Rutin-Loaded Silver Nanoparticles With Antithrombotic Function

Redox-Sensitive Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) Nanoparticles of Palbociclib: Development, Ultrasound/Photoacoustic Imaging, and Smart Breast Cancer Therapy

Breast cancer is one of the leading causes of mortality in women globally. The efficacy of breast cancer treatments, notably chemotherapy, is hampered by inadequate localized delivery of anticancer agents to the tumor site, resulting in compromised efficacy and increased systemic toxicity. In this study, we have developed redox-sensitive poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles for the smart delivery of palbociclib (PLB) to breast cancer. The particle size of formulated PLB@PLGA-NPs (nonredox-sensitive) and RS-PLB@PLGA-NPs (redox-sensitive) NPs were 187.1 ± 1.8 nm and 193.7 ± 1.5 nm, respectively. The zeta potentials of nonredox-sensitive and redox-sensitive NPs were +24.99 ± 2.67 mV and +9.095 ± 1.87 mV, respectively. The developed NPs were characterized for morphological and various physicochemical parameters such as SEM, TEM, XRD, DSC, TGA, XPS, etc. The % entrapment efficiency of PLB@PLGA-NPs and RS-PLB@PLGA-NPs was found to be 85.48 ± 1.29% and 87.72 ± 1.55%, respectively. RS-PLB@PLGA-NPs displayed a rapid drug release at acidic pH and a higher GSH concentration compared to PLB@PLGA-NPs. The cytotoxicity assay in MCF-7 cells suggested that PLB@PLGA-NPs and RS-PLB@PLGA-NPs were 5.24-fold and 14.53-fold higher cytotoxic compared to the free PLB, respectively. Further, the cellular uptake study demonstrated that redox-sensitive NPs had significantly higher cellular uptake compared to nonredox-sensitive NPs and free Coumarin 6 dye. Additionally, AO/EtBr assay and reactive oxygen species analysis confirmed the superior activity of RS-PLB@PLGA-NPs over PLB@PLGA-NPs and free PLB. In vivo anticancer activity in dimethyl-benz(a)anthracene-induced breast cancer rats depicted that RS-PLB@PLGA-NPs was highly effective in reducing the tumor size, hypoxic tumor, and tumor vascularity compared to PLB@PLGA-NPs and free PLB. Further, hemocompatibility study reveals that the developed NPs were nonhemolytic to human blood. Moreover, an in vivo histopathology study confirmed that both nanoparticles were safe and nontoxic to the vital organs.

Recent Advancements in Metallic Au- and Ag-Based Chitosan Nanocomposite Derivatives for Enhanced Anticancer Drug Delivery

The rapid advancements in nanotechnology in the field of nanomedicine have the potential to significantly enhance therapeutic strategies for cancer treatment. There is considerable promise for enhancing the efficacy of cancer therapy through the manufacture of innovative nanocomposite materials. Metallic nanoparticles have been found to enhance the release of anticancer medications that are loaded onto them, resulting in a sustained release, hence reducing the dosage required for drug administration and preventing their buildup in healthy cells. The combination of nanotechnology with biocompatible materials offers new prospects for the development of advanced therapies that exhibit enhanced selectivity, reduced adverse effects, and improved patient outcomes. Chitosan (CS), a polysaccharide possessing distinct physicochemical properties, exhibits favorable attributes for controlled drug delivery due to its biocompatibility and biodegradability. Chitosan nanocomposites exhibit heightened stability, improved biocompatibility, and prolonged release characteristics for anticancer medicines. The incorporation of gold (Au) nanoparticles into the chitosan nanocomposite results in the manifestation of photothermal characteristics, whereas the inclusion of silver (Ag) nanoparticles boosts the antibacterial capabilities of the synthesized nanocomposite. The objective of this review is to investigate the recent progress in the utilization of Ag and Au nanoparticles, or a combination thereof, within a chitosan matrix or its modified derivatives for the purpose of anticancer drug delivery. The research findings for the potential of a chitosan nanocomposite to deliver various anticancer drugs, such as doxorubicin, 5-Fluroacil, curcumin, paclitaxel, and 6-mercaptopurine, were investigated. Moreover, various modifications carried out on the chitosan matrix phase and the nanocomposite surfaces to enhance targeting selectivity, loading efficiency, and pH sensitivity were highlighted. In addition, challenges and perspectives that could motivate further research related to the applications of chitosan nanocomposites in cancer therapy were summarized.

Investigation of sex-based differences in the immunotoxicity of silver nanoparticles

The growing application of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in consumer, healthcare, and industrial products has raised concern over potential health implications due to increasing exposure. The evaluation of the immune response to nanomaterials is one of the key criteria to assess their biocompatibility. There are well-recognized sex-based differences in innate and adaptive immune responses. However, there is limited information available using human models. The aim was to investigate the potential sex-based differences in immune functions after exposure to AgNPs using human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and plasma from healthy donors. These functions include inflammasome activation, cytokine expression, leukocyte proliferation, chemotaxis, plasma coagulation, and complement activation. AgNPs were characterized by dynamic light scattering and transmission electron microscopy. Inflammasome activation by AgNPs was measured after 6- and 24-hours incubations. AgNPs-induced inflammasome activation was significantly higher in the females, especially for the 6-hour exposure. No sex-based differences were observed for Ag ions controls. Younger donors exhibited significantly more inflammasome activation than older donors after 24-hours exposure. IL-10 was significantly suppressed in males and females after exposure. AgNPs suppressed leukocyte proliferation similarly in males and females. No chemoattractant effects, no alterations in plasma coagulation, or activation of the complement were observed after AgNPs exposure. In conclusion, the results highlight that there are distinct sex-based differences in inflammasome activation after exposure to AgNPs in human PBMCs. The results highlight the importance of considering sex-based differences in inflammasome activation induced by exposure to AgNPs in any future biocompatibility assessment for products containing AgNPs.

Immune-stealth VP28-conjugated heparin nanoparticles for enhanced and reversible anticoagulation

Heparins are a family of sulfated linear negatively charged polysaccharides that have been widely used for their anticoagulant, antithrombotic, antitumor, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral properties. Additionally, it has been used for acute cerebral infarction relief as well as other pharmacological actions. However, heparin's self-aggregated macrocomplex may reduce blood circulation time and induce life-threatening thrombocytopenia (HIT) complicating the use of heparins. Nonetheless, the conjugation of heparin to immuno-stealth biomolecules may overcome these obstacles. An immunostealth recombinant viral capsid protein (VP28) was expressed and conjugated with heparin to form a novel nanoparticle (VP28-heparin). VP28-heparin was characterized and tested to determine its immunogenicity, anticoagulation properties, effects on total platelet count, and risk of inducing HIT in animal models. The synthesized VP28-heparin trimeric nanoparticle was non-immunogenic, possessed an average hydrodynamic size (8.81 ± 0.58 nm) optimal for the evasion renal filtration and reticuloendothelial system uptake (hence prolonging circulating half-life). Additionally, VP28-heparin did not induce mouse death or reduce blood platelet count when administered at a high dosein vivo(hence reducing HIT risks). The VP28-heparin nanoparticle also exhibited superior anticoagulation properties (2.2× higher prothrombin time) and comparable activated partial thromboplastin time, but longer anticoagulation period when compared to unfractionated heparin. The anticoagulative effects of the VP28-heparin can also be reversed using protamine sulfate. Thus, VP28-heparin may be an effective and safe heparin derivative for therapeutic use.

Nattokinase Encapsulated Nanomedicine for Targeted Thrombolysis: Development, Improved in Vivo Thrombolytic Effects, and Ultrasound/Photoacoustic Imaging

Nattokinase (NK), a potent thrombolytic enzyme that dissolves blood clots, is highly used in the treatment of cardiovascular disorders. However, its effective delivery remains demanding because of stability and bioavailability problems owing to its high molecular weight and proteineous nature. In this research, we have developed novel NK-loaded nontargeted liposomes (NK-LS) and targeted liposomes (RGD-NK-LS and AM-NK-LS) by the reverse phase evaporation method. The physiochemical characterizations (particle size, polydispersity index, zeta potential, and morphology) were performed by a Zetasizer, SEM, TEM, and AFM. The Bradford assay and XPS analysis confirmed the successful surface conjugation of the targeting ligands. Platelet interaction studies by CLSM, photon imager optima, and flow cytometry showed significantly higher (P < 0.05) platelet binding affinity of targeted liposomes. In vitro evaluations were performed using human blood and a fibrinolysis study by CLSM imaging demonstrating the potent antithrombotic efficacy of AM-NK-LS. Furthermore, bleeding and clotting time studies revealed that the targeted liposomes were free from any bleeding complications. Moreover, the in vivo FeCl3 model on Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats using a Doppler flow meter and ultrasound/photoacoustic imaging indicated the increased % thrombolysis and potent affinity of targeted liposomes toward the thrombus site. Additionally, in vitro hemocompatibility and histopathology studies demonstrated the safety and biocompatibility of the nanoformulations.

Modulating Inflammation-Mediated Diseases via Natural Phenolic Compounds Loaded in Nanocarrier Systems

The global increase and prevalence of inflammatory-mediated diseases have been a great menace to human welfare. Several works have demonstrated the anti-inflammatory potentials of natural polyphenolic compounds, including flavonoid derivatives (EGCG, rutin, apigenin, naringenin) and phenolic acids (GA, CA, etc.), among others (resveratrol, curcumin, etc.). In order to improve the stability and bioavailability of these natural polyphenolic compounds, their recent loading applications in both organic (liposomes, micelles, dendrimers, etc.) and inorganic (mesoporous silica, heavy metals, etc.) nanocarrier technologies are being employed. A great number of studies have highlighted that, apart from improving their stability and bioavailability, nanocarrier systems also enhance their target delivery, while reducing drug toxicity and adverse effects. This review article, therefore, covers the recent advances in the drug delivery of anti-inflammatory agents loaded with natural polyphenolics by the application of both organic and inorganic nanocarriers. Even though nanocarrier technology offers a variety of possible anti-inflammatory advantages to naturally occurring polyphenols, the complexes' inherent properties and mechanisms of action have not yet been fully investigated. Thus, expanding the quest on novel natural polyphenolic-loaded delivery systems, together with the optimization of complexes' activity toward inflammation, will be a new direction of future efforts.

An Innovative Approach for Formulation of Rutin Tablets Targeted for Colon Cancer Treatment

The aim of this study was the improvement of rutin solubility along with targeting its release to colon for effective treatment of colon cancer. Five formulations of compression-coated tablets were prepared with the same core composition including rutin-polyvinyl pyrrolidone K30 solid dispersion (rutin-PVP K30 SD) but differ in being coated with either frankincense alone or different combinations of frankincense with gelatin. The superior formula was selected based on the in vitro drug release then further evaluated in terms of physical properties and in vivo performance in dogs using X-ray. Moreover, in vitro cytotoxicity of rutin, rutin-PVP K30 SD, frankincense, and a mixture of rutin-PVP K30 SD with frankincense in a ratio representing their concentrations in the selected formula was assessed against human colon cancer (HCT-116) cell lines using sulforhodamine B assay. The formula (F4) with the coat consisted of 65%w/w frankincense and 35%w/w gelatin achieved acceptable in vitro controlled drug release. In vivo X-ray in dogs confirmed that F4 tablet could remain intact in the stomach and small intestine until reaching the colon. In vitro cytotoxicity revealed that mixture of rutin-PVP K30 SD with frankincense was more effective in arresting cancer cell growth than rutin or frankincense alone. Moreover, stability studies revealed that F4 tablets were physically and chemically stable. Thus, improving rutin solubility using solid dispersion technique and formulating it into frankincense-based compression-coated (F4) tablets would be a successful approach for colonic delivery of rutin with potential of improving therapeutic efficacy.

Biosynthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using Salvia pratensis L. Aerial Part and Root Extracts: Bioactivity, Biocompatibility, and Catalytic Potential

The aim of this research was the synthesis of silver nanoparticles (SPA- and SPR-AgNPs) using the aqueous extracts of the aerial (SPA) and the root (SPR) parts of the plant Salvia pratensis L., their characterization, reaction condition optimization, and evaluation of their biological and catalytic activity. UV-Vis spectroscopy, X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD), scanning electron microscopy with EDS analysis (SEM/EDS), and dynamic light scattering (DLS) analysis were utilized to characterize the nanoparticles, while Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy was used to detect some functional groups of compounds present in the plant extracts and nanoparticles. The phenolic and flavonoid contents, as well as the antioxidant activity of the extracts, were determined spectrophotometrically. The synthesized nanoparticles showed twice-higher activity in neutralizing 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS⁺) compared with the respective extracts. SPR-AgNPs exhibited strong antimicrobial activity against almost all of the tested bacteria (<0.0039 mg/mL) and fungal strains, especially against the genus Penicillium (<0.0391 mg/mL). Moreover, they were fully biocompatible on all the tested eukaryotic cells, while the hemolysis of erythrocytes was not observed at the highest tested concentration of 150 µg/mL. The catalytic activity of nanoparticles toward Congo Red and 4-nitrophenol was also demonstrated. The obtained results confirm the possibility of the safe application of the synthesized nanoparticles in medicine and as a catalyst in various processes.

GPIIb/IIIa Receptor Targeted Rutin Loaded Liposomes for Site-Specific Antithrombotic Effect

Rutin (RUT) is a flavonoid obtained from a natural source and is reported for antithrombotic potential, but its delivery remains challenging because of its poor solubility and bioavailability. In this research, we have fabricated novel rutin loaded liposomes (RUT-LIPO, nontargeted), liposomes conjugated with RGD peptide (RGD-RUT-LIPO, targeted), and abciximab (ABX-RUT-LIPO, targeted) by ethanol injection method. The particle size, ζ potential, and morphology of prepared liposomes were analyzed by using DLS, SEM, and TEM techniques. The conjugation of targeting moiety on the surface of targeted liposomes was confirmed by XPS analysis and Bradford assay. In vitro assessment such as blood clot assay, aPTT assay, PT assay, and platelet aggregation analysis was performed using human blood which showed the superior antithrombotic potential of ABX-RUT-LIPO and RGD-RUT-LIPO liposomes. The clot targeting efficiency was evaluated by in vitro imaging and confocal laser scanning microscopy. A significant (P < 0.05) rise in the affinity of targeted liposomes toward activated platelets was demonstrated that revealed their remarkable potential in inhibiting thrombus formation. Furthermore, an in vivo study executed on Sprague Dawley rats (FeCl₃ model) demonstrated improved antithrombotic activity of RGD-RUT-LIPO and ABX-RUT-LIPO compared with pure drug. The pharmacokinetic study performed on rats demonstrates the increase in bioavailability when administered as liposomal formulation as compared to RUT. Moreover, the tail bleeding assay and clotting time study (Swiss Albino mice) indicated a better antithrombotic efficacy of targeted liposomes than control preparations. Additionally, biocompatibility of liposomal formulations was determined by an in vitro hemolysis study and cytotoxicity assay, which showed that they were hemocompatible and safe for human use. A histopathology study on rats suggested no severe toxicity of prepared liposomal formulations. Thus, RUT encapsulated nontargeted and targeted liposomes exhibited superior antithrombotic potential over RUT and could be used as a promising carrier for future use.

Rutin Nanocrystals with Enhanced Anti-Inflammatory Activity: Preparation and Ex Vivo/In Vivo Evaluation in an Inflammatory Rat Model

Rutin is a polyphenolic flavonoid with an interestingly wide therapeutic spectrum. However, its clinical benefits are limited by its poor aqueous solubility and low bioavailability. In an attempt to overcome these limitations, rutin nanocrystals were prepared using various stabilizers including nonionic surfactants and nonionic polymers. The nanocrystals were evaluated for particle size, zeta potential, drug entrapment efficiency, morphology, colloidal stability, rutin photostability, dissolution rate, and saturation solubility. The selected nanocrystal formulation was dispersed in a hydrogel base and the drug release kinetics and permeability through mouse skin were characterized. Rutin's anti-inflammatory efficacy was studied in a carrageenan-induced rat paw edema model. The nanocrystals had a size in the range of around 270-500 nm and a polydispersity index of around 0.3-0.5. Nanocrystals stabilized by hydroxypropyl beta-cyclodextrin (HP-β-CD) had the smallest particle size, highest drug entrapment efficiency, best colloidal stability, and highest drug photostability. Nanocrystals had around a 102- to 202-fold and 2.3- to 6.7-fold increase in the drug aqueous solubility and dissolution rate, respectively, depending on the type of stabilizer. HP-β-CD nanocrystals hydrogel had a significantly higher percent of drug released and permeated through the mouse skin compared with the free drug hydrogel. The cumulative drug amount permeated through the skin was 2.5-fold higher than that of the free drug hydrogel. In vivo studies showed that HP-β-CD-stabilized rutin nanocrystals hydrogel had significantly higher edema inhibition compared with the free drug hydrogel and commercial diclofenac sodium gel. These results highlight the potential of HP-β-CD-stabilized nanocrystals as a promising approach to enhance drug solubility, dissolution rate, and anti-inflammatory properties.

Antithrombotic and antiplatelet effects of plant-derived compounds: a great utility potential for primary, secondary, and tertiary care in the framework of 3P medicine

Thromboembolism is the third leading vascular disease, with a high annual incidence of 1 to 2 cases per 1000 individuals within the general population. The broader term venous thromboembolism generally refers to deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, and/or a combination of both. Therefore, thromboembolism can affect both – the central and peripheral veins. Arterial thromboembolism causes systemic ischemia by disturbing blood flow and oxygen supply to organs, tissues, and cells causing, therefore, apoptosis and/or necrosis in the affected tissues. Currently applied antithrombotic drugs used, e.g. to protect affected individuals against ischemic stroke, demonstrate significant limitations. For example, platelet inhibitors possess only moderate efficacy. On the other hand, thrombolytics and anticoagulants significantly increase hemorrhage. Contextually, new approaches are extensively under consideration to develop next-generation antithrombotics with improved efficacy and more personalized and targeted application. To this end, phytochemicals show potent antithrombotic efficacy demonstrated in numerous in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo models as well as in clinical evaluations conducted on healthy individuals and persons at high risk of thrombotic events, such as pregnant women (primary care), cancer, and COVID-19-affected patients (secondary and tertiary care). Here, we hypothesized that specific antithrombotic and antiplatelet effects of plant-derived compounds might be of great clinical utility in primary, secondary, and tertiary care. To increase the efficacy, precise patient stratification based on predictive diagnostics is essential for targeted protection and treatments tailored to the person in the framework of 3P medicine. Contextually, this paper aims at critical review toward the involvement of specific classes of phytochemicals in antiplatelet and anticoagulation adapted to clinical needs. The paper exemplifies selected plant-derived drugs, plant extracts, and whole plant foods/herbs demonstrating their specific antithrombotic, antiplatelet, and fibrinolytic activities relevant for primary, secondary, and tertiary care. One of the examples considered is antithrombotic and antiplatelet protection specifically relevant for COVID-19-affected patient groups.

Pharmacological Investigation of Asphodelus tenuifolius Cav. for its Potential Against Thrombosis in Experimental Models

Background

Thrombosis is a major disorder which is an outcome of an imbalance in the hemostatic system that develop undesirable blood clot and hinder blood circulation.

Purpose

The current study was designed to verify the potential of aqueous methanolic crude extract of Asphodelus tenuifolius Cav. (At.Cr), used traditionally as remedy in circulatory problems.

Research Design

Antioxidant activity, FTIR, and HPLC analysis were performed. In-vitro clot lysis assay was performed on human blood samples, and in-vivo acute pulmonary thromboembolism model was developed by administering the mixture of collagen and epinephrine in tail vein of mice. Carrageenan-induced thrombosis and FeCl₃-induced carotid arterial thrombosis models were developed in rats.

Results

At.Cr demonstrated significant increase in lysis of human blood clot. Bleeding and clotting times were increased dose-dependently. Lungs histology showed clear alveolar spaces with decreased red blood cells congestion. Reduction in infarcted tail length, augmentation in prothrombin time, and activated partial thromboplastin time with decrease in platelet count were observed. At.Cr also prolonged the arterial occlusion time and reduced the weight of thrombus and TXB₂ levels dose-dependently.

Conclusions

The results demonstrated the antithrombotic and thrombolytic potential of At.Cr due to activation of coagulation factors through extrinsic and intrinsic pathways.

Oxygen and Drug-Carrying Periodic Mesoporous Organosilicas for Enhanced Cell Viability under Normoxic and Hypoxic Conditions

Over the last decade, inorganic/organic hybrids have been exploited for oxygen-carrying materials and drug delivery. Its low-cost synthesis, controlled shape and size, and stability have made it a viable delivery strategy for therapeutic agents. Rutin (quercetin-3-O-rutinoside) is a bioflavonoid found in fruits and vegetables. Rutin has a variety of pharmaceutical applications, but its low water solubility reduces its stability and bioavailability. As a result, we introduce a new and stable nanosystem for loading a low-soluble drug (rutin) into oxygen-carrying periodic mesoporous organosilicas (PMO-PFCs). Over the course of 14 days, this nanosystem provided a sustained oxygen level to the cells in both normoxic and hypoxic conditions. At different pH values, the drug release (rutin) profile is also observed. Furthermore, the rutin-coated PMO-PFCs interacted with both healthy and malignant cells. The healthy cells have better cell viability on the rutin-coated oxygen-carrying PMO-PFCs, while the malignant cells have a lower cell viability.

3D-Printable Oxygen- and Drug-Carrying Nanocomposite Hydrogels for Enhanced Cell Viability

Nanocomposite (NC) hydrogels have been widely studied due to their tunable biochemical/ physical properties for tissue engineering and biomedical applications. Nanoparticles (NPs) that can carry bioactive hydrophilic/hydrophobic molecules and provide sustained release within hydrogels are an ideal all-in-one-platform for local drug delivery applications. Dual delivery of different bioactive molecules is desired to achieve synergetic therapeutic effect in biomedical applications. For example, the co-administration of drug molecules and oxygen (O₂) is an ideal choice to improve cell viability, while reducing the harmful effects of hypoxia. Therefore, we prepared drug-loaded O₂-carrying periodic mesoporous organosilica (PMO-PFC) NPs and their 3D-printable hydrogel precursors based on gelatin methacryloyl (GelMa) to fabricate 3D-scaffolds to improve cell-viability under both normoxia (21% O₂) and hypoxia (1% O₂) conditions. We used rutin as the hydrophobic drug molecule to demonstrate that our O₂-carrying PMO-PFC NPs can improve hydrophobic drug loading and their sustained delivery over 7 days, while supporting sustained O₂-delivery for 14 days under hypoxia conditions. Furthermore, the fibroblast cells were interacted with NC hydrogel scaffolds to test their impact on cell-viability under both normoxia and hypoxia conditions. The improved rheological properties suggest the prepared NC hydrogels can be further tested or used as an injectable hydrogel. The improved mechanical properties and 3D printability of NC hydrogels indicate their potential use as artificial tissue constructs.

Impact of Rutin and Other Phenolic Substances on the Digestibility of Buckwheat Grain Metabolites

Tartary buckwheat (Fagopyrum tataricum Gaertn.) is grown in eastern and central Asia (the Himalayan regions of China, Nepal, Bhutan and India) and in central and eastern Europe (Luxemburg, Germany, Slovenia and Bosnia and Herzegovina). It is known for its high concentration of rutin and other phenolic metabolites. Besides the grain, the other aboveground parts of Tartary buckwheat contain rutin as well. After the mixing of the milled buckwheat products with water, the flavonoid quercetin is obtained in the flour–water mixture, a result of rutin degradation by rutinosidase. Heating by hot water or steam inactivates the rutin-degrading enzymes in buckwheat flour and dough. The low buckwheat protein digestibility is due to the high content of phenolic substances. Phenolic compounds have low absorption after food intake, so, after ingestion, they remain for some time in the gastrointestinal tract. They can act in an inhibitory manner on enzymes, degrading proteins and other food constituents. In common and Tartary buckwheat, the rutin and quercetin complexation with protein and starch molecules has an impact on the in vitro digestibility and the appearance of resistant starch and slowly digestible proteins. Slowly digestible starch and proteins are important for the functional and health-promoting properties of buckwheat products.

Enhanced Hemocompatibility of Silver Nanoparticles Using the Photocatalytic Properties of Titanium Dioxide

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are widely used because of their excellent antimicrobial properties. However, the poor hemocompatibility limits the application of AgNPs in blood contact materials. General approaches to improve the hemocompatibility of AgNPs-containing surfaces are to construct barrier layers or co-immobilize anticoagulant biomolecules. But such modification strategies are often cumbersome to prepare and have limited applications. Therefore, this study proposes a simple UV-photo-functionalization strategy to improve the hemocompatibility of AgNPs. We loaded AgNPs onto titanium dioxide (TiO₂) nanoparticles to form a composite nanoparticles (Ag@TiO₂NPs). Then, UV treatment was performed to the Ag@TiO₂NPs, utilizing the diffusible photo-induced anticoagulant properties of TiO₂ nanoparticles to enhance the hemocompatibility of AgNPs. After being deposited onto the PU surface, the photo-functionalized Ag@TiO₂NPs coating showed excellent antibacterial properties against both Gram-positive/Gram-negative bacteria. Besides, In vitro and ex-vivo experiments demonstrated that the photo-functionalized Ag@TiO₂NPs coating had desirable hemocompatibility. This modification strategy can provide a new solution idea to improve the hemocompatibility of metal nanoparticles.

TransfersomILs: From Ionic Liquids to a New Class of Nanovesicular Systems

Ionic liquids (ILs) have increasingly been studied as key materials to upgrade the performance of many pharmaceutical formulations. In controlled delivery systems, ILs have improved multiple physicochemical properties, showing the relevance of continuing to study their incorporation into these formulations. Transfersomes are biocompatible nanovesicular systems, quite useful in controlled delivery. They have promising characteristics, such as elasticity and deformability, making them suitable for cutaneous delivery. Nonetheless, their overall properties and performance may still be improved. Herein, new TransfersomILs systems to load rutin were developed and the physicochemical properties of the formulations were assessed. These systems were prepared based on an optimized formulation obtained from a Box-Behnken factorial design (BBD). The impact of imidazole-based ILs, cholinium-based ILs, and their combinations on the cell viability of HaCaT cells and on the solubility of rutin was initially assessed. The newly developed TransfersomILs containing rutin presented a smaller size and, in general, a higher association efficiency, loading capacity, and total amount of drug release compared to the formulation without IL. The ILs also promoted the colloidal stability of the vesicles, upgrading storage stability. Thus, ILs were a bridge to develop new TransfersomILs systems with an overall improved performance.

Traditional herbal medicine and nanomedicine: Converging disciplines to improve therapeutic efficacy and human health

Traditional herbal medicine (THM), an ancient science, is a gift from nature. For thousands of years, it has helped humans fight diseases and protect life, health, and reproduction. Nanomedicine, a newer discipline has evolved from exploitation of the unique nanoscale morphology and is widely used in diagnosis, imaging, drug delivery, and other biomedical fields. Although THM and nanomedicine differ greatly in time span and discipline dimensions, they are closely related and are even evolving toward integration and convergence. This review begins with the history and latest research progress of THM and nanomedicine, expounding their respective developmental trajectory. It then discusses the overlapping connectivity and relevance of the two fields, including nanoaggregates generated in herbal medicine decoctions, the application of nanotechnology in the delivery and treatment of natural active ingredients, and the influence of physiological regulatory capability of THM on the in vivo fate of nanoparticles. Finally, future development trends, challenges, and research directions are discussed.

Rutin-Functionalized Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes: Molecular Docking, Physicochemistry and Cytotoxicity in Fibroblasts

Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes (MWCNT) have been functionalized with rutin through three steps (i. reaction step; ii. purification step; iii. drying step) and their physicochemical properties investigated with respect to morphological structure, thermal analysis, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), and cytotoxicity. The molecular docking suggested the rutin-functionalized MWCNT occurred by hydrogen bonds, which was confirmed by FTIR assays, corroborating the results obtained by thermal analyses. A tubular shape, arranged in a three-dimensional structure, could be observed. Mild cytotoxicity observed in 3T3 fibroblasts suggested a dose–effect relationship after exposure. These findings suggest the formation of aggregates of filamentous structures on the cells favoring the cell penetration.