Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of Nanomaterials

Immunomodulatory and immune-toxicological role of nanoparticles: Potential therapeutic applications

Nowadays, Nanoparticle-based immunotherapeutic research has invoked global interest due to their unique properties. The immune system is a shielding structure that defends living things from external threats. Before the use of any materials in drug design, it is essential to study the immunological response to avoid triggering undesirable immune responses in the body. This review tries to summarize the properties, various applications, and immunotherapeutic aspects of NP-induced immunomodulation relating to therapeutic development and toxicity in human health. The role of NPs in the immune system and their modulatory functions, resulting in immunosuppression or immunostimulation, exerts benefits or dangers depending on their compositions, sizes, surface chemistry, and so forth. After NPs enter into the body, they can interact with body fluid exposing, them to different body proteins to form protein corona particles and other bio-molecules (DNA, RNA, sugars, etc.), which may alter their bioactivity. Phagocytes are the first immune cells that can interact with foreign materials including nanoparticles. Immunostimulation and immunosuppression operate in two distinct manners. Overall, functionalized nanocarriers optimized various therapeutic implications by stimulating the host immune system and regulating the tranquility of the host immune system. Among others, toxicity and bio-clearance of nanomaterials are always prime concerns at the preclinical and clinical stages before final approval. The interaction of nanoparticles with immune cells causes direct cell damage via apoptosis and necroses as well as immune signaling pathways also become influenced.

Current advances in nanodrug delivery systems for malaria prevention and treatment

Malaria is a life-threatening, blood-borne disease with over two hundred million cases throughout the world and is more prevalent in Sub-Saharan Africa than anywhere else in the world. Over the years, several treatment agents have been developed for malaria; however, most of these active pharmaceutical ingredients exhibit poor aqueous solubility and low bioavailability and may result in drug-resistant parasites, thus increasing malaria cases and eventually, deaths. Factors such as these in therapeutics have led to a better appreciation of nanomaterials. The ability of nanomaterials to function as drug carriers with a high loading capacity and targeted drug delivery, good biocompatibility, and low toxicity renders them an appealing alternative to conventional therapy. Nanomaterials such as dendrimers and liposomes have been demonstrated to be capable of enhancing the efficacy of antimalarial drugs. This review discusses the recent development of nanomaterials and their benefits in drug delivery for the potential treatment of malaria.

Delivery of oxaliplatin to colorectal cancer cells by folate-targeted UiO-66-NH2

Oxaliplatin is being used in different malignancies and several side effects are reported for patients taking Oxaliplatin, including peripheral neuropathy, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, mouth sores, low blood counts, fatigue, loss of appetite, etc. Here we have developed a targeted anticancer drug delivery system based on folate-conjugated amine-functionalized UiO-66 for the delivery of oxaliplatin (OX). UiO-66-NH₂ (U) and UiO-66-NH₂-FA(FU) were pre-functionalized by the incorporation of folic acid (FA) into the structure via coordination of the carboxylate group of FA. The FTIR spectra of drug-loaded U and FU showed the presence of new carboxylic and aliphatic groups of OX and FA. Powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) patterns were matched accordingly with the reference pattern and FESEM results showed semi-spherical particles (115-128 nm). The evaluated amounts of OX in U and FU were calculated 304.5 and 293 mg/g_, respectively. The initial burst release of OX was 15.7% per hour for U(OX) and 10.8% per hour for FU(OX). The final release plateau gives 62.9% and 52.3% for U(OX) and FU(OX). To evaluate the application of the prepared delivery platform, they were tested on colorectal cancer cells (CT-26) via MTT assay, cell migration assay, and spheroid model. IC₅₀ values obtained from MTT assay were 21.38, 95.50, and 18.20 μg/mL for OX, U(OX), and FU(OX), respectively. After three days of treatment, the CT26 spheroids at two doses of 500 and 50 μg/mL of U(OX) and FU(OX) showed volume reduction. Moreover, the oxidative behavior of the prepared systems within the cell was assessed by total thiol, malondialdehyde, and superoxide dismutase activity. The results showed that FU(OX) had higher efficacy in preventing the growth of CT-26 spheroid, and was more effective than oxaliplation in cell migration inhibition, and induced higher oxidative stress and apoptosis.