Development and in vitro evaluation of core-shell type lipid-polymer hybrid nanoparticles for the delivery of erlotinib in non-small cell lung cancer

Development and Evaluation of Docetaxel-Loaded Nanostructured Lipid Carriers for Skin Cancer Therapy

This study focuses on the design, characterization, and optimization of nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) loaded with docetaxel for the treatment of skin cancer. Employing a systematic formulation development process guided by Design of Experiments (DoE) principles, key parameters such as particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential, and entrapment efficiency were optimized to ensure the stability and drug-loading efficacy of the NLCs. Combined XRD and cryo-TEM analysis were employed for NLC nanostructure evaluation, confirming the formation of well-defined nanostructures. In vitro kinetics studies demonstrated controlled and sustained docetaxel release over 48 h, emphasizing the potential for prolonged therapeutic effects. Cytotoxicity assays on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) and SK-MEL-24 melanoma cell line revealed enhanced efficacy against cancer cells, with significant selective cytotoxicity and minimal impact on normal cells. This multidimensional approach, encompassing formulation optimization and comprehensive characterization, positions the docetaxel-loaded NLCs as promising candidates for advanced skin cancer therapy. The findings underscore the potential translational impact of these nanocarriers, paving the way for future preclinical investigations and clinical applications in skin cancer treatment.

Lipid Nanoparticles in Lung Cancer Therapy

This manuscript explores the use of lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) in addressing the pivotal challenges of lung cancer treatment, including drug delivery inefficacy and multi-drug resistance. LNPs have significantly advanced targeted therapy by improving the precision and reducing the systemic toxicity of chemotherapeutics such as doxorubicin and paclitaxel. This manuscript details the design and benefits of various LNP systems, including solid lipid-polymer hybrids, which offer controlled release and enhanced drug encapsulation. Despite achievements in reducing tumor size and enhancing survival, challenges such as manufacturing complexity, biocompatibility, and variable clinical outcomes persist. Future directions are aimed at refining targeting capabilities, expanding combinatorial therapies, and integrating advanced manufacturing techniques to tailor treatments to individual patient profiles, thus promising to transform lung cancer therapy through interdisciplinary collaboration and regulatory innovation.

Central composite design augmented quality-by-design-based systematic formulation of erlotinib hydrochloride-loaded chitosan-poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanoparticles

Aim: This study aimed to formulate erlotinib hydrochloride (ERT-HCL)-loaded chitosan (CS) and poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles (NPs) using Quality-by-Design (QbD) to optimize critical quality attributes (CQAs). Materials & methods: Quality target product profile (QTPP) and CQAs were initially established. Based on L8-Taguchi screening and risk assessments, central composite design (CCD) design was used to optimize NPs. Results: ERT-HCL-loaded CS-PLGA NPs had a mean particle diameter, zeta potential and entrapment efficiency of 226.50 ± 1.62 d.nm, 27.66 ± 0.64 mV and 78.93 ± 1.94 %w/w, respectively. The NPs exhibited homogenous spherical morphology and sustained release for 72 h. Conclusion: Using systematic QbD approach, ERT-HCL was encapsulated in CS-PLGA NPs, optimizing CQAs. These findings propel future research for improved NSCLC treatment.

Recent progress in drug delivery systems for tyrosine kinase inhibitors in the treatment of lung cancer

Lung cancer ranks as the second most commonly diagnosed cancer in both men and women worldwide. Despite the availability of diverse diagnostic and treatment strategies, it remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally. The current treatment approaches for lung cancer involve the utilization of first generation (e.g., erlotinib, gefitinib) and second generation (e.g., afatinib) tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). These TKIs exert their effects by inhibiting a crucial enzyme called tyrosine kinase, which is responsible for cell survival signaling. However, their clinical effectiveness is hindered by limited solubility and oral bioavailability. Nanotechnology has emerged as a significant application in modern cancer therapy. Nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems, including lipid, polymeric, hybrid, inorganic, dendrimer, and micellar nanoparticles, have been designed to enhance the bioavailability, stability, and retention of these drugs within the targeted lung area. Furthermore, these nanoparticle-based delivery systems offer several advantages, such as increased therapeutic efficacy and reduced side effects and toxicity. This review focuses on the recent advancements in drug delivery systems for some of the most important TKIs, shedding light on their potential in improving lung cancer treatment.

Lipid polymer hybrid nanoparticles: a custom-tailored next-generation approach for cancer therapeutics

Lipid-based polymeric nanoparticles are the highly popular carrier systems for cancer drug therapy. But presently, detailed investigations have revealed their flaws as drug delivery carriers. Lipid polymer hybrid nanoparticles (LPHNPs) are advanced core-shell nanoconstructs with a polymeric core region enclosed by a lipidic layer, presumed to be derived from both liposomes and polymeric nanounits. This unique concept is of utmost importance as a combinable drug delivery platform in oncology due to its dual structured character. To add advantage and restrict one's limitation by other, LPHNPs have been designed so to gain number of advantages such as stability, high loading of cargo, increased biocompatibility, rate-limiting controlled release, and elevated drug half-lives as well as therapeutic effectiveness while minimizing their drawbacks. The outer shell, in particular, can be functionalized in a variety of ways with stimuli-responsive moieties and ligands to provide intelligent holding and for active targeting of antineoplastic medicines, transport of genes, and theragnostic. This review comprehensively provides insight into recent substantial advancements in developing strategies for treating various cancer using LPHNPs. The bioactivity assessment factors have also been highlighted with a discussion of LPHNPs future clinical prospects.

Development and In Vitro Evaluation of Crizotinib-Loaded Lipid-Polymer Hybrid Nanoparticles Using Box-Behnken Design in Non-small Cell Lung Cancer

The goal of the study was to produce, optimize, characterize, and compare crizotinib-loaded lipid-polymer hybrid nanoparticles (CL-LPHNPs), representing a novel contribution to the existing literature, and to determine their anticancer activity in non-small cell lung cancer cells (NSCLC). Box-Behnken design was used to investigate the effect of three independent variables: polymer amount (X1), soy phosphatidylcholine (X2), and DSPE-PEG (X3), on three responses: particle size (Y1), polydispersity index (Y2), and zeta potential (Y3). Different parameters were evaluated on the optimized LPHNP formulations such as encapsulation efficiency, drug release study, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) image analysis, and in vitro cell evaluations. The mean particle size of the optimized formulation is between 120 and 220 nm with a PDI< 0.2 and a zeta potential of -10 to -15 mV. The encapsulation efficiency values of crizotinib-loaded PLGA-LPHNPs (CL-PLGA-LPHNPs) and crizotinib-loaded PCL-LPHNPs (CL-PCL-LPHNPs) were 79.25±0.07% and 70.93±1.81%, respectively. Drug release study of CL-PLGA-LPHNPs and CL-PCL-LPHNPs showed a controlled and sustained release pattern as a result of core-shell type. Additionally, after 48 h, CL-PLGA-LPHNPs and CL-PCL-LPHNPs significantly reduced the viability of NCI-H2228 cells compared to free crizotinib. Moreover, CL-PLGA-LPHNPs and CL-PCL-LPHNPs exhibited a significant decrease in RAS, RAF, MEK, and ERK gene/protein expression levels after 48-h incubation. In conclusion, this pioneering study introduces lipid-polymer hybrid nanoparticles containing crizotinib as a novel treatment approach, uniting the advantages of a polymeric core and a lipid shell. The successful formulation optimization using Box-Behnken design yielded nanoparticles with adjustable size, remarkable stability, high drug loading, and a customizable drug release profile. Extensive investigations of key parameters, including particle size, PDI, ZP, TEM analysis, drug release, EE%, and in vitro evaluations, validate the potential of these nanoparticles. Moreover, the examination of two different polymers, PLGA and PCL, highlights their distinct impacts on nanoparticle performance. This research opens up new prospects for advanced therapeutic interventions with lipid-polymer hybrid nanoparticles.

Hydrocortisone-Loaded Lipid-Polymer Hybrid Nanoparticles for Controlled Topical Delivery: Formulation Design Optimization and In Vitro and In Vivo Appraisal

The barrier functionalities of the skin offer a major but not insuperable hindrance for fabrication of skin delivery effective systems. This work aimed to develop an optimized lipid polymer hybrid nanoparticle and assess the skin delivery effectiveness of hydrocortisone (9.872 ± 0.361 × 10^-3 cm²/h) of a drug through the skin from an optimized formulation when compared with a drug solution. Meanwhile, histological examination after topical application of the optimized formulation showed a safe increase in epidermal thickness. In vivo, the optimized formulation showed promising anti-inflammatory activity in a croton oil-induced ear rosacea model. As an excellent anti-inflammatory agent, these findings propose that the use of lipomers could be a promising strategy to improve the topical effectiveness of hydrocortisone acetate (HCA) against inflammatory diseases. Collectively, these results support our view that lipid polymer hybrid nanoparticles can proficiently deliver hydrocortisone to the skin in treating skin inflammatory conditions.

PEGylated Erlotinib HCl Injectable Nanoformulation for Improved Bioavailability

The present study was undertaken to synthesize PEGylated monomethoxy poly (ethylene glycol)-poly (ε-Caprolactone) (mPEG-PCL) block copolymer and formulate Erlotinib HCl-loaded mPEG-PCL nanoparticles for enhancing the bioavailability of the drug. Using the ring-opening polymerization technique, PEGylated mPEG-PCL block copolymer was synthesized, and the structure of the copolymer was characterized using FTIR, ¹H-NMR, and DSC techniques. The solvent evaporation approach was used to effectively encapsulate Erlotinib HCl within block copolymeric nanoparticles. Erlotinib HCl-loaded mPEG-PCL nanoparticles had a mean particle size of 146.5 ± 2.37 nm and a zeta potential of -27.8 ± 2.77 mV. The nanoparticles had a percent entrapment efficiency of 80.78 ± 0.09%. The in vitro drug release of Erlotinib HCl-loaded copolymeric nanoparticles showed a slow and sustained release behavior which could be maintained for up to 72 h. The Korsmeyer-Peppas fitting findings indicated that the drug release process followed a non-Fickian diffusion mechanism. The pharmacokinetic (PK) behavior of the developed nanoformulation was studied in albino Wistar rats, and the relative bioavailability of the optimized NP formulation given by intravenous route was found to be 187.33%. The PK data suggested that Erlotinib HCl-loaded mPEG-PCL copolymeric nanoparticles can dramatically alter the PK behavior of Erlotinib HCl and greatly improve the drug's bioavailability by as much as three times when compared to the oral formulation. As a result, it was established that the block copolymeric nanoparticles have promise for the effective encapsulation of Erlotinib HCL for an injectable formulation with increased bioavailability.

Liposomal form of erlotinib for local inhalation administration and efficiency of its transport to the lungs

This contribution is focused on the preparation of a liposomal drug delivery system of erlotinib resisting the nebulization process that could be used for local treatment of non-small-cell lung cancer. Liposomes with different compositions were formulated to reveal their influence on the encapsulation efficiency of erlotinib. An encapsulation efficiency higher than 98 % was achieved for all vesicles containing phosphatidic acid (d ≈ 100 nm, ζ = - 43 mV) even in the presence of polyethylene glycol (d ≈ 150 nm, ζ = - 17 mV) which decreased this value in all other formulas. The three most promising formulations were nebulized by two air-jet and two vibrating mesh nebulizers, and the aerosol deposition in lungs was calculated by tools of computational fluid and particle mechanics. According to the numerical simulations and measurements of liposomal stability, air-jet nebulizers generated larger portion of the aerosol able to penetrate deeper into the lungs, but the delivery is likely to be more efficient when the formulation is administered by Aerogen Solo vibrating mesh nebulizer because of a higher portion of intact vesicles after the nebulization. The leakage of encapsulated drug from liposomes nebulized by this nebulizer was lower than 2 % for all chosen vesicles.

Functionalised penetrating peptide-chondroitin sulphate‑gold nanoparticles: Synthesis, characterization, and applications as an anti-Alzheimer's disease drug

The purpose of this study was to construct a transmembrane peptide-chondroitin sulphate‑gold nanoparticle (TAT-CS@Au) delivery system and investigate its activity as an anti-Alzheimer's disease (AD) drug. We successfully prepared TAT-CS@Au nanoparticles, investigated their anti-AD effects, and explored the possible mechanisms in in vitro models. TAT-CS@Au exhibited excellent cellular uptake and transport capacity, effectively inhibited the accumulation of Aβ_1-40, and significantly reduced Aβ_1-40-induced apoptosis in SH-SY5Y cells. Furthermore, TAT-CS@Au significantly reduced oxidative stress damage and cholinergic injury induced by Aβ_1-40 by regulating intracellular concentrations of reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and acetylcholine (ACh). Western blotting results demonstrated that TAT-CS@Au inhibited aberrant tau phosphorylation (Ser199, Thr205, Ser404, and Ser396) through GSK3β inactivation. TAT-CS@Au decreased the levels of inflammatory factors, specifically TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β, by inhibiting NF-κB nuclear translocation by activating MAPK signalling pathways. Overall, these results indicate that TAT-CS@Au exhibits excellent transmembrane ability, inhibits Aβ_1-40 accumulation, antagonises oxidative stress, reduces aberrant tau phosphorylation, and suppresses the expression of inflammatory factors. TAT-CS@Au may be a multi-target anti-AD drug with good cell permeability, providing new insights into the design and research of anti-AD therapeutics.

Development and in-vitro evaluation of chitosan and glyceryl monostearate based matrix lipid polymer hybrid nanoparticles (LPHNPs) for oral delivery of itraconazole

Itraconazole (ICZ) is a broad spectrum antifungal drug, but used as second or third line therapy due to its low and erratic oral bioavailability. This work was carried out to prepare and characterize matrix type lipid-polymer hybrid nanoparticles (LPHNPs) for dissolution enhancement of ICZ. LPHNPs were prepared using solvent diffusion/emulsification technique. Matrix LPHNPs were composed of chitosan (polymer), glyceryl monostearate (lipid) and poloxamer 188 (stabilizer). LPHNPs loaded with ICZ (LPHNPs-1, LPHNPs-2, LPHNPs-3 and LPHNPs-4) were developed using varying concentration of chitosan whereas LPHNPs (LPHNPs-5, LPHNPs-6, LPHNPs-7 and LPHNPs-8) were prepared using varying concentrations of poloxamer 188. LPHNPs loaded with ICZ were further evaluated for entrapment efficiency, particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential and dissolution profiles at biorelevant pH conditions. The particle size (LPHNPs-1 to LPHNPs-4) was found to be in range of 421-588 nm with PDI values 0.34-0.41. The particles size of LPHNPs-5 to LPHNPs-8 was found to be in range of 489-725 nm with PDI 0.34-0.74. The entrapment efficiency of LPHNPs-1 to LPHNPs-4 was found to be in range of 85.21%-91.34%. The entrapment efficiency of LPHNPs-5 to LPHNPs-8 was found to be in range 78.32%-90.44%. . The scanning electron microscopy of optimized formulations LPHNPs-1 and LPHNPs-5 indicated formation of oval shaped nanoparticles. DSC thermogram of ICZ loaded LPHNPs also depicted the conversion of crystalline form of ICZ into amorphous form demonstrating the internalization and dissolution enhancement of drug in the hybrid matrix. The cumulative drug dissolved at acidic pH 1.2 was found to be 23.3% and 19.8% for LPHNPs-1 and LPHNPs-5 respectively. Similarly at basic pH values 7.4, cumulative amount of drug dissolved was 90.2% and 83.4% for LPHNPs-1 and LPHNPs-5 respectively. Drug dissolution kinetics exhibited fickian diffusion best described by Korse-meyer Peppas model. The results suggested that chitosan and glyceryl monostearate based matrix LPHNPs could be used as promising approach for dissolution enhancement of ICZ which could further increase its bioavailability.

Recent Advances in Boosting EGFR Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors-Based Cancer Therapy

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) plays a key role in signal transduction pathways associated with cell proliferation, growth, and survival. Its overexpression and aberrant activation in malignancy correlate with poor prognosis and short survival. Targeting inhibition of EGFR by small-molecular tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) is emerging as an important treatment model besides of chemotherapy, greatly reshaping the landscape of cancer therapy. However, they are still challenged by the off-targeted toxicity, relatively limited cancer types, and drug resistance after long-term therapy. In this review, we summarize the recent progress of oral, pulmonary, and injectable drug delivery systems for enhanced and targeting TKI delivery to tumors and reduced side effects. Importantly, EGFR-TKI-based combination therapies not only greatly broaden the applicable cancer types of EGFR-TKI but also significantly improve the anticancer effect. The mechanisms of TKI resistance are summarized, and current strategies to overcome TKI resistance as well as the application of TKI in reversing chemotherapy resistance are discussed. Finally, we provide a perspective on the future research of EGFR-TKI-based cancer therapy.

Insights into Lipid-Based Delivery Nanosystems of Protein-Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors for Cancer Therapy

According to the WHO, cancer caused almost 10 million deaths worldwide in 2020, i.e., almost one in six deaths. Among the most common are breast, lung, colon and rectal and prostate cancers. Although the diagnosis is more perfect and spectrum of available drugs is large, there is a clear trend of an increase in cancer that ends fatally. A major advance in treatment was the introduction of gentler antineoplastics for targeted therapy-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). Although they have undoubtedly revolutionized oncology and hematology, they have significant side effects and limited efficacy. In addition to the design of new TKIs with improved pharmacokinetic and safety profiles, and being more resistant to the development of drug resistance, high expectations are placed on the reformulation of TKIs into various drug delivery lipid-based nanosystems. This review provides an insight into the history of chemotherapy, a brief overview of the development of TKIs for the treatment of cancer and their mechanism of action and summarizes the results of the applications of self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery systems, nanoemulsions, liposomes, solid lipid nanoparticles, lipid-polymer hybrid nanoparticles and nanostructured lipid carriers used as drug delivery systems of TKIs obtained in vitro and in vivo.

Potentiality of raloxifene loaded melittin functionalized lipidic nanovesicles against pancreatic cancer cells

Pancreatic cancer (PC) frequency and incidence have grown rapidly in recent years. One of the most serious problems with PC is the existence of asymptotic manifestations, which frequently delays early detection, and until the diagnosis is established, tumor cells progress to the metastatic stage. Another significant concern with PC is the scarcity of well-defined pharmacotherapeutic drugs. The aim of this study was to develop an efficient nanocarrier system to augment the efficacy of raloxifene (RLX) against PC cells. As a result, the current investigation was carried out in order to give an effective treatment method, in which an optimum RLX loaded phospholipid-based vesicles with melittin (PL-MEL) was chosen using experimental design software, with particle size, zeta potential and entrapment efficiency % as dependent variables. Furthermore, anticancer activity against PANC1 cells was assessed. The optimized nanovesicle parameters were 172.5 nm for the measured size, zeta potential of -0.69 mV, and entrapment efficiency of 76.91% that were in good agreement with the expected ones. RLX-raw, plain formula, and optimized RLX-PL-MEL showed IC50 concentrations of 26.07 ± 0.98, 9.166 ± 0.34, and 1.24 ± 0.05 µg/mL, respectively. Furthermore, cell cycle analysis revealed that the nanovesicle was most effective in the G2-M phase, whereas Bax, and Bcl-2 estimates revealed that optimized RLX formula had the highest apoptotic activity among treatments investigated. However, as compared to RLX alone or plain formula alone, the optimized formula demonstrated higher expression of TNFα and Bax while a significant reduction of Bcl-2 and NF-κB expression was observed. mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) analysis confirmed the apoptosis as well as the anticancer effect of the optimized formula. Thus, the present study results showed an improvement in the anti-PC effects of the RLX with phospholipid conjugated melittin, making it a novel treatment approach against PC.

A spotlight on alkaloid nanoformulations for the treatment of lung cancer

Numerous naturally available phytochemicals have potential anti-cancer activities due to their vast structural diversity. Alkaloids have been extensively used in cancer treatment, especially lung cancers, among the plant-based compounds. However, their utilization is limited by their poor solubility, low bioavailability, and inadequacies such as lack of specificity to cancer cells and indiscriminate distribution in the tissues. Incorporating the alkaloids into nanoformulations can overcome the said limitations paving the way for effective delivery of the alkaloids to the site of action in sufficient concentrations, which is crucial in tumor targeting. Our review attempts to assess whether alkaloid nanoformulation can be an effective tool in lung cancer therapy. The mechanism of action of each alkaloid having potential is explored in great detail in the review. In general, Alkaloids suppress oncogenesis by modulating several signaling pathways involved in multiplication, cell cycle, and metastasis, making them significant component of many clinical anti-cancerous agents. The review also explores the future prospects of alkaloid nanoformulation in lung cancer. So, in conclusion, alkaloid based nanoformulation will emerge as a potential gamechanger in treating lung cancer in the near future.

Photoresponsive Nanocarriers Based on Lithium Niobate Nanoparticles for Harmonic Imaging and On-Demand Release of Anticancer Chemotherapeutics

Nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems have the potential for increasing the efficiency of chemotherapeutics by enhancing the drug accumulation at specific target sites, thereby reducing adverse side effects and mitigating patient acquired resistance. In particular, photo-responsive nanomaterials have attracted much interest due to their ability to release molecular cargos on demand upon light irradiation. In some settings, they can also provide complementary information by optical imaging on the (sub)cellular scale. We herein present a system based on lithium niobate harmonic nanoparticles (LNO HNPs) for the decoupled multi-harmonic cell imaging and near-infrared light-triggered delivery of an erlotinib derivative (ELA) for the treatment of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-overexpressing carcinomas. The ELA cargo was covalently conjugated to the surface of silica-coated LNO HNPs through a coumarinyl photo-cleavable linker, achieving a surface loading of the active molecule of 27 nmol/mg NPs. The resulting nanoconjugates (LNO-CM-ELA NPs) were successfully imaged upon pulsed laser excitation at 1250 nm in EGFR-overexpressing human prostate cancer cells DU145 by detecting the second harmonic emission at 625 nm, in the tissue transparency window. Tuning the laser at 790 nm resulted in the uncaging of the ELA cargo as a result of the second harmonic emission of the inorganic HNP core at 395 nm. This protocol induced a significant growth inhibition in DU145 cells, which was only observed upon specific irradiation at 790 nm, highlighting the promising capabilities of LNO-CM-ELA NPs for theranostic applications.

Lipid-Polymer Hybrid Nanocarriers for Oral Delivery of Felodipine: Formulation, Characterization and Ex Vivo Evaluation

Purpose: Felodipine, is a calcium-channel antagonist used for hypertension and angina pectoris. It is practically insoluble in aqueous media and shows low oral bioavailability (15%-20%). This investigation aims to prepare and characterize oral felodipine lipid-polymer hybrid nanocarriers (LPHNs) to increase solubility and control delivery for increasing bioavailability and enhance patient compliance. Methods: The newly microwave-based method was prepared with felodipine LPHNs (H1-H35) successfully. The (H1-H35) were subjected to thermodynamic stability experiments. After that, select nine felodipine LPHNs (F1-F9) that have smart physical stability for further optimization of different characterization processes. Results: The felodipine LPHNs (F4) are considered the most optimized formula. It was characterized by lower particle size (33.3 nm), lower PDI (0.314), high zeta potential (13.6 mV), entrapment efficiency is (81.645% w/w), drug loading is (16.329% w/w), the pH value is 4, excellent percent of light transmittance (95.5%), pseudoplastic rheogram, significantly high (P < 0.05) dissolution rate with sustained drug delivery and success ex-vivo intestinal permeation attributes. The (F4) subject for further investigations of Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The results of FTIR, AFM, and TEM indicate there is no interaction between the felodipine and excipients and that the particulate system in the nanoscale dispersion system confirms the high stability. Conclusion: The optimized felodipine LPHNs (F1-F9) formulations were smart formulations for sustained oral delivery of felodipine and that F4 was the most optimized formula according to its characterization processes.

Resistance to TKIs in EGFR-Mutated Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: From Mechanisms to New Therapeutic Strategies

Simple Summary

Resistance to tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in advanced mutant non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) constitutes a therapeutic challenge. Resistance may occur as a result of EGFR-dependent and independent molecular pathways. The first commonly includes T790M, C797S, L792X and L718X mutations, while the latter pertains to HER2 and MET amplifications, gene rearrangements, disruption in PIK3CA, MAPK signaling and SCLC and epithelial–mesenchymal cells transformation. Liquid biopsies detecting mutant cell-free DNA (cfDNA) have a major potential in the detection of mutant clones before they become clinically apparent. Newer-generation TKIs, bispecific antibodies and antibody-drug conjugates or combinations of TKIs with other TKIs or chemotherapy, immunotherapy and anti-vascular endothelial growth factors (anti-VEGFs) are currently in use or under investigation in EGFR mutant NSCLC. In EGFR mutant NSCLC metastatic to the brain, the blood–brain barrier (BBB) decreases the ability of TKIs to reach the central nervous system (CNS), acting as an additional resistance factor, which can presently be addressed with osimertinib. The potential of rechallenging EFGR TKIs after chemotherapy and combining it with anti-PD-1 immunotherapeutics remains ambivalent. Harnessing nanocarriers to improve drug delivery in EGFR TKIs-resistant NSCLC has been promising in preclinical settings, but it is yet to be determined in a clinical context.

Abstract

Resistance to tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in advanced mutant Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) constitutes a therapeutic challenge. This review intends to summarize the existing knowledge about the mechanisms of resistance to TKIs in the context of EGFR mutant NSCLC and discuss its clinical and therapeutic implications. EGFR-dependent and independent molecular pathways have the potential to overcome or circumvent the activity of EGFR-targeted agents including the third-generation TKI, osimertinib, negatively impacting clinical outcomes. CNS metastases occur frequently in patients on EGFR-TKIs, due to the inability of first and second-generation agents to overcome both the BBB and the acquired resistance of cancer cells in the CNS. Newer-generation TKIs, TKIs targeting EGFR-independent resistance mechanisms, bispecific antibodies and antibody-drug conjugates or combinations of TKIs with other TKIs or chemotherapy, immunotherapy and Anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors (anti-VEGFs) are currently in use or under investigation in EGFR mutant NSCLC. Liquid biopsies detecting mutant cell-free DNA (cfDNA) provide a window of opportunity to attack mutant clones before they become clinically apparent. Overall, EGFR TKIs-resistant NSCLC constitutes a multifaceted therapeutic challenge. Mapping its underlying mutational landscape, accelerating the detection of resistance mechanisms and diversifying treatment strategies are essential for the management of the disease.

Chorioretinal Hypoxia Detection Using Lipid-Polymer Hybrid Organic Room-Temperature Phosphorescent Nanoparticles

Ischemia-induced hypoxia is a common complication associated with numerous diseases and is the most important prognostic factor in retinal vein occlusions (RVOs). Early detection and long-term visualization of retinal tissue hypoxia is essential to understand the pathophysiology and treatment of ischemic retinopathies. However, no effective solution exists to evaluate extravascular retinal tissue oxygen tension. Here, we demonstrate a lipid-polymer hybrid organic room-temperature phosphorescence (RTP) nanoparticle (NP) platform that optically detects tissue hypoxia in real-time with high signal-to-noise ratio. The fabricated NPs exhibit long-lived bright RTP, high sensitivity toward oxygen quenching, and desirable colloidal and optical stability. When tested as a hypoxia imaging probe in vivo using rabbit RVO and choroidal vascular occlusion (CVO) models via intravitreal and intravenous (IV) injections, respectively, its RTP signal is exclusively turned on where tissue hypoxia is present with a signal-to-noise ratio of 12.5. The RTP NP platform is compatible with multimodal imaging. No ocular or systemic complications are observed with either administration route. The developed organic RTP NPs present a novel platform approach that allows for biocompatible, nondestructive detection of tissue hypoxia and holds promise as a sensitive imaging tool to monitor longitudinal tissue oxygen levels and evaluate various hypoxia-driven vascular diseases.

Monoclonal Antibody Functionalized, and L-lysine α-Oxidase Loaded PEGylated-Chitosan Nanoparticle for HER2/Neu Targeted Breast Cancer Therapy

Simple Summary

Breast cancer is one of the dominant cancers that threaten human beings worldwide. Moreover, the treatment of HER2+ breast cancer is challenging due to heterogeneity. The L-lysine α-oxidase (LO) enzyme is a well-known antitumor enzyme, but its clinical utility has been limited due to side effects, decreased stability, and inability to target tumor cells. To overcome the clinical challenges in delivery of LO enzymes and improve HER2+ breast cancer therapeutics, the present study developed the dual stimuli responsive nanocarrier system (CS-LO-PEG-HER NPs) for pH sensitive and HER2/neu targeted breast cancer therapy.

Abstract

Herein, we designed a nanocarrier to deliver the LO specifically to HER2+ breast cancer (BC) cells, where functionalization of mAb (anti-HER2+) with PEGylated chitosan enabled it to target the HER2+ BC cells. Taking advantage of overexpression of HER2+ in cancer cells, our nanocarrier (CS-LO-PEG-HER NPs) exhibited promising potency and selectivity against HER2+ BC cells (BT474). The CS-LO-PEG-HER NPs demonstrated the cytotoxicity in BT474 cells by promoting reactive oxygen species, mitochondrial membrane potential loss, and nucleus damage. The biocompatibility of CS-LO-PEG-HER NPs was evidenced by the hemolysis assay and H & E staining of major organs. The CS-LO-PEG-HER NPs showed anticancer potency against the BT474-xenograft tumor-bearing mice, as evident by the reduction of tumor size and cell density. These results indicate that CS-LO-PEG-HER NPs are biocompatible with mice while inhibiting tumor growth through alter the oxidative stress. Overall, this work provides a promising approach for the delivery of LO for good therapeutic effect in combination with mAb.

Delivery of triptolide: a combination of traditional Chinese medicine and nanomedicine

As a natural product with various biological activities, triptolide (TP) has been reported in anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor and anti-autoimmune studies. However, the narrow therapeutic window, poor water solubility, and fast metabolism limit its wide clinical application. To reduce its adverse effects and enhance its efficacy, research and design of targeted drug delivery systems (TDDS) based on nanomaterials is one of the most viable strategies at present. This review summarizes the reports and studies of TDDS combined with TP in recent years, including passive and active targeting of drug delivery systems, and specific delivery system strategies such as polymeric micelles, solid lipid nanoparticles, liposomes, and stimulus-responsive polymer nanoparticles. The reviewed literature presented herein indicates that TDDS is a multifunctional and efficient method for the delivery of TP. In addition, the advantages and disadvantages of TDDS are sorted out, aiming to provide reference for the combination of traditional Chinese medicine and advanced nano drug delivery systems (NDDS) in the future.

Highly sensitive and quantitative biodetection with lipid-polymer hybrid nanoparticles having organic room-temperature phosphorescence

A versatile organic room-temperature phosphorescence (RTP)-based "turn on" biosensor platform has been devised with high sensitivity by combining oxygen-sensitive lipid-polymer hybrid RTP nanoparticles with a signal-amplifying enzymatic oxygen scavenging reaction in aqueous solutions. When integrated with a sandwich-DNA hybridization assay on 96-well plates, our phosphorimetric sensor demonstrates sequence-specific detection of a cell-free cancer biomarker, a TP53 gene fragment, with a sub-picomolar (0.5 p.m.) detection limit. This assay is compatible with detecting cell-free nucleic acids in human urine samples. Simply by re-programming the detection probe, our unique methodology can be adapted to a broad range of biosensor applications for biomarkers of great clinical importance but difficult to detect due to their low abundance in vivo.

Design of Hepatic Targeted Drug Delivery Systems for Natural Products: Insights into Nomenclature Revision of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), recently renamed metabolic-dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), affects a quarter of the worldwide population. Natural products have been extensively utilized in treating NAFLD because of their distinctive advantages over chemotherapeutic drugs, despite the fact that there are no approved drugs for therapy. Notably, the limitations of many natural products, such as poor water solubility, low bioavailability in vivo, low hepatic distribution, and lack of targeted effects, have severely restricted their clinical application. These issues could be resolved via hepatic targeted drug delivery systems (HTDDS) that boost clinical efficacy in treating NAFLD and decrease the adverse effects on other organs. Herein an overview of natural products comprising formulas, single medicinal plants, and their crude extracts has been presented to treat NAFLD. Also, the clinical efficacy and molecular mechanism of active monomer compounds against NAFLD are systematically discussed. The targeted delivery of natural products via HTDDS has been explored to provide a different nanotechnology-based NAFLD treatment strategy and to make suggestions for natural-product-based targeted nanocarrier design. Finally, the challenges and opportunities put forth by the nomenclature update of NAFLD are outlined along with insights into how to improve the NAFLD therapy and how to design more rigorous nanocarriers for the HTDDS. In brief, we summarize the up-to-date developments of the NAFLD-HTDDS based on natural products and provide viewpoints for the establishment of more stringent anti-NAFLD natural-product-targeted nanoformulations.

Lipid poly (ɛ-caprolactone) hybrid nanoparticles of 5-fluorouracil for sustained release and enhanced anticancer efficacy

AIMS

The present study aimed to develop and characterize poly (ɛ-caprolactone) (PCL) based lipid polymer hybrid nanoparticles for sustained delivery and in-vitro anti-cancer activity in MCF-7 and HeLa cells cancer cell line.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The nanoprecipitation method was used for the development of 5-fluorouracil loaded lipid polymer hybrid nanoparticles (LPHNPs). The developed LPHNPs were characterized for physicochemical characteristics and the anti-cancer effect was evaluated in MCF-7 and HeLa cells.

SIGNIFICANT FINDINGS

Six formulations having fixed amount of drug and varied lipid, polymer and emulsifier concentrations were prepared. The particle size was in the range of 174 ± 4 to 267 ± 2.65 nm, entrapment efficiency (92.87 ± 0.594 to 94.13 ± 0.772%), negative zeta potential, optimum polydispersity index and spherical shape. FTIR analysis shows no chemical interaction among the formulation components, DSC analysis reveals the disappearance of 5-FU melting endotherm in the developed LPHNPs suggesting amorphization of 5-FU in the developed system, XRD analysis indicates successful encapsulation of the drug in the lipid polymer matrix. The in-vitro release shows a biphasic release pattern with an initial burst release followed by a sustained release profile for 72 h. The drug loaded LPHNPs exhibited a greater cytotoxic effect than 5-FU solution due to sustained release and increased cellular internalization. The acute toxicity study revealed the safety of the developed carrier system for potential delivery of chemotherapeutic agents.

SIGNIFICANCE

The developed LPHNPs of 5-fluorouracil will provide the sustained release behavior of 5-fluorouracil to maximize the therapeutic efficacy and minimize the dose related toxicity.

Fluoxetine hydrochloride loaded lipid polymer hybrid nanoparticles showed possible efficiency against SARS-CoV-2 infection

Up to date, there were no approved drugs against coronavirus (COVID-19) disease that dangerously affects global health and the economy. Repurposing the existing drugs would be a promising approach for COVID-19 management. The antidepressant drugs, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) class, have antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and anticoagulant effects, which makes them auspicious drugs for COVID 19 treatment. Therefore, this study aimed to predict the possible therapeutic activity of SSRIs against COVID-19. Firstly, molecular docking studies were performed to hypothesize the possible interaction of SSRIs to the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-COV-2) main protease. Secondly, the candidate drug was loaded in lipid polymer hybrid (LPH) nanoparticles to enhance its activity. The studied SSRIs were Fluoxetine hydrochloride (FH), Atomoxteine, Paroxetine, Nisoxteine, Repoxteine RR, and Repoxteine SS. Interestingly, FH could effectively bind with SARS-COV-2 main protease via hydrogen bond formation with low binding energy (-6.7 kcal/mol). Moreover, the optimization of FH-LPH formulation achieved 65.1 ± 2.7% encapsulation efficiency, 10.3 ± 0.4% loading efficiency, 98.5 ± 3.5 nm particle size, and −10.5 ± 0.45 mV zeta potential. Additionally, it improved cellular internalization in a time-dependent manner with good biocompatibility on Human lung fibroblast (CCD-19Lu) cells. Therefore, the study suggested the potential activity of FH-LPH nanoparticles against the COVID-19 pandemic.

Strategies for Preparing Different Types of Lipid Polymer Hybrid Nanoparticles in Targeted Tumor Therapy

At present, cancer is one of the most common diseases in the world, causing a large number of deaths and seriously affecting people's health. The traditional treatment of cancer is mainly surgery, radiotherapy or chemotherapy. Conventional chemotherapy is still an important treatment, but it has some shortcomings, such as poor cell selectivity, serious side effects, drug resistance and so on. Nanoparticle administration can improve drug stability, reduce toxicity, prolong drug release time, prolong system half-life, and bring broad prospects for tumor therapy. Lipid polymer hybrid nanoparticles (LPNs), which combine the advantages of polymer core and phospholipid shell to form a single platform, have become multi-functional drug delivery platforms. This review introduces the basic characteristics, structure and preparation methods of LPNs, and discusses targeting strategies of LPNs in tumor therapy in order to overcome the defects of traditional drug therapy.

Synthesis of Capsaicin Loaded Silver Nanoparticles Using Green Approach and Its Anti-Bacterial Activity Against Human Pathogens

Nanotechnology is drawing attention nowadays due to its ability to regulate metals into nanosize, ultimately changing metal's physical, chemical, and optical properties. Silver nanoparticles are known for their potential impact as antimicrobial agents due to their inherent property penetrating the cell wall. The present study aimed to develop and statistically optimise using a novel combination of capsaicin loaded silver nanoparticles (AgCNPs) as an effective anti-bacterial agent to treat psoriasis using a green approach. Ascorbic acid was used as a reducing agent to fabricate silver nanoparticles. The formulation parameters optimisation was conducted using Box-Behnken Design (3×3 factorial design). The loading of capsaicin was confirmed by attenuated total reflectance-fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy-scanning electron microscopy (EDX-SEM) confirmed the existence of silver; net-like structure revealed in SEM and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy further confirmed the nano size of the formulation. Differential scanning calorimetry and X-ray diffraction demonstrated the capsaicin transformed into amorphous after encapsulated. An in-vitro microbial study showed that the 0.10 M formulation of AgCNPs exerted potent anti-bacterial activity, which can be considered an alternative anti-bacterial agent. It also displayed that the zone of inhibition was significantly high in gram-negative bacteria (E. coli) than gram-positive bacteria (S. aureus). Green synthesised AgCNPs showed highly significant anti-bacterial activity, which indicates that this formulation can be very promising for treating psoriasis.

Lipid polymeric nanoparticles modified with tight junction-modulating peptides promote afatinib delivery across a blood–brain barrier model

Background

Brain metastases from non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remain one of the most challenging malignancies. Afatinib (Afa) is an orally administered irreversible ErbB family blocker approved for epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-mutated NSCLC. However, the incidence of brain metastases in patients with NSCLC and EGFR mutation is high. One of the major obstacles in the treatment of brain metastases is to transport drugs across the blood–brain barrier (BBB). A lipid polymeric nanoparticle (LPN) modified with a tight junction-modulating peptide is a potential formulation to deliver therapeutics across the BBB. FD7 and CCD are short peptides that perturb the tight junctions (TJs) of the BBB. In this study, the use of LPN modified with FD7 or CCD as a delivery platform was explored to enhance Afa delivery across the BBB model of mouse brain-derived endothelial bEnd.3 cells.

Results

Our findings revealed that Afa/LPN-FD7 and Afa/LPN-CCD exhibited a homogeneous shape, a uniform nano-scaled particle size, and a sustained-release profile. FD7, CCD, Afa/LPN-FD7, and Afa/LPN-CCD did not cause a significant cytotoxic effect on bEnd.3 cells. Afa/LPN-FD7 and Afa/LPN-CCD across the bEnd.3 cells enhanced the cytotoxicity of Afa on human lung adenocarcinoma PC9 cells. FD7 and CCD-modulated TJ proteins, such as claudin 5 and ZO-1, reduced transendothelial electrical resistance, and increased the permeability of paracellular markers across the bEnd.3 cells. Afa/LPN-FD7 and Afa/LPN-CCD were also partially transported through clathrin- and caveolae-mediated transcytosis, revealing the effective activation of paracellular and transcellular pathways to facilitate Afa delivery across the BBB and cytotoxicity of Afa on PC9 cells.

Conclusion

TJ-modulating peptide-modified LPN could be a prospective platform for the delivery of chemotherapeutics across the BBB to the brain for the potential treatment of the BM of NSCLC.

Formulation and clinical perspectives of inhalation-based nanocarrier delivery: a new archetype in lung cancer treatment

Despite tremendous research in targeted delivery and specific molecular inhibitors (gene delivery), cytotoxic drug delivery through inhalation has been seen as a core part in the treatment of the lung cancer. Inhalation delivery provides a high dose of the drug directly to the lungs without affecting other body organs, increasing the therapeutic ratio. This article reviews the research performed over the last several decades regarding inhalation delivery of various cancer therapeutics for the treatment of lung cancer. Nevertheless, pulmonary administration of nanocarrier-based cancer therapeutics for lung cancer therapy is still in its infancy and faces greater than expected challenges. This article focuses on the current inhalable nanocarrier-based drugs for lung cancer treatment.

Onco-Receptors Targeting in Lung Cancer via Application of Surface-Modified and Hybrid Nanoparticles: A Cross-Disciplinary Review

Lung cancer is among the most prevalent and leading causes of death worldwide. The major reason for high mortality is the late diagnosis of the disease, and in most cases, lung cancer is diagnosed at fourth stage in which the cancer has metastasized to almost all vital organs. The other reason for higher mortality is the uptake of the chemotherapeutic agents by the healthy cells, which in turn increases the chances of cytotoxicity to the healthy body cells. The complex pathophysiology of lung cancer provides various pathways to target the cancerous cells. In this regard, upregulated onco-receptors on the cell surface of tumor including epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), integrins, transferrin receptor (TFR), folate receptor (FR), cluster of differentiation 44 (CD44) receptor, etc. could be exploited for the inhibition of pathways and tumor-specific drug targeting. Further, cancer borne immunological targets like T-lymphocytes, myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), and dendritic cells could serve as a target site to modulate tumor activity through targeting various surface-expressed receptors or interfering with immune cell-specific pathways. Hence, novel approaches are required for both the diagnosis and treatment of lung cancers. In this context, several researchers have employed various targeted delivery approaches to overcome the problems allied with the conventional diagnosis of and therapy methods used against lung cancer. Nanoparticles are cell nonspecific in biological systems, and may cause unwanted deleterious effects in the body. Therefore, nanodrug delivery systems (NDDSs) need further advancement to overcome the problem of toxicity in the treatment of lung cancer. Moreover, the route of nanomedicines’ delivery to lungs plays a vital role in localizing the drug concentration to target the lung cancer. Surface-modified nanoparticles and hybrid nanoparticles have a wide range of applications in the field of theranostics. This cross-disciplinary review summarizes the current knowledge of the pathways implicated in the different classes of lung cancer with an emphasis on the clinical implications of the increasing number of actionable molecular targets. Furthermore, it focuses specifically on the significance and emerging role of surface functionalized and hybrid nanomaterials as drug delivery systems through citing recent examples targeted at lung cancer treatment.

Combinatory Delivery of Etoposide and siCD47 in a Lipid Polymer Hybrid Delays Lung Tumor Growth in an Experimental Melanoma Lung Metastatic Model

This study investigated the feasibility of lipid polymer hybrid nanoparticles (LPH) as a platform for the combinatorial delivery of small interfering RNA (siRNA) and etoposide (Eto). Different Eto loaded LPH formulations (LPH _Eto ) are prepared. The optimized cationic LPH _Eto  with a particle size of 109.66 ± 5.17 nm and Eto entrapment efficiency (EE %) of 80.33 ± 2.55 is used to incorporate siRNA targeting CD47 (siCD47), a do not eat me marker on the surface of cancer cells. The siRNA-encapsulating LPH (LPH _siNEG-Eto ) has a particle size of 115.9 ± 4.11 nm and siRNA EE % of 63.54 ± 4.36 %. LPHs improved the cellular uptake of siRNA in a dose- and concentration-dependent manner. Enhanced cytotoxicity (3.8-fold higher than Eto solution) and high siRNA transfection efficiency (≈50 %) are obtained. An in vivo biodistribution study  showed a preferential uptake of the nanosystem into lung, liver, and spleen. In an experimental pseudo-metastatic B16F10 lung tumor model, a superior therapeutic outcome can be observed in mice treated with combinatory therapy. Immunological studies revealed elevated CD4+, CD8+ cells, and macrophages in the lung following combinatory treatment. The study suggests the potential of the current system for combinatory chemotherapy and immunotherapy for the treatment of lung cancer or lung metastasis.

Co-administration of zinc phthalocyanine and quercetin via hybrid nanoparticles for augmented photodynamic therapy

The photodynamic anticancer activity of a photosensitizer can be further increased by co-administration of a flavonoid. However, this requires that both molecules must be effectively accumulated at the tumor site. Hence, in order to enhance the activity of zinc phthalocyanine (ZnPc, photosensitizer), it was co-encapsulated with quercetin (QC, flavonoid) in lipid polymer hybrid nanoparticles (LPNs) developed using biodegradable & biocompatible materials and prepared using a single-step nanoprecipitation technique. High stability and cellular uptake, sustained release, inherent fluorescence, of ZnPC were observed after encapsulation in the LPNs, which also showed a higher cytotoxic effect in breast carcinoma cells (MCF-7) compared to photodynamic therapy (PDT) alone. In vivo studies in tumor-bearing Sprague Dawley rats demonstrated that the LPNs were able to deliver ZnPc and QC to the tumor site with minimal systemic toxicity and increased antitumor effect. Overall, the photodynamic effect of ZnPc was synergized by QC. This strategy could be highly beneficial for cancer management in the future while nullifying the side effects of chemotherapy.

Chemosensitivity assessments of curdlan-doped smart nanocomposites containing erlotinib HCl

Curdlan (CN)-doped montmorillonite/poly(N-isopropylacrylamide-co-N,N'-methylene-bis-acrylamide) [CN/MT/P(NIPA-co-MBA)] smart nanocomposites (NCs) were developed for efficient erlotinib HCl (ERL) delivery to lung cancer cells. The placebo NCs demonstrated excellent biodegradability, pH/thermo-responsive swelling profiles and declined molar mass (M¯c) between the crosslinks with increasing temperature. The XRD, FTIR, DSC, TGA, and SEM analyses revealed the architectural chemistry of these NC scaffolds. The NCs loaded with ERL (F-1-F-3) displayed acceptable diameter (734-1120 nm) and zeta potential (+1.16 to -11.17 mV), outstanding drug entrapping capability (DEE, 78-99%) and sustained biphasic ERL elution patterns (Q_8h, 53-91%). The ERL release kinetics of the optimal matrices (F-3) obeyed Higuchi model and their transport occurred through anomalous diffusion. The mucin adsorption behaviour of these matrices followed Freudlich isotherms. As compared to pure ERL, the formulation (F-3) displayed an improved anti-proliferative potential and induced apoptosis more effectively on A549 cells. Thus, the CN-doped smart NCs could be utilized as promising drug-cargoes for lung cancer therapy.

Topical anesthetic and pain relief using penetration enhancer and transcriptional transactivator peptide multi-decorated nanostructured lipid carriers

Many strategies have been developed to overcome the stratum corneum (SC) barrier, including functionalized nanostructures. Chemical penetration enhancers (CPEs) and cell-penetrating peptides (CPP) were applied to decorate nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC) for topical anesthetic and pain relief. A novel pyrenebutyrate (PB-PEG-DSPE) compound was synthesized by the amide action of the carboxylic acid group of PB with the amido groups of DSPE-PEG. PB-PEG-DSPE has a hydrophobic group, hydrophilic group, and lipid group. The lipid group can be inserted into NLC to form PB functional NLC. In order to improve the penetrability, TAT and PB multi-decorated NLC were designed for the delivery of lidocaine hydrochloride (LID) (TAT/PB LID NLC). The therapeutic effects of NLC in terms of in vitro skin penetration and in vivo in animal models were further studied. The size of TAT/PB LID NLC tested by DLS was 153.6 ± 4.3 nm. However, the size of undecorated LID NLC was 115.3 ± 3.6 nm. The PDI values of NLC vary from 0.13 ± 0.01 to 0.16 ± 0.03. Zeta potentials of NLC were negative, between -20.7 and -29.3 mV. TAT/PB LID NLC (851.2 ± 25.3 µg/cm²) showed remarkably better percutaneous penetration ability than PB LID NLC (610.7 ± 22.1 µg/cm²), TAT LID NLC (551.9 ± 21.8 µg/cm²) (p < .05) and non-modified LID NLC (428.2 ± 21.4 µg/cm²). TAT/PB LID NLC exhibited the most prominent anesthetic effect than single ligand decorated or undecorated LID NLC in vivo. The resulting TAT/PB LID NLC exhibited good skin penetration and anesthetic efficiency, which could be applied as a promising anesthesia system.

Designed DNA nanostructure grafted with erlotinib for non-small-cell lung cancer therapy

Chemotherapy for non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treatment has been employed over the past 20 years. However, poor water-solubility, low bioavailability and less drug accumulation of chemotherapeutic drugs restrict its antitumor activities in clinic. DNA nanostructures are proposed as drug carriers due to their intrinsic biocompatibility and programmability. In this work, we demonstrate a novel DNA nanocarrier grafted with erlotinib as an effective drug delivery system (DDS) for anti-cancer treatment. Specifically, erlotinib (Er), a hydrophobic small molecule drug targeting the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), is covalently conjugated with azide (N₃) modified DNA strands and subsequently self-assembled on spatially programmable erlotinib-grafted 6 × 6 × 64 nt DNA nanostructures. Thus, Er was successfully grafted on DNA carriers and transformed into a hydrophilic formulation. The antitumor efficacy was evaluated both in vitro and in vivo, and enhanced cytotoxicity toward A549 cells and the marked inhibition of tumor growth for non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) were observed.

Injectable Thermosensitive Hydrogel Containing Erlotinib-Loaded Hollow Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles as a Localized Drug Delivery System for NSCLC Therapy

Erlotinib (ERT), oral administration agents, is one of the most pivotal targeted drugs in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC); however, its poor solubility, low oral bioavailability, and capricious toxicity limit broader clinical applications. In this paper, a novel injectable matrix is prepared based on hollow mesoporous silica nanoparticles (HMSNs) and thermosensitive poly(d,l-lactide)-poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(d,l-lactide) (PDLLA-PEG-PDLLA, PLEL) hydrogel to encapsulate and localize the sustained release of ERT for improved efficacy against NSCLC. The test-tube-inversion method shows that this ERT-loaded hydrogel composite (ERT@HMSNs/gel) presents as an injectable flowing solution under room temperature and transfers into a physically crosslinked non-flowing gel structure at physiological temperature.The ERT@HMSNs/gel composite shows a much longer intratumoral and peritumoral drug retention by in vivo imaging study. Notably, this injectable drug delivery system (DDS) provides an impressive balance between antitumor efficacy and systemic safety in a mice xenograft model. The novel ERT loaded HMSNs/gel system may be a promising candidate for the in situ treatment of NSCLC. Moreover, this study provides a prospective platform for the design and fabrication of a nano-scaled delivery system for localized anticancer therapies.

Nano targeted Therapies Made of Lipids and Polymers have Promising Strategy for the Treatment of Lung Cancer

The introduction of nanoparticles made of polymers, protein, and lipids as drug delivery systems has led to significant progress in modern medicine. Since the application of nanoparticles in medicine involves the use of biodegradable, nanosized materials to deliver a certain amount of chemotherapeutic agents into a tumor site, this leads to the accumulation of these nanoencapsulated agents in the right region. This strategy minimizes the stress and toxicity generated by chemotherapeutic agents on healthy cells. Therefore, encapsulating chemotherapeutic agents have less cytotoxicity than non-encapsulation ones. The purpose of this review is to address how nanoparticles made of polymers and lipids can successfully be delivered into lung cancer tumors. Lung cancer types and their anatomies are first introduced to provide an overview of the general lung cancer structure. Then, the rationale and strategy applied for the use of nanoparticle biotechnology in cancer therapies are discussed, focusing on pulmonary drug delivery systems made from liposomes, lipid nanoparticles, and polymeric nanoparticles. Many nanoparticles fabricated in the shape of liposomes, lipid nanoparticles, and polymeric nanoparticles are summarized in our review, with a focus on the encapsulated chemotherapeutic molecules, ligand-receptor attachments, and their targets. Afterwards, we highlight the nanoparticles that have demonstrated promising results and have been delivered into clinical trials. Recent clinical trials that were done for successful nanoparticles are summarized in our review.

Targeted drug therapy in nonsmall cell lung cancer: clinical significance and possible solutions-part II (role of nanocarriers)

INTRODUCTION

Nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accounts for 80-85% of the cases of lung cancer. The conventional therapeutic effective dosage forms used to treat NSCLC are associated with rigid administration schedules, adverse effects, and may be associated with acquired resistance to therapy. Nanocarriers may provide a suitable alternative to regular formulations to overcome inherent drawbacks and provide better treatment modalities for the patient.

AREAS COVERED

The article explores the application of drug loaded nanocarriers for lung cancer treatment. Drug-loaded nanocarriers can be modified to achieve controlled delivery at the desired tumor infested site. The type of nanocarriers employed are diverse based on polymers, liposomes, metals and a combination of two or more different base materials (hybrids). These may be designed for systemic delivery or local delivery to the lung compartment (via inhalation).

EXPERT OPINION

Nanocarriers can improve pharmacokinetics of the drug payload by improving its delivery to the desired location and can reduce associated systemic toxicities. Through nanocarriers, a wide variety of therapeutics can be administered and targeted to the cancerous site. Some examples of the utilities of nanocarriers are codelivery of drugs, gene delivery, and delivery of other biologics. Overall, the nanocarriers have promising potential in improving therapeutic efficacy of drugs used in NSCLC.

Preparation and evaluation of inhalable dry powder containing glucosamine-conjugated gefitinib SLNs for lung cancer therapy

Gefitinib as an epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor has strong potential in lung cancer therapy. However, a major challenge of using gefitinib is its toxicities. In the present study, we developed a dry powder inhaler dosage form containing gefitinib loaded glucosamine targeted solid lipid nanopaticles (Gef-G-SLNs) to locally transfer anticancer agent to the lung tumor. The Gef-G-SLNs were prepared by emulsion-solvent diffusion and evaporation method and optimized with irregular factorial design. The optimized nanoformulation was tested for action against A549 cells. Mannitol or lactose based dry powders were obtained from Gef-G-SLNs after spray drying and characterized using Anderson Cascade Impactor. The optimized formulation had drug loading of 33.29%, encapsulation efficiency of 97.31 ± 0.23%, zeta potential of -15.53 ± 0.47 mV, particle size of 187.23 ± 14.08 nm, polydispersity index of 0.28 ± 0.02 and release efficiency of 35.46 ± 2.25%. The Gef-G-SLNs showed superior anticancer effect compared to free gefitinib. The increased cellular uptake of G-SLNs in A549 cells was demonstrated compared with non-targeted SLNs using flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy. The produced mannitol based microparticles showed suitable aerodynamic properties with an acceptable mass median aerodynamic diameter of 4.48 µm and fine particle fraction of 44.41%. Therefore, it can be concluded that this formulation represents promising drug delivery to treatment of lung cancer.

Combination Chemotherapy of Lung Cancer - Co-Delivery of Docetaxel Prodrug and Cisplatin Using Aptamer-Decorated Lipid-Polymer Hybrid Nanoparticles

Purpose

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer mortality worldwide. Drug resistance is the major barrier for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The aim of this research is to develop an aptamer-decorated hybrid nanoparticle for the co-delivery of docetaxel prodrug (DTXp) and cisplatin (DDP) and to treat lung cancer.

Materials and Methods

Aptamer-conjugated lipid–polymer ligands and redox-sensitive docetaxel prodrug were synthesized. DTXp and DDP were loaded into the lipid–polymer hybrid nanoparticles (LPHNs). The targeted efficiency of aptamer-decorated, DTXp and DDP co-encapsulated LPHNs (APT-DTXp/DDP-LPHNs) was determined by performing a cell uptake assay by flow cytometry-based analysis. In vivo biodistribution and anticancer efficiency of APT-DTXp/DDP-LPHNs were evaluated on NSCLC-bearing mice xenograft.

Results

APT-DTXp/DDP-LPHNs had a particle size of 213.5 ± 5.3 nm, with a zeta potential of 15.9 ± 1.9 mV. APT-DTXp/DDP-LPHNs exhibited a significantly enhanced cytotoxicity (drug concentration causing 50% inhibition was 0.71 ± 0.09 μg/mL), synergy antitumor effect (combination index was 0.62), and profound tumor inhibition ability (tumor inhibition ratio of 81.4%) compared with the non-aptamer-decorated LPHNs and single drug-loaded LPHNs.

Conclusion

Since the synergistic effect of the drugs was found in this system, it would have great potential to inhibit lung tumor cells and in vivo tumor growth.