Curcumin Loaded Nanoliposomes Localization by Nanoscale Characterization

Synthesis of cationic liposome nanoparticles using a thin film dispersed hydration and extrusion method

Liposome nanoparticles can carry a wide range of therapeutic molecules including small molecules and nucleic acid-based therapeutics. Potential benefits include translocation across physiological barriers, reduced systemic toxicity, and enhanced pharmacokinetic parameters such as absorption, distribution, selective release and optimal elimination kinetics. Liposome nanoparticles can be generated with a wide range of natural and synthetic lipid-based molecules that confer desirable properties depending on the desired therapeutic application Nel et al (2023), Large (2021), Elkhoury (2020). This protocol article seeks to detail the procedures involved in the production of cationic liposomes using thin-film dispersed hydration method with an estimated uniform size of 60-70 nm for targeted drug administration in tumor cells, by modifying the previous one also published by the same authors cited here. The method was carrying out using N-[1-(2,3-dioleoyloxy)propyl]-N,N,N-trimethylammonium methyl (DOTAP, 2 mg) as cationic lipid and cholesterol (0.5 mg) in a molar ratio of 7:3 respectively. The liposomal suspension was obtained and its physical, chemical and biological properties were determined. A two-step extrusion process, using 100 nm and 50 nm polycarbonate membranes, was carried. The results demonstrate generation of liposome nanoparticles with a size of 60-70 nm stable for at least 16 weeks and with an encapsulation efficiency of approximately 81% using Doxorubicin.

Curcumin-loaded nanostructured systems for treatment of leishmaniasis: a review

Leishmaniasis is a neglected tropical disease that has affected more than 350 million people worldwide and can manifest itself in three different forms: cutaneous, mucocutaneous, or visceral. Furthermore, the current treatment options have drawbacks which compromise efficacy and patient compliance. To face this global health concern, new alternatives for the treatment of leishmaniasis have been explored. Curcumin, a polyphenol obtained from the rhizome of turmeric, exhibits leishmanicidal activity against different species of Leishmania spp. Although its mechanism of action has not yet been fully elucidated, its leishmanicidal potential may be associated with its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. However, it has limitations that compromise its clinical use. Conversely, nanotechnology has been used as a tool for solving biopharmaceutical challenges associated with drugs, such as curcumin. From a drug delivery standpoint, nanocarriers (1-1000 nm) can improve stability, increase solubility, promote intracellular delivery, and increase biological activity. Thus, this review offers a deep look into curcumin-loaded nanocarriers intended for the treatment of leishmaniasis.

Neuroprotective Effect of Curcumin-Loaded RGD Peptide-PEGylated Nanoliposomes

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

Effects of curcumin in the interaction with cardiolipin-containg lipid monolayers and bilayers

Curcumin, a plant polyphenol extracted from the Chinese herb turmeric, has gained widespread attention in recent years because of its multifunctional properties as antioxidant, antinflammatory, antimicrobial, and anticancer agent. Effects of the molecule on mitochondrial membranes properties have also been evidenced. In this work, the interaction of curcumin with models of mitochondrial membranes composed of dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine (DMPC) or mixtures of DMPC and 4 mol% tetramyristoylcardiolipin (TMCL) has been investigated by using biophysical techniques. Spectrophotometry and fluorescence allowed to determine the association constant and the binding energy of curcumin with pure DMPC and mixed DMPC/TMCL aqueous bilayers. The molecular organization of pure DMPC and cardiolipin-containing Langmuir monolayers at the air-water interface were investigated and the morphology of the monolayers transferred into mica substrates were characterized through atomic force microscopy (AFM). It is found that curcumin associates at the polar/apolar interface of the lipid bilayers and the binding is favored in the presence of cardiolipin. At 2 mol%, curcumin is well miscible with lipid monolayers, particularly with mixed DMPC/TMCL ones, where compact terraces formation characterized by a reduction of the surface roughness is observed in the AFM topographic images. At 10 mol%, curcumin perturbs the stability of DMPC monolayers and morphologically are evident terraces surrounded by cur aggregates. In the presence of TMCL, very few curcumin aggregates and larger compact terraces are observed. The overall results indicate that cardiolipin augments the incorporation of curcumin in model membranes highlighting the mutual interplay cardiolipin-curcumin in mitochondrial membranes.

Functionalized liposomes for targeted breast cancer drug delivery

Despite the exceptional progress in breast cancer pathogenesis, prognosis, diagnosis, and treatment strategies, it remains a prominent cause of female mortality worldwide. Additionally, although chemotherapies are effective, they are associated with critical limitations, most notably their lack of specificity resulting in systemic toxicity and the eventual development of multi-drug resistance (MDR) cancer cells. Liposomes have proven to be an invaluable drug delivery system but of the multitudes of liposomal systems developed every year only a few have been approved for clinical use, none of which employ active targeting. In this review, we summarize the most recent strategies in development for actively targeted liposomal drug delivery systems for surface, transmembrane and internal cell receptors, enzymes, direct cell targeting and dual-targeting of breast cancer and breast cancer-associated cells, e.g., cancer stem cells, cells associated with the tumor microenvironment, etc.

Nano shield: a new tetrahedral framework nucleic acids-based solution to radiation-induced mucositis

Radiation-induced oral mucositis (RIOM) is considered to be one of the most important public health problems today, affecting the overall well-being of millions of patients who have received radiotherapy. Nevertheless, the field of preventing and treating RIOM is still widely unexplored. Curcumin (Cur) with its promising anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties is accompanied with obstacles in application, including poor dissolubility, instability and low bioavailability. In this study, a tetrahedral framework nucleic acid drug delivery system (TFNAS) was synthesized and established using a novel method to carry Cur (Cur-TFNAS) for efficient drug delivery. The results showed that Cur-TFNAS enhanced the antioxidant capacity of human oral mucosal keratin-forming cells (HOKs) compared to free Cur and TFNAS. Meanwhile, Cur-TFNAS reduced DNA damage and shielded the cells from inflammatory factors. A similar result was also well documented in vivo. Herein, we consider that Cur-TFNAS acts as a nano-shield for preventing radiation oral mucositis and shows important clinical value in the future.

Ensembles of carboxymethyl cyclodextrins on cationic liposomes as highly efficient nanocontainers for the delivery of hydrophobic compounds

The increase of payload is one of the key tasks in creation of nanocontainers for the delivery of bioactive substances (BAS). In this work the adsorption of anionic carboxymethyl cyclodextrins (CMCDs) on the surface of cationic liposomes was studied as mechanism of formation of capacious nanocontainers for the encapsulation and delivery of hydrophobic BAS. The formation and physico-chemical characteristics of complexes were studied by means of laser microelectrophoresis, dynamic light-scattering, conductometry and atomic force microscopy (AFM). As a model, bioactive molecule hydrophobic curcumin was chosen for the investigation. The encapsulation of curcumin was controlled by UV-Vis spectrometry. Interaction of CMCDs/liposomes complexes with model cell membranes was visualized by fluorescent microscopy. Finally, cytotoxicity of nanocontainers was studied by MTT-test. It was estimated that colloid stable complexes with net positive charge could contain up to 2.5÷5 CMCD molecules per one cationic lipid. Incorporation of curcumin in CMCDs does not change the character of interaction of oligosaccharides with liposomal membranes of individual liposome. CMCDs/liposomes complexes adsorb on model cell membranes without significant loss of CMCD molecules. This fact in addition to low cytotoxicity of cationic CMCDs/liposomes complexes demonstrates potential of their application as nanovehicles for the delivery of BAS.

A New Productive Approach and Formulative Optimization for Curcumin Nanoliposomal Delivery Systems

The use of natural resources and the enhancing of technologies are outlining the strategies of modern scientific-technological research for sustainable health products manufacturing. In this context, the novel simil-microfluidic technology, a mild production methodology, is exploited to produce liposomal curcumin as potential powerful dosage system for cancer therapies and for nutraceutical purposes. Through simil-microfluidic technology, based on interdiffusion phenomena of a lipid-ethanol phase in an aqueous flow, massive productions of liposomes at nanometric scale can be obtained. In this work, studies on liposomal production with useful curcumin loads were performed. In particular, process issues (curcumin aggregations) were elucidated and formulation optimization for curcumin load was performed. The main achieved result has been the definition of operative conditions for nanoliposomal curcumin production with interesting loads and encapsulation efficiencies.

Protein Biocargo and Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Tomato Fruit-Derived Nanovesicles Separated by Density Gradient Ultracentrifugation and Loaded with Curcumin

Plant-derived nanovesicles (PDNVs) have become attractive alternatives to mammalian cell-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) both as therapeutic approaches and drug-delivery vehicles. In this study, we isolated tomato fruit-derived NVs and separated them by the iodixanol density gradient ultracentrifugation (DGUC) into twelve fractions. Three visible bands were observed at densities 1.064 ± 0.007 g/mL, 1.103 ± 0.006 g/mL and 1.122 ± 0.012 g/mL. Crude tomato PDNVs and DGUC fractions were characterized by particle size-distribution, concentration, lipid and protein contents as well as protein composition using mass spectrometry-based proteomics. Cytotoxicity and anti-inflammatory activity of the DGUC fractions associated to these bands were assessed in the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated human monocytic THP-1 cell culture. The middle and the low-density visible DGUC fractions of tomato PDNVs showed a significant reduction in LPS-induced inflammatory IL-1β cytokine mRNA production. Functional analysis of proteins identified in these fractions reveals the presence of 14-3-3 proteins, endoplasmic reticulum luminal binding proteins and GTP binding proteins associated to gene ontology (GO) term GO:0050794 and the regulation of several cellular processes including inflammation. The most abundant middle-density DGUC fraction was loaded with curcumin using direct loading, sonication and extrusion methods and anti-inflammatory activity was compared. The highest entrapment efficiency and drug loading capacity was obtained by direct loading. Curcumin loaded by sonication increased the basal anti-inflammatory activity of tomato PDNVs.

Liposomal Nanoformulation as a Carrier for Curcumin and pEGCG—Study on Stability and Anticancer Potential

Nanoformulations are regarded as a promising tool to enable the efficient delivery of active pharmaceutical ingredients to the target site. One of the best-known and most studied nanoformulations are liposomes—spherical phospholipid bilayered nanocarriers resembling cell membranes. In order to assess the possible effect of a mixture of polyphenols on both the stability of the formulation and its biological activity, two compounds were embedded in the liposomes—(i) curcumin (CUR), (ii) a peracetylated derivative of (−)-epigallocatechin 3-O-gallate (pEGCG), and (iii) a combination of the aforementioned. The stability of the formulations was assessed in two different temperature ranges (4–8 and 20 °C) by monitoring both the particle size and their concentration. It was found that after 28 days of the experiment, the liposomes remained largely unchanged in terms of the particle size distribution, with the greatest change from 130 to 146 nm. The potential decomposition of the carried substances was evaluated using HPLC. The combined CUR and pEGCG was sensitive to temperature conditions; however its stability was greatly increased when compared to the solutions of the individual compounds alone—up to 9.67% of the initial concentration of pEGCG in liposomes after 28 days storage compared to complete decomposition within hours for the non-encapsulated sample. The potential of the prepared formulations was assessed in vitro on prostate (LNCaP) and bladder cancer (5637) cell lines, as well as on a non-cancerous human lung fibroblast cell line (MRC-5), with the highest activity of IC₅₀ equal 15.33 ± 2.03 µM for the mixture of compounds towards the 5637 cell line.

Nano-Traditional Chinese Medicine: a promising strategy and its recent advances

Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) has been applied to the prevention and treatment of numerous diseases and has an irreplaceable role of rehabilitation and health care. However, the application of TCM is...

Physicochemical Interactions in Nanofunctionalized Alginate/GelMA IPN Hydrogels

Polymeric hydrogels are currently at the center of research due to their particular characteristics. They have tunable physical, chemical, and biological properties making them a material of choice for a large range of applications. Polymer-composite and nanocomposite hydrogels were developed to enhance the native hydrogel’s properties and to include numerous functionalities. In this work, alginate/gelatin-methacryloyl-based interpenetrating polymer network hydrogels were prepared with different alginate concentrations and investigated before and after the functionalization with nanoliposomes. The multiscale analysis was obtained through Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and proton nuclear magnetic resonance. The results show interactions between two polymers as well as between the nanoliposomes and biopolymer.

Gelatin Methacryloyl (GelMA) Nanocomposite Hydrogels Embedding Bioactive Naringin Liposomes

The development of nanocomposite hydrogels that take advantage of hierarchic building blocks is gaining increased attention due to their added functionality and numerous biomedical applications. Gathering on the unique properties of these platforms, herein we report the synthesis of bioactive nanocomposite hydrogels comprising naringin-loaded salmon-derived lecithin nanosized liposomal building blocks and gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) macro-sized hydrogels for their embedding. This platform takes advantage of liposomes’ significant drug loading capacity and their role in hydrogel network reinforcement, as well as of the injectability and light-mediated crosslinking of bioderived gelatin-based biomaterials. First, the physicochemical properties, as well as the encapsulation efficiency, release profile, and cytotoxicity of naringin-loaded nanoliposomes (LipoN) were characterized. Then, the effect of embedding LipoN in the GelMA matrix were characterized by studying the release behavior, swelling ratio, and hydrophilic character, as well as the rheological and mechanical properties of GelMA and GelMA-LipoN functionalized hydrogels. Finally, the dispersion of nanoliposomes encapsulating a model fluorescent probe in the GelMA matrix was visualized. The formulation of naringin-loaded liposomes via an optimized procedure yielded nanosized (114 nm) negatively charged particles with a high encapsulation efficiency (~99%). Naringin-loaded nanoliposomes administration to human adipose-derived stem cells confirmed their suitable cytocompatibility. Moreover, in addition to significantly extending the release of naringin from the hydrogel, the nanoliposomes inclusion in the GelMA matrix significantly increased its elastic and compressive moduli and decreased its swelling ratio, while showing an excellent dispersion in the hydrogel network. Overall, salmon-derived nanoliposomes enabled the inclusion and controlled release of pro-osteogenic bioactive molecules, as well as improved the hydrogel matrix properties, which suggests that these soft nanoparticles can play an important role in bioengineering bioactive nanocomposites for bone tissue engineering in the foreseeable future.