Development and characterization of electrosprayed nanoparticles for encapsulation of Curcumin

Entrapment of Amphipathic Drugs in Core-Shell Polymeric Nanoparticles under Batch Conditions─The Role of Control and Solubility Parameters

The amphipathic bioactive compounds curcumin, resveratrol, and mitomycin C, which have similar solubility parameter component distributions, have been studied for encapsulation under batch conditions into core-shell nanocarriers composed of external hydrophobically functionalized polyelectrolytes and an inner matrix of polyesters or polyester blends: poly(l-lactide), poly(lactide-co-glycolide), and/or poly(ethylene succinate). Our contribution comprises determining the influence of process parameters on the properties and quality of the final products, namely core-shell nanoparticles loaded with appropriate drugs, according to process analysis technologymanagement. The crucial roles of the organic phase dosing rates and process temperatures were carefully investigated. Moreover, a technically feasible method of removing organic solvents from aqueous dispersions─stripping with inert gas─was employed and evaluated via FT-IR studies. The experiments were supported by the calculation and analysis of solubility parameters (δ) and dispersion (δd), polar (δp), and hydrogen bond (δh) components utilizing HSPiP software. The payload locus and sample morphology were studied via atomic force microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analyses with Ar+ sputtering. It was demonstrated that dosing rates of organic phases not exceeding ca. 0.5 mL/min per 1 L of aqueous dispersion of hydrophobically functionalized polyelectrolytes made it possible to obtain core-shell nanoparticles of ca. 100-150 nm with a very narrow polydispersity (PdI < 0.2). The locus of amphipathic payloads in nanocarriers, mostly within the core polymeric structure, was in good agreement with the results of solubility parameter component studies: water-insoluble polyesters with both polar and nonpolar interactions between chains serve as good host materials for amphipathic drugs.

Polymeric nanoparticles produced by electrohydrodynamic atomisation for the passive delivery of imatinib

Imatinib is a chemotherapeutic agent known to cause severe side effects when administrated systemically. Encapsulating imatinib in co-polymer poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles (NPs) offers a targeted drug delivery. In this work, PLGA 50:50 and PLGA 75:25 NPs encapsulated imatinib using the electrohydrodynamic atomisation technique. All particles generated were spherical with a smooth surface with a size distribution of 455±115 nm (PLGA 50:50) and 363±147 nm (PLGA 75:25). Encapsulation of imatinib was shown to be higher than 75 % and was shown to increase the zeta potential of the loaded NPs. The release of imatinib showed an initial burst in the first 12 h, followed by different sustained releases with up to 70 %. Both types of imatinib-loaded NPs' effect on cell viability and their cellular uptake were also studied on A549 cells, and the antiproliferative effect was comparable to that of cells treated with free drugs. Finally, Rhodamine-B-loaded NP-treated cells demonstrated the cellular uptake of NPs.

Sustainability in Drug and Nanoparticle Processing

The formulation of drugs in poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles can be accomplished by various methods, with nanoprecipitation and nanoemulsion being among the most commonly used manufacturing techniques to provide access to high-quality nanomaterials with reproducible quality. Current trends turned to sustainability and green concepts leading to a re-thinking of these techniques, particularly as the conventional solvents for the dissolution of the polymer suffer from limitations like hazards for human health and natural environment. This chapter gives an overview about the different excipients used in classical nanoformulations with a special focus on the currently applied organic solvents. As alternatives, the status quo of green, sustainable, and alternative solvents regarding their application, advantages, and limitations will be highlighted as well as the role of physicochemical solvent characteristics like water miscibility, viscosity, and vapor pressure for the selection of the formulation process, and for particle characteristics. New alternative solvents will be introduced for PLGA nanoparticle formation and compared regarding particle characteristics and biological effects as well as for in situ particle formation in a matrix consisting of nanocellulose. Conclusively, new alternative solvents are available that present a significant advancement toward the replacement of organic solvents in PLGA nanoparticle formulations.

Enhancement of Oral Bioavailability of Protein and Peptide by Polysaccharide-based Nanoparticles

Oral drug delivery is a prevalent and cost-effective method due to its advantages, such as increased drug absorption surface area and improved patient compliance. However, delivering proteins and peptides orally remains a challenge due to their vulnerability to degradation by digestive enzymes, stomach acids, and limited intestinal membrane permeability, resulting in poor bioavailability. The use of nanotechnology has emerged as a promising solution to enhance the bioavailability of these vital therapeutic agents. Polymeric NPs, made from natural or synthetic polymers, are commonly used. Natural polysaccharides, such as alginate, chitosan, dextran, starch, pectin, etc., have gained preference due to their biodegradability, biocompatibility, and versatility in encapsulating various drug types. Their hydrophobic-hydrophilic properties can be tailored to suit different drug molecules.

Antibacterial Activity and Cytocompatibility of Electrospun PLGA Scaffolds Surface-Modified by Pulsed DC Magnetron Co-Sputtering of Copper and Titanium

Biocompatible poly(lactide-co-glycolide) scaffolds fabricated via electrospinning are having promising properties as implants for the regeneration of fast-growing tissues, which are able to degrade in the body. The hereby-presented research work investigates the surface modification of these scaffolds in order to improve antibacterial properties of this type of scaffolds, as it can increase their application possibilities in medicine. Therefore, the scaffolds were surface-modified by means of pulsed direct current magnetron co-sputtering of copper and titanium targets in an inert atmosphere of argon. In order to obtain different amounts of copper and titanium in the resulting coatings, three different surface-modified scaffold samples were produced by changing the magnetron sputtering process parameters. The success of the antibacterial properties’ improvement was tested with the methicillin-resistant bacterium Staphylococcus aureus. In addition, the resulting cell toxicity of the surface modification by copper and titanium was examined using mouse embryonic and human gingival fibroblasts. As a result, the scaffold samples surface-modified with the highest copper to titanium ratio show the best antibacterial properties and no toxicity against mouse fibroblasts, but have a toxic effect to human gingival fibroblasts. The scaffold samples with the lowest copper to titanium ratio display no antibacterial effect and toxicity. The optimal poly(lactide-co-glycolide) scaffold sample is surface-modified with a medium ratio of copper and titanium that has antibacterial properties and is non-toxic to both cell cultures.

Multipolymer microsphere delivery of SARS-CoV-2 antigens

Effective antigen delivery facilitates antiviral vaccine success defined by effective immune protective responses against viral exposures. To improve severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) antigen delivery, a controlled biodegradable, stable, biocompatible, and nontoxic polymeric microsphere system was developed for chemically inactivated viral proteins. SARS-CoV-2 proteins encapsulated in polymeric microspheres induced robust antiviral immunity. The viral antigen-loaded microsphere system can preclude the need for repeat administrations, highlighting its potential as an effective vaccine. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Successful SARS-CoV-2 vaccines were developed and quickly approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). However, each of the vaccines requires boosting as new variants arise. We posit that injectable biodegradable polymers represent a means for the sustained release of emerging viral antigens. The approach offers a means to reduce immunization frequency by predicting viral genomic variability. This strategy could lead to longer-lasting antiviral protective immunity. The current proof-of-concept multipolymer study for SARS-CoV-2 achieve these metrics.

Application of antibacterial nanoparticles in orthodontic materials

During the orthodontic process, increased microbial colonization and dental plaque formation on the orthodontic appliances and auxiliaries are major complications, causing oral infectious diseases, such as dental caries and periodontal diseases. To reduce plaque accumulation, antimicrobial materials are increasingly being investigated and applied to orthodontic appliances and auxiliaries by various methods. Through the development of nanotechnology, nanoparticles (NPs) have been reported to exhibit excellent antibacterial properties and have been applied in orthodontic materials to decrease dental plaque accumulation. In this review, we present the current development, antibacterial mechanisms, biocompatibility, and application of antibacterial NPs in orthodontic materials.

Membrane Vesicles for Nanoencapsulated Sulforaphane Increased Their Anti-Inflammatory Role on an In Vitro Human Macrophage Model

At present, there is a growing interest in finding new non-toxic anti-inflammatory drugs to treat inflammation, which is a key pathology in the development of several diseases with considerable mortality. Sulforaphane (SFN), a bioactive compound derived from Brassica plants, was shown to be promising due to its anti-inflammatory properties and great potential, though its actual clinical use is limited due to its poor stability and bioavailability. In this sense, the use of nanocarriers could solve stability-related problems. In the current study, sulforaphane loaded into membrane vesicles derived from broccoli plants was studied to determine the anti-inflammatory potential in a human-macrophage-like in vitro cell model under both normal and inflammatory conditions. On the one hand, the release of SFN from membrane vesicles was modeled in vitro, and two release phases were stabilized, one faster and the other slower due to the interaction between SFN and membrane proteins, such as aquaporins. Furthermore, the anti-inflammatory action of sulforaphane-loaded membrane vesicles was demonstrated, as a decrease in interleukins crucial for the development of inflammation, such as TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6, was observed. Furthermore, these results also showed that membrane vesicles by themselves had anti-inflammatory properties, opening the possibility of new lines of research to study these vesicles, not only as carriers but also as active compounds.

Influence of hydrotrope on solubility and bioavailability of curcumin: its complex formation and solid-state characterization

In this study, meglumine (Meg) and arginine (Arg), acting as the hydrotrope, were used to form the stable curcumin (Cur)-hydrotrope complexes, respectively. Based on the single factor experiment optimization, the Cur-Meg/or Cur-Arg complex was prepared and then characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The results showed that Cur-Meg/Arg complexes bound together by hydrogen bonds/or ionic bonds were successfully prepared and the amorphous state of Cur appeared in their complexes. Compared with the Cur-Meg complex, Cur-Arg had better stability in stress testing. Cur-Meg/Arg complexes had a faster drug release rate in vitro and the area-under-curve (AUC) of Cur-Meg/Arg solutions in rats were at least 6.3-fold larger than that of the Cur suspensions. These findings suggest that hydrotropy combined with solid dispersion technique is a simple and effective way to improve the bioavailability of Cur.HIGHLIGHTSThe optimal Cur-Meg/or Cur-Arg complex powder was prepared and characterized.The Cur release rate in vitro was significantly improved.The bioavailability can be improved when using Cur-Meg/or Cur-Arg complex.A simple and effective way to improve the bioavailability of Cur.

Nanoencapsulation of Polyphenols as Drugs and Supplements for Enhancing Therapeutic Profile - A Review

Polyphenolic phytoconstituents have been widely in use worldwide since ages and are categorised as secondary metabolites of plants. The application of polyphenols such as quercetin, resveratrol. curcumin as nutritional supplement has been researched widely. The use of polyphenols, and specifically quercetin for improving the memory and mental endurance have shown significant effects among rats. Even though similar results has not been resonated among human but encouraging preclinical results have encouraged researchers to explore other polyphenols to study the effects as supplements among athletes. The phytopharmacological research has elucidated the use of natural polyphenols to prevent and treat various physiological and metabolic disorders owing to its free radical scavenging properties, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer and immunomodulatory effects. In spite of the tremendous pharmacological profile, one of the most dominant problem regarding the use of polyphenolic compounds is their low bioavailability. Nanonization is considered as one of the most prominent approaches among many. This article aims to review and discuss the molecular mechanisms of recently developed nanocarrier-based drug delivery systems for polyphenols and its application as drugs and supplements. Nanoformulations of natural polyphenols are bioactive agents, such as quercetin, kaempferol, fisetin, rutin, hesperetin, and naringenin epigalloccatechin-3-gallate, genistein, ellagic acid, gallic acid, chlorogenic acid, ferulic acid, curcuminoids and stilbenes is expected to have better efficacy. These delivery systems are expected to provide higher penetrability of polyphenols at cellular levels and exhibit a controlled release of the drugs. It is widely accepted that natural polyphenols do demonstrate significant therapeutic effect. However, the hindrances in their absorption, specificity and bioavailability can be overcome using nanotechnology.

Robust antimicrobial photodynamic therapy with curcumin-poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanoparticles against COVID-19: A preliminary in vitro study in Vero cell line as a model

Background

In this study, the ability of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) as a treatment approach and adjuvant therapy using curcumin-poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanoparticles (Cur@PLGA-NPs) to inactivate Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in plasma was investigated. Furthermore, to verify whether the quality requirement of aPDT-treated plasma is acceptable, the differences of the levels of clotting factors, total plasma proteins, and anti-A and/or anti-B antibodies titrations in plasma of patient before and after aPDT treatment were investigated.

Materials and Methods

Cur@PLGA-NPs was synthesized using Electrospinning process and characterized by different analysis including Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM), and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy assays. The presence of the SARS-CoV-2 in the plasma samples of patients suspected of having COVID-19 was confirmed by real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay. Then, the treated plasma samples with Cur@PLGA-NPs plus blue laser were exposed to Vero cells. Eventually, cell cytotoxicity and apoptotic effects of treated Vero cells were evaluated. Levels of clotting factors including prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), total plasma proteins, and anti-A and/or anti-B antibodies measurements were performed using the coagulometer, method of Bradford, and titration procedure, respectively.

Results

The presence of SARS-CoV-2 was positive in 84.3 % of samples. Different concentrations of Cur@PLGA-NPs (3, 5, 7, and 10 % wt.), the irradiation times of blue laser (1, 3, and 5 min), and aPDT with the maximum dosed of blue laser light (522.8 J/cm²) plus 10 % wt. Cur@PLGA-NPs had no cytotoxicity. Although there were significant cell degradation and apoptotic effects in treated Vero cells with treated plasma using 10 % wt. Cur@PLGA-NPs, and a blue laser at an energy density of 522.8 J/cm², no visible changes in cells and apoptosis were observed following aPDT. Total plasma protein content, PT, APTT, and anti-A and/or anti-B antibodies titers showed no significant changes (P > 0.05 for all comparisons) in treated plasma as compared to untreated plasma.

Conclusion

aPDT exhibited in vitro anti-COVID-19 activities in the treated plasma containing SARS-COV-2 without Vero cell apoptosis and any adverse effects on plasma quality in aPDT-exposed plasma.

Designing Multifunctional Devices for Regenerative Pharmacology Based on 3D Scaffolds, Drug-Loaded Nanoparticles, and Thermosensitive Hydrogels: A Proof-of-Concept Study

Regenerative pharmacology combines tissue engineering/regenerative medicine (TERM) with drug delivery with the aim to improve the outcomes of traditional TERM approaches. In this work, we aimed to design a multicomponent TERM platform comprising a three-dimensional scaffold, a thermosensitive hydrogel, and drug-loaded nanoparticles. We used a thermally induced phase separation method to obtain scaffolds with anisotropic mechanical properties, suitable for soft tissue engineering. A thermosensitive hydrogel was developed using a Poloxamer^® 407-based poly(urethane) to embed curcumin-loaded nanoparticles, obtained by the single emulsion nanoprecipitation method. We found that encapsulated curcumin could retain its antioxidant activity and that embedding nanoparticles within the hydrogel did not affect the hydrogel gelation kinetics nor the possibility to progressively release the drug. The porous scaffold was easily loaded with the hydrogel, resulting in significantly enhanced (4-fold higher) absorption of a model molecule of nutrients (fluorescein isothiocyanate dextran 4kDa) from the surrounding environment compared to pristine scaffold. The developed platform could thus represent a valuable alternative in the treatment of many pathologies affecting soft tissues, by concurrently exploiting the therapeutic effects of drugs, with the 3D framework acting as a physical support for tissue regeneration and the cell-friendly environment represented by the hydrogel.

Streptococcus mutans bystander-induced bioeffects following sonodynamic antimicrobial chemotherapy through sonocatalytic performance of Curcumin-Poly (Lactic-co-Glycolic Acid) on off-target cells

To assessed the Streptococcus mutans bystander-induced bioeffects following sonodynamic antimicrobial chemotherapy (SACT) by Curcumin-Poly (Lactic-co-Glycolic Acid) nanoparticles (Cur-PLGA-NPs). Cur-PLGA-NPs were synthesized and characterized by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM), and Attenuated Total Reflection Fourier Transform IR (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy, as well as, determination of in vitro drug release. Following the successful synthesis and characterization of Cur-PLGA-NPs, the cell survival, intracellular ROS production, apoptotic effects, DNA fragmentation, and gene expression levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines were investigated on human gingival fibroblast (HGF) cells as off-target cells through S. mutans bystander-induced bioeffects following SACT (BCS^S). No significant cytotoxic and damage caused by the release of ROS from BCS^S were observed in HGF cells (P > 0.05). There was no DNA fragmentation and anti-proliferation effects on HGF cells. The expression levels of bFGF, TNF-α, and IL-8 genes were increased after exposure to BCS^S to 15.4-, 13.5-, and 8.7-fold, respectively (P < 0.05), while TGF-ß and IL-10 were downregulated to -4.1- and -6.8-fold, respectively (P < 0.05). It could be concluded that there were no bystander bioeffects of targeted sonocatalytic stress on off-target cells.

Fabrication, characterization and optimization of berberine-loaded PLA nanoparticles using coaxial electrospray for sustained drug release

BACKGROUND

Berberine (BBR) broadly found in medicinal plants has a major application in pharmacological therapy as an anticancer drug. Clinical applications of this promising natural drug are limited due to its poor water solubility and low bioavailability.

OBJECTIVE

In this study, for the first time, we synthesized core-shell BBR-loaded PLA nanoparticles (NPBs) by using coaxial electrospray (CES) to solve the poor bioavailability of BBR.

METHODS

Three-factor (feeding rate, polymeric solution concentration and applied voltage), three-level, Box-Behnken design was used for optimization of the size and particle size distribution of the prepared NPBs.

RESULTS

Based on the results of response surface methodology, the NPBs with the mean size of 265 nm and particle size distribution of 43 nm were synthesized. A TEM image was used to well illustrate the core-shell structure of the NPBs. Encapsulation efficiency and BBR loading capacity for the optimized NPBs were determined at about 81% and 7.5%, respectively. Release of NPBs was examined at pH 7.4 and 5.8. NPBs had a slower release profile than free BBR in both pH values, and the rate of BBR release was more and faster in acidic pH than in physiological one. Effects of the NPBs on the drug release were confirmed by data fitting with six kinetic models. NPBs showed an increased cytotoxic efficacy against HCT116 cells (IC₅₀ = 56 μM), while NIH3T3 cells, non-neoplastic fibroblast cells, (IC₅₀ > 150 μM) were less affected by NPBs. Flow cytometry demonstrated that the cellular uptake of NPBs were higher than BBR at different concentrations.

CONCLUSIONS

A new approach was developed in this study to prepare NPBs using the CES process for improving the efficiency and controlled BBR release. It is concluded that nano-scaled NPBs prepared by CES can improve toxicity and chemotherapeutic properties of BBR against cancerous cells. We believe that these NPBs can exhibit further potential in cancer drug delivery systems. Graphical abstract.

Shear bond strength, adhesive remnant index, and anti-biofilm effects of a photoexcited modified orthodontic adhesive containing curcumin doped poly lactic-co-glycolic acid nanoparticles: An ex-vivo biofilm model of S. mutans on the enamel slab bonded brackets

BACKGROUND

Potential complications during fixed orthodontic procedures are white spot lesions (WSLs) and tooth decay. This study evaluated the anti-biofilm activity of an orthodontic adhesive (OA) incorporating curcumin (Cur) doped Poly lactic-co-glycolic acid nanoparticles (Cur-PLGA-NPs), which can have the highest concentration of Cur-PLGA-NPs and shear bond strength (SBS) value simultaneously, against cariogenic bacteria i.e., Streptococcus mutans.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Following synthesis and confirmation of Cur-PLGA-NPs, SBS and adhesive remnant index (ARI) of the modified orthodontic adhesives (MOA) containing Cur-PLGA-NPs (3, 5, 7, and 10 % wt.) were measured using universal testing machine and stereomicroscope, respectively. After artificial aging (continuously rinsed up to 180 days), the residual anti-biofilm ability of MOA which can have the highest concentration of Cur-PLGA-NPs and SBS value simultaneously were determined by anti-biofilm assay following photoexcited enamel slab bonded brackets by MOA containing Cur-PLGA-NPs against S. mutans biofilms using crystal violet assay.

RESULTS

Adhesive with 7 % wt. Cur-PLGA-NPs revealed the highest concentration of Cur-PLGA-NPs and SBS value (16.19 ± 2.69 MPa, P < 0.05) simultaneously. No statistically significant difference in ARI scores was observed between the MOA and control (Transbond XT without the Cur-PLGA-NPs). On days 15, 30, 60, 90 and 120 there was a considerable decrease in optical density (OD) of preformed S. mutans biofilms on photoexcited enamel slab bonded brackets using MOA containing 7 % wt. Cur-PLGA-NPs, to 94.1 %, 79.6 %, 69.6 %, 69.4 %, and, 55.1 % respectively in comparison to the control group (all, P < 0.05). From days 150 onwards, microbial biofilm formation was progressively increased on enamel slab bonded brackets using MOA containing 7 % wt. Cur-PLGA-NPs compared to the control group (OA). Although chlorhexidine (2 %; as positive control) showed significant activity against pre-formed S. mutans biofilms on enamel slab bonded brackets using OA (99.1 % biofilm reduction; P = 0.001), its activity was slightly higher but not significant than photoexcited enamel slab bonded brackets using MOA containing 7 % wt. Cur-PLGA-NPs on the days 15 and 30 (both, P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The 7 % wt. Cur-PLGA-NPs can serve as an orthodontic adhesive antimicrobial additive as exposure to blue laser provides an acceptable antimicrobial effect against cariogenic bacteria for a considerable time.

Synthesis and characterization of acetyl curcumin-loaded core/shell liposome nanoparticles via an electrospray process for drug delivery, and theranostic applications

Despite substantial advancements in divergent drug delivery systems (DDS), there is still room for novel and innovative nanoparticle-mediated drug delivery methodologies such as core/shell liposomes to deliver drugs in a kinetically controlled manner into the active site without any side effects. Herein, ((1E,6E)-3,5-dioxohepta-1,6-diene-1,7-diyl) bis (2-methoxy-4,1-phenylene) diacetate acetyl curcumin (AC)-loaded poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) core/shell liposome nanoparticles (ACPCSLNPs) were prepared using an electron spray method under an applied electric field, which facilitated the uniform formation of nano-sized liposome nanoparticles (LNPs). Then, kinetically controlled and sustained drug release profiles were investigated using the as-prepared ACPCSLNPs. Moreover, the inner polymeric core could not only induce the generation of electrostatic interactions between the polymer and drug molecules but could also affect the prominent repulsions between the polar head groups of lipids and the nonpolar drug molecules. As a result, the sustained maximum release of the drug molecules (~48.5%) into the system was observed over a long period (~4 days). Furthermore, cell cytotoxicity studies were conducted in a human cervical cancer cell line (HeLa) and a healthy human dermal fibroblast cell line (HDFa) by employing all AC loaded LNPs along with free drugs. Multicolor cell imaging was also observed in HeLa cells using ACPCSLNPs. Notably, more curcumin was released from the ACPCSLNPs than AC due to the presence of polar group attractions and polar-polar interactions between the lipid head groups and curcumin since curcumin is more soluble than AC in aqueous medium. In addition, the predictions of the release kinetic patterns were also investigated thoroughly using the exponential-based Korsmeyer-Peppas (K-P) and Higuchi models for drug-loaded LNPs and PLGA NPs, respectively.

Fabrication of Electrospun Polymer Nanofibers with Diverse Morphologies

Fiber structures with nanoscale diameters offer many fascinating features, such as excellent mechanical properties and high specific surface areas, making them attractive for many applications. Among a variety of technologies for preparing nanofibers, electrospinning is rapidly evolving into a simple process, which is capable of forming diverse morphologies due to its flexibility, functionality, and simplicity. In such review, more emphasis is put on the construction of polymer nanofiber structures and their potential applications. Other issues of electrospinning device, mechanism, and prospects, are also discussed. Specifically, by carefully regulating the operating condition, modifying needle device, optimizing properties of the polymer solutions, some unique structures of core⁻shell, side-by-side, multilayer, hollow interior, and high porosity can be obtained. Taken together, these well-organized polymer nanofibers can be of great interest in biomedicine, nutrition, bioengineering, pharmaceutics, and healthcare applications.

Brain Delivery of Curcumin Using Solid Lipid Nanoparticles and Nanostructured Lipid Carriers: Preparation, Optimization, and Pharmacokinetic Evaluation

Curcumin is a multitherapeutic agent with great therapeutic potential in central nervous system (CNS) diseases. In the current study, curcumin was encapsulated in solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) and nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) for the purpose of increasing brain accumulation. The preparation processes have been optimized using experimental design and multiobjective optimization methods. Entrapment efficiency of curcumin in SLNs and NLCs was found to be 82% ± 0.49 and 94% ± 0.74, respectively. The pharmacokinetic studies showed that the amount of curcumin available in the brain was significantly higher in curcumin-loaded NLCs (AUC_0-t = 505.76 ng/g h) compared to free curcumin (AUC_0-t = 0.00 ng/g h) and curcumin-loaded SLNs (AUC_0-t = 116.31 ng/g h) ( P < 0.005), after intravenous (IV) administration of 4 mg/kg dose of curcumin in rat. The results of differential scanning calorimetry and X-ray diffraction showed that curcumin has been dispersed as amorphous in the nanocarriers. Scanning electron microscopy images confirmed the nanoscale size and spherical shape of the nanoparticles. The DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) free radical scavenging study indicated that preparation processes do not have any significant effect on the antioxidant activity of curcumin. The results of this study are promising for the use of curcumin-loaded NLCs in more studies and using curcumin in the treatment of CNS diseases.

Paclitaxel-Loaded Core-Shell Magnetic Nanoparticles and Cold Atmospheric Plasma Inhibit Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Growth

Nanoparticle-based drug delivery allows effective and sustained delivery of therapeutic agents to solid tumors and has completely changed how cancer is treated. As a new technology for medical applications, cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) shows a great potential in selective cancer treatment. The aim of this work is to develop a new dual cancer treatment approach by integrating CAP with novel paclitaxel (PTX)-loaded nanoparticles for targeting A549 cells. For this purpose, PTX-loaded core-shell magnetic nanoparticles were prepared through coaxial electrospraying, and various characteristics were investigated. Biodegradable poly(lactic- co-glycolic acid) was selected as the polymer shell to encapsulate the anticancer therapeutics. Results demonstrated a uniform size distribution and high drug encapsulation efficiency of the electrosprayed nanoparticles, which had sustained release characteristics and a variety of excellent properties. An in vitro study showed that PTX-loaded nanoparticles and CAP synergistically inhibited the growth of A549 cells more effectively than when each was used individually. We also found that CAP could induce the PTX-loaded nanoparticles in tumor cells to increase the effective drug concentration to a level that might be conducive to reduce drug resistance. Therefore, the integration of PTX-encapsulated nanoparticles and CAP provides a promising tool for the development of a new non-small cell lung cancer treatment strategy.