Hyaluronic acid coated poly(butyl cyanoacrylate) nanoparticles as anticancer drug carriers

Nanoparticle delivery and combination therapy of gambogic acid and all-trans retinoic acid

In order to enhance the in vivo codelivery efficiency of gambogic acid (GA) and all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA), our strategy was to entrap GA in the self-assembled nanoparticles based on amphiphilic hyaluronic acid (HA)-ATRA (HRA) conjugate. In this way, GA and ATRA were loaded simultaneously in a nanocarrier and codelivered into the tumor cell through HA receptor-mediated endocytosis. GA-loaded HRA nanoparticles (GA-HRA) were prepared by a dialysis method, and their physicochemical characteristics were investigated as well. GA-HRA exhibited a high drug loading capacity (31.1%), had a particle size in the range of 100–150 nm, and good biocompatibility. HRA nanoparticles were effectively internalized by MCF-7 cells and translocated into the nucleus in a time-dependent manner. The in vivo imaging analysis demonstrated that the fluorescent signals in the tumor were markedly increased with DiR-loaded nanoparticles after intravenous administration compared to free DiR solution, suggesting it has excellent tumor targeting properties. More importantly, GA-HRA exhibited excellent in vivo efficacy with dramatically reduced toxicity. In conclusion, with the assistance of HRA nanoparticles, GA and ATRA can successfully realize an effective combination chemotherapy as well as tumor-targeted delivery.

Hyaluronic acid conjugates as vectors for the active targeting of drugs, genes and nanocomposites in cancer treatment

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a naturally-occurring glycosaminoglycan and a major component of the extracellular matrix. Low levels of the hyaluronic acid receptor CD44 are found on the surface of epithelial, hematopoietic, and neuronal cells; it is overexpressed in many cancer cells, and in particular in tumor-initiating cells. HA has recently attracted considerable interest in the field of developing drug delivery systems, having been used, as such or encapsulated in different types of nanoassembly, as ligand to prepare nano-platforms for actively targeting drugs, genes, and diagnostic agents. This review describes recent progress made with the several chemical strategies adopted to synthesize conjugates and prepare novel delivery systems with improved behaviors.

Novel bioadhesive hyaluronan-itaconic acid crosslinked films for ocular therapy

New hyaluronic acid (HA)-itaconic acid (IT) films have been previously synthesized and used as potential topical drug delivery systems (DDS) for ocular administration. In this study we explored homogeneous and heterogeneous crosslinking reactions of HA using glutaraldehyde (GTA) and polyethylene glycol diglycidyl ether (PEGDE) in the presence of IT, a naturally occurring compound that is non-toxic and readily biodegradable. We have studied the morphology, mechanical properties and in vitro biocompatibility between these new materials and ocular surface cells (human corneal epithelial cell line) and evaluated the biopharmaceutical performance of the designed formulations. Although all the synthesized materials exhibited good mechanical properties, the PEGDE modified films exhibited the best biocompatibility, with in vivo assays showing good adhesive performance and minimal irritation. PEGDE films were also tested for their effects in the treatment of intraocular pressure (IOP) in rabbits using timolol maleate (TM) as the model drug. These results may be useful for further design of novel bioadhesive matrix containing drugs by topical application in ophthalmology.

Development of drug loaded nanoparticles for tumor targeting. Part 1: Synthesis, characterization, and biological evaluation in 2D cell cultures

Nanoparticles (NPs) are being extensively studied as carriers for drug delivery, but they often have limited penetration inside tumors. We envision that by targeting an endocytic receptor on the cell surface, the uptake of NPs can be significantly enhanced through receptor mediated endocytosis. In addition, if the receptor is recycled to the cell surface, the NP cargo can be transported out of the cells, which is then taken up by neighboring cells thus enhancing solid tumor penetration. To validate our hypothesis, in the first of two articles, we report the synthesis of doxorubicin (DOX)-loaded, hyaluronan (HA) coated silica nanoparticles (SNPs) containing a highly fluorescent core to target CD44, a receptor expressed on the cancer cell surface. HA was conjugated onto amine-functionalized SNPs prepared through an oil-water microemulsion method. The immobilization of the cytotoxic drug DOX was achieved through an acid sensitive hydrazone linkage. The NPs were fully characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), zeta potential measurements, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), UV-vis absorbance, and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). Initial biological evaluation experiments demonstrated that compared to ligand-free SNPs, the uptake of HA-SNPs by the CD44-expressing SKOV-3 ovarian cancer cells was significantly enhanced when evaluated in the 2D monolayer cell culture. Mechanistic studies suggested that cellular uptake of HA-SNPs was mainly through CD44 mediated endocytosis. HA-SNPs with immobilized DOX were endocytosed efficiently by the SKOV-3 cells as well. The enhanced tumor penetration and drug delivery properties of HA-SNPs will be evaluated in 3D tumor models in the subsequent paper.

Lysine-based surfactants in nanovesicle formulations: the role of cationic charge position and hydrophobicity in in vitro cytotoxicity and intracellular delivery

Understanding nanomaterial interactions within cells is of increasing importance for assessing their toxicity and cellular transport. Here, the authors developed nanovesicles containing bioactive cationic lysine-based amphiphiles and assessed whether these cationic compounds increase the likelihood of intracellular delivery and modulate toxicity. Different cytotoxic responses were found among the formulations, depending on surfactant, cell line and endpoint assayed. The induction of mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress and apoptosis were the general mechanisms underlying cytotoxicity. Fluorescence microscopy analysis demonstrated that nanovesicles were internalised by HeLa cells and evidenced that their ability to release endocytosed materials into cell cytoplasm depends on the structural parameters of amphiphiles. The cationic charge position and hydrophobicity of surfactants determine the nanovesicle interactions within the cell and, thus, the resulting toxicity and intracellular behaviour after cell uptake of the nanomaterial. The insights into some toxicity mechanisms of these new nanomaterials contribute in reducing the uncertainty surrounding their potential health hazards.

Antitumor activity of hyaluronic acid-selenium nanoparticles in Heps tumor mice models

In this study, hyaluronic acid-selenium (HA-Se) nanoparticles as novel complexes were synthesized and their antitumor activities in vivo were investigated. The mice inoculated with Heps tumor were orally administered with HA-Se nanoparticles at 86.45 mg/kg (H) and 4.32 mg/kg (L) body weights as high and low doses respectively (2.20% selenium content in the HA-Se nanoparticles samples by ICP-AES) for 10 days. The transmission electron microscopy (TEM) results indicated that the HA-Se nanoparticles were spherical with mean size of 50-70 nm. The HA-Se nanoparticles could significantly reduce tumor weights at the tumor inhibition ratios of 46.92% (H) and 49.12% (L) respectively. However, in the 5-fluorouracil positive group (25 mg/kg), the tumor inhibition ratio was 61.71%. From the study, the HA-Se nanoparticles (4.32 mg/kg) significantly increased thymus and spleen relative weights, enhanced the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), reduced the formation of malondialdehyde (MDA) and the activities of aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase and crea in Heps tumor mice. The results of the study indicated that the HA-Se nanoparticles are potential antitumor candidate for cancer treatment.

Paclitaxel Nano-Delivery Systems: A Comprehensive Review

Paclitaxel is one of the most effective chemotherapeutic drugs ever developed and is active against a broad range of cancers, such as lung, ovarian, and breast cancers. Due to its low water solubility, paclitaxel is formulated in a mixture of Cremophor EL and dehydrated ethanol (50:50, v/v) a combination known as Taxol. However, Taxol has some severe side effects related to Cremophor EL and ethanol. Therefore, there is an urgent need for the development of alternative Taxol formulations. The encapsulation of paclitaxel in biodegradable and non-toxic nano-delivery systems can protect the drug from degradation during circulation and in-turn protect the body from toxic side effects of the drug thereby lowering its toxicity, increasing its circulation half-life, exhibiting improved pharmacokinetic profiles, and demonstrating better patient compliance. Also, nanoparticle-based delivery systems can take advantage of the enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect for passive tumor targeting, therefore, they are promising carriers to improve the therapeutic index and decrease the side effects of paclitaxel. To date, paclitaxel albumin-bound nanoparticles (Abraxane®) have been approved by the FDA for the treatment of metastatic breast cancer and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). In addition, there are a number of novel paclitaxel nanoparticle formulations in clinical trials. In this comprehensive review, several types of developed paclitaxel nano-delivery systems will be covered and discussed, such as polymeric nanoparticles, lipid-based formulations, polymer conjugates, inorganic nanoparticles, carbon nanotubes, nanocrystals, and cyclodextrin nanoparticles.

Role of CD44 in tumour progression and strategies for targeting

CD44 or hyaluronan receptor is a transmembrane receptor associated with aggressive tumour growth, proliferation, and metastasis. In normal physiology, this receptor has a crucial role in cell adhesion, inflammation, and repair processes. However, many tumour cells over-express this receptor and abuse it to become progressive and perpetual units. The article comments from common functioning of the CD44 receptor, to its diabolic multi-dimensional effects in promotion of malignant cells. It also illuminates the relations of CD44 endorsed processes with other biomolecular events in cancer progression. In an end, the review focuses comprehensively at ongoing researches to exploit the CD44 over-expression as a probable target in treatment, management, and diagnosis of malignancy.

Preparation and characterization of nano-liposome-mediated FL gene in the Lovo cells

AIMS

The purpose of the present work was to formulate and evaluate cationic nano-liposomes as novel nonviral gene delivery for colon cancer treatment.

METHODS

Recombinant pEGFP-c1-Fms-like tyrosine kinase receptor 3 ligand (FL) plasmids containing human FL gene and green fluorescent protein (GFP) reporter genes were constructed. FL and GFP Gene-carrying cationic nano-liposomes were prepared based on the electrostatic adherence principle and then transfected into Lovo cells. The morphology, particle size, and zeta potential of gene-carrying cationic nano-liposomes were observed using an electron microscope. GFP expression was observed by fluorescence microscopy to assay the transfection efficiency. The cytotoxicity of FL/nano-liposomes was evaluated by the MTT method.

RESULTS

Recombinant plasmids pEGFP-c1-FL are successfully constructed using gene cloning methods and confirmed by restriction enzyme digestion and sequencing. The cationic nano-liposomes carrying pEGFP-cl-FL were observed by an electron micrograph and showed uniform spherical or elliptical shapes and many pores. The fluorescence microscopy images of gene-carrying cationic nano-liposomes showed good expression of GFP in pEGFP and pEGFP-cl-FL groups. The MTT assay of cell death indicated a significantly higher level of cell death between the FL group and the control group at 24, 48, and 96 hours after transplantation.

CONCLUSION

Cationic nano-liposomes show safe and high-performance transfection as gene carriers. Gene therapy has significant implications for colon cancer treatment in future.

Hyaluronic acid derivative-based self-assembled nanoparticles for the treatment of melanoma

PURPOSE

Hyaluronic acid-ceramide (HACE)-based nanoparticles (NPs) were developed for the targeted delivery of doxorubicin (DOX), and their antitumor efficacy for melanoma was evaluated.

METHODS

DOX-loaded HACE-based self-assembled NPs were prepared and their physicochemical properties were characterized. The in vitro cytotoxicity of HACE was measured using an MTS-based assay. The cellular uptake efficiency of DOX into mouse melanoma B16F10 cells was assessed by confocal laser scanning microscopy and flow cytometry. Tumor growth and body weight were monitored after the intratumoral and intravenous injection of DOX-loaded NPs into a B16F10 tumor-bearing mouse model.

RESULTS

DOX-loaded NPs, with a mean diameter of ~110 nm, a narrow size distribution, and high drug entrapment efficiency, were prepared. A sustained DOX release pattern was shown, and drug release was enhanced at pH 5.5 compared with pH 7.4. The cytotoxicity of HACE to B16F10 cells was negligible. It was assumed that DOX was taken up into the B16F10 cells through receptor-mediated endocytosis. A significant inhibitory effect was observed on tumor growth, without any serious changes in body weight, after the injection of DOX-loaded NPs into the B16F10 tumor-bearing mouse model.

CONCLUSIONS

DOX-loaded HACE-based NPs were successfully developed and their antitumor efficacy against B16F10 tumors was demonstrated.

Preparation and characterization of nanoparticles based on histidine-hyaluronic acid conjugates as doxorubicin carriers

Histidine-hyaluronic acid (His-HA) conjugates were synthesized using hyaluronic acid (HA) as a hydrophilic segment and histidine (His) as hydrophobic segment by 1-ethyl-3(3-dimethylaminopropyl)carbodiimide (EDC) mediated coupling reactions. The structural characteristics of the His-HA conjugates were investigated using (1)H NMR. His-HA nanoparticles (HH-NPs) were prepared based on His-HA conjugates, and the characteristics of HH-NPs were investigated using dynamic light scattering, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and fluorescence spectroscopy. The particles were between 342 and 732 nm in size, depending on the degree of substitution (DS) of the His. TEM and SEM images indicated that the morphology of HH-NPs was spherical in shape. The critical aggregation concentrations of HH-NPs ranged from 0.034 to 0.125 mg/ml, which decreased with an increase in the DS of the His. Images of fluorescence microscopy indicate that HH-NPs were taken up by the cancer cell line (MCF-7), and significantly decreased by competition inhibition of free HA. From the cytotoxicity test, it was found that DOX-loaded HH-NPs exhibited similar dose and time-dependent cytotoxicity against MCF-7 cells with free DOX.

Metronomic activity of CD44-targeted hyaluronic acid-paclitaxel in ovarian carcinoma

PURPOSE

Most primary human ovarian tumors and peritoneal implants, as well as tumor vascular endothelial cells, express the CD44 family of cell surface proteoglycans, the natural ligand for which is hyaluronic acid. Metronomic dosing, the frequent administration of chemotherapeutics at substantially lower than maximum tolerated doses (MTD), has been shown to result in reduced normal tissue toxicity and to minimize "off-treatment" exposure resulting in an improved therapeutic ratio.

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

We tested the hypothesis that hyaluronic acid (HA) conjugates of paclitaxel (TXL; HA-TXL) would exert strong antitumor effects with metronomic (MET) dosing and induce antiangiogenic effects superior to those achieved with MTD administration or with free TXL. Female nude mice bearing SKOV3ip1 or HeyA8 ovarian cancer cells were treated intraperitoneally (i.p.) with MET HA-TXL regimens (or MTD administration) to determine therapeutic and biologic effects.

RESULTS

All MET HA-TXL-treated mice and the MTD group revealed significantly reduced tumor weights and nodules compared with controls (all P values < 0.05) in the chemotherapy-sensitive models. However, the MTD HA-TXL-treated mice showed significant weight loss compared with control mice, whereas body weights were not affected in the metronomic groups in HeyA8-MDR model, reflecting reduced toxicity. In the taxane-resistant HeyA8-MDR model, significant reduction in tumor weight and nodule counts was noted in the metronomic groups whereas the response of the MTD group did not achieve significance. While both MTD and metronomic regimens reduced proliferation (Ki-67) and increased apoptosis (TUNEL, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling), only metronomic treatment resulted in significant reductions in angiogenesis (CD31, microvessel density). Moreover, metronomic treatment resulted in substantial increases in thrombospondin-1 (Tsp-1), an inhibitor of angiogenesis.

CONCLUSIONS

This study showed that MET HA-TXL regimens have substantial antitumor activity in ovarian carcinoma, likely via a predominant antiangiogenic mechanism.

Cytotoxicity and cellular uptake of newly synthesized fucoidan-coated nanoparticles

The aim was to synthesize and characterize fucoidan-coated poly(isobutylcyanoacrylate) nanoparticles. The nanoparticles were prepared by anionic emulsion polymerization (AEP) and by redox radical emulsion polymerization (RREP) of isobutylcyanoacrylate using fucoidan as a new coating material. The nanoparticles were characterized, and their cytotoxicity was evaluated in vitro on J774 macrophage and NIH-3T3 fibroblast cell lines. Cellular uptake of labeled nanoparticles was investigated by confocal fluorescence microscopy. Results showed that both methods were suitable to prepare stable formulations of fucoidan-coated PIBCA nanoparticles. Stable dispersions of nanoparticles were obtained by AEP with up to 100% fucoidan as coating material. By the RREP method, stable suspensions of nanoparticles were obtained with only up to 25% fucoidan in a blend of polysaccharide composed of dextran and fucoidan. The zeta potential of fucoidan-coated nanoparticles was decreased depending on the percentage of fucoidan. It reached the value of -44 mV for nanoparticles prepared by AEP with 100% of fucoidan. Nanoparticles made by AEP appeared more than four times more cytotoxic (IC(50) below 2 μg/mL) on macrophages J774 than nanoparticles made by RREP (IC(50) above 9 μg/mL). In contrast, no significant difference in cytotoxicity was highlighted by incubation of the nanoparticles with a fibroblast cell line. On fibroblasts, both types of nanoparticles showed similar cytotoxicity. Confocal fluorescence microscopy observations revealed that all types of nanoparticles were taken up by both cell lines. The distribution of the fluorescence in the cells varied greatly with the type of nanoparticles.

A ceramic-based anticancer drug delivery system to treat breast cancer

Drug delivery systems offer the advantage of sustained targeted release with minimal side effect. In the present study, the therapeutic efficacy of a porous silica-calcium phosphate nanocomposite (SCPC) as a new delivery system for 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) was evaluated in vitro and in vivo. In vitro studies showed that two formulations; SCPC50/5-FU and SCPC75/5-FU hybrids were very cytotoxic for 4T1 mammary tumor cells. In contrast, control SCPCs without drug did not show any measurable toxic effect. Release kinetics studies showed that SCPC75/5-FU hybrid provided a burst release of 5-FU in the first 24 h followed by a sustained release of a therapeutic dose (30.7 microg/day) of the drug for up to 32 days. Moreover, subcutaneous implantation of SCPC75/5-FU hybrid disk in an immunocompetent murine model of breast cancer stopped 4T1 tumor growth. Blood analyses showed comparable concentrations of Ca, P and Si in animals implanted with or without SCPC75 disks. These results strongly suggest that SCPC/5-FU hybrids can provide an effective treatment for solid tumors with minimal side effects.

Multifunctional nanoassemblies of block copolymers for future cancer therapy

Nanoassemblies from amphiphilic block copolymers are promising nanomedicine platforms for cancer diagnosis and therapy due to their relatively small size, high loading capacity of drugs, controlled drug release, in vivo stability and prolonged blood circulation. Recent clinical trials with self-assembled polymeric micelles incorporating anticancer drugs have shown improved antitumor activity and decreased side effects encouraging the further development of nanoassemblies for drug delivery. This review summarizes recent approaches considering stimuli-responsive, multifunctionality and more advanced architectures, such as vesicles or worm-like micelles, for tumor-specific drug and gene delivery.