Formulation and evaluation of hyaluronic acid-based mucoadhesive self nanoemulsifying drug delivery system (SNEDDS) of tamoxifen for targeting breast cancer

Pharmaceutical Nanoplatforms Based on Self-nanoemulsifying Drug Delivery Systems for Optimal Transport and Co-delivery of siRNAs and Anticancer Drugs

Small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) have the ability to induce selective gene silencing, although siRNAs are vulnerable to degradation in vivo. Various active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) are currently used as effective therapeutics in the treatment of cancer. However, routes of administration are limited due to their physicochemical and biopharmaceutical properties. This research aimed to develop oral pharmaceutical formulations based on self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery systems (SNEDDS) for optimal transport and co-delivery of siRNAs related to cancer and APIs. Formulations were developed using optimal mixing design (Design-Expert 11 software) for SNEDDS loading with siRNA (water/oil emulsion), API (oil/water emulsion), and siRNA-API (multiphase water/oil/water emulsion). The final formulations were characterized physicochemically and biologically. The nanosystems less than 50 nm in size had a drug loading above 48 %. The highest drug release occurred at intestinal pH, allowing drug protection in physiological fluids. SNEDDS-siRNA-APIs showed a twofold toxicity effect than APIs in solution and higher transfection and internalization of siRNA in cancer cells with respect to free siRNAs. In the duodenum, higher permeability was observed with SNEDDS-API than with the API solution, as determined by ex-vivo fluorescence microscopy. The multifunctional formulation based on SNEDDS was successfully prepared, siRNA, hydrophobic chemotherapeutics (doxorubicin, valrubicin and methotrexate) and photosensitizers (rhodamine b and protoporphyrin IX) agents were loaded, using a chitosan-RNA core, and Labrafil® M 1944 CS, Cremophor® RH40, phosphatidylcholine shell, forming stable hybrid SNEDDS as multiphasic emulsion, suitable as co-delivery system with a potent anticancer activity.

Chitosan- and hyaluronic acid-based nanoarchitectures in phototherapy: Combination cancer chemotherapy, immunotherapy and gene therapy

Cancer phototherapy has been introduced as a new potential modality for tumor suppression. However, the efficacy of phototherapy has been limited due to a lack of targeted delivery of photosensitizers. Therefore, the application of biocompatible and multifunctional nanoparticles in phototherapy is appreciated. Chitosan (CS) as a cationic polymer and hyaluronic acid (HA) as a CD44-targeting agent are two widely utilized polymers in nanoparticle synthesis and functionalization. The current review focuses on the application of HA and CS nanostructures in cancer phototherapy. These nanocarriers can be used in phototherapy to induce hyperthermia and singlet oxygen generation for tumor ablation. CS and HA can be used for the synthesis of nanostructures, or they can functionalize other kinds of nanostructures used for phototherapy, such as gold nanorods. The HA and CS nanostructures can combine chemotherapy or immunotherapy with phototherapy to augment tumor suppression. Moreover, the CS nanostructures can be functionalized with HA for specific cancer phototherapy. The CS and HA nanostructures promote the cellular uptake of genes and photosensitizers to facilitate gene therapy and phototherapy. Such nanostructures specifically stimulate phototherapy at the tumor site, with particle toxic impacts on normal cells. Moreover, CS and HA nanostructures demonstrate high biocompatibility for further clinical applications.

Applications and advancements of polysaccharide-based nanostructures for enhanced drug delivery

Growing demand for highly effective, site-specific delivery of pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals using nano-sized carriers has prompted increased scrutiny of carrier biocompatibility and biodegradability. To address these concerns, biodegradable natural polymers have emerged as a transformative domain, offering non-toxic, precisely targetable carriers capable of finely modulating cargo pharmacokinetics while generating innocuous decomposition by-products. This comprehensive review illuminates the emergence of polysaccharide-based nanoparticulate drug delivery systems. These systems establish an interactive interface between drug and targeted organs, guided by strategic modifications to polysaccharide backbones, which facilitate the creation of morphologically, constitutionally, and characteristically vibrant nanostructures through various fabrication routes, underpinning their pivotal role in biomedical applications. Advancements crucial to enhancing polysaccharide-based drug delivery, such as surface modifications and bioinspired modifications for enhanced targeting, and stimuli-responsive release, strategies to overcome biological barriers, enhance tumor penetration, and optimize therapeutic outcomes are highlighted. This review also examines some potent challenges, and the contemporary way out of them, and discusses future perspectives in the field.

Glycan-based scaffolds and nanoparticles as drug delivery system in cancer therapy

Glycan-based scaffolds are unique in their high specificity, versatility, low immunogenicity, and ability to mimic natural carbohydrates, making them attractive candidates for use in cancer treatment. These scaffolds are made up of glycans, which are biopolymers with well biocompatibility in the human body that can be used for drug delivery. The versatility of glycan-based scaffolds allows for the modulation of drug activity and targeted delivery to specific cells or tissues, which increases the potency of drugs and reduces side effects. Despite their promise, there are still technical challenges in the design and production of glycan-based scaffolds, as well as limitations in their therapeutic efficacy and specificity.

Lactoferrin Reduces Surfactant Content in the Self-Emulsifying Drug Delivery System

Self-emulsifying drug delivery systems (SEDDSs) can effectively be employed to formulate drugs with poor oral bioavailability due to low aqueous solubility and high first-pass metabolism. High surfactant content is an existing challenge toward the successful application of SEDDS. A SEDDS is developed with lactoferrin, a natural emulsifier to reduce the Tween content of a fenofibrate (FEN) formulation. FEN SEDDS (SEDDS without lactoferrin) and FEN Lf-SEDDS (SEDDS with lactoferrin) were developed with 30% and 21% Tween content, respectively. Both formulations containing Crodamol GTCC as a lipid component were thermodynamically stable. No significant difference was observed in zeta potential (-9.25 to -12.63 mV), drug content (>85%), and percentage transmittance (>99%) between the two formulations. FEN Lf-SEDDS resulted in higher viscosity and larger particle size than FEN SEDDS. Solidified SEDDS with Aerosil 200 significantly improved in vitro drug release from both formulations than pure FEN. However, FEN SEDDS and FEN Lf-SEDDS did not show a significant difference in cumulative percent release or dissolution efficiency at 120 min. It can be concluded that lactoferrin containing SEDDS with 27% lesser synthetic surfactants (Tween 80 and Span 80) can result in similar physicochemical characteristics. Oral pharmacokinetic study of FEN Lf-SEDDS in a rat model resulted in 1.3 and 5.5 times higher relative bioavailability than marketed product and pure drug, respectively. The addition of lactoferrin could substitute synthetic surfactants in self-emulsifying drug delivery systems significantly.

Triamcinolone-loaded self nano-emulsifying drug delivery systems for ocular use: An alternative to invasive ocular surgeries and injections

Inflammation of the posterior segment of the eye is a severe condition and hard to cure as delivery of drugs to the inflammation site is inefficient. Currently, the primary treatment approach is ocular surgery or invasive ocular injections. Herein, we designed and developed a topically self nano-emulsifying drug delivery system (SNEDDs) to deliver triamcinolone acetonide (TCA) to the posterior segment of the eye. A screening based on TCA solubility was conducted on each excipient followed by preparation of various formulations using different ratios of the selected excipients. Vesicles of optimized SNEDDs had less than 100 nm size and spherical morphology. 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay showed self-emulsified vesicles have relatively high safety on retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cell line. Furthermore, efficient cellular uptake of coumarin 6-loaded SNEDDs in RPE using confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) was confirmed. In addition, an in-vivo study using hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining revealed that 14 days of topical treatment of albino rabbit eyes with TCA-loaded SNEDDs was safe and no sign of tissue destruction and inflammation was detected in different parts of the eye sections including cornea, sclera, retina, and optic nerve. Also, the CLSM images from topically treated eyes with coumarin 6 (a hydrophobic, fluorescent drug model) loaded SNEDDs, showed that the optimized SNEDDs could properly penetrate toward the posterior segments of the eye especially the retina, posterior parts of the choroid, and sclera. Considering the outstanding results obtained by ocular tissue penetration and low toxicity, prepared SNEDDs, have the potential to be used as a topical administration for treating posterior segment disorders of the eye through an utterly non-invasive route and TCA-loaded SNEDDs could be an alternative for TCA intravitreal and intra conjunctival injections.

Lithocholic acid-based oligomers as drug delivery candidates targeting model of lipid raft

This study presents a new approach to designing a lithocholic acid functionalized oligomer (OLithocholicAA-X) that can be used as a drug carrier with additional, beneficial activity. Namely, this novel oligomer can incorporate an anti-cancer drug due to the application of an effective backbone as its component (lithocholic acid) alone is known to have anticancer activity. The oligomer was synthesized and characterized in detail by nuclear magnetic resonance, attenuated total reflectance Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, thermal analysis, and mass spectrometry analysis. We selected lipid rafts as potential drug carrier-membrane binding sites. In this respect, we investigated the effects of OLithocholicAA-X on model lipid raft of normal and altered composition, containing an increased amount of cholesterol (Chol) or sphingomyelin (SM), using Langmuir monolayers and liposomes. The surface topography of the studied monolayers was additionally investigated by atomic force microscopy (AFM). The obtained results showed that the investigated oligomer has affinity for a system that mimics a normal lipid raft (SM:Chol 2:1). On the other hand, for systems with an excess of SM or Chol, thermodynamically unfavorable fluidization of the films occurs. Moreover, AFM topographies showed that the amount of SM determines the bioavailability of the oligomer, causing fragmentation of its lattice.

Chitosan and hyaluronic acid-based nanocarriers for advanced cancer therapy and intervention

Cancer has become a major public health issue leading to one of the foremost causes of morbidity and death in the world. Despite the current advances in diagnosis using modern technologies and treatment via surgery or chemo- and radio-therapies, severe side effects or after-effects limit the application of these treatment modalities. Novel drug delivery systems have shown the potential to deliver chemotherapeutics directly to cancer cells, thus minimizing unnecessary exposure to healthy cells. Concurrently, to circumvent difficulties associated with conventional deliveries of cancer therapeutics, natural polysaccharides have gained attention for the fabrication of such deliveries owing to biocompatibility, low toxicity, and biodegradability. It has been exhibited that natural polysaccharides can deliver high therapeutic concentrations of the entrapped drug to the target cells by sustained and targeted release. Considering the immense potential of natural polymers, the present work focuses on naturally generated biopolymer carriers based on chitosan and hyaluronic acid. This review delineated on the role of chitosan and its derivation from renewable resources as a biocompatible, biodegradable, nonimmunogenic material with notable antitumor activity as a drug delivery carrier in oncotherapy. Moreover, hyaluronic acid, itself by its structure or when linked with other molecules contributes to developing promising pharmaceutical delivery systems to setback the restrictions related to conventional cancer treatment.

Future Nanotechnology-Based Strategies for Improved Management of Helicobacter pylori Infection

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a recalcitrant pathogen, which can cause gastric disorders. During the past decades, polypharmacy-based regimens, such as triple and quadruple therapies have been widely used against H. pylori. However, polyantibiotic therapies can disturb the host gastric/gut microbiota and lead to antibiotic resistance. Thus, simpler but more effective approaches should be developed. Here, some recent advances in nanostructured drug delivery systems to treat H. pylori infection are summarized. Also, for the first time, a drug release paradigm is proposed to prevent H. pylori antibiotic resistance along with an IVIVC model in order to connect the drug release profile with a reduction in bacterial colony counts. Then, local delivery systems including mucoadhesive, mucopenetrating, and cytoadhesive nanobiomaterials are discussed in the battle against H. pylori infection. Afterward, engineered delivery platforms including polymer-coated nanoemulsions and polymer-coated nanoliposomes are poposed. These bioinspired platforms can contain an antimicrobial agent enclosed within smart multifunctional nanoformulations. These bioplatforms can prevent the development of antibiotic resistance, as well as specifically killing H. pylori with no or only slight negative effects on the host gastrointestinal microbiota. Finally, the essential checkpoints that should be passed to confirm the potential effectiveness of anti-H. pylori nanosystems are discussed.

Antimicrobial and anti-biofilm activities of bio-inspired nanomaterials for wound healing applications

Chronic wounds are ubiquitously inhabited by bacteria, and they remain a challenge as they cause significant discomfort and because their treatment consumes huge clinical resources. To reduce the burden that chronic wounds place upon both patients and health services, a wide variety of approaches have been devised and investigated. Bioinspired nanomaterials have shown great success in wound healing when compared to existing approaches, showing better ability to mimic natural extracellular matrix (ECM) components and thus to promote cell adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation. Wound dressings that are based on bioinspired nanomaterials can be engineered to promote anti-inflammatory mechanisms and to inhibit the formation of microbial biofilms. We consider the extensive potential of bioinspired nanomaterials in wound healing, revealing a scope beyond that covered previously.

Enhancement of Bottle Gourd Oil Activity via Optimized Self-Dispersing Lipid Formulations (SDLFs) to Mitigate Isoproterenol-Evoked Cardiac Toxicity in Rats via Modulating BMP, MMP2, and miRNA-21 and miRNA-23a Genes' Expression

Bottle gourd (BG) oil (family Cucurbitaceae) has several pharmacological activities including a reduction of the hazard of cardiovascular and atherosclerosis conditions. This work aimed to develop and optimize self-dispersing lipid formulations (SDLFs) of BG oil by applying a full 32 factorial design. The formulation variables (oil concentration and surfactant mixture ratio) showed an obvious impact on the characters of the prepared BG-SDLFs including droplet size (DS), polydispersity index (PDI), emulsification time (ET), and transmission percentage (Tr%). The optimum BG-SDLF composed of 30% oil and Tween 80/Cremophor® RH40 (1:1) showed good emulsification characteristics and a better drug release profile compared with BG oil. In vivo study in isoproterenol-injected rats showed that BG oil and the optimized BG-SDLF improved cardiac function, by elevating the miRNA-23a gene expression level and decreasing miRNA-21 gene expression. They also caused the inhibition of the plasma B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), N-terminal proatrial natriuretic peptide (NT-pro-BNP), cystatin c, galectin-3, lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2), matrix metallopeptidase 2 (MMP2), cardiac troponin I (cTnI), and cardiac troponin T (cTnT). Our study demonstrated that BG oil and the optimized BG-SDLF provided a cardioprotection against isoproterenol-induced cardiac toxicity with better results in groups treated with the optimized BG-SDLF.

A promising self-nanoemulsifying adjuvant with plant-derived saponin D boosts immune response and exerts an anti-tumor effect

Objectives

The low immunogenicity of tumor antigens and unacceptable toxicity of adjuvants has hindered the application and development of tumor vaccines. Hence, we designed a novel anti-tumor vaccine composed of a plant-derived immunostimulant molecular nanoadjuvant (a self-nanoemulsifying system, SND) and the antigen OVA, to reinvigorate the immune response and inhibit tumor progression.

Methods

In this study, this novel nanoadjuvant with Saponin D (SND) was designed and prepared by low-energy emulsification methods. Several important characteristics of the SND, including morphology, size, polymer dispersity index (PDI), zeta potential, and stability, were estimated, and the cytotoxicity of the SND was evaluated by MTT assay. Additionally, the immune response in terms of antibody titer levels and cellular immunity were evaluated in vivo after immunization with the vaccine, and the preventative and therapeutic effects of this novel vaccine against tumors were estimated. Finally, the antigen release profile was determined by IVIS imaging and by in vivo assay.

Results

This SND nanoadjuvant had good characteristics including the average particle size of 26.35 ± 0.225 nm, narrow distribution of 0.221 ± 1.76, and stability zeta potential of -12.9 ± 0.83 mV. And also, it had good stability (size, PDI, zeta potential, antigen stability) and low toxicity in vitro and in vivo, and delayed antigen release in vivo. The humoral immune response (IgG, IgG1, IgG2a, and IgG2b) and cellular immune level (cytokines of splenocytes including IFN-γ, IL-4, IL-1β andIL-17A) were both improved greatly after injected immunization at 0, 14, 28 days with the novel nanoadjuvant and antigen OVA. Importantly, this novel nanoadjuvant combined with OVA might lead to the induction of the prevent and treatment efficacy in the E.G7-OVA tumor-bearing mice.

Conclusions

These results suggested that this novel nanoadjuvant encapsulated natural plant immunostimulant molecular OPD could be a good candidate of tumor vaccine adjuvant for reinvigorating the immune response and powerfully inhibiting tumor growth effect.

Evaluation of Brain Targeting and Antipsychotic Activity of Nasally Administrated Ziprasidone Lipid-Polymer Hybrid Nanocarriers

The feasibility of using lipid-polymer hybrid (LPH) nanocarriers as a potential platform for the intranasal delivery of ziprasidone (ZP), a second-generation antipsychotic, was explored. Different ZP-loaded LPH composed of a PLGA core and cholesterol-lecithin lipid coat were prepared using a single step nano-precipitation self-assembly technique. Modulation of polymer, lipid and drug amounts, as well as stirring-speed-optimized LPH with a particle size of 97.56 ± 4.55 nm and a ZP entrapment efficiency (EE%) of 97.98 ± 1.22%. The brain deposition and pharmacokinetics studies proved the efficiency of LPH to traverse the blood-brain barrier (BBB) following intranasal delivery with a 3.9-fold increase in targeting efficiency compared to the intravenous (IV) ZP solution with a direct nose-to-brain transport percentage (DTP) of 74.68%. The ZP-LPH showed enhanced antipsychotic activity in terms of animals' hypermobility over an IV drug solution in schizophrenic rats. The obtained results showed that the fabricated LPH was able to improve ZP brain uptake and proved its antipsychotic efficiency.

Non-systemic Approaches for Ductal Carcinoma In Situ: Exploring the Potential of Ultra-flexible Combisomes as a Novel Drug Delivery Strategy-a Review

Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) is currently treated through breast-conserving surgery (lumpectomy), radiation therapy, breast-removing surgery (mastectomy), and hormone therapy to prevent further progression into invasive breast cancer and recurrence. Discrepancies concerning the prognosis of DCIS have sparked controversy about adequate treatment. Considering the severe medical and psychological consequences of mastectomy, developing a treatment approach that arrests the progression of DCIS to the invasive stage without affecting the non-cancerous cells is of utmost importance. In the current review, the problems associated with the diagnosis and management of DCIS have been thoroughly discussed. A summary of the route of administration and drug delivery systems to manage DCIS was also provoked. Innovative ultra-flexible combisomes were also proposed for the effective management of DCIS. Prevention is essential in managing the risk of DCIS and reducing the risk of progression to invasive breast cancer. While prevention is vital, it is not always possible to prevent DCIS, and in some cases, treatment may be necessary. Hence, this review recommends that ultra-flexible combisomes administered as a topical gel provide a non-systemic approach for managing DCIS and thus significantly minimize the side effects and costs associated with existing therapies.

Mannosylated preactivated hyaluronic acid-based nanostructures for bacterial infection treatment

Salmonella Typhi is an intracellular bacterium causing a variety of enteric diseases, being typhoid fever the most common. Current modalities for treating S. typhi infection are subjected to multi-drug resistance. Herein, a novel macrophage targeting approach was developed via coating bioinspired mannosylated preactivated hyaluronic acid (Man-PTHA) ligands on a self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system (SNEDDS) loaded with the anti-bacterial drug ciprofloxacin (CIP). The shake flask method was used to determine the drug solubility in the different excipients (oil, surfactants and co-surfactants). Man-PTHA were characterized by physicochemical, in vitro, and in vivo parameters. The mean droplet size was 257 nm, with a PDI of 0.37 and zeta potential of -15 mV. In 72 h, 85 % of the drug was released in a sustained manner, and the entrapment efficiency was 95 %. Outstanding biocompatibility, mucoadhesion, muco-penetration, anti-bacterial action and hemocompatibility were observed. Intra-macrophage survival of S. typhi was minimal (1 %) with maximum nanoparticle uptake, as shown by their higher fluorescence intensity. Serum biochemistry evaluation showed no significant changes or toxicity, and histopathological evaluation confirmed the entero-protective nature of the bioinspired polymers. Overall, results confirm that Man-PTHA SNEDDS can be employed as novel and effective delivery systems for the therapeutic management of S. typhi infection.

Chemical Attachment of 5-Nitrosalicylaldimine Motif to Silatrane Resulting in an Organic-Inorganic Structure with High Medicinal Significance

Two chemical motifs of interest for medicinal chemistry, silatrane as 1-(3-aminopropyl) silatrane (SIL M), and nitro group attached in position 5 to salicylaldehyde, are coupled in a new structure, 1-(3-{[(2-hydroxy-5-nitrophenyl)methylidene]amino}propyl)silatrane (SIL-BS), through an azomethine moiety, also known as a versatile pharmacophore. The high purity isolated compound was structurally characterized by an elemental, spectral, and single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. Given the structural premises for being a biologically active compound, different specific techniques and protocols have been used to evaluate their in vitro hydrolytic stability in simulated physiological conditions, the cytotoxicity on two cancer cell lines (HepG2 and MCF7), and protein binding ability-with a major role in drug ADME (Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism and Excretion), in parallel with those of the SIL M. While the latter had a good biocompatibility, the nitro-silatrane derivative, SIL-BS, exhibited a higher cytotoxic activity on HepG2 and MCF7 cell lines, performance assigned, among others, to the known capacity of the nitro group to promote a specific cytotoxicity by a "activation by reduction" mechanism. Both compounds exhibited increased bio- and muco-adhesiveness, which can favor an optimized therapeutic effect by increased drug permeation and residence time in tumor location. Additional benefits of these compounds have been demonstrated by their antimicrobial activity on several fungi and bacteria species. Molecular docking computations on Human Serum Albumin (HSA) and MPRO COVID-19 protease demonstrated their potential in the development of new drugs for combined therapy.

Hyaluronic Acid-Based Nanomaterials Applied to Cancer: Where Are We Now?

Cancer cells normally develop the ability to rewire or reprogram themselves to become resistant to treatments that were previously effective. Despite progress in understanding drug resistance, knowledge gaps remain regarding the underlying biological causes of drug resistance and the design of cancer treatments to overcome it. So, resistance acquisition remains a major problem in cancer treatment. Targeted therapeutics are considered the next generation of cancer therapy because they overcome many limitations of traditional treatments. Numerous tumor cells overexpress several receptors that have a high binding affinity for hyaluronic acid (HA), while they are poorly expressed in normal body cells. HA and its derivatives have the advantage of being biocompatible and biodegradable and may be conjugated with a variety of drugs and drug carriers for developing various formulations as anticancer therapies such as micelles, nanogels, and inorganic nanoparticles. Due to their stability in blood circulation and predictable delivery patterns, enhanced tumor-selective drug accumulation, and decreased toxicity to normal tissues, tumor-targeting nanomaterial-based drug delivery systems have been shown to represent an efficacious approach for the treatment of cancer. In this review, we aim to provide an overview of some in vitro and in vivo studies related to the potential of HA as a ligand to develop targeted nanovehicles for future biomedical applications in cancer treatment.

Self-Nanoemulsifying Drug Delivery System of 2-Methoxyestradiol Exhibits Enhanced Anti-Proliferative and Pro-Apoptotic Activities in MCF-7 Breast Cancer Cells

(1) Background: 2-Methoxyestradiol (2ME) is a metabolite of estrogens and possesses promising anti-proliferative and cytotoxic activities. However, it suffers unfavorable pharmacokinetic characteristics such as absorption after oral administration. The aim of this study was to prepare an optimized 2ME self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system (2ME-SNEDDS) and evaluate its cytotoxicity and pro-apoptotic activities in MCF-7 breast cancer cells. (2) Methods: For optimization of the 2ME-SNEDDS, a three-component system was used in the D-optimal mixture experimental study. MCF-7 cells were incubated with the 2ME-SNEDDS and subjected to an assessment of growth inhibition, cell cycle progression, annexin V staining, caspase-3 concentration, Bax, Bcl-2, and cyclin D1 mRNA expression, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. (3) Results: The optimized formula had a globule size of 94.97 ± 4.35 nm. Zeta potential was found to be −3.4 ± 1.2 mV with a polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.34. In addition, 96.3  ± 4.3% of 2ME was released from the 2ME-SNEDDS within 24 h using the activated analysis bag technique. Moreover, the prepared 2ME-SNEDDS exhibited a significant enhancement of the anti-proliferative activity against MCF-7 cells in comparison to raw 2ME. This was associated with cyclin D1 expression down-regulation and the accumulation of cells in the G0/G1 and G2/M phases. The pro-apoptotic activities of the 2ME-SNEDDS were confirmed by annexin V staining, which indicated enhanced early and late cell death. This accompanied modulation of the mRNA expression of Bax and Bcl-2 in favor of apoptosis. The 2ME-SNEDDS significantly enhanced cleaved caspase-3 concentration in comparison to raw 2ME. In addition, the 2ME-SNEDDS significantly increased the generation of ROS in MCF-7 cells. (4) Conclusions: The 2ME-SNEDDS exhibits enhanced cytotoxicity and pro-apoptotic activity in MCF-7 cells. This is mediated by, at least partially, ROS generation.

Hyaluronic acid-based nano drug delivery systems for breast cancer treatment: Recent advances

Breast cancer (BC) is the most common malignancy among females worldwide, and high resistance to drugs and metastasis rates are the leading causes of death in BC patients. Releasing anti-cancer drugs precisely to the tumor site can improve the efficacy and reduce the side effects on the body. Natural polymers are attracting extensive interest as drug carriers in treating breast cancer. Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a natural polysaccharide with excellent biocompatibility, biodegradability, and non-immunogenicity and is a significant component of the extracellular matrix. The CD44 receptor of HA is overexpressed in breast cancer cells and can be targeted to breast tumors. Therefore, many researchers have developed nano drug delivery systems (NDDS) based on the CD44 receptor tumor-targeting properties of HA. This review examines the application of HA in NDDSs for breast cancer in recent years. Based on the structural composition of NDDSs, they are divided into HA NDDSs, Modified HA NDDSs, and HA hybrid NDDSs.

Chitosan-Hyaluronic Acid Nanoparticles for Active Targeting in Cancer Therapy

Cancer is the most common cause of death worldwide; therefore, there is a need to discover novel treatment modalities to combat it. One of the cancer treatments is nanoparticle technology. Currently, nanoparticles have been modified to have desirable pharmacological effects by using chemical ligands that bind with their specific receptors on the surface of malignant cells. Chemical grafting of chitosan nanoparticles with hyaluronic acid as a targeted ligand can become an attractive alternative for active targeting. Hence, these nanoparticles can control drug release with pH- responsive stimuli, and high selectivity of hyaluronic acid to CD44 receptors makes these nanoparticles accumulate more inside cells that overexpress these receptors (cancer cells). In this context, we discuss the benefits and recent findings of developing and utilizing chitosan–hyaluronic acid nanoparticles against distinct forms of cancer malignancy. From here we know that chitosan–hyaluronic acid nanoparticles (CHA-Np) can produce a nanoparticle system with good characteristics, effectiveness, and a good active targeting on various types of cancer cells. Therefore, this system is a good candidate for targeted drug delivery for cancer therapy, anticipating that CHA-Np could be further developed for various cancer therapy applications.

Applications of lipid-engineered nanoplatforms in the delivery of various cancer therapeutics to surmount breast cancer

Breast cancer (BC) is the most extensively accounted malignancy among the women across the globe and is treatable in 70-80% of patients with early-stage, non-metastatic cancer. The current available therapies have been found to be less effective to treat distant organ metastases and advanced breast cancers. The clinical efficacy hugely suffers from chemoresistance, non-specific toxicity, relapse and other associated adverse effects. Furthermore, lack of controlled delivery and effective temporospatial presence of chemotherapeutics has resulted in suboptimal therapeutic response. Nanotechnology based approaches have been widely used over the period as they are nanometric, offer controlled and site-specific drug release along with reduced toxicity, improved half-life, and stability. Lipid-based nanoplatforms have grabbed a tremendous attention for delivering cancer therapeutics as they are cost-effective, scalable and provide better entrapment efficiency. In this review, all the promising applications of lipid-engineered nanotechnological tools for breast cancer will be summarized and discussed. Subsequently, BC therapy achieved with the aid of chemotherapeutics, phytomedicine, genes, peptides, photosensitizers, diagnostic and immunogenic agents etc. will be reviewed and discussed. This review gives tabular information on all the results obtained pertaining to the physicochemical properties of the lipidic nanocarrier, in vitro studies conferring to mechanistic drug release profile, cell viability, cellular apoptosis and in vivo studies referring to cellular internalisation, reduction of tumor volume, PK-PD profile, bioavailability achieved and anti-tumor activity in detail. It also gives complete information on the most relevant clinical trials done on lipidic nanoplatforms over two decades in tabular form. The review highlights the current status and future prospects of lipidic nanoplatforms with streamlined focus on cancer nanotherapeutics.

Solid Self-Nano Emulsifying Nanoplatform Loaded with Tamoxifen and Resveratrol for Treatment of Breast Cancer

The solid self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system (s-SNEDDS) is a growing platform for the delivery of drugs via oral route. In the present work, tamoxifen (TAM) was loaded in SNEDDS with resveratrol (RES), which is a potent chemotherapeutic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and P-gp inhibitor for enhancing bioavailability and to obtain synergistic anti-cancer effect against breast cancer. SNEDDS were developed using capmul MCM as oil, Tween 80 as surfactant and transcutol-HP as co-surfactant and optimized by central composite rotatable design. Neusilin US2 concentration was optimized for adsorption of liquid SNEDDS to prepare s-SNEDDS. The developed formulation was characterized and investigated for various in vitro and cell line comparative studies. Optimized TAM-RES-s-SNEDDS showed spherical droplets of a size less than 200 nm. In all in vitro studies, TAM-RES-s-SNEDDS showed significantly improved (p ˂ 0.05) release and permeation across the dialysis membrane and intestinal lumen. Moreover, TAM-RES-s-SNEDDS possessed significantly greater therapeutic efficacy (p < 0.05) and better internalization on the MCF-7 cell line as compared to the conventional formulation. Additionally, oral bioavailability of TAM from SNEDDS was 1.63 folds significantly higher (p < 0.05) than that of combination suspension and 4.16 folds significantly higher (p < 0.05) than TAM suspension. Thus, findings suggest that TAM- RES-s-SNEDDS can be the future delivery system that potentially delivers both drugs to cancer cells for better treatment.

Nano-Based Theranostic Platforms for Breast Cancer: A Review of Latest Advancements

Breast cancer (BC) is a highly metastatic multifactorial disease with various histological and molecular subtypes. Due to recent advancements, the mortality rate in BC has improved over the past five decades. Detection and treatment of many cancers are now possible due to the application of nanomedicine in clinical practice. Nanomedicine products such as Doxil^® and Abraxane^® have already been extensively used for BC adjuvant therapy with favorable clinical outcomes. However, these products were designed initially for generic anticancer purposes and not specifically for BC treatment. With a better understanding of the molecular biology of BC, several novel and promising nanotherapeutic strategies and devices have been developed in recent years. In this context, multi-functionalized nanostructures are becoming potential carriers for enhanced chemotherapy in BC patients. To design these nanostructures, a wide range of materials, such as proteins, lipids, polymers, and hybrid materials, can be used and tailored for specific purposes against BC. Selective targeting of BC cells results in the activation of programmed cell death in BC cells and can be considered a promising strategy for managing triple-negative BC. Currently, conventional BC screening methods such as mammography, digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT), ultrasonography, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are either costly or expose the user to hazardous radiation that could harm them. Therefore, there is a need for such analytical techniques for detecting BC that are highly selective and sensitive, have a very low detection limit, are durable, biocompatible, and reproducible. In detecting BC biomarkers, nanostructures are used alone or in conjunction with numerous molecules. This review intends to highlight the recent advances in nanomedicine in BC treatment and diagnosis, emphasizing the targeting of BC cells that overexpress receptors of epidermal growth factors. Researchers may gain insight from these strategies to design and develop more tailored nanomedicine for BC to achieve further improvements in cancer specificity, antitumorigenic effects, anti-metastasis effects, and drug resistance reversal effects.

Multi-strategic approaches for enhancing active transportation using self-emulsifying drug delivery system

Oral delivery is the most desired route of drug administration and it can be more beneficial for patients suffering from chronic diseases wherein frequent parenteral administration of proteins such as insulin and calcitonin is required. The BCS class II drugs show low aqueous solubility and high permeability whereas BCS class IV drugs suffer from low aqueous solubility and low permeability. Additionally, biologic drugs are highly sensitive to presence of bioenzymes and bile salts when administered orally. Self-emulsifying drug delivery system (SEDDS) is a thermodynamically stable lipid formulation that enhances oral absorption of active ingredients via the opening of tight junctions, increasing the membrane fluidity, and thus overcomes the physiological barriers like viscous mucus layer, strong acid conditions and enzymatic degradation. An understanding of different theories that govern SEDDS formation and drug release can help in formulating a highly stable and effective drug delivery system. Poorly permeable drugs such as chlorpromazine require modification using methods like hydrophobic ion pairing, complexation with phospholipids, etc. to enable high entrapment efficiency which is discussed in the article. Additionally, the article gives an overview of the influence of polymers, length of fatty acids chain and zeta potential in enhancing permeation across the intestinal membrane.

Utilization of Polymeric Micelles as a Lucrative Platform for Efficient Brain Deposition of Olanzapine as an Antischizophrenic Drug via Intranasal Delivery

Schizophrenia is a mental disorder characterized by alterations in cognition, behavior and emotions. Oral olanzapine (OZ) administration is extensively metabolized (~up to 40% of the administrated dose). In addition, OZ is a P-glycoproteins substrate that impairs the blood–brain barrier (BBB) permeability. To direct OZ to the brain and to minimize its systemic side effects, the nasal pathway is recommended. OZ-loaded polymeric micelles nano-carriers were developed using suitable biodegradable excipients. The developed micelles were physicochemically investigated to assess their appropriateness for intranasal delivery and the potential of these carriers for OZ brain targeting. The selected formula will be examined in vivo for improving the anti-schizophrenic effects on a schizophrenia rat model. The binary mixture of P123/P407 has a low CMC (0.001326% w/v), which helps in maintaining the formed micelles’ stability upon dilution. The combination effect of P123, P407 and TPGS led to a decrease in micelle size, ranging between 37.5–47.55 nm and an increase in the EE% (ranging between 68.22–86.84%). The selected OZ–PM shows great stability expressed by a suitable negative charge zeta potential value (−15.11 ± 1.35 mV) and scattered non-aggregated spherical particles with a particle size range of 30–40 nm. OZ–PM maintains sustained drug release at the application site with no nasal cytotoxicity. In vivo administration of the selected OZ–PM formula reveals improved CNS targeting and anti-schizophrenia-related deficits after OZ nasal administration. Therefore, OZ–PM provided safe direct nose-to-brain transport of OZ after nasal administration with an efficient anti-schizophrenic effect.

Recent advances of nanotechnology in the diagnosis and therapy of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC)

BACKGROUND

The development of advanced treatment of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the utmost need of an era. TNBC is recognized as the most aggressive, metastatic cancer and the leading cause of mortality in females worldwide. The lack of expression of triple receptors namely, estrogen, progesterone, and human epidermal receptor2 defined TNBC.

OBJECTIVE

The current review introduced the novel biomarkers such as miRNA and family, PD1, EGFR, VEGF, TILs, P53, AR and PI3K, etc. contributed significantly to the prognosis and diagnosis of TNBC. Once diagnosed the utilization advanced approaches available for TNBC because of the limitations of chemotherapy. Novel approaches include lipid-based (liposomes, SLN, NLC, and SNEDDS), polymer-based (micelle, nanoparticles, dendrimers, and quantum dots), advanced nanocarriers such as (exosomes, antibody and peptide-drug conjugates), carbon-based nanocarriers (Carbon nanotubes, and graphene oxide). Lipid-based delivery is used for excellent carriers for hydrophobic drugs, biocompatibility, and lesser systemic toxicities than chemotherapeutic agents. Polymer-based approaches are preferred over lipids for providing longer circulation time, nanosize, high loading efficiency, high linking; avoiding the expulsion of drugs, targeted action, diagnostic and biosensing abilities. Advanced approaches like exosomes, conjugated moieties are preferred over polymeric for possessing potency, high penetrability, biomarkers, and avoiding the toxicity of tissues. Carbon-based gained wide applicability for their unique properties like a versatile carrier, prognostic, diagnostic, sensing, photodynamic, and photothermal characteristics.

CONCLUSION

The survival rate can be increased by utilizing several kinds of biomarkers. The advanced approaches can also be significantly useful in the prognosis and theranostic of triple-negative breast cancer. One of the biggest successes in treating with nanotechnology-based approaches is the marked reduction of systemic toxicity with high therapeutic effectiveness compared with chemotherapy, surgery, etc. The requirements such as prompt diagnosis, longer circulation time, high efficiency, and high potency, can be fulfilled with these nanocarriers.

Development of mucoadhesive thiomeric chitosan nanoparticles for the targeted ocular delivery of vancomycin against Staphylococcus aureus resistant strains

This study aims to formulate mucoadhesive vancomycin loaded thiolated chitosan (TCS) nanoparticles. These nanoparticles are mucoadhesive and enhance the retention of the drug at the ocular site. For this purpose, TCS loaded vancomycin nanoparticles were prepared by the ion-gelation method and were characterized for their size, shape, polydispersity index, mucoadhesion, cellular uptake and anti-inflammatory activity. The average size of the synthesized nanoparticles was found to be 288 nm with positive zeta potential. Moreover, 85% vancomycin was successfully encapsulated in TCS nanoparticles by using this method. A 2-fold increase in mucoadhesion was found as compared to non-thiolated vancomycin formulation (p < 0.05). Zone of inhibition of vancomycin loaded TCS was also significantly improved compared to non-thiolated chitosan nanoparticles and vancomycin alone. In-vivo anti-inflammatory evaluation via histopathology resulted in ocular healing. Based on the results, it is inferred that TCS nanoparticles are a promising drug delivery carrier system for ocular delivery of vancomycin.

Novel Perspectives towards RNA-Based Nano-Theranostic Approaches for Cancer Management

In the fight against cancer, early diagnosis is critical for effective treatment. Traditional cancer diagnostic technologies, on the other hand, have limitations that make early detection difficult. Therefore, multi-functionalized nanoparticles (NPs) and nano-biosensors have revolutionized the era of cancer diagnosis and treatment for targeted action via attaching specified and biocompatible ligands to target the tissues, which are highly over-expressed in certain types of cancers. Advancements in multi-functionalized NPs can be achieved via modifying molecular genetics to develop personalized and targeted treatments based on RNA interference. Modification in RNA therapies utilized small RNA subunits in the form of small interfering RNAs (siRNA) for overexpressing the specific genes of, most commonly, breast, colon, gastric, cervical, and hepatocellular cancer. RNA-conjugated nanomaterials appear to be the gold standard for preventing various malignant tumors through focused diagnosis and delivering to a specific tissue, resulting in cancer cells going into programmed death. The latest advances in RNA nanotechnology applications for cancer diagnosis and treatment are summarized in this review.

New potential application of hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin in solid self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system and solid dispersion

The purpose of this study was to use hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HP-β-CD) as a novel carrier in solid SNEDDS and solid dispersions to enhance the solubility and oral bioavailability of poorly water-soluble dexibuprofen. The novel dexibuprofen-loaded solid SNEDDS was composed of dexibuprofen, corn oil, polysorbate 80, Cremophor® EL, and HP-β-CD at a weight ratio of 45/35/50/15/100. This solid SNEDDS spontaneously formed a nano-emulsion with a size of approximately 120 nm. Unlike the conventional solid SNEDDS prepared with colloidal silica as a carrier, this dexibuprofen-loaded solid SNEDDS exhibited a spherical structure. Similar to the dexibuprofen-loaded solid dispersion prepared with HP-β-CD, the transformation of the crystalline drug to an amorphous state with no molecular interactions were observed in the solid SNEDDS. Compared to the solid dispersion and dexibuprofen powder, solid SNEDDS significantly enhanced drug solubility and AUC. Therefore, HP-β-CD is a novel potential carrier in SNEDDS for improving the oral bioavailability of dexibuprofen.

A Multifunctional Polymeric Micelle for Targeted Delivery of Paclitaxel by the Inhibition of the P-Glycoprotein Transporters

P-glycoprotein (P-gP) efflux-mediated multidrug resistance is a fundamental aspect of chemotherapeutic failure in oncology. The current study aims to deliver paclitaxel (PTX) specifically at the target site with improved in vivo efficacy of poorly permeable PTX against solid tumors. Multifunctional polymeric micelles as targeted delivery have been devised for loading and release of PTX. Mucoadhesion, permeation enhancement, oral pharmacokinetics, biodistribution, and toxicological studies were carried out to fully elucidate the therapeutic outcomes of the polymeric micelles. Ex vivo permeation studies indicated a 7.89-fold enhancement in the permeation of PTX with mucopermeating papain functionalized thiolated redox micelles (PT-R-Ms) compared to the pure PTX. Moreover, PT-R-Ms exhibited a higher percentage of apoptotic cells (42.9 ± 0.07%) compared to pure PTX. Biodistribution studies revealed that fluorotagged PT-RMs accumulated in excised tumors and organs. The higher fluorescence intensity indicated the mucopermeation of micelles across the intestine. The orally administered PT-R-Ms efficiently overcome intestinal barriers and inhibit the P-gP efflux pump, resulting in increased bioavailability of PTX (up to 8-fold) in comparison to pure PTX. The enhanced anti-tumor efficacy and reduced toxic effects are key aspects of efficient cancer therapy. This study demonstrates that the use of mucopermeating PT-R-Ms is an encouraging approach to overwhelm the permeation barrier in cancer treatment.

Advances in Hyaluronic-Acid-Based (Nano)Devices for Cancer Therapy

Cancer is the main cause of fatality all over the world with a considerable growth rate. Many biologically active nanoplatforms are exploited for tumor treatment. Of nanodevices, hyaluronic acid (HA)-based systems have shown to be promising candidates for cancer therapy due to their high biocompatibility and cell internalization. Herein, surface functionalization of different nanoparticles (NPs), e.g., organic- and inorganic-based NPs, is highlighted. Subsequently, HA-based nanostructures and their applications in cancer therapy are presented.

Lipid-based emulsion drug delivery systems - a comprehensive review

Lipid-based emulsion system - a subcategory of emulsion technology, has emerged as an enticing option to improve the solubility of the steadily rising water-insoluble candidates. Along with enhancing solubility, additional advantages such as improvement in permeability, protection against pre-systemic metabolism, ease of manufacturing, and easy to scale-up have made lipid-based emulsion technology very popular among academicians and manufacturers. The present article provides a comprehensive review regarding various critical properties of lipid-based emulsion systems, such as microemulsion, nanoemulsion, SMEDDS (self microemulsifying drug delivery system), and SNEDDS (self nanoemulsifying drug delivery system). The present article also explains in detail the similarities and differences between them, the stabilization mechanism, methods of preparation, excipients used to prepare them, and evaluation techniques. Subtle differences between nearly related terminologies such as microemulsion and nanoemulsion, SMEDDS, and SNEDDS are also explained in detail to clarify the basic differences. The present article also gives in-depth information regarding the chemical structure of various lipidic excipients, various possible chemical modifications to modify their inherent properties, and their regulatory status for rational selection.

Enhancement of Antimicrobial and Antiproliferative Activities of Standardized Frankincense Extract Using Optimized Self-Nanoemulsifying Delivery System

Boswellic acids (BAs) are the main bioactive compounds of frankincense, a natural resin obtained from the genus Boswellia. This study aimed to develop a self-nanoemulsifying delivery system (SNEDS) to improve the antimicrobial and antiproliferative activities of standardized frankincense extract (Fr-extract). Fr-extract was standardized, and BA content was quantified using the developed HPLC-UV method. Screening studies of excipients followed by formula optimization using a mixture simplex lattice design was employed. The optimized Fr-SENDS formulation was characterized. Furthermore, microbiological and antiproliferative assessments of the standardized Fr-extract and Fr-SNEDS were evaluated. Quantification demonstrated that the major constituent is 11-keto-boswellic acid (KBA) (16.25%) among BA content (44.96%). The optimized Fr-SENDS (composed of 5% CapryolTM 90, 48.7% Gelucire® 44/14 and 46.3% ethanol) showed spherical nanosized dispersions with DS, PDI, and zeta potential of 17.9 nm, 0.2, and −14.5 mV, respectively. Fr-SNEDS exhibited lower MIC and MBC values compared with Fr-extract against pathogens conjugated with lung cancer and was comparable to reference antimicrobials. Fr-SNEDS showed superior antiproliferative activity over Fr-extract, with IC50 values of 20.49 and 109.5 μg mL−1, respectively. In conclusion, the optimized Fr-SNEDS could be easily developed and manufactured at a low cost and the in vitro results support its use as a potential adjuvant oral therapy for lung cancer. Further in vivo studies could be continued to assess the therapeutic efficiency of the prepared system.

Effect Of Surfactant Chain Length On Emulsification Dynamics Of Self Emulsifying Formulation Of Poorly Soluble Drug

AIM

In this work the aim was to study the chain length of surfactant on the self emulsifying system of a poorly soluble drug, aceclofenac. The selection of almond oil as a lipid vehicle was done on basis of solubility and compatibility of the vehicle with the drug.

METHODS

The effect of varying chain length of different surfactants of Tween series namely Tween 20, Tween 40, Tween 60 and Tween 80 was evaluated on self emulsifying efficiency by constructing pseudoternary diagrams. PEG-400 was used as co-surfactant in a definite ratio with all the surfactants to minimize their concentration. The best self emulsifying ability was exhibited by Tween 80: PEG-400 combination followed by Tween 60: PEG-400, Tween 40: PEG-400, Tween 20: PEG-400. This observation indicates that as the chain length of Tweens increases their ability to form a good microemulsion increases if same co-surfactant is used.

RESULTS

However it has also been found that the presence of unsaturated bond in Tween 80 provides it an elasticity which supports good intermixing of oil and water and leading to formation of a fine microemulsion. Six different formulations were prepared using combination of almond oil, Tween 80, PEG-400 and the drug aceclofenac.

CONCLUSION

The formulations were subjected to various evaluation parameters such as dispersibility, transmittance, pH, globule size, polydispersibility, zeta potential, viscosity, refractive index and in vitro dissolution. The best formulation was found to have globule size of less than 100 nm, zeta potential of -3.35 ± 0.60 mV which indicates formation of a microemulsion of aceclofenac with good stability.

Strategies to improve insulin delivery through oral route: A review

Diabetes mellitus is found to be among the most suffered and lethal diseases for mankind. Diabetes mellitus type-1 is caused by the demolition of pancreatic islets responsible for the secretion of insulin. Insulin is the peptide hormone (anabolic] that regulates the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. Upon the breakdown of the natural process of metabolism, the condition leads to hyperglycemia (increased blood glucose levels]. Hyperglycemia demands outsourcing of insulin. The subcutaneous route was found to be the most stable route of insulin administration but faces patient compliance problems. Oral Insulin delivery systems are the patient-centered and innovative novel drug delivery system, eliminating the pain caused by the subcutaneous route of administration. Insulin comes in contact across various barriers in the gastrointestinal tract, which has been discussed in detail in this review. The review describes about the different bioengineered formulations, including microcarriers, nanocarriers, Self-Microemulsifying drug delivery systems (SMEDDs), Self-Nanoemulsifying drug delivery systems (SNEDDs), polymeric micelles, cochleates, etc. Surface modification of the carriers is also possible by developing ligand anchored bioconjugates. A study on evaluation has shown that the carrier systems facilitate drug encapsulation without tampering the properties of insulin. Carrier-mediated transport by the use of natural, semi-synthetic, and synthetic polymers have shown efficient results in drug delivery by protecting insulin from harmful environment. This makes the formulation readily acceptable for a variety of populations. The present review focuses on the properties, barriers present in the GI tract, overcome the barriers, strategies to formulate oral insulin formulation by enhancing the stability and bioavailability of insulin.

Evaluation of the bioaccessibility of tetrahydrocurcumin-hyaluronic acid conjugate using in vitro and ex vivo models

Tetrahydrocurcumin-hyaluronic acid (THC-HA) conjugate was synthesized in order to improve the bioaccessibility of tetrahydrocurcumin (THC). The successful conjugation was confirmed by the results from ¹H-nuclear magnetic resonance (¹H NMR), Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Bioaccessibility enhancement from the THC-HA conjugate compared to the free crystalline THC suspension was demonstrated by the results from ex vivo Franz diffusion cell using small intestine from porcine and in vitro TNO dynamic gastrointestinal model-1 (TIM-1). Additionally, in vitro release was studied, and the integrity of the conjugate in both simulated gastric and intestinal conditions was found to maintain for up to 4 h. Mucoadhesive assay and rheological results indicated that the mucoadhesive property of THC-HA, in combination with the aqueous solubility enhancement, might contribute to the increased bioaccessibility. This study provides a promising approach to enhance the bioaccessibility of tetrahydrocurcumin through the innovative conjugation with hyaluronic acid.

A Hyaluronic Acid Functionalized Self-Nano-Emulsifying Drug Delivery System (SNEDDS) for Enhancement in Ciprofloxacin Targeted Delivery against Intracellular Infection

Ciprofloxacin (CIP), a potent anti-bacterial agent of the fluroquinolone family, shows poor solubility and permeability, thus leading to the development of intracellular pathogens induced multi-drug resistance and biofilms formation. To synergistically improve the biopharmaceutical parameters of CIP, a hyaluronic acid (FDA approved biocompatible polymer) functionalized self-nano emulsifying drug delivery system (HA-CIP-SNEDDS) was designed in the present study. SNEDDS formulations were tested via solubility, droplet size, zeta potential, a polydispersity index, thermodynamic stability, surface morphology, solid-state characterization, drug loading/release, cellular uptake, and biocompatibility. The final (HA-CIP-SNEDDS) formulation exhibited a mean droplet size of 50 nm with the 0.3 poly dispersity index and negative zeta potential (-11.4 mV). HA-based SNEDDS containing CIP showed an improved ability to permeate goat intestinal mucus. After 4 h, CIP-SNEDDS showed a 2-fold and HA-CIP-SNEDDS showed a 4-fold permeation enhancement as compared to the free CIP. Moreover, 80% drug release of HA-CIP-SNEDDS was demonstrated to be superior and sustained for 72 h in comparison to free CIP. However, anti-biofilm activity of HA-CIP-SNEDDS against Salmonella typhi was higher than CIP-SNEDDS and free CIP. HA-CIP-SNEDDS exhibited increased biocompatibility and improved oral pharmacokinetics as compared to free CIP. Taken together, HA-CIP-SNEDDS formulation seems to be a promising agent against Salmonella typhi with a strong targeting potential.

Self-Nano-Emulsifying Drug-Delivery Systems: From the Development to the Current Applications and Challenges in Oral Drug Delivery

Approximately one third of newly discovered drug molecules show insufficient water solubility and therefore low oral bio-availability. Self-nano-emulsifying drug-delivery systems (SNEDDSs) are one of the emerging strategies developed to tackle the issues associated with their oral delivery. SNEDDSs are composed of an oil phase, surfactant, and cosurfactant or cosolvent. SNEDDSs characteristics, their ability to dissolve a drug, and in vivo considerations are determinant factors in the choice of SNEDDSs excipients. A SNEDDS formulation can be optimized through phase diagram approach or statistical design of experiments. The characterization of SNEDDSs includes multiple orthogonal methods required to fully control SNEDDS manufacture, stability, and biological fate. Encapsulating a drug in SNEDDSs can lead to increased solubilization, stability in the gastro-intestinal tract, and absorption, resulting in enhanced bio-availability. The transformation of liquid SNEDDSs into solid dosage forms has been shown to increase the stability and patient compliance. Supersaturated, mucus-permeating, and targeted SNEDDSs can be developed to increase efficacy and patient compliance. Self-emulsification approach has been successful in oral drug delivery. The present review gives an insight of SNEDDSs for the oral administration of both lipophilic and hydrophilic compounds from the experimental bench to marketed products.

Tamoxifen Delivery System Based on PEGylated Magnetic MCM-41 Silica

Magnetic iron oxide containing MCM-41 silica (MM) with ~300 nm particle size was developed. The MM material before or after template removal was modified with NH2- or COOH-groups and then grafted with PEG chains. The anticancer drug tamoxifen was loaded into the organic groups' modified and PEGylated nanoparticles by an incipient wetness impregnation procedure. The amount of loaded drug and the release properties depend on whether modification of the nanoparticles was performed before or after the template removal step. The parent and drug-loaded samples were characterized by XRD, N2 physisorption, thermal gravimetric analysis, and ATR FT-IR spectroscopy. ATR FT-IR spectroscopic data and density functional theory (DFT) calculations supported the interaction between the mesoporous silica surface and tamoxifen molecules and pointed out that the drug molecule interacts more strongly with the silicate surface terminated by silanol groups than with the surface modified with carboxyl groups. A sustained tamoxifen release profile was obtained by an in vitro experiment at pH = 7.0 for the PEGylated formulation modified by COOH groups after the template removal. Free drug and formulated tamoxifen samples were further investigated for antiproliferative activity against MCF-7 cells.

Development and Characterization of a Novel Peptide-Loaded Antimicrobial Ocular Insert

Infectious ocular keratitis is the leading cause of blindness worldwide. Bacterial resistance to classical pharmacological treatments raised the interest of researchers towards antimicrobial peptide (AMP)-based therapy. hLF 1-11, a synthetic antimicrobial peptide derived from the N-terminus of human lactoferrin, proved effective against different bacteria and yeast but, like all proteinaceous materials, it is unstable from chemical, physical, and biological points of view. In this study, new freeze-dried solid matrices containing mucoadhesive polymers were prepared and characterized in terms of rheology, hydration time, bioadhesion, drug content, and in vitro release. The formulation HPMC/T2/HA/hLF 1-11_fd was selected for the delivery of hLF 1-11, since it showed good drug recovery and no chemical degradation up to at least 6 months (long-term stability). Furthermore, the HPMC/T2/HA/hLF 1-11_fd matrix allowed for the release of the drug in a simulated physiological environment, linked to an optimal hydration time, and the peptide antimicrobial activity was preserved for up to 15 months of storage, a very promising result considering the chemical liability of proteinaceous material. For its properties, the freeze-dried matrix developed in this study could be a good platform for the delivery of antimicrobial peptides in the precorneal area to treat infectious phenomena of the ocular surface.