Silica-coated flexible liposomes as a nanohybrid delivery system for enhanced oral bioavailability of curcumin

Targeting nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2-regulated ferroptosis to treat nervous system diseases

By critically examining the work, we conducted a comprehensive bibliometric analysis on the role of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) in nervous system diseases. We also proposed suggestions for future bibliometric studies, including the integration of multiple websites, analytical tools, and analytical approaches, The findings presented provide compelling evidence that ferroptosis is closely associated with the therapeutic challenges of nervous system diseases. Targeted modulation of NRF2 to regulate ferroptosis holds substantial potential for effectively treating these diseases. Future NRF2-related research should not only focus on discovering new drugs but also on designing rational drug delivery systems. In particular, nanocarriers offer substantial potential for facilitating the clinical translation of NRF2 research and addressing existing issues related to NRF2-related drugs.

Transepithelial transport of nanoparticles in oral drug delivery: From the perspective of surface and holistic property modulation

Despite the promising prospects of nanoparticles in oral drug delivery, the process of oral administration involves a complex transportation pathway that includes cellular uptake, intracellular trafficking, and exocytosis by intestinal epithelial cells, which are necessary steps for nanoparticles to enter the bloodstream and exert therapeutic effects. Current researchers have identified several crucial factors that regulate the interaction between nanoparticles and intestinal epithelial cells, including surface properties such as ligand modification, surface charge, hydrophilicity/hydrophobicity, intestinal protein corona formation, as well as holistic properties like particle size, shape, and rigidity. Understanding these properties is essential for enhancing transepithelial transport efficiency and designing effective oral drug delivery systems. Therefore, this review provides a comprehensive overview of the surface and holistic properties that influence the transepithelial transport of nanoparticles, elucidating the underlying principles governing their impact on transepithelial transport. The review also outlines the chosen of parameters to be considered for the subsequent design of oral drug delivery systems.

Oral Delivery of the Vancomycin Derivative FU002 by a Surface-Modified Liposomal Nanocarrier

Oral delivery of peptide therapeutics faces multiple challenges due to their instability in the gastrointestinal tract and low permeation capability. In this study, the aim is to develop a liposomal nanocarrier formulation to enable the oral delivery of the vancomycin-peptide derivative FU002. FU002 is a promising, resistance-breaking, antibiotic which exhibits poor oral bioavailability, limiting its potential therapeutic use. To increase its oral bioavailability, FU002 is incorporated into tetraether lipid-stabilized liposomes modified with cyclic cell-penetrating peptides on the liposomal surface. This liposomal formulation shows strong binding to Caco-2 cells without exerting cytotoxic effects in vitro. Pharmacokinetics studies in vivo in rats reveal increased oral bioavailability of liposomal FU002 when compared to the free drug. In vitro and in vivo antimicrobial activity of FU002 are preserved in the liposomal formulation. As a highlight, oral administration of liposomal FU002 results in significant therapeutic efficacy in a murine systemic infection model. Thus, the presented nanotechnological approach provides a promising strategy for enabling oral delivery of this highly active vancomycin derivative.

A chitosan/alginate coated nano-liposome to improve intestinal absorption of curcumin for oral administration

Attempts to improve low absorption and rapid metabolic conversion of curcumin were made by developing curcumin-loaded bilayer nanoliposomes coated with chitosan and alginate for intestinal-specific drug delivery. A curcumin-loaded nano-liposome was prepared with optimized formulations with phosphatidylcholine, curcumin, chitosan, and alginate. The particle size of the optimized formulation was approximately 400 nm, and the encapsulation efficiency was more than 99%. In the in vitro release study, curcumin release from the curcumin-loaded nanoliposome with double layers of chitosan/alginate (CNL-CH/AL) was suppressed in the simulated gastric fluid (SGF, pH 1.2) and enhanced in the simulated intestinal fluid (SIF, pH 6.8). In the in vivo pharmacokinetic study in rats, the CNL-CH/AL-treated group showed a prolonged absorption pattern of curcumin and the area under the plasma concentration-time curve from 0 to 24 h (AUC0-24) was improved 109-fold compared to the control group treated with a curcumin solution without a nanocarrier.

Photoactive imaging and therapy for colorectal cancer using a CEA-Affimer conjugated Foslip nanoparticle

Theranostic nanoparticles hold promise for simultaneous imaging and therapy in colorectal cancer. Carcinoembryonic antigen can be used as a target for these nanoparticles because it is overexpressed in most colorectal cancers. Affimer reagents are synthetic proteins capable of binding specific targets, with additional advantages over antibodies for targeting. We fabricated silica nanoparticles using a water-in-oil microemulsion technique, loaded them with the photosensitiser Foslip, and functionalised the surface with anti-CEA Affimers to facilitate fluorescence imaging and photodynamic therapy of colorectal cancer. CEA-specific fluorescence imaging and phototoxicity were quantified in colorectal cancer cell lines and a LS174T murine xenograft colorectal cancer model. Anti-CEA targeted nanoparticles exhibited CEA-specific fluorescence in the LoVo, LS174T and HCT116 cell lines when compared to control particles (p < 0.0001). No toxicity was observed in LS174T cancer mouse xenografts or other organs. Following photo-irradiation, the anti-CEA targeted particles caused significant cell death in LoVo (60%), LS174T (90%) and HCT116 (70%) compared to controls (p < 0.0001). Photodynamic therapy (PDT) at 24 h in vivo showed a 4-fold reduction in tumour volume compared to control mouse xenografts (p < 0.0001). This study demonstrates the efficacy of targeted fluorescence imaging and PDT using Foslip nanoparticles conjugated to anti-CEA Affimer nanoparticles in in vitro and in vivo colorectal cancer models.

Overcoming the Low-Stability Bottleneck in the Clinical Translation of Liposomal Pressurized Metered-Dose Inhalers: A Shell Stabilization Strategy Inspired by Biomineralization

Currently, several types of inhalable liposomes have been developed. Among them, liposomal pressurized metered-dose inhalers (pMDIs) have gained much attention due to their cost-effectiveness, patient compliance, and accurate dosages. However, the clinical application of liposomal pMDIs has been hindered by the low stability, i.e., the tendency of the aggregation of the liposome lipid bilayer in hydrophobic propellant medium and brittleness under high mechanical forces. Biomineralization is an evolutionary mechanism that organisms use to resist harsh external environments in nature, providing mechanical support and protection effects. Inspired by such a concept, this paper proposes a shell stabilization strategy (SSS) to solve the problem of the low stability of liposomal pMDIs. Depending on the shell material used, the SSS can be classified into biomineralization (biomineralized using calcium, silicon, manganese, titanium, gadolinium, etc.) biomineralization-like (composite with protein), and layer-by-layer (LbL) assembly (multiple shells structured with diverse materials). This work evaluated the potential of this strategy by reviewing studies on the formation of shells deposited on liposomes or similar structures. It also covered useful synthesis strategies and active molecules/functional groups for modification. We aimed to put forward new insights to promote the stability of liposomal pMDIs and shed some light on the clinical translation of relevant products.

Investigating Bioavailability of Curcumin and Piperine Combination in Comparison to Turmeric Rhizomes: An in vitro Study

Purpose

To assess the permeability of the test item (a combination of curcumin and piperine) and a reference item (dried and crushed turmeric rhizomes) using a combination of Caco-2 cell monolayer permeability assay and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.

Methodology

In the Caco-2 cell assay, a transport buffer was prepared, and stock solutions of test and reference items were made. Caco-2 cells were cultured on transwell plates. Permeability assays were conducted for 2 and 6 hours, followed by post-experiment testing for assessing the monolayer integrity. LC-MS/MS (Liquid Chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry) analysis was performed to calculate apparent permeability of each item.

Results

The test item was undetectable at the end of 2 hours of permeability assay. Further, after 6 hours of permeability assay, the permeability of both test and reference item was found to be low.

Conclusion

The results showed that the curcumin and piperine combination had low permeability of curcumin in vitro as compared to the dried and crushed turmeric rhizomes. This could predict the low bioavailability of curcumin in vivo when co-administered with piperine.

Neuroprotective Effect of Curcumin-Loaded RGD Peptide-PEGylated Nanoliposomes

Curcumin is known for its anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and antioxidant properties, but its use in biological applications is hindered by its sensitivity to light, oxygen, and temperature. Furthermore, due to its low water solubility, curcumin has a poor pharmacokinetic profile and bioavailability. In this study, we evaluated the potential application of curcumin as a neuroprotective agent encapsulated in RGD peptide-PEGylated nanoliposomes developed from salmon-derived lecithin. Salmon lecithin, rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids, was used to formulate empty or curcumin-loaded nanoliposomes. Transmission electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering, and nanoparticle tracking analysis characterizations indicated that the marine-derived peptide-PEGylated nanoliposomes were spherical in shape, nanometric in size, and with an overall negative charge. Cytotoxicity tests of curcumin-loaded nanoliposomes revealed an improved tolerance of neurons to curcumin as compared to free curcumin. Wild-type SH-SY5Y were treated for 24 h with curcumin-loaded nanoliposomes, followed by 24 h incubation with conditioned media of SH-SY5Y expressing the Swedish mutation of APP containing a high ratio of Aβ40/42 peptides. Our results revealed significantly lower Aβ-induced cell toxicity in cells pre-treated with RGD peptide-PEGylated curcumin-loaded nanoliposomes, as compared to controls. Thus, our data highlight the potential use of salmon lecithin-derived RGD peptide PEGylated nanoliposomes for the efficient drug delivery of curcumin as a neuroprotective agent.

Specific surface modification of liposomes for gut targeting of food bioactive agents

Liposomes have become a research hotspot in recent years as food delivery systems with attractive properties, including the bilayer structure assembled like the cell membrane, reducing the side-effect and improving environmental stability of cargos, controlling release, extending duration of functional ingredients, and high biodegradable and biocompatible abilities in the body. However, the conventional liposomes lack stability during storage and are weak in targeted absorption in the gastrointestinal track. At present, surface modification has been approved to be an effective platform to shield these barricades and help liposomes deliver the agents safely and effectively to the ideal site. In this review, the gastrointestinal stability of conventional liposomes, cargo release models from liposomes, and the biological fate of the core materials after release were emphasized. Then, the strategies in both physical and chemical perspectives to improve the stability and utilization of liposomes in the gastrointestinal tract, and the emerging approaches for improving gut targeting by specifically modified liposomes and the intestinal receptors relative to liposomes/cargos absorption were highlighted. Last but not the least, the safety, challenges, and opportunities for the improvement of liposomal bioavailability were also discussed to inspire new applications of liposomes as oral carriers.

The crossroad of nanovesicles and oral delivery of insulin

INTRODUCTION

Diabetes mellitus is one of the challenging health problems worldwide. Multiple daily subcutaneous injection of insulin causes poor compliance in patients. Development of efficient oral formulations to improve the quality of life of such patients has been an important goal in pharmaceutical industry. However, due to serious issues such as low bioavailability and instability, it has not been achieved yet.

AREAS COVERED

Due to functional properties of the vesicles and the fact that hepatic-directed vesicles of insulin could reach the clinical phases, we focused on three main vesicular delivery systems for oral delivery of insulin: liposomes, niosomes, and polymersomes. Recent papers were thoroughly discussed to provide a broad overview of such oral delivery systems.

EXPERT OPINION

Although conventional liposomes are unstable in the presence of bile salts, their further modifications such as surface coating could increase their stability in the GI tract. Bilosomes showed good flexibility and stability in GI fluids. Also, niosomes were stable, but they could not induce significant hypoglycemia in animal studies. Although polymersomes were effective, they are expensive and there are some issues about their safety and industrial scale-up. Also, we believe that other modifications such as addition of a targeting agent or surface coating of the vesicles could significantly increase the bioavailability of insulin-loaded vesicles.

Advancement in Solubilization Approaches: A Step towards Bioavailability Enhancement of Poorly Soluble Drugs

A drug's aqueous solubility is defined as the ability to dissolve in a particular solvent, and it is currently a major hurdle in bringing new drug molecules to the market. According to some estimates, up to 40% of commercialized products and 70-90% of drug candidates in the development stage are poorly soluble, which results in low bioavailability, diminished therapeutic effects, and dosage escalation. Because of this, solubility must be taken into consideration when developing and fabricating pharmaceutical products. To date, a number of approaches have been investigated to address the problem of poor solubility. This review article attempts to summarize several conventional methods utilized to increase the solubility of poorly soluble drugs. These methods include the principles of physical and chemical approaches such as particle size reduction, solid dispersion, supercritical fluid technology, cryogenic technology, inclusion complex formation techniques, and floating granules. It includes structural modification (i.e., prodrug, salt formation, co-crystallization, use of co-solvents, hydrotrophy, polymorphs, amorphous solid dispersions, and pH variation). Various nanotechnological approaches such as liposomes, nanoparticles, dendrimers, micelles, metal organic frameworks, nanogels, nanoemulsions, nanosuspension, carbon nanotubes, and so forth have also been widely investigated for solubility enhancement. All these approaches have brought forward the enhancement of the bioavailability of orally administered drugs by improving the solubility of poorly water-soluble drugs. However, the solubility issues have not been completely resolved, owing to several challenges associated with current approaches, such as reproducibility in large scale production. Considering that there is no universal approach for solving solubility issues, more research is needed to simplify the existing technologies, which could increase the number of commercially available products employing these techniques.

A Sojourn on Liposomal Delivery System: Recent Advances and Future Prospects

Liposomes are unique novel drug delivery carriers that favor the effective transportation of pharmaceuticals. These vesicles acquire one or more phospholipid bilayer membranes, and an inner aqueous core can carry both aqueous and lipid drugs. While hydrophilic molecules can be confined in the aqueous core, hydrophobic molecules are injected into the bilayer membrane. Liposomes have many benefits as a drug delivery method, including biocompatibility, the capacity to carry large drug payloads, and a variety of physicochemical and biological parameters that can be altered to influence their biological characteristics. In addition, being a size of 10-100 nm range can have numerous additional benefits, including enhanced pharmacokinetics, clever escape from the reticuloendothelial system, greater in vivo stability, longer and site-specific administration, and increased internalization in tumor tissue (enhanced permeability and retention impact). The current review focuses on the structural composition of liposomes, formulation technologies, and suitable case studies for optimizing biopharmaceutical performance. Moreover, clinical trials and marketed formulations of liposomes have been also stated in the prior art.

Recent Advances in Senotherapeutics Delivery

Accumulation of senescent cells (SnCs) in various tissue types has been connected to an occurrence of different age-related diseases that are indicated by its own tissue-specific hallmarks. Discovery of novel senolytic compounds that target major cellular mechanisms to inhibit the level of SnCs within the specific tissues or organs has been an emerging field in the age-related disease research. Although the positive effect of senolytics in global suppression of SnCs has been well studied in the past, effective tissue-specific delivery strategy of senotherapeutics before clinical application needs to be further investigated. In this review, we discuss the latest biological insights to currently available senotherapeutic options and explore the impactful in vitro tissue-engineered models possibly as a testbed for replicable testing of tissue-specific potency of senolytics. Impact statement Senotherapy, the inhibition of accumulated senescent cells, is recognized as a significantly impactful way to treat various human diseases. However, there is limited comprehensive reviews on this topic. This review provides in-depth discussion on diverse delivery strategies of senolytic agents and latest updates on a novel senotherapeutic research.

Surface Modification of Lipid-Based Nanoparticles

There is a growing interest in the development of lipid-based nanocarriers for multiple purposes, including the recent increase of these nanocarriers as vaccine components during the COVID-19 pandemic. The number of studies that involve the surface modification of nanocarriers to improve their performance (increase the delivery of a therapeutic to its target site with less off-site accumulation) is enormous. The present review aims to provide an overview of various methods associated with lipid nanoparticle grafting, including techniques used to separate grafted nanoparticles from unbound ligands or to characterize grafted nanoparticles. We also provide a critical perspective on the usefulness and true impact of these modifications on overcoming different biological barriers, with our prediction on what to expect in the near future in this field.

Optimization of Hyaluronate-Based Liposomes to Augment the Oral Delivery and the Bioavailability of Berberine

Various perspectives had been utilized to enhance the poor intestinal permeability and bioavailability of drugs with low water solubility. Berberine (Brb) is a unique molecule that possesses multiple therapeutic activities such as antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-hyperglycemic effects. To improve Brb permeability and bioavailability, this study presents a newly developed formulation, namely Brb hyaluronate-based liposomes, prepared by using film hydration method and characterized by dynamic light scattering measurements, entrapment efficiency percentage (EE%), transmission electron microscope (TEM), in vitro drug release and physical stability. The bioavailability of the selected formulations was assessed in vivo after oral administration to rats. The results revealed an enhanced effect of hyaluronic acid on the entrapment efficiency, reaching 78.1 ± 0.1% with mean size 520.7 ± 19.9 nm. Sustained release of Brb was recorded up to 24 h in comparison to Brb solution. Physical stability was maintained for three months at refrigeration temperature. Results of pharmacokinetics studies indicated the potential of the liposomal formulation to increase the oral bioavailability of Brb and to accelerate its entry into the bloodstream. The obtained results are accredited to the lipophilic nature of the prepared system, resembling the structural features of bio-membrane, in addition to their small size that enhances intestinal penetration.

Nanoencapsulation of Polyphenols as Drugs and Supplements for Enhancing Therapeutic Profile - A Review

Polyphenolic phytoconstituents have been widely in use worldwide since ages and are categorised as secondary metabolites of plants. The application of polyphenols such as quercetin, resveratrol. curcumin as nutritional supplement has been researched widely. The use of polyphenols, and specifically quercetin for improving the memory and mental endurance have shown significant effects among rats. Even though similar results has not been resonated among human but encouraging preclinical results have encouraged researchers to explore other polyphenols to study the effects as supplements among athletes. The phytopharmacological research has elucidated the use of natural polyphenols to prevent and treat various physiological and metabolic disorders owing to its free radical scavenging properties, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer and immunomodulatory effects. In spite of the tremendous pharmacological profile, one of the most dominant problem regarding the use of polyphenolic compounds is their low bioavailability. Nanonization is considered as one of the most prominent approaches among many. This article aims to review and discuss the molecular mechanisms of recently developed nanocarrier-based drug delivery systems for polyphenols and its application as drugs and supplements. Nanoformulations of natural polyphenols are bioactive agents, such as quercetin, kaempferol, fisetin, rutin, hesperetin, and naringenin epigalloccatechin-3-gallate, genistein, ellagic acid, gallic acid, chlorogenic acid, ferulic acid, curcuminoids and stilbenes is expected to have better efficacy. These delivery systems are expected to provide higher penetrability of polyphenols at cellular levels and exhibit a controlled release of the drugs. It is widely accepted that natural polyphenols do demonstrate significant therapeutic effect. However, the hindrances in their absorption, specificity and bioavailability can be overcome using nanotechnology.

Herbal drugs and natural bioactive products as potential therapeutics: A review on pro-cognitives and brain boosters perspectives

Memory, one of the most vital aspects of the human brain, is necessary for the effective survival of an individual. 'Memory' can be defined in various ways but in an overall view, memory is the retention of the information that the brain grasps. Different factors are responsible for the disbalance in the brain's hippocampus region and the acetylcholine level, which masters the memory and cognitive functions. Plants are a source of pharmacologically potent drug molecules of high efficacy. Recently herbal medicine has evolved rapidly, gaining great acceptance worldwide due to their natural origin and fewer side effects. In this review, the authors have discussed the mechanisms and pharmacological action of herbal bioactive compounds to boost memory. Moreover, this review presents an update of different herbs and natural products that could act as memory enhancers and how they can be potentially utilized in the near future for the treatment of severe brain disorders. In addition, the authors also discuss the differences in biological activity of the same herb and emphasize the requirement for a higher standardization in cultivation methods and plant processing. The demand for further studies evaluating the interactions of herbal drugs is mentioned.

Trends in liposomal nanocarrier strategies for the oral delivery of biologics

The number of approved macromolecular drugs such as peptides, proteins and antibodies steadily increases. Since drugs with high molecular weight are commonly not suitable for oral delivery, research on carrier strategies enabling oral administration is of vital interest. In past decades, nanocarriers, in particular liposomes, have been exhaustively investigated as oral drug-delivery platform. Despite their successful application as parenteral delivery vehicles, liposomes have up to date not succeeded for oral administration. However, a plenitude of approaches aiming to increase the oral bioavailability of macromolecular drugs administered by liposomal formulations has been published. Here, we summarize the strategies published in the last 10 years (vaccine strategies excluded) with a main focus on strategies proven efficient in animal models.

Understanding molecular mechanisms of biologics drug delivery and stability from NMR spectroscopy

Protein therapeutics carry inherent limitations of membrane impermeability and structural instability, despite their predominant role in the modern pharmaceutical market. Effective formulations are needed to overcome physiological and physicochemical barriers, respectively, for improving bioavailability and stability. Knowledge of membrane affinity, cellular internalization, encapsulation, and release of drug-loaded carrier vehicles uncover the structural basis for designing and optimizing biopharmaceuticals with enhanced delivery efficiency and therapeutic efficacy. Understanding stabilizing and destabilizing interactions between protein drugs and formulation excipients provide fundamental mechanisms for ensuring the stability and quality of biological products. This article reviews the molecular studies of biologics using solution and solid-state NMR spectroscopy on structural attributes pivotal to drug delivery and stability. In-depth investigation of the structure-function relationship of drug delivery systems based on cell-penetrating peptides, lipid nanoparticles and polymeric colloidal, and biophysical and biochemical stability of peptide, protein, monoclonal antibody, and vaccine, as the integrative efforts on drug product design, will be elaborated.

NANO-BIOTECHNOLOGY AND ITS INNOVATIVE PERSPECTIVE IN DIABETES MANAGEMENT

Diabetes occurs due to the imbalance of glucose in the body known as glucose homeostasis, thus leading to metabolic changes in the body. The two stages hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia classify diabetes into various categories. Various bio-nanotechnological approaches are coupled up with nano particulates, polymers, liposome, various gold plated and solid lipid particulates, regulating transcellular transport, non specific cellular uptake, and paracellular transport, leading to oral, trans-dermal , pulmonary, buccal , nasal , specific gene oriented administration to avoid the patient's non compliance with the parental routes of administration. Phytochemicals are emerging strategies for the future prospects of diabetes management.

Deformable liposomal codelivery of vorinostat and simvastatin promotes antitumor responses through remodeling tumor microenvironment

The tumor microenvironment (TME) and its major component tumor-associated macrophages (TAM) play a pivotal role in the development of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). An epigenetic drug-based combinatory therapeutic strategy was proposed and a deformable liposome system (D-Lipo) was developed for vorinostat and simvastatin codelivery for remodeling the TME. The application of deformable liposomes in systemic cancer drug delivery has been underexplored and its potential in cancer therapy is largely unknown. This work revealed that D-Lipo exhibited an enhanced intratumor infiltration ability. The proposed therapeutic strategy was characterized by a chemo-free regimen and TME remodeling function. D-Lipo efficiently inhibited the growth of the xenografted lung tumor. The anti-tumor mechanisms involved the repolarization of TAM from the M2 to M1 phenotype, anti-angiogenesis, and the consequent TME remodeling. As a result, the amounts of the anti-tumor M1 macrophages and the cytotoxic CD8+ T cells increased, while the amounts of the pro-tumor M2 macrophages and regulatory T cells (Tregs) reduced. It provides a promising avenue for epigenetic drug-based combination therapy for treating solid tumors.

Investigation of therapeutic effect of curcumin α and β glucoside anomers against Alzheimer's disease by the nose to brain drug delivery

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is one of the greatest geriatric medicinal challenges of our century and is the main disease leading to dementia. Despite extensive scientific research advances, available disease-modifying treatment strategies remained limited; thus, increasing demand for new drugs. In recent years, medicinal plants attracted attention due to their potential role in dementia. In the present study, α and β anomers of curcumin glucosides (CGs) were synthesized and evaluated for Alzheimer's treatment. CGs were synthesized by fusion reaction as a novel and easy method with more advantages (high yield, short reaction time, and low chemicals), and the products were characterized using HNMR. Wistar male rats were used to administer different treatments. They divided into control, sham, Alzheimer, and test groups (Alzheimer + α anomer and Alzheimer + β anomer). Animals received normal saline, Scopolamine (1 mg/kg), high dose anomers, scopolamine, and two doses (12.5 and 25 mg/kg) of anomers, respectively, for 10 days. Then the Morris Water Maze (MWM) test was performed on all animals. Finally, the animals' brains were extracted and homogenized for glutathione, acetylcholine esterase activity, protein carbonyl, and lipid peroxide level detection. The escape latency and the distance towards the hidden platform in Morris water maze in the Alzheimer group were significantly higher than both the control and test groups. Besides, there were no significant differences between sham and control groups in all tests. Both anomers led to a significant increase in glutathione, and acetylcholine levels while they caused a decrease in lipid peroxidation and protein carbonyl levels in brain tissue. It seems that intranasal administration of both anomers positively influenced maze learning in scopolamine receiving subjects. Although both anomers resulted in similar biochemistry tests, a higher dose of β anomer indicated better results than α anomer not only in behavioral tests but also in biochemical tests.

Development and Characterization of Saturated Fatty Acid-Engineered, Silica-Coated Lipid Vesicular System for Effective Oral Delivery of Alfa-Choriogonadotropin

The present study was designed to develop an efficient, safe, and patient-friendly dosage form, for oral delivery of alfa-choriogonadotropin, used in the treatment of female reproductive infertility. Silica-coated, saturated fatty acid (dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC))-engineered, nanolipidic vesicular (NLVs) system was developed for systemic delivery of therapeutic peptide, alfa-choriogonadotropin, through oral route. DPPC-based NLVs were formulated using the technique of thin-film hydration and were coated with silica to form a homogeneous surface silica shell. The formulated silica-coated NLVs were evaluated for physicochemical and physiologic stability under simulated conditions and were optimized based on physicochemical parameters like particle size, zeta potential, polydispersity index (PDI), entrapment efficiency, and in vitro release profile. Silica-coated, DPPC-based NLVs imparted physicochemical stability to entrapped alfa-choriogonadotropin against the biological environment prevailing in the human gastrointestinal tract (GIT). In vivo, subchronic animal toxicity studies were performed to assess the safety of the designed dosage form. Results of in vitro characterization and in vivo pharmacokinetic studies of fabricated formulation revealed that the silica-coated, DPPC-based NLV formulation was not only stable in human GIT but was also as efficacious as a marketed parenteral formulation for the systemic delivery of alfa-choriogonadotropin. In vivo toxicity studies revealed that silica-coated NLVs did not alter hematological and serum biochemical parameters. The histopathological studies also depicted no macroscopic changes in major organs; thus, the developed formulation was proven to be nontoxic and equally efficient as a marketed parenteral formulation for the delivery of alfa-choriogonadotropin with added benefits of possible self-medication, more patient acceptability, and no chances of infection.

Development, Characterization and Pharmacokinetic Profile of Chitosan-Sodium Tripolyphosphate Nanoparticles Based Drug Delivery Systems for Curcumin

Purpose: This study aimed to provide the method of preparation, characterization of curcumin-loaded chitosan-sodium tripolyphosphate (NaTPP) nanoparticle, and evaluate its pharmacokinetic profiles.

Methods: Curcumin-loaded chitosan-NaTPP nanoparticles were synthesized using ionic gelation methods. Curcumin was dissolved using surfactants and cosurfactants. Chitosan polymer was then mixed in the curcumin solution and dripped with NaTPP solution until nanoparticle formation. The mucoadhesive study was evaluated by measuring the fluorescence of curcumin within the prepared nanoparticles. The pharmacokinetic profiles of curcumin particles and nanoparticles were then assessed in rats by administering a single oral dose of 100 mg/kg BW. Blood samples were taken from nine predetermined time points, and curcumin plasma concentrations were then analyzed using UPLC-MS/MS.

Results: The particle size of the curcumin nanoparticles obtained were 11.5 nm. Entrapment efficiency (EE) of curcumin nanoparticles were exceeding 99.97%, and drug loading capacity (DLC) was 11.34%. The mucoadhesive properties of the nanoparticles were superior to that of curcumin particles. Pharmacokinetic evaluation in rats revealed that curcumin nanoparticles resulted in an increase of area under the curve (AUC), maximum concentration (Cmax), earlier time to reach maximum concentration (Tmax), and lower clearance (CL).

Conclusion: Curcumin-loaded chitosan-NaTPP nanoparticles is an effective formulation to improve curcumin plasma concentrations. Thus, enable its applications for the treatment of various diseases.

Nano drug delivery systems in upper gastrointestinal cancer therapy

Upper gastrointestinal (GI) carcinomas are characterized as one of the deadliest cancer types with the highest recurrence rates. Their treatment is challenging due to late diagnosis, early metastasis formation, resistance to systemic therapy and complicated surgeries performed in poorly accessible locations. Current cancer medication face deficiencies such as high toxicity and systemic side-effects due to the non-specific distribution of the drug agent. Nanomedicine has the potential to offer sophisticated therapeutic possibilities through adjusted delivery systems. This review aims to provide an overview of novel approaches and perspectives on nanoparticle (NP) drug delivery systems for gastrointestinal carcinomas. Present regimen for the treatment of upper GI carcinomas are described prior to detailing various NP drug delivery formulations and their current and potential role in GI cancer theranostics with a specific emphasis on targeted nanodelivery systems. To date, only a handful of NP systems have met the standard of care requirements for GI carcinoma patients. However, an increasing number of studies provide evidence supporting NP-based diagnostic and therapeutic tools. Future development and strategic use of NP-based drug formulations will be a hallmark in the treatment of various cancers. This article seeks to highlight the exciting potential of novel NPs for targeted cancer therapy in GI carcinomas and thus provide motivation for further research in this field.

Molecular Design of Layer-by-Layer Functionalized Liposomes for Oral Drug Delivery

Liposomes are small spherical vesicles composed mainly of phospholipids and cholesterol. Over the years, a number of liposomal formulations have shown clinical promise, but the use of liposomes in oral drug delivery is limited. This is partly due to the vulnerability of conventional liposomes to the detrimental effect of gastrointestinal destabilizing factors and also to the poor efficiency in intestinal absorption of liposomes. Some of these issues can be ameliorated using the layer-by-layer (LbL) assembly technology, which has been widely applied to modify the surface of various nanoparticulate systems. Discussions about LbL functionalization of liposomes as oral drug carriers, however, are scant in the literature. To fill this gap, this review presents an overview of the roles of LbL functionalization in the development of liposomes, followed by a discussion about major principles of molecular design and engineering of LbL-functionalized liposomes for oral drug delivery. Regarding the versatility offered by LbL assembly, it is anticipated that LbL-functionalized liposomes may emerge as one of the important carriers for oral drug administration in the future.

Engineered Site-specific Vesicular Systems for Colonic Delivery: Trends and Implications

Steering drug-loaded, site-specific, coated lipid vesicles to the target receptor sites have the potential of plummeting adverse effects and improving the pharmacological response in diverse pathologies of the large bowel, especially the colon. Colonic delivery via oral route has its own challenges, often governed by several glitches such as drug degradation or absorption in the upper GIT, instability of proteins/peptides due to high molecular weight, and peptidase activity in the stomach. Consequently, colon-specific coated liposomal systems (CSLS) offer a potential alternate for not only site-specificity, but protection from proteolytic activity, and prolonged residence time for greater systemic bioavailability. On the other hand, liposomal delivery via the oral route is also cumbersome owing to several barriers such as instability in GIT, difficulty in crossing membranes, and issues related to production at the pilot scale. New advancements in the field of CSLS have successfully improved the stability and permeability of liposomes for oral delivery via modulating the compositions of lipid bilayers, adding polymers or ligands. Despite this ostensible propitiousness, no commercial oral CSLS has advanced from bench to bedside for targeted delivery to the colon as yet. Nevertheless, CSLS has quite fascinated the manufacturers owing to its potential industrial viability, simplistic and low-cost design. Hence, this review aims to decipher the convolutions involved in the engineering process of industrially viable CSLS for colonic delivery.

Formulation of More Efficacious Curcumin Delivery Systems Using Colloid Science: Enhanced Solubility, Stability, and Bioavailability

Curcumin is a bioactive constituent isolated from turmeric that has historically been used as a seasoning, pigment, and herbal medicine in food. Recently, it has become one of the most commonly studied nutraceuticals in the pharmaceutical, supplement, and food areas because of its myriad of potential health benefits. For instance, it is claimed to exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiparasite, and anticancer activities when ingested as a drug, supplement, or food. Toxicity studies suggest that it is safe to consume, even at relatively high levels. Its broad-spectrum biological activities and low toxicity have meant that it has been widely explored as a nutraceutical ingredient for application in functional foods. However, there are several hurdles that formulators must overcome when incorporating curcumin into commercial products, such as its low water solubility (especially under acidic and neutral conditions), chemical instability (especially under neutral and alkaline conditions), rapid metabolism by enzymes in the human body, and limited bioavailability. As a result, only a small fraction of ingested curcumin is actually absorbed into the bloodstream. These hurdles can be at least partially overcome by using encapsulation technologies, which involve trapping the curcumin within small particles. Some of the most commonly used edible microparticles or nanoparticles utilized for this purpose are micelles, liposomes, emulsions, solid lipid particles, and biopolymer particles. Each of these encapsulation technologies has its own benefits and limitations for particular product applications and it is important to select the most appropriate one.

Liposomes for Enhanced Bioavailability of Water-Insoluble Drugs: In Vivo Evidence and Recent Approaches

It has been known that a considerable number of drugs in clinical use or under development are water-insoluble drugs with poor bioavailability (BA). The liposomal delivery system has drawn attention as one of the noteworthy approaches to increase dissolution and subsequently absorption in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract because of its biocompatibility and ability to encapsulate hydrophobic molecules in the lipid domain. However, there have been several drawbacks, such as structural instability in the GI tract and poor permeability across intestinal epithelia because of its relatively large size. In addition, there have been no liposomal formulations approved for oral use to date, despite the success of parenteral liposomes. Nevertheless, liposomal oral delivery has resurged with the rapid increase of published studies in the last decade. However, it is discouraging that most of this research has been in vitro studies only and there have not been many water-insoluble drugs with in vivo data. The present review focused on the in vivo evidence for the improved BA of water-insoluble drugs using liposomes to resolve doubts raised concerning liposomal oral delivery and attempted to provide insight by highlighting the approaches used for in vivo achievements.

Growing a Nucleotide/Lanthanide Coordination Polymer Shell on Liposomes

Coating liposomes with a shell is a useful strategy to increase membrane stability and prevent leakage or fusion. Nucleotide/lanthanide coordination nanoparticles (NPs) are formed by a simple mixing at ambient conditions. Because some lipid headgroups contain lanthanide binding ligands, they may direct the growth of such coordination NPs. Herein, a gadolinium/adenosine monophosphate (Gd³⁺/AMP) shell was formed on liposomes (liposome@Gd³⁺/AMP) using lipids containing phosphoserine (PS) or cholinephosphate (CP) headgroups, while phosphocholine liposomes did not support the shell. Liposome binding Gd³⁺ is confirmed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The negatively charged CP and PS liposomes reversed to positive upon Gd³⁺ binding, while other metals such as Ca²⁺ and Zn²⁺ did not reverse the charge. Binding of Gd³⁺ did not leak the PS liposomes. Then, AMP was further added to cross-link Gd³⁺ on the liposome surface. A shell was formed as indicated by TEM, and the content inside the liposome remained for the PS liposomes. While adding Triton X-100 still induced leakage of the encapsulated liposomes, the shell protected the liposomes from leakage induced by ZnO NPs, suggesting a porous structure of the Gd³⁺/AMP shell which allowed penetration of Triton X-100 but not the larger ZnO NPs. This work provides a simple method to coat liposomes, and also offers a fundamental understanding of liposome adsorption of lanthanide ions.

Delivery of phytochemicals by liposome cargos: recent progress, challenges and opportunities

Bio-availability is a major concern in delivery of dietary phytochemicals for better bio-efficacy. The reduced bio-availability of food bioactive compounds is evident due to degradation during human digestion process which involves liberation, absorption, distribution, metabolism and elimination. The bio-efficacy of any nutrient can be increased by increasing bio-availability. Different technologies are available for engineered efficient delivery systems; still many challenges remain with advancement of delivery systems. The ease of preparedness and adaptability of liposomes has resulted in wide-range of applicability and acceptability in scientific field, especially as delivery vehicles. In view, of properties like biocompatibility and biodegradability, liposomes have been modified with different usable methodologies for delivery of phytochemicals. The aim of this review is to abridge liposomes, methods of preparation, their application as delivery cargo in dietary phytochemicals, result of using different preparation techniques on properties.

Wound Healing Property of Curcuminoids as a Microcapsule-Incorporated Cream

Curcuminoids have been used for the management of burns and wound healing in traditional Chinese medicine practices but the wide application of curcuminoids as a healing agent for wounds has always been a known problem due to their poor solubility, bioavailability, colour staining properties, as well as due to their intense photosensitivity and the need for further formulation approaches to maximise their various properties in order for them to considerably contribute towards the wound healing process. In the present study, a complex coacervation microencapsulation was used to encapsulate curcuminoids using gelatin B and chitosan. This study also focused on studying and confirming the potential of curcuminoids in a microencapsulated form as a wound healing agent. The potential of curcuminoids for wound management was evaluated using an in vitro human keratinocyte cell (HaCaT) model and the in vivo heater-inflicted burn wound model, providing evidence that the antioxidant activities of both forms of curcuminoids, encapsulated or not, are higher than those of butylated hydroxyanisole and butylated hydroxytoluene in trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) and (2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate) (DPPH) studies. However, curcuminoids did not have much impact towards cell migration and proliferation in comparison with the negative control in the in vitro HaCaT study. The micoencapsulation formulation was shown to significantly influence wound healing in terms of increasing the wound contraction rate, hydroxyproline synthesis, and greater epithelialisation, which in turn provides strong justification for the incorporation of the microencapsulated formulation of curcuminoids as a topical treatment for burns and wound healing management as it has the potential to act as a crucial wound healing agent in healthcare settings.

Liposomes for delivery of antioxidants in cosmeceuticals: Challenges and development strategies

Antioxidants (AOs) play a crucial role in the protection and maintenance of health and are also integral ingredients in beauty products. Unfortunately, most of them are sensitive due to their instability and insolubility. The use of liposomes to protect AOs and expand their applicability to cosmeceuticals, thereby, is one of the most effective solutions. Notwithstanding their offered advantages for the delivery of AOs, liposomes, in their production and application, present many challenges. Here, we provide a critical review of the major problems complicating the development of liposomes for AO delivery. Along with issues related to preparation techniques and encapsulation efficiency, the loss of protective function and inefficiency of skin permeability are the main disadvantages of liposomes. Corresponding development strategies for resolving these problems, with their respective advantages and drawbacks, are introduced, discussed in some depth, and summarized in these pages as well. Advanced liposomes have a vital role to play in the development and delivery of AOs in practical cosmeceutical product applications.

Adapting liposomes for oral drug delivery

Liposomes mimic natural cell membranes and have long been investigated as drug carriers due to excellent entrapment capacity, biocompatibility and safety. Despite the success of parenteral liposomes, oral delivery of liposomes is impeded by various barriers such as instability in the gastrointestinal tract, difficulties in crossing biomembranes, and mass production problems. By modulating the compositions of the lipid bilayers and adding polymers or ligands, both the stability and permeability of liposomes can be greatly improved for oral drug delivery. This review provides an overview of the challenges and current approaches toward the oral delivery of liposomes.

Development of Dual Drug Loaded Nanosized Liposomal Formulation by A Reengineered Ethanolic Injection Method and Its Pre-Clinical Pharmacokinetic Studies

Oleanolic acid (OA), which is a natural pentacyclic terpenoid, has been identified for hepato-protective, nephron-protective and cardio-tonic properties. In contrast, doxorubicin (DOX) is a famous anti-cancer drug but its efficacy is a question mark because of its known cardio-toxicity. We developed a combined nanoliposomal formulation of DOX with OA, as adjuvant, to overwhelm toxic effects of DOX without compromising anticancer activity. The entrapment efficiency and the particle size were brought in limit by the reengineered ethanolic injection method (REIM), without further extrusion. The developed formulations were stable over the study period of two months. A modified HPLC method was employed for the analysis of OA (drug retention time, Tr = 12 ± 1 min). The recovery of OA against spiked plasma samples was more than 90%. MTT assay showed anti-apoptotic synergism against HepG2 cells at non-fixed ratio (combination index, CI < 1). A sustained in vivo drug release of experimental drugs was depicted over 24 h. Histopathological examination and laboratory findings indicated no visible sign of toxicity in the treated mice group against combined delivery. Hence, this combined nanoliposomal formulation was tagged as a safer therapy for the DOX based cancer treatments.

Topical Curcumin Nanocarriers are Neuroprotective in Eye Disease

Curcumin (1,7-bis-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-1,6-heptadiene-3,5dione) is a polyphenol extracted from turmeric that has long been advocated for the treatment of a variety of conditions including neurodegenerative and inflammatory disorders. Despite this promise, the clinical use of curcumin has been limited by the poor solubility and low bioavailability of this molecule. In this article, we describe a novel nanocarrier formulation comprising Pluronic-F127 stabilised D-α-Tocopherol polyethene glycol 1000 succinate nanoparticles, which were used to successfully solubilize high concentrations (4.3 mg/mL) of curcumin. Characterisation with x-ray diffraction and in vitro release assays localise curcumin to the nanocarrier interior, with each particle measuring <20 nm diameter. Curcumin-loaded nanocarriers (CN) were found to significantly protect against cobalt chloride induced hypoxia and glutamate induced toxicity in vitro, with CN treatment significantly increasing R28 cell viability. Using established glaucoma-related in vivo models of ocular hypertension (OHT) and partial optic nerve transection (pONT), topical application of CN twice-daily for three weeks significantly reduced retinal ganglion cell loss compared to controls. Collectively, these results suggest that our novel topical CN formulation has potential as an effective neuroprotective therapy in glaucoma and other eye diseases with neuronal pathology.

Enhancement of Galantamine HBr Skin Permeation Using Sonophoresis and Limonene-Containing PEGylated Liposomes

This study aimed to investigate the effect of low-frequency sonophoresis (SN) and limonene-containing PEGylated liposomes (PL) on the transdermal delivery of galantamine HBr (GLT). To evaluate the skin penetration mechanism, confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) were employed. The application of SN led to more GLT penetration into and through the skin than GLT solution alone. The liposomes also improved GLT permeation, and 2% limonene-containing PL (PL-LI2%) exhibited the highest GLT permeation, followed by PL-LI1%, PL-LI0.1%, and PL. The CLSM images of PL-LI2% resulted in the highest fluorescence intensity of fluorescent hydrophilic molecules in the deep skin layer, and the rhodamine PE-labeled liposome membrane was distributed in the intercellular region of the stratum corneum (SC). PL-LI2% induced significant changes in intercellular lipids in the SC, whereas SN had no effect on intercellular lipids of the SC. DSC thermograms showed that the greatest decrease in the lipid transition temperature occurred in PL-LI2%-treated SC. SN might improve drug permeation through an intracellular pathway, while limonene-containing liposomes play an important role in delivering GLT through an intercellular pathway by increasing the fluidity of intercellular lipids in the SC. Moreover, a small vesicle size and high membrane fluidity might enhance the transportation of intact vesicles through the skin.

Curcumin-Artemisinin Coamorphous Solid: Xenograft Model Preclinical Study

Curcumin is a natural compound present in Indian spice turmeric. It has diverse pharmacological action but low oral solubility and bioavailability continue to limit its use as a drug. With the aim of improving the bioavailability of Curcumin (CUR), we evaluated Curcumin-Pyrogallol (CUR-PYR) cocrystal and Curcumin-Artemisinin (CUR-ART) coamorphous solid. Both of these solid forms exhibited superior dissolution and pharmacokinetic behavior compared to pure CUR, which is practically insoluble in water. CUR-ART coamorphous solid showed two fold higher bioavailability than CUR-PYR cocrystal (at 200 mg/kg oral dose). Moreover, in simulated gastric and intestinal fluids (SGF and SIF), CUR-ART is stable up to 3 and 12 h, respectively. In addition, CUR-PYR and CUR-ART showed no adverse effects in toxicology studies (10 times higher dose at 2000 mg/kg). CUR-ART showed higher therapeutic effect and inhibited approximately 62% of tumor growth at 100 mg/kg oral dosage of CUR in xenograft models, which is equal to the positive control drug, doxorubicin (2 mg/kg) by i.v. administration.