Nanotechnology-based systems for the treatment and prevention of HIV/AIDS

Human immunodeficiency virus infection challenges: Current therapeutic limitations and strategies for improved management through long-acting injectable formulation

HIV infection has been a severe global health burden, with millions living with the virus and continuing new infections each year. Antiretroviral therapy can effectively suppress HIV replication but requires strict lifelong adherence to daily oral medication regimens, which presents a significant challenge. Long-acting formulations of antiretroviral drugs administered infrequently have emerged as a promising strategy to improve treatment outcomes and adherence to HIV therapy and prevention. Long-acting injectable (LAI) formulations are designed to gradually release drugs over extended periods of weeks or months following a single injection. Critical advantages of LAIs over conventional oral dosage forms include less frequent dosing requirements, enhanced patient privacy, reduced stigma associated with daily pill regimens, and optimised pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic profiles. Several LAI antiretroviral products have recently gained regulatory approval, such as the integrase strand transfer inhibitor cabotegravir for HIV preexposure prophylaxis and the Cabotegravir/Rilpivirine combination for HIV treatment. A leading approach for developing long-acting antiretroviral depots involves encapsulating drug compounds in polymeric microspheres composed of biocompatible, biodegradable materials like poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid). These injectable depot formulations enable high drug loading with customisable extended-release kinetics controlled by the polymeric matrix. Compared to daily oral therapies, LAI antiretroviral formulations leveraging biodegradable polymeric microspheres offer notable benefits, including prolonged therapeutic effects, reduced dosing frequency for improved adherence, and the potential to kerb the initial HIV transmission event. The present manuscript aims to review the pathogenesis of the virus and its progression and propose therapeutic targets and long-acting drug delivery strategies that hold substantial promise for enhancing outcomes in HIV treatment and prevention.

Nanomedicine for the Treatment of Viral Diseases: Smaller Solution to Bigger Problems

The continuous evolution of new viruses poses a danger to world health. Rampant outbreaks may advance to pandemic level, often straining financial and medical resources to breaking point. While vaccination remains the gold standard to prevent viral illnesses, these are mostly prophylactic and offer minimal assistance to those who have already developed viral illnesses. Moreover, the timeline to vaccine development and testing can be extensive, leading to a lapse in controlling the spread of viral infection during pandemics. Antiviral therapeutics can provide a temporary fix to tide over the time lag when vaccines are not available during the commencement of a disease outburst. At times, these medications can have negative side effects that outweigh the benefits, and they are not always effective against newly emerging virus strains. Several limitations with conventional antiviral therapies may be addressed by nanotechnology. By using nano delivery vehicles, for instance, the pharmacokinetic profile of antiviral medications can be significantly improved while decreasing systemic toxicity. The virucidal or virus-neutralizing qualities of other special nanomaterials can be exploited. This review focuses on the recent advancements in nanomedicine against RNA viruses, including nano-vaccines and nano-herbal therapeutics.

Dual strategy to improve the oral bioavailability of efavirenz employing nanomicelles and curcumin as a bio-enhancer

The present investigation was focused on the development of Soluplus®-based nanomicelles (NMs) (10 % w/v) loaded with Efavirenz (EFV) (5 mg/mL) and Curcumin (natural bio-enhancer) (CUR) (5, 10 and 15 mg/mL) to improve the oral bioavalability of EFV. Micellar formulations were obtained employing an acetone-diffusion technique. Apparent aqueous solubility was increased up to ∼1250-fold and 25,000-fold for EFV and CUR, respectively. Drug-loaded nanoformulations showed an excellent colloidal stability with unimodal size distribution and PDI values < 0.30. In vitro drug release was 41.5 % (EFV) and 2.6 % (CUR) from EFV-CUR-NMs over 6 h in simulated gastrointestinal fluids. EFV-CUR-loaded NMs resulted as safe nanoformulations according to the in vitro cytocompatibility assays in Caco-2 cells. Furthermore, CUR bio-enhancer activity was demonstrated for those nanoformulations. A CUR concentration of 15 mg/mL produced a significant (p < 0.05) increment (2.64-fold) of relative EFV oral bioavailability. Finally, the active role of the lymphatic system in the absorption process of EFV, after its oral administration was assessed in a comparative pharmacokinetic study in presence and absence of cycloheximide, a lymphatic transport inhibitor. Overall our EFV-CUR-NMs denoted their potential as a novel nanotechnological platform, representing a step towards an optimized "nano-sized" therapy for AIDS patients.

Hydrogel containing mPEG-PLGA nanoparticles for the vaginal delivery of saquinavir mesylate against HIV infection

Saquinavir mesylate (SQV) is a protease inhibitor commonly employed for the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus-1 infection. It is generally administered orally as tablets in combination with other antiviral drugs. Another promising route of administration can be represented by the vaginal one through topically applied formulations. This delivery can reduce the first-pass effect in the case of systemic drug adsorption or prevent HIV infection. We propose the formulation of a Carbopol® 974 (C974) hydrogel containing biodegradable mPEG-PL(L)GA nanoparticles (NPs) for the vaginal delivery of SQV, intended both as a prevention and a therapeutic strategy. mPEG-PL(L)GA NPs were incorporated into the C974 polymeric matrix, leading to a reduction of the hydrogel consistency dependent on NPs and C974 concentrations. Despite the moderate drug loading into NPs, the presence of the NPs had an impact on the in vitro release of the drug from the hydrogel at pH 5.5 using immersion cells. A higher amount of the drug was released, probably due to the effect of NPs in promoting the incorporation of the drug into the hydrogel at a high SQV dose. These findings can be useful for the development of topically applied hydrogels for SQV delivery, possibly having improved in vivo therapeutic outcomes.

The Application of Prodrugs as a Tool to Enhance the Properties of Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors

Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) is an effective treatment for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) which has transformed the highly lethal disease, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), into a chronic and manageable condition. However, better methods need to be developed for enhancing patient access and adherence to therapy and for improving treatment in the long term to reduce adverse effects. From the perspective of drug discovery, one promising strategy is the development of anti-HIV prodrugs. This approach aims to enhance the efficacy and safety of treatment, promoting the development of more appropriate and convenient systems for patients. In this review, we discussed the use of the prodrug approach for HIV antiviral agents and emphasized nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors. We comprehensively described various strategies that are used to enhance factors such as water solubility, bioavailability, pharmacokinetic parameters, permeability across biological membranes, chemical stability, drug delivery to specific sites/organs, and tolerability. These strategies might help researchers conduct better studies in this field. We also reported successful examples from the primary therapeutic classes while discussing the advantages and limitations. In this review, we highlighted the key trends in the application of the prodrug approach for treating HIV/AIDS.

Tracing the recent updates on vaccination approaches and significant adjuvants being developed against HIV

INTRODUCTION

Human Immunodeficiency Virus type 1 (HIV1); the causative agent of Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS), has been a major target of the scientific community to develop an anti-viral therapy. Some successful discoveries have been made during the last two decades in the form of availability of antiviral therapy in endemic regions. Nevertheless, a total cure and safety vaccine has not yet been designed to eradicate HIV from the world.

AREAS COVERED

The purpose of this comprehensive study is to compile recent data regarding therapeutic interventions against HIV and to determine future research needs in this field. A systematic research strategy has been used to gather data from recent, most advanced published electronic sources. Literature based results show that experiments at the invitro level and animal models are continuously in research annals and are providing hope for human trials.

EXPERT OPINION

There is still a gap and more work is needed in the direction of modern drug and vaccination designs. Moreover coordination is necessary among researchers, educationists, public health workers, and the general community to communicate and coordinate the repercussions associated with the deadly disease. It is important for taking timely measures regarding mitigation and adaptation with HIV in future.

Nanotechnology as a tool to overcome macromolecules delivery issues

Nanocarriers can deliver drugs to specific organs or cells, potentially bridging the gap between a drug's function and its interaction with biological systems such as human physiology. The untapped potential of nanotechnology stems from its ability to manipulate materials, allowing control over physical and chemical properties and overcoming drug-related problems, e.g., poor solubility or poor bioavailability. For example, most protein drugs are administered parenterally, each with challenges and peculiarities. Some problems faced by bioengineered macromolecule drugs leading to poor bioavailability are short biological half-life, large size and high molecular weight, low permeability through biological membranes, and structural instability. Nanotechnology emerges as a promising strategy to overcome these problems. Nevertheless, the delivery system should be carefully chosen considering loading efficiency, physicochemical properties, production conditions, toxicity, and regulations. Moving from the bench to the bedside is still one of the major bottlenecks in nanomedicine, and toxicological issues are the greatest challenges to overcome. This review provides an overview of biotech drug delivery approaches, associated nanotechnology novelty, toxicological issues, and regulations.

Tenofovir-tethered gold nanoparticles as a novel multifunctional long-acting anti-HIV therapy to overcome deficient drug delivery-: an in vivo proof of concept

BACKGROUND

The adoption of Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) substantially extends the life expectancy and quality of HIV-infected patients. Yet, eliminating the latent reservoirs of HIV to achieve a cure remains an unmet need. The advent of nanomedicine has revolutionized the treatment of HIV/AIDS. The present study explores a unique combination of Tenofovir (TNF) with gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) as a potential therapeutic approach to overcome several limitations of the current ART.

RESULTS

TNF-tethered AuNPs were successfully synthesized. Cell viability, genotoxicity, haemolysis, and histopathological studies confirmed the complete safety of the preparation. Most importantly, its anti-HIV1 reverse transcriptase activity was ~ 15 folds higher than the native TNF. In addition, it exhibited potent anti-HIV1 protease activity, a much sought-after target in anti-HIV1 therapeutics. Finally, the in vivo biodistribution studies validated that the AuNPs could reach many tissues/organs, serving as a secure nest for HIV and overcoming the problem of deficient drug delivery to HIV reservoirs.

CONCLUSIONS

We show that the combination of TNF and AuNPs exhibits multifunctional activity, viz. anti-HIV1 and anti-HIV1 protease. These findings are being reported for the first time and highlight the prospects of developing AuNP-TNF as a novel next-generation platform to treat HIV/AIDS.

Development of nanoemulsion of antiviral drug for brain targeting in the treatment of neuro-AIDS

Background

Delivery of drugs via the nasal route directly to the brain utilizing the olfactory pathway is purportedly known to be a more efficient method to deliver neuro-therapeutics to the brain by circumventing the BBB, thereby increasing the bioavailability of these drugs in the brain. The main objective of the project work is to improve the bioavailability of the antiretroviral drug and to minimize the side effects of this therapy which are observed at the higher side in the chronic HIV treatment. The advantage of nasal drug delivery is its noninvasiveness and self-administration. Nanoformulation provides fast onset of action and helps to achieve site-specific delivery. In the current work, nanoemulsion formulation was developed with a ternary phase system. In vitro characterization of nanoemulsion was performed.

Result

Optimized batch B2 had a zeta potential of − 18.7 mV showing a stable emulsion system and a particle size of 156.2 nmin desirable size range. Batch B2 has the least variation in globule size with PDI 0.463. Results from ex vivo studies revealed that developed nanoemulsion (B2) possessed a higher rate of drug release compared to other formulations.

Conclusion

Phase diagrams indicated more width of the nanoemulsion region with an increase in surfactant ratio. Stable nanoemulsion was prepared with a combination of surfactant and co-surfactants. Nanoemulsions could prove one of the best alternatives for brain delivery of potent medications.

Graphical Abstract

Computational-Model-Based Biopharmaceutics for p53 Pathway Using Modern Control Techniques for Cancer Treatment

The p53 pathway has been the focus of many researchers in the last few decades owing to its pivotal role as a frontline cancer suppressant protein. It plays a vital role in maintaining cell cycle checkpoints and cell apoptosis in response to a broken DNA strand. This is why it is found in the mutated form in more than 50% of malignant tumors. To overcome this, various drugs have been proposed to revive the p53 pathway in cancer patients. Small-molecule-based drugs, such as Nutlin 3a, which are capable of performing this stimulation, are at the fore of advanced clinical trials. However, the calculation of their dosage is a challenge. In this work, a method to determine the dosage of Nutlin 3a is investigated. A control-systems-based model is developed to study the response of the wild-type p53 protein to this drug. The proposed strategy regulates the p53 protein along with negative and positive feedback loops mediated by the MDM2 and MDM2 mRNA, respectively, along with the reversible repression of MDM2 caused by Nutlin 3a. For a broader perspective, the reported PBK dynamics of Nutlin 3a are also incorporated. It has been reported that p53 responds to stresses in two ways in terms of concentration to this drug: either it is a sustained (constant) or an oscillatory response. The claimed dosage strategy turned out to be appropriate for sustained p53 response. However, for the induction of oscillations, inhibition of MDM2 is not enough; rather, anti-repression of the p53–MDM2 complex is also needed, which opens new horizons for a new drug design paradigm.

Emerging trends and promises of nanoemulsions in therapeutics of infectious diseases

Infectious diseases are prevalent and have contributed to high morbidity rates by creating havoc like the COVID-19, 1918 influenza and Black Death (the plague) pandemics. Antimicrobial resistance, adverse effects, the emergence of co-infections and the high cost of antimicrobial therapies are major threats to the health of people worldwide while impacting overall healthcare and socioeconomic development. One of the most common ways to address this issue lies in improving existing antimicrobial drug-delivery systems. Nanoemulsions and their modified forms have been successfully employed for the delivery of antimicrobials to treat infectious diseases. In this article, the authors comprehensively reviewed how nanoemulsion-based formulation systems are shifting the paradigm for therapeutics and diagnosis of infectious diseases.

Formulation of Cabotegravir Loaded Gold Nanoparticles: Optimization, Characterization to In-Vitro Cytotoxicity Study

The effective and preventive treatment of HIV is one of the difficult challenges worldwide. It requires the development of an effective prophylactic strategy to prevent HIV/AIDS. This study aimed to synthesize Cabotegravir (CAB)-biodegradable gold (Au) nanoparticles by using pectin as a reducer and stabilizer. CAB-GNPs were prepared by the slightly modified Turkevich method. CAB-GNPs were optimized using Box Behnken design for independent variables gold chloride (A), pectin (B) and pH range (C). The effects of independent variables were observed on particle size (Y1) and encapsulation efficiency (Y2). The results of the study revealed that the optimized nanoparticles (GLN7) had a particle size of 3.9 ± 0.1 nm and encapsulation efficiency of 97.2 ± 3.9%. TEM study showed the spherical shape particles. The in-vitro drug release revealed 62.1 ± 0.5% release of CAB in simulated gastric buffer (pH 1.2) and 45.5 ± 2.8% in physiological buffer (pH 7.4). In-vitro cytotoxicity study and antibacterial activity depicted the safety of the prepared NPs by showing lesser toxicity than pure CAB. From the results, our experimental outcomes concluded that CAB gold nanoparticles composed of pectin may constitute a preferred embodiment for the delivery of CAB.

Smart design approaches for orally administered lipophilic prodrugs to promote lymphatic transport

Challenges to effective delivery of drugs following oral administration has attracted growing interest over recent decades. Small molecule drugs (<1000 Da) are generally absorbed across the gastrointestinal tract into the portal blood and further transported to the systemic circulation via the liver. This can result in a significant reduction to the oral bioavailability of drugs that are metabolically labile and ultimately lead to ineffective exposure and treatment. Targeting drug delivery to the intestinal lymphatics is attracting increased attention as an alternative route of drug transportation providing multiple benefits. These include bypassing hepatic first-pass metabolism and selectively targeting disease reservoirs residing within the lymphatic system. The particular physicochemical requirements for drugs to be able to access the lymphatics after oral delivery include high lipophilicity (logP>5) and high long-chain triglyceride solubility (> 50 mg/g), properties required to enable drug association with the lipoprotein transport pathway. The majority of small molecule drugs, however, are not this lipophilic and therefore not substantially transported via the intestinal lymph. This has contributed to a growing body of investigation into prodrug approaches to deliver drugs to the lymphatic system by chemical manipulation. Optimised lipophilic prodrugs have the potential to increase lymphatic transport thereby improving oral pharmacokinetics via a reduction in first pass metabolism and may also target of disease-specific reservoirs within the lymphatics. This may provide advantages for current pharmacotherapy approaches for a wide array of pathological conditions, e.g. immune disease, cancer and metabolic disease, and also presents a promising approach for advanced vaccination strategies. In this review, specific emphasis is placed on medicinal chemistry strategies that have been successfully employed to design lipophilic prodrugs to deliberately enable lymphatic transport. Recent progress and opportunities in medicinal chemistry and drug delivery that enable new platforms for efficacious and safe delivery of drugs are critically evaluated.

Nanomedicines for the topical treatment of vulvovaginal infections: Addressing the challenges of antimicrobial resistance

Recent years have, surprisingly, witnessed an increase in incidence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). At the same time, antimicrobial therapy came under the threat of ever rising antimicrobial resistance (AMR), resulting in STIs with extremely limited therapy options. In this review, we addressed the challenges of treating vaginal infections in an era of AMR. We focused on published work regarding nanomedicine destined for localized treatment of vaginal infections. Localized therapy offers numerous advantages such as assuring high drug concentration at the infection site, limiting systemic drug exposure that can lead to faster development of AMR reduction in the systemic side effects and potentially safe therapy in pregnancy. We provided a state-of-the-art overview of nanoformulations proposed to topically treat STIs, emphasizing the challenges and advantages of each type of nanocarriers, as well as issues of potential toxicity.

Nanoparticles and Its Implications in HIV/AIDS Therapy

The use of Antiretroviral drugs in treating HIV/ AIDS patients has enormously increased their life spans with serious disadvantages. The virus infection still remains a public health problem worldwide with no cure and vaccine for the viral agent until now. The use of nanoparticles (NPs) for the treatment and prevention of HIV/AIDS is an emerging technology of the 21st century. NPs are solid and colloid particles with 10 nm to <1000 nm size range; although, less than 200 nm is the recommended size for nanomedical usage. There are NPs with therapeutic capabilities such as liposomes, micelles, dendrimers and nanocapsules. The particle enters the body mainly via oral intake, direct injection and inhalation. It has been proven to have potentials of advancing the prevention and treatment of the viral agent. Certain NPs have been shown to have selftherapeutic activity for the virus in vitro. Strategies that are novel are emerging which can be used to improve nanotechnology, such as genetic treatment and immunotherapy. In this review, nanoparticles, the types and its characteristics in drug delivery were discussed. The light was furthermore shed on its implications in the prevention and treatment of HIV/AIDS.

Lipid Nanocarriers for Anti-HIV Therapeutics: A Focus on Physicochemical Properties and Biotechnological Advances

Since HIV was first identified, and in a relatively short period of time, AIDS has become one of the most devastating infectious diseases of the 21st century. Classical antiretroviral therapies were a major step forward in disease treatment options, significantly improving the survival rates of HIV-infected individuals. Even though these therapies have greatly improved HIV clinical outcomes, antiretrovirals (ARV) feature biopharmaceutic and pharmacokinetic problems such as poor aqueous solubility, short half-life, and poor penetration into HIV reservoir sites, which contribute to the suboptimal efficacy of these regimens. To overcome some of these issues, novel nanotechnology-based strategies for ARV delivery towards HIV viral reservoirs have been proposed. The current review is focused on the benefits of using lipid-based nanocarriers for tuning the physicochemical properties of ARV to overcome biological barriers upon administration. Furthermore, a correlation between these properties and the potential therapeutic outcomes has been established. Biotechnological advancements using lipid nanocarriers for RNA interference (RNAi) delivery for the treatment of HIV infections were also discussed.

Quantification and Validation of Stability-Indicating RP-HPLC Method for Efavirenz in Bulk and Tablet Dosage Form using Quality by Design (QbD): A Shifting Paradigm

The present study endeavors quality by design (QbD) assisted chromatographic method for the quantification of Efavirenz (ERZ) in bulk and tablet dosage form. Analytical QbD instigated with assignment of analytical target profile (ATP) and critical analytical attributes (CAAs). Risk assessment studies and factor screening studies facilitate to identify the critical method parameters (CMPs). Optimization was performed by employing 32 full factorial design using identified CMPs i.e., flow rate (X1) and pH of buffer (X2) at three different levels and evaluating selected CAAs i.e., retention time (Y1) and peak area (Y2). The individual and interactive influence of CMPs on CAAs were tested by statistical data and response surface plots. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) confirmed that method parameters are significant (P < 0.05). Chromatographic separation was achieved using methanol, 10 mM ammonium acetate buffer (70:30 v/v), pH adjusted at 3.1 with 0.05% ortho-phosphoric acid as a mobile phase at flow rate 1.0 mL/min, and a Nucleosil C18 (4.6 mm I.D. × 250 mm, 5 μm) column with UV detection at 247 nm. The method validation and subsequent stresses degradation studies according to ICH guidelines supported the method to be highly efficient for regular drug analysis and its degradation products. The proposed method was successfully demonstrated QbD based approach for the development of highly sensitive, reliable and suitable for routine analysis, and clinical applications.

Avoiding a Sticky Situation: Bypassing the Mucus Barrier for Improved Local Drug Delivery

The efficacy of drugs administered by traditional routes is limited by numerous biological barriers that preclude reaching the intended site of action. Further, full body systemic exposure leads to dose-limiting, off-target side effects. Topical formulations may provide more efficacious drug and nucleic acid delivery for diseases and conditions affecting mucosal tissues, but the mucus protecting our epithelial surfaces is a formidable barrier. Here, we describe recent advances in mucus-penetrating approaches for drug and nucleic acid delivery to the ocular surface, the female reproductive tract, the gastrointestinal tract, and the airways.

Dual engineered gold nanoparticle based synergistic prophylaxis delivery system for HIV/AIDS

HIV is a pandemic and continuously raises problem across the world. This disease puts an immense pressure on treatment modalities. There are only few clinically accepted drugs available for the treatment and few molecules under clinical development. Although, the antiretroviral drugs give reliable and positive response on control of virus replication but during the long treatment, it has been affirmed that there are number of side effects. With recent advancements in biotechnology, nanomaterials such as gold and silver etc. are proving to be a game changer in targeted drug delivery treatment. As gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) are biocompatible natural excipients, a lot of scientists are very eager to investigate more about the immune effects of AuNPs to create a safe and cost effective treatment that could potentially help in the reduction of numerous toxic effects present in the existing treatments of various critical diseases like cancer and HIV etc. In this context, the present hypothesis recommends the use of combination drug delivery strategy based on gold nanoparticles that could pave the way to overcome adverse results of existing delivery techniques of antiretroviral drugs to treat HIV. This review also highlights the fact that a proper development of this gold nanoparticle combination antiretroviral drug delivery approach will not only help to suppress the virus multiplication but also target the viral entry area by attaching with gp120 (glycoprotein 120), and inhibit the binding with CD4 (Cluster of differentiation 4) T cells.

Chitosan-Based Nanoparticles Against Viral Infections

Viral infections, in addition to damaging host cells, can compromise the host immune system, leading to frequent relapse or long-term persistence. Viruses have the capacity to destroy the host cell while liberating their own RNA or DNA in order to replicate within additional host cells. The viral life cycle makes it challenging to develop anti-viral drugs. Nanotechnology-based approaches have been suggested to deal effectively with viral diseases, and overcome some limitations of anti-viral drugs. Nanotechnology has enabled scientists to overcome the challenges of solubility and toxicity of anti-viral drugs, and can enhance their selectivity towards viruses and virally infected cells, while preserving healthy host cells. Chitosan is a naturally occurring polymer that has been used to construct nanoparticles (NPs), which are biocompatible, biodegradable, less toxic, easy to prepare, and can function as effective drug delivery systems (DDSs). Furthermore, chitosan is Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) by the US Food and Drug Administration (U.S. FDA). Chitosan NPs have been used in drug delivery by the oral, ocular, pulmonary, nasal, mucosal, buccal, or vaginal routes. They have also been studied for gene delivery, vaccine delivery, and advanced cancer therapy. Multiple lines of evidence suggest that chitosan NPs could be used as new therapeutic tools against viral infections. In this review we summarize reports concerning the therapeutic potential of chitosan NPs against various viral infections.

Nanotechnology for virus treatment

The continued emergence of novel viruses poses a significant threat to global health. Uncontrolled outbreaks can result in pandemics that have the potential to overburden our healthcare and economic systems. While vaccination is a conventional modality that can be employed to promote herd immunity, antiviral vaccines can only be applied prophylactically and do little to help patients who have already contracted viral infections. During the early stages of a disease outbreak when vaccines are unavailable, therapeutic antiviral drugs can be used as a stopgap solution. However, these treatments do not always work against emerging viral strains and can be accompanied by adverse effects that sometimes outweigh the benefits. Nanotechnology has the potential to overcome many of the challenges facing current antiviral therapies. For example, nanodelivery vehicles can be employed to drastically improve the pharmacokinetic profile of antiviral drugs while reducing their systemic toxicity. Other unique nanomaterials can be leveraged for their virucidal or virus-neutralizing properties. In this review, we discuss recent developments in antiviral nanotherapeutics and provide a perspective on the application of nanotechnology to the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak and future virus pandemics.

Magnetic Imaging of Encapsulated Superparamagnetic Nanoparticles by Data Fusion of Magnetic Force Microscopy and Atomic Force Microscopy Signals for Correction of Topographic Crosstalk

Encapsulated magnetic nanoparticles are of increasing interest for biomedical applications. However, up to now, it is still not possible to characterize their localized magnetic properties within the capsules. Magnetic Force Microscopy (MFM) has proved to be a suitable technique to image magnetic nanoparticles at ambient conditions revealing information about the spatial distribution and the magnetic properties of the nanoparticles simultaneously. However, MFM measurements on magnetic nanoparticles lead to falsifications of the magnetic MFM signal due to the topographic crosstalk. The origin of the topographic crosstalk in MFM has been proven to be capacitive coupling effects due to distance change between the substrate and tip measuring above the nanoparticle. In this paper, we present data fusion of the topography measurements of Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) and the phase image of MFM measurements in combination with the theory of capacitive coupling in order to eliminate the topographic crosstalk in the phase image. This method offers a novel approach for the magnetic visualization of encapsulated magnetic nanoparticles.

Nanosystems Applied to HIV Infection: Prevention and Treatments

Sexually-transmitted infections (STIs) are a global health concern worldwide as they cause acute diseases, infertility, and significant mortality. Among the bacterial, viral, and parasitic pathogens that can be sexually transmitted, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has caused one of the most important pandemic diseases, which is acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). 32.7 million people have died from AIDS-related illnesses since the start of the epidemic. Moreover, in 2019, 38 million people were living with HIV worldwide. The need to deal with this viral infection becomes more obvious, because it represents not only a problem for public health, but also a substantial economic problem. In this context, it is necessary to focus efforts on developing methods for prevention, detection and treatment of HIV infections that significantly reduce the number of newly infected people and provide a better quality of life for patients. For several decades, biomedical research has been developed allowing quick solutions through the contribution of effective tools. One of them is the use of polymers as vehicles, drug carrier agents, or as macromolecular prodrugs. Moreover, nanosystems (NSs) play an especially important role in the diagnosis, prevention, and therapy against HIV infection. The purpose of this work is to review recent research into diverse NSs as potential candidates for prevention and treatment of HIV infection. Firstly, this review highlights the advantages of using nanosized structures for these medical applications. Furthermore, we provide an overview of different types of NSs used for preventing or combating HIV infection. Then, we briefly evaluate the most recent developments associated with prevention and treatment alternatives. Additionally, the implications of using different NSs are also addressed.

The combination of low level laser therapy and efavirenz drastically reduces HIV infection in TZM-bl cells

Background

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection remains a global health challenge despite the use of antiretroviral therapy, which has led to a significant decline in the mortality rates. Owing to the unavailability of an effective treatment to completely eradicate the virus, researchers continue to explore new methods. Low level laser therapy (LLLT) has been widely used to treat different medical conditions and involves the exposure of cells or tissues to low levels of red and near infrared light. The study aimed to determine the effect of combining two unrelated therapies on HIV infection in TZM-bl cells.

Methods

In the current study, LLLT was combined with efavirenz, an HIV reverse transcriptase inhibitor to establish their impact on HIV infection in TZM-bl cells. Both the HIV infected and uninfected cells were laser irradiated using a wavelength of 640 nm with fluencies of 2–10 J/cm².

Results

The impact of HIV, efavirenz and irradiation were determined 24 h post irradiation using biological assays. Luciferase assay results showed that the combination of LLLT and efavirenz significantly reduced HIV infection in cells, despite the undesirable effects observed in the cells as demonstrated by cell morphology, proliferation and cell integrity assay. Flow cytometry results demonstrated that cell death was mainly through necrosis while fluorescence microscopy showed the production of reactive oxygen species in HIV infected cells.

Conclusion

Efavirenz and LLLT significantly reduced HIV infection in TZM-bl cells. Furthermore, the death of HIV infected cells was due to necrosis.

An Overview of Antiretroviral Agents for Treating HIV Infection in Paediatric Population

Paediatric Acquired ImmunoDeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is a life-threatening and infectious disease in which the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is mainly transmitted through Mother-To- Child Transmission (MTCT) during pregnancy, labour and delivery, or breastfeeding. This review provides an overview of the distinct therapeutic alternatives to abolish the systemic viral replication in paediatric HIV-1 infection. Numerous classes of antiretroviral agents have emerged as therapeutic tools for downregulation of different steps in the HIV replication process. These classes encompass Non- Nucleoside Analogue Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors (NNRTIs), Nucleoside/Nucleotide Analogue Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors (NRTIs/NtRTIs), INtegrase Inhibitors (INIs), Protease Inhibitors (PIs), and Entry Inhibitors (EIs). Co-administration of certain antiretroviral drugs with Pharmacokinetic Enhancers (PEs) may boost the effectiveness of the primary therapeutic agent. The combination of multiple antiretroviral drug regimens (Highly Active AntiRetroviral Therapy - HAART) is currently the standard therapeutic approach for HIV infection. So far, the use of HAART offers the best opportunity for prolonged and maximal viral suppression, and preservation of the immune system upon HIV infection. Still, the frequent administration of high doses of multiple drugs, their inefficient ability to reach the viral reservoirs in adequate doses, the development of drug resistance, and the lack of patient compliance compromise the complete HIV elimination. The development of nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems may enable targeted delivery of antiretroviral agents to inaccessible viral reservoir sites at therapeutic concentrations. In addition, the application of Computer-Aided Drug Design (CADD) approaches has provided valuable tools for the development of anti-HIV drug candidates with favourable pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetic properties.

Chitosan-based Colloidal Polyelectrolyte Complexes for Drug Delivery: A Review

Polyelectrolyte complexes (PECs) as safe drug delivery carriers, are spontaneously formed by mixing the oppositely charged polyelectrolyte solutions in water without using organic solvents nor chemical cross-linker or surfactant. Intensifying attentions on the PECs study are aroused in academia and industry since the fabrication process of PECs is mild and they are ideal vectors for the delivery of susceptible drugs and macromolecules. Chitosan as the unique natural cationic polysaccharide, is a good bioadhesive material. Besides, due to its excellent biocompatibility, biodegradability, abundant availability and hydrophilic nature, chitosan-based PECs have been extensively applied for drug delivery, particularly after administration through mucosal and parenteral routes. The purpose of this review is to compile the recent advances on the biomedical applications of chitosan-based PECs, with specific focuses on the mucosal delivery, cancer therapy, gene delivery and anti-HIV therapy. The challenges and the perspectives of the chitosan-based PECs are briefly commented as well.

Tetrahydrocurcumin-loaded vaginal nanomicrobicide for prophylaxis of HIV/AIDS: in silico study, formulation development, and in vitro evaluation

A vaginal microbicide is a front-line women-dependent approach and an alternative to a condom for prevention of unprotected sexual intercourse-associated HIV. The microbicide research is still in its infancy with several products in the clinical studies being reported to have good efficacy, safe, but with poor adherence. One such molecule reported with an excellent efficacy when tested preclinically is curcumin, a natural polyphenol derived from Curcuma longa. Despite its potential HIV-1 inhibitory activity, it has intense yellow color staining properties, which would result in poor consumer compliance and adherence for vaginal application. To address this issue, tetrahydrocurcumin (THC), a colorless derivative of curcumin, was subjected to in silico screening (molecular docking and dynamics simulation studies) using homology model of gp120-CD4 binding. It was found that THC exhibited equivalent gp120-CD4 binding inhibitory activity as compared with curcumin due to its stable hydrophobic interactions with residues Asp368 and Trp427 deeper in the Phe43 cavity of CD4 receptor. Hence, it can be effectively used as a potential microbicide candidate. THC, a BCS Class II molecule exhibits poor solubility, spreadability, and intracellular uptake when used in the conventional form. Thus, it was decided to develop a lipid-based nanomicrobicide gel for delivery of THC. The developed THC-loaded o/w microemulsion gel was characterized for physicochemical properties (globule size, drug content, drug release, and permeation) and further used for in vitro cell line studies (cell viability, cellular uptake, and anti-HIV activity). The developed formulation was found to be stable with coitus-independent release profile and exhibited a rapid time-independent intracellular uptake. In addition, it exhibited a fourfold increase in efficacy as compared with conventional THC. Thus, the novel THC-loaded o/w microemulsion gel exhibited the potential for prevention of HIV-1 infection associated with unprotected sexual intercourse.

Topical Inserts: A Versatile Delivery Form for HIV Prevention

The development of topical inserts for the prevention of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), particularly human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), represents a promising alternative to oral and parenteral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) dosage forms. They may be used for vaginal and/or rectal administration of a variety of agents with antiviral activity. Topical inserts deliver drugs to the portal of viral entry, i.e., the genital or rectal mucosa, with low systemic exposure, and therefore are safer and have fewer side effects than systemic PrEP agents. They may dissolve fast, releasing the active drugs within minutes of insertion, or slowly for long-acting drug delivery. Furthermore, they are user-friendly being easy to administer, discreet and highly portable. They are also economical and easy to manufacture at scale and to distribute, with excellent stability and shelf-life. Altogether, topical inserts represent a particularly promising form of drug delivery for HIV and STI prevention. Highlighted within this review are end-user acceptability research dedicated to understanding preferred attributes for this form of drug delivery, advantages and disadvantages of the formulation platform options, considerations for their development, clinical assessment of select placebo prototypes, future directions, and the potential impact of this dosage form on the HIV prevention landscape.

Formulation and in-vivo Evaluation of Novel Topical Gel of Lopinavir for Targeting HIV

BACKGROUND

Lopinavir is a specific reversible inhibitor of the enzyme HIV protease with mean oral bioavailability of less than 20 % due to extensive hepatic metabolism by cytochrome P450 3A4. The reported half-life of Lopinavir is 5-6 hours and the maximum recommended daily dose is 400 mg/day. All the marketed tablet and capsule formulations of lopinavir are generally combined with Ritonavir, a potent inhibitor of cytochrome P450 3A4, to minimize presystemic metabolism of lopinavir. Hence, to overcome limitations associated with oral administration of lopinavir and to promote single drug administration, utilization of vesicular nanocarriers through topical route could prove to be effective, as the approach combines the inherent advantages of topical route and the drug-carrying potential of vesicular nanocarriers across the tough and otherwise impervious skin barrier layer, i.e., stratum corneum.

OBJECTIVE

The objective was to develop solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) of lopinavir and formulate a topical gel for improved systemic bioavailability of lopinavir.

METHOD

SLNs were prepared using high-pressure homogenization technique and optimized. The nanoparticles were characterized by SEM to confirm their spherical shape. Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) analysis was carried out to ensure the entrapment of drug inside the SLNs. A comparative evaluation was done between SLN based gel and plain gel of drug by performing exvivo skin permeation studies using Franz diffusion cell. To explore the potential of topical route, invivo bioavailability study was conducted in male Wistar rats.

RESULTS

The optimized formulation composed of Compritol 888ATO (0.5 %) as a lipid, Poloxamer 407 (0.25 %) as a surfactant and Labrasol (0.25 %) as a co-surfactant gave the maximum entrapment of 69.78 % with mean particle size of 48.86nm. The plain gel of the drug gave a release of 98.406 ± 0.007 % at the end of 4hours whereas SLN based gel gave a more sustained release of 71.197 ±0.006 % at the end of 12hours ex-vivo. As observed from the results of in-vivo studies, highest Cmax was found with SLN based gel (20.3127 ± 0.6056) µg/ml as compared to plain gel (8.0655 ± 1.6369) µg/ml and oral suspension (4.2550 ± 16.380) µg/ml of the drug. Also, the AUC was higher in the case of SLN based gel indicating good bioavailability as compared to oral suspension and plain gel of drug.

CONCLUSION

Lopinavir SLN based gel was found to have modified drug release pattern providing sustained release as compared to plain drug gel. This indicates that Lopinavir when given topically has a good potential to target the HIV as compared to when given orally.

Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors Nanosystems Designed for Drug Stability and Controlled Delivery

An in-depth analysis of nanotechnology applications for the improvement of solubility, distribution, bioavailability and stability of reverse transcriptase inhibitors is reported. Current clinically used nucleoside and non-nucleoside agents, included in combination therapies, were examined in the present survey, as drugs belonging to these classes are the major component of highly active antiretroviral treatments. The inclusion of such agents into supramolecular vesicular systems, such as liposomes, niosomes and lipid solid NPs, overcomes several drawbacks related to the action of these drugs, including drug instability and unfavorable pharmacokinetics. Overall results reported in the literature show that the performances of these drugs could be significantly improved by inclusion into nanosystems.

Design of Poly(lactic-co-glycolic Acid) (PLGA) Nanoparticles for Vaginal Co-Delivery of Griffithsin and Dapivirine and Their Synergistic Effect for HIV Prophylaxis

Long-acting topical products for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) that combine antiretrovirals (ARVs) inhibiting initial stages of infection are highly promising for prevention of HIV sexual transmission. We fabricated core-shell poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) nanoparticles, loaded with two potent ARVs, griffithsin (GRFT) and dapivirine (DPV), having different physicochemical properties and specifically targeting the fusion and reverse transcription steps of HIV replication, as a potential long-acting microbicide product. The nanoparticles were evaluated for particle size and zeta potential, drug release, cytotoxicity, cellular uptake and in vitro bioactivity. PLGA nanoparticles, with diameter around 180–200 nm, successfully encapsulated GRFT (45% of initially added) and DPV (70%). Both drugs showed a biphasic release with initial burst phase followed by a sustained release phase. GRFT and DPV nanoparticles were non-toxic and maintained bioactivity (IC₅₀ values of 0.5 nM and 4.7 nM, respectively) in a cell-based assay. The combination of drugs in both unformulated and encapsulated in nanoparticles showed strong synergistic drug activity at 1:1 ratio of IC₅₀ values. This is the first study to co-deliver a protein (GRFT) and a hydrophobic small molecule (DPV) in PLGA nanoparticles as microbicides. Our findings demonstrate that the combination of GRFT and DPV in nanoparticles is highly potent and possess properties critical to the design of a sustained release microbicide.

Versatile iron-catechol-based nanoscale coordination polymers with antiretroviral ligand functionalization and their use as efficient carriers in HIV/AIDS therapy

A novel chemical approach integrating the benefits of nanoparticles with versatility of coordination chemistry is reported herein to increase the effectiveness of well-known HIV antiretroviral drugs. The novelty of our approach is illustrated using a catechol ligand tethered to the known antiretroviral azidothymidine (AZT) as a constitutive building block of the nanoparticles. The resulting nanoscale coordination polymers (NCPs) ensure good encapsulation yields and equivalent antiretroviral activity while significantly diminishing its cytotoxicity. Moreover, this novel family of nanoparticles also offers (i) long-lasting drug release that is dissimilar inside and outside the cells depending on pH, (ii) triggered release in the presence of esterases, activating the antiviral activity in an on-off manner due to a proper chemical design of the ligand and (iii) improved colloidal stabilities and cellular uptakes (up to 50-fold increase). The presence of iron nodes also adds multifunctionality as possible contrast agents. The present study demonstrates the suitability of NCPs bearing pharmacologically active ligands as an alternative to conventional antiretroviral treatments.

Pharmaceutical Vehicles for Vaginal and Rectal Administration of Anti-HIV Microbicide Nanosystems

Prevention strategies play a key role in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Vaginal and rectal microbicides hold great promise in tackling sexual transmission of HIV-1, but effective and safe products are yet to be approved and made available to those in need. While most efforts have been placed in finding and testing suitable active drug candidates to be used in microbicide development, the last decade also saw considerable advances in the design of adequate carrier systems and formulations that could lead to products presenting enhanced performance in protecting from infection. One strategy demonstrating great potential encompasses the use of nanosystems, either with intrinsic antiviral activity or acting as carriers for promising microbicide drug candidates. Polymeric nanoparticles, in particular, have been shown to be able to enhance mucosal distribution and retention of promising antiretroviral compounds. One important aspect in the development of nanotechnology-based microbicides relates to the design of pharmaceutical vehicles that allow not only convenient vaginal and/or rectal administration, but also preserve or even enhance the performance of nanosystems. In this manuscript, we revise relevant work concerning the selection of vaginal/rectal dosage forms and vehicle formulation development for the administration of microbicide nanosystems. We also pinpoint major gaps in the field and provide pertinent hints for future work.

Characteristics and mechanism associated with drug conjugated inorganic nanoparticles

Nanoparticles have several exciting applications nowadays almost in every area. Biomedical field is one of them where nanoparticles show potential for various applications due to their exceptional and exciting properties. The presence of heavy metals in inorganic nanoparticles lead to toxicity in the biological system, therefore, their direct use for drug delivery is restricted. But encapsulating their surface with a non-toxic or biocompatible material makes them a promising material for application in drug delivery system. This review highlights the various characteristics and factors involved in nano-drug delivery system. The understanding of various mechanisms involved during the uptake of nanoparticles by cells, toxicity, surface chemistry and several drug release mechanisms has been discussed. This article also includes various computational studies used to optimise the design and properties of drug delivery system.

Nanotechnology approaches to eradicating HIV reservoirs

The advent of combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) has transformed HIV-1 infection into a controllable chronic disease, but these therapies are incapable of eradicating the virus to bring about an HIV cure. Multiple strategies have been proposed and investigated to eradicate latent viral reservoirs from various biological sanctuaries. However, due to the complexity of HIV infection and latency maintenance, a single drug is unlikely to eliminate all HIV reservoirs and novel strategies may be needed to achieve better efficacy while limiting systemic toxicity. In this review, we describe HIV latency in cellular and anatomical reservoirs, and present an overview of current strategies for HIV cure with a focus on their challenges for clinical translation. Then we provide a summary of nanotechnology solutions that have been used to address challenges in HIV cure by delivering physicochemically diverse agents for combination therapy or targeting HIV reservoir sites. We also review nanocarrier-based gene delivery and immunotherapy used in cancer treatment but may have potential applications in HIV cure.

Design and mechanistic study of a novel gold nanocluster-based drug delivery system

Chemically-triggered drug delivery systems (DDSs) have been extensively studied as they do not require specialized equipment to deliver the drug and can deeply penetrate human tissue. However, their syntheses are complicated and they tend to be cytotoxic, which restricts their clinical utility. In this work, the self-regulated drug loading and release capabilities of peptide-protected gold nanoclusters (Pep-Au NCs) are investigated using vancomycin (Van) as the model drug. Gold nanoclusters (Au NCs) coated with a custom-designed pentapeptide are synthesized as drug delivery nanocarriers and loaded with Van - a spontaneous process reliant on the specific binding between Van and the custom-designed peptide. The Van-loaded Au NCs show comparable antimicrobial activity with Van on its own, and the number of Van released by the Pep-Au NCs is found to be proportional to the amount of bacteria present. The controlled nature of the Van release is very encouraging, and predominantly due to the stronger binding affinity of Van with bacteria than that with Au NCs. In addition, these fluorescent Au NCs could also be used to construct temperature sensors, which enable the in vitro and in vivo bioimaging.

Global Perspective of Novel Therapeutic Strategies for the Management of NeuroAIDS

Among Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infected individuals, around two-thirds of patients present with neuroAIDS, where HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND), and HIV-associated dementia (HAD) are the most prevailing neurological complications. The neuropathology of neuroAIDS can be characterized by the presence of HIV infected macrophages and microglia in the brain, with the formation of multinucleated giant cells. Global predominant subtypes of HIV-1 clade B and C infections influence the differential effect of immune and neuronal dysfunctions, leading to clade-specific clinical variation in neuroAIDS patient cohorts. Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) enhances the survival rate among AIDS patients, but due to the inability to cross the Blood-Brain-Barrier (BBB), incidence of neuroAIDS during disease progression may be envisaged. The complex structure of blood-brain-barrier, and poor pharmacokinetic profile coupled with weak bio-distribution of antiretroviral drugs, are the principle barriers for the treatment of neuroAIDS. In the combined antiretroviral therapy (cART) era, the frequency of HAD has decreased; however the incidence of asymptomatic neurocognitive impairment (ANI) and minor neurocognitive disorder (MND) remains consistent. Therefore, several effective novel nanotechnology based therapeutic approaches have been developed to improve the availability of antiretroviral drugs in the brain for the management of neuroAIDS.

Nanotechnologies for early diagnosis, in situ disease monitoring, and prevention

Nanotechnology is an enabling technology with great potential for applications in stem cell research and regenerative medicine. Fluorescent nanodiamond (FND), an inherently biocompatible and nontoxic nanoparticle, is well suited for such applications. We had developed a prospective isolation method using CD157, CD45, and CD54 to obtain lung stem cells. Labeling of CD45⁻CD54⁺CD157⁺ cells with FNDs did not eliminate their abilities for self-renewal and differentiation. The FND labeling in combination with cell sorting, fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy, and immunostaining identified transplanted stem cells allowed tracking of their engraftment and regenerative capabilities with single-cell resolution. Time-gated fluorescence (TGF) imaging in mouse tissue sections indicated that they reside preferentially at the bronchoalveolar junctions of lungs, especially in naphthalene-injured mice. Our results presented in Subchapter 1.1 demonstrate not only the remarkable homing capacity and regenerative potential of the isolated stem cells, but also the ability of finding rare lung stem cells in vivo using FNDs.

The topical use of antiretroviral-based microbicides, namely of a dapivirine ring, has been recently shown to partially prevent transmission of HIV through the vaginal route. Among different formulation approaches, nanotechnology tools and principles have been used for the development of tentative vaginal and rectal microbicide products. Subchapter 1.2 provides an overview of antiretroviral drug nanocarriers as novel microbicide candidates and discusses recent and relevant research on the topic. Furthermore, advances in developing vaginal delivery platforms for the administration of promising antiretroviral drug nanocarriers are reviewed. Although mostly dedicated to the discussion of nanosystems for vaginal use, the development of rectal nanomicrobicides is also addressed.

Infectious diseases are currently responsible for over 8 million deaths per year. Efficient treatments require accurate recognition of pathogens at low concentrations, which in the case of blood infection (septicemia) can go as low as 1 mL^–1. Detecting and quantifying bacteria at such low concentrations is challenging and typically demands cultures of large samples of blood (∼1 mL) extending over 24–72 h. This delay seriously compromises the health of patients and is largely responsible for the death toll of bacterial infections. Recent advances in nanoscience, spectroscopy, plasmonics, and microfluidics allow for the development of optical devices capable of monitoring minute amounts of analytes in liquid samples. In Subchapter 1.3 we critically discuss these recent developments that will, in the future, enable the multiplex identification and quantification of microorganisms directly on their biological matrix with unprecedented speed, low cost, and sensitivity.

Radiolabeled nanoparticles (NPs) are finding an increasing interest in a broad range of biomedical applications. They may be used to detect and characterize diseases, to deliver relevant therapeutics, and to study the pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic parameters of nanomaterials. The use of radiotracer techniques in the research of novel NPs offers many advantages, but there are still some limitations. The binding of radionuclides to NPs has to be irreversible to prevent their escape to other tissues or organs. Due to the short half-lives of radionuclides, the manufacturing process is time limited and difficult, and there is also a risk of contamination. Subchapter 1.4 presents the main selection criteria for radionuclides and applicable radiolabeling procedures used for the radiolabeling of various NPs. Also, an overview of different types of NPs that have so far been labeled with radionuclides is presented.

Cytotoxicity assessment, inflammatory properties, and cellular uptake of Neutraplex lipid-based nanoparticles in THP-1 monocyte-derived macrophages

Current antiretroviral drugs used to prevent or treat human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection are not able to eliminate the virus within tissues or cells where HIV establishes reservoirs. Hence, there is an urgent need to develop targeted delivery systems to enhance drug concentrations in these viral sanctuary sites. Macrophages are key players in HIV infection and contribute significantly to the cellular reservoirs of HIV because the virus can survive for prolonged periods in these cells. In the present work, we investigated the potential of the lipid-based Neutraplex nanosystem to deliver anti-HIV therapeutics in human macrophages using the human monocyte/macrophage cell line THP-1. Neutraplex nanoparticles as well as cationic and anionic Neutraplex nanolipoplexes (Neutraplex/small interfering RNA) were prepared and characterized by dynamic light scattering. Neutraplex nanoparticles showed low cytotoxicity in CellTiter-Blue reduction and lactate dehydrogenase release assays and were not found to have pro-inflammatory effects. In addition, confocal studies showed that the Neutraplex nanoparticles and nanolipoplexes are rapidly internalized into THP-1 macrophages and that they can escape the late endosome/lysosome compartment allowing the delivery of small interfering RNAs in the cytoplasm. Furthermore, HIV replication was inhibited in the in vitro TZM-bl infectivity assay when small interfering RNAs targeting CXCR4 co-receptor was delivered by Neutraplex nanoparticles compared to a random small interfering RNA sequence. This study demonstrates that the Neutraplex nanosystem has potential for further development as a delivery strategy to efficiently and safely enhance the transport of therapeutic molecules into human monocyte-derived macrophages in the aim of targeting HIV-1 in this cellular reservoir.

Loading dendritic cells with gold nanoparticles (GNPs) bearing HIV-peptides and mannosides enhance HIV-specific T cell responses

Gold nanoparticles (GNPs) decorated with glycans ameliorate dendritic cells (DC) uptake, antigen-presentation and T-cells cross-talk, which are important aspects in vaccine design. GNPs allow for high antigen loading, DC targeting, lack of toxicity and are straightforward prepared and easy to handle. The present study aimed to assess the capacity of DC to process and present HIV-1-peptides loaded onto GNPs bearing high-mannoside-type oligosaccharides (P1@HM) to autologous T-cells from HIV-1 patients. The results showed that P1@HM increased HIV-specific CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ T-cell proliferation and induced highly functional cytokine secretion compared with HIV-peptides alone. P1@HM elicits a highly efficient secretion of pro-T_H1 cytokines and chemokines, a moderate production of pro-T_H2 and significant higher secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α and IL-1β. Thus, co-delivery of HIV-1 antigens and HM by GNPs is an excellent vaccine delivery system inducing HIV-specific cellular immune responses in HIV+ patients, being a promising approach to improve anti-HIV-1 vaccines.

Enhancement of oral bioavailability of anti-HIV drug rilpivirine HCl through nanosponge formulation. Drug Dev Ind Pharm 2017;43:2076-2084. [PMID: 28845699 DOI: 10.1080/03639045.2017.1371732]

OBJECTIVE

To synthesize β cyclodextrin nanosponges using a novel and efficient microwave mediated method for enhancing bioavailability of Rilpivirine HCl (RLP).

SIGNIFICANCE

Belonging to BCS class II RLP has pH dependent solubility and poor oral bioavailability. However, a fatty meal enhances its absorption hence the therapy indicates that the dosage form be consumed with a meal. But then it becomes tedious and inconvenient to continue the therapy for years with having to face the associated gastric side effects such as nausea.

METHOD

Microwave synthesizer was used to mediate the poly-condensation reaction between β-cyclodextrin and cross-linker diphenylcarbonate. Critical parameters selected were polymer to cross-linker ratio, Watt power, reaction time and solvent volume. Characterization studies were performed using FTIR, DSC, SEM, ¹H-NMR and PXRD. Molecular modeling was applied to confirm the possibility of drug entrapment. In vitro drug dissolution followed by oral bioavailability studies was performed in Sprawley rats. Samples were analyzed using HPLC.

RESULTS

Microwave synthesis yields para-crystalline, porous nanosponges (∼205 nm). Drug entrapment led to enhancement of solubility and a two-fold increase in drug dissolution (P < 0.001) following Higuchi release model. Enhanced oral bioavailability was observed in fasted Sprawley rats where C_max and AUC_0-∞ increases significantly (C_max of NS∼ 586 ± 5.91 ng/mL; plain RLP ∼310 ± 5. 74 ng/mL).

CONCLUSION

The approach offers a comfortable dosing zone for AIDs patients, negating the requirement of consuming the formulation in a fed state due to enhancement in drugs' oral bioavailability.

Encapsulation of ritonavir in solid lipid nanoparticles: in-vitro anti-HIV-1 activity using lentiviral particles

Objectives

In this study, ritonavir was entrapped into solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) employing two production methods. The prepared SLNs were characterized and antiretroviral activity was investigated for more efficient formulation.

Methods

Ritonavir-loaded SLNs were produced by solvent emulsification evaporation (SE) and double emulsion methods (DE), and the effects of Tween80 and poloxamer188 as external phase surfactant were compared. Prepared SLNs were characterized in terms of size, surface charge, entrapment efficiency (EE), release profile and thermal behaviour. Moreover, the activity of drug-loaded SLNs was investigated on the lentiviral-based pseudo-HIV-1 particles.

Key findings

The average size of negatively charged SLNs was 170–250 nm with polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.2. The most EE% was about 53.2% achieved by DE method in the presence of poloxamer188. It was found that addition of poloxamer188 in the process led to increased entrapment efficiency and particle size. The in-vitro antiviral experiment showed ritonavir SLNs can actively maintain inhibition of virus production as well as free drug.

Conclusions

In this study, we showed the SLNs not only can encapsulate ritonavir efficiently but also can maintain its antiviral activity and modulate drug release as promising nanocarrier.

"Fusion and binding inhibition" key target for HIV-1 treatment and pre-exposure prophylaxis: targets, drug delivery and nanotechnology approaches

More than 35 million people are living with HIV worldwide with approximately 2.3 million new infections per year. Cascade of events (cell entry, virus replication, assembly and release of newly formed virions) is involved in the HIV-1 transmission process. Every single step offers a potential therapeutic strategy to halt this progression and HIV fusion into the human host cell is one such stage. Controlling the initial event of HIV-1 transmission is the best way to control its dissemination especially when prophylaxis is concerned. Action is required either on the HIV’s or host’s cell surface which is logically more rational when compared with other intracellular acting moieties. Aim of this manuscript is to detail the significance and current strategies to halt this initial step, thus blocking the entry of HIV-1 for further infection. Both HIV-1 and the possible host cell’s receptors/co-receptors are under focus while specifying the targets available for inhibiting this fusion. Current and under investigation moieties are categorized based on their versatile mechanisms. Advanced drug delivery and nanotechnology approaches present a key tool to exploit the therapeutic potential in a boosted way. Current drug delivery and the impact of nanotechnology in potentiating this strategy are detailed.

Application of nanotechnology for the development of microbicides

The vaginal route is increasingly being considered for both local and systemic delivery of drugs, especially those unsuitable for oral administration. One of the opportunities offered by this route but yet to be fully utilised is the administration of microbicides. Microbicides have an unprecedented potential for mitigating the global burden from HIV infection as heterosexual contact accounts for most of the new infections occurring in sub-Saharan Africa, the region with the highest prevalent rates. Decades of efforts and massive investment of resources into developing an ideal microbicide have resulted in disappointing outcomes, as attested by several clinical trials assessing the suitability of those formulated so far. The highly complex and multi-level biochemical interactions that must occur among the virus, host cells and the drug for transmission to be halted means that a less sophisticated approach to formulating a microbicide e.g. conventional gels, etc may have to give way for a different formulation approach. Nanotechnology has been identified to offer prospects for fabricating structures with high capability of disrupting HIV transmission. In this review, predominant challenges seen in microbicide development have been highlighted and possible ways of surmounting them suggested. Furthermore, formulations utilising some of these highly promising nanostructures such as liposomes, nanofibres and nanoparticles have been discussed. A perspective on how a tripartite collaboration among governments and their agencies, the pharmaceutical industry and academic scientists to facilitate the development of an ideal microbicide in a timely manner has also been briefly deliberated.