Biomimetic and bioinspired strategies for oral drug delivery

Biosynthesis of fungus-based oral selenium microcarriers for radioprotection and immuno-homeostasis shaping against radiation-induced heart disease

Radiation-induced heart disease (RIHD), characterized by severe oxidative stress and immune dysregulation, is a serious condition affecting cancer patients undergoing thoracic radiation. Unfortunately, clinical interventions for RIHD are lacking. Selenium (Se) is a trace element with excellent antioxidant and immune-modulatory properties. However, its application in heart radioprotection remains challenging. Herein, we developed a novel bioactive Cordyceps militaris-based Se oral delivery system (Se@CM), which demonstrated superior radioprotection effects in vitro against X-ray-induced damage in H9C2 cells through suppressing excessive ROS generation, compared to the radioprotectant Amifostine. Moreover, Se@CM exhibited exceptional cardioprotective effects in vivo against X-ray irradiation, reducing cardiac dysfunction and myocardial fibrosis by balancing the redox equilibrium and modulating the expression of Mn-SOD and MDA. Additionally, Se@CM maintained immuno-homeostasis, as evidenced by the upregulated population of T cells and M2 macrophages through modulation of selenoprotein expression after irradiation. Together, these results highlight the remarkable antioxidant and immunity modulation properties of Se@CM and shed light on its promising application for cardiac protection against IR-induced disease. This research provides valuable insights into developing effective strategies for preventing and managing RIHD.

Bioinspired and biomimetic strategies for inflammatory bowel disease therapy

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is an idiopathic chronic inflammatory bowel disease with high morbidity and an increased risk of cancer or death, resulting in a heavy societal medical burden. While current treatment modalities have been successful in achieving long-term remission and reducing the risk of complications, IBD remains incurable. Nanomedicine has the potential to address the high toxic side effects and low efficacy in IBD treatment. However, synthesized nanomedicines typically exhibit some degree of immune rejection, off-target effects, and a poor ability to cross biological barriers, limiting the development of clinical applications. The emergence of bionic materials and bionic technologies has reshaped the landscape in novel pharmaceutical fields. Biomimetic drug-delivery systems can effectively improve biocompatibility and reduce immunogenicity. Some bioinspired strategies can mimic specific components, targets or immune mechanisms in pathological processes to produce targeting effects for precise disease control. This article highlights recent research on bioinspired and biomimetic strategies for the treatment of IBD and discusses the challenges and future directions in the field to advance the treatment of IBD.

Yeast glucan particles: An express train for oral targeted drug delivery systems

As an emerging drug delivery vehicle, yeast glucan particles (YGPs) derived from yeast cells could be specifically taken up by macrophages. Therefore, these vehicles could rely on the recruitment of macrophages at the site of inflammation and tumors to enable targeted imaging and drug delivery. This review summarizes recent advances in the application of YGPs in oral targeted delivery systems, covering the basic structure of yeast cells, methods for pre-preparation, drug encapsulation and characterization. The mechanism and validation of the target recognition interaction of YGPs with macrophages are highlighted, and some inspiring cases are presented to show that yeast cells have promising applications. The future chances and difficulties that YGPs will confront are also emphasized throughout this essay. YGPs are not only the "armor" but also the "compass" of drugs in the process of targeted drug transport. This system is expected to provide a new idea about the oral targeted delivery of anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor drugs, and furthermore offer an effective delivery strategy for targeted therapy of other macrophage-related diseases.

Organic and Biogenic Nanocarriers as Bio-Friendly Systems for Bioactive Compounds' Delivery: State-of-the Art and Challenges

"Green" strategies to build up novel organic nanocarriers with bioperformance are modern trends in nanotechnology. In this way, the valorization of bio-wastes and the use of living systems to develop multifunctional organic and biogenic nanocarriers (OBNs) have revolutionized the nanotechnological and biomedical fields. This paper is a comprehensive review related to OBNs for bioactives' delivery, providing an overview of the reports on the past two decades. In the first part, several classes of bioactive compounds and their therapeutic role are briefly presented. A broad section is dedicated to the main categories of organic and biogenic nanocarriers. The major challenges regarding the eco-design and the fate of OBNs are suggested to overcome some toxicity-related drawbacks. Future directions and opportunities, and finding "green" solutions for solving the problems related to nanocarriers, are outlined in the final of this paper. We believe that through this review, we will capture the attention of the readers and will open new perspectives for new solutions/ideas for the discovery of more efficient and "green" ways in developing novel bioperformant nanocarriers for transporting bioactive agents.

Bioinspired yeast-based β-glucan system for oral drug delivery

Oral drug delivery is the preferred route of drug administration for patients, especially those who need long-term medication. Recently, bioinspired drug delivery systems have emerged for the oral delivery of various therapeutics. Among them, the yeast-based β-glucan system is a novel and promising platform, for oral administration that can overcome the biological barriers of the harsh gastrointestinal environment. Remarkably, the yeast-based β-glucan system not only protects the drug through the harsh gastrointestinal environment but also achieves targeted therapeutic effects by specifically recognizing immune cells, especially macrophages. Otherwise, it exhibits immunomodulatory properties. Based on the pleasant characteristics of the yeast-based β-glucan system, they are widely used in various macrophage-related diseases for oral administration. In this review, we introduced the structure and function of yeast-based β-glucan. Subsequently, we further summarized the current preparation methods of yeast-based β-glucan carriers and the strategies for preparing yeast-based β-glucan drug delivery systems. In addition, we focus on discussing the applications of β-glucan drug delivery systems in various diseases. Finally, the current challenges and future perspectives of the β-glucan drug delivery system are introduced.

Procedurally Targeted Delivery of Antitumor Drugs Using FAPα-Responsive TPGS Dimer-Based Flower-like Polymeric Micelles

To overcome the intestinal epithelium barrier and achieve a better antitumor effect, the procedurally targeting flower-like nanomicelles for oral delivery of antitumor drugs were designed based on FAPα-responsive TPGS1000 dimer (TPGS-Gly-Pro-TPGS) and L-carnitine linked poly(2-ethyl-2-oxazoline)-b-poly(D, l-lactide) (Car-PEOz-b-PLA). As expected, compared with unmodified polymeric micelles (TT-PMs) composed of TPGS-Gly-Pro-TPGS, L-carnitine conjugated polymeric micelles (CTT-PMs) formed from both TPGS-Gly-Pro-TPGS and Car-PEOz-b-PLA with favorable stability in simulated gastrointestinal fluid and FAPα-dependent release capability exhibited remarkably enhanced cellular uptake and transmembrane transport through OCTN2 mediation confirmed by fluorescence immunoassay, which was intuitively evidenced by stronger fluorescence within epithelial cells, and the basal side of small intestinal epithelium of mice being given intragastric administration of DiI-labeled micelles. The transport of CTT-PMs across the intestinal epithelium in an intact form was mediated by clathrin along the intracellular transport pathway of endosome-lysosome-ER-Golgi apparatus. Furthermore, both the increased uptake by FAPα-positive U87MG cells and unchangeable uptake by FAPα-negative C6 cells for coumarin-6 (C-6)/CTT-PMs compared with C-6/TT-PMs evidenced the targeting ability of CTT-PMs to FAPα-positive tumor cells. Both OCTN2-mediation and FAPα-responsiveness were beneficial for polymeric micelles to improve the delivery and therapeutic efficiency of antitumor agents, which was further supported by the remarkable enhancement in in vivo antitumor efficacy via promoting apoptosis of tumor cells for paclitaxel (PTX)-loaded CTT-PMs (PTX/CTT-PMs) with low toxicity compared with PTX/TT-PMs. Our findings offered an alternative design strategy for procedurally targeted delivery of chemotherapeutics by an oral route.

Cracking the intestinal lymphatic system window utilizing oral delivery vehicles for precise therapy

Oral administration is preferred over other drug delivery methods due to its safety, high patient compliance, ease of ingestion without discomfort, and tolerance of a wide range of medications. However, oral drug delivery is limited by the poor oral bioavailability of many drugs, caused by extreme conditions and absorption challenges in the gastrointestinal tract. This review thoroughly discusses the targeted drug vehicles to the intestinal lymphatic system (ILS). It explores the structure and physiological barriers of the ILS, highlighting its significance in dietary lipid and medication absorption and transport. The review presents various approaches to targeting the ILS using spatially precise vehicles, aiming to enhance bioavailability, achieve targeted delivery, and reduce first-pass metabolism with serve in clinic. Furthermore, the review outlines several methods for leveraging these vehicles to open the ILS window, paving the way for potential clinical applications in cancer treatment and oral vaccine delivery. By focusing on targeted drug vehicles to the ILS, this article emphasizes the critical role of these strategies in improving therapeutic efficacy and patient outcomes. Overall, this article emphasizes the critical role of targeted drug vehicles to the ILS and the potential impact of these strategies on improving therapeutic efficacy and patient outcomes.

Biocompatible smart micro/nanorobots for active gastrointestinal tract drug delivery

INTRODUCTION

Oral delivery is the most commonly used route of drug administration owing to good patient compliance. However, the gastrointestinal (GI) tract contains multiple physiological barriers that limit the absorption efficiency of conventional passive delivery systems resulting in a low drug concentration reaching the diseased sites. Micro/nanorobots can convert energy to self-propulsive force, providing a novel platform to actively overcome GI tract barriers for noninvasive drug delivery and treatment.

AREAS COVERED

In this review, we first describe the microenvironments and barriers in the different compartments of the GI tract. Afterward, the applications of micro/nanorobots to overcome GI tract barriers for active drug delivery are highlighted and discussed. Finally, we summarize and discuss the challenges and future prospects of micro/nanorobots for further clinical applications.

EXPERT OPINION

Micro/nanorobots with the ability to autonomously propel themselves and to load, transport, and release payloads on demand are ideal carriers for active oral drug delivery. Although there are many challenges to be addressed, micro/nanorobots have great potential to introduce a new era of drug delivery for precision therapy.

Immunization effect of recombinant Lactobacillus casei displaying Aeromonas veronii Aha1 with an LTB adjuvant in carp

Aeromonas veronii is an important aquatic zoonotic, which elicits a range of diseases, such as haemorrhagic septicemia. To develop an effective oral vaccine against Aeromonas veronii infection in carp, the Aeromonas veronii adhesion (Aha1) gene was used as a target molecule to attach to intestinal epithelial cells. Two anchored recombinant. Lactic acid bacteria strains (LC-pPG-Aha1 1038 bp and LC-pPG-Aha1-LTB 1383 bp) were constructed by fusing them with the E. coli intolerant enterotoxin B subunit (LTB) gene and using Lactobacillus casei as antigen delivery vector to evaluate immune effects of these in carp. Western blotting and immunofluorescence were used to confirm that protein expression was successful. Additionally, levels of specific IgM in serum and the activities of ACP, AKP, SOD, LYS, C3, C4, and lectin enzymes-were assessed. Cytokines IL-10, IL-1β, TNF-α, IgZ1, and IgZ2 were measured in the liver, spleen, kidney, intestines, and gills tissue by qRT-PCR, which showed an increasing trend compared with the control group (P < 0.05). A colonization assay showed that the two L. casei recombinants colonized the middle and hind intestines of immunized fish. When immunized carp were experimentally challenged with Aeromonas veronii the relative percentage protection of LC-pPG-Aha1 was 53.57%, and LC-pPG-Aha1-LTB was 60.71%. In conclusion, these results demonstrate that Aha1 is a promising candidate antigen when it is displayed on lactic acid bacteria (Lc-pPG-Aha1 and Lc-pPG-Aha1-LTB) seems promising for a mucosal therapeutic approach. We plan to investigate the molecular mechanism of the L. casei recombinant in regulating the intestinal tissue of carp in future studies.

Transporter-Mediated Drug Delivery

Transmembrane transport of small organic and inorganic molecules is one of the cornerstones of cellular metabolism. Among transmembrane transporters, solute carrier (SLC) proteins form the largest, albeit very diverse, superfamily with over 400 members. It was recognized early on that xenobiotics can directly interact with SLCs and that this interaction can fundamentally determine their efficacy, including bioavailability and intertissue distribution. Apart from the well-established prodrug strategy, the chemical ligation of transporter substrates to nanoparticles of various chemical compositions has recently been used as a means to enhance their targeting and absorption. In this review, we summarize efforts in drug design exploiting interactions with specific SLC transporters to optimize their therapeutic effects. Furthermore, we describe current and future challenges as well as new directions for the advanced development of therapeutics that target SLC transporters.

Pathologically triggered in situ aggregation of nanoparticles for inflammation-targeting amplification and therapeutic potentiation

Uncontrolled and persistent inflammation is closely related to numerous acute and chronic diseases. However, effective targeting delivery systems remain to be developed for precision therapy of inflammatory diseases. Herein we report a novel strategy for engineering inflammation-accumulation nanoparticles via phenolic functionalization. Different phenol-functionalized nanoparticles were first developed, which can undergo in situ aggregation upon triggering by the inflammatory/oxidative microenvironment. Phenolic compound-decorated poly (lactide-co-glycolide) nanoparticles, in particular tyramine (Tyr)-coated nanoparticles, showed significantly enhanced accumulation at inflammatory sites in mouse models of colitis, acute liver injury, and acute lung injury, mainly resulting from in situ cross-linking and tissue anchoring of nanoparticles triggered by local myeloperoxidase and reactive oxygen species. By combining a cyclodextrin-derived bioactive material with Tyr decoration, a multifunctional nanotherapy (TTN) was further developed, which displayed enhanced cellular uptake, anti-inflammatory activities, and inflammatory tissue accumulation, thereby affording amplified therapeutic effects in mice with colitis or acute liver injury. Moreover, TTN can serve as a bioactive and inflammation-targeting nanoplatform for site-specifically delivering a therapeutic peptide to the inflamed colon post oral administration, leading to considerably potentiated in vivo efficacies. Preliminary studies also revealed good safety of orally delivered TTN. Consequently, Tyr-based functionalization is promising for inflammation targeting amplification and therapeutic potentiation of nanotherapies.

Precise oral delivery systems for probiotics: A review

Probiotics have several health benefits to the host. However, low pH in the stomach, various digestive enzymes and bile salts in the intestine threaten their viability and function. Thus, probiotics need to be protected during gastric transit to address challenges associated with low viability and impaired function. At present, probiotic delivery systems with different trigger mechanisms have been constructed to successfully introduce numerous high-viability probiotics to the intestine. On this basis, the application of non-targeted/targeted probiotic delivery systems in different gut microenvironment and the adjuvant therapeutic effect of probiotic delivery systems on other disease were discussed in detail. It is important to also note that most of the current studies in this area focused on non-targeted probiotic delivery systems. Moreover, changes in intestinal microenvironment under disease state and discontinuous distribution of disease site limit their development. Thus, emphasis were made on the optimization of non-targeted probiotic delivery systems and the necessity of designing more precisely targeted ones.

Hijacking the intrinsic vitamin B12 pathway for the oral delivery of nanoparticles, resulting in enhanced in vivo anti-leishmanial activity

Surface-functionalized vitamin B₁₂ (VB₁₂) biocompatible nanoparticles exploit the well-characterized uptake pathway of VB₁₂, shielding it from enzymatic degradation and inadequate absorption. In this perspective, subsequent to escalated mucus interaction and diffusion analysis, the nanoparticles were investigated by immunostaining with the anti-CD320 antibody, and their internalization mechanisms were examined by selectively blocking specific uptake processes. It was observed that their internalization occurred via an energy-dependent clathrin-mediated mechanism, simultaneously highlighting their remarkable ability to bypass the P-glycoprotein efflux. In particular, the synthesized nanoparticles were evaluated for their cytocompatibility by analyzing cellular proliferation, membrane viscoelasticity, and fluidity by fluorescence recovery after photobleaching and oxidative-stress detection, making them well-suited for successful translation to a clinical setup. Our previous in vitro antileishmanial results were paramount for their further in vivo and toxicity analysis, demonstrating their targeted therapeutic efficiency. The augmented surface hydrophilicity, which is attributed to VB₁₂, and monomerization of amphotericin B in the lipid core strengthened the oral bioavailability and stability of the nanoparticles, as evidenced by the fluorescence resonance energy transfer analysis.

Rhodojaponin III-Loaded Chitosan Derivatives-Modified Solid Lipid Nanoparticles for Multimodal Antinociceptive Effects in vivo

Background

Rhodojaponin III (RJ-III) is a bioactive diterpenoid, which is mainly found in Rhododendron molle G. Don (Ericaceae), a potent analgesia in traditional Chinese medicine with several years of clinical applications in the country. However, its clinical use is limited by its acute toxicity and poor pharmacokinetic profiles. To reduce such limitations, the current study incorporated RJ-III into the colloidal drug delivery system of hydroxypropyl trimethyl ammonium chloride chitosan (HACC)-modified solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) to improve its sustained release and antinociceptive effects in vivo for oral delivery.

Results

The optimized RJ-III@HACC-SLNs were close to spherical, approximately 134 nm in size, and with a positive zeta potential. In vitro experiments showed that RJ-III@HACC-SLNs were stable in the simulated gastric fluid and had a prolonged release in PBS (pH = 6.8). Pharmacokinetic results showed that after intragastric administration in mice, the relative bioavailability of RJ-III@HACC-SLNs was 87.9%. Further, it was evident that the peak time, half-time, and mean retention time of RJ-III@HACC-SLNs were improved than RJ-III after the administration. In addition, pharmacodynamic studies revealed that RJ-III@HACC-SLNs markedly reduced the acetic acid, hot, and formalin-induced nociceptive responses in mice (P < 0.001), and notably increased the analgesic time (P < 0.01). Moreover, RJ-III@HACC-SLNs not only showed good biocompatibility with Caco-2 cells in vitro but its LD₅₀ value was also increased by 1.8-fold as compared with that of RJ-III in vivo.

Conclusion

These results demonstrated that RJ-III@HACC-SLNs improved the pharmacokinetic characteristics of the RJ-III, thereby exhibiting toxicity-attenuating potential and antinociceptive enhancing properties. Consequently, HACC-SLNs loaded with RJ-III could become a promising oral formulation for pain management that deserves further investigation in the future.

Biological chemotaxis-guided self-thermophoretic nanoplatform augments colorectal cancer therapy through autonomous mucus penetration

Oral drug delivery systems have great potential to treat colorectal cancer (CRC). However, the drug delivery efficiency is restricted by limited CRC-related intestine positioning and dense mucus barrier. Here, we present a biological chemotaxis-guided self-thermophoretic nanoplatform that facilitates precise intestinal positioning and autonomous mucus penetration. The nanoplatform introduces asymmetric platinum-sprayed mesoporous silica to achieve autonomous movement in intestinal mucus. Furthermore, inspired by the intense interaction between pathogenic microbes and CRC, the nanoplatform is camouflaged by Staphylococcus aureus membrane to precisely anchor in CRC-related intestine. Owing to 4.3-fold higher biological chemotactic anchoring of CRC-related intestine and 14.6-fold higher autonomous mucus penetration performance, the nanoplatform vastly improves the oral bioavailability of cisplatin, leading to a tumor inhibition rate of 99.1% on orthotopic CRC-bearing mice. Together, the exquisitely designed nanoplatform to overcome multiple physiological barriers provides a new horizon for the development of oral drug delivery systems.

Biomimetic and temporal-controlled nanocarriers with ileum transporter targeting for achieving oral administration of chemotherapeutic drugs

BACKGROUND

Oral chemotherapy is preferred for patients with cancer owing to its multiple advantages, including convenience, better patient compliance, and improved safety. Nevertheless, various physical barriers exist in this route that hamper the development of oral chemotherapeutic formulations, including destruction of drugs in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT), low permeability in enterocytes, and short residence time in the intestine. To overcome these limitations, it is necessary to design an efficient oral drug delivery system with high efficacy and improved safety.

RESULTS

Herein, we designed novel glycocholic acid (GCA)-functionalized double layer nanoparticles (GCA-NPs), which can act via an endogenous pathway and in a temporally controlled manner in the intestine, to enhance the oral bioavailability of hydrophobic chemotherapeutic drugs such as paclitaxel (PTX). GCA-NPs were composed of quercetin (Qu)-modified liposomes (QL) coated with GCA-chitosan oligosaccharide conjugate (GCOS). The GCA-NPs thus prepared showed prolonged intestinal retention time and good GIT stability due to the presence of chitosan oligosaccharide (COS) and enhanced active transportation via intestinal apical sodium-dependent bile acid transporter (ASBT) due to the presence of GCA. GCA-NPs also efficiently inhibited intestinal P-gp induced by Qu. PTX-loaded GCA-NPs (PTX@GCA-NPs) had a particle size of 84 nm and an entrapment efficiency of 98% with good stability. As a result, the oral bioavailability of PTX was increased 19-fold compared to that of oral Taxol^® at the same dose. Oral PTX@GCA-NPs displayed superior antitumor efficacy and better safety than Taxol^® when administered intravenously.

CONCLUSIONS

Our novel drug delivery system showed remarkable efficacy in overcoming multiple limitations and is a promising carrier for oral delivery of multiple drugs, which addresses several challenges in oral delivery in the clinical context.

Nano-strategies as Oral Drug Delivery Platforms for Treatment of Cancer: Challenges and Future Perspectives

Oral drug administration is the oldest and widely used method for drug administration. The objectives behind developing an oral drug delivery for the treatment of cancer are to achieve low cost treatment by utilizing novel techniques to target cancer through gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT) and to enhance patient comfort and compliance through a hospital-free treatment leading to "Chemotherapy at Home." Unfortunately, due to the physiological environment of the GIT and physicochemical properties of drug candidate, the efficacy of oral drug delivery methods is limited in the treatment of cancer. Due to their low hydrophilicity, high P-gp efflux and restricted intestinal permeability most of the anti-cancer drugs fail to achieve oral bioavailability. The review focuses on the efforts, challenges, opportunities and studies conducted by scientists worldwide on the oral administration of anticancer medications via nanocarriers such as liposomes, SLNs and dendrimers, because of their potential to overcome the epithelial barrier associated with GALT, as well as the applications of different polymers in targeting the cancer. The oral delivery can set newer horizons in cancer therapy to make it more patient friendly.

Oral insulin delivery by epithelium microenvironment-adaptive nanoparticles

Oral protein drug delivery using nano-based systems remains challenging, as contradictory surface properties are required for efficient navigation through the intestinal mucus and epithelium barriers. Therefore, new nanoplatforms with tunable surface properties in vivo are urgently needed. Inspired by the slightly acidic microclimate of the jejunal epithelial surface, we report a novel epithelium microenvironment-adaptive nanoplatform that undergoes a hydrophilicity-hydrophobicity transition at the epithelial surface. First, we synthesized and characterized a biodegradable copolymer consisting of PEG and PLGA building blocks linked by a hydrazone bond (PLGA-Hyd-PEG) to fabricate the pH-sensitive core-shell architecture of an oral insulin system. Then we loaded the system as a freeze-dried powder into enteric-coated capsules. PLGA-Hyd-PEG nanoparticles showed excellent drug protection and rapid mucus penetration owing to the high stability of the PEG coating in jejunal fluid. In the acidic microenvironment of the jejunal epithelial surface (pH ~5.5), PEG was rapidly cleaved and the hydrazone bond was hydrolyzed, converting the nanoparticle surface from hydrophilic to hydrophobic, thereby facilitating internalization into cells. Pharmacodynamic studies showed that PLGA-Hyd-PEG nanoparticles resulted in significant decrease in blood glucose level after intrajejunal administration in both normal and diabetic rats relative to control nanoparticles. In addition, enteric-coated capsules containing PLGA-Hyd-PEG nanoparticles reduced blood glucose by 35% for up to 10 h after oral administration to diabetic rats. Our findings provide a new strategy for regulating the surface properties of nanoparticles for efficient oral drug delivery.

Ronald C.D. Breslow (1931-2017): A career in review

Reviewed herein are key research accomplishments of Professor Ronald Charles D. Breslow (1931-2017) throughout his more than 60 year research career. These accomplishments span a wide range of topics, most notably physical organic chemistry, medicinal chemistry, and bioorganic chemistry. These topics are reviewed, as are topics of molecular electronics and origin of chirality, which combine to make up the bulk of this review. Also reviewed briefly are Breslow's contributions to the broader chemistry profession, including his work for the American Chemical Society and his work promoting gender equity. Throughout the article, efforts are made to put Breslow's accomplishments in the context of other work being done at the time, as well as to include subsequent iterations and elaborations of the research.

pH-sensitive dual drug loaded janus nanoparticles by oral delivery for multimodal analgesia

Background

Based on the concept of “multimodal analgesia”, a novel dual drug delivery system was designed to achieve synergistic analgesia between najanajaatra venom protein (αCT) and resveratrol (Res). In order to meet the joint loading of two drugs with different physicochemical properties without affecting each other, an oral Janus nanoparticle (JNP) with a unique cavity structure and synergistic drug delivery was constructed using an improved double emulsion solvent evaporation method, and combined with low-molecular-weight chitosan/sodium alginate and PLGA to achieve its pH-responsive.

Results

The synthesized αCT/Res-JNPs are homogeneous in shape, with a two-compartment structure, approximately 230 nm in size, and zeta potential of 23.6 mV. Drug release assayed in vitro show that JNP was stable in simulated gastric juice (pH = 1.2) but was released in phosphate buffer saline (pH = 7.4). After intragastric administration in rats, PK evaluation showed that αCT/Res-JNPs could significantly improve the oral bioavailability, and the simultaneous encapsulation of the two drugs had no significant interaction on PK parameters. An obvious synergistic analgesic effects of αCT/Res-JNPs was confirmed in a spinal cord injury and acute pain model. Confocal laser scanning microscopy and single-pass intestinal perfusion model provided strong evidence that αCT/Res-JNPs could pass through intestinal epithelial cells, and the endocytosis pathway was mainly involved in the mediation and pinocytosis of reticulin. The concentrations of αCT and Res from αCT/Res-JNP in lymphatic transport were only about 8.72% and 6.08% of their blood concentrations at 1 h, respectively, which indicated that lymphatic transport in the form of JNP has limited advantages in improving the oral bioavailability of Res and αCT. Cellular uptake efficiency at 4 h was about 10–15% in Caco-2 cell lines for αCT/Res-JNP, but was reduced to 7% in Caco-2/HT29-MTX co-culture models due to the hindrance by the mucus layers. Approximately 12–17% of αCT/Res-JNP were transported across Caco-2/HT29-MTX/Raji monolayers. The cumulative absorption of JNP in three cell models was higher than that of free drug.

Conclusions

This study investigated the contribution of Janus nanoparticles in oral absorption, and provide a new perspective for oral administration and analgesic treatment of dual drug delivery system containing peptide drugs.

Graphic Abstract

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12951-021-00974-6.

A systematic review of functionalized polymeric nanoparticles to improve intestinal permeability of drugs and biological products

BACKGROUND

The oral route is the most frequently used and the most convenient route of drug administration, since it has several advantages, such as ease of use, patient compliance and better cost-effectiveness. However, physicochemical and biopharmaceutical limitations of various active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) hinder suitability for this route, including degradation in the gastrointestinal tract, low intestinal permeability and low bioavailability. To overcome these problems, while maintaining therapeutic efficacy, polymeric nanoparticles have attracted considerable attention for their ability to increase drug solubility, promote controlled release, and improve stability. In addition, the functionalization of nanocarriers can increase uptake and accumulation at the target site of action, and intestinal absorption, making it possible to obtain more viable, safe and efficient treatments for oral administration. <P> Objective: This systematic review aimed to seek recent advances in the literature on the use of polymeric nanoparticles functionalization to increase intestinal permeability of APIs that are intended for oral administration. <P> Method: Two bibliographic databases were consulted (PubMed and ScienceDirect). The selected publications and the writing of this systematic review were based on the guidelines mentioned in the PRISMA statement. <P> Results: Out of a total of 3036 studies, 22 studies were included in this article based on our eligibility criteria. The results were consistent for the application of nanoparticle functionalization to increase intestinal permeability. <P> Conclusion: The functionalized polymeric nanoparticles can be considered as carrier systems that improve the intestinal permeability and bioavailability of APIs, with the potential to result, in the future, in the development of oral medicines.

Methods to improve the immunogenicity of plasmid DNA vaccines

DNA vaccines have emerged as innovative approaches that have great potential to overcome the limitations of current conventional vaccines. Plasmid DNA vaccines are often safer than other vaccines because they carry only antigen genetic information, are more stable and easier to produce, and can stimulate both humoral and cellular immune responses. Although the results of ongoing clinical trials are very promising, some limitations compromise the immunogenicity of these vaccines. Thus, this review describes different strategies that can be explored to improve the immunogenicity of plasmid DNA vaccines, including the optimization of the plasmid vector backbone, the use of different methods for vaccine delivery, the use of alternative administration routes and the inclusion of adjuvants. In combination, these improvements could lead to the successful clinical use of plasmid DNA vaccines.

Biologics and their delivery systems: Trends in myocardial infarction

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death around the world, in which myocardial infarction (MI) is a precipitating event. However, current therapies do not adequately address the multiple dysregulated systems following MI. Consequently, recent studies have developed novel biologic delivery systems to more effectively address these maladies. This review utilizes a scientometric summary of the recent literature to identify trends among biologic delivery systems designed to treat MI. Emphasis is placed on sustained or targeted release of biologics (e.g. growth factors, nucleic acids, stem cells, chemokines) from common delivery systems (e.g. microparticles, nanocarriers, injectable hydrogels, implantable patches). We also evaluate biologic delivery system trends in the entire regenerative medicine field to identify emerging approaches that may translate to the treatment of MI. Future developments include immune system targeting through soluble factor or chemokine delivery, and the development of advanced delivery systems that facilitate the synergistic delivery of biologics.

Oral delivery of therapeutic proteins bioencapsulated in plant cells: preclinical and clinical advances

Oral delivery of protein drugs (PDs) made in plant cells could revolutionize current approaches of their production and delivery. Expression of PDs reduces their production cost by elimination of prohibitively expensive fermentation, purification, cold transportation/storage, and sterile injections and increases their shelf life for several years. Ability of plant cell wall to protect PDs from digestive acids/enzymes, commensal bacteria to release PDs in gut lumen after lysis of plant cell wall and role of GALT in inducing tolerance facilitate prevention or treatment allergic, autoimmune diseases or anti-drug antibody responses. Delivery of functional proteins facilitate treatment of inherited or metabolic disorders. Recent advances in making PDs free of antibiotic resistance genes in edible plant cells, long-term storage at ambient temperature maintaining their efficacy, production in cGMP facilities, IND enabling studies for clinical advancement and FDA approval of orally delivered PDs augur well for advancing this novel drug delivery platform technology.

Fighting viruses with materials science: Prospects for antivirus surfaces, drug delivery systems and artificial intelligence

OBJECTIVE

Viruses on environmental surfaces, in saliva and other body fluids represent risk of contamination for general population and healthcare professionals. The development of vaccines and medicines is costly and time consuming. Thus, the development of novel materials and technologies to decrease viral availability, viability, infectivity, and to improve therapeutic outcomes can positively impact the prevention and treatment of viral diseases.

METHODS

Herein, we discuss (a) interaction mechanisms between viruses and materials, (b) novel strategies to develop materials with antiviral properties and oral antiviral delivery systems, and (c) the potential of artificial intelligence to design and optimize preventive measures and therapeutic regimen.

RESULTS

The mechanisms of viral adsorption on surfaces are well characterized but no major breakthrough has become clinically available. Materials with fine-tuned physical and chemical properties have the potential to compromise viral availability and stability. Emerging strategies using oral antiviral delivery systems and artificial intelligence can decrease infectivity and improve antiviral therapies.

SIGNIFICANCE

Emerging viral infections are concerning due to risk of mortality, as well as psychological and economic impacts. Materials science emerges for the development of novel materials and technologies to diminish viral availability, infectivity, and to enable enhanced preventive and therapeutic strategies, for the safety and well-being of humankind.

Cell primitive-based biomimetic functional materials for enhanced cancer therapy

Cell primitive-based functional materials that combine the advantages of natural substances and nanotechnology have emerged as attractive therapeutic agents for cancer therapy. Cell primitives are characterized by distinctive biological functions, such as long-term circulation, tumor specific targeting, immune modulation etc. Moreover, synthetic nanomaterials featuring unique physical/chemical properties have been widely used as effective drug delivery vehicles or anticancer agents to treat cancer. The combination of these two kinds of materials will catalyze the generation of innovative biomaterials with multiple functions, high biocompatibility and negligible immunogenicity for precise cancer therapy. In this review, we summarize the most recent advances in the development of cell primitive-based functional materials for cancer therapy. Different cell primitives, including bacteria, phages, cells, cell membranes, and other bioactive substances are introduced with their unique bioactive functions, and strategies in combining with synthetic materials, especially nanoparticulate systems, for the construction of function-enhanced biomaterials are also summarized. Furthermore, foreseeable challenges and future perspectives are also included for the future research direction in this field.

A reactive oxygen species-responsive antioxidant nanotherapy for the treatment of drug-induced tissue and organ injury

Drug-induced tissue injury has become a growing public health problem. Gastrointestinal injury and liver dysfunction are the most common side effects related to drug therapies, resulting in high morbidity and mortality in recent years. The overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) is critically involved in the pathogenesis of drug-induced tissue injury. Consequently, antioxidant therapy represents a very promising strategy for the treatment of drug-induced tissue injury. Herein, a multifunctional antioxidant nanotherapy (TON) is engineered from a cyclodextrin-derived ROS-responsive material and a radical scavenger tempol, and is capable of eliminating a broad spectrum of ROS. After oral administration, TON can passively accumulate in the inflamed gastrointestinal tissues in mice with indomethacin-induced gastrointestinal injury. Correspondingly, TON shows superior efficacy in two representative murine models of indomethacin-induced gastrointestinal injury and acetaminophen-induced hepatic injury via attenuating oxidative stress and mitigating inflammatory responses. Additionally, preliminary in vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrate the good safety profile of TON. Consequently, the ROS-responsive antioxidant nanotherapy TON is promising for the treatment of drug-induced tissue and organ injury.

Bioresponsive drug delivery systems for the treatment of inflammatory diseases

Inflammation is intimately related to the pathogenesis of numerous acute and chronic diseases like cardiovascular disease, inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and neurodegenerative diseases. Therefore anti-inflammatory therapy is a very promising strategy for the prevention and treatment of these inflammatory diseases. To overcome the shortcomings of existing anti-inflammatory agents and their traditional formulations, such as nonspecific tissue distribution and uncontrolled drug release, bioresponsive drug delivery systems have received much attention in recent years. In this review, we first provide a brief introduction of the pathogenesis of inflammation, with an emphasis on representative inflammatory cells and mediators in inflammatory microenvironments that serve as pathological fundamentals for rational design of bioresponsive carriers. Then we discuss different materials and delivery systems responsive to inflammation-associated biochemical signals, such as pH, reactive oxygen species, and specific enzymes. Also, applications of various bioresponsive drug delivery systems in the treatment of typical acute and chronic inflammatory diseases are described. Finally, crucial challenges in the future development and clinical translation of bioresponsive anti-inflammatory drug delivery systems are highlighted.

Beta-d-glucan-based drug delivery system and its potential application in targeting tumor associated macrophages

Use of polysaccharides as carriers in drug delivery system is a hot topic, especially those with specific recognition of immune cells, enabling them to be applied in targeting delivery system. β-d-glucans are naturally occurring non-digestible polysaccharides with immunomodulatory activities that have attracted increasing attention to serve as therapeutic agents or immune-adjuvants. Being able to be specifically recognized by immune cells like macrophages, β-d-glucans can be developed as promising carriers for targeting delivery with stability, biocompatibility and specificity when applied in immunotherapy. Targeting tumor associated macrophages (TAMs) is an emerging strategy for cancer immunotherapy since it exerts anti-cancer effects based on modulating body immunity in tumor microenvironment (TME). This new strategy does not require high concentration of drugs to kill cancer cells directly and lessen tumor recurrence by creating unique immune memory for malignant cells. In this review, construction strategies of polysaccharide-based drug delivery system of three types of β-d-glucan including non-yeast and yeast β-d-glucans as well as hyper-branched β-d-glucan are discussed with reference to their branching characteristics and conformation. The applications of these β-d-glucans as nano-carrier for drug delivery targeting TAMs are also discussed.