Design and Physicochemical Characterization of Lysozyme Loaded Niosomal Formulations as a New Controlled Delivery System

Formulating plant-based hexosomes for the sustained delivery of food proteins

Hexosomes (HEXs) are nanoparticles formed by dispersing a lipid reverse hexagonal phase in water. Although they have attracted a great interest in the development of delivery systems, few lipids have been employed in their production. Galactolipids, especially monogalactosyldiacylglycerol (MGDG), are the main lipid constituents of plants and can be obtained from vegetal biomass, making them good candidates for the obtention of HEXs. In this work, the aqueous phase behavior of MGDG from sweet potato leaves was investigated and the resulting hexagonal phase was downsized into HEXs with the aid of stabilizer decaglycerol monooleate (DGMO), a food-grade emulsifier from vegetable oils. The nanoparticles presented enhanced long-term colloidal stability in different storage conditions and their inner liquid crystalline structure could be tuned by the amount of DGMO employed. Moreover, by adding sodium oleate (NaO) HEXs displayed enhanced loading efficiency of lysozyme, an edible protein with biological properties. Finally, the sustained release of incorporated protein could be finely tuned by changing HEXs composition. Collectively, the results demonstrate, for the first time, the viability of producing biobased, renewable sourced galactolipid hexosomes with potential applications in the development of functional foods, also contributing to a sustainable management of biomass waste.

Nano-based drug delivery systems in hepatocellular carcinoma

The high recurrence rate of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and poor prognosis after medical treatment reflects the necessity to improve the current chemotherapy protocols, particularly drug delivery methods. Development of targeted and efficient drug delivery systems (DDSs), in all active, passive and stimuli-responsive forms for selective delivery of therapeutic drugs to the tumour site has been extended to improve efficacy and reduce the severe side effects. Recent advances in nanotechnology offer promising breakthroughs in the diagnosis, treatment and monitoring of cancer cells. In this review, the specific design of DDSs based on the different nano-particles and their surface engineering is discussed. In addition, the innovative clinical studies in which nano-based DDS was used in the treatment of HCC were highlighted.

Quality by design for Niosome-Based nanocarriers to improve transdermal drug delivery from lab to industry

Niosomes are essentially multilamellar or unilamellar vesicles based on non-ionic surfactants. They consist of surfactant macromolecules arranged in a bilayer, which surrounds an aqueous solute solution. Amphiphilic, biodegradable, biocompatible, and environmentally friendly materials are utilized for encapsulating the drugs in vesicles that enhance the bioavailability, therapeutic efficacy, penetration of drug via the skin, and drug release in a controlled or sustained manner, and are employed to target the anticipated area via modifying composition that acts to minimize undesirable effects. With cholesterol as the lipid, Tween 20, Span 60, and Tween 60 are mostly employed as surfactants. Many medications, including Glibenclamide for diabetic kidney disease and anti-cancer medications including gemcitabine, cisplatin, and nintedanib, have been effectively encapsulated into niosomes. The traditional approach for creating niosomes at the lab scale is a thin film hydration process. The ideal ratio between primary components as well as critical manufacturing process parameters is key component in creating the best niosomal formulations with substantial drug loading and nanometric form. Utilizing the Design of Experiments (DoE) and Response Surface Methodology (RSM) in conjunction with Quality by design (QbD) is essential for comprehending how these variables interact both during lab preparation and during the scale-up process. Research on the development of anti-aging cosmetics is being done by Loreal. Niosomal preparations like Lancome are sold in stores. An overview of niosomes, penetration mechanisms, and quality by design from laboratory to industrial scale is provided in this article.

Doxorubicin-loaded Niosomes functionalized with gelatine and alginate as pH-responsive drug delivery system: A 3D printing approach

Despite many efforts, breast cancer remains one of the deadliest cancers and its treatment faces challenges related to cancer drug side effects and metastasis. Combining 3D printing and nanocarriers has created new opportunities in cancer treatment. In this work, 3D-printed gelatin-alginate nanocomposites containing doxorubicin-loaded niosomes (Nio-DOX@GT-AL) were recruited as an advanced potential pH-sensitive drug delivery system. Morphology, degradation, drug release, flow cytometry, cell cytotoxicity, cell migration, caspase activity, and gene expression of nanocomposites and controls (Nio-DOX and Free-DOX) were evaluated. Results show that the obtained niosome has a spherical shape and size of 60-80 nm. Sustained drug release and biodegradability were presented by Nio-DOX@GT-AL and Nio-DOX. Cytotoxicity analysis revealed that the engineered Nio-DOX@GT-AL scaffold had 90 % cytotoxicity against breast cancer cells (MCF-7), whereas exhibited <5 % cytotoxicity against the non-tumor breast cell line (MCF-10A), which was significantly more than the antitumor effect of the control samples. Scratch-assay as an indicator cell migration demonstrated a reduction of almost 60 % of the covered surface. Gene expression could provide an explanation for the antitumor effect of engineered nanocarriers, which significantly reduced metastasis-promoting genes (Bcl2, MMP-2, and MMP-9), and significantly enhanced the expression and activity of genes that promote apoptosis (CASP-3, CASP-8, and CASP-9). Also, considerable inhibition of metastasis-associated genes (Bax and p53) was observed. Moreover, flow-cytometry data demonstrated that Nio-DOX@GT-AL decreased necrosis and enhanced apoptosis drastically. The findings of this research can confirm that employing 3D-printing and niosomal formulation can be an effective strategy in designing novel nanocarriers for efficient drug delivery applications.

Co-encapsulation of hydrophilic and hydrophobic drugs into niosomal nanocarrier for enhanced breast cancer therapy: In silico and in vitro studies

Combination therapy has been considered one of the most promising approaches for improving the therapeutic effects of anticancer drugs. This is the first study that uses two different antioxidants in full-characterized niosomal formulation and thoroughly evaluates their synergistic effects on breast cancer cells. In this study, in-silico studies of hydrophilic and hydrophobic drugs (ascorbic acid: Asc and curcumin: Cur) interactions and release were investigated and validated by a set of in vitro experiments to reveal the significant improvement in breast cancer therapy using a co-delivery approach by niosomal nanocarrier. The niosomal nanoparticles containing surfactants (Span 60 and Tween 60) and cholesterol at 2:1 M ratio were prepared through the film hydration method. A systematic evaluation of nanoniosomes was carried out. The release profile demonstrated two phases (initial burst followed by sustained release) and a pH-dependent release schedule over 72 h. The optimized niosomal preparation displayed superior storage stability for up to 2 months at 4 °C, exhibiting extremely minor changes in pharmaceutical encapsulation efficiency and size. Free dual drugs (Asc + Cur) and dual-drug loaded niosomes (Niosomal (Asc + Cur)) enhanced the apoptotic activity and cytotoxicity and inhibited cell migration which confirmed the synergistic effect of co-encapsulated drugs. Also, significant up-regulation of p53 and Bax genes was observed in cells treated with Asc + Cur and Niosomal (Asc + Cur), while the anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 gene was down-regulated. These results were in correlation with the increase in the enzyme activity of SOD, CAT, and caspase, and the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) upon treatment with the mentioned drugs. Furthermore, these anti-cancer effects were higher when using Niosomal (Asc + Cur) than Asc + Cur. Histopathological examination also revealed that Niosomal (Asc + Cur) had a lower mitosis index, invasion, and pleomorphism than Asc + Cur. These findings indicated that niosomal formulation for co-delivery of Asc and Cur would offer a promising delivery system for an effective breast cancer treatment.

In silico design and mechanistic study of niosome-encapsulated curcumin against multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus biofilms

Curcumin, an important natural component of turmeric, has been known for a long time for its antimicrobial properties. This study aimed to investigate the anti-biofilm action of the niosome-encapsulated curcumin and explore the involved anti-biofilm mechanism. In silico investigations of ADME-Tox (absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity) were first performed to predict the suitability of curcumin for pharmaceutical application. Curcumin showed low toxicity but at the same time, low solubility and low stability, which, in turn, might reduce its antimicrobial activity. To overcome these intrinsic limitations, curcumin was encapsulated using a biocompatible niosome system, and an encapsulation efficiency of 97% was achieved. The synthesized curcumin-containing niosomes had a spherical morphology with an average diameter of 178 nm. The niosomal curcumin was capable of reducing multi-drug resistant (MDR) Staphylococcus aureus biofilm 2-4-fold compared with the free curcumin. The encapsulated curcumin also demonstrated no significant cytotoxicity on the human foreskin fibroblasts. To understand the interaction between curcumin and S. aureus biofilm, several biofilm-related genes were analyzed for their expression. N-acetylglucosaminyl transferase (IcaD), a protein involved in the production of polysaccharide intercellular adhesion and known to play a function in biofilm development, was found to be downregulated by niosomal curcumin and showed high binding affinity (-8.3 kcal/mol) with curcumin based on molecular docking analysis. Our study suggests that the niosome-encapsulated curcumin is a promising approach for the treatment of MDR S. aureus biofilm and can be extended to biofilms caused by other pathogens.

Chitosan -based nanoniosome for potential wound healing applications: Synergy of controlled drug release and antibacterial activity

This study aims to develop a niosomal platform which can delivery drugs such as tetracycline hydrochloride (TCH) to treat bacterial infections in wounds. To this end, chitosan (CS) was used to obtain a controlled drug release and at the same time antibacterial activity. By design of experiments the niosome encapsulated TCH (TCH-Nio) were optimized for their particle size and encapsulation efficiency, followed by analysis of the release profile of TCH and stability of TCH-Nio and TCH-Nio@CS. The antibacterial activity and cytotoxicity of the fabricated nanoparticles were investigated as well. The release rate of TCH from TCH-Nio@CS in all conditions is less than TCH-Nio. In addition, higher temperature increases the release rate of drug from these formulations. The size, polydispersity index, and encapsulation efficacy of TCH-Nio and TCH-Nio@CS were more stable in 4 °C compared to 25 °C. TCH, TCH-Nio, and TCH-Nio@CS had MIC values of 7.82, 3.91, and 1.95 μg/mL for Escherichia coli, 3.91, 1.95, and 0.98 μg/mL for Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and 1.96, 0.98, and 0.49 μg/mL for Staphylococcus aureus, respectively. Coating of chitosan on niosome encapsulated TCH (TCH-Nio@CS) led to a reduced burst release of TCH from niosome (TCH-Nio), and enabled 2-fold higher antibacterial and anti-biofilm activity against the tested bacterial pathogens E. coli, P. aeruginosa and S. aureus, compared to the uncoated TCH-Nio, and 4-folder higher than the TCH solution, suggesting the synergetic effect of niosome encapsulation and chitosan coating. Moreover, the formulated niosomes displayed no in vitro toxicity toward the human foreskin fibroblast cells (HFF). Both TCH-Nio and TCH-Nio@CS were found to down-regulate the expression of certain biofilm genes, i.e., csgA, ndvB, and icaA in the tested bacteria, which might partially explain the improved antibacterial activity compared to TCH. The obtained results demonstrated that TCH-Nio@CS is capable of controlled drug release, leading to high antibacterial efficacy. The established platform of TCH-Nio@CS enlighten a clinic potential toward the treatment of bacterial infections in skin wounds, dental implants and urinary catheter.

In silico and in vitro studies of GENT-EDTA encapsulated niosomes: A novel approach to enhance the antibacterial activity and biofilm inhibition in drug-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae

Klebsiella pneumoniae (Kp) is a common pathogen inducing catheter-related biofilm infections. Developing effective therapy to overcome antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in Kp is a severe therapeutic challenge that must be solved. This study aimed to prepare niosome-encapsulated GENT (Gentamicin) and EDTA (Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid) (GENT-EDTA/Nio) to evaluate its efficacy toward Kp strains. The thin-film hydration method was used to prepare various formulations of GENT-EDTA/Nio. Formulations were characterized for their physicochemical characteristics. GENT-EDTA/Nio properties were used for optimization with Design-Expert Software. Molecular docking was utilized to determine the antibacterial activity of GENT. The niosomes displayed a controlled drug release and storage stability of at least 60 days at 4 and 25 °C. GENT-EDTA/Nio performance as antimicrobial agents has been evaluated by employing agar well diffusion method, minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC), and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) against the Kp bacteria strains. Biofilm formation was investigated after GENT-EDTA/Nio administration through different detection methods, which showed that this formulation reduces biofilm formation. The effect of GENT-EDTA/Nio on the expression of biofilm-related genes (mrkA, ompA, and vzm) was estimated using QRT-PCR. MTT assay was used to evaluate the toxicity effect of niosomal formulations on HFF cells. The present study results indicate that GENT-EDTA/Nio decreases Kp's resistance to antibiotics and increases its antibiotic and anti-biofilm activity and could be helpful as a new approach for drug delivery.

In vitro Development of Controlled-Release Nanoniosomes for Improved Delivery and Anticancer Activity of Letrozole for Breast Cancer Treatment

INTRODUCTION

Breast cancer is among the most prevalent mortal cancers in women worldwide. In the present study, an optimum formulation of letrozole, letrozole-loaded niosome, and empty niosome was developed, and the anticancer effect was assessed in in vitro MCF-7, MCF10A and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell lines.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Various niosomal formulations of letrozole were fabricated through thin-film hydration method and characterized in terms of size, polydispersity index (PDI), morphology, entrapment efficiency (EE%), release kinetics, and stability. Optimized niosomal formulation of letrozole was achieved by response surface methodology (RSM). Antiproliferative activity and the mechanism were assessed by MTT assay, quantitative real-time PCR, and flow cytometry. Furthermore, cellular uptake of optimum formulation was evaluated by confocal electron microscopy.

RESULTS

The formulated letrozole had a spherical shape and showed a slow-release profile of the drug after 72 h. The size, PDI, and eEE% of nanoparticles showed higher stability at 4°C compared with 25°C. The drug release from niosomes was in accordance with Korsmeyer-Peppa's kinetic model. Confocal microscopy revealed the localization of drug-loaded niosomes in the cancer cells. MTT assay revealed that all samples exhibited dose-dependent cytotoxicity against breast cancer cells. The IC50 of mixed formulation of letrozole with letrozole-loaded niosome (L + L3) is the lowest value among all prepared formulations. L+L3 influenced the gene expression in the tested breast cancer cell lines by down-regulating the expression of Bcl 2 gene while up-regulating the expression of p53 and Bax genes. The flow cytometry results revealed that L + L3 enhanced the apoptosis rate in both MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cell lines compared with the letrozole (L), letrozole-loaded niosome (L3), and control sample.

CONCLUSION

Results indicated that niosomes could be a promising drug carrier for the delivery of letrozole to breast cancer cells.

Niosomes: a novel targeted drug delivery system for cancer

Recently, nanotechnology is involved in various fields of science, of which medicine is one of the most obvious. The use of nanoparticles in the process of treating and diagnosing diseases has created a novel way of therapeutic strategies with effective mechanisms of action. Also, due to the remarkable progress of personalized medicine, the effort is to reduce the side effects of treatment paths as much as possible and to provide targeted treatments. Therefore, the targeted delivery of drugs is important in different diseases, especially in patients who receive combined drugs, because the delivery of different drug structures requires different systems so that there is no change in the drug and its effectiveness. Niosomes are polymeric nanoparticles that show favorable characteristics in drug delivery. In addition to biocompatibility and high absorption, these nanoparticles also provide the possibility of reducing the drug dosage and targeting the release of drugs, as well as the delivery of both hydrophilic and lipophilic drugs by Niosome vesicles. Since various factors such as components, preparation, and optimization methods are effective in the size and formation of niosomal structures, in this review, the characteristics related to niosome vesicles were first examined and then the in silico tools for designing, prediction, and optimization were explained. Finally, anticancer drugs delivered by niosomes were compared and discussed to be a suitable model for designing therapeutic strategies. In this research, it has been tried to examine all the aspects required for drug delivery engineering using niosomes and finally, by presenting clinical examples of the use of these nanocarriers in cancer, its clinical characteristics were also expressed.

A review on the physicochemical and biological applications of biosurfactants in biotechnology and pharmaceuticals

Biosurfactants are the chemical compounds that are obtained from various micro-organisms and possess the ability to decrease the interfacial tension between two similar or different phases. The importance of biosurfactants in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, agriculture, food and oil industries has made them an interesting choice in various physico-chemical and biological applications. With the aim of representing different properties of biosurfactants, this review article is focused on emphasizing their applications in various industries summarizing their importance in each field. Along with this, the production of recently developed chemically and biologically important biosurfactants has been outlined. The advantages of biosurfactants over the chemical surfactants have also been discussed with emphasis on the latest findings and research performed worldwide. Moreover, the chemical and physical properties of different biosurfactants have been presented and different characterization techniques have been discussed. Overall, the review article covers the latest developments in biosurfactants along with their physico-chemical properties and applications in different fields, especially in pharmaceuticals and biotechnology.

Nanosized paclitaxel-loaded niosomes: formulation, in vitro cytotoxicity, and apoptosis gene expression in breast cancer cell lines

BACKGROUND

In this study, the optimized niosomal formulation containing paclitaxel using non-ionic surfactants and cholesterol was designed and its cytotoxic effects against different breast cancer cell lines and apoptosis gene expression analysis were also investigated.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Due to enhancing equation variables, the Box-Behnken method has been applied. Lipid/drug molar ratio, the amounts of Span 60, and cholesterol were selected as the target for optimization. The particle size of niosome loaded paclitaxel and entrapment efficiency proportion have been considered in the role of dependent variables. Then the cytotoxic activity of the optimized formulation was evaluated using an MTT assay against different breast cancer cell lines including MCF-7, T-47D, SkBr3, and MDA-MB-231. The expression level of Bax and Bcl-2 apoptosis genes was determined by Real-Time PCR. In this study, the optimized niosomal formulation revealed that the synthesized niosomes had a spherical appearance and had an average size of 192.73 ± 5.50 nm so that the percentage of drug loading was 94.71 ± 1.56%. Moreover, this formulation showed a controlled and slowed release of paclitaxel at different pH (7.4, 6.5, and 5.4). The cytotoxicity results demonstrated that cell viability in all concentrations of niosome loaded paclitaxel had profound cytotoxic effects on all studied breast cancer cell lines compared to the free paclitaxel (p < 0.05). In addition, the expression of apoptosis genes was much higher than that of free paclitaxel indicating the susceptibility of cells to apoptosis.

CONCLUSIONS

As a result, niosomal formulations containing paclitaxel can be used as a new drug delivery system to increase cytotoxicity and treatment of breast cancer in the upcoming future.

The Optimized Formulation of Tamoxifen-Loaded Niosomes Efficiently Induced Apoptosis and Cell Cycle Arrest in Breast Cancer Cells

The aim, as proof of concept, was to optimize niosomal formulations of tamoxifen in terms of size, morphology, encapsulation efficiency, and release kinetics for further treatment of the breast cancer (BC). Different assays were carried out to evaluate the pro-apoptotic and cytotoxicity impact of tamoxifen-loaded niosomes in two BC cells, MDA-MB-231 and SKBR3. In this study, tamoxifen was loaded in niosomes after optimization in the formulation. The formulation of niosomes supported maximized drug entrapment and minimized their size. The novel formulation showed improvement in storage stability, and after 60 days only, small changes in size, polydispersity index, and drug entrapment were observed. Besides, a pH-dependent release pattern of formulated niosomes displayed slow release at physiological pH (7.4) and a considerable increase of release at acidic pH (5.4), making them a promising candidate for drug delivery in the BC treatment. The cytotoxicity study exhibited high biocompatibility with MCF10A healthy cells, while remarkable inhibitory effects were observed after treatment of cancerous lines, MDA-MB-231, and SKBR3 cells. The IC50 values for the tamoxifen-loaded niosomes were significantly less than other groups. Moreover, treatment with drug-loaded niosomes significantly changed the gene expression pattern of BC cells. Statistically significant down-regulation of cyclin D, cyclin E, VEGFR-1, MMP-2, and MMP-9 genes and up-regulation of caspase-3 and caspase-9 were observed. These results were in correlation with cell cycle arrest, lessoned migration capacity, and increased caspase activity and apoptosis induction in cancerous cells. Optimization in the formulation of tamoxifen-loaded niosomes can make them a novel candidate for drug delivery in BC treatment.

Preparation, characterization, and evaluation of eosin B-loaded nano-liposomes for growth inhibition of Plasmodium falciparum

Malaria is a deadly disease in humans caused by the Plasmodium parasite. High prevalence of malaria and resistance of malaria parasite to currently proposed drugs have increased the need to introduce and use new and effective antimalarial agents. In this study, eosin B was used as an effective antimalarial agent, the efficacy of which has already been confirmed by in vitro models. Also, for efficacy and safety improvement of eosin B, liposomal nanocarrier was used because of diversity and adaptability in controlled drug delivery and targeting. Eosin B was trapped inside liposomal nanocarriers by thin layer hydration method and its optimization was performed based on size, polydispersity index, and drug entrapment efficiency. Finally, the eosin B-loaded liposomes were tested on Plasmodium falciparum in culture to evaluate its anti-plasmodial effect. According to the results, the formulation with DSPC:cholesterol 8:1 (molar ratio) and drug concentration of 3 mg/ml was selected as the optimal form. The optimal nano-liposomes showed a size of 163.3 nm, a polydispersity index of 0.250, and an encapsulation efficiency of 69.94%. The process of drug release from nanocarriers was also obtained about 63% at the end of 72 h. Stability studies over 2 months at 25 °C and 4 °C on the optimum sample showed that the samples stored in the refrigerator were more stable in terms of size characteristics, polydispersity index, and drug entrapment efficiency. The results indicate a greater effect of liposomal-formulated eosin B on inhibiting parasite growth compared to the free eosin B.

Streptomycin Sulfate-Loaded Niosomes Enables Increased Antimicrobial and Anti-Biofilm Activities

One of the antibiotics used to treat infections is streptomycin sulfate that inhibits both Gram-negative and -positive bacteria. Nanoparticles are suitable carriers for the direct delivery and release of drug agents to infected locations. Niosomes are one of the new drug delivery systems that have received much attention today due to their excellent biofilm penetration property and controlled release. In this study, niosomes containing streptomycin sulfate were prepared by using the thin layer hydration method and optimized based on the size, polydispersity index (PDI), and encapsulation efficiency (EE%) characteristics. It was found that the Span 60-to-Tween 60 ratio of 1.5 and the surfactant-to-cholesterol ratio of 1.02 led to an optimum formulation with a minimum of size, low PDI, and maximum of EE of 97.8 nm, 0.27, and 86.7%, respectively. The drug release investigation showed that 50.0 ± 1.2% of streptomycin sulfate was released from the niosome in 24 h and reached 66.4 ± 1.3% by the end of 72 h. Two-month stability studies at 25° and 4°C showed more acceptable stability of samples kept at 4°C. Consequently, antimicrobial and anti-biofilm activities of streptomycin sulfate-loaded niosomes against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were found significantly higher than those of free drug, and the minimum inhibitory concentration values decreased 4- to 8-fold. Furthermore, niosome-encapsulated streptomycin up to 1,500 μg/ml exhibited negligible cytotoxicity against the human foreskin fibroblasts cell line, whereas the free drug exhibited slight cytotoxicity at this concentration. Desired physical characteristics and low toxicity of niosomal nano-carriers containing streptomycin sulfate made them a demanded candidate for the treatment of current bacterial infections and biofilms.

Evaluation of sonication on stability-indicating properties of optimized pilocarpine hydrochloride-loaded niosomes in ocular drug delivery

Niosomes are increasingly explored for enhancing drug penetration and retention in ocular tissues for both posterior and anterior eye delivery. They have been employed in encapsulating both hydrophilic and hydrophobic drugs, but their use is still plagued with challenges of stability and poor entrapment efficiency particularly with hydrophilic drugs. As a result, focus is on understanding the parameters that affect their stability and their optimization for improved results. Pilocarpine hydrochloride (HCl), a hydrophilic drug is used in the management of intraocular pressure in glaucoma. We aimed at optimizing pilocarpine HCl niosomes and evaluating the effect of sonication on its stability-indicating properties such as particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential and entrapment efficiency. Pilocarpine niosomes were prepared by ether injection method. Composition concentrations were varied and the effects of these variations on niosomal properties were evaluated. The effects of sonication on niosomes were determined by sonicating optimized drug-loaded formulations for 30 min and 60 min. Tween 60 was confirmed to be more suitable over Span 60 for encapsulating hydrophilic drugs, resulting in the highest entrapment efficiency (EE) and better polydispersity and particle size indices. Optimum sonication duration as a process variable was determined to be 30 min which increased EE from 24.5% to 42% and zeta potential from (-)14.39 ± 8.55 mV to (-)18.92 ± 7.53 mV. In addition to selecting the appropriate surfactants and varying product composition concentrations, optimizing sonication parameters can be used to fine-tune niosomal properties to those most desirable for extended eye retainment and maintenance of long term stability.

Preparation, Optimization and In-Vitro Evaluation of Curcumin-Loaded Niosome@calcium Alginate Nanocarrier as a New Approach for Breast Cancer Treatment

Cancer is one of the most common causes of mortality, and its various treatment methods can have many challenges for patients. As one of the most widely used cancer treatments, chemotherapy may result in diverse side effects. The lack of targeted drug delivery to tumor tissues can raise the possibility of damage to healthy tissues, with attendant dysfunction. In the present study, an optimum formulation of curcumin-loaded niosomes with a calcium alginate shell (AL-NioC) was developed and optimized by a three-level Box-Behnken design-in terms of dimension and drug loading efficiency. The niosomes were characterized by transmission electron microscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and dynamic light scattering. The as-formulated niosomes showed excellent stability for up to 1 month at 4 °C. Additionally, the niosomal formulation demonstrated a pH-dependent release; a slow-release profile in physiological pH (7.4), and a more significant release rate at acidic conditions (pH = 3). Cytotoxicity studies showed high compatibility of AL-NioC toward normal MCF10A cells, while significant toxicity was observed in MDA-MB-231 and SKBR3 breast cancer cells. Gene expression studies of the cancer cells showed downregulation of Bcl2, cyclin D, and cyclin E genes, as well as upregulation of P53, Bax, caspase-3, and caspase-9 genes expression following the designed treatment. Flow cytometry studies confirmed a significant enhancement in the apoptosis rate in the presence of AL-NioC in both MDA-MB-231 and SKBR3 cells as compared to other samples. In general, the results of this study demonstrated that-thanks to its biocompatibility toward normal cells-the AL-NioC formulation can efficiently deliver hydrophobic drugs to target cancer cells while reducing side effects.

Betaxolol-loaded niosomes integrated within pH-sensitive in situ forming gel for management of glaucoma

Blindness and impaired vision are considered as the most troublesome health conditions leading to significant socioeconomic strains. The current study focuses on development of nanoparticulate systems (i.e., niosomes) as drug vehicles to enhance the ocular availability of betaxolol hydrochloride for management of glaucoma. Betaxolol-loaded niosomes were further laden into pH-responsive in situ forming gels to further extend precorneal retention of the drug. The niosomes were evaluated in terms of vesicle size, morphology, size distribution, surface charge and encapsulation efficiency. The optimized niosomes, comprised of Span® 40 and cholesterol at a molar ratio of 4:1, displayed particle size of 332 ± 7 nm, zeta potential of -46 ± 1 mV, and encapsulation efficiency of 69 ± 5%. The optimal nanodispersion was then incorporated into a pH-triggered in situ forming gel comprised of Carbopol® 934P and hydroxyethyl cellulose. The formed gels were translucent, pseudoplastic, mucoadhesive, and displayed a sustained in vitro drug release pattern. Upon instillation of the betaxolol-loaded niosomal gel into rabbits' eyes, a prolonged intraocular pressure reduction and significant enhancement in the relative bioavailability of betaxolol (280 and 254.7%) in normal and glaucomatous rabbits, were attained compared to the marketed eye drops, respectively. Hence, the developed pH-triggered nanoparticulate gelling system might provide a promising carrier for ophthalmic drug delivery and for improved augmentation of glaucoma.

Niosome-encapsulated tobramycin reduced antibiotic resistance and enhanced antibacterial activity against multidrug-resistant clinical strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa

In the current study, niosome-encapsulated tobramycin based on Span 60 and Tween 60 was synthesized and its biological efficacies including anti-bacterial, anti-efflux, and anti-biofilm activities were investigated against multidrug resistant (MDR) clinical strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The niosomal formulations were characterized using scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and dynamic light scattering measurement. The encapsulation efficiency was found to be 69.54% ±; 0.67. The prepared niosomal formulations had a high storage stability to 60 days with small changes in size and drug entrapment, which indicates that it is a suitable candidate for pharmaceutical applications. The results of biological study showed the anti-bacterial activity via reduction of antibiotic resistance, enhanced anti-efflux and anti-biofilm activities by more folds in comparison to free tobramycin. In addition, niosome encapsulated tobramycin down-regulated the MexAB-OprM efflux genes, pslA and pelA biofilm related genes in MDR P. aeruginosa strains. The anti-proliferative activity of formulation was evaluated against HEK293 cell lines, which exhibited negligible cytotoxicity against HEK293 cells. The finding of our study shows that encapsulation of tobramycin in niosome enhanced the antibacterial activity and reduced antibiotic resistance in MDR strains of P. aeruginosa comparing to free tobramycin and it can be considered as a favorable drug delivery system.

Niosomal delivery of simvastatin to MDA-MB-231 cancer cells

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to use nano-niosomal formulations to deliver simvastatin as a poor-water soluble drug into breast cancer cells.

SIGNIFICANCE

Our study focused on the problem associated with poor water-soluble drugs which have significant biological activity in vivo.

METHODS

Different niosomal formulations of simvastatin were prepared and characterized in terms of morphology, size, encapsulation efficiency (EE), and release kinetic. Antiproliferative activity and the mechanism were assessed by quantitative real-time PCR and flow cytometry. Moreover, confocal microscopy was employed to analyze the cell uptake of simvastatin loaded niosomes to the cancerous cells.

RESULTS

Size, polydispersity index (PDI), and EE of the best formulation were obtained as 164.8 nm, 0.232, and 97%, respectively. The formulated simvastatin had a spherical shape and showed a slow release profile of the drug after 72 h. Stability data elucidated an increase in mean diameter and PDI which was lower for 4 °C than 25 °C. Confocal microscopy showed the localization of drug loaded niosomes in the cancer cells. The MTT assay revealed both free drug and drug loaded niosomes exhibited a dose-dependent cytotoxicity against breast cancer cells (MDA-MB-231 cells). Flow cytometry and qPCR analysis revealed drug loaded niosomes exert their cytotoxicity on cancerous cells via regulation of apoptotic and anti-apoptotic genes.

CONCLUSION

The prepared niosomal simvastatin showed good physicochemical and biological properties than free drug. Our study suggests that niosomal delivery could be considered as a promising strategy for the delivery of poor water-soluble drugs to cancer cells.

Tailor-Made Fluorinated Ionic Liquids for Protein Delivery

Nowadays, pharmaceutical companies are facing several challenges with the development and approval of new biological products. The unique properties of several fluorinated ionic liquids (FILs), such as their high surfactant power in aqueous solutions, their chemical and biological stability, and low toxicity, favor their application in the pharmaceutical industry. Furthermore, the numerous combinations between cations and anions, in the FILs design, enlarge the possibilities to construct a successful delivery system. Several FILs also proved to not affect the activity, stability, and secondary structure of the therapeutic protein lysozyme. This work aims to study the aggregation behavior of distinct FILs in the protein suitable medium, in the presence or absence of lysozyme. Besides, different incubation conditions were tested to guarantee the optimal enzymatic activity of the protein at more stable delivery systems. Following the optimization of the incubation conditions, the quantification of the encapsulated lysozyme was performed to evaluate the encapsulation efficiency of each FIL-based system. The release of the protein was tested applying variables such as time, temperature, and ultrasound frequency. The experimental results suggest that the aggregation behavior of FILs is not significantly influenced by the protein and/or protein buffer and supports their application for the design of delivery systems with high encapsulation efficiencies, maintaining the biological activity of either encapsulated and released protein.