Liposomal Drug Delivery Systems and Anticancer Drugs

Ultrasound-sensitive cRGD-modified liposomes as a novel drug delivery system

Targeted liposomes enable the delivery of encapsulated chemotherapeutics to tumours by targeting specific receptors overexpressed on the surfaces of cancer cells; this helps in reducing the systemic side effects associated with the cytotoxic agents. Upon reaching the targeted site, these liposomes can be triggered to release their payloads using internal or external triggers. In this study, we investigate the use of low-frequency ultrasound as an external modality to trigger the release of a model drug (calcein) from non-targeted and targeted pegylated liposomes modified with cyclic arginine-glycine-aspartate (cRGD). Liposomes were exposed to sonication at 20-kHz using three different power densities (6.2, 9, and 10 mW/cm²). Our results showed that increasing the power density increased calcein release from the sonicated liposomes. Moreover, cRGD conjugation to the surface of the liposomes rendered cRGD-liposomes more susceptible to ultrasound compared to the non-targeted liposomes. cRGD conjugation was also found to increase cellular uptake of calcein by human colorectal carcinoma (HCT116) cells which were further enhanced following sonicating the cells with low-frequency ultrasound (LFUS).

Pharmaceutical nanotechnology: Antimicrobial peptides as potential new drugs against WHO list of critical, high, and medium priority bacteria

Nanobiotechnology is a relatively unexplored area that has, nevertheless, shown relevant results in the fight against some diseases. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are biomacromolecules with potential activity against multi/extensively drug-resistant bacteria, with a lower risk of generating bacterial resistance. They can be considered an excellent biotechnological alternative to conventional drugs. However, the application of several AMPs to biological systems is hampered by their poor stability and lifetime, inactivating them completely. Therefore, nanotechnology plays an important role in the development of new AMP-based drugs, protecting and carrying the bioactive to the target. This is the first review article on the different reported nanosystems using AMPs against bacteria listed on the WHO priority list. The current shortage of information implies a nanobiotechnological potential to obtain new drugs or repurpose drugs based on the AMP-drug synergistic effect.

Pharmacogenetics of Drug Metabolism: The Role of Gene Polymorphism in the Regulation of Doxorubicin Safety and Efficacy

Simple Summary

The effectiveness and safety of the anti-cancer agent doxorubicin (anthracycline group medicine) depend on the metabolism and retention of the drug in the human organism. Polymorphism of cytochrome p450 (CYP)-encoding genes and detoxifying enzymes such as CYP3A4 and CYP2D6 were found responsible for variations in the doxorubicin metabolism. Transmembrane transporters such as p-glycoproteins were reported to be involved in cancer tissue retention of doxorubicin. ATP-binding cassette (ABC) family members, including ABCB1 transporters (also known as Multi-Drug Resistance 1 (MDR1)) proteins, were determined to pump out doxorubicin from breast cancer cells, therefore reducing the drug effectiveness. This study critically discusses the latest data about the role of CYP3A4, CYP2D6, and ABCB1 gene polymorphism in the regulation of doxorubicin’s effects in breast cancer patients. The assessment of genetic differences in the expression of doxorubicin metabolizing and transporting enzymes should be explored for the development of personalized medical treatment of breast cancer patients.

Abstract

Breast cancer (BC) is the prevailing malignancy and major cause of cancer-related death in females. Doxorubicin is a part of BC neoadjuvant and adjuvant chemotherapy regimens. The administration of anthracycline derivates, such as doxorubicin, may cause several side effects, including hematological disfunction, gastrointestinal toxicity, hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, and cardiotoxicity. Cardiotoxicity is a major adverse reaction to anthracyclines, and it may vary depending on individual differences in doxorubicin pharmacokinetics. Determination of specific polymorphisms of genes that can alter doxorubicin metabolism was shown to reduce the risk of adverse reactions and improve the safety and efficacy of doxorubicin. Genes which encode cytochrome P450 enzymes (CYP3A4 and CYP2D6), p-glycoproteins (ATP-binding cassette (ABC) family members such as Multi-Drug Resistance 1 (MDR1) protein), and other detoxifying enzymes were shown to control the metabolism and pharmacokinetics of doxorubicin. The effectiveness of doxorubicin is defined by the polymorphism of cytochrome p450 and p-glycoprotein-encoding genes. This study critically discusses the latest data about the role of gene polymorphisms in the regulation of doxorubicin’s anti-BC effects. The correlation of genetic differences with the efficacy and safety of doxorubicin may provide insights for the development of personalized medical treatment for BC patients.

Current advances in the use of exosomes, liposomes, and bioengineered hybrid nanovesicles in cancer detection and therapy

Three major approaches of cancer therapy can be enunciated as delivery of biotherapeutics, tumor image analysis, and immunotherapy. Liposomes, artificial fat bubbles, are long known for their capacity to encapsulate a diverse range of bioactive molecules and release the payload in a sustained, stimuli-responsive manner. They have already been widely explored as a delivery vehicle for therapeutic drugs as well as imaging agents. They are also extensively being used in cancer immunotherapy. On the other hand, exosomes are naturally occurring nanosized extracellular vesicles that serve an important role in cell-cell communication. Importantly, the exosomes also have proven their capability to carry an array of active pharmaceuticals and diagnostic molecules to the tumor cells. Exosomes, being enriched with tumor antigens, have numerous immunomodulatory effects. Much to our intrigue, in recent times, efforts have been directed toward developing smart, bioengineered, exosome-liposome hybrid nanovesicles, which are augmented by the benefits of both vesicular systems. This review attempts to summarize the contemporary developments in the use of exosome and liposome toward cancer diagnosis, therapy, as a vehicle for drug delivery, diagnostic carrier for tumor imaging, and cancer immunotherapy. We shall also briefly reflect upon the recent advancements of the exosome-liposome hybrids in cancer therapy. Finally, we put forward future directions for the use of exosome/liposome and/or hybrid nanocarriers for accurate diagnosis and personalized therapies for cancers.

Gold-Nanoparticle Hybrid Nanostructures for Multimodal Cancer Therapy

With the urgent need for bio-nanomaterials to improve the currently available cancer treatments, gold nanoparticle (GNP) hybrid nanostructures are rapidly rising as promising multimodal candidates for cancer therapy. Gold nanoparticles (GNPs) have been hybridized with several nanocarriers, including liposomes and polymers, to achieve chemotherapy, photothermal therapy, radiotherapy, and imaging using a single composite. The GNP nanohybrids used for targeted chemotherapy can be designed to respond to external stimuli such as heat or internal stimuli such as intratumoral pH. Despite their promise for multimodal cancer therapy, there are currently no reviews summarizing the current status of GNP nanohybrid use for cancer theragnostics. Therefore, this review fulfills this gap in the literature by providing a critical analysis of the data available on the use of GNP nanohybrids for cancer treatment with a specific focus on synergistic approaches (i.e., triggered drug release, photothermal therapy, and radiotherapy). It also highlights some of the challenges that hinder the clinical translation of GNP hybrid nanostructures from bench to bedside. Future studies that could expedite the clinical progress of GNPs, as well as the future possibility of improving GNP nanohybrids for cancer theragnostics, are also summarized.

Clinical pharmacology of siRNA therapeutics: current status and future prospects

INTRODUCTION

Small interfering RNA (siRNA) has emerged as a powerful tool for post-transcriptional downregulation of multiple genes for various therapies. Naked siRNA molecules are surrounded by several barriers that tackle their optimum delivery to target tissues such as limited cellular uptake, short circulation time, degradation by endonucleases, glomerular filtration, and capturing by the reticuloendothelial system (RES).

AREAS COVERED

This review provides insights into studies that investigate various siRNA-based therapies, focusing on the mechanism, delivery strategies, bioavailability, pharmacokinetic, and pharmacodynamics of naked and modified siRNA molecules. The clinical pharmacology of currently approved siRNA products is also discussed.

EXPERT OPINION

Few siRNA-based products have been approved recently by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and other regulatory agencies after approximately twenty years following its discovery due to the associated limitations. The absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion of siRNA therapeutics are highly restricted by several obstacles, resulting in rapid clearance of siRNA-based therapeutic products from systemic circulation before reaching the cytosol of targeted cells. The siRNA therapeutics however are very promising in many diseases, including gene therapy and SARS-COV-2 viral infection. The design of suitable delivery vehicles and developing strategies toward better pharmacokinetic parameters may solve the challenges of siRNA therapies.

Updates on Responsive Drug Delivery Based on Liposome Vehicles for Cancer Treatment

Liposomes are well-known nanoparticles with a non-toxic nature and the ability to incorporate both hydrophilic and hydrophobic drugs simultaneously. As modern drug delivery formulations are produced by emerging technologies, numerous advantages of liposomal drug delivery systems over conventional liposomes or free drug treatment of cancer have been reported. Recently, liposome nanocarriers have exhibited high drug loading capacity, drug protection, improved bioavailability, enhanced intercellular delivery, and better therapeutic effect because of resounding success in targeting delivery. The site targeting of smart responsive liposomes, achieved through changes in their physicochemical and morphological properties, allows for the controlled release of active compounds under certain endogenous or exogenous stimuli. In that way, the multifunctional and stimuli-responsive nanocarriers for the drug delivery of cancer therapeutics enhance the efficacy of treatment prevention and fighting over metastases, while limiting the systemic side effects on healthy tissues and organs. Since liposomes constitute promising nanocarriers for site-targeted and controlled anticancer drug release, this review focuses on the recent progress of smart liposome achievements for anticancer drug delivery applications.

Nano-liposomal encapsulation of Artemisia aucheri phenolics as a potential phytobiotic against Campylobacter jejuni infection in mice

Background

Artemisia aucheri contains antibacterial phenolic compounds. The current work was implemented to evaluate the effectiveness of a nanoliposome-encapsulated phenolic-rich fraction (PRF-NLs), as a dietary phytobiotic derived from Artemisia aucheri's areal parts, on the inhibition of enteropathogenic Campylobacter jejuni (C. jejuni) infection in mice.

Methods

The phenolic-rich fraction was loaded into the nanoliposome structure to obtain a nanometer-scale size liposome with homogenous dispersion. Next, 40 white male balb/c mice were assigned to 4 treatment groups. The PRF-NLs antibacterial potential was evaluated by evaluating the blood parameters, liver lipid peroxidation, and gene expression profiling in the mice challenged by C. jejuni infection.

Results

Mice infected by C. jejuni showed impairment in food intake, weight gain, liver function, ileum morphometric features, and ileum tissue inflammation. The diet of fortified food with the nonencapsulated and nanoliposome-encapsulated phenolic compounds was found to improve these parameters at 10 mg TPC/kg BW/day concentration. Our data indicated that the nanoliposome-encapsulated PRF was more effective in promoting the health parameters in mice as compared to nonencapsulated PRF.

Conclusion

It could be concluded that the liposomal encapsulation can promote the solubility, availability, and effectiveness of Artemisia aucheri phenolic compounds playing a key role as phytobiotic in mice intervened by enteropathogenic C. jejuni.

Engineering Approaches for the Development of Antimicrobial Peptide-Based Antibiotics

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have received increasing attention as potential alternatives for future antibiotics because of the rise of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria. AMPs are small cationic peptides with broad-spectrum antibiotic activities and different action mechanisms to those of traditional antibiotics. Despite the desirable advantages of developing peptide-based antimicrobial agents, the clinical applications of AMPs are still limited because of their enzymatic degradation, toxicity, and selectivity. In this review, structural modifications, such as amino acid substitution, stapling, cyclization of peptides, and hybrid AMPs with conventional antibiotics or other peptides, will be presented. Additionally, nanodelivery systems using metals or lipids to deliver AMPs will be discussed based on the structural properties and action mechanisms of AMPs.

Emerging nanotechnology-based therapeutics to combat multidrug-resistant cancer

Cancer often develops multidrug resistance (MDR) when cancer cells become resistant to numerous structurally and functionally different chemotherapeutic agents. MDR is considered one of the principal reasons for the failure of many forms of clinical chemotherapy. Several factors are involved in the development of MDR including increased expression of efflux transporters, the tumor microenvironment, changes in molecular targets and the activity of cancer stem cells. Recently, researchers have designed and developed a number of small molecule inhibitors and derivatives of natural compounds to overcome various mechanisms of clinical MDR. Unfortunately, most of the chemosensitizing approaches have failed in clinical trials due to non-specific interactions and adverse side effects at pharmacologically effective concentrations. Nanomedicine approaches provide an efficient drug delivery platform to overcome the limitations of conventional chemotherapy and improve therapeutic effectiveness. Multifunctional nanomaterials have been found to facilitate drug delivery by improving bioavailability and pharmacokinetics, enhancing the therapeutic efficacy of chemotherapeutic drugs to overcome MDR. In this review article, we discuss the major factors contributing to MDR and the limitations of existing chemotherapy- and nanocarrier-based drug delivery systems to overcome clinical MDR mechanisms. We critically review recent nanotechnology-based approaches to combat tumor heterogeneity, drug efflux mechanisms, DNA repair and apoptotic machineries to overcome clinical MDR. Recent successful therapies of this nature include liposomal nanoformulations, cRGDY-PEG-Cy5.5-Carbon dots and Cds/ZnS core–shell quantum dots that have been employed for the effective treatment of various cancer sub-types including small cell lung, head and neck and breast cancers.

Drug-Eluting, Bioresorbable Cardiovascular Stents─Challenges and Perspectives

Globally, the leading causes of natural death are attributed to coronary heart disease and type 1 and type 2 diabetes. High blood pressure levels, high cholesterol levels, smoking, and poor eating habits lead to the agglomeration of plaque in the arteries, reducing the blood flow. The implantation of devices used to unclog vessels, known as stents, sometimes results in a lack of irrigation due to the excessive proliferation of endothelial tissue within the blood vessels and is known as restenosis. The use of drug-eluting stents (DESs) to deliver antiproliferative drugs has led to the development of different encapsulation techniques. However, due to the potency of the drugs used in the initial stent designs, a chronic inflammatory reaction of the arterial wall known as thrombosis can cause a myocardial infarction (MI). One of the most promising drugs to reduce this risk is everolimus, which can be encapsulated in lipid systems for controlled release directly into the artery. This review aims to discuss the current status of stent design, fabrication, and functionalization. Variables such as the mechanical properties, metals and their alloys, drug encapsulation and controlled elution, and stent degradation are also addressed. Additionally, this review covers the use of polymeric surface coatings on stents and the recent advances in layer-by-layer coating and drug delivery. The advances in nanoencapsulation techniques such as liposomes and micro- and nanoemulsions and their functionalization in bioresorbable, drug-eluting stents are also highlighted.

A New Class of Tunable Acid-Sensitive Linkers for Native Drug Release Based on the Trityl Protecting Group

Core-cross-linked polymeric micelles (CCPMs) are a promising nanoparticle platform due to favorable properties such as their long circulation and tumor disposition exploiting the enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect. Sustained release of covalently linked drugs from the hydrophobic core of the CCPM can be achieved by a biodegradable linker that connects the drug and the core. This study investigates the suitability of trityl-based linkers for the design of acid-triggered native active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) release from CCPMs. Trityl linker derivatives with different substituent patterns were synthesized and conjugated to model API compounds such as DMXAA-amine, doxorubicin, and gemcitabine, and their release kinetics were studied. Hereafter, API release from CCPMs based on mPEG-b-pHPMAmLac block copolymers was investigated. Variation of the trityl substitution pattern showed tunability of the API release rate from the trityl-based linker with t1/2 varying from <1.0 to 5.0 h at pH 5.0 and t1/2 from 6.5 to >24 h at pH 7.4, all at 37 °C. A clear difference in release kinetics was found between gemcitabine and doxorubicin, with gemcitabine showing no detectable release for 72 h at pH 5.0 and doxorubicin showing a t1/2 of less than 1 h. Based on these findings, we show that the reaction mechanism of trityl deprotection plays an important role in the API release kinetics. The first step in this mechanism, which is protonation of the trityl-bound amine, is pKa-dependent, which explains the difference in release rate. In conclusion, acid-sensitive and tunable trityl linkers are highly promising for the design of linker-API conjugates and for their use in CCPMs.

Electrophoresis of Dielectric and Hydrophobic Spherical Fluid Droplets Possessing Uniform Surface Charge Density

The present article deals with the theoretical study on electrophoresis of hydrophobic and dielectric spherical fluid droplets possessing uniform surface charge density. Unlike the ideally polarizable liquid droplet bearing constant surface ζ-potential, the tangential component of the Maxwell stress is nonzero for dielectric fluid droplets with uniform surface charge density. We consider the continuity of the tangential component of total stress (sum of the hydrodynamic and Maxwell stresses) and jump in dielectric displacement along the droplet-to-electrolyte interface. The typical situation is considered here for which the interfacial tension of the fluid droplet is sufficiently high so that the droplet retains its spherical shape during its motion. The present theory can be applied to nanoemulsions, hydrophobic oil droplets, gas bubbles, droplets of immiscible liquid suspended in aqueous medium, etc. Based on weak field and low charge assumptions and neglecting the Marangoni effect, the resultant electrokinetic equations are solved using linear perturbation analysis to derive the closed form expression for electrophoretic mobility applicable for the entire range of Debye-Hückel parameter. We further deduced an alternate approximate expression for electrophoretic mobility without involving exponential integrals. Besides, we have derived analytical results for mobility pertaining to various limiting cases. The results are further illustrated to show the impact of pertinent parameters on the overall electrophoretic mobility.

Arsenic trioxide and Erlotinib loaded in RGD-modified nanoliposomes for targeted combination delivery to PC3 and PANC-1 cell lines

During the past few years, advances in drag delivery have provided many opportunities in the treatment of various diseases and cancer. Arsenic trioxide (ATO) and Erlotinib (Erlo) are two drugs, approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration to treat cancer, but their use is limited in terms of the toxicity of ATO and the low solubility of Erlo. This study aimed to prepare arginine-glycine-aspartic acid (RGD)-decorated nanoliposomes (NLPs) containing Erlo and ATO (NLPs-ATO-Erlo-RGD) to increase the solubility and reduce the toxicity of Erlo and ATO for cancer treatment. The results of transmission electron microscopy and dynamic light scattering showed that NLPs were synthesized uniformly, with spherical shape morphology and particle sizes between 140 and 160 nm. High-performance liquid chromatography and ICP-MS results showed that about 90% of the drug was loaded in the NLPs. In comparison with NLPs-ATO-Erlo, NLPs-ATO-Erlo-RGD demonstrated considerable toxicity against the αvβ3 overexpressing PC3 cell line in the MTT experiment. It had no effect on the PANC-1 cell line. In addition, apoptosis assays using Annexin V/PI demonstrated that NLPs-ATO-Erlo-RGD generated the highest apoptotic rates in PC3 cells when compared with NLPs-ATO-Erlo and the combination of free ATO and Erlo. Furthermore, treatment with NLPs-ATO-Erlo-RGD in (p < 0.05) PC3 cell line significantly reduced EGFR level. It is concluded NLPs-ATO-Erlo-RGD as a novel drug delivery system may be a promising platform for the treatment of cancer.

Apoptosis-Sensing Xenograft Zebrafish Tumor Model for Anticancer Evaluation of Redox-Responsive Cross-Linked Pluronic Micelles

A suitable animal model for preclinical screening and evaluation in vivo could vastly increase the efficiency and success rate of nanomedicine development. Compared with rodents, the transparency of the zebrafish model offers unique advantages of real-time and high-resolution imaging of the whole body and cellular levels in vivo. In this research, we established an apoptosis-sensing xenograft zebrafish tumor model to evaluate the anti-cancer effects of redox-responsive cross-linked Pluronic polymeric micelles (CPPMs) visually and accurately. First, doxorubicin (Dox)-loaded CPPMs were fabricated and characterized with glutathione (GSH)-responsive drug release. Then, the B16F10 xenograft zebrafish tumor model was established to mimic the tumor microenvironment with angiogenesis and high GSH generation for redox-responsive tumor-targeting evaluation in vivo. The high GSH generation was first verified in the xenograft zebrafish tumor model. Compared with ordinary Pluronic polymeric micelles, Dox CPPMs had a much higher accumulation in zebrafish tumor sites. Finally, the apoptosis-sensing B16F10-C3 xenograft zebrafish tumor model was established for visual, rapid, effective, and noninvasive assessment of anti-cancer effects at the cellular level in vivo. The Dox CPPMs significantly inhibited the proliferation of cancer cells and induced apoptosis in the B16F10-C3 xenograft zebrafish tumor model. Therefore, the redox-responsive cross-linked Pluronic micelles showed effective anti-cancer therapy in the xenograft zebrafish tumor model. This xenograft zebrafish tumor model is available for rapid screening and assessment of anti-cancer effects in preclinical studies.

Lipid-Based Nanoparticles as a Pivotal Delivery Approach in Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) Therapy

Triple-negative breast cancer is considered the most aggressive type of breast cancer among women and the lack of expressed receptors has made treatment options substantially limited. Recently, various types of nanoparticles have emerged as a therapeutic option against TNBC, to elevate the therapeutic efficacy of the existing chemotherapeutics. Among the various nanoparticles, lipid-based nanoparticles (LNPs) viz. liposomes, nanoemulsions, solid lipid nanoparticles, nanostructured lipid nanocarriers, and lipid–polymer hybrid nanoparticles are developed for cancer treatment which is well confirmed and documented. LNPs include various therapeutic advantages as compared to conventional therapy and other nanoparticles, including increased loading capacity, enhanced temporal and thermal stability, decreased therapeutic dose and associated toxicity, and limited drug resistance. In addition to these, LNPs overcome physiological barriers which provide increased accumulation of therapeutics at the target site. Extensive efforts by the scientific community could make some of the liposomal formulations the clinical reality; however, the relatively high cost, problems in scaling up the formulations, and delivery in a more targetable fashion are some of the major issues that need to be addressed. In the present review, we have compiled the state of the art about different types of LNPs with the latest advances reported for the treatment of TNBC in recent years, along with their clinical status and toxicity in detail.

Nanotechnology Advances in the Detection and Treatment of Cancer: An Overview

Over the last few years, progress has been made across the nanomedicine landscape, in particular, the invention of contemporary nanostructures for cancer diagnosis and overcoming complexities in the clinical treatment of cancerous tissues. Thanks to their small diameter and large surface-to-volume proportions, nanomaterials have special physicochemical properties that empower them to bind, absorb and transport high-efficiency substances, such as small molecular drugs, DNA, proteins, RNAs, and probes. They also have excellent durability, high carrier potential, the ability to integrate both hydrophobic and hydrophilic compounds, and compatibility with various transport routes, making them especially appealing over a wide range of oncology fields. This is also due to their configurable scale, structure, and surface properties. This review paper discusses how nanostructures can function as therapeutic vectors to enhance the therapeutic value of molecules; how nanomaterials can be used as medicinal products in gene therapy, photodynamics, and thermal treatment; and finally, the application of nanomaterials in the form of molecular imaging agents to diagnose and map tumor growth.

The role of size in PEGylated liposomal doxorubicin biodistribution and anti-tumour activity

The size of nanoliposome‐encapsulated drugs significantly affects their therapeutic efficacy, biodistribution, targeting ability, and toxicity profile for the cancer treatment. In the present study, the biodistribution and anti‐tumoral activity of PEGylated liposomal Doxorubicin (PLD) formulations with different sizes were investigated. First, 100, 200, and 400 nm PLDs were prepared by remote loading procedure and characterised for their size, zeta potential, encapsulation efficacy, and release properties. Then, in vitro cellular uptake and cytotoxicity were studied by flow cytometry and MTT assay, and compared with commercially available PLD Caelyx^®. In vivo studies were applied on BALB/c mice bearing C26 colon carcinoma. The cytotoxicity and cellular uptake tests did not demonstrate any statistically significant differences between PLDs. The biodistribution results showed that Caelyx^® and 100 nm liposomal formulations had the most doxorubicin (Dox) accumulation in the tumour tissue and, as a result, considerably suppressed tumour growth compared with 200 and 400 nm PLDs. In contrast, larger nanoparticles (200 and 400 nm formulations) had more accumulation in the liver and spleen. This study revealed that 90 nm Caelyx^® biodistribution profile led to the stronger anti‐tumour activity of the drug and hence significant survival extension, and showed the importance of vesicle size in the targeting of nanoparticles to the tumour microenvironment for the treatment of cancer.

Cyclodextrin-induced release of drug-entrapping liposomes associated with the solation of liposome gels

In this work, we demonstrate that liposome gels in which liposomes are connected by polyethylene glycol terminated by cholesterol groups at both ends can store hydrophilic and hydrophobic drugs in the gel interiors, inner aqueous phases, and lipid membranes. The addition of cyclodextrins (CDxs) as extrinsic stimuli led to the release of drug-entrapping liposomes due to the interactions between CDxs and cholesteryl groups and/or the alkyl chains of lipids. The addition of aqueous solutions of β-CDx, dimethyl-β-CDx, trimethyl-β-CDx, and γ-CDx (final concentration: 7.5 mM) induced the solation of liposome gels and the release of liposomes accompanying the solation. Furthermore, the addition of β-CDx led to the partial release of hydrophilic drugs encapsulated in the liposomes, although the drug release was scarcely observed in other CDxs. In particular, the addition of trimethyl-β-CDx, which has low cytotoxicity, accelerated solation, and cationic liposomes released from the gels were effectively taken up by murine colon cancer (Colon26) cells. Thus, we propose that liposomes released from liposome gels can function as drug carriers.

The solation of liposome gels owing to the addition of trimethyl-β-cyclodextrin (TMe-β-CDx) and the uptake of cationic liposomes released from liposome gels by Colon26 cells are demonstrated.

Recent advances in nanotechnology based combination drug therapy for skin cancer

Skin-cancer (SC) is more common than all other cancers affecting large percentage of the population in the world and is increasing in terms of morbidity and mortality. In the United States, 3million people are affected by SC annually whereas millions of people are affected globally. Melanoma is fifth most common cancer in the United States. SC is commonly occurred in white people as per WHO. SC is divided into two groups, i.e. melanoma and non-melanoma. In the previous two decades, management of cancer remains to be a tough and a challenging task for many scholars. Presently, the treatment protocols are mostly based on surgery and chemo-radiation therapy, which sooner or later harm the unaffected cells too. To reduce these limitations, nano scaled materials and its extensive range may be recognized as the probable carriers for the selective drug delivery in response to cancerous cells. Recently, the nanocarriers based drugs and their combinations were found to be a new and interesting approach of study for the management of skin carcinoma to enhance the effectiveness, to lessen the dose-dependent side effects and to avoid the drug resistance. This review may emphasize on the wide-range of information on nanotechnology-based drugs and their combination with physical techniques.

Targeting the Pathological Hallmarks of Alzheimer's Disease Through Nanovesicleaided Drug Delivery Approach

INTRODUCTION

Nanovesicle technology is making a huge contribution to the progress of treatment studies for various diseases, including Alzheimer's disease (AD). AD is the leading neurodegenerative disorder characterized by severe cognitive impairment. Despite the prevalence of several forms of anti-AD drugs, the accelerating pace of AD incidence cannot becurbed, and for rescue, nanovesicle technology has grabbed much attention.

METHODOLOGY

Comprehensive literature search was carried out using relevant keywords and online database platforms. The main concepts that have been covered included a complex pathomechanism underlying increased acetylcholinesterase (AchE) activity, β-amyloid aggregation, and tau-hyperphosphorylation forming neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) in the brain, which are amongst the major hallmarks of AD pathology. Therapeutic recommendations exist in the form of AchE inhibitors, along with anti-amyloid and anti-tau therapeutics, which are being explored at a high pace. The degree of the therapeutic outcome, however, gets restricted by the pharmacological limitations. Susceptibility to peripheral metabolism and rapid elimination, inefficiency to cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and reach the target brain site are the factors that lower the biostability and bioavailability of anti-AD drugs. The nanovesicle technology has emerged as a route to preserve the therapeutic efficiency of the anti-AD drugs and promote AD treatment. The review hereby aims to summarize the developments made by the nanovesicle technology in aiding the delivery of synthetic and plant-based therapeutics targeting the molecular mechanism of AD pathology.

CONCLUSION

Nanovesicles appear to efficiently aid in target-specific delivery of anti-AD therapeutics and nullify the drawbacks posed by free drugs, besides reducing the dosage requirement and the adversities associated. In addition, the nanovesicle technology also appears to uplift the therapeutic potential of several phyto-compounds with immense anti-AD properties. Furthermore, the review also sheds light on future perspectives to mend the gaps that prevail in the nanovesicle-mediated drug delivery in AD treatment strategies.

Nanozyme-Based Artificial Organelles: An Emerging Direction for Artificial Organelles

Artificial organelles are compartmentalized nanoreactors, in which enzymes or enzyme-mimic catalysts exhibit cascade catalytic activities to mimic the functions of natural organelles. Importantly, research on artificial organelles paves the way for the bottom-up design of synthetic cells. Due to the separation effect of microcompartments, the catalytic reactions of enzymes are performed without the influence of the surrounding medium. The current techniques for synthesizing artificial organelles rely on the strategies of encapsulating enzymes into vesicle-structured materials or reconstituting enzymes onto the microcompartment materials. However, there are still some problems including limited functions, unregulated activities, and difficulty in targeting delivery that hamper the applications of artificial organelles. The emergence of nanozymes (nanomaterials with enzyme-like activities) provides novel ideas for the fabrication of artificial organelles. Compared with natural enzymes, nanozymes are featured with multiple enzymatic activities, higher stability, easier to synthesize, lower cost, and excellent recyclability. Herein, the most recent advances in nanozyme-based artificial organelles are summarized. Moreover, the benefits of compartmental structures for the applications of nanozymes, as well as the functional requirements of microcompartment materials are also introduced. Finally, the potential applications of nanozyme-based artificial organelles in biomedicine and the related challenges are discussed.

Application of Elastin-Like Polypeptide in Tumor Therapy

Simple Summary

Elastin-like Polypeptide (ELP) are widely applied in protein purification, drug delivery, tissue engineering, and even tumor therapy. Recent studies show that usage of ELP has made great progress in combination with peptide drugs or antibody drugs. The combination of ELP and photosensitizer in cancer therapy or imaging has made more progress and needs to be summarized. In this review, we summarize the specific application of ELP in cancer therapy, especially the latest developments in the combined use of ELP with photosensitizers. We seek to provide the most recent understanding of ELP and its new application in combination with Photosensitizer.

Abstract

Elastin-like polypeptides (ELPs) are stimulus-responsive artificially designed proteins synthesized from the core amino acid sequence of human tropoelastin. ELPs have good biocompatibility and biodegradability and do not systemically induce adverse immune responses, making them a suitable module for drug delivery. Design strategies can equip ELPs with the ability to respond to changes in temperature and pH or the capacity to self-assemble into nanoparticles. These unique tunable biophysicochemical properties make ELPs among the most widely studied biopolymers employed in protein purification, drug delivery, tissue engineering and even in tumor therapy. As a module for drug delivery and as a carrier to target tumor cells, the combination of ELPs with therapeutic drugs, antibodies and photo-oxidation molecules has been shown to result in improved pharmacokinetic properties (prolonged half-life, drug targeting, cell penetration and controlled release) while restricting the cytotoxicity of the drug to a confined infected site. In this review, we summarize the latest developments in the application methods of ELP employed in tumor therapy, with a focus on its conjugation with peptide drugs, antibodies and photosensitizers.

Organic quantum dots: An ultrasmall nanoplatform for cancer theranostics

Tumours are the second leading cause of death globally, generating alterations in biological interactions and, as a result, malfunctioning of crucial genetic traits. Technological advancements have made it possible to identify tumours at the cellular level, making transcriptional gene variations and other genetic variables more easily investigated. Standard chemotherapy is seen as a non-specific treatment that has the potential to destroy healthy cells while also causing systemic toxicity in individuals. As a result, developing new technologies has become a pressing necessity. QDs are semiconductor particles with diameters ranging from 2 to 10 nanometers. QDs have grabbed the interest of many researchers due to their unique characteristics, including compact size, large surface area, surface charges, and precise targeting. QD-based drug carriers are well known among the many nanocarriers. Using QDs as a delivery approach enhances solubility, lengthens retention time, and reduces the harmful effects of loaded medicines. Several varieties of quantum dots used in drug administration are discussed in this article, along with their chemical and physical characteristics and manufacturing methods. Furthermore, it discusses the role of QDs in biological, medicinal, and theranostic applications.

Review: Liposomes in the prophylaxis and treatment of infectious diseases

Infectious diseases remain as one of the major burdens among health communities as well as in the general public despite the advances in prevention and treatment. Although vaccination and vector eliminations have greatly prevented the transmission of these diseases, the effectiveness of these strategies is no longer guaranteed as new challenges such as drug resistance and toxicity as well as the missing effective therapeutics arise. Hence, the development of new tools to manage these challenges is anticipated, in which nano technology using liposomes as effective nanostructure is highly considered. In this review, we concentrate on the advantages of liposomes in the drug delivery system and the development of vaccine in the treatment of three major infectious diseases; tuberculosis (TB), malaria and HIV.

Nanomedicine for Glioblastoma: Progress and Future Prospects

Glioblastoma is the most aggressive form of brain tumor, accounting for the highest mortality and morbidity rates. Current treatment for patients with glioblastoma includes maximal safe tumor resection followed by radiation therapy with concomitant temozolomide (TMZ) chemotherapy. The addition of TMZ to the conformal radiation therapy has improved the median survival time only from 12 months to 16 months in patients with glioblastoma. Despite these aggressive treatment strategies, patients' prognosis remains poor. This therapeutic failure is primarily attributed to the blood-brain barrier (BBB) that restricts the transport of TMZ from reaching the tumor site. In recent years, nanomedicine has gained considerable attention among researchers and shown promising developments in clinical applications, including the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of glioblastoma tumors. This review sheds light on the morphological and physiological complexity of the BBB. It also explains the development of nanomedicine strategies to enhance the permeability of drug molecules across the BBB.

Photoaffinity labeling approaches to elucidate lipid-protein interactions

Lipid-protein interactions serve as the basis for many of the diverse roles of lipids. However, these noncovalent binding events are often weak, transient, or dependent upon environmental cues. Photoaffinity labeling can preserve these interactions under native conditions, enabling their biochemical profiling. Typically, photoaffinity labeling probes contain a diazirine photocrosslinker and a click chemistry handle for enrichment and downstream analysis. In this review, we summarize recent advances in the understanding the mechanisms of diazirine photocrosslinking, and we provide an overview of recent applications of photoaffinity labeling to reveal the interactions of diverse types of lipids with specific members of the proteome.

pH-Sensitive Liposomes for Enhanced Cellular Uptake and Cytotoxicity of Daunorubicin in Melanoma (B16-BL6) Cell Lines

Daunorubicin (DNR) was delivered using a pH-sensitive liposomal system in B16-BL6 melanoma cell lines for enhanced cytotoxic effects. DNR was encapsulated within liposomes and CL as a component of the lipid bilayer. PEGylated pH-sensitive liposomes, containing CL, were prepared in the molar ratio of 40:30:5:17:8 for DOPE/cholesterol/DSPE-mPEG (2000)/CL/SA using the lipid film hydration method and loaded with DNR (drug: lipid ratio of 1:5). The CL liposomes exhibited high drug encapsulation efficiency (>90%), a small size (~94 nm), narrow size distribution (polydispersity index ~0.16), and a rapid release profile at acidic pH (within 1 h). Furthermore, the CL liposomes exhibited 12.5- and 2.5-fold higher cytotoxicity compared to DNR or liposomes similar to DaunoXome®. This study provides a basis for developing DNR pH-sensitive liposomes for melanoma treatment.

Liposomes: structure, composition, types, and clinical applications

Liposomes are now considered the most commonly used nanocarriers for various potentially active hydrophobic and hydrophilic molecules due to their high biocompatibility, biodegradability, and low immunogenicity. Liposomes also proved to enhance drug solubility and controlled distribution, as well as their capacity for surface modifications for targeted, prolonged, and sustained release. Based on the composition, liposomes can be considered to have evolved from conventional, long-circulating, targeted, and immune-liposomes to stimuli-responsive and actively targeted liposomes. Many liposomal-based drug delivery systems are currently clinically approved to treat several diseases, such as cancer, fungal and viral infections; more liposomes have reached advanced phases in clinical trials. This review describes liposomes structure, composition, preparation methods, and clinical applications.

Solid Magnetoliposomes as Multi-Stimuli-Responsive Systems for Controlled Release of Doxorubicin: Assessment of Lipid Formulations

Stimuli-responsive liposomes are a class of nanocarriers whose drug release occurs, preferentially, when exposed to a specific biological environment, to an external stimulus, or both. This work is focused on the design of solid magnetoliposomes (SMLs) as lipid-based nanosystems aiming to obtain multi-stimuli-responsive vesicles for doxorubicin (DOX) controlled release in pathological areas under the action of thermal, magnetic, and pH stimuli. The effect of lipid combinations on structural, colloidal stability, and thermodynamic parameters were evaluated. The results confirmed the reproducibility for SMLs synthesis based on nine lipid formulations (combining DPPC, DSPC, CHEMS, DOPE and/or DSPE-PEG), with structural and colloidal properties suitable for biological applications. A loss of stability and thermosensitivity was observed for formulations containing dioleoylphosphatidylethanolamine (DOPE) lipid. SMLs PEGylation is an essential step to enhance both their long-term storage stability and stealth properties. DOX encapsulation (encapsulation efficiency ranging between 87% and 96%) in the bilayers lowered its pK_a, which favors the displacement of DOX from the acyl chains to the surface when changing from alkaline to acidic pH. The release profiles demonstrated a preferential release at acidic pH, more pronounced under mimetic mild-hyperthermia conditions (42 °C). Release kinetics varied with the lipid formulation, generally demonstrating hyperthermia temperatures and acidic pH as determining factors in DOX release; PEGylation was shown to act as a diffusion barrier on the SMLs surface. The integrated assessment and characterization of SMLs allows tuning lipid formulations that best respond to the needs for specific controlled release profiles of stimuli-responsive nanosystems as a multi-functional approach to cancer targeting and therapy.

A new approach based on CXCR4-targeted combination liposomes for the treatment of liver fibrosis

Liver fibrosis results from excessive extracellular matrix accumulation due to injury and leads to cirrhosis, cancer, and death. Herein, we propose a chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4)-targeted combination (CTC) liposomal therapy to treat carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)-induced liver fibrosis in a mouse model. This study aims to combine small molecules such as pirfenidone and AMD3100 in a single nanoplatform to investigate their synergistic antifibrotic effects in a setting of CCl₄-induced liver fibrosis. CTC liposomes (CTC lipo) were prepared using the thin-film hydration method. CTC lipo exhibited a spherical shape, and the particle size was recorded at the nanoscale which confirms its appropriateness for in vitro and in vivo applications. CTC lipo had good storage and serum stability. The entrapped drugs in CTC lipo showed reduced toxicity at higher concentrations. CTC lipo displayed CXCR4 mediated cell uptake and were internalized by caveolae-mediated endocytosis. CTC lipo showed CXCR4 targeting and stromal cell-derived factor 1α (SDF1-α)/CXCR4 axis blocking activity. CTC lipo reduced the elevated serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), and hydroxyproline (HYP) levels. The histological studies showed improved liver architecture and reduced collagen deposition after treatment. Transforming growth factor β (TGFβ), alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), and collagen I were elevated by CCl₄ in comparison with the Sham. Upon CTC liposomal treatment, the quantitative score for the elevated fibrotic proteins such as TGFβ, α-SMA, and collagen I was normalized. CTC lipo displayed significant downregulation of the upregulated TGFβ, α-SMA, collagen I, and P-p38 expressions at the molecular level. The CXCR4 targeted liposomes showed prolonged biodistribution at 24 h. Our findings indicated that CTC lipo might be an alternative antifibrotic therapy that may offer new access to research and development. In a nutshell, the present study suggests that systemic administration of CTC lipo has efficient antifibrotic potential and deserves to be investigated for further clinical applications.

Therapeutic Effects of Natural Products on Cervical Cancer: Based on Inflammatory Pathways

Inflammation is a protective response of the body to an irritant. When an inflammatory response occurs, immune cells are recruited to the injury, eliminating the irritation. The excessive inflammatory response can cause harm to the organism. Inflammation has been found to contribute to cervical cancer if there is a problem with the regulation of inflammatory response. Cervical cancer is one of the most common malignant tumors globally, and the incidence tends to be younger. The harm of cervical cancer cannot be ignored. The standard treatments for cervical cancer include surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. However, the prognosis for this treatment is poor, so it is urgent to find a safer and more effective treatment. Natural products are considered excellent candidates for the treatment of cervical cancer. In this review, we first describe the mechanisms by which inflammation induces cervical cancer. Subsequently, we highlight natural products that can treat cervical cancer through inflammatory pathways. We also introduce natural products for the treatment of cervical cancer in clinical trials. Finally, methods to improve the anticancer properties of natural products were added, and the development status of natural products was discussed.

Rationale utilization of phospholipid excipients: a distinctive tool for progressing state of the art in research of emerging drug carriers

Phospholipids have a high degree of biocompatibility and are deemed ideal pharmaceutical excipients in the development of lipid-based drug delivery systems, because of their unique features (permeation, solubility enhancer, emulsion stabilizer, micelle forming agent, and the key excipients in solid dispersions) they can be used in a variety of pharmaceutical drug delivery systems, such as liposomes, phytosomes, solid lipid nanoparticles, etc. The primary usage of phospholipids in a colloidal pharmaceutical formulation is to enhance the drug's bioavailability with low aqueous solubility [i.e. Biopharmaceutical Classification System (BCS) Class II drugs], Membrane penetration (i.e. BCS Class III drugs), drug uptake and release enhancement or modification, protection of sensitive active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) from gastrointestinal degradation, a decrease of gastrointestinal adverse effects, and even masking of the bitter taste of orally delivered drugs are other uses. Phospholipid-based colloidal drug products can be tailored to address a wide variety of product requirements, including administration methods, cost, product stability, toxicity, and efficacy. Such formulations that are also a cost-effective method for developing medications for topical, oral, pulmonary, or parenteral administration. The originality of this review work is that we comprehensively evaluated the unique properties and special aspects of phospholipids and summarized how the individual phospholipids can be utilized in various types of lipid-based drug delivery systems, as well as listing newly marketed lipid-based products, patents, and continuing clinical trials of phospholipid-based therapeutic products. This review would be helpful for researchers responsible for formulation development and research into novel colloidal phospholipid-based drug delivery systems.

Lipid Nanoparticles as Platforms for Theranostic Purposes: Recent Advances in the Field

Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) are the first approved nanomedicines and the most well-studied class of nanocarriers for drug delivery. Currently, they are in the frontline of the pandemic fight as vaccine formulations and therapeutic products. However, even though they are so well-studied, new materials and new modifications arise every day that can improve their properties. Their dynamic nature, especially the liquid crystal state of membranes, is under constant investigation and it is that which many times leads to their complex biological behavior. In addition, newly discovered biomaterials and nanoparticles that possess promising effects and functionalities, but also toxicity and/or poor pharmacokinetics, can be combined with LNPs to ameliorate their properties. As a result, many promising theranostic applications have emerged during the past decade, proving the huge potential of LNPs in the field. In the present review, we summarize some of the most prominent classes of LNPs for nanotheranostic purposes, and present state-of-the-art research examples, with emphasis on the utilized biomaterials and the functionality that they confer to the resultant supramolecular nanosystems, in relation to diagnostic and therapeutic modalities. Although there has been unprecedented progress in theranostics, the translational gap between the bench and the clinic is undeniable. This issue must be addressed by experts in a coordinated way, in order to fully exploit these nanomedicines for the benefit of the society.

Chitosan-Hyaluronan Nanoparticles for Vinblastine Sulfate Delivery: Characterization and Internalization Studies on K-562 Cells

In the present study, we developed chitosan/hyaluronan nanoparticles (CS/HY NPs) for tumor targeting with vinblastine sulfate (VBL), that can be directed to the CD44 transmembrane receptor, over-expressed in cancer cells. NPs were prepared by coating with HY-preformed chitosan/tripolyphosphate (CS/TPP) NPs, or by polyelectrolyte complexation of CS with HY. NPs with a mean hydrodynamic radius (R_H) of 110 nm, 12% polydispersity index and negative zeta potential values were obtained by a direct complexation process. Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) images showed spherical NPs with a non-homogeneous matrix, probably due to a random localization of CS and HY interacting chains. The intermolecular interactions occurring between CS and HY upon NPs formation were experimentally evidenced by micro-Raman (µ-Raman) spectroscopy, through the analysis of the spectral changes of characteristic vibrational bands of HY during NP formation, in order to reveal the involvement of specific chemical groups in the process. Optimized NP formulation efficiently encapsulated VBL, producing a drug sustained release for 20 h. In vitro studies demonstrated a fast internalization of labeled CS/HY NPs (within 6 h) on K-562 human myeloid leukemia cells. Pre-saturation of CD44 by free HY produced a slowing-down of NP uptake over 24 h, demonstrating the need of CD44 for the internalization of HY-based NPs.

Transdermal Delivery of Antigenic Protein Using Ionic Liquid-Based Nanocarriers for Tumor Immunotherapy

Transdermal drug delivery systems (TDDSs) may be useful for preventing various diseases including cancer. However, the stratum corneum (SC) inhibits the permeation of foreign particles into the skin. To obtain an effective TDDS, we developed a protein-containing nanocarrier (PCNC) comprising an antigenic protein (ovalbumin/OVA) stabilized by a combination of surfactants, i.e., a lipid-based surface-active ionic liquid and Tween-80. The PCNC was lyophilized to remove water and cyclohexane and then dispersed in isopropyl myristate. It is biocompatible both in vitro and in vivo, and is suitable for use in a therapeutic TDDS. The skin permeability of the PCNC was significantly (p < 0.0001) enhanced, and the transdermal distribution and transdermal flux of the OVA delivery system were 25 and 28 times greater, respectively, than those of its aqueous formulation. The PCNC disrupted the order of lipid orientation in the skin's SC and increased intercellular protein delivery. It demonstrated effective antitumor activity, drastically (p < 0.001) suppressed tumor growth, increased mouse survival rates, and significantly (p < 0.001) stimulated the OVA-specific tumor immune response. The PCNC also increased the number of cytotoxic T cells expressing CD8 antibodies on their surfaces (CD8 + T-cells) in the tumor microenvironment. These findings suggest that PCNCs may be promising biocompatible carriers for transdermal antigenic protein delivery in tumor immunotherapy.

Role of CD47-SIRPα Checkpoint in Nanomedicine-Based Anti-Cancer Treatment

Many cancers have evolved various mechanisms to evade immunological surveillance, such as the inhibitory immune checkpoint of the CD47-SIRPα signaling pathway. By targeting this signaling pathway, researchers have developed diverse nanovehicles with different loaded drugs and modifications in anticancer treatment. In this review, we present a brief overview of CD47-SIRPα interaction and nanomedicine. Then, we delve into recent applications of the CD47-SIRPα interaction as a target for nanomedicine-based antitumor treatment and its combination with other targeting pathway drugs and/or therapeutic approaches.

Micelle/Hydrogel Composite as a "Natural Self-Emulsifying Reversible Hybrid Hydrogel (N'SERH)" Enhances the Oral Bioavailability of Free (Unconjugated) Resveratrol

The poor oral bioavailability, rapid biotransformation to less active metabolites, and fast elimination from systemic circulation have been identified as the major limitations responsible for the clinical insignificance of many drug candidates and phytonutrients. Despite the technological advancements in the nanoformulations of synthetic drugs, there exist many challenges for nutritional therapy, due to the regulatory issues, use of high levels of synthetic emulsifiers and polymers, low stability, low loading levels, mainly liquid state, etc. Herein, we report the characterization and human pharmacokinetics of a natural self-emulsifying hybrid-hydrogel formulation of trans-resveratrol prepared by uniformly impregnating resveratrol micelles into the fenugreek galactomannan hydrogel scaffold to form a water-soluble micelle/hydrogel composite in powder form (RF-20). Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), particle size analysis by dynamic light scattering (DLS), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) demonstrated the uniform impregnation of resveratrol micelles within the galactomannan hydrogel matrix to form a soluble (average particle size of 172.0 ± 10.4 nm and -21.0 ± 2.5 mV zeta potential) and amorphous powder form with smooth and translucent surface morphology for RF-20, with no chemical alterations. Upon pharmacokinetic studies on healthy human subjects (n = 16) following a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, 2-arm, 4-sequence crossover design and tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-ESI-MS/MS), 80 mg of trans-resveratrol from RF-20 provided enhanced free resveratrol bioavailability and pharmacokinetic properties compared to the unformulated resveratrol with 98% purity. The enhancement in bioavailability was more when supplemented in sachet (12.98-fold) form than the capsule (10.48-fold) with improved absorption (C _max = 50.97 ± 15.82 ng/mL), circulation half-life (t _1/2 = 7.01 ± 1.44 h), and sustained delivery (T _max = 4.71 ± 0.73 h), as compared to the unformulated form (C _max = 15.07 ± 5.10 ng/mL; t _1/2 = 1.58 ± 0.65 h; T _max = 1.21 ± 0.42 h).

Enhancing Anticancer Potency of a 13-Substituted Berberine Derivative with Cationic Liposomes

Cationic liposomal formulations of the telomeric G-quadruplex stabilizing ligand, 13-(2-naphthylmethoxy)berberine bromide (1), have been developed with the purpose of delivering 1 into the nucleus of cancer cells for potential telomere targeting. Berberine derivative 1 was encapsulated in various cationic lipids 2-4 by the thin film evaporation method; these lipids are cationic after amine protonation. The most appropriate liposomal berberine formulation was that of 1 and the cholesterol derived cationic lipid 4 in a weight ratio of 1:20 with 76.5% encapsulation efficiency of 1. Cellular uptake studies in the HeLa and HT-29 cancer cells line showed that the liposomal berberine derivative uptake in the cells was higher and more stable than for berberine derivative 1 alone while free 1 was completely decomposed in the cells within 60 min exposure to the cells. Anticancer activity of the liposomal berberine derivative 1 based on 4 was greater than that for the free berberine derivative 1 in the MCF-7, HeLa and HT-29 cell line by 2.3-, 4.9- and 5.3-fold, respectively, and also, interestingly, superior to the anticancer drug doxorubicin against the HT29 cancer cell line.

Antimicrobial Activity Enhancers: Towards Smart Delivery of Antimicrobial Agents

The development of effective treatments against infectious diseases is an extensive and ongoing process due to the rapid adaptation of bacteria to antibiotic-based therapies. However, appropriately designed activity enhancers, including antibiotic delivery systems, can increase the effectiveness of current antibiotics, overcoming antimicrobial resistance and decreasing the chance of contributing to further bacterial resistance. The activity/delivery enhancers improve drug absorption, allow targeted antibiotic delivery, improve their tissue and biofilm penetration and reduce side effects. This review provides insights into various antibiotic activity enhancers, including polymer, lipid, and silver-based systems, designed to reduce the adverse effects of antibiotics and improve formulation stability and efficacy against multidrug-resistant bacteria.

Pharmaceutical, Biomedical and Ophthalmic Applications of Biodegradable Polymers (BDPs): Literature and Patent Review

In the last few decades, the interest in biodegradable materials for biomedical applications has increased significantly. Both natural and synthetic biodegradable polymers (BDPs) have been broadly explored for various biomedical applications. These include sutures and wound dressings, screws for bone fracture, scaffolds in tissue engineering, implants, and other carriers for targeted and sustained release drug delivery. Owing to their unique characteristics, including their surface charge variable copolymer block and composition and film-forming properties, BDPs have been widely used as favourable materials for ophthalmic drug delivery. Mucoadhesive BDPs have been used in ophthalmic formulations to prolong drug retention time and improve bioavailability, allowing ophthalmic controlled release systems to design. Furthermore, BDPs-based implants, microneedles, and injectable nano- and micro-particles enabled ocular posterior segment targeting and, most importantly, circumvented the need for removing the delivery systems after application. This review outlines the major advances of BDPs and highlights the latest progress of employing natural and synthetic BDPs for various biomedical applications, emphasising the treatment and management of ophthalmic conditions.

Antimicrobial Peptides: From Design to Clinical Application

Infection of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria, such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE), and extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Escherichia coli, brings public health issues and causes economic burden. Pathogenic bacteria develop several methods to resist antibiotic killing or inhibition, such as mutation of antibiotic function sites, activation of drug efflux pumps, and enzyme-mediated drug degradation. Antibiotic resistance components can be transferred between bacteria by mobile genetic elements including plasmids, transposons, and integrons, as well as bacteriophages. The development of antibiotic resistance limits the treatment options for bacterial infection, especially for MDR bacteria. Therefore, novel or alternative antibacterial agents are urgently needed. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) display multiple killing mechanisms against bacterial infections, including directly bactericidal activity and immunomodulatory function, as potential alternatives to antibiotics. In this review, the development of antibiotic resistance, the killing mechanisms of AMPs, and especially, the design, optimization, and delivery of AMPs are reviewed. Strategies such as structural change, amino acid substitution, conjugation with cell-penetration peptide, terminal acetylation and amidation, and encapsulation with nanoparticles will improve the antimicrobial efficacy, reduce toxicity, and accomplish local delivery of AMPs. In addition, clinical trials in AMP studies or applications of AMPs within the last five years were summarized. Overall, AMPs display diverse mechanisms of action against infection of pathogenic bacteria, and future research studies and clinical investigations will accelerate AMP application.

Universal Microcarriers Based on Natural and Synthetic Polymers for Co-Delivery of Hydrophilic and Hydrophobic Compounds

Several variants of hybrid polyelectrolyte microcapsules (hPEMC) were designed and produced by modifying in situ gelation methods and layer-by-layer (LbL) techniques. All of the hPEMC designs tested in the study demonstrated high efficiency of the model hydrophilic compound loading into the carrier cavity. In addition, the microcarriers were characterized by high efficiency of incorporating the model hydrophobic compound rhodamine B isothiocyanate (RBITC) into the hydrophobic layer consisting of poly-(d,l)-lactide-co-glycolide (PLGA), oligo-(l)-lactide (OLL), oligo-(d)-lactide (OLD) and chitosan/gelatin/poly-l-lactide copolymer (CGP). The obtained microcapsules exhibited high storage stability regardless of the composition and thickness of the polyelectrolyte shell. Study of the impact of hybrid polyelectrolyte microcapsules on viability of the adhesive L929 and suspension HL-60 cell lines revealed no apparent toxic effects of hPEMC of different architecture on live cells. Interaction of hPEMC with peritoneal macrophages for the course of 48 h resulted in partial deformation and degradation of microcapsules accompanied by release of the content of their hydrophilic (BSA–fluorescein isothiocyanate conjugate (BSA-FITC)) and hydrophobic (RBITC) layer. Our results demonstrate the functional efficiency of novel hybrid microcarriers and their potential for joint delivery of drugs with different physico-chemical properties in complex therapy.

Functionalized Liposome and Albumin-Based Systems as Carriers for Poorly Water-Soluble Anticancer Drugs: An Updated Review

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. In the available treatments, chemotherapy is one of the most used, but has several associated problems, namely the high toxicity to normal cells and the resistance acquired by cancer cells to the therapeutic agents. The scientific community has been battling against this disease, developing new strategies and new potential chemotherapeutic agents. However, new drugs often exhibit poor solubility in water, which led researchers to develop functionalized nanosystems to carry and, specifically deliver, the drugs to cancer cells, targeting overexpressed receptors, proteins, and organelles. Thus, this review is focused on the recent developments of functionalized nanosystems used to carry poorly water-soluble drugs, with special emphasis on liposomes and albumin-based nanosystems, two major classes of organic nanocarriers with formulations already approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for cancer therapeutics.

In Vitro Inhibition of Replication of Dengue Virus Serotypes 1-4 by siRNAs Bound to Non-Toxic Liposomes

Dengue virus is a ssRNA+ flavivirus, which produces the dengue disease in humans. Currently, no specific treatment exists. siRNAs regulate gene expression and have been used systematically to silence viral genomes; however, they require controlled release. Liposomes show favorable results encapsulating siRNA for gene silencing. The objective herein was to design and evaluate in vitro siRNAs bound to liposomes that inhibit DENV replication. siRNAs were designed against DENV1-4 from conserved regions using siDirect2.0 and Web-BLOCK-iT™ RNAiDesigner; the initial in vitro evaluation was carried out through transfection into HepG2 cells. siRNA with silencing capacity was encapsulated in liposomes composed of D-Lin-MC3-DMA, DSPC, Chol. Cytotoxicity, hemolysis, pro-inflammatory cytokine release and antiviral activity were evaluated using plaque assay and RT-qPCR. A working concentration of siRNA was established at 40 nM. siRNA1, siRNA2, siRNA3.1, and siRNA4 were encapsulated in liposomes, and their siRNA delivery through liposomes led to a statistically significant decrease in viral titers, yielded no cytotoxicity or hemolysis and did not stimulate release of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Finally, liposomes were designed with siRNA against DENV, which proved to be safe in vitro.

Clinical application of nano-targeting for enhancing chemotherapeutic efficacy and safety in cancer management

Despite improvements in treatment, cancer remains a leading cause of death worldwide. While chemotherapy is effective, it also damages healthy tissue, leading to severe, dose-limiting side effects that can impair efficacy and even contribute to chemoresistance. Nano-based drug-delivery systems can potentially target the delivery of chemotherapy to improve efficacy and reduce adverse effects. A number of nanocarriers have been investigated for the delivery of chemotherapy, and many of the most promising agents have advanced to clinical trials. This review examines the safety and efficacy of nanoformulated chemotherapeutic agents in clinical trials, with particular emphasis on anthracyclines, taxanes and platinum compounds. It also briefly discusses the role nano-targeting might play in the prevention and treatment of chemoresistance.

Hyaluronated and PEGylated Liposomes as a Potential Drug-Delivery Strategy to Specifically Target Liver Cancer and Inflammatory Cells

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most frequent primary liver cancer and is characterized by poor clinical outcomes, with the majority of patients not being eligible for curative therapy and treatments only being applicable for early-stage tumors. CD44 is a receptor for hyaluronic acid (HA) and is involved in HCC progression. The aim of this work is to propose HA- and PEGylated-liposomes as promising approaches for the treatment of HCC. It has been found, in this work, that CD44 transcripts are up-regulated in HCC patients, as well as in a murine model of NAFLD/NASH-related hepatocarcinogenesis. Cell culture experiments indicate that HA-liposomes are more rapidly and significantly internalized by Huh7 cells that over-express CD44, compared with HepG2 cells that express low levels of the receptor, in which the uptake seems due to endocytic events. By contrast, human and murine macrophage cell lines (THP-1, RAW264.7) show improved and rapid uptake of PEG-modified liposomes without the involvement of the CD44. Moreover, the internalization of PEG-modified liposomes seems to induce polarization of THP1 towards the M1 phenotype. In conclusion, data reported in this study indicate that this strategy can be proposed as an alternative for drug delivery and one that dually and specifically targets liver cancer cells and infiltrating tumor macrophages in order to counteract two crucial aspect of HCC progression.