Drug-loaded PEG-PLGA nanoparticles for cancer treatment

Improving anti-oxidant stress treatment of subarachnoid hemorrhage through self-assembled nanoparticles of oleanolic acid

Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is a life-threatening acute hemorrhagic cerebrovascular disease, with early brain injury (EBI) being the main cause of high mortality and severe neurological dysfunction. Oxidative stress plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of EBI. In this study, we synthesized antioxidant stress nanoparticles based on self-assembled oleanolic acid (OA) using the solvent volatilization method. X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) techniques were employed to analyze and understand the self-assembly mechanism of oleic acid nanoparticles (OA NPs). The TUNEL assay, Nissl staining, and brain water content measurements were conducted to investigate the impact of OA NPs on cortical neuronal injury. Additionally, Western blot analysis was performed to investigate the antioxidant stress mechanism of OA NPs. The result showed that OA NPs exhibited a spherical structure with an average diameter of 168 nm. The application of OA NPs in SAH has been found to contribute to the reduction of keap1 protein levels and an increase in the nuclear level of Nrf2. As a result, the transcription of antioxidant stress proteins, including HO1 and NQO1, is triggered. The activation of the antioxidant stress pathway by OA NPs ultimately leads to a decrease in neuron damage and an improvement in neurological dysfunction. In conclusion, we successfully designed and synthesized OA NPs that can efficiently target the site of SAH. These nanoparticles have demonstrated their potential as antioxidants for the treatment of SAH, offering significant clinical applications.

Functionalized PLGA-Based Nanoparticles with Anti-HSV-2 Human Monoclonal Antibody: A Proof of Concept for Early Diagnosis and Targeted Therapy

Background: Functionalized nanoparticles (NPs) represent a cutting edge in innovative clinical approaches, allowing for the delivery of selected compounds with higher specificity in a wider time frame. They also hold promise for novel theranostic applications that integrate both diagnostic and therapeutic functions. Pathogens are continuously evolving to try to escape the strategies designed to treat them. Objectives: In this work, we describe the development of a biotechnological device, Nano-Immuno-Probes (NIPs), for early detection and infections treatment. Human Herpes Simplex Virus 2 was chosen as model pathogen. Methods: NIPs consist of PLGA-PEG-Sulfone polymeric NPs conjugated to recombinant Fab antibody fragments targeting the viral glycoprotein G2. NIPs synthesis involved multiple steps and was validated through several techniques. Results: DLS analysis indicated an expected size increase with a good polydispersity index. Z-average and z-potential values were measured for PLGA-PEG-Bis-Sulfone NPs (86.6 ± 10.9 nm; -0.7 ± 0.3 mV) and NIPs (151 ± 10.4 nm; -5.1 ± 1.9 mV). SPR assays confirmed NIPs' specificity for the glycoprotein G2, with an apparent KD of 1.03 ± 0.61 µM. NIPs exhibited no cytotoxic effects on VERO cells at 24 and 48 h. Conclusions: This in vitro study showed that NIPs effectively target HSV-2, suggesting the potential use of these nanodevices to deliver both contrast agents as well as therapeutic compounds.

Actively Targeting Redox-Responsive Multifunctional Micelles for Synergistic Chemotherapy of Cancer

Stimuli-responsive polymeric micelles decorated with cancer biomarkers represent an optimal choice for drug delivery applications due to their ability to enhance therapeutic efficacy while mitigating adverse side effects. Accordingly, we synthesized a digoxin-modified novel multifunctional redox-responsive disulfide-linked poly(ethylene glycol-b-poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) copolymer (Bi(Dig-PEG-PLGA)-S2) for the targeted and controlled release of doxorubicin (DOX) in cancer cells. Within the micellar aggregate, the disulfide bond confers redox responsiveness, while the presence of the digoxin moiety acts as a targeting agent and chemosensitizer for DOX. Upon self-assembly in aqueous solution, Bi(Dig-PEG-PLGA)-S2 formed uniformly distributed spherical micelles with a hydrodynamic diameter (D h ) of 58.36 ± 0.78 nm and a zeta potential of -24.71 ± 1.01 mV. The micelles exhibited desirable serum and colloidal stability with a substantial drug loading capacity (DLC) of 6.26% and an encapsulation efficiency (EE) of 83.23%. In addition, the release of DOX demonstrated the redox-responsive behavior of the micelles, with approximately 89.41 ± 6.09 and 79.64 ± 6.68% of DOX diffusing from DOX@Bi(Dig-PEG-PLGA)-S2 in the presence of 10 mM GSH and 0.1 mM H2O2, respectively, over 96 h. Therefore, in HeLa cell lines, DOX@Bi(Dig-PEG-PLGA)-S2 showed enhanced intracellular accumulation and subsequent apoptotic effects, attributed to the targeting ability and chemosensitization potential of digoxin. Hence, these findings underscore the promising characteristics of Bi(Dig-PEG-PLGA)-S2 as a multifunctional drug delivery vehicle for cancer treatment.

Paclitaxel in colon cancer management: from conventional chemotherapy to advanced nanocarrier delivery systems

Paclitaxel, a potent chemotherapeutic agent derived from the bark of the Pacific yew tree, has demonstrated significant efficacy in the treatment of various cancers, including colon cancer. This comprehensive review delves into the conventional treatments for colon cancer, emphasizing the crucial role of paclitaxel in contemporary management strategies. It explores the intricate process of sourcing and synthesizing paclitaxel, highlighting the importance of its structural properties in its anticancer activity. The review further elucidates the mechanism of action of paclitaxel, its pharmacological effects, and its integration into chemotherapy regimens for colon cancer. Additionally, novel drug delivery systems, such as nanocarriers, liposomes, nanoparticles, microspheres, micelles, microemulsions, and niosomes, are examined for their potential to enhance the therapeutic efficacy of paclitaxel. The discussion extends to recent clinical trials and patents, showcasing advancements in paclitaxel formulations aimed at improving treatment outcomes. The review concludes with prospects in the field underscoring the ongoing innovation and potential breakthroughs in colon cancer therapy.

Development, Optimization, and in vitro Evaluation of Silybin-loaded PLGA Nanoparticles and Decoration with 5TR1 Aptamer for Targeted Delivery to Colorectal Cancer Cells

Chemotherapeutic agents often lack specificity, intratumoral accumulation, and face drug resistance. Targeted drug delivery systems based on nanoparticles (NPs) mitigate these issues. Poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) is a well-studied polymer, commonly modified with aptamers (Apts) for cancer diagnosis and therapy. In this study, silybin (SBN), a natural agent with established anticancer properties, was encapsulated into PLGA NPs to control delivery and improve its poor solubility. The field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) showed spherical and uniform morphology of optimum SBN-PLGA NPs with 138.57±1.30nm diameter, 0.202±0.004 polydispersity index (PDI), -16.93±0.45mV zeta potential (ZP), and 70.19±1.63% entrapment efficiency (EE). The results of attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) showed no chemical interaction between formulation components, and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) thermograms confirmed efficient SBN entrapment in the carrier. Then, the optimum formulation was functionalized with 5TR1 Apt for active targeted delivery of SBN to colorectal cancer (CRC) cells in vitro. The SBN-PLGA-5TR1 nanocomplex released SBN at a sustained and constant rate (zero-order kinetic), favoring passive delivery to acidic CRC environments. The MTT assay demonstrated the highest cytotoxicity of the SBN-PLGA-5TR1 nanocomplex in C26 and HT29 cells and no significant cytotoxicity in normal cells. Apoptosis analysis supported these results, showing early apoptosis induction with SBN-PLGA-5TR1 nanocomplex which indicated this agent could cause programmed death more than necrosis. This study presents the first targeted delivery of SBN to cancer cells using Apts. The SBN-PLGA-5TR1 nanocomplex effectively targeted and suppressed CRC cell proliferation, providing valuable insights into CRC treatment without harmful effects on healthy tissues.

PDZ2-conjugated-PLGA nanoparticles are tiny heroes in the battle against SARS-CoV-2

The COVID-19 pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 has highlighted the urgent need for innovative antiviral strategies to fight viral infections. Although a substantial part of the overall effort has been directed at the Spike protein to create an effective global vaccination strategy, other proteins have also been examined and identified as possible therapeutic targets. Among them, although initially underestimated, there is the SARS-CoV-2 E-protein, which turned out to be a key factor in viral pathogenesis due to its role in virus budding, assembly and spreading. The C-terminus of E-protein contains a PDZ-binding motif (PBM) that plays a key role in SARS-CoV-2 virulence as it is recognized and bound by the PDZ2 domain of the human tight junction protein ZO-1. The binding between the PDZ2 domain of ZO-1 and the C-terminal portion of SARS-CoV-2 E-protein has been extensively characterized. Our results prompted us to develop a possible adjuvant therapeutic strategy aimed at slowing down or inhibiting virus-mediated pathogenesis. Such innovation consists in the design and synthesis of externally PDZ2-ZO1 functionalized PLGA-based nanoparticles to be used as intracellular decoy. Contrary to conventional strategies, this innovative approach aims to capitalize on the E protein-PDZ2 interaction to prevent virus assembly and replication. In fact, the conjugation of the PDZ2 domain to polymeric nanoparticles increases the affinity toward the E protein effectively creating a "molecular sponge" able to sequester E proteins within the intracellular environment of infected cells. Our in vitro studies on selected cellular models, show that these nanodevices significantly reduce SARS-CoV-2-mediated virulence, emphasizing the importance of exploiting viral-host interactions for therapeutic benefit.

Advancements and recent explorations of anti-cancer activity of chrysin: from molecular targets to therapeutic perspective

In recent times, there have been notable advancements in comprehending the potential anti-cancer effects of chrysin (CH), a naturally occurring flavonoid compound found abundantly in various plant sources like honey, propolis, and certain fruits and vegetables. This active compound has garnered significant attention due to its promising therapeutic qualities and minimal toxicity. CH's ability to combat cancer arises from its multifaceted mechanisms of action, including the initiation of apoptosis and the inhibition of proliferation, angiogenesis, metastasis, and cell cycle progression. CH also displays potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, effectively counteracting the harmful molecules that contribute to DNA damage and the development of cancer. Furthermore, CH has exhibited the potential to sensitize cancer cells to traditional chemotherapy and radiotherapy, amplifying the effectiveness of these treatments while reducing their negative impact on healthy cells. Hence, in this current review, the composition, chemistry, mechanisms of action, safety concerns of CH, along with the feasibility of its nanoformulations. To conclude, the recent investigations into CH's anti-cancer effects present a compelling glimpse into the potential of this natural compound as a complementary therapeutic element in the array of anti-cancer approaches, providing a safer and more comprehensive method of combating this devastating ailment.

Research Progress of Drug Delivery Systems Targeting the Kidneys

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects more than 10% of the global population, and its incidence is increasing, partially due to an increase in the prevalence of disease risk factors. Acute kidney injury (AKI) is an independent risk factor for CKD and end-stage renal disease (ESRD). The pathogenic mechanisms of CKD provide several potential targets for its treatment. However, due to off-target effects, conventional drugs for CKD typically require high doses to achieve adequate therapeutic effects, leading to long-term organ toxicity. Therefore, ideal treatments that completely cure the different types of kidney disease are rarely available. Several approaches for the drug targeting of the kidneys have been explored in drug delivery system research. Nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems have multiple merits, including good biocompatibility, suitable degradability, the ability to target lesion sites, and fewer non-specific systemic effects. In this review, the development, potential, and limitations of low-molecular-weight protein-lysozymes, polymer nanomaterials, and lipid-based nanocarriers as drug delivery platforms for treating AKI and CKD are summarized.

Application of PLGA in Tumor Immunotherapy

Biodegradable polymers have been extensively researched in the field of biomedicine. Polylactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA), a biodegradable polymer material, has been widely used in drug delivery systems and has shown great potential in various medical fields, including vaccines, tissue engineering such as bone regeneration and wound healing, and 3D printing. Cancer, a group of diseases with high mortality rates worldwide, has recently garnered significant attention in the field of immune therapy research. In recent years, there has been growing interest in the delivery function of PLGA in tumor immunotherapy. In tumor immunotherapy, PLGA can serve as a carrier to load antigens on its surface, thereby enhancing the immune system's ability to attack tumor cells. Additionally, PLGA can be used to formulate tumor vaccines and immunoadjuvants, thereby enhancing the efficacy of tumor immunotherapy. PLGA nanoparticles (NPs) can also enhance the effectiveness of tumor immunotherapy by regulating the activity and differentiation of immune cells, and by improving the expression and presentation of tumor antigens. Furthermore, due to the diverse physical properties and surface modifications of PLGA, it has a wider range of potential applications in tumor immunotherapy through the loading of various types of drugs or other innovative substances. We aim to highlight the recent advances and challenges of plga in the field of oncology therapy to stimulate further research and development of innovative PLGA-based approaches, and more effective and personalized cancer therapies.

EGCG Disrupts the LIN28B/Let-7 Interaction and Reduces Neuroblastoma Aggressiveness

Neuroblastoma (NB) is the most commonly diagnosed extracranial solid tumor in children, accounting for 15% of all childhood cancer deaths. Although the 5-year survival rate of patients with a high-risk disease has increased in recent decades, NB remains a challenge in pediatric oncology, and the identification of novel potential therapeutic targets and agents is an urgent clinical need. The RNA-binding protein LIN28B has been identified as an oncogene in NB and is associated with a poor prognosis. Given that LIN28B acts by negatively regulating the biogenesis of the tumor suppressor let-7 miRNAs, we reasoned that selective interference with the LIN28B/let-7 miRNA interaction would increase let-7 miRNA levels, ultimately leading to reduced NB aggressiveness. Here, we selected (-)-epigallocatechin 3-gallate (EGCG) out of 4959 molecules screened as the molecule with the best inhibitory activity on LIN28B/let-7 miRNA interaction and showed that treatment with PLC/PLGA-PEG nanoparticles containing EGCG (EGCG-NPs) led to an increase in mature let-7 miRNAs and a consequent inhibition of NB cell growth. In addition, EGCG-NP pretreatment reduced the tumorigenic potential of NB cells in vivo. These experiments suggest that the LIN28B/let-7 miRNA axis is a good therapeutic target in NB and that EGCG, which can interfere with this interaction, deserves further preclinical evaluation.

Advances in nanomedicines: a promising therapeutic strategy for ischemic cerebral stroke treatment

Ischemic stroke, prevalent among the elderly, necessitates attention to reperfusion injury post treatment. Limited drug access to the brain, owing to the blood-brain barrier, restricts clinical applications. Identifying efficient drug carriers capable of penetrating this barrier is crucial. Blood-brain barrier transporters play a vital role in nutrient transport to the brain. Recently, nanoparticles emerged as drug carriers, enhancing drug permeability via surface-modified ligands. This article introduces the blood-brain barrier structure, elucidates reperfusion injury pathogenesis, compiles ischemic stroke treatment drugs, explores nanomaterials for drug encapsulation and emphasizes their advantages over conventional drugs. Utilizing nanoparticles as drug-delivery systems offers targeting and efficiency benefits absent in traditional drugs. The prospects for nanomedicine in stroke treatment are promising.

The Therapeutic Trip of Melatonin Eye Drops: From the Ocular Surface to the Retina

Melatonin is a ubiquitous molecule found in living organisms, ranging from bacteria to plants and mammals. It possesses various properties, partly due to its robust antioxidant nature and partly owed to its specific interaction with melatonin receptors present in almost all tissues. Melatonin regulates different physiological functions and contributes to the homeostasis of the entire organism. In the human eye, a small amount of melatonin is also present, produced by cells in the anterior segment and the posterior pole, including the retina. In the eye, melatonin may provide antioxidant protection along with regulating physiological functions of ocular tissues, including intraocular pressure (IOP). Therefore, it is conceivable that the exogenous topical administration of sufficiently high amounts of melatonin to the eye could be beneficial in several instances: for the treatment of eye pathologies like glaucoma, due to the IOP-lowering and neuroprotection effects of melatonin; for the prevention of other dysfunctions, such as dry eye and refractive defects (cataract and myopia) mainly due to its antioxidant properties; for diabetic retinopathy due to its metabolic influence and neuroprotective effects; for macular degeneration due to the antioxidant and neuroprotective properties; and for uveitis, mostly owing to anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties. This paper reviews the scientific evidence supporting the use of melatonin in different ocular districts. Moreover, it provides data suggesting that the topical administration of melatonin as eye drops is a real possibility, utilizing nanotechnological formulations that could improve its solubility and permeation through the eye. This way, its distribution and concentration in different ocular tissues may support its pleiotropic therapeutic effects.

Fatty Oil of Descurainia Sophia Nanoparticles Improve Monocrotaline-Induced Pulmonary Hypertension in Rats Through PLC/IP3R/Ca2+ Signaling Pathway

Purpose

Fatty oil of Descurainia Sophia (OIL) has poor stability and low solubility, which limits its pharmacological effects. We hypothesized that fatty oil nanoparticles (OIL-NPs) could overcome this limitation. The protective effect of OIL-NPs against monocrotaline-induced lung injury in rats was studied.

Methods

We prepared OIL-NPs by wrapping fatty oil with polylactic-polyglycolide nanoparticles (PLGA-NPs) and conducted in vivo and in vitro experiments to explore its anti-pulmonary hypertension (PH) effect. In vitro, we induced malignant proliferation of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (RPASMC) using anoxic chambers, and studied the effects of OIL-NPs on the malignant proliferation of RPASMC cells and phospholipase C (PLC)/inositol triphosphate receptor (IP3R)/Ca2+ signal pathways. In vivo, we used small animal echocardiography, flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry, western blotting (WB), polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and metabolomics to explore the effects of OIL-NPs on the heart and lung pathological damage and PLC/IP3R/Ca2+ signal pathway of pulmonary hypertension rats.

Results

We prepared fatty into OIL-NPs. In vitro, OIL-NPs could improve the mitochondrial function and inhibit the malignant proliferation of RPASMC cells by inhibiting the PLC/IP3R/Ca2+signal pathway. In vivo, OIL-NPs could reduce the pulmonary artery pressure of rats and alleviate the pathological injury and inflammatory reaction of heart and lung by inhibiting the PLC/IP3R/Ca2+ signal pathway.

Conclusion

OIL-NPs have anti-pulmonary hypertension effect, and the mechanism may be related to the inhibition of PLC/IP3R/Ca2+signal pathway.

Nanoparticle-Based Approaches for Treatment of Hematological Malignancies: a Comprehensive Review

Blood cancer, also known as hematological malignancy, is one of the devastating types of cancer that has significantly paved its mortality mark globally. It persists as an extremely deadly cancer type and needs utmost attention owing to its negligible overall survival rate. Major challenges in the treatment of blood cancer include difficulties in early diagnosis, as well as severe side effects resulting from chemotherapy. In addition, immunotherapies and targeted therapies can be prohibitively expensive. Over the past two decades, scientists have devised a few nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems aimed at overcoming this challenge. These therapeutic strategies are engineered to augment the cellular uptake, pharmacokinetics, and effectiveness of anticancer drugs. However, there are still numerous types of nanoparticles that could potentially improve the efficacy of blood cancer treatment, while also reducing treatment costs and mitigating drug-related side effects. To the best of our knowledge, there has been limited reviews published on the use of nano-based drug delivery systems for the treatment of hematological malignancies. Therefore, we have made a concerted effort to provide a comprehensive review that draws upon recent literature and patents, with a focus on the most promising results regarding the use of nanoparticle-based approaches for the treatment of hematological malignancies. All these crucial points covered under a common title would significantly help researchers and scientists working in the area.

Neutrophil as a Carrier for Cancer Nanotherapeutics: A Comparative Study of Liposome, PLGA, and Magnetic Nanoparticles Delivery to Tumors

Insufficient drug accumulation in tumors is still a major concern for using cancer nanotherapeutics. Here, the neutrophil-based delivery of three nanoparticle types-liposomes, PLGA, and magnetite nanoparticles-was assessed both in vitro and in vivo. Confocal microscopy and a flow cytometry analysis demonstrated that all the studied nanoparticles interacted with neutrophils from the peripheral blood of mice with 4T1 mammary adenocarcinoma without a significant impact on neutrophil viability or activation state. Intravital microscopy of the tumor microenvironment showed that the neutrophils did not engulf the liposomes after intravenous administration, but facilitated nanoparticle extravasation in tumors through micro- and macroleakages. PLGA accumulated along the vessel walls in the form of local clusters. Later, PLGA nanoparticle-loaded neutrophils were found to cross the vascular barrier and migrate towards the tumor core. The magnetite nanoparticles extravasated in tumors both via spontaneous macroleakages and on neutrophils. Overall, the specific type of nanoparticles largely determined their behavior in blood vessels and their neutrophil-mediated delivery to the tumor. Since neutrophils are the first to migrate to the site of inflammation, they can increase nanodrug delivery effectiveness for nanomedicine application.

Biodegradable polyester-based nano drug delivery system in cancer chemotherapy: a review of recent progress (2021-2023)

Cancer presents a formidable threat to human health, with the majority of cases currently lacking a complete cure. Frequently, chemotherapy drugs are required to impede its progression. However, these drugs frequently suffer from drawbacks such as poor selectivity, limited water solubility, low bioavailability, and a propensity for causing organ toxicity. Consequently, a concerted effort has been made to seek improved drug delivery systems. Nano-drug delivery systems based on biodegradable polyesters have emerged as a subject of widespread interest in this pursuit. Extensive research has demonstrated their potential for offering high bioavailability, effective encapsulation, controlled release, and minimal toxicity. Notably, poly (ε-caprolactone) (PCL), poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA), and polylactic acid (PLA) have gained prominence as the most widely utilized options as carriers of the nano drug delivery system. This paper comprehensively reviews recent research on these materials as nano-carriers for delivering chemotherapeutic drugs, summarizing their latest advancements, acknowledging their limitations, and forecasting future research directions.

Platinum-Based Twin Drug Modulates Tumor-Infiltrating Immune Cells to Improve Immune Checkpoint Blockade Therapy

Chemoimmunotherapy is an area of active research and development with a growing body of evidence supporting its potential benefits for the treatment of cancer. However, chemotherapy components of chemoimmunotherapy have several limitations, including systemic toxicity and poor performance in reversing the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Here, we designed a twin drug, MROP, complexed with all-trans retinoic acid and oxaliplatin, and showed that the twin drug significantly enhanced the synergetic therapeutic efficacy with anti-PD-1 in a colorectal cancer mouse model. We demonstrated by mechanistic analyses of tumor tissue that the combination of anti-PD-1 and MROP induced immunogenic cell death and regulated tumor-infiltrating immune cells, including the polarization of tumor-associated macrophages toward type 1, a reduction in myeloid-derived suppressor cells, and a significant increase in the proportion of T cells, particularly CD8+ T cells. This paper provides a promising strategy for cancer treatment and new insight into the mechanism of chemoimmunotherapy.

A short appraisal of polylactic-co-glycolic acid based polymer nanotechnology for colon cancer: recent advances and literature evidences

The currently available formulations provided non-targeted treatment of colon cancer, the deadliest cancer variant. Due to biopharmaceutical hindrances, the majority of the drugs are unable to reach the target site. Polylactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) is one of the versatile polymers in cancer treatment, diagnostics and theranostics. The unique mechanism of surface modifications in PLGA properties in colon cancer has been a keen interest to be used in different nanoparticles for improving biopharmaceutical attributes. The ongoing use of these smart nano-carriers has allowed targeted delivery of several active components on a wide scale. The main goal of this review is to compile information on PLGA-based nanocarriers which possess several desirable properties for drug delivery applications, including biocompatibility, biodegradability and tunable drug-release kinetics.

Curcumin combining temozolomide formed localized nanogel for inhibition of postsurgical chemoresistant glioblastoma

Aim: To investigate the use of nanoparticle (NP)-encapsulated injectable thermosensitive hydrogel-formed nanogel for inhibition of postsurgical residual temozolomide (TMZ)-resistant glioblastoma (GBM) recurrence. Materials & methods: Curcumin (Cur) was coloaded with TMZ into PEG-PLGA NPs, then NPs were further encapsulated into a thermosensitive hydrogel to form a nanogel, which was injected into the resection cavity of the GBM postsurgery. Results: The prepared nanogel displayed excellent drug-loading capacity and long-term drug release. Estimated survival characteristics demonstrated that the nanogel could play a significant role in TMZ-resistant tumor inhibition with low drug-induced toxicity. The originally designed ratio of Cur/TMZ was sustained, making it an effective therapeutic outcome. Conclusion: Cur-combined TMZ-formed nanogels can be a promising candidate for the local inhibition of GBM recurrence.

Development of Berberine-Loaded Nanoparticles for Astrocytoma Cells Administration and Photodynamic Therapy Stimulation

Berberine (BBR) is known for its antitumor activity and photosensitizer properties in anti-cancer photodynamic therapy (PDT), and it has previously been favorably assayed against glioblastoma multiforme (GBM)-derived cells. In this work, two BBR hydrophobic salts, dodecyl sulfate (S) and laurate (L), have been encapsulated in PLGA-based nanoparticles (NPs), chitosan-coated by the addition of chitosan oleate in the preparation. NPs were also further functionalized with folic acid. All the BBR-loaded NPs were efficiently internalized into T98G GBM established cells, and internalization increased in the presence of folic acid. However, the highest mitochondrial co-localization percentages were obtained with BBR-S NPs without folic acid content. In the T98G cells, BBR-S NPs appeared to be the most efficient in inducing cytotoxicity events and were therefore selected to assess the effect of photodynamic stimulation (PDT). As a result, PDT potentiated the viability reduction for the BBR-S NPs at all the studied concentrations, and a roughly 50% reduction of viability was obtained. No significant cytotoxic effect on normal rat primary astrocytes was observed. In GBM cells, a significant increase in early and late apoptotic events was scored by BBR NPs, with a further increase following the PDT scheme. Furthermore, a significantly increased depolarization of mitochondria was highlighted following BBR-S NPs’ internalization and mostly after PDT stimulation, compared to untreated and PDT-only treated cells. In conclusion, these results highlighted the efficacy of the BBR-NPs-based strategy coupled with photoactivation approaches to induce favorable cytotoxic effects in GBM cells.

Nanostars Carrying Multifunctional Neurotrophic Dendrimers Protect Neurons in Preclinical In Vitro Models of Neurodegenerative Disorders

A challenge in neurology is the lack of efficient brain-penetrable neuroprotectants targeting multiple disease mechanisms. Plasmonic gold nanostars are promising candidates to deliver standard-of-care drugs inside the brain but have not been trialed as carriers for neuroprotectants. Here, we conjugated custom-made peptide dendrimers (termed H3/H6), encompassing motifs of the neurotrophic S100A4-protein, onto star-shaped and spherical gold nanostructures (H3/H6-AuNS/AuNP) and evaluated their potential as neuroprotectants and interaction with neurons. The H3/H6 nanostructures crossed a model blood-brain barrier, bound to plasma membranes, and induced neuritogenesis with the AuNS, showing higher potency/efficacy than the AuNP. The H3-AuNS/NP protected neurons against oxidative stress, the H3-AuNS being more potent, and against Parkinson's or Alzheimer's disease (PD/AD)-related cytotoxicity. Unconjugated S100A4 motifs also decreased amyloid beta-induced neurodegeneration, introducing S100A4 as a player in AD. Using custom-made dendrimers coupled to star-shaped nanoparticles is a promising route to activate multiple neuroprotective pathways and increase drug potency to treat neurodegenerative disorders.