Inhalation potential of N-Acetylcysteine loaded PLGA nanoparticles for the management of tuberculosis: In vitro lung deposition and efficacy studies

Application of Casein Micelles for Targeting Huntington's Disease in Experimental Zebrafish Model

Huntington's disease (HD) is an incorrigible neuropsychiatric disorder with reduced cognition and motor abnormalities. Piperine (PIP) is an alkaloid with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective activities; however, poor therapeutic efficacy limits its further use. The current study focuses on the enhanced therapeutic potential of PIP@CM against an experimental zebrafish model of HD. PIP@CM was fabricated using spray drying technology, followed by solid-state investigations. We performed in vitro release and in vitro antioxidant activity (DPPH assay) of PIP and PIP@CMs. In addition, in vivo studies were conducted on zebrafish using 3-nitropropionic acid (3-NPA) (60 mg/kg) as a neurotoxin and treated with PIP (5 mg/kg) and PIP@CM (25 mg/kg equivalent to 5 mg/kg PIP). After dosing, various in vivo studies (behavioral, biochemical, and histological) were conducted. The solid-state characterization techniques revealed the loss of crystallinity after micelles formation. In vitro release and antioxidant assays showed higher release and enhanced activity of PIP@CM. In vivo studies revealed that 3-NPA administration causes HD, as evidenced by the results of open field test (OFT) and novel tank diving test (NTD) tests. Moreover, 3-NPA causes an increase in oxidative stress, as confirmed by biochemical and histopathological studies. PIP@CM treatment significantly improved behavioral performance in OFT and NTD tests and reduced oxidative stress markers as compared to pure PIP and untreated HD model.

Lipid-polymer hybrid nanoparticles loaded with N-acetylcysteine for the modulation of neuroinflammatory biomarkers in human iPSC-derived PSEN2 (N141I) astrocytes as a model of Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease characterized by cognitive impairment associated with the accumulation of beta-amyloid protein (Aβ). Aβ activates glial cells in the brain, increasing the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines, which leads to neuroinflammation and neuronal death. Currently, there are no effective treatments that cure or stop its progression; therefore, AD is considered a global health priority. The main limitations are the low drug bioavailability and impermeability of the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Fortunately, nanomedicine has emerged as a promising field for the development of new nanosystems for the controlled and targeted delivery of drugs to the brain. Therefore, in this work, lipid-polymer hybrid nanoparticles (LPHNPs) conjugated with transferrin (Tf) to facilitate crossing the BBB and loaded with N-acetylcysteine (NAC) for its anti-inflammatory effect were synthesized, and their physicochemical characterization was carried out. Subsequently, an in vitro model involving human astrocytes derived from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) from an AD-diagnosed patient was developed, which was brought to a reactive state by stimulation with lipopolysaccharides (LPSs). The cell culture was treated with either Tf-conjugated LPHNPs loaded with NAC (NAC-Tf-LPHNPs) at 0.25 mg mL-1, or free NAC at 5 mM. The results showed that NAC-Tf-LPHNPs favorably modulated the expression of proinflammatory genes such as interleukin-1β (IL-1β), amyloid precursor protein (APP) and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). In addition, they reduced the secretion of the proinflammatory cytokines interleukin 6 (IL-6), IL-1β and interferon-gamma (INF-γ). Results for both cases were compared to the group of cells that did not receive any treatment. In contrast, free NAC only had this effect on the expression of IL-1β and the secretion of the cytokines IL-6 and INF-γ. These results indicate the potential of NAC-Tf-LPHNPs for AD treatment.

Recent Advances in Nanotechnology-Based Strategies for Bone Tuberculosis Management

Bone tuberculosis, an extrapulmonary manifestation of tuberculosis, presents unique treatment challenges, including its insidious onset and complex pathology. While advancements in anti-tubercular therapy have been made, the efficacy is often limited by difficulties in achieving targeted drug concentrations and avoiding systemic toxicity. The intricate bone structure and presence of granulomas further impede effective drug delivery. Nano-drug delivery systems have emerged as a promising alternative, offering the enhanced targeting of anti-tubercular drugs. These systems, characterized by their minute size and adaptable surface properties, can be tailored to improve drug solubility, stability, and bioavailability, while also responding to specific stimuli within the bone TB microenvironment for controlled drug release. Nano-drug delivery systems can encapsulate drugs for precise delivery to the infection site. A significant innovation is their integration with prosthetics or biomaterials, which aids in both drug delivery and bone reconstruction, addressing the infection and its osteological consequences. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the pathophysiology of bone tuberculosis and its current treatments, emphasizing their limitations. It then delves into the advancements in nano-drug delivery systems, discussing their design, functionality, and role in bone TB therapy. The review assesses their potential in preclinical research, particularly in targeted drug delivery, treatment efficacy, and a reduction of side effects. Finally, it highlights the transformative promise of nanotechnology in bone TB treatments and suggests future research directions in this evolving field.

Recent Updates in Inhalable Drug Delivery System against Various Pulmonary Diseases: Challenges and Future Perspectives

In the current scenario, pulmonary disease has become a prime burden for morbidity and mortality alongside tremendous social and economic crises throughout the world. Numerous conventional drug delivery system and treatment approach targeting the respiratory region has been driven out. However, effective and accurate recovery has not been achieved yet. In this regard, nanotechnological- based inhalable drug delivery strategy including polymeric, lipidic, or metallic-based respirable microparticles plays an indispensable role in circumventing numerous challenges faced during traditional treatment. Excellent aerodynamic performance leads to enhanced lung targetability, reduced dosing frequency and hence systemic toxicities, as well as improved pharmaceutical attributes, and therefore pharmacokinetic profiles are interminable factors associated with nanotechnologicalbased inhalable delivery. In this review, we comprehensively explored recent advancements in nanotechnologically engineered inhalable formulations targeting each of the mentioned pulmonary diseases. Moreover, we systematically discussed possible respiratory or systemic toxicities about the indeterminate and undefined physicochemical characteristics of inhaled particles.

Review of inhalable nanoparticles for the pulmonary delivery of anti-tuberculosis drugs

Tuberculosis is an airborne disease caused by the pathogen, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which predominantly affects the lungs. World Health Organization (WHO) has reported that about 85% of TB patients are cured with the existing 6-month antibiotic regimen. However, the lengthy oral administration of high-dose anti-TB drugs is associated with significant side effects and leads to drug resistance cases. Alternatively, reformulating existing anti-tubercular drugs into inhalable nanoparticulate systems is a promising strategy to overcome the challenges associated with oral treatment as they could enhance drug retention in the pulmonary region to achieve an optimal drug concentration in the infected lungs. Hence, this review provides an overview of the literature on inhalable nano-formulations for the delivery of anti-TB drugs, including their formulation techniques and preclinical evaluations between the years 2000 and 2020, gathered from electronic journals via online search engines such as Google Scholar and PubMed. Previous in vitro and in vivo studies highlighted that the nano-size, low toxicity, and high efficacy were among the factors influencing the fate of nanoparticulate system upon deposition in the lungs. Although many preclinical studies have shown that inhalable nanoparticles increased therapeutic efficacy and minimised adverse drug reactions when delivered through the pulmonary route, none of them has progressed into clinical trials to date. This could be attributed to the high cost of inhaled regimes due to the expensive production and characterisation of the nanoparticles as well as the need for an inhalation device as compared to the oral treatment. Another barrier could be the lack of medical acceptance due to insufficient number of trained staff to educate the patients on the correct usage of the inhalation device. Hence, these barriers should be addressed satisfactorily to make the inhaled nanoparticles regimen a reality for the treatment of TB.

Inhalation Dosage Forms: A Focus on Dry Powder Inhalers and Their Advancements

In this review, an extensive analysis of dry powder inhalers (DPIs) is offered, focusing on their characteristics, formulation, stability, and manufacturing. The advantages of pulmonary delivery were investigated, as well as the significance of the particle size in drug deposition. The preparation of DPI formulations was also comprehensively explored, including physico-chemical characterization of powders, powder processing techniques, and formulation considerations. In addition to manufacturing procedures, testing methods were also discussed, providing insights into the development and evaluation of DPI formulations. This review also explores the design basics and critical attributes specific to DPIs, highlighting the significance of their optimization to achieve an effective inhalation therapy. Additionally, the morphology and stability of 3 DPI capsules (Spiriva, Braltus, and Onbrez) were investigated, offering valuable insights into the properties of these formulations. Altogether, these findings contribute to a deeper understanding of DPIs and their development, performance, and optimization of inhalation dosage forms.

Modulation of engineered nanomaterial interactions with organ barriers for enhanced drug transport

The biomedical use of nanoparticles (NPs) has been the focus of intense research for over a decade. As most NPs are explored as carriers to alter the biodistribution, pharmacokinetics and bioavailability of associated drugs, the delivery of these NPs to the tissues of interest remains an important topic. To date, the majority of NP delivery studies have used tumor models as their tool of interest, and the limitations concerning tumor targeting of systemically administered NPs have been well studied. In recent years, the focus has also shifted to other organs, each presenting their own unique delivery challenges to overcome. In this review, we discuss the recent advances in leveraging NPs to overcome four major biological barriers including the lung mucus, the gastrointestinal mucus, the placental barrier, and the blood-brain barrier. We define the specific properties of these biological barriers, discuss the challenges related to NP transport across them, and provide an overview of recent advances in the field. We discuss the strengths and shortcomings of different strategies to facilitate NP transport across the barriers and highlight some key findings that can stimulate further advances in this field.

Inhalable Nanoparticle-based Dry Powder Formulations for Respiratory Diseases: Challenges and Strategies for Translational Research

The emergence of novel respiratory infections (e.g., COVID-19) and expeditious development of nanoparticle-based COVID-19 vaccines have recently reignited considerable interest in designing inhalable nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems as next-generation respiratory therapeutics. Among various available devices in aerosol delivery, dry powder inhalers (DPIs) are preferable for delivery of nanoparticles due to their simplicity of use, high portability, and superior long-term stability. Despite research efforts devoted to developing inhaled nanoparticle-based DPI formulations, no such formulations have been approved to date, implying a research gap between bench and bedside. This review aims to address this gap by highlighting important yet often overlooked issues during pre-clinical development. We start with an overview and update on formulation and particle engineering strategies for fabricating inhalable nanoparticle-based dry powder formulations. An important but neglected aspect in in vitro characterization methodologies for linking the powder performance with their bio-fate is then discussed. Finally, the major challenges and strategies in their clinical translation are highlighted. We anticipate that focused research onto the existing knowledge gaps presented in this review would accelerate clinical applications of inhalable nanoparticle-based dry powders from a far-fetched fantasy to a reality.

The Idiosyncratic Efficacy of Spironolactone-Loaded PLGA Nanoparticles Against Murine Intestinal Schistosomiasis

Background

Schistosomiasis is a chronic debilitating parasitic disease accompanied with severe mortality rates. Although praziquantel (PZQ) acts as the sole drug for the management of this disease, it has many limitations that restrict the use of this treatment approach. Repurposing of spironolactone (SPL) and nanomedicine represents a promising approach to improve anti-schistosomal therapy. We have developed SPL-loaded poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles (NPs) to enhance the solubility, efficacy, and drug delivery and hence decrease the frequency of administration, which is of great clinical value.

Methods

The physico-chemical assessment was performed starting with particle size analysis and confirmed using TEM, FT-IR, DSC, and XRD. The antischistosomal effect of the SPL-loaded PLGA NPs against Schistosoma mansoni (S. mansoni)-induced infection in mice was also estimated.

Results

Our results manifested that the optimized prepared NPs had particle size of 238.00 ± 7.21 nm, and the zeta potential was -19.66 ± 0.98 nm, effective encapsulation 90.43±8.81%. Other physico-chemical features emphasized that nanoparticles were completely encapsulated inside the polymer matrix. The in vitro dissolution studies revealed that SPL-loaded PLGA NPs showed sustained biphasic release pattern and followed Korsmeyer-Peppas kinetics corresponding to Fickian diffusion (n<0.45). The used regimen was efficient against S. mansoni infection and induced significant reduction in spleen, liver indices, and total worm count (ρ<0.05). Besides, when targeting the adult stages, it induced decline in the hepatic egg load and the small intestinal egg load by 57.75% and 54.17%, respectively, when compared to the control group. SPL-loaded PLGA NPs caused extensive damage to adult worms on tegument and suckers, leading to the death of the parasites in less time, plus marked improvement in liver pathology.

Conclusion

Collectively, these findings provided proof-of-evidence that the developed SPL-loaded PLGA NPs could be potentially used as a promising candidate for new antischistosomal drug development.

Formulation and Evaluation of Pravastatin Sodium-Loaded PLGA Nanoparticles: In vitro-in vivo Studies Assessment

Purpose

Pravastatin sodium (PVS) is a hypolipidemic drug which suffers from extensive first-pass metabolism and short half-life. Poly(d,l-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) is considered a promising carrier to improve its hypolipidemic and hepatoprotective activities.

Methods

PVS-loaded PLGA nanoparticles (PVS-PLGA-NPs) were prepared by double emulsion method using a full 3² factorial design. The in vitro release and the physical stability studies of the optimized PVS-PLGA-NPs (F5) were performed. Finally, both hypolipidemic and hepatoprotective activities of the optimized F5 NPs were studied and compared to PVS solution.

Results

All the studied physical parameters of the prepared NPs were found in the accepted range. The particle size (PS) ranged from 90 ± 0.125 nm to 179.33 ± 4.509 nm, the poly dispersity index (PDI) ranged from 0.121 ± 0.018 to 0.158 ± 0.014. The optimized NPs (F5) have the highest entrapment efficiency (EE%) (51.7 ± 5%), reasonable PS (168.4 ± 2.506 nm) as well as reasonable zeta potential (ZP) (-28.3 ± 1.18mv). Solid-state characterization indicated that PVS is well entrapped into NPs. All NPs have distinct spherical shape with smooth surface. The prepared NPs showed a controlled release profile. F5 showed good stability at 4 ± 2°C during the whole storage period of 3 months. In vivo study and histopathological examination indicated that F5 NPs showed significant increase in PVS hypolipidemic as well as hepatoprotective activity compared to PVS solution.

Conclusion

The PVS-PLGA-NPs could be considered a promising model to evade the first-pass effect and showed improvement in the hypolipidemic and hepatoprotective activities compared to PVS solution.

Nanosized Drug Delivery Systems to Fight Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis (TB) is currently the second deadliest infectious disease. Existing antitubercular therapies are long, complex, and have severe side effects that result in low patient compliance. In this context, nanosized drug delivery systems (DDSs) have the potential to optimize the treatment's efficiency while reducing its toxicity. Hundreds of publications illustrate the growing interest in this field. In this review, the main challenges related to the use of drug nanocarriers to fight TB are overviewed. Relevant publications regarding DDSs for the treatment of TB are classified according to the encapsulated drugs, from first-line to second-line drugs. The physicochemical and biological properties of the investigated formulations are listed. DDSs could simultaneously (i) optimize the therapy's antibacterial effects; (ii) reduce the doses; (iii) reduce the posology; (iv) diminish the toxicity; and as a global result, (v) mitigate the emergence of resistant strains. Moreover, we highlight that host-directed therapy using nanoparticles (NPs) is a recent promising trend. Although the research on nanosized DDSs for TB treatment is expanding, clinical applications have yet to be developed. Most studies are only dedicated to the development of new formulations, without the in vivo proof of concept. In the near future, it is expected that NPs prepared by "green" scalable methods, with intrinsic antibacterial properties and capable of co-encapsulating synergistic drugs, may find applications to fight TB.

Application of PLGA as a Biodegradable and Biocompatible Polymer for Pulmonary Delivery of Drugs

Pulmonary administration of biodegradable polymeric formulation is beneficial in the treatment of various respiratory diseases. For respiratory delivery, the polymer must be non-toxic, biodegradable, biocompatible, and stable. Poly D, L-lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) is a widely used polymer for inhalable formulations because of its attractive mechanical and processing characteristics which give great opportunities to pharmaceutical industries to formulate novel inhalable products. PLGA has many pharmaceutical applications and its biocompatible nature produces non-toxic degradation products. The degradation of PLGA takes place through the non-enzymatic hydrolytic breakdown of ester bonds to produce free lactic acid and glycolic acid. The biodegradation products of PLGA are eliminated in the form of carbon dioxide (CO₂) and water (H₂O) by the Krebs cycle. The biocompatible properties of PLGA are investigated in various in vivo and in vitro studies. The high structural integrity of PLGA particles provides better stability, excellent drug loading, and sustained drug release. This review provides detailed information about PLGA as an inhalable grade polymer, its synthesis, advantages, physicochemical properties, biodegradability, and biocompatible characteristics. The important formulation aspects that must be considered during the manufacturing of inhalable PLGA formulations and the toxicity of PLGA in the lungs are also discussed in this paper. Additionally, a thorough overview is given on the application of PLGA as a particulate carrier in the treatment of major respiratory diseases, such as cystic fibrosis, lung cancer, tuberculosis, asthma, and pulmonary hypertension.

Spray-Dried Inhalable Powder Formulations of Gentamicin Designed for Pneumonic Plague Therapy in a Mouse Model

Infection with Yersinia pestis (Y. pestis) may cause pneumonic plague, which is inevitably fatal without treatment. Gentamicin (GM), an aminoglycoside antibiotic, is a drug commonly used in the treatment of plague. However, it requires repeated intramuscular or intravenous administration. Pulmonary drug delivery is noninvasive, with the advantages of local targeting and reduced risk of systemic toxicity. In this study, GM powders were prepared using spray-drying technology. The powders displayed good physical and chemical properties and met the requirements for human pulmonary inhalation. The formulation of the powders was optimized using a 3² full factorial design. A formulation of 15% (w/w) of L-leucine was prepared, and the spray-drying process parameters using an inlet temperature of 120°C and a 15% pump rate were determined to produce the best powder. In addition, the optimized GM spray-dried powders were characterized in terms of morphology, crystallinity, powder fluidity, and aerodynamic particle size distribution analysis. In a mouse model of pneumonic plague, we compared the therapeutic effects among three administration routes, including subcutaneous injection, liquid atomization, and dry powder atomization. In conclusion, our data suggest that inhalation therapy with GM spray-dried powders is an effective treatment for pneumonic plague.

Dry powder inhalers of antitubercular drugs

Despite advancements in the medical and pharmaceutical fields, tuberculosis remains a major health problem globally. Patients do not widely accept the conventional approach to treating tuberculosis (TB) due to prolonged treatment periods with multiple high doses of drugs and associated side effects. A pulmonary route is a non-invasive approach to delivering drugs, hormones, nucleic acid, steroids, proteins, and peptides directly to the lungs, improving the efficacy of the treatment and consequently decreasing the adverse effect of the treatment. This route has been successfully developed for the treatment of various respiratory diseases such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), tuberculosis (TB), lung cancer, and other pulmonary infections. The major approaches of inhalation delivery systems include nebulizers, metered-dose inhalers (MDIs), and dry powder inhalers (DPIs). However, dry powder inhalers (DPIs) are more advantageous due to their stability and ability to deliver a high dose of the drug to the lungs. The present review analyzes the modern therapeutic approach of inhaled dry powders, with a special focus on novel drug delivery system (NDDS) based DPIs for the treatment of TB. The article also discussed the challenges of preparing inhalable dry powder formulations for the treatment of TB. The clinical development of inhalable anti-TB drugs is also reviewed.