Cubic Liquid Crystalline Nanostructures Involving Catalase and Curcumin: BioSAXS Study and Catalase Peroxidatic Function after Cubosomal Nanoparticle Treatment of Differentiated SH-SY5Y Cells

Challenges of enzyme therapy: Why two players are better than one

Enzyme-based therapy has garnered significant attention for its current applications in various diseases. Despite the notable advantages associated with the use of enzymes as therapeutic agents, that could have high selectivity, affinity, and specificity for the target, their application faces challenges linked to physico-chemical and pharmacological properties. These limitations can be addressed through the encapsulation of enzymes in nanoplatforms as a comprehensive solution to mitigate their degradation, loss of activity, off-target accumulation, and immunogenicity, thus enhancing bioavailability, therapeutic efficacy, and circulation time, thereby reducing the number of administrations, and ameliorating patient compliance. The exploration of novel nanomedicine-based enzyme therapeutics for the treatment of challenging diseases stands as a paramount goal in the contemporary scientific landscape, but even then it is often not enough. Combining an enzyme with another therapeutic (e.g., a small molecule, another enzyme or protein, a monoclonal antibody, or a nucleic acid) within a single nanocarrier provides innovative multidrug-integrated therapy and ensures that both the actives arrive at the target site and exert their therapeutic effect, leading to synergistic action and superior therapeutic efficacy. Moreover, this strategic approach could be extended to gene therapy, a field that nowadays has gained increasing attention, as enzymes acting at genomic level and nucleic acids may be combined for synergistic therapy. This multicomponent therapeutic approach opens opportunities for promising future developments. This article is categorized under: Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Neurological Disease Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Oncologic Disease Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Emerging Technologies.

Nanomedicine-mediated recovery of antioxidant glutathione peroxidase activity after oxidative-stress cellular damage: Insights for neurological long COVID

Nanomedicine for treating post-viral infectious disease syndrome is at an emerging stage. Despite promising results from preclinical studies on conventional antioxidants, their clinical translation as a therapy for treating post-COVID conditions remains challenging. The limitations are due to their low bioavailability, instability, limited transport to the target tissues, and short half-life, requiring frequent and high doses. Activating the immune system during coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) infection can lead to increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), depleted antioxidant reserve, and finally, oxidative stress and neuroinflammation. To tackle this problem, we developed an antioxidant nanotherapy based on lipid (vesicular and cubosomal types) nanoparticles (LNPs) co-encapsulating ginkgolide B and quercetin. The antioxidant-loaded nanocarriers were prepared by a self-assembly method via hydration of a lyophilized mixed thin lipid film. We evaluated the LNPs in a new in vitro model for studying neuronal dysfunction caused by oxidative stress in coronavirus infection. We examined the key downstream signaling pathways that are triggered in response to potassium persulfate (KPS) causing oxidative stress-mediated neurotoxicity. Treatment of neuronally-derived cells (SH-SY5Y) with KPS (50 mM) for 30 min markedly increased mitochondrial dysfunction while depleting the levels of both glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH). This led to the sequential activation of apoptotic and necrotic cell death processes, which corroborates with the crucial implication of the two proteins (GSH-Px and TH) in the long-COVID syndrome. Nanomedicine-mediated treatment with ginkgolide B-loaded cubosomes and vesicular LNPs showed minimal cytotoxicity and completely attenuated the KPS-induced cell death process, decreasing apoptosis from 32.6% (KPS) to 19.0% (MO-GB), 12.8% (MO-GB-Quer), 14.8% (DMPC-PEG-GB), and 23.6% (DMPC-PEG-GB-Quer) via free radical scavenging and replenished GSH-Px levels. These findings indicated that GB-LNPs-based nanomedicines may protect against KPS-induced apoptosis by regulating intracellular redox homeostasis.

Vitexin-loaded poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether-grafted chitosan/alginate nanoparticles: preparation, physicochemical properties and in vitro release behaviors

BACKGROUND

Vitexin, a flavonoid in various foods and medicinal plants, has potential clinical, therapeutic and food applications due to its bioactive properties and beneficial health effects. However, its poor water solubility causes low oral bioavailability and poor absorption in the gastrointestinal tract, limiting its practical applications. Encapsulation is an efficient approach to overcome these limitations. This study demonstrates the encapsulation of vitexin into poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether-grafted chitosan (mPEG-g-CTS)/alginate (ALG) polyelectrolyte complex nanoparticles.

RESULTS

The vitexin-loaded mPEG-g-CTS/ALG nanoparticles were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction. The vitexin-loaded mPEG-g-CTS/ALG nanoparticles had a spherical shape, 50-200 nm in diameter, and negatively charged surface (-27 to -38 mV). They possessed a loading capacity of 4-60%, encapsulation efficiency of 50-100% and antioxidant activity (30-52% 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl decoloration) when their initial vitexin content was 0.02-0.64 g g-1 polymers. Successful vitexin loading into mPEG-g-CTS/ALG nanoparticles was also indirectly confirmed by the enhanced thermal stability of both polymers and the residual soybean oil used in the emulsion preparation step and delayed oxidative degradation of the residual soybean oil. Vitexin's in vitro release from the mPEG-g-CTS/ALG nanoparticles was very fast in phosphate buffer at pH 11, followed by pH 7, and very slow in acetate buffer at pH 3. The gastrointestinal digestion of vitexin increased by encapsulating into mPEG-g-CTS/ALG nanoparticles.

CONCLUSIONS

Vitexin-loaded mPEG-g-CTS/ALG nanoparticles were successfully fabricated using a two-step process of oil-in-water emulsion and ionic gelation without the use of pungent odor acids and other crosslinkers. The obtained nanoparticles are suitable for oral intestinal-specific delivery systems. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Expanding the Enzymatic Polymerization Landscape by Lipid Mesophase Soft Nanoconfinement

Soft nanoconfinement can increase chemical reactivity in nature and has therefore led to considerable interest in transferring this universal feature to artificial biological systems. However, little is known about the underlying principles of soft nanoconfinement responsible for the enhancement of biochemical reactions. Herein we demonstrate how enzymatic polymerization can be expanded, optimized, and engineered when carried out under soft nanoconfinement mediated by lipidic mesophases. By systematically varying the water content in the mesophase and thus the diameter of the confined water nanochannels, we show higher efficiency, turnover rate, and degrees of polymerization as compared to the bulk aqueous solution, all controlled by soft nanoconfinement effects. Furthermore, we exploit the unique properties of unfreezing soft nanoconfined water to perform the first enzymatic polymerization at -20 °C in pure aqueous media. These results underpin lipidic mesophases as a versatile host system for chemical reactions and promote them as an original and unexplored platform for enzymatic polymerization.

Static Magnetic Field Reduces Intracellular ROS Levels and Protects Cells Against Peroxide-Induced Damage: Suggested Roles for Catalase

A feature in neurodegenerative disorders is the loss of neurons, caused by several factors including oxidative stress induced by reactive oxygen species (ROS). In this work, static magnetic field (SMF) was applied in vitro to evaluate its effect on the viability, proliferation, and migration of human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells, and on the toxicity induced by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), tert-butyl hydroperoxide (tBHP), H2O2/sodium azide (NaN3) and photosensitized oxidations by photodynamic therapy (PDT) photosensitizers. The SMF increased almost twofold the cell expression of the proliferation biomarker Ki-67 compared to control cells after 7 days of exposure. Exposure to SMF accelerated the wound healing of scratched cell monolayers and significantly reduced the H2O2-induced and the tBHP-induced cell deaths. Interestingly, SMF was able to revert the effects of NaN3 (a catalase inhibitor), suggesting an increased activity of catalase under the influence of the magnetic field. In agreement with this hypothesis, SMF significantly reduced the oxidation of DCF-H2, indicating a lower level of intracellular ROS. When the redox imbalance was triggered through photosensitized oxidation, no protection was observed. This observation aligns with the proposed role of catalase in cellular proctetion under SMF.  Exposition to SMF should be further validated in vitro and in vivo as a potential therapeutic approach for neurodegenerative disorders.

Targeted Delivery of Pennyroyal via Methotrexate Functionalized PEGylated Nanostructured Lipid Carriers into Breast Cancer Cells; A Multiple Pathways Apoptosis Activator

Purpose

Pennyroyal is a species of the Lamiaceae family with potent anti-cancer and antioxidant properties. Combining this antioxidant with chemotherapeutic agents enhances the effectiveness of these agents by inducing more apoptosis in cancerous cells.

Methods

Here, methotrexate (MTX) combined with pennyroyal oil based on PEGylated nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) was assessed. These nanoparticles were physiochemically characterized, and their anti-cancer effects and targeting efficiency were investigated on the folate receptor-positive human breast cancer cell line (MCF-7) and negative human alveolar basal epithelial cells (A549).

Results

Results showed a mean size of 97.4 ± 12.1 nm for non-targeted PEGylated NLCs and 220.4 ± 11.4 nm for targeted PEGylated NLCs, with an almost small size distribution assessed by TEM imaging. Furthermore, in vitro molecular anti-cancer activity investigations showed that pennyroyal-NLCs and pennyroyal-NLCs/MTX activate the apoptosis and autophagy pathway by changing their related mRNA expression levels. Furthermore, in vitro cellular studies showed that these changes in the level of gene expression could lead to a rise in apoptosis rate from 15.6 ± 8.1 to 25.0 ± 3.2 (P<0.05) for the MCF-7 cells treated with pennyroyal-NLCs and pennyroyal-NLCs/MTX, respectively. Autophagy and reactive oxygen species (ROS) cellular evaluation indicated that treating the cells with pennyroyal-NLCs and pennyroyal-NLCs/MTX could significantly increase their intensity in these cells.

Conclusion

Our results present a new NLCs-based approach to enhance the delivery of pennyroyal and MTX to cancerous breast tissues.

Prediction of Ethanol-Mediated Growth Morphology of Ammonium Dinitramide/Pyrazine-1,4-Dioxide Cocrystal at Different Temperatures

The crystal morphology of high energetic materials plays a crucial role in aspects of their safety performance such as impact sensitivity. In order to reveal the crystal morphology of ammonium dinitramide/pyrazine-1,4-dioxide (ADN/PDO) cocrystal at different temperatures, the modified attachment energy model (MAE) was used at 298, 303, 308, and 313 K to predict the morphology of the ADN/PDO cocrystal under vacuum and ethanol. The results showed that under vacuum conditions, five growth planes of the ADN/PDO cocrystal were given, which were (1 0 0), (0 1 1), (1 1 0), (1 1 -1), and (2 0 -2). Among them, the ratios of the (1 0 0) and (0 1 1) planes were 40.744% and 26.208%, respectively. In the (0 1 1) crystal plane, the value of S was 1.513. The (0 1 1) crystal plane was more conducive to the adsorption of ethanol molecules. The order of binding energy between the ADN/PDO cocrystal and ethanol solvent was (0 1 1) > (1 1 -1) > (2 0 -2) > (1 1 0) > (1 0 0). The radial distribution function analysis revealed that there were hydrogen bonds between the ethanol and the ADN cations, van der Waals interactions with the ADN anions. As the temperature increased, the aspect ratio of the ADN/PDO cocrystal was reduced, making the crystal more spherical, which helped to further reduce the sensitivity of this explosive.

Lactoferrin-Based Ternary Composite Nanoparticles with Enhanced Dispersibility and Stability for Curcumin Delivery

Curcumin has been reported to exhibit free radical antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer activities, which are beneficial for nutraceutical applications. However, its application for this purpose is limited by its poor water solubility, stability, and bioavailability. These problems can be overcome using food-grade colloidal particles that encapsulate, protect, and deliver curcumin. These colloidal particles can be assembled from structure-forming food components that may also exhibit protective effects, such as proteins, polysaccharides, and polyphenols. In this study, lactoferrin (LF), (-)-epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), and hyaluronic acid (HA) were used to fabricate composite nanoparticles using a simple pH-shift method. We showed that curcumin could be successfully loaded into these LF-EGCG-HA nanoparticles (d = 145 nm). The encapsulation efficiency (86%) and loading capacity (5.8%) of curcumin within these nanoparticles were relatively high. Encapsulation improved the thermal, light, and storage stabilities of the curcumin. Moreover, the curcumin-loaded nanoparticles exhibited good redispersibility after dehydration. The in vitro digestion properties, cellular uptake, and anticancer effects of the curcumin-loaded nanoparticles were then explored. Compared to free curcumin, the bioaccessibility and cellular uptake of the curcumin were significantly improved after encapsulation in the nanoparticles. Furthermore, the nanoparticles significantly promoted the apoptosis of colorectal cancer cells. This study suggests that food-grade biopolymer nanoparticles can be used to improve the bioavailability and bioactivity of an important nutraceutical.

A Clinically-Achievable Injectable and Sprayable in Situ Lyotropic Liquid Crystalline Platform in Treating Hormone-Sensitive and Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer

When it comes to long-acting injections, lyotropic liquid crystals (LLCs) are considered as an effective and powerful drug delivery technology due to their low manufacturing and injection difficulty, consistent releasing behaviors with low burst, as well as broadly applicable drug loading capacity. However, monoolein and phytantriol, as two widely used LLC-forming materials, may give rise to tissue cytotoxicity and undesired immunological responses, which may hinder the wide application of this technology. In this study, we opted for two ingredients, phosphatidylcholine and α-tocopherol, as carriers on account of their nature-obtainable and biocompatible qualities. By changing the ratios between them, we conducted research on crystalline types, nanosized structures, viscoelastic differences, characteristics of releasing behaviors, and in vivo safety. To fully exploit this in situ LLC platform with both injectability and sprayability, we focused on the treatment of both hormone-sensitive (HSPC) and castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). For HSPC, we found that spraying leuprolide and a cabazitaxel-loaded LLC platform on the tumor bed after resection greatly reduced tumor metastatic rate and prolonged the survival time. Besides, for CRPC, our results demonstrated that although leuprolide (a kind of drug for castration) alone could hardly limit the progression of CRPC with low MHC-I expression, its combination with cabazitaxel in our LLC platform achieved a significantly better tumor-inhibiting and anti-recurrent efficacy than single cabazitaxel-loaded LLC platform, owing to enhanced CD4⁺ T cell infiltration in tumors and immune-potentiating cytokines. In conclusion, our dual-functional and clinically achievable strategy might provide a treating solution toward both HSPC and CRPC.

Ice crystallization under cryogenic cooling in lipid membrane nanoconfined geometry: Time-resolved structural dynamics

Time-resolved structural investigations of crystallization of water in lipid/protein/salt mesophases at cryogenic temperatures are significant for comprehension of ice nanocrystal nucleation kinetics in lipid membranous systems and can lead to a better understanding of how to experimentally retard the ice formation that obstructs the protein crystal structure determination. Here, we present a time-resolved synchrotron microfocus X-ray diffraction (TR-XRD) study based on ∼40,000 frames that revealed the dynamics of water-to-ice crystallization in a lipid/protein/salt mesophase subjected to cryostream cooling at 100 K. The monoolein/hemoglobin/salt/water system was chosen as a model composition related to protein-loaded lipid cubic phases (LCP) broadly used for the crystallization of proteins. Under confinement in the nanoscale geometry, metastable short-living cubic ice (I_c) rapidly crystallized well before the formation of hexagonal ice (I_h). The detected early nanocrystalline states of water-to-ice transformation in multicomponent systems are relevant to a broad spectrum of technologies and understanding of natural phenomena, including crystallization, physics of water nanoconfinement, and rational design of anti-freezing and cryopreservation systems.

Nanotechnology based drug delivery systems for the treatment of anterior segment eye diseases

Diseases affecting the anterior segment of the eye are the primary causes of vision impairment and blindness globally. Drug administration through the topical ocular route is widely accepted because of its user/patient friendliness - ease of administration and convenience. However, it remains a significant challenge to efficiently deliver drugs to the eye through this route because of various structural and physiological constraints that restrict the distribution of therapeutic molecules into the ocular tissues. The bioavailability of topically applied ocular medications such as eye drops is typically less than 5%. Developing novel delivery systems to increase the retention time on the ocular surfaces and permeation through the cornea is one of the approaches adopted to boost the bioavailability of topically administered medications. Drug delivery systems based on nanotechnology such as micelles, nanosuspensions, nanoparticles, nanoemulsions, liposomes, dendrimers, niosomes, cubosomes and nanowafers have been investigated as effective alternatives to conventional ocular delivery systems in treating diseases of the anterior segment of the eye. This review discussed different nanotechnology-based delivery systems that are currently investigated for treating and managing diseases affecting the anterior ocular tissues. We also looked at the challenges in translating these systems into clinical use and the prospects of nanocarriers as a vehicle for the delivery of phytoactive compounds to the anterior segment of the eye.

Extending the Bioavailability of Hydrophilic Antioxidants for Metal Ion Detoxification via Crystallization with Polysaccharide Dopamine

Although metal ions, such as silver and gold, have been shown to have strong antimicrobial properties, their potential to have toxic effects on human and environmental health has gained interest with an improved understanding of their mechanisms to promote oxidative stress. Redox control is a major focus of many drug delivery systems and often incorporates an antioxidant as the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) to neutralize overproduced reactive oxygen species (ROS). Nevertheless, there are still limitations with bioavailability and extended redox control with regard to antioxidant drug delivery. Herein, this study develops a colloidal antioxidant crystal system that dissolves sustainably through polymer stabilization using sodium hyaluronate conjugated with dopamine (HA-dopa). We explore the role of dopamine incorporation into crystal-stabilizing polymers and quantify the balance between drug-polymer interactions and competing polymer-polymer interactions. We propose that this type of analysis is useful in the engineering of and provides insight into the release behavior of polymer-crystal complexes. In developing our crystal complex, N-acetylcysteine (NAC) was used as the model antioxidant to protect against silver ion toxicity. We found that our optimized HA-dopa-stabilized NAC crystals prolong the release time of NAC 5-fold compared to a polymer-free NAC crystal. Therefore, following sublethal exposure to AgNO₃, the extended lifetime of NAC was able to maintain normal intracellular ROS levels, modulate metabolic function, mitigate fluctuations in ATP levels and ATP synthase activity, and preserve contraction frequency in engineered cardiac muscle tissue. Furthermore, the protective effects of the HA-dopa-stabilized NAC crystals were extended to a Daphnia magna model where silver-ion-induced change to both cell-level biochemistry and organ function was alleviated. As such, we propose that the packaging of hydrophilic antioxidants as colloidal crystals drastically extends the lifetime of the API, better maintains ROS homeostasis post metal ion exposure, and therefore preserves both intracellular biochemistry and tissue functionality.

Assessment of the Potential of Sarcandra glabra (Thunb.) Nakai. in Treating Ethanol-Induced Gastric Ulcer in Rats Based on Metabolomics and Network Analysis

Gastric ulcer (GU) is one of the most commonly diagnosed diseases worldwide, threatening human health and seriously affecting quality of life. Reports have shown that the Chinese herbal medicine Sarcandra glabra (Thunb.) Nakai (SGN) can treat GU. However, its pharmacological effects deserve further validation; in addition, its mechanism of action is unclear. An acute gastric ulcer (AGU) rat model induced by alcohol was used to evaluate the gastroprotective effect of SGN by analysis of the histopathological changes in stomach tissue and related cytokine levels; the potential mechanisms of action of SGN were investigated via serum metabolomics and network pharmacology. Differential metabolites of rat serum were identified by metabolomics and the metabolic pathways of the identified metabolites were enriched via MetaboAnalyst. Furthermore, the critical ingredients and candidate targets of SGN anti-AGU were elucidated. A compound-reaction-enzyme-gene network was established using Cytoscape version 3.8.2 based on integrated analysis of metabolomics and network pharmacology. Finally, molecular docking was applied to verify the acquired key targets. The results showed that SGN exerted a certain gastroprotective effect via multiple pathways and targets. The effects of SGN were mainly caused by the key active ingredients isofraxidin, rosmarinic, and caffeic acid, which regulate hub targets, such as PTGS2, MAPK1, and KDR, which maintain the homeostasis of related metabolites. Signal pathways involved energy metabolism as well as immune and amino acid metabolism. Overall, the multi-omics techniques were proven to be promising tools in illuminating the mechanism of action of SGN in protecting against diseases. This integrated strategy provides a basis for further research and clinical application of SGN.

Tannic Acid-Iron Complex-Based Nanoparticles as a Novel Tool against Oxidative Stress

Accumulation of reactive oxygen species in cells leads to oxidative stress, with consequent damage for cellular components and activation of cell-death mechanisms. Oxidative stress is often associated with age-related conditions, as well as with several neurodegenerative diseases. For this reason, antioxidant molecules have attracted a lot of attention, especially those derived from natural sources─like polyphenols and tannins. The main issue related to the use of antioxidants is their inherent tendency to be oxidized, their quick enzymatic degradation in biological fluids, and their poor bioavailability. Nanomedicine, in this sense, has helped in finding new solutions to deliver and protect antioxidants; however, the concentration of the encapsulated molecule in conventional nanosystems could be very low and, therefore, less effective. We propose to exploit the properties of tannic acid, a known plant-derived antioxidant, to chelate iron ions, forming hydrophobic complexes that can be coated with a biocompatible and biodegradable phospholipid to improve stability in biological media. By combining nanoprecipitation and hot sonication procedures, we obtained three-dimensional networks composed of tannic acid-iron with a hydrodynamic diameter of ≈200 nm. These nanostructures show antioxidant properties and scavenging activity in cells after induction of an acute chemical pro-oxidant insult; moreover, they also demonstrated to counteract damage induced by oxidative stress both in vitro and on an in vivo model organism (planarians).

Lyotropic Liquid Crystalline Nanostructures as Drug Delivery Systems and Vaccine Platforms

Lyotropic liquid crystals result from the self-assembly process of amphiphilic molecules, such as lipids, into water, being organized in different mesophases. The non-lamellar formed mesophases, such as bicontinuous cubic (cubosomes) and inverse hexagonal (hexosomes), attract great scientific interest in the field of pharmaceutical nanotechnology. In the present review, an overview of the engineering and characterization of non-lamellar lyotropic liquid crystalline nanosystems (LLCN) is provided, focusing on their advantages as drug delivery nanocarriers and innovative vaccine platforms. It is described that non-lamellar LLCN can be utilized as drug delivery nanosystems, as well as for protein, peptide, and nucleic acid delivery. They exhibit major advantages, including stimuli-responsive properties for the “on demand” drug release delivery and the ability for controlled release by manipulating their internal conformation properties and their administration by different routes. Moreover, non-lamellar LLCN exhibit unique adjuvant properties to activate the immune system, being ideal for the development of novel vaccines. This review outlines the recent advances in lipid-based liquid crystalline technology and highlights the unique features of such systems, with a hopeful scope to contribute to the rational design of future nanosystems.

A GdW10@PDA-CAT Sensitizer with High-Z Effect and Self-Supplied Oxygen for Hypoxic-Tumor Radiotherapy

Anticancer treatment is largely affected by the hypoxic tumor microenvironment (TME), which causes the resistance of the tumor to radiotherapy. Combining radiosensitizer compounds and O2 self-enriched moieties is an emerging strategy in hypoxic-tumor treatments. Herein, we engineered GdW10@PDA-CAT (K3Na4H2GdW10O36·2H2O, GdW10, polydopamine, PDA, catalase, CAT) composites as a radiosensitizer for the TME-manipulated enhancement of radiotherapy. In the composites, Gd (Z = 64) and W (Z = 74), as the high Z elements, make X-ray gather in tumor cells, thereby enhancing DNA damage induced by radiation. CAT can convert H2O2 to O2 and H2O to enhance the X-ray effect under hypoxic TME. CAT and PDA modification enhances the biocompatibility of the composites. Our results showed that GdW10@PDA-CAT composites increased the efficiency of radiotherapy in HT29 cells in culture. This polyoxometalates and O2 self-supplement composites provide a promising radiosensitizer for the radiotherapy field.

Novel strategies to oral delivery of insulin: Current progress of nanocarriers for diabetes management

Diabetes mellitus is one of the most serious public health problems in the world. Repeated daily injections of subcutaneous insulin is the standard treatment for patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus; however, subcutaneous insulin injections can potentially cause local discomfort, patient noncompliance, hypoglycemia, failure to regulate glucose homeostasis, infections, and fat deposits at the injection sites. In recent years, numerous attempts have been made to produce safe and efficient nanoparticles for oral insulin delivery. Oral administration is considered the most effective alternative route to insulin injection, but it is accompanied by several challenges related to enzymatic proteolysis, digestive breakdown, and absorption barriers. A number of natural and synthetic polymeric, lipid-based, and inorganic nanoparticles have been investigated for use. Although improvements have recently been made in potential oral insulin delivery systems, these require further investigation before clinical trials are conducted. In this review, new approaches to oral insulin delivery for diabetes treatment are discussed, including polymeric, lipid-based, and inorganic nanoparticles, as well as the clinical trials performed for this purpose.

Phytoantioxidant Functionalized Nanoparticles: A Green Approach to Combat Nanoparticle-Induced Oxidative Stress

Nanotechnology is gaining significant attention, with numerous biomedical applications. Silver in wound dressings, copper oxide and silver in antibacterial preparations, and zinc oxide nanoparticles as a food and cosmetic ingredient are common examples. However, adverse effects of nanoparticles in humans and the environment from extended exposure at varied concentrations have yet to be established. One of the drawbacks of employing nanoparticles is their tendency to cause oxidative stress, a significant public health concern with life-threatening consequences. Cardiovascular, renal, and respiratory problems and diabetes are among the oxidative stress-related disorders. In this context, phytoantioxidant functionalized nanoparticles could be a novel and effective alternative. In addition to performing their intended function, they can protect against oxidative damage. This review was designed by searching through various websites, books, and articles found in PubMed, Science Direct, and Google Scholar. To begin with, oxidative stress, its related diseases, and the mechanistic basis of oxidative damage caused by nanoparticles are discussed. One of the main mechanisms of action of nanoparticles was unearthed to be oxidative stress, which limits their use in humans. Secondly, the role of phytoantioxidant functionalized nanoparticles in oxidative damage prevention is critically discussed. The parameters for the characterization of nanoparticles were also discussed. The majority of silver, gold, iron, zinc oxide, and copper nanoparticles produced utilizing various plant extracts were active free radical scavengers. This potential is linked to several surface fabricated phytoconstituents, such as flavonoids and phenols. These phytoantioxidant functionalized nanoparticles could be a better alternative to nanoparticles prepared by other existing approaches.

Cubosomal lipid nanoassemblies with pH-sensitive shells created by biopolymer complexes: A synchrotron SAXS study

We report a strategy for sustainable development of pH-responsive cubic liquid crystalline nanoparticles (cubosomes), in which the structure-defining lyotropic nonlamellar lipid and the eventually encapsulated guest molecules can be protected by pH-sensitive polyelectrolyte shells with mucoadhesive properties. Bulk non-lamellar phases as well as pH-responsive polyelectrolyte-modified nanocarriers were formed by spontaneous assembly of the nonlamellar lipid monoolein and two biopolymers tailored in nanocomplexes with pH-dependent net charge. The mesophase particles involved positively charged N-arginine-modified chitosan (CHarg) and negatively charged alginate (ALG) chains assembled at different biopolymer concentrations and charge ratios into a series of pH-responsive complexes. The roles of Pluronic F127 as a dispersing agent and a stabilizer of the nanoscale dispersions were examined. Synchrotron small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) investigations were performed at several N-arginine-modified chitosan/alginate ratios (CHarg/ALG with 10, 15 and 20 wt% ALG relative to CHarg) and varying pH values mimicking the pH conditions of the gastrointestinal route. The structural parameters characterizing the inner cubic liquid crystalline organizations of the nanocarriers were determined as well as the particle sizes and stability on storage. The surface charge variations, influencing the measured zeta-potentials, evidenced the inclusion of the CHarg/ALG biopolymer complexes into the lipid nanoassemblies. The polyelectrolyte shells rendered the hybrid cubosome nanocarriers pH-sensitive and influenced the swelling of their lipid-phase core as revealed by the acquired SAXS patterns. The pH-responsiveness and the mucoadhesive features of the cubosomal lipid/polyelectrolyte nanocomplexes may be of interest for in vivo drug delivery applications.

Construction of Chitosan/Alginate Nano-Drug Delivery System for Improving Dextran Sodium Sulfate-Induced Colitis in Mice

(1) Background: In the treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC), accurate delivery and release of anti-inflammatory drugs to the site of inflammation can reduce systemic side effects. (2) Methods: We took advantage of this goal to prepare resveratrol-loaded PLGA nanoparticles (RES-PCAC-NPs) by emulsification solvent volatilization. After layer-by-layer self-assembly technology, we deposited chitosan and alginate to form a three-layer polyelectrolyte film. (3) Results: It can transport nanoparticles through the gastric environment to target inflammation sites and slowly release drugs at a specific pH. The resulting RES-PCAC-NPs have an ideal average diameter (~255 nm), a narrow particle size distribution and a positively charged surface charge (~13.5 mV). The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy showed that resveratrol was successfully encapsulated into PCAC nanoparticles, and the encapsulation efficiency reached 87.26%. In addition, fluorescence imaging showed that RES-PCAC-NPs with positive charges on the surface can effectively target and accumulate in the inflammation site while continuing to penetrate downward to promote mucosal healing. Importantly, oral RES-PCAC-NPs treatment in DSS-induced mice was superior to other results in significantly improved inflammatory markers of UC. (4) Conclusions: Our results strongly prove that RES-PCAC-NPs can target the inflamed colon for maximum efficacy, and this oral pharmaceutical formulation can represent a promising formulation in the treatment of UC.

Continuous Microfluidic Production of Citrem-Phosphatidylcholine Nano-Self-Assemblies for Thymoquinone Delivery

Lamellar and non-lamellar liquid crystalline nanodispersions, including liposomes, cubosomes, and hexosomes are attractive platforms for drug delivery, bio-imaging, and related pharmaceutical applications. As compared to liposomes, there is a modest number of reports on the continuous production of cubosomes and hexosomes. Using a binary lipid mixture of citrem and soy phosphatidylcholine (SPC), we describe the continuous production of nanocarriers for delivering thymoquinone (TQ, a substance with various therapeutic potentials) by employing a commercial microfluidic hydrodynamic flow-focusing chip. In this study, nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA) and synchrotron small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) were employed to characterize TQ-free and TQ-loaded citrem/SPC nanodispersions. Microfluidic synthesis led to formation of TQ-free and TQ-loaded nanoparticles with mean sizes around 115 and 124 nm, and NTA findings indicated comparable nanoparticle size distributions in these nanodispersions. Despite the attractiveness of the microfluidic chip for continuous production of citrem/SPC nano-self-assemblies, it was not efficient as comparable mean nanoparticle sizes were obtained on employing a batch (discontinuous) method based on low-energy emulsification method. SAXS results indicated the formation of a biphasic feature of swollen lamellar (Lα) phase in coexistence with an inverse bicontinuous cubic Pn3m phase in all continuously produced TQ-free and TQ-loaded nanodispersions. Further, a set of SAXS experiments were conducted on samples prepared using the batch method for gaining further insight into the effects of ethanol and TQ concentration on the structural features of citrem/SPC nano-self-assemblies. We discuss these effects and comment on the need to introduce efficient microfluidic platforms for producing nanocarriers for delivering TQ and other therapeutic agents.

Mechanistic Insight into Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Potential of Jasminum Species: A Herbal Approach for Disease Management

Drug resistance among microbial pathogens and oxidative stress caused by reactive oxygen species are two of the most challenging global issues. Firstly, drug-resistant pathogens cause several fatalities every year. Secondly aging and a variety of diseases, such as cardiovascular disease and cancer, are associated with free radical generated oxidative stress. The treatments currently available are limited, ineffective, or less efficient, so there is an immediate need to tackle these issues by looking for new therapies to resolve resistance and neutralize the harmful effects of free radicals. In the 21st century, the best way to save humans from them could be by using plants as well as their bioactive constituents. In this specific context, Jasminum is a major plant genus that is used in the Ayurvedic system of medicine to treat a variety of ailments. The information in this review was gathered from a variety of sources, including books, websites, and databases such as Science Direct, PubMed, and Google Scholar. In this review, a total of 14 species of Jasminum have been found to be efficient and effective against a wide variety of microbial pathogens. In addition, 14 species were found to be active free radical scavengers. The review is also focused on the disorders related to oxidative stress, and it was concluded that Jasminum grandiflorum and J. sambac normalized various parameters that were elevated by free radical generation. Alkaloids, flavonoids (rutoside), terpenes, phenols, and iridoid glucosides are among the main phytoconstituents found in various Jasminum species. Furthermore, this review also provides insight into the mechanistic basis of drug resistance, the generation of free radicals, and the role of Jasminum plants in combating resistance and neutralizing free radicals.

Enzymatic hydrolysis of monoacylglycerols and their cyclopropanated derivatives: Molecular structure and nanostructure determine the rate of digestion

Colloidal lipidic particles with different space groups and geometries (mesosomes) are employed in the development of new nanosystems for the oral delivery of drugs and nutrients. Understanding of the enzymatic digestion rate of these particles is key to the development of novel formulations. In this work, the molecular structure of the lipids has been systematically tuned to examine the effect on their self-assembly and digestion rate. The kinetic and phase changes during the lipase-catalysed hydrolysis of mesosomes formed by four synthetic cyclopropanated lipids and their cis-unsaturated analogues were monitored by dynamic small angle X-ray scattering and acid/base titration. It was established that both the phase behaviour and kinetics of the hydrolysis are greatly affected by small changes in the molecular structure of the lipid as well as by the internal nanostructure of the colloidal particles.

Comparison of cubosomes and liposomes for the encapsulation and delivery of curcumin

Inverse bicontinuous cubic phase nanoparticles (cubosomes) have attracted significant attention in recent years, owing to their potential use as delivery vehicles for chemically fragile or poorly soluble drugs and nutraceuticals. Herein we have investigated the use of lipid nanoparticles as a delivery vehicle for curcumin, a compound with demonstrated anti-cancer properties. Curcumin is encapsulated within cubosomes comprised of several different lipid formulations, as well as phospholipid-based liposomes. The entrapment efficiency of curcumin within cubosomes was observed to vary depending on both the nanoparticle architecture and the curcumin concentration. Fluorescence spectroscopy analysis revealed that penetration of curcumin into the hydrophobic region of the bilayer was dependent on lipid composition. Curcumin was typically associated with the polar headgroup region at low concentrations, but transferred to the lipid bilayer region at higher concentrations, particularly in phytantriol cubosomes. Each nanoparticle formulation was characterized using small angle X-ray scattering and dynamic light scattering to assess the structural stability subsequent to curcumin encapsulation. The structure of the cubosomes was generally robust to the addition of curcumin, while the liposomes displayed a large increase in particle size and PDI at higher curcumin concentrations. Finally, the cytotoxicity of each formulation was assessed against murine fibroblast (NIH3T3) and murine melanoma (B16F10) cell lines in order to investigate improvements in curcumin bioavailability following encapsulation in cubosomes, as well as assess potential anti-cancer applications. Increased cytotoxicity of the cubosome-loaded curcumin against the murine melanoma cell-line demonstrates the potential of these nanoparticles as delivery vehicles for curcumin and other poorly water-soluble drugs.

Thermoresponsive liquid crystalline formulation of Exemestane: Design and structural characterization

Exemestane (EXE), a drug used for the treatment of breast cancer, has limited aqueous solubility of 0.08 mg/mL and log P∼ 4.22. The only available marketed formulation in form of tablets possess limitations of poor oral absorption (∼ 42 %), low solubility, extensive hepatic metabolism and numerous adverse effects due to its peripheral absorption. In order to address these issues, an alternative route of topical application is attempted through a lamellar liquid crystal based formulation. Pluronic® was used as stabilizer due to its higher surface activity and gelling properties. The solubility enhancement of EXE was achieved using liquid crystal formulation. We have investigated the effect of concentration of oil, S_mix (surfactant - cosurfactant mixture) and EXE on lattice parameter, rheology and drug release for various combinations of the formulation. The small angle x-ray scattering (SAXS) measurement demonstrated an evidence of a lamellar structure with lattice parameter ∼15 nm, which increases with corresponding increase in oil and EXE due to increase in hydrophobic interactions leading to an expansion of lamella. The inter lamellar distance decreases at higher surfactant concentration, due to the distribution of the same amount of oil and drug within larger concentration of surfactant molecules. The rheology measurement exhibited gel like properties at low shear rate indicating soft gel formation, which converts to Newtonian type flowing liquid at higher shear rate. At constant S_mix with increasing oil content, the viscosity decreases, which is attributed to the dilution of the lamellar structures with oil. The temperature sweep rheology reveals a change in the viscosity near physiological temperature, which may be attributed to the structural transition of lamellae. The formulation remains gel like at room temperature, which aids in proper application to skin and converts it to free flowing liquid above 37 °C. The invitro drug release of optimized formulation for 24 h was ∼ 38 % at 37 °C, which increased to 50 % at 42 °C. Accordingly, this formulation containing thermoresponsive lamellar liquid crystal gels of EXE represents a viable option for hyperthermia induced enhanced drug release. The characteristic and advantageous features offered by this formulation includes improved bioavailability of EXE due to enhanced solubility, permeability and absorption.

Green Synthesized Magnetic Nanoparticles as Effective Nanosupport for the Immobilization of Lipase: Application for the Synthesis of Lipophenols

In this work, hybrid zinc oxide-iron oxide (ZnOFe) magnetic nanoparticles were synthesized employing Olea europaea leaf aqueous extract as a reducing/chelating and capping medium. The resulting magnetic nanoparticles were characterized by basic spectroscopic and microscopic techniques, namely, X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) and atomic force microscopy (AFM), exhibiting a spherical shape, average size of 15-17 nm, and a functionalized surface. Lipase from Thermomyces lanuginosus (TLL) was efficiently immobilized on the surface of ZnOFe nanoparticles through physical absorption. The activity of immobilized lipase was found to directly depend on the enzyme to support the mass ratio, and also demonstrated improved pH and temperature activity range compared to free lipase. Furthermore, the novel magnetic nanobiocatalyst (ZnOFe-TLL) was applied to the preparation of hydroxytyrosyl fatty acid esters, including derivatives with omega-3 fatty acids, in non-aqueous media. Conversion yields up to 90% were observed in non-polar solvents, including hydrophobic ionic liquids. Different factors affecting the biocatalyst performance were studied. ZnOFe-TLL was reutilized for eight subsequent cycles, exhibiting 90% remaining esterification activity (720 h of total operation at 50 °C). The green synthesized magnetic nanoparticles, reported here for the first time, are excellent candidates as nanosupports for the immobilization of enzymes with industrial interest, giving rise to nanobiocatalysts with elevated features.

Plasmalogen-Based Liquid Crystalline Multiphase Structures Involving Docosapentaenoyl Derivatives Inspired by Biological Cubic Membranes

Structural properties of plasmenyl-glycerophospholipids (plasmalogens) have been scarcely studied for plasmalogens with long polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) chains, despite of their significance for the organization and functions of the cellular membranes. Elaboration of supramolecular assemblies involving PUFA-chain plasmalogens in nanostructured mixtures with lyotropic lipids may accelerate the development of nanomedicines for certain severe pathologies (e.g., peroxisomal disorders, cardiometabolic impairments, and neurodegenerative Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases). Here, we investigate the spontaneous self-assembly of bioinspired, custom-produced docosapentaenoyl (DPA) plasmenyl (ether) and ester phospholipids in aqueous environment (pH 7) by synchrotron small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and cryogenic transmission electron microscopy (cryo-TEM). A coexistence of a liquid crystalline primitive cubic Im3m phase and an inverted hexagonal (H_II) phase is observed for the DPA-ethanolamine plasmalogen (C16:1p-22:5n6 PE) derivative. A double-diamond cubic Pn3m phase is formed in mixed assemblies of the phosphoethanolamine plasmalogen (C16:1p-22:5n6 PE) and monoolein (MO), whereas a coexistence of cubic and lamellar liquid crystalline phases is established for the DPA-plasmenyl phosphocholine (C16:1p-22:5n6 PC)/MO mixture at ambient temperature. The DPA-diacyl phosphoinositol (22:5n6-22:5n6 PI) ester lipid displays a propensity for a lamellar phase formation. Double membrane vesicles and multilamellar onion topologies with inhomogeneous distribution of interfacial curvature are formed upon incorporation of the phosphoethanolamine plasmalogen (C16:1p-22:5n6 PE) into dioleoylphosphocholine (DOPC) bilayers. Nanoparticulate formulations of plasmalogen-loaded cubosomes, hexosomes, and various multiphase cubosome- and hexosome-derived architectures and mixed type nano-objects (e.g., oil droplet-embedding vesicles or core-shell particles with soft corona) are produced with PUFA-chain phospholipids and lipophilic antioxidant-containing membrane compositions that are characterized by synchrotron SAXS and cryo-TEM imaging. The obtained multiphase nanostructures reflect the changes in the membrane curvature induced by the inclusion of DPA-based PE and PC plasmalogens, as well as DPA-PI ester derivative, and open new opportunities for exploration of these bioinspired nanoassemblies.

Oxidative Stress Boosts the Uptake of Cerium Oxide Nanoparticles by Changing Brain Endothelium Microvilli Pattern

Vascular oxidative stress is considered a worsening factor in the progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels promote the accumulation of amyloid-β peptide (Aβ), one of the main hallmarks of AD. In turn, Aβ is a potent inducer of oxidative stress. In early stages of AD, the concomitant action of oxidative stress and Aβ on brain capillary endothelial cells was observed to compromise the blood-brain barrier functionality. In this context, antioxidant compounds might provide therapeutic benefits. To this aim, we investigated the antioxidant activity of cerium oxide nanoparticles (CNP) in human cerebral microvascular endothelial cells (hCMEC/D3) exposed to Aβ oligomers. Treatment with CNP (13.9 ± 0.7 nm in diameter) restored basal ROS levels in hCMEC/D3 cells, both after acute or prolonged exposure to Aβ. Moreover, we found that the extent of CNP uptake by hCMEC/D3 was +43% higher in the presence of Aβ. Scanning electron microscopy and western blot analysis suggested that changes in microvilli structures on the cell surface, under pro-oxidant stimuli (Aβ or H₂O₂), might be involved in the enhancement of CNP uptake. This finding opens the possibility to exploit the modulation of endothelial microvilli pattern to improve the uptake of anti-oxidant particles designed to counteract ROS-mediated cerebrovascular dysfunctions.

Protocatechuic acid attenuates brain edema and blood-brain barrier disruption after intracerebral hemorrhage in mice by promoting Nrf2/HO-1 pathway

The brain edema following intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) plays a key role in the recovery process. Protocatechuic acid (PCA) has been proved possessing neuroprotection in ICH. Here we tried to explore its value in brain edema after ICH and reveal underlying mechanisms. ICH model was created in C57 mice using collagenase IV. PCA was injected intraperitoneally at 30 mg/kg every 24 h in PCA group. On day 3 after ICH, the water content of hemorrhagic ipsilateral hemisphere in PCA group was significantly reduced compared with vehicle group. AQP4, the main water channel, was remarkably decreased in PCA group. Additionally, ZO-1 and occludin expression were increased in PCA group. The bEnd.3 cells were cultured to understand the effect of PCA on the blood-brain barrier (BBB) integrity. Compare to hemin treated group, plus PCA enhanced the expression of HO-1 and Nrf2 nuclear translocation. Furtherly, the overexpression of HO-1, ZO-1, occludin, in the PCA treatment group was inhibited after knockdown of Nrf2. Taken together, our results proved PCA alleviated brain edema and BBB disruption in ICH by promoting the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway.

Physicochemical Properties and Hematocompatibility of Layered Double Hydroxide-Based Anticancer Drug Methotrexate Delivery System

A layered double hydroxide (LDH)-based anticancer delivery system was investigated in terms of crystalline phase, particle size, hydrodynamic radius, zeta potential, etc. through in vitro and in vivo study. Size controlled LDH with anticancer drug methotrexate (MTX) incorporation was successfully prepared through step-by-step hydrothermal reaction and ion-exchange reaction. The MTX-LDH was determined to have a neutral surface charge and strong agglomeration in the neutral aqueous condition due to the surface adsorbed MTX; however, the existence of proteins in the media dramatically reduced agglomeration, resulting in the hydrodynamic radius of MTX-LDH being similar to the primary particle size. The protein fluorescence quenching assay exhibited that MTX readily reduced the fluorescence of proteins, suggesting that the interaction between MTX and proteins was strong. On the other hand, MTX-LDH showed much less binding constant to proteins compared with MTX, implying that the protein interaction of MTX was effectively blocked by the LDH carrier. The in vivo hemolysis assay after intravenous injection of MTX-LDH showed neither significant reduction in red blood cell number nor membrane damage. Furthermore, the morphology of red blood cells in a mouse model did not change upon MTX-LDH injection. Scanning electron microscopy showed that the MTX-LDH particles were attached on the blood cells without serious denaturation of cellular morphology, taking advantage of the cell hitchhiking property.

Dim Light at Night Induced Neurodegeneration and Ameliorative Effect of Curcumin

It is a well-known fact that following a proper routine light/dark or diurnal rhythm controls almost all biological processes. With the introduction of modern lighting and artificial illumination systems, continuous exposure to light at night may lead to the disruption of diurnal rhythm. However, the effect of light during the night on brain anatomy, physiology, and human body functions is less explored and poorly understood. In this study, we have evaluated the effect of exposure to dim light (5 lux) at night (dLAN) on Swiss Albino mice over a duration of three consecutive weeks. Results have revealed that exposure to dLAN led to an impairment of cognitive and non-cognitive behaviour, oxidative stress–mediated elevation of lipid peroxidation, and reduction of superoxide dismutase and catalase activity. It also led to the downregulation of hippocampal proteins (BDNF, Synapsin II and DCX) at both protein and mRNA level. Additionally, there was downregulation of CREB and SIRT1 mRNAs and neurodegeneration-associated miRNA21a-5p and miRNA34a-5p. The pyramidal and cortical neurons started showing pyknotic and chromatolysis characteristics. However, a dose of curcumin administered to the mice positively modulated these parameters in our experimental animals. We proposed the modulatory role of curcumin in addressing the deleterious effects of dLAN.

Measurement and standardization challenges for extracellular vesicle therapeutic delivery vectors

Extracellular vesicles (EVs), such as exosomes and microvesicles, are nonreplicating lipid bilayer particles shed by most cell types which have the potential to revolutionize the development and efficient delivery of clinical therapeutics. This article provides an introduction to the landscape of EV-based vectors under development for the delivery of protein- and nucleic acid-based therapeutics. We highlight some of the most pressing measurement and standardization challenges that limit the translation of EVs to the clinic. Current challenges limiting development of EVs for drug delivery are the lack of: standardized cell-based platforms for the production of EV-based therapeutics; EV reference materials that allow researchers/manufacturers to validate EV measurements and standardized measurement systems for determining the molecular composition of EVs.

Lipid-based Janus nanoparticles for pharmaceutical and cosmetic applications: Kinetics and mechanisms of destabilization with time and temperature

The aim of this paper is to investigate the time and thermal stability of innovative multicompartmental nanoparticles. These particles, having a hydrophilic side and a hydrophobic side, belong to the family of Janus particles and are promising tools to carry active ingredients with opposite solubilities in a unique nanocarrier. The stability of nanoparticles obtained with mainly two types of polyoxylglycerides (Labrafil® M2125 CS and Labrafil® M1944 CS) has been investigated. The suspensions describe a two-step maturation/destabilization process with an Ostwald ripening phase followed by the coalescence of the particles. The effect of lipid composition and temperature on these steps has been investigated in deep as stability with temperature is a critical parameter to consider in order to envisage the development of any formulation for pharmaceutical or cosmetic uses. These nanoparticles were particularly stable at room temperature as their hydrodynamic diameter did not change significantly for 20 months. Contrarily, a strong dependency to temperature appears when storage temperature increases from 25 °C to 43 °C. Indeed, Labrafil® M1944 CS seemed to undergo a progressive destabilization where a significant increase of particles size is visible from 25 °C and phase separation occurred after 4 months at 32 °C. At the opposite, Labrafil® M2125 CS remained stable until 36 °C and reached a threshold temperature between 32 °C and 36 °C after which Labrafil® M2125 CS underwent a consequent increase of particles size at the longer time, i.e. after 6 months. Moreover, Labrafil® M2125 CS formulation was stable at least 3 months at 43 °C.

Curcumin Containing PEGylated Solid Lipid Nanoparticles for Systemic Administration: A Preliminary Study

Curcumin (CUR) has a wide range of pharmacological properties, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities, and it can be considered a good candidate for the potential treatment of central nervous system (CNS) pathologies, although its use in clinical practice is compromised due to its high lipophilicity. Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) are well-known nanocarriers representing a consolidated approach for the delivery of lipophilic compounds, but their systemic use is limited due their short half-life. The formulation of stealth SLNs (pSLNs) could be a valid strategy to overcome this limit. Curcumin-loaded-pSLNs were prepared by the solvent evaporation method. Formulation was characterized for their mean size, zeta potential, size distribution, and morphology. Drug antioxidant activity was evaluated by Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC) assay. Finally, the obtained formulations were analyzed in terms of long-term stability. Curcumin-loaded-pSLNs showed good technological parameters with a mean particle size below 200 nm, as confirmed by TEM images, and a zeta potential value around -30 mV, predicting good long-term stability. Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) analysis confirmed that PEG micelles interacted with the SLN surface; this suggests the location of the PEG on the pSLN surface. Therefore, these preliminary studies suggest that the produced formulation could be regarded as a promising carrier for the systemic administration.

Lipid-based mesophases as matrices for nanoscale reactions

Lipidic mesophases are versatile bioorganic materials that have been effectively employed as nanoscale matrices for membrane protein crystallization, drug delivery and as food emulsifiers over the last 30 years. In this review, the focus is upon studies that have employed non-lamellar lipid mesophases as matrices for organic, inorganic and enzymatic reactions. The ability of lipidic mesophases to incorporate hydrophilic, amphiphilic and hydrophobic molecules, together with the high interfacial area of the lipidic cubic and inverse hexagonal phases has been exploited in heterogeneous catalysis as well as for enzyme immobilization. The unique nanostructure of these mesophases is the driving force behind their ability to act as templates for synthesis, resulting in the creation of highly ordered polymeric and inorganic materials with complex geometries.

Advances in the Design of pH-Sensitive Cubosome Liquid Crystalline Nanocarriers for Drug Delivery Applications

Nanostructure bicontinuous cubic phase self-assembled materials are receiving expanding applications as biocompatible delivery systems in various therapeutic fields. The functionalization of cubosome, spongosome, hexosome and liposome nanocarriers by pH-sensitive lipids and/or pH-sensitive polymer shells offers new opportunities for oral and topical drug delivery towards a new generation of cancer therapies. The electrochemical behavior of drug compounds may favor pH-triggered drug release as well. Here, we highlight recent investigations, which explore the phase behavior of mixed nonlamellar lipid/fatty acid or phospholipid systems for the design of pH-responsive and mucoadhesive drug delivery systems with sustained-release properties. X-ray diffraction and small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) techniques are widely used in the development of innovative delivery assemblies through detailed structural analyses of multiple amphiphilic compositions from the lipid/co-lipid/water phase diagrams. pH-responsive nanoscale materials and nanoparticles are required for challenging therapeutic applications such as oral delivery of therapeutic proteins and peptides as well as of poorly water-soluble substances. Perspective nanomedicine developments with smart cubosome nanocarriers may exploit compositions elaborated to overcome the intestinal obstacles, dual-drug loaded pH-sensitive liquid crystalline architectures aiming at enhanced therapeutic efficacy, as well as composite (lipid/polyelectrolyte) types of mucoadhesive controlled release colloidal cubosomal formulations for the improvement of the drugs' bioavailability.

Odorranalectin modified PEG-PLGA/PEG-PBLG curcumin-loaded nanoparticle for intranasal administration

Curcumin (Cur) is a promising drug for neurological diseases. Nevertheless, the application of Cur has been limited due to its difficulty in penetrating blood-brain barrier (BBB). Intranasal drug delivery, a noninvasive alternative delivery of Cur, can effectively help Cur cross BBB and inert into central nervous system directly. Odorranalectin (OL) which is the smallest lectin can prolong the residence time of Cur in the nasal mucosa and promote cellular uptake. In this work, a nasal delivery system incorporating OL modified Cur-loaded nanoparticles (Cur-OL-NPs) was developed and expected to bypass BBB and promote the absorption of Cur. We conjugated OL to polyethylene glycol-poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PEG-PLGA), and combined polyethylene glycol-poly (γ-benzyl-L-glutamate) (PEG-PBLG) and OL-PEG-PLGA to prepare nanoparticles to improve the stability, bioavailability and targeting of Cur. Compared with unmodified NPs, increased efficiency of Cur-OL-NPs cellular uptake by Calu-3 cells had been obtained with no severe toxicity. Furthermore, in vivo pharmacokinetic studies also showed that Cur-OL-NPs had higher relative bioavailability. Thus, it is concluded that the results indicated that OL-NPs as carriers of Cur had a promising future in nasal drug delivery system.

Novel carriers ensuring enhanced anti-cancer activity of Cornus mas (cornelian cherry) bioactive compounds

Cornusmas' bioactive compounds are powerful antioxidants. In this study, we evaluated the antioxidant activity of the encapsulated bioactive compounds of Cornus mas extract (CME) and its release in semi digestive condition via enteric coated nanocarriers (NCs). The two forms of CME, encapsulated into enteric coated nanocarriers (CME-NCs) and free CME, were studied to determine the effect of encapsulation on the stability of antioxidants. Then, their effect on cell cycle, cell viability and apoptosis of cancer cells were studied. The characterization analysis reported the mean particle size and zeta potential value of NCs equal to 22.7 ± 6.58 nm and -16 ± 5 mV. The results showed that CME-NCs could improve IC50 value 1.33 and 1.47 times more than the free CME after 24 and 48 h of incubation. These findings confirmed that CME-NCs could stop the cells proliferation in G1 phase, and caused apoptosis in cancer cell line HT-29.