Surface engineered nanoliposomal platform for selective lymphatic uptake of asenapine maleate: In vitro and in vivo studies

Oral targeted drug delivery to post-gastrointestinal sites

As an essential branch of targeted drug delivery, oral targeted delivery is attracting growing attention in recent years. In addition to site-specific delivery for the treatment of locoregional diseases in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT), oral targeted delivery to remote sites beyond the GIT emerges as a cutting-edge research topic. This review aims to provide an overview of the fundamental concepts and most recent advances in this field. Owing to the physiological barriers existing in the GIT, carrier systems should be transported across the enteric epithelia to target remote sites. Recently, pioneer investigations have validated the transport of intact micro- or nanocarriers across gastrointestinal barriers and subsequently to various distal organs and tissues. The microfold (M) cell pathway is the leading mechanism underlying the oral absorption of particulates, but the contribution of the transcellular and paracellular pathways should not be neglected either. In addition to well-acknowledged physicochemical and biological factors, the formation of a protein corona may also influence the biological fate of carrier systems. Although in an early stage of conceptualization, oral targeted delivery to remote diseases has demonstrated promising potential for the treatment of inflammation, tumors, and diseases inflicting the lymphatic and mononuclear phagocytosis systems.

A nanoemulsified formulation of dolutegravir and epigallocatechin gallate inhibits HIV-1 replication in cellular models

Nanotechnology offers promising avenues for enhancing drug delivery systems, particularly in HIV-1 treatment. This study investigates a nanoemulsified formulation combining epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) with dolutegravir (DTG) for managing HIV-1 infection. The combinatorial interaction between EGCG and DTG was explored through cellular, enzymatic, and molecular studies. In vitro assays demonstrated the potential of a dual drug-loaded nanoemulsion, NE-DTG-EGCG, in inhibiting HIV-1 replication, with EGCG serving as a supplementary treatment containing DTG. In silico molecular interaction studies highlighted EGCG's multifaceted inhibitory potential against HIV-1 integrase and reverse transcriptase enzymes. Further investigations are needed to validate the formulation's efficacy across diverse contexts. Overall, by integrating nanotechnology into drug delivery systems, this study represents a significant advancement in managing HIV-1 infection.

Encapsulation of a novel peptide derived from histatin-1 in liposomes against initial enamel caries in vitro and in vivo

OBJECTIVES

Biomimetic mineralization mediated by proteins and peptides is a promising strategy for enamel repair, and its specific application model needs more research. In this work, we exploited a liposomal delivery system for a novel peptide (DK5) derived from histatin-1 (DK5-Lips) as a new biomimetic mineralization strategy against initial enamel caries.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The DK5-Lips was prepared using calcium acetate gradient method and then the in vitro release, salivary stability, and cytotoxicity were studied. Initial enamel caries was created in bovine enamel blocks and subjected to pH-cycling model treated with DK5-Lips. Surface microhardness testing, polarized light microscopy (PLM), and transverse microradiography (TMR) were analyzed. Then the biocompatibility of DK5-Lips was evaluated in the caries model of Sprague-Dawley rats, and the anti-caries effect was assessed using Micro-CT analysis, Keyes scores, and PLM in vivo.

RESULTS

DK5-Lips provided a mean particle size of (97.63 ± 4.94)nm and encapsulation efficiency of (61.46 ± 1.44)%, exhibiting a sustained release profile, excellent stability in saliva, and no significant toxicity on human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs). The DK5-Lips group had higher surface microhardness recovery, shallower caries depth, and less mineral loss in bovine enamel. Animal experiments showed higher volume and density values of residual molar enamel, lower Keyes score, and shallower lesion depth of the DK5-Lips group with good biocompatibility.

CONCLUSION

As a safe and effective application model, DK5-Lips could significantly promote the remineralization of initial enamel caries both in vitro and in vivo.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

The potential of liposome utilization as vehicle for oral delivery of functional peptides may provide a new way for enamel restoration.

Ameliorative anticancer effect of dendrimeric peptide modified liposomes of letrozole: In vitro and in vivo performance evaluations

Letrozole (LTZ) loaded dendrimeric nano-liposomes were prepared for targeted delivery to breast cancer cells. Surface modification with cationic peptide dendrimers (PDs) and a cancer specific ligand, transferrin (Tf), was attempted. Arginine-terminated PD (D-1) and Arginine-terminated, lipidated PD (D-2) were synthesized using Solid Phase Peptide Synthesis, purified by preparative HPLC and characterized using 1HNMR, MS and DSC analyses. Surface modification of drug loaded liposomes with Tf and/or PD was carried out. Formulations were characterized using FTIR, DSC, 1HNMR, XRD and TEM. Tf-conjugated LTZ liposomes (LTf) and Tf/D-2-conjugated LTZ liposomes (LTfD-2) showed greater cytotoxic potential (IC50 = 95.03 µg/mL and 23.75 µg/mL respectively) with enhanced cellular uptake in MCF7 cells compared to plain LTZ. Blocking studies of Tf (Tf-receptor mediated internalization) revealed decreased uptake of LTf and LTfD-2 confirming the role of Tf in uptake of Tf-conjugated liposomes. Intravenous treatment with LTfD-2 caused highest reduction in tumor volumes of female BALB/c-nude mice (145 mm3) compared to plain LTZ (605 mm3) and unconjugated LTZ liposomes (LP) (300 mm3). In vivo biodistribution studies revealed higher fluorescence in tumor tissue and liver of LTfD-2 treated mice than LTf or LP treatment. Immunohistochemical studies revealed greater apoptotic potential of LTfD-2 as indicated by TUNEL assay and ROS detection assay. The study reveals the superior therapeutic efficacy of the developed LTZ liposomal nanocarriers using PDs to enhance the transfection efficiency in addition to modifying the surface characteristics by attaching a targeting ligand for active drug targeting to breast cancer cells.

Anti-CD4 antibody and dendrimeric peptide based targeted nano-liposomal dual drug formulation for the treatment of HIV infection

AIMS

Development and characterization of LAM and DTG loaded liposomes conjugated anti-CD4 antibody and peptide dendrimer (PD2) to improve the therapeutic efficacy and to achieve targeted treatment for HIV infection.

MAIN METHODS

A 2-level full factorial design was used to optimize the preparation of dual drug loaded liposomes. Optimized dual drug loaded ligand conjugated liposomes were assessed for their cytotoxicity and cell internalization on TZM-bl cells. Anti-HIV efficiency of the dual drug loaded liposomes were screened for their inhibitory potential in TZM-bl cells and the activities were confirmed using Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells (PBMCs).

KEY FINDINGS

The particle size of the optimized dual drug-loaded liposomes was 133.7 ± 4.04 nm, and the spherical morphology of the liposomes was confirmed by TEM analysis. The entrapment efficiency was 34 ± 4.9 % and 54 ± 1.8 % for LAM and DTG, respectively, and a slower in vitro release of LAM and DTG was observed when entrapped into liposomes. The cytotoxicity of the dual drug loaded liposomes was similar to the cytotoxicity of free drug solutions. Conjugation of anti-CD4 antibody and PD2 did not significantly influence the cytotoxicity but it enhanced the uptake of liposomes into the cells. Conjugated dual drug loaded liposomes exhibited better HIV inhibition with lower IC50 values (0.0003 ± 0.0002 μg/mL) compared to their free drug solutions (0.002 ± 0.001 μg/mL). The liposomal formulations have shown similar activities in both screening and confirmatory cell-based assays.

SIGNIFICANCE

The results demonstrated the cell targeting ability of dual drug loaded liposomes conjugated with anti-CD4 antibody and peptide dendrimer. Conjugated liposomes also improved anti-HIV efficiency of LAM and DTG.

Pentapeptide cRGDfK-Surface Engineered Nanostructured Lipid Carriers as an Efficient Tool for Targeted Delivery of Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor for Battling Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Background

Antitumor research aims to efficiently target hepatocarcinoma cells (HCC) for drug delivery. Nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) are promising for active tumour targeting. Cell-penetrating peptides are feasible ligands for targeted cancer treatment.

Methods

In this study, we optimized gefitinib-loaded NLCs (GF-NLC) for HCC treatment. The NLCs contained cholesterol, oleic acid, Pluronic F-68, and Phospholipon 90G. The NLC surface was functionalized to enhance targeting with the cRGDfK-pentapeptide, which binds to the αvβ3 integrin receptor overexpressed on hepatocarcinoma cells.

Results

GF-NLC formulation was thoroughly characterized for various parameters using differential scanning calorimetry and X-ray diffraction analysis. In-vitro and in-vivo studies on the HepG2 cell line showed cRGDfK@GF-NLC's superiority over GF-NLC and free gefitinib. cRGDfK@GF-NLC exhibited significantly higher cytotoxicity, growth inhibition, and cellular internalization. Biodistribution studies demonstrated enhanced tumour site accumulation without organ toxicity. The findings highlight cRGDfK@GF-NLC as a highly efficient carrier for targeted drug delivery, surpassing non-functionalized NLCs. These functionalized NLCs offer promising prospects for improving hepatocarcinoma therapy outcomes by specifically targeting HCC cells.

Conclusion

Based on these findings, cRGDfK@GF-NLC holds immense potential as a highly efficient carrier for targeted drug delivery of anticancer agents, surpassing the capabilities of non-functionalized NLCs. This research opens up new avenues for effective treatment strategies in hepatocarcinoma.

Engineered Liposomes in Interventional Theranostics of Solid Tumors

Engineered liposomal nanoparticles have unique characteristics as cargo carriers in cancer care and therapeutics. Liposomal theranostics have shown significant progress in preclinical and clinical cancer models in the past few years. Liposomal hybrid systems have not only been approved by the FDA but have also reached the market level. Nanosized liposomes are clinically proven systems for delivering multiple therapeutic as well as imaging agents to the target sites in (i) cancer theranostics of solid tumors, (ii) image-guided therapeutics, and (iii) combination therapeutic applications. The choice of diagnostics and therapeutics can intervene in the theranostics property of the engineered system. However, integrating imaging and therapeutics probes within lipid self-assembly "liposome" may compromise their overall theranostics performance. On the other hand, liposomal systems suffer from their fragile nature, site-selective tumor targeting, specific biodistribution and premature leakage of loaded cargo molecules before reaching the target site. Various engineering approaches, viz., grafting, conjugation, encapsulations, etc., have been investigated to overcome the aforementioned issues. It has been studied that surface-engineered liposomes demonstrate better tumor selectivity and improved therapeutic activity and retention in cells/or solid tumors. It should be noted that several other parameters like reproducibility, stability, smooth circulation, toxicity of vital organs, patient compliance, etc. must be addressed before using liposomal theranostics agents in solid tumors or clinical models. Herein, we have reviewed the importance and challenges of liposomal medicines in targeted cancer theranostics with their preclinical and clinical progress and a translational overview.

Advancement in Solubilization Approaches: A Step towards Bioavailability Enhancement of Poorly Soluble Drugs

A drug's aqueous solubility is defined as the ability to dissolve in a particular solvent, and it is currently a major hurdle in bringing new drug molecules to the market. According to some estimates, up to 40% of commercialized products and 70-90% of drug candidates in the development stage are poorly soluble, which results in low bioavailability, diminished therapeutic effects, and dosage escalation. Because of this, solubility must be taken into consideration when developing and fabricating pharmaceutical products. To date, a number of approaches have been investigated to address the problem of poor solubility. This review article attempts to summarize several conventional methods utilized to increase the solubility of poorly soluble drugs. These methods include the principles of physical and chemical approaches such as particle size reduction, solid dispersion, supercritical fluid technology, cryogenic technology, inclusion complex formation techniques, and floating granules. It includes structural modification (i.e., prodrug, salt formation, co-crystallization, use of co-solvents, hydrotrophy, polymorphs, amorphous solid dispersions, and pH variation). Various nanotechnological approaches such as liposomes, nanoparticles, dendrimers, micelles, metal organic frameworks, nanogels, nanoemulsions, nanosuspension, carbon nanotubes, and so forth have also been widely investigated for solubility enhancement. All these approaches have brought forward the enhancement of the bioavailability of orally administered drugs by improving the solubility of poorly water-soluble drugs. However, the solubility issues have not been completely resolved, owing to several challenges associated with current approaches, such as reproducibility in large scale production. Considering that there is no universal approach for solving solubility issues, more research is needed to simplify the existing technologies, which could increase the number of commercially available products employing these techniques.

Encapsulation of resveratrol within size-controlled nanoliposomes: Impact on solubility, stability, cellular permeability, and oral bioavailability

This study examined the influence of the nanoliposomes (LPs) particle size on the solubility, antioxidant stability, in vitro release profile, Caco-2 cellular transport activity, cellular antioxidant activity, and in vivo oral bioavailability of resveratrol (RSV). LPs with sizes of 300, 150, and 75 nm were prepared using the thin-lipid film hydration method, followed by ultrasonication for 0, 2, and 10 min, respectively. Formulating small LPs (< 100 nm) was effective to enhance the solubility, in vitro release profile, cellular permeability, and cellular antioxidant activity of RSV. A similar pattern was observed for in vivo oral bioavailability. However, the size reduction of RSV-loaded LPs did not promote the antioxidant stability of RSV, owing to their large surface area used to interact with harsh environments. This study provides the better understanding of the appropriate particle size range of LPs to improve their in vitro and in vivo performances of RSV as an effective carrier for oral administration.

Development of Lipidic Nanoplatform for Intra-Oral Delivery of Chlorhexidine: Characterization, Biocompatibility, and Assessment of Depth of Penetration in Extracted Human Teeth

Microorganisms are the major cause for the failure of root canal treatment, due to the penetration ability within the root anatomy. However, irrigation regimens have at times failed due to the biofilm mode of bacterial growth. Liposomes are vesicular structures of the phospholipids which might help in better penetration efficiency into dentinal tubules and in increasing the antibacterial efficacy. Methods: In the present work, chlorhexidine liposomes were formulated. Liposomal chlorhexidine was characterized by size, zeta potential, and cryo-electron microscope (Cryo-EM). Twenty-one single-rooted premolars were extracted and irrigated with liposomal chlorhexidine and 2% chlorhexidine solution to evaluate the depth of penetration. In vitro cytotoxicity study was performed for liposomal chlorhexidine on the L929 mouse fibroblast cell line. Results: The average particle size of liposomes ranged from 48 ± 4.52 nm to 223 ± 3.63 nm with a polydispersity index value of <0.4. Cryo-EM microscopic images showed spherical vesicular structures. Depth of penetration of liposomal chlorhexidine was higher in the coronal, middle, and apical thirds of roots compared with plain chlorhexidine in human extracted teeth when observed under the confocal laser scanning microscope. The pure drug exhibited a cytotoxic concentration at which 50% of the cells are dead after a drug exposure (IC50) value of 12.32 ± 3.65 µg/mL and 29.04 ± 2.14 µg/mL (on L929 and 3T3 cells, respectively) and liposomal chlorhexidine exhibited an IC50 value of 37.9 ± 1.05 µg/mL and 85.24 ± 3.22 µg/mL (on L929 and 3T3 cells, respectively). Discussion: Antimicrobial analysis showed a decrease in colony counts of bacteria when treated with liposomal chlorhexidine compared with 2% chlorhexidine solution. Nano-liposomal novel chlorhexidine was less cytotoxic when treated on mouse fibroblast L929 cells and more effective as an antimicrobial agent along with higher penetration ability.

Development and Optimization of Asenapine Sublingual Film Using QbD Approach

Asenapine, an atypical antipsychotic agent, has been approved for the acute and maintenance treatment of schizophrenia and manic episodes of bipolar disorder. However, the extensive hepatic metabolism limits its oral bioavailability. Therefore, the objective of the current investigation was to develop sublingual film containing asenapine to enhance the therapeutic efficacy. Sublingual films containing asenapine were fabricated using polyethylene oxide and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose by solvent casting method. Design of experiment was used as a statistical tool to optimize the proportion of the film-forming polymers in order to establish the critical quality attributes of the drug formulation. The process was studied in detail by assessing risk of each step as well as parameters and material attributes to reduce the risk to a minimum. A control strategy was defined to ensure manufacture of films according to the target product profile by evaluation of intermediate quality attributes at the end of each process step. Results of optimized formulations showed rapid disintegration, adequate folding endurance, good percentage elongation, tensile strength, and viscosity. Besides, the results from the in vitro dissolution/ex vivo permeation studies showed rapid dissolution (100% in 6 min) and higher asenapine permeation (~ 80% in 90 min) through the sublingual epithelium. In vivo study indicates greater asenapine absorption (31.18 ± 5.01% of administered dose) within 5 min and was comparable with marketed formulation. In summary, the designing plan to develop asenapine formulation was successfully achieved with desired characteristics of the delivery tool for sublingual administration.

Liposomes as Versatile Platform for Cancer Theranostics: Therapy, Bio-imaging, and Toxicological Aspects

Liposomes are nano-sized formulations having the benefits of site-specificity, biocompatibility, and biodegradability, which make them useful for the therapy and diagnosis of major diseases like cancer. In this review, various synthetic strategies of liposomes and their biomedical application in special concern to cancer are discussed. In context to the biomedical application, this article gives a detailed insight into subcellular targeted therapy and several therapeutic modifications like immunotherapy, receptor-based therapy, phototherapy, and combination therapy. The review also describes the liposome-based imaging platforms and the toxicity associated with liposomes. Owing to a significant amount of benefits of this carrier system, several products have been approved to be launched in the market and several others have already been marketed for clinical use.

An update on oral drug delivery via intestinal lymphatic transport

Orally administered drug entities have to survive the harsh gastrointestinal environment, penetrate the enteric epithelia and circumvent hepatic metabolism before reaching the systemic circulation. Whereas the gastrointestinal stability can be well maintained by taking proper measures, hepatic metabolism presents as a formidable barrier to drugs suffering from first-pass metabolism. The pharmaceutical academia and industries are seeking alternative pathways for drug transport to circumvent problems associated with the portal pathway. Intestinal lymphatic transport is emerging as a promising pathway to this end. In this review, we intend to provide an updated overview on the rationale, strategies, factors and applications involved in intestinal lymphatic transport. There are mainly two pathways for peroral lymphatic transport-the chylomicron and the microfold cell pathways. The underlying mechanisms are being unraveled gradually and nowadays witness increasing research input and applications.

Overcoming barriers by local drug delivery with liposomes

Localized or topical administration of drugs may be considered as a potential approach for overcoming the problems caused by the various biological barriers encountered in drug delivery. The combination of using localized administration routes and delivering drugs in nanoparticulate formulations, such as liposomes, may have additional advantages. Such advantages include prolonged retention of high drug loads at the site of action and controlled release of the drug, ensuring prolonged therapeutic effect; decreased potential for side-effects and toxicity (due to the high topical concentrations of drugs); and increased protection of drugs from possible harsh environments at the site of action. The use of targeted liposomal formulations may further potentiate any acquired therapeutic advantages. In this review we present the most advanced cases of localized delivery of liposomal formulations of drugs, which have been investigated pre-clinically and clinically in the last ten years, together with the reported therapeutic advantages, in each case.

Box-Behnken design aided optimization and validation of developed reverse phase HPLC analytical method for simultaneous quantification of dolutegravir sodium and lamivudine co-loaded in nano-liposomes

A stability-indicating reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography method for simultaneous estimation of dolutegravir sodium and lamivudine encapsulated in the nanoliposomal formulation was developed. The chromatographic parameters namely, organic phase ratio, flow rate, and sample injection volume were selected as independent factors and were optimized by multivariate Box-Behnken design. Responses analyzed were retention time, peak area, and resolution. The optimized chromatographic method with Hypersil BDS C8 CN column as stationary phase and methanol and acetonitrile mixture and acidified Milli-Q water (pH 2.8, adjusted with 0.02% v/v orthophosphoric acid) as the mobile phase in an isocratic elution mode was validated according to parameters of International Conference on Harmonization Q1(R2) guidelines. The validated reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography method exhibited specificity for both dolutegravir sodium and lamivudine in the presence of degradation products as well as the liposomal matrix. This method was effectively utilized to determine the amount of drug entrapped and drug loading efficiency of dolutegravir sodium and lamivudine in a nano-liposomal formulation.

Exploring potential formulation strategies for chemoprevention of breast cancer: a localized delivery perspective

This review focuses on the various formulation approaches that have been explored to achieve localized delivery in breast cancer. The rationale behind the necessity of localized drug delivery has been extensively reviewed. The review also emphasizes the various possible routes for achieving localized drug delivery. Particularly, different types of nanoplatforms like lipid-based drug carriers, polymeric particles, hydrogels, drug conjugates and other formulation strategies like microneedles and drug-eluting implants, which have been used to increase tumor retention and subsequently halt tumor progression, have been deliberated here. In addition, the significant challenges that may be encountered in the delivery of anticancer drugs and the aspects that require careful evaluation for effective localized delivery of chemotherapeutic agents have been discussed.

Effect and mechanism of actionin vitroof cyclodextrin derivative nanoparticles loaded with tyroserleutide on hepatoma

In this study, a cyclodextrin derivative (R6RGD-CMβCD) nanoparticle with tumor targeting and cell penetration ability was successfully synthesized and loaded with tyroserleutide (YSL) to obtain YSL-loaded nanoparticles (YSL/R6RGD-CMβCD NPs). The characterization of these NPs revealed a smooth surfaces and an average diameter of approximately 170 nm. YSL/R6RGD-CMβCD NPs increased the NP uptake in Caco-2 cells. As regard the mechanism of action, the cell uptake was related to endocytosis mediated by reticulin and megacytosis. In addition, YSL/R6RGD-CMβCD NPs induced significantly higher cytotoxicity on tumor cells and better tumor targeting compared with the effect of CMβCD NPs. Most importantly, the good anti-cancer effect of YSL/R6RGD-CMβCD NPs might be due to the interference with the function of mitochondria. On the other hand, YSL/R6RGD-CMβCD NPs were not toxic for normal cells. Taken together, our results indicated that R6RGD-CMβCD could be considered as a nanopharmaceutical material with good tumor targeting abilities, and their combination with YSL could represent an effective anti-cancer system.

Validation of an RP-HPLC Method for the Determination of Asenapine Maleate in Dissolution Media and Application to Study In Vitro Release from Co-Crystals

Asenapine maleate is an antipsychotic drug that is indicated in the treatment of schizophrenia and bipolar disorders. It has low aqueous solubility and high permeability (Class II drug) and undergoes an extensive first pass effect. These problems result in low oral bioavailability (<2%). To enhance its solubility/dissolution rate and hence bioavailability, co-crystals using different co-formers in different ratios were prepared and evaluated. To study the in vitro dissolution of the drug from these co-crystals into phosphate buffer (pH 6.8), an RP-HPLC method was developed and validated according to the ICH Q2R1 guidelines. The method was linear in the range 0.1–14 µg/mL (R > 0.9998) and accurate and precise. An ANOVA test indicated that calibration curves run on different days did not differ significantly. It was sensitive (lower limit of quantitation (LLOQ) = 25.03 ng/mL), specific (the co-formers did not interfere with the determination of the drug), and robust to small changes in the mobile phase (pH, composition, and flow rate). The in vitro release of asenapine maleate from the co-crystals and the physical mixture was much enhanced when compared to the in vitro dissolution of the unprocessed drug. In conclusion, the developed and validated RP-HPLC method met the acceptance criteria and was applied successfully in evaluating the in vitro release of the drug.

Architectured Therapeutic and Diagnostic Nanoplatforms for Combating SARS-CoV-2: Role of Inorganic, Organic, and Radioactive Materials

Although extensive research is being done to combat SARS-CoV-2, we are yet far away from a robust conclusion or strategy. With an increased amount of vaccine research, nanotechnology has found its way into vaccine technology. Researchers have explored the use of various nanostructures for delivering the vaccines for enhanced efficacy. Apart from acting as delivery platforms, multiple studies have shown the application of inorganic nanoparticles in suppressing the growth as well as transmission of the virus. The present review gives a detailed description of various inorganic nanomaterials which are being explored for combating SARS-CoV-2 along with their role in suppressing the transmission of the virus either through air or by contact with inanimate surfaces. The review further discusses the use of nanoparticles for development of an antiviral coating that may decrease adhesion of SARS-CoV-2. A separate section has been included describing the role of nanostructures in biosensing and diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2. The role of nanotechnology in providing an alternative therapeutic platform along with the role of radionuclides in SARS-CoV-2 has been described briefly. Based on ongoing research and commercialization of this nanoplatform for a viral disease, the nanomaterials show the potential in therapy, biosensing, and diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2.

Liposomes for oral delivery of protein and peptide-based therapeutics: challenges, formulation strategies, and advances

Throughout the past decade, there has been a rapid growth in the development of protein/peptide-based therapeutics. These therapeutics have found widespread applications in the treatment of cancer, infectious diseases, and other metabolic disorders owing to their several desirable attributes, such as reduced toxicity, diverse biological activities, high specificity, and potency. Most protein/peptide-based drugs are still administered parenterally, and there is an unprecedented demand in the pharmaceutical industry to develop oral delivery routes to increase patient acceptability and convenience. Recent advancements in nanomedicine discoveries have led to the development of several nano and micro-particle-based oral delivery platforms for protein/peptide-based therapeutics and among these, liposomes have emerged as a prominent candidate. Liposomes are spherical vesicles composed of one or more phospholipid bilayers enclosing a core aqueous phase. Their unique amphiphilic nature enables encapsulation of a diverse range of bioactives/drugs including both hydrophobic and hydrophilic compounds for delivery. Against this backdrop, this review provides an overview of the current approaches and challenges associated with the routes and methods of oral administration of protein/peptide-based therapeutics by using liposomes as a potential vehicle. First, the conventional and innovative liposome formation approaches have been discussed along with their applications. Next, the challenges associated with current approaches for oral delivery of protein and peptide-derived therapeutics have been thoroughly addressed. Lastly, we have critically reviewed the potential of liposomes utilization as vehicles for oral delivery of proteins emphasizing the current status and future directions in this area.

Biomimetic nanoarchitecturing: A disguised attack on cancer cells

With the changing face of healthcare, there is a demand for drug delivery systems that have increased efficacy and biocompatibility. Nanotechnology derived drug carrier systems were found to be ideal candidates to meet these demands. Among the vast number of nanosized delivery systems, biomimetic nanoparticles have been researched at length. These nanoparticles mimic cellular functions and are highly biocompatible. They are also able to avoid clearance by the reticuloendothelial system which increases the time spent by them in the systemic circulation. Additionally, their low immunogenicity and targeting ability increase their significance as drug carriers. Based on their core material we have summarized them as biomimetic inorganic nanoparticles, biomimetic polymeric nanoparticles, and biomimetic lipid nanoparticles. The core then may be coated using membranes derived from erythrocytes, cancer cells, leukocytes, stem cells, and other membranes to endow them with biomimetic properties. They can be used for personalized therapy and diagnosis of a large number of diseases, primarily cancer. This review summarizes the various therapeutic approaches using biomimetic nanoparticles along with their applications in the field of cancer imaging, nucleic acid therapy and theranostic properties. A brief overview about toxicity concerns related to these nanoconstructs has been added to provide knowledge about biocompatibility of such nanoparticles.

Lipid vesicles: A versatile drug delivery platform for dermal and transdermal applications

Topical and transdermal application of active pharmaceutical ingredients to the skin is an attractive strategy being explored by formulation scientists to treat disease conditions rather than the oral drug delivery. Several approaches have been attempted, and many of them have emerged with significant clinical potential. However, the delivery of drugs across the skin is an arduous task due to permeation limiting barriers. It, therefore, requires the aid of external agents or carrier systems for efficient permeation. Lipid-based vesicular systems are carriers for the transport of drugs through the stratum corneum (dermal drug delivery) and into the bloodstream for systemic action (transdermal drug delivery) overcoming the barrier properties. This review article describes the various vesicular systems reported for skin delivery of actives with relevant case studies. The vesicular systems presented here are in the order of their advent from conventional systems to the advanced lipid vesicles. The design and development of drugs in vesicular systems have brought a new dimension to the treatment of disease conditions overcoming the permeation limiting barriers, thus improving its efficacy.

Recent advances in the development of asenapine formulations

INTRODUCTION

Asenapine maleate (AM) is an atypical antipsychotic agent, that has been widely prescribed for the management of schizoaffective disorders. However, the bioavailability of AM is extremely poor due to the extensive first-pass metabolism. With the advancement in pharmaceutical technologies, significant strides have been made to create novel formulations to address the bioavailability problem of AM.

AREAS COVERED

This review article provides an insight into all the formulation approaches undertaken by researchers to increase the bioavailability of AM encompassing the works utilizing ultrasound mediated transdermal delivery, nose to brain delivery, intestinal lymphatic system targeting, in situ implants, etc. All the patents associated with AM formulation have also been discussed and summarized.

EXPERT OPINION

Numerous studies have been carried out on AM formulations over the recent years, many of these studies have shown significant improvement in bioavailability. We have also mentioned the unexplored domains which can be exploited for further enhancing the bioavailability of AM. Nonetheless, most of these studies are still limited to the research laboratory level and face multiple hurdles before making into the market. Attaining controllability and reproducibility for the production of novel formulations is needed to enable its transition from bench to bedside.