Advancement in Solubilization Approaches: A Step towards Bioavailability Enhancement of Poorly Soluble Drugs

Empowering hydrophobic anticancer drugs by ultrashort peptides: General Co-assembly strategy for improved solubility, targeted efficacy, and clinical application

The current state of drug delivery systems allows for the resolution of specific issues like inadequate solubility, limited targeting capabilities, and complex preparation processes, requiring tailored designs for different drugs. Yet, the major challenge in clinical application lies in surmounting these obstacles with a universal carrier that is effective for a variety of anticancer drugs. Herein, with the help of computer simulation, we rationally design ultrashort peptides GY and CCYRGD, which can co-assemble with hydrophobic anticancer drugs into nanoparticles with enhanced solubility, targeting ability and anticancer efficacy. Taking 7-ethyl-10-hydroxy camptothecin (SN38) as a model anticancer drug, the co-assembled SN38-GY-CCYRGD nanoparticles significantly enhance the water solubility of SN38 by more than three orders of magnitude. The as-prepared nanoparticles can effectively kill cancer cells, e.g., human small cell lung cancer (A549) cells with a notable cell mortality rate of 71%. Mice experimental results demonstrate the nanoparticles' efficient targeting capability, marked reducing the toxicity to normal tissues while improving antitumor efficacy. This work presents a novel drug delivery method, integrating effective, targeted, and safe strategies into a comprehensive carrier system, designed for the administration of hydrophobic anticancer drugs.

A review on the recent advances of interaction studies of anticancer metal-based drugs with therapeutic targets, DNA and RNAs

Metal-based drugs hold promise as potent anticancer agents owing to their unique interactions with cellular targets. This review discusses recent advances in our understanding of the intricate molecular interactions of metal-based anticancer compounds with specific therapeutic targets in cancer cells. Advanced computational and experimental methodologies delineate the binding mechanisms, structural dynamics and functional outcomes of these interactions. In addition, the review sheds light on the precise modes of action of these drugs, their efficacy and the potential avenues for further optimization in cancer-treatment strategies and the development of targeted and effective metal-based therapies for combating various forms of cancer.

Solid dispersion systems for enhanced dissolution of poorly water-soluble candesartan cilexetil: In vitro evaluation and simulated pharmacokinetics studies

BACKGROUND

Candesartan cilexetil (CC) is a selective angiotensin II receptor antagonist widely used to treat hypertension. CC is a substrate of P-glycoprotein (P-gp), causing its efflux to the intestinal lumen. It is also practically insoluble in water and has low oral bioavailability (14%). Thus, the current study aims to improve the in vitro dissolution of CC by developing solid dispersion systems (SDSs) and corroborating the in vitro results using a simulated pharmacokinetics study.

METHODS

The SDSs were prepared using polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) as a water-soluble polymer, Eudragit E100 (EE100) as a pH-dependent soluble carrier, and a combination of these two polymers. The saturation solubility and the dissolution rate studies of the prepared systems in three dissolution media were performed. The optimized system SE-EE5 was selected for further investigations, including DSC, XRD, FTIR, FESEM, DLS, TSEM, IVIVC convolution study, and stability studies.

RESULTS

The solubility of CC significantly increased by a factor of 27,037.344 when formulated as a solid dispersion matrix using EE100 at a ratio of 1:5 (w/w) drug to polymer (SE-EE5 SD), compared to the solubility of the pure drug. The mechanism of solubility and dissolution rate enhancement of CC by the optimized SDS was found to be via the conversion of the crystalline CC into the amorphous form as well as nanoparticles formation upon dissolution at a pH below 5. The instrumental analysis tests showed good compatibility between CC and EE100 and there was no chemical interaction between the drug and the polymer. Moreover, the stability tests confirmed that the optimized system was stable after three months of storage at 25°C.

CONCLUSION

The utilization of the solid dispersion technique employing EE 100 polymer as a matrix demonstrates significant success in enhancing the solubility, dissolution, and subsequently, the bioavailability of water-insoluble drugs like CC.

The Influence of PVP Polymer Topology on the Liquid Crystalline Order of Itraconazole in Binary Systems

This study presents a novel approach by utilizing poly(vinylpyrrolidone)s (PVPs) with various topologies as potential matrices for the liquid crystalline (LC) active pharmaceutical ingredient itraconazole (ITZ). We examined amorphous solid dispersions (ASDs) composed of ITZ and (i) self-synthesized linear PVP, (ii) self-synthesized star-shaped PVP, and (iii) commercial linear PVP K30. Differential scanning calorimetry, X-ray diffraction, and broad-band dielectric spectroscopy were employed to get a comprehensive insight into the thermal and structural properties, as well as global and local molecular dynamics of ITZ-PVP systems. The primary objective was to assess the influence of PVPs' topology and the composition of ASD on the LC ordering, changes in the temperature of transitions between mesophases, the rate of their restoration, and finally the solubility of ITZ in the prepared ASDs. Our research clearly showed that regardless of the PVP type, both LC transitions, from smectic (Sm) to nematic (N) and from N to isotropic (I) phases, are effectively suppressed. Moreover, a significant difference in the miscibility of different PVPs with the investigated API was found. This phenomenon also affected the solubility of API, which was the greatest, up to 100 μg/mL in the case of starPVP 85:15 w/w mixture in comparison to neat crystalline API (5 μg/mL). Obtained data emphasize the crucial role of the polymer's topology in designing new pharmaceutical formulations.

Preparation and Evaluation of Chitosan Coated PLGA Nanoparticles Encapsulating Ivosidenib with Enhanced Cytotoxicity Against Human Liver Cancer Cells

Purpose

Ivosidenib (IVO), an isocitrate dehydrogenase-1 (IDH1) used for treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and cholangiocarcinoma. However, poor solubility, low bioavailability, high dose and side effects limit clinical application of IVO.

Methods

Ivosidenib-loaded PLGA nanoparticles (IVO-PLGA-NPs) and Ivosidenib-loaded chitosan coated PLGA nanoparticles (IVO-CS-PLGA-NPs) were prepared using emulsification and solvent evaporation method for the treatment of liver cancer.

Results

The developed IVO-PLGA-NPs were evaluated for their particle size (171.7±4.9 nm), PDI (0.333), ZP (-23.0±5.8 mV), EE (96.3±4.3%), and DL (9.66±1.1%); similarly, the IVO-CS-PLGA-NPs were evaluated for their particle size (177.3±5.2 nm), PDI (0.311), ZP +25.9±5.7 mV, EE (90.8±5.7%), and DL (9.42±0.7%). The chitosan coating of IVO-PLGA-NPs was evidenced by an increase in mean particle size and positive ZP value. Because of the chitosan coating, the IVO-CS-PLGA-NPs showed a more stable and prolonged release of IVO than IVO-PLGA-NPs. In comparison to pure-IVO, the IVO-PLGA-NPs and IVO-CS-PLGA-NPs were found to be more effective against HepG2 cells, with IC50 values for the MTT assay being approximately half of those of pure-IVO. In HepG2 cells, the expressions of caspase-3, caspase-9, and p53 were significantly (p < 0.05) elevated.

Conclusion

Overall, these findings suggest that chitosan coating of IVO-PLGA-NPs improves the delivery and efficacy of ivosidenib in liver cancer treatment.

New insights of propolis nanoformulation and its therapeutic potential in human diseases

Background and purpose

Scientific research is crucial to develop therapies for various disease severity levels, as modern drugs cause side effects and are difficult to predict. Researchers are exploring herbal alternatives with fewer side effects, particularly propolis, which has been validated through in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies. This will focus on scientific evidence and its supporting technology for developing new bioactive compounds for chronic diseases. Nanotechnology can improve the delivery and absorption of herbal medicines, which often have poor bioavailability due to their high molecular weight and solubility in water, particularly in oral medicines. This technology can enhance propolis's effects through multi-target therapy and reduce side effects.

Experimental approach

All publications related to each section of this review were discovered using the search engines Google Scholar, Scopus, and Pubmed. This was only available for publication between 2013 and 2023. The selected publications were used as references in this review after being thoroughly studied.

Key results

Evaluation of propolis active compounds, the classification of propolis nano formulations, design concepts, and mechanisms of action of propolis nano formulation. Additionally, the challenges and prospects for how these insights can be translated into clinical benefits are discussed.

Conclusion

In the last ten years, a list of nanoformulation propolis has been reported. This review concludes the difficulties encountered in developing large-scale nanoformulations. To commercialize them, improvements in nano carrier synthesis, standardized evaluation methodology within the framework of strategy process improvement, and Good Manufacturing Practices would be required.

Quality by Design Assisted Development of Luliconazole Transethosomes in Gel for the Management of Candida albicans Infection

The objective of this study was to develop and evaluate a novel vesicular formulation of luliconazole (LUL) for the management of Candida albicans infection through a topical route. LUL-loaded transethosomes (LUL-TE) were prepared by the film hydration method and various independent and dependent variables were optimized using the Box-Behnken design. Selected critical material attributes were the content of phospholipids (X1), concentration of ethanol (X2), and amount of sodium cholate (X3). Formulated LUL-TE were characterized for percent entrapment efficiency, percent drug loading, vesicle size, and polydispersity index (PDI) and were incorporated into the carbomer gel base and further evaluated for gel characterizations. The prepared transethosomal gel (LUL-TE-CHG) was evaluated for pH, spreadability, viscosity, antifungal activity, and in vitro study. From the observed results, it was evident that the prepared LUL-TE-CHG was in the desired pH (6.2 ± 0.45), spreadability [8.3 ± 0.42 g/(cm·s)], viscosity (236.1-19.2.26 mPa·s), nanovesicle size (252 ± 9.82), entrapment efficiency (85% ± 5.24%), zeta potential (-34.05 ± 3.52 mV), and PDI (0.233 ± 0.002). The zone of inhibition results suggested that the LUL-TE-CHG formulation has the highest antifungal activity, that is, 5.83 ± 0.15 mm3. The in vitro results showed that drug release within 2 h was 18.1% ± 2.0% and after that sustained release action, 83.2% ± 1.7% within 8 h. Finally, to confirm the therapeutic efficacy of the developed formulation, fungal infection was induced by using C. albicans in Wistar rats. In vivo, skin irritation study and histopathology studies were performed in the disease-induced model. Animal experiments revealed that LUL-TE-CHG has significantly improved the diseased condition in Wistar rats. The results observed from the skin permeation and skin deposition profile ensure that the prepared novel LUL-loaded TE system had a higher permeation rate and increased retention time compared with LUL-CHG. The hydrogel incorporated with LUL could be a novel approach with safe and effective fungal treatment.

Improvement in Inhalation Properties of Theophylline and Levofloxacin by Co-Amorphization and Enhancement in Its Stability by Addition of Amino Acid as a Third Component

Co-amorphous systems are amorphous formulations stabilized by the miscible dispersion of small molecules. This study aimed to design a stable co-amorphous system for the co-delivery of two drugs to the lungs as an inhaled formulation. Theophylline (THE) and levofloxacin (LEV) were used as model drugs for treating lung infection with inflammation. Leucine (LEU) or tryptophan (TRP) was employed as the third component to improve the inhalation properties. The co-amorphous system containing THE and LEV in an equal molar ratio was successfully prepared via spray drying where reduction of the particle size and change to the spherical morphology were observed. The addition of LEU or TRP at a one-tenth molar ratio to THE-LEV did not affect the formation of the co-amorphous system, but only TRP acted as an antiplasticizer. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy spectra revealed intermolecular interactions between THE and LEV in the co-amorphous system that were retained after the addition of LEU or TRP. The co-amorphous THE-LEV system exhibited better in vitro aerodynamic performance than a physical mixture of these compounds and permitted the simultaneous delivery of both drugs in various stages. The co-amorphous THE-LEV system crystallized at 40 °C, and this crystallization was not prevented by LEU. However, THE-LEV-TRP maintained its amorphous state for 1 month. Thus, TRP can act as a third component to improve the physical stability of the co-amorphous THE-LEV system, while maintaining the enhanced aerodynamic properties.

Emerging targeted therapeutic strategies for the treatment of triple-negative breast cancer

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), a subtype of breast cancer that lacks expression of oestrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER-2), has clinical features including a high degree of invasiveness, an elevated risk of metastasis, tendency to relapse, and poor prognosis. It constitutes around 10-15% of all breast cancer, and having heredity of BRCA1 mutated breast cancer could be a reason for the occurrence of TNBC in women. Overexpression of cellular and molecular targets, i.e. CD44 receptor, EGFR receptor, Folate receptor, Transferrin receptor, VEGF receptor, and Androgen receptor, have emerged as promising targets for treating TNBC. Signalling pathways such as Notch signalling and PI3K/AKT/mTOR also play a significant role in carrying out and managing crucial pro-survival and pro-growth cellular processes that can be utilised for targeted therapy against triple-negative breast cancer. This review sheds light on various targeting strategies, including cellular and molecular targets, signalling pathways, poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitors, antibody-drug conjugates, and immune checkpoint inhibitors PARP, immunotherapy, ADCs have all found a place in the current TNBC therapeutic paradigm. The role of photothermal therapy (PTT) and photodynamic therapy (PDT) has also been explored briefly.

Aceclofenac/Citronellol Oil Nanoemulsion Repurposing Study: Formulation, In Vitro Characterization, and In Silico Evaluation of Their Antiproliferative and Pro-Apoptotic Activity against Melanoma Cell Line

Aceclofenac (ACF) is a widely used non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) known for its effectiveness in treating pain and inflammation. Recent studies have demonstrated that ACF possesses antiproliferative properties, inhibiting the growth of cancer cells in various cancer cell lines. Citronellol, a monoterpenoid alcohol found in essential oils, exhibits antioxidant properties and activities such as inhibiting cell growth and acetylcholinesterase inhibition. In this study, the objective was to formulate and evaluate an aceclofenac/citronellol oil nanoemulsion for its antiproliferative effects on melanoma. The optimal concentrations of citronellol oil, Tween 80, and Transcutol HP were determined using a pseudoternary phase diagram. The formulated nanoemulsions were characterized for droplet size, zeta potential, thermophysical stability, and in vitro release. The selected formula (F1) consisted of citronellol oil (1 gm%), Tween 80 (4 gm%), and Transcutol HP (1 gm%). F1 exhibited a spherical appearance with high drug content, small droplet size, and acceptable negative zeta potential. The amorphous state of the drug in the nanoemulsion was confirmed by Differential Scanning Calorimetry, while FTIR analysis indicated its homogenous solubility. The nanoemulsion showed significant antiproliferative activity, with a lower IC50 value compared to aceclofenac or citronellol alone. Flow cytometric analysis revealed cell cycle arrest and increased apoptosis induced by the nanoemulsion. In silico studies provided insights into the molecular mechanism underlying the observed antitumor activity. In conclusion, the developed aceclofenac/citronellol oil nanoemulsion exhibited potent cytotoxicity and pro-apoptotic effects, suggesting its potential as a repurposed antiproliferative agent for melanoma treatment. In a future plan, further animal model research for validation is suggested.