A Rapid and Sensitive HPLC Method for Simultaneous Determination of Irinotecan Hydrochloride and Curcumin in Co-delivered Polymeric Nanoparticles

Innovative nanocarrier systems for enhanced delivery of phyto-active compounds in cancer therapy

Millions of people worldwide suffer from cancer, facing challenges such as treatments affecting healthy cells, suboptimal responses, adverse effects, recurrence risk, drug resistance, and nonspecific targeting. Chemoresistance leads to fatalities, but phytoactives show promise in cancer management despite limitations such as high metabolism, poor absorption, and high dosage requirements. Challenges in the large-scale isolation of phytoactive compounds, solubility, bioavailability, and targeting limit their development. Recent developments, including carbohydrate, lipid, and protein-based nanoparticles, have enhanced cancer treatment by improving the bioavailability and targeted delivery of phytoactives such as polyphenols, alkaloids, sulfur-containing compounds, flavonoids, and terpenes. Despite advancements, clinical application faces hurdles such as poor bioavailability and inconsistent immune responses. This article discusses the promise of phytoactive-loaded nanoformulations in cancer management, highlighting targeted drug delivery, unmet needs, and challenges. Further research is needed to overcome these challenges and fully understand the potential of phytoactives in cancer management.

Charge balanced aggregation: A universal approach to aqueous organic nanocrystals

Organic nanocrystals, particularly those composed of conjugated molecules, hold immense potential for various applications. However, their practical utility is often hindered by the challenge of achieving stable aqueous dispersions, which are essential for biological compatibility and effective delivery. This study introduces a novel and versatile strategy for preparing stable aqueous organic nanocrystals using a modified reprecipitation method. We demonstrate the broad applicability of this approach by successfully preparing a diverse library of nanocrystals from 27 conjugated molecules. Our findings reveal a charge-balanced aggregation mechanism for nanocrystal formation, highlighting the crucial role of surface charge in controlling particle size and stability. Based on this mechanism, we establish a comprehensive molecular combination strategy that directly links molecular properties to colloidal behaviour, enabling the straightforward prediction and preparation of stable aqueous dispersions without the need for excipients. This strategy provides a practical workflow for tailoring the functionality of these nanocrystals for a wide range of applications. To illustrate their therapeutic potential, we demonstrate the enhanced efficacy of these nanocrystals in treating acute ulcerative colitis, myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury, and cancer in mouse models. This work paves the way for developing next-generation nanomaterials with tailored functionalities for diverse biomedical applications.

Preparation irinotecan hydrochloride loaded PEGylated liposomes using novel method supercritical fluid and condition optimized by Box-Behnken design

A semi-synthetic camptothecin derivative known as irinotecan hydrochloride is frequently used to treat colorectal cancer, including colorectal adenocarcinoma and lung cancers involving small cells. Irinotecan has a very short half-life; therefore, continuous infusions are required to keep the drug's blood levels at therapeutic levels, which could produce cumulative toxicities. Effective delivery techniques, including liposomes, have been developed to address these shortcomings. In this study, a continuous supercritical fluid approach dubbed Expansion Supercritical Fluid into an aqueous solution, in which the pressure decreases rapidly but remains over the critical pressure, is proposed to manufacture polyethylene glycolylated (PEGylated) liposomes carrying irinotecan hydrochloride. To accomplish this, PEGylated liposomes were created using a Box-Behnken design, and the operating parameters (flow rate, temperature, and pressure drop) were optimized. Encapsulation efficiency, mean size, and prepared liposome count were 94.6%, 55 nm, and 758 under ideal circumstances. Additionally, the stability of the PEGylated liposome was investigated during 8 weeks, and also PEGylated liposome-loaded irinotecan release profile was compared to conventional liposomes and free irinotecan, and a constant drug release was seen after the first burst release from liposomes.

Curcumin-loaded polymeric nanomaterials as a novel therapeutic strategy for Alzheimer's disease: A comprehensive review

Alzheimer's disease (AD) stands as a formidable challenge in modern medicine, characterized by progressive neurodegeneration, cognitive decline, and memory impairment. Despite extensive research, effective therapeutic strategies remain elusive. The antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties of curcumin, found in turmeric, have demonstrated promise. The poor bioavailability and rapid systemic clearance of this drug limit its clinical application. This comprehensive review explores the potential of curcumin-loaded polymeric nanomaterials as an innovative therapeutic avenue for AD. It delves into the preparation and characteristics of diverse polymeric nanomaterial platforms, including liposomes, micelles, dendrimers, and polymeric nanoparticles. Emphasis is placed on how these platforms enhance curcumin's bioavailability and enable targeted delivery to the brain, addressing critical challenges in AD treatment. Mechanistic insights reveal how these nanomaterials modulate key AD pathological processes, including amyloid-beta aggregation, tau phosphorylation, oxidative stress, and neuroinflammation. The review also highlighted the preclinical studies demonstrate reduced amyloid-beta plaques and neuroinflammation, alongside improved cognitive function, while clinical trials show promise in enhancing curcumin's bioavailability and efficacy in AD. Additionally, it addresses the challenges of clinical translation, such as regulatory issues, large-scale production, and long-term stability. By synthesizing recent advancements, this review underscores the potential of curcumin-loaded polymeric nanomaterials to offer a novel and effective therapeutic approach for AD, aiming to guide future research and development in this field.

Physico-Chemical Study of Curcumin and Its Application in O/W/O Multiple Emulsion

Curcuma is a world-renowned herb known for its immense health benefits. In this study, physicochemical analyses were performed on the curcumin standard sample and curcumin multiple emulsions. The emulsions were analysed for thermal and structural stability for 21 days. Confocal laser microscopy (CLSM) was performed in order to observe the emulsion encapsulation. Modulated differential scanning calorimetry (MDSC) and HPLC methods revealed a variety of curcuminoids (curcumin, demethoxycurcumin, bisdemethoxycurcumin, and cyclocurcumin) in the investigated curcumin standard. In addition, the MDSC method was found to be suitable and comparable to HPLC for determining the curcuminoid substances. The analysis of the curcumin release revealed a value of 0.18 w.% after 14 days as the equilibrium value. Furthermore, an increase in the sizes of the emulsions was observed at the end of the 21-day study. The emulsion stability index (ESI) was used to measure the stability of multiple emulsions. The ESI reached 55.8% between 7 and 21 days later. Nano droplets of the oil phase loaded with dispersed curcumin particles captured inside the water-based carboxymethylcellulose micelles were clearly observed by CLSM.