Mesoporous silica nanoparticles as a potential vaccine adjuvant against Schistosoma mansoni

Liposomal IL-22 ameliorates liver fibrosis through miR-let7a/STAT3 signaling in mice

The therapeutic effect of liposomal IL-22 versus non-liposomal IL-22 on liver fibrosis was investigated. IL-22 (5 µg/ml) was incorporated into negative charged liposomes. Schistosoma mansoni infected mice were treated with liposomal IL-22 for either 7 or 14 days before decapitation. Liver and spleen were removed and splenocytes were isolated for in vitro investigations. TNF-α, IL-17, IL-22 and IgE levels were assessed. Hepatic granulomas were counted, granuloma index and its developmental stages were calculated. Hepatic expressions of STAT3, β-catenin and let-7a miRNA were evaluated. Liposomal IL-22 size was clustered around 425.9 ± 58.0 nm with negative zeta potential (-18.8 ± 1.3 mV). After 14 days, 65.5% of IL-22 was released from liposomal IL-22 as was gradually observed in vitro. Liposomal IL-22 significantly (p < 0.05) decreased IL-17 level (-33.1%) of healthy splenocytes compared to non-liposomal IL-22. In vivo therapeutic effect of liposomal IL-22 revealed a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in hepatic granuloma index (-22.1%) and levels of TNF-α (-49.2%) and IL-17 (-57.3%), but a marked increase in IL-22 (64.2%) and IgE (196.1%) levels comparing to non-liposomal IL-22. Three developmental stages of hepatic granuloma (NE, EP, and P) were observed in liposomal and non-liposomal IL-22 groups (79.6 ± 1.7 and 81.8 ± 8.7, respectively, P < 0.05), with higher relative frequency of EP stage. Additionally, liposomal IL-22 treatment increased hepatic expression of STAT3 (21.7 fold change) and let-7a (3.6 fold change) and reduced β-catenin expression (0.6 fold change) compared to healthy mice. Conclusively, liposomal IL-22 seems more effective in the treatment of liver fibrosis resulting from S. mansoni infection than non-liposomal IL-22.

Delivery of Therapeutic Biopolymers Employing Silica-Based Nanosystems

The use of nanoparticles is crucial for the development of a new generation of nanodevices for clinical applications. Silica-based nanoparticles can be tailored with a wide range of functional biopolymers with unique physicochemical properties thus providing several advantages: (1) limitation of interparticle interaction, (2) preservation of cargo and particle integrity, (3) reduction of immune response, (4) additional therapeutic effects and (5) cell targeting. Therefore, the engineering of advanced functional coatings is of utmost importance to enhance the biocompatibility of existing biomaterials. Herein we will focus on the most recent advances reported on the delivery and therapeutic use of silica-based nanoparticles containing biopolymers (proteins, nucleotides, and polysaccharides) with proven biological effects.

Vaccination with Formulation of Nanoparticles Loaded with Leishmania amazonensis Antigens Confers Protection against Experimental Visceral Leishmaniasis in Hamster

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a fatal disease caused by the protozoa Leishmania infantum for which dogs are the main reservoirs. A vaccine against canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL) could be an important tool in the control of human and CVL by reducing the infection pressure of L. infantum. Despite the CVL vaccine available on the market, the Brazilian Ministry of Health did not implement the use of it in their control programs. In this sense, there is an urgent need to develop more efficient vaccines. In this study, the association between two polymeric nanoformulations, (poly (D, L-lactic) acid (PLA) polymer) loading Leishmania amazonensis antigens, was evaluated as a potential immunobiological agent against VL using golden hamsters as an experimental model. The results indicated that no significant adverse reactions were observed in animals vaccinated with LAPSmP. LAPSmP presented similar levels of total anti-Leishmania IgG as compared to LAPSmG. The LAPSmP and LAPSmG groups showed an intense reduction in liver and spleen parasitic load by qPCR. The LAPSmP and LAPSmG vaccines showed exceptional results, indicating that they may be promising candidates as a VL vaccine.

Potential application of nanotechnology in the treatment, diagnosis, and prevention of schistosomiasis

Schistosomiasis is one of the neglected tropical diseases that affect millions of people worldwide. Globally, it affects economically poor countries, typically due to a lack of proper sanitation systems, and poor hygiene conditions. Currently, no vaccine is available against schistosomiasis, and the preferred treatment is chemotherapy with the use of praziquantel. It is a common anti-schistosomal drug used against all known species of Schistosoma. To date, current treatment primarily the drug praziquantel has not been effective in treating Schistosoma species in their early stages. The drug of choice offers low bioavailability, water solubility, and fast metabolism. Globally drug resistance has been documented due to overuse of praziquantel, Parasite mutations, poor treatment compliance, co-infection with other strains of parasites, and overall parasitic load. The existing diagnostic methods have very little acceptability and are not readily applied for quick diagnosis. This review aims to summarize the use of nanotechnology in the treatment, diagnosis, and prevention. It also explored safe and effective substitute approaches against parasitosis. At this stage, various nanomaterials are being used in drug delivery systems, diagnostic kits, and vaccine production. Nanotechnology is one of the modern and innovative methods to treat and diagnose several human diseases, particularly those caused by parasite infections. Herein we highlight the current advancement and application of nanotechnological approaches regarding the treatment, diagnosis, and prevention of schistosomiasis.

Key Parameters for the Rational Design, Synthesis, and Functionalization of Biocompatible Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles

Over the last few years, research on silica nanoparticles has rapidly increased. Particularly on mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs), as nanocarriers for the treatment of various diseases because of their physicochemical properties and biocompatibility. The use of MSNs combined with therapeutic agents can provide better encapsulation and effective delivery. MSNs as nanocarriers might also be a promising tool to lower the therapeutic dosage levels and thereby to reduce undesired side effects. Researchers have explored several routes to conjugate both imaging and therapeutic agents onto MSNs, thus expanding their potential as theranostic platforms, in order to allow for the early diagnosis and treatment of diseases. This review introduces a general overview of recent advances in the field of silica nanoparticles. In particular, the review tackles the fundamental aspects of silicate materials, including a historical presentation to new silicates and then focusing on the key parameters that govern the tailored synthesis of functional MSNs. Finally, the biomedical applications of MSNs are briefly revised, along with their biocompatibility, biodistribution and degradation. This review aims to provide the reader with the tools for a rational design of biocompatible MSNs for their application in the biomedical field. Particular attention is paid to the role that the synthesis conditions have on the physicochemical properties of the resulting MSNs, which, in turn, will determine their pharmacological behavior. Several recent examples are highlighted to stress the potential that MSNs hold as drug delivery systems, for biomedical imaging, as vaccine adjuvants and as theragnostic agents.

Exploring the role of nanomedicines for the therapeutic approach of central nervous system dysfunction: At a glance

In recent decades, research scientists, molecular biologists, and pharmacologists have placed a strong emphasis on cutting-edge nanostructured materials technologies to increase medicine delivery to the central nervous system (CNS). The application of nanoscience for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease (PD), multiple sclerosis (MS), Huntington’s disease (HD), brain cancer, and hemorrhage has the potential to transform care. Multiple studies have indicated that nanomaterials can be used to successfully treat CNS disorders in the case of neurodegeneration. Nanomedicine development for the cure of degenerative and inflammatory diseases of the nervous system is critical. Nanoparticles may act as a drug transporter that can precisely target sick brain sub-regions, boosting therapy success. It is important to develop strategies that can penetrate the blood–brain barrier (BBB) and improve the effectiveness of medications. One of the probable tactics is the use of different nanoscale materials. These nano-based pharmaceuticals offer low toxicity, tailored delivery, high stability, and drug loading capacity. They may also increase therapeutic effectiveness. A few examples of the many different kinds and forms of nanomaterials that have been widely employed to treat neurological diseases include quantum dots, dendrimers, metallic nanoparticles, polymeric nanoparticles, carbon nanotubes, liposomes, and micelles. These unique qualities, including sensitivity, selectivity, and ability to traverse the BBB when employed in nano-sized particles, make these nanoparticles useful for imaging studies and treatment of NDs. Multifunctional nanoparticles carrying pharmacological medications serve two purposes: they improve medication distribution while also enabling cell dynamics imaging and pharmacokinetic study. However, because of the potential for wide-ranging clinical implications, safety concerns persist, limiting any potential for translation. The evidence for using nanotechnology to create drug delivery systems that could pass across the BBB and deliver therapeutic chemicals to CNS was examined in this study.

Engineering mesoporous silica nanoparticles for drug delivery: where are we after two decades?

The present review details a chronological description of the events that took place during the development of mesoporous materials, their different synthetic routes and their use as drug delivery systems. The outstanding textural properties of these materials quickly inspired their translation to the nanoscale dimension leading to mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs). The different aspects of introducing pharmaceutical agents into the pores of these nanocarriers, together with their possible biodistribution and clearance routes, would be described here. The development of smart nanocarriers that are able to release a high local concentration of the therapeutic cargo on-demand after the application of certain stimuli would be reviewed here, together with their ability to deliver the therapeutic cargo to precise locations in the body. The huge progress in the design and development of MSNs for biomedical applications, including the potential treatment of different diseases, during the last 20 years will be collated here, together with the required work that still needs to be done to achieve the clinical translation of these materials. This review was conceived to stand out from past reports since it aims to tell the story of the development of mesoporous materials and their use as drug delivery systems by some of the story makers, who could be considered to be among the pioneers in this area.

In Vivo Sustained Release of Peptide Vaccine Mediated by Dendritic Mesoporous Silica Nanocarriers

Mesoporous silica nanoparticles have drawn increasing attention as promising candidates in vaccine delivery. Previous studies evaluating silica-based vaccine delivery systems concentrated largely on macromolecular antigens, such as inactivated whole viruses. In this study, we synthesized dendritic mesoporous silica nanoparticles (DMSNs), and we evaluated their effectiveness as delivery platforms for peptide-based subunit vaccines. We encapsulated and tested in vivo an earlier reported foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) peptide vaccine (B₂T). The B₂T@DMSNs formulation contained the peptide vaccine and the DMSNs without further need of other compounds neither adjuvants nor emulsions. We measured in vitro a sustained release up to 930 h. B₂T@DMSNs-57 and B₂T@DMSNs-156 released 23.7% (135 µg) and 22.8% (132 µg) of the total B₂T. The formation of a corona of serum proteins around the DMSNs increased the B₂T release up to 61% (348 µg/mg) and 80% (464 µg/mg) for B₂T@DMSNs-57 and B₂T@DMSNs-156. In vitro results point out to a longer sustained release, assisted by the formation of a protein corona around DMSNs, compared to the reference formulation (i.e., B₂T emulsified in Montanide). We further confirmed in vivo immunogenicity of B₂T@DMSNs in a particle size-dependent manner. Since B₂T@DMSNs elicited specific immune responses in mice with high IgG production like the reference B₂T@Montanide™, self-adjuvant properties of the DMSNs could be ascribed. Our results display DMSNs as efficacious nanocarriers for peptide-based vaccine administration.

Use of Protamine in Nanopharmaceuticals-A Review

Macromolecular biomolecules are currently dethroning classical small molecule therapeutics because of their improved targeting and delivery properties. Protamine-a small polycationic peptide-represents a promising candidate. In nature, it binds and protects DNA against degradation during spermatogenesis due to electrostatic interactions between the negatively charged DNA-phosphate backbone and the positively charged protamine. Researchers are mimicking this technique to develop innovative nanopharmaceutical drug delivery systems, incorporating protamine as a carrier for biologically active components such as DNA or RNA. The first part of this review highlights ongoing investigations in the field of protamine-associated nanotechnology, discussing the self-assembling manufacturing process and nanoparticle engineering. Immune-modulating properties of protamine are those that lead to the second key part, which is protamine in novel vaccine technologies. Protamine-based RNA delivery systems in vaccines (some belong to the new class of mRNA-vaccines) against infectious disease and their use in cancer treatment are reviewed, and we provide an update on the current state of latest developments with protamine as pharmaceutical excipient for vaccines.

Biomaterials-based formulations and surfaces to combat viral infectious diseases

Rapidly growing viral infections are potent risks to public health worldwide. Accessible virus-specific antiviral vaccines and drugs are therapeutically inert to emerging viruses, such as Zika, Ebola, and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Therefore, discovering ways to prevent and control viral infections is among the foremost medical challenge of our time. Recently, innovative technologies are emerging that involve the development of new biomaterial-based formulations and surfaces endowed with broad-spectrum antiviral properties. Here, we review emerging biomaterials technologies for controlling viral infections. Relevant advances in biomaterials employed with nanotechnology to inactivate viruses or to inhibit virus replication and further their translation in safe and effective antiviral formulations in clinical trials are discussed. We have included antiviral approaches based on both organic and inorganic nanoparticles (NPs), which offer many advantages over molecular medicine. An insight into the development of immunomodulatory scaffolds in designing new platforms for personalized vaccines is also considered. Substantial research on natural products and herbal medicines and their potential in novel antiviral drugs are discussed. Furthermore, to control contagious viral infections, i.e., to reduce the viral load on surfaces, current strategies focusing on biomimetic anti-adhesive surfaces through nanostructured topography and hydrophobic surface modification techniques are introduced. Biomaterial surfaces functionalized with antimicrobial polymers and nanoparticles against viral infections are also discussed. We recognize the importance of research on antiviral biomaterials and present potential strategies for future directions in applying these biomaterial-based approaches to control viral infections and SARS-CoV-2.

Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles as a Potential Platform for Vaccine Development against Tuberculosis

The increasing emergence of new strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) highly resistant to antibiotics constitute a public health issue, since tuberculosis still constitutes the primary cause of death in the world due to bacterial infection. Mtb has been shown to produce membrane-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) containing proteins responsible for modulating the pathological immune response after infection. These natural vesicles were considered a promising alternative to the development of novel vaccines. However, their use was compromised by the observed lack of reproducibility between preparations. In this work, with the aim of developing nanosystems mimicking the extracellular vesicles produced by Mtb, mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) have been used as nanocarriers of immunomodulatory and vesicle-associated proteins (Ag85B, LprG and LprA). These novel nanosystems have been designed and extensively characterized, demonstrating the effectiveness of the covalent anchorage of the immunomodulatory proteins to the surface of the MSNs. The immunostimulatory capacity of the designed nanosystems has been demonstrated by measuring the levels of pro- (TNF) and anti-inflammatory (IL-10) cytokines in exposed macrophages. These results open a new possibility for the development of more complex nanosystems, including additional vesicle components or even antitubercular drugs, thus allowing for the combination of immunomodulatory and bactericidal effects against Mtb.

Highlights in Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles as a Multifunctional Controlled Drug Delivery Nanoplatform for Infectious Diseases Treatment

Infectious diseases are a major global concern being responsible for high morbidity and mortality mainly due to the development and enhancement of multidrug-resistant microorganisms exposing the fragility of medicines and vaccines commonly used to these treatments. Taking into account the scarcity of effective formulation to treat infectious diseases, nanotechnology offers a vast possibility of ground-breaking platforms to design new treatment through smart nanostructures for drug delivery purposes. Among the available nanosystems, mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) stand out due their multifunctionality, biocompatibility and tunable properties make them emerging and actual nanocarriers for specific and controlled drug release. Considering the high demand for diseases prevention and treatment, this review exploits the MSNs fabrication and their behavior in biological media besides highlighting the most of strategies to explore the wide MSNs functionality as engineered, smart and effective controlled drug release nanovehicles for infectious diseases treatment. Graphical Abstract Schematic representation of multifunctional MSNs-based nanoplatforms for infectious diseases treatment.

Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles as Carriers for Therapeutic Biomolecules

The enormous versatility of mesoporous silica nanoparticles permits the creation of a large number of nanotherapeutic systems for the treatment of cancer and many other pathologies. In addition to the controlled release of small drugs, these materials allow a broad number of molecules of a very different nature and sizes. In this review, we focus on biogenic species with therapeutic abilities (proteins, peptides, nucleic acids, and glycans), as well as how nanotechnology, in particular silica-based materials, can help in establishing new and more efficient routes for their administration. Indeed, since the applicability of those combinations of mesoporous silica with bio(macro)molecules goes beyond cancer treatment, we address a classification based on the type of therapeutic action. Likewise, as illustrative content, we highlight the most typical issues and problems found in the preparation of those hybrid nanotherapeutic materials.

Effect of nanoparticles on the therapeutic efficacy of praziquantel against Schistosoma mansoni infection in murine models

Praziquantel (PZQ) is the main treatment of Schistosomiasis mansoni. However, resistance to it was described. So, there is a necessity to develop novel drugs or to enhance the present drugs. This work aimed to assess the efficacy of PZQ alone and when loaded on liposomes in treatment of S. mansoni infection by parasitological and histopathological studies in experimental murine models. 112 male laboratories bred Swiss Albino mice were used in this work. They were divided into four groups: Group 1: control group; Group 2: infected then treated by PZQ (500 mg/kg) at 7, 30 and 45 days post infection; Group 3: infected then treated by liposome encapsulated PZQ (lip.PZQ) (500 mg/kg) at 7, 30 and 45 days post infection; Group 4: infected then treated by free liposomes at 7, 30 and 45 days post infection. The results showed that G3 caused the highest significant reduction of the total worm count, eggs/gram liver tissue and intestine (97.2%, 99.3%, 99.5%) respectively. Followed by G2 (85.1%, 97.6%, 89.8%) respectively. Regarding the histopathological studies, G3 showed the highest significant reduction in number and diameter of hepatic granuloma (97.6% and 98.1%), followed by G2 (77.2% and 75%) when compared to other groups. In conclusion, lip.PZQ is more effective than free PZQ from all aspects especially when administered 45 days PI.

Asymmetric mesoporous silica nanoparticles as potent and safe immunoadjuvants provoke high immune responses

Asymmetric mesoporous silica nanoparticles with a head–tail structure are potent immunoadjuvants in delivering a peptide antigen, generating higher antibody immune response in mice compared to their symmetric counterparts.

Nanotechnology as a potential therapeutic alternative for schistosomiasis

Schistosomiasis is a neglected disease that affects millions of people worldwide, recognized as the most important human helminth infection in terms of morbidity and mortality. The treatment of choice presents low bioavailability and water solubility, in addition to the induction of parasite resistance. In this context, researchers have been conducting studies seeking to develop new drugs to ensure safety, quality, and efficacy against this parasitosis. In this scenario, nanotechnology arises including the drug delivery systems in nanoscale: nanoemulsions, liposomes and nanoparticles. These drug delivery systems have been extensively applied for in vitro and in vivo studies against Schistosoma spp. with promising results. This review pointed out the most relevant development scenarios regarding the treatment of schistosomiasis as well as the application of nanotechnology as a vaccine, highlighting the use of nanotechnology as an alternative therapy for both the repositioning of drugs and the use of new pharmaceutical products, with promising results regarding the aforementioned disease.

Design and pharmaceutical applications of porous particles

Porous particles have been developed as a novel carrier to improve drug delivery, dissolution, tableting, and so on, which can be prepared by many methods.