Transferrin-anchored poly(lactide) based micelles to improve anticancer activity of curcumin in hepatic and cervical cancer cell monolayers and 3D spheroids

Targeted co-delivery nanosystem based on methotrexate, curcumin, and PAMAM dendrimer for improvement of the therapeutic efficacy in cervical cancer

The simultaneous administration of multiple drugs within identical nanocarriers to cancer cells or tissues can result in the effective action of drugs at reduced concentrations. In this investigation, PAMAM dendrimers (G4-PAMAM) were employed to link with methotrexate (MTX) using DCC/NHS chemistry and followed by the entrapment of curcumin (Cur) within it. The establishment of covalent bonds between MTX and the PAMAM dendrimer led to PAMAM-MTX interaction, verified and described through FT-IR. Various techniques were employed to evaluate the structural properties of the prepared Cur-PAMAM-MTX NC. The Cur-PAMAM-MTX NC, after preparation, exhibited a particle size of 249 nm, with an encapsulation efficiency (EE) of ~ 81% for Cur. The cumulative in vitro release of Cur-loaded NC indicated a controlled release influenced by time and pH. The cell study results revealed that Cur-PAMAM-MTX NC exhibited significantly higher cytotoxicity than free MTX, Cur, and other formulations tested in vitro. The synergistic effect of co-delivery of MTX and Cur by PAMAM significantly increased cytotoxicity. Besides, the significant ROS level rising has been shown in the treated cells with MTX-PAMAM-Cur. Considering these findings, the co-delivery NC shows promise for additional in vitro investigations and possesses the capacity to function as an effective framework for the combined delivery of MTX and Cur in cervical cancer chemotherapy.

Recent progress in stimuli-responsive polymeric micelles for targeted delivery of functional nanoparticles

Stimuli-responsive polymeric micelles have emerged as a revolutionary approach for enhancing the in vivo stability, biocompatibility, and targeted delivery of functional nanoparticles (FNPs) in biomedicine. This article comprehensively reviews the preparation methods of these polymer micelles, detailing the innovative strategies employed to introduce stimulus responsiveness and surface modifications essential for precise targeting. We delve into the breakthroughs in utilizing these micelles to selectively deliver various FNPs including magnetic nanoparticles, upconversion nanoparticles, gold nanoparticles, and quantum dots, highlighting their transformative impact in the biomedical realm. Concluding, we present an insight into the current research landscape, addressing the challenges at hand, and envisioning the future trajectory in this burgeoning domain. Join us as we navigate the exciting confluence of polymer science and nanotechnology in reshaping biomedical solutions.

Glycol Chitosan-Poly(lactic acid) Conjugate Nanoparticles Encapsulating Ciprofloxacin: A Mucoadhesive, Antiquorum-Sensing, and Biofilm-Disrupting Treatment Modality for Bacterial Keratitis

Bacterial keratitis (BK) causes visual morbidity/blindness if not treated effectively. Here, ciprofloxacin (CIP)-loaded nanoparticles (NPs) using glycol chitosan (GC) and poly(lactic acid) (PLA) conjugate at three different ratios (CIP@GC(PLA) NPs (1:1,5,15)) were fabricated. CIP@GC(PLA) NPs (1:1) were more effective than other tested ratios, indicating the importance of optimal hydrophobic/hydrophilic balance for corneal penetration and preventing bacterial invasion. The CIP@GC(PLA) (NPs) (1:1) realized the highest association with human corneal epithelial cells, which were nonirritant to the hen's egg-chorioallantoic membrane test (HET-CAM test) and demonstrated significant antibacterial response in the in vitro minimum inhibitory, bactericidal, live-dead cells, zone of inhibition, and biofilm inhibition assays against the keratitis-inducing pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The antiquorum sensing activity of GC has been explored for the first time. The NPs disrupted the bacterial quorum sensing by inhibiting the production of virulence factors, including acyl homoserine lactones, pyocyanin, and motility, and caused significant downregulation of quorum sensing associated genes. In the in vivo studies, CIP@GC(PLA) NPs (1:1) displayed ocular retention in vivo (∼6 h) and decreased the opacity and the bacterial load effectively. Overall, the CIP@GC(PLA) NP (1:1) is a biofilm-disrupting antiquorum sensing treatment regimen with clinical translation potential in BK.

Recent advances of novel targeted drug delivery systems based on natural medicine monomers against hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most prevalent type of liver cancer, is often diagnosed at an advanced stage. Surgical interventions are often ineffective, leading HCC patients to rely on systemic chemotherapy. Unfortunately, commonly used chemotherapeutic drugs have limited efficacy and can adversely affect vital organs, causing significant physical and psychological distress for patients. Natural medicine monomers (NMMs) have shown promising efficacy and safety profiles in HCC treatment, garnering attention from researchers. In recent years, the development of novel targeted drug delivery systems (TDDS) combining NMMs with nanocarriers has emerged. These TDDS aim to concentrate drugs effectively in HCC cells by manipulating the characteristics of nanomedicines, leveraging receptor and ligand interactions, and utilizing endogenous stimulatory responses to promote specific nanomedicines distribution. This comprehensive review presents recent research on TDDS for HCC treatment using NMMs from three perspectives: passive TDDS, active TDDS, and stimuli-responsive drug delivery systems (SDDS). It consolidates the current state of research on TDDS for HCC treatment with NMMs and highlights the potential of these innovative approaches in improving treatment outcomes. Moreover, the review also identifies research gaps in the related fields to provide references for future targeted therapy research in HCC.

Ameliorative anticancer effect of dendrimeric peptide modified liposomes of letrozole: In vitro and in vivo performance evaluations

Letrozole (LTZ) loaded dendrimeric nano-liposomes were prepared for targeted delivery to breast cancer cells. Surface modification with cationic peptide dendrimers (PDs) and a cancer specific ligand, transferrin (Tf), was attempted. Arginine-terminated PD (D-1) and Arginine-terminated, lipidated PD (D-2) were synthesized using Solid Phase Peptide Synthesis, purified by preparative HPLC and characterized using 1HNMR, MS and DSC analyses. Surface modification of drug loaded liposomes with Tf and/or PD was carried out. Formulations were characterized using FTIR, DSC, 1HNMR, XRD and TEM. Tf-conjugated LTZ liposomes (LTf) and Tf/D-2-conjugated LTZ liposomes (LTfD-2) showed greater cytotoxic potential (IC50 = 95.03 µg/mL and 23.75 µg/mL respectively) with enhanced cellular uptake in MCF7 cells compared to plain LTZ. Blocking studies of Tf (Tf-receptor mediated internalization) revealed decreased uptake of LTf and LTfD-2 confirming the role of Tf in uptake of Tf-conjugated liposomes. Intravenous treatment with LTfD-2 caused highest reduction in tumor volumes of female BALB/c-nude mice (145 mm3) compared to plain LTZ (605 mm3) and unconjugated LTZ liposomes (LP) (300 mm3). In vivo biodistribution studies revealed higher fluorescence in tumor tissue and liver of LTfD-2 treated mice than LTf or LP treatment. Immunohistochemical studies revealed greater apoptotic potential of LTfD-2 as indicated by TUNEL assay and ROS detection assay. The study reveals the superior therapeutic efficacy of the developed LTZ liposomal nanocarriers using PDs to enhance the transfection efficiency in addition to modifying the surface characteristics by attaching a targeting ligand for active drug targeting to breast cancer cells.

Current advances in niosomes applications for drug delivery and cancer treatment

The advent of nanotechnology has led to an increased interest in nanocarriers as a drug delivery system that is efficient and safe. There have been many studies addressing nano-scale vesicular systems such as liposomes and niosome is a newer generation of vesicular nanocarriers. The niosomes provide a multilamellar carrier for lipophilic and hydrophilic bioactive substances in the self-assembled vesicle, which are composed of non-ionic surfactants in conjunction with cholesterol or other amphiphilic molecules. These non-ionic surfactant vesicles, simply known as niosomes, can be utilized in a wide variety of technological applications. As an alternative to liposomes, niosomes are considered more chemically and physically stable. The methods for preparing niosomes are more economic. Many reports have discussed niosomes in terms of their physicochemical properties and applications as drug delivery systems. As drug carriers, nano-sized niosomes expand the horizons of pharmacokinetics, decreasing toxicity, enhancing drug solvability and bioavailability. In this review, we review the components and fabrication methods of niosomes, as well as their functionalization, characterization, administration routes, and applications in cancer gene delivery, and natural product delivery. We also discuss the limitations and challenges in the development of niosomes, and provide the future perspective of niosomes.

Effect of Polyplex Size on Penetration into Tumor Spheroids

Ovarian cancer is one of the most lethal gynecological cancers in the world. In recent years, nucleic acid (NA)-based formulations have been shown to be promising treatments for ovarian cancer, including tumor nodules. However, gene therapy is not that far advanced in clinical reality due to unfavorable physicochemical properties of the NAs, such as high molecular weight, poor cellular uptake, rapid degradation by nucleases, etc. One of the strategies used to overcome these drawbacks is the complexation of anionic NAs via electrostatic interactions with cationic polymers, resulting in the formation of so-called polyplexes. In this work, the role of the size of pDNA and siRNA polyplexes on their penetration into ovarian-cancer-based tumor spheroids was investigated. For this, a methoxypoly(ethylene glycol) poly(2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate) (mPEG-pDMAEMA) diblock copolymer was synthesized as a polymeric carrier for NA binding and condensation with either plasmid DNA (pDNA) or short interfering RNA (siRNA). When prepared in HEPES buffer (10 mM, pH 7.4) at a nitrogen/phosphate (N/P) charge ratio of 5 and pDNA polyplexes were formed with a size of 162 ± 11 nm, while siRNA-based polyplexes displayed a size of 25 ± 2 nm. The polyplexes had a slightly positive zeta potential of +7-8 mV in the same buffer. SiRNA and pDNA polyplexes were tracked in vitro into tumor spheroids, resembling in vivo avascular ovarian tumor nodules. For this purpose, reproducible spheroids were obtained by coculturing ovarian carcinoma cells with primary mouse embryonic fibroblasts in different ratios (5:2, 1:1, and 2:5). Penetration studies revealed that after 24 h of incubation, siRNA polyplexes were able to penetrate deeper into the homospheroids (composed of only cancer cells) and heterospheroids (cancer cells cocultured with fibroblasts) compared to pDNA polyplexes which were mainly located in the rim. The penetration of the polyplexes was slowed when increasing the fraction of fibroblasts present in the spheroids. Furthermore, in the presence of serum siRNA polyplexes encoding for luciferase showed a high cellular uptake in 2D cells resulting in ∼50% silencing of luciferase expression. Taken together, these findings show that self-assembled small siRNA polyplexes have good potential as a platform to test ovarian tumor nodulus penetration..

Curcumin in the treatment of liver cancer: From mechanisms of action to nanoformulations

Liver cancer is the sixth most prevalent cancer and ranks third in cancer-related death, after lung and colorectal cancer. Various natural products have been discovered as alternatives to conventional cancer therapy strategies, including radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and surgery. Curcumin (CUR) with antiinflammatory, antioxidant, and antitumor activities has been associated with therapeutic benefits against various cancers. It can regulate multiple signaling pathways, such as PI3K/Akt, Wnt/β-catenin, JAK/STAT, p53, MAPKs, and NF-ĸB, which are involved in cancer cell proliferation, metastasis, apoptosis, angiogenesis, and autophagy. Due to its rapid metabolism, poor oral bioavailability, and low solubility in water, CUR application in clinical practices is restricted. To overcome these limitations, nanotechnology-based delivery systems have been applied to use CUR nanoformulations with added benefits, such as reducing toxicity, improving cellular uptake, and targeting tumor sites. Besides the anticancer activities of CUR in combating various cancers, especially liver cancer, here we focused on the CUR nanoformulations, such as micelles, liposomes, polymeric, metal, and solid lipid nanoparticles, and others, in the treatment of liver cancer.

Polymeric nanomedicines for the treatment of hepatic diseases

The liver is an important organ in the human body and performs many functions, such as digestion, detoxification, metabolism, immune responses, and vitamin and mineral storage. Therefore, disorders of liver functions triggered by various hepatic diseases, including hepatitis B virus infection, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, hepatic fibrosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, and transplant rejection, significantly threaten human health worldwide. Polymer-based nanomedicines, which can be easily engineered with ideal physicochemical characteristics and functions, have considerable merits, including contributions to improved therapeutic outcomes and reduced adverse effects of drugs, in the treatment of hepatic diseases compared to traditional therapeutic agents. This review describes liver anatomy and function, and liver targeting strategies, hepatic disease treatment applications and intrahepatic fates of polymeric nanomedicines. The challenges and outlooks of hepatic disease treatment with polymeric nanomedicines are also discussed.

Olaparib@human serum albumin nanoparticles as sustained drug-releasing tumor-targeting nanomedicine to inhibit growth and metastasis in the mouse model of triple-negative breast cancer

Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitor olaparib demonstrated therapeutic effectiveness in highly metastatic triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). However, olaparib offers a weak therapeutic response in wild-type BRCA cancers due to the drug's poor bioavailability. Here, a bioinspired/active-tumor targeted nanoparticles system of human serum albumin with physical entrapment of olaparib was prepared via a low-energy desolvation technique using the crosslinker glutaraldehyde. The developed OLA@HSA NPs were nanosize (∼140 nm), kinetically stable with a low polydispersity (0.3), exhibited olaparib entrapment (EE 76.01 ± 2.53%, DL 6.76 ± 0.22%), and sustained drug release at pH 7.4 with an enhancement of drug release in acidic pH. OLA@HSA NPs decreased the half-maximal inhibitory concentrations (IC₅₀) of olaparib by 1.6, 1.8-fold in 24 h and 2.2, 2.4 folds in 48 h for human (MDA-MB 231) and mouse (4T1) TNBC cells, respectively, mediated by their enhanced time-dependent cellular uptake than free olaparib. The OLA@HSA-OA NPs induced concentration-dependent phosphatidylserine (apoptotic marker) externalization and arrested the cell population in the G2/M phase in both the tested cell lines at a higher level than free olaparib. The NPs formulation increased DNA fragmentation, mitochondrial membrane depolarization, and ROS generation than the free olaparib. The in vivo study conducted using 4T1-Luc tumor-bearing mice demonstrated strong tumor growth inhibitory potential of OLA@HSA NPs by elevating apoptosis ROS generation and reducing the level of the antiproliferative marker, Ki-67. OLA@HSA NPs reduced the occurrence of lung metastasis (formation of metastasis nodules decreased by ∼10 fold). OLA@HSA NPs could be a promising nanomedicine for the TNBC treatment.

Expanding the arsenal against pulmonary diseases using surface-functionalized polymeric micelles: breakthroughs and bottlenecks

Pulmonary diseases such as lung cancer, asthma and tuberculosis have remained one of the common challenges globally. Polymeric micelles (PMs) have emerged as an effective technique for achieving targeted drug delivery for a local as well as a systemic effect. These PMs encapsulate and protect hydrophobic drugs, increase pulmonary targeting, decrease side effects and enhance drug efficacy through the inhalation route. In the current review, emphasis has been placed on the different barriers encountered by the drugs given via the pulmonary route and the mechanism of PMs in achieving drug targeting. The applications of PMs in different pulmonary diseases have also been discussed in detail.

Targeted drug delivery in cervical cancer: Current perspectives

Cervical cancer is preventable yet one of the most prevalent cancers among women around the globe. Though regular screening has resulted in the decline in incidence, the disease claims a high number of lives every year, especially in the developing countries. Owing to rather aggressive and non-specific nature of the conventional chemotherapeutics, there is a growing need for newer treatment modalities. The advent of nanotechnology has assisted in this through the use of nanocarriers for targeted drug delivery. A number of nanocarriers are continuously being developed and studied for their application in drug delivery. The present review summarises the different drug delivery approaches and nanocarriers that can be useful, their advantages and limitation.

Dithiolane quartets: thiol-mediated uptake enables cytosolic delivery in deep tissue

The cytosolic delivery of various substrates in 3D multicellular spheroids by thiol-mediated uptake is reported. This is important because most orthodox systems, including polycationic cell-penetrating peptides, fail to deliver efficiently into deep tissue. The grand principles of supramolecular chemistry, that is the pH dependence of dynamic covalent disulfide exchange with known thiols on the transferrin receptor, are proposed to account for transcytosis into deep tissue, while the known but elusive exchange cascades along the same or other partners assure cytosolic delivery in kinetic competition. For quantitative detection in the cytosol, the 2D chloroalkane penetration assay (CAPA) is translated to 3D deep tissue. The targeted delivery of quantum dots, otherwise already troublesome in 2D culture, and the controlled release of mechanophores are realized to exemplify the power of thiol-mediated uptake into spheroids. As transporters, dithiolane quartets on streptavidin templates are introduced as modular motifs. Built from two amino acids only, the varied stereochemistry and peptide sequence are shown to cover maximal functional space with minimal structural change, i.e., constitutional isomers. Reviving a classic in peptide chemistry, this templated assembly of β quartets promises to expand streptavidin biotechnology in new directions, while the discovery of general cytosolic delivery in deep tissue as an intrinsic advantage further enhances the significance and usefulness of thiol-mediated uptake.

Polymeric micelles of a copolymer composed of all-trans retinoic acid, methoxy-poly(ethylene glycol), and b-poly(N-(2 hydroxypropyl) methacrylamide) as a doxorubicin-delivery platform and for combination chemotherapy in breast cancer

Delivery of combination chemotherapeutic agents to the tumor via nanovesicles has the potential for superior tumor suppression and reduced toxicity. Herein, we prepare a block copolymer (mPH-RA) composed of methoxy-poly(ethylene glycol) (mPEG), b-poly(N-(2 hydroxypropyl) methacrylamide) (pHPMA), and all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) by conjugating ATRA to the pre-formed copolymer, mPEG-b-pHPMA(mP-b-pH). Doxorubicin-loaded micelles, Dox@mP-b-pH, and Dox@mPH-RA were characterized by determining particle size, zeta potential, % DL, EE, Dox release, hemolysis study, and by DSC. The Dox@mPH-RA micelles (mPH-RA: Dox ratios of 10:0.5-2) displayed nano-size (36-45 nm), EE. 26-74%, and DL. 2.9-5.6%. Dox@mPH-RA micelles displayed the highest penetrability and cytotoxicity than free Dox and Dox@mP-b-pH micelles in breast cancer cell lines. Dox@mPH-RA exhibited the highest induction of apoptosis (94.1 ± 3%) than Dox (52.1 ± 4.5%), and Dox@mP-b-pH (81.7 ± 3%), and arrested cells in the highest population in G2 and S phase. Dox@mPH-RA increased the t_1/2 and C_max of Dox and demonstrated improved therapeutic efficacy and highest Dox distribution to the tumor. The Dox@mPH-RA increased the levels of apoptosis markers, caspase 3, 7, Ki-67, and caused the highest DNA fragmentation. The presence of RA improved the micelles' physicochemical properties, Dox-loading ability, and the therapeutic potential in Dox@mPH-RA via the combination therapeutic strategy.

Polymeric micelles as drug-delivery systems in cancer: challenges and opportunities

Tweetable abstract Micelles are nanocarriers for hydrophobic chemotherapeutic drugs. This editorial discusses the current status of preclinical micellar research and sheds light on the possibility of their clinical translation.

A Brief Overview of the Oral Delivery of Insulin as an Alternative to the Parenteral Delivery

Diabetes mellitus greatly affects the quality of life of patients and has a worldwide prevalence. Insulin is the most commonly used drug to treat diabetic patients and is usually administered through the subcutaneous route. However, this route of administration is ineffective due to the low concentration of insulin at the site of action. This route of administration causes discomfort to the patient and increases the risk of infection due to skin barrier disturbance caused by the needle. The oral administration of insulin has been proposed to surpass the disadvantages of subcutaneous administration. In this review, we give an overview of the strategies to deliver insulin by the oral route, from insulin conjugation to encapsulation into nanoparticles. These strategies are still under development to attain efficacy and effectiveness that are expected to be achieved in the near future.

A dual-targeting ruthenium nanodrug that inhibits primary tumor growth and lung metastasis via the PARP/ATM pathway

Background

Many studies have found that ruthenium complexes possess unique biochemical characteristics and inhibit tumor growth or metastasis.

Results

Here, we report the novel dual-targeting ruthenium candidate 2b, which has both antitumor and antimetastatic properties and targets tumor sites through the enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect and transferrin/transferrin receptor (TF/TFR) interaction. The candidate 2b is composed of ruthenium-complexed carboline acid and four chloride ions. In vitro, 2b triggered DNA cleavage and thus blocked cell cycle progression and induced apoptosis via the PARP/ATM pathway. In vivo,2b inhibited not only Lewis lung cancer (LLC) tumor growth but also lung metastasis. We detected apoptosis and decreased CD31 expression in tumor tissues, and ruthenium accumulated in the primary tumor tissue of C57BL/6 mice implanted with LLC cells.

Conclusions

Thus, we conclude that 2b targets tumors, inhibits tumor growth and prevents lung metastasis.

Phenylboronic acid-conjugated chitosan nanoparticles for high loading and efficient delivery of curcumin

In order to achieve high loading and efficient delivery of curcumin, phenylboronic acid-conjugated chitosan nanoparticles were prepared by a simple desolvation method. These nanoparticles exhibited a regular spherical shape with the average size about 200-230 nm and narrow size distribution, which were kinetically stable under physiological condition. Due to boronate ester formation between curcumin and phenylboronic acid groups in the nanoparticles, and the hydrogen bonding interactions between curcumin and nanocarriers, curcumin was successfully loaded into the nanoparticles with high drug loading content. These curcumin-loaded nanoparticles showed pH and reactive oxygen species (ROS)-triggered drug release behavior. In vitro cell experiments revealed that the blank nanoparticles were completely nontoxic to cultured cells, and the curcumin-loaded nanoparticles exhibited efficient antitumor efficiency against cancer cells. Moreover, the drug-loaded nanoparticles performed an enhanced growth inhibition in three-dimensional multicellular tumor spheroids. Thus, these nanocarriers would be a promising candidate for curcumin delivery in tumor treatment.

Lactobionic acid-modified thymine-chitosan nanoparticles as potential carriers for methotrexate delivery

In order to achieve efficient delivery of methotrexate (MTX), thymine-chitosan nanoparticles (Thy-Cs NPs) were prepared, and further decorated with lactobionic acid (LA) to obtain tumor-targeting nanoparticles (LA-Thy-Cs NPs). These nanoparticles possessed a regular spherical structure with the average size about 190-250 nm and narrow size distribution, which were kinetically stable in the physiological environment. Due to electrostatic interactions and multiple hydrogen-bonding interactions between MTX and carriers, MTX was loaded into Thy-Cs NPs with high drug loading content (~20%). MTX release from Thy-Cs NPs was significantly accelerated in the mildly acidic environment due to the destruction of two types of non-covalent interactions. In vitro cell experiments demonstrated that LA-Thy-Cs NPs could be efficiently internalized into hepatoma carcinoma cells, leading to higher cytotoxicity. Moreover, MTX-loaded LA-Thy-Cs NPs performed an enhanced growth inhibition in three-dimensional multicellular tumor spheroids. Thus, the LA decorated thymine-chitosan nanocarriers can be a promising candidate for efficient delivery of MTX.

Therapeutic role of curcumin and its novel formulations in gynecological cancers

Gynecological cancers are among the leading causes of cancer-associated mortality worldwide. While the number of cases are rising, current therapeutic approaches are not efficient enough. There are considerable side-effects as well as treatment resistant types. In addition, which all make the treatment complicated for afflicted cases. Therefore, in order to improve efficacy of the treatment process and patients’ quality of life, searching for novel adjuvant treatments is highly warranted. Curcumin, a promising natural compound, is endowed with numerous therapeutic potentials including significant anticancer effects. Recently, various investigations have demonstrated the anticancer effects of curcumin and its novel analogues on gynecological cancers. Moreover, novel formulations of curcumin have resulted in further propitious effects. This review discusses these studies and highlights the possible underlying mechanisms of the observed effects.

A multifunctional CeO2@SiO2-PEG nanoparticle carrier for delivery of food derived proanthocyanidin and curcumin as effective antioxidant, neuroprotective and anticancer agent

The nanoparticle systems could effectively overcome the drug delivery challenges of food bioactive compounds. In this study, a novel and effective multifunctional PEG modified CeO₂@SiO₂ nanoparticle (CSP-NPs) system was successfully fabricated. Food derived proanthocyanidin (PAC) and curcumin (Cur) were loaded onto CSP-NPs and formed as PAC-NPs and Cur-NPs. Fourier transform Infrared spectra, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and dynamic light scattering were used to characterize the prepared NPs. CSP-NPs, PAC-NPs and Cur-NPs displayed spherical shape with about 35-45 nm size. The bioactivity analysis revealed that CSP-NPs system could effectively deliver PAC and Cur to exhibit strong antioxidant activity, potent neuroprotective effect against Aβ_1-42-mediated toxicity in PC-12 cells (recovered cell viability from 57.5% to 81.0% at the dose of 25 μg/mL) and effective antiproliferative effects on HepG2 and Hela cells. Besides, all prepared nanoparticles (0-100 µg/ml) used in this study showed no significant toxicity on cell models of antioxidative and neuroprotective activities, excepting for cancer cells, suggesting that these nanoparticles had the potential of being utilized in drug delivery. Therefore, CSP-NPs might be a promising delivery system for hydrophilic molecule proanthocyanidin and hydrophobic molecule curcumin against the oxidative damage, neurodegenerative diseases and cancer, which could facilitate the application of food derived nutrients in functional foods industry.

Co-Delivery of Curcumin and Cisplatin to Enhance Cytotoxicity of Cisplatin Using Lipid-Chitosan Hybrid Nanoparticles

Background

Lipid-polymer hybrid nanoparticles (LPHNP) are suitable for co-delivery of hydrophilic and lipophilic drugs. The structural advantages of polymers and biomimetic properties of lipids enable higher encapsulation of drugs and controlled release profile. Lipid-polymer hybrid nanoparticles have been prepared for co-delivery of curcumin and cisplatin for enhanced cytotoxicity against ovarian cancer.

Material and Methods

Chitosan, cisplatin, curcumin, Lipoid S75 were selected as structural components and ionic gelation method was used for preparation of LPHNPs. Nanoparticles were formed via ionic interaction of positively charged chitosan and negatively charged lipid.

Results

The optimized nanoparticles were of 225 nm with cationic charge. The encapsulation efficiency was greater than 80% with good drug loading. The drug release profile showed controlled release behavior of both curcumin and cisplatin simultaneously and the absence of burst release. The in vitro therapeutic efficacy and cellular association was evaluated using A2780 ovarian cell lines. To further investigate therapeutic efficacy, we developed 3D spheroids as tumor model to mimic the in vivo conditions. The cytotoxicity and uptake of co-loaded LPHNPs were evaluated on 3D spheroids and results indicated increased chemosensitization and enhanced therapeutic efficacy of co-loaded LPHNPs.

Conclusion

Lipid-polymer hybrid nanoparticles could be a suitable platform for co-delivery of curcumin and cisplatin for enhanced cytotoxic effect on ovarian cell lines.

Bioactive Surfaces of Polylactide and Silver Nanoparticles for the Prevention of Microbial Contamination

Thanks to its peculiar interactions with biological molecules and structures, metallic silver in the form of silver nanoparticles achieved a remarkable comeback as a potential antimicrobial agent. The antimicrobial use of silver nanoparticles is of clinical importance, as several pathogenic microorganisms developed resistance against various conventional drug treatments. Hence, given the extensive efficiency of silver nanoparticles against drug-sensitive and drug-resistant pathogens, their therapeutic implications were demonstrated in multiple medical applications, such as silver-based dressings, silver-coated biomedical devices and silver-containing nanogels. Bacterial strains possess an intrinsic ability to form well-organized microbial communities, capable of developing adaptive mechanisms to environmental aggression and self-protective pathways against antibiotics. The formation of these mono- or poly-microbial colonies, called biofilms, is closely related with the occurrence of infectious processes which result in severe and chronic pathologies. Therefore, substantial efforts were oriented to the development of new protective coatings for biomedical surfaces, capable of sustaining the physiological processes within human-derived normal cells and to disrupt the microbial contamination and colonization stages. Nanostructured materials based on polylactic acid and silver nanoparticles are herein proposed as bioactive coatings able to prevent the formation of microbial biofilms on biomedical relevant surfaces.

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.

Glycyrrhetinic acid modified and pH-sensitive mixed micelles improve the anticancer effect of curcumin in hepatoma carcinoma cells

Curcumin (CUR), a natural polyphenolic compound existing in plants, exhibits anticancer potential in inhibiting the growth of various types of human cancer. However, the poor aqueous solubility and low bioavailability limit its clinical applications. pH-sensitive macromolecule F68-acetal-PCL (FAP) and active targeting macromolecule F68-glycyrrhetinic acid (FGA) were designed to fabricate mixed micelles for efficient delivery of CUR. The thin film hydration method was used to prepare CUR loaded mixed (MIX/CUR) micelles. The drug loading rate (DL) of MIX/CUR micelles was 6.31 ± 0.92%, which remained stable for 15 days at 4 °C. The particle size and zeta potential of the MIX/CUR micelles were 91.06 ± 1.37 nm and -9.79 ± 0.47 mV, respectively. The MIX/CUR micelles exhibited pH sensitivity in a weak acid environment, and showed rapid particle size variation and drug release. In addition, in vitro tests demonstrated that MIX/CUR micelles induced higher cytotoxicity and apoptosis than free CUR, non-pH-sensitive F68-PCL (FBP)/CUR micelles and pH-sensitive FAP/CUR micelles in SMMC7721 and Hepa1-6 cells. Besides, mixed micelles were more effective than FBP and FAP micelles in a cell uptake experiment, which was medicated by a GA receptor. All in all, these results indicated that MIX/CUR micelles could be regarded as an ideal drug administration strategy against hepatoma carcinoma cells.

Transferrin/α-tocopherol modified poly(amidoamine) dendrimers for improved tumor targeting and anticancer activity of paclitaxel

Aim: Transferrin anchored, poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) and α-tocopheryl succinate (α-TOS) conjugated generation 4 dendrimer has been prepared in order to develop a tumor targeted delivery system of a hydrophobic chemotherapeutic agent, paclitaxel (PTX). Materials & methods: The dendrimers were characterized physicochemically for size, ζ and encapsulation ability. The cellular uptake, cytotoxicity potential and apoptosis of prepared nanoconstruct were evaluated in human cervical epithelial cells monolayer and 3D spheroids. Results & conclusion: G4-TOS-PEG-Tf demonstrated increased cellular uptake, cytotoxicity and apoptotic potential of PTX compared with free PTX and G4-TOS-PEG-PTX. G4-TOS-PEG-Tf-PTX inhibited growth of human cervical epithelial cells spheroids significantly. The newly developed dendrimers hold promise as an efficient delivery system for PTX or other hydrophobic chemotherapeutic agents for targeted delivery to tumors.

Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of 2-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-6 (1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridin-4-yl)imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine analogues as antiproliferative agents

Two series of forty five novel 2-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-6-(1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridin-4-yl) imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine analogues (IPA 1-22, IPS 1-22 and IP-NH) have been designed, synthesized and structures confirmed by ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR, mass spectrometry. Furthermore, single crystal was developed for IPS-13. All the final derived conjugates were evaluated for their in vitro antiproliferative activity against a panel of diverse cancer cell lines viz., A549 (lung cancer), HeLa (cervical cancer), B16F10 (melanoma) and found to show potent anticancer activity on the tested cell lines. Many of them showed the IC₅₀ values in the range 2.0-20.0 µM. The most active compounds (IPA 5,6,8,9,12,16,17,19 and IPS 7,8,9,22) from IPA and IPS series were screened to determine their cytotoxicity on HEK-293 (human embryonic kidney) normal cell line and were found to be nontoxic to normal human cells. The molecular interactions of the derivatised conjugates were also supported by molecular docking simulations. These derivatives may serve as lead structures for development of novel potential anticancer drug candidates.

Development of chlorin e6-conjugated poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(d,l-lactide) nanoparticles for photodynamic therapy

Aim: In this study, we developed a chlorin e6-conjugated methoxy-poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(d,l-lactide) (mPEG-PLA-Ce6) amphiphilic polymer, which self-assembled to form stable nanoparticles. Materials & methods: The nanoparticles were characterized for particle size, ζ-potential and singlet oxygen (1O2) generation. Cellular internalization and phototoxicity were investigated against monolayer and 3D spheroids of human lung adenocarcinoma cells (A549). Results & conclusion: mPEG-PLA-Ce6 exhibited a size of 149.72 ± 3.51 nm and ζ-potential of -24.82 ± 2.94 mV. The 1O2 generation by mPEG-PLA-Ce6 in water was considerably higher than free chlorin e6. The nanoparticles showed enhanced cellular internalization and phototoxicity in monolayer and 3D spheroids. The developed mPEG-PLA-Ce6 has potential application as a nanocarrier of chlorin e6 for photodynamic therapy of solid tumors.

Preparation, physicochemical and pharmacological study of curcumin solid dispersion with an arabinogalactan complexation agent

Pharmaceutical solid dispersions (SD) of curcumin (Cur) with macromolecule polysaccharide arabinogalactan (AG) from wood of Larix sibirica were prepared by mechanical ball milling. The physical properties of the dispersed curcumin mixture in solid state were characterized by scanning electron microscope, differential scanning calorimetry and powder X-ray diffraction studies. These methods showed a strong decrease in the degree of crystallinity of Cur and its transformation to amorphization state, accompanied by the formation of the guest-host type complexes. The behavior of the samples in solutions was characterized by reverse phase HPLC, ¹H NMR spectroscopy, UV-Visible spectroscopy and gel permeation chromatography (GPC). Mechanochemically prepared complexes demonstrated the increased solubility of Cur up to ~10.5 times in contrast to pure curcumin. The rapid storage test showed high chemical stability of Cur, which depended on mass relations of Cur-AG. Besides, improved membrane permeability of Cur-AG SD was tested by parallel artificial membrane permeability assay. Pharmacokinetic study of Cur-AG SD formulation in rat demonstrated a significant~8-fold enhancement of bioavailability in comparison to pure curcumin. In MTT tests, Cur-AG SD showed moderate cytotoxicity against human glioblastoma cells and immortalized human fibroblasts. Therefore, Cur-AG solid dispersion was a more promising and efficacious formulation for application in oral drug delivery.