Development and characterization of liposomal doxorubicin hydrochloride with palm oil

Cyclosporin A-loaded dissolving microneedles for dermatitis therapy: Development, characterisation and efficacy in a delayed-type hypersensitivity in vivo model

Several drugs can be used for treating inflammatory skin pathologies like dermatitis and psoriasis. However, for the management of chronic and long-term cases, topical administration is preferred over oral delivery since it prevents certain issues due to systemic side effects from occurring. Cyclosporin A (CsA) has been used for this purpose; however, its high molecular weight (1202 Da) restricts the diffusion through the skin structure. Here, we developed a nano-in-micro device combining lipid vesicles (LVs) and dissolving microneedle array patches (DMAPs) for targeted skin delivery. CsA-LVs allowed the effective incorporation of CsA in the hydrophilic DMAP matrix despite the hydrophobicity of the drug. Polymeric matrix composed of poly (vinyl alcohol) (5% w/v), poly (vinyl pyrrolidine) (15% w/v) and CsA-LV dispersion (10% v/v) led to the formation of CsA-LVs@DMAPs with adequate mechanical properties to penetrate the stratum corneum barrier. The safety and biocompatibility were ensured in an in vitro viability test using HaCaT keratinocytes and L929 fibroblast cell lines. Ex vivo permeability studies in a Franz-diffusion cell setup showed effective drug retention in the skin structure. Finally, CsA-LVs@DMAPs were challenged in an in vivo murine model of delayed-type hypersensitivity to corroborate their potential to ameliorate skin inflammatory conditions. Different findings like photon emission reduction in bioluminescence study, normalisation of histological damage and decrease of inflammatory cytokines point out the effectivity of CsA-LVs@DMAPs to treat these conditions. Overall, our study demonstrates that CsA-LVs@DMAPs can downregulate the skin inflammatory environment which paves the way for their clinical translation and their use as an alternative to corticosteroid-based therapies.

Dynamic intervention to enhance the stability of PEGylated Ibrutinib loaded lipidic nano-vesicular systems: transitioning from colloidal dispersion to lyophilized product

Liposomes being a promising colloidal system facilitates delivery of drugs with limited pharmacokinetic properties to achieve desirable clinical applications. However, development of a stable liposomal system is always challenging due to multiple complexities involved. Aqueous instability of liposomes and impact of various process and formulation parameters can lead to serious alteration of its therapeutic performance. In the proposed work, the authors aim to develop stable Ibrutinib-loaded liposomes using lyophilization and Quality-by-Design and assess their long-term stability. Ibrutinib-loaded liposomes were developed and optimized using Quality-by-Design technique and were further PEGylated and characterized for the same. Effect of cryoprotectants during lyophilization and other parameters are evaluated to obtain a robust formulation. The stability studies were conducted upto 6 months at various storage conditions to evaluate the effect of lyophilization. The impact of formulation, processing and lyophilization parameters on physicochemical properties of developed liposomal systems were evaluated and are critically discussed. Liquid dispersion exhibited a %degradation of 16-36% at 25 °C/60% RH which was reduced for less than 1% in lyophilized formulation for 6 months. Critical analysis and assessment of various parameters lead to identification of optimum conditions to manufacture this drug product and also opens way forward for further evaluation and translational possibilities.

Development of the phage lysin-loaded liposomes as preservatives for live clams

Exogenous applications of phage lysins against Vibrio parahaemolyticus (V. parahaemolyticus) are a challenge due to the gram-negative bacteria outer membrane barrier. This study aimed to improve the antibacterial effect of V. parahaemolyticus phage lysin Lysqdvp001 (Lys), the best-characterized lysin with lytic activity against multiple species of Vibrios, by using liposome delivery. Various kinds of Lys-loaded liposome (Lys-lip) systems were designed and tested. The antibacterial activities of cationic guar gum (CGG) containing liposomes were much higher than the other liposomes, causing >5 log₁₀CFU/mL of reductions of V. parahaemolyticus in buffer and severely damaging the bacterial cell structure. Moreover, some CGG liposome formulations retained high antibacterial effect after both 60-80 °C heat treatments and freeze-drying. Besides, the most stable liposome formulation killed 99 % of V. parahaemolyticus in the seawater with live clams, and its depuration rate against the bacterial contaminated clams also reached 99 %.

Exploration of Microneedle-assisted Skin Delivery of Cyanocobalamin formulated in Ultraflexible Lipid Vesicles

Vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin) deficiency is a widespread condition because of its different aetiologies, like malabsorption syndrome or lifestyles as strict veganism that is increasing its incidence and prevalence in developed countries. It has important haematological consequences that require pharmacological treatment. Current therapy consists of oral or parenteral supplements of cyanocobalamin; however, the oral route is discarded for malabsorption syndrome patients and the parenteral route is not well accepted generally. Topical treatments have been suggested as an alternative, but the molecular weight and hydrophilicity of cyanocobalamin limits its diffusion through the skin. Lipid vesicles can allow the transdermal absorption of molecules >500 Da. The aim of this work was to use different ultraflexible lipid vesicles (transfersomes and ethosomes) to enhance cyanocobalamin transdermal delivery. Vesicles were characterized and lyophilised for long-term stability. The ability to deliver cyanocobalamin through the skin was assessed in vitro using full-thickness porcine skin in Franz diffusion cells. As expected, the best transdermal fluxes were provided by ultraflexible vesicles, in comparison to a drug solution. Moreover, the pre-treatment of the skin with a solid microneedle array boosts the amount of drug that could potentially reach the systemic circulation.

Mechanistic Approach of Nano Carriers for Targeted in Cancer Chemotherapy: A Newer Strategy for Novel Drug Delivery System

The application of nanomedicine represents an innovative approach for the treatment in the modern field of cancer chemotherapy. In the present research work, tamoxifen citrate loaded nanolipid vesicles were prepared conjugated with phosphoethanolamine as the linker molecule, and the specific antibody was tagged with the linker molecule on the bilayer surface of the vesicles. The main objective of this study is to determine the efficacy and biological behavior of antibody conjugated nanoliposome in breast cancer cell lines. Percentage of drug loading and loading efficiency was done and their results were compared to theoretical drug loading. The average diameter of those vesicles was within the 100 nm range, which is revealed in FESEM and TEM images and their lamellarity was observed in cryo-TEM images. The hydrodynamic diameter was done by particle size analysis and the surface charge was determined by the zeta potential parameter. Predominant cellular uptake was observed for antibody conjugated nanolipid vesicles in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-453 human breast cancer cell lines. A cellular apoptosis assay was conducted by flow cytometer (FACS). All experimental data would be more beneficial for the treatment of breast cancer chemotherapy. Further studies are warranted to investigate the efficacy and safety of antibody conjugated nanolipid vesicles in vivo for breast cancer animal model.

Improved skin permeability and whitening effect of catechin-loaded transfersomes through topical delivery

The aim of the study was to prepare catechin-loaded transfersomes to enhance drug permeability through topical administration for the skin protection against ultraviolet radiation induced photo-damage. The results showed that the catechin-loaded transfersomes were monodispersed with polydispersity index (PDI) < 0.2, <200 nm in particle size and with high encapsulation efficiency (E.E.%) greater than 85%. The in vitro skin permeation test indicated that the catechin-loaded transfersomes enhanced the skin permeability by 85% compared to the catechin aqueous solution. Similarly, the in-vivo skin whitening study demonstrated that F5 transfersome formulation was effective in tyrosinase inhibition and had good biocompatibility to the guinea pig skin. Finally, the stability study showed that both physicochemical properties and E.E.% of the F5 transferosome formulation were fairly stable after 3 months storage. Therefore, topical administration of catechin-loaded transfersomes could be considered as a potential strategy for the treatment of UV-induced oxidative damage to the skin.

Dual-Functional Peptide Driven Liposome Codelivery System for Efficient Treatment of Doxorubicin-Resistant Breast Cancer

BACKGROUND

The active-targeted drug delivery systems had attracted more and more attention to efficiently overcome multidrug resistance (MDR) in cancer treatments. The aim of the work was to develop a multifunctional nano-structured liposomal system for co-delivery of doxorubicin hydrochloride (DOX) and celecoxib (CEL) to overcome doxorubicin resistance in breast cancer.

METHODS

A functional hybrid peptide (MTS-R8H3) with unique cellular penetrability, endo-lysosomal escape and mitochondrial targeting ability was successfully synthesized using solid phase synthesis technology. The peptide modified targeted liposomes (DOX/CEL-MTS-R8H3 lipo) for co-delivery of DOX and CEL were formulated to overcome the chemoresistance in MCF/ADR cells.

RESULTS

DOX/CEL-MTS-R8H3 lipo showed nanosized shape and displayed high stability for one month. The cytotoxicity effect of the co-delivery of DOX and CEL through peptide modified liposomes had remarkable treatment efficacy on killing MCF/ADR cells. Targeted liposome exhibited greater cellular entry ability about 5.72-fold stronger than DOX solution. Moreover, as compared with unmodified liposomes, the presence of MTS-R8H3 peptide entity on liposome surface enhanced the mitochondrial-targeting ability and achieved effective reactive oxygen species (ROS) production with significant inhibition of P-gp efflux activity.

CONCLUSION

The study suggested that the DOX/CEL-MTS-R8H3 lipo is a promising strategy for overcoming drug resistance in breast cancer treatments with high targeting inhibition efficiency.

Emergence of Polymeric Material Utilising Sustainable Radiation Curable Palm Oil-Based Products for Advanced Technology Applications

In countries that are rich with oil palm, the use of palm oil to produce bio-based acrylates and polyol can be the most eminent raw materials used for developing new and advanced natural polymeric materials involving radiation technique, like coating resins, nanoparticles, scaffold, nanocomposites, and lithography for different branches of the industry. The presence of hydrocarbon chains, carbon double bonds, and ester bonds in palm oil allows it to open up the possibility of fine-tuning its unique structures in the development of novel materials. Cross-linking, reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT), polymerization, grafting, and degradation are among the radiation mechanisms triggered by gamma, electron beam, ultraviolet, or laser irradiation sources. These radiation techniques are widely used in the development of polymeric materials because they are considered as the most versatile, inexpensive, easy, and effective methods. Therefore, this review summarized and emphasized on several recent studies that have reported on emerging radiation processing technologies for the production of radiation curable palm oil-based polymeric materials with a promising future in certain industries and biomedical applications. This review also discusses the rich potential of biopolymeric materials for advanced technology applications.

Design and evaluation of peptide-18-targeted nanoliposomes constructed by poly(2-oxazoline)-DOPE for doxorubicin delivery

AIMS

The aim of this study is to develop targeted nanoliposome formulations to provide efficient treatment for breast cancer. In this study, peptide 18-modified poly(2-ethyl-2-oxazoline)-dioleoylphosphatidylethanolamine (P18-PEtOx-DOPE), was synthesised to construct nanoliposomes.

METHODS

Doxorubicin (DOX) was encapsulated into the nanoliposomes by ethanol injection method. Particle size and polydispersity index were measured by dynamic light scattering. Zeta potential was determined by electrophoretic laser Doppler anemometry. The shape of the nanoliposomes was examined by transmission electron microscope. Specific bindings of P18-PEtOx-DOPE nanoliposomes were demonstrated on AU565 cells by confocal microscopy and flow cytometry studies.

RESULTS

DOX-loaded nanoliposomes with particle diameter of 150.00 ± 2.84 nm and PDI of 0.212 ± 0.013 were obtained. PEtOx-DOPE and PEtOx-DOPE nanoliposomes are non-toxic on HUVEC, HEK293 and hMSC cells for 48 h. Furthermore, P18-PEtOx-DOPE nanoliposomes demonstrated specificity towards AU565 cells with high binding affinity.

CONCLUSIONS

As a result, DOX-loaded P18-PEtOx-DOPE nanoliposomes can serve as favourable candidates in breast cancer targeted therapy.

Cyanocobalamin Ultraflexible Lipid Vesicles: Characterization and In Vitro Evaluation of Drug-Skin Depth Profiles

Atopic dermatitis (AD) and psoriasis are the most common chronic inflammatory skin disorders, which importantly affect the quality of life of patients who suffer them. Among other causes, nitric oxide has been reported as part of the triggering factors in the pathogenesis of both conditions. Cyanocobalamin (vitamin B₁₂) has shown efficacy as a nitric oxide scavenger and some clinical trials have given positive outcomes in its use for treating skin pathologies. Passive skin diffusion is possible only for drugs with low molecular weights and intermediate lipophilicity. Unfortunately, the molecular weight and hydrophilicity of vitamin B₁₂ do not predict its effective diffusion through the skin. The aim of this work was to design new lipid vesicles to encapsulate the vitamin B₁₂ to enhance its skin penetration. Nine prototypes of vesicles were generated and characterized in terms of size, polydispersity, surface charge, drug encapsulation, flexibility, and stability with positive results. Additionally, their ability to release the drug content in a controlled manner was demonstrated. Finally, we found that these lipid vesicle formulations facilitated the penetration of cyanocobalamin to the deeper layers of the skin. The present work shows a promising system to effectively administer vitamin B₁₂ topically, which could be of interest in the treatment of skin diseases such as AD and psoriasis.

Preparation, Statistical Optimization and Characterization of Propolis-Loaded Solid Lipid Nanoparticles Using Box-Behnken Design

Purpose: Propolis is a resinous material obtained by honeybees with many biological and pharmacological properties which can be used for treatment of various diseases. Current study aims to formulate and characterize propolis-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) carrier system. Methods: The prepared SLNs, composed of glyceryl monostearate (GMS), Soy lecithin, Tween 80 and polyethylene glycol 400 (PEG 400), were fabricated employing solvent emulsification-evaporation technique. In addition, the impact of several variables including concentration ratios of GMS/Soy lecithin and PEG 400/Tween 80 along with emulsification time were evaluated on the size, polydispersity index (PDI) and zeta potential of particles. SLN formulations were optimized using Box-Behnken design. The particles were freeze dried and morphologically studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The in-vitro release profile of propolis entrapped in the optimized nanoparticles was investigated. Results: The mean particle size, PDI, zeta potential, entrapment efficiency (EE) and loading efficiency (LE) of optimized propolis-loaded SLNs were found to be 122.6±22.36 nm, 0.28±0.06, -26.18±3.3 mV, 73.57±0.86% and 3.29±0.27%, respectively. SEM images exhibited nanoparticles to be non-aggregated and in spherical shape. The in-vitro release study showed prolonged release of propolis from nanoparticles. Conclusion: The results implied that the proposed way of SLN preparation could be considered as a proper method for production of propolis loaded colloidal carrier system.

Preparation and characterization of the encapsulated myrtle extract nanoliposome and nanoniosome without using cholesterol and toxic organic solvents: A comparative study

Nanoliposome and nanoniosome formulations containing myrtle extract were prepared without using cholesterol and toxic organic solvents for the first time. The formulations had different concentrations of lecithin (5, 7, and 9% w/w) and Hydrophilic-Lipophilic Balance (HLB) values (6.76, 8.40, and 9.59). The physicochemical characterization results showed a nearly spherical shape for the prepared nanosamples. The particle sizes, zeta potentials and encapsulation efficiencies for the prepared nanoliposomes and nanoniosomes were at a range of 260-293 nm and 224-520 nm; -33.16 to - 31.16 mV and - 33.3 to - 10.36 mV; and 68-73% and 79-83%, respectively. The formulated nanoniosomes showed better stability during storage time. Besides, the encapsulation efficiency and in vitro release rate of myrtle extract could be controlled by adjusting the lecithin concentration and HLB value. The release of myrtle extract from nanovesicles showed a pH-responsive character. The FTIR analysis confirmed that the myrtle extract was encapsulated in nanovesicles physically.

Evaluation of optimum conditions for decoquinate nanoliposomes and their anticoccidial efficacy against diclazuril-resistant Eimeria tenella infections in broilers

Decoquinate (DQ) is used for prophylaxis against coccidian infections within the digestive tract of chickens, but DQ is extremely insoluble in water. Hence, improving the water solubility of DQ is extremely important. First, decoquinate nanoliposomes (DQNLs) were prepared by the thin-film dispersion-ultrasonic method. The preparation conditions of DQNLs were optimized using the orthogonal test. The optimal preparation conditions of DQNLs were: a ratio of egg-yolk lecithin:drug (w/w) of 10:1, ratio of egg-yolk lecithin:cholesterol (w/w) of 5:1, rotary-evaporation temperature of 50 ℃, and ultrasound duration of 15 min. The encapsulation efficiency of DQNLs prepared under these conditions reached 99.24 % and drug loading was 5.67 %. The characterization of optimized DQNLs was also done. Transmission electron microscopy of DQNLs showed that they had the characteristic structure of liposomes. The mean particle size was 115.6 nm. The polydispersity index was 0.175. The zeta potential was -39.1 mV. The stability of DQNLs was high upon storage at 4 ℃. In vivo studies demonstrated that the lower dose (5 mg/L) of DQNLs in drinking water obtained the similar anticoccidial efficacy to that of 40 mg/kg DQ in feed against diclazuril-resistance Eimeria tenella isolate. The in vitro inhibitory effect of DQNLs on the sporulation of Eimeria tenella oocysts was dose-dependent. Therefore, the anticoccidial efficacy of DQ was enhanced significantly after being encapsulated into nanoliposomes.

Preparation, statistical optimization, in vitro characterization, and in vivo pharmacological evaluation of solid lipid nanoparticles encapsulating propolis flavonoids: a novel treatment for skin edema

Propolis is a natural resinous product and exerts anti-inflammatory properties. The aim of this study is formulation and characterization of solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) encapsulating propolis flavonoids (PFs), intended for topical treatment of skin edema. The nanoparticles were prepared and statistically optimized using Box-Behnken response surface methodology. The in vitro release profile of the optimized nanoparticles was investigated. Cytotoxicity of nanoparticles on HSF-PI 18 cell line was determined. Permeation and penetration of nanoparticles across the incised skin were measured. Finally, the nanoparticles were incorporated into a pharmaceutical hydrogel formulation and the in vivo efficacy in reduction of skin edema was determined. The size, PdI, zeta potential, entrapment efficiency (EE%) and loading efficiency (LE %) of the optimized nanoparticles were 111.3 ± 19.35 nm, 0.34 ± 0.005, -24.17 ± 3.3 mV, 73.5 ± 0.86%, and 3.2 ± 0.27%, respectively. Data obtained through in vitro release study suggested a burst release followed by a prolonged release behavior up to 24 h post incubation time interval. The prepared SLNs exhibited no cytotoxicity on HSF-PI 18 cell line. Ex vivo permeation and penetration study of nanoparticles across the incised skin showed approximately a 2.5-fold and a 3-fold increase in cumulative amount of transport and cumulative amount of skin penetration, respectively. Finally, in vivo studies in rat models, showed a threefold reduction in volume of the edema in animals treated with SLNs. The obtained data revealed that the prepared SNs entrapping PFs, exert high skin targeting effects, prolonged anti-inflammatory properties and therefore high efficiency in treatment of skin edema.

Urotensin-II-Targeted Liposomes as a New Drug Delivery System towards Prostate and Colon Cancer Cells

Urotensin-II (UT-II) and its receptor (UTR) are involved in the occurrence of different epithelial cancers. In particular, UTR was found overexpressed on colon, bladder, and prostate cancer cells. The conjugation of ligands, able to specifically bind receptors that are overexpressed on cancer cells, to liposome surface represents an efficient active targeting strategy to enhance selectivity and efficiency of drug delivery systems. The aim of this study was to develop liposomes conjugated with UT-II (LipoUT) for efficient targeting of cancer cells that overexpress UTR. The liposomes had a mean diameter between 150 nm and 160 nm with a narrow size distribution (PI ≤ 0.1) and a doxo encapsulation efficiency of 96%. Moreover, the conjugation of UT-II to liposomes weakly reduced the zeta potential. We evaluated UTR expression on prostate (DU145, PC3, and LNCaP) and colon (WIDR and LoVo) cancer cells by FACS and western blotting analysis. UTR protein was expressed in all the tested cell lines; the level of expression was higher in WIDR, PC3, and LNCaP cells compared with LoVo and DU145. MTT cell viability assay showed that LipoUT-doxo was more active than Lipo-doxo on the growth inhibition of cells that overexpressed UTR (PC3, LNCaP, and WIDR) while in LoVo and DU145 cell lines, the activity was similar to or lower than that one of Lipo-doxo, respectively. Moreover, we found that cell uptake of Bodipy-labeled liposomes in PC3 and DU145 was higher for LipoUT than the not-armed counterparts but at higher extent in UTR overexpressing PC3 cells (about 2-fold higher), as evaluated by both confocal and FACS. In conclusion, the encapsulation of doxo in UT-II-targeted liposomes potentiated its delivery in UTR-overexpressing cells and could represent a new tool for the targeting of prostate and colon cancer.

Encapsulation of echinomycin in cyclodextrin inclusion complexes into liposomes: in vitro anti-proliferative and anti-invasive activity in glioblastoma

Echinomycin, a DNA bis-intercalator peptide, belongs to the family of quinoxaline antibiotics. Echinomycin exhibits potent antitumor and antimicrobial activity. However, it is highly water insoluble and suffers from low bioavailability and unwanted side effects. Therefore, developing new formulations and delivery systems that can enhance echinomycin solubility and therapeutic potency is needed for further clinical application. In this study, echinomycin has been complexed into the hydrophobic cavity of γ-cyclodextrin (γCD) then encapsulated into PEGylated liposomes. The anti-proliferative and anti-invasive effect has been evaluated against U-87 MG glioblastoma cells. Echinomycin-in-γCD inclusion complexes have been characterized by phase solubility assay, TLC, and 1H-NMR. The echinomycin-in-γCD inclusion complexes have been loaded into liposomes using a thin film hydration method to end up with echinomycin-in-γCD-in-liposomes. Drug-loaded liposomes were able to inhibit cell proliferation with IC50 of 1.0 nM. Moreover, echinomycin-in-γCD-in-liposomes were found to inhibit the invasion of U-87 MG cells using the spheroid gel invasion assay. In conclusion, the current work describes for the first time γCD-echinomycin complexes and their encapsulation into PEGylated liposomes.

Development and evaluation of doxorubicin self nanoemulsifying drug delivery system with Nigella Sativa oil against human hepatocellular carcinoma

OBJECTIVE

The development of self nano emulsifying co-delivery system of doxorubicin and Nigella sativa oil for potentiating the anticancer effects against HepG2 cell lines.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

SNEDDS were formulated by using Labrafil and N. sativa oil (3:2% w/w), Kolliphor RH40 (15% w/w), glycerol (5% w/w) as oil phase, surfactant and co-surfactant while deionized water (75% v/v) used as an aqueous phase. Optimized SNEDDS was evaluated for drug release and in vitro anticancer efficacy in liver cancer (HepG2) cell line.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

The selected formulation (F6) has a mean particle size of 79.7 nm with PDI 0.098 and the minimum viscosity of 16.42 cps with % transmittance of 1.332 with maximum drug release of 96.968% in 32 h as compared to DOX alone. Stability data showed stable emulsion in both 25⁰C and -4⁰C. F6 showed improved efficacy in HepG2 cells by cytotoxicity, showed significant results p<.05 with 2.5 μg/ml of (inhibitory concentration) IC50.

CONCLUSION

The overall study displayed that co-delivery of DOX and Nigella sativa oil in the form of SNEDDS may be an efficient carrier for further in vivo studies using oral delivery in human hepatocellular carcinoma in mammals.

Preparation and characterization of endolysin-containing liposomes and evaluation of their antimicrobial activities against gram-negative bacteria

The overuse and misuse of antibiotics in treating bacterial infections cause the rapid emergence of drug-resistant bacteria, suggesting that the development of alternative strategies to control antibiotic-resistant bacteria is urgently needed. Endolysins are bacteriophage-encoded enzymes that can degrade peptidoglycan in bacterial cell walls, and they have great potential as alternative antimicrobial agents. However, exogenous application of recombinant endolysin is limited to Gram-positive bacteria because endolysins cannot penetrate the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria. Here, a liposome-mediated endolysin encapsulation system was developed, and its ability to penetrate the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria was tested. The phage-derived endolysin BSP16Lys was isolated, characterized, and used for encapsulation into a cationic liposome comprised of dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC), cholesterol, and hexadecylamine. The BSP16Lys-encapsulated liposome had a high zeta potential value (over 30 mV) with an average diameter of 303 nm. The encapsulation efficiency of BSP16Lys into the liposome was 35.27%. Salmonella Typhimuriumand Escherichia coli cells treated with BSP16Lys-encapsulated liposomes showed 2.2-log CFU/mL and 1.6-log CFU/mL reductions in the viable cell numbers, respectively, without treatment of a membrane permeabilizer. These results showed potential for liposome-mediated delivery of endolysin for exogenous application against Gram-negative bacteria.

Synthetic cannabinoids nano-micelles for the management of triple negative breast cancer

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a highly heterogeneous disease with poor prognosis and inadequate therapeutic outcome. This contribution reports the use of a cannabinoid derivative, WIN55,212-2 (WIN) on the growth of TNBC in a 4T1 syngeneic mouse model. To reduce the well-known psychoactive side effects of cannabinoids, we prepared a nanomicellar formulation of WIN (SMA-WIN). In vivo biodistribution, in silico ADME predictions, anticancer activity, and psychoactive effect of WIN and SMA-WIN studies suggest that SMA-WIN formulation can reduce to greater extent tumor growth with milder psychoactive side effects when compared to free drug. Finally, the effects of WIN and SMA-WIN in combination with doxorubicin (Doxo), an established chemotherapeutic agent for the treatment of TNBC, were investigated in vitro and in vivo. SMA-WIN in combination with Doxo showed therapeutic efficacy and was able to reduce the tumor volume of TNBC murine model drastically. Moreover, SMA-WIN, while favoring drug tumor accumulation, minimized the adverse psychoactive effects that have impeded the use of this agent in the clinic. To our knowledge, this is the first report for the assessment of cannabinoid nanoparticles in vivo for the treatment of TNBC and its enhanced anticancer effect at low doses with Doxo. These findings suggest a new therapeutic strategy in the management of TNBC.

In Vivo Evaluation of the Anticancer Activity of the Gemcitabine and Doxorubicin Combined in a Nanoemulsion

Context

Doxorubicin (DOX) and gemcitabine (GEM) are anticancer drugs that were combined in a nanoemulsion (NE) to reduce their adverse side effects.

Aim

To detect the antitumor activity of the combination formulas of GEM and DOX, loaded either in water (GEM+DOX-Sol) or in NEs (GEM-DOX combination/loaded NE [GEM+DOX/LNE]), in female Swiss albino mice inoculated with Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC).

Settings and Design

The anticancer assessment of the NE formulas was implemented in 200 mice, which were divided into 10 groups.

Materials and Methods

It includes the detection of the change in body weight, analysis of the hematological and serum biochemical profiles, and study of the histopathologic alterations of the heart tissues.

Statistical Analysis

One-factor analysis of variance was used.

Results

Mice treated with GEM + DOX/LNE, which have an z-average of 155.38±2.33nm and zeta potential of -38.5±1.3 mV, recorded a considerable improvement in the mean survival time (MST), which was 60 days, as compared to the EAC control group, which has an MST of 28 days. It also restored the hematological and serum biochemical parameters toward normal values.

Conclusions

The combination of GEM and DOX in NE has significantly diminished the cardiotoxicity of DOX and hematotoxicity of GEM while improving their antitumor properties.

Potato virus X, a filamentous plant viral nanoparticle for doxorubicin delivery in cancer therapy

Plant viral nanoparticles (VNPs) are a novel class of nanocarriers with implications for drug delivery in cancer therapy. VNPs are characterized by their highly symmetrical nanoscale structures. Furthermore, plant VNPs are biocompatible, biodegradable, and non-infectious in mammals. VNPs provide a proteinaceous platform technology that can be readily engineered to carry contrast agents and therapies using chemical and genetic modifications. Of particular interest are high aspect ratio, elongated filaments such as the ones formed by potato virus X (PVX, measuring 515 × 13 nm). PVX has demonstrated enhanced tumor homing and penetration properties compared to spherical counterparts. Here, we sought to investigate the potential of PVX as a drug carrier delivering doxorubicin (DOX), a commonly used cancer chemotherapy. We synthesized therapeutic PVX nanoparticles using a simple in-solution mixing protocol; after 5 days of mixing of DOX and PVX and ultra-centrifugal purification, ∼1000 DOX per PVX were stably associated with the carrier, most likely based on hydrophobic interaction. Efficacy and drug activity of PVX-DOX were confirmed using a panel of cancer cell lines including ovarian cancer, breast cancer, and cervical cancer. Lastly, we demonstrated treatment of athymic mice bearing human MDA-MB-231 breast cancer xenografts: PVX-DOX treatment resulted in reduced tumor growth in this model. Our results open the door for further development of PVX and other high aspect ratio plant VNPs for applications in cancer therapy.

Targeted theranostic liposomes: rifampicin and ofloxacin loaded pegylated liposomes for theranostic application in mycobacterial infections

Theranostic liposomes as effective drug delivery systems for the management of infections.

Doxorubicin-poly (ethylene glycol)-alendronate self-assembled micelles for targeted therapy of bone metastatic cancer

In order to increase the therapeutic effect of doxorubicin (DOX) on bone metastases, a multifunctional micelle was developed by combining pH-sensitive characteristics with bone active targeting capacity. The DOX loaded micelle was self-assembled by using doxorubicin-poly (ethylene glycol)-alendronate (DOX-hyd-PEG-ALN) as an amphiphilic material. The size and drug loading of DOX loaded DOX-hyd-PEG-ALN micelle was 114 nm and 24.3%. In pH 5.0 phosphate buffer solution (PBS), the micelle released DOX significantly faster than in pH 7.4 PBS. In addition, with the increase of incubation time, more red DOX fluorescence was observed in tumor cells and trafficked from cytoplasm to nucleus. The IC₅₀ of DOX loaded DOX-hyd-PEG-ALN micelle on A549 cells was obviously lower than that of free DOX in 48 h. Furthermore, the in vivo image experimental results indicated that a larger amount of DOX was accumulated in the bone metastatic tumor tissue after DOX loaded DOX-hyd-PEG-ALN micelle was intravenously administered, which was confirmed by histological analysis. Finally, DOX loaded DOX-hyd-PEG-ALN micelle effectively delayed the tumor growth, decreased the bone loss and reduced the cardiac toxicity in tumor-bearing nude mice as compared with free DOX. In conclusion, DOX loaded DOX-hyd-PEG-ALN micelle had potential in treating bone metastatic tumor.