use of nanocarriers

Multidrug resistance (MDR) is associated with a wide range of pathological changes at different cellular and intracellular levels. Nanoparticles (NPs) have been extensively exploited as the carriers of MDR reversing payloads to resistant tumor cells. However, when properly formulated in terms of chemical composition and physicochemical properties, NPs can serve as beyond delivery systems and help overcome MDR even without carrying a load of chemosensitizers or MDR reversing molecular cargos. Whether serving as drug carriers or beyond, a wise design of the nanoparticulate systems to overcome the cellular and intracellular alterations underlying the resistance is imperative. Within the current review, we will initially discuss the cellular changes occurring in resistant cells and how such changes lead to chemotherapy failure and cancer cell survival. We will then focus on different mechanisms through which nanosystems with appropriate chemical composition and physicochemical properties can serve as MDR reversing units at different cellular and intracellular levels according to the changes that underlie the resistance. Finally, we will conclude by discussing logical grounds for a wise and rational design of MDR reversing nanoparticulate systems to improve the cancer therapeutic approaches.

A review on current nanomaterials and their drug conjugate for targeted breast cancer treatment

Breast cancer is the most common malignancy worldwide, especially among women, with substantial after-treatment effects. The survival rates of breast cancer have decreased over the years even with the existence of various therapeutic strategies, specifically, chemotherapy. Clinical drugs administered for breast cancer appear to be non-targeting to specific cancer sites leading to severe side effects and potentially harming healthy cells instead of just killing cancer cells. This leads to the need for designing a targeted drug delivery system. Nanomaterials, both organic and inorganic, are potential drug nanocarriers with the ability of targeting, imaging and tracking. Various types of nanomaterials have been actively researched together with their drug conjugate. In this review, we focus on selected nanomaterials, namely solid-lipid, liposomal, polymeric, magnetic nanoparticles, quantum dots, and carbon nanotubes and their drug conjugates, for breast cancer studies. Their advantages, disadvantages and previously conducted studies were highlighted.

Design of nanocarriers for nanoscale drug delivery to enhance cancer treatment using hybrid polymer and lipid building blocks

Polymer-lipid hybrid nanoparticles (PLN) are an emerging nanocarrier platform made from building blocks of polymers and lipids. PLN integrate the advantages of biomimetic lipid-based nanoparticles (i.e. solid lipid nanoparticles and liposomes) and biocompatible polymeric nanoparticles. PLN are constructed from diverse polymers and lipids and their numerous combinations, which imparts PLN with great versatility for delivering drugs of various properties to their nanoscale targets. PLN can be classified into two types based on their hybrid nanoscopic structure and assembly methods: Type-I monolithic matrix and Type-II core-shell systems. This article reviews the history of PLN development, types of PLN, lipid and polymer candidates, fabrication methods, and unique properties of PLN. The applications of PLN in delivery of therapeutic or imaging agents alone or in combination for cancer treatment are summarized and illustrated with examples. Important considerations for the rational design of PLN for advanced nanoscale drug delivery are discussed, including selection of excipients, synthesis processes governing formulation parameters, optimization of nanoparticle properties, improvement of particle surface functionality to overcome macroscopic, microscopic and cellular biological barriers. Future directions and potential clinical translation of PLN are also suggested.

Recent advances in the field of selective epoxidation of vegetable oils and their derivatives: a review and perspective

The present critical review reports the recent progress of the last 15 years in the selective epoxidation of vegetable oils and their derivatives, in particular unsaturated fatty acids (UFAs) and fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs).

Advances in Hybrid Polymer-Based Materials for Sustained Drug Release

The use of biomaterials composed of organic pristine components has been successfully described in several purposes, such as tissue engineering and drug delivery. Drug delivery systems (DDS) have shown several advantages over traditional drug therapy, such as greater therapeutic efficacy, prolonged delivery profile, and reduced drug toxicity, as evidenced by in vitro and in vivo studies as well as clinical trials. Despite that, there is no perfect delivery carrier, and issues such as undesirable viscosity and physicochemical stability or inability to efficiently encapsulate hydrophilic/hydrophobic molecules still persist, limiting DDS applications. To overcome that, biohybrid systems, originating from the synergistic assembly of polymers and other organic materials such as proteins and lipids, have recently been described, yielding molecularly planned biohybrid systems that are able to optimize structures to easily interact with the targets. This work revised the biohybrid DDS clarifying their advantages, limitations, and future perspectives in an attempt to contribute to further research of innovative and safe biohybrid polymer-based system as biomaterials for the sustained release of active molecules.

Docetaxel-Loaded Self-Assembly Stearic Acid-Modified Bletilla striata Polysaccharide Micelles and Their Anticancer Effect: Preparation, Characterization, Cellular Uptake and In Vitro Evaluation

Poorly soluble drugs have low bioavailability after oral administration, thereby hindering effective drug delivery. A novel drug-delivery system of docetaxel (DTX)-based stearic acid (SA)-modified Bletilla striata polysaccharides (BSPs) copolymers was successfully developed. Particle size, zeta potential, encapsulation efficiency (EE), and loading capacity (LC) were determined. The DTX release percentage in vitro was determined using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The hemolysis and in vitro anticancer activity were studied. Cellular uptake and apoptotic rate were measured using flow cytometry assay. Particle size, zeta potential, EE and LC were 125.30 ± 1.89 nm, -26.92 ± 0.18 mV, 86.6% ± 0.17%, and 14.8% ± 0.13%, respectively. The anticancer activities of DTX-SA-BSPs copolymer micelles against HepG2, HeLa, SW480, and MCF-7 (83.7% ± 1.0%, 54.5% ± 4.2%, 48.5% ± 4.2%, and 59.8% ± 1.4%, respectively) were superior to that of docetaxel injection (39.2% ± 1.1%, 44.5% ± 5.3%, 38.5% ± 5.4%, and 49.8% ± 2.9%, respectively) at 0.5 μg/mL drug concentration. The DTX release percentage of DTX-SA-BSPs copolymer micelles and docetaxel injection were 66.93% ± 1.79% and 97.06% ± 1.56% in two days, respectively. Cellular uptake of DTX-FITC-SA-BSPs copolymer micelles in cells had a time-dependent relation. Apoptotic rate of DTX-SA-BSPs copolymer micelles and docetaxel injection were 73.48% and 69.64%, respectively. The SA-BSPs copolymer showed good hemocompatibility. Therefore, SA-BSPs copolymer can be used as a carrier for delivering hydrophobic drugs.

Thiomers and their potential applications in drug delivery

INTRODUCTION

Thiomers are the product of the immobilization of sulfhydryl-bearing ligands onto the polymer backbone of a conventional polymer, which results in a significant improvement in mucoadhesion; in situ gelation and efflux inhibition compare with unchanged polymers. Because of thiol groups, thiomers have more reactivity and enhanced protection against oxidation. Since the late 1990s, extensive work has been conducted on these promising polymeric excipients in the pharmaceutical field. Areas covered: This review covers thiomers, their classification and their different properties. Various techniques for the synthesis, purification and characterization of thiomers are described in detail. This review also encompasses their various properties such as mucoadhesion, permeation enhancement, in situ gelation and efflux inhibition, as well as different formulations based on thiomers. In addition to the use of thiomers as multifunctional excipients, this review also encompasses their use as drugs. Expert opinion: The synthesis is realized by linkage of sulfhydryl-bearing ligands but reported methods give low yields. Higher degrees of modification are not necessary and would probably lead to extreme changes in properties. Nevertheless, an accurate characterization of the final product is important. The scale-up procedure for industrial manufacturing has been adapted to produce GMP materials; Lacrimera® eye drops have already entered the European market.

Synergistic and complete reversal of the multidrug resistance of mitoxantrone hydrochloride by three-in-one multifunctional lipid-sodium glycocholate nanocarriers based on simultaneous BCRP and Bcl-2 inhibition

Multidrug resistance (MDR) is a severe obstacle to successful chemotherapy due to its complicated nature that involves multiple mechanisms, such as drug efflux by transporters (P-glycoprotein and breast cancer resistance protein, BCRP) and anti-apoptotic defense (B-cell lymphoma, Bcl-2). To synergistically and completely reverse MDR by simultaneous inhibition of pump and non-pump cellular resistance, three-in-one multifunctional lipid-sodium glycocholate (GcNa) nanocarriers (TMLGNs) have been designed for controlled co-delivery of water-soluble cationic mitoxantrone hydrochloride (MTO), cyclosporine A (CsA – BCRP inhibitor), and GcNa (Bcl-2 inhibitor). GcNa and dextran sulfate were incorporated as anionic compounds to enhance the encapsulation efficiency of MTO (up to 97.8%±1.9%) and sustain the release of cationic MTO by electrostatic interaction. The results of a series of in vitro and in vivo investigations indicated that the TMLGNs were taken up by the resistant cancer cells by an endocytosis pathway that escaped the efflux induced by BCRP, and the simultaneous release of CsA with MTO further efficiently inhibited the efflux of the released MTO by BCRP; meanwhile GcNa induced the apoptosis process, and an associated synergistic antitumor activity and reversion of MDR were achieved because the reversal index was almost 1.0.

Drug transporters in breast cancer: response to anthracyclines and taxanes

Despite the advances that have taken place in the past decade, including the development of novel molecular targeted agents, cytotoxic chemotherapy remains the mainstay of cancer treatment. In breast cancer, anthracyclines and taxanes are the two main chemotherapeutic options used on a routine basis. Although effective, their usefulness is limited by the inevitable development of resistance, a lack of response to drug-induced cancer cell death. A large body of research has resulted in the characterization of a plethora of mechanisms involved in resistance; ATP-binding cassette transporter proteins, through their function in xenobiotic clearance, play an important role in resistance. We review here the current evidence for drug transporters as biomarkers and the benefit of adding drug transporter modulators to conventional chemotherapy.

Applications of nanoparticle drug delivery systems for the reversal of multidrug resistance in cancer

Multidrug resistance (MDR) to chemotherapy presents a major obstacle in the treatment of cancer patients, which directly affects the clinical success rate of cancer therapy. Current research aims to improve the efficiency of chemotherapy, whilst reducing toxicity to prolong the lives of cancer patients. As with good biocompatibility, high stability and drug release targeting properties, nanodrug delivery systems alter the mechanism by which drugs function to reverse MDR, via passive or active targeting, increasing drug accumulation in the tumor tissue or reducing drug elimination. Given the potential role of nanodrug delivery systems used in multidrug resistance, the present study summarizes the current knowledge on the properties of liposomes, lipid nanoparticles, polymeric micelles and mesoporous silica nanoparticles, together with their underlying mechanisms. The current review aims to provide a reliable basis and useful information for the development of new treatment strategies of multidrug resistance reversal using nanodrug delivery systems.

Exploitation of lipid-polymeric matrices at nanoscale for drug delivery applications

INTRODUCTION

Progress in drug delivery and a better quality of life for patients, relies on the development of new and suitable drug carrier systems, with unequivocal therapeutic benefits, low systemic toxicity and reduced side effects. Lipid-polymeric nanoparticles have been explored to produce nanocarriers due to their features and applications such as high drug entrapment, physical-chemical stability and controlled release properties.

AREAS COVERED

In this review, we describe several hybrid nanoparticles obtained from mixing a polymer with a lipid matrix. This association can potentiate the efficacy of drug delivery systems, due to the enhancement of encapsulation efficiency and loading capacity, tailoring the drug release according to the therapeutic purpose, and improving the drug uptake by targeting it to specific receptors. Contrary to lipid nanoparticles, these hybrid nanoparticles can decrease the initial burst release and promote a more sustained and localized release of the drug.

EXPERT OPINION

Lipid-polymeric nanoparticles are versatile vehicles for drug delivery by different administration routes in the treatment of multiple diseases. Different solid lipids, polymers, surfactants and techniques for producing these carriers have been investigated, revealing the importance of their composition to achieve optimal characteristics to drug delivery.

Nanostructured lipid-carrageenan hybrid carriers (NLCCs) for controlled delivery of mitoxantrone hydrochloride to enhance anticancer activity bypassing the BCRP-mediated efflux

Novel nanostructured lipid-carrageenan hybrid carriers (NLCCs) were exploited for controlled delivery of water soluble chemotherapeutic agent mitoxantrone hydrochloride (MTO) with high loading capacity, sustained release property, and potential for improving oral bioavailability and antitumor efficacy. By introducing the negative polymer of carrageenan, MTO was highly incorporated into NLCCs with encapsulation efficiency of 95.8% by electrostatic interaction. In vivo pharmacokinetics of MTO solution (MTO-Sol) and MTO-NLCCs in rats demonstrated that the apparent bioavailability of MTO-NLCCs was increased to approximate 3.5-fold compared to that of MTO-Sol. The cytotoxicity investigations by MTT method indicated that NLCCs could significantly enhanced the antitumor efficacy against resistant MCF-7/MX cells. The relative cellular association of MTO-NLCCs was 9.2-fold higher than that of MTO-Sol in breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP) over-expressing MCF-7/MX cells, implying that BCRP-mediated drug efflux was diminished by the introduction of NLCCs. The endocytosis inhibition study implied that the NLCCs entered the MCF-7/MX cells by clathrin-mediated endocytosis process, which can bypass the efflux of MTO mediated by BCRP. The new developed NLCCs provide an effective strategy for oral delivery of water-soluble MTO with improved encapsulation efficiency, oral bioavailability, and cytotoxicity against resistant breast cancer cells.

Recent achievements in colorectal cancer diagnostic and therapy by the use of nanoparticles

Colorectal cancer is a major public health issue, being the third most common cancer in men and the second in women. It is one of the leading causes of cancer deaths. Nanomedicine is an emerging field of interest, many of its aspects being linked to cancer research. Chemotherapy has a well-established role in colorectal cancer management, unfortunately being limited by inability to have a selective distribution, by multidrug resistance and adverse effects. Researches carried out in recent years about nanotechnologies aimed, among others, to resolve the issues mentioned above. Targeted and localized delivery of the chemotherapeutic drugs, using nanoparticles, with selective destruction of cancerous cells would minimize the toxicity on healthy tissues. Also, the use of nanomaterials as contrast agent could improve sensitivity and specificity of diagnosis. The purpose of this review is to highlight the recent achievements of cancer research by use of nanomaterials, in the idea of finding the ideal composite, capable to simultaneous diagnostic and treat cancer.

α-Tocopherol succinate improves encapsulation and anticancer activity of doxorubicin loaded in solid lipid nanoparticles

This work aimed to develop solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) co-loaded with doxorubicin and α-tocopheryl succinate (TS), a succinic acid ester of α-tocopherol that exhibits anticancer actions, evaluating the influence of TS on drug encapsulation efficiency. The SLN were characterized for size, zeta potential, entrapment efficiency (EE), and drug release. Studies of in vitro anticancer activity were also conducted. The EE was significantly improved from 30 ± 1% to 96 ± 2% for SLN without and with TS at 0.4%, respectively. In contrast, a reduction in particle size from 298 ± 1 to 79 ± 1 nm was observed for SLN without and with TS respectively. The doxorubicin release data show that SLN provide a controlled drug release. The in vitro studies showed higher cytotoxicity for doxorubicin-TS-loaded SLN than for free doxorubicin in breast cancer cells. These findings suggest that TS-doxorubicin-loaded SLN is a promising alternative for the treatment of cancer.

Enhancing Cellular Uptake and Doxorubicin Delivery of Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles via Surface Functionalization: Effects of Serum

In this study, we demonstrate how functional groups on the surface of mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNPs) can influence the encapsulation and release of the anticancer drug doxorubicin, as well as cancer cell response in the absence or presence of serum proteins. To this end, we synthesized four differently functionalized MSNPs with amine, sulfonate, polyethylene glycol, or polyethylene imine functional surface groups, as well as one type of antibody-conjugated MSNP for specific cellular targeting, and we characterized these MSNPs regarding their physicochemical properties, colloidal stability in physiological media, and uptake and release of doxorubicin in vitro. Then, the MSNPs were investigated for their cytotoxic potential on cancer cells. Cationic MSNPs could not be loaded with doxorubicin and did therefore not show any cytotoxic and antiproliferative potential on osteosarcoma cells, although they were efficiently taken up into the cells in the presence or absence of serum. In contrast, substantial amounts of doxorubicin were loaded into negatively charged and unfunctionalized MSNPs. Especially, sulfonate-functionalized doxorubicin-loaded MSNPs were efficiently taken up into the cells in the presence of serum and showed an accelerated toxic and antiproliferative potential compared to unfunctionalized MSNPs, antibody-conjugated MSNPs, and even free doxorubicin. These findings stress the high importance of the surface charge as well as of the protein corona for designing and applying nanoparticles for targeted drug delivery.

Development and in vitro evaluation of core-shell type lipid-polymer hybrid nanoparticles for the delivery of erlotinib in non-small cell lung cancer

Core-shell type lipid-polymer hybrid nanoparticles (CSLPHNPs) have emerged as a multifunctional drug delivery platform. The delivery system combines mechanical advantages of polymeric core and biomimetic advantages of the phospholipid shell into a single platform. We report the development of CSLPHNPs composed of the lipid monolayer shell and the biodegradable polymeric core for the delivery of erlotinib, an anticancer drug, clinically used to treat non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Erlotinib loaded CSLPHNPs were prepared by previously reported single-step sonication method using polycaprolactone (PCL) as the biodegradable polymeric core and phospholipid-shell composed of hydrogenated soy phosphatidylcholine (HSPC) and 1,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine-N-[methoxy(polyethylene glycol)-2000 (DSPE-PEG2000). Erlotinib loaded CSLPHNPs were characterized for physicochemical properties including mean particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential, morphology, thermal and infrared spectral analysis, drug loading, in vitro drug release, in vitro serum stability, and storage stability. The effect of critical formulation and process variables on two critical quality attributes (mean particle size and drug entrapment efficiency) of erlotinib loaded CSLPHNPs was studied and optimized. In addition, in vitro cellular uptake, luminescent cell viability assay and colony formation assay were performed to evaluate efficacy of erlotinib loaded CSLPHNPs in A549 cells, a human lung adenocarcinoma cell line. Optimized erlotinib loaded CSLPHNPs were prepared with mean particle size of about 170nm, PDI<0.2, drug entrapment efficiency of about 66% with good serum and storage stability. The evaluation of in vitro cellular efficacy results indicated enhanced uptake and efficacy of erlotinib loaded CSLPHNPs compared to erlotinib solution in A549 cells. Therefore, CSLPHNPs could be a potential delivery system for erlotinib in the therapy of NSCLC.

Utilizing the protein corona around silica nanoparticles for dual drug loading and release

A protein corona forms spontaneously around silica nanoparticles (SNPs) in serum-containing media. To test whether this protein corona can be utilized for the loading and release of anticancer drugs we incorporated the hydrophilic doxorubicin, the hydrophobic meloxicam as well as their combination in the corona around SNPs. The application of corona-covered SNPs to osteosarcoma cells revealed that drug-free particles did not affect the cell viability. In contrast, SNPs carrying a protein corona with doxorubicin or meloxicam lowered the cell proliferation in a concentration-dependent manner. In addition, these particles had an even greater antiproliferative potential than the respective concentrations of free drugs. The best antiproliferative effects were observed for SNPs containing both doxorubicin and meloxicam in their corona. Co-localization studies revealed the presence of doxorubicin fluorescence in the nucleus and lysosomes of cells exposed to doxorubicin-containing coated SNPs, suggesting that endocytotic uptake of the SNPs facilitates the cellular accumulation of the drug. Our data demonstrate that the protein corona, which spontaneously forms around nanoparticles, can be efficiently exploited for loading the particles with multiple drugs for therapeutic purposes. As drugs are efficiently released from such particles they may have a great potential for nanomedical applications.

Methotrexate-conjugated quantum dots: synthesis, characterisation and cytotoxicity in drug resistant cancer cells

Methotrexate (MTX), a folic acid derivative, is a potent anticancer used for treatment of different malignancies, but possible initiation of drug resistance to MTX by cancer cells has limited its applications. Nanoconjugates (NCs) of MTX to quantum dots (QDs) may favour the cellular uptake via folate receptors (FRs)-mediated endocytosis that circumvents the efflux functions of cancer cells. We synthesised MTX-conjugated l-cysteine capped CdSe QDs (MTX-QD nanoconjugates) and evaluated their internalisation and cytotoxicity in the KB cells with/without resistancy to MTX. The NCs were fully characterised by high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), dynamic light scattering (DLS) and optical spectroscopy. Upon conjugation with MTX, the photoluminescence (PL) properties of QDs altered, while an obvious quenching in PL of QDs was observed after physical mixing. The MTX-QD nanoconjugates efficiently internalised into the cancer cells, and induced markedly high cytotoxicity (IC50, 12.0 µg/mL) in the MTX-resistant KB cells as compared to the free MTX molecules (IC50,105.0 µg/mL), whereas, these values were respectively about 7.0 and 0.6 µg/mL in the MTX-sensitive KB cells. Based on these findings, the MTX-QD nanoconjugates are proposed for the targeted therapy of MTX-resistant cancers, which may provide an improved outcome in the relapsed FR-overexpressing cancers.

Anticancer activity of galactoxyloglucan polysaccharide-conjugated doxorubicin nanoparticles: Mechanistic insights and interactome analysis

Toxicity associated with chemotherapeutic drugs such as doxorubicin (Dox), is one of the major obstacles that is currently affecting patients. PST-Dox (Galactoxyloglucan, PST001-conjugated Dox) nanoparticles were synthesized by encapsulating Dox with polysaccharide PST001, isolated from Tamarindus indica (Ti) by ionic gelation with tripolyphosphate (TPP). Herein, we demonstrate a detailed mechanistic and interactome network analysis that is specific to PST-Dox action in cancer cells and normal lymphocytes. Our results show that PST-Dox is superior to its parental counterparts, exhibiting a greater cytotoxicity by the induction of apoptosis against a wide variety of cancers by enhanced cellular uptake of Dox from the nanoparticle conjugates. Also, PST-Dox nanoparticles were non-toxic to normal lymphocytes with limited immunostimulatory effects up to certain doses. Elucidation of molecular mechanism by whole genome microarray in cancer cells and lymphocytes revealed that a large number of genes were dysregulated specifically in cancer cells. Specifically, a unique target gene EGR1, contextually determined translational activation of P53 in the cancerous and non-cancerous cells. Most of the key downregulated genes were tyrosine kinases, indicating the potential inhibitory action of PST-Dox on tyrosine kinase oncogenic pathways. Western blotting of proteins corresponding to the genes that were altered at the genomic level was very well correlated in the majority of them, except in a few that demonstrated post-transcriptional modifications. The important findings and highly disciplined approaches highlighted in the present study will speed up the therapeutic potential of this augmented nanoparticle formulation for more robust clinical studies and testing in several cancers.

Optimizing the design and in vitro evaluation of bioreactive glucose oxidase-microspheres for enhanced cytotoxicity against multidrug resistant breast cancer cells

Glucose oxidase (GOX) encapsulated in alginate-chitosan microspheres (GOX-MS) was shown in our previous work to produce reactive oxygen species (ROS) in situ and exhibit anticancer effects in vitro and in vivo. The purpose of present work was to optimize the design and thus enhance the efficacy of GOX-MS against multidrug resistant (MDR) cancer cells. GOX-MS with different mean diameters of 4, 20 or 140 μm were prepared using an emulsification-internal gelation-adsorption-chitosan coating method with varying compositions and conditions. The GOX loading efficiency, loading level, relative bioactivity of GOX-MS, and GOX leakage were determined and optimal chitosan concentrations in the coating solution were identified. The influence of particle size on cellular uptake, ROS generation, cytotoxicity and their underlying mechanisms was investigated. At the same GOX dose and incubation time, smaller sized GOX-MS produced larger amounts of H2O2 in cell culture medium and greater cytotoxicity toward murine breast cancer MDR (EMT6/AR1.0) and wild type (EMT6/WT) cells. Fluorescence and confocal laser scanning microscopy revealed significant uptake of small sized (4 μm) GOX-MS by both MDR and WT cells, but no cellular uptake of large (140 μm) GOX-MS. The GOX-MS were equally effective in killing both MDR cells and WT cells. The cytotoxicity of the GOX formulations was positively correlated with membrane damage and lipid peroxidation. GOX-MS induced greater membrane damage and lipid peroxidation in MDR cells than the WT cells. These results suggest that the optimized, small micron-sized GOX-MS are highly effective against MDR breast cancer cells.

A novel nanoparticle formulation overcomes multiple types of membrane efflux pumps in human breast cancer cells

Multidrug resistance (MDR) in cancer cells can involve overexpression of different types of membrane drug efflux pumps and other drug resistance mechanisms. Hence, inhibition of one resistance mechanism may not be therapeutically effective. Previously we demonstrated a new polymer lipid hybrid nanoparticle (PLN) system was able to circumvent drug resistance of P-glycoprotein (P-gp) overexpressing breast cancer cells. The objectives of the present study were 2-fold: (1) to evaluate the ability of the PLN system to overcome two other membrane efflux pumps-multidrug resistance protein 1 (MRP1+) and breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP+) overexpressed on human breast cancer cell lines MCF7 VP (MRP1+) and MCF7 MX (BCRP+); and (2) to evaluate possible synergistic effects of doxorubicin (Dox)-mitomycin C (MMC) in these cell lines. These objectives were accomplished by measuring in vitro cellular uptake, intracellular trafficking, and cytotoxicity (using a clonogenic assay and median effect analysis), of Dox, MMC, or Dox-MMC co-loaded PLN. Treatment of MDR cells with PLN encapsulating single anticancer agents significantly enhanced cell kill compared to free Dox or MMC solutions. Dox-MMC co-loaded PLN were 20-30-folds more effective in killing MDR cells than free drugs. Co-encapsulated Dox-MMC was more effective in killing MDR cells than single agent-encapsulated PLN. Microscopic images showed perinuclear localization of fluorescently labelled PLN in all cell lines. These results are consistent with our previous results for P-gp overexpressing breast cancer cells suggesting the PLN system can overcome multiple types of membrane efflux pumps increasing the cytotoxicity of Dox-MMC at significantly lower doses than free drugs.

Lipid-coated polymeric nanoparticles for cancer drug delivery

Polymeric nanoparticles and liposomes have been the platform of choice for nanoparticle-based cancer drug delivery applications over the past decade, but extensive research has revealed their limitations as drug delivery carriers. A hybrid class of nanoparticles, aimed at combining the advantages of both polymeric nanoparticles and liposomes, has received attention in recent years. These core/shell type nanoparticles, frequently referred to as lipid-polymer hybrid nanoparticles (LPNs), possess several characteristics that make them highly suitable for drug delivery. This review introduces the formulation methods used to synthesize LPNs and discusses the strategies used to treat cancer, such as by targeting the tumor microenvironment or vasculature. Finally, it discusses the challenges that must be overcome to realize the full potential of LPNs in the clinic.

Polymeric nanoparticles for targeted treatment in oncology: current insights

Chemotherapy, a major strategy for cancer treatment, lacks the specificity to localize the cancer therapeutics in the tumor site, thereby affecting normal healthy tissues and advocating toxic adverse effects. Nanotechnological intervention has greatly revolutionized the therapy of cancer by surmounting the current limitations in conventional chemotherapy, which include undesirable biodistribution, cancer cell drug resistance, and severe systemic side effects. Nanoparticles (NPs) achieve preferential accumulation in the tumor site by virtue of their passive and ligand-based targeting mechanisms. Polymer-based nanomedicine, an arena that entails the use of polymeric NPs, polymer micelles, dendrimers, polymersomes, polyplexes, polymer–lipid hybrid systems, and polymer–drug/protein conjugates for improvement in efficacy of cancer therapeutics, has been widely explored. The broad scope for chemically modifying the polymer into desired construct makes it a versatile delivery system. Several polymer-based therapeutic NPs have been approved for clinical use. This review provides an insight into the advances in polymer-based targeted nanocarriers with focus on therapeutic aspects in the field of oncology.

Codelivery of doxorubicin and curcumin with lipid nanoparticles results in improved efficacy of chemotherapy in liver cancer

Liver cancer is a leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide. The combination therapy of cytotoxic and chemosensitizing agents loaded in nanoparticles has been highlighted as an effective treatment for different cancers. However, such studies in liver cancer remain very limited. In our study, we aim to develop a novel lipid nanoparticles loaded with doxorubicin (DOX) (an effective drug for liver cancer) and curcumin (Cur) (a chemosensitizer) simultaneously, and we examined the efficacy of chemotherapy in liver cancer. DOX and Cur codelivery lipid nanoparticles (DOX/Cur-NPs) were successfully prepared using a high-pressure microfluidics technique, showing a mean particle size of around 90 nm, a polydispersity index <0.3, and a zeta potential <-10 mV. The encapsulation efficacy was >90% for both DOX and Cur. The blank lipid nanoparticles were nontoxic, as determined by a cell cytotoxicity study in human normal liver cells L02 and liver cancer cells HepG2. In vitro DOX release studies revealed a sustained-release pattern until 48 hours in DOX/Cur-NPs. We found enhanced cytotoxicity and decreased inhibitory concentration (IC)50 in HepG2 cells and reduced cytotoxicity in L02 cells treated with DOX/Cur-NPs, suggesting the synergistic effects of DOX/Cur-NPs compared with free DOX and DOX nanoparticles (NPs). The optimal weight ratio of DOX and Cur was 1:1. Annexin-V-fluorescein isothiocyanate/propidium iodide double staining showed enhanced apoptosis in HepG2 cells treated with DOX/Cur-NPs compared with free DOX and DOX-NPs. An in vivo experiment showed the synergistic effect of DOX/Cur-NPs compared with DOX-NPs on liver tumor growth inhibition. Taken together, the simultaneous delivery of DOX and Cur by DOX/Cur-NPs might be a promising treatment for liver cancer.

Epoxidized soybean oil/ZnO biocomposites for soft tissue applications: preparation and characterization

Biocompatible and biodegradable nanocomposites comprising epoxidized soybean oil (ESO) as matrix, zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles as reinforcements, and 4-dimethylaminopyridine (DMAP) as a catalyst have been successfully prepared via epoxidization of the double bonds of the vegetable oil, ultrasonication, and curing without the need for interfacial modifiers. Their morphology, water uptake, thermal, mechanical, barrier, tribological, and antibacterial properties have been investigated. FT-IR analysis revealed the existence of strong ESO-ZnO hydrogen-bonding interactions. The nanoparticles acted as mass transport barriers, hindering the diffusion of volatiles generated during the decomposition process and leading to higher thermal stability, and also reduced the water absorption and gas permeability of the bioresin. Significant improvements in the static and dynamic mechanical properties, such as storage and Young's moduli, tensile strength, toughness, hardness, glass transition, and heat distortion temperature, were attained on reinforcement. A small drop in the nanocomposite stiffness and strength was found after exposure to several cycles of steam sterilization or to simulated body fluid (SBF) at physiological temperature. Extraordinary reductions in the coefficient of friction and wear rate were detected under both dry and SBF conditions, confirming the potential of these nanoparticles for improving the tribological performance of ESO. The nanocomposites displayed antimicrobial action against human pathogen bacteria with and without UV illumination, which increased progressively with the ZnO content. These sustainable, ecofriendly, and low-cost biomaterials are very promising for use in biomedical applications, like structural tissue engineering scaffolds.

Co-encapsulation of Doxorubicin with galactoxyloglucan nanoparticles for intracellular tumor-targeted delivery in murine ascites and solid tumors

Doxorubicin (Dox) treatment is limited by severe toxicity and frequent episodes of treatment failure. To minimize adverse events and improve drug delivery efficiently and specifically in cancer cells, encapsulation of Dox with naturally obtained galactoxyloglucan polysaccharide (PST001), isolated from Tamarindus indica was attempted. Thus formed PST-Dox nanoparticles induced apoptosis and exhibited significant cytotoxicity in murine ascites cell lines, Dalton's lymphoma ascites and Ehrlich's ascites carcinoma. The mechanism contributing to the augmented cytotoxicity of nanoconjugates at lower doses was validated by measuring the Dox intracellular uptake in human colon, leukemic and breast cancer cell lines. PST-Dox nanoparticles showed rapid internalization of Dox into cancer cells within a short period of incubation. Further, in vivo efficacy was tested in comparison to the parent counterparts - PST001 and Dox, in ascites and solid tumor syngraft mice models. Treatment of ascites tumors with PST-Dox nanoparticles significantly reduced the tumor volume, viable tumor cell count, and increased survival and percentage life span in the early, established and prophylactic phases of the disease. Administration of nanoparticles through intratumoral route delivered more robust antitumor response than the intraperitoneal route in solid malignancies. Thus, the results indicate that PST-Dox nanoparticles have greater potential compared to the Dox as targeted drug delivery nanocarriers for loco regional cancer chemotherapy applications.

Lipid polymer hybrid as emerging tool in nanocarriers for oral drug delivery

The oral route for drug delivery is a widely accepted route. For that reason, many researchers are currently working to develop efficient oral drug delivery systems. Use of polymeric nanoparticles (NPs) and lipid carrier systems, including liposomes, solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) and nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC), has limitations such as drug leakage and high water content of dispersions. Thus, lipid polymer hybrid nanoparticles (LPNs) have been explored by the researchers to provide a better effect using properties of both polymers and lipids. The present review is focused on the challenges, possibilities, and future perspectives of LPNs for oral delivery.