Lipophilic effect of various pluronic-grafted gelatin copolymers on the quercetin delivery efficiency in these self-assembly nanogels

Fisetin-loaded pluronic-based nanogel: Radiation synthesis for alleviating neurocognitive impairments in a rat model of alzheimer's disease via modulation of the apoptotic cascade

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder marked by cognitive impairment and memory loss. In this study, AD was experimentally induced in rats using aluminum chloride (AlCl3) and D-galactose (D-gal). Fisetin (Fis), a natural compound with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, has potential for neurodegeneration management, but its low bioavailability limits clinical applications. To address this, we synthesized and characterized Pluronic-2-Acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfonic acid (PLUR-PAMPS) nanogels using gamma radiation and successfully loaded Fis onto them (Fis-PLUR-PAMPS). The optimal formulation exhibited minimal particle size, a highly acceptable polydispersity index, and the highest zeta-potential, enhancing stability and solubilization efficiency. Our goal was to improve Fis's bioavailability and assess its efficacy against AlCl3/D-gal-induced AD. Male albino Wistar rats were pre-treated orally with Fis (40 mg/kg) or Fis-PLUR-PAMPS for seven days, followed by a seven-day intraperitoneal injection of AlCl3 and D-gal. Behavioral assessments, histopathological analysis, and biochemical evaluation of markers related to AD pathology were conducted. Results demonstrated that Fis-PLUR-PAMPS effectively mitigated cognitive impairments and neurodegenerative signs induced by AlCl3/D-gal. These findings suggest that Fis-PLUR-PAMPS nanogels enhance Fis's bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy, offering a promising approach for AD management.

Potential from synergistic effect of quercetin and paclitaxel co-encapsulated in the targeted folic-gelatin-pluronic P123 nanogels for chemotherapy

Dual-drug delivery systems for anticancer therapy have recently attracted substantial attention due to their potency to overcome limitations of conventional anti-cancer drugs, tackle drug resistance problems, as well as improve the therapeutic efficacy. In this study, we introduced a novel nanogel based on folic acid-gelatin-pluronic P123 (FA-GP-P123) conjugate to simultaneously deliver quercetin (QU) and paclitaxel (PTX) to the targeted tumor. The results indicated that the drug loading capacity of FA-GP-P123 nanogels was significantly higher than that of P123 micelles. The kinetic release profiles of QU and PTX from the nanocarriers were governed by Fickian diffusion and swelling behavior, respectively. Notably, FA-GP-P123/QU/PTX dual-drug delivery system induced higher toxicity to MCF-7 and Hela cancer cells than either QU or PTX individual delivery system, and the non-targeted dug delivery system (GP-P123/QU/PTX), indicating the synergistic combination of dual drugs and FA positive targeting effect. Furthermore, FA-GP-P123 could effectively deliver QU and PTX to tumors in vivo after administration into MCF-7 tumor-bearing mice, which resulted in 94.20 ± 5.90 % of tumor volume reduced at day 14. Moreover, the side effects of the dual-drug delivery system were significantly reduced. Overall, we suggest FA-GP-P123 as potential nanocarrier for dual-drug delivery for targeted chemotherapy.

Gelatin as a bioactive nanodelivery system for functional food applications

Gelatin has long been used as an encapsulant agent in the pharmaceutical and biomedical industries because of its low cost, wide availability, biocompatibility, and degradability. However, the exploitation of gelatin for nanodelivery application is not fully achieved in the functional food filed. In this review article, we highlight the latest work being performed for gelatin-based nanocarriers, including polyelectrolyte complexes, nanoemulsions, nanoliposomes, nanogels, and nanofibers. Specifically, we discuss the applications and challenges of these nanocarriers for stabilization and controlled release of bioactive compounds. To achieve better efficacy, gelatin is frequently used in combination with other biomaterials such as polysaccharides. The fabrication and synergistic effects of the newly developed gelatin composite nanocarriers are also present.

Development and Characterization of Quercetin-Loaded Delivery Systems for Increasing Its Bioavailability in Cervical Cancer Cells

Quercetin is a natural flavonoid with high anticancer activity, especially for related-HPV cancers such as cervical cancer. However, quercetin exhibits a reduced aqueous solubility and stability, resulting in a low bioavailability that limits its therapeutic use. In this study, chitosan/sulfonyl-ether-β-cyclodextrin (SBE-β-CD)-conjugated delivery systems have been explored in order to increase quercetin loading capacity, carriage, solubility and consequently bioavailability in cervical cancer cells. SBE-β-CD/quercetin inclusion complexes were tested as well as chitosan/SBE-β-CD/quercetin-conjugated delivery systems, using two types of chitosan differing in molecular weight. Regarding characterization studies, HMW chitosan/SBE-β-CD/quercetin formulations have demonstrated the best results, which are obtaining nanoparticle sizes of 272.07 ± 2.87 nm, a polydispersity index (PdI) of 0.287 ± 0.011, a zeta potential of +38.0 ± 1.34 mV and an encapsulation efficiency of approximately 99.9%. In vitro release studies were also performed for 5 kDa chitosan formulations, indicating a quercetin release of 9.6% and 57.53% at pH 7.4 and 5.8, respectively. IC50 values on HeLa cells indicated an increased cytotoxic effect with HMW chitosan/SBE-β-CD/quercetin delivery systems (43.55 μM), suggesting a remarkable improvement of quercetin bioavailability.

Recent advances in flavonoid-based nanocarriers as an emerging drug delivery approach for cancer chemotherapy

Flavonoids are an interesting class of biomolecules, which exhibit cancer-inhibitory effects through both chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic activities. However, their therapeutic efficacy is affected by poor pharmacokinetics (PK) and biopharmaceutical attributes. One of the most promising approaches to resolve these issues is to formulate flavonoids in nanosystems. Different flavonoid nanoformulations have shown therapeutic superiority over free flavonoids. Functionalization of nanoparticles (NPs) further improves their therapeutic efficacy by facilitating site-specific delivery and reducing nonspecific toxicities. In this review, we highlight recent developments in the field of flavonoid-based NPs to gain translational insights into the potential applications of flavonoid-based nanocarriers in cancer management.

Pluronic® triblock copolymer-based nanoformulations for cancer therapy: A 10-year overview

This paper provides a review of the literature on the use of Pluronic® triblock copolymers for drug encapsulation over the last 10 years. A special focus is given to the progress of drug delivery systems (e.g., micelles, liposomes, micro/nanoemulsions, hydrogels and nanogels, and polymersomes and niosomes); the beneficial aspects of Pluronic® triblock copolymers as biological response modifiers and as pharmaceutical additives, adjuvants, and stabilizers, are also discussed. The advantages and limitations encountered in developing site-specific targeting approaches based on Pluronic-based nanostructures in cancer treatment are highlighted, in addition to innovative examples for improving tumor cytotoxicity while reducing side effects.

Flavonoids-Based Delivery Systems towards Cancer Therapies

Cancer is the second leading cause of death worldwide. Cervical cancer, for instance, is considered a major scourge in low-income countries. Its development is mostly associated with the human papillomavirus persistent infection and despite the availability of preventive vaccines, they are only widely administered in more developed countries, thus leaving a large percentage of unvaccinated women highly susceptible to this type of cancer. Current treatments are based on invasive techniques, being far from effective. Therefore, the search for novel, advanced and personalized therapeutic approaches is imperative. Flavonoids belong to a group of natural polyphenolic compounds, well recognized for their great anticancer capacity, thus promising to be incorporated in cancer therapy protocols. However, their use is limited due to their low solubility, stability and bioavailability. To surpass these limitations, the encapsulation of flavonoids into delivery systems emerged as a valuable strategy to improve their stability and bioavailability. In this context, the aim of this review is to present the most reliable flavonoids-based delivery systems developed for anticancer therapies and the progress accomplished, with a special focus on cervical cancer therapy. The gathered information revealed the high therapeutic potential of flavonoids and highlights the relevance of delivery systems application, allowing a better understanding for future studies on effective cancer therapy.

Curcumin and Paclitaxel co-Loaded Heparin and Poloxamer P403 Hybrid Nanocarrier for Improved Synergistic Efficacy in Breast Cancer

Introduction:

Multi-drug nanosystem has been employed in several therapeutic models due to the synergistic effect of the drugs and/or bioactive compounds, which help in tumor-targeting and limit usual side effects of chemotherapy.

Methods:

In this research, we developed the amphiphilic Heparin-Poloxamer P403 (HSP) nanogel that can load curcumin (CUR) and Paclitaxel (PTX) through the hydrophobic core of Poloxamer P403. The features of HSP nanogel are assessed through Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), differential light scattering (DLS), and critical micelle concentration (CMC). Nanogel and its duel-loaded platform show high stability and spherical morphology.

Results:

The drug release profile indicates fast release at pH 5.5, suggesting effective drug distribution at the tumor site. In vitro research confirms lower cytotoxicity of HSP@CUR@PTX compared with free PTX and higher inhibition effect with MCF-7 than HSP@PTX. These results support the synergism between PTX and CUR.

Conclusion,:

HSP@CUR@PTX suggests a prominent strategy for achieving the synergistic effect of PTX and CUR to circumvent undesirable effects in breast cancer treatment.

Curcuminoid Co-Loading Platinum Heparin-Poloxamer P403 Nanogel Increasing Effectiveness in Antitumor Activity

Nanosized multi-drug delivery systems provide synergistic effects between drugs and bioactive compounds, resulting in increased overall efficiency and restricted side effects compared to conventional single-drug chemotherapy. In this study, we develop an amphiphilic heparin-poloxamer P403 (HP403) nanogel that could effectively co-load curcuminoid (Cur) and cisplatin hydrate (CisOH) (HP403@CisOH@Cur) via two loading mechanisms. The HP403 nanogels and HP403@CisOH@Cur nanogels were closely analyzed with 1H-NMR spectroscopy, FT-IR spectroscopy, TEM, and DLS, exhibiting high stability in spherical forms. In drug release profiles, accelerated behavior of Cur and CisOH at pH 5.5 compared with neutral pH was observed, suggesting effective delivery of the compounds in tumor sites. In vitro studies showed high antitumor activity of HP403@CisOH@Cur nanogels, while in vivo assays showed that the dual-drug platform prolonged the survival time of mice and prevented tail necrosis. In summary, HP403@CisOH@Cur offers an intriguing strategy to achieve the cisplatin and curcumin synergistic effect in a well-designed delivery platform that increases antitumor effectiveness and overcomes undesired consequences caused by cisplatin in breast cancer treatment.

Advances in the therapeutic delivery and applications of functionalized Pluronics: A critical review

Pluronic (PEO-PPO-PEO) block copolymers can form nano-sized micelles with a structure composed of a hydrophobic PPO core and hydrophilic PEO shell layer. Pluronics are U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved polymers, which are widely used for solubilization of drugs and their delivery, gene/therapeutic delivery, diagnostics, and tissue engineering applications due to their non-ionic properties, non-toxicity, micelle forming ability, excellent biocompatibility and biodegradability. Although Pluronics have been employed as drug carrier systems for several decades, numerous issues such as rapid dissolution, shorter residence time in biological media, fast clearance and weak mechanical strength have hindered their efficacy. Pluronics have been functionalized with pH-sensitive, biological-responsive moieties, antibodies, aptamers, folic acid, drugs, different nanoparticles, and photo/thermo-responsive hydrogels. These functionalization strategies enable Pluronics to act as stimuli responsive and targeted drug delivery vehicles. Moreover, Pluronics have emerged in nano-emulsion formulations and have been utilized to improve the properties of cubosomes, dendrimers and nano-sheets, including their biocompatibility and aqueous solubility. Functionalization of Pluronics results in the significant improvement of target specificity, loading capacity, biocompatibility of nanoparticles and stimuli responsive hydrogels for the promising delivery of a range of drugs. Therefore, this review presents an overview of all advancements (from the last 15 years) in functionalized Pluronics, providing a valuable tool for industry and academia in order to optimize their use in drug or therapeutic delivery, in addition to several other biomedical applications.

O-Glycoside quercetin derivatives: Biological activities, mechanisms of action, and structure-activity relationship for drug design, a review

Quercetin as a valuable natural flavonoid has shown extensive biological activities, including anticancer, antioxidant, antibacterial, antiinflammatory, anti-Alzheimer, antifungal, antiviral, antithalassemia, iron chelation, antiobesity, antidiabetic, antihypertension, and antiphospholipase A2 (PLA2) activities, by the modulation of various targets and signaling pathways that have attracted much attention. However, the low solubility and poor bioavailability of quercetin have limited its applications; therefore, the researchers have tried to design and synthesize many new derivatives of quercetin through different strategies to modify quercetin restrictions and improve its biological activities. This review categorized the O-glycoside derivatives of Quercetin into two main classes, 3-O-glycoside and other O-glycoside derivatives. Also, it studied biological activities, structure-activity relationship (SAR), and the action mechanism of O-glycoside quercetin derivatives. Overall, we summarized past and present research for discovering new potent lead compounds.

Quercetin derivatives: Drug design, development, and biological activities, a review

More studies are needed to develop new drugs for problems associated with drug resistance and unfavorable side effects. The natural flavonoid of quercetin revealed a wide range of biological activities by the modulation of various targets and signaling pathways. However, quercetin's low solubility and poor bioavailability have restricted its applicability; as a result, researchers have attempted to design and synthesize numerous novel quercetin derivatives using various methodologies in order to modify quercetin's constraints; the physico-chemical properties of quercetin's molecular scaffold make it appealing for drug development; low molecular mass and chemical groups are two of these characteristics. Therefore, the biological activities of quercetin derivatives, as well as the relationship between activity and chemical structure and their mechanism of action, were investigated. These quercetin-based molecules could be valuable in the creation and discovery of medications for a number of diseases.

An Up-to-Date Review of Natural Nanoparticles for Cancer Management

Cancer represents one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide, imposing an urgent need to develop more efficient treatment alternatives. In this respect, much attention has been drawn from conventional cancer treatments to more modern approaches, such as the use of nanotechnology. Extensive research has been done for designing innovative nanoparticles able to specifically target tumor cells and ensure the controlled release of anticancer agents. To avoid the potential toxicity of synthetic materials, natural nanoparticles started to attract increasing scientific interest. In this context, this paper aims to review the most important natural nanoparticles used as active ingredients (e.g., polyphenols, polysaccharides, proteins, and sterol-like compounds) or as carriers (e.g., proteins, polysaccharides, viral nanoparticles, and exosomes) of various anticancer moieties, focusing on their recent applications in treating diverse malignancies.

Effect of targeting ligand designation of self-assembly chitosan-poloxamer nanogels loaded Paclitacel on inhibiting MCF-7 cancer cell growth

In this study, we investigated two formulations of chitosan-Pluronic P123 with different folate ligand designation for targeted delivery of Paclitaxel (PTX), in which folic acid (FA) was directly conjugated to chitosan (FA-Cs-P123) or substituted onto P123 (Cs-P123-FA). The results showed that the FA content of Cs-P123-FA was determined at 0.71 wt/wt% which was significantly higher than that of FA-Cs-P123 (0.31 wt/wt%). Two copolymers were low critical gel concentrations (CGC). FA-Cs-P123 and Cs-P123-FA nanogels performed high PTX encapsulation efficiency reaching 95.57 ± 5.51 and 92.51 ± 6.68 wt/wt%, respectively. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and zeta potential analysis indicated that the PTX-loaded nanogels were spherically formed around 60 nm in diameter along with positive charge. Furthermore, the PTX release profile was slow and it was controlled by the pH of the medium. In particular, in vitro biocompatibility assays indicated that both FA-Cs-P123 and Cs-P123-FA exhibited good biological compatibility with a human foreskin fibroblast cell line and well uptake efficiency into MCF-7 cancer cells. Cs-P123-FA nanogel significantly enhanced the cytotoxicity of PTX in comparison with FA-Cs-P123. The result indicates that Cs-P123-FA nanogels with a higher decorated FA content perform a better targeting efficiency; therefore, they could have great potential application towards breast cancer treatment.

Balancing loading, cellular uptake, and toxicity of gelatin-pluronic nanocomposite for drug delivery: Influence of HLB of pluronic

In this study, pluronic stabilized gelatin nanocomposite of varying hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) were synthesized to study the effect of surface hydrophobicity on their cellular uptake and in turn the delivery of a model hydrophobic bioactive compound, curcumin (CUR). Notably, the variation in HLB from 22 to 8 did not cause much change in morphology (~spherical) and surface charge (~ -6.5 mV) while marginally reducing the size of nanocomposite from 165 ± 097 nm to 134 ± 074 nm. On contrary, nanocomposites exhibited a very significant increase in their numbers, hydrophobicity as well as CUR loading with decreasing HLB values (22-8) of pluronic. Further, the cellular uptake of CUR through pluronic-gelatin nanocomposites was studied in human lung carcinoma (A549) cells. The results indicated that cellular uptake of CUR through nanocomposites followed the order HLB 22 > HLB 18 > HLB 15 > HLB 8. This was also reflected in terms of the decrease in cytotoxicity of CUR through nanocomposite of HLB 8 as compared to that of HLB 22. Interestingly, bare nanocomposite of HLB 8 showed significantly higher cytotoxicity as compared to that of HLB 22. Together these results suggested that although higher hydrophobicity of the gelatin-pluronic nanocomposite facilitated higher entrapment of CUR, the carrier per se became toxic due to its hydrophobic interaction with lipid bilayer of plasma membrane. Thus, HLB parameter is very important in designing hybrid nanocomposite systems involving protein and pluronic to ensure both bio-compatibility of the carrier and the optimum cellular delivery of the pay load.