Synthesis of transdermal patches loaded with greenly synthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles and their cytotoxic activity against triple negative breast cancer

Phytofabrication of biocompatible zinc oxide nanoparticle using Gymnema sylvestre and its potent in vitro antibacterial, antibiofilm, and cytotoxicity against human breast cancer cells (MDA-MB-231)

The increasing incidence of breast cancer and bacterial biofilm in medical devices significantly heightens global mortality and morbidity, challenging synthetic drugs. Consequently, greener-synthesized nanomaterials have emerged as a versatile alternative for various biomedical applications, offering new therapeutic avenues. This study explores the synthesis of biocompatible zinc oxide (ZnONPs) nanoparticles using Gymnema sylvestre and its antibacterial, antibiofilm, and cytotoxic properties. Characterization of ZnONPs inferred that UV-Vis spectra exhibited a sharp peak at 370 nm. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopical analysis revealed the presence of active functional groups such as aldehyde, alkyne, cyclic alkene, sulfate, alkyl aryl ether, and Zn-O bonds. X-ray diffraction analysis results confirmed the crystalline nature of the nanoparticle. Scanning electron microscope analysis evidenced hexagonal morphology, and energy-dispersive X-ray analysis confirmed zinc content. High-resolution transmission electron microscope analysis showed hexagonal and rod-shaped ZnONPs with a size of 5 nm. Zeta potential results affirmed the stability of nanoparticles. The ZnONPs effectively inhibited gram-positive (18-20 mm) than gram-negative (12-18 mm) bacterial pathogens with lower bacteriostatic and higher bactericidal values. Biofilm inhibitory property inferred ZnONPs were more effective against gram-positive (38-94%) than gram-negative bacteria (27-86%). The concentration of ZnONPs to exert 50% biofilm-inhibitory is lower against gram-positive bacteria (179.26-203.95 μg/mL) than gram-negative bacteria (201.46-236.19 μg/mL). Microscopic visualization inferred that at 250 μg/mL, ZnONPs strongly disrupted biofilm formation, as evidenced by decreased biofilm density and altered architecture. The cytotoxicity of ZnONPs against breast cancer cells showed a dose-dependent reduction in cell viability with an IC50 value of 19.4 µg/mL. AO/EB staining indicated early and late apoptotic cell death of breast cancer cells under fluorescence microscopy. The results of hemolytic activity validated the biocompatibility of the ZnONPs. Thus, the unique properties of the green-synthesized ZnONPs suggest their potential as effective drug carriers for targeted delivery in cancer therapy and the treatment of biofilm-related infections.

Development and characterization of magnetic hydrogels loaded with greenly synthesized iron-oxide nanoparticles conjugated with cisplatin

A novel approach was devised to address the challenges in delivering cisplatin (CIS) for lung cancer treatment. This involved the development of a non-invasive hydrogel delivery system, aiming to minimize side effects associated with its administration. Using carbopol 971 (CP) and chitosan (CH) at varying ratios, the hydrogels were prepared and loaded with eco-friendly iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) conjugated to CIS. The physical properties, yield, drug loading, and cytotoxicity against lung cancer cell lines (A549) were assessed, along with hydrogel rheological properties and in vitro drug diffusion. Hydrogel A1 that composed of 1:1 of CP:CH hydrogel loaded with 100 mg IONPs and 250 µg CIS demonstrated distinctive properties that indicate its suitability for potential delivery. The loaded greenly synthesized IONPs@CIS exhibited a particle size of 23.0 nm, polydispersity index of 0.47, yield of 71.6%, with 88.28% drug loading. They displayed significant cytotoxicity (61.7%) against lung cancer cell lines (A549), surpassing free CIS cytotoxicity (28.1%). Moreover, they demonstrated shear-thinning behaviour, viscoelastic properties, and Fickian drug release profile over 24 h (flux 2.34 µg/cm2/h, and permeability 0.31 cm/h).

Biosynthesis and Characterization of Calcium Oxide Nanoparticles from Citrullus colocynthis Fruit Extracts; Their Biocompatibility and Bioactivities

Modern nanotechnology encompasses every field of life. Nowadays, phytochemically fabricated nanoparticles are being widely studied for their bioactivities and biosafety. The present research studied the synthesis, characterization, stability, biocompatibility, and in vitro bioactivities of calcium oxide nanoparticles (CaONPs). The CaONPs were synthesized using Citrullus colocynthis ethanolic fruit extracts. Greenly synthesized nanoparticles had an average size of 35.93 ± 2.54 nm and showed an absorbance peak at 325 nm. An absorbance peak in this range depicts the coating of phenolic acids, flavones, flavonols, and flavonoids on the surface of CaONPs. The XRD pattern showed sharp peaks that illustrated the preferred cubic crystalline nature of triturate. A great hindrance to the use of nanoparticles in the field of medicine is their extremely reactive nature. The FTIR analysis of the CaONPs showed a coating of phytochemicals on their surface, due to which they showed great stability. The vibrations present at 3639 cm^-1 for alcohols or phenols, 2860 cm^-1 for alkanes, 2487 cm^-1 for alkynes, 1625 cm^-1 for amines, and 1434 cm^-1 for carboxylic acids and aldehydes show adsorption of phytochemicals on the surface of CaONPs. The CaONPs were highly stable over time; however, their stability was slightly disturbed by varying salinity and pH. The dialysis membrane in vitro release analysis revealed consistent nanoparticle release over a 10-h period. The bioactivities of CaONPs, C. colocynthis fruit extracts, and their synergistic solution were assessed. Synergistic solutions of both CaONPs and C. colocynthis fruit extracts showed great bioactivity and biosafety. The synergistic solution reduced cell viability by only 14.68% and caused only 16% hemolysis. The synergistic solution inhibited Micrococcus luteus slightly more effectively than streptomycin, with an activity index of 1.02. It also caused an 83.87% reduction in free radicals.

Preparation and Characterization of Patch Loaded with Clarithromycin Nanovesicles for Transdermal Drug Delivery

Clarithromycin (CLR), categorized as a Biopharmaceutical Classification System class II drug, has several gastrointestinal tract side effects and an extremely unpalatable bitter taste. The current study aimed to design transdermal patch-embedded CLR niosomes to overcome the aforementioned CLR-related challenges. Various niosomal formulations were successfully fabricated and characterized for their morphology, size, in vitro release, and antimicrobial efficacy. Subsequently, the CLR niosomes were loaded into transdermal patches using the solvent casting method. The polydispersity index of the niosomes ranged from 0.005 to 0.360, indicating the uniformity of the niosomes. The encapsulating efficiency (EE)% varied from 12 to 86%. The optimal Chol: surfactant ratio for drug release was found to be 0.5:1. In addition, the encapsulation of CLR into niosomal nanovesicles did not reduce the antibacterial activity of the CLR. The niosomal patch had a significantly higher permeability coefficient of CLR than the conventional patch. In addition to that, a shear-thinning behavior was observed in the niosomal gels before loading them into a niosomal patch. The flux (Jss) of the niosomal patch was significantly higher than the conventional patch by more than 200 times. In conclusion, niosome-based transdermal patches could be a promising method for the transdermal drug delivery of class II drugs and drugs experiencing GIT side effects.

Beneath the Skin: A Review of Current Trends and Future Prospects of Transdermal Drug Delivery Systems

The ideal drug delivery system has a bioavailability comparable to parenteral dosage forms but is as convenient and easy to use for the patient as oral solid dosage forms. In recent years, there has been increased interest in transdermal drug delivery (TDD) as a non-invasive delivery approach that is generally regarded as being easy to administer to more vulnerable age groups, such as paediatric and geriatric patients, while avoiding certain bioavailability concerns that arise from oral drug delivery due to poor absorbability and metabolism concerns. However, despite its many merits, TDD remains restricted to a select few drugs. The physiology of the skin poses a barrier against the feasible delivery of many drugs, limiting its applicability to only those drugs that possess physicochemical properties allowing them to be successfully delivered transdermally. Several techniques have been developed to enhance the transdermal permeability of drugs. Both chemical (e.g., thermal and mechanical) and passive (vesicle, nanoparticle, nanoemulsion, solid dispersion, and nanocrystal) techniques have been investigated to enhance the permeability of drug substances across the skin. Furthermore, hybrid approaches combining chemical penetration enhancement technologies with physical technologies are being intensively researched to improve the skin permeation of drug substances. This review aims to summarize recent trends in TDD approaches and discuss the merits and drawbacks of the various chemical, physical, and hybrid approaches currently being investigated for improving drug permeability across the skin.

Development of Turmeric Oil—Loaded Chitosan/Alginate Nanocapsules for Cytotoxicity Enhancement against Breast Cancer

Turmeric oil (TO) exhibits various biological activities with limited therapeutic applications due to its instability, volatility, and poor water solubility. Here, we encapsulated TO in chitosan/alginate nanocapsules (CS/Alg-NCs) using o/w emulsification to enhance its physicochemical characteristics, using poloxamer 407 as a non-ionic surfactant. TO-loaded CS/Alg-NCs (TO-CS/Alg-NCs) were prepared with satisfactory features, encapsulation efficiency, release characteristics, and cytotoxicity against breast cancer cells. The average size of the fabricated TO-CS/Alg-NCs was around 200 nm; their distribution was homogenous, and their shapes were spherical, with smooth surfaces. The TO-CS/Alg-NCs showed a high encapsulation efficiency, of 70%, with a sustained release of TO at approximately 50% after 12 h at pH 7.4 and 5.5. The TO-CS/Alg-NCs demonstrated enhanced cytotoxicity against two breast cancer cells, MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7, compared to the unencapsulated TO, suggesting that CS/Alg-NCs are potential nanocarriers for TO and can serve as prospective candidates for in vivo anticancer activity evaluation.