Nanocarrier-based dermopharmaceutical formulations for the topical management of atopic dermatitis

A promising strategy of surface-modified nanoparticles targeting CXCR4 for precision cancer therapy

Nanoparticle (NP) functionalization with specific ligands enhances targeted cancer therapy and imaging by promoting receptor recognition and improving cellular uptake. This review focuses on recent research exploring the interaction between cancer cell-expressed chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) and ligand-conjugated NPs, utilising small molecules, peptides, and antibodies. Active NP targeting has shown improved tumour targeting and reduced toxicity, enabling precision therapy and diagnosis. However, challenges persist in the clinical translation of targeted NPs due to issues with biological response, tumour accumulation, and maintaining NP quality at an industrial scale. Biological and intratumoral barriers further hinder efficient NP accumulation in tumours, hampering translatability. To address these challenges, the academic community is refocusing efforts on understanding NP biological fate and establishing robust preclinical models. Future studies should investigate NP-body interactions, develop computational models, and identify optimal preclinical models. Establishing central NP research databases and fostering collaboration across disciplines is crucial to expediting clinical translation. Overcoming these hurdles will unlock the transformative potential of CXCR4-ligand-NP conjugates in revolutionising cancer treatment.

High mobility group box 1 cytokine targeted topical delivery of resveratrol embedded nanoemulgel for the management of atopic dermatitis

Resveratrol is a polyphenolic compound showing anti-inflammatory activity by inhibition of high mobility group box 1 cytokine responsible for the activation of nuclear factor-κB pathway in atopic dermatitis. To evaluate the efficacy of resveratrol through topical route we have developed resveratrol-loaded nanoemulgel for the effective management of atopic dermatitis in mice model. The resveratrol-loaded nanoemulsion (0.5%, 0.75% and 1% w/w) was optimized by spontaneous nano-emulsification. The optimized resveratrol-loaded nanoemulsions showed average globule size in the 180-230 nm range and found to be monodispersed. The resveratrol nanoemulgel was prepared with a SEPINEO™ P 600 gel base and propylene glycol. Ex vivo permeation and retention study resulted in significantly higher skin retention of resveratrol from resveratrol-loaded nanoemulgel than free resveratrol-loaded gel. Preclinical efficacy of resveratrol nanoemulgel displayed promising therapeutic outcomes where, western blotting of skin tissues disclosed a significant reduction in the relative expression of high mobility group box 1, the receptor for advanced glycation end products, toll-like receptor-4 and phosphorylated nuclear factor-κB. Further, real-time polymerase chain reaction also disclosed a significant reduction in pro-inflammatory cytokines such as thymic stromal lymphopoietin, interleukin-4, interleukin-13, interleukin-31, tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6. The histopathological examination of skin sections showed improvement in the skin condition. Collectively, the findings from our study showcased the significant improvement in the atopic dermatitis skin condition in mice model after topical application of resveratrol loaded nanoemulgel.

Unraveling Atopic Dermatitis: Insights into Pathophysiology, Therapeutic Advances, and Future Perspectives

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is an inflammatory skin condition that frequently develops before the onset of allergic rhinitis or asthma. More than 10% of children are affected by this serious skin condition, which is painful for the sufferers. Recent research has connected the environment, genetics, the skin barrier, drugs, psychological factors, and the immune system to the onset and severity of AD. The causes and consequences of AD and its cellular and molecular origins are reviewed in this paper. The exploration of interleukins and their influence on the immunological pathway in AD has been facilitated by using relevant biomarkers in clinical trials. This approach enables the identification of novel therapeutic modalities, fostering the potential for targeted translational research within the realm of personalized medicine. This review focuses on AD's pathophysiology and the ever-changing therapeutic landscape. Beyond the plethora of biologic medications in various stages of approval or development, a range of non-biologic targeted therapies, specifically small molecules, have emerged. These include Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors like Baricitinib, Upadacitinib, and Abrocitinib, thus expanding the spectrum of therapeutic options. This review also addresses the latest clinical efficacy data and elucidates the scientific rationale behind each targeted treatment for atopic dermatitis.

Comprehensive Review on Phytoconstituents-based Nanomedicine for the Treatment of Atopic Dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is known as a chronic disease characterized by eczematous and pruritus skin lesions. The pathology behind atopic dermatitis etiology is loss of epidermal barrier, which prevents the production of protein filaggrin that can induce T-cell infiltration and inflammation. Treatment of AD is majorly based on limiting skin repair as well as reducing inflammation and itching. There are several remedies available for the treatment of AD, such as Janus kinase and calcineurin inhibitors, topical corticosteroids, and phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitors. The conventional formulations in the market have limited safety and efficacy. Hence, effective treatment of atopic dermatitis requires the development of novel, efficacious, reliable, and specific therapies. Recent research data have revealed that some naturally occurring medicinal plants have potential applications in the management of AD through different mechanisms. The nanotechnology-based therapeutics have gained a lot of attention in the last decade for the improvement in the activity of drugs having low absorption due to poor solubility, thus leading to lesser bioavailability. Therapies based on nanotechnology can be an effective way to overcome these obstacles. Due to their effective propensity to provide better drug diffusion and bioavailability as well as drug targeting potential at the desired site of action, these approaches may have decreased adverse drug effects, better penetration, and enhanced therapeutic efficacy. Hence, this review highlights the potential of phytoconstituents-based novel formulations for the treatment of atopic dermatitis. Furthermore, recent patents on therapeutic approaches to atopic dermatitis have also been briefly described.

Biofunctional Inorganic Layered Double Hydroxide Nanohybrid Enhances Immunotherapeutic Effect on Atopic Dermatitis Treatment

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a widespread, recurrent, and chronic inflammatory skin condition that imposes a major burden on patients. Conventional treatments, such as corticosteroids, are associated with various side effects, underscoring the need for innovative therapeutic approaches. In this study, the possibility of using indole-3-acetic acid-loaded layered double hydroxides (IAA-LDHs) is evaluated as a novel treatment for AD. IAA is an auxin-class plant hormone with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Following the synthesis of IAA-LDH nanohybrids, their ability to induce M2-like macrophage polarization in macrophages obtained from mouse bone marrow is assessed. The antioxidant activity of IAA-LDH is quantified by assessing the decrease in intracellular reactive oxygen species levels. The anti-inflammatory and anti-atopic characteristics of IAA-LDH are evaluated in a mouse model of AD by examining the cutaneous tissues, immunological organs, and cells. The findings suggest that IAA-LDH has great therapeutic potential as a candidate for AD treatment based on its in vitro and in vivo modulation of AD immunology, enhancement of macrophage polarization, and antioxidant activity. This inorganic drug delivery technology represents a promising new avenue for the development of safe and effective AD treatments.

Drug permeation enhancement, efficacy, and safety assessment of azelaic acid loaded SNEDDS hydrogel to overcome the treatment barriers of atopic dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis is one of the most widespread chronic inflammatory skin conditions that can occur at any age, though the prevalence is highest in children. The purpose of the current study was to prepare and optimize the azelaic acid (AzA) loaded SNEDDS using Pseudo ternary phase diagram, which was subsequently incorporated into the Carbopol 940 hydrogel for the treatment of atopic dermatitis. The composition was evaluated for size, entrapment efficiency, in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo studies. The polydispersity index of the optimized preparation was found to be less than 0.5, and the size of the distributed globules was found to be 151.20 ± 3.67 nm. The SNEDDS hydrogel was characterized for pH, viscosity, spreadability, and texture analysis. When compared to the marketed formulation, SNEDDS hydrogel was found to have a higher rate of permeation through the rat skin. In addition, a skin irritation test carried out on experimental animals showed that the SNEDDS formulation did not exhibit any erythematous symptoms after a 24-h exposure. In conclusion, the topical delivery of AzA through the skin using SNEDDS hydrogel could prove to be an effective approach for the treatment of atopic dermatitis.

Nano transdermal system combining mitochondria-targeting cerium oxide nanoparticles with all-trans retinoic acid for psoriasis

Psoriasis is an inflammatory skin disease that is intricately linked to oxidative stress. Antioxidation and inhibition of abnormal proliferation of keratinocytes are pivotal strategies for psoriasis. Delivering drugs with these effects to the site of skin lesions is a challenge that needs to be solved. Herein, we reported a nanotransdermal delivery system composed of all-trans retinoic acid (TRA), triphenylphosphine (TPP)-modified cerium oxide (CeO2) nanoparticles, flexible nanoliposomes and gels (TCeO2-TRA-FNL-Gel). The results revealed that TCeO2 synthesized by the anti-micelle method, with a size of approximately 5 nm, possessed excellent mitochondrial targeting ability and valence conversion capability related to scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS). TCeO2-TRA-FNL prepared by the film dispersion method, with a size of approximately 70 nm, showed high drug encapsulation efficiency (>96%). TCeO2-TRA-FNL-Gel further showed sustained drug release behaviors, great transdermal permeation ability, and greater skin retention than the free TRA. The results of in vitro EGF-induced and H2O2-induced models suggested that TCeO2-TRA-FNL effectively reduced the level of inflammation and alleviated oxidative stress in HaCat cells. The results of in vivo imiquimod (IMQ)-induced model indicated that TCeO2-TRA-FNL-Gel could greatly alleviate the psoriasis symptoms. In summary, the transdermal drug delivery system designed in this study has shown excellent therapeutic effects on psoriasis and is prospective for the safe and accurate therapy of psoriasis.

The applications of functional materials-based nano-formulations in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of chronic inflammation-related diseases

Chronic inflammation, in general, refers to systemic immune abnormalities most often caused by the environment or lifestyle, which is the basis for various skin diseases, autoimmune diseases, cardiovascular diseases, liver diseases, digestive diseases, cancer, and so on. Therapeutic strategies have focused on immunosuppression and anti-inflammation, but conventional approaches have been poor in enhancing the substantive therapeutic effect of drugs. Nanomaterials continue to attract attention for their high flexibility, durability and simplicity of preparation, as well as high profitability. Nanotechnology is used in various areas of clinical medicine, such as medical diagnosis, monitoring and treatment. However, some related problems cannot be ignored, including various cytotoxic and worsening inflammation caused by the nanomaterials themselves. This paper provides an overview of functional nanomaterial formulations for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of chronic inflammation-related diseases, with the intention of providing some reference for the enhancement and optimization of existing therapeutic approaches.

Nanotechnology-Based Topical Delivery of Natural Products for the Management of Atopic Dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic eczematous inflammatory disease that may arise from environmental, genetic, and immunological factors. Despite the efficacy of current treatment options such as corticosteroids, such approaches are mainly focused on symptom relief and may present certain undesirable side effects. In recent years, isolated natural compounds, oils, mixtures, and/or extracts have gained scientific attention because of their high efficiency and moderate to low toxicity. Despite their promising therapeutic effects, the applicability of such natural healthcare solutions is somewhat limited by their instability, poor solubility, and low bioavailability. Therefore, novel nanoformulation-based systems have been designed to overcome these limitations, thus enhancing the therapeutic potential, by promoting the capacity of these natural drugs to properly exert their action in AD-like skin lesions. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first literature review that has focused on summarizing recent nanoformulation-based solutions loaded with natural ingredients, specifically for the management of AD. We suggest that future studies should focus on robust clinical trials that may confirm the safety and effectiveness of such natural-based nanosystems, thus paving the way for more reliable AD treatments.

Norcantharidin Nanoemulsion Development, Characterization, and In Vitro Antiproliferation Effect on B16F1 Melanoma Cells

Melanoma is a highly lethal type of cancer that has had an increase in incidence in the last decades. Nevertheless, current therapies lack effectiveness and have highly disabling side effects, which calls for new therapeutic strategies. Norcantharidin (NCTD) is an acid derivative with potential antitumor activity isolated from natural blister beetles. However, its solubility limitations restrict its use. To address this issue, we developed an oil-in-water nanoemulsion using commonly available cosmetic ingredients, which increased NCTD solubility 10-fold compared to water. The developed nanoemulsion showed a good droplet size and homogeneity, with adequate pH and viscosity for skin application. In vitro drug release studies showed a sustained release profile, ideal for prolonged therapeutic effects. Accelerated stability studies proved that the formulation was reasonably stable under stress conditions, with particle separation fingerprints, instability index, particle size, and sedimentation velocity analyses being conducted. To assess the therapeutic potential of the developed formulation, in vitro studies were conducted on melanoma B16F1 cells; results showed an IC50 of 1.026 +/− 0.370 mg/kg, and the cells’ metabolic activity decreased after exposure to the NCTD nanoemulsion. Hence, a new “easy-to-make” nanoformulation with therapeutic potential on melanoma cells was developed, as a possible adjuvant for future melanoma treatment.

Photoprotective effect of solid lipid nanoparticles of rutin against UVB radiation damage on skin biopsies and tissue-engineered skin

Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) containing rutin were prepared to enhance their photochemopreventive effect on the skin. SLNs were produced by the hot melt microemulsion technique. Two 3D skin models: ex vivo skin explants and 3D tissue engineering skin were used to evaluate the photochemopreventive effect of topical formulations containing rutin SLNs, against ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation, inducing sunburn cells, caspase-3, cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers, lipid peroxidation, and metalloproteinase formation. The rutin SLNs presented average size of 74.22 ± 2.77 nm, polydispersion index of 0.16 ± 0.04, encapsulation efficiency of 98.90 ± 0.25%, and zeta potential of -53.0 ± 1.61 mV. The rutin SLNs were able to efficiently protect against UVB induced in the analysed parameters in both skin models. Furthermore, the rutin SLNs inhibited lipid peroxidation and metalloproteinase formation. These results support the use of rutin SLNs as skin photochemopreventive agents for topical application to the skin.

Salicylic Acid Co-Precipitation with Alginate via Supercritical Atomization for Cosmetic Applications

Alginate-based microparticles were produced via supercritical assisted atomization (SAA) with the aim of obtaining a biocompatible and low-cost carrier for the delivery of active compounds in cosmetic applications. Salicylic acid was selected as an active model compound, and it was co-precipitated with alginate via SAA, operating at 82 bar and 80 °C. In particular, the drug-to-polymer weight ratio was fixed at 1/4, whereas polymer concentration was varied from 5 to 20 mg/mL in the starting aqueous solution. Operating in this way, alginate-salicylic acid microparticles were characterized by a mean diameter of 0.72 ± 0.25 µm, and the active compound became amorphous after processing. A salicylic acid encapsulation efficiency close to 100% was reached, and the drug release time from the biopolymeric microparticles was prolonged up to nine times with respect to untreated salicylic acid powder.

Co-Delivery of Erlotinib and Resveratrol via Nanostructured Lipid Carriers: A Synergistically Promising Approach for Cell Proliferation Prevention and ROS-Mediated Apoptosis Activation

Cancer treatments are always associated with various challenges, and scientists are constantly trying to find new therapies and methods. Erlotinib (ELT) is a well-known medicine against non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, treatments by ELT disrupt therapy due to drug resistance and pose severe challenges to patients. To achieve high-performance treatment, we gained nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) to evaluate synergistic anticancer effects of co-delivery of ELT and resveratrol (RES), a natural herbal derived phenol against NSCLC. NLCs are prepared via the hot homogenization method and characterized. In vitro cytotoxicity of formulations were evaluated on adenocarcinoma human alveolar basal epithelial (A549) cells. Prepared NLCs showed a narrow particle size (97.52 ±17.14 nm), negative zeta potential (-7.67 ± 4.55 mV), and high encapsulation efficiency (EE%) was measured for the prepared co-delivery system (EE% 89.5 ± 5.16 % for ELT and 90.1 ± 6.61 % for RES). In vitro outcomes from cell viability study (12.63 % after 48 h of treatment), apoptosis assay (85.50%.), cell cycle (40.00% arrest in G2-M), and western blotting investigations (decreasing of protein expression levels of survivin, Bcl-2, P-Caspase 3 P-caspase 9, and P-ERK 1/2, and additionally, increasing protein levels of BAX, P53, C-Caspase 3 and 9), DAPI staining, and colony formation assays showed the augment cytotoxic performances for co-delivery of ELT and RES loaded NLCs. Our study introduced the co-delivery of ELT and RES by NLCs as a novel strategy to elevate the efficacy of chemotherapeutics for NSCLC.

Adapting Clofazimine for Treatment of Cutaneous Tuberculosis by Using Self-Double-Emulsifying Drug Delivery Systems

Although chemotherapeutic treatment regimens are currently available, and considerable effort has been lavished on the development of new drugs for the treatment of tuberculosis (TB), the disease remains deeply intractable and widespread. This is due not only to the nature of the life cycle and extraordinarily disseminated habitat of the causative pathogen, principally Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), in humans and the multi-drug resistance of Mtb to current drugs, but especially also to the difficulty of enabling universal treatment of individuals, immunocompromised or otherwise, in widely differing socio-economic environments. For the purpose of globally eliminating TB by 2035, the World Health Organization (WHO) introduced the "End-TB" initiative by employing interventions focusing on high impact, integrated and patient-centered approaches, such as individualized therapy. However, the extraordinary shortfall in stipulated aims, for example in actual treatment and in TB preventative treatments during the period 2018-2022, latterly and greatly exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, means that even greater pressure is now placed on enhancing our scientific understanding of the disease, repurposing or repositioning old drugs and developing new drugs as well as evolving innovative treatment methods. In the specific context of multidrug resistant Mtb, it is furthermore noted that the incidence of extra-pulmonary TB (EPTB) has significantly increased. This review focusses on the potential of utilizing self-double-emulsifying drug delivery systems (SDEDDSs) as topical drug delivery systems for the dermal route of administration to aid in treatment of cutaneous TB (CTB) and other mycobacterial infections as a prelude to evaluating related systems for more effective treatment of CTB and other mycobacterial infections at large. As a starting point, we consider here the possibility of adapting the highly lipophilic riminophenazine clofazimine, with its potential for treatment of multi-drug resistant TB, for this purpose. Additionally, recently reported synergism achieved by adding clofazimine to first-line TB regimens signifies the need to consider clofazimine. Thus, the biological effects and pharmacology of clofazimine are reviewed. The potential of plant-based oils acting as emulsifiers, skin penetration enhancers as well as these materials behaving as anti-microbial components for transporting the incorporated drug are also discussed.