Development and In Vitro Release of Isoniazid and Rifampicin-Loaded Bovine Serum Albumin Nanoparticles

Celastrol-loaded bovine serum albumin nanoparticles target inflamed neutrophils for improved rheumatoid arthritis therapy

Inflammatory neutrophils (INEs), motivated by cytokines, continue to migrate into the inflamed joints, driving the development of RA. Hence, inducing apoptosis of INEs to reduce recruitment at inflamed joints is an effective strategy for the treatment of RA. However, simply apoptotic INEs may trigger the release of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) and accelerate the inflammatory process. To overcome these drawbacks, an RGD-modified bovine serum albumin (BSA) nanoparticles (CBR NPs) was fabricated to selectively target INEs in situ for intracellular delivery of CLT. Studies have demonstrated that CBR NPs can selectively target circulating INEs and induce INEs apoptosis. Meanwhile, CBR NPs inhibited the activation of NETs via NF-κB pathway and the release of Cit-H3 thereby blocking the release process of NETs. In collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) mouse model, CBR NPs suppressed the inflammatory response, and reduced the toxic effects of CLT. In summary, this study shed light on an innovative approach to treat RA by inducing apoptosis of circulating INEs and inhibiting NETs. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: RGD-modified bovine serum albumin (BSA) nanoparticles for delivering celastrol, abbreviated as CBR NPs, were constructed to inhibit the infiltration of circulating inflammatory neutrophils (INEs) into inflamed joints while inhibiting the release of NETs to alleviate tissue damage. CBR NPs were prepared for the first time to induce apoptosis of INEs; CBR NPs could inhibit the release of NETs while inducing apoptosis of INEs in vivo and vitro cellular experiments; CBR NPs had favorable anti-inflammatory effects and low toxicity side-effects in collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) mouse models. The application of nanotechnology to induce apoptosis of INEs while inhibiting the release of NETs was a promising approach for the treatment of RA.

Development of tetracycline-modified nanoparticles for bone-targeted delivery of anti-tubercular drug

Background: Since the poor response to existing anti-tuberculosis drugs and low drug concentration in local bone tissues, the traditional drug therapy does not result in satisfactory treatment of osteoarticular tuberculosis. Thus, we report a rifapentine release system with imparted bone targeting potential using tetracycline (TC) -modified nanoparticles (NPs). Methods: TC was conjugated to PLGA-PEG copolymer via a DCC/NHS technique. Rifapentine-loaded NPs were prepared by premix membrane emulsification technique. The resulting NPs were characterized in terms of physicochemical characterization, hemolytic study, cytotoxicity, bone mineral binding ability, in vitro drug release, stability test and antitubercular activity. The pharmacokinetic and biodistribution studies were also performed in mice. Results: Rifapentine loaded TC-PLGA-PEG NPs were proved to be 48.8 nm in size with encapsulation efficiency and drug loading of 83.3% ± 5.5% and 8.1% ± 0.4%, respectively. The release of rifapentine from NPs could be maintained for more than 60 h. Most (68.0%) TC-PLGA-PEG NPs could bind to HAp powder in vitro. The cellular studies revealed that NPs were safe for intravenous administration. In vivo evaluations also revealed that the drug concentration of bone tissue in TC-PLGA-PEG group was significantly higher than that in other groups at all time (p < 0.05). Both NPs could improve pharmacokinetic parameters without evident organ toxicity. The minimal inhibitory concentration of NPs was 0.094 μg/mL, whereas this of free rifapentine was 0.25 μg/mL. Conclusion: Rifapentine loaded TC-PLGA-PEG NPs could increase the amount of rifapentine in bone tissue, prolong drug release in systemic circulation, enhance anti-tuberculosis activity, and thereby reducing dose and frequency of drug therapy for osteoarticular tuberculosis.

Human Serum Albumin Nanoparticles: Synthesis, Optimization and Immobilization with Antituberculosis Drugs

The aim of this study was to create nanoparticles of human serum albumin immobilized with anti-TB drugs (rifampicin, isoniazid) using the desolvation method. Central Composite Design (CCD) was applied to study the effect of albumin, urea, L-cysteine, rifampicin and isoniazid concentration on particle size, polydispersity and loading degree of the drugs. The optimized nanoparticles were spherical in shape with an average particle size of 216.7 ± 3.7 nm and polydispersity of 0.286 ± 4.9. The loading degree of rifampicin and isoniazid in the optimized nanoparticles were 44% and 27%, respectively. The obtained nanoparticles were examined by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC); the results showed the absence of drug-polymer interactions. The drug release from the polymer matrix was studied using dialysis membranes.

Current nanotechnological strategies using lipids, carbohydrates, proteins and metal conjugates-based carrier systems for diagnosis and treatment of tuberculosis - A review

Tuberculosis is a fatal disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis with highest morbidity and mortality every year. The evolution of anti-TB drugs is promising in controlling and treating TB. Yet, the drug response varies depending on the bacterial load and host immunological profiles. The prolonged anti-TB treatment regimen and high pill burden leads to poor adherence to treatment and acquired drug resistance. In the clinical arena, sustainable nanotechnology improves the targeted strategies leading to enhance therapeutic recovery with minimum treatment duration and virtuous drug adherence. Determinants of nanosystems are the size, nature, formulation techniques, stable dosing patterns, bioavailability and toxicity. In the treatment of chronic illness, nanomedicines inclusive of biological macromolecules such as lipids, peptides, and nucleic acids occur to be a successive alternative to synthetic carriers. Most biological nanomaterials possess antimicrobial properties with other intrinsic characteristics. Recently, the pulmonary delivery of anti-TB drugs through polymeric nanocarrier systems is shown to be effective in achieving optimal drug levels in lungs for longer duration, enhanced tissue permeation and sustained systemic clearance. This thematic review provides a holistic insight into the nanodelivery systems pertinent to the therapeutic applications in pulmonary tuberculosis describing the choice of carriers, optimized process, metabolic action and excretion processes.

Treatment of spinal tuberculosis in rabbits using bovine serum albumin nanoparticles loaded with isoniazid and rifampicin

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the clinical efficacy of bovine serum albumin nanoparticles loaded with isoniazid and rifampicin (INH-RFP-BSA-NPs) in the treatment of spinal tuberculosis in rabbits.

METHODS

35 spinal tuberculosis rabbit models were grouped into three groups, including 14 in group A and group B respectively and 7 in group C.All rabbits in group A were treated by INH-RFP-BSA-NPs's injection and in group B were treated with classic dosage form of INH and RFP, while in group C normal saline was given as the blank control. After intervention, the body weighing and CT scan, as well as concentration's measurement of INH and RFP in blood and tissues, were performed in all rabbits at the time of the 6thweek and 12th week, respectively.

RESULTS

In group A, rabbits' weight increased by 0.44 kg and 0.27 kg within 6 weeks and 12 weeks' treatment respectively. The bactericidal concentrations of 1.64 µg•g^-1 for INH and 21.36 µg•g^-1 for RFP were measured in focus vertebral body 6 weeks post-injection and six weeks later the concentrations of INH and RFP in vertebral body still maintained at the level of 1.96 µg•g^-1 and 22.35 µg•g^-1respectively. After 12 weeks therapy, CT-scanned showed all the necrotic tissue was replaced by normal bone tissue. In group B, all rabbits had no significant increment of body weight and 4 rabbits had paralysis of hind leg. The concentrations of INH and RFP in vertebral body and focus were much lower than group A. CT-scanned showed the focus vertebral body was only partially repaired after 12 weeks' therapy.

CONCLUSION

The INH-RFP-BSA-NPs has the characteristics of sustained release in vivo and target biodistribution in focus vertebral body. Its therapeutic effect in rabbit spinal tuberculosis is much better than common INH and RFP.

Nano-based anti-tubercular drug delivery: an emerging paradigm for improved therapeutic intervention

Tuberculosis (TB) classified as one of the most fatal contagious diseases is of prime concern globally. Mycobacterium tuberculosis is the causative agent that ingresses within the host cells. The approved conventional regimen, though the only viable option available, is unfavorably impacting the quality of life of the affected individual. Despite newer antibiotics gaining light, there is an unending demand for more therapeutic alternatives. Therefore, substantial continuous endeavors are been undertaken to come up with novel strategies to curb the disease, the stepping stone being nanotechnology. This approach is instrumental in overcoming the anomalies associated with conventional therapy owing to their intriguing attributes and leads to optimization of the therapeutic effect to a certain extent. This review focusses on the different types of nanocarrier systems that are being currently explored by the researchers for the delivery of anti-tubercular drugs, the outcomes achieved by them, and their prospects.

Micro-interaction of mucin tear film interface with particles: The inconsistency of pharmacodynamics and precorneal retention of ion-exchange, functionalized, Mt-embedded nano- and microparticles

Physiological reflexes and anatomical barriers render traditional eye drop delivery inefficient. We previously reported that drug-loaded nanoparticles and microspheres prepared from montmorillonite and Eudragit polymers exhibited good sustained-release and lowered intraocular pressure. Here, we compared the performance of optimized formulations to select the most suitable formulation for glaucoma therapy. We found that the microspheres had much higher encapsulation efficiency and drug loading than nanoparticles. Moreover, cytocompatibility experiments demonstrated that nanoparticles showed more severe cytotoxicity than microspheres, probably due to their smaller particles, enhanced cell uptake, and intracellular solubility. Interestingly, the pre-corneal retention time of nanoparticles reflected a clear advantage over microspheres, while the duration of the pharmacological effect of nanoparticles was not as good as that of microspheres: compared with the nanoparticle depressurization duration of only 8 h, the microspheres continuously depressurized for 12 h. The slower release of the microspheres and its micro-interaction mechanism with the discontinuous mucin layer of the tear film led to the inconsistency between duration of pharmacodynamics and fluorescence ocular retention time. In summary, the lower cytotoxicity and longer pharmacological effect of microspheres indicate their potential advantages for glaucoma applications.

Salmonella-innovative targeting carrier: Loading with doxorubicin for cancer treatment

Cell- based targeted delivery is recently gain attention as a promising platform for delivery of anticancer drug in selective and efficient manner. As a new biotechnology platform, bacterial ghosts (BGs) have novel biomedical application as targeted drug delivery system (TDDS). In the current work, Salmonellas' BGs was utilized for the first time as hepatocellular cancer (HCC) in-vitro targeted delivery system. Successful BGs loading and accurate analysis of doxorubicin (DOX) were necessary steps for testing the applicability of DOX loaded BGs in targeting the liver cancer cells. Loading capacity was maximized to reach 27.5 µg/mg (27.5% encapsulation efficiency), by incubation of 10 mg BGs with 1 mg DOX at pH 9 in constant temperature (25 °C) for 10 min. In-vitro release study of DOX loaded BGs showed a sustained release (182 h) obeying Higuchi sustained kinetic release model. The death rate (tested by MTT assay) of HepG2 reached to 64.5% by using of 4 μg/ml, while it was about 51% using the same concentration of the free DOX (P value < 0.0001 One-way ANOVA analysis). The proliferative inhibitory concentration (IC50) of the DOX combined formula was 1.328 µg/ml that was about one third of the IC50 of the free DOX (3.374 μg/ml). Apoptosis analysis (tested by flow-cytometry) showed more accumulation in early apoptosis (8.3%) and late apoptosis/necrosis (91%) by applying 1 μg/ml BGs combined DOX, while 1 μg/ml free DOX showed 33.4% of cells in early apoptosis and 39.3% in late apoptosis/necrosis, (P value˃ 0.05: one-way ANOVA). In conclusion, DOX loaded Salmonellas' BGs are successfully prepared and tested in vivo with promising potential as hepatocellular cancer (HCC) targeted delivery system.

Sodium Hyaluronate Nanocomposite Respirable Microparticles to Tackle Antibiotic Resistance with Potential Application in Treatment of Mycobacterial Pulmonary Infections

Tuberculosis resistant cases have been estimated to grow every year. Besides Mycobacterium tuberculosis, other mycobacterial species are responsible for an increasing number of difficult-to-treat infections. To increase efficacy of pulmonary treatment of mycobacterial infections an inhalable antibiotic powder targeting infected alveolar macrophages (AMs) and including an efflux pump inhibitor was developed. Low molecular weight sodium hyaluronate sub-micron particles were efficiently loaded with rifampicin, isoniazid and verapamil, and transformed in highly respirable microparticles (mean volume diameter: 1 μm) by spray drying. These particles were able to regenerate their original size upon contact with aqueous environment with mechanical stirring or sonication. The in vitro drugs release profile from the powder was characterized by a slow release rate, favorable to maintain a high drug level inside AMs. In vitro antimicrobial activity and ex vivo macrophage infection assays employing susceptible and drug resistant strains were carried out. No significant differences were observed when the powder, which did not compromise the AMs viability after a five-day exposure, was compared to the same formulation without verapamil. However, both preparations achieved more than 80% reduction in bacterial viability irrespective of the drug resistance profile. This approach can be considered appropriate to treat mycobacterial respiratory infections, regardless the level of drug resistance.

Interactions with the macrophages: An emerging targeted approach using novel drug delivery systems in respiratory diseases

Macrophages are considered as the most flexible cells of the hematopoietic system that are distributed in the tissues to act against pathogens and foreign particles. Macrophages are essential in maintaining homeostatic tissue processes, repair and immunity. Also, play important role in cytokine secretion and signal transduction of the infection so as to develop acquired immunity. Accounting to their involvement in pathogenesis, macrophages present a therapeutic target for the treatment of inflammatory respiratory diseases. This review focuses on novel drug delivery systems (NDDS) including nanoparticles, liposomes, dendrimers, microspheres etc that can target alveolar macrophage associated with inflammation, intracellular infection and lung cancer. The physiochemical properties and functional moieties of the NDDS attributes to enhanced macrophage targeting and uptake. The NDDS are promising for sustained drug delivery, reduced therapeutic dose, improved patient compliance and reduce drug toxicity. Further, the review also discuss about modified NDDS for specificity to the target and molecular targeting via anti-microbial peptides, kinases, NRF-2 and phosphodiesterase.

Curcumin-loaded chitosan-bovine serum albumin nanoparticles potentially enhanced Aβ 42 phagocytosis and modulated macrophage polarization in Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common neurodegenerative disorder in the elderly population. In the treatment of AD, some obstacles, including drug penetration difficulty through the blood-brain barrier (BBB), inadequate clearance of the Aβ peptide, and the massive release of inflammatory factors, must be urgently overcome. To solve these problems, we developed special and novel nanoparticles (NPs) made of chitosan (CS) and bovine serum albumin (BSA) to enhance the penetration of drugs through the BBB. Curcumin as a potent anti-inflammatory agent was used to increase the phagocytosis of the Aβ peptide. The results demonstrated that curcumin-loaded CS-BSA NPs effectively increased drug penetration through the BBB, promoted the activation of microglia, and further accelerated the phagocytosis of the Aβ peptide. Furthermore, curcumin-loaded CS-BSA NPs inhibited the TLR4-MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathway and further downregulated M1 macrophage polarization. This study suggested that curcumin-loaded CS-BSA NPs hold the potential to enhance Aβ 42 phagocytosis through modulating macrophage polarization in AD.