Folate-modified carboxymethyl chitosan-based drug delivery system for breast cancer specific combination therapy via regulating mitochondrial calcium concentration

Recent advances in polysaccharide-based drug delivery systems for cancer therapy: a comprehensive review

Cancer has a high rate of incidence and mortality throughout the world. Although several conventional approaches have been developed for the treatment of cancer, such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and thermal therapy, they have remarkable disadvantages which result in inefficient treatment of cancer. For example, immunogenicity, prolonged treatment, non-specificity, metastasis and high cost of treatment, are considered as the major drawbacks of chemotherapy. Therefore, there is a fundamental requirement for the development of breakthrough technologies for cancer suppression. Polysaccharide-based drug delivery systems (DDSs) are the most reliable drug carriers for cancer therapy. Polysaccharides, as a kind of practical biomaterials, are divided into several types, including chitosan, alginates, dextran, hyaluronic acid, cyclodextrin, pectin, etc. Polysaccharides are extracted from different natural resources (like herbal, marine, microorganisms, etc.). The potential features of polysaccharides have made them reliable candidates for therapeutics delivery to cancer sites; the simple purification, ease of modification and functionalization, hydrophilicity, serum stability, appropriate drug loading capacity, biocompatibility, bioavailability, biodegradability and stimuli-responsive and sustained drug release manner are considerable aspects of these biopolymers. This review highlights the practical applications of polysaccharides-based DDSs in pharmaceutical science and cancer therapy.

Recent developments in the biomedical and anticancer applications of chitosan derivatives

Chitosan is a natural polymer derived from chitin. It has significant applications in various fields due to its unique physicochemical properties, biocompatibility, and biodegradability. These important properties of chitosan make it an attractive candidate for various anti-cancer activities and biomedical applications, including tissue engineering. This review emphasizes the latest literature on anticancer applications of chitosan derivatives and in-depth study of biomedical applications. This review highlights the importance of biomedical applications and anti-cancer activities like breast, liver, colon, gastric, melanoma, colorectal, cervical, oral, and lymphoma cancer. Currently, there is a notable absence of recent reviews that comprehensively address these aspects such as Alejandro Elizalde-Cárdenas, et al. 2024, focuses only on Biomedical applications of Cs and its derivatives (Elizalde-Cárdenas et al., 2024). Jingxian Ding, et al. 2022 discussed the applications of Cs in some Cancer treatments (Mabrouk et al., 2024). However, our article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the latest advancements in Cs derivatives in both fields. This manuscript is designed with proper diagrams, flow sheets and summarized tables to enhance the understanding of the reader. It also highlights recent advancements in the development of various chitosan derivatives, offering a comprehensive perspective for researchers and practitioners to further progress in biomedical and anticancer technologies.

Release kinetics and protective effect of novel curcumin-based nanoliposome modified with pectin, whey protein isolates and hyaluronic acid against oxidative stress

In the present study, a novel nanoliposome loaded with curcumin (Cur) (NNLs-Cur) was established to overcome the gastrointestinal digestive barrier and enhance mitochondrial targeting capacity, exerting the antioxidant capacity of Cur. Noteworthy, NNLs-Cur was modified by pectin, whey protein isolates and hyaluronic acid. The results showed that the structure of traditional nanoliposomes loaded with Cur (NLs-Cur) was destroyed during digestion. However, NNLs-Cur maintained intact structural morphology, and the release of Cur in the stomach and intestines was consistent with zero-order and first-order kinetic models, respectively. Interestingly, the survival rate of HL-7702 cells after being damaged by H2O2 was 40.53 %, while the survival rate after treated with NNLs-Cur reached 99.87 %. Besides, the fluorescence localization indicated Cur in NNLs-Cur could escape lysosomal and achieve mitochondria targeting. Compared with NLs-Cur, the damaged cells treated with NNLs-Cur increased activities of catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxide (GSH-Px) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) from 16.16 ± 0.52, 16.92 ± 2.28 and 30.10 ± 0.93 U/mgprot to 19.09 ± 0.52, 20.41 ± 1.79 and 33.81 ± 0.29 U/mgprot, respectively. Malondialdehyde (MDA) content and reactive oxygen species (ROS) level of the oxidative damaged cells were reduced, mitochondrial membrane potential was restored, and cell apoptosis was reduced. This study provides theoretical guidance for realizing the industrial application of efficient targeted delivery Cur.

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.

Advances in nanotherapeutics for tumor treatment by targeting calcium overload

Traditional antitumor strategies are facing challenges such as low therapeutic efficacy and high side effects, highlighting the significance of developing non-toxic or low-toxic alternative therapies. As a second messenger, calcium ion (Ca2+) plays an important role in cellular metabolism and communication. However, persistent Ca2+ overload leads to mitochondrial structural and functional dysfunction and ultimately induced apoptosis. Therefore, an antitumor strategy based on calcium overload is a promising alternative. Here, we first reviewed the classification of calcium-based nanoparticles (NPs) for exogenous Ca2+ overload, including calcium carbonate (CaCO3), calcium phosphate (CaP), calcium peroxide (CaO2), and hydroxyapatite (HA), calcium hydroxide, etc. Next, the current endogenous Ca2+ overload strategies were summarized, including regulation of Ca2+ channels, destruction of membrane integrity, induction of abnormal intracellular acidity and oxidative stress. Due to the specificity of the tumor microenvironment, it is difficult to completely suppress tumor development with monotherapy. Therefore, we reviewed the progress based on mitochondrial Ca2+ overload, which improved the treatment efficiency by combining photothermal therapy (PTT), photodynamic therapy (PDT), chemodynamic therapy (CDT), sonodynamic therapy (SDT), immunogenic cell death (ICD) and gas therapy. We further explored in detail the advantages and promising new targets of this combination antitumor strategies to better address future opportunities and challenges.

Novel ST1926 Nanoparticle Drug Formulation Enhances Drug Therapeutic Efficiency in Colorectal Cancer Xenografted Mice

Cancer is a major public health problem that ranks as the second leading cause of death. Anti-cancer drug development presents with various hurdles faced throughout the process. Nanoparticle (NP) formulations have emerged as a promising strategy for enhancing drug delivery efficiency, improving stability, and reducing drug toxicity. Previous studies have shown that the adamantyl retinoid ST1926 displays potent anti-tumor activities in several types of tumors, particularly in colorectal cancer (CRC). However, phase I clinical trials in cancer patients using ST1926 are halted due to its low bioavailability. In this manuscript, we developed ST1926-NPs using flash nanoprecipitation with polystyrene-b-poly (ethyleneoxide) as an amphiphilic stabilizer and cholesterol as a co-stabilizer. Dynamic light scattering revealed that the resulting ST1926-NPs Contin diameter was 97 nm, with a polydispersity index of 0.206. Using cell viability, cell cycle analysis, and cell death assays, we showed that ST1926-NP exhibited potent anti-tumor activities in human CRC HCT116 cells. In a CRC xenograft model, mice treated with ST1926-NP exhibited significantly lowered tumor volumes compared to controls at low drug concentrations and enhanced the delivery of ST1926 to the tumors. These findings highlight the potential of ST1926-NPs in attenuating CRC tumor growth, facilitating its further development in clinical settings.

Advances in chitosan-based blends as potential drug delivery systems: A review

During the last decades, the ever-increasing incidence of diseases has led to high rates of mortality throughout the world. On the other hand, the inability and deficiencies of conventional approaches (such as chemotherapy) in the suppression of diseases remain challenging issues. As a result, there is a fundamental requirement to develop novel, biocompatible, bioavailable, and practical nanomaterials to prevent the incidence and mortality of diseases. Chitosan (CS) derivatives and their blends are outstandingly employed as promising drug delivery systems for disease therapy. These biopolymers are indicated more efficient performance against diseases compared with conventional modalities. The CS blends possess improved physicochemical properties, ease of preparation, high affordability, etc. characteristics compared with other biopolymers and even pure CS which result in efficient thermal, mechanical, biochemical, and biomedical features. Also, these blends can be administrated through different routes without a long-term treatment period. Due to the mentioned properties, numerous formulations of CS blends are developed for pharmaceutical sciences to treat diseases. This review article highlights the progressions in the development of CS-based blends as potential drug delivery systems against diseases.

Design and fabrication of functionalized curdlan-curcumin delivery system to facilitate the therapeutic effects of curcumin on breast cancer

We developed a facile method for the fabrication of a biodegradable delivery system composed of two blocks: curdlan and curcumin. This was achieved by chemical functionalization of curdlan through tosylation, amination followed by complexation with curcumin. A comprehensive evaluation of structural characterization and component stability showed that cur-cum complex exhibited better anticancer properties with enhanced thermal properties. The cur-cum complex shows pH sensitive sustained release behaviour with higher release at acidic pH and kinetic data of drug release follows the Korsmeyer-Peppas model. The cur-cum complex has ability to block the proliferation of the MCF-7 cell line as revealed by MTT assay which showed increased toxicity of cur-cum complex against these cell lines. The results obtained from western blot analysis demonstrated that the co-administration of cur and cum effectively induced apoptosis in MCF-7 cells. This effect was observed by a considerable upregulation of the Bcl-2/Bax ratio, a decline in mRNA expression of LDHA, level of lactate and LDH activity. The results clearly depict the role of functionalized curdlan as efficient carrier for curcumin delivery with prolonged, sustained release and enhanced bioavailability, thereby improving the overall anticancer activity.

Application of fluorocarbon nanoparticles of 131I-fulvestrant as a targeted radiation drug for endocrine therapy on human breast cancer

BACKGROUND

Breast cancer is the most prevalent malignant tumor among women, with hormone receptor-positive cases constituting 70%. Fulvestrant, an antagonist for these receptors, is utilized for advanced metastatic hormone receptor-positive breast cancer. Yet, its inhibitory effect on tumor cells is not strong, and it lacks direct cytotoxicity. Consequently, there's a significant challenge in preventing recurrence and metastasis once cancer cells develop resistance to fulvestrant.

METHOD

To address these challenges, we engineered tumor-targeting nanoparticles termed 131I-fulvestrant-ALA-PFP-FA-NPs. This involved labeling fulvestrant with 131I to create 131I-fulvestrant. Subsequently, we incorporated the 131I-fulvestrant and 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) into fluorocarbon nanoparticles with folate as the targeting agent. This design facilitates a tri-modal therapeutic approach-endocrine therapy, radiotherapy, and PDT for estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer.

RESULTS

Our in vivo and in vitro tests showed that the drug-laden nanoparticles effectively zeroed in on tumors. This targeting efficiency was corroborated using SPECT-CT imaging, confocal microscopy, and small animal fluorescence imaging. The 131I-fulvestrant-ALA-PFP-FA-NPs maintained stability and showcased potent antitumor capabilities due to the synergism of endocrine therapy, radiotherapy, and CR-PDT. Throughout the treatment duration, we detected no notable irregularities in hematological, biochemical, or histological evaluations.

CONCLUSION

We've pioneered a nanoparticle system loaded with radioactive isotope 131I, endocrine therapeutic agents, and a photosensitizer precursor. This system offers a combined modality of radiotherapy, endocrine treatment, and PDT for breast cancer.

pH-Sensitive Nanoparticles of Epigallocatechin-3-Gallate in Enhanced Colorectal Cancer Therapy

AIM

Encapsulating epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) in pH-sensitive polymeric nanoparticles for targeted delivery of drugs could revolutionize colorectal cancer treatment.

MATERIALS & METHODS

Nanoparticles were synthesized to release drugs at colon pH. Dynamic light scattering measured their average diameter and ζ-potential, while differential scanning calorimetry and x-ray diffraction assessed EGCG encapsulation.

RESULTS

The nanoparticles showed stability and bioavailability in the gastrointestinal tract, efficiently encapsulating and releasing over 93% of EGCG at pH 7.2. They enhanced cytotoxicity against HT-29 cells and demonstrated antibacterial properties, increasing apoptosis and cell cycle arrest.

CONCLUSION

The study underscores the potential of nanoparticles in enhancing EGCG delivery for colorectal cancer therapy, aiming to minimize side effects and improve therapeutic outcomes.

Degradable Polymeric Bio(nano)materials and Their Biomedical Applications: A Comprehensive Overview and Recent Updates

Degradable polymers (both biomacromolecules and several synthetic polymers) for biomedical applications have been promising very much in the recent past due to their low cost, biocompatibility, flexibility, and minimal side effects. Here, we present an overview with updated information on natural and synthetic degradable polymers where a brief account on different polysaccharides, proteins, and synthetic polymers viz. polyesters/polyamino acids/polyanhydrides/polyphosphazenes/polyurethanes relevant to biomedical applications has been provided. The various approaches for the transformation of these polymers by physical/chemical means viz. cross-linking, as polyblends, nanocomposites/hybrid composites, interpenetrating complexes, interpolymer/polyion complexes, functionalization, polymer conjugates, and block and graft copolymers, are described. The degradation mechanism, drug loading profiles, and toxicological aspects of polymeric nanoparticles formed are also defined. Biomedical applications of these degradable polymer-based biomaterials in and as wound dressing/healing, biosensors, drug delivery systems, tissue engineering, and regenerative medicine, etc., are highlighted. In addition, the use of such nano systems to solve current drug delivery problems is briefly reviewed.