Desolvation process and surface characteristics of HSA-nanoparticles

Advances in chemically modified HSA as a multifunctional carrier for transforming cancer therapy regimens

Human serum albumin (HSA) is a versatile, biodegradable, biocompatible, non-toxic, and non-immunogenic protein nanocarrier, making it an ideal platform for developing advanced drug delivery systems. These properties have garnered significant attention in utilizing HSA nanoparticles for the safe and efficient delivery of chemotherapeutic agents. HSA-based nanoparticles can be surface-modified with various ligands to enable tumor-targeted drug delivery, enhancing therapeutic specificity and efficacy. Furthermore, the multifunctionality of HSA nanoparticles offers promising strategies to overcome challenges in cancer therapy, including poor bioavailability, off-target toxicity, and drug resistance. This review highlights the structural features of HSA, explores its diverse modifications to improve drug-binding affinity and targeting ability, and discusses its potential as a multifunctional carrier in oncology. By summarizing the latest advances in HSA modification techniques and applications, this review provides a comprehensive perspective on the future of protein-based drug delivery systems in tumor therapy.

Preparation of bovine serum albumin nanospheres via desolvation: a study of synthesis, characterization, and aging

Serum albumin has myriad uses in biotechnology, but its value as a nanocarrier or nanoplatform for therapeutics is becoming increasingly important, notably with albumin-bound chemotherapeutics. Another emerging field is the fabrication of biopolymeric nanoparticles using albumin as a building block to achieve highly-tunable nonimmunogenic capsules or scaffolds that may be cheaply and reliably produced. The aim of this study was to characterize and optimize the desolvation process used for fabrication of albumin nanoparticles under ambient conditions, studying both glutaraldehyde (GT) and glucose (GLU) as crosslinking agents and the effect of various synthesis conditions including pH, electrolyte concentration, and rate of desolvation on particle size and stability. Particle size, polydispersity index, and zeta potential were investigated, morphology was examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and long-term stability and degradation modes were studied using dynamic light scattering (DLS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). It was determined that the optimized synthesis procedure for synthesis of Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA) nanoparticles at the investigated scale under ambient conditions was addition of ethanol at a rate of 0.625 mL min-1via infusion against the vial wall and a pH of 9 with the addition of no other electrolytes. Optimized BSA nanoparticles were synthesized at a size of 86 ± 3.7 nm (σ = 1.85) using glutaraldehyde as a crosslinker and a size of 92 ± 1.9 nm (σ = 0.95) using glucose as a crosslinker with polydispersity indices of 0.08 and 0.05, respectively. Nanoparticles synthesized via the optimized procedure, using both crosslinkers, were found to maintain colloidal stability significantly longer than cases previously reported in the literature, with insignificant changes in hydrodynamic size many months after synthesis.

Nanoparticles target M2 macrophages to silence kallikrein-related peptidase 12 for the treatment of tuberculosis and drug-resistant tuberculosis

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are involved in the breakdown of lung extracellular matrix and the consequent release of Mycobacterium tuberculosis into the airways. Recent studies indicate that kallikrein-related peptidase 12 (KLK12) regulate MMP-1 and MMP-9, suggesting that targeting the KLK12 gene could be a promising tuberculosis (TB) treatment. To maximise therapeutic potential, this strategy of silencing KLK12 needs to be delivered to the pathogenic cell population while preserving the immunoprotective and tissue homeostatic functions of other lung macrophages. Our research found that KLK12 is highly expressed in M2 macrophages, leading us to design mannose-based bovine serum albumin nanoparticles (MBNPs) for delivering siRNA to silence KLK12 in these cells. The results of in vitro experiments showed that MBNPs could accurately enter M2 macrophages and sustainably release KLK12-siRNA with the help of mannose and mannose receptor targeting. The results of the in vivo experiments showed that MBNPs could reach the lungs within 1 h after intraperitoneal injection and peaked at 6 h. MBNPs increased collagen fibre content in the lungs by decreasing the levels of KLK12/MMPs thereby limiting the progression of TB. Importantly, MBNPs provided greater alleviation of pulmonary TB symptoms and reduced bacterial load in both TB and drug-resistant TB models. These findings provide an alternative and effective option for the treatment of TB, especially when drug resistance occurs. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: RNA interference using small interfering RNA (siRNA) can target various genes and has potential for treating diseases such as tuberculosis (TB). However, siRNAs are unstable in the blood and within cells. This study presents bovine serum albumin nanoparticles encapsulating KLK12-siRNA (BNPs) synthesized via desolvation. A mannose layer was added (MBNPs) to target mannose receptors on M2 macrophages, facilitating endocytosis. The low pH-responsive MBNPs enhance lysosomal escape for siRNA delivery, downregulating the KLK12 pathway. Tests confirmed that MBNPs effectively inhibited Mycobacterium bovis proliferation, reduced granulomas, and decreased inflammation in a mouse model. This research aims to reduce antibiotic use, shorten treatment duration, and provide a novel TB treatment option.

Encapsulation of 4-oxo-N-(4-hydroxyphenyl) retinamide in human serum albumin nanoparticles promotes EZH2 degradation in preclinical neuroblastoma models

Neuroblastoma is the most prevalent and aggressive solid tumor that develops extracranially in children between the ages of 0-14 years, which accounts for 8-10% of all childhood malignancies and ∼15% of pediatric cancer-related mortality. The polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) protein, EZH2, is overexpressed in neuroblastoma and mediates histone H3 methylation at lysine 27 (K27) positions through its methyl transferase activity and is a potential epigenetic silencer of many tumor suppressor genes in cancer. Phosphorylation of EZH2 decreases its stability and leads to proteasomal degradation. The 4-oxo-N-(4-hydroxyphenyl) retinamide (4O4HPR) promotes EZH2 degradation via activation of PKC-δ, but its limited solubility and physiological instability limit its application. In the current study, the encapsulation of 4O4HPR in Human Serum Albumin Nanoparticles (HSANPs) enhanced the solubility and physiological stability of the nanoformulation, leading to improved therapeutic efficacy through G2-M cell cycle arrest, depolarization of mitochondrial membrane potential, generation of reactive oxygen species and caspase 3 mediated apoptosis activation. The molecular mechanistic approach of 4O4HPR loaded HSANPs has activated caspase 3, which further cleaves PKC-δ into two fragments wherein the cleaved fragment of PKC-δ possesses the kinase activity that phosphorylates EZH2 and decreases the protein stability leading to its further ubiquitination in SH-SY5Y cells. Co-immunoprecipitation experiments revealed the direct interaction between PKC-δ and EZH2 phosphorylation, followed by ubiquitination. Moreover, 4O4HPR loaded HSANPs demonstrated improved in vivo biodistribution, greater dispersibility, and biocompatibility and exhibited enhanced protein instability and degradation of EZH2 in the neuroblastoma xenograft mouse model.

A Comprehensive Review of Nanoparticles: From Classification to Application and Toxicity

Nanoparticles are structures that possess unique properties with high surface area-to-volume ratio. Their small size, up to 100 nm, and potential for surface modifications have enabled their use in a wide range of applications. Various factors influence the properties and applications of NPs, including the synthesis method and physical attributes such as size and shape. Additionally, the materials used in the synthesis of NPs are primary determinants of their application. Based on the chosen material, NPs are generally classified into three categories: organic, inorganic, and carbon-based. These categories include a variety of materials, such as proteins, polymers, metal ions, lipids and derivatives, magnetic minerals, and so on. Each material possesses unique attributes that influence the activity and application of the NPs. Consequently, certain NPs are typically used in particular areas because they possess higher efficiency along with tenable toxicity. Therefore, the classification and the base material in the NP synthesis hold significant importance in both NP research and application. In this paper, we discuss these classifications, exemplify most of the major materials, and categorize them according to their preferred area of application. This review provides an overall review of the materials, including their application, and toxicity.

Effect of variables on exemestane-loaded albumin nanoparticles: statistical optimization and anti-cancer activity in MCF-7 cell lines

This research aimed to evaluate the effect of variables on exemestane-loaded bovine serum albumin nanoparticles (EXE-BSA NPs) to improve anti-breast cancer activity. EXE-BSA NPs were optimized using 32 factorial design, wherein the concentration of BSA (X1) and sonication time (X2) were independent variables and particle size (Y1) and %w/w entrapment efficiency (Y2) were dependent variables. The statistical optimization revealed a significant effect of BSA concentration on both variables, whereas sonication time affected only particle size. The optimized EXE-BSA NPs were spherical with 124.1 ± 2.62 nm particle size, 83.95 ± 1.06% w/w drug entrapment, and exhibited a biphasic release of 100% (w/w) drug over 72 h. The optimized formulation induced cytotoxicity in MCF-7 cell lines with an IC50 value of 21.46 µg/mL by MTT assay, almost half the free drug (54.87 µg/mL). Thus, statistically optimized EXE-BSA NPs were effective in MCF-7 cell lines and can be explored to treat estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer.

Improved Reversion of Calcifications in Porcine Aortic Heart Valves Using Elastin-Targeted Nanoparticles

Calcified aortic valve disease in its final stage leads to aortic valve stenosis, limiting cardiac function. To date, surgical intervention is the only option for treating calcific aortic valve stenosis. This study combined controlled drug delivery by nanoparticles (NPs) and active targeting by antibody conjugation. The chelating agent diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA) was covalently bound to human serum albumin (HSA)-based NP, and the NP surface was modified using conjugating antibodies (anti-elastin or isotype IgG control). Calcification was induced ex vivo in porcine aortic valves by preincubation in an osteogenic medium containing 2.5 mM sodium phosphate for five days. Valve calcifications mainly consisted of basic calcium phosphate crystals. Calcifications were effectively resolved by adding 1-5 mg DTPA/mL medium. Incubation with pure DTPA, however, was associated with a loss of cellular viability. Reversal of calcifications was also achieved with DTPA-coupled anti-elastin-targeted NPs containing 1 mg DTPA equivalent. The addition of these NPs to the conditioned media resulted in significant regression of the valve calcifications compared to that in the IgG-NP control without affecting cellular viability. These results represent a step further toward the development of targeted nanoparticular formulations to dissolve aortic valve calcifications.

Exploring microbial diversity in hot springs of Surajkund, India through 16S rRNA analysis and thermozyme characterization from endogenous isolates

Hot springs are a valuable source of biologically significant chemicals due to their high microbial diversity. To investigate the possibilities for industrial uses of these bacteria, researchers collected water and sediment samples from variety of hot springs. Our investigation employed both culture-dependent and culture-independent techniques, including 16S-based marker gene analysis of the microbiota from the hot springs of Surajkund, Jharkhand. In addition, we cultivated thermophilic isolates and screened for their ability to produce amylase, xylanase, and cellulase. After the optimized production of amylase the enzyme was partially purified and characterized using UPLC, DLS-ZP, and TGA. The retention time for the amylase was observed to be around 0.5 min. We confirmed the stability of the amylase at higher temperatures through observation of a steady thermo gravimetric profile at 400 °C. One of the thermophilic isolates obtained from the kund, demonstrated the potential to degrade lignocellulosic agricultural waste.

Synthesis and Optimization of the Docetaxel-Loaded and Durvalumab-Targeted Human Serum Albumin Nanoparticles, In Vitro Characterization on Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cells

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) tends to behave more aggressively compared to other breast cancer subtypes due to the lack of receptors and its limited targeting therapy. In recent years, nanotechnology advancement has led to the development of various nanoparticle platforms for the targeted treatment of cancers. Especially, HSA-NPs have specific advantages such as biocompatibility, adjustable size during production, and relatively easy synthesis. In this study, HSA-NPs were encapsulated with docetaxel (DTX) and functionalized with polyethylene glycol (PEG), also becoming a targeting nanoplatform modified with durvalumab (DVL), and the whole nanostructure was well characterized. Subsequently, drug release studies and various in vitro cell culture studies such as determining the cytotoxicity and apoptotic levels of the nanoplatforms and PD-L1 using ELISA test were conducted on MDA-MB-468, MDA-MB-231, and MCF-7 cells. According to the results, HSA-DTX@PEG-DVL NPs showed better cytotoxicity compared to DTX in all the three cell lines. In addition, it was observed that the HSA-DTX@PEG-DVL NPs did not lead the cells to late apoptosis but were effective in the early apoptotic stage. Moreover, the ELISA data showed a significantly induced PD-L1 expression due to the presence of DVL in the nanostructure, which indicates that DVL antibodies successfully bind to the HSA-DTX@PEG-DVL nanostructure.

Zein nanoparticles for drug delivery: Preparation methods and biological applications

Zein, a vegetable protein extracted from corn (Zea mays L.), forms a gastro-resistant and mucoadhesive polymer that is cheap and easy to obtain and facilitates the encapsulation of bioactives with hydrophilic, hydrophobic, and amphiphilic properties. The methods used for synthesizing these nanoparticles include antisolvent precipitation/nanoprecipitation, pH-driven, electrospraying, and solvent emulsification-evaporation methods. Each method has its advantages in the preparation of nanocarriers, nevertheless, all of them enable the production of zein nanoparticles that are stable and resistant to environmental factors, with different biological activities required in the cosmetic, food, and pharmaceutical industries. Therefore, zein nanoparticles are promising nanocarriers that can encapsulate various bioactives with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, anticancer, and antidiabetic properties. This article reviews the principal methods for obtaining zein nanoparticles containing bioactives, the advantages and characteristics of each method, as well as the main biological applications of nanotechnology-based formulations.

Novel albumin-binding photodynamic agent EB-Ppa for targeted fluorescent imaging guided tumour photodynamic therapy

The targeted and novel albumin-binding strategy has been attractive in the field of cancer therapy. Herein, we have developed an organic small molecule-based photosensitizer, Evans Blue-Pyropheophorbide-alpha (EB-Ppa), to treat solid tumors with extremely high photodynamic therapeutic efficiency, which is stable in serum-containing aqueous media and can effectively accumulate in the tumor site due to the enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect. Particularly, after the photodynamic therapeutic treatment with EB-Ppa, all breast tumors (4T1 cell line) xenografted in nude mice shrink fast due to the singlet oxygen generated by EB-Ppa with laser irradiation. Furthermore, EB-Ppa shows negligible toxicity in major organs. These results demonstrate that EB-Ppa presents the great potential of photodynamic therapy for efficient tumor treatment.

Permeation of flavonoid loaded human serum albumin nanoparticles across model membrane bilayers

The rapid growth in the applications of nanoparticles (NPs) in biomedical and pharmaceutical fields requires an understanding of the interactions with the lipid bilayer membrane for further in vivo studies. Zwitterionic 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DOPC), negatively charged 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phospho-l-serine (DOPS) and positively charged 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine (DOPE) have been used to prepare model lipid membranes and the ability of flavonoid loaded nanoparticles to cross the membranes investigated. The lipid vesicles have been prepared by a freeze-thaw method followed by an extrusion technique and characterised by dynamic light scattering (DLS) and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). The synthesized model lipid membranes exhibited a bilayer spherical type of morphology with an average diameter of less than 150 nm. A calcein leakage assay and fluorescence anisotropy measurement indicated that the membranes are permeable to the flavonoid (fisetin/morin/epicatechin) loaded human serum albumin nanoparticles. This implies that drug/compound encapsulated nanoparticles are able to effectively cross the lipid bilayer thus permitting the design and development of new compounds that may be encapsulated for safe and potential use in biomedical applications.

Targeted delivery via albumin corona nanocomplex to renal tubules to alleviate acute kidney injury

Renal tubular epithelial cell (RTEC) is a critical target cell for the treatment of acute kidney injury (AKI). Despite various RTEC targeting strategies using ligand modified nanoparticles (NPs) following systemic administration, the nonspecific interaction between NPs and plasma proteins greatly weakens the targeting efficiency as well as the stability of NPs. Herein, celastrol (CLT) was entrapped in D-α-tocopherol polyethylene glycol 1000 succinate (TPGS) forming a CLT-loaded nanocomplex core (CT) with a high loading capacity of ~50%. Bovine serum albumin (BSA) was then adsorbed onto the CT surface to afford a complete albumin corona without obvious denaturation (CTB). CTB showed uniform particle size distribution and sufficient stability in vitro and in vivo. Besides clathrin-mediated and macropinocytosis pathways, CTB was actively internalized through megalin receptor-mediated endocytosis in HK-2 cells. Per biodistribution studies, CTB demonstrates enhanced renal tubule-specific distribution and targetability in mice compared to CT without albumin corona. Furthermore, pharmacodynamic studies in vivo further support that CTB effectively alleviated ischemia-reperfusion induced injuries without obvious systemic side effects in AKI mice models.

A Historical Review of Brain Drug Delivery

The history of brain drug delivery is reviewed beginning with the first demonstration, in 1914, that a drug for syphilis, salvarsan, did not enter the brain, due to the presence of a blood-brain barrier (BBB). Owing to restricted transport across the BBB, FDA-approved drugs for the CNS have been generally limited to lipid-soluble small molecules. Drugs that do not cross the BBB can be re-engineered for transport on endogenous BBB carrier-mediated transport and receptor-mediated transport systems, which were identified during the 1970s-1980s. By the 1990s, a multitude of brain drug delivery technologies emerged, including trans-cranial delivery, CSF delivery, BBB disruption, lipid carriers, prodrugs, stem cells, exosomes, nanoparticles, gene therapy, and biologics. The advantages and limitations of each of these brain drug delivery technologies are critically reviewed.

Nanoencapsulation as a Promising Platform for the Delivery of the Morin-Cu(II) Complex: Antibacterial and Anticancer Potential

Nanoencapsulation has emerged as a promising approach for the effective delivery of poorly aqueous soluble compounds. The current study focuses on the preparation of human serum albumin (HSA)-based nanoparticles (NPs) and poly lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA)-based nanoparticles for effective delivery of the morin-Cu(II) complex. The NPs were analyzed based on different parameters such as particle size, surface charge, morphology, encapsulation efficiency, and in vitro release properties. The average particle sizes were found to be 214 ± 6 nm for Mor-Cu-HSA-NPs and 185 ± 7.5 nm for Mor-Cu-PLGA-NPs. The release of the morin-Cu(II) complex from both the NPs (Mor-Cu-HSA-NPs and Mor-Cu-PLGA-NPs) followed a biphasic behavior, which comprises an early burst release followed by a sustained and controlled release. The resulting NPs also exhibit free radical scavenging activity confirmed by a standard antioxidant assay. The antibacterial activities of the NPs were investigated using a disk diffusion technique, and it was observed that both the NPs showed better antibacterial activity than morin and the morin-Cu(II) complex. The anticancer activities of the prepared NPs were examined on MDA-MB-468 breast cancer cell lines using a cytotoxicity assay, and the mode of cell death was visualized using fluorescence microscopy. Our results revealed that NPs kill the cancer cells with greater efficiency than free morin and the morin-Cu(II) complex. Thus, both HSA-based NPs and PLGA-based NPs can act as promising delivery systems for the morin-Cu(II) complex and can be utilized for further biomedical applications.

Evaluation of the in vitro Activity and in vivo Efficacy of Anidulafungin-Loaded Human Serum Albumin Nanoparticles Against Candida albicans

Recent decades have seen a significant increase in invasive fungal infections, resulting in unacceptably high mortality rates. Anidulafungin (AN) is the newest echinocandin and appears to have several advantages over existing antifungals. However, its poor water solubility and burdensome route of administration (i.e., repeated, long-term intravenous infusions) have limited its practical use. The objective of this study was to develop anidulafungin-loaded Human Serum Albumin (HSA) nanoparticles (NP) so as to increase both its solubility and antifungal efficacy. HSA was reduced using SDS and DTT, allowing liberation of free thiols to form the intermolecular disulfide network and nanoassembly. Reduced HSA was then added to MES buffer (0.1 M, pH 4.8) and magnetically stirred at 350 rpm and 25°C with AN (m/m 50:1) for 2 h to form nanoparticles (AN NP). We next performed routine antifungal susceptibility testing of Candida strains (n = 31) using Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) methodologies. Finally, the in vivo efficacy of both AN and AN NP was investigated in a murine model of invasive infection by one of the most common fungal species—C. albicans. The results indicated that our carrier formulations successfully improved the water solubility of AN and encapsulated AN, with the latter having a particle size of 29 ± 1.5 nm with Polymer dispersity index (PDI) equaling 0.173 ± 0.039. In vitro AN NP testing revealed a stronger effect against Candida species (n = 31), with Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) values 4- to 32-fold lower than AN alone. In mice infected with Candida and having invasive candidiasis, we found that AN NP prolonged survival time (P < 0.005) and reduced fungal burden in kidneys compared to equivalent concentrations of free drug (P < 0.0001). In conclusion, the anidulafungin nanoparticles developed here have the potential to improve drug administration and therapeutic outcomes for individuals suffering from fungal diseases.

Novel Combined Preparation and Investigation of Bergenin-Loaded Albumin Nanoparticles for the Treatment of Acute Lung Injury: In Vitro and In Vivo Evaluations

A new method for targeting lung infections is of great interest using biodegradable nanoparticles. In this study, bergenin-loaded BSA NPs were developed against lung injury. Briefly, bergenin-loaded bovine serum albumin nanoparticles (BG@BSA NPs) were synthesized and characterized. HPLC recorded the major peak of bergenin. UV-Vis spectra had an absorbance at 376 nm. XRD revealed the presence of crystalline particles. FTIR confirmed the occurrence of functionalized molecules in the synthesized NPs. The particles were highly stable with a net negative charge of - 24.2. The morphology of NPs was determined by SEM and TEM. The mean particle size was 124.26 nm. The production of NO by NR8383 cells was decreased by BG@BSA NPs. Also, in mice, lipopolysaccharide-mediated acute lung inflammation was induced. BG@BSA NPs reduced macrophages and neutrophils in BALF and remarkably enhanced wet weight-to-dry weight (W/D) ratios and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity. Further, BG@BSA NPs inhibited the production of inflammatory cells as well as tumor necrosis factor. The histopathological studies revealed that the damage and neutrophil infiltration were greatly inhibited by BG@BSA NPs. This indicates that BG@BSA NPs may be used to treat lung infections. Therefore, this study has given new insight into producing an active drug for the treatment of lung-associated diseases in the future.

Human Serum Albumin Nanoparticles as a Carrier for On-Demand Sorafenib Delivery

BACKGROUND

Drug delivery systems based on Human Serum Albumin (HSA) have been widely investigated due to their capability to interact with several molecules together with their nontoxicity, non-immunogenicity and biocompatibility. Sorafenib (SOR) is a kinase inhibitor used as the first-line treatment in hepatic cancer. However, because of its several intrinsic drawbacks (low solubility and bioavailability), there is a growing need for discovering new carriers able to overcome the current limitations.

OBJECTIVE

To study HSA particles loaded with SOR as a thermal responsive drug delivery system.

METHOD

A detailed spectroscopy analysis of the HSA and SOR interaction in solution was carried out in order to characterize the temperature dependence of the complex. Based on this study, the synthesis of HSA particles loaded with SOR was optimized. Particles were characterized by Dynamic Light Scattering, Atomic Force Microscopy and by spectrofluorometer. Encapsulation efficiency and in vitro drug release were quantified by RP-HPLC.

RESULTS

HSA particles were monodispersed in size (≈ 200 nm); encapsulation efficiency ranged from 25% to 58%. Drug release studies that were performed at 37 °C and 50 °C showed that HS5 particles achieved a drug release of 0.430 µM in 72 hours at 50 °C in PBS buffer, accomplishing a 4.6-fold overall SOR release enhancement following a temperature increase from 37 °C to 50 °C.

CONCLUSION

The system herein presented has the potential to exert a therapeutic action (in the nM range) triggering a sustained temperature-controllable release of relevant drugs.

A novel preparative method for nanoparticle albumin-bound paclitaxel with high drug loading and its evaluation both in vitro and in vivo

We developed a novel preparative method for nanoparticle albumin-bound (nab) paclitaxel with high drug loading, which was based on improved paclitaxel solubility in polyethylene glycol (PEG) and self-assembly of paclitaxel in PEG with albumin powders into nanoparticles. That is, paclitaxel and PEG were firstly dissolved in ethanol, which was subsequently evaporated under vacuum. The obtained liquid was then mixed with human serum albumin powders. Thereafter, the mixtures were added into phosphate-buffered saline and nab paclitaxel suspensions emerged after ultrasound. Nab paclitaxel was finally acquired after dialysis and freeze drying. The drug loading of about 15% (W/V) were realized in self-made nab paclitaxel, which was increased by approximately 50% compared to 10% (W/V) in Abraxane. Now this new preparative method has been authorized to obtain patent from China and Japan. The similar characteristics of self-made nab paclitaxel compared to Abraxane were observed in morphology, encapsulation efficiency, in vitro release, X-ray diffraction analysis, differential scanning calorimetry analysis, and circular dichroism spectra analysis. Consistent concentration-time curves in rats, biodistributions in mice, anti-tumor activities in mice, and histological transmutation in mice were also found between Abraxane and self-made nanoparticles. In a word, our novel preparative method for nab paclitaxel can significantly improve drug loading, obviously decrease product cost, and is considered to have potent practical value.

ROS-Mediated Apoptosis Induced by BSA Nanospheres Encapsulated with Fruit Extract of Cucumis prophetarum in Various Human Cancer Cell Lines

In recent decades, biodegradable polymeric nanoparticles have been used as a nanocarrier for the delivery of anticancer drugs. In the present study, we synthesize bovine serum albumin (BSA) nanospheres and evaluate their ability to incorporate a plant extract with anticancer activity. The plant extract used was the methanol fruit extract of Cucumis prophetarum, which is a medicinal herb. The fruit-extract-encapsulated BSA nanospheres (Cp-BSA nanospheres) were prepared using a desolvation method at various pH values of 5, 7, and 9. The nanosphere formulations were characterized using various techniques such as dynamic light scattering (DLS), ζ-potential, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and field-effect scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). The results show that the Cp-BSA nanospheres prepared at pH 7 were spherical with a uniform particle size, low polydispersity index (PDI), ζ-potential, and high entrapment efficiency (82.3%) and showed sustained release of fruit extract from Cp-BSA nanospheres in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), pH 5. The anticancer activity was evaluated on A549, HepG2, MCF-7 cancer cell lines and HEK 293 normal cell lines. In vitro, antioxidant activity using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay, intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and mitochondrial membrane potential were estimated. An in vitro cellular uptake study was performed using fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) dye at a different time of incubation, and DNA fragmentation was observed in a dose-dependent manner. The gene expression level of Bax and the suppression level of Bcl-2 were observed upon the treatment of Cp-BSA nanospheres. Thus, the Cp-BSA nanospheres triggered ROS-dependent mitochondrial apoptosis in different human cancer cell lines when compared to the noncancerous cell lines and could be used as a potential candidate for anticancer agents.

The Uniqueness of Albumin as a Carrier in Nanodrug Delivery

Albumin is an appealing carrier in nanomedicine because of its unique features. First, it is the most abundant protein in plasma, endowing high biocompatibility, biodegradability, nonimmunogenicity, and safety for its clinical application. Second, albumin chemical structure and conformation allows interaction with many different drugs, potentially protecting them from elimination and metabolism in vivo, thus improving their pharmacokinetic properties. Finally, albumin can interact with receptors overexpressed in many diseased tissues and cells, providing a unique feature for active targeting of the disease site without the addition of specific ligands to the nanocarrier. For this reason, albumin, characterized by an extended serum half-life of around 19 days, has the potential of promoting half-life extension and targeted delivery of drugs. Therefore, this article focuses on the importance of albumin as a nanodrug delivery carrier for hydrophobic drugs, taking advantage of the passive as well as active targeting potential of this nanocarrier. Particular attention is paid to the breakthrough NAB-Technology, with emphasis on the advantages of Nab-Paclitaxel (Abraxane), compared to the solvent-based formulations of Paclitaxel, i.e., CrEL-paclitaxel (Taxol) in a clinical setting. Finally, the role of albumin in carrying anticancer compounds is depicted, with a particular focus on the albumin-based formulations that are currently undergoing clinical trials. The article sheds light on the power of an endogenous substance, such as albumin, as a drug delivery system, signifies the importance of the drug vehicle in drug performance in the biological systems, and highlights the possible future trends in the use of this drug delivery system.

EGFR Targeted Cetuximab-Valine-Citrulline (vc)-Doxorubicin Immunoconjugates- Loaded Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA) Nanoparticles for Colorectal Tumor Therapy

Background

Specific modifications to carriers to achieve targeted delivery of chemotherapeutics into malignant tissues are a critical point for efficient diagnosis and therapy. In this case, bovine serum albumin (BSA) was conjugated with cetuximab–valine–citrulline (vc)–doxorubicin (DOX) to target epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and enable the release of drug in EGFR-overexpressed tumor cells.

Methods

Maleimidocaproyl–valine–citrulline–p-aminobenzylcarbonyl-p-nitrophenol (MC-Val-Cit-PAB-PNP) and DOX were used to synthesize MC-Val-Cit-PAB-DOX, which was further linked with cetuximab to prepare antibody–drug conjugates (ADCs). Then, the ADCs were adsorbed to the surface of the BSA nanoparticles (NPs), which were prepared by a desolvation method to obtain cetuximab-vc-DOX-BSA-NPs. The cetuximab-vc-DOX conjugates adsorbed on the surface of the BSA nanoparticles were determined and optimized by size exclusion chromatography. An in vitro cytotoxicity study was conducted using a colon carcinoma cell line with different EGFR-expression levels to test the selectivity of cetuximab-vc-DOX-NPs.

Results

The vc-DOX and cetuximab-vc-DOX conjugates were both synthesized successfully and their structural characteristics confirmed by ¹H-NMR and SDS-PAGE. The MTT assay showed stronger cytotoxicity of cetuximab-vc-DOX-NPs versus control IgG-vc-DOX-NPs in EGFR–overexpressing RKO cells. Cellular binding and intracellular accumulation determined by flow cytometry and confocal laser scanning microscopy revealed the strong binding ability of cetuximab-vc-DOX-NPs to RKO cells. The in vivo imaging study demonstrated that cetuximab-vc-DOX-NPs exhibited higher fluorescent intensity in tumor tissues than non-decorated nanoparticles (IgG-vc-DOX-NPs). In vivo tumor inhibition and survival tests showed that cetuximab-vc-DOX-NPs revealed higher tumor inhibition efficacy and lower systemic toxicity than control IgG-vc-DOX- NPs

Conclusion

The obtained results emphasize that cetuximab-vc-DOX-NPs, with good tumor-targeting ability and low systemic toxicity, are a promising targeting system for drug delivery.

Fabrication and characterization of sunflower protein isolate nanoparticles, and their potential for encapsulation and sustainable release of curcumin

In this research, first, the effects of two desolvating agents (ethanol and methanol) at three temperature values (4, 25, and 50 °C) on the fabrication of sunflower protein isolate (SnPI) nanoparticles were studied using a desolvation method. Second, the ability of the nanoparticles to encapsulate curcumin was investigated. Results showed that ethanol led to smaller nanoparticles compared to methanol as the desolvating agent at 4 and 50 °C. However, at 25 °C, ethanol formed the most uniform nanoparticles with the lowest polydispersity index (0.188 ± 0.091) and particle size of 174.64 ± 30.61 nm. The encapsulation efficiency was in the range of 39.1 to 95.4% according to the fabrication condition and curcumin-to-protein mass ratio. A biphasic trend of curcumin release from nanoparticles was observed; in which, over 50% of curcumin was released from the curcumin-loaded nanoparticles in the first 2 h, which is attributed to the burst effect of the protein matrix.

In vitro and in vivo antitubercular activity of benzothiazinone-loaded human serum albumin nanocarriers designed for inhalation

The aim of this study was to investigate the potential of human serum albumin (HSA) as a solubilising agent/drug delivery vehicle for pulmonary administration of antimycobacterial benzothiazinone (BTZ) compounds. The solubility of four novel BTZ compounds (IR 20, IF 274, FG 2, AR 112) was enhanced 2 to 140-fold by incubation with albumin (0.38-134 μg/mL). Tryptophan 213 residue quenching studies indicated moderate binding strength to Sudlow's site I. Nanoparticle manufacture achieved 37-60% encapsulation efficiency in HSA particles (169 nm, zeta potential -31 mV). Drug release was triggered by proteases with >50% released in 4 h. The antimycobacterial activity of IR 20 and FG 2 loaded in HSA nanoparticles was enhanced compared to DMSO/phosphate buffered saline (PBS) or albumin/PBS solutions in an in vitro M. tuberculosis-infected macrophage model. Intranasal instillation was used to achieve pulmonary delivery daily over 10 days to M. tuberculosis infected mice for FG2 HSA nanoparticles (0.4 mg/kg), FG 2 DMSO/saline (0.4 and 8 mg/kg) and a reference compound, BTZ043, DMSO/saline (0.4 and 8 mg/kg). A lower lung M. tuberculosis burden was apparent for all BTZ cohorts, but only significant for BTZ043 at both doses. In conclusion, mechanisms of HSA nanoparticle loading and release of BTZ compounds were demonstrated, enhanced antimycobacterial activity of the nanoparticle formulations was demonstrated in a biorelevant in vitro bioassay and the effectiveness of BTZ by pulmonary delivery in vivo was established with pilot evidence for effectiveness when delivered by HSA nanoparticles. Finally, the feasibility of developing an inhaled nanoparticle-in-microparticle powder formulation was ascertained.

Nanoparticle System Based on Amino-Dextran as a Drug Delivery Vehicle: Immune-Stimulatory CpG-Oligonucleotide Loading and Delivery

The aim of this study is to prepare and characterize an amino-dextran nanoparticle (aDNP) platform and investigate two loading strategies for unmethylated cytosine-phosphate-guanine (CpG) oligonucleotide. aDNP was prepared by desolvation of amino-dextran followed by the chemical crosslinking of amino groups. Size, surface charge, and surface morphology of aDNP was determined by dynamic light scattering and transmission electron microscopy. CpG was either loaded onto aDNP by adsorption (CpG-adsorbed-aDNP) or conjugated to aDNP (CpG-conjugated-aDNP). In vitro cytokine production by bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (BMDCs) was measured by flow cytometry. aDNPs size and zeta potential could be controlled to produce uniform particles in the size range of 50 to 300 nm, surface charge of −16.5 to +14 mV, and were spherical in shape. Formulation control parameters investigated included the anti-solvent, water-to-anti-solvent ratio, level of amine functionality of dextran, and the molar ratio of glutaraldehyde to amine. aDNP could be lyophilized without additional cryoprotectant. Unloaded cationic aDNP (+13 mV) showed acceptable in vitro hemolysis. Unloaded and CpG-loaded aDNPs showed no cytotoxicity on BMDCs. CpG-loaded nanoparticles stimulated cytokine production by BMDCs, the level of cytokine production was higher for CpG-conjugated-aDNP compared to CpG-absorbed-aDNP. aDNP is a promising new drug delivery platform as its offers versatility in loading and tuning of particle properties.

Albumin nanoparticles coated with polysorbate 80 for the targeted delivery of antiepileptic drug levetiracetam into the brain

The aim of the study was to target levetiracetam (LEV) into the brain by albumin nanoparticles. The levetiracetam-loaded albumin nanoparticles (LEV-NPs) were formulated by desolvation. The particle size of LEV-NPs was 153.7 ± 44.8 nm and the zeta potential was - 10.8 mV. The in vitro LEV release, in pH 6.8 phosphate buffer, was determined by dialysis and showed a biphasic pattern of drug release and ranged in between 40.42 ± 2.6% w/w and 63.61 ± 2.12% w/w. The biodistribution study was conducted on male Wistar rats. The LEV was given as i.v. injection in tail vein, and the formulations were the free drug, LEV-NPs, and levetiracetam-loaded albumin nanoparticles further coated with 1% polysorbate 80 (LEV-NPs-PS 80). A significant increase in LEV concentration was achieved in the brain for LEV-NPs-PS 80 when compared with LEV free drug. The LEV concentration achieved in the brain after administering free drug and LEV-NPs-PS 80 was 5.28 ± 1.79 and 18.54 ± 2.38 μg/gm respectively. The LEV-NPs-PS 80 enhanced LEV concentration in the brain by 3.51-fold when compared with the free drug. Graphical abstract.

Epigenetic Regulation of Bmi1 by Ubiquitination and Proteasomal Degradation Inhibit Bcl-2 in Acute Myeloid Leukemia

Bmi1 is associated with advanced prognosis of acute myeloid leukemia (AML), and polyethylenimine (PEI)-stabilized Bmi1 siRNA-entrapped human serum albumin (HSA) nanocarriers (PEI@HSANCs) were used to protect siRNA from degradation and also to control epigenetic regulation-based AML therapy. The nanoform increased the transfection efficiency of Bmi1 siRNA through caveolae-mediated endocytosis and enhanced Bax translocation into the mitochondria. It enhanced the caspase 3-mediated apoptosis through the Bax activation and Bcl-2 inhibition. The molecular analysis reveals the downregulation of polycomb proteins, Bmi1 and EzH2, along with inhibition of H3K27me3 and H2AK119ub1. The signaling cascade revealed downregulation of Bmi1 through ubiquitin-mediated degradation and is reversed by a proteasome inhibitor. Further mechanistic studies established a crucial role of transcription factor, C-Myb and Bmi1, as its direct targets for maintenance and progression of AML. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay confirmed Bmi1 as a direct target of C-Myb as it binds to promoter sequence of Bmi1 between -235 to +43 and -111 to +43. The in vivo studies performed in the AML xenograft model evidence a decrease in the population of leukemic stem cells marker (CD45⁺) and an increase in the myeloid differentiating marker expression (CD11b⁺) in the bone marrow after the Bmi1 siRNA nanoconjugated therapy. Activation of apoptotic pathways and withdrawal of epigenetic repression through a ubiquitin proteasomal pathway potentiating a novel antileukemic therapy were established.

Synthesis and Comparative Study of Nanoparticles Derived from Bovine and Human Serum Albumins

This study describes the preparation of nanoparticles derived from bovine serum albumin (BSA) in comparison with the formation of nanoparticles composed of human serum albumin (HSA), when the same preparation procedure was used in both cases. To obtain protein nanoparticles, the method of desolvation with ethanol was employed, followed by the stabilization with urea and cysteine. It was shown that, upon transition from HSA to BSA, the particles with smaller sizes and with a narrower polydispersity were formed. The possibility of the immobilization of the antitumor drug hydroxyurea in such protein nanoparticles by adsorption and inclusion methods has been shown. The drug release profile from the polymer matrix was established.

Polyelectrolytic BSA nanoparticles containing silicon dihydroxide phthalocyanine as a promising candidate for drug delivery systems for anticancer photodynamic therapy

Recently several scientific-technological advances in the health area have developed. Among them, we can highlight research addressing nanoscience and nanotechnology focusing on the development of formulations for the cancer treatment. This work describes the synthesis and characterization of bovine serum albumin (BSA) polyelectrolytic nanoparticles for controlled release using silicon dihydroxide phthalocyanine [SiPc (OH)₂] as a photosensitizer model for application in Photodynamic Therapy (PDT). BSA nanoparticles were prepared by the one-step desolvation process and the nanoparticulate system was coated with polyelectrolytes using poly-(4-styrene sulfonate - PSS) as a strong polyanion and polyallylamine hydrochloride (PAH) as a weak polycation by the technique self-assembling layer-by-layer (LbL). The formulation was characterized and available in cellular culture. The profile of drug release was investigated and compared to that of free [SiPc (OH)₂]. The nanoparticles have a mean diameter of 226.9 nm, a narrow size distribution with polydispersive index of 0.153, smooth surface and spherical shape. [SiPc(OH)₂] loaded nanoparticles maintain its photophysical behaviour after encapsulation. The polyelectrolytic nanoparticles improved efficiency in release and photocytotoxicity assay when compared to pure drug. The results demonstrate that photosensitizer adsorption on BSA nanoparticles together with biopolymer layer-by-layer assembly provides a way to manufacture biocompatible nanostructured materials that are intended for use as biomaterials for Photodynamic Therapy applications.

HSA-curcumin nanoparticles: a promising substitution for Curcumin as a Cancer chemoprevention and therapy

BACKGROUND

Many solutions have been evaluated to deal with "chemotherapy and radiation-resistant cancer cells' as well as "severe complications of chemotherapy drugs". One of these solutions is the use of herbal compounds with antioxidant properties. Among these antioxidant compounds, curcumin is identified as the strongest one to inhibit cancerous cells proliferation. However, its clinical trials have encountered many constraints, because curcumin is insoluble in water and unstable in physiological conditions. To overcome these limitations, in this study, curcumin was conjugated with human serum albumin (HSA) and its effects on breast cancer cell lines were also measured.

METHODS

After making of HSA-curcumin nanoparticles (NPs) by the desolvation technique, they were characterized by the FTIR, DLS, TEM, and SEM method. At the end, its anticancer effects have been examined using MTT test and apoptosis assay.

RESULTS

The FTIR graph confirmed that curcumin and HSA have been conjugated along with each other. Particles size was reported to be 220 nm and 180 nm by DLS and SEM, respectively. The zeta potential of HSA-curcumin NPs was -7 mV, while it was -37 mV for curcumin. The MTT and apoptosis assay results indicated that the toxicity of HSA-curcumin NPs on the normal cell are less than curcumin; however, its anti-cancer effects on the cancer cells are much greater, compared to curcumin.

CONCLUSION

HSA-curcumin NPs increase curcumin solubility in water as well as its stability in physiological and acidic conditions. These factors have the ability of overwhelming the limitations on using curcumin alone, and they could result in a significant increase in the toxicity of curcumin on the cancer cells without increasing its toxicity on the normal cells. Grapical abstract.

Reversion of arterial calcification by elastin-targeted DTPA-HSA nanoparticles

Generalized arterial calcification of infancy (GACI) and pseudoxanthoma elasticum (PXE) are characterized by pathologic calcifications in the media of large- and medium sized arteries. GACI is associated with biallelic mutations in ENPP1 in the majority of cases, whereas mutations in ABCC6 are known to cause PXE. Different treatment approaches including bisphosphonates and orally administered pyrophosphate (PP_i) were investigated in recent years, but reversion of calcification could not be achieved. With this study, we pursued the idea of a combination of controlled drug delivery through nanoparticles and active targeting via antibody conjugation to develop a treatment for GACI and PXE. To establish a suitable drug delivery system, the chelating drug diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid (DTPA) was conjugated to nanoparticles composed of human serum albumin (HSA) as biodegradable and non-toxic particle matrix. To accomplish an active targeting of the elastic fibers exposed through calcification of the affected areas, the nanoparticle surface was functionalized with an anti-elastin antibody. Cytotoxicity and cell interaction studies revealed favorable preconditions for the intended i.v. application. The chelating ability was evaluated in vitro and ex vivo on aortic ring culture isolated from two mouse models of GACI and PXE. The positive results led to the conclusion that the produced nanoparticles might be a promising therapy in the treatment of GACI and PXE.

Hydroxyurea-Loaded Albumin Nanoparticles: Preparation, Characterization, and In Vitro Studies

Human serum albumin nanoparticles (HSA-NPs) have been widely used as drug delivery systems. In most cases, HSA-NPs are formed by the method of desolvation in the presence of glutaraldehyde as a crosslinking agent. In the present study, we showed the possibility of crosslinking human serum albumin (HSA) molecules with natural agents, urea, and cysteine at the nanoparticle level under mild conditions (at room temperature of 20-25 °C). Optimal concentrations of the interacting components (HSA, urea, and cysteine) were found to produce nanoparticles with optimal physico-chemical parameters (particle size, polydispersity, zeta potential, yield, etc.) for application as drug carriers. We used hydroxyurea (HU), a simple organic compound currently used as a cancer chemotherapeutic agent. The results indicated sizes of 196 ± 5 nm and 288 ± 10 nm with a surface charge of -22 ± 3.4 mV and -17.4 ± 0.5 mV for HSA-NPs (20 mg/mL of HSA, 0.01 mg/mL of cysteine, and 10 mg/mL of urea) and HSA-HU-NPs (2 mg/mL of HU), respectively. The yield of the HSA-HU-NPs was ~93% with an encapsulation efficiency of ~77%. Thus, the particles created (immobilized with HU) were stable over time and able to prolong the effect of the drug.

Antitumor Effects of Intra-Arterial Delivery of Albumin-Doxorubicin Nanoparticle Conjugated Microbubbles Combined with Ultrasound-Targeted Microbubble Activation on VX2 Rabbit Liver Tumors

Image-guided intra-arterial therapies play a key role in the management of hepatic malignancies. However, limited clinical outcomes suggest the need for new multifunctional drug delivery systems to enhance local drug concentration while reducing systemic adverse reactions. Therefore, we developed the albumin-doxorubicin nanoparticle conjugated microbubble (ADMB) to enhance therapeutic efficiency by sonoporation under exposure to ultrasound. ADMB demonstrated a size distribution of 2.33 ± 1.34 µm and a doxorubicin loading efficiency of 82.7%. The echogenicity of ADMBs was sufficiently generated in the 2–9 MHz frequency range and cavitation depended on the strength of the irradiating ultrasound. In the VX2 rabbit tumor model, ADMB enhanced the therapeutic efficiency under ultrasound exposure, compared to free doxorubicin. The intra-arterial administration of ADMBs sufficiently reduced tumor growth by five times, compared to the control group. Changes in the ADC values and viable tumor fraction supported the fact that the antitumor effect of ADMBs were enhanced by evidence of necrosis ratio (over 70%) and survival tumor cell fraction (20%). Liver toxicity was comparable to that of conventional therapies. In conclusion, this study shows that tumor suppression can be sufficiently maximized by combining ultrasound exposure with intra-arterial ADMB administration.

NEP1-40-modified human serum albumin nanoparticles enhance the therapeutic effect of methylprednisolone against spinal cord injury

Background

Frequent injection of high-dose methylprednisolone (MP) is used to treat spinal cord injury (SCI), but free MP is associated with various side effects and its water solubility is low, limiting potential dosing regimes and administration routes. Albumin-based nanoparticles, which can encapsulate therapeutic drugs and release cargo in a controlled pattern, show high biocompatibility and low toxicity. The Nogo protein, expressed on the surface of oligodendrocytes, can inhibit axonal growth by binding with the axonal Nogo receptor (NgR). Peptide NEP_1-40, an NgR antagonist, can bind specifically to Nogo, significantly improving functional recovery and axon growth in the corticospinal tract. Therefore, we hypothesized that delivering MP within nanoparticles decorated with NEP_1-40 could avoid the disadvantages of free MP and enhance its therapeutic efficacy against SCI.

Results

We used human serum albumin to prepare MP-loaded NPs (MP-NPs), to whose surface we conjugated NEP_1-40 to form NEP_1-40-MP-NPs. Transmission electron microscopy indicated successful formation of nanoparticles. NEP_1-40-MP-NPs were taken up significantly better than MP-NPs by the Nogo-positive cell line RSC-96 and were associated with significantly higher Basso–Beattie–Bresnahan locomotor scores in rats recovering from SCI. Micro-computed tomography assay showed that NEP_1-40-MP-NPs mitigated SCI-associated loss of bone mineral density and accelerated spinal cord repair.

Conclusions

NEP_1-40-MP-NPs can enhance the therapeutic effects of MP against SCI. This novel platform may also be useful for delivering other types of drugs.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12951-019-0449-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

The nanoparticle-facilitated autophagy inhibition of cancer stem cells for improved chemotherapeutic effects on glioblastomas

Paclitaxel (PTX) and chloroquine (CQ) loaded bovine serum albumin (BSA) nanoparticles can achieve efficient glioma therapyviaautophagy inhibition.

JC, Wass MN, Langer K, Michaelis M. Doxorubicin-loaded human serum albumin nanoparticles overcome transporter-mediated drug resistance in drug-adapted cancer cells

Resistance to systemic drug therapy is a major reason for the failure of anticancer therapies. Here, we tested doxorubicin-loaded human serum albumin (HSA) nanoparticles in the neuroblastoma cell line UKF-NB-3 and its ABCB1-expressing sublines adapted to vincristine (UKF-NB-3^rVCR¹) and doxorubicin (UKF-NB-3^rDOX²⁰). Doxorubicin-loaded nanoparticles displayed increased anticancer activity in UKF-NB-3^rVCR¹ and UKF-NB-3^rDOX²⁰ cells relative to doxorubicin solution, but not in UKF-NB-3 cells. UKF-NB-3^rVCR¹ cells were re-sensitised by nanoparticle-encapsulated doxorubicin to the level of UKF-NB-3 cells. UKF-NB-3^rDOX²⁰ cells displayed a more pronounced resistance phenotype than UKF-NB-3^rVCR¹ cells and were not re-sensitised by doxorubicin-loaded nanoparticles to the level of parental cells. ABCB1 inhibition using zosuquidar resulted in similar effects like nanoparticle incorporation, indicating that doxorubicin-loaded nanoparticles successfully circumvent ABCB1-mediated drug efflux. The limited re-sensitisation of UKF-NB-3^rDOX²⁰ cells to doxorubicin by circumvention of ABCB1-mediated efflux is probably due to the presence of multiple doxorubicin resistance mechanisms. So far, ABCB1 inhibitors have failed in clinical trials probably because systemic ABCB1 inhibition results in a modified body distribution of its many substrates including drugs, xenobiotics, and other molecules. HSA nanoparticles may provide an alternative, more specific way to overcome transporter-mediated resistance.

DNA G-quadruplexes binding and antitumor activity of palladium aryl oxime ligand complexes encapsulated in either albumin or algal cellulose nanoparticles

The interactions between two Pd complexes, designated as [Pd₃(C,N-(C₆H₄C(Cl) = NO)-4)₆] (complex 1) and [Pd₃(C₁₂H₈C = NO)₆] (complex 2), with the human telomeric G-quadruplex DNA, 5'-G₃(T₂AG₃)₃-3' (HTG21), were monitored using spectroscopic, biological, and molecular modeling studies. According to the UV-vis results, these complexes can strongly induce and stabilize G-quadruplex DNA structure with K_b1 = 4.5(±0.3) × 10⁶ M^-1 and K_b2 = 1.0(±0.2) × 10⁷ M^-1via groove mode in comparison with duplex DNA. The release mechanism of the Pd complexes from BSA nanoparticles followed a biphasic pattern unlike that of algal cellulose nanoparticles in vitro. In addition, the cytotoxicity of these complexes on MCF-7 cancer cells and PBMC normal cells was evaluated and compared with cisplatin under similar experimental conditions. Furthermore, to determine and verify the interaction mode of these compounds with G-quadruplex, the molecular docking technique was also performed. Our data clearly demonstrated that complex 2 had higher activity and cytotoxicity than that of complex 1 and could be further investigated in the future as a drug discovery platform.

Curcumin-loaded galactosylated BSA nanoparticles as targeted drug delivery carriers inhibit hepatocellular carcinoma cell proliferation and migration

Background

The main objective of this study was to develop novel BSA nanoparticles (BSA NPs) for improving the bioavailability of curcumin as an anticancer drug, and those BSA NPs were galactosylated for forming the curcumin-loaded galactosylated BSA nanoparticles (Gal-BSA-Cur NPs), thus enhancing their ability to target asialoglycoprotein receptor (ASGPR) overexpressed on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells.

Materials and methods

Gal-BSA-Cur NPs were prepared by the desolvation method and showed a spherical shape and well distribution with the average particle size of 116.24 nm.

Results

In vitro drug release assay exhibited that Gal-BSA-Cur NPs had higher release rates and improved the curcumin solubility. Cell uptake studies confirmed that Gal-BSA-Cur NPs could selectively recognize receptors on the surface of HCC (HepG2) cells and improve internalization ability of drug compared with BSA NPs-loaded curcumin (BSA-Cur NPs), which might be due to high affinity to galactose. Further, the effects of Gal-BSA-Cur NPs were evaluated by cytotoxicity assay, crystal violet assay, cell apoptosis assay, and wound healing assay, respectively, which revealed that Gal-BSA-Cur NPs could inhibit HepG2 cells proliferation, induce cell apoptosis, and inhibit cell migration.

Conclusion

Immunofluorescence staining has proved that the effects of Gal-BSA-Cur NPs related to the suppression of the nuclear factor κB-p65 (NF-κB-p65) expression in HepG2 cell nucleus. Therefore, these results indicate that novel Gal-BSA-Cur NPs are potential candidates for targeted curcumin delivery to HCC cells.

Stimulating brain recovery after stroke using theranostic albumin nanocarriers loaded with nerve growth factor in combination therapy

For many years, delivering drug molecules across the blood brain barrier has been a major challenge. The neuropeptide nerve growth factor is involved in the regulation of growth and differentiation of cholinergic neurons and holds great potential in the treatment of stroke. However, as with many other compounds, the biomolecule is not able to enter the central nervous system. In the present study, nerve growth factor and ultra-small particles of iron oxide were co-encapsulated into a chemically crosslinked albumin nanocarrier matrix which was modified on the surface with apolipoprotein E. These biodegradable nanoparticles with a size of 212 ± 1 nm exhibited monodisperse size distribution and low toxicity. They delivered NGF through an artificial blood brain barrier and were able to induce neurite outgrowth in PC12 cells in vitro. In an animal model of stroke, the infarct size was significantly reduced compared to the vehicle control. The combination therapy of NGF and the small-molecular MEK inhibitor U0126 showed a slight but not significant difference compared to U0126 alone. However, further in vivo evidence suggests that successful delivery of the neuropeptide is possible as well as the synergism between those two treatments.

Chemosensitizer and docetaxel-loaded albumin nanoparticle: overcoming drug resistance and improving therapeutic efficacy

Aim: Investigated strategy exploits the utilization of quercetin as a chemosensitizer for docetaxel (DTX), which was incorporated into albumin nanoparticles (NPs; bovine serum albumin NPs [BSA–NPs]). Material & methods: BSA–NPs containing both drugs were optimized, extensively characterized for different quality attributes and performance was investigated using series of in vitro and in vivo investigations. Results: Co-encapsulated BSA–NPs exhibited size: 209.26 ± 9.84 nm, polydispersibility index: 0.184 ± 0.05 and good entrapment efficiency (∼75% for DTX and ∼68% for quercetin). Higher in vitro cytotoxicity, cell uptake and apoptosis were achieved in MCF-7 cell line. Similarly, higher P-glycoprotein efflux inhibition was observed in MDA-MB-231. About 2.5-fold increase in bioavailability of DTX was achieved with improved antitumor efficacy and reduced in vivo toxicity. Conclusion: Developed BSA–NPs provide an effective and safer alternative approach using co-delivery of chemosensitizer.

Novel folic acid-conjugated doxorubicin loaded β-lactoglobulin nanoparticles induce apoptosis in breast cancer cells

Chemotherapy constitutes the main strategy in management of breast cancer (BC). Lack of specificity and high burden of adverse effects of chemotherapeutic agents remain the most important impediments to successful treatment of BC patients. Folate receptor α (FRα) could be very promising for therapeutic targeting in this type of cancer. In this study, ß-lactoglobulin nanoparticles (BNPs) conjugated with folic acid and loaded with doxorubicin (FDBNPs) were prepared. Various characterization techniques were applied to determine the size, polydispersity and doxorubicin loading of prepared FDBNPs in comparison with doxorubicin-loaded BNPs (DBNPs). The results showed that FDBNPs are 109.77 ± 2.80 nm in diameter with well dispersed and spherical shapes. The biodegradation of FDBNPs in the presence of trypsin enzyme and in PBS at different pH (4 and 7) was spectrophotometrically monitored and the results showed that the FDBNPs with encapsulation efficiency of 68.82%±1.76% could deliver doxorubicin at clinically relevant doses. Effects of DBNPs and FDBNPs against MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231, BC and triple negative BC (TNBC) cell lines, respectively, showed significant inhibition of cell proliferation as well as induction of apoptosis. Based on these findings, FDBNPs with facilitated drug release and targeted doxorubicin delivery capacities could have high therapeutic potential for BC and TNBC.