Thermosensitive and mucoadhesive hydrogel containing curcumin-loaded lipid-core nanocapsules coated with chitosan for the treatment of oral squamous cell carcinoma

Curcumin: A Potential Weapon in the Prevention and Treatment of Head and Neck Cancer

Head and neck cancers (HNC) are aggressive, difficult-to-treat tumors that can be caused by genetic factors but mainly by lifestyle or infection caused by the human papillomavirus. As the sixth most common malignancy, it presents a formidable therapeutic challenge with limited therapeutic modalities. Curcumin, a natural polyphenol, is appearing as a promising multitarget anticancer and antimetastatic agent. Numerous studies have shown that curcumin and its derivatives have the potential to affect signaling pathways (NF-κB, JAK/STAT, and EGFR) and molecular mechanisms that are crucial for the growth and migration of head and neck tumors. Furthermore, its ability to interact with the tumor microenvironment and trigger the immune system may significantly influence the organism's immune response to the tumor. Combining curcumin with conventional therapies such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy may improve the efficacy of treatment and reduce the side effects of treatment, thereby increasing its therapeutic potential. This review is a comprehensive overview that discusses both the benefits and limitations of curcumin and its therapeutic effects in the context of tumor biology, with an emphasis on molecular mechanisms in the context of HNC. This review also includes possibilities to improve the limiting properties of curcumin both in terms of the development of new derivatives, formulations, or combinations with conventional therapies that have potential as a new type of therapy for the treatment of HNC and subsequent use in clinical practice.

A multifunctional nanosystem catalyzed by cascading natural glucose oxidase and Fe3O4 nanozymes for synergistic chemodynamic and photodynamic cancer therapy

The significance of the tumor microenvironment (TME) in tumor initiation and progression is increasingly acknowledged. Conventional therapeutic approaches face limitations within the complex TME, including the restrictions imposed by hypoxia on photodynamic therapy (PDT) and the deficiency of endogenous H₂O₂ affecting chemodynamic therapy (CDT). In response to the TME's characteristics of high metabolism, hypoxia, and weak acidity, a multifunctional nanosystem MNPs/GOD@CS/IR820, which synergistically integrates CDT and PDT, has been developed. This system can actively accumulate at tumor sites under an external magnetic field and release active components in response to the weakly acidic TME. It mitigates the limitations imposed by hypoxia and endogenous H₂O₂ deficiency on PDT and CDT, respectively, thereby enabling synergistic treatment. Additionally, the system's multimodal imaging capabilities facilitate precise tumor localization and real-time, non-invasive in vivo assessment via fluorescence imaging and MRI. In vitro and in vivo evaluations demonstrate significant antitumor efficacy, effectively inhibiting tumor growth and improving survival rates. By comprehensively addressing the challenges posed by the complex TME and enhancing real-time monitoring capabilities, our nanosystem paves the way for personalized and precise cancer treatment. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: This study introduces an innovative MNPs/GOD@CS/IR820 nanosystem that represents a significant advancement in cancer nanomedicine by addressing critical limitations of conventional photodynamic therapy (PDT), particularly in hypoxic tumor microenvironments. By synergistically integrating chemodynamic therapy (CDT) with PDT and incorporating MRI and fluorescence dual-modal imaging capabilities, this multifunctional platform offers enhanced therapeutic efficacy and real-time monitoring. The system's ability to generate oxygen in situ overcomes hypoxia-induced limitations, while its multimodal mechanism of action induces tumor cell apoptosis through multiple pathways. In vitro and in vivo studies demonstrate remarkable antitumor efficacy across diverse cancer types, significantly inhibiting tumor growth and improving survival rates. This comprehensive approach to cancer diagnosis and treatment not only advances precision medicine for targeted, multimodal cancer management but also provides a promising foundation for future clinical applications, potentially transforming cancer treatment strategies and improving patient outcomes.

Delivery of natural products via polysaccharide-based nanocarriers for cancer therapy: A review on recent advances and future challenges

Cancer, caused by uncontrolled proliferation of abnormal cells, has long been a global public health issue. For decades, natural products have been proven to be an essential source for novel anticancer drug discovery. But their instability, low solubility and bioavailability, poor targeting impede therapeutic efficacy. With the development of nanotechnology, nanomedicine delivery systems have emerged as promising strategies to improve bioavailability and enhance the therapeutic efficacy of drugs. However, constructing suitable nanocarrier is still a major challenge. Polysaccharides are extensively employed as carrier materials in nanomedicine delivery systems, owing to their unique physicochemical properties, biocompatibility and low immunogenicity. Polysaccharide-based nanomedicine delivery systems show high drug delivery efficiency, controlled drug release, and precise tumor targeting. This paper reviews influencing factors in the construction of polysaccharide-based nanocarriers and the application of polysaccharide-based nanocarriers for the delivery of natural products in treating various cancers. It focuses on their in vitro and in vivo anticancer efficacy and mechanisms. Furthermore, the review contrasts the capabilities and limitations of polysaccharide-based nanocarriers with traditional delivery methods, underlining their potential to enable targeted, reduced toxicity and excellent cancer treatment modalities. Finally, we discuss the current research limitations and future prospects in this emerging field.

Exploring the therapeutic potential of lipid-based nanoparticles in the management of oral squamous cell carcinoma

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a highly malignant and invasive tumor with significant mortality and morbidity. Current treatment modalities such as surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy encounter significant limitations, such as poor targeting, systemic toxicity, and drug resistance. There is an urgent need for novel therapeutic strategies that offer targeted delivery, enhanced efficacy, and reduced side effects. The advent of lipid-based nanoparticles (LNPs) offers a promising tool for OSCC therapy, potentially overcoming the limitations of current therapeutic approaches. LNPs are composed of biodegradable and biocompatible lipids, which minimize the risk of toxicity and adverse effects. LNPs can encapsulate hydrophobic drugs, improving their solubility and stability in the biological environment, thereby enhancing their bioavailability. LNPs demonstrate significantly higher ability to encapsulate lipophilic drugs than other nanoparticle types. LNPs offer excellent storage stability, minimal drug leakage, and controlled drug release, making them highly effective nanoplatforms for the delivery of chemotherapeutic agents. Additionally, LNPs can be modified by complexing them with specific target ligands on their surface. This surface modification allows the active targeting of LNPs to the tumors in addition to the passive targeting mechanism. Furthermore, the PEGylation of LNPs improves their hydrophilicity and enhances their biological half-life by reducing clearance by the reticuloendothelial system. This review aims to discuss current treatment approaches and their limitations, as well as recent advancements in LNPs for better management of OSCC.

Recent advances on chitosan/hyaluronic acid-based stimuli-responsive hydrogels and composites for cancer treatment: A comprehensive review

Cancer, as leading cause of death, has a high rate of mortality worldwide. Although there is a wide variety of conventional approaches for the treatment of cancer (such as surgery and chemotherapy), they have considerable drawbacks in terms of practicality, treatment efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. Therefore, there is a fundamental requirement for the development of safe and efficient treatment modalities based on breakthrough technologies to suppress cancer. Chitosan (CS) and hyaluronic acid (HA) polysaccharides, as FDA-approved biomaterials for some biomedical applications, are potential biopolymers for the efficient treatment of cancer. CS and HA have high biocompatibility, bioavailability, biodegradability, and immunomodulatory function which guarantee their safety and non-toxicity. CS-/HA-based hydrogels (HGs)/composites stand out for their potential anticancer function, versatile preparation and modification, ease of administration, controlled/sustained drug release, and active and passive drug internalization into target cells which is crucial for efficient treatment of cancer compared with conventional treatment approaches. These HGs/composites can respond to external (magnetic, ultrasound, light, and thermal) and internal (pH, enzyme, redox, and ROS) stimuli as well which further paves the way to their manipulation, targeted drug delivery, practicality, and efficient treatment. The above-mentioned properties of CS-/HA-based HGs/composites are unique and practical in cancer treatment which can ignore the deficiencies of conventional approaches. The present manuscript comprehensively highlights the advances in the practical application of stimuli-responsive HGs/composites based on CS/HA polysaccharides.

Novel Thermosensitive and Mucoadhesive Nasal Hydrogel Containing 5-MeO-DMT Optimized Using Box-Behnken Experimental Design

We present the development and characterization of a nasal drug delivery system comprised of a thermosensitive mucoadhesive hydrogel based on a mixture of the polymers Poloxamer 407, Poloxamer 188 and Hydroxypropyl-methylcellulose, and the psychedelic drug 5-methoxy-N,-N-dimethyltryptamine. The development relied on a 3 × 3 Box-Behnken experimental design, focusing on optimizing gelification temperature, viscosity and mucoadhesion. The primary objective of this work was to tailor the formulation for efficient nasal drug delivery. This would increase contact time between the hydrogel and the mucosa while preserving normal ciliary functioning. Following optimization, the final formulation underwent characterization through an examination of the in vitro drug release profile via dialysis under sink conditions. Additionally, homogeneity of its composition was assessed using Raman Confocal Spectroscopy. The results demonstrate complete mixing of drug and polymers within the hydrogel matrix. Furthermore, the formulation exhibits sustained release profile, with 73.76% of the drug being delivered after 5 h in vitro. This will enable future studies to assess the possibility of using this formulation to treat certain mental disorders. We have successfully developed a promising thermosensitive and mucoadhesive hydrogel with a gelling temperature of around 32 °C, a viscosity close to 100 mPas and a mucoadhesion of nearly 4.20 N·m.

Stimuli-Responsive Nanocomposite Hydrogels for Oral Diseases

Oral diseases encompassing conditions such as oral cancer, periodontitis, and endodontic infections pose significant challenges due to the oral cavity's susceptibility to pathogenic bacteria and infectious agents. Saliva, a key component of the oral environment, can compromise drug efficacy during oral disease treatment by diluting drug formulations and reducing drug-site interactions. Thus, it is imperative to develop effective drug delivery methods. Stimuli-responsive nanocomposite hydrogels offer a promising solution by adapting to changes in environmental conditions during disease states, thereby enabling targeted drug delivery. These smart drug delivery systems have the potential to enhance drug efficacy, minimize adverse reactions, reduce administration frequency, and improve patient compliance, thus facilitating a faster recovery. This review explores various types of stimuli-responsive nanocomposite hydrogels tailored for smart drug delivery, with a specific focus on their applications in managing oral diseases.

Unveiling innovative therapeutic strategies and future trajectories on stimuli-responsive drug delivery systems for targeted treatment of breast carcinoma

This comprehensive review delineates the latest advancements in stimuli-responsive drug delivery systems engineered for the targeted treatment of breast carcinoma. The manuscript commences by introducing mammary carcinoma and the current therapeutic methodologies, underscoring the urgency for innovative therapeutic strategies. Subsequently, it elucidates the logic behind the employment of stimuli-responsive drug delivery systems, which promise targeted drug administration and the minimization of adverse reactions. The review proffers an in-depth analysis of diverse types of stimuli-responsive systems, including thermoresponsive, pH-responsive, and enzyme-responsive nanocarriers. The paramount importance of material choice, biocompatibility, and drug loading strategies in the design of these systems is accentuated. The review explores characterization methodologies for stimuli-responsive nanocarriers and probes preclinical evaluations of their efficacy, toxicity, pharmacokinetics, and biodistribution in mammary carcinoma models. Clinical applications of stimuli-responsive systems, ongoing clinical trials, the potential of combination therapies, and the utility of multifunctional nanocarriers for the co-delivery of assorted drugs and therapies are also discussed. The manuscript addresses the persistent challenge of drug resistance in mammary carcinoma and the potential of stimuli-responsive systems in surmounting it. Regulatory and safety considerations, including FDA guidelines and biocompatibility assessments, are outlined. The review concludes by spotlighting future trajectories and emergent technologies in stimuli-responsive drug delivery, focusing on pioneering approaches, advancements in nanotechnology, and personalized medicine considerations. This review aims to serve as a valuable compendium for researchers and clinicians interested in the development of efficacious and safe stimuli-responsive drug delivery systems for the treatment of breast carcinoma.

Nano-Drug Delivery Systems in Oral Cancer Therapy: Recent Developments and Prospective

Oral cancer (OC), characterized by malignant tumors in the mouth, is one of the most prevalent malignancies worldwide. Chemotherapy is a commonly used treatment for OC; however, it often leads to severe side effects on human bodies. In recent years, nanotechnology has emerged as a promising solution for managing OC using nanomaterials and nanoparticles (NPs). Nano-drug delivery systems (nano-DDSs) that employ various NPs as nanocarriers have been extensively developed to enhance current OC therapies by achieving controlled drug release and targeted drug delivery. Through searching and analyzing relevant research literature, it was found that certain nano-DDSs can improve the therapeutic effect of drugs by enhancing drug accumulation in tumor tissues. Furthermore, they can achieve targeted delivery and controlled release of drugs through adjustments in particle size, surface functionalization, and drug encapsulation technology of nano-DDSs. The application of nano-DDSs provides a new tool and strategy for OC therapy, offering personalized treatment options for OC patients by enhancing drug delivery, reducing toxic side effects, and improving therapeutic outcomes. However, the use of nano-DDSs in OC therapy still faces challenges such as toxicity, precise targeting, biodegradability, and satisfying drug-release kinetics. Overall, this review evaluates the potential and limitations of different nano-DDSs in OC therapy, focusing on their components, mechanisms of action, and laboratory therapeutic effects, aiming to provide insights into understanding, designing, and developing more effective and safer nano-DDSs. Future studies should focus on addressing these issues to further advance the application and development of nano-DDSs in OC therapy.

A mucoadhesive nanolipo gel containing Aegle marmelos gum to enhance transdermal effectiveness of linezolid for vaginal infection: In vitro evaluation, in vitro-ex vivo correlation, pharmacokinetic studies

Effective treatment of vaginal infections with conventional antibiotics often faces challenges like unavoidable dose-related side effects with increased risk of bacterial resistance. The study aims to deliver linezolid through natural gum based mucoadhesive nano lipogel to improve therapeutic effectiveness against vaginal infections. The linezolid loaded nanoliposomes (LNLs) were developed by thin film hydration method and were characterized by FTIR, DSC, XRD, FESEM, particle size analysis, zeta potential, drug loading capacity, in vitro release study etc. Selected LNLs was loaded into suitable gel formulation containing Aegle marmelos gum (as the mucoadhesive agent) and evaluated for in vitro, in vivo potentiality. FTIR/DSC test confirmed absence of any major interaction between selected drug and excipients. XRD showed amorphization of the drug encapsulated in NLs. FESEM studies showed spherical LNLs having smooth surface. LNLs had nanosize (51.03 nm), negative surface charge (-25.7 mV), satisfied drug loading capacity (11.5 ± 0.7 %) with sustained drug release. The experimental LNLs loaded lipogel showed desired physico-chemical properties viz. viscosity (37000 cps), spreadability (6.5 gm.cmsec-1), mucoadhesion (21.9 gf) and 61.04 % release of drug across rabbit vaginal mucosal membrane. The nanolipo gel exhibited improved antimicrobial activity against E. coli and C. albicans with respect to the pure linezolid. A good correlation was observed in between in vitro drug release and ex vivo permeation. Improved pharmacokinetic parameters like AUC, AUMC, MRT, Vd was observed for experimental nanolipo gel Vs. marketed formulation. The experimental nanolipo gel could be explored further for futuristic clinical application.

Current appraises of therapeutic applications of nanocurcumin: A novel drug delivery approach for biomaterials in dentistry

Curcumin is a natural herb and polyphenol that is obtained from the medicinal plant Curcuma longa. It's anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-mutagenic, antioxidant and antifungal properties can be leveraged to treat a myriad of oral and systemic diseases. However, natural curcumin has weak solubility, limited bioavailability and undergoes rapid degradation, which severely limits its therapeutic potential. To overcome these drawbacks, nanocurcumin (nCur) formulations have been developed for improved biomaterial delivery and enhanced treatment outcomes. This novel biomaterial holds tremendous promise for the treatment of various oral diseases, the majority of which are caused by dental biofilm. These include dental caries, periodontal disease, root canal infection and peri-implant diseases, as well as other non-biofilm mediated oral diseases such as oral cancer and oral lichen planus. A number of in-vitro studies have demonstrated the antibacterial efficacy of nCur in various formulations against common oral pathogens such as S. mutans, P. gingivalis and E. faecalis, which are strongly associated with dental caries, periodontitis and root canal infection, respectively. In addition, some clinical studies were suggestive of the notion that nCur can indeed enhance the clinical outcomes of oral diseases such as periodontitis and oral lichen planus, but the level of evidence was very low due to the small number of studies and the methodological limitations of the available studies. The versatility of nCur to treat a diverse range of oral diseases augurs well for its future in dentistry, as reflected by rapid pace in which studies pertaining to this topic are published in the scientific literature. In order to keep abreast of the latest development of nCur in dentistry, this narrative review was undertaken. The aim of this narrative review is to provide a contemporaneous update of the chemistry, properties, mechanism of action, and scientific evidence behind the usage of nCur in dentistry.

Curcumin and analogues against head and neck cancer: From drug delivery to molecular mechanisms

BACKGROUND

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is one of the most life-threatening diseases which also causes economic burden worldwide. To overcome the limitations of traditional therapies, investigation into alternative adjuvant treatments is crucial.

PURPOSE

Curcumin, a turmeric-derived compound, demonstrates significant therapeutic potential in diverse diseases, including cancer. Furthermore, research focuses on curcumin analogues and novel drug delivery systems, offering approaches for improved efficacy. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of curcumin's current findings, emphasizing its mechanisms of anti-HNSCC effects and potential for clinical application.

METHOD

An electronic search of Web of Science, MEDLINE, and Embase was conducted to identify literature about the application of curcumin or analogues in HNSCC. Titles and abstracts were screened to identify potentially eligible studies. Full-text articles will be obtained and independently evaluated by two authors to make the decision of inclusion in the review.

RESULTS

Curcumin's clinical application is hindered by poor bioavailability, prompting the exploration of methods to enhance it, such as curcumin analogues and novel drug delivery systems. Curcumin could exhibit anti-cancer effects by targeting cancer cells and modulating the tumor microenvironment in HNSCC. Mechanisms of action include cell cycle arrest, apoptosis promotion, reactive oxygen species induction, endoplasmic reticulum stress, inhibition of epithelial-mesenchymal transition, attenuation of extracellular matrix degradation, and modulation of tumor metabolism in HNSCC cells. Curcumin also targets various components of the tumor microenvironment, including cancer-associated fibroblasts, innate and adaptive immunity, and lymphovascular niches. Furthermore, curcumin enhances the anti-cancer effects of other drugs as adjunctive therapy. Two clinical trials report its potential clinical applications in treating HNSCC.

CONCLUSION

Curcumin has demonstrated therapeutic potential in HNSCC through in vitro and in vivo studies. Its effectiveness is attributed to its ability to modulate cancer cells and interact with the intricate tumor microenvironment. The development of curcumin analogues and novel drug delivery systems has shown promise in improving its bioavailability, thereby expanding its clinical applications. Further research and exploration in this area hold great potential for harnessing the full therapeutic benefits of curcumin in HNSCC treatment.

Stimuli-responsive (nano)architectures for phytochemical delivery in cancer therapy

The use of phytochemicals for purpose of cancer therapy has been accelerated due to resistance of tumor cells to conventional chemotherapy drugs and therefore, monotherapy does not cause significant improvement in the prognosis and survival of patients. Therefore, administration of natural products alone or in combination with chemotherapy drugs due to various mechanisms of action has been suggested. However, cancer therapy using phytochemicals requires more attention because of poor bioavailability of compounds and lack of specific accumulation at tumor site. Hence, nanocarriers for specific delivery of phytochemicals in tumor therapy has been suggested. The pharmacokinetic profile of natural products and their therapeutic indices can be improved. The nanocarriers can improve potential of natural products in crossing over BBB and also, promote internalization in cancer cells through endocytosis. Moreover, (nano)platforms can deliver both natural and synthetic anti-cancer drugs in combination cancer therapy. The surface functionalization of nanostructures with ligands improves ability in internalization in tumor cells and improving cytotoxicity of natural compounds. Interestingly, stimuli-responsive nanostructures that respond to endogenous and exogenous stimuli have been employed for delivery of natural compounds in cancer therapy. The decrease in pH in tumor microenvironment causes degradation of bonds in nanostructures to release cargo and when changes in GSH levels occur, it also mediates drug release from nanocarriers. Moreover, enzymes in the tumor microenvironment such as MMP-2 can mediate drug release from nanocarriers and more progresses in targeted drug delivery obtained by application of nanoparticles that are responsive to exogenous stimulus including light.

Enhancing Antifungal Treatment of Candida albicans with Hypericin-Loaded Nanostructured Lipid Carriers in Hydrogels: Characterization, In Vitro, and In Vivo Photodynamic Evaluation

BACKGROUND

Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is a worldwide public health problem caused predominantly by the opportunistic polymorphic fungus Candida albicans, whose pathogenicity is associated with its morphological adaptability. To potentiate the treatment of C. albicans-induced VVC by an alternative method as photodynamic therapy (PDT), hypericin (Hy), a potent photosensitizer compound was incorporated into a nanostructured lipid carrier (NLC) and dispersed in hydrogel (HG).

METHODS

After preparation of the sonication process, an NLC loaded with Hy was dispersed in HG based on Poloxamer 407 and chitosan obtaining Hy.NLC-HG. This hydrogel system was physically and chemically characterized and its in vitro and in vivo photodynamic and antifungal effects were evaluated.

RESULTS

Through scanning electron microscopy, it was possible to observe a hydrogel system with a porous polymeric matrix and irregular microcavities. The Hy.NLC-HG system showed mucoadhesive properties (0.45 ± 0.08 N) and a satisfactory injectability (15.74 ± 4.75 N.mm), which indicates that it can be easily applied in the vaginal canal, in addition to a controlled and sustained Hy release profile from the NLC-HG of 28.55 ± 0.15% after 720 min. The in vitro antibiofilm assay significantly reduced the viability of C. albicans (p < 0.001) by 1.2 log10 for Hy.NLC-HG/PDT and 1.9 log10 for PS/PDT, Hy.NLC/PDT, and free RB/PDT, compared to the PBS/PDT negative control. The in vivo antifungal evaluation showed that animals treated with the vaginal cream (non-PDT) and the PDT-mediated Hy.NLC-HG system showed a significant difference of p < 0.001 in the number of C. albicans colonies (log) in the vaginal canal, compared to the inoculation control group.

CONCLUSIONS

Thus, we demonstrate the pharmaceutical, antifungal, and photodynamic potential of hydrogel systems for Hy vaginal administration.

Nanoparticles as drug delivery systems in the treatment of oral squamous cell carcinoma: current status and recent progression

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a common human malignancy with an estimated incidence of around 377,713 new cases worldwide in 2020. Despite the advance in clinical management, some of OSCC patients still miss the opportunity of completable resection of tumor, and have to accept medical therapies, e.g., chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or immunotherapy when the disease develops into the advanced stage. However, these therapies have been reported to be far from ideal due to the low efficiency of conventional delivery approaches. To obtain a better therapeutic effect, considerable attempts have been made toward to develop an effective drug delivery system (DDS). Nanoparticles (NPs) including inorganic NPs, polymer NPs, lipid NP, extracellular vesicles and cell membrane-based NPs have been evaluated as the better DDS candidates that can specifically accumulate in the tumor microenvironment along with a large amount of blood vessels. Emerging evidence suggested that NPs formulated with anticancer drugs including chemotherapeutic drugs, radiotherapy and immunotarget antibodies could remarkably improve the release and increase concentration of these drugs at the tumor site and show a better therapeutic efficacy, suggesting that NPs might serve as promising DDSs in the treatment of OSCC. Therefore, we have conducted this review to summarize recent progression and current status of diverse NPs as DDSs in this research field.

Recent Development of Functional Chitosan-Based Hydrogels for Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Applications

Chitosan is a promising naturally derived polysaccharide to be used in hydrogel forms for pharmaceutical and biomedical applications. The multifunctional chitosan-based hydrogels have attractive properties such as the ability to encapsulate, carry, and release the drug, biocompatibility, biodegradability, and non-immunogenicity. In this review, the advanced functions of the chitosan-based hydrogels are summarized, with emphasis on fabrications and resultant properties reported in literature from the recent decade. The recent progress in the applications of drug delivery, tissue engineering, disease treatments, and biosensors are reviewed. Current challenges and future development direction of the chitosan-based hydrogels for pharmaceutical and biomedical applications are prospected.

Next-Generation Hydrogels as Biomaterials for Biomedical Applications: Exploring the Role of Curcumin

Since the first report on the pharmacological activity of curcumin in 1949, enormous amounts of research have reported diverse activities for this natural polyphenol found in the dietary spice turmeric. However, curcumin has not yet been used for human application as an approved drug. The clinical translation of curcumin has been hampered due to its low solubility and bioavailability. The improvement in bioavailability and solubility of curcumin can be achieved by its formulation using drug delivery systems. Hydrogels with their biocompatibility and low toxicity effects have shown a substantial impact on the successful formulation of hydrophobic drugs for human clinical trials. This review focuses on hydrogel-based delivery systems for curcumin and describes its applications as anti-cancer as well as wound healing agents.

Insight on nano drug delivery systems with targeted therapy in treatment of oral cancer

Oral cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the mouth and is one of the deadliest malignancies in the world. Currently surgical, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy are most common treatments. Better treatment and early detection strategies are required. Chemotherapeutic drugs fail frequently due to toxicity and poor tumor targeting. There are high chances of failure of chemotherapeutic drugs due to toxicity. Active, passive, and immunity-targeting techniques are devised for tumor-specific activity. Nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems are the best available solution and important for precise targeting. Nanoparticles, liposomes, exosomes, and cyclodextrins are nano-based carriers for drug delivery. Nanotechnology is being used to develop new techniques such as intratumoral injections, microbubble mediated ultrasonic therapy, phototherapies, and site-specific delivery. This systematic review delves into the details of such targeted and nano-based drug delivery systems in order to improve patient health and survival rates in oral cancer.