Effects of lipid chain unsaturation and headgroup type on molecular interactions between paclitaxel and phospholipid within model biomembrane

Recent Advances in the Use of Cubosomes as Drug Carriers with Special Emphasis on Topical Applications

Topical drug delivery employing drug nanocarriers has shown prominent results in treating topical ailments, especially those confined to the skin and eyes. Conventional topical formulations persist with drug and disease-related challenges during treatment. Various nanotechnology-driven approaches have been adopted to mitigate the issues associated with conventional formulations. Among these, cubosomes have shown potential applications owing to their liquid crystalline structure, which aids in bioadhesion, retention, sustained release, and loading hydrophilic and hydrophobic moieties. The phase transition behavior of glyceryl monooleate, the concentration of stabilizers, and critical packing parameters are crucial parameters that affect the formation of cubosomes. Microfluidics-based approaches constitute a recent advance in technologies for generating stable cubosomes. This review covers the recent topical applications of cubosomes for treating skin (psoriasis, skin cancer, cutaneous candidiasis, acne, and alopecia) and eye (fungal keratitis, glaucoma, conjunctivitis, and uveitis) diseases. The article summarizes the manufacturing and biological challenges (skin and ocular barriers) that must be considered and encountered for successful clinical outcomes. The patented products are successful examples of technological advancements within cosmeceuticals that support various topical applications with cubosomes in the pharmaceutical field.

Differential scanning calorimetry in drug-membrane interactions

Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) is a central technique in investigating drug - membrane interactions, a critical component of pharmaceutical research. DSC measures the heat difference between a sample of interest and a reference as a function of temperature or time, contributing essential knowledge on the thermally induced phase changes in lipid membranes and how these changes are affected by incorporating pharmacological substances. The manuscript discusses the use of phospholipid bilayers, which can form structures like unilamellar and multilamellar vesicles, providing a simplified yet representative membrane model to investigate the complex dynamics of how drugs interact with and penetrate cellular barriers. The manuscript consolidates data from various studies, providing a comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms underlying drug - membrane interactions, the determinants that influence these interactions, and the crucial role of DSC in elucidating these components. It further explores the interactions of specific classes of drugs with phospholipid membranes, including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, anticancer agents, natural products with antioxidant properties, and Alzheimer's disease therapeutics. The manuscript underscores the critical importance of DSC in this field and the need for continued research to improve our understanding of these interactions, acting as a valuable resource for researchers.

Sialic Acid Conjugate-Modified Cationic Liposomal Paclitaxel for Targeted Therapy of Lung Metastasis in Breast Cancer: What a Difference the Cation Content Makes

Cationic lipids play a pivotal role in developing novel drug delivery systems for diverse biomedical applications, owing to the success of mRNA vaccines against COVID-19 and the Phase III antitumor agent EndoTAG-1. However, the therapeutic potential of these positively charged liposomes is limited by dose-dependent toxicity. While an increased content of cationic lipids in the formulation can enhance the uptake and cytotoxicity toward tumor-associated cells, it is crucial to balance these advantages with the associated toxic side effects. In this work, we synthesized the cationic lipid HC-Y-2 and incorporated it into sialic acid (SA)-modified cationic liposomes loaded with paclitaxel to target tumor-associated immune cells efficiently. The SA-modified cationic liposomes exhibited enhanced binding affinity toward both RAW264.7 cells and 4T1 tumor cells in vitro due to the increased ratios of cationic HC-Y-2 content while effectively inhibiting 4T1 cell lung metastasis in vivo. By leveraging electrostatic forces and ligand-receptor interactions, the SA-modified cationic liposomes specifically target malignant tumor-associated immune cells such as tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), reduce the proportion of cationic lipids in the formulation, and achieve dual objectives: high cellular uptake and potent antitumor efficacy. These findings highlight the potential advantages of this innovative approach utilizing cationic liposomes.

Effects of Paclitaxel on Plasma Membrane Microviscosity and Lipid Composition in Cancer Cells

The cell membrane is an important regulator for the cytotoxicity of chemotherapeutic agents. However, the biochemical and biophysical effects that occur in the membrane under the action of chemotherapy drugs are not fully described. In the present study, changes in the microviscosity of membranes of living HeLa-Kyoto tumor cells were studied during chemotherapy with paclitaxel, a widely used antimicrotubule agent. To visualize the microviscosity of the membranes, fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM) with a BODIPY 2 fluorescent molecular rotor was used. The lipid profile of the membranes was assessed using time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry ToF-SIMS. A significant, steady-state decrease in the microviscosity of membranes, both in cell monolayers and in tumor spheroids, was revealed after the treatment. Mass spectrometry showed an increase in the unsaturated fatty acid content in treated cell membranes, which may explain, at least partially, their low microviscosity. These results indicate the involvement of membrane microviscosity in the response of tumor cells to paclitaxel treatment.

Involvement of cell shape and lipid metabolism in glioblastoma resistance to temozolomide

Temozolomide (TMZ) has been used as standard-of-care for glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), but the resistance to TMZ develops quickly and frequently. Thus, more studies are needed to elucidate the resistance mechanisms. In the current study, we investigated the relationship among the three important phenotypes, namely TMZ-resistance, cell shape and lipid metabolism, in GBM cells. We first observed the distinct difference in cell shapes between TMZ-sensitive (U87) and resistant (U87R) GBM cells. We then conducted NMR-based lipid metabolomics, which revealed a significant increase in cholesterol and fatty acid synthesis as well as lower lipid unsaturation in U87R cells. Consistent with the lipid changes, U87R cells exhibited significantly lower membrane fluidity. The transcriptomic analysis demonstrated that lipid synthesis pathways through SREBP were upregulated in U87R cells, which was confirmed at the protein level. Fatostatin, an SREBP inhibitor, and other lipid pathway inhibitors (C75, TOFA) exhibited similar or more potent inhibition on U87R cells compared to sensitive U87 cells. The lower lipid unsaturation ratio, membrane fluidity and higher fatostatin sensitivity were all recapitulated in patient-derived TMZ-resistant primary cells. The observed ternary relationship among cell shape, lipid composition, and TMZ-resistance may be applicable to other drug-resistance cases. SREBP and fatostatin are suggested as a promising target-therapeutic agent pair for drug-resistant glioblastoma.

Stability characterization for pharmaceutical liposome product development with focus on regulatory considerations: An update

Liposomes have several advantages, such as the ability to be employed as a carrier/vehicle for a variety of drug molecules and at the same time they are safe and biodegradable. In the recent times, compared to other delivery systems, liposomes have been one of the most well-established and commercializing drug products of new drug delivery methods for majority of therapeutic applications. On the other hand, it has several limitations, particularly in terms of stability, which impedes product development and performance. In this review, we reviewed all the potential instabilities (physical, chemical, and biological) that a formulation development scientist confronts throughout the development of liposomal formulations as along with the ways to overcome these challenges. We have also discussed the effect of microbiological contamination on liposomal formulations with a focus on the use of sterilization methods used to improve the stability. Finally, we have reviewed quality control techniques and regulatory considerations recommended by the agencies (USFDA and MHLW) for liposome drug product development.

Interaction of Docetaxel with Phosphatidylcholine Membranes: A Combined Experimental and Computational Study

The antineoplastic drug Docetaxel is a second generation taxane which is used against a great variety of cancers. The drug is highly lipophilic and produces a great array of severe toxic effects that limit its therapeutic effectiveness. The study of the interaction between Docetaxel and membranes is very scarce, however, it is required in order to get clues in relation with its function, mechanism of toxicity and possibilities of new formulations. Using phosphatidylcholine biomimetic membranes, we examine the interaction of Docetaxel with the phospholipid bilayer combining an experimental study, employing a series of biophysical techniques like Differential Scanning Calorimetry, X-Ray Diffraction and Infrared Spectroscopy, and a Molecular Dynamics simulation. Our experimental results indicated that Docetaxel incorporated into DPPC bilayer perturbing the gel to liquid crystalline phase transition and giving rise to immiscibility when the amount of the drug is increased. The drug promotes the gel ripple phase, increasing the bilayer thickness in the fluid phase, and is also able to alter the hydrogen-bonding interactions in the interfacial region of the bilayer producing a dehydration effect. The results from computational simulation agree with the experimental ones and located the Docetaxel molecule forming small clusters in the region of the carbon 8 of the acyl chain palisade overlapping with the carbonyl region of the phospholipid. Our results support the idea that the anticancer drug is embedded into the phospholipid bilayer to a limited amount and produces structural perturbations which might affect the function of the membrane.

What can we learn about amphiphile-membrane interaction from model lipid membranes?

Surface-active amphiphiles find applications in a wide range of areas of industry such as agrochemicals, personal care, and pharmaceuticals. In many of these applications, interaction with cell membranes is a key factor for achieving their purpose. How do amphiphiles interact with lipid membranes? What are their bases for membrane specificity? Which biophysical properties of membranes are susceptible to modulation by amphiphilic membrane-effectors? What aspects of this interaction are important for performing their function? In our work on membrane biophysics over the years, questions like these have arisen and we now share some of our findings and discuss them in this review. This topic was approached focusing on the membrane properties and their alterations rather than on the amphiphile structure requirements for their interaction. Here, we do not aim to provide a comprehensive list of the modes of action of amphiphiles of biological interest but to help in understanding them.

Polarization Switching Method for Effective Free Energy Calculation of Membrane Translocation on the Nano-scale

Free-energy calculations are crucial for investigating biomolecular interactions on the Nano-scale level. However, in theoretical studies, the neglect of electronic polarization can jeopardize their accuracy and correct predictive capabilities, specifically...

Formation of Antihyperlipidemic Nano-Ezetimibe from Volatile Microemulsion Template for Enhanced Dissolution Profile

Nanostructures play an important role in targeting sparingly water-soluble drugs to specific sites. Because of the structural flexibility and stability, the use of template microemulsions (μEs) can produce functional nanopharmaceuticals of different sizes, shapes, and chemical properties. In this article, we report a new volatile oil-in-water (o/w) μE formulation comprising ethyl acetate/ethanol/brij-35/water to obtain the highly water-dispersible nanoparticles of an antihyperlipidemic agent, ezetimibe (EZM-NPs), to enhance its dissolution profile. A pseudoternary phase diagram was delineated in a specified brij-35/ethanol ratio (1:1) to describe the transparent, optically isotropic domain of the as-formulated μE. The water-dilutable μE formulation, comprising an optimum composition of ethyl acetate (18.0%), ethanol (25.0%), brij-35 (25.0%), and water (32.0%), showed a good dissolvability of EZM around 4.8 wt % at pH 5.2. Electron micrographs showed a fine monomodal collection of EZM-loaded μE droplets (∼45 nm) that did not coalesce even after lyophilization, forming small spherical EZM-NPs (∼60 nm). However, the maturity of nanodrug droplets observed through dynamic light scattering suggests the affinity of EZM to the nonpolar microenvironment, which was further supported through peak-to-peak correlation of infrared analysis and fluorescence measurements. Moreover, the release profile of the as-obtained EZM-nanopowder increased significantly >98% in 30 min, which indicates that a reduced drug concentration will be needed for capsules or tablets in the future and can be simply incorporated into the multidosage formulation of EZM.

Role of semi-purified andrographolide from Andrographis paniculata extract as nano-phytovesicular carrier for enhancing oral absorption and hypoglycemic activity

Objective

Andrographis paniculata is a well-known medicinal plant in Southeast Asia, India and China. The plant contains andrographolide (AN), a very important phytochemical used in various health problems. However, AN is low in oral absorption bioavailability of AN due to the rapid clearance and high protein binding capacity.

Methods

The present study was aimed to develop a nano-phytovesicular formulation of semi-purified AN extracts from a naturally occurring phospholipid (soya phosphatidylcholine) in order to increase the oral absorption and antihyperglycemic activity in rats.

Results

The nano-phyto vesicle of semi-purified AN extracts equivalent to 25 mg /kg AN significantly protected the hyperglycemic condition of rats. The in vitro and in vivo experiments results proved that the nano- phytovesicular system of plant extracts containing AN produced better oral absorption, bioavailability and improved antihyperglycemic activity compared with that of free AN at dose of 50 mg/kg.

Conclusion

Hence, the prepared semi-purified extract nano-phytovesicular system is helpful in solving the problem of rapid clearance of AN.

Influence of the Headgroup on the Interaction of Poly(ethylene oxide)-Poly(propylene oxide) Block Copolymers with Lipid Bilayers

The lipid headgroup plays an important role in the association of polymers with lipid bilayer membranes. Herein, we report how a glycerol headgroup versus a choline headgroup affects the interaction of poly(ethylene oxide)-b-poly(propylene oxide) (PEO-PPO) block copolymers with lipid bilayer vesicles. Unilamellar vesicles composed of phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylglycerol at various molar ratios were used as model membranes. The interactions between the block copolymers and lipid bilayers were quantified by pulsed-field gradient nuclear magnetic resonance (PFG-NMR) based on the distinctly different mobilities of free and bound polymers. All the investigated polymer species showed significantly higher binding with 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phospho-(1'-rac-glycerol) sodium salt (POPG) liposomes than with 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (POPC) liposomes, indicating stronger association with the glycerol headgroup compared to the choline headgroup. This effect did not become significant until the composition of mixed POPC/POPG liposomes contained more than 20 mol % POPG. A plausible explanation for the enhanced polymer binding with POPG invokes the role of hydrogen bonding between the glycerol headgroup and the ether moieties of the polymers.

Prediction of paclitaxel pharmacokinetic based on in vitro studies: Interaction with membrane models and human serum albumin

Interactions of paclitaxel (PTX) with models mimicking biological interfaces (lipid membranes and serum albumin, HSA) were investigated to test the hypothesis that the set of in vitro assays proposed can be used to predict some aspects of drug pharmacokinetics (PK). PTX membrane partitioning was studied by derivative spectrophotometry; PTX effect on membrane biophysics was evaluated by dynamic light scattering, fluorescence anisotropy, atomic force microscopy and synchrotron small/wide-angle X-ray scattering; PTX distribution/molecular orientation in membranes was assessed by steady-state/time-resolved fluorescence and computer simulations. PTX binding to HSA was studied by fluorescence quenching, derivative spectrophotometry and dynamic/electrophoretic light scattering. PTX high membrane partitioning is consistent with its efficacy crossing cellular membranes and its off-target distribution. PTX is closely located in the membrane phospholipids headgroups, also interacting with the hydrophobic chains, and causes a major distortion of the alignment of the membrane phospholipids, which, together with its fluidizing effect, justifies some of its cellular toxic effects. PTX binds strongly to HSA, which is consistent with its reduced distribution in target tissues and toxicity by bioaccumulation. In conclusion, the described set of biomimetic models and techniques has the potential for early prediction of PK issues, alerting for the required drug optimizations, potentially minimizing the number of animal tests used in the drug development process.

Nanovesicles of sorbitan isostearate: a novel sustained-release non-ionic surfactant

Sorbitan isostearate (Span 120) is a novel non-ionic surfactant for development of vesicular systems. The present work aimed to develop, characterise and evaluate Span 120 based niosomes for enhanced drug delivery. Span 120 niosomes were prepared by using the thin-film hydration method and naproxen sodium was used as a model drug. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis was also done for preformulation studies. Niosomes prepared with Span 120 and cholesterol (2:1) were spherical, as shown by transmission electron microscopy, with a mean size of 173 ± 2·96 nm, a polydispersity index of 0·28 ± 0·02, a zeta potential of −50 ± 1·2 mV and an entrapment efficiency of 91·92%. The in vitro release study showed a sustained release (21·9%) of naproxen sodium in 12 h. The release kinetics was uniform and followed the Korsmeyer–Peppas model, with n > 0·5. Accordingly, niosomes with a molar ratio of 2:1 was selected for in vivo anti-inflammatory activity. A carrageenan-induced paw oedema test was performed, which showed an enhanced inhibitory effect of loaded niosomes with Span 120 compared to the standard drug. In conclusion, the use of Span 120 is a promising approach to formulating niosomes with an improved and sustained effect.

Physicochemical characterization of chitosan-hyaluronan-coated solid lipid nanoparticles for the targeted delivery of paclitaxel: a proof-of-concept study in breast cancer cells

Aim: To investigate the potential of modified solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) for the delivery of paclitaxel (PAX). Materials & methods: SLN loaded with PAX were prepared via modified high-pressure hot homogenization. Formulation parameters were optimized to obtain a high-quality delivery system. SLN cores were coated, layer-by-layer, with a chitosan and hyaluronan (HA) shell. Selectivity toward HA receptors was tested in a breast cancer cell line, MCF-7. Results: Stable and reproducible nano-sized and negatively charged nanoparticles resulted. Findings reveal that chitosan-HA-coated SLN facilitated the targeting, cellular uptake and the time-/dose-controlled delivery and release of PAX, enhancing intrinsic chemotherapeutic activities. Conclusion: SLN are suitable carrier candidates for nano-oncology given their localized, and potent cytotoxic potential overcoming multidrug-resistant cancer cells.

Imidazolium-Based Lipid Analogues and Their Interaction with Phosphatidylcholine Membranes

4,5-Dialkylated imidazolium lipid salts are a new class of lipid analogues showing distinct biological activities. The potential effects of the imidazolium lipids on artificial lipid membranes and the corresponding membrane interactions was analyzed. Therefore, 1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DPPC) was employed to create an established lipid monolayer model and a bilayer membrane. Mixed monolayers of DPPC and 4,5-dialkylimidazolium lipids differing by their alkyl chain length (C₇, C₁₁, and C₁₅) were characterized by surface pressure-area (π-A) isotherms using a Wilhelmy film balance in combination with epifluorescence microscopy. Monolayer hysteresis for binary mixtures was examined by recording triplicate consecutive compression-expansion cycles. The lipid miscibility and membrane stability of DPPC/imidazolium lipids were subsequently evaluated by the excess mean molecular area (ΔA^ex) and the excess Gibbs free energy (ΔG^ex) of mixing. Furthermore, the thermotropic behavior of mixed liposomes of DPPC/imidazolium lipids was investigated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The C₁₅-imidazolium lipid (C₁₅-IMe·HI) forms a thermodynamically favored and kinetically reversible Langmuir monolayer with DPPC and exhibits a rigidification effect on both DPPC monolayer and bilayer structures at low molar fractions (X ≤ 0.3). However, the incorporation of the C₁₁-imidazolium lipid (C₁₁-IMe·HI) causes the formation of an unstable and irreversible Langmuir-Gibbs monolayer with DPPC and disordered DPPC liposomes. The C₇-imidazolium lipid (C₇-IMe·HI) displays negligible membrane activity. To better understand these results on a molecular level, all-atom molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were performed. The simulations yield two opposing molecular mechanisms governing the different behavior of the three imidazolium lipids: a lateral ordering effect and a free volume/stretching effect. Overall, our study provides the first evidence that the membrane interaction of the C₁₅ and C₁₁ derivatives modulates the structural organization of lipid membranes. On the contrary, for the C₇ derivative its membrane activity is too low to contribute to its earlier reported potent cytotoxicity.

A designed lipopeptide with a leucine zipper as an imbedded on/off switch for lipid bilayers

Thermo-sensitive drug carriers are receiving increasing attention for use with localized hyperthermia at abnormal tissue sites or to easily implement hyperthermia. In this study, a thermo-sensitive lipopeptide was designed, consisting of a carbon chain and a leucine zipper with an amino acid sequence CH3-(CH2)4-CO-NH-VAQLEVK-VAQLESK-VSKLESK-VSSLESK-COOH. They could form dimers by the hydrophobic force at body temperature and separate into single random coils above the melting temperature (Tm). The lipopeptide was mixed with phospholipids to form a hybrid liposome (Lipo-LPe). The Tm of the free lipopeptide and lipopeptide in Lipo-LPe was found to be 48.0 °C and 42.5 °C from circular dichroism data, respectively. Compared with the pure liposome, the phase-transition temperature (Ttr) of Lipo-LPe, which was obtained by differential scanning calorimetry, was increased by about 5 °C, showing an improvement of thermal stability. The drug release rate of Lipo-LPe was slightly decreased at body temperature but greatly increased at mild hyperthermia in vitro. Drug release under intermittent heating was performed, and the reversibility of thermo-sensitive on/off switch was confirmed. Furthermore, Lipo-LPe achieved the maximum amount of cell death under mild hyperthermia. We concluded that Lipo-LPe, as a novel thermo-sensitive drug carrier, provides a promising opportunity for controlling drug release.

Miscibility and Langmuir Studies of the Interaction of E2 (279-298) Peptide Sequence of Hepatitis G Virus/GB Virus-C with Dipalmitoylphosphatidyl Choline and Dimiristoylphosphatidyl Choline Phospholipids

Mixed monolayers of E2(279-298), a synthetic peptide belonging to the structural protein E2 of the GB virus C (GBV-C), formerly know as hepatitis G virus (HGV), and the phospholipids dipalmitoylphosphatidyl choline (DPPC) and dimiristoylphosphatidyl choline (DMPC),which differ in acyl chains length, were obtained at the A/W interface (monolayers of extension) in order to provide new insights on E2/phospholipids interaction. Analysis of the surface pressure-area isotherms, Brewster angle microscopy images, relative thickness, and mean areas per molecule has allowed us to establish the conditions under which the mixed components of the monolayer are miscible or immiscible and know how the level of the E2/phospholipid interaction varies with the composition of the mixed films, the surface pressure, and the hydrocarbon chains length of the phospholipids. The steric hindrance caused by the penetration of the polymer strands into the more or less ordered hydrocarbon chains of the phospholipids was suggested to explain the differences in the peptide interaction with the phospholipids studied. Therefore, the novelty of results obtained with the Langmuir film balance technique, supplemented with BAM images allow us to achieve a deeper understanding of the interaction.

Ion-pair amphiphile: a neoteric substitute that modulates the physicochemical properties of biomimetic membranes

Ion-pair amphiphiles (IPAs) are neoteric pseudo-double-tailed compounds with potential as a novel substitute of phospholipid. IPA, synthesized by stoichiometric/equimolar mixing of aqueous solution of hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide (HTMAB) and sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), was used as a potential substituent of naturally occurring phospholipid, soylecithin (SLC). Vesicles were prepared using SLC and IPA in different ratios along with cholesterol. The impact of IPA on SLC was examined by way of surface pressure (π)-area (A) measurements. Associated thermodynamic parameters were evaluated; interfacial miscibility between the components was found to depend on SLC/IPA ratio. Solution behavior of the bilayers, in the form of vesicles, was investigated by monitoring the hydrodynamic diameter, zeta potential, and polydispersity index over a period of 100 days. Size and morphology of the vesicles were also investigated by electron microscopic studies. Systems comprising 20 and 40 mol % IPA exhibited anomalous behavior. Thermal behavior of the vesicles, as scrutinized by differential scanning calorimetry, was correlated with the hydrocarbon chain as well as the headgroup packing. Entrapment efficiency (EE) of the vesicles toward the cationic dye methylene blue (MB) was also evaluated. Vesicles were smart enough to entrap the dye, and the efficiency was found to vary with IPA concentration. EE was found to be well above 80% for some stable dispersions. Such formulations thus could be considered to have potential as novel drug delivery systems.

Molar ratios of therapeutic water-soluble phenothiazine·water-insoluble phospholipid adducts reveal a Fibonacci correlation and a putative link for structure–activity relationships

The fact that non-antibiotics can sensitise microorganisms for antibiotic treatment suggests that these molecules have valuable potential to treat multiple drug resistance.

Nanomechanics of phospholipid LB film studied layer by layer with AFM

Background

Phospholipid, a main component of cell membrane, has been explored as a model system of the cell membrane and temporary scaffold materials in recent studies. The mechanical properties of phospholipid layers are essentially interesting since it is involved in several biological processes.

Results

Here, the nanomechanical properties such as indentation force, adhesion force and DMT (Derjaguin-Müller-Toporov) modulus of 1,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DSPC) Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) films were analyzed layer by layer with Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) under deionized water condition.

Conclusions

The penetration distances in the indentation force curves are equal to the thicknesses of phospholipid films, and the yield forces of DSPC LB films in deionized water are smaller than that of similar lipid films in buffered solutions due to the influence of ions. Moreover, the DMT modulus of upper layer DSPC LB film is different from that of monolayer DSPC LB film due to the influence of their different substrates. Our results suggest that environment such as surrounding ions and substrate will strongly influence the measured nano-mechanical properties of the lipid bilayer, especially that of the down layer.

Graphical Abstract

Effect of the fluorination degree of hydrophobic chains on the monolayer behavior of unsaturated diacylphosphatidylcholines bearing partially fluorinated 9-octadecynoyl (stearoloyl) groups at the air-water interface

The effect of the fluorination degree of hydrophobic chains on the monolayer behavior of unsaturated diacylphosphatidylcholines (PCs) was examined by employing a series of PCs bearing partially fluorinated 9-octadecynoyl (stearoloyl) groups (DFnStPCs, n: the number of fluorinated carbon atoms in a stearoloyl group; n=1, 2, 4, 8), including their hydrophobic parts--partially fluorinated stearolic acids (FnStAs)--at the air-water interface. π-A isotherm measurements and Brewster angle microscope observations revealed: (i) all DFnStPCs including FnStAs form monolayers of liquid character at 25 °C; (ii) they form more expanded monolayers than their non-fluorinated counterparts, distearoloyl-PC (DStPC) and stearolic acid, while the monolayer stability increases with n; (iii) compared with DStPC and DF8StPC, DFnStPCs (n=1, 2, 4) in the low-π region tend to show a weakening in their self-aggregation property and an increase in the work required for monolayer compression; (iv) although DF8StPC forms the most expanded monolayer, the behavior of DF8StPC resembles that of DStPC rather than that of DFnStPCs (n=1, 2, 4). The monolayer behavior of DFnStPCs (n=1, 2, 4) is explained by postulating a flatly-lying conformation of hydrophobic chains, in which three polar parts (ester group, triple bond, CF2-CH2 linkage) in chains are immersed in the subphase at large areas. DStPC and DF8StPC lacking a CF2-CH2 linkage, however, do not likely adopt such a conformation.

Morphological and physicochemical characterization of liposomes loading cucurbitacin E, an anti-proliferative natural tetracyclic triterpene

Cucurbitacin E (Cuc E), an oxygenated triterpene molecule, has demonstrated anti-proliferative effect on various cancer cells. Here, we examined the effect of Cuc E on the membrane morphology and properties using differential scanning calorimetry, transmission electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy techniques. Dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine vesicles were prepared by the thin film hydration method in the absence and presence of Cuc E at molar ratios 100:12 and 100:20. The loading efficiency of Cuc E was found to be higher than 98% upon HPLC analysis. The thermodynamic parameters suggest that Cuc E does not penetrate into the bilayers and interacts with the polar/apolar interface of the lipid membranes. Blank and Cuc E loaded liposomes prepared from a mixture of DPPC/DPPE/DPPG/Cho were imaged by TEM and AFM. Images obtained by TEM revealed unilamellar liposomes for blank and Cuc E loaded liposomes. AFM images showed that the size and the height of Cuc E loaded liposomes were respectively smaller and higher than blank ones. Results suggest that Cuc E produces modifications in the lipid membrane structures.

Thermosensitive depot-forming injectable phosphatidylcholine blends tailored for localized drug delivery

A thermosensitive depot-forming system was developed for sustained and localized delivery of the anticancer drug, paclitaxel. The formulation is injectable as a melt slightly above the body temperature and forms a solid depot upon cooling to 37°C. The thermosensitive system was prepared by blending various combinations of phosphatidylcholines at specific weight ratios solubilized in laurinaldehyde. Of the blends investigated, distearoyl-phosphatidylcholine (DSPC) and egg-phosphatidylcholine (ePC) were found to be most miscible. A liquid-to-gel phase transition temperature (TC ) of 39°C was observed for the 70:30 (w/w) DSPC-ePC blend and a TC of 38.4°C with the addition of paclitaxel. Blends containing higher concentrations of ePC had a greater degree of swelling and weight loss. Furthermore, microscopy revealed an increase in porosity and erosion as the amount of ePC was increased in blends incubated in biologically relevant media. DSPC-ePC blends provided sustained release of paclitaxel over a 30-day period and the rate of drug release increased as the amount of ePC increased. Overall, the relationships established between the composition and properties of the blend may be employed to tailor the thermosensitive injectable formulation for localized chemotherapy of solid tumors.

Effectiveness of liposomal paclitaxel against MCF-7 breast cancer cells

Paclitaxel is an effective chemotherapeutic agent that is widely used for the treatment of several cancers, including breast, ovarian, and non-small-cell lung cancer. Due to its high lipophilicity, paclitaxel is difficult to administer and requires solubilization with Cremophor EL (polyethoxylated castor oil) and ethanol, which often lead to adverse side effects, including life-threatening anaphylaxis. Incorporation of paclitaxel in dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine:dimyristoylphosphatidylglycerol (DPPC:DMPG) liposomes can facilitate its delivery to cancer cells and eliminate the adverse reactions associated with the Cremophor EL vehicle. Accordingly, the effectiveness of liposomal paclitaxel on MCF-7 breast cancer cells was examined. The results from this study showed that (i) the lipid components of the liposomal formulation were nontoxic, (ii) the cytotoxic effects of liposomal paclitaxel were improved when compared with those seen with conventional paclitaxel, and (iii) the intracellular paclitaxel levels were higher in MCF-7 cells treated with the liposomal paclitaxel formulation. The results of these studies showed that delivery of paclitaxel as a liposomal formulation could be a promising strategy for enhancing its chemotherapeutic effects.

Monolayer behavior of binary systems of betulinic acid and cardiolipin: thermodynamic analyses of Langmuir monolayers and AFM study of Langmuir-Blodgett monolayers

Betulinic acid (BA, a natural pentacyclic triterpene) can induce mitochondrial membrane damage and trigger the mitochondrial pathway of apoptosis in tumor cells. The monolayer behavior of binary systems of BA and cardiolipin (CL, a unique phospholipid found only in mitochondria membrane in animals) was studied by surface pressure-area (π-A) measurements and analyses and Atomic force microscopy (AFM) observation. The miscibility analysis presents that in mixed monolayers BA takes both tilted and nearly perpendicular orientations at surface pressure below 30 mN/m but only nearly perpendicular orientation at 30 mN/m. The thermodynamic stability analysis indicates that phase separation and repulsion occur in mixed BA/CL monolayers. The compressibility analysis shows that at 30 mN/m, 20% addition of BA does markedly translate the liquid-condensed CL monolayer to mixed BA/CL monolayer with the coexistence of liquid-condensed and liquid-expanded phases. The AFM images of supported monolayers give direct evidence of the conclusions obtained from the analyses of π-A isotherms. These results confirm that at high surface pressure near to real biologic situations, BA orients nearly perpendicularly with hydroxyl group toward water, causes phase separation and changes the permeability of CL film, which correlates with the mitochondrial membrane damage induced by BA.

Tamoxifen citrate encapsulated sustained release liposomes: preparation and evaluation of physicochemical properties

The present study was designed for the development of a stable sustained release liposomal drug delivery system for tamoxifen citrate (TC) using soya phosphatidylcholine (SPC), cholesterol (CH) and span 20 as main ingredients. Liposomes were prepared by formation of thin lipid film followed by hydration. The mean vesicle diameter was found to be 203.5 ± 19.5 nm with 21% of the liposomal population having average diameter below 76.72 ± 6.7 nm. There was a good vesicular distribution with the polydispersity index of 0.442 ± 0.03. The maximum loading of drug was determined to be 53.60% of the initial amount that is 34.58 μg of drug per mg of lipid. Amongst the different storage conditions, liposomes stored at 2–8°C were found to be most stable and only 4% of the drug was lost over the storage period of 5 weeks. In vitro release studies of liposomes showed that 50% of drug was released within 3 hours (h) whereas 95% drug was released in 30 h. This indicates the usefulness of the liposomal delivery system for sustaining the in vitro release of tamoxifen citrate.

Apoptosis induction and attenuation of inflammatory gene expression in murine macrophages via multitherapeutic nanomembranes

The realization of optimized therapeutic delivery is impaired by the challenge of localized drug activity and by the dangers of systemic cytotoxicity which often contribute to patient treatment complications. Here we demonstrate the block copolymer-mediated deposition and release of multiple therapeutics which include an LXRα/β agonist 3-((4-methoxyphenyl)amino)-4-phenyl-1-(phenylmethyl)-1H-pyrrole-2,5-dione (LXRa) and doxorubicin hydrochloride (Dox) at the air-water interface via Langmuir-Blodgett deposition, as well as copolymer-mediated potent drug elution toward the Raw 264.7 murine macrophage cell line. The resultant copolymer-therapeutic hybrid serves as a localized platform that can be functionalized with virtually any drug due to the integrated hydrophilic and hydrophobic components of the polymer structure. In addition, the sequestering function of the copolymer to anchor the drugs to implant surfaces can enhance delivery specificity when compared to systemic drug administration. Confirmation of drug functionality was confirmed via suppression of the interleukin 6 (Il-6) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) inflammatory cytokines (LXRa), as well as DNA fragmentation analysis (Dox). Furthermore, the fragmentation assays and gene expression analysis demonstrated the innate biocompatibility of the copolymeric material at the gene expression level via the confirmed absence of material-induced apoptosis and a lack of inflammatory gene expression. This modality enables layer-by-layer control of agonist and chemotherapeutic functionalization at the nanoscale for the localization of drug dosage, while simultaneously utilizing the copolymer platform as an anchoring mechanism for drug sequestering, all with an innate material thickness of 4 nm per layer, which is orders of magnitude thinner than existing commercial technologies. Furthermore, these studies comprehensively confirmed the potential translational applicability of copolymeric nanomaterials as localized multitherapeutic thin film platforms.

Evaluation of antitubercular drug insertion into preformed dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine monolayers

Insertion profiles of antitubercular drugs isoniazid (INH), rifampicin (RFM) and ethambutol (ETH) into dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) membrane models were evaluated by Langmuir monolayer technique. Maximum drug insertion into DPPC monolayer was observed with rifampicin with a surface pressure increase (Deltapi(max)) in the range of 21-33 mN/m depending upon rifampicin concentration. Isoniazid had minimal insertion resulting in a lower Deltapi(max) of about 2-3 mN/m, suggestive of minimal interactions between INH and DPPC. Ethambutol surface pressure increment on insertion resulted in an intermediate rise in the Deltapi(max) (6-10 mN/m). Antitubercular drug combination in the ratio of 2 mM:0.7 mM:4.5 mM for INH:RFM:ETH, attained Deltapi(max) between 25 and 33 mN/m. Insertion profiles similar to rifampicin were exhibited by the antitubercular drug mixture suggestive of predominant rifampicin insertion into the DPPC monolayer. The extent of drug insertion into the DPPC monolayer is suggestive of the drug penetration potential into biological membranes in vivo. Higher RFM Deltapi(max) is suggestive of excellent cell membrane penetration, which explains broad reach of the drug to all the organs including the cerebrospinal fluid while lower Deltapi(max) of INH suggests poor membrane penetration restricting the entry of the drug in different biological membranes. DPPC membrane destabilization was observed at higher antitubercular drug concentrations indicated by the negative slopes of the surface pressure-time curves. This may correlate with the dose related toxic effects observed in tuberculosis affected patients. Drug insertion studies offer a potential tool in understanding the pharmacotoxicological behavior of the various pharmacological agents.

Interaction of lipophilic gemcitabine prodrugs with biomembrane models studied by Langmuir–Blodgett technique

The stability and bioavailability of anticancer agents, such as gemcitabine, can be increased by forming prodrugs. Gemcitabine is rapidly deaminated to the inactive metabolite (2('),2(')-difluorodeoxyuridine), thus to improve its stability a series of increasingly lipophilic gemcitabine prodrugs linked through the 4-amino group to valeroyl, lauroyl, and stearoyl acyl chains were synthesized. Studies of monolayer properties are important to improve understanding of biological phenomena involving lipid/gemcitabine or lipid/gemcitabine derivative interactions. The interfacial behavior of monolayers constituted by DMPC plus gemcitabine or lipophilic gemcitabine prodrugs at increasing molar fractions was studied at the air/water interface at temperatures below (10 degrees C) and above (37 degrees C) the lipid phase transition. The effect of the hydrophobic chain length of gemcitabine derivatives on the isotherm of pure DMPC was investigated by surface tension measurement, and the results are reported as molar fractions as a function of mean molecular area per molecule. The results show that the compounds interact with DMPC producing mixed monolayers that are subject to an expansion effect, depending on the prodrug chain length. The results give useful hints of the interaction of these prodrugs with biological membranes and increase knowledge on the incorporation site of such compounds, as a function of their lipophilicity, in a lipid carrier; they may lead to improved liposomal formulation design.

Effect of Fluidizing Agents on Paclitaxel Penetration in Cervical Cancerous Monolayer Membranes

The aim of this study was to compare modulation of paclitaxel penetration in cancerous and normal cervical monolayers by four fluidizing agents: PCPG (9:1 DPPC:PG), PCPE (9:1 DPPC:DOPE), ALEC (7:3 DPPC:PG) and Exosurf (13.5:1.5:1.0 DPPC:hexadecanol:tyloxapol). Presence of the fluidizing agents improved drug penetration significantly. PCPG and PCPE were promising penetration enhancers. PCPG 0.1% caused 3.8- and 1.7-fold higher maximum increments in surface pressure due to drug penetration, (Delta pi)(max), than the control in cancerous and normal monolayers, respectively, at 20 mN/m. In cancerous monolayer at 20 mN/m, presence of 0.1%, 0.5%, 1%, 5% and 10% PCPE produced 3.4-, 5.7-, 7.4-, 9.6- and 9.8-fold higher drug penetration compared to the control monolayer without PCPE, respectively. In cancerous monolayer at 20 mN/m, PCPG and PCPE liposomes having 1 mg lipid gave 2.1 and 3.6 times higher (Delta pi)(max )compared to the control, respectively. Further, the liposomal drug penetration was found to be directly proportional to the liposomal lipid content. The effect of the fluidizing agents was confirmed by increased calcein release from model cervical cancer liposomes. These results may have implications in using the above biocompatible lipids and surfactants as penetration enhancers along with anticancer drugs or as carriers for liposomal formulations of anticancer drugs for improved membrane penetration.