Chitosan-coated bovine serum albumin nanoparticles for topical tetrandrine delivery in glaucoma: in vitro and in vivo assessment

Albumin Nanoparticle-Based Drug Delivery Systems

Nanoparticle-based systems are extensively investigated for drug delivery. Among others, with superior biocompatibility and enhanced targeting capacity, albumin appears to be a promising carrier for drug delivery. Albumin nanoparticles are highly favored in many disease therapies, as they have the proper chemical groups for modification, cell-binding sites for cell adhesion, and affinity to protein drugs for nanocomplex generation. Herein, this review summarizes the recent fabrication techniques, modification strategies, and application of albumin nanoparticles. We first discuss various albumin nanoparticle fabrication methods, from both pros and cons. Then, we provide a comprehensive introduction to the modification section, including organic albumin nanoparticles, metal albumin nanoparticles, inorganic albumin nanoparticles, and albumin nanoparticle-based hybrids. We finally bring further perspectives on albumin nanoparticles used for various critical diseases.

Bioactive baicalin rhamno-nanocapsules as phytotherapeutic platform for treatment of acute myeloid leukemia

Leukemia, particularly acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is considered a serious health condition with high prevalence among adults. Accordingly, finding new therapeutic modalities for AML is urgently needed. This study aimed to develop a biocompatible nanoformulation for effective oral delivery of the phytomedicine; baicalin (BAC) for AML treatment. Lipid nanocapsules (LNCs) based on bioactive natural components; rhamnolipids (RL) as a biosurfactant and the essential oil linalool (LIN), were prepared using a simple phase-inversion method. The elaborated BAC-LNCs displayed 61.1 nm diameter and 0.2 PDI. Entrapment efficiency exceeded 98 % with slow drug release and high storage-stability over 3 months. Moreover, BAC-LNCs enhanced BAC oral bioavailability by 2.3-fold compared to BAC suspension in rats with higher half-life and mean residence-time. In vitro anticancer studies confirmed the prominent cytotoxicity of BAC-LNCs on the human leukemia monocytes (THP-1). BAC-LNCs exerted higher cellular association, apoptotic capability and antiproliferative activity with DNA synthesis-phase arrest. Finally, a mechanistic study performed through evaluation of various tumor biomarkers revealed that BAC-LNCs downregulated the angiogenic marker, vascular endothelial growth-factor (VEGF) and the anti-apoptotic marker (BCl-2) and upregulated the apoptotic markers (Caspase-3 and BAX). The improved efficacy of BAC bioactive-LNCs substantially recommends their pharmacotherapeutic potential as a promising nanoplatform for AML treatment.

Techniques, applications and prospects of polysaccharide and protein based biopolymer coatings: A review

The growing relevance of sustainable materials has recently led to the exploration of naturally derived biopolymeric hydrogels as coating materials due to their biodegradability, biocompatibility, ease of fabrication and modification. Although many review articles exist on biopolymeric coatings, they mainly focus on a specific polysaccharide, protein biopolymer, or a particular application- biomedical engineering or food preservation. The current review first summarizes the commonly used polysaccharide and protein-based biopolymers like chitosan, alginate, carrageenan, pectin, cellulose, starch, pullulan, agarose and silk fibroin, gelatin, respectively, with a systematic description of the techniques widely used for physical coating on substrates. Then, broad applications of these biopolymeric coatings on various substrates in biomedical engineering- 3D scaffolds, biomedical implants, and nanoparticles are described in detail. It also entails the application of biopolymeric coatings for food preservation in the form of food packaging and edible coatings. A brief discussion on the newly discovered interest in exploring biopolymers for anticorrosive coating applications is also included. Finally, concluding remarks on the role of biopolymer microstructures in forming homogeneous coatings, prospective alternatives to the currently used biopolymers as coating material and the advent of computer-aided technologies to expedite experimental findings are presented.

Novel Biomaterials in Glaucoma Treatment

Glaucoma is a significant cause of blindness worldwide, and its treatment remains challenging. The disease progressively leads to damage to the optic disc and thus loss of visual acuity and visual field. High intraocular pressure (IOP) is a common risk factor. There are three major methods to treat this disease: topical, laser, and surgical. None of these are completely satisfactory; therefore, alternatives using new biomaterials are being sought. Since biomaterial engineering has experienced significant growth in recent decades, its products are gradually being introduced to various branches of medicine, with the exception of ophthalmology. Biomaterials, such as glaucoma drainage implants, have been successfully used to treat glaucoma. There is significant ongoing research on biomaterials as drug delivery systems that could overcome the disadvantages of topical glaucoma treatment, such as poor intraocular penetration or frequent drug administration. This article summarizes the use of novel biomaterials for glaucoma treatment presented in the literature. The literature search was based on articles published in English on PubMed.gov, Cochranelibrary.com, and Scopus.com between 2018 and 2023 using the following term "biomaterials in glaucoma." A total of 103 published articles, including twenty-two reviews, were included. Fifty-nine articles were excluded on the basis of their titles and abstracts.

Exploring the Ocular Absorption Pathway of Fasudil Hydrochloride towards Developing a Nanoparticulate Formulation with Improved Performance

Rho-kinase (ROCK) inhibitors represent a new category of anti-glaucoma medications. Among them, Fasudil hydrochloride, a selective ROCK inhibitor, has demonstrated promising outcomes in glaucoma treatment. It works by inhibiting the ROCK pathway, which plays a crucial role in regulating the trabecular meshwork and canal of Schlemm's aqueous humor outflow. This study aims to investigate the ocular absorption pathway of Fasudil hydrochloride and, subsequently, develop a nanoparticle-based delivery system for enhanced corneal absorption. Employing the ionic gelation method and statistical experimental design, the factors influencing chitosan nanoparticle (Cs NP) characteristics and performance were explored. Fasudil in vitro release and ex vivo permeation studies were performed, and Cs NP ocular tolerability and cytotoxicity on human lens epithelial cells were evaluated. Permeation studies on excised bovine eyes revealed significantly higher Fasudil permeation through the sclera compared to the cornea (370.0 μg/cm2 vs. 96.8 μg/cm2, respectively). The nanoparticle size (144.0 ± 15.6 nm to 835.9 ± 23.4 nm) and entrapment efficiency range achieved (17.2% to 41.4%) were predominantly influenced by chitosan quantity. Cs NPs showed a substantial improvement in the permeation of Fasudil via the cornea, along with slower release compared to the Fasudil aqueous solution. The results from the Hen's Egg Test Chorioallantoic Membrane (HET-CAM) and Bovine Corneal Opacity and Permeability (BCOP) tests indicated good conjunctival and corneal biocompatibility of the formulated chitosan nanoparticles, respectively. Lens epithelial cells displayed excellent tolerance to low concentrations of these nanoparticles (>94% cell viability). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the ocular absorption pathway of topically applied Fasudil hydrochloride where the cornea has been identified as a potential barrier that could be overcome using Cs NPs.

Controlled release, chitosan-tethered luteolin phytocubosomes; Formulation optimization to in-vivo antiglaucoma and anti-inflammatory ocular evaluation

A chitosan-coated luteolin-loaded phytocubosomal system was prepared to improve the pharmacodynamic performance of luteolin in the treatment of glaucoma and ocular inflammation after topical ocular administration. Luteolin, a potent anti-oxidant herbal drug with poor aqueous solubility, was complexed with phospholipid. The prepared phytocubosomes were coated with chitosan, producing homogenously distributed nanosized particles (258 ± 9.05 nm) with a positive charge (+49 ± 6.09 mV), improved EE% (96 %), and increased concentration of encapsulated drug to 288 μg/ml. Polarized light microscopy revealed a cubic phase. Chitosan-coated phytocubosomes showed a sustained drug release profile (38 % over 24 h) and improved anti-oxidant activity (IC50 of 32 μg/ml). Ex vivo transcorneal permeation was higher by 3.60 folds compared to luteolin suspension. Irritancy tests confirmed their safety in ocular tissues after single and multiple administrations. The pharmacodynamic studies on glaucomatous rabbit eyes demonstrated 6.46-, 3.88-, and 1.89-fold reductions in IOP of chitosan-coated phytocubosomes compared to luteolin suspension, cubosomes, and phytocubosomes, respectively. Pharmacodynamic anti-inflammatory studies revealed faster recovery capabilities of chitosan-coated phytocubosomes over other formulations. Thus, chitosan-coated phytocubosomes could be a promising ocular hybrid system for delivering herbal lipophilic drugs such as luteolin.

Chitosan Oligosaccharide Modified Bovine Serum Albumin Nanoparticles for Improving Oral Bioavailability of Naringenin

INTRODUCTION

With the rapid development of nanotechnology, the research and development of nano-drugs have become one of the development directions of drug innovation. The encapsulation of the nanoparticles can change the biological distribution of the drug in vivo and improve the bioavailability of the drug in vivo. Naringenin is poorly soluble in water and has a low bioavailability, thus limiting its clinical application. The main purpose of this study was to develop a nano-sized preparation that could improve the oral bioavailability of naringenin.

METHODS

Chitosan oligosaccharide modified naringenin-loaded bovine serum albumin nanoparticles (BSA-COS@Nar NPs) were prepared by emulsification solvent evaporation and electrostatic interaction. The nanoparticles were characterized by HPLC, laser particle size analyzer, transmission electron microscope and X-ray diffraction analysis. The release in vitro was investigated, and the behavior of nanoparticles in rats was also studied. The caco-2 cell model was established in vitro to investigate the cytotoxicity and cellular uptake of nanoparticles.

RESULTS

BSA-COS@Nar NPs were successfully prepared, and the first-order release model was confirmed in vitro release. In vivo pharmacokinetic results indicated that the area under the drug concentration- time curve (AUC) of BSA-COS@Nar NPs was 2.37 times more than free naringenin. Cytotoxicity and cellular uptake results showed that BSA-COS@Nar NPs had no significant cytotoxic effect on Caco- 2 cells and promoted cellular uptake of the drug.

CONCLUSION

BSA-COS@Nar NPs could improve the in vivo bioavailability of naringenin.

Targeted delivery of budesonide in acetic acid induced colitis: impact on miR-21 and E-cadherin expression

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is characterized by chronic inflammation along the gastrointestinal tract. For IBD effective treatment, developing an orally administered stable drug delivery system capable of targeting inflammation sites is a key challenge. Herein, we report pH responsive hyaluronic (HA) coated Eudragit S100 (ES) nanoparticles (NPs) for the targeted delivery of budesonide (BUD) (HA-BUD-ES-NPs). HA-BUD-ES-NPs showed good colloidal properties (274.8 ± 2.9 nm and - 24.6 ± 2.8 mV) with high entrapment efficiency (98.3 ± 3.41%) and pH-dependent release profile. The negative potential following incubation in simulated gastrointestinal fluids reflected the stability of HA coat. In vitro studies on Caco-2 cells showed HA-BUD-ES-NPs biocompatibility and enhanced cellular uptake and anti-inflammatory effects as shown by the significant reduction in IL-8 and TNF-α. The oral administration of HA-BUD-ES-NPs in an acetic acid induced colitis rat model significantly mitigated the symptoms of IBD, and improved BUD therapeutic efficacy compared to drug suspension. This was proved via the improvement in disease activity index and ulcer score in addition to refined histopathological findings. Also, the assessment of inflammatory markers, epithelial cadherin, and mi-R21 all reflected the higher efficiency of HA-BUD-ES-NPs compared to free drug and uncoated formulation. We thus suggest that HA-BUD-ES-NPs provide a promising drug delivery platform for the management and site specific treatment of IBD.

Advancement in Biopolymer Assisted Cancer Theranostics

Applications of nanotechnology have increased the importance of research and nanocarriers, which have revolutionized the method of drug delivery to treat several diseases, including cancer, in the past few years. Cancer, one of the world's fatal diseases, has drawn scientists' attention for its multidrug resistance to various chemotherapeutic drugs. To minimize the side effects of chemotherapeutic agents on healthy cells and to develop technological advancement in drug delivery systems, scientists have developed an alternative approach to delivering chemotherapeutic drugs at the targeted site by integrating it inside the nanocarriers like synthetic polymers, nanotubes, micelles, dendrimers, magnetic nanoparticles, quantum dots (QDs), lipid nanoparticles, nano-biopolymeric substances, etc., which has shown promising results in both preclinical and clinical trials of cancer management. Besides that, nanocarriers, especially biopolymeric nanoparticles, have received much attention from researchers due to their cost-effectiveness, biodegradability, treatment efficacy, and ability to target drug delivery by crossing the blood-brain barrier. This review emphasizes the fabrication processes, the therapeutic and theragnostic applications, and the importance of different biopolymeric nanocarriers in targeting cancer both in vitro and in vivo, which conclude with the challenges and opportunities of future exploration using biopolymeric nanocarriers in onco-therapy with improved availability and reduced toxicity.

Targeted Fisetin-Encapsulated β-Cyclodextrin Nanosponges for Breast Cancer

Fisetin (FS) is considered a safer phytomedicine alternative to conventional chemotherapeutics for breast cancer treatment. Despite its surpassing therapeutic potential, its clinical utility is hampered by its low systemic bioavailability. Accordingly, as far as we are aware, this is the first study to develop lactoferrin-coated FS-loaded β-cyclodextrin nanosponges (LF-FS-NS) for targeted FS delivery to breast cancer. NS formation through cross-linking of β-cyclodextrin by diphenyl carbonate was confirmed by FTIR and XRD. The selected LF-FS-NS showed good colloidal properties (size 52.7 ± 7.2 nm, PDI < 0.3, and ζ-potential 24 mV), high loading efficiency (96 ± 0.3%), and sustained drug release of 26 % after 24 h. Morphological examination using SEM revealed the mesoporous spherical structure of the prepared nanosponges with a pore diameter of ~30 nm, which was further confirmed by surface area measurement. Additionally, LF-FS-NS enhanced FS oral and IP bioavailability (2.5- and 3.2-fold, respectively) compared to FS suspension in rats. Antitumor efficacy evaluation in vitro on MDA-MB-231 cells and in vivo on an Ehrlich ascites mouse model demonstrated significantly higher activity and targetability of LF-FS-NS (30 mg/kg) compared to the free drug and uncoated formulation. Consequently, LF-FS-NS could be addressed as a promising formulation for the effective management of breast cancer.

Trans-corneal drug delivery strategies in the treatment of ocular diseases

The cornea is a remarkable tissue that possesses specialized structures designed to safeguard the eye against foreign objects. However, its unique properties also make it challenging to deliver drugs in a non-invasive manner. This review highlights recent advancements in achieving highly efficient drug transport across the cornea, focusing on nanomaterials. We have classified these strategies into three main categories based on their mechanisms and have analyzed their success and limitations in a systematic manner. The purpose of this review is to examine potential general principles that could improve drug penetration through the cornea and other natural barriers in the eye. We hope it will inspire the development of more effective drug delivery systems that can better treat ocular diseases.

Recent Progress in Chitosan-Based Nanomedicine for Its Ocular Application in Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a degenerative, chronic ocular disease that causes irreversible vision loss. The major symptom of glaucoma is high intraocular pressure, which happens when the flow of aqueous humor between the front and back of the eye is blocked. Glaucoma therapy is challenging because of the low bioavailability of drugs from conventional ocular drug delivery systems such as eye drops, ointments, and gels. The low bioavailability of antiglaucoma agents could be due to the precorneal and corneal barriers as well as the low biopharmaceutical attributes of the drugs. These limitations can be overcome by employing nanoparticulate drug delivery systems. Over the last decade, there has been a lot of interest in chitosan-based nanoparticulate systems to overcome the limitations (such as poor residence time, low corneal permeability, etc.) associated with conventional ocular pharmaceutical products. Therefore, the main aim of the present manuscript is to review the recent research work involving the chitosan-based nanoparticulate system to treat glaucoma. It discusses the significance of the chitosan-based nanoparticulate system, which provides mucoadhesion to improve the residence time of drugs and their ocular bioavailability. Furthermore, different types of chitosan-based nanoparticulate systems are also discussed, namely nanoparticles of chitosan core only, nanoparticles coated with chitosan, and hybrid nanoparticles of chitosan. The manuscript also provides a critical analysis of contemporary research related to the impact of this chitosan-based nanomedicine on the corneal permeability, ocular bioavailability, and therapeutic performance of loaded antiglaucoma agents.

Improved oral nutraceutical-based intervention for the management of obesity: pterostilbene-loaded chitosan nanoparticles

Aim: To formulate and assess the oral anti-obesity effect of polymeric-based pterostilbene (PS)-loaded nanoparticles. Methods: Pterostilbene-hydroxypropyl β-cyclodextrin inclusion complex loaded in chitosan nanoparticles (PS/HPβCD-NPs) were prepared and characterized in vitro. Cytotoxicity, pharmacokinetics and anti-obesity effects were assessed on Caco-2 cell line and high-fat-diet-induced obesity rat model, respectively. In vivo assessment included histological examination, protein and gene expression of obesity biomarkers in adipose tissues. Results: Safe PS/HPβCD-NPs were successfully prepared with improved bioavailability compared with free PS. PS/HPβCD-NPs showed an improved anti-obesity effect, as supported by histological examination, lipid profile, UCP1 gene expression and protein expression of SIRT1, COX2, IL-6 and leptin. Conclusion: Orally administered PS nanoparticles represent a new and promising anti-obesity strategy owing to the sustainable weight loss and minimal side effects; this may be of great socio-economic impact.