Photolytic Controlled Release Formulation of Methotrexate Loaded in Chitosan/TiO2 Nanoparticles for Breast Cancer

Preparation of chitosan nanoparticles loaded with Balanites aegyptiaca extract for treatment of streptozotocin-induced diabetes in rats

Diabetes mellitus is characterized by elevated blood sugar level due to a deficiency in insulin production and/or action. Balanites aegyptiaca (BA) has been employed as a hypoglycemic medication. Nanoparticles (NPs) have many advantages like minimized drug dose, sustainable drug release, maximized bioavailability and delivery of drugs. The study aimed to synthesize novel chitosan (CS) NPs loaded with BA extract (BA Ex). The prepared NPs were examined in treatment of streptozotocin-induced diabetes in rats. The anti-diabetic efficiency was evaluated through measuring of levels of blood glucose, insulin, lipid profile, oxidative stress markers, pro-inflammatory cytokines. GC-MS, HPLC and ICP techniques showed the presence of numerous bioactive components that have an anti-diabetic effectiveness. BA Ex-CS NPs succeeded in treatment of diabetes; where, it increased insulin secretion, lowered both FBG and FTA levels and helped in neogenesis of pancreatic islets beta cells. The regenerative activity of BA Ex-CS NPs is attributed to its high antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This antioxidant activity scavenged the generated free radicles that resulted from STZ administration. CS NPs raised the plant extract efficacy, prevented its degradation, and regulated the release of its components. The delivery of BA Ex bioactive components has been revolutionized by CS NPs.

Transdermal Delivery of Methotrexate Loaded in Chitosan Nanoparticles to Treat Rheumatoid Arthritis

INTRODUCTION

Methotrexate shows high efficiency in the treatment of Rheumatoid arthritis, but its adverse effects cannot be tolerated by many patients. Additionally, Methotrexate suffers from rapid clearance from blood. Polymeric nanoparticles were used to solve these problems including chitosan.

METHODS

Herein, a new nanoparticulate system to deliver Methotrexate (MTX) using chitosan nanoparticles (CS NPs) was developed to be used transdermally. CS NPs were prepared and characterized. The drug release was studied in vitro and ex vivo using rat skin. The drug performance in vivo was investigated on rats. Formulations were applied topically once a day on the paws and knee joints of arthritis rats for 6 weeks. Paw thickness was measured and synovial fluid samples were collected.

RESULTS

The results showed that CS NPs were monodispersed, and spherical with a size of 279.9 nm and a charge above ± 30mV. Further, 88.02% of MTX was entrapped in the NPs. CS NPs prolonged MTX release and enhanced its permeation (apparent permeability ⁓35.00cm/h) and retention (retention capacity ⁓12.01%) through rats' skin. The transdermal delivery of MTX-CS NPs improves the progress of the disease compared to free MTX, as reflected by the lower arthritic index values, lower proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and IL-6), and higher anti-inflammatory cytokine (IL-10) in the synovial fluid. Further, the oxidative stress activities were significantly higher in the group treated with the MTX-CS NPs, as indicated by GSH. Finally, MTX-CS NPs were more effective in reducing lipid peroxidation in synovial fluid.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, loading Methotrexate in chitosan nanoparticles controlled its release and enhance its effectiveness against rheumatoid when applied dermally.

Chitosan-functionalized bioplatforms and hydrogels in breast cancer: immunotherapy, phototherapy and clinical perspectives

Breast cancer is the most common and malignant tumor among women. Chitosan (CS)-based nanoparticles have been introduced into breast cancer therapy as a way to increase the targeted delivery of drugs and genes to the tumor site. CS nanostructures suppress tumorigenesis by enhancing both the targeted delivery of cargo (drug and gene) and its accumulation in tumor cells. The tumor cells internalize CS-based nanoparticles through endocytosis. Moreover, chitosan nanocarriers can also induce phototherapy-mediated tumor ablation. Smart and multifunctional types of CS nanoparticles, including pH-, light- and redox-responsive nanoparticles, can be used to improve the potential for breast cancer removal. In addition, the acceleration of immunotherapy by CS nanoparticles has also been achieved, and there is potential to develop CS-nanoparticle hydrogels that can be used to suppress tumorigenesis.

Synthesis and characterization of chitosan/carbon quantum dots/Fe2O3 nanocomposite comprising curcumin for targeted drug delivery in breast cancer therapy

Curcumin, a natural compound with promising anti-cancerous features, suffers from a number of shortcomings such as low chemical stability, bioavailability, and solubility, which impedes its application as an alternative for conventional cancer therapy. In this study, curcumin comprising Fe2O3/Chitosan/CQDs was fabricated through double emulsion method (W/O/W) for the first time to exploit its anticancer features while alleviating its limitation, making this nanocomposite promising in targeted drug delivery. Chitosan, a hydrophilic biopolymer, has incorporated to constitute an adhesive pH-sensitive matrix that can trap the hydrophobic drug resulting in controlled drug release in cancerous environment. Carbon quantum dots render luminescence and water solubility properties, which is favorable for tracing drug release and bio imaging along with enhancement of biocompatibility. Fe2O3 can improve chemical stability and bioavailability in addition to anti-cancerous property. XRD and FTIR analysis confirmed the physical interaction between the drug and fabricated nano composite in addition to chemical bonding between the prepared nano composite. Matrix and spherical structure of the formed drug is corroborated by FESEM analysis. DLS analysis' results determine the mean size of the nano composite at about 227.2 nm and zeta potential result is indicative of perfect stability of the fabricated drug. Various kinetic models for drug release were fitted to experimental data in order to investigate the drug release in which Korsmeyer-Peppas' model was the predominant release system in cancerous environment. In vitro studies through flow cytometry and MTT assay exerted noticeable cytotoxicity effect on MCF-7 cell lines. It can be deduced from these results that curcumin encapsulated with CS/CQDs/Fe2O3 nanocomposites is an excellent alternative for targeted drug delivery.

Antioxidant Activities of Photoinduced Phycogenic Silver Nanoparticles and Their Potential Applications

While various methods exist for synthesizing silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), green synthesis has emerged as a promising approach due to its affordability, sustainability, and suitability for biomedical purposes. However, green synthesis is time-consuming, necessitating the development of efficient and cost-effective techniques to minimize reaction time. Consequently, researchers have turned their attention to photo-driven processes. In this study, we present the photoinduced bioreduction of silver nitrate (AgNO₃) to AgNPs using an aqueous extract of Ulva lactuca, an edible green seaweed. The phytochemicals found in the seaweed functioned as both reducing and capping agents, while light served as a catalyst for biosynthesis. We explored the effects of different light intensities and wavelengths, the initial pH of the reaction mixture, and the exposure time on the biosynthesis of AgNPs. Confirmation of AgNP formation was achieved through the observation of a surface plasmon resonance band at 428 nm using an ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) spectrophotometer. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) revealed the presence of algae-derived phytochemicals bound to the outer surface of the synthesized AgNPs. Additionally, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) images demonstrated that the NPs possessed a nearly spherical shape, ranging in size from 5 nm to 40 nm. The crystalline nature of the NPs was confirmed by selected area electron diffraction (SAED) and X-ray diffraction (XRD), with Bragg's diffraction pattern revealing peaks at 2θ = 38°, 44°, 64°, and 77°, corresponding to the planes of silver 111, 200, 220, and 311 in the face-centered cubic crystal lattice of metallic silver. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) results exhibited a prominent peak at 3 keV, indicating an Ag elemental configuration. The highly negative zeta potential values provided further confirmation of the stability of AgNPs. Moreover, the reduction kinetics observed via UV-vis spectrophotometry demonstrated superior photocatalytic activity in the degradation of hazardous pollutant dyes, such as rhodamine B, methylene orange, Congo red, acridine orange, and Coomassie brilliant blue G-250. Consequently, our biosynthesized AgNPs hold great potential for various biomedical redox reaction applications.

Novel Chitosan Nanoparticles Loaded with Methotrexate for Topical Treatment of Psoriasis

AIMS

In this work, CS NPs were prepared by the ionic gelation method and encapsulated with MTX to treat psoriasis dermally.

BACKGROUND

A major drawback of using MTX to treat psoriasis is its limited diffusion through the skin, which may cause insufficient penetration of MTX into the basal layer of the epidermis, where psoriatic cells are generated.

OBJECTIVE

Nanoparticles have been used to enhance MTX diffusion through the skin. The system prepared in this work is expected to direct the drug to psoriasis cells by enhancing the drug diffusion through the skin, which will increase the amount of the drug reaching the epidermis. This is expected to enhance the effectiveness of the drug and to decrease its systemic side effects.

METHODS

Five formulations of Chitosan nanoparticles were prepared and loaded with Methotrexate using the ionic gelation technique. Particle size, dispersity, charge, loading capacity and encapsulation efficacy were measured. Characterization of prepared nanoparticles was conducted to confirm the formation of CS-NPs, successful encapsulation of MTX and its compatibility with other formulation components. In vitro drug release from CS-NPs, its permeation and accumulation in rats' skin were explored. Finally, the anti-psoriatic activity was assessed using the "mouse tail model."

RESULTS

The results showed that the sizes ranged from 132.13 ± 0.70 to 300.60 ± 4.81 nm, where SEM demonstrated the spherical and uniform distribution of the NPs. The surface charge of all NPs was highly positive and ranged from 20.22 ± 1.10 to 30.90 ± 0.70 mV. Further, the EE% and LC% of the nanoparticles were in the range of 77.72%-92.70% and 17.90%-21.81%, respectively. in vitro, the release of methotrexate from the nanoparticles was sustained. Additionally, both the permeation and retention of drugs within the skin were enhanced significantly using this system. Eventually, orthokeratosis% and drug activity% showed significant superiority of MTX-CS NPs over the free drug in treating psoriasis in model mice.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, MTX-CS NPs can be used to enhance the treatment of psoriasis topically.