Denatured food protein-coated nanosuspension: A promising approach for anticancer delivery of hydrophobic drug

Unveiling the critical pH values triggering the unfolding of soy 7S and 11S globulins and enhancing their encapsulation efficiency

The pH-shifting process is an effective encapsulation method, and it is typically performed at extreme alkaline pH, which severely limits the application. In this study, we found that there were critical pH for the unfolding proteins during pH-shifting from 7 to 12, and upon the critical pH, physiochemical characteristics of protein greatly changed, leading to a sharp increase of encapsulation of hydrophobic actives. Firstly, the critical pH for β-conglycinin (7S) or Glycinin (11S) unfolding was determined by multispectral technology. The critical pH for 7S and 11S were 10.5 and 10.3, respectively. The encapsulation efficiency (EE) obtained by β-conglycinin-curcumin nanocomposite (7S-Cur) (88.80 %) and Glycinin-curcumin nanocomposite (11S-Cur) (88.38 %) at critical pH was significantly higher than that obtained by pH 7 (7S-Cur = 16.66 % and 11S-Cur = 15.78 %), and both values were close to EE obtained by at 12 (7S-Cur = 95.16 % and 11S-Cur = 94.63 %). The large-scale application of hydrophobic functional compounds will be enhanced by the experimental results.

Thermo- and pH-responsive targeted lipid-coated mesoporous nano silica platform for dual delivery of paclitaxel and gemcitabine to overcome HER2-positive breast cancer

In the current study, a new monoclonal antibody conjugated dual stimuli lipid-coated mesoporous silica nanoparticles (L-MSNs) platform was developed and investigated for specific co-delivery of the paclitaxel (PTX) and gemcitabine (Gem) to cancer cells and preventing their side effects during the treatment process. First, MSNs were synthesized and then coated with as-prepared pH-, and thermo-sensitive niosomes to produce L-MSNs. For this aim, Dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) was used to create thermo-sensitivity, and 1, 2-Distearoyl-sn-glycerol-3-phosphoethanolamine -Citraconic Anhydride-Polyethylene Glycol (DSPE-CA-PEG) polymers were prepared and incorporated to the lipid layer for creation of pH-sensitivity. In the next step, trastuzumab as a monoclonal antibody (mAb) was conjugated to the maleimide groups of the 1, 2-Distearoyl-sn-glycerol-3-phosphoethanolamine DSPE-polyethylene glycol (PEG)-maleimide agents in the lipid bilayer via a disulfide bond. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) and zeta potential measurements, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analyses were utilized to characterize the synthesized particles before and after surface modification. The encapsulation efficiency (EE%) and loading efficiency (LE%) of the particles were also evaluated. Additionally, the drug release study and MTT assay were done to evaluate the bioactivity potential of the fabricated platforms. The results of DLS and zeta potential measurements revealed an average size of 200 nm and a neutral zeta potential of about -1 mV for mAb-L-MSNs. Also, the FTIR spectra confirmed the formation of mAb-L-MSNs. Moreover, SEM analysis showed spherical-shaped MSNs with amorphous structure confirmed by XRD analysis, and BET test revealed ∼ 820 m2/g specific surface area and pore about 5 nm in size. The values of EE% and LE% of PTX were 90.3 % and 26.7 %, while these values for GEM were 89.5 % and 38.8 % in the co-loaded form, respectively. The thermo-pH-sensitivity examination showed approximately 500 nm of size increase after the change of pH and temperature from 7.4 and 37˚C to 5 and 42˚C. The release profile showed a pH-, and thermo-dependence manner, which led to about 89 % and 95 % of PTX and GEM released from the co-loaded platform at a pH of 5 and 42 °C while these values were 31.1 % and 32.2 % at pH of 7.4 and 37˚C, respectively. MTT assay data presented that when the mAb-L-co-loaded-MSNs platform containing 250 µg/mL drug was used, about 92 % of cells died in human epidermal receptors (HER2)-positive breast cancer cells (SKBR3), while just about 4 % of HER2-negative normal cells were killed. However, the growth inhibition rate of SKBR3 cells was caused by empty-mAb-L-MSNs, pure PTX and GEM combination were 9 % and 87 %, respectively. Moreover, the half inhibitory concentration (IC50) of the pure PTX, pure GEM, and mAb-coloaded-L-MSNs were 33, 17.6, and 6.5 µg/mL. The synergic effect of co-encapsulation of PTX and GEM in addition to trastuzumab conjugated L-MSNs was confirmed by a combinational index (CI) of 0.34. Therefore, this strategy leads to specific targeted drug delivery to cancer cells using a key-lock interaction between the trastuzumab and HER-2 receptors on the cancer cell membrane which stimuli the endocytosis of the particles to the cells followed by the destruction of the lipid layer in the acidic pH and the temperature of the lysosome, leading to enhanced release of PTX and GEM (pH of 5 and 42˚C). So, this platform can be considered a suitable carrier for cancer treatment.

Novel tetrahydrocurcumin integrated mucoadhesive nanocomposite κ-carrageenan/xanthan gum sponges: a strategy for effective local treatment of oral cancerous and precancerous lesions

Oral cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Oral precancerous lesions (OPL) are the precursors of oral cancer, with varying degrees of progression. Tetrahydrocurcumin (THC) is a major metabolite of curcumin with superior anticancer properties against various types of cancer. However, THC's clinical outcome is limited by its poor aqueous solubility. Herein, we developed novel mucoadhesive biopolymer-based composite sponges for buccal delivery of THC, exploiting nanotechnology and mucoadhesion for efficient prevention and treatment of oral cancer. Firstly, THC-nanocrystals (THC-NC) were formulated and characterized for subsequent loading into mucoadhesive composite sponges. The anticancer activity of THC-NC was assessed on a human tongue squamous carcinoma cell line (SCC-4). Finally, the chemopreventive activity of THC-NC loaded sponges (THC-NC-S) was examined in DMBA-induced hamster OPL. The selected THC-NC exhibited a particle size of 532.68 ± 13.20 nm and a zeta potential of -46.08 ± 1.12 mV. Moreover, THC-NC enhanced the anticancer effect against SCC-4 with an IC50 value of 80 µg/mL. THC-NC-S exhibited good mucoadhesion properties (0.24 ± 0.02 N) with sustained drug release, where 90% of THC was released over 4 days. Furthermore, THC-NC-S had a magnificent potential for maintaining high chemopreventive activity, as demonstrated by significant regression in the dysplasia degree and a decline in cyclin D1 (control: 40.4 ± 12.5, THC-NC-S: 12.07 ± 5.2), culminating in significant amelioration after 25 days of treatment. Conclusively, novel THC-NC-S represent a promising platform for local therapy of OPL, preventing their malignant transformation into cancer.

Nanosuspensions as carriers of active ingredients: Chemical composition, development methods, and their biological activities

Nanosuspensions (NSps) are colloidal dispersions of particles that have the potential to solve the delivery problems of active ingredients associated with their low solubility in water or instability due to environmental factors. It is essential to consider their chemical composition and preparation methods because they directly influence drug loading, size, morphology, solubility, and stability; these characteristics of nanosuspensions influence the delivery and bioavailability of active ingredients. NSps provides high loading of drugs, protection against degrading agents, rapid dissolution, high particle stability, and high bioavailability of active ingredients across biological membranes. In addition, they provide lower toxicity compared to other nanocarriers, such as liposomes or polymeric nanoparticles, and can modify the pharmacokinetic profiles, thus improving their safety and efficacy. The present review aims to address all aspects related to the composition of NSps, the different methods for their production, and the main factors affecting their stability. Moreover, recent studies are described as carriers of active ingredients and their biological activities.

A new theranostic pH-responsive niosome formulation for Doxorubicin delivery and bio-imaging against breast cancer

As one of the newest generations of nanoplatforms, smart nanotheranostics have attracted signifivant attentions for medical applications, especially in oncology and cancer treatment. Indeed, their capability to provide treatment and diagnosis simultaneously leads to reduce time and side effects along with improving the performance. This study aims to introduce a novel smart nano-platform composed of doxorubicin-loaded pH-responsive stealth niosomes containing CdSe/ZnS Quantum dots as an imaging agent. Drug loaded nano-platform was fabricated via thin-film hydration method and then evaluated using different physicochemical tests. The entrapment efficiency and release profile of doxorubicin were assessed at three different pH (4, 6.5, and 7.4). Biological features and imaging ability of the nanoparticles were also evaluated by MTT assay, apoptosis assay, and fluorescence microscopy. Results showed that the fabricated nanoparticles were round-shaped, with a mean size of about 100±10 nm, -2 mV surface charge, and about 87% entrapment efficiency. The drug release profile presented a pH-responsive behavior (80, 60, and 40% drug release in pH 4, 6.5, and 7.4, respectively). The bio-activity assessments showed nearly 55% cytotoxicity effects via inducing cell apoptosis. Besides, the uptake of samples by the cells was confirmed through fluorescence imaging. Based on the results, this new nanoformulation could be considered as a candidate for future cancer theranostic applications.

In Vitro Evaluation of Photodynamic Activity of Plant Extracts from Senna Species against Microorganisms of Medical and Dental Interest

Background: Bacterial resistance requires new treatments for infections. In this context, antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) is an effective and promising option. Objectives: Three plant extracts (Senna splendida, Senna alata, and Senna macranthera) were evaluated as photosensitizers for aPDT. Methods: Cutibacterium acnes (ATCC 6919), Streptococcus mutans (ATCC 35668), Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923), Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922), and Candida albicans (ATCC 90028) were evaluated. Reactive oxygen species production was also verified. Oral keratinocytes assessed cytotoxicity. LC-DAD-MS analysis identified the chemical components of the evaluated extracts. Results: Most species cultured in the planktonic phase showed total microbial reduction (>6 log10 CFU/mL/p < 0.0001) for all extracts. C. albicans cultured in biofilm showed total microbial reduction (7.68 log10 CFU/mL/p < 0.0001) for aPDT mediated by all extracts. Extracts from S. macranthera and S. alata produced the highest number of reactive oxygen species (p < 0.0001). The S. alata extract had the highest cell viability. The LC-DAD-MS analysis of active extracts showed one naphthopyrone and seven anthraquinones as potential candidates for photoactive compounds. Conclusion: This study showed that aPDT mediated by Senna spp. was efficient in microbial suspension and biofilm of microorganisms of medical and dental interest.

A Simple Preparation Method of Gelatin Hydrogels Incorporating Cisplatin for Sustained Release

The objective of this study was to develop a new preparation method for cisplatin (CDDP)-incorporated gelatin hydrogels without using chemical crosslinking nor a vacuum heating instrument for dehydrothermal crosslinking. By simply mixing CDDP and gelatin, CDDP-crosslinked gelatin hydrogels (CCGH) were prepared. CDDP functions as a crosslinking agent of gelatin to form the gelatin hydrogel. Simultaneously, CDDP is incorporated into the gelatin hydrogel as a controlled release carrier. CDDP's in vitro and in vivo anticancer efficacy after incorporation into CCGH was evaluated. In the in vitro system, the CDDP was released gradually due to CCGH degradation with an initial burst release of approximately 16%. CDDP metal-coordinated with the degraded fragment of gelatin was released from CCGH with maintaining the anticancer activity. After intraperitoneal administration of CCGH, CDDP was detected in the blood circulation while its toxicity was low. Following intraperitoneal administration of CCGH in a murine peritoneal dissemination model of human gastric cancer MKN45-Luc cell line, the survival time was significantly prolonged compared with free CDDP solution. It is concluded that CCGH prepared by the CDDP-based crosslinking of gelatin is an excellent sustained release system of CDDP to achieve superior anticancer effects with minimal side effects compared with free CDDP solution.

Silymarin nanocrystals-laden chondroitin sulphate-based thermoreversible hydrogels; A promising approach for bioavailability enhancement

Hydrogels has gained tremendous interest as a controlled release drug delivery. However, currently it is a big challenge to attain high drug-loading as well as stable and sustained release of hydrophobic drugs. The poor aqueous solubility and low bioavailability of many drugs have driven the need for research in new formulations. This manuscript hypothesized that incorporation of nanocrystals of hydrophobic drug, such as silymarin into thermoreversible hydrogel could be a solution to these problems. Herein, we prepared nanocrystals of silymarin by antisolvent precipitation technique and characterized for morphology, particle size, polydispersity index (PDI) and zeta potential. Moreover, physical cross-linking of hydrogel formulations based on chondroitin sulphate (CS), kappa-Carrageenan (κ-Cr) and Pluronic® F127 was confirmed by Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). The hydrogel gelation time and temperature of optimized hydrogel was 14 ± 3.2 s and 34 ± 0.6 °C, respectively. The release data revealed controlled release of silymarin up to 48 h and in-vivo pharmacokinetic profiling was done in rabbits and further analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). It is believed that the nanocrystals loaded thermoreversible injectable hydrogel system fabricated in this study provides high drug loading as well as controlled and stable release of hydrophobic drug for extended period.

Leveraging disulfiram to treat cancer: Mechanisms of action, delivery strategies, and treatment regimens

Disulfiram (DSF) has been used as an alcoholism drug for 70 years. Recently, it has attracted increasing attention owing to the distinguished anticancer activity, which can be further potentiated by the supplementation of Cu²⁺. Although encouraging anticancer results are obtained in lab, the clinical outcomes of oral DSF are not satisfactory, which urges an in-depth understanding of the underlying mechanisms, bottlenecks, and proposal of potential methods to address the dilemma. In this review, a critical summarization of various molecular biological anticancer mechanisms of DSF/Cu²⁺ is provided and the predicament of orally delivering DSF in clinical oncotherapy is explained by the metabolic barriers. We highlight the recent advances in the DSF/Cu²⁺ delivery strategies and the emerging treatment regimens for cancer treatment. Last but not the least, we summarize the clinical trials regarding DSF and make a prospect of DSF/Cu-based cancer therapy.

Formulation, optimization, and characterization of whey protein isolate nanocrystals for celecoxib delivery

AIM

Current study aimed to improve the solubility and release profile of the celecoxib for cancer application. However, the low water solubility of celecoxib limited its application for cancer chemotherapy. Hence, new drug delivery-based approaches are compulsory for the efficient delivery of hydrophobic celecoxib for chemotherapy.

METHODS

The celecoxib-loaded nanocrystals were prepared by anti-solvent precipitation-ultrasonication technique, and the formulation was optimised through various process parameters.

RESULTS

The optimised formulation had an average particle diameter of 171.09 ± 6.23 nm, with a PDI of 0.123 ± 0.009 and high ZP -27.3 ± 0.2 mV. The optimised formulation was stable, had higher entrapment efficiency 97.26 ± 1.12%. The conformational changes in the denatured protein solution were detected through fluorescence spectroscopy. The transmission electron microscopy investigation showed rod-shaped nanocrystals morphology, and no chemical interactions were observed in optimised formulation through FTIR. The DSC and PXRD analysis exhibited an amorphous state of the freeze-dried formulation drug. Also, optimised nanocrystals enhance drug solubility around 26.01-fold, 15.51-fold and 19.08-fold in purified water, pH 6.8 and pH 7.4, and accomplish sustained drug delivery, respectively.

CONCLUSION

It can be concluded that biopolymer-coated celecoxib nanocrystals might be potential drug delivery of hydrophobic molecules for cancer therapy.

Innovative Betulin Nanosuspension exhibits enhanced anticancer activity in a Triple Negative Breast Cancer Cell line and Zebrafish angiogenesis model

We present a nanosuspension of betulin, a BCS class II anticancer drug, particularly effective against resistant breast cancer. As anticancer efficacy of betulin is hampered by poor aqueous solubility, a nanosuspension with surface area was considered to enhance efficacy. An innovative approach wherein the betulin nanosuspension is generated instantaneously in situ, by adding a betulin preconcentrate (BeTPC) comprising drug and excipients, to aqueous medium, is successfully demonstrated. The optimal BeTPC when added to isotonic dextrose solution instantaneously generated an in situ nanosuspension (BeTNS-15) with high precipitation efficiency (92.7 ± 1.21%), average particle size (383.74 ± 7.24 nm) and good stability as per ICH guidelines. TEM revealed elongated particles while DSC and XRD indicated partial amorphization. Significantly higher cytotoxicity of BeTNS-15 (IC₅₀ 38.44 µg/ml) compared to betulin (BetS) (IC₅₀ 69.54 µg/ml) in the resistant triple negative human breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231, was attributed to high intracellular uptake confirmed by HPLC and Imaging Flow cytometry (IFC). IFC confirmed superior anti-cancer efficacy of BeTNS-15 mediated by mitochondrial membrane disruption and inhibition of the G0/G1 phase. BeTNS-15 also exhibited significantly greater anti-angiogenic efficacy (p < 0.05) in the zebrafish model confirming superior efficacy. Simplicity of the innovative in situ approach coupled with superior efficacy proposes BeTNS as an innovative and highly promising anticancer formulation.

Enhanced cellular uptake and cytotoxicity of vorinostat through encapsulation in TPGS-modified liposomes

Vorinostat (VOR) is known as one of the histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi) for cancer treatment, and the FDA approves it for cutaneous T cell lymphoma therapy. Poor solubility, permeability, and less anti-cancer activity are the main challenges for the effective delivery of VOR against various cancers. So, our team assumed that the surface-coated liposomes might improve the physicochemical properties of biopharmaceutics classification system class IV drugs such as VOR. The present study aimed to enhance the cytotoxicity and improve cellular uptake using TPGS-coated liposomes in breast cancer cells. Liposomes were fabricated by the film hydration following the probe ultra-sonication method. OR-LIPO and TPGS-VOR-LIPO showed an average particle size of 211.97 ± 3.42 nm with PDI 0.2168 ± 0.006 and 176.99 ± 2.06 nm with PDI 0.175 ± 0.018, respectively. TPGS-coated liposomes had better stability and revealed more than 80 % encapsulation efficiency than conventional liposomes. Transmission electron microscopy confirmed the TPGS coating around liposomes. Moreover, TPGS-coated liposomes enhanced the solubility and showed sustained release of VOR over 48 h. DSC and PXRD analysis also reveal an amorphous state of VOR within the liposomal formulation. MTT assay result indicates that the superior cytotoxic effect of surface-modified liposomes contrasts with the conventional and free VOR solution, respectively. Fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry results also presented an enhanced cellular uptake of TPGS-coated liposomes against breast cancer cells, respectively. The current investigation's final results declared that TPGS-coated liposomes are promising drug carriers for the effective delivery of hydrophobic drugs for cancer therapy.

Thermosensitive Chitosan-Based Injectable Hydrogel as an Efficient Anticancer Drug Carrier

A thermosensitive, physically cross-linked injectable hydrogel was formulated for the effective and sustained delivery of disulfiram (DSF) to the cancer cells as there is no hydrogel formulation available until now for the delivery of DSF. As we know, hydrogels have an advantage over other drug delivery systems because of their unique properties, so we proposed to formulate an injectable hydrogel system for the sustained delivery of an anticancer drug (DSF) to cancer cells. To investigate the surface morphology, a scanning electron microscope study was carried out, and for thermal stability of hydrogels, TGA (thermogravimetric analysis) and DSC (differential scanning calorimetry) were performed. The rheological behavior of hydrogels was evaluated with the increasing temperature and time. These developed hydrogels possessing excellent biocompatibility could be injected at room temperature following rapid gel formation at body temperature. The swelling index and in vitro drug release studies were performed at different pH (6.8 and 7.4) and temperatures (25 and 37 °C). The cell viability of the blank hydrogel, free DSF solution, and Ch/DSF (chitosan/DSF)-loaded hydrogel was studied by MTT assay on SMMC-7721 cells for 24 and 48 h, which exhibited higher cytotoxicity in a dose-dependent manner in contrast to the free DSF solution. Moreover, the cellular uptake of DSF-loaded hydrogels was observed stronger as compared with free DSF. Hence, chitosan-based hydrogels loaded with DSF possessing exceptional properties can be used as a novel injectable anticancer drug for the sustained delivery of DSF for long-term cancer therapy.