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Thakur CK, Karthikeyan C, Ashby CR, Neupane R, Singh V, Babu RJ, Narayana Moorthy NSH, Tiwari AK. Ligand-conjugated multiwalled carbon nanotubes for cancer targeted drug delivery. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1417399. [PMID: 39119607 PMCID: PMC11306048 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1417399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) are at the forefront of nanotechnology-based advancements in cancer therapy, particularly in the field of targeted drug delivery. The nanotubes are characterized by their concentric graphene layers, which give them outstanding structural strength. They can deliver substantial doses of therapeutic agents, potentially reducing treatment frequency and improving patient compliance. MWCNTs' diminutive size and modifiable surface enable them to have a high drug loading capacity and penetrate biological barriers. As a result of the extensive research on these nanomaterials, they have been studied extensively as synthetic and chemically functionalized molecules, which can be combined with various ligands (such as folic acid, antibodies, peptides, mannose, galactose, polymers) and linkers, and to deliver anticancer drugs, including but not limited to paclitaxel, docetaxel, cisplatin, doxorubicin, tamoxifen, methotrexate, quercetin and others, to cancer cells. This functionalization facilitates selective targeting of cancer cells, as these ligands bind to specific receptors overexpressed in tumor cells. By sparing non-cancerous cells and delivering the therapeutic payload precisely to cancer cells, this therapeutic payload delivery ability reduces chemotherapy systemic toxicity. There is great potential for MWCNTs to be used as targeted delivery systems for drugs. In this review, we discuss techniques for functionalizing and conjugating MWCNTs to drugs using natural and biomacromolecular linkers, which can bind to the cancer cells' receptors/biomolecules. Using MWCNTs to administer cancer drugs is a transformative approach to cancer treatment that combines nanotechnology and pharmacotherapy. It is an exciting and rich field of research to explore and optimize MWCNTs for drug delivery purposes, which could result in significant benefits for cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chanchal Kiran Thakur
- Cancept Therapeutics Laboratory, Department of Pharmacy, Indira Gandhi National Tribal University, Lalpur, India
- Chhattrapati Shivaji Institute of Pharmacy, Durg, Chhattisgarh, India
| | - Chandrabose Karthikeyan
- Cancept Therapeutics Laboratory, Department of Pharmacy, Indira Gandhi National Tribal University, Lalpur, India
| | - Charles R. Ashby
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, St. John’s University, Queens, NY, United States
| | - Rabin Neupane
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, United States
| | - Vishal Singh
- Department of Nutrition, State College, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
| | - R. Jayachandra Babu
- Department of Drug Discovery and Development, Harrison School of Pharmacy, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States
| | - N. S. Hari Narayana Moorthy
- Cancept Therapeutics Laboratory, Department of Pharmacy, Indira Gandhi National Tribal University, Lalpur, India
| | - Amit K. Tiwari
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, United States
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, United States
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2
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Gao S, Xu B, Sun J, Zhang Z. Nanotechnological advances in cancer: therapy a comprehensive review of carbon nanotube applications. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2024; 12:1351787. [PMID: 38562672 PMCID: PMC10984352 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2024.1351787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Nanotechnology is revolutionising different areas from manufacturing to therapeutics in the health field. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs), a promising drug candidate in nanomedicine, have attracted attention due to their excellent and unique mechanical, electronic, and physicochemical properties. This emerging nanomaterial has attracted a wide range of scientific interest in the last decade. Carbon nanotubes have many potential applications in cancer therapy, such as imaging, drug delivery, and combination therapy. Carbon nanotubes can be used as carriers for drug delivery systems by carrying anticancer drugs and enabling targeted release to improve therapeutic efficacy and reduce adverse effects on healthy tissues. In addition, carbon nanotubes can be combined with other therapeutic approaches, such as photothermal and photodynamic therapies, to work synergistically to destroy cancer cells. Carbon nanotubes have great potential as promising nanomaterials in the field of nanomedicine, offering new opportunities and properties for future cancer treatments. In this paper, the main focus is on the application of carbon nanotubes in cancer diagnostics, targeted therapies, and toxicity evaluation of carbon nanotubes at the biological level to ensure the safety and real-life and clinical applications of carbon nanotubes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyang Gao
- Jilin University of College of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, Changchun, Jilin, China
- School of Mechatronic Engineering, Chang Chun University of Technology, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Binhan Xu
- School of Mechatronic Engineering, Chang Chun University of Technology, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Jianwei Sun
- School of Mechatronic Engineering, Chang Chun University of Technology, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Zhihui Zhang
- Jilin University of College of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, Changchun, Jilin, China
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3
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Ali HNM, Gonzales AA. In Silico Investigation on the Molecular Behavior and Structural Stability of the Rosette Nanotubes as the Drug Vehicles for Paclitaxel, an Anti-Cancer Drug. Molecules 2023; 28:7853. [PMID: 38067584 PMCID: PMC10708515 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28237853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Most anticancer drugs affect healthy cells in addition to cancer cells, causing severe side effects. Targeted delivery by nano-based drug delivery systems (NDDS) can reduce these severe side effects while maintaining therapeutic efficacy. This work introduced rosette nanotube (RNT) as a potential drug vehicle for paclitaxel (PTX) due to its self-assembling property, biocompatibility, amphiphilicity, and low toxicity. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations aided with molecular mechanics Poisson Boltzmann surface area (MMPBSA) analysis are used here to investigate the molecular behavior and the loading energetics of each type of RNT (K1, xK1, and iEt-xK1) with PTX. Analysis showed that the most probable configuration of PTX is on either end of each RNT. The binding free energies (-117.74 to -69.29 kJ/mol) when PTX is closer to one end were stronger than when it is in the inner channel (-53.51 to -40.88 kJ/mol). The latter alludes to the encapsulation of the PTX by each RNT. Thus, loading is possible by encapsulation during the self-assembly process given the favorable estimated binding free energies. Based on the results, RNT has potential as a drug vehicle for PTX, which warrants further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Arthur A. Gonzales
- Department of the Chemical Engineering, University of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City 1101, Philippines;
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4
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Xu H, Wu L, Xue Y, Yang T, Xiong T, Wang C, He S, Sun H, Cao Z, Liu J, Wang S, Li Z, Naeem A, Yin X, Zhang J. Advances in Structure Pharmaceutics from Discovery to Evaluation and Design. Mol Pharm 2023; 20:4404-4429. [PMID: 37552597 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.3c00514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/10/2023]
Abstract
Drug delivery systems (DDSs) play an important role in delivering active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) to targeted sites with a predesigned release pattern. The chemical and biological properties of APIs and excipients have been extensively studied for their contribution to DDS quality and effectiveness; however, the structural characteristics of DDSs have not been adequately explored. Structure pharmaceutics involves the study of the structure of DDSs, especially the three-dimensional (3D) structures, and its interaction with the physiological and pathological structure of organisms, possibly influencing their release kinetics and targeting abilities. A systematic overview of the structures of a variety of dosage forms, such as tablets, granules, pellets, microspheres, powders, and nanoparticles, is presented. Moreover, the influence of structures on the release and targeting capability of DDSs has also been discussed, especially the in vitro and in vivo release correlation and the structure-based organ- and tumor-targeting capabilities of particles with different structures. Additionally, an in-depth discussion is provided regarding the application of structural strategies in the DDSs design and evaluation. Furthermore, some of the most frequently used characterization techniques in structure pharmaceutics are briefly described along with their potential future applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huipeng Xu
- Center for Drug Delivery Systems, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Li Wu
- Center for Drug Delivery Systems, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Evaluation, School of Pharmacy, Ministry of Education, Yantai University, Yantai 264005, China
- Key Laboratory of Modern Preparation of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ministry of Education, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang 330004, China
| | - Yanling Xue
- Shanghai Synchrotron Radiation Facility, Shanghai Advanced Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201204, China
| | - Ting Yang
- Center for Drug Delivery Systems, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Ting Xiong
- Center for Drug Delivery Systems, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Caifen Wang
- Center for Drug Delivery Systems, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Siyu He
- Center for Drug Delivery Systems, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Hongyu Sun
- Center for Drug Delivery Systems, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Zeying Cao
- Center for Drug Delivery Systems, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Jun Liu
- Center for Drug Delivery Systems, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Siwen Wang
- Center for Drug Delivery Systems, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Zhe Li
- Key Laboratory of Modern Preparation of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ministry of Education, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang 330004, China
| | - Abid Naeem
- Key Laboratory of Modern Preparation of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ministry of Education, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang 330004, China
| | - Xianzhen Yin
- Center for Drug Delivery Systems, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
- Lingang Laboratory, Shanghai 201602, China
| | - Jiwen Zhang
- Center for Drug Delivery Systems, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- Key Laboratory of Modern Preparation of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ministry of Education, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang 330004, China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Quality Research and Evaluation of Pharmaceutical Excipients, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, No.2 Tiantan Xili, Beijing 100050, China
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5
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Ezami F, Miralinaghi M, Heydarinasab A, Moniri E. pH
‐sensitive folic acid/poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) functionalized
MnFe
2
O
4
/single‐walled carbon nanotubes for release of a natural anticancer agent: Chlorogenic acid. POLYM ADVAN TECHNOL 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/pat.5839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Flora Ezami
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Science and Research Branch Islamic Azad University Tehran Iran
| | - Mahsasadat Miralinaghi
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Varamin‐Pishva Branch Islamic Azad University Varamin Iran
| | - Amir Heydarinasab
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Science and Research Branch Islamic Azad University Tehran Iran
| | - Elham Moniri
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Varamin‐Pishva Branch Islamic Azad University Varamin Iran
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6
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Temozolomide Efficacy and Metabolism: The Implicit Relevance of Nanoscale Delivery Systems. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27113507. [PMID: 35684445 PMCID: PMC9181940 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27113507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Revised: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The most common primary malignant brain tumors in adults are gliomas. Glioblastoma is the most prevalent and aggressive tumor subtype of glioma. Current standards for the treatment of glioblastoma include a combination of surgical, radiation, and drug therapy methods. The drug therapy currently includes temozolomide (TMZ), an alkylating agent, and bevacizumab, a recombinant monoclonal IgG1 antibody that selectively binds to and inhibits the biological activity of vascular endothelial growth factor. Supplementation of glioblastoma radiation therapy with TMZ increased patient survival from 12.1 to 14.6 months. The specificity of TMZ effect on brain tumors is largely determined by special aspects of its pharmacokinetics. TMZ is an orally bioavailable prodrug, which is well absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and is converted to its active alkylating metabolite 5-(3-methyl triazen-1-yl)imidazole-4-carbozamide (MTIC) spontaneously in physiological condition that does not require hepatic involvement. MTIC produced in the plasma is not able to cross the BBB and is formed locally in the brain. A promising way to increase the effectiveness of TMZ chemotherapy for glioblastoma is to prevent its hydrolysis in peripheral tissues and thereby increase the drug concentration in the brain that nanoscale delivery systems can provide. The review discusses possible ways to increase the efficacy of TMZ using nanocarriers.
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7
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Zhou M, Zou X, Cheng K, Zhong S, Su Y, Wu T, Tao Y, Cong L, Yan B, Jiang Y. The role of cell-penetrating peptides in potential anti-cancer therapy. Clin Transl Med 2022; 12:e822. [PMID: 35593206 PMCID: PMC9121317 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Revised: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Due to the complex physiological structure, microenvironment and multiple physiological barriers, traditional anti-cancer drugs are severely restricted from reaching the tumour site. Cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) are typically made up of 5-30 amino acids, and can be utilised as molecular transporters to facilitate the passage of therapeutic drugs across physiological barriers. Up to now, CPPs have widely been used in many anti-cancer treatment strategies, serving as an excellent potential choice for oncology treatment. However, their drawbacks, such as the lack of cell specificity, short duration of action, poor stability in vivo, compatibility problems (i.e. immunogenicity), poor therapeutic efficacy and formation of unwanted metabolites, have limited their further application in cancer treatment. The cellular uptake mechanisms of CPPs involve mainly endocytosis and direct penetration, but still remain highly controversial in academia. The CPPs-based drug delivery strategy could be improved by clever design or chemical modifications to develop the next-generation CPPs with enhanced cell penetration capability, stability and selectivity. In addition, some recent advances in targeted cell penetration that involve CPPs provide some new ideas to optimise CPPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meiling Zhou
- The Key Laboratory of Model Animal and Stem Cell Biology in Hunan Province, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,School of Medicine, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Xi Zou
- The Key Laboratory of Model Animal and Stem Cell Biology in Hunan Province, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,School of Medicine, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Kexin Cheng
- The Key Laboratory of Model Animal and Stem Cell Biology in Hunan Province, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,School of Medicine, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Suye Zhong
- The Key Laboratory of Model Animal and Stem Cell Biology in Hunan Province, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,School of Medicine, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yangzhou Su
- The Key Laboratory of Model Animal and Stem Cell Biology in Hunan Province, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,School of Medicine, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Tao Wu
- The Key Laboratory of Model Animal and Stem Cell Biology in Hunan Province, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,School of Medicine, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yongguang Tao
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Li Cong
- The Key Laboratory of Model Animal and Stem Cell Biology in Hunan Province, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,School of Medicine, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Bin Yan
- Department of Pathology, The Second Clinical Medical College of Jinan University, The First Affiliated Hospital Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen People's Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yiqun Jiang
- The Key Laboratory of Model Animal and Stem Cell Biology in Hunan Province, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,School of Medicine, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, China
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8
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Mannose Receptor-Mediated Carbon Nanotubes as an Antigen Delivery System to Enhance Immune Response Both In Vitro and In Vivo. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23084239. [PMID: 35457058 PMCID: PMC9030879 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23084239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Revised: 03/26/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are carbon allotropes consisting of one, two, or more concentric rolled graphene layers. These can intrinsically regulate immunity by activating the innate immune system. Mannose receptors (MR), a subgroup of the C-type lectin superfamily, are abundantly expressed on macrophages and dendritic cells. These play a crucial role in identifying pathogens, presenting antigens, and maintaining internal environmental stability. Utilizing the specific recognition between mannose and antigen-presenting cells (APC) surface mannose receptors, the antigen-carrying capacity of mannose-modified CNTs can be improved. Accordingly, here, we synthesized the mannose-modified carbon nanotubes (M-MWCNT) and evaluated them as an antigen delivery system through a series of in vitro and in vivo experiments. In vitro, M-MWCNT carrying large amounts of OVA were rapidly phagocytized by macrophages and promoted macrophage proliferation to facilitate cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6) secretion. In vivo, in mice, M-MWCNT induced the maturation of dendritic cells and increased the levels of antigen-specific antibodies (IgG, IgG1, IgG2a, IgG2b), and cytokines (IFN-γ, IL-6). Taken together, M-MWCNT could induce both humoral and cellular immune responses and thereby can be utilized as an efficient antigen-targeted delivery system.
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9
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Qin Y, Xu H, Zhou N, Chen X, Peng Z, Nie C, Tan J, Wu X. The first-principles study of BC 3 nanosheet as the delivery vehicle for 6-mercaptopurine drug. Mol Phys 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/00268976.2021.1992522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Yong Qin
- School of Mathematics and Physics, University of South China, Hengyang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Haiting Xu
- School of Mathematics and Physics, University of South China, Hengyang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Nan Zhou
- School of Mathematics and Physics, University of South China, Hengyang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xuekun Chen
- School of Mathematics and Physics, University of South China, Hengyang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhihua Peng
- School of Mathematics and Physics, University of South China, Hengyang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Changming Nie
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, University of South China, Hengyang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jie Tan
- School of Mathematics and Physics, University of South China, Hengyang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xijun Wu
- School of Mathematics and Physics, University of South China, Hengyang, People’s Republic of China
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10
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Butnariu M, Quispe C, Herrera-Bravo J, Sharifi-Rad J, Singh L, Aborehab NM, Bouyahya A, Venditti A, Sen S, Acharya K, Bashiry M, Ezzat SM, Setzer WN, Martorell M, Mileski KS, Bagiu IC, Docea AO, Calina D, Cho WC. The Pharmacological Activities of Crocus sativus L.: A Review Based on the Mechanisms and Therapeutic Opportunities of its Phytoconstituents. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2022; 2022:8214821. [PMID: 35198096 PMCID: PMC8860555 DOI: 10.1155/2022/8214821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Revised: 01/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Crocus species are mainly distributed in North Africa, Southern and Central Europe, and Western Asia, used in gardens and parks as ornamental plants, while Crocus sativus L. (saffron) is the only species that is cultivated for edible purpose. The use of saffron is very ancient; besides the use as a spice, saffron has long been known also for its medical and coloring qualities. Due to its distinctive flavor and color, it is used as a spice, which imparts food preservative activity owing to its antimicrobial and antioxidant activity. This updated review discusses the biological properties of Crocus sativus L. and its phytoconstituents, their pharmacological activities, signaling pathways, and molecular targets, therefore highlighting it as a potential herbal medicine. Clinical studies regarding its pharmacologic potential in clinical therapeutics and toxicity studies were also reviewed. For this updated review, a search was performed in the PubMed, Science, and Google Scholar databases using keywords related to Crocus sativus L. and the biological properties of its phytoconstituents. From this search, only the relevant works were selected. The phytochemistry of the most important bioactive compounds in Crocus sativus L. such as crocin, crocetin, picrocrocin, and safranal and also dozens of other compounds was studied and identified by various physicochemical methods. Isolated compounds and various extracts have proven their pharmacological efficacy at the molecular level and signaling pathways both in vitro and in vivo. In addition, toxicity studies and clinical trials were analyzed. The research results highlighted the various pharmacological potentials such as antimicrobial, antioxidant, cytotoxic, cardioprotective, neuroprotective, antidepressant, hypolipidemic, and antihyperglycemic properties and protector of retinal lesions. Due to its antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, saffron has proven effective as a natural food preservative. Starting from the traditional uses for the treatment of several diseases, the bioactive compounds of Crocus sativus L. have proven their effectiveness in modern pharmacological research. However, pharmacological studies are needed in the future to identify new mechanisms of action, pharmacokinetic studies, new pharmaceutical formulations for target transport, and possible interaction with allopathic drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Butnariu
- 1Banat's University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine “King Michael I of Romania” from Timisoara, Timișoara, Romania
| | - Cristina Quispe
- 2Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Arturo Prat, Avda Arturo Prat 2120, Iquique 1110939, Chile
| | - Jesús Herrera-Bravo
- 3Departamento de Ciencias Básicas, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Santo Tomas, Chile
- 4Center of Molecular Biology and Pharmacogenetics, Scientific and Technological Bioresource Nucleus, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco 4811230, Chile
| | | | - Laxman Singh
- 6G.B. Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment & Sustainable Development Kosi-Katarmal, Almora, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Nora M. Aborehab
- 7Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, October University for Modern Sciences and Arts (MSA), 6th of October 12566, Egypt
| | - Abdelhakim Bouyahya
- 8Laboratory of Human Pathologies Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences and Genomic Center of Human Pathologies, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Mohammed V University of Rabat, Morocco
| | - Alessandro Venditti
- 9Dipartimento di Chimica, “Sapienza” Università di Roma, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Surjit Sen
- 10Molecular and Applied Mycology and Plant Pathology Laboratory, Department of Botany, University of Calcutta, Kolkata 700019, India
- 11Department of Botany, Fakir Chand College, Diamond Harbour, West Bengal 743331, India
| | - Krishnendu Acharya
- 10Molecular and Applied Mycology and Plant Pathology Laboratory, Department of Botany, University of Calcutta, Kolkata 700019, India
| | - Moein Bashiry
- 12Department of Food Science and Technology, Nutrition and Food Sciences Faculty, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Shahira M. Ezzat
- 13Pharmacognosy Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Kasr El-Ainy Street, Cairo 11562, Egypt
- 14Pharmacognosy Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, October University for Modern Sciences and Arts (MSA), 6th of October 12566, Egypt
| | - William N. Setzer
- 15Department of Chemistry, University of Alabama in Huntsville, Huntsville, AL 35899, USA
| | - Miquel Martorell
- 16Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Concepcion, Concepcion, Chile
| | - Ksenija S. Mileski
- 17Department of Morphology and Systematic of Plants, Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, Studentski Trg 16, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Iulia-Cristina Bagiu
- 18Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Timisoara Discipline of Microbiology, Timișoara, Romania
- 19Multidisciplinary Research Center on Antimicrobial Resistance, Timișoara, Romania
| | - Anca Oana Docea
- 20Department of Toxicology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
| | - Daniela Calina
- 21Department of Clinical Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
| | - William C. Cho
- 22Department of Clinical Oncology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Kowloon, Hong Kong
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11
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Electrospun Structural Hybrids of Acyclovir-Polyacrylonitrile at Acyclovir for Modifying Drug Release. Polymers (Basel) 2021; 13:polym13244286. [PMID: 34960834 PMCID: PMC8708694 DOI: 10.3390/polym13244286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2021] [Revised: 12/04/2021] [Accepted: 12/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
In traditional pharmaceutics, drug–crystalline nanoparticles and drug–polymer composites are frequently explored for their ability to modify drug release profiles. In this study, a novel sort of hybrid with a coating of acyclovir crystalline nanoparticles on acyclovir-polyacrylonitrile composites was fabricated using modified, coaxial electrospinning processes. The developed acyclovir-polyacrylonitrile at the acyclovir nanohybrids was loaded with various amounts of acyclovir, which could be realized simply by adjusting the sheath fluid flow rates. Compared with the electrospun composite nanofibers from a single-fluid blending process, the nanohybrids showed advantages of modifying the acyclovir release profiles in the following aspects: (1) the initial release amount was more accurately and intentionally controlled; (2) the later sustained release was nearer to a zero-order kinetic process; and (3) the release amounts at different stages could be easily allocated by the sheath fluid flow rate. X-ray diffraction results verified that the acyclovir nanoparticles were in a crystalline state, and Fourier-transform infrared spectra verified that the drug acyclovir and the polymer polyacrylonitrile had a good compatibility. The protocols reported here could pave the way for developing new types of functional nanostructures.
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Das S, Samanta A, Mondal S, Roy D, Nayak AK. Design and release kinetics of liposomes containing abiraterone acetate for treatment of prostate cancer. SENSORS INTERNATIONAL 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.sintl.2020.100077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
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