Skimmed milk powder and pectin decorated solid lipid nanoparticle containing soluble curcumin used for the treatment of colorectal cancer

Improving the physicochemical stability and release properties of curcumin using κ-carrageenan/scallop hydrolysates hydrogel beads

Scallop (Patinopecten yessoensis) male gonad hydrolysates (SMGHs)/κ-carrageenan (KC)/KCl beads with SMGHs:KC ratios (0:10-5:5) were investigated. SMGHs/KC/KCl-Cur bead (5:5) exhibited the most intact spherical morphology and highest Cur loading content of 0.063 mg/0.1 g bead, ascribing to a shortened T23 from 1607.9 to 966.4 ms, and red and blueshifts of OH, NH, amide I and II bands. The undetected fingerprint region within 7.82°-28.90° of SMGHs/KC/KCl-Cur beads indicated successful Cur entrapment. Moreover, SMGHs/KC/KCl-Cur beads exhibited shrinkage network backbones and larger void pores as SMGHs increased, with vessel percentage area, total number of junctions, total vessel length decreasing from 52.1, 1446.8, 57931.4 to 39.7, 530.5, 34458.4, and lacunarity increasing from 0.048 to 0.111, respectively. Furthermore, Cur showed approximately 50% release contents in colon phase and above 90% retention rate during 30 days of storage at 4 °C. These results suggested that SMGHs/KC/KCl-Cur beads exhibited sustained-release of Cur and promised stable Cur preservation.

Preparation and Characterization of Hydrogel Films and Nanoparticles Based on Low-Esterified Pectin for Anticancer Applications

Prospective adjuvant anticancer therapy development includes the establishing of drug delivery systems based on biocompatible and biodegradable carriers. We have designed films and nanoparticles (NPs) based on low-esterified pectin hydrogel using the ionic gelation method. We investigated morphology, nanomechanical properties, biocompatibility and anticancer activity. Hydrogel films are characterized by tunable viscoelastic properties and surface nanoarchitectonics through pectin concentration and esterification degree (DE), expressed in variable pore frequency and diameter. An in vitro study showed a significant reduction in metabolic activity and the proliferation of the U87MG human glioblastoma cell line, probably affected via the adhesion mechanism. Glioma cells formed neurosphere-like conglomerates with a small number of neurites when cultured on fully de-esterified pectin films and they did not produce neurites on the films prepared on 50% esterified pectin. Pectin NPs were examined in terms of size distribution and nanomechanical properties. The NPs' shapes were proved spherical with a mean diameter varying in the range of 90-115 nm, and a negative zeta potential from -8.30 to -7.86 mV, which indicated their stability. The NPs did not demonstrate toxic effect on cells or metabolism inhibition, indicating good biocompatibility. Nanostructured biomaterials prepared on low-esterified pectins could be of interest for biomedical applications in adjuvant anticancer therapy and for designing drug delivery systems.

Ameliorated Stomach Specific Floating Microspheres for Emerging Health Pathologies Using Polymeric Konjac Glucomannan-Based Domperidone

The goal of this study was to use polymeric konjac glucomannan (KGM), Kollidon VA 64 (KVA64), and glutaraldehyde to ameliorate stomach specific floating microspheres (SSFM) using domperidone (DoN) to increase in vivo bioavailability and emerging health pathologies. The SSFM were made using the emulsion cross-linking process, and the polymer was chosen based on its ability to get cross-linked. The thermodynamic parameters were used to determine the AL classes of phase solubility curves using ideal complexes produced with KVA64. The optimal interaction constants at 25 and 37°C were found to be 116.14 and 128.05 M-1, respectively. The prepared SSFM had an average particle size (PS) of 163.71 ± 2.26 mm and a drug content of 96.66 ± 0.32%. It can be determined from in vitro drug release experiments that drug release is good in terms of regulated drug release after 12 h (92.62 ± 2.43%). The SSFMs were approximately sphere-shaped and had smooth surfaces, according to the morphological data. SSFMs were investigated using Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and no chemical structural changes were identified. The SSFMs produces a considerable gastric residence time with optimal DoN release and absorption in stomach fluid, and the mean residence time (17.36 ± 1.4 h) and t 1/2 (10.47 ± 0.6 h) were considerably longer (p < 0.05) than those obtained following i.v. treatment (MRT = 8.42 ± 1.2 h; t 1/2 = 9.07 ± 0.7 h). The SSFMs maintained good physical stability for three months when stored at room temperature.

Curcumin Plant for Colorectal Cancer Prediction and Prevention Using In Silico Molecular Analysis; HOT-MELT Extrusion

The impact of a soluble complex (SC) of curcumin (CuR) synthesized using hot melt (HM) and hot-melt extrusion (HE) technologies on adenocarcinoma cells for the treatment of colorectal cancer by enhancing CuR solubility is investigated in this work. In silico molecular modelling, solubility, drug release, and physicochemical analysis were all part of the phase solubility (PS) study, which featured a novel dyeing test and a central composite design to optimize the best complex (CDD). The optimal HE-SC (1 : 5) enhances solubility (0.8521 ± 0.016 mg·mL-1) and dissolution (91.87 ± 0.208% at 30 min), and it has an ideal stability constant (309 and 377 M-1) at 25 and 37°C and an AL type of isotherm, implying 1 : 1 stoichiometry according to the findings. An intermolecular hydrogen bond that has not undergone any chemical change and has resulted in the complete conversion of the amorphous form aids in the creation of SC. In vitro cytotoxicity was measured at IC50 on the SW480 (72 M·mL-1) and Caco-2 (40 M·mL-1) cells. According to apoptotic studies, apoptosis was responsible for the vast majority of cell death, with necrosis accounting for a small proportion of the total. In vivo toxicity was established using a zebrafish model, and a western blot examination revealed apoptosis at the molecular level. It was argued that the novel formulations developed using HE technology are more significant and effective than existing pure CuR formulations.

An Ideal Approach for Enhancing 5-Fluorouracil Anticancer Efficacy by Nanoemulsion for Cytotoxicity against a Human Hepatoma Cell Line (HepG2 Cells)

The core objectives of the research were to prepare 5-fluorouracil nanoemulsion (FU-NE) and to evaluate the physiochemical properties and to study the in vitro antiproliferation in HepG2 cell lines. The physiochemical parameters determined were compatibility, particle size (PS), polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential (ZP), density, surface tension (ST), pH, viscosity, in vitro release of FU, cytotoxicity, and apoptosis study. The prepared FU-NE3 was stable, sterile, and homogeneous. On the HepG2 (120 μg.mL-1) cells, in vitro cytotoxicity was obtained at IC50 concentration. Apoptosis examination by AO/EBand Hoechst staining shows that the majority of cell demise was caused by apoptosis, with a tiny fraction of necrosis. Hence, this investigation concluded that the developed FU-NE has now desirable characteristics for drug delivery to the cancer cell and may be screened for the in vivo colorectal anticancer activity.

Anticancer Properties of Curcumin Against Colorectal Cancer: A Review

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common and reoccurring diseases, as well as the world’s second largest cause of mortality. Despite existing preventative, diagnostic, and treatment methods, such as chemotherapy, the number of instances rises year after year. As a result, new effective medications targeting specific checkpoints should be developed to combat CRC. Natural compounds, such as curcumin, have shown significant anti-colorectal cancer characteristics among medications that can be used to treat CRC. These chemicals are phenolic compounds that belong to the curcuminoids category. Curcumin exerts its anti-proliferative properties against CRC cell lines in vitro and in vivo via a variety of mechanisms, including the suppression of intrinsic and extrinsic apoptotic signaling pathways, the stoppage of the cell cycle, and the activation of autophagy. Curcumin also has anti-angiogenesis properties. Thus, this review is aimed at emphasizing the biological effect and mode of action of curcumin on CRC. Furthermore, the critical role of these substances in CRC chemoprevention was emphasized.

Pectin coated Nanostructured Lipid Carriers for Targeted Piperine Delivery to Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Piperine (PIP) is a herbal drug with well-known anticancer activity against different types of cancer including hepatocellular carcinoma. However, low aqueous solubility and extensive first-pass metabolism limit its clinical use. In this study, positively charged PIP-loaded nanostructured lipid carriers (PIP-NLCs) were prepared via melt-emulsification and ultra-sonication method followed by pectin coating to get novel pectin-coated NLCs (PIP-P-NLCs) targeting hepatocellular carcinoma. Complete in vitro characterization was performed. In addition, cytotoxicity and cellular uptake of nanosystems in HepG2 cells were evaluated. Finally, in vivo anticancer activity was tested in the diethylnitrosamine-induced hepatocellular carcinoma mice model. Successful pectin coating was confirmed by an increased particle size of PIP-NLCs from 150.28±2.51 nm to 205.24±5.13 nm and revered Zeta potential from 33.34±3.52 mV to -27.63±2.05 mV. Nanosystems had high entrapment efficiency, good stability, spherical shape, and sustained drug release over 24 hours. Targeted P-NLCs enhanced the cytotoxicity and cellular uptake compared to untargeted NLCs. Furthermore, PIP-P-NLCs improved in vivo anticancer effect of PIP as proved by histological examination of liver tissues, suppression of liver enzymes and oxidative stress environment in the liver, and alteration of cell cycle regulators. To conclude, PIP-P-NLCs can act as a promising approach for targeted delivery of PIP to hepatocellular carcinoma.

Preparation of Soluble Complex of Curcumin for the Potential Antagonistic Effects on Human Colorectal Adenocarcinoma Cells

This study was designed to investigate the effects of curcumin (CMN) soluble complex (SC) prepared by melt casting (HM) and hot-melt extrusion (HME) technology. Phase solubility (PS) study, in silico molecular modeling, aqueous solubility, drug release, and physicochemical investigation including a novel dyeing test was performed to obtain an optimized complex by a central composite design (CCD). The results show that the HME-SC produces better improvements towards solubility (0.852 ± 0.02), dissolution (91.87 ± 0.21% at 30 min), with an ideal stability constant (309 and 377 M⁻¹ at 25 and 37 °C, respectively) and exhibits A_L type of isotherm indicating 1:1 stoichiometry. Intermolecular hydrogen bonding involves the formation of SC, which does not undergo any chemical modification, followed by the complete conversion of the amorphous form which was identified by XRD. The in vitro cytotoxicity showed that IC₅₀ was achieved in the SW480 (72 µM.mL⁻¹) and Caco-2 (40 µM.mL⁻¹) cells while that of pure CMN ranged from 146 to 116 µM/mL⁻¹. Apoptosis studies showed that cell death is primarily due to apoptosis, with a low rate of necrosis. In vivo toxicity, confirmed by the zebrafish model, exhibited the safety of the HME-SC. In conclusion, the HME-SC potentially enhances the solubility and cytotoxicity to the treatment of colorectal cancer (CRC).

Human Hair Keratin Composite Scaffold: Characterisation and Biocompatibility Study on NIH 3T3 Fibroblast Cells

The aim of this study was to transform human hair keratin waste into a scaffold for soft tissue engineering to heal wounds. The keratin was extracted using the Shindai method. Keratin and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) was cross-linked with alginate dialdehyde and converted into a scaffold by the freeze-drying method using gentamycin sulphate (GS) as a model drug. The scaffold was subjected to Fourier transform infrared spectra (FTIR), swelling index, porosity, water absorption, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), X-ray diffraction (XRD), drug release, and cell viability (MTT) analysis. The scaffold was tested for keratinocyte growth using the murine fibroblast cell line (NIH 3T3 cells). The outcome from the keratin had a molecular weight band between 52-38 kDa in SDS-PAGE (Sodium dodecylsulfate-Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis). A porous scaffold was capable of water absorption (73.64 ± 14.29%), swelling ability (68.93 ± 1.33%), and the release of GS shown as 97.45 ± 4.57 and 93.86 ± 5.22 of 1:4 and 1:3 scaffolds at 16 h. The physicochemical evaluation revealed that the prepared scaffold exhibits the proper structural integrity: partially crystalline with a strong thermal property. The scaffold demonstrated better cell viability against the murine fibroblast cell line (NIH 3T3 cells). In conclusion, we found that the prepared composite scaffold (1:4) can be used for wound healing applications.

Structure and Applications of Pectin in Food, Biomedical, and Pharmaceutical Industry: A Review

Pectin is a biocompatible polysaccharide with intrinsic biological activity, which may exhibit different structures depending on its source or extraction method. The extraction of pectin from various industrial by-products presents itself as a green option for the valorization of agro-industrial residues by producing a high commercial value product. Pectin is susceptible to physical, chemical, and/or enzymatic changes. The numerous functional groups present in its structure can stimulate different functionalities, and certain modifications can enable pectin for countless applications in food, agriculture, drugs, and biomedicine. It is currently a trend to use pectin to produce edible coating to protect foodstuff, antimicrobial bio-based films, nanoparticles, healing agents, and cancer treatment. Advances in methodology, use of different sources of extraction, and knowledge about structural modification have significantly expanded the properties, yields, and applications of this polysaccharide. Recently, structurally modified pectin has shown better functional properties and bioactivities than the native one. In addition, pectin can be used in conjunction with a wide variety of biopolymers with differentiated properties and specific functionalities. In this context, this review presents the structural characteristics and properties of pectin and information on the modification of this polysaccharide, its respective applications, perspectives, and future challenges.

Structured edible lipid-based particle systems for oral drug-delivery

Oral administration is the most popular and patient-compliant route for drug delivery, though it raises great challenges due to the involvement of the gastro-intestine (GI) system and the drug bioavailability. Drug bioavailability is directly related to its ability to dissolve, transport and/or absorb through the physiological environment. A great number of drugs are characterized with low water solubility due to their hydrophobic nature, thus limiting their oral bioavailability and clinical use. Therefore, new strategies aiming to provide a protective shell through the GI system and improve drug solubility and permeability in the intestine were developed to overcome this limitation. Lipid-based systems have been proposed as good candidates for such a task owing to their hydrophobic nature which allows high drug loading, drug micellization ability during intestinal digestion due to the lipid content, and the vehicle physical protective environment. The use of edible lipids with high biocompatibility paves the bench-to-bedside translation. Four main types of structured lipid-based drug delivery systems differing in the physical state of the lipid phase have been described in the literature, namely emulsions, solid lipid nanoparticles, nanostructured lipid carriers, and oleogel-based particles. The current review provides a comprehensive overview of the different structured edible lipid-based oral delivery systems investigated up to date and emphasizes the contribution of each system component to the delivery performance, and the oral delivery path of lipids.