Biomacromolecule-based nanocarrier strategies to deliver plant-derived bioactive components for cancer treatment: A recent review

Preparation and characterization of W/O/W purple potato anthocyanin nanoparticles: Antioxidant effects and gut microbiota improvement in rats

Purple potato anthocyanins (PPAs) are recognized for their broad physiological activities, including significant antioxidant, antimicrobial, and gut microbiota-regulating effects. However, their limited bioavailability in biological systems restricts the full realization of these potentials. In order to improve the bioavailability of PPA, this paper established and optimized the preparation process of W/O/W purple potato anthocyanin nanoparticles (PPA-NPs). Based on the determination of the metabolites of PPA-NPs, in vivo experiments were conducted in rats to investigate the absorption and metabolism, antioxidant activity, and the impact on the intestinal microbiota of PPA-NPs. UPLC-Q-TOF-MSMS analysis showed that the absorption of anthocyanins was increased by 220.36% in rats gavaged with PPA-NPs compared to rats gavaged with PPA directly. Subsequent in vivo experiments revealed that PPA-NPs significantly bolster primary antioxidant markers, evidenced by elevated glutathione and superoxide dismutase levels and reduced malondialdehyde content. Moreover, PPA-NPs were found to positively alter the gut microbiome structure in aged rats, notably increasing the abundance of beneficial bacteria, such as Lactobacillus and Rothia, and improving microbial diversity. These findings suggest that W/O/W PPA-NPs markedly improve the bioavailability of PPAs, showcasing promising antioxidant properties and potential health benefits for gut health in vivo. Overall, this research presents a novel approach for developing nanodelivery systems aimed at enhancing the bioavailability of water-soluble substances.

Poly(lactic acid hydroxyacetic acid)-poly(ethylene glycol)-modified ginsenoside Rg3 nanomedicine enhances anti-tumor effect in hepatocellular carcinoma

OBJECTIVE

This research aims to improve the bioavailability and anti-hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) efficacy of Ginsenoside Rg3 by modification with poly (lactic acid hydroxyacetic acid)-poly(ethylene glycol) (PLGA-PEG).

METHODS

PLGA-PEG-Rg3 was obtained by emulsification and evaluated it physiochemical characterization by FTIR, SEM, laser particle-size analyzer and HPLC. The effect of the PLGA-PEG-Rg3 and Rg3 on HepG2 cells was compared in vitro studies, including cell proliferation, transwell and a series of apoptosis detection, and in-situ HCC model.

RESULTS

The PLGA-PEG-Rg3 were 122 nm in size and 0.112 in polydispersity index with sustained release profile in vitro. Compared to Rg3, PLGA-PEG-Rg3 was more effective in suppressing HepG2 growth and inducing apoptosis by the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway in vitro. And PLGA-PEG modification enhanced the liver-targeting ability and drug circulation time of Rg3 in vivo, resulting in PLGA-PEG-Rg3 possessing superior performance in inhibiting tumor growth and prolonging the survival time of tumor-bearing mice than Rg3.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, these results showed PLGA-PEG-Rg3 enhanced the anti-tumor effect of Rg3 in HCC.

Recent Developments in Nanoparticle Formulations for Resveratrol Encapsulation as an Anticancer Agent

Resveratrol is a polyphenolic compound that has gained considerable attention in the past decade due to its multifaceted therapeutic potential, including anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties. However, its anticancer efficacy is impeded by low water solubility, dose-limiting toxicity, low bioavailability, and rapid hepatic metabolism. To overcome these hurdles, various nanoparticles such as organic and inorganic nanoparticles, liposomes, polymeric nanoparticles, dendrimers, solid lipid nanoparticles, gold nanoparticles, zinc oxide nanoparticles, zeolitic imidazolate frameworks, carbon nanotubes, bioactive glass nanoparticles, and mesoporous nanoparticles were employed to deliver resveratrol, enhancing its water solubility, bioavailability, and efficacy against various types of cancer. Resveratrol-loaded nanoparticle or resveratrol-conjugated nanoparticle administration exhibits excellent anticancer potency compared to free resveratrol. This review highlights the latest developments in nanoparticle-based delivery systems for resveratrol, focusing on the potential to overcome limitations associated with the compound's bioavailability and therapeutic effectiveness.