Nasal administration of a temozolomide-loaded thermoresponsive nanoemulsion reduces tumor growth in a preclinical glioblastoma model

Trans-nasal brain delivery of anti-TB drugs by methyl-β-cyclodextrin microparticles show efficient mycobacterial clearance from central nervous system

Central nervous system tuberculosis (CNS-TB) is the most severe extra-pulmonary manifestation of tuberculosis (TB), facing significant challenges due to the limited penetration of anti-TB drugs (ATDs) across the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and their insufficient concentrations at the site of infection. This study aimed to enhance the efficacy of ATDs by encapsulating them in methyl-β-cyclodextrin (M-β-CD) microparticles (ATD-MP) using spray drying, intended for intranasal delivery to manage CNS-TB. M-β-CD microparticles loaded with isoniazid (INH) and rifampicin (RIF) exhibited spherical shapes with slightly deflated surfaces and particle sizes of 6.24 ± 0.77 μm and 5.97 ± 0.50 μm, respectively. M-β-CD improved the permeation of ATDs through RPMI-2650 cell monolayers while reducing drug cytotoxicity. Pharmacokinetic and biodistribution analysis demonstrated that intranasal administration of ATD-MP significantly enhanced the trans-nasal brain delivery of ATDs and their distribution in the brain, achieving the minimum inhibitory concentration. In a murine model of CNS-TB, intranasal insufflation of ATD-MP for four weeks led to a significant reduction (∼0.78 Log10 CFU) in mycobacterial burden in the brain compared to the untreated group (∼3.60 Log10 CFU). These preclinical results underscore the potential of intranasal administration of M-β-CD microparticles as an effective therapeutic strategy for combating brain inflammation in CNS-TB.

DES/O microemulsion for solubilizing and delivering curcumin via the nasal administration to treat acute asthma

As a natural small molecule drug derived from turmeric, curcumin is known for its good biosafety and a range of beneficial effects, including anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic, antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-tumor, and neuroprotective effects. Even though, its insolubility in water and instability severely limit its bioavailability and clinical applications. The present study developed a deep eutectic solvent (DES) in oil microemulsion (DES/O-ME) system loaded with Cur for intranasal administration, aiming to enhance both the solubility and permeability of Cur to significantly increase its bioavailability. The project first constructed and screened the optimal choline chloride-based DES. Subsequently, the DES/O-ME system was prepared and optimized to achieve uniform particle size and stability using a pseudo-ternary phase diagram and electrical conductivity measurements. The resulting DES/O-ME system was thoroughly evaluated for its solubilization efficacy, permeability, mucosal cytotoxicity, and stability. Additionally, the therapeutic efficacy of the Cur-DES/O-ME was assessed in vivo using a murine model of allergic asthma. This comprehensive evaluation highlights the potential of the DES/O-ME system as a promising intranasal drug delivery platform to overcome the limitations of curcumin's bioavailability and clinical application.

Demystifying the potential of lipid-based nanocarriers in targeting brain malignancies

Drug targeting for brain malignancies is restricted due to the presence of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and blood-brain tumor barrier (BBTB), which act as barriers between the blood and brain parenchyma. Certainly, the limited therapeutic options for brain malignancies have made notable progress with enhanced biological understanding and innovative approaches, such as targeted therapies and immunotherapies. These advancements significantly contribute to improving patient prognoses and represent a promising shift in the landscape of brain malignancy treatments. A more comprehensive understanding of the histology and pathogenesis of brain malignancies is urgently needed. Continued research focused on unraveling the intricacies of brain malignancy biology holds the key to developing innovative and tailored therapies that can improve patient outcomes. Lipid nanocarriers are highly effective drug delivery systems that significantly improve their solubility, bioavailability, and stability while also minimizing unwanted side effects. Surface-modified lipid nanocarriers (liposomes, niosomes, solid lipid nanoparticles, nanostructured lipid carriers, lipid nanocapsules, lipid-polymer hybrid nanocarriers, lipoproteins, and lipoplexes) are employed to improve BBB penetration and uptake through various mechanisms. This systematic review illuminates and covers various topics related to brain malignancies. It explores the different methods of drug delivery used in treating brain malignancies and delves into the benefits, limitations, and types of brain-targeted lipid-based nanocarriers. Additionally, this review discusses ongoing clinical trials and patents related to brain malignancy therapies and provides a glance into future perspectives for treating this condition.

Innovative drug delivery strategies for targeting glioblastoma: overcoming the challenges of the tumor microenvironment

INTRODUCTION

Glioblastoma multiforme(GBM) presents a challenging endeavor in therapeutic management because of its highly aggressive tumor microenvironment(TME). This complex TME, characterized by hypoxia, nutrient deprivation, immunosuppression, stromal barriers, increased interstitial fluid pressure and the presence of the blood-brain barrier(BBB), frequently compromises the efficacy of promising therapeutic strategies. Consequently, a deeper understanding of the TME and the development of innovative methods to overcome its associated challenges are essential for improving treatment outcomes in GBM.

AREAS COVERED

This review critically evaluates the major obstacles within the GBM TME, focusing on the biological and structural barriers that limit therapeutic delivery and efficacy. Novel approaches designed to address these barriers, including advanced formulation strategies and precise targeting mechanisms, are explored in detail. Additionally, the review highlights the potential of emerging technologies such as 3D-printed models, scaffolds, Robotics and artificial intelligence(AI) techniques and machine learning, in tackling TME- associated hurdles.

EXPERT OPINION

The integration of these innovative methods presents a promising path for enhancing the specificity and efficacy of GBM therapies. By combining these advanced strategies, the potential for improving patient outcomes in GBM treatment can be significantly enhanced, offering hope for overcoming the limitations posed by the TME.

An Update on Recent Drug Delivery Systems Targeting Brain Diseases via the Transnasal Pathway

OBJECTIVE

To explore the potential of transnasal drug delivery systems (DDS) as an effective means of bypassing the bloodbrain barrier (BBB) for enhanced central nervous system (CNS) targeting, aiming to improve therapeutic outcomes for CNS disorders while reducing systemic side effects.

METHODS

A review of current and emerging DDS technologies, including polymer nanoparticles, liposomes, and micelles, was conducted to assess their suitability for precision-targeted delivery to the brain through the transnasal route.

RESULTS

The investigated DDS demonstrate promising capabilities for CNS targeting via the nasal pathway, effectively preserving both the nasal mucosa and CNS integrity. These systems enhance drug precision within neural tissues, potentially improving therapeutic outcomes without harming adjacent tissues.

CONCLUSIONS

Transnasal DDS offer a promising alternative to traditional delivery methods, with significant potential to advance the treatment of cerebrovascular diseases, neurodegenerative disorders, brain tumors, and psychiatric conditions. This approach represents an evolving frontier in neurotherapeutics, with the potential to transform CNS drug delivery practices.

Technological Strategies Applied to Pharmaceutical Systems for Intranasal Administration of Drugs Intended for Neurological Treatments: A Review

The complexity of treating neurological diseases has meant that new strategies have had to be developed to deliver drugs to the brain more efficiently and safely. Intranasal drug delivery is characterized by its ease of administration, safety, and rapid delivery directly from the nose to the brain. Several strategies have been developed to improve the delivery of drugs to the brain via nasal administration. These include the use of mucoadhesive and thermoresponsive polymers and their combination into polymer blends, as well as the use of liposomes, niosomes, and nano- and microemulsions. Therefore, this review focuses on technologies for developing pharmaceutical systems aimed at delivery via the nose to the brain, contributing to new treatments for difficult neurological disorders. Some of the most common and difficult-to-treat neurological conditions, the intranasal route of administration, and the anatomy of the nasal cavity have been discussed, as well as factors that may influence the absorption of drugs administered into the nose. The types of intranasal formulations and the devices that can be used to administer these products are also discussed in this review. Strategies for improving the transport of bioactive agents and increasing bioavailability are highlighted. The technologies discussed in this review can facilitate the development of formulations with improved properties, such as drug release and mucoadhesiveness, which have several advantages for patients requiring complex neurological treatments.

Stimuli-Responsive Polymeric Nanocarriers Accelerate On-Demand Drug Release to Combat Glioblastoma

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a highly malignant brain tumor with a poor prognosis and limited treatment options. Drug delivery by stimuli-responsive nanocarriers holds great promise for improving the treatment modalities of GBM. At the beginning of the review, we highlighted the stimuli-active polymeric nanocarriers carrying therapies that potentially boost anti-GBM responses by employing endogenous (pH, redox, hypoxia, enzyme) or exogenous stimuli (light, ultrasonic, magnetic, temperature, radiation) as triggers for controlled drug release mainly via hydrophobic/hydrophilic transition, degradability, ionizability, etc. Modifying these nanocarriers with target ligands further enhanced their capacity to traverse the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and preferentially accumulate in glioma cells. These unique features potentially lead to more effective brain cancer treatment with minimal adverse reactions and superior therapeutic outcomes. Finally, the review summarizes the existing difficulties and future prospects in stimuli-responsive nanocarriers for treating GBM. Overall, this review offers theoretical guidelines for developing intelligent and versatile stimuli-responsive nanocarriers to facilitate precise drug delivery and treatment of GBM in clinical settings.

Current strategic arsenal and advances in nose to brain nanotheranostics for therapeutic intervention of glioblastoma multiforme

The fight against Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is ongoing and the long-term outlook for GBM remains challenging due to low prognosis but every breakthrough brings us closer to improving patient outcomes. Significant hurdles in GBM are heterogeneity, fortified tumor location, and blood-brain barrier (BBB), hindering adequate drug concentrations within functioning brain regions, thus leading to low survival rates. The nasal passageway has become an appealing location to commence the course of cancer therapy. Utilization of the nose-to-brain (N2B) route for drug delivery takes a sidestep from the BBB to allow therapeutics to directly access the central nervous system (CNS) and enhance drug localization in the vicinity of the tumor. This comprehensive review provides insights into pertinent anatomy and cellular organization of the nasal cavity, present-day diagnostic tools, intracranial invasive therapies, and advancements in intranasal (IN) therapies in GBM models for better clinical outcomes. Also, this review highlights groundbreaking carriers and delivery techniques that could revolutionize GBM management such as biomimetics, image guiding-drug delivery, and photodynamic and photothermal therapies for GBM management.

NIR-triggered and Thermoresponsive Core-shell nanoparticles for synergistic anticancer therapy

Recent advancements in cancer treatment have underscored the inadequacy of conventional monotherapies in addressing complex malignant tumors. Consequently, there is a growing interest in synergistic therapies capable of overcoming the limitations of monotherapies, leading to more personalized and effective approaches. Among these, the combination of photothermal therapy (PTT) and chemotherapy has emerged as a promising avenue for tumor management. In this study, we present a novel approach utilizing thermoresponsive mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSN) as a delivery system for the chemotherapeutic drug doxorubicin. By incorporating photothermal agent copper sulfide (CuS) nanoparticles into the MSN, the resulting composite material exhibits potent photothermal properties. Furthermore, the integration of an upper critical solution temperature (UCST) polymer within the silica outer layer serves as a "gatekeeper", enabling precise control over drug release kinetics. This innovative nanomaterial effectively merges thermoresponsive behavior with PTT, thereby minimizing the collateral damage associated with traditional chemotherapy on healthy tissues. Moreover, in both in vitro studies using mouse breast carcinoma cells (4 T1) and in vivo experiments utilizing a 4 T1 tumor-bearing mouse model, our nanomaterials demonstrated synergistic effects, enhancing the anti-tumor efficacy of combined PTT and chemotherapy. With its remarkable photothermal conversion efficiency, robust stability, and biocompatibility, the UCST-responsive nanoplatform holds immense potential for clinical applications.

Advances and future perspectives of intranasal drug delivery: A scientometric review

Intranasal drug delivery is as a noninvasive and efficient approach extensively utilized for treating the local, central nervous system, and systemic diseases. Despite numerous reviews delving into the application of intranasal drug delivery across biomedical fields, a comprehensive analysis of advancements and future perspectives remains elusive. This review elucidates the research progress of intranasal drug delivery through a scientometric analysis. It scrutinizes several challenges to bolster research in this domain, encompassing a thorough exploration of entry and elimination mechanisms specific to intranasal delivery, the identification of drugs compatible with the nasal cavity, the selection of dosage forms to surmount limited drug-loading capacity and poor solubility, and the identification of diseases amenable to the intranasal delivery strategy. Overall, this review furnishes a perspective aimed at galvanizing future research and development concerning intranasal drug delivery.

Potential of Nanocarrier-Associated Approaches for Better Therapeutic Intervention in the Management of Glioblastoma

Glioblastoma, commonly known as glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), is one of the deadliest and most invasive types of brain cancer. Two factors account for the majority of the treatment limitations for GBM. First, the presence of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) renders malignancy treatment ineffective, leading to recurrence without full recovery. Second, several adverse effects are associated with the drugs used in conventional GBM treatment. Recent studies have developed nanocarrier systems, such as liposomes, polymeric micelles, dendrimers, nanosuspensions, nanoemulsions, nanostructured lipid carriers, solid lipid nanocarriers, metal particles, and silica nanoparticles, which allow drug-loaded formulations to penetrate the BBB more effectively. This has opened up new possibilities for overcoming therapy issues. Extensive and methodical searches of databases such as PubMed, Science Direct, Google Scholar, and others were conducted to gather relevant literature for this work, using precise keyword combinations such as "GBM," "brain tumor," and "nanocarriers." This review provides deep insights into the administration of drugs using nanocarriers for the management of GBM and explores new advancements in nanotechnology. It also highlights how scientific developments can be explained in connection with hopeful findings about the potential of nanocarriers for the future successful management of GBM.

Turning Waste into Treasure: The Full Technological Process and Product Performance Characterization of Flushable Wet Wipes Prepared from Corn Stalk

As a daily consumable, wet wipes are mostly synthetic fibers, which are incinerated or landfilled after use. The nanoplastics generated during this process will lead to environmental pollution. The application of flushable wet wipes, which are dispersible and fully degradable, is of great significance. The main raw material for flushable wipes is wood pulp, which has a long growth cycle and high cost. Corn is widely planted and has a short growth cycle. Currently most corn stalk is treated by incineration, which produces a lot of smoke that pollutes the environment. Therefore, using corn stalk as the raw material for flushable wet wipes, replacing wood pulp, is both cost-effective and environmentally friendly. In this study, aiming at industrial production, we explored the full process of producing flushable wet wipes from corn stalk to pulp board, then to the final wipes. The corn stalk was treated using alkali and a bleaching agent to obtain corn stalk pulp, which was then made into pulp board through the nonwoven wet-laid process. The optimal parameters for the alkali treatment and bleaching were obtained. The properties of the corn stalk pulp board were compared with the commercial wood pulp board. Further, we mixed the corn stalk pulp with Lyocell fiber to prepare wet-laid webs, which were then bonded using a chemical binder poloxamer. Then, the evenness of the web, mechanical properties, absorption, and dispersibility of the flushable wipes were characterized. Results showed that the pulp obtained using the optimal treatment process has a high yield and better whiteness. The properties of the corn stalk pulp board are comparable with the commercial wood pulp board, which can therefore potentially be replaced by the corn stalk board prepared in our study. The prepared flushable wet wipes had good evenness and their water absorption rate was more than 600%. The mechanical strength in dry and wet states achieved 595.94 N/m and 179.00 N/m, respectively. Most importantly, the wet wipes can completely disperse under the standardized testing method. A good balance of dispersibility and wet strength of the wet wipes was achieved.

Assessing the In Vitro and In Vivo Performance of L-Carnitine-Loaded Nanoparticles in Combating Obesity

Addressing obesity is a critical health concern of the century, necessitating urgent attention. L-carnitine (LC), an essential water-soluble compound, plays a pivotal role in lipid breakdown via β-oxidation and facilitates the transport of long-chain fatty acids across mitochondrial membranes. However, LC's high hydrophilicity poses challenges to its diffusion through bilayers, resulting in limited bioavailability, a short half-life, and a lack of storage within the body, mandating frequent dosing. In our research, we developed LC-loaded nanoparticle lipid carriers (LC-NLCs) using economically viable and tissue-localized nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) to address these limitations. Employing the central composite design model, we optimized the formulation, employing the high-pressure homogenization (HPH) method and incorporating Poloxamer® 407 (surfactant), Compritol® 888 ATO (solid lipid), and oleic acid (liquid oil). A comprehensive assessment of nanoparticle physical attributes was performed, and an open-field test (OFT) was conducted on rats. We employed immunofluorescence assays targeting CRP and PPAR-γ, along with an in vivo rat study utilizing an isolated fat cell line to assess adipogenesis. The optimal formulation, with an average size of 76.4 ± 3.4 nm, was selected due to its significant efficacy in activating the PPAR-γ pathway. Our findings from the OFT revealed noteworthy impacts of LC-NLC formulations (0.1 mg/mL and 0.2 mg/mL) on adipocyte cells, surpassing regular L-carnitine formulations' effects (0.1 mg/mL and 0.2 mg/mL) by 169.26% and 156.63%, respectively (p < 0.05).

Metastatic Melanoma: A Preclinical Model Standardization and Development of a Chitosan-Coated Nanoemulsion Containing Temozolomide to Treat Brain Metastasis

Melanoma is the most aggressive type of skin cancer. Brain metastasis is the worst scenario in metastatic melanoma and the treatment options for these patients are limited. Temozolomide (TMZ) is a chemotherapy agent used to treat primary central nervous system tumors. Our objective was to develop chitosan-coated nanoemulsion containing temozolomide (CNE-TMZ) for nasal route administration to melanoma brain metastasis treatment. A preclinical model of metastatic brain melanoma was standardized, and the efficiency of the developed formulation was further determined in vitro and in vivo. The nanoemulsion was done by spontaneous emulsification method and the formulation was characterized by size, pH, polydispersity index, and zeta potential. Culture assessments to determine cell viability were done in the A375 human melanoma cell line. To determine the safety of formulation, healthy C57/BL6 mice were treated with a nanoemulsion without TMZ. The model in vivo used B16-F10 cells implanted by stereotaxic surgery in C57/BL6 mice brains. The results demonstrate that the preclinical model used showed to be useful to analyze the efficiency of new candidate drugs to treat melanoma brain metastasis. The chitosan-coated nanoemulsions with TMZ showed the expected physicochemical characteristics and demonstrated safety and efficacy, reducing around 70% the tumor size compared to control mice, and presenting a tendency in mitotic index reduction, becoming an interesting approach to treat melanoma brain metastasis.