Combinatorial approaches of nanotherapeutics for inflammatory pathway targeted therapy of prostate cancer

Prostate cancer (PC) is the most prevalent male urogenital cancer worldwide. PC patients presenting an advanced or metastatic cancer succumb to the disease, even after therapeutic interventions including radiotherapy, surgery, androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), and chemotherapy. One of the hallmarks of PC is evading immune surveillance and chronic inflammation, which is a major challenge towards designing effective therapeutic formulations against PC. Chronic inflammation in PC is often characterized by tumor microenvironment alterations, epithelial-mesenchymal transition and extracellular matrix modifications. The inflammatory events are modulated by reactive nitrogen and oxygen species, inflammatory cytokines and chemokines. Major signaling pathways in PC includes androgen receptor, PI3K and NF-κB pathways and targeting these inter-linked pathways poses a major therapeutic challenge. Notably, many conventional treatments are clinically unsuccessful, due to lack of targetability and poor bioavailability of the therapeutics, untoward toxicity and multidrug resistance. The past decade witnessed an advancement of nanotechnology as an excellent therapeutic paradigm for PC therapy. Modern nanovectorization strategies such as stimuli-responsive and active PC targeting carriers offer controlled release patterns and superior anti-cancer effects. The current review initially describes the classification, inflammatory triggers and major inflammatory pathways of PC, various PC treatment strategies and their limitations. Subsequently, recent advancement in combinatorial nanotherapeutic approaches, which target PC inflammatory pathways, and the mechanism of action are discussed. Besides, the current clinical status and prospects of PC homing nanovectorization, and major challenges to be addressed towards the advancement PC therapy are also addressed.

In Vitro Therapeutic Attributes of Luminescent Hydroxyapatite Nanoparticles in Codelivery Module

Imminent prospects of clinical importance have been accomplished through divergent treatment modalities implemented using nanoscale platforms. In the present study, hydroxyapatite nanoparticles doped with copper nanoclusters (HAPs) were explored for codelivery of a hydrophobic drug, namely, norfloxacin (NX), and a hydrophilic photosensitizer, such as methylene blue (MB). NX and MB were successfully homed into HAPs (MB-NX-HAPs), which further exhibited a pH-dependent release of both. With the objective of attaining an enhanced effect, MB-NX-HAPs were evaluated for combination therapy, involving chemotherapy and photodynamic therapy (PDT) with irradiation at 640 nm. The combinatorial therapy approach was initially applied for antibacterial therapy, which suggested a considerable reduction in bacterial growth of Gram-negative strain Pseudomonas aeruginosa MTCC 2488. Thereafter, the antiproliferative study performed in cancer cell lines (HeLa and MCF-7) revealed the efficiency of MB-NX-HAPs in bestowing a combinatorial effect through chemotherapy and PDT (irradiation at 640 nm). The combined effect exerted through MB-NX-HAPs subsequently induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, cell cycle alteration, and apoptosis activation in cancer cells. The biocompatible nature of MB-NX-HAPs was appreciably shown through their minimal effect on the normal cell line (HEK-293). Additionally, HAPs through luminescence of copper nanoclusters were suggested to aid in bioimaging of cancer cell lines.

pH-Sensitive nanoparticles based on amphiphilic imidazole/cholesterol modified hydroxyethyl starch for tumor chemotherapy

pH-Responsive nanoparticles (NPs) have emerged as an effective antitumor drug delivery system, promoting the drugs accumulation in the tumor and selectively releasing drugs in tumoral acidic microenvironment. Herein, we developed a new amphiphilic modified hydroxyethyl starch (HES) based pH-sensitive nanocarrier of antitumor drug delivery. HES was first modified by hydrophilic imidazole and hydrophobic cholesterol to obtain an amphiphilic polymer (IHC). Then IHC can self-assemble to encapsulate doxorubicin (DOX) and form doxorubicin-loaded nanoparticles (DOX/IHC NPs), which displayed good stability for one week storage and acidic sensitive long-term sustained release of DOX. As a result, cancer cell endocytosed DOX/IHC NPs could continuously release doxorubicin into cytoplasm and nucleus to effectively kill cancer cells. Additionally, DOX/IHC NPs could be effectively enriched in the tumor tissue, showing enhanced tumor growth inhibition effect compared to free doxorubicin. Overall, our amphiphilic modified HES-based NPs possess a great potential as drug delivery system for cancer chemotherapy.

Systemic biodistribution and hepatocyte-specific gene editing with CRISPR/Cas9 using hyaluronic acid-based nanoparticles

The goal of this study was to evaluate hepatocyte-specific gene editing, via systemic administration of hyaluronic acid (HA)-based nanoparticles in naïve CD-1 mice. Using HA-poly(ethylene imine) (HA-PEI) and HA-PEI-mannose nanoparticles with differential mannose density (1X and 2X), we have evaluated systemic biodistribution and hepatocyte-specific delivery using IVIS imaging and flow cytometry. Additionally, we have investigated hepatocyte-specific delivery and transfection of CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing plasmid and eGFP gene payload to integrate at the Rosa26 locus. IVIS imaging showed uptake of HA-PEI nanoparticles primarily by the liver, and with addition of mannose at different concentrations, the nanoparticles showed increased uptake in both the liver and spleen. HA-PEI-mannose nanoparticles showed 55-65% uptake by hepatocytes, along with uptake by resident macrophage regardless of the mannose concentration. One of two gRNA targets showed 15% genome editing and obtained similar results for all three nanoparticle formulations. Cells positive for our gene payload were greatest with HA-PEI-mannose-1X nanoparticles where 16.2% of cells were GFP positive. The results were encouraging as proof of concept for the development of a non-viral biodegradable and biocompatible polymeric delivery system for gene editing specifically targeting hepatocytes upon systemic administration.

Mixed oxide growth on combinatorial aluminium–gadolinium alloys — a thermodynamic and first-principles approach

Metal surfaces covered with oxides have attracted considerable scientific attention in various applications. In particular, anodic films fabricated by cost-effective anodizing have been widely used in nano-structured engineering to provide various surface functionalities. However, understanding of alloy film stability, having individual elements with widely varying structures and morphologies, is very limited due to lack of thermodynamic information and effects of electrolyte chemistry. This requires many tedious efforts on a trial and error basis in selecting suitable electrolytes that can produce the protective film at high efficiency on alloys having mixed chemistries. It is, therefore, crucial to develop a combination of high throughput theoretical analysis and automated rapid localized electrochemical probing that provides a fast and simple solution for electrolyte choice and paves the way to the remarkable expansion of industrial applications of oxides. Herein, we demonstrate that combinatorial Al–Gd alloys covering 1.0 to 10.0 at.% Gd can be oxidized into ultra-thin anodic films of controlled thickness through a selection of electrolyte based on thermodynamics (phosphate buffer with a pH of 8.20). We propose that growth of anodic films on alloys at high efficiency is possible if Gibbs free energy minimization criteria would be systematically contemplate.

Graphical abstract

Recent Advances and Challenges in Controlling the Spatiotemporal Release of Combinatorial Anticancer Drugs from Nanoparticles

To overcome cancer, various chemotherapeutic studies are in progress; among these, studies on nano-formulated combinatorial drugs (NFCDs) are being actively pursued. NFCDs function via a fusion technology that includes a drug delivery system using nanoparticles as a carrier and a combinatorial drug therapy using two or more drugs. It not only includes the advantages of these two technologies, such as ensuring stability of drugs, selectively transporting drugs to cancer cells, and synergistic effects of two or more drugs, but also has the additional benefit of enabling the spatiotemporal and controlled release of drugs. This spatial and temporal drug release from NFCDs depends on the application of nanotechnology and the composition of the combination drug. In this review, recent advances and challenges in the control of spatiotemporal drug release from NFCDs are provided. To this end, the types of combinatorial drug release for various NFCDs are classified in terms of time and space, and the detailed programming techniques used for this are described. In addition, the advantages of the time and space differences in drug release in terms of anticancer efficacy are introduced in depth.

S. P, Bavya MC, Prasad R, Bandyopadhyaya R, Naidu VGM, Srivastava R. Niclosamide encapsulated polymeric nanocarriers for targeted cancer therapy

Localized cancer rates are on an upsurge, severely affecting mankind across the globe. Timely diagnosis and adopting appropriate treatment strategies could improve the quality of life significantly reducing the mortality and morbidity rates. Recently, nanotherapeutics has precipitously shown increased efficacy for controlling abnormal tissue growth in certain sites in the body, among which ligand functionalized nanoparticles (NP) have caught much attention for improved survival statistics via active targeting. Our focus was to repurpose the antihelminthic drug, niclosamide (NIC), which could aid in inhibiting the abnormal growth of cells restricted to a specific region. The work here presents a one-pot synthesis of niclosamide encapsulated, hyaluronic acid functionalized core–shell nanocarriers [(NIC-PLGA NP)HA] for active targeting of localized cancer. The synthesized nanocarriers were found to possess spherical morphology with mean size of 150.8 ± 9 nm and zeta potential of −24.9 ± 7.21 mV. The encapsulation efficiency was found to be 79.19 ± 0.16% with a loading efficiency of 7.19 ± 0.01%. The nanohybrids exhibited extreme cytocompatibility upon testing with MDA-MB-231 and L929 cell lines. The rate of cancer cell elimination was approximately 85% with targeted cell imaging results being highly convincing. [(NIC-PLGA NP)HA] demonstrates increased cellular uptake leading to a hike in reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, combating tumour cells aiding in the localized treatment of cancer and associated therapy.

Localized binding of nanoparticulate formulation, actively targeting the receptors present on the cell surface.

Alginate Nanoparticles for Drug Delivery and Targeting

Nanotechnology refers to the control, manipulation, study and manufacture of structures and devices at the nanometer size range. The small size, customized surface, improved solubility and multi-functionality of nanoparticles will continue to create new biomedical applications, as nanoparticles allow to dominate stability, solubility and bioavailability, as well controlled release of drugs. The type of a nanoparticle, and its related chemical, physical and morphological properties influence its interaction with living cells, as well as determine the route of clearance and possible toxic effects. This field requires cross-disciplinary research and gives opportunities to design and develop multifunctional devices, which allow the diagnosis and treatment of devastating diseases. Over the past few decades, biodegradable polymers have been studied for the fabrication of drug delivery systems. There was extensive development of biodegradable polymeric nanoparticles for drug delivery and tissue engineering, in view of their applications in controlling the release of drugs, stabilizing labile molecules from degradation and site-specific drug targeting. The primary aim is to reduce dosing frequency and prolong the therapeutic outcomes. For this purpose, inert excipients should be selected, being biopolymers, e.g. sodium alginate, commonly used in controlled drug delivery. Nanoparticles composed of alginate (known as anionic polysaccharide widely distributed in the cell walls of brown algae which, when in contact with water, forms a viscous gum) have emerged as one of the most extensively characterized biomaterials used for drug delivery and targeting a set of administration routes. Their advantages include not only the versatile physicochemical properties, which allow chemical modifications for site-specific targeting but also their biocompatibility and biodegradation profiles, as well as mucoadhesiveness. Furthermore, mechanical strength, gelation, and cell affinity can be modulated by combining alginate nanoparticles with other polymers, surface tailoring using specific targeting moieties and by chemical or physical cross-linking. However, for every physicochemical modification in the macromolecule/ nanoparticles, a new toxicological profile may be obtained. In this paper, the different aspects related to the use of alginate nanoparticles for drug delivery and targeting have been revised, as well as how their toxicological profile will determine the therapeutic outcome of the drug delivery system.

Supramolecular micellar drug delivery system based on multi-arm block copolymer for highly effective encapsulation and sustained-release chemotherapy

A novel multi-arm polyphosphoester-based nanomaterial provides high drug loading efficiency and sustained-release drug delivery for effective chemotherapy.

Triple function nanocomposites of porous silica-CoFe2O4-MWCNTs as a carrier for pH-sensitive anti-cancer drug controlled delivery

Cobalt ferrite nanoparticles loaded on multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) magnetic hybrids have been demonstrated to be promising magnetic resonance imaging contrast agents and drug carriers. However, the hydrophobic, less biocompatible characteristics and low loading capacity for the drug hamper their wide biological applications. To solve the above problem, an alternative strategy is to coat the MWCNTs@CoFe₂O₄ nanoparticles with a mesoporous silica (mSiO₂) shell. Herein, the reasonable fabrication process results in successful coating mSiO₂ on the as-obtained MWCNTs@CoFe₂O₄ nanoparticles, forming well-defined core-shell-structured MWCNTs@CoFe₂O₄@mSiO₂ nanocomposites. The as-synthesized mesoporous nanocarrier possesses a high surface area and large pore volume for the loading of the drug, and has a superparamagnetic feature for drug targeting. Moreover, the anticancer drug doxorubicin (DOX)-loaded MWCNTs@CoFe₂O₄@mSiO₂ nanoplatforms show an excellent pH-responsive drug release character within 48 h. Therefore, a novel nanocarrier based on MWCNTs@CoFe₂O₄@mSiO₂ was proposed, and its potential application for targeted cancer therapy was highlighted.

Combinatorial approaches in post-polymerization modification for rational development of therapeutic delivery systems

The combinatorial polymer library approach has been proven to be effective for the optimization of therapeutic delivery systems. The library of polymers with chemical diversity has been synthesized by (i) polymerization of functionalized monomers or (ii) post-polymerization modification of reactive polymers. Most scientists have followed the first approach so far, and the second method has emerged as a versatile approach for combinatorial biomaterials discovery. This review focuses on the second approach, especially discussing the post-modifications that employ reactive polymers as templates for combinatorial synthesis of a library of functional polymers with distinct structural diversity or a combination of different functionalities. In this way, the functional polymers have a consistent chain length and distribution, which allows for systematic optimization of therapeutic delivery polymers for the efficient delivery of genes, small-molecule drugs, and protein therapeutics. In this review, the modification of representative reactive polymers for the delivery of different therapeutic payloads are summarized. The recent advances in rational design and optimization of therapeutic delivery systems based on reactive polymers are highlighted. This review ends with a summary of the current achievements and the prospect on future directions in applying the approach of post-polymerization modification of polymers to accelerate the development of therapeutic delivery systems.

STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE

A strategy to rationally design and systematically optimize polymers for the efficient delivery of specific therapeutics is highly needed. The combinatorial polymer library approach could be an effective way to this end. The post-polymerization modification of reactive polymer precursors is applicable for the combinatorial synthesis of a library of functional polymers with distinct structural diversity across a consistent degree of polymerization. This allows for parallel comparison and systematic evaluation/optimization of functional polymers for efficient therapeutic delivery. This review summarizes the key elements of this combinatorial polymer synthesis approach realized by post-polymerization modification of reactive polymer precursors towards the development and identification of optimal polymers for the efficient delivery of therapeutic agents.

Recent advances in TPGS-based nanoparticles of docetaxel for improved chemotherapy

Docetaxel (DTX) is one of the important antitumor drugs, being used in several common chemotherapies to control leading cancer types. Severe toxicities of the DTX are prominent due to sudden parenteral exposure of desired loading dose to maintain the therapeutic concentration. Field of nanotechnology is leading to resist sudden systemic exposure of DTX with more specific delivery to the site of cancer. Further nanometric size range of the formulation aid for prolonged circulation, thereby extensive exposure results better efficacy. In this article, we extensively reviewed the therapeutic benefit of incorporating d-α-tocopheryl polyethylene glycol 1000 succinate (vitamin E TPGS, or simply TPGS) in the nanoparticle (NP) formulation of DTX for improved delivery, tumor control and tolerability. TPGS is well accepted nonionic-ampiphilic polymer which has been identified in the role of emulsifier, stabilizer, penetration enhancer, solubilizer and in protection in micelle. Simultaneously, P-glycoprotein inhibitory activity of TPGS in the multidrug resistant (MDR) cancer cells along with its apoptotic potential are the added advantage of TPGS to be incorporated in nano-chemotherapeutics. Thus, it could be concluded that TPGS based nanoparticulate application is an advanced approach to improve therapeutic efficacy of chemotherapeutic agents by better internalization and sustained retention of the NPs.

Effective co-delivery of nutlin-3a and p53 genes via core-shell microparticles for disruption of MDM2-p53 interaction and reactivation of p53 in hepatocellular carcinoma

The tumor suppressor protein p53 is the most frequently inactivated, mutated, or deleted transcriptional factor in tumor cells. Recent studies have shown that the negative regulation of p53 by the murine double minute 2 (MDM2) protein in human cells interrupts the p53 apoptotic pathway and causes tumorigenesis. Therefore, the disruption of the MDM2-p53 complex by small molecules such as nutlin-3a and the administration of the active p53 protein can effectively restore the apoptotic activity of the p53 protein in tumor cells. This study aims to introduce a unique combined p53-based gene and chemotherapy approach using core-shell polymeric microparticles for the localized treatment of cancers. Core-shell microparticles were successfully fabricated in a single step using a modified electrohydrodynamic atomization (EHDA) technique, where the core and shell layers were loaded with nutlin-3a and β-cyclodextrin-g-chitosan/p53 nanoparticles, respectively. The grafting of β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) onto chitosan chains demonstrated remarkable cellular uptake (∼5-fold) compared to pure chitosan at N/P = 6, attributed to a strong interaction and temporary disruption of the lipid bilayer in the cell membrane by the synthesized copolymer. The therapeutic efficiencies of single- and dual-agent loaded microparticle formulations were also evaluated and compared against free-drug treatment in terms of cell viability and intracellular expression of p53, caspase 3, and MDM2 proteins via an MTS assay, an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and an immunostaining assay. The results revealed that the controlled and sustained release of both agents from the microparticles synergistically enhanced the anti-proliferative efficacy of the agents via the continuous overexpression of p53 and caspase 3 proteins over 5 days. However, MDM2 protein expression remained at the basal level over that period. The findings also indicated that nutlin-3a could impose excessive oxidative stress on cancer cells, where the overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) with irreversible destructive effects on subcellular organelles such as the nucleus (DNA) and mitochondria could be considered as a secondary apoptotic pathway induced by nutlin-3a. Inspired by the observations, the proposed drug delivery system can serve as a unique and powerful drug and gene delivery system with a far-reaching application in human cancer therapy.

Spatiotemporally and Sequentially-Controlled Drug Release from Polymer Gatekeeper-Hollow Silica Nanoparticles

Combination chemotherapy has become the primary strategy against cancer multidrug resistance; however, accomplishing optimal pharmacokinetic delivery of multiple drugs is still challenging. Herein, we report a sequential combination drug delivery strategy exploiting a pH-triggerable and redox switch to release cargos from hollow silica nanoparticles in a spatiotemporal manner. This versatile system further enables a large loading efficiency for both hydrophobic and hydrophilic drugs inside the nanoparticles, followed by self-crosslinking with disulfide and diisopropylamine-functionalized polymers. In acidic tumour environments, the positive charge generated by the protonation of the diisopropylamine moiety facilitated the cellular uptake of the particles. Upon internalization, the acidic endosomal pH condition and intracellular glutathione regulated the sequential release of the drugs in a time-dependent manner, providing a promising therapeutic approach to overcoming drug resistance during cancer treatment.

Development of a novel in silico model of zeta potential for metal oxide nanoparticles: a nano-QSPR approach

Once released into the aquatic environment, nanoparticles (NPs) are expected to interact (e.g. dissolve, agglomerate/aggregate, settle), with important consequences for NP fate and toxicity. A clear understanding of how internal and environmental factors influence the NP toxicity and fate in the environment is still in its infancy. In this study, a quantitative structure-property relationship (QSPR) approach was employed to systematically explore factors that affect surface charge (zeta potential) under environmentally realistic conditions. The nano-QSPR model developed with multiple linear regression (MLR) was characterized by high robustness [Formula: see text] and external predictivity [Formula: see text] The results clearly showed that zeta potential values varied markedly as functions of the ionic radius of the metal atom in the metal oxides, confirming that agglomeration and the extent of release of free MexOy largely depend on their intrinsic properties. A developed nano-QSPR model was successfully applied to predict zeta potential in an ionized solution of NPs for which experimentally determined values of response have been unavailable. Hence, the application of our model is possible when the values of zeta potential in the ionized solution for metal oxide nanoparticles are undetermined, without the necessity of performing more time consuming and expensive experiments. We believe that our studies will be helpful in predicting the conditions under which MexOy is likely to become problematic for the environment and human health.

Nanogels: An overview of properties, biomedical applications and obstacles to clinical translation

Nanogels have emerged as a versatile hydrophilic platform for encapsulation of guest molecules with a capability to respond to external stimuli that can be used for a multitude of applications. These are soft materials capable of holding small molecular therapeutics, biomacromolecules, and inorganic nanoparticles within their crosslinked networks, which allows them to find applications for therapy as well as imaging of a variety of disease conditions. Their stimuli-responsive behavior can be easily controlled by selection of constituent polymer and crosslinker components to achieve a desired response at the site of action, which imparts nanogels the ability to participate actively in the intended function of the carrier system rather than being passive carriers of their cargo. These properties not only enhance the functionality of the carrier system but also help in overcoming many of the challenges associated with the delivery of cargo molecules, and this review aims to highlight the distinct and unique capabilities of nanogels as carrier systems for the delivery of an array of cargo molecules over other nanomaterials. Despite their obvious usefulness, nanogels are still not a commonplace occurrence in clinical practice. We have also made an attempt to highlight some of the major challenges that need to be overcome to advance nanogels further in the field of biomedical applications.

Further Evolution of Multifunctional Niosomes Based on Pluronic Surfactant: Dual Active Targeting and Drug Combination Properties

The loading of chemotherapics into smart nanocarriers that simultaneously possess more than one useful property for specifically targeting a tumor site improves their therapeutic effectiveness, reducing their side effects. Hence, we proposed a combined approach for the treatment of human breast cancer (BC) consisting of the co-encapsulation of doxorubicin and curcumin or doxorubicin and quercetin into multifunctional niosomes, which results in prolonged blood circulation and an ability to spontaneously accumulate at the tumor site (passive target) and to recognize and bind the tumor cells through dual ligand-receptor interactions (active target). The drug-loaded vesicles showed high stability and good capability of loading doxorubicin and antioxidants alone or in combination. Their diameter was around 400 nm. The drugs released from the vesicles were found to be controlled and sustained for over 24 h, with a strong dependence on the co-presence of the loaded molecules. Transferrin and/or folic acid were conjugated on the external surface of the niosomes as ligands, considerably improving the cellular uptake into MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 malignant cells when compared with the uptake of nonconjugated samples. In vitro evaluation of anticancer activity demonstrated the strong potential of niosomes loaded with a doxorubicin/curcumin combination as useful devices in breast tumor treatment. These features hold great promise for the development of multifunctional devices that combine several advantages such as biocompatibility, stealth properties, loading capability, and active targeting, moving toward the development of more specific and efficient carriers for personalized tumoral therapy.

Synthetic multivalency for biological applications

Current directions and emerging possibilities under investigation for the integration of synthetic and semi-synthetic multivalent architectures with biology are discussed. Attention is focussed around multivalent interactions, their fundamental role in biology, and current and potential approaches in emulating them in terms of structure and functionality using synthetic architectures.

Construction of near-infrared light-triggered reactive oxygen species-sensitive (UCN/SiO2-RB + DOX)@PPADT nanoparticles for simultaneous chemotherapy and photodynamic therapy

Combined therapy now plays a major role in cancer therapy due to the outcome of huge amounts of scientific experiments in recent years. However, all systems designed previously have been unable to simultaneously deliver therapy effects using several methods to produce a greater overall therapeutic effect. To solve the problem, we constructed a delivery system of near-infrared light (NIR)-triggered reactive oxygen species (ROS)-sensitive nanoparticles (NPs) for simultaneous chemotherapy and photodynamic therapy (PDT). The inner NP was assembled from a hydrophobic upconverting nanoparticle (UCN) core, with a thin silica shell linked with rose bengal (RB). Finally, a type of ROS-induced biodegradable polymer named poly-(1, 4-phenyleneacetone dimethylenethioketal) (PPADT) was self-assembled to form the NP as an outer shell to load the inner NP and doxorubicin (DOX). As the results show, the UCN core works as a transducer to convert deeply penetrating NIR to visible light for activating the photosensitizer RB for PDT under NIR excitation. In the meantime, the redundant ROS caused PPADT to biodegrade to release the loaded DOX, realizing simultaneous chemotherapy and PDT. Properties such as structure, size distribution, morphology, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, ROS production test, cell uptake test and combined therapy treatment effect in vitro were evaluated to prove NIR triggered ROS-sensitive (UCN/SiO2-RB + DOX)@PPADT NPs. Based on our data, this delivery system could provide an effective means to realize simultaneous chemotherapy and PDT through external NIR-triggered ROS sensitivity.

A strategy for enhanced antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus by the assembly of alamethicin with a thermo-sensitive polymeric carrier

We demonstrate here a strategy for enhanced antibacterial activity against microbial strains by the assembly of antimicrobial peptides with a temperature-responsive polymeric carrier. The assembly complex was less toxic to human cells and more stable to enzymatic cleavage. This work may provide a promising drug delivery system for antimicrobial peptides.

CD44 targeted chemotherapy for co-eradication of breast cancer stem cells and cancer cells using polymeric nanoparticles of salinomycin and paclitaxel

This combinational therapy is mainly aimed for complete eradication of tumor by killing both cancer cells and cancer stem cells. Salinomycin (SLM) was targeted towards cancer stem cells whereas paclitaxel (PTX) was used to kill cancer cells. Drug loaded poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanoparticles were prepared by emulsion solvent diffusion method using cationic stabilizer. Size of the nanoparticles (below 150nm) was determined by dynamic light scattering technique and transmission electron microscopy. In vitro release study confirmed the sustained release pattern of SLM and PTX from nanoparticles more than a month. Cytotoxicity studies on MCF-7 cells revealed the toxicity potential of nanoparticles over drug solutions. Hyaluronic acid (HA) was coated onto the surface of SLM nanoparticles for targeting CD44 receptors over expressed on cancer stem cells and they showed the highest cytotoxicity with minimum IC50 on breast cancer cells. Synergistic cytotoxic effect was also observed with combination of nanoparticles. Cell uptake studies were carried out using FITC loaded nanoparticles. These particles showed improved cellular uptake over FITC solution and HA coating further enhanced the effect by 1.5 folds. CD44 binding efficiency of nanoparticles was studied by staining MDA-MB-231 cells with anti CD44 human antibody and CD44(+) cells were enumerated using flow cytometry. CD44(+) cell count was drastically decreased when treated with HA coated SLM nanoparticles indicating their efficiency towards cancer stem cells. Combination of HA coated SLM nanoparticles and PTX nanoparticles showed the highest cytotoxicity against CD44(+) cells. Hence combinational therapy using conventional chemotherapeutic drug and cancer stem cell inhibitor could be a promising approach in overcoming cancer recurrence due to resistant cell population.

Active targeting co-delivery system based on pH-sensitive methoxy-poly(ethylene glycol)2K-poly(ε-caprolactone)4K-poly(glutamic acid)1K for enhanced cancer therapy

In this paper, we successfully synthesized folate-modified pH-sensitive copolymer methoxy-poly(ethylene glycol)2K-poly(ε-caprolactone)4K-poly(glutamic acid)1K (mPEG2K-PCL4K-PGA1K-FA), which could form the polymeric assembly in an aqueous solution, for co-delivering hydrophilic drugs doxorubicin hydrochloride (DOX) and verapamil hydrochloride (VER) (FA-poly(DOX+VER)). Since VER was an effective P-glycoprotein inhibitor, the combination of DOX and VER could reverse the multidrug resistance efficiently and enhance the therapeutic effect. Therefore, the inhibition ratios of MCF-7/ADR resistant cancer cell treated by FA-poly (DOX+VER) were almost more than 30% higher than those of FA-polyDOX after 48h and 72h. Furthermore, the conjugation of FA could lead the co-delivery systems actively targeting into the FA receptor over-expressing cancer cells in addition to the passive accumulation of the assembly in tumor tissues. Importantly, the prepared mPEG2K-PCL4K-PGA1K-FA assembly showed high pH-sensitive property, which made the drugs mostly released in tumor tissue (acid environment) than in physiological environment (neutral environment). In summary, the as-prepared co-delivery system FA-poly(DOX+VER) demonstrated a high efficiency in reversing the multidrug resistance and targeting FA receptor to improve the anticancer effect of DOX in MCF-7/ADR resistant cells.

A pH-responsive nanocontainer based on hydrazone-bearing hollow silica nanoparticles for targeted tumor therapy

pH-responsive hollow silica nanoparticles blocked with hyaluronic acid molecules for targeted tumor therapy with high efficiency and good biocompatibility.

Preferential tumor accumulation and desirable interstitial penetration of poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanoparticles with dual coating of chitosan oligosaccharide and polyethylene glycol-poly(D,L-lactic acid)

Despite advances in polymeric nanoparticles (NPs) as effective delivery systems for anticancer drugs, rapid clearance from blood and poor penetration capacity in heterogeneous tumors still remain to be addressed. Here, a dual coating of poly (ethylene glycol)-poly (d,l-lactic acid) (PEG-PDLLA) and water-soluble chitosan oligosaccharide (CO) was used to develop PLGA-based NPs (PCPNPs) with colloidal stability for delivery of paclitaxel (PTX). The PCPNPs were prepared by a modified nanoprecipitation process and exhibited homogeneous size of 165.5nm, and slight positive charge (+3.54mV). The single PEG-PDLLA-coated PLGA NPs (PPNPs) with negative charge (-13.42mV) were prepared as control. Human breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cell and mice MDA-MB-231 xenograft model were used for in vitro and in vivo evaluation. Compared to Taxol®, both PCPNPs and PPNPs increased the intracellular uptake and exerted stronger inhibitory effect on tumor cells in vitro, especially for PCPNPs. Particularly, due to the near neutral surface charge and shielding by the dual coating, the blank cationic NP presented low cytotoxicity. With the synergistic action of PEG-PDLLA and CO, PCPNPs not only strongly inhibited macrophage uptake and extended the blood circulation time, but also improved the selective accumulation and interstitial penetration capacity to/in tumor site. Consequently, a significantly enhanced antitumor efficacy was observed for the cationic PCPNPs. Our findings suggest that, the dual PEG-PDLLA/CO coating can effective improve the tumor accumulation and interstitial penetration of NPs and, therefore may have great potential for tumor treatment.

STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE

Rapid clearance from blood and poor penetration capacity in heterogeneous tumors represent great challenge for polymeric nanoparticles (NPs) as effective delivery systems for anticancer drugs. This study provides a promising cationic nanoparticle (PCPNPs) with dual coating of chitosan oligosaccharide (CO) and PEG-PDLLA to address the above problem. The PCPNPs prepared with 165.5nm and slight positive charge (+3.54mV) showed an improved accumulation and interstitial penetration capacity to/in tumor site, and thus led to an enhanced antitumor efficacy. This is the first time to report the cooperative effect of PEG-PDLLA and CO on PLGA NPs in this field. This work can arouse broad interests among researchers in the fields of nanomedicine, nanotechnology, and drug delivery system.

Dextrin and poly(lactide)-based biocompatible and biodegradable nanogel for cancer targeted delivery of doxorubicin hydrochloride

Herein, we report the development and application of a novel biocompatible, chemically crosslinked nanogel for use in anticancer drug delivery.

Polymeric nanoparticles for colon cancer therapy: overview and perspectives

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third-most common malignant tumour and is associated with high morbidity and mortality worldwide.

Combinatorial-Designed Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor-Targeted Chitosan Nanoparticles for Encapsulation and Delivery of Lipid-Modified Platinum Derivatives in Wild-Type and Resistant Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer Cells

Development of efficient and versatile drug delivery platforms to overcome the physical and biological challenges in cancer therapeutics is an area of great interest, and novel materials are actively sought for such applications. Recent strides in polymer science have led to a combinatorial approach for generating a library of materials with different functional identities that can be "mixed and matched" to attain desired characteristics of a delivery vector. We have applied the combinatorial design to chitosan (CS), where the polymer backbone has been modified with polyethylene glycol, epidermal growth factor receptor-binding peptide, and lipid derivatives of varying chain length to encapsulate hydrophobic drugs. Cisplatin, cis-([PtCl2(NH3)2]), is one of the most potent chemotherapy drugs broadly administered for cancer treatment. Cisplatin is a hydrophilic drug, and in order for it to be encapsulated in the developed nanosystems, it was modified with lipids of varying chain length. The library of four CS derivatives and six platinum derivatives was self-assembled in aqueous medium and evaluated for physicochemical characteristics and cytotoxic effects in platinum-sensitive and -resistant lung cancer cells. The results show that the lipid-modified platinate encapsulation into CS nanoparticles significantly improved cellular cytotoxicity of the drug. In this work, we have also reinforced the idea that CS is a multifaceted system that can be as successful in delivering small molecules as it has been as a nucleic acids carrier.

Co-delivery of docetaxel and chloroquine via PEO-PPO-PCL/TPGS micelles for overcoming multidrug resistance

The combination of two or more drug is a promising strategy to suppress the multidrug resistance (MDR) through different action mechanisms. Co-delivery drugs via polymeric micelle can minimize the amount of each drug and reduce toxic side effects. Here we co-encapsulate anticancer drug docetaxel (DTX) and autophagy inhibitor chloroquine (CQ) in complex micelles based on poly(ethylene oxide)-block-poly(propylene oxide)-block-poly(ϵ-caprolactone) (PEO-PPO-PCL) and D-α-tocopheryl poly(ethylene glycol) (TPGS) for enhancing anticancer effects. Two series copolymer with different length of hydrophobic chain were synthesized (PEO68-PPO34-PCL18 and PEO68-PPO34-PCL36) in our lab. The dual-drug micelles possessed nanosize and sustained release profile in vitro. Drug-loaded micelles have low hemolysis rate (<5%), indicating that they are safe for use in vivo. Studies on cellular uptake demonstrate that the micelles can effectively accumulate in cancer cells. Furthermore, in vitro cytotoxicity with different DTX/CQ mass ratio are studied and the sample with a DTX/CQ ratio of 0.8/0.2 is found to have the strongest synergism effect. The co-delivery micelles have obviously higher therapeutic effects against MCF-7 and MCF-7/ADR cells than either free drug or individually DTX-loaded micelles. The IC50 values of DTX/CQ-loaded PEO68-PPO34-PCL18/TPGS and PEO68-PPO34-PCL36/TPGS micelles are 134.16 and 194.74 fold smaller than that of free DTX after 48 h treatment with MCF-7/ADR cells, respectively. Therefore, the as-prepared co-delivery of DTX and CQ based on PEO-PPO-PCL/TPGS micelles can provide a promising combined therapeutic strategy for enhanced antitumor therapy.

Paclitaxel and etoposide co-loaded polymeric nanoparticles for the effective combination therapy against human osteosarcoma

BACKGROUND

The combination of chemotherapeutic drugs with different pharmacological action has emerged as a promising therapeutic strategy in the treatment of cancers. Present study examines the antitumor potential of paclitaxel (PTX) and etoposide (ETP)-loaded PLGA nanoparticles for the treatment of osteosarcoma.

RESULTS

The resulting drug-loaded PLGA NP exhibited a nanosize dimension with uniform spherical morphology. The NP exhibited a sustained release profile for both PTX and ETP throughout the study period without any sign of initial burst release. The combinational drug-loaded PLGA NP enhanced the cytotoxic effect in MG63 and Saos-2 osteosarcoma cell lines, in comparison to either native drug alone or in cocktail combinations. Additionally, NPs showed an appreciable uptake in MG63 cells in a time-based manner. Co-delivery of anticancer drugs resulted in enhanced cell cycle arrest and cell apoptosis. The results clearly showed that combinational drugs remarkably improved the therapeutic index of chemotherapeutic drugs. The greater inhibitory effect of nanoparticle combination would be of great advantage during systemic cancer therapy.

CONCLUSION

Taken together, our study demonstrated that PTX-ETP/PLGA NP based combination therapy holds significant potential towards the treatment of osteosarcoma.

Docetaxel-loaded PEO–PPO–PCL/TPGS mixed micelles for overcoming multidrug resistance and enhancing antitumor efficacy

A schematic diagram of DTX-loaded PEO–PPO–PCL/TPGS mixed micelles in vivo for overcoming multidrug resistance and enhancing antitumor efficacy.

Co-delivery of doxorubicin hydrochloride and verapamil hydrochloride by pH-sensitive polymersomes for the reversal of multidrug resistance

A promising co-delivery system was proposed for effectively reversing multidrug resistance of cancer cells and simultaneously improving the anticancer effect of the drug.

Photodynamic therapy of oligoethylene glycol dendronized reduction-sensitive porphyrins

OEGylation of porphyrins via a disulfide linkage to form a novel class of dendritic porphyrin photosensitizers (PSs) is presented.

Enzyme-sensitive magnetic core–shell nanocomposites for triggered drug release

Sodium hyaluronic acid cross-linked gel was employed to coat outside of Fe₃O₄@mSiO₂ nanopaticles to prevent drug pervasion by a novel approach.