Encapsulation of Ficus deltoidea Extract in Nanostructured Lipid Carrier for Anti-melanogenic Activity

Phytonano silver for cosmetic formulation- synthesis, characterization, and assessment of antimicrobial and antityrosinase potential

Novel formulations of silver nanoparticles remain exciting if it is applicable for cosmetic purposes. This study proposes a value-added brand-new nanomaterial for improving skin complexion by inhibiting melanin development. This work aims to develop cost effective, efficient, natural silver nanoparticles phytomediated by aqueous extract of leaf sheath scales of Cocos nucifera (Cn-AgNPs) having potential as tyrosinase inhibitors hindering melanin synthesis. The formation of Cn-AgNPs was assessed spectrophotometrically and confirmed by the sharp SPR spectrum at 425 nm. The chemical composition profiling was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The morphology was confirmed by Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) and the thermal stability was assessed by Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Pharmacological application studies supported the materialization of Cn-AgNPs with significant antityrosinase potential and considerably improved antibacterial and antioxidant properties. Cn-AgNPs showed potential antibacterial effects against gram-positive and negative strains, including prominent infectious agents of the skin. Antioxidant capacity was confirmed with an IC50 of 57.8 μg/mL by DPPH radical scavenging assay. Furthermore, in vitro melanin content determination was performed using SK-MEL cells. Cell line studies proved that Cn-AgNPs decrease the melanin content of cells. The IC50 value obtained was 84.82 μg/mL. Hence Cn-AgNPs is proposed to be acting as a whitening agent through lessening cellular melanin content and as a significant inhibitor of tyrosinase activity. The antioxidant properties and antibacterial effects can contribute to skin rejuvenation and can prevent skin infections as well. This evidence proposes the development of a new nanostructured pharmaceutical and cosmetic formulation from Cocos nucifera leaf sheath scales.

Influence of Surface-Modification via PEGylation or Chitosanization of Lipidic Nanocarriers on In Vivo Pharmacokinetic/Pharmacodynamic Profiles of Apixaban

Nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) have been proven to significantly improve the bioavailability and efficacy of many drugs; however, they still have many limitations. These limitations could hinder their potential for enhancing the bioavailability of poorly water-soluble drugs and, therefore, require further amendments. From this perspective, we have investigated how the chitosanization and PEGylation of NLCs affected their ability to function as a delivery system for apixaban (APX). These surface modifications could enhance the ability of NLCs to improve the bioavailability and pharmacodynamic activity of the loaded drug. In vitro and in vivo studies were carried out to examine APX-loaded NLCs, chitosan-modified NLCs, and PEGylated NLCs. The three nanoarchitectures displayed a Higuchi-diffusion release pattern in vitro, in addition to having their vesicular outline proven via electron microscopy. PEGylated and chitosanized NLCs retained good stability over 3 months, versus the nonPEGylated and nonchitosanized NLCs. Interestingly, APX-loaded chitosan-modified NLCs displayed better stability than the APX-loaded PEGylated NLCs, in terms of mean vesicle size after 90 days. On the other hand, the absorption profile of APX (AUC_0-inf) in rats pretreated with APX-loaded PEGylated NLCs (108.59 µg·mL^-1·h^-1) was significantly higher than the AUC_0-inf of APX in rats pretreated with APX-loaded chitosan-modified NLCs (93.397 µg·mL^-1·h^-1), and both were also significantly higher than AUC_0-inf of APX-Loaded NLCs (55.435 µg·mL^-1·h^-1). Chitosan-coated NLCs enhanced APX anticoagulant activity with increased prothrombin time and activated partial thromboplastin time by 1.6- and 1.55-folds, respectively, compared to unmodified NLCs, and by 1.23- and 1.37-folds, respectively, compared to PEGylated NLCs. The PEGylation and chitosanization of NLCs enhanced the bioavailability and anticoagulant activity of APX over the nonmodified NLCs; this highlighted the importance of both approaches.

A Dual Therapy of Nanostructured Lipid Carrier Loaded with Teriflunomide-A Dihydro-Orotate Dehydrogenase Inhibitor and an miR-155-Antagomir in Cuprizone-Induced C57BL/6J Mouse

The effective treatment of central nervous system (CNS) disorders such as multiple sclerosis (MS) has been challenging due to the limited ability of therapeutic agents to cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB). In this study, we investigated the potential of nanocarrier systems to deliver miR-155-antagomir-teriflunomide (TEF) dual therapy to the brain via intranasal (IN) administration to manage MS-associated neurodegeneration and demyelination. Our results showed that the combinatorial therapy of miR-155-antagomir and TEF loaded in nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) significantly increased brain concentration and improved targeting potential. The novelty of this study lies in the use of a combinatorial therapy approach of miR-155-antagomir and TEF loaded in NLCs. This is a significant finding, as the effective delivery of therapeutic molecules to the CNS has been a challenge in treating neurodegenerative disorders. Additionally, this study sheds light on the potential use of RNA-targeting therapies in personalized medicine, which could revolutionize the way CNS disorders are managed. Furthermore, our findings suggest that nanocarrier-loaded therapeutic agents have great potential for safe and economical delivery in treating CNS disorders. Our study provides novel insights into the effective delivery of therapeutic molecules via the IN route for managing neurodegenerative disorders. In particular, our results demonstrate the potential of delivering miRNA and TEF via the intranasal route using the NLC system. We also demonstrate that the long-term use of RNA-targeting therapies could be a promising tool in personalized medicine. Importantly, using a cuprizone-induced animal model, our study also investigated the effects of TEF-miR155-antagomir-loaded NLCs on demyelination and axonal damage. Following six weeks of treatment, the TEF-miR155-antagomir-loaded NLCs potentially lowered the demyelination and enhanced the bioavailability of the loaded therapeutic molecules. Our study is a paradigm shift in delivering miRNAs and TEF via the intranasal route and highlights the potential of this approach for managing neurodegenerative disorders. In conclusion, our study provides critical insights into the effective delivery of therapeutic molecules via the IN route for managing CNS disorders, and especially MS. Our findings have significant implications for the future development of nanocarrier-based therapies and personalized medicine. Our results provide a strong foundation for further studies and the potential to develop safe and economic therapeutics for CNS disorders.

Tailoring Apixaban in Nanostructured Lipid Carrier Enhancing Its Oral Bioavailability and Anticoagulant Activity

Apixaban (Apx), an oral anticoagulant drug, is a direct factor Xa inhibitor for the prophylaxis against venous thromboembolism. Apx has limited oral bioavailability and poor water solubility. The goal of this study was to improve the formulation of an Apx-loaded nanostructured lipid carrier (NLC) to increase its bioavailability and effectiveness. As solid lipid, liquid lipid, hydrophilic, and lipophilic stabilizers, stearic acid, oleic acid, Tween 80, and lecithin were used, respectively. Utilizing Box-Behnken design, the effects of three factors on NLC particle size (Y1), zeta potential (Y2), and entrapment efficiency percent (Y3) were examined and optimized. The optimized formula was prepared, characterized, morphologically studied, and pharmacokinetically and pharmacodynamically assessed. The observed responses of the optimized Apx formula were 315.2 nm, -43.4 mV, and 89.84% for Y1, Y2, and Y3, respectively. Electron microscopy revealed the homogenous spherical shape of the NLC particles. The in vivo pharmacokinetic study conducted in male Wistar rats displayed an increase in AUC and Cmax by 8 and 2.67 folds, respectively, compared to oral Apx suspension. Moreover, the half-life was increased by 1.94 folds, and clearance was diminished by about 8 folds, which makes the NLC formula a promising sustained release system. Interestingly, the pharmacodynamic results displayed the superior effect of the optimized formula over the drug suspension with prolongation in the cuticle bleeding time. Moreover, both prothrombin time and activated partial thromboplastin time are significantly increased. So, incorporating Apx in an NLC formula significantly enhanced its oral bioavailability and pharmacodynamic activity.

Herbal nanocosmecuticals: A review on cosmeceutical innovation

BACKGROUND

Cosmeceuticals are drugs, cosmetics, or a combination of both. Cosmeceuticals are personal care products that not only beautify but also need to have healing, therapeutic, and disease-fighting characteristics. For decades, phytocompounds have been employed in cosmeceuticals and have shown potential in applications such as moisturizing, sunscreen, antiaging, and hair-based therapy. The inability of phytocompounds to easily penetrate through the skin and their instability limit their usage in cosmetic products. This can be overcome by incorporating nanotechnology into cosmetic products for a more stable and long-lasting release. Nanotechnology's substantial impact on the cosmetics industry is due to the improved properties attained by particles at the nano scale, such as color, solubility, and transparency. Liposomes, solid lipid nanoparticles, niosomes, and many varieties of nanoparticulate systems are commonly used in cosmetics. Safety concerns for the usage of nanomaterials in cosmeceuticals have been raised lately, hence causing the restriction on the use of nanomaterials by cosmetic companies and enforcing laws demanding thorough safety testing prior to market entry.

AIM

This review focuses on the types of nanomaterials used in phytocosmetics, along with the potential hazards they pose to human life and the environment, and what legislation has been enacted or can be enacted to address them.

METHODS

For relevant literature, a literature search was conducted using PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar. Nanotechnology, cosmeceuticals, herbal cosmetics, and other related topics were researched and evaluated in articles published between 2016 and 2022.

RESULTS

Herbal drugs provide a tremendous range of therapeutic benefits. And when nanoparticles were introduced to the personal care industry, the quality of the final product containing phyto-compounds continued to rise. Unfortunately, because these nano components can permeate intact skin barriers and create unwanted consequences, this revolution comes with a slew of health risks.

CONCLUSION

The cosmeceutical industry's expansion and growth in the application of herbal compounds, as well as the entrance of nanotechnology into the cosmeceuticals business, entail the urgent need for scientific research into their efficacy, safety profile, and use.

Nanostructured lipid carriers: a promising drug carrier for targeting brain tumours

Background

In recent years, the field of nanotechnology and nanomedicine has transformed the pharmaceutical industry with the development of novel drug delivery systems that overcome the shortcomings of traditional drug delivery systems. Nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs), also known as the second-generation lipid nanocarriers, are one such efficient and targeted drug delivery system that has gained immense attention all across due to their myriad advantages and applications. Scientific advancements have revolutionized our health system, but still, brain diseases like brain tumour have remained formidable owing to poor prognosis and the challenging drug delivery to the brain tissue. In this review, we highlighted the application and potential of NLCs in brain-specific delivery of chemotherapeutic agents.

Main body

NLCs are lipid-based formulations with a solid matrix at room temperature and offer advantages like enhanced stability, low toxicity, increased shelf life, improved drug loading capacity, and biocompatibility over other conventional lipid-based nanocarriers such as nanoemulsions and solid lipid nanoparticles. This review meticulously articulates the structure, classification, components, and various methods of preparation exemplified with various research studies along with their advantages and disadvantages. The concept of drug loading and release has been discussed followed by a brief about stability and strategies to improve stability of NLCs. The review also summarizes various in vitro and in vivo research studies on NLCs encapsulated with cytotoxic drugs and their potential application in brain-specific drug delivery.

Conclusion

NLCs are employed as an important carrier for the delivery of food, cosmetics, and medicines and recently have been used in brain targeting, cancer, and gene therapy. However, in this review, the applications and importance of NLCs in targeting brain tumour have been discussed in detail stating examples of various research studies conducted in recent years. In addition, to shed light on the promising role of NLCs, the current clinical status of NLCs has also been summarized.

Graphical Abstract