Gel-embedded niosomes: preparation, characterization and release studies of a new system for topical drug delivery

The Evolution of Emerging Nanovesicle Technologies for Enhanced Delivery of Molecules into and across the Skin

This review focuses on nanovesicular carriers for enhanced delivery of molecules into and across the skin, from their design to recent emerging technologies. During the last four decades, several approaches have been used aiming to design new nanovesicles, some of them by altering the properties of the classic phospholipid vesicle, the liposome. Phospholipid nanovesicular systems, including the phospholipid soft vesicles as well as the non-phospholipid vesicular carries, are reviewed. The altered nanovesicles have served in the manufacture of various cosmetic products and have been investigated and used for the treatment of a wide variety of skin conditions. The evolution and recent advances of these nanovesicular technologies are highlighted in this review.

In silico and in vitro assessment of an optimized QbD-guided myoinositol and metformin-loaded mucus-penetrating particle-based gel for the amelioration of PCOS

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a multi-factorial endocrine disorder affecting women of reproductive age. However, its high prevalence and the unsuccessful translation of conventional modalities have made PCOS a pharmaco-therapeutic challenge. In the present study, we explored bi-formulations (comprising metformin-loaded mucus-penetrating nanoparticles, MTF-MPPs, and myoinositol-loaded mucus-penetrating particles, MI-MPPs) incorporated in a carbomer gel tailored for intravaginal administration. For the development and optimization of the MPPs-gel, a QbD (quality by design) approach was employed, including the initial and final risk assessment, central composite design of experts, and method validation. The optimized MTF-MPPs and MI-MPPs possessed an optimum nanometric particle size (195.0 nm and 178.8 nm, respectively) and a PDI of 0.150 and 0.123, respectively, together with a negligible negative zeta potential (-5.19 mV and -6.19 mV, respectively) through the vaginal mucus. It was observed that the MPPs are small and monodisperse with a neutral surface charge. It was observed that the MPPs-gel formulations released approximately 69.86 ± 4.65% of MTF and 67.14 ± 5.74% of MI within 120 h (5 days), which was observed to be sustained unlike MFT-MI-gel with approximately 94.89 ± 4.17% of MTF and 90.91 ± 15% of MI drugs released within 12 h. The confocal microscopy study of rhodamine-loaded MPPs indicated that they possessed a high fluorescence intensity at a depth of 15 μm, while as the penetration trajectory in the vaginal tissue increased to 35 μm, their intensity was reduced, appearing to be more prominent in the blood vessels. The analyzed data of MPPs-gel suggest that the optimized MPPs-gel formulation has potential to reach the targeted area via the uterovaginal mucosa, which has a wide network of blood vessels. Subsequently, in vivo studies were conducted and the results revealed that the proposed MPPs-gel formulation could regulate the estrous cycle of the reproductive system compared to the conventional formulation. Moreover, the formulation significantly reduced the weight of the ovaries compared to the control and conventional vaginal gel. Biochemical estimation showed improved insulin and sex hormone levels. Thus, the obtained data revealed that the deep penetration and deposition of MTF and MI on the targeted area through intravaginal delivery resulted in better therapeutic effects than the conventional vaginal gel. The obtained results confirmed the amelioration of PCOS upon treatment using the prepared MPPs-gel formulation. According to the relevant evaluation studies, it was concluded that MPPs-gel was retained in the vaginal cavity for systemic effects. Also, the sustained and non-irritating therapeutic effect meets the safety aspects. This work serves as a promising strategy for intravaginal drug delivery.

Nutritional, biochemical, and clinical applications of carob: A review

Carob is botanically called as Ceratonia siliqua and belongs to the Legumes family. The fruit is derived from hermaphrodite trees and hard in shape. The carob contains high sugar contents in pulp, fat in seed and minerals like potassium, calcium, and phosphorus are present in pods. Polyphenols and antioxidants are abundant in leaves and pods. It can be used for enhancing human health due to its high nutritional profile. Carob gum is used in the pharmaceutical industry in the form of pomades, anti-celiac ingredients, pills, and dental paste. The clinical carob can aid as an anti-cancer, anti-reflux, anti-diabetic, anti-diarrheal, anti-hyperlipidemia, anti-bacterial, anti-microbial, and anti-fungal. Nowadays, carob seeds are being used as an alternative to cocoa powder in food items whereas the leaves, pods, and seeds of carob are also historically used as food for animal feed. However, these parts of carob are available in markets with reasonable prices. Carob production, though with a rising contribution, contributes to the local economy. In this sense, we can incorporate knowledge on the chemical properties and the biological effect of carob fruits on human health. In this study, the supportive and health-promoting impacts of carob are discussed along with the clinical testing obtained from natural constituents of carob. In addition, further studies can be performed to extract and separate polyphenols and antioxidant potential for the development of functional that play a valuable role in pharmaceutical and food sectors.

Targeted delivery of silibinin via magnetic niosomal nanoparticles: potential application in treatment of colon cancer cells

Introduction: In recent years, various nanoparticles (NPs) have been discovered and synthesized for the targeted therapy of cancer cells. Targeted delivery increases the local concentration of therapeutics and minimizes side effects. Therefore, NPs-mediated targeted drug delivery systems have become a promising approach for the treatment of various cancers. As a result, in the current study, we aimed to design silibinin-loaded magnetic niosomes nanoparticles (MNNPs) and investigate their cytotoxicity property in colorectal cancer cell treatment. Methods: MNPs ferrofluids were prepared and encapsulated into niosomes (NIOs) by the thin film hydration method. Afterward, the morphology, size, and chemical structure of the synthesized MNNPs were evaluated using the TEM, DLS, and FT-IR techniques, respectively. Results and Discussion: The distribution number of MNNPs was obtained at about 50 nm and 70 nm with a surface charge of -19.0 mV by TEM and DLS analysis, respectively. Silibinin loading efficiency in NIOs was about 90%, and the drug release pattern showed a controlled release with a maximum amount of about 49% and 70%, within 4 h in pH = 7.4 and pH = 5.8, respectively. To investigate the cytotoxicity effect, HT-29 cells were treated with the various concentration of the drugs for 24 and 48 h and evaluated by the MTT as well as flow cytometry assays. Obtained results demonstrated promoted cell cytotoxicity of silibinin-loaded MNNPs (5-fold decrease in cell viability) compared to pure silibinin (3-fold decrease in cell viability) while had no significant cytotoxic effect on HEK-293 (normal cell line) cells, and the cellular uptake level of MNNPs by the HT-29 cell line was enhanced compared to the control group. In conclusion, silibinin-loaded MNNPs complex can be considered as an efficient treatment approach for colorectal cancer cells.

Formulation and development of novel lipid-based combinatorial advanced nanoformulation for effective treatment of non-melanoma skin cancer

Non-melanoma skin cancer is one of the most common malignancies reported with high number of morbidities, demanding an advanced treatment option with superior chemotherapeutic effects. Due to high degree of drug resistance, conventional therapy fails to meet the desired therapeutic efficacy. To break the bottleneck, nanoparticles have been used as next generation vehicles that facilitate the efficient interaction with the cancer cells. Here, we developed combined therapy of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and cannabidiol (CBD)-loaded nanostructured lipid carrier gel (FU-CBD-NLCs gel). The NLCs were optimized using central composite design that showed an average particle size of 206 nm and a zeta potential of -34 mV. In addition, in vitro and ex vivo drug permeations studies demonstrated the effective delivery of both drugs in the skin layers via lipid structured nanocarriers. Also, the prepared FU-CBD-NLCs showed promising effect in-vitro cell studies including MTT assays, wound healing and cell cycle as compared to the conventional formulation. Moreover, dermatokinetic studies shows there was superior deposition of drugs at epidermal and the dermal layer when treated with FU-CBD-NLCs. In the end, overall study offered a novel combinatorial chemotherapy that could be an option for the treatment of non-melanoma skin cancer.

Sorbitan Monolaurate-Containing Liposomes Enhance Skin Cancer Cell Cytotoxicity and in Association with Microneedling Increase the Skin Penetration of 5-Fluorouracil

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) represents 20% of cases of non-melanoma skin cancer, and the most common treatment is the removal of the tumor, which can leave large scars. 5-Fluorouracil (5FU) is a drug used in the treatment of SCC, but it is highly hydrophilic, resulting in poor skin penetration in topical treatment. Some strategies can be used to increase the cutaneous penetration of the drug, such as the combination of liposomes containing penetration enhancers, for instance, surfactants, associated with the use of microneedling. Thus, the present work addresses the development of liposomes with penetration enhancers, such as sorbtitan monolaurate, span 20, for topical application of 5-FU and associated or not with the use of microneedling for skin delivery. Liposomes were developed using the lipid film hydration, resulting in particle size, polydispersity index, zeta potential, and 5-FU encapsulation efficiency of 88.08 nm, 0.169, -12.3 mV, and 50.20%, respectively. The presence of span 20 in liposomes potentiated the in vitro release of 5-FU. MTT assay was employed for cytotoxicity evaluation and the IC₅₀ values were 0.62, 30.52, and 24.65 μM for liposomes with and without span 20 and 5-FU solution, respectively after 72-h treatment. Flow cytometry and confocal microscopy analysis evidenced high cell uptake for the formulations. In skin penetration studies, a higher concentration of 5-FU was observed in the epidermis + dermis, corresponding to 1997.71, 1842.20, and 2585.49 ng/cm² in the passive penetration and 3214.07, 2342.84, and 5018.05 ng/cm² after pretreatment with microneedles, for solution, liposome without and with span 20, respectively. Therefore, herein, we developed a nanoformulation for 5-FU delivery, with suitable physicochemical characteristics, potent skin cancer cytotoxicity, and cellular uptake. Span 20-based liposomes increased the skin penetration of 5-FU in association of microneedling. Altogether, the results shown herein evidenced the potential of the liposome containing span 20 for topical delivery of 5-FU.

A state-of-the-art review on the recent advances of niosomes as a targeted drug delivery system

The buildup of nonionic surfactants in the aqueous environment produces niosomes. The usage of niosomes is becoming increasingly frequent due to their sustainability, low cost of components and assembly, large-scale manufacture, and, finally, easy maintenance of the niosomes to the other. Because of their nonionic characteristics, niosomes play a critical role in medication delivery systems. Controlled release and targeted distribution of niosomes to treat cancer, infectious illnesses, and other disorders are one of their most important properties. Niosomes can also be injected by ocular and transdermal routes, which are less common than oral and parenteral administration. Using niosomes to manufacture biotechnology goods and novel vaccines is one of the most exciting research fields today. The molecular structure of niosomes, the physicochemical characteristics of nonionic surfactants in their formulation, the influence of external stimuli on niosomes, the many methods of niosomes administration, and their diverse therapeutic qualities are all explored in this study.

Oral Administration of Melatonin or Succinyl Melatonin Niosome Gel Benefits 5-FU-Induced Small Intestinal Mucositis Treatment in Mice

Mucositis is one of the most adverse effects of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and had no standard drug for treatment. Melatonin is a neurohormone, and can ameliorate radiotherapy-induced small intestinal mucositis. Melatonin encapsulated in niosomes improved its poor bioavailability. Succinyl melatonin, a melatonin derivative, showed prolonged release compared with melatonin. This study investigated the efficacy of melatonin niosome gel (MNG) and succinyl melatonin niosome gel (SNG) in 5-FU-induced small intestinal mucositis treatment in mice. MNG and SNG with particle sizes of 293 and 270 nm were shown to have mucoadhesive potentials. The effect of a daily oral application of MNG, SNG, or fluocinolone acetonide gel (FAG, positive control) was compared to that of the normal group. The body weight, food consumption, histology, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-1β), and malondialdehyde (MDA) in the small intestine were monitored. The results showed decreased %body weight and food consumption in all 5-FU-injected groups compared with the normal group. The MNG and SNG treatments maintained the food consumption and the normal integrity of the small intestines, as evidenced by villus length and crypt depth, similar to the observations in the normal groups. The FTIR spectra showed no change in lipids of the MNG and SNG groups compared with the normal group. Moreover, SNG could reduce IL-1β content to a level that was not different from the level in the normal groups. Therefore, the oral application of MNG and SNG could protect against 5-FU-induced small intestinal mucositis in mice.

Proniosomal Formulation Encapsulating Pomegranate Peel Extract for Nutraceutical Applications

In this study, pomegranate peel as a traditional natural remedy was extracted and encapsulated in proniosomal systems in order to improve its stability against harsh environmental conditions. Pomegranate peel was extracted by using sonication as a green extraction technology and the antioxidant activity of the obtained extract was evaluated to be 85.37% by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radicals. Proniosomal powder was prepared based on the slurry method with a mixture of non-ionic surfactants namely span 60 and tween 20 in combination with cholesterol as a bilayer stabilizer. Proniosome-derived niosomes were achieved by hydration of the powder with water. The obtained vesicles were evaluated for their particle size, morphological observations, entrapment efficiency, cytotoxicity assay, DPPH antioxidant activity and, physical stability at 4 °C for 28 days. The results demonstrated that the proniosome-derived niosomes were of small size (198.16 nm for unloaded and 411.3 for extract loaded), quite homogeneous (PDI = 0.188 for unloaded and 0.216 for loaded) with highly negative charged spherical vesicles and showed appropriate physical stability during the time of storage. The encapsulation efficiency was 68.43±0.24% and the cytotoxicity assay proved that the formulations were not toxic against 3T3 fibroblast cells in the applied concentration.

Characteristic Evaluation of Gel Formulation Containing Niosomes of Melatonin or Its Derivative and Mucoadhesive Properties Using ATR-FTIR Spectroscopy

Chitosan or polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) were used in combination with hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) and poloxamer 407 (P407) as gelling agents for oral drug delivery. The performance interaction with mucin of chitosan-composed gel (F1) and PVP-composed gel (F2) was compared using attenuated total reflectance-Fourier-transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy at controlled temperatures of 25 and 37 °C for 1 and 5 min. F1 containing niosome-entrapped melatonin or its derivatives was investigated for mucoadhesive interaction on mucosa by ATR-FTIR spectroscopy under the same conditions. The results showed that F1-treated mucin gave a significantly lower amide I/amide II ratio than untreated mucin and F2-treated mucin did within 1 min, suggesting improved rapid affinity between mucin and chitosan. The spectra of mucosa treated with F1 incorporating niosomes of melatonin or its derivatives showed peak shifts at C=O (amide I), N-H (amide II), and carbohydrate regions and an associated decrease in the amide I/amide II ratio and increase in the carbohydrate/amide II ratio. These results indicated electrostatic interaction and hydrogen bonding between chitosan and mucin on the mucosa. In conclusion, the molecular interaction between gels and mucin/mucosa detected at amide I and amide II of proteins and the carbohydrate region could lead to an improved mucoadhesive property of the gel on the mucosa.

Nanostructured Non-Ionic Surfactant Carrier-Based Gel for Topical Delivery of Desoximetasone

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune skin disease impacting the population globally. Pharmaceutical products developed to combat this condition commonly used in clinical settings are IV bolus or oral drug delivery routes. There are some major challenges for effectively developing new dosage forms for topical use: API physicochemical nature, the severity of the disease state, and low bioavailability present challenges for pharmaceutical product developers. For non-severe cases of psoriasis, topical drug delivery systems may be preferred or used in conjunction with oral or parenteral therapy to address local symptoms. Elastic vesicular systems, termed “niosomes”, are promising drug delivery vehicles developed to achieve improved drug delivery into biological membranes. This study aimed to effectively incorporate a corticosteroid into the niosomes for improving the drug bioavailability of desoximetasone, used to treat skin conditions via topical delivery. Niosomes characterization measurements were drug content, pH, spreadability, specific gravity, content uniformity, rheology, and physicochemical properties. Formulations used a topical gelling agent, Carbomer 980 to test for in vitro skin permeation testing (IVPT) and accelerated stability studies. The developed niosomal test gel provided approximately 93.03 ± 0.23% to 101.84 ± 0.11% drug content with yield stresses ranging from 16.12 to 225.54 Pa. The permeated amount of desoximetasone from the niosomal gel after 24 h was 9.75 ± 0.44 µg/cm² compared to 24.22 ± 4.29 µg/cm² released from the reference gel tested. Furthermore, a drug retention study compared the test gel to a reference gel, demonstrating that the skin retained 30.88 ng/mg of desoximetasone while the reference product retained 26.01 ng/mg. A controlled drug release profile was obtained with a niosomal formulation containing desoximetasone for use in a topical gel formulation showing promise for potential use to treat skin diseases like psoriasis.

Potential of Nanoparticles as Permeation Enhancers and Targeted Delivery Options for Skin: Advantages and Disadvantages

The topical route of administration has many advantages for the treatment of various skin disorders as well as cosmeceutical purposes. This route bypasses hepatic first-pass effect and systemic availability of many pharmaceuticals is limited to skin organelles such as hair follicles and so could avoid unwanted adverse reactions and increase the localized therapeutic effect. Despite such attributed advantages of the topical route, the most important challenge is skin barrier characteristics that should be overcome to obtain dermal or trans-dermal drug delivery. Different approaches have been recruited to overcome this barrier. In this review, different types of nanoparticles for skin permeation enhancement and targeted delivery to skin organelles are discussed. The potential mechanisms of each nanocarrier in permeation enhancement and dermal delivery are considered and finally, the most important advantages and disadvantages of each group are summarized.

Glycyrrhizin: An alternative drug for the treatment of COVID-19 infection and the associated respiratory syndrome?

Safe and efficient drugs to combat the current COVID-19 pandemic are urgently needed. In this context, we have analyzed the anti-coronavirus potential of the natural product glycyrrhizic acid (GLR), a drug used to treat liver diseases (including viral hepatitis) and specific cutaneous inflammation (such as atopic dermatitis) in some countries. The properties of GLR and its primary active metabolite glycyrrhetinic acid are presented and discussed. GLR has shown activities against different viruses, including SARS-associated Human and animal coronaviruses. GLR is a non-hemolytic saponin and a potent immuno-active anti-inflammatory agent which displays both cytoplasmic and membrane effects. At the membrane level, GLR induces cholesterol-dependent disorganization of lipid rafts which are important for the entry of coronavirus into cells. At the intracellular and circulating levels, GLR can trap the high mobility group box 1 protein and thus blocks the alarmin functions of HMGB1. We used molecular docking to characterize further and discuss both the cholesterol- and HMG box-binding functions of GLR. The membrane and cytoplasmic effects of GLR, coupled with its long-established medical use as a relatively safe drug, make GLR a good candidate to be tested against the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, alone and in combination with other drugs. The rational supporting combinations with (hydroxy)chloroquine and tenofovir (two drugs active against SARS-CoV-2) is also discussed. Based on this analysis, we conclude that GLR should be further considered and rapidly evaluated for the treatment of patients with COVID-19.

Proniosomes: the effective and efficient drug-carrier system

Niosomes, liposomes and proniosomes are the most abundantly used vesicular systems for the transdermal delivery of drugs. Proniosomes are nonhydrated niosomes, which, upon hydration, form niosomes. Various researches have proved the advantages of proniosomes over the other conventional dosage forms currently available in the market. Proniosomes overcome physical stability problems involved with other vesicular systems such as leaking, fusion and aggregation. The stability and shelf life of proniosomes especially have been found to be much better and prolonged in comparison to other vesicular systems such as liposomes. The present review has been written in an effort to bring yet another viewpoint from a different angle and curated to compile the latest updates in this highly attractive delivery system from today's research point.

Preparation, physicochemical properties, in vitro evaluation and release behavior of cephalexin-loaded niosomes

In this study, optimized cephalexin-loaded niosomal formulations based on span 60 and tween 60 were prepared as a promising drug carrier system. The niosomal formulations were characterized using a series of techniques such as scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering, and zeta potential measurement. The size and drug encapsulation efficiency are determined by the type and composition of surfactant. The developed niosomal formulations showed great storage stability up to 30 days with low change in size and drug entrapment during the storage, making them potential candidates for real applications. Moreover, the prepared niosomes showed negligible cytotoxicity for HepG2 cells, measured by MTT assay. The antibacterial properties of cephalexin-loaded niosome were investigated using S. aureus and E. coli as gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, respectively. The results showed that the encapsulation of antibiotic drug in niosomal formulation could enhance the antibacterial efficiency of the drug, where the minimum inhibitory concentration was droped from 8 µg/mL (cephalexin) to 4 µg/mL (cephalexin-loaded niosome) and from 4 µg/mL (cephalexin) to 1 µg/mL (cephalexin-loaded niosome) against E. coli and S. aureus, respectively. The findings of our study show that the improvement of cephalexin bioavailability and prolonged drug release profile could be obtained by niosomal formulation as a favorable antibiotic drug delivery system.

Molecular Docking-Guided Ungual Drug-Delivery Design for Amelioration of Onychomycosis

The present work envisaged an adherent luliconazole-loaded bilayer nail lacquer (BNL) with significant transungual activity. The locally applied sustained-release BNL formulation was designed for an improved retention, payload, and final dermatokinetic disposition. A primary step in the fabrication of a BNL included overcoming of physical barriers like α-keratin (also α-keratin), a protein present in human nails, and then allowing the drug molecule to permeate at the site of action. Although luliconazole is an established antifungal agent, has limited clinical exploitation for its use in treating onychomycosis. An in silico study elucidating its interaction with lanosterol-14-α demethylase, an enzyme which is the key region of drug action mechanism, was highly supportive of its imminent clinical potential. Optimization of prepared BNL formulations via response surface modeling (Box-Behnken Design-Expert 10.0.6) logically ascertained the effect of selected independent variables and showcased its effect via dependent responses. Surface morphology of the prepared BNL films was well corroborated for the presence of two distinct polymeric layers through scanning electron microscopy imaging. Nail permeation studies revealed a cumulative drug release of 71.25 ± 0.11% through bovine hooves up to 24 h. Luliconazole while exposing antifungal activity against clinical isolates of Trichophyton rubrum in agar cup-plate method disclosed a 38 mm diameter zone of inhibition. Further, the optimized BNL exhibited a bioadhesive force of 1.9 ± 0.11 N, which assured its retention on the nail surface for prolonged duration of time. In Conclusion, it is deduced that the conventional treatment modalities for onychomycosis require circumvention of certain pharmacotechnical caveats. Therefore, in the present study, a multipronged BNL system was proposed, which negates the need of frequent drug application, improvises cosmetic appearance, yields fruitful therapeutic outcomes, and has a clinical supremacy over the available therapeutics.

Niosomes encapsulated in biohydrogels for tunable delivery of phytoalexin resveratrol

A series of biohydrogels were evaluated as potential soft delivery vehicles for the encapsulation and subsequent release of niosomes loaded with resveratrol (RSV).

Propolis-based niosomes as oromuco-adhesive films: A randomized clinical trial of a therapeutic drug delivery platform for the treatment of oral recurrent aphthous ulcers

Oromuco-adhesive films for buccal delivery of Propolis extract (PPE) entrapped in niosomes, were prepared to treat oral recurrent aphthous ulcer (RAU). PPE was investigated for antimicrobial compounds. Niosomes composed of span60 and cholesterol were evaluated for particles size, polydispersity index (PDI), zeta-potential, entrapment efficiency and in vitro release. The formed oromuco-adhesive films containing niosomal PPE were evaluated for swelling, mucoadhesion and elasticity. 24 patients suffering from RAU were divided equally into medicated and placebo groups and participated in this study to examine the onset of ulcer size reduction, complete healing and pain relief. Ultra-performance liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry revealed the presence of pinocembrin, pinobanksin, chrysin and galangin as antimicrobial flavonoids with total content of 158.7 ± 0.15 µg quercetin equivalents and phenolic content of 180.8 ± 0.11 µg gallic acid equivalents/mg. Multilamellar niosomes of 176-333 nm displayed entrapment efficiency of 91 ± 0.48%, PDI of 0.676 and zeta potential of -4.99. In vitro release after 8 h from niosomal dispersion and films were 64.05% and 29.09 ± 0.13% respectively. Clinical results revealed duration of film adherence from 2-4 h in the two groups. The onset of ulcer size reduction in medicated group was attained within second and third day, complete healing was achieved within first 10 days of treatment and pain relief lasted for more than 4-5 h, in contrast to the placebo group. This oromuco-adhesive films which offer controlled and targeting drug delivery can be proposed as a new therapeutic strategy in the treatment of oral recurrent aphthous ulcer.

Magnetic delivery of antitumor carboplatin by using PEGylated-Niosomes

To improve the efficiency of niosomal drug delivery, here we employed two tactics. First, niosomes were magnetized using Fe3O4@SiO2 mangnetic nanoparticles, and second, their surface was modified by PEGylation. PEGylation was intended for increasing the bioavailability of niosomes, and magnetization was used for rendering them capable of targeting specific tissues. These PEGylated magnetic niosomes were also loaded with Carboplatin, an antitumor drug. Next, these niosomes were studied in terms of size, morphology, zeta potential, and drug entrapment efficiency. Then, the in vitro drug release from these modified niosomes was compared to that of both naked and nonmagnetized niosomes. Interestingly, although loading of naked-niosomes with magnetic particles lead to an increase in the rate of drug release, PEGylation of these magnetized niosomes caused a more sustained drug release. Thus, PEGylation of magnetic niosomes, besides improving their bioavailability, caused a slower and sustained release of the drug over time. Finally, studying the in vitro effectives of niosomal formulations towards MCF-7, a breast cancer cell line, showed that PEGylated magnetic niosomes had a satisfactory toxicity towards these cells in the presence of an external magnetic field. In conclusion, PEGylated magnetic niosomes showed enhanced qualities regarding the controlled release and delivery of drug. Graphical abstract ᅟ.

Bacterial components as naturally inspired nano-carriers for drug/gene delivery and immunization: Set the bugs to work?

Drug delivery is a rapidly growing area of research motivated by the nanotechnology revolution, the ideal of personalized medicine, and the desire to reduce the side effects of toxic anti-cancer drugs. Amongst a bewildering array of different nanostructures and nanocarriers, those examples that are fundamentally bio-inspired and derived from natural sources are particularly preferred. Delivery of vaccines is also an active area of research in this field. Bacterial cells and their components that have been used for drug delivery, include the crystalline cell-surface layer known as "S-layer", bacterial ghosts, bacterial outer membrane vesicles, and bacterial products or derivatives (e.g. spores, polymers, and magnetic nanoparticles). Considering the origin of these components from potentially pathogenic microorganisms, it is not surprising that they have been applied for vaccines and immunization. The present review critically summarizes their applications focusing on their advantages for delivery of drugs, genes, and vaccines.

Dual-Prevention for UV-Induced Skin Damage: Incorporation of Melatonin-Loaded Elastic Niosomes into Octyl Methoxycinnamate Pickering Emulsions

Incorporation of antioxidants into sunscreens is a logical approach, yet co-delivery of them with UV filters is a challenge. Here, we purposed a combination therapy, in which the chemical UV filter, octyl methoxycinnamate, was accumulated on upper skin while the antioxidant, melatonin, can penetrate deeper layers to show its effects. Melatonin-loaded elastic niosomes and octyl methoxycinnamate Pickering emulsion were prepared separately. Lyophilized elastic niosomes were dispersed into the Pickering emulsion to prepare the proposed combination formulation. The characterization studies of the formulations revealed that elastic niosomes can be prepared with tunable nanometer sizes, whereas Pickering emulsions can encapsulate the UV filter in micrometer-sized droplets. Melatonin-loaded elastic niosomes prepared with Tween80/Span80 mixture were 146 nm with a PI of 0.438, and 58.42% entrapment efficiency was achieved. The mean diameter size of the combination formulation was 27.8 μm. Ex vivo permeation studies revealed that 7.40% of octyl methoxycinnamate and 58% of melatonin were permeated through the rat skin while 27.6% octyl methoxycinnamate and 37% of melatonin accumulated in the skin after 24 h. Cell culture studies with real-time cell analyzer showed that the proposed formulation consist of melatonin-loaded elastic niosomes and octyl methoxycinnamate Pickering emulsion had no negative effect on the cell proliferation and viability. According to α,α-diphenyl-β-picrylhydrazyl free radical scavenging method, the proposed formulation showed as high antioxidant activity as melatonin itself. It is concluded that the proposed formulation would be a promising dual therapy for UV-induced skin damage with co-delivery strategy.

Establishing Structure Property Relationship in Drug Partitioning into and Release from Niosomes: Physical Chemistry Insights with Anti-Inflammatory Drugs

Understanding the physical chemistry underlying interactions of drugs with delivery formulations is extremely important in devising effective drug delivery systems. The partitioning and release kinetics of diclofenac sodium and naproxen from Brij 30 and Triton X-100 niosomal formulations have been addressed based on structural characterization, partitioning energetics, and release kinetics, thus establishing a relationship between structures and observed properties. Both the drugs partition in nonpolar regions of TX-100 niosomes via stacking of aromatic rings. The combined effects of interactions of the drugs with polar head groups and the rigidity of the niosome vesicles determine entry and partitioning of drugs into niosomes. The observed slower rate of release of the drugs from the drug encapsulated niosomes of TX-100 than those of Brij 30, suggest stable complexation of drugs in the nonpolar interior of the former. No release of drugs from the niosomes was observed until 24 h even upon varying pH conditions without SDS. However, SDS in drug loaded niosomes led to release of drugs in as early as 6 h. The sustained pattern of in vitro release kinetics of the drugs thus observed from our niosomal preparations suggest these vesicular systems to be promising for pharamaceutical applications as potential drug delivery vehicles.

Quantitative analysis of curcumin-loaded alginate nanocarriers in hydrogels using Raman and attenuated total reflection infrared spectroscopy

Core-shell nanocarriers are increasingly being adapted in cosmetic and dermatological fields, aiming to provide an increased penetration of the active pharmaceutical or cosmetic ingredients (API and ACI) through the skin. In the final form, the nanocarriers (NC) are usually prepared in hydrogels, conferring desired viscous properties for topical application. Combined with the high chemical complexity of the encapsulating system itself, involving numerous ingredients to form a stable core and quantifying the NC and/or the encapsulated active without labor-intensive and destructive methods remains challenging. In this respect, the specific molecular fingerprint obtained from vibrational spectroscopy analysis could unambiguously overcome current obstacles in the development of fast and cost-effective quality control tools for NC-based products. The present study demonstrates the feasibility to deliver accurate quantification of the concentrations of curcumin (ACI)-loaded alginate nanocarriers in hydrogel matrices, coupling partial least square regression (PLSR) to infrared (IR) absorption and Raman spectroscopic analyses. With respective root mean square errors of 0.1469 ± 0.0175% w/w and 0.4462 ± 0.0631% w/w, both approaches offer acceptable precision. Further investigation of the PLSR results allowed to highlight the different selectivity of each approach, indicating only IR analysis delivers direct monitoring of the NC through the quantification of the Labrafac®, the main NC ingredient. Raman analyses are rather dominated by the contribution of the ACI which opens numerous perspectives to quantify the active molecules without interferences from the complex core-shell encapsulating systems thus positioning the technique as a powerful analytical tool for industrial screening of cosmetic and pharmaceutical products. Graphical abstract Quantitative analysis of encapuslated active molecules in hydrogel-based samples by means of infrared and Raman spectroscopy.

DOE Optimization of Nano-based Carrier of Pregabalin as Hydrogel: New Therapeutic &Chemometric Approaches for Controlled Drug Delivery Systems

Niosomes entrapping pregabalin (PG) were prepared using span 60 and cholesterol in different molar ratios by hydration method, the remaining PG from the hydrating solution was separated from vesicles by freeze centrifugation. Optimization of nano-based carrier of pregabalin (PG) was achieved. Quality by Design strategy was successfully employed to obtain PG-loaded niosomes with the desired properties. The optimal particle size, drug release and entrapment efficiency were attained by Minitab® program using design of experiment (DOE) that predicted the best parameters by investigating the combined effect of different factors simultaneously. Pareto chart was used in the screening step to exclude the insignificant variables while response surface methodology (RSM) was used in the optimization step to study the significant factors. Best formula was selected to prepare topical hydrogels loaded with niosomal PG using HPMC and Carbopol 934. It was verified, by means of mechanical and rheological tests, that addition of the vesicles to the gel matrix affected significantly gel network. In vitro release and ex vivo permeation experiments were carried out. Delivery of PG molecules followed a Higuchi, non Fickian diffusion. The present work will be of interest for pharmaceutical industry as a controlled transdermal alternative to the conventional oral route.

Transungual Delivery of Ketoconazole Nanoemulgel for the Effective Management of Onychomycosis

Ketoconazole (KCZ) nanoemulgel containing permeation enhancer was formulated as a vehicle for transungual drug delivery, and its efficacy to inhibit the growth of onychomycotic dermatophytes was investigated in vitro. Different components of oil-in-water nanoemulsions were moderately agitated by classical titration method and passed through a high-pressure homogenizer to formulate various nanoemulsions, which were further identified by constructing pseudo-ternary phase diagrams. Stress-stability testing was carried out for the nanoemulsions, and those that passed these tests were characterized for mean droplet size, zeta potential, morphology, pH, refractive index, viscosity and transmittance. Mean droplet size and zeta potential of the optimized nanoemulsion (NE3) were found to be 77.52 ± 0.92 nm (polydispersity index (PDI) = 0.128 ± 0.035) and -5.44 ± 0.67 mV, respectively. Optimized nanoemulsion was converted into nanoemulgel (NEG₁) with 1% (w/w) of gelling agent (Carbopol® Ultrez 21) and 1%-2% (v/v) thioglycolic acid as permeation enhancer, and evaluated for pH, viscosity, spreadability, extrudability, tensile strength and bio-adhesion measurement. In vitro cumulative drug released at the end of 24 h from NE3, NEG₁ and drug suspension were found to be 98.87 ± 1.29, 84.42 ± 2.78% and 54.86 ± 2.19%, respectively. Ex vivo transungual permeation values for KCZ through goat hooves from NE3, NEG₁ and drug suspension were found to be 62.49 ± 2.98, 77.54 ± 2.88% and 38.54 ± 2.54%, respectively, in 24 h. The antifungal effect of NEG₁ on Trichophyton rubrum and Candida albicans showed a significant (p < 0.05) zone of inhibition as compared to drug solution. Skin irritation and histopathology studies on rat skin showed the safe topical use and enhanced permeation of formulated nanoemulgel.

Functional Components of Carob Fruit: Linking the Chemical and Biological Space

The contribution of natural products to the drug-discovery pipeline has been remarkable since they have served as a rich source for drug development and discovery. Natural products have adapted, during the course of evolution, optimum chemical scaffolds against a wide variety of diseases, including cancer and diabetes. Advances in high-throughput screening assays, assisted by the continuous development on the instrumentation's capabilities and omics, have resulted in charting a large chemical and biological space of drug-like compounds, originating from natural sources. Herein, we attempt to integrate the information on the chemical composition and the associated biological impact of carob fruit in regards to human health. The beneficial and health-promoting effects of carob along with the clinical trials and the drug formulations derived from carob's natural components are presented in this review.

Current application of phytocompound-based nanocosmeceuticals for beauty and skin therapy

Phytocompounds have been used in cosmeceuticals for decades and have shown potential for beauty applications, including sunscreen, moisturizing and antiaging, and skin-based therapy. The major concerns in the usage of phyto-based cosmeceuticals are lower penetration and high compound instability of various cosmetic products for sustained and enhanced compound delivery to the beauty-based skin therapy. To overcome these disadvantages, nanosized delivery technologies are currently in use for sustained and enhanced delivery of phyto-derived bioactive compounds in cosmeceutical sectors and products. Nanosizing of phytocompounds enhances the aseptic feel in various cosmeceutical products with sustained delivery and enhanced skin protecting activities. Solid lipid nanoparticles, transfersomes, ethosomes, nanostructured lipid carriers, fullerenes, and carbon nanotubes are some of the emerging nanotechnologies currently in use for their enhanced delivery of phytocompounds in skin care. Aloe vera, curcumin, resveratrol, quercetin, vitamins C and E, genistein, and green tea catechins were successfully nanosized using various delivery technologies and incorporated in various gels, lotions, and creams for skin, lip, and hair care for their sustained effects. However, certain delivery agents such as carbon nanotubes need to be studied for their roles in toxicity. This review broadly focuses on the usage of phytocompounds in various cosmeceutical products, nanodelivery technologies used in the delivery of phytocompounds to various cosmeceuticals, and various nanosized phytocompounds used in the development of novel nanocosmeceuticals to enhance skin-based therapy.