Curcumin-bortezomib loaded polymeric nanoparticles for synergistic cancer therapy

PAMAM dendrimers based co-delivery of methotrexate and berberine for targeting of Hela cancer cells

Polyamidoamine dendrimer (PAMAM) is a class of synthetic macromolecular polymers for targeted drug delivery. PAMAM dendrimers are characterized by a pure defined structure, adjustable nanoscale dimensions, mono-dispersity, and versatile surface modification. The objective of this study was to study the covalent coupling of methotrexate (MTX) to PAMAM dendrimer, which was loaded with the natural product anticancer agent, berberine (BER) for the targeting of HeLa cells. The successful preparation of MTX-conjugated PAMAM loaded with BER (MTX-PAMAM-BER) was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and particle size was evaluated using dynamic light scattering. The biological assays, MTT, flow cytometry, ROS levels evaluation and DAPI staining were used to assess the cytotoxicity effect of the prepared nanosystem. The findings indicated that MTX-PAMAM-BER exhibited greater suppression of tumor cell growth in comparison to BER, MTX, PAMAM-BER, and MTX-PAMAM. Besides, the noteworthy ROS level has been seen in the treated cells with MTX-PAMAM-BER. Finally, it should be stated that the fabricated MTX-PAMAM-BER co-delivery nanosystem could be a promising agent for cancer therapy and targeting.

An investigation of nano- and micron-sized carriers based on calcium carbonate and polylactic acid for oral administration of siRNA

BACKGROUND

Oral delivery of small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) draws significant attention, but the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) has many biological barriers that limit the drugs' bioavailability. The aim of this work was to investigate the potential of micro- and nano-sized CaCO3 and PLA carriers for oral delivery of siRNA and reveal a relationship between the physicochemical features of these carriers and their biodistribution.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

In vitro stability of carriers was investigated in simulated gastric and intestinal fluids. Toxicity and cellular uptake were investigated on Caco-2 cells. The biodistribution profiles of the developed CaCO3 and PLA carriers were examined using different visualization methods, including SPECT, fluorescence imaging, radiometry, and histological analysis. The delivery efficiency of siRNA loaded carriers was investigated both in vitro and in vivo.

RESULTS

Micro-sized carriers were accumulated in the stomach and later localized in the colon tissues. The nanoscale particles (100-250 nm) were distributed in the colon tissues. nPLA was also detected in small intestine. The developed carriers can prevent siRNA from premature degradation in GIT media.

CONCLUSION

Our results reveal how the physicochemical properties of the particles, including their size and material type can affect their biodistribution profile and oral delivery of siRNA.

A Sacrificial Linker in Biodegradable Polyesters for Accelerated Photoinduced Degradation, Monitored by Continuous Atline SEC Analysis

Polymeric materials that undergo photoinduced degradation have wide application in fields such as controlled release. Most methods for photoinduced degradation rely on the UV or near-UV region of the electromagnetic spectrum; however, use of the deeply penetrating and benign wavelengths of visible light offers a multitude of advantages. Here we report a lactone monomer for ring-opening copolymerizations to introduce a sacrificial linker into a polymer backbone which can be cleaved by reactive oxygen species which are produced by a photocatalyst under visible light irradiation. We find that copolymers of this material readily degrade under visible light. We followed polymer degradation using a continuous flow size exclusion chromatography system, the components of which are described herein.

Novel polyurethane-based ionene nanoparticles electrostatically stabilized with hyaluronic acid for effective gene therapy

Gene therapy is considered to be a valuable strategy for effective cancer treatment. However, the development of effective delivery systems that can specifically deliver gene materials, such as siRNA to tumor tissues plays a critical role in cancer therapy. In the present study, we have developed a novel complex that is based on an electrostatic interaction between cationic polyurethane ionene (CPUI) nanoparticles and an anti-signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) siRNA. For active targeting, hyaluronic acid (HA) was used to coat the complexes, which significantly reduced the cytotoxicity of the blank nanocarriers while demonstrating high transport efficiency of the siRNA via the CD44-mediated endocytosis pathway in MCF-7 breast cancer cells. The targeted nanocarriers (HA/CPUI/siRNA) showed significantly higher cellular internalization in flow cytometry and confocal microscopy compared with the non-targeted system (CPUI/siRNA). In addition, the incorporation of HA on the surface of the complexes resulted in significantly greater suppression of the STAT3 gene compared to the corresponding non-targeted formulation. Whole-body fluorescence images showed more significant tumor accumulation of the targeted nanocarriers in 4T1 breast tumor-bearing mice. Therefore, HA/CPUI/siRNA nanocarriers are an interesting option for the siRNA-targeted treatment of breast cancer cells.

The Nanotech Potential of Curcumin in Pharmaceuticals: An Overview

It is safe to use Curcumin as a cosmetic and therapeutic ingredient in pharmaceutical products. For the uses mentioned above and for fundamental research, it is essential to obtain pure Curcumin from plant sources. There is a requirement for effective extraction and purification techniques that adhere to green chemistry standards for efficiency improvement, process safety, and environmental friendliness. Several outstanding studies have looked into the extraction and purification of Curcumin. This review thoroughly covers the currently available curcumin extraction, synthesis, and transformation techniques. Additionally, Curcumin's poor solubility and low absorption in the human body have limited its potential for pharmaceutical use. However, recent developments in novel curcumin formulations utilizing nanotechnology delivery methods have provided new approaches to transport and maximize the human body's curcumin absorption efficiency. In this review, we explore the various curcumin nanoformulations and the potential medicinal uses of nano curcumin. Additionally, we review the necessary future research directions to recommend Curcumin as an excellent therapeutic candidate.

Dual-Drug Delivery by Anisotropic and Uniform Hybrid Nanostructures: A Comparative Study of the Function and Substrate-Drug Interaction Properties

By utilizing nanoparticles to upload and interact with several pharmaceuticals in varying methods, the primary obstacles associated with loading two or more medications or cargos with different characteristics may be addressed. Therefore, it is feasible to evaluate the benefits provided by co-delivery systems utilizing nanoparticles by investigating the properties and functions of the commonly used structures, such as multi- or simultaneous-stage controlled release, synergic effect, enhanced targetability, and internalization. However, due to the unique surface or core features of each hybrid design, the eventual drug-carrier interactions, release, and penetration processes may vary. Our review article focused on the drug's loading, binding interactions, release, physiochemical, and surface functionalization features, as well as the varying internalization and cytotoxicity of each structure that may aid in the selection of an appropriate design. This was achieved by comparing the actions of uniform-surfaced hybrid particles (such as core-shell particles) to those of anisotropic, asymmetrical hybrid particles (such as Janus, multicompartment, or patchy particles). Information is provided on the use of homogeneous or heterogeneous particles with specified characteristics for the simultaneous delivery of various cargos, possibly enhancing the efficacy of treatment techniques for illnesses such as cancer.

Advances in continuous polymer analysis in flow with application towards biopolymers

Biopolymers, polymers derived from renewable biomass sources, have gained increasing attention in recent years due to their potential to replace traditional petroleum-based polymers in a range of applications. Among the many advantages of biopolymers can be included their biocompatibility, excellent mechanical properties, and availability from renewable feedstock. However, the development of biopolymers has been limited by a lack of understanding of their properties and processing behaviours. Continuous analysis techniques have the potential to hasten progress in this area by providing real-time insights into the properties and processing of biopolymers. Significant research in polymer chemistry has focused on petroleum-derived polymers and has thus provided a wealth of synthetic and analytical methodologies which may be applied to the biopolymer field. Of particular note is the application of flow technology in polymer science and its implications for accelerating progress towards more sustainable and environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional petroleum-based polymers. In this mini review we have outlined several of the most prominent use cases for biopolymers along with the current state-of-the art in continuous analysis of polymers in flow, including defining and differentiating atline, inline, online and offline analysis. We have found several examples for continuous flow analysis which have direct application to the biopolymer field, and we demonstrate an atline continuous polymer analysis method using size exclusion chromatography.

Graphical abstract

Design of novel polyurethane-based ionene nanocarriers for cancer therapy: Synthesis, in-vitro, and in-vivo studies

New strategies for constructing versatile nanocarriers are needed for cancer therapy to overcome the multiple challenges of targeted delivery. This work explores the advantages of polyurethane with main-chain quaternary ammonium salt moieties (ionene) as a novel carrier for targeted drug delivery. We have developed a novel cationic soybean oil-based polyurethane ionene nanocarrier (CPUI) that can act as an effective anticancer agent and efficiently deliver the anticancer drug 5-fluorouracil (5FU). We also report a potential anticancer drug delivery system targeting the folate receptor. In vitro experiments with blank CPUI carriers on the 4T1 (mouse breast cancer cell line) and the NIH-3T3 (mouse fibroblast cell line) revealed high cytotoxicity for the cancer cells but only low cytotoxicity for the normal fibroblast cells. The CPUI nanoparticles were readily loaded with 5FU (5FU-CPUI) in water using electrostatic interactions between the cationic quaternary ammonium groups of ionene and the anionic 5FU. The in vivo study in mice with tumors showed that the blank CPUI carriers significantly inhibited tumor growth, even more than the free drug (5FU). The inhibitory effect on tumor growth was slightly enhanced when the carriers were loaded with 5FU. The prepared nanoparticles had a high loading capacity of 41.8 %. Further enhancement of the inhibitory effect was observed when folic acid (FA) was added as a targeting moiety to the system via ion exchange with the bromine counterion of the quaternary ammonium moieties. The results suggest that the efficacy of FA-CPUI-5FU nanoparticles as vehicles for drug delivery can be enhanced via folate receptor (FR) mediated endocytosis in 4T1 cells and these novel nanocarriers may provide a potential platform for effective targeted drug delivery to tumor tissue and breast cancer therapy in the clinic.

Quaternary nanoparticles enable sustained release of bortezomib for hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) represents the third leading cause of cancer-related mortality in the world. Over the past two decades, there has been minimal improvement in therapies as well as clinical outcomes for patients with Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC)-B. These patients are treated with local interventions, including transarterial chemoembolization. Current methodologies only allow sustained intratumoral release measured in hours. Methodologies to allow sustained local release of the drug cargo over days to weeks are acutely needed. We hypothesize that tumor response as well as outcomes of patients with BCLC-B can be improved through utilization of a highly cytotoxic agent delivered with a sustained release platform.

APPROACH AND RESULTS

High-throughput drug screening across 40 HCC patient-derived organoids identified bortezomib (BTZ) as a highly cytotoxic small molecule for HCC. We designed and manufactured sustained release BTZ nanoparticles (BTZ-NP) using a flash nanocomplexation/nanoprecipitation process. We quantified the release profile and tested the anti-tumoral effects in vivo. The BTZ-NP formulation demonstrated a sustained release of BTZ of 30 days. This BTZ-NP formulation was highly effective in controlling tumor size and improved survival in vivo in three animal models of HCC, including when delivered via the hepatic artery, as we envision its delivery in patients. In addition, the BTZ-NP formulation was superior to treatment with doxorubicin-drug eluting beads.

CONCLUSIONS

The BTZ-NP formulation provides a potent and safe treatment of HCC via a localized delivery approach. These results warrant additional preclinical studies to advance this technology to human clinical trials.

Nanomaterials for application in wound Healing: current state-of-the-art and future perspectives

Nanoparticles are the gateway to the new era in drug delivery of biocompatible agents. Several products have emerged from nanomaterials in quest of developing practical wound healing dressings that are nonantigenic, antishear stress, and gas-exchange permeable. Numerous studies have isolated and characterised various wound healing nanomaterials and nanoproducts. The electrospinning of natural and synthetic materials produces fine products that can be mixed with other wound healing medications and herbs. Various produced nanomaterials are highly influential in wound healing experimental models and can be used commercially as well. This article reviewed the current state-of-the-art and briefly specified the future concerns regarding the different systems of nanomaterials in wound healing (i.e., inorganic nanomaterials, organic and hybrid nanomaterials, and nanofibers). This review may be a comprehensive guidance to help health care professionals identify the proper wound healing materials to avoid the usual wound complications.

Curcumin nanoformulations: Beneficial nanomedicine against cancer

Curcumin is a phytochemical achieved from the plant turmeric. It is extensively utilized for the treatment of several types of diseases such as cancers. Nevertheless, its efficiency has been limited because of rapid metabolism, low bioavailability, poor water solubility, and systemic elimination. Scientists have tried to solve these problems by exploring novel drug delivery systems such as lipid-based nanoparticles (NPs) (e.g., solid lipid NPs, nanostructured lipid carriers, and liposomes), polymeric NPs, micelles, nanogels, cyclodextrin, gold, and mesoporous silica NPs. Among these, liposomes have been the most expansively studied. This review mainly focuses on the different curcumin nanoformulations and their use in cancer therapy in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies. Despite the development of curcumin-containing NPs for the treatment of cancer, potentially serious side effects, including interactions with other drugs, some toxicity aspects of NPs may occur that require more high-quality investigations to firmly establish the clinical efficacy.

Ring-Opening Polymerization of ε-Caprolactone by Using Aluminum Complexes Bearing Aryl Thioether Phenolates: Labile Thioether Chelation

In this study, aluminum complexes bearing ferrocene-based and arylthiomethylphenolate ligands were synthesized, and their catalytic activity for ε-caprolactone (CL) polymerization was investigated. The catalytic activity of the reduced form of Al complexes was higher than that of the oxidized form. The CL polymerization rate of the reduced form fcO₂AlMe (75 min, conversion = 100%) was higher than that of the oxidized form fc^oxO₂AlMe (4320 min, conversion = 45%), and the CL polymerization rate of fc(OAlMe₂)₂ (40 min, conversion = 100%) was higher than that of fc^ox(OAlMe₂)₂ (60 min, conversion = 97%). Electron deficiency substituents on phenolate decreased the catalytic activity of Al complexes bearing arylthiomethylphenolate ligands. Density functional theory calculations revealed that thioether coordination stabilized the transition state (TS1) and that the oxidized form fc^ox(OAlMe₂)₂ exhibited weaker thioether coordination and higher activation energy in TS1 compared with those of the reduced form fcO₂AlMe. In addition, our study determined that the thioether group is a suitable chelating group for Al catalysts in CL polymerization due to its labile nature.

Collaboration between Trinuclear Aluminum Complexes Bearing Bipyrazoles in the Ring-Opening Polymerization of ε-Caprolactone

Trinuclear aluminum complexes bearing bipyrazoles were synthesized, and their catalytic activity for ε-caprolactone (CL) polymerization was investigated. D^Bu₂Al₃Me₅ exhibited higher catalytic activity than did the dinuclear aluminum complex L^Bu₂Al₂Me₄ (16 times as high for CL polymerization; [CL]:[D^Bu₂Al₃Me₅]:[BnOH] = 100:0.5:5, [D^Bu₂Al₃Me₅] = 10 mM, conversion 93% after 18 min at room temperature). Density functional theory calculations revealed a polymerization mechanism in which CL first approached the central Al atom and then moved to an external Al. The coordinated CL ring was opened because the repulsion of two tert-butyl groups on the ligands pushed an alkoxide initiator on an external Al to initiate CL. In these trinuclear Al catalysts, the central Al plays a role in monomer capture and then collaborates with the external Al to activate CL, accelerating polymerization.

Curcumin-Loaded Hybrid Nanoparticles: Microchannel-Based Preparation and Antitumor Activity in a Mouse Model

Purpose

To develop microchannel-based preparation of curcumin (Cur)-loaded hybrid nanoparticles using enzyme-targeted peptides and star-shaped polycyclic lipids as carriers, and to accomplish a desirable targeted drug delivery via these nanoparticles, which could improve the bioavailability and antitumor effects of Cur.

Methods

The amphiphilic tri-chaintricarballylic acid-poly (ε-caprolactone)-methoxypolyethylene glycol (Tri-CL-mPEG) and the enzyme-targeted tetra-chain pentaerythritol-poly (ε-caprolactone)-polypeptide (PET-CL-P) were synthesized. The Cur-loaded enzyme-targeted hybrid nano-delivery systems (Cur-P-NPs) were prepared by using the microfluidic continuous granulation technology. The physicochemical properties, release behavior in vitro, and stability of these Cur-P-NPs were investigated. Their cytotoxicity, cellular uptake, anti-proliferative efficacy in vitro, biodistribution, and antitumor effects in vivo were also studied.

Results

The particle size of the prepared Cur-P-NPs was 146.1 ± 1.940 nm, polydispersity index was 0.175 ± 0.014, zeta potential was 10.1 ± 0.300 mV, encapsulation rate was 74.66 ± 0.671%, and drug loading capacity was 5.38 ± 0.316%. The stability of Cur-P-NPs was adequate, and the in vitro release rate increased with the decrease of the environmental pH. Seven days post incubation, the cumulative release values of Cur were 52.78%, 67.39%, and 98.12% at pH 7.4, pH 6.8 and pH 5.0, respectively. Cur-P-NPs exhibited better cell entry and antiproliferation efficacy against U251 cells than the Cur-solution and Cur-NPs and were safe for use. Cur-P-NPs specifically targeted tumor tissues and inhibited their growth (78.63% tumor growth inhibition rate) with low toxic effects on normal tissues.

Conclusion

The enzyme-targeted hybrid nanoparticles prepared in the study clearly have the tumor-targeting ability. Cur-P-NPs can effectively improve the bioavailability of Cur and have potential applications in drug delivery and tumor management.

Nanomaterials to Fight Cancer: An Overview on Their Multifunctional Exploitability

In recent years the worldwide research community has highlighted innumerable benefits of nanomaterials in cancer detection and therapy. Nevertheless, the development of cancer nanomedicines and other bionanotechnology requires a huge amount of considerations about the interactions of nanomaterials and biological systems, since long-term effects are not yet fully known. Open issues remain the determination of the nanoparticles distributions patterns and the internalization rate into the tumor while avoiding their accumulation in internal organs or other healthy tissues. The purpose of this work is to provide a standard overview of the most recent advances in nanomaterials to fight cancer and to collect trends and future directions to follow according to some critical aspects still present in this field. Complementary to the very recent review of Wolfram and Ferrari which discusses and classifies successful clinically-approved cancer nanodrugs as well as promising candidates in the pipeline, this work embraces part of their proposed classification system based on the exploitation of multifunctionality and extends the review to peer-reviewed journal articles published in the last 3 years identified through international databases.

Current Trends in Drug Delivery System of Curcumin and its Therapeutic Applications

Curcumin is a poly phenolic compound extracted from turmeric. Over the past years, it has acquired significant interest among researchers due to its numerous pharmacological activities like anti- cancer, anti-alzheimer, anti-diabetic, anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory and so on. However, the clinical use of curcumin is still obstructed due to tremendously poor bioavailability, rapid metabolism, lower gastrointestinal absorption, and low permeability through cell that makes its pharmacology thrilling. These issues have led to enormous surge of investigation to develop curcumin nano formulations which can overcome these restrictive causes. The scientists all across the universe are working on designing several drug delivery systems viz. liposomes, micelles, magnetic nano carriers, etc. for curcumin and its composites which not only improve its physiochemical properties but also enhanced its therapeutic applications. The review aims to systematically examine the treasure of information about the medicinal use of curcumin. This article delivers a general idea of the current study piloted to overwhelm the complications with the bioavailability of curcumin which have exhibited an enhanced biological activity than curcumin. This article explains the latest and detailed study of curcumin and its conjugates, its phytochemistry and biological perspectives and also proved curcumin as an efficient drug candidate for the treatment of numerous diseases. Recent advancements and futuristic viewpoints are also deliberated, which shall help researchers and foster commercial translations of improved nanosized curcumin combination for the treatment of various diseases.

Antiviral activity against Zika virus of a new formulation of curcumin in poly lactic-co-glycolic acid nanoparticles

OBJECTIVES

In the search of an effective antiviral formulation, the natural product curcumin (CUR) was encapsulated into poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanoparticles, a non-toxic bioresorbable and biocompatible copolymer. The resulting CUR containing particles (PLGA-CUR NPs) were characterized and analysed for antiviral activity against Zika virus (ZIKV) infection.

METHODS

The PLGA-CUR NPs were characterized by Fourier transform infrared, differential scanning calorimetry, dynamic light scattering, scanning electron microscopy and thermogravimetric analysis and release profile. Cytotoxicity of PLGA-CUR and the antiviral activity against ZIKV were determined in Vero cells. The effect of PLGA-CUR NPs on viral RNA synthesis and protein expression was analysed by RT-qPCR and immunofluorescence staining, respectively.

KEY FINDINGS

The PLGA-CUR NPs showed an appropriate in vitro drug release profile. Our studies of the antiviral activity of PLGA-CUR NPs and CUR against ZIKV by virus yield reduction as well as viral RNA synthesis and protein expression have shown that PLGA-CUR formulation is more effective than free CUR to inhibit ZIKV infection of Vero cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results demonstrate for the first time the antiviral activity against ZIKV of PLGA nanoparticles charged with CUR, suggesting that PLGA-CUR NPs are promising candidates for a drug formulation against human pathogenic flaviviruses.

The Therapeutic Efficacy of Dendrimer and Micelle Formulations for Breast Cancer Treatment

Breast cancer is among the most common types of cancer in women and it is the cause of a high rate of mortality globally. The use of anticancer drugs is the standard treatment approach used for this type of cancer. However, most of these drugs are limited by multi-drug resistance, drug toxicity, poor drug bioavailability, low water solubility, poor pharmacokinetics, etc. To overcome multi-drug resistance, combinations of two or more anticancer drugs are used. However, the combination of two or more anticancer drugs produce toxic side effects. Micelles and dendrimers are promising drug delivery systems that can overcome the limitations associated with the currently used anticancer drugs. They have the capability to overcome drug resistance, reduce drug toxicity, improve the drug solubility and bioavailability. Different classes of anticancer drugs have been loaded into micelles and dendrimers, resulting in targeted drug delivery, sustained drug release mechanism, increased cellular uptake, reduced toxic side effects of the loaded drugs with enhanced anticancer activity in vitro and in vivo. This review article reports the biological outcomes of dendrimers and micelles loaded with different known anticancer agents on breast cancer in vitro and in vivo.

Use of pyrazoles as ligands greatly enhances the catalytic activity of titanium iso-propoxide for the ring-opening polymerization of l-lactide: a cooperation effect

Using TiOⁱPr₄ with a pyrazole ligand for one-pot LA polymerization improved catalytic activity compared with using TiOⁱPr₄ only. At 60 °C, TiOⁱPr₄ with ^furPz exhibited a higher catalytic activity (approximately 3-fold) than TiOⁱPr₄. At room temperature, TiOⁱPr₄ with ^BuPz exhibited a higher catalytic activity (approximately 17-fold) than TiOⁱPr₄. High molecular mass PLA (M _nGPC = 51 100, and Đ = 1.10) could be produced by using TiOⁱPr₄ with ^furPz in melt polymerization ([TiOⁱPr₄] : [^furPz] = 1000 : 1 : 1 at 100 °C, 240 min). The crystal structure of ^MePz₂Ti₂OⁱPr₇ revealed the cooperative activation between two Ti atoms during LA polymerization.

Nano, micro particulate and cosmetic delivery systems of polylactic acid: A mini review

BACKGROUND

Poly lactic acid and its copolymers are considered to be the preferred substrates for drug delivery devices. Poly lactic acid is a biocompatible, biodegradable and nontoxic polymer. It was approved by Food and Drug Administration and thought to be among the most attractive polymeric candidates intended for controlling drug delivery. It was utilized for the development of devices for the delivery of small molecules, proteins, genes, vaccines, anticancer drugs, and macromolecules.

OBJECTIVES AND METHODS

This manuscript lists the different techniques for synthesizing poly lactic acid-based nano and microparticles such as emulsion-based methods, precipitation-based methods, direct compositing methods, in situ forming micro-particles, and microfluidic technique.

CONCLUSIONS

In addition, it describes the application and use of poly lactic acid in biomedical and cosmetic delivery systems.

Efficacy of Polymer-Based Nanocarriers for Co-Delivery of Curcumin and Selected Anticancer Drugs

Cancer remains a heavy health burden resulting in a high rate of mortality around the world. The presently used anticancer drugs suffer from several shortcomings, such as drug toxicity, poor biodegradability and bioavailability, and poor water solubility and drug resistance. Cancer is treated effectively by combination therapy whereby two or more anticancer drugs are employed. Most of the combination chemotherapies result in a synergistic effect and overcome drug resistance. Furthermore, the design of polymer-based nanocarriers for combination therapy has been reported by several researchers to result in promising therapeutic outcomes in cancer treatment. Curcumin exhibits good anticancer activity but its poor bioavailability has resulted in its incorporation into several polymer-based nanocarriers resulting in good biological outcomes. Furthermore, the incorporation of curcumin together with other anticancer drugs have been reported to result in excellent therapeutic outcomes in vivo and in vitro. Due to the potential of polymer-based nanocarriers, this review article will be focused on the design of polymer-based nanocarriers loaded with curcumin together with other anticancer drugs.

Biotinylated HPMA centered polymeric nanoparticles for Bortezomib delivery

Bortezomib (BTZ) is a proteasome inhibitor as approved by US FDA for the treatment of multiple myeloma. It exhibits significant anti-cancer properties, against solid tumors; but lacks aqueous solubility, chemical stability which hinders its successful formulation development. The present study is an attempt to deliver BTZ using N-(2-hydroxypropyl) methacrylamide (HPMA) based copolymeric conjugates and biotinylated PNPs in an effective manner. Study describes a systematic synthetic pathway to synthesize functional polymeric conjugates such as HPMA-Biotin (HP-BT) HPMA-Polylactic acid (HPLA) and HPMA-PLA-Biotin (HPLA-BT) followed by exhaustive characterization both spectroscopically and microscopically. Our strategy yielded polymeric nanoparticles (PNPs) of narrow size range of 199.7 ± 1.32 nm. Release studies were performed at pH 7.4 and 5.6. PNPs were 2-folds less hemolytic (p < 0.0001) than pure drug. BTZ loaded PNPs of HPLA-BT demonstrated significant anti-cancer activity against MCF-7 cells. IC₅₀ value of these PNPs was 56.06 ± 0.12 nM, which was approximately two folds less than BTZ (p < 0.0001). Cellular uptake study confirmed that higher uptake of formulations might be an outcome of biotin surface tethering characteristics that enhanced selectivity and targeting of formulations efficiently. In vivo pharmacokinetics evidenced increased bioavailability (AUC_{0 t-∞}) of DL-HPLA-BT PNPs (drug loaded) than BTZ with an improved half-life. Overall the developed PNPs led to the improved and effective BTZ delivery.

Co-delivery of curcumin and Bcl-2 siRNA by PAMAM dendrimers for enhancement of the therapeutic efficacy in HeLa cancer cells

Co-delivery of therapeutic agents and small interfering RNA (siRNA) can be achieved by a suitable nanovehicle. In this work, the solubility and bioavailability of curcumin (Cur) were enhanced by entrapment in a polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimer, and a polyplex was formed by grafting Bcl-2 siRNA onto the surface amine groups to produce PAMAM-Cur/Bcl-2 siRNA nanoparticles (NPs). The synthesized polyplex NPs had a particle size of ∼180 nm, and high Cur loading content of ∼82 wt%. Moreover, the PAMAM-Cur/Bcl-2 siRNA NPs showed more effective cellular uptake, and higher inhibition of tumor cell proliferation compared to PAMAM-Cur nanoformulation and free Cur, due to the combined effect of co-delivery of Cur and Bcl-2 siRNA. The newly described PAMAM-Cur/Bcl-2 siRNA polyplex NPs could be a promising co-delivery nanovehicle.

A Perspective on Polylactic Acid-Based Polymers Use for Nanoparticles Synthesis and Applications

Polylactic acid (PLA)-based polymers are ubiquitous in the biomedical field thanks to their combination of attractive peculiarities: biocompatibility (degradation products do not elicit critical responses and are easily metabolized by the body), hydrolytic degradation in situ, tailorable properties, and well-established processing technologies. This led to the development of several applications, such as bone fixation screws, bioresorbable suture threads, and stent coating, just to name a few. Nanomedicine could not be unconcerned by PLA-based materials as well, where their use for the synthesis of nanocarriers for the targeted delivery of hydrophobic drugs emerged as a new promising application. The purpose of the here presented review is two-fold: on one side, it aims at providing a broad overview of PLA-based materials and their properties, which allow them gaining a leading role in the biomedical field; on the other side, it offers a specific focus on their recent use in nanomedicine, highlighting opportunities and perspectives.

Polymers and Polymer Nanocomposites for Cancer Therapy

Synthetic polymers, biopolymers, and their nanocomposites are being studied, and some of them are already used in different medical areas. Among the synthetic ones that can be mentioned are polyolefins, fluorinated polymers, polyesters, silicones, and others. Biopolymers such as polysaccharides (chitosan, hyaluronic acid, starch, cellulose, alginates) and proteins (silk, fibroin) have also become widely used and investigated for applications in medicine. Besides synthetic polymers and biopolymers, their nanocomposites, which are hybrids formed by a macromolecular matrix and a nanofiller (mineral or organic), have attracted great attention in the last decades in medicine and in other fields due to their outstanding properties. This review covers studies done recently using the polymers, biopolymers, nanocomposites, polymer micelles, nanomicelles, polymer hydrogels, nanogels, polymersomes, and liposomes used in medicine as drugs or drug carriers for cancer therapy and underlines their responses to internal and external stimuli able to make them more active and efficient. They are able to replace conventional cancer drug carriers, with better results.

Glycine-Poly-L-Lactic Acid Copolymeric Nanoparticles for the Efficient Delivery of Bortezomib

PURPOSE

Bortezomib (BTZ) is a proteasome inhibitor used for multiple myeloma and mantle cell lymphoma treatment. BTZ's aqueous in solubility is the main hindrance in its successful development as a commercial formulation. The main objective of the present study is to develop and characterize folic acid-glycine-poly-L-lactic acid (FA-Gly₄-PLA) based nanoformulation (NPs) to improve solubility and efficacy of BTZ.

METHODS

BTZ loaded FA-Gly₄-PLA NPs were prepared and characterized for size, zeta potential, in vitro studies such as release, kinetics modeling, hemolytic toxicity, and cell line-based studies (Reactive Oxygen Species: ROS and cytotoxicity).

RESULTS

BTZ loaded NPs (BTZ-loaded FA-Gly₄-PLA) and blank NPs (FA-Gly₄-PLA) size, zeta, and PDI were found to be 110 ± 8.1 nm, 13.7 ± 1.01 mV, 0.19 ± 0.03 and 198 ± 9.01 nm, 8.63 ± 0.21 mV, 0.21 ± 0.08 respectively. The percent encapsulation efficiency (% EE) and percent drug loading (% DL) of BTZ loaded FA-Gly₄-PLA NPs was calculated to be 78.3 ± 4.1 and 12.38 ± 2.1. The Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) showed that NPs were slightly biconcave in shape. The in vitro release of BTZ from FA-Gly₄-PLA NPs resulted in the sustained manner. The prepared NPs were less hemolytic than BTZ.

CONCLUSIONS

BTZ loaded Gly₄-PLA NPs apoptotic index was found to be much higher than BTZ but lesser than BTZ loaded FA-Gly₄-PLA against breast cancer cell lines (MDA-MB-231). ROS intracellular assessment assay indicated that BTZ and BTZ loaded FA-Gly₄-PLA NPs exhibited higher ROS production. Conclusively, the BTZ loaded FA-Gly₄-PLA NPs were able to encapsulate more BTZ than BTZ loaded Gly₄-PLA NPs and were found to be more effective as per as in vitro anti-cancer effect is concerned.

Natural product-based nanoformulations for cancer therapy: Opportunities and challenges

Application of natural product-based nanoformulations for the treatment of different human diseases, such as cancer, is an emerging field. The conventional cancer therapeutic modalities, including surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiotherapy has limited achievements. A larger number of drawbacks are associated with these therapies, including damage to proliferating healthy tissues, structural deformities, systemic toxicity, long-term side effects, resistance to the drug by tumor cells, and psychological problems. The advent of nanotechnology in cancer therapeutics is recent; however, it has progressed and transformed the field of cancer treatment at a rapid rate. Nanotherapeutics have promisingly overcome the limitations of conventional drug delivery system, i.e., low aqueous solubility, low bioavailability, multidrug resistance, and non-specificity. Specifically, natural product-based nanoformulations are being intentionally studied in different model systems. Where it is found that these nanoformulations has more proximity and reduced side effects. The nanoparticles can specifically target tumor cells, enhancing the specificity and efficacy of cancer therapeutic modalities which in turn improves patient response and survival. The integration of phytotherapy and nanotechnology in the clinical setting may improve pharmacological response and better clinical outcome of patients.

Assessing the cytotoxic potential of glycoalkaloidic extract in nanoparticles against bladder cancer cells

OBJECTIVE

This study proposed to use the nanotechnology to deliver glycoalkaloidic extract (AE) to bladder cancer cells, evaluating their activity in 2D and 3D models and the biological mechanism of cell death.

METHODS

NPs were prepared by nanoprecipitation method using polylactic acid (PLA) and characterized considering their size, charge, particle concentration and stability. The cytotoxicity was evaluated in 2D and 3D model, and the apoptosis and cell cycle were investigated using flow cytometry.

KEY FINDINGS

NPs loading AE (NP-AE) had diameter around 125 ± 6 nm (PdI <0.1) and negative charge. The encapsulation efficiency of SM and SS was higher than 85% for both compounds. The obtained formulation showed a significant in-vitro cytotoxic effect against RT4 cells in a dose-dependent manner with IC₅₀ two fold lower than the free AE. The cytotoxic effect of NP-AE was mediated by apoptosis and cell cycle arrested in the S phase. RT4 cells cultured under 3D conditions exhibited a higher resistance to the treatments (IC₅₀ ~ three fold higher than in 2D cell culture).

CONCLUSION

The NP-AE might be a promising nanocarrier to load and deliver glycoalkaloids against bladder cancer.

Polymeric nanoparticles as carrier for targeted and controlled delivery of anticancer agents

In recent decades, many novel methods by using nanoparticles (NPs) have been investigated for diagnosis, drug delivery and treatment of cancer. Accordingly, the potential of NPs as carriers is very significant for the delivery of anticancer drugs, because cancer treatment with NPs has led to the improvement of some of the drug delivery limitations such as low blood circulation time and bioavailability, lack of water solubility, drug adverse effect. In addition, the NPs protect drugs against enzymatic degradation and can lead to the targeted and/or controlled release of the drug. The present review focuses on the potential of NPs that can help the targeted and/or controlled delivery of anticancer agents for cancer therapy.

Another look at phenolic compounds in cancer therapy the effect of polyphenols on ubiquitin-proteasome system

Inhibitors of the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) have been the object of research interests for many years because of their potential as anti-cancer agents. Research in this field is aimed at improving the specificity and safety of known proteasome inhibitors. Unfortunately, in vitro conditions do not reflect the processes taking place in the human body. Recent reports indicate that the components of human plasma affect the course of many signaling pathways, proteasome activity and the effectiveness of synthetic cytostatic drugs. Therefore, it is believed that the key issue is to determine the effects of components of the human diet, including effects of chemically active polyphenols on the ubiquitin-proteasome system activity in both physiological and pathological (cancerous) states. The following article summarizes the current knowledge on the direct and indirect synergistic and antagonistic effects between polyphenolic compounds present in the human diet and the efficiency of protein degradation via the UPS.

Curcumin in combination with anti-cancer drugs: A nanomedicine review

A huge surge of research is being conducted on combination therapy with anticancer compounds formulated in the form of nanoparticles (NPs). Numerous advantages like dose minimalization and synergism, reversal of multi drug resistance (MDRs), enhanced efficacy have emerged with nanoencapsulation of chemotherapeutic agents with chemo-sensitizing agent like curcumin. Within last couple of years various nano-sized formulations have been designed and tested both in vitro with cell lines for different types of cancers and in vivo with cancer types and drug resistance models. Despite the combinatorial models being advanced, translation to human trials has not been as smooth as one would have hoped, with as few as twenty ongoing clinical trials with curcumin combination, with less than 1/10th being nano-particulate formulations. Mass production of nano-formulation based on their physico-chemical and pharmacokinetics deficits poses as major hurdle up the ladder. Combination of these nano-sized dosage with poorly bioavailable drugs, unspecific target binding ability and naturally unstable curcumin further complicates the formulation aspects. Emphasis is now therefore being laid on altering natural forms of curcumin and usage of formulations like prodrug or coating of curcumin to overcome stability issues and focus more on enhancing the pharmaceutical and therapeutic ability of the nano-composites. Current studies and futuristic outlook in this direction are discussed in the review, which can serve as the basis for upcoming research which could boost commercial translational of improved nano-sized curcumin combination chemotherapy.