Nanoliposome-loaded antifungal drugs for dermal administration: A review

Time-kill kinetic of nano-ZnO-loaded nanoliposomes against Aspergillus niger and Botrytis cinerea

In vitro antimicrobial activity of nano-ZnO-loaded nanoliposomes at different levels of lecithin:nano-ZnO ratio (5:1, 15:1, and 25:1 w/w) against Aspergillus niger (IBRC-M 30095) and Botrytis cinerea (IBRC-M 30162) was evaluated. Nanoliposome formulations containing nano-ZnO were fabricated through thin-layer hydration sonication and heat methods. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) of nano-ZnO-loaded nanoliposomes and free nano-ZnO against Aspergillus niger and Botrytis cinerea were determined. The time-kill experiments were performed for each isolate. Results showed that the encapsulation of nano-ZnO in nanoliposome systems significantly enhanced their antimicrobial activities by improving the penetration of ZnO nanoparticles the fungi cell membrane. In vitro antifungal activity of nano-ZnO-loaded nanoliposomes against Aspergillus niger and Botrytis cinerea was increased in thin-layer hydration sonication method compared with the heat method. The log phase for Aspergillus niger and Botrytis cinerea was around 70 h. Adding nano-ZnO-loaded nanoliposomes to the culture medium shortened the log phase for both Aspergillus niger and Botrytis cinerea. The highest antimicrobial activity of nanoliposomes was achieved using nanoliposomes containing the lecithin:nano-ZnO ratio of 25:1 (w/w) as compared to all samples. However, the length of the log phase growth cultures exposed to the nanoliposome formulations prepared by thin-layer hydration sonication method with the lecithin:nano-ZnO ratio of 25:1 (w/w) at MIC and MFC values was 60 and 40 h for both Aspergillus niger and Botrytis cinerea, respectively.

Nanotechnology-based Drug Delivery of Topical Antifungal Agents

Among the various prominent fungal infections, superficial ones are widespread. A large number of antifungal agents and their formulations for topical use are commercially available. They have some pharmacokinetic limitations which cannot be retracted by conventional delivery systems. While nanoformulations composed of lipidic and polymeric nanoparticles have the potential to overcome the limitations of conventional systems. The broad spectrum category of antifungals i.e. azoles (ketoconazole, voriconazole, econazole, miconazole, etc.) nanoparticles have been designed, prepared and their pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profile was established. This review briefly elaborates on the types of nano-based topical drug delivery systems and portrays their advantages for researchers in the related field to benefit the available antifungal therapeutics.

Nanoliposomes containing three essential oils from the Artemisia genus as effective larvicides against Aedes aegypti and Anopheles stephensi

Aedes aegypti and Anopheles stephensi have challenged human health by transmitting several infectious disease agents, such as malaria, dengue fever, and yellow fever. Larvicides, especially in endemic regions, is an effective approach to the control of mosquito-borne diseases. In this study, the composition of three essential oil from the Artemisia L. family was analyzed by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry. Afterward, nanoliposomes containing essential oils of A. annua, A. dracunculus, and A. sieberi with particle sizes of 137 ± 5, 151 ± 6, and 92 ± 5 nm were prepared. Besides, their zeta potential values were obtained at 32 ± 0.5, 32 ± 0.6, and 43 ± 1.7 mV. ATR-FTIR analysis (Attenuated Total Reflection-Fourier Transform InfraRed) confirmed the successful loading of the essential oils. Moreover, The LC50 values of nanoliposomes against Ae. aegypti larvae were 34, 151, and 197 µg/mL. These values for An.stephensi were obtained as 23 and 90, and 140 µg/mL, respectively. The results revealed that nanoliposomes containing A. dracunculus exerted the highest potential larvicidal effect against Ae. aegypti and An. stephensi, which can be considered against other mosquitoes.

Advances in anti-invasive fungal drug delivery systems

Currently, the first-line drugs for invasive fungal infections (IFI), such as amphotericin B, fluconazole and itraconazole, have drawbacks including poor water solubility, low bioavailability, and severe side effects. Using drug delivery systems is a promising strategy to improve the efficacy and safety of traditional antifungal therapy. Synthetic and biomimetic carriers have greatly facilitated the development of targeted delivery systems for antifungal drugs. Synthetic carrier drug delivery systems, such as liposomes, nanoparticles, polymer micelles, and microspheres, can improve the physicochemical properties of antifungal drugs, prolong their circulation time, enhance targeting capabilities, and reduce toxic side effects. Cell membrane biomimetic drug delivery systems, such as macrophage or red blood cell membrane-coated drug delivery systems, retain the membrane structure of somatic cells and confer various biological functions and specific targeting abilities to the loaded antifungal drugs, exhibiting better biocompatibility and lower toxicity. This article reviews the development of antifungal drug delivery systems and their application in the treatment of IFI, and also discusses the prospects of novel biomimetic carriers in antifungal drug delivery.

Exploration of Lipid-Based Nanocarriers as Drug Delivery Systems in Diabetic Foot Ulcer

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic manifestation characterized by high levels of glucose in the blood resulting in several complications including diabetic wounds and ulcers, which predominantly require a longer duration of treatment and adversely affect the quality of life of the patients. Nanotechnology-based therapeutics (both intrinsic and extrinsic types) have emerged as a promising treatment in diabetic foot ulcer/chronic wounds owing to their unique characteristics and specific functional properties. In this review, we have focused on the significance of the use of lipids in the healing of diabetic ulcers, their interaction with the injured skin, and recent trends in lipid-based nanocarriers for the healing of diabetic wounds. Lipid nanocarriers are also being investigated for gene therapy in diabetic wound healing to encapsulate nucleic acids such as siRNA and miRNA, which could silence the expression of inflammatory cytokines overexpressed in chronic wounds. Additionally, these are also being explored for encapsulating proteins, peptides, growth factors, and other biological genetic material as therapeutic agents. Lipid-based nanocarriers encompassing a wide variety of carriers such as liposomes, niosomes, ethosomes, solid lipid nanoparticles, and lipidoid nanoparticles that are explored for the treatment of foot ulcers supplemented with relevant research studies have been discussed in the present review. Lipid-based nanodrug delivery systems have demonstrated promising wound healing potential, particularly in diabetic conditions due to the enhanced efficacy of the entrapped active molecules.

Harnessing Intranasal Delivery Systems of Sumatriptan for the Treatment of Migraine

Sumatriptan (ST) is a commonly prescribed drug for treating migraine. The efficiency of several routes of ST administration has been investigated. Recently, the intranasal route with different delivery systems has gained interest owing to its fast-acting and effectiveness. The present study is aimed at reviewing the available studies on novel delivery systems for intranasal ST administration. The oral route of ST administration is common but complicated with some problems. Gastroparesis in patients with migraine may reduce the absorption and effectiveness of ST upon oral use. Furthermore, the gastrointestinal (GI) system and hepatic metabolism can alter the pharmacokinetics and clinical effects of ST. The bioavailability of conventional nasal liquids is low due to the deposition of a large fraction of the delivered dose of a drug in the nasal cavity. Several delivery systems have been utilized in a wide range of preclinical and clinical studies to enhance the bioavailability of ST. The beneficial effects of the dry nasal powder of ST (AVP-825) have been proven in clinical studies. Moreover, other delivery systems based on microemulsions, microspheres, and nanoparticles have been introduced, and their higher bioavailability and efficacy were demonstrated in preclinical studies. Based on the extant findings, harnessing novel delivery systems can improve the bioavailability of ST and enhance its effectiveness against migraine attacks. However, further clinical studies are needed to approve the safety and efficacy of employing such systems in humans.