Characterization and trypanocidal activity of a β-lapachone-containing drug carrier

Inclusion complex of O-allyl-lawsone with 2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin: Preparation, physical characterization, antiparasitic and antifungal activity

The subclass naphthoquinone represents a substance group containing several compounds with important activities against various pathogenic microorganisms. Accordingly, we evaluated O-allyl-lawsone (OAL) antiparasitic and antifungal activity free and encapsulated in 2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (OAL MKN) against Trypanosoma cruzi and Sporothrix spp. OAL and OAL MKN were synthesized and characterized by physicochemical methods. The IC₅₀ values of OAL against T. cruzi were 2.4 µM and 96.8 µM, considering epimastigotes and trypomastigotes, respectively. At the same time, OAL MKN exhibited a lower IC₅₀ value (0.5 µM) for both trypanosome forms and low toxicity for mammalian cells. Additionally, the encapsulation showed a selectivity index approximately 240 times higher than that of benznidazole. Regarding antifungal activity, OAL and OAL MKN inhibited Sporothrix brasiliensis growth at 16 µM, while Sporothrix schenckii was inhibited at 32 µM. OAL MKN also exhibited higher selectivity toward fungus than mammalian cells. In conclusion, we described the encapsulation of O-allyl-lawsone in 2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin, increasing the antiparasitic activity compared with the free form and reducing the cytotoxicity and increasing the selectivity towardSporothrix yeasts and the T. cruzi trypomastigote form. This study highlights the potential development of this inclusion complex as an antiparasitic and antifungal agent to treat neglected diseases.

Preparation and Synergistic Anti-Tumor Effect of Iridium Oxide Nanocomposites under Microscope

In order to solve the great difficulties in cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment, a preparation method of iridium oxide nanocomposites under the microscope was proposed in this paper. Through a retrospective analysis of an experiment, IrOx nanoparticles were prepared by direct hydrothermal hydrolysis and loaded with chemotherapy drug adriamycin to construct nanodrug-loaded complex IrOx@DOX. At the same time, IrOx, as a sound-sensitive agent, can produce ROS under US irradiation, amplify intracellular oxidative stress, accelerate tumor cell death, and finally achieve the effect of SDT chemotherapy synergistic therapy. The experimental results show that IrOx@DOX has the dual response of pH and US, and the inhibition rates are 27%, 57%, and 76%, respectively. At the same time, ultrasound not only can enhance the uptake of nanoparticles by cells but also can promote the release of DOX in cells, which provides a basis for subsequent SDT chemotherapy synergistic therapy. Conclusion. Iridium oxide nanocomposite DOX combined with SDT can obtain a good therapeutic effect, which has positive feedback on the efficacy of chemotherapy and the therapeutic effect of cancer surgery.