Thermosensitive Tri-Block Polymer Nanoparticle-Hydrogel Composites as Payloads of Natamycin for Antifungal Therapy Against Fusarium Solani

Novel Drug Delivery Systems for the Management of Fungal Keratitis

Fungal keratitis (FK) is a dangerous corneal infection that is common in tropical and subtropical areas. Its incidence is extremely high, and ocular trauma and contact lenses can lead to FK, but its common treatment such as using topical antifungal eye drop instillation is often less effective because of several drawbacks of the drugs typically used, including limited ocular penetration, high frequency of dosing, poor biocompatibility, and the potential for severe drug reactions. Therefore, the development of novel drug delivery devices for the treatment of FK is urgent. The urgent need for novel drug delivery devices to treat FK has led to the development of several techniques, including nanoparticles (NPs), in situ forming hydrogels, contact lenses, and microneedles (MNs). However, it is important to note that the main mechanisms differ between these techniques. NPs can transport large amounts of drugs and be taken up by cells owing to their large surface area and small size. In situ forming hydrogels can significantly extend the residence time of drugs because of their strong adhesive properties. Contact lenses, with their comfortable shape and drug-carrying capacity, can also act as drug delivery devices. MNs can create channels in the cornea, bypassing its barrier and enhancing drug bioavailability. This article will go over novel medication delivery techniques for treating FK and make a conclusion about their advantages and limitations in anticipation to serve the best option for the individual therapy of FK.

Recent advances in nanotechnology for the treatment of fungal keratitis

Fungal keratitis (FK) is a serious pathogenic disease usually associated with serious ocular complications. The current mainstay of treatment for FK is topical eye drops; however, poor corneal penetration, low bioavailability of the drug and the need to administer high and frequent doses due to the presence of an effective clearance mechanism in the eye result in poor patient compliance. Nanocarriers can extend the duration of drug action through sustained and controlled release of the drug, protect the drug from ocular enzymes and help overcome ocular barriers. In this review, we discussed the mechanisms of action of antifungal drugs, the theoretical basis for the treatment of FK, and recent advances in the clinical treatment of FK. We have summarized the results of research into the most promising nanocarriers for ocular drug delivery and highlight their efficacy and safety in the therapy.

Nucleus Pulposus-Targeting Nanocarriers Facilitate Mirna-Based Therapeutics for Intervertebral Disc Degeneration

Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) is a common cause of low back pain. Understanding its molecular mechanisms is the basis for developing specific treatment. To demonstrate that miR-22-3p is critical in the regulation of IDD, miRNA microarray analyses are conducted in conjunction with in vivo and in vitro experiments. The miR-22-3p knockout (KO) mice show a marked decrease in the histological scores. Bioinformatic analysis reveals that miR-22-3p plays a mechanistic role in the development of IDD by targeting SIRT1, which in turn activates the JAK1/STAT3 signaling pathway. This is confirmed by a luciferase reporter assay and western blot analysis. Therapeutically, the delivery of miR-22-3p inhibitors and mimics through the synthesized nanoparticles in the IDD model alleviates and aggravates IDD, respectively. The nanocarriers enhance transportation of miR-22-3p to nucleus pulposus cells, thus enabling the in vivo inhibition of miR-22-3p for therapeutic purposes and consequently promoting the development of miRNA-specific drugs for IDD.

Trans-corneal drug delivery strategies in the treatment of ocular diseases

The cornea is a remarkable tissue that possesses specialized structures designed to safeguard the eye against foreign objects. However, its unique properties also make it challenging to deliver drugs in a non-invasive manner. This review highlights recent advancements in achieving highly efficient drug transport across the cornea, focusing on nanomaterials. We have classified these strategies into three main categories based on their mechanisms and have analyzed their success and limitations in a systematic manner. The purpose of this review is to examine potential general principles that could improve drug penetration through the cornea and other natural barriers in the eye. We hope it will inspire the development of more effective drug delivery systems that can better treat ocular diseases.

Polymer- and lipid-based nanocarriers for ocular drug delivery: Current status and future perspectives

Ocular diseases seriously affect patients' vision and life quality, with a global morbidity of over 43 million blindness. However, efficient drug delivery to treat ocular diseases, particularly intraocular disorders, remains a huge challenge due to multiple ocular barriers that significantly affect the ultimate therapeutic efficacy of drugs. Recent advances in nanocarrier technology offer a promising opportunity to overcome these barriers by providing enhanced penetration, increased retention, improved solubility, reduced toxicity, prolonged release, and targeted delivery of the loaded drug to the eyes. This review primarily provides an overview of the progress and contemporary applications of nanocarriers, mainly polymer- and lipid-based nanocarriers, in treating various eye diseases, highlighting their value in achieving efficient ocular drug delivery. Additionally, the review covers the ocular barriers and administration routes, as well as the prospective future developments and challenges in the field of nanocarriers for treating ocular diseases.

Protective effect of spore oil-functionalized nano-selenium system on cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity by regulating oxidative stress-mediated pathways and activating immune response

In clinical practice, cisplatin is the most commonly used chemotherapy drug to treat a range of malignancies. Severe ROS-regulated nephrotoxicity, however, restricts its applicability. Currently, the main mechanisms leading to cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity in clinical settings involve hydration or diuresis. However, not all patients can be treated with massive hydration or diuretics. Therefore, it is crucial to develop a treatment modality that can effectively reduce nephrotoxicity through a foodborne route. Selenium has been reported to have strong antioxidant as well as anticancer effects when administered as spore oil. Herein, we established cellular and animal models of cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity and synthesized spore oil-functionalized nano-selenium (GLSO@SeNPs). We found that GLSO@SeNPs inhibit the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway by maintaining oxidative homeostasis and regulating related signaling pathways (the MAPK, caspase, and AKT signaling pathways). In vivo, GLSO@SeNPs could effectively improve cisplatin-induced renal impairment, effectively maintaining oxidative homeostasis in renal tissues and thus inhibiting the process of renal injury. In addition, GLSO@SeNPs were converted into selenocysteine (SeCys2), which may exert protective effects. Furthermore, GLSO@SeNPs could effectively modulate the ratio of immune cells in kidneys and spleen, reducing the proportions of CD3⁺CD4⁺ T cells, CD3⁺CD8⁺ T cells, and M1 phenotype macrophages and increasing the proportion of anti-inflammatory regulatory T cells. In summary, in this study, we synthesized food-derived spore oil-functionalized nanomaterials, and we explored the mechanisms by which GLSO@SeNPs inhibit cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity. Our study provides a basis and rationale for the inhibition of cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity by food-derived nutrients.

Preparation and Characterization of Ion-Sensitive Brimonidine Tartrate In Situ Gel for Ocular Delivery

Brimonidine tartrate (BRT) is a highly selective α2 adrenergic receptor agonist as treatment for patients with open angle glaucoma and high intraocular pressure. The objective of this study was to formulate an ophthalmic ion-sensitive in situ gel (ISG) of BRT to increase the retention time of the drug and its bioavailability. The optimum formulation of 2 mg/mL BRT-ISG was obtained with 0.45% gellan gum as the gel matrix. In vitro release results showed that the water-soluble drug bromonidine tartrate in ocular in situ gels exhibited a high burst effect and fast release in solution. The results of dialysis membrane permeation showed that there was a significant difference between the commercially available and BRT-ISG groups after 45 min. The results of the pre-corneal retention study indicated that gellan gum can effectively prolong ocular surface retention. Preliminary stability results showed that it should be stored in a cool and dark place, and the formulation under long-term preservation can be basically stable. The pharmacokinetic study of the BRT-ISG in the anterior chamber of the rabbit eye was studied by microdialysis technique, and microdialysis samples were analyzed by LC-MS/MS. The pharmacokinetic study showed that the BRT-ISG reached Cmax (8.16 mg/L) at 93 min after administration, which was 2.7 times that of the BRT eye drops, and the AUC(0-t) (1397.08 mg·min/L) was 3.4 times that of the BRT eye drops. The optimal prescription can prolong the retention time of BRT in front of the cornea and significantly improve the bioavailability of BRT in the eye. Combined with the results of in vitro release, permeation and pre-corneal retention studies, the improvement of BRT-ISG bioavailability in rabbit eyes was found to be mainly due to the retention effect after the mixture of ISG and tears.