Development and Characterization of Solid Lipid Nanoparticles Containing Herbal Extract: In Vivo Antidepressant Activity

Targeted DPPC/DMPG surface-modified voriconazole lipid nanoparticles control invasive pulmonary aspergillosis in immunocompromised population: in-vitro and in-vivo assessment

Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) is the most devastating Aspergillus-related lung disease. Voriconazole (VRZ) is the first-line treatment against IPA. Despite availability in oral and parenteral dosage forms, risks of systemic toxicity dictate alternative pulmonary administration. Inspired by natural lung surfactants, dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine/dimyristoylphosphatidylglycerol (DPPC/DMPG) surface-modified lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) were scrutinized for pulmonary administration. DPPC/DMPG-VRZ-LNPs prepared using ultrasonication/thin film hydration were investigated for colloidal properties over 3-month shelf storage. They were stable with a slight change in entrapment efficiency. They provided a sustained VRZ release over 24 h, with a rapid initial release. In vitro aerosolization indicated higher percentages of VRZ deposited on stages corresponding to secondary bronchi and alveolar ducts. Moreover, intrapulmonary administration maintained high lung VRZ concentration (27 ± 1.14 µg/g) after 6 h. A preclinical study using a cyclophosphamide-induced neutropenic rat model demonstrated a 3-fold reduction in BALF-Galactomannan down to 0.515 ± 0.22 µg/L confirming DPPC/DMPG-VRZ-LNPs potential in hyphal growth inhibition. Histopathological examination of infected/nontreated lung sections exhibited dense fungal load inside alveoli and blood vessels indicating massive tissue and angio-invasiveness. Nevertheless, DPPC/DMPG-VRZ-LNPs-treated animals displayed minimal hyphae with no signs of invasiveness. The developed bioinspired nanoparticles serve as prospective bioactive nanocarrier candidates for pulmonary administration of VRZ in the management of IPA.

Development of solid lipid nanoparticles-loaded drugs in parasitic diseases

Parasites cause illnesses with broad spectrum of symptoms from mild to severe, and are responsible for a significant number of outbreaks in the world. Current anti-parasitic drugs are toxic and have significant side effects. Nano-carriers are believed to obviate the limitations of conventional drugs via decreasing side effects and increasing target delivery and drug permeability with a controlled prolonged release of a drug. Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) are lipid nanoparticles (LNPs), which have frequently been practiced. Suitable release rate, stability, and target delivery make SLNs a good alternative for colloidal carriers. SLNs are supposed to have great potential to deliver natural products with anti-parasitic properties. Nanoparticles have employed to improve stability and capacity loading of SLNs, during recent years. This review describes development of SLNs, the methods of preparation, characterization, and loaded drugs into SLNs in parasitic diseases. In addition, we summarize recent development in anti-parasitic SLNs-loaded drugs.

Fabrication of solid lipid nanoparticles-based patches of paroxetine and their ex-vivo permeation behaviour

Paroxetine is not suitable for oral administration due to its extensive first-pass metabolism, thus resulting in less bioavailability. This study aimed to prepare novel paroxetine-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) based sustained-release transdermal patches to overcome these problems by enhancing drug absorption and bioavailability. Nine formulations of paroxetine SLNs were prepared by the hot melt-homogenization method using different concentrations of glycerol monostearate (Kolliwax) and Tween 80. Then these prepared SLNs were incorporated in a matrix type transdermal patch having a matrix of ethyl cellulose and polyvinyl pyrrolidone in 3:2 with polyvinyl alcohol. The SLNs showed a particle size range of 113-230 nm and an entrapment efficiency of 85.14%. The SLNs showed sustained paroxetine release (77.86-95.63% release) up to 48 h. FTIR studies showed no interaction between drug and formulation components. Paroxetine is evenly distributed in an amorphous form in SLNs, as demonstrated by DSC as well as PXRD analysis. SLNs formulated patches showed higher drug permeation through the skin than drug-based transdermal patches., Draize patch test revealed no sign of erythema after applying paroxetine-loaded SLN patches (score 0) as observed with the marketed product. The developed SLNs based transdermal patches showed increased permeability and sustained release behaviour.

Current Advances in Nanotechnology-Mediated Delivery of Herbal and Plant-Derived Medicines

Phytomedicine has been used by humans since ancient times to treat a variety of diseases. However, herbal medicines face significant challenges, including poor water and lipid solubility and instability, which lead to low bioavailability and insufficient therapeutic efficacy. Recently, it has been shown that nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems are appropriate to overcome the above-mentioned limitations. The present review study first discusses herbal medicines and the challenges involved in the formulation of these drugs. The different types of nano-based drug delivery systems used in herbal delivery and their potential to improve therapeutic efficacy are summarized, and common techniques for preparing nanocarriers used in herbal drug delivery are also discussed. Finally, a list of nanophyto medicines that have entered clinical trials since 2010, as well as those that the FDA has approved, is presented.

Lipid Nanoparticles: An Effective Tool to Improve the Bioavailability of Nutraceuticals

Nano-range bioactive colloidal carrier systems are envisaged to overcome the challenges associated with treatments of numerous diseases. Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs), one of the extensively investigated drug delivery systems, not only improve pharmacokinetic parameters, transportation, and chemical stability of encapsulated compounds but also provide efficient targeting and reduce the risk of toxicity. Over the last decades, nature-derived polyphenols, vitamins, antioxidants, dietary supplements, and herbs have received more attention due to their remarkable biological and pharmacological health and medical benefits. However, their poor aqueous solubility, compromised stability, insufficient absorption, and accelerated elimination impede research in the nutraceutical sector. Owing to the possibilities offered by various LNPs, their ability to accommodate both hydrophilic and hydrophobic molecules and the availability of various preparation methods suitable for sensitive molecules, loading natural fragile molecules into LNPs offers a promising solution. The primary objective of this work is to explore the synergy between nature and nanotechnology, encompassing a wide range of research aimed at encapsulating natural therapeutic molecules within LNPs.

Solid Lipid Nanoparticles: Peculiar Strategy to Deliver Bio-Proactive Molecules

BACKGROUND

Novel Drug Delivery Systems (NDDS) provide numerous benefits compared to conventional dosage forms. Poor aqueous solubility, low bioavailability, frequent dosing, and particular hydrophilic lipophilic character of the drug are the biological factors associated with the traditional systems leading to the development of SLNs.

OBJECTIVE

For improving the solubility profile, enhancing the bioavailability, and attaining the best possible therapeutic effect of lipid inclined or aqueous inclined drug, formulating solid lipid nanoparticles is the best choice.

METHODS

Solid Lipid Nanoparticles (SLNs) have been projected as a colloidal carrier system with a size of 50-1,000 nm, collectively combining the benefits of other colloidal systems like liposomes, emulsions, etc., for delivering the drug at the target site. High absorption, high stability, and efficient drug packing enhance the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of the packed drug.

RESULT

Solid Lipid Nanoparticles can be developed in different dosage forms and administered via routes such as nasal, rectal, oral, topical, vaginal, ocular, and parenteral. They have higher physicochemical stability and the batch size can be easily scaled up at a low cost. Lipophilic as well as hydrophilic drugs can be easily incorporated into solid lipid nanoparticles.

CONCLUSION

In this manuscript, the authors have reviewed different aspects of solid lipid nanoparticles, major principles behind mechanism methods, recent patents, applications, and therapeutic potentials of solid lipid nanoparticles.

Role of solid lipid nanoparticle for the delivery of Lipophilic Drugs and Herbal Medicines in the treatment of pulmonary hypertension

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is an uncommon condition marked by elevated pulmonary artery pressure that leads to right ventricular failure. The majority of drugs are now been approved by FDA for PAH, however, several biopharmaceutical hindrances lead to failure of the therapy. Various novel drug delivery systems are available in the literature from which lipid-based nanoparticles i.e. solid lipid nanoparticle is widely investigated for improving the solubility and bioavailability of drugs. In this paper, the prototype phytoconstituents used in pulmonary arterial hypertension have limited solubility and bioavailability. We highlighted the novel concepts of SLN for lipophilic phytoconstituents with their potential applications. This paper also reviews the present state of the art regarding production techniques for SLN like High-Pressure Homogenization, Micro-emulsion Technique, and Phase Inversion Temperature Method, etc. Furthermore, toxicity aspects and in vivo fate of SLN are also highlighted in this review. In a nutshell, safer delivery of phytoconstituents by SLN added a novel feather to the cap of successful drug delivery technologies.

Formulation of Neem oil-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles and evaluation of its anti-Toxoplasma activity

BACKGROUND

Toxoplasmosis is caused by an intracellular zoonotic protozoan, Toxoplasma gondii, which could be lethal in immunocompromised patients. This study aimed to synthesize Neem oil-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (NeO-SLNs) and to evaluate the anti-Toxoplasma activity of this component.

METHODS

The NeO-SLNs were constructed using double emulsification method, and their shape and size distribution were evaluated using transmission electron microscope (TEM) and dynamic light scattering (DLS), respectively. An MTT assay was employed to evaluate the cell toxicity of the component. The anti-Toxoplasma activity of NeO-SLNs was investigated using vital (trypan-blue) staining. Anti-intracellular Toxoplasma activity of NeO-SLNs was evaluated in T. gondii-infected Vero cells.

RESULTS

The TEM analysis represented round shape NeO-SLNs with clear and stable margins. DLS analysis showed a mean particle size 337.6 nm for SLNs, and most of nanoparticles were in range 30 to 120 nm. The cell toxicity of NeO-SLNs was directly correlated with the concentration of the component (P-value = 0.0013). The concentration of NeO-SLNs, which was toxic for at least 50% of alive T. gondii (cytotoxic concentration (CC50)), was > 10 mg/mL. The ability of NeO-SLNs to kill Toxoplasma was concentration-dependent (P-value < 0.0001), and all concentrations killed at least 70% of alive tachyzoites. Furthermore, the viability of T. gondii- infected Vero cells was inversely correlated with NeO-SLNs concentrations (P-value = 0.0317), and in the concentration 100 μg/mL at least 75% of T. gondii- infected Vero cells remained alive.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, our findings demonstrated that the NeO-SLNs was able to kill T. gondii tachyzoites in concentration 100 μg/mL with a cell toxicity lower than 20%. Such results suggest that employing SLNs as carrier for NeO can effectively kill T. gondii tachyzoites with acceptable cell toxicity. Our findings also showed that SLNs capsulation of the NeO can lead to prolonged release of the extract, suggesting that NeO-SLNs could be also employed to clear cyst stages, which should be further investigated in animal models.

Herbal nanomedicines: Recent advancements, challenges, opportunities and regulatory overview

BACKGROUND

Herbal Nano Medicines (HNMs) are nano-sized medicine containing herbal drugs as extracts, enriched fractions or biomarker constituents. HNMs have certain advantages because of their increased bioavailability and reduced toxicities. There are very few literature reports that address the common challenges of herbal nanoformulations, such as selecting the type/class of nanoformulation for an extract or a phytochemical, selection and optimisation of preparation method and physicochemical parameters. Although researchers have shown more interest in this field in the last decade, there is still an urgent need for systematic analysis of HNMs.

PURPOSE

This review aims to provide the recent advancement in various herbal nanomedicines like polymeric herbal nanoparticles, solid lipid nanoparticles, phytosomes, nano-micelles, self-nano emulsifying drug delivery system, nanofibers, liposomes, dendrimers, ethosomes, nanoemulsion, nanosuspension, and carbon nanotube; their evaluation parameters, challenges, and opportunities. Additionally, regulatory aspects and future perspectives of herbal nanomedicines are also being covered to some extent.

METHODS

The scientific data provided in this review article are retrieved by a thorough analysis of numerous research and review articles, textbooks, and patents searched using the electronic search tools like Sci-Finder, ScienceDirect, PubMed, Elsevier, Google Scholar, ACS, Medline Plus and Web of Science.

RESULTS

In this review, the authors suggested the suitability of nanoformulation for a particular type of extracts or enriched fraction of phytoconstituents based on their solubility and permeability profile (similar to the BCS class of drugs). This review focuses on different strategies for optimising preparation methods for various HNMs to ensure reproducibility in context with all the physicochemical parameters like particle size, surface area, zeta potential, polydispersity index, entrapment efficiency, drug loading, and drug release, along with the consistent therapeutic index.

CONCLUSION

A combination of herbal medicine with nanotechnology can be an essential tool for the advancement of herbal medicine research with enhanced bioavailability and fewer toxicities. Despite the challenges related to traditional medicine's safe and effective use, there is huge scope for nanotechnology-based herbal medicines. Overall, it is well stabilized that herbal nanomedicines are safer, have higher bioavailability, and have enhanced therapeutic value than conventional herbal and synthetic drugs.

Nanotechnology-based Herbal Formulations: A Survey of Recent Patents, Advancements, and Transformative Headways

Nanotechnology in association with herbal medicine can lead to enhanced therapeutic and diminished adverse effects of medication. In turn, it can lead to synergistic effects of administered compound overcoming its demerits. Nowadays, the trend of herbal compounds to treat even a small illness is gaining momentum. Gone are the days when the ineffectiveness of a compound was impossible to be dealt with. Nevertheless, in this competitive era of science and innovative technology, it has become possible to maximize the usefulness of ineffective yet potent herbal compounds. The demand for herbal compounds is getting amplified because of their ability to treat a myriad of diseases, including COVID-19, showing fewer side effects. The merger of nanotechnology with traditional medicine augments the potential of herbal drugs for devastating dangerous and chronic diseases like cancer. In this review article, we have tried to assimilate the complete information regarding the use of different nanocarriers to overcome the drawbacks of herbal compounds. In addition, all the recent advancements in the herbal field, as well as the future exploration to be emphasized, have been discussed.

Comprehending the potential of metallic, lipid, and polymer-based nanocarriers for treatment and management of depression

The World Health Organization (WHO) ranked depression as the third leading cause of global burden of disease in 2004, and it is predicted to overtake it and move to first place by 2030. It is a mental disorder that causes significant changes in the mood and day-to-day activity of an individual. Various approaches already exist for treating depression but, none of them are completely successful in treating depression. At present, discovering a new medication or delivery mechanism that can manage depression safely and efficiently is a huge challenge. Conventional formulations used in the management of depression have drawbacks like limited penetration, frequent dosing, toxicity, patient compliance concerns as well as brain barriers which are a big hurdle for antidepressant drugs to reach the brain through conventional formulations. Nano-based formulations are gaining popularity as one of the possibilities to overcome the limitations of conventional formulations by reducing the dose and dosing frequency, increasing the efficacy as well as proving it to be safe and effective means of treating depression. This review targets the neurochemistry and pathophysiological concerns of depression, strategies and problems of conventional therapies, and also recent advances in the metallic, lipid, and polymer-based nanoformulations for a variety of antidepressants. A detailed discussion of the expediency of various nanoformulations like liposomes, nanostructured lipid carriers, solid lipid nanoparticles, ethosomes, nanocapsules, dendrimer, gold and silver nanoparticles are addressed in the current review. In essence, nanoformulations hold great promises for the treatment of depression as they provide a platform with high penetration potential, targeted transmission, and improved protection and efficacy.

Advances in Nano-Enabled Platforms for the Treatment of Depression

Nanotechnology has aided in the advancement of drug delivery for the treatment of several neurological disorders including depression. Depression is a relatively common mental disorder which is characterized by a severe imbalance of neurotransmitters. Several current therapeutic regimens against depression display drawbacks which include low bioavailability, delayed therapeutic outcome, undesirable side effects and drug toxicity due to high doses. The blood–brain barrier limits the entry of the drugs into the brain matrix, resulting in low bioavailability and tissue damage due to drug accumulation. Due to their size and physico-chemical properties, nanotechnological drug delivery systems present a promising strategy to enhance the delivery of nanomedicines into the brain matrix, thereby improving bioavailability and limiting toxicity. Furthermore, ligand-complexed nanocarriers can improve drug specificity and antidepressant efficacy and reduce drug toxicity. Biopolymers and nanocarriers can also be employed to enhance controlled drug release and reduce the hepatic first-pass effect, hence reducing the dosing frequency. This manuscript reviews recent advances in different biopolymers, such as polysaccharides and other nanocarriers, for targeted antidepressant drug delivery to the brain. It probes nano-based strategies that can be employed to enhance the therapeutic efficacy of antidepressants through the oral, intranasal, and parenteral routes of administration.

Quickly Identifying High-Risk Variables of Ultrasonic Extraction Oil from Multi-Dimensional Risk Variable Patterns and a Comparative Evaluation of Different Extraction Methods on the Quality of Forsythia suspensa Seed Oil

Generally, essential oils and components of interest are extracted from plants using organic solvent, distillation, ultrasound and supercritical extraction methods. Ultrasonic extraction (UE) has the advantage of high efficiency, but its process is complicated and it has numerous variables. In this study, an L18-Hunter experimental design was applied for the first time to investigate the practicability of applying UE to Forsythia suspensa seed oil. Six potential high-risk variables, including numerical and non-numeric types, were obtained from the risk analysis and their impacts on global yield and antioxidant activity were screened. Furthermore, oils obtained by different extraction processes (i.e., UE, supercritical fluid extraction (SFE), soxhlet extraction (SE) and hydrodistillation extraction (HD)) were analyzed. A comparative study of these oils was characterized and compared by FT-IR, GC-MS and antioxidant activity. The obtained results show that the type of solvent, solvent-to-solid ratio, extraction power and time were the significant variables affecting the extraction yield, whereas antioxidant activity was only affected by the type of solvent. The regression coefficients of the yield and antioxidant activity models were 0.79 and 0.91, and the ANOVA of the models were 0.013 and <0.0001, respectively. Beta-Pinene was the main abundant component in the oils for the UE, SFE, SE and HD methods and the content was about 46%~52.4%. In conclusion, the L18-Hunter design could be used as an effective experimental design method for rapid screening of high-risk variables. Regarding extraction efficiency, chemical composition and biological activity, UE not only offered a robust Forsythia suspensa seed oil extraction process, but also provided a time- and cost-effective advantage to the food and pharmaceutical industry when compared to the SFE, SE and HD extraction processes.