A prodrug strategy based on chitosan for efficient intracellular anticancer drug delivery

Construction of glutathione-responsive paclitaxel prodrug nanoparticles for image-guided targeted delivery and breast cancer therapy

Paclitaxel (PTX) remains an essential drug in the treatment of breast cancer. To improve metabolic stability and real-time monitoring of drug location, we develop a visualized nano-prodrug. Novel hyaluronic acid (HA)-coated glutathione (GSH)-sensitive chitosan (CS)-based nano-prodrug (HA/TPE-CS-SS-PTX NPs) with aggregation-induced emission effects (AIE) were accomplished. The prodrug NPs (drug loading 29.32%, particle size 105 nm, regular sphericity) exhibit excellent fluorescence stability. The prodrug NPs could target tumor cells with high expression of CD44 and decompose in the presence of high concentrations of glutathione. In vitro evaluations revealed that the prodrug NPs have significant cytotoxicity on 4T1 cells, and due to their excellent AIE characteristics, their position in cells can be tracked. Moreover, the prodrug NPs also shown superior anti-tumor effects in vivo experimental. Overall, the HA/TPE-CS-SS-PTX NPs we constructed have excellent bio-imaging capabilities and can be served as a potential nanomedicine for PTX delivery against breast cancer.

Green synthesis of (CS/OLE) AgNPs and evaluation of their physico-chemical characteristic

The present article involves the bio-synthesis of (Chitosan/olive leaf extract) silver nanoparticles (CS/OLE) AgNPs using a simple green electrochemical procedure followed by UV-irradiation time. The properties and structure of the resulting (CS/OLE) AgNPs were characterized by employing several analytical techniques including, Infrared spectrum (FT-IR), UV–VIS spectroscopy, X-ray analysis (XRD), energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) and degredation. Besides, the studying of the thermal characteristics of the (CS/OLE) AgNPs electrets were also investigated. Formation of Ag nanoparticles was observed upon varying the solution color from faint yellow into yellowish brown and was achieved by the appearance of absorption peak at about ~ 410 nm of the resulting AgNPs corresponding to the surface plasmon resonance (SPR). The sharp peaks appear at 32.16°, 46.19°, 54.75°, 57.59°, and 76.7°, indicating the presence of AgNPs as shown from XRD. With comparing the anti-bacterial efficiency of (CS/OLE) AgNPs and (CS/OLE) we found that the AgNPs display a relatively high anti-bacterial activity than in plant extract and chitosan alone. The electrical properties of (CS/OLE) AgNPs films were studied by global thermally stimulated depolarization current (TSDC) spectra for explaining the relaxation phenomena of the samples. In addition, the molecular parameters (The activation energy Ea and pre-exponential time τo), have been evaluated by the Arrhenius equation. The Ea was found in ~ (0.39–0.62 eV) for (CS/OLE).

Nanoparticulation of Prodrug into Medicines for Cancer Therapy

This article provides a broad spectrum about the nanoprodrug fabrication advances co-driven by prodrug and nanotechnology development to potentiate cancer treatment. The nanoprodrug inherits the features of both prodrug concept and nanomedicine know-how, attempts to solve underexploited challenge in cancer treatment cooperatively. Prodrugs can release bioactive drugs on-demand at specific sites to reduce systemic toxicity, this is done by using the special properties of the tumor microenvironment, such as pH value, glutathione concentration, and specific overexpressed enzymes; or by using exogenous stimulation, such as light, heat, and ultrasound. The nanotechnology, manipulating the matter within nanoscale, has high relevance to certain biological conditions, and has been widely utilized in cancer therapy. Together, the marriage of prodrug strategy which shield the side effects of parent drug and nanotechnology with pinpoint delivery capability has conceived highly camouflaged Trojan horse to maneuver cancerous threats.

Engineered EV-Mimetic Nanoparticles as Therapeutic Delivery Vehicles for High-Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer

Simple Summary

In this review, we begin with the role of natural extracellular vesicles (EVs) in high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC). Then, we narrow our focus on the advantages of using EV-mimetic nanoparticles as a delivery vehicle for RNAi therapy and other chemotherapeutics. Furthermore, we discuss the challenges of the clinical translation of engineering EV mimetic drug delivery systems and the promising directions of further development.

Abstract

High-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) is the most lethal gynecological malignancy among women. Several obstacles impede the early diagnosis and effective treatment options for ovarian cancer (OC) patients, which most importantly include the development of platinum-drug-resistant strains. Currently, extensive efforts are being put into the development of strategies capable of effectively circumventing the physical and biological barriers present in the peritoneal cavity of metastatic OC patients, representing a late stage of gastrointestinal and gynecological cancer with an extremely poor prognosis. Naturally occurring extracellular vesicles (EVs) have been shown to play a pivotal role in progression of OC and are now being harnessed as a delivery vehicle for cancer chemotherapeutics. However, there are limitations to their clinical application due to current challenges in their preparation techniques. Intriguingly, there is a recent drive towards the use of engineered synthetic EVs for the delivery of chemotherapeutics and RNA interference therapy (RNAi), as they show the promise of overcoming the obstacles in the treatment of OC patients. This review discusses the therapeutic application of EVs in OC and elucidates the potential use of engineered EV-mimetic nanoparticles as a delivery vehicle for RNAi therapy and other chemotherapeutics, which would potentially improve clinical outcomes of OC patients.

Morphological and Semi-empirical Study of the Pluronic F68/Imogolite/Sudan III Intersurfaces Composite for the Controlled Temperature Release of Hydrophobic Drugs

Some PluronicF68 (F68) triblock copolymer properties demonstrate surprising applications in selective drug administration, such as the transportation of hydrophobic anti-inflammatories through epithelial barriers. Nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR) spectroscopy was carried out for micelle precursor dispersions and F68 films modified with a synthetic imogolite (IMO) biocompatible hydrogel. Theoretical calculations and morphological assessment for the process of morphogenesis of dendritic crystallization were performed by molecular docking and atomic force microscopy (AFM) of the Sudan III-IMO-F68 composite, which was more hydrophobic than Sudan III-F68 and carried out the prolonged release of the Sudan III "drug" captured by a water-octanol interface determined by standard absorbance. Surface fusions were measured and compared to the unmodified matrix. However, despite the superior properties of the composite, the critical micelle concentration (CMC) was practically unmodified because solitary IMO strands attached to Sudan III formed Sudan III-IMO. These strands unraveled in a stable manner by expanding like a "spiderweb" in hydrophilic interfaces according to NMR analysis of the hydrogen one H1 polarization of Sudan III and F68 methyl, whose correlation relates hydrophobicity of Sudan III-IMO-F68 with dendrite properties from F68 concentrations. CMC and surface fusions equivalent to F68 surface properties, calculated by differential scanning calorimetry and dynamic Raman spectroscopy, were determined by AFM and high-resolution ellipsometry. Our results show highly specialized pharmacological applications since micelle surfaces expand, triggering maximum deliveries of "Drugs" from its interior to the physiological environment. The implanted sensor prototype determined equilibria reached Sudan III according to temperature (32-50 °C) and time it took to cross the membrane model 1-octanol (48 h). The findings suggest that the targested design of a F68-IMO-"Drug" would function as a microdevice for the prolonged release of hydrophobic drugs. In addition, the said microdevice could regenerate the damaged tissue in the central nervous system or other organs of the body. This is due to the fact that it could perform both tasks simultaneously, given the properties and characteristics acquired by the compatible material depending on the temperature of the physiological environment.

Decoration of upconversion nanocrystals with metal sulfide quantum dots by a universal in situ controlled growth strategy

Conjugating transition-metal sulfide quantum dots and upconversion nanocrystals (UCNCs) has aroused widespread concern due to enhanced physical and chemical properties in contrast to only their simple sum. However, the synthesis of such hybrid nanoparticles by a universal in situ growth strategy has been scarcely reported so far. Herein, we developed a facile approach to functionalize NaYF₄:Yb/Er with chitosan (NaYF₄:Yb/Er@CS), which not only could improve the hydrophilicity of NaYF₄:Yb/Er, but also can form stable chelates with transition-metal ions. Then, ultrasmall metal sulfide (Mⁿ⁺S, M = Ag, Cu, Cd) quantum dots (QDs) can be conjugated homogeneously on the surface of NaYF₄:Yb/Er@CS. Taking Ag₂S as an example, the growth behavior of Ag₂S QDs on the surface of NaYF₄:Yb/Er@CS was studied specifically. The influence of the Ag : Y ratio, S : Ag ratio, pH value, reaction time and reaction temperature on the growth behavior of Ag₂S on the surface of NaYF₄:Yb/Er@CS was investigated systematically. Meanwhile, this innovative strategy is also suitable for the growth of ultrasmall QDs in various shapes, including plates, spheres and rods. The resultant NaYF₄:Yb/Er@CS@Ag₂S system possesses both upconversion luminescence (UCL) properties of NaYF₄:Yb/Er and a good photothermal conversion effect of Ag₂S, and is a promising candidate for UCL imaging guided PTT of cancer.

A multifunctional near-infrared laser-triggered drug delivery system using folic acid conjugated chitosan oligosaccharide encapsulated gold nanorods for targeted chemo-photothermal therapy

FA–COS–TGA–GNRs–DOX have been successfully designed as a drug delivery system for chemo-photothermal combination therapy.

Selective delivery of PLXDC1 small interfering RNA to endothelial cells for anti-angiogenesis tumor therapy using CD44-targeted chitosan nanoparticles for epithelial ovarian cancer

Angiogenesis plays an essential role in the growth and metastasis of tumor cells, and the modulation of angiogenesis can be an effective approach for cancer therapy. We focused on silencing the angiogenic gene PLXDC1 as an important factor for anti-angiogenesis tumor therapy. Herein, we developed PLXDC1 small interfering siRNA (siRNA)-incorporated chitosan nanoparticle (CH-NP/siRNA) coated with hyaluronic acid (HA) to target the CD44 receptor on tumor endothelial cells. This study aimed to improve targeted delivery and enhance therapeutic efficacy for tumor anti-angiogenesis. The HA-CH-NP/siRNA was 200 ± 10 nm in size with a zeta potential of 26.4 mV. The loading efficiency of siRNA to the HA-CH-NP/siRNA was up to 60%. The selective binding of HA-CH-NP/siRNA to CD44-positive tumor endothelial cells increased by 2.1-fold compared with that of the CD44 nontargeted CH-NP/siRNA. PLXDC1 silencing by the HA-CH-NP/siRNA significantly inhibited tumor growth in A2780 tumor-bearing mice compared with that in the control group (p < .01), and mRNA expression of PLXDC1 was significantly reduced in the HA-CH-NP/siRNA-treated group. Furthermore, treatment with HA-CH-NP/siRNA resulted in significant inhibition of cell proliferation (p < .001), reduced microvessel density (p < .001), and increased cell apoptosis (p < .001). This study demonstrates that HA-CH-NP/siRNA is a highly selective delivery platform for siRNA, and has broad potential to be used in anti-angiogenesis tumor therapy.

Stimuli-responsive chitosan-based nanocarriers for cancer therapy

Introduction: Stimuli-responsive nanocarriers offer unique advantages over the traditional drug delivery systems (DDSs) in terms of targeted drug delivery and on-demand release of cargo drug molecules. Of these, chitosan (CS)-based DDSs offer several advantages such as high compatibility with biological settings. Methods: In this study, we surveyed the literature in terms of the stimuli-responsive nanocarriers and discussed the most recent advancements in terms of CS-based nanosystems and their applications in cancer therapy and diagnosis. Results: These advanced DDSs are able to release the entrapped drugs in response to a specific endogenous stimulus (e.g., pH, glutathione concentration or certain enzymes) or exogenous stimulus (e.g., temperature, light, ultrasound, and magnetic field) at the desired time and target site. Dual-responsive nanocarriers by the combination of different stimuli have also been developed as efficient and improved DDSs. Among the stimuli-responsive nanocarriers, CS-based DDSs offer several advantages, including biocompatibility and biodegradability, antibacterial activity, ease of modification and functionalization, and non-immunogenicity. They are as one of the most ideal smart multifunction DDSs. Conclusion: The CS-based stimuli-responsive multifunctional nanosystems (NSs) offer unique potential for the targeted delivery of anticancer agents and provide great potential for on-demand and controlled-release of anticancer agents in response to diverse external/internal stimuli.

Conjugation of Paclitaxel to Hybrid Peptide Carrier and Biological Evaluation in Jurkat and A549 Cancer Cell Lines

Paclitaxel (PTX) is one of the most potent cancer drugs; however, its low solubility and strong systemic side effects limit its clinical applications. To overcome these issues, new drug formulations and chemical modifications have been proposed. In this study, we present conjugation of PTX to hybrid collagen-cell penetrating peptide (COL-CPP) carriers. The peptide carrier is highly soluble and utilizes a unique stabilization strategy: folding into a triple helix. Here, we report the formation of PTX-COL-CPP prodrug that has similar drug potency as free PTX when tested in Jurkat (human T lymphocyte of acute T cell leukemia) cells but not in A549 (human epithelial of lung carcinoma) cells. Confocal images and flow cytometry show that this behavior originates from lower cellular uptake of COL-CPP and endosomal entrapment of the prodrug in A549, but not in Jurkat cells.

Multifaceted Applications of Chitosan in Cancer Drug Delivery and Therapy

Chitosan is a versatile polysaccharide of biological origin. Due to the biocompatible and biodegradable nature of chitosan, it is intensively utilized in biomedical applications in scaffold engineering as an absorption enhancer, and for bioactive and controlled drug release. In cancer therapy, chitosan has multifaceted applications, such as assisting in gene delivery and chemotherapeutic delivery, and as an immunoadjuvant for vaccines. The present review highlights the recent applications of chitosan and chitosan derivatives in cancer therapy.

Programmed Hydrolysis in Designing Paclitaxel Prodrug for Nanocarrier Assembly

Nanocarriers delivering prodrugs are a way of improving in vivo effectiveness and efficiency. For therapeutic efficacy, the prodrug must hydrolyze to its parent drug after administration. Based on the fact that the hydrolysis is impeded by steric hindrance and improved by sufficient polarity, in this study, we proposed the PTX-S-S-VE, the conjugation of paclitaxel (PTX) to vitamin E (VE) through a disulfide bridge. This conjugate possessed the following advantages: first, it can be encapsulated in the VE/VE₂-PEG₂₀₀₀/water nanoemulsions because of favorable hydrophobic interactions; second, the nanoemulsions had a long blood circulation time; finally, the concentrated glutathione in the tumor microenvironment could cleave the disulfide bond to weaken the steric hindrance and increase the polarity, promoting the hydrolysis to PTX and increasing the anticancer activity. It was demonstrated in vitro that the hydrolysis of PTX-S-S-VE was enhanced and the cytotoxicity was increased. In addition, PTX-S-S-VE had greater anticancer activity against the KB-3-1 cell line tumor xenograft and the tumor size was smaller after the 4^th injection. The present result suggests a new way, use of reduction, to improve the in vivo anticancer activity of a prodrug for nanocarrier delivery by unshielding the ester bond and taking off the steric block.

Ligand–metal-drug coordination based micelles for efficient intracellular doxorubicin delivery

A ligand–metal-drug coordination architecture is exploited to construct polymeric micelles with the high efficient loading and pH-triggered release of anticancer drug.

Prodrug-based nanoparticulate drug delivery strategies for cancer therapy

Despite the rapid developments in nanotechnology and biomaterials, the efficient delivery of chemotherapeutic agents is still challenging. Prodrug-based nanoassemblies have many advantages as a potent platform for anticancer drug delivery, such as improved drug availability, high drug loading efficiency, resistance to recrystallization upon encapsulation, and spatially and temporally controllable drug release. In this review, we discuss prodrug-based nanocarriers for cancer therapy, including nanosystems based on polymer-drug conjugates, self-assembling small molecular weight prodrugs and prodrug-encapsulated nanoparticles (NPs). In addition, we discuss new trends in the field of prodrug-based nanoassemblies that enhance the delivery efficiency of anticancer drugs, with special emphasis on smart stimuli-triggered drug release, hybrid nanoassemblies, and combination drug therapy.