Optimization of Magneto-thermally Controlled Release Kinetics by Tuning of Magnetoliposome Composition and Structure

Controlled assembly of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticle into nanoliposome for Pickering emulsion preparation

There has been a surge in effort in the development of various solid nanoparticles as Pickering emulsion stabilizers in the past decades. Regardless, the exploration of stabilizers that simultaneously stabilize and deliver bioactive has been limited. For this, liposomes with amphiphilic nature have been introduced as Pickering emulsion stabilizers but these nano-sized vesicles lack targeting specificity. Therefore in this study, superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPION) encapsulated within liposomes (MLP) were used as Pickering emulsion stabilizers to prepare pH and magnetic-responsive Pickering emulsions. A stable MLP-stabilized Pickering emulsion formulation was established by varying the MLP pH, concentration, and oil loading during the emulsification process. The primary stabilization mechanism of the emulsion under pH variation was identified to be largely associated with the MLP phosphate group deprotonation. When subjected to sequential pH adjustment to imitate the gastrointestinal digestion pH environment, a recovery in Pickering emulsion integrity was observed as the pH changes from acidic to alkaline. By incorporating SPION, the Pickering emulsion can be guided to the targeted site under the influence of a magnetic field without compromising emulsion stability. Overall, the results demonstrated the potential of MLP-stabilized Pickering emulsion as a dual pH- and magnetic-responsive drug delivery carrier with the ability to co-encapsulate hydrophobic and hydrophilic bioactive.

Microfluidic production, stability and loading of synthetic giant unilamellar vesicles

In advanced drug delivery, versatile liposomal formulations are commonly employed for safer and more accurate therapies. Here we report a method that allows a straightforward production of synthetic monodisperse (~ 100 μm) giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs) using a microfluidic system. The stability analysis based on the microscopy imaging showed that at ambient conditions the produced GUVs had a half-life of 61 ± 2 h. However, it was observed that ~ 90% of the calcein dye that was loaded into GUVs was transported into a surrounding medium in 24 h, thus indicating that the GUVs may release these small dye molecules without distinguishable membrane disruption. We further demonstrated the feasibility of our method by loading GUVs with larger and very different cargo objects; small soluble fluorescent proteins and larger magnetic microparticles in a suspension. Compared to previously reported microfluidics-based production techniques, the obtained results indicate that our simplified method could be equally harnessed in creating GUVs with less cost, effort and time, which could further benefit studying closed membrane systems.

Efficient Strategy to Synthesize Tunable pH-Responsive Hybrid Micelles Based on Iron Oxide and Gold Nanoparticles

The preparation of multifunctional nanomaterials based on inorganic nanoparticles with organic materials has emerged as a promising strategy for the development of new nanomedicines for in vitro and in vivo biomedical applications. Here, we synthesized pH-responsive hybrid inorganic micelles by combining a novel pH-responsive amphiphilic molecule with hydrophobic payloads. This amphiphile was synthesized in a one-pot reaction and self-assembled readily into micelles under acidic pH conditions. In the presence of hydrophobic NP payloads such as AuNPs or IONPs, the amphiphile self-organized around them through hydrophobic interactions, resulting in the formation of colloidally stable hybrid micelles. The size of the hydrophobic NPs determined the pH-response of the inorganic hybrid micelles, which is tuned from pH 7 to 11 for our pH-responsive amphiphilic molecule. This achievement represents a novel approach for the synthesis of tunable pH-responsive hybrid micelles based on inorganic NPs for biomedical imaging, hyperthermia treatment, and also drug delivery nanosystems.

Liposome-based hybrid drug delivery systems with DNA nanostructures and metallic nanoparticles

INTRODUCTION

This review discusses novel hybrid assemblies that are based on liposomal formulations. The focus is on the hybrid constructs that are formed through the integration of liposomes/vesicles with other nano-objects such as nucleic acid nanostructures and metallic nanoparticles. The aim is to introduce some of the recent, specific examples that bridge different technologies and thus may form a new platform for advanced drug delivery applications.

AREAS COVERED

We present selected examples of liposomal formulations combined with complex nanostructures either based on biomolecules like DNA origami or on metallic materials - metal/metal oxide/magnetic particles and metallic nanostructures, such as metal organic frameworks - together with their applications in drug delivery and beyond.

EXPERT OPINION

Merging the above-mentioned techniques could lead to development of drug delivery vehicles with the most desirable properties; multifunctionality, biocompatibility, high drug loading efficiency/accuracy/capacity, and stimuli-responsiveness. In the near future, we believe that especially the strategies combining dynamic, triggerable and programmable DNA nanostructures and liposomes could be used to create artificial liposome clusters for multiple applications such as examining protein-mediated interactions between lipid bilayers and channeling materials between liposomes for enhanced pharmacokinetic properties in drug delivery.

What We Need to Know about Liposomes as Drug Nanocarriers: An Updated Review

Liposomes have been attracted considerable attention as phospholipid spherical vesicles, over the past 40 years. These lipid vesicles are valued in biomedical application due to their ability to carry both hydrophobic and hydrophilic agents, high biocompatibility and biodegradability. Various methods have been used for the synthesis of liposomes, so far and numerous modifications have been performed to introduce liposomes with different characteristics like surface charge, size, number of their layers, and length of circulation in biological fluids. This article provides an overview of the significant advances in synthesis of liposomes via active or passive drug loading methods, as well as describes some strategies developed to fabricate their targeted formulations to overcome limitations of the "first-generation" liposomes.

Photonic and magnetic materials for on-demand local drug delivery

Nanomedicine has been considered a promising tool for biomedical research and clinical practice in the 21st century because of the great impact nanomaterials could have on human health. The generation of new smart nanomaterials, which enable time- and space-controlled drug delivery, improve the limitations of conventional treatments, such as non-specific targeting, poor biodistribution and permeability. These smart nanomaterials can respond to internal biological stimuli (pH, enzyme expression and redox potential) and/or external stimuli (such as temperature, ultrasound, magnetic field and light) to further the precision of therapies. To this end, photonic and magnetic nanoparticles, such as gold, silver and iron oxide, have been used to increase sensitivity and responsiveness to external stimuli. In this review, we aim to report the main and most recent systems that involve photonic or magnetic nanomaterials for external stimulus-responsive drug release. The uniqueness of this review lies in highlighting the versatility of integrating these materials within different carriers. This leads to enhanced performance in terms of in vitro and in vivo efficacy, stability and toxicity. We also point out the current regulatory challenges for the translation of these systems from the bench to the bedside, as well as the yet unresolved matter regarding the standardization of these materials.

Updates on Responsive Drug Delivery Based on Liposome Vehicles for Cancer Treatment

Liposomes are well-known nanoparticles with a non-toxic nature and the ability to incorporate both hydrophilic and hydrophobic drugs simultaneously. As modern drug delivery formulations are produced by emerging technologies, numerous advantages of liposomal drug delivery systems over conventional liposomes or free drug treatment of cancer have been reported. Recently, liposome nanocarriers have exhibited high drug loading capacity, drug protection, improved bioavailability, enhanced intercellular delivery, and better therapeutic effect because of resounding success in targeting delivery. The site targeting of smart responsive liposomes, achieved through changes in their physicochemical and morphological properties, allows for the controlled release of active compounds under certain endogenous or exogenous stimuli. In that way, the multifunctional and stimuli-responsive nanocarriers for the drug delivery of cancer therapeutics enhance the efficacy of treatment prevention and fighting over metastases, while limiting the systemic side effects on healthy tissues and organs. Since liposomes constitute promising nanocarriers for site-targeted and controlled anticancer drug release, this review focuses on the recent progress of smart liposome achievements for anticancer drug delivery applications.

Iron oxide nanoflowers encapsulated in thermosensitive fluorescent liposomes for hyperthermia treatment of lung adenocarcinoma

Magnetic hyperthermia (MHT) is in the spotlight of nanomedical research for the treatment of cancer employing magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles and their intrinsic capability for heat dissipation under an alternating magnetic field (AMF). Herein we focus on the synthesis of iron oxide nanoflowers (Nfs) of different sizes (15 and 35 nm) and coatings (bare, citrate, and Rhodamine B) while comparing their physicochemical and magnetothermal properties. We encapsulated colloidally stable citrate coated Nfs, of both sizes, in thermosensitive liposomes via extrusion, and RhB was loaded in the lipid bilayer. All formulations proved hemocompatible and cytocompatible. We found that 35 nm Nfs, at lower concentrations than 15 nm Nfs, served better as nanoheaters for magnetic hyperthermia applications. In vitro, magnetic hyperthermia results showed promising therapeutic and imaging potential for RhB loaded magnetoliposomes containing 35 nm Nfs against LLC and CULA cell lines of lung adenocarcinoma.

Computational Modeling of Combination of Magnetic Hyperthermia and Temperature-Sensitive Liposome for Controlled Drug Release in Solid Tumor

Combination therapy, a treatment modality that combines two or more therapeutic methods, provides a novel pathway for cancer treatment, as it targets the region of interest (ROI) in a characteristically synergistic or additive manner. To date, liposomes are the only nano-drug delivery platforms that have been used in clinical trials. Here, we speculated that it could be promising to improve treatment efficacy and reduce side effects by intravenous administration of thermo-sensitive liposomes loaded with doxorubicin (TSL-Dox) during magnetic hyperthermia (MHT). A multi-scale computational model using the finite element method was developed to simulate both MHT and temperature-sensitive liposome (TSL) delivery to a solid tumor to obtain spatial drug concentration maps and temperature profiles. The results showed that the killing rate of MHT alone was about 15%, which increased to 50% using the suggested combination therapy. The results also revealed that this combination treatment increased the fraction of killed cells (FKCs) inside the tumor compared to conventional chemotherapy by 15% in addition to reducing side effects. Furthermore, the impacts of vessel wall pore size, the time interval between TSL delivery and MHT, and the initial dose of TSLs were also investigated. A considerable reduction in drug accumulation was observed in the tumor by decreasing the vessel wall pore size of the tumor. The results also revealed that the treatment procedure plays an essential role in the therapeutic potential of anti-cancer drugs. The results suggest that the administration of MHT can be beneficial in the TSL delivery system and that it can be employed as a guideline for upcoming preclinical studies.

Thermoresponsive Nanoparticles with Cyclic-Polymer-Grafted Shells Are More Stable than with Linear-Polymer-Grafted Shells: Effect of Polymer Topology, Molecular Weight, and Core Size

Polymer brush-grafted superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles can change their aggregation state in response to temperature and are potential smart materials for many applications. Recently, the shell morphology imposed by grafting to a nanoparticle core was shown to strongly influence the thermoresponsiveness through a coupling of intrashell solubility transitions and nanoparticle aggregation. We investigate how a change from linear to cyclic polymer topology affects the thermoresponsiveness of poly(2-isopropyl-2-oxazoline) brush-grafted superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles. Linear and cyclic polymers with three different molecular weights (7, 18, and 24.5 kg mol-1) on two different core sizes (3.7 and 9.2 nm) and as free polymer were investigated. We observed the critical flocculation temperature (CFT) during temperature cycling dynamic light scattering experiments, the critical solution temperature (CST), and the transition enthalpy per monomer during differential scanning calorimetry measurements. When all conditions are identical, cyclic polymers increase the colloidal stability and the critical flocculation temperature compared to their linear counterparts. Furthermore, the cyclic polymer shows only one uniform transition, while we observe multiple transitions for the linear polymer shells. We link the single transition and higher colloidal stability to the absence in cyclic PiPrOx shells of a dilute outer part where the particle shells can interdigitate.

Multilobed Magnetic Liposomes Enable Remotely Controlled Collection, Transport, and Delivery of Membrane-Soluble Cargos to Vesicles and Cells

Lipid bilayers are the basic structural components of all living systems, forming the membranes of cells, sub-cellular organelles, and extracellular vesicles. A class of man-made lipidic vesicles called multilobed magnetic liposomes (MMLs) is reported in this work; these MMLs possess a previously unattained combination of features owing to their unique multilobe structure and composition. MMLs consist of a central cluster of lipid-coated magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles that lend them a magnetophoretic velocity comparable to the most efficient living microswimmers. Multiple liposome-like lobes protrude from the central region; these can incorporate both water-soluble and lipid-soluble molecular payloads at high carrying capacity and exchange the incorporated substances with the membranes of both artificial and live cells by the contact diffusion mechanism. The size of MMLs is controllable in the range of 200-800 nm. Their functionality is demonstrated by completing a model mission where MMLs are remotely controlled to collect, transport, and deliver a cargo to live cells.

Dual-Targeting and Stimuli-Triggered Liposomal Drug Delivery in Cancer Treatment

The delivery of chemotherapeutics to solid tumors using smart drug delivery systems (SDDSs) takes advantage of the unique physiology of tumors (i.e., disordered structure, leaky vasculature, abnormal extracellular matrix (ECM), and limited lymphatic drainage) to deliver anticancer drugs with reduced systemic side effects. Liposomes are the most promising of such SDDSs and have been well investigated for cancer therapy. To improve the specificity, bioavailability, and anticancer efficacy of liposomes at the diseased sites, other strategies such as targeting ligands and stimulus-sensitive liposomes have been developed. This review highlights relevant surface functionalization techniques and stimuli-mediated drug release for enhanced delivery of anticancer agents at tumor sites, with a special focus on dual functionalization and design of multistimuli responsive liposomes.

Bare Iron Oxide Nanoparticles as Drug Delivery Carrier for the Short Cationic Peptide Lasioglossin

New drug delivery systems are a potential solution for administering drugs to reduce common side effects of traditional methods, such as in cancer therapy. Iron oxide nanoparticles (IONs) can increase the drugs’ biological activity through high binding efficiency and magnetically targeted drug delivery. Understanding the adsorption and release process of a drug to the carrier material plays a significant role in research to generate an applicable and controlled drug delivery system. This contribution focuses on the binding patterns of the peptide lasioglossin III from bee venom on bare IONs. Lasioglossin has a high antimicrobial behavior and due to its cationic properties, it has high binding potential. Considering the influence of pH, the buffer type, the particle concentration, and time, the highest drug loading of 22.7% is achieved in phosphate-buffered saline. Analysis of the desorption conditions revealed temperature and salt concentration sensitivity. The nanoparticles and peptide-ION complexes are analyzed with dynamic light scattering, zeta potential, and infrared spectroscopy. Additionally, cytotoxicity experiments performed on Escherichia coli show higher antimicrobial activity of bound lasioglossin than of the free peptide. Therefore, bare IONs are an interesting platform material for the development of drug-delivery carriers for cationic peptides.

Bio-nano interactions: binding proteins, polysaccharides, lipids and nucleic acids onto magnetic nanoparticles

The major interest in nanoparticles as an application platform for biotechnology arises from their high surface-to-volume ratio. Iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) are particularly appealing due to their superparamagnetic behavior, which enables bioseparation using external magnetic fields. In order to design advanced biomaterials, improve binding capacities and develop innovative processing solutions, a thorough understanding of the factors governing organic-inorganic binding in solution is critical but has not yet been achieved, given the wide variety of chemical and physical influences. This paper offers a critical review of experimental studies of the interactions between low cost IONPs (bare iron oxides, silica-coated or easily-functionalized surfaces) and the main groups of biomolecules: proteins, lipids, nucleic acids and carbohydrates. Special attention is devoted to the driving forces and interdependencies responsible of interactions at the solid-liquid interface, to the unique structural characteristics of each biomolecular class, and to environmental conditions influencing adsorption. Furthermore, studies focusing on mixtures, which are still rare, but absolutely necessary to understand the biocorona, are also included. This review concludes with a discussion of future work needed to fill the gaps in knowledge of bio-nano interactions, seeking to improve nanoparticles' targeting capabilities in complex systems, and to open the door for multipurpose recognition and bioseparation processes.

Magnetoliposomes: recent advances in the field of controlled drug delivery

INTRODUCTION

Magnetoliposomes have gained increasing attention as delivery systems, as they surpass many limitations associated with liposomes. The combination with magnetic nanoparticles provides a means for development of multimodal and multifunctional theranostic agents that enable on-demand drug release and real-time monitoring of therapy.

AREAS COVERED

Recently, several magnetoliposome structures have been reported to ensure efficient transport and delivery of therapeutics, while improving magnetic properties. Besides, novel techniques have been introduced to improve on-demand release, as well as to achieve sequential release of different therapeutic agents. This review presents the major types and methods of preparation of magnetoliposomes, and discusses recent strategies in the trigger of drug release, development of theranostic formulations, and delivery of drugs and biological entities.

EXPERT OPINION

Despite significant advances in efficient drug delivery, current literature lacks an assessment of formulations as theranostic agents and complementary techniques to optimize thermotherapy efficiency. Plasmonic magnetoliposomes are highly promising multimodal and multifunctional systems, providing the required design versatility to optimize theranostic capabilities. Further, photodynamic therapy and delivery of proteins/genes can be improved with a deeper research on the employed magnetic material and associated toxicity. A scale-up procedure is also lacking in recent research, which is limiting their translation to clinical use.

Hybrid lipopolymer vesicle drug delivery and release systems

Hybrid lipopolymer vesicles are membrane vesicles that can be self-assembled on both the micro- and nano-scale. On the nanoscale, they are potential novel smart materials for drug delivery systems that could combine the relative strengths of liposome and polymersome drug delivery systems without their respective weaknesses. However, little is known about their properties and how they could be tailored. Currently, most methods of investigation are limited to the microscale. Here we provide a brief review on hybrid vesicle systems with a specific focus on recent developments demonstrating that nanoscale hybrid vesicles have different properties from their macroscale counterparts.

Stimuli-Responsive Iron Oxide Nanotheranostics: A Versatile and Powerful Approach for Cancer Therapy

Recent advancements in unravelling elements of cancer biology involved in disease progression and treatment resistance have highlighted the need for a holistic approach to effectively tackle cancer. Stimuli-responsive nanotheranostics based on iron oxide nanoparticles are an emerging class of versatile nanomedicines with powerful capabilities to "seek, sense, and attack" multiple components of solid tumors. In this work, the rationale for using iron oxide nanoparticles and the basic physical principles that impact their function in biomedical applications are reviewed. Subsequently, recent advances in the integration of iron oxide nanoparticles with various stimulus mechanisms to facilitate the development of stimuli-responsive nanotheranostics for application in cancer therapy are summarized. The integration of an iron oxide core with various surface coating mechanisms results in the generation of hybrid nanoconstructs with capabilities to codeliver a wide variety of highly potent anticancer therapeutics and immune modulators. Finally, emerging future directions and considerations for their clinical translation are touched upon.

Lipid-Iron Nanoparticle with a Cell Stress Release Mechanism Combined with a Local Alternating Magnetic Field Enables Site-Activated Drug Release

Most available cancer chemotherapies are based on systemically administered small organic molecules, and only a tiny fraction of the drug reaches the disease site. The approach causes significant side effects and limits the outcome of the therapy. Targeted drug delivery provides an alternative to improve the situation. However, due to the poor release characteristics of the delivery systems, limitations remain. This report presents a new approach to address the challenges using two fundamentally different mechanisms to trigger the release from the liposomal carrier. We use an endogenous disease marker, an enzyme, combined with an externally applied magnetic field, to open the delivery system at the correct time only in the disease site. This site-activated release system is a novel two-switch nanomachine that can be regulated by a cell stress-induced enzyme at the cellular level and be remotely controlled using an applied magnetic field. We tested the concept using sphingomyelin-containing liposomes encapsulated with indocyanine green, fluorescent marker, or the anticancer drug cisplatin. We engineered the liposomes by adding paramagnetic beads to act as a receiver of outside magnetic energy. The developed multifunctional liposomes were characterized in vitro in leakage studies and cell internalization studies. The release system was further studied in vivo in imaging and therapy trials using a squamous cell carcinoma tumor in the mouse as a disease model. In vitro studies showed an increased release of loaded material when stress-related enzyme and magnetic field was applied to the carrier liposomes. The theranostic liposomes were found in tumors, and the improved therapeutic effect was shown in the survival studies.

Pulse Magnetic Fields Induced Drug Release from Gold Coated Magnetic Nanoparticle Decorated Liposomes

Magnetic nanoparticle-assisted drug release from liposomes is an important way to enhance the functionality/usefulness of liposomes. This work demonstrates an approach how to integrate magnetic nanoparticles with liposomes with the assistance of gold–thiol chemistry. The gold coated magnetic particles cover the thiolated liposomes from the outside, which removes the competition of the drug molecules and the triggering magnetic particles to free the inner space of the liposomes when compared to previous magneto liposome formulations. The liposome consists of dipalmitoyl phosphatidylcholine (DPPC) combined with distearoylphosphatidylcholine (DSPC) in addition to regular cholesterol or cholesterol-PEG-SH. Permeability assays and electron microscopy images show efficient coupling between the liposomes and nanoparticles in the presence of thiol groups without compromising the functionality of the liposomes. The nanoparticles such as gold nanoparticles, gold coated iron oxide nanoparticles and bare iron oxide nanoparticles are added following the model drug encapsulation. The efficient coupling between the gold coated nanoparticles (NPs) and the thiolate liposomes is evidenced by the shift in transition temperature of the thiolated liposomes. The addition of magnetically triggerable nanoparticles externally makes the entire interior of liposomes available for drug loading. The drug release efficiencies of these liposomes/NPs complexes were compared under exposure to pulsed magnetic fields. The results indicate up to 20% of the drug can be released in short time, which is comparable in efficiency to previous studies performed when magnetic NPs were located inside liposomes. Interestingly, the liposomes were found to exhibit variations in release efficiency based on different dilution media which is attributed to an osmotic pressure effect on liposomal stability.

Magnetic Nanoparticles as MRI Contrast Agents

Iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) have emerged as a promising alternative to conventional contrast agents (CAs) for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). They have been extensively investigated as CAs due to their high biocompatibility and excellent magnetic properties. Furthermore, the ease of functionalization of their surfaces with different types of ligands (antibodies, peptides, sugars, etc.) opens up the possibility of carrying out molecular MRI. Thus, IONPs functionalized with epithelial growth factor receptor antibodies, short peptides, like RGD, or aptamers, among others, have been proposed for the diagnosis of various types of cancer, including breast, stomach, colon, kidney, liver or brain cancer. In addition to cancer diagnosis, different types of IONPs have been developed for other applications, such as the detection of brain inflammation or the early diagnosis of thrombosis. This review addresses key aspects in the development of IONPs for MRI applications, namely, synthesis of the inorganic core, functionalization processes to make IONPs biocompatible and also to target them to specific tissues or cells, and finally in vivo studies in animal models, with special emphasis on tumor models.

Combined Magnetoliposome Formation and Drug Loading in One Step for Efficient Alternating Current-Magnetic Field Remote-Controlled Drug Release

We have developed a reproducible and facile one step strategy for the synthesis of doxorubicin loaded magnetoliposomes by using a thin-layer evaporation method. Liposomes of around 200 nm were made of 1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DPPC) and iron oxide nanoparticles (NPs) with negative, positive, and hydrophobic surfaces that were incorporated outside, inside, or between the lipid bilayers, respectively. To characterize how NPs are incorporated in liposomes, advanced cryoTEM and atomic force microscope (AFM) techniques have been used. It was observed that only when the NPs are attached outside the liposomes, the membrane integrity is preserved (lipid melt transition shifts to 38.7 °C with high enthalpy 34.8 J/g) avoiding the leakage of the encapsulated drug while having good colloidal properties and the best heating efficiency under an alternating magnetic field (AMF). These magnetoliposomes were tested with two cancer cell lines, MDA-MB-231 and HeLa cells. First, 100% of cellular uptake was achieved with a high cell survival (above 80%), which is preserved (83%) for doxorubicin-loaded magnetoliposomes. Then, we demonstrate that doxorubicin release can be triggered by remote control, using a noninvasive external AMF for 1 h, leading to a cell survival reduction of 20%. Magnetic field conditions of 202 kHz and 30 mT seem to be enough to produce an effective heating to avoid drug degradation. In conclusion, these drug-loaded magnetoliposomes prepared in one step could be used for drug release on demand at a specific time and place, efficiently using an external AMF to reduce or even eliminate side effects.

Emergent Nanotechnological Strategies for Systemic Chemotherapy against Melanoma

Melanoma is an aggressive form of skin cancer, being one of the deadliest cancers in the world. The current treatment options involve surgery, radiotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy and the use of chemotherapeutic agents. Although the last approach is the most used, the high toxicity and the lack of efficacy in advanced stages of the disease have demanded the search for novel bioactive molecules and/or efficient drug delivery systems. The current review aims to discuss the most recent advances on the elucidation of potential targets for melanoma treatment, such as aquaporin-3 and tyrosinase. In addition, the role of nanotechnology as a valuable strategy to effectively deliver selective drugs is emphasized, either incorporating/encapsulating synthetic molecules or natural-derived compounds in lipid-based nanosystems such as liposomes. Nanoformulated compounds have been explored for their improved anticancer activity against melanoma and promising results have been obtained. Indeed, they displayed improved physicochemical properties and higher accumulation in tumoral tissues, which potentiated the efficacy of the compounds in pre-clinical experiments. Overall, these experiments opened new doors for the discovery and development of more effective drug formulations for melanoma treatment.

Magnetic liposome design for drug release systems responsive to super-low frequency alternating current magnetic field (AC MF)

HYPOTHESIS

Magnetic liposomes are shown to release the entrapped dye once modulated by low frequency AC MF. The mechanism and effectiveness of MF application should depend on lipid composition, magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) properties, temperature and field parameters.

EXPERIMENTS

The study was performed using liposomes of various lipid composition and embedded hydrophobic MNPs. The liposomes structural changes were studied by the transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy and the leakage was monitored by the fluorescent dye release.

FINDINGS

Magnetic liposomes exposure to the AC MF resulted in the clustering of the MNPs in the membranes and disruption of the lipid packaging. Addition of cholesterol diminished the dye release from the saturated lipid-based liposomes. Replacement of the saturated lipid for unsaturated one also decreased the dye release. The dye release depended on the strength, but not the frequency of the field. Thus, the oscillating motion of MNPs in AC MF ruptures the gel phase membranes of saturated lipids. As the temperature increases the disruption also increases. In the liquid crystalline membranes formed by unsaturated lipids the deformations and defects created by mechanical motion of the MNPs are more likely to heal and results in decreased release.

Magnetic field-assisted selective delivery of doxorubicin to cancer cells using magnetoliposomes as drug nanocarriers

Magnetoliposomes are promising candidates for the development of selective drug delivery systems in the treatment of cancer. Those nanosystems were tested as carriers of a strong chemotherapeutic agent, doxorubicin, which is used against breast cancer. Herein, the magnetic properties of hydrophobic iron oxide nanoparticles located exclusively in the lipid bilayer were used to release this drug from the magnetoliposomes. The cytotoxic activity of the nanostructures against the normal and cancer cell lines was determined on the basis of cells viability measurement after incubation with different concentrations of these nanomaterials. In the same way, the effectiveness of killing cancer cells in combination with exposure to magnetic field was also evaluated. These experiments confirmed that the nanostructures composed of liposomes and magnetic nanoparticles are not cytotoxic. However, magnetoliposomes loaded with doxorubicin were effective and selective in reducing the viability of human breast tumor cell lines. In this paper, we demonstrated the promising application of the studied magnetoliposomes as carriers of doxorubicin released under the influence of magnetic field in tumor cells.

Movement of giant lipid vesicles induced by millimeter wave radiation change when they contain magnetic nanoparticles

Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles are used in a rapidly expanding number of research and practical applications in biotechnology and biomedicine. Recent developments in iron oxide nanoparticle design and understanding of nanoparticle membrane interactions have led to applications in magnetically triggered, liposome delivery vehicles with controlled structure. Here we study the effect of external physical stimuli-such as millimeter wave radiation-on the induced movement of giant lipid vesicles in suspension containing or not containing iron oxide maghemite (γ-Fe₂O₃) nanoparticles (MNPs). To increase our understanding of this phenomenon, we used a new microscope image-based analysis to reveal millimeter wave (MMW)-induced effects on the movement of the vesicles. We found that in the lipid vesicles not containing MNPs, an exposure to MMW induced collective reorientation of vesicle motion occurring at the onset of MMW switch "on." Instead, no marked changes in the movements of lipid vesicles containing MNPs were observed at the onset of first MMW switch on, but, importantly, by examining the course followed; once the vesicles are already irradiated, a directional motion of vesicles was induced. The latter vesicles were characterized by a planar motion, absence of gravitational effects, and having trajectories spanning a range of deflection angles narrower than vesicles not containing MNPs. An explanation for this observed delayed response could be attributed to the possible interaction of MNPs with components of lipid membrane that, influencing, e.g., phospholipids density and membrane stiffening, ultimately leads to change vesicle movement.

Design Principles for Thermoresponsive Core-Shell Nanoparticles: Controlling Thermal Transitions by Brush Morphology

In this feature article, we summarize our recent work on understanding and controlling the thermal behavior of nanoparticles grafted with thermoresponsive polymer shells. Precision synthesis of monodisperse superparamagnetic iron oxide nanocrystals was combined with irreversible dense grafting of nitrodopamide-anchored thermoresponsive polymer chains. We provide an overview of how the dense and stable grafting of biomedically relevant polymers, including poly(ethylene glycol), poly( N-isopropylacrylamide), polysarcosin, and polyoxazolines, can be achieved. This platform has made it possible for us to demonstrate that the polymer brush geometry, as defined by the nanoparticle core and relative polymer brush size, determines the thermal transitions of the polymer brush. We furthermore summarize our work on how the polymer shell transitions and nanoparticle aggregation can be tuned. With the independent variation of the core and the shell, we can optimize and precisely control the thermally controlled solubility of our system. Finally, our feature article gives examples relevant to current and future applications. We show how the thermal response of the shell influences the nanoparticle performance in biological fluids and interactions with proteins and cells, also under purely magnetic actuation of the nanoparticles through the superparamagnetic iron oxide core.

Lipidic Liquid Crystalline Cubic Phases and Magnetocubosomes as Methotrexate Carriers

The release profiles of methotrexate, an anticancer drug, from the monoolein liquid crystalline cubic phases were studied. The cubic phases were used either in the form of a lipidic film deposited onto a glassy carbon electrode surface or in the dispersed form of magnetocubosomes, which are considered a prospective hybrid drug delivery system. Commonly, cubosomes or liposomes are employed, but not in the case of toxic methotrexate, known to block the receptors responsible for folate transport into the cells. The release profiles of the drug from the lipidic films were monitored electrochemically and described using the Higuchi model. They were also modified via changes in temperature; the release was faster, although it deviated from the model when the temperature was increased. Cubic phase nanoparticles (magnetocubosomes) containing hydrophobic magnetic nanoparticles placed in an alternating magnetic field of low frequency and amplitude, stimulated drug release from the suspension, which was monitored spectroscopically. These new biocompatible hybrid nanomaterials in the dispersed form allow to control the release of the drug at the appropriate sites, can be easily separated or relocated under external magnetic field and await further investigations of their in vitro cytotoxicity and in vivo biodistribution.

Liposomes for delivery of antioxidants in cosmeceuticals: Challenges and development strategies

Antioxidants (AOs) play a crucial role in the protection and maintenance of health and are also integral ingredients in beauty products. Unfortunately, most of them are sensitive due to their instability and insolubility. The use of liposomes to protect AOs and expand their applicability to cosmeceuticals, thereby, is one of the most effective solutions. Notwithstanding their offered advantages for the delivery of AOs, liposomes, in their production and application, present many challenges. Here, we provide a critical review of the major problems complicating the development of liposomes for AO delivery. Along with issues related to preparation techniques and encapsulation efficiency, the loss of protective function and inefficiency of skin permeability are the main disadvantages of liposomes. Corresponding development strategies for resolving these problems, with their respective advantages and drawbacks, are introduced, discussed in some depth, and summarized in these pages as well. Advanced liposomes have a vital role to play in the development and delivery of AOs in practical cosmeceutical product applications.

Mechano-responsive microcapsules with uniform thin shells

Capsules often prolong the shelf-life of active ingredients, such as many types of drugs, food additives, or cosmetic substances, because they delay oxidation of these substances or prevent their reactions with molecules contained in the surrounding. If capsules are appropriately designed, they can offer an additional benefit: they allow close control over the timing and location of the release of active ingredients. To take advantage of these features, capsules must possess shells whose thickness and composition are well-defined. However, the shell thickness of capsules often varies considerably even within a single capsule, thereby hampering good control over the release kinetics of encapsulants. These variations can be reduced, and hence the degree of control over the release kinetics increased, if shells are made thin. Unfortunately, the controlled fabrication of mechanically stable microcapsules with well-defined sub-μm thick shells is difficult. Here, we introduce a method to fabricate capsules with uniform semi-permeable shells with a thickness as low as 400 nm. This is achieved using water-oil-water double emulsions with 800 nm thick shells as templates to fabricate capsules with uniform 400 nm thin shells. These shells occupy less than 2% of the capsule volume, thereby minimizing their footprint. Despite their thin shells, these capsules are mechanically robust: they withstand pressures up to 1.3 MPa without deformation and remain intact if exposed to pressures up to 2.75 MPa. Moreover, while they are permeable towards water, they retain low molecular weight encapsulants even if dried and re-dispersed. The thin shells of the capsules open up new possibilities of their use to functionalize materials with at least one dimension that is small, such as coatings, where thick shells introduce defects, or as building blocks of new types of functional materials.

Enhanced hyperthermic properties of biocompatible zinc ferrite nanoparticles with a charged polysaccharide coating

Zinc doping of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles coated with an ionic derivative of chitosan significantly improves their properties for magnetic hyperthermia.

Fluorescent Magnetopolymersomes: A Theranostic Platform to Track Intracellular Delivery

We present a potential theranostic delivery platform based on the amphiphilic diblock copolymer polybutadiene-block-poly (ethylene oxide) combining covalent fluorescent labeling and membrane incorporation of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles for multimodal imaging. A simple self-assembly and labeling approach to create the fluorescent and magnetic vesicles is described. Cell uptake of the densely PEGylated polymer vesicles could be altered by surface modifications that vary surface charge and accessibility of the membrane active species. Cell uptake and cytotoxicity were evaluated by confocal microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, iron content and metabolic assays, utilizing multimodal tracking of membrane fluorophores and nanoparticles. Cationic functionalization of vesicles promoted endocytotic uptake. In particular, incorporation of cationic lipids in the polymersome membrane yielded tremendously increased uptake of polymersomes and magnetopolymersomes without increase in cytotoxicity. Ultrastructure investigations showed that cationic magnetopolymersomes disintegrated upon hydrolysis, including the dissolution of incorporated iron oxide nanoparticles. The presented platform could find future use in theranostic multimodal imaging in vivo and magnetically triggered delivery by incorporation of thermorepsonsive amphiphiles that can break the membrane integrity upon magnetic heating via the embedded superparamagnetic nanoparticles.