Aceclofenac-loaded chondroitin sulfate conjugated SLNs for effective management of osteoarthritis

Nanomaterial-assisted theranosis of bone diseases

Bone-related diseases refer to a group of skeletal disorders that are characterized by bone and cartilage destruction. Conventional approaches can regulate bone homeostasis to a certain extent. However, these therapies are still associated with some undesirable problems. Fortunately, recent advances in nanomaterials have provided unprecedented opportunities for diagnosis and therapy of bone-related diseases. This review provides a comprehensive and up-to-date overview of current advanced theranostic nanomaterials in bone-related diseases. First, the potential utility of nanomaterials for biological imaging and biomarker detection is illustrated. Second, nanomaterials serve as therapeutic delivery platforms with special functions for bone homeostasis regulation and cellular modulation are highlighted. Finally, perspectives in this field are offered, including current key bottlenecks and future directions, which may be helpful for exploiting nanomaterials with novel properties and unique functions. This review will provide scientific guidance to enhance the development of advanced nanomaterials for the diagnosis and therapy of bone-related diseases.

Functional biomaterials for osteoarthritis treatment: From research to application

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common disease that endangers millions of middle-aged and elderly people worldwide. Researchers from different fields have made great efforts and achieved remarkable progress in the pathogenesis and treatment of OA. However, there is still no cure for OA. In this review, we discuss the pathogenesis of OA and summarize the current clinical therapies. Moreover, we introduce various natural and synthetic biomaterials for drug release, cartilage transplantation, and joint lubricant during the OA treatment. We also present our perspectives and insights on OA treatment in the future. We hope that this review will foster communication and collaboration among biological, clinical, and biomaterial researchers, paving the way for OA therapeutic breakthroughs.

Fabrication of pH responsive hydrogel blends of chondroitin sulfate/pluronic F-127 for the controlled release of ketorolac: its characterization and acute oral toxicity study

OBJECTIVE

Ketorolac tromethamine (KT), selected as a model drug, is used in management of moderate to severe acute pain. It has a short half-life (∼5.5 h) and requires frequent dose administration when needed for longer period of time. In our current project, we designed pH responsive hydrogel blends of chondroitin sulfate/pluronic F-127 (CS/Pl) for the controlled release of ketorolac.

METHODS

Hydrogel blends were fabricated using free radical polymerization reaction technique utilizing different ratios of chondroitin sulfate (CS) (polymer) and pluronic F-127 (polymer), acrylic acid (monomer), N,N'-methyl-bisacrylamide (MBA) (cross-linker), initiator ammonium persulfate (APS) and tween-80 (surfactant). The fabricated hydrogel blends were studied and evaluated for pH responsiveness, swelling, water absorbency, in vitro drug release, and morphological characteristics such as SEM, XRD, FTIR, and TGA/DSC. Acute toxicity study was performed on rabbits.

RESULTS

Maximum swelling and water absorbency were shown by CS/Pl blends being significantly greater at 7.4 (basic pH) than in 1.2 (acidic pH). In vitro dissolution demonstrated pH responsive controlled KT release following zero order at higher pH (7.4) medium up to 36 h. FTIR studies confirmed the structures of our blends; SEM results showed porous framework; thermal studies revealed higher stability of hydrogels than the individual polymers; and XRD confirmed the nature of our blends. Toxicity study revealed the nontoxic nature of the hydrogel blends.

CONCLUSION

The prepared CS/Pl hydrogels demonstrated stimuli-controlled release with delivery of drug for prolonged period of time and thus can minimize dosing frequency, safe drug delivery, increased patient compliance and easiness.

The Role of Polymeric Biomaterials in the Treatment of Articular Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is a high-prevalence joint disease characterized by the degradation of cartilage, subchondral bone thickening, and synovitis. Due to the inability of cartilage to self-repair, regenerative medicine strategies have become highly relevant in the management of osteoarthritis. Despite the great advances in medical and pharmaceutical sciences, current therapies stay unfulfilled, due to the inability of cartilage to repair itself. Additionally, the multifactorial etiology of the disease, including endogenous genetic dysfunctions and exogenous factors in many cases, also limits the formation of new cartilage extracellular matrix or impairs the regular recruiting of chondroprogenitor cells. Hence, current strategies for osteoarthritis management involve not only analgesics, anti-inflammatory drugs, and/or viscosupplementation but also polymeric biomaterials that are able to drive native cells to heal and repair the damaged cartilage. This review updates the most relevant research on osteoarthritis management that employs polymeric biomaterials capable of restoring the viscoelastic properties of cartilage, reducing the symptomatology, and favoring adequate cartilage regeneration properties.

Chondroitin sulfate-functionalized lipid nanoreservoirs: a novel cartilage-targeting approach for intra-articular delivery of cassic acid for osteoarthritis treatment

Novel intra-articular nanoreservoirs were implemented employing different cartilage targeting approaches to improve cartilage bioavailability of a chondroprotective drug, cassic acid (CA), for effective amelioration of cartilage deterioration off-targeting CA gastrointestinal disorders. Herein, we compared active cartilage-targeting approach via chondroitin sulfate (CHS) functionalization versus passive targeting using positively charged nanoparticles to target negatively charged cartilage matrix. Firstly, CA integrated nanoreservoirs (CA-NRs) were fabricated based on ionic conjugation between CA and cationic hydrophobic surface modifier octadecylamine (ODA) and were further functionalized with CHS to develop CHS-CA-NRs. Confocal laser microscope was used to visualize the accumulation of nanoparticles into the cartilage tissue. Both targeting approaches promoted CA local cartilage availability and prolonged its residence time. Compared to passive targeted CA-NRs, active targeted CHS-CA-NRs showed higher fluorescence signals in proximity to and inside chondrocytes which lasted for up to 21 days. In MIA-osteoarthritic rats, CHS-CA-NRs showed superior antiosteoarthritic activity, exhibiting highest cartilage repair compared to CA-NRs. Additionally, CHS-CA-NRs significantly inhibited OA inflammatory cytokine, degradation enzyme and oxidative stress and improved cartilage matrix biosynthesis. Conclusively, CHS-CA-NRs improved OA repair showing a superior efficacy for articular cartilage targeting with CHS which could be a potential advance for OA therapy.

Targeted treatment for osteoarthritis: drugs and delivery system

The management of osteoarthritis (OA) is a clinical challenge due to the particular avascular, dense, and occluded tissue structure. Despite numerous clinical reports and animal studies, the pathogenesis and progression of OA are still not fully understood. On the basis of traditional drugs, a large number of new drugs have been continuously developed. Intra-articular (IA) administration for OA hastens the development of targeted drug delivery systems (DDS). OA drugs modification and the synthesis of bioadaptive carriers contribute to a qualitative leap in the efficacy of IA treatment. Nanoparticles (NPs) are demonstrated credible improvement of drug penetration and retention in OA. Targeted nanomaterial delivery systems show the prominent biocompatibility and drug loading-release ability. This article reviews different drugs and nanomaterial delivery systems for IA treatment of OA, in an attempt to resolve the inconsonance between in vitro and in vivo release, and explore more interactions between drugs and nanocarriers, so as to open up new horizons for the treatment of OA.

Recent developments in natural and synthetic polymeric drug delivery systems used for the treatment of osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA), is a common musculoskeletal disorder that will progressively increase in older populations and is expected to be the most dominant cause of disability in the world population by 2030. The progression of OA is controlled by a multi-factorial pathway that has not been completely elucidated and understood yet. However, over the years, research efforts have provided a significant understanding of some of the processes contributing to the progression of OA. Both cartilage and bone degradation processes induce articular cells to produce inflammatory mediators that produce proinflammatory cytokines that block the synthesis of collagen type II and aggrecan, the major components of cartilage. Systemic administration and intraarticular injection of anti-inflammatory agents are the first-line treatments of OA. However, small anti-inflammatory molecules are rapidly cleared from the joint cavity which limits their therapeutic efficacy. To palliate this strong technological drawback, different types of polymeric materials such as microparticles, nanoparticles, and hydrogels, have been examined as drug carriers for the delivery of therapeutic agents to articular joints. The main purpose of this review is to provide a summary of recent developments in natural and synthetic polymeric drug delivery systems for the delivery of anti-inflammatory agents to arthritic joints. Furthermore, this review provides an overview of the design rules that have been proposed so far for the development of drug carriers used in OA therapy. Overall it is difficult to state clearly which polymeric platform is the most efficient one because many advantages and disadvantages could be pointed to both natural and synthetic formulations. That requires further research in the near future.

Functions of, and replenishment strategies for, chondroitin sulfate in the human body

Chondroitin sulfate (CS) belongs to a class of molecules called glycosaminoglycans (GAGs). These are long, linear chains of polysaccharides comprising alternating amino sugars and hexuronic acid. Similar to other GAGs, CS is important in a multitude of biological activities. Alteration of CS levels has been implicated in several pathological conditions, including osteoarthritis (OA) and other inflammatory diseases, as well as physiological conditions, such as aging. Therefore, devising replenishment strategies for this molecule is an important area of research. In this review, we discuss the nature of CS, its function in different organs, and its implications in health and disease. We also describe different methods for the exogenous administration of CS.

The emerging landscape of nanotheranostic-based diagnosis and therapy for osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common degenerative disease involving numerous joint tissues and cells, with a growing rate in prevalence that ultimately results in a negative social impact. Early diagnosis, OA progression monitoring and effective treatment are of significant importance in halting OA process. However, traditional imaging techniques lack sensitivity and specificity, which lead to a delay in timely clinical intervention. Additionally, current treatments only slow the progression of OA but have not meet the largely medical need for disease-modifying therapy. In order to overcome the above-mentioned problems and improve clinical efficacy, nanotheranostics has been proposed on OA remedy, which has confirmed success in animal models. In this review, different imaging targets-based nanoprobe for early and timely OA diagnosis is first discussed. Second, therapeutic strategies delivered by nanosystem are summarized as much as possible. Their advantages and the potential for clinical translation are detailed discussed. Third, nanomedicine simultaneously combined with the imaging for OA treatment is introduced. Nanotheranostics dynamically tracked the OA treatment outcomes to timely and individually adjust therapy. Finally, future prospects and challenges of nanotechnology-based OA diagnosis, imaging and treatment are concluded and predicted. It is believed that nanoprobe and nanomedicine will become prospective in OA therapeutic revolution.

Preparation of Solid Lipid Nanoparticles and Nanostructured Lipid Carriers for Drug Delivery and the Effects of Preparation Parameters of Solvent Injection Method

Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) and nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) have emerged as potential drug delivery systems for various applications that are produced from physiological, biodegradable, and biocompatible lipids. The methods used to produce SLNs and NLCs have been well investigated and reviewed, but solvent injection method provides an alternative means of preparing these drug carriers. The advantages of solvent injection method include a fast production process, easiness of handling, and applicability in many laboratories without requirement of complicated instruments. The effects of formulations and process parameters of this method on the characteristics of the produced SLNs and NLCs have been investigated in several studies. This review describes the methods currently used to prepare SLNs and NLCs with focus on solvent injection method. We summarize recent development in SLNs and NLCs production using this technique. In addition, the effects of solvent injection process parameters on SLNs and NLCs characteristics are discussed.

Chondroitin sulfate conjugation facilitates tumor cell internalization of albumin nanoparticles for brain-targeted delivery of temozolomide via CD44 receptor-mediated targeting

In the present investigation, temozolomide (TMZ) loaded chondroitin sulfate conjugated albumin nanoparticles (CS-TNPs) were fabricated by desolvation method were chondroitin sulfate (CS) was used as the surface exposed ligand to achieve CD44 receptor mediated targeting of brain tumor. The developed CS-TNPs were characterized for particle size, zeta potential, entrapment efficiency and drug loading and evaluated by FTIR, DSC, XRD and TEM analysis. BBB (blood brain barrier) passage study using in vitro BBB model indicated that CS-TNPs were able to efficiently cross the BBB. Cell viability assay data demonstrated higher cytotoxicity of CS-TNPs as compared with pure TMZ. The CD44 receptor blocking assay and receptor poisoning assay in U87 MG cells confirmed the CD44 receptor and endocytosis-mediated (caveolae pathway) uptake of CS-TNPs. CS-TNPs were able to generate ROS in U87 MG cells. In vivo pharmacokinetic and biodistribution studies were performed in Wistar rats. In vivo results revealed significant enhancement in pharmacokinetic profile of CS-TNPs as compared with TMZ alone. Biodistribution results demonstrated higher accumulation of TMZ in the brain by CS-TNPs as compared with the pure drug that confirmed the brain targeting ability of nanoparticles. From all obtained results, it may be concluded that CS-TNPs are promising carrier to deliver TMZ to the brain for targeted therapy of brain tumor. Graphical abstract.

Sustained-release diclofenac conjugated to hyaluronate (diclofenac etalhyaluronate) for knee osteoarthritis: a randomized phase 2 study

Objective

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of diclofenac etalhyaluronate (DF-HA) (ONO-5704/SI-613), a novel DF-conjugated hyaluronate, in patients with knee OA in Japan.

Methods

In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 2 study, patients were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive either 30 mg of DF-HA or placebo intra-articularly at weeks 0, 4 and 8 and were followed up for 24 weeks. The primary outcomes were changes from baseline in the WOMAC pain subscores, 50-foot walk test pain score and daily pain score. The secondary outcomes were the WOMAC physical function subscores, patient global assessment, responder rate and safety outcome.

Results

Overall, 176 patients received the investigational drugs (87 received DF-HA and 89 received placebo). The mean changes in the WOMAC pain subscores and daily pain score from baseline over 12 weeks after the first injection were significantly higher in the DF-HA than placebo group; the mean difference was −7.0 mm [95% CI, −12.7, −1.2; P =0.018] and −0.61 (95% CI, −1.06, −0.16; P =0.008), respectively. The difference in the 50-foot walk test pain score was −5.0 mm (95% CI, −10.3, 0.3; P =0.065). Improvement of pain by DF-HA was observed at week 1 and maintained from week 12 to week 24. Significantly greater improvements in the secondary outcomes were also observed with DF-HA than with placebo. No clinically significant adverse events occurred.

Conclusion

DF-HA reduced pain in patients with knee OA without major safety concerns.

Trial registration

UMIN Clinical Trials Registry, https://www.umin.ac.jp/ctr/index.htm, UMIN000015858

Facile functionalization of Teriflunomide-loaded nanoliposomes with Chondroitin sulphate for the treatment of Rheumatoid arthritis

This research aims to coat Teriflunomide (TEF) loaded conventional nanoliposomes (CON-TEF-LIPO) with Chondroitin sulphate (CS) to produce CS-TEF-LIPO for the effective treatment of Rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Both CON-TEF-LIPO and CS-TEF-LIPO were produced, characterized and evaluated for their active targeting potential towards CD44 receptors. Cell cytotoxicity, cell viability and intracellular uptake study on differentiated U937 and MG-63 cells demonstrated the active targeting of CS-TEF-LIPO towards CD44 receptors. Furthermore, in vivo pharmacodynamic, biochemical, radiological and histopathological studies performed in adjuvant induced arthritic (AIA) rat model showed a significant (P < 0.05) reduction in inflammation in arthritic rat paw in CS-TEF-LIPO group compared to TEF and CON-TEF-LIPO groups. Moreover, liver toxicity study revealed that CS-TEF-LIPO showed no signs of toxicity and biodistribution study revealed the accumulation of CS-TEF-LIPO in synovial region of arthritic rat. Taken together, results suggest that CS-TEF-LIPO could provide a new insight for an effective treatment of RA.

Nanotechnological Strategies for Osteoarthritis Diagnosis, Monitoring, Clinical Management, and Regenerative Medicine: Recent Advances and Future Opportunities

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

In this review article, we discuss the potential for employing nanotechnological strategies for the diagnosis, monitoring, and clinical management of osteoarthritis (OA) and explore how nanotechnology is being integrated rapidly into regenerative medicine for OA and related osteoarticular disorders.

RECENT FINDINGS

We review recent advances in this rapidly emerging field and discuss future opportunities for innovations in enhanced diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of OA and other osteoarticular disorders, the smart delivery of drugs and biological agents, and the development of biomimetic regenerative platforms to support cell and gene therapies for arresting OA and promoting cartilage and bone repair. Nanotubes, magnetic nanoparticles, and other nanotechnology-based drug and gene delivery systems may be used for targeting molecular pathways and pathogenic mechanisms involved in OA development. Nanocomposites are also being explored as potential tools for promoting cartilage repair. Nanotechnology platforms may be combined with cell, gene, and biological therapies for the development of a new generation of future OA therapeutics. Graphical Abstract.

Sublingual delivery of chondroitin sulfate conjugated tapentadol loaded nanovesicles for the treatment of osteoarthritis

Recent treatment approaches of osteoarthritis (OA) face a number of obstacles due to the progressive multitude of pain generators, nociceptive mechanisms, first pass mechanism, less efficacy and compromised safety. The present study was aimed to bring a novel approach for the effective management of OA, by developing sublingual targeted nanovesicles (NVs) bearing tapentadol HCl (TAP), surface modified with chondroitin sulfate (CS). Optimized nontargeted nanovesicle formulation (MB-NV) was developed by an ultrasound method, characterized as spherical in shape, nanometric in size (around 150 nm) with narrow size distribution (polydispersity index <0.5), and good entrapment efficiency (around 50%). MB-NV conjugated with CS which was confirmed by IR and ¹H NMR spectroscopy. C-MB-NV showed improved pharmacokinetics parameters i.e. increased t_1/2 (9.7 h), AUC (159.725 μg/mL*h), and MRT (14.99 h) of TAP than nontargeted formulation and plain drug soln. C-MB-NV in in vitro release studies proved sustained drug release pattern for more than 24 h following Higuchi model kinetics with Fickian diffusion (n ≤ 0.5).Targeted nanovesicles exhibited an improved bioavailability and enhanced analgesic activity in a disease-induced Wistar rat model which indicated the superior targeting potential of C-MB-NV exploiting CD44 receptors as mediators, overexpressed at the affected joints in the OA model. It could be a propitious approach to accustomed therapies for methodical and efficient management in advanced OA therapy.

Biomaterial-engineered intra-articular drug delivery systems for osteoarthritis therapy

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a progressive and degenerative disease, which is no longer confined to the elderly. So far, current treatments are limited to symptom relief, and no valid OA disease-modifying drugs are available. Additionally, OA relative joint is challenging for drug delivery, since the drugs experience rapid clearance in joint, showing a poor bioavailability. Existing therapeutic drugs, like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and corticosteroids, are not conducive for long-term use due to adverse effects. Though supplementations, including chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine, have shown beneficial effects on joint tissues in OA, their therapeutic use is still debatable. New emerging agents, like Kartogenin (KGN) and Interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1 ra), without a proper formulation, still will not work. Therefore, it is urgent to establish a suitable and efficient drug delivery system for OA therapy. In this review, we pay attention to various types of drug delivery systems and potential therapeutic drugs that may escalate OA treatments.

Colorectal cancer-targeted delivery of oxaliplatin via folic acid-grafted solid lipid nanoparticles: preparation, optimization, and in vitro evaluation

OBJECTIVE

Colorectal cancer (CRC) ranked second in females and third in males among all type of cancers diagnosed. About 1.4 million cases took place with 693,900 deaths in 2012. It can occur either in colon or rectum. Thus, we aimed to develop and optimize oxaliplatin (OP) loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

SLNs containing tristearin, 1,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine (DSPE), Lipoid S75, and Tween 80 was developed. Box-Behnken design was applied for optimization of SLNs and optimized formulation was selected for conjugation with folic acid (FA). Optimized formulations were evaluated for various physiochemical parameters viz., particle size (PS), zeta potential, %entrapment efficiency (EE), morphology, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC).

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

OP loaded uncoupled SLNs (OPSLNs) and OP loaded FA coupled SLNs (OPSLNFs) formulations revealed good EE, 49.2 ± 0.38% and 43.5 ± 0.59%, respectively and small PS, 146.2 ± 4.4 nm, and 158.8 ± 5.6 nm, respectively. XRD pattern and DSC results confirmed that OP was uniformly distributed in amorphous form within SLNs. In vitro drug release study of OPSLNs and OPSLNFs formulation revealed sustained drug release pattern of OP for up to 6 d. Anticancer activity on HT-29 cell line indicated the highest potency of OPSLNFs as compared to OPSLNs and OP solution.

CONCLUSION

The present work illustrated the higher sensitivity of HT-29 cells to the drug entrapped in OPSLNFs as compared to OPSLNs and OP solution. Hence, this novel strategy might be a promising approach for the management of CRC.

Dendritic polyglycerol anions for the selective targeting of native and inflamed articular cartilage

Dye-conjugated polyanions show high affinities toward native and inflamed cartilage dependent on the anionic moiety and the condition of the tissue.

Osteoarthritis: Pathology, Mouse Models, and Nanoparticle Injectable Systems for Targeted Treatment

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a progressive, degenerative disease of articulating joints that not only affects the elderly, but also involves younger, more active individuals with prolonged participation in high physical-demand activities. Thus, effective therapies that are easy to adopt clinically are critical in limiting the societal burden associated with OA. This review is focused on intra-articular injectable regimens and provides a comprehensive look at existing in vivo models of OA that might be suitable for developing, testing, and finding a cure for OA by intra-articular injections. We first discuss the pathology, molecular mechanisms responsible for the initiation and progression of OA, and challenges associated with disease-specific targeting of OA. We proceed to discuss available animal models of OA and provide a detailed perspective on the use of mouse models in studies of experimental OA. We finally provide a closer look at intra-articular injectable treatments for OA, focusing on biomaterials-based nanoparticles, and provide a comprehensive overview of the various nanometer-size ranges studied.

Dual Drug Delivery Using Lactic Acid Conjugated SLN for Effective Management of Neurocysticercosis

PURPOSE

The debut study was aimed to develop Lactic acid (LA)-conjugated solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN-LA) bearing albendazole (ALB) and prednisolone (PRD) for effective management of neurocysticercosis (NCC).

METHODS

LA was coupled to SLN by post-insertion technique. SLNs were characterized for particle size and size distribution, shape, and percent drug entrapment efficiency. In vitro drug release kinetics, fluorescence study and in vitro transendothelial transport, hematological studies and pharmacokinetic studies were carried out to predict the fullest drug delivery potential.

RESULTS

Spherical SLNs (~100 nm) with good drug entrapments (~64 and ~78% for ALB and PRD, respectively) showed in vitro initial fast release (i.e., 20-40% drugs release in 4 h) followed by sustained release for more than 48 h. Fluorescence study and in vitro transendothelial transport depicted selective brain uptake of SLN-LA compared to SLN attributed to carrier mediated transport via monocarboxylic acid transporters (MCT - 1/2/3). Pharmacokinetic parameters such as AUC0-t and AUMC0-t and Cllast showed good drugs withholding capacity of SLNs. Organ distribution studies reflected high accumulation of drugs (ALB, 7.6 ± 0.31%; PRD, 5.21 ± 0.24%) in the brain after 24 h in case of SLN-LA as compared to plain drugs solution. SLN-LA in hematological studies revealed insignificant toxicity to blood cells.

CONCLUSIONS

The overall study paved the potential advances in brain targeting with synergistic acting drugs for effective management of NCC.

Targeted SLNs for management of HIV-1 associated dementia

CONTEXT

HIV-1 associated dementia (HAD) is an evolving disease in the category of neurological disorders.

OBJECTIVE

Nifedipine-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) were developed and coated with Tween 80 to facilitate enhanced brain drug delivery for the treatment of HAD.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

SLNs were prepared using solvent injection method. Lipids consisted of tristearin, hydrogenated soya phosphatidylcholine (HSPC) (1.5:1 w/w). Nifedipine was model drug in this study. Tween 80 (0.5% v/v) was taken as key modulator. SLNs were characterized for particle shape, size, zeta potential, entrapment efficiency, in vitro drug release, DNA fragmentation, cytotoxicity potential and in vivo studies.

RESULTS

The SLNs (plain and coated) were found to be in nanometric in size (∼120 nm) with more than 70% entrapment efficiency. In vitro drug release profile reflected sustained release up to 48 h. Tween 80-coated SLNs showed higher percentage of DNA fragmentation in vitro and enhanced cell viability in sulforhodamine assay (rat cortical cells) as compared to plain drug and uncoated SLNs due to facilitated uptake of SLNs and reversal of P-gp efflux by virtue of Tween 80. Biodistribution study performed on vital organs, i.e. brain, heart, liver, spleen, lungs and kidney showed increased accumulation of Tween 80-coated SLNs in the brain.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

Tween 80 enhanced localization of SLNs in the brain as compared to uncoated SLNs. This approach can be employed effectively to transport chemotherapeutics across the BBB for management of HIV-1 associated dementia and other ailments.