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An J, Zhang Z, Zhang J, Zhang L, Liang G. Research progress in tumor therapy of carrier-free nanodrug. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 178:117258. [PMID: 39111083 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.117258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2024] [Revised: 07/24/2024] [Accepted: 08/02/2024] [Indexed: 08/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Carrier-free nanodrugs are a novel type of drug constructed by the self-assembly of drug molecules without carrier involvement. They have the characteristics of small particle size, easy penetration of various barriers, targeting tumors, and efficient release. In recent years, carrier-free nanodrugs have become a hot topic in tumor therapy as they solve the problems of low drug loading, poor biocompatibility, and low uptake efficiency of carrier nanodrugs. A series of recent studies have shown that carrier-free nanodrugs play a vital role in the treatment of various tumors, with similar or better effects than carrier nanodrugs. Based on the literature published in the past decades, this paper first summarizes the recent progress in the assembly modes of carrier-free nanodrugs, then describes common therapeutic modalities of carrier-free nanodrugs in tumor therapy, and finally depicts the existing challenges along with future trends of carrier-free nanodrugs. We hope that this review can guide the design and application of carrier-free nanodrugs in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junling An
- School of Basic Medicine and Forensic Medicine, Henan University of Science & Technology, Luoyang, Henan, People's Republic of China.
| | - Zequn Zhang
- School of Basic Medicine and Forensic Medicine, Henan University of Science & Technology, Luoyang, Henan, People's Republic of China.
| | - Jinrui Zhang
- School of Basic Medicine and Forensic Medicine, Henan University of Science & Technology, Luoyang, Henan, People's Republic of China.
| | - Lingyang Zhang
- Institute of Biomedical Research, Henan Academy of Sciences, Zhengzhou, Henan, People's Republic of China.
| | - Gaofeng Liang
- School of Basic Medicine and Forensic Medicine, Henan University of Science & Technology, Luoyang, Henan, People's Republic of China; Institute of Biomedical Research, Henan Academy of Sciences, Zhengzhou, Henan, People's Republic of China.
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Guo X, Luo W, Wu L, Zhang L, Chen Y, Li T, Li H, Zhang W, Liu Y, Zheng J, Wang Y. Natural Products from Herbal Medicine Self-Assemble into Advanced Bioactive Materials. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024:e2403388. [PMID: 39033533 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202403388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2024] [Revised: 06/09/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
Novel biomaterials are becoming more crucial in treating human diseases. However, many materials require complex artificial modifications and synthesis, leading to potential difficulties in preparation, side effects, and clinical translation. Recently, significant progress has been achieved in terms of direct self-assembly of natural products from herbal medicine (NPHM), an important source for novel medications, resulting in a wide range of bioactive supramolecular materials including gels, and nanoparticles. The NPHM-based supramolecular bioactive materials are produced from renewable resources, are simple to prepare, and have demonstrated multi-functionality including slow-release, smart-responsive release, and especially possess powerful biological effects to treat various diseases. In this review, NPHM-based supramolecular bioactive materials have been revealed as an emerging, revolutionary, and promising strategy. The development, advantages, and limitations of NPHM, as well as the advantageous position of NPHM-based materials, are first reviewed. Subsequently, a systematic and comprehensive analysis of the self-assembly strategies specific to seven major classes of NPHM is highlighted. Insights into the influence of NPHM structural features on the formation of supramolecular materials are also provided. Finally, the drivers and preparations are summarized, emphasizing the biomedical applications, future scientific challenges, and opportunities, with the hope of igniting inspiration for future research and applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohang Guo
- School of Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, 410208, China
| | - Weikang Luo
- Institute of Integrative Medicine, Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Traditional Chinese Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Lingyu Wu
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, 410208, China
| | - Lianglin Zhang
- Institute of Integrative Medicine, Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Traditional Chinese Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Yuxuan Chen
- Beijing Normal University-Hong Kong Baptist University United International College, Zhuhai, 519087, China
| | - Teng Li
- Institute of Integrative Medicine, Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Traditional Chinese Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Haigang Li
- Hunan key laboratory of the research and development of novel pharmaceutical preparations, Changsha Medical University, Changsha, 410219, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- College of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, 410208, China
| | - Yawei Liu
- School of Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, 410208, China
| | - Jun Zheng
- Institute of Integrative Medicine, Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Traditional Chinese Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Yang Wang
- Institute of Integrative Medicine, Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Traditional Chinese Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
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Teng W, Zhou Z, Cao J, Guo Q. Recent Advances of Natural Pentacyclic Triterpenoids as Bioactive Delivery System for Synergetic Biological Applications. Foods 2024; 13:2226. [PMID: 39063310 PMCID: PMC11275325 DOI: 10.3390/foods13142226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2024] [Revised: 07/11/2024] [Accepted: 07/13/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Bioactive compounds have drawn much attention according to their various health benefits. However, poor dissolvability, low stability and limited bioavailability largely narrow their applications. Although a variety of nontoxic ingredients have been rapidly developed as vehicles to deliver bioactive compounds in the last few years, most of them are non-bioactive. Pentacyclic triterpenoids, owing to their unique self-assembly and co-assembly behaviors and different physiological functions, can construct bioactive carriers due to their higher biodegradability, biocompatibility and lower toxicity. In this paper, the basic classification, biological activities and physicochemical properties of pentacyclic triterpenoids were summarized. Additionally, applications of self-assembled and co-assembled pentacyclic triterpenoids as bioactive delivery systems to load bioactive components and future research directions were discussed. This study emphasizes the potential of pentacyclic triterpenoids as bioactive delivery systems, offering a new perspective for constructing self- or co-assemblies for further synergetic biological applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wendi Teng
- Key Laboratory of Geriatric Nutrition and Health, School of Food and Health, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing 100048, China; (W.T.); (Z.Z.); (J.C.)
| | - Zixiao Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Geriatric Nutrition and Health, School of Food and Health, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing 100048, China; (W.T.); (Z.Z.); (J.C.)
| | - Jinxuan Cao
- Key Laboratory of Geriatric Nutrition and Health, School of Food and Health, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing 100048, China; (W.T.); (Z.Z.); (J.C.)
| | - Qing Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Safety, School of Food Science and Technology, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin 300457, China
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Lin B, Peng X, Cheng J, Wang J. Natural gambogic acid-tuned self-assembly of nanodrugs towards synergistic chemophototherapy against breast cancer. J Mater Chem B 2024; 12:5940-5949. [PMID: 38804636 DOI: 10.1039/d4tb00364k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Gambogic acid (GA) as a naturally derived chemotherapeutic agent is of increasing interest for antitumor therapy. However, current research mainly focuses on improving the pharmacological properties to overcome the shortcomings in clinical applications or as a synergistic anticancer agent in combination with chemotherapy and chemophototherapy. Yet, the material properties of GA (e.g., self-assembly) are often neglected. Herein, we validated the self-assembly function of GA and its huge potential as a single-component active carrier for synergistic delivery using pyropheophorbide-a (PPa) as a drug model. The results showed that self-assembled GA drives the formation of nano-GA/PPa mainly through noncovalent interactions such as π-π stacking, hydrophobic interactions, and hydrogen bonding. Additionally, although no significant differences in cytotoxicity were found between the individual in vitro chemotherapy and combined chemophototherapy, the as-prepared nano-GA/PPa exhibits remarkably improved water solubility and multiple favorable therapeutic features, leading to a prominent in vivo photochemotherapy efficiency of 89.3% inhibition rate with reduced hepatotoxicity of GA. This work highlights the potential of self-assembled GA as a drug delivery carrier for synergistic biomedical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baohang Lin
- Department of Thyroid, Breast and Vascular Surgery, Longgang Central Hospital of Shenzhen, Long Gang District, Shenzhen, P. R. China
| | - Xun Peng
- Department of Thyroid, Breast and Vascular Surgery, Longgang Central Hospital of Shenzhen, Long Gang District, Shenzhen, P. R. China
| | - Jianjun Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Natural Medicine Innovation and Transformation, Henan University, Kaifeng, P. R. China.
| | - Jiacheng Wang
- Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, P. R. China.
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Li Q, Lianghao Y, Shijie G, Zhiyi W, Yuanting T, Cong C, Chun-Qin Z, Xianjun F. Self-assembled nanodrug delivery systems for anti-cancer drugs from traditional Chinese medicine. Biomater Sci 2024; 12:1662-1692. [PMID: 38411151 DOI: 10.1039/d3bm01451g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is a combination of raw herbs and herbal extracts with a plethora of documented beneficial bioactivities, which has unique advantages in anti-tumor therapy, and many of its major bioactive molecules have been identified in recent years due to advances in chemical separation and structural analysis. However, the major chemical classes of plant-derived bioactive compounds frequently possess chemical properties, including poor water solubility, stability, and bioavailability, that limit their therapeutic application. Alternatively, natural small molecules (NSMs) containing these components possess modifiable groups, multiple action sites, hydrophobic side chains, and a rigid skeleton with self-assembly properties that can be exploited to construct self-assembled nanoparticles with therapeutic effects superior to their individual constituents. For instance, the construction of a self-assembled nanodrug delivery system can effectively overcome the strong hydrophobicity and poor in vivo stability of NSMs, thereby greatly improving their bioavailability and enhancing their anti-tumor efficacy. This review summarizes the self-assembly methods, mechanisms, and applications of a variety of NSMs, including terpenoids, flavonoids, alkaloids, polyphenols, and saponins, providing a theoretical basis for the subsequent research on NSMs and the development of SANDDS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiao Li
- Experimental Centre, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250355, P. R. China
| | - Yuan Lianghao
- Experimental Centre, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250355, P. R. China
| | - Gao Shijie
- Experimental Centre, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250355, P. R. China
| | - Wang Zhiyi
- Experimental Centre, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250355, P. R. China
| | - Tang Yuanting
- Experimental Centre, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250355, P. R. China
| | - Chen Cong
- Innovative Institute of Chinese Medicine and Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250355, P. R. China.
| | - Zhao Chun-Qin
- Academy of Chinese Medicine Literature and Culture, Key Laboratory of Classical Theory of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ministry of Education, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250355, PR China.
| | - Fu Xianjun
- Marine Traditional Chinese Medicine Research Centre, Qingdao Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Qingdao 266114, P. R. China.
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Cheng J, Zhao H, Li B, Zhang H, Zhao Q, Fu S, Han Y, Lu W, Shi J, Yang X. Photosensitive pro-drug nanoassemblies harboring a chemotherapeutic dormancy function potentiates cancer immunotherapy. Acta Pharm Sin B 2023; 13:879-896. [PMID: 36873187 PMCID: PMC9978634 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2022.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Revised: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy combined with effective therapeutics such as chemotherapy and photodynamic therapy have been shown to be a successful strategy to activate anti-tumor immune responses for improved anticancer treatment. However, developing multifunctional biodegradable, biocompatible, low-toxic but highly efficient, and clinically available transformed nano-immunostimulants remains a challenge and is in great demand. Herein, we report and design of a novel carrier-free photo-chemotherapeutic nano-prodrug COS-BA/Ce6 NPs by combining three multifunctional components-a self-assembled natural small molecule betulinic acid (BA), a water-soluble chitosan oligosaccharide (COS), and a low toxic photosensitizer chlorin e6 (Ce6)-to augment the antitumor efficacy of the immune adjuvant anti-PD-L1-mediated cancer immunotherapy. We show that the designed nanodrugs harbored a smart and distinctive "dormancy" characteristic in chemotherapeutic effect with desired lower cytotoxicity, and multiple favorable therapeutic features including improved 1O2 generation induced by the reduced energy gap of Ce6, pH-responsiveness, good biodegradability, and biocompatibility, ensuring a highly efficient, synergistic photochemotherapy. Moreover, when combined with anti-PD-L1 therapy, both nano-coassembly based chemotherapy and chemotherapy/photodynamic therapy (PDT) could effectively activate antitumor immunity when treating primary or distant tumors, opening up potentially attractive possibilities for clinical immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianjun Cheng
- School of Medicine and Health, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, China
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, China
- Key Laboratory of Natural Medicine and Immune-Engineering of Henan Province, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, China
| | - Haitian Zhao
- School of Medicine and Health, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, China
- Chongqing Research Institute, Harbin Institute of Technology, Chongqing 401135, China
- National and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Synthesis, Transformation and Separation of Extreme Environmental Nutrients, Harbin 150001, China
| | - Bin Li
- Academician Workstation, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang 330004, China
| | - Hua Zhang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, China
| | - Qianyu Zhao
- School of Medicine and Health, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, China
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, China
| | - Shiyao Fu
- School of Medicine and Health, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, China
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, China
| | - Ying Han
- School of Medicine and Health, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, China
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, China
| | - Weihong Lu
- School of Medicine and Health, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, China
- Chongqing Research Institute, Harbin Institute of Technology, Chongqing 401135, China
- National and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Synthesis, Transformation and Separation of Extreme Environmental Nutrients, Harbin 150001, China
| | - Jiahua Shi
- Key Laboratory of Natural Medicine and Immune-Engineering of Henan Province, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, China
| | - Xin Yang
- School of Medicine and Health, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, China
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, China
- Chongqing Research Institute, Harbin Institute of Technology, Chongqing 401135, China
- National and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Synthesis, Transformation and Separation of Extreme Environmental Nutrients, Harbin 150001, China
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Tailoring carrier-free nanocombo of small-molecule prodrug for combinational cancer therapy. J Control Release 2022; 352:256-275. [PMID: 36272660 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2022.10.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Revised: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The outcomes of monotherapy could not satisfy clinical cancer treatment owing to the challenges of tumor heterogeneity, multi-drug resistance, tumor metastasis and relapse. In response, the significance of combinational cancer therapy has been highlighted. Traditional combinational schemes usually utilize "free" drug for multi drug administration, independently. The diverse pharmacokinetics and biodistribution greatly hinder the antitumor effects and cause systematic toxicity. To tackle the hinderance, various nanoparticulate drug delivery systems (Nano-DDSs) have been developed. However, conventional Nano-DDSs encapsulate drugs into carrier materials through noncovalent interactions, resulting in low drug loading, fixed multi drug encapsulation ratio, chemical instability and carrier-associated toxicity. Recently, carrier-free nanocombos based on self-assembling small-molecule prodrugs (SPNCs) have emerged as a versatile Nano-DDSs for multiple drug delivery. Benefited by the self-assembly capability, SPNCs could be facilely fabricated with distinct merits of ultra-high drug loading, adjustable drug ratio and negligible carrier-associated toxicity. Herein, we summarize the latest trends of SPNCs. First, a basic review on self-assembling small-molecule prodrugs is presented. Additionally, facile techniques to prepare SPNCs are introduced. Furthermore, advanced combinational therapies based on SPNCs are spotlighted with special emphasis on synergistic mechanisms. Finally, future prospects and challenges are discussed.
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