Preparation, characterization and in vitro evaluation of PEGylated nanoliposomal containing etoposide on lung cancer

Chitosan-Coated Liposome Formulations for Encapsulation of Ciprofloxacin and Etoposide

Cancer and bacterial infections rank among the most significant global health threats. accounting for roughly 25 million fatalities each year. This statistic underscores the urgent necessity for developing novel drugs, enhancing current treatments, and implementing systems that boost their bioavailability to achieve superior therapeutic outcomes. Liposomes have been recognised as effective carriers; nonetheless, they encounter issues with long-term stability and structural integrity, which limit their pharmaceutical applicability. Chitosomes (chitosan-coated liposomes) are generally a good alternative to solve these issues. This research aims to demonstrate the effective individual encapsulation of ciprofloxacin (antibacterial, hydrophilic) and etoposide (anticancer, hydrophobic), within chitosomes to create more effective drug delivery systems (oral administration for ciprofloxacin, parenteral administration for etoposide). Thus, liposomes and chitosomes were prepared using the thin-film hydration technique and were characterised through ATR-FTIR, Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), zeta potential, and release profiling. In both cases, the application of chitosomes enhanced long-term stability in size and surface charge. Chitosome-encapsulated ciprofloxacin formulations exhibited a slower and sustained release profile, while the combined effect of etoposide and chitosan showed heightened efficacy against the glioblastoma cell line U373. Therefore, coating liposomes with chitosan improved the encapsulation system's properties, resulting in a promising method for drug delivery.

Pegylated polymeric micelles of boswellic acid-selenium mitigates repetitive mild traumatic brain injury: Regulation of miR-155 and miR-146a/BDNF/ Klotho/Foxo3a cue

This study aims to explore the protective machinery of pegylated polymeric micelles of boswellic acid-selenium (PMBS) against secondary neuronal damage triggered by mild repetitive traumatic brain injury (RTBI). After PMBS characterization in terms of particle size, size distribution, zeta potential, and transmission electronic microscopy, the selected formula was used to investigate its potency against experimental RTBI. Five groups of rats were used; group 1 (control) and the other four groups were subjected to RTBI. Groups 2 was RTBI positive control, while 3, 4, and 5 received boswellic acid (BSA), selenium (SEL), and PMBS, respectively. The open-field behavioral test was used for behavioral assessment. Subsequently, brain tissues were utilized for hematoxylin and eosin staining, Nissl staining, Western blotting, and ELISA in addition to evaluating microRNA expression (miR-155 and miR-146a). The behavioral changes, oxidative stress, and neuroinflammation triggered by RTBI were all improved by PMBS. Moreover, PMBS mitigated excessive glutamate-induced excitotoxicity and the dysregulation in miR-155 and miR-146a expression. Besides, connexin43 (Cx43) expression as well as klotho and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) were upregulated with diminished neuronal cell death and apoptosis because of reduced Forkhead Box class O3a(Foxo3a) expression in the PMBS-treated group. The current study has provided evidence of the benefits produced by incorporating BSA and SEL in PEGylated polymeric micelles formula. PMBS is a promising therapy for RTBI. Its beneficial effects are attributed to the manipulation of many pathways, including the regulation of miR-155 and miR-146a expression, as well as the BDNF /Klotho/Foxo3a signaling pathway.

Preparation of etoposide liposomes for enhancing antitumor efficacy on small cell lung cancer and reducing hematotoxicity of drugs

Etoposide (VP16) is commonly used in the treatment of small cell lung cancer (SCLC) in clinical practice. However, severe adverse reactions such as bone marrow suppression toxicity limit its clinical application. Although several studies on VP16 liposomes were reported, no significant improvement in bone marrow suppression toxicity has been found, and there was a lack of validation of animal models for in vivo antitumor effects. Therefore, we attempted to develop a PEGylated liposomal formulation that effectively encapsulated VP16 (VP16-LPs) and evaluated its therapeutic effect and toxicity at the cellular level and in animal models. First, we optimized the preparation process of VP16-LPs using an orthogonal experimental design and further prepared them into freeze-dried powder to improve storage stability of the product. Results showed that VP16-LPs freeze-dried powder exhibited good dispersibility and stability after redispersion. In addition, compared to marketed VP16 injection, VP16-LPs exhibited sustained drug release characteristics. At the cellular level, VP16-LPs enhanced the cellular uptake of drugs and exhibited strong cytotoxic activity. In animal models, VP16-LPs could target and aggregate in tumors and exhibit a higher anti-tumor effect than VP16-injection after intravenous injection. Most importantly, hematological analysis results showed that VP16-LPs significantly alleviated the bone marrow suppression toxicity of drug. In summary, our study confirmed that PEGylated liposomes could enhance therapeutic efficacy and reduce toxicity of VP16, which demonstrated that VP16-LPs had enormous clinical application potential.

Role of Phytoconstituents in Cancer Treatment: A Review

Over the years, natural compounds have become a significant advancement in cancer treatment, primarily due to their effectiveness, safety, bio-functionality, and wide range of molecular structures. They are now increasingly preferred in drug discovery due to these attributes. These compounds, whether occurring naturally or with synthetic modifications, find applications in various fields like biology, medicine, and engineering. While chemotherapy has been a successful method for treating cancer, it comes with systemic toxicity. To address this issue, researchers and medical practitioners are exploring the concept of combinational chemotherapy. This approach aims to reduce toxicity by using a mix of natural substances and their derivatives in clinical trials and prescription medications. Among the most extensively studied natural anticancer compounds are quercetin, curcumin, vincristine, and vinblastine. These compounds play crucial roles as immunotherapeutics and chemosensitizers, both as standalone treatments and in combination therapies with specific mechanisms. This review article provides a concise overview of the functions, potentials, and combinations of natural anticancer compounds in cancer treatment, along with their mechanisms of action and clinical applications.

Fluorescent liposomal nanocarriers for targeted drug delivery in ischemic stroke therapy

Ischemic stroke causes acute CNS injury and long-term disability, with limited treatment options such as surgical clot removal or clot-busting drugs. Neuroprotective therapies are needed to protect vulnerable brain regions. The purinergic receptor P2X4 is activated during stroke and exacerbates post-stroke damage. The chemical compound 5-(3-Bromophenyl)-1,3-dihydro-2H-Benzofuro[3,2-e]-1,4-diazepin-2-one (5BDBD) inhibits P2X4 and has shown neuroprotective effects in rodents. However, it is difficult to formulate for systemic delivery to the CNS. The current manuscript reports for the first time, the synthesis and characterization of 5BDBD PEGylated liposomal formulations and evaluates their feasibility to treat stroke in a preclinical mice model. A PEGylated liposomal formulation of 5BDBD was synthesized and characterized, with encapsulation efficacy of >80%, and release over 48 hours. In vitro and in vivo experiments with Nile red encapsulation showed cytocompatibility and CNS infiltration of nanocarriers. Administered 4 or 28 hours after stroke onset, the nanoformulation provided significant neuroprotection, reducing infarct volume by ∼50% compared to controls. It outperformed orally-administered 5BDBD with a lower dose and shorter treatment duration, suggesting precise delivery by nanoformulation improves outcomes. The fluorescent nanoformulations may serve as a platform for delivering and tracking therapeutic agents for stroke treatment.

Recent advancements in the targeted delivery of etoposide nanomedicine for cancer therapy: A comprehensive review

Etoposide (ETO), a popular anticancer drug that inhibits topoisomerase II enzymes, may be administered more effectively and efficiently due to nanomedicine. The therapeutic application of ETO is constrained by its limited solubility, weak absorption, and severe side effects. This article summarizes substantial progress made in the development of ETO nanomedicine for the treatment of cancer. It discusses various organic and inorganic nanostructures used to load or affix ETOs, such as lipids, liposomes, polymeric nanoparticles (NPs), dendrimers, micelles, gold NPs, iron oxide NPs, and silica NPs. In addition, it evaluates the structural properties of these nanostructures, such as their size, zeta potential, encapsulation efficiency, and drug release mechanism, as well as their in vitro or in vivo performance. The article also emphasizes the co-delivery of ETO with other medications or agents to produce synergistic effects or combat drug resistance in the treatment of cancer. It concludes with a discussion of the challenges and potential avenues for clinical translation of ETO nanomedicine.

AS1411 aptamer tagged PEGylated liposomes as a smart nanocarrier for tumor-specific delivery of Withaferin A for mitigating pulmonary metastasis

Metastasis is the most challenging health problem contributing to about 90 % of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Metastatic tumors are highly aggressive and resistant to the most available therapeutic options. Hence, innovative therapeutic approaches are required to target metastatic tumors selectively. In this study, we prepared AS1411 functionalized Withaferin A loaded PEGylated nanoliposomes (ALW) and investigated its therapeutic effect in B16F10 induced in pulmonary metastasis mice models. The prepared formulations' size and morphological properties were evaluated using dynamic light scattering system and Transmission electron microscope. ALW had spherical-shaped nanosized particles with a size of 118 nm and an encapsulation efficacy of 82.5 %. TEM analysis data indicated that ALW has excellent dispersibility and uniform spherical nano-size particles. ALW inhibited cell viability, and induced cell apoptosis of B16F10. In vivo, the pulmonary metastasis study in C57BL/6 mice revealed that the ALW significantly (p < 0.01) improved the encapsulated WA anti-metastatic activity and survival rate compared to WA or LW treated groups. ALW significantly (p < 0.01) downregulated the levels of IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-1β and significantly reduced the lung collagen hydroxyproline, hexosamine, and uronic acid content in metastatic tumor bearing animals compared to WA or LW. Gene expression levels of MMPs and NF-κB were downregulated in ALW treated metastatic pulmonary tumor-bearing mice. These findings demonstrate that the AS1411 functionalized Withaferin A loaded PEGylated nanoliposomes could be a promising nanoliposomal formulation for targeting metastatic tumors.

Design strategy and research progress of multifunctional nanoparticles in lung cancer therapy

INTRODUCTION

Lung cancer is one of the cancer types with the highest mortality rate, exploring a more effective treatment modality that improves therapeutic efficacy while mitigating side effects is now an urgent requirement. Designing multifunctional nanoparticles can be used to overcome the limitations of drugs and conventional drug delivery systems. Nanotechnology has been widely researched, and through different needs, suitable nanocarriers can be selected to load anti-cancer drugs to improve the therapeutic effect. It is foreseeable that with the rapid development of nanotechnology, more and more lung cancer patients will benefit from nanotechnology. This paper reviews the merits of various multifunctional nanoparticles in the treatment of lung cancer to provide novel ideas for lung cancer treatment.

AREAS COVERED

This review focuses on summarizing various nanoparticles for targeted lung cancer therapy and their advantages and disadvantages, using nanoparticles loaded with anti-cancer drugs, delivered to lung cancer sites, enhancing drug half-life, improving anti-cancer drug efficacy and reducing side effects.

EXPERT OPINION

The delivery mode of nanoparticles with superior pharmacokinetic properties in the in vivo circulation enhances the half-life of the drug, and provides tissue-targeted selectivity and the ability to overcome biological barriers, bringing a revolution in the field of oncology.

Evolocumab loaded Bio-Liposomes for efficient atherosclerosis therapy

PCSK9, which is closely related to atherosclerosis, is significantly expressed in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Moreover, Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin type 9 (PCSK9) mediated phenotypic transformation, abnormal proliferation, and migration of VSMCs play key roles in accelerating atherosclerosis. In this study, by utilizing the significant advantages of nano-materials, a biomimetic nanoliposome loading with Evolocumab (Evol), a PCSK9 inhibitor, was designed to alleviate atherosclerosis. In vitro results showed that (Lipo + M)@E NPs up-regulated the levels of α-SMA and Vimentin, while inhibiting the expression of OPN, which finally result in the inhibition of the phenotypic transition, excessive proliferation, and migration of VSMCs. In addition, the long circulation, excellent targeting, and accumulation performance of (Lipo + M)@E NPs significantly decreased the expression of PCSK9 in serum and VSMCs within the plaque of ApoE^-/- mice.

Lipid-Based Drug Delivery Systems for Diseases Managements

Liposomes are tiny lipid-based vesicles composed of one or more lipid bilayers, which facilitate the encapsulation of hydrophilic, lipophilic, and amphiphilic biological active agents. The description of the physicochemical properties, formulation methods, characteristics, mechanisms of action, and large-scale manufacturing of liposomes as delivery systems are deeply discussed. The benefits, toxicity, and limitations of the use of liposomes in pharmacotherapeutics including in diagnostics, brain targeting, eye and cancer diseases, and in infections are provided. The experimental approaches that may reduce, or even bypass, the use of liposomal drug drawbacks is described. The application of liposomes in the treatment of numerous diseases is discussed.

Evaluation of Nanoparticles with 5-Fluorouracil and Chloroquine on Acanthamoeba castellanii activity

Acanthamoeba is opportunistic pathogens that cause vision-threatening Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK). Previous studies proposed the use of chloroquine (CQ) and 5-fluorouracil (5FU) as anti-Acanthamoeba agents. The objective of this study was to determine the benefit of using 5FU and CQ nanoparticles (NP) formulations against A. castellanii that belonging to the T4 genotype and evaluate their anti-Acanthamoebic characteristic. Triplicate batches of 5FU nanoparticles (5FU-NP) were synthesized by using a modified nanoprecipitation method, while CQ anoparticles (CQ-NP) synthesized using a modified double emulsion method. The synthesized nanoparticles were subjected to biological assays to investigate their amoebicidal, amoebistatic, anti-encystation, and anti-excystation effects against A. castellanii, as well as cell cytotoxicity. Cytotoxicity assays were performed using human keratinocyte cells (HaCat) to determine the effect of CQ and 5FU nanoformulations on host cells. 5FU-NP with a concentration of 60µM showed significant inhibition to amoeba binding into human cell lines and remarkable prevention mainly during the encystation stage. Moreover, 5FU-NP resulted in less cytotoxicity and pathogenicity when compared with the free 5FU. On the other hand, CQ and CQ-NP, at the same concentration, showed poor inhibition to amoeba binding into human cells and insignificant prevention to encystation stage. Moderate human cells damage was resulted following their treatment with CQ and CQ-NP. In conclusion, 5FU may have the potential as an antiamoebic agent against Acanthamoeba spp. preferably as a nanoformulation to enhance its activity and reduce its cytoxicity.

Reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography: A fast and efficient analytical method to quantify docetaxel-loaded pegylated liposomes in release study

Docetaxel is an anticancer that belongs to the family of taxanes and acts in the inhibition of cell proliferation through the polymerization of microtubules. The aim of this study was the development and validation of a fast method by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography for quantitative analysis of docetaxel encapsulated in pegylated liposomes. The analytical method was validated for the following recognized specifications: system suitability, precision (repeatability and intermediate precision), linearity, accuracy, selectivity, detection and quantification limits, and robustness. The reversed phase-high-performance liquid chromatography analyses were performed at a temperature of 45°C (isocratic mode). The mobile phase was composed of acetonitrile and water (65:35, v/v) and the flow rate was fixed at 0.8 mL/min. The running time and wavelength were 8 min and 230 nm, respectively. The method was found to be linear, precise, selective, precise, robust, accurate, in the range of 1-75 μg/mL (R² = 0.9999) and the values of detection and quantification limits were 2.35 and 7.84 μg/mL, respectively. The release rates of docetaxel in pegylated liposomes were lower compared to docetaxel in solution. The reversed phase high-performance liquid chromatography method developed proved to be adequate and can be effectively used to determine the in vitro release profile of docetaxel transported by pegylated liposomes.

Vitamin D3/phospholipid complex decorated caseinate nanomicelles for targeted delivery of synergistic combination therapy in breast cancer

Targeted delivery of cytotoxic drugs has shown great potential in cancer therapy. In this light, vitamin D3 (vit.D3)-coated micelles were fabricated to encapsulate the cytotoxic drug; etoposide (ETP). Sodium caseinate micelles were first utilized to encapsulate vit.D3 and ETP within their hydrophobic core, then drug-loaded micelles were further decorated with an envelope of vit.D3/ phospholipid complex to enhance the active targeting potency of fabricated micelles via exploiting vit.D3 receptors (VDRs) overexpressed on the outer surface of breast cancer cells. In vitro cytotoxicity studies showed that fabricated micelles exhibited improved anticancer effect on MDA MB-231 and MCF-7 human breast cancer cell lines in comparison to free vit.D3 + ETP without any significant toxicity on normal human lung fibroblast (Wi-38) cells. In vivo biodistribution and efficacy studies in Ehrlich ascites tumor animal model revealed that fabricated micelles manifested improved accumulation in tumor tissue due to active targeting potential of vit.D3 without any remarkable toxicity. More importantly, fabricated micelles resulted in enhanced tumor apoptosis, reduced angiogenesis, invasion and autophagy, besides a decline in the tumor expression levels of both miR-21 and miR-192. Therefore, vit.D3/ETP micelles could serve as a favorable actively targeted anticancer delivery system having a superior effect over the free combination.

Biomimetic Nanoscale Erythrocyte Delivery System for Enhancing Chemotherapy via Overcoming Biological Barriers

Overcoming multiple biological barriers, including circulation time in vivo, tumor vascular endothelium, reticuloendothelial system (RES), extracellular matrix (ECM), etc., is the key to improve the therapeutic efficacy of drug delivery systems in treating tumors. Inspired by the ability of natural erythrocytes to cross multiple barriers, in this study, a biomimetic delivery system named NE@DOX-Ang2 was developed for enhancing the chemotherapy of breast cancer, which employed nano-erythrocyte (NE) encapsulating doxorubicin (DOX) and surface modification with a targeted angiopep-2 peptide (Ang2). NE@DOX-Ang2 enhanced the capacity to cross biological barriers in a three-dimensional (3D) tumor spheroid model and in vivo in mice. Compared with a conventional drug delivery system of liposomes, the half-life of NE@DOX-Ang2 increased approximately 2.5 times. Moreover, NE@DOX-Ang2 exhibited excellent tumor-targeting ability and antitumor effects in vitro and in vivo. Briefly, the prepared nano-erythrocyte drug carrier has features of favorable biocompatibility and low immunogenicity and the advantage of prolonging the half-life of drugs, which may provide a novel perspective for development of clinically available nanomedicines.

Combinatory Delivery of Etoposide and siCD47 in a Lipid Polymer Hybrid Delays Lung Tumor Growth in an Experimental Melanoma Lung Metastatic Model

This study investigated the feasibility of lipid polymer hybrid nanoparticles (LPH) as a platform for the combinatorial delivery of small interfering RNA (siRNA) and etoposide (Eto). Different Eto loaded LPH formulations (LPH _Eto ) are prepared. The optimized cationic LPH _Eto  with a particle size of 109.66 ± 5.17 nm and Eto entrapment efficiency (EE %) of 80.33 ± 2.55 is used to incorporate siRNA targeting CD47 (siCD47), a do not eat me marker on the surface of cancer cells. The siRNA-encapsulating LPH (LPH _siNEG-Eto ) has a particle size of 115.9 ± 4.11 nm and siRNA EE % of 63.54 ± 4.36 %. LPHs improved the cellular uptake of siRNA in a dose- and concentration-dependent manner. Enhanced cytotoxicity (3.8-fold higher than Eto solution) and high siRNA transfection efficiency (≈50 %) are obtained. An in vivo biodistribution study  showed a preferential uptake of the nanosystem into lung, liver, and spleen. In an experimental pseudo-metastatic B16F10 lung tumor model, a superior therapeutic outcome can be observed in mice treated with combinatory therapy. Immunological studies revealed elevated CD4+, CD8+ cells, and macrophages in the lung following combinatory treatment. The study suggests the potential of the current system for combinatory chemotherapy and immunotherapy for the treatment of lung cancer or lung metastasis.

Doxorubicin Hydrochloride-Loaded Nonionic Surfactant Vesicles to Treat Metastatic and Non-Metastatic Breast Cancer

Doxorubicin hydrochloride (DOX) is currently used to treat orthotropic and metastatic breast cancer. Because of its side effects, the use of DOX in cancer patients is sometimes limited; for this reason, several scientists tried designing drug delivery systems which can improve drug therapeutic efficacy and decrease its side effects. In this study, we designed, prepared, and physiochemically characterized nonionic surfactant vesicles (NSVs) which are obtained by self-assembling different combinations of hydrophilic (Tween 20) and hydrophobic (Span 20) surfactants, with cholesterol. DOX was loaded in NSVs using a passive and pH gradient remote loading procedure, which increased drug loading from ∼1 to ∼45%. NSVs were analyzed in terms of size, shape, size distribution, zeta potential, long-term stability, entrapment efficiency, and release kinetics, and nanocarriers having the best physiochemical parameters were selected for further in vitro tests. NSVs with and without DOX were stable and showed a sustained drug release up to 72 h. In vitro studies, with MCF-7 and MDA MB 468 cells, demonstrated that NSVs, containing Span 20, were better internalized in MCF-7 and MDA MB 468 cells than NSVs with Tween 20. NSVs increased the anticancer effect of DOX in MCF-7 and MDA MB 468 cells, and this effect is time and dose dependent. In vitro studies using metastatic and nonmetastatic breast cancer cells also demonstrated that NSVs, containing Span 20, had higher cytotoxicity than NSVs with Tween 20. The resulting data suggested that DOX-loaded NSVs could be a promising nanocarrier for the potential treatment of metastatic breast cancer.

Current and novel therapeutic strategies for the management of cystic fibrosis

Introduction: Cystic fibrosis (CF), is caused by mutations in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene and affects thousands of people throughout the world. Lung disease is the leading cause of death in CF patients. Despite the advances in treatments, the management of CF mainly targets symptoms. Recent CFTR modulators however target common mutations in patients, alleviating symptoms of CF. Unfortunately, there is still no approved treatments for patients with rare mutations to date.Areas covered: This paper reviews current treatments of CF that mitigate symptoms and target genetic defects. The use of gene and drug delivery systems such as viral or non-viral vectors and nano-compounds to enhance CFTR expression and the activity of antimicrobials against chronic pulmonary infections respectively, will also be discussed.Expert opinion: Nano-compounds tackle biological barriers to drug delivery and revitalize antimicrobials, anti-inflammatory drugs and even genes delivery to CF patients. Gene therapy and gene editing are of particular interest because they have the potential to directly target genetic defects. Nanoparticles should be formulated to more specifically target epithelial cells, and biofilms. Finally, the development of more potent gene vectors to increase the duration of gene expression and reduce inflammation is a promising strategy to eventually cure CF.

Development and Characterization of Nanoliposomal Hydroxyurea Against BT-474 Breast Cancer Cells

Purpose: Hydroxyurea (HU) is a well-known chemotherapy drug with several side effects which limit its clinical application. This study was conducted to improve its therapeutic efficiency against breast cancer using liposomes as FDA-approved drug carriers.

Methods: PEGylated nanoliposomes-containing HU (NL-HU) were made via a thin-film hydration method, and assessed in terms of zeta potential, size, morphology, release, stability, cellular uptake, and cytotoxicity. The particle size and zeta potential of NL-HU were specified by zeta-sizer. The drug release from liposomes was assessed by dialysis diffusion method. Cellular uptake was evaluated by flow cytometry. The cytotoxicity was designated by methyl thiazolyl diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) test.

Results: The size and zeta value of NL-HU were gotten as 85 nm and -27 mV, respectively. NL-HU were spherical.NL-HU vesicles were detected to be stable for two months. The slow drug release and Weibull kinetic model were obtained. Liposomes considerably enhanced the uptake of HU into BT-474 human breast cancer cells. The cytotoxicity of NL-HU on BT-474 cells was found to be significantly more than that of free HU.

Conclusion: The results confirmed these PEGylated nanoliposomes containing drug are potentially suitable against in vitro model of breast cancer.

Polyester-Based Dendrimer Nanoparticles Combined with Etoposide Have an Improved Cytotoxic and Pro-Oxidant Effect on Human Neuroblastoma Cells

Etoposide (ETO) is a cytotoxic drug that exerts its effect by increasing reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Although ETO is widely used, fast metabolism, poor solubility, systemic toxicity, and multi-drug resistance induction all limit its administration dosage and its therapeutic efficiency. In order to address these issues, a biodegradable dendrimer was prepared for entrapping and protecting ETO and for enhancing its solubility and effectiveness. The achieved dendrimer complex with ETO (CPX 5) showed the typical properties of a well-functioning delivery system, i.e., nanospherical morphology (70 nm), optimal Z-potential (-45 mV), good drug loading (37%), very satisfying entrapment efficiency (53%), and a remarkably improved solubility in biocompatible solvents. In regards to its cytotoxic activity, CPX 5 was tested on neuroblastoma (NB) cells with very promising results. In fact, the dendrimer scaffold and ETO are able to exert per se a cytotoxic and pro-oxidant activity on human NB cells. When CPX 5 is combined with ETO, it shows a synergistic action, slowly releasing the drug over time and significantly improving and protracting bioactivity. On the basis of these findings, the prepared ETO reservoir represents a novel biodegradable and promising device for the delivery of ETO into NB cells.