Topical Nanoemulgel for the Treatment of Skin Cancer: Proof-of-Technology

Recent advances of electrospun strategies in topical products encompassing skincare and dermatological treatments

As the potential applications of electrospinning in healthcare continue to be explored, along with advancements in industrial-scale solutions and the emergence of portable electrospinning devices, some researchers have explored electrospinning technology in topical products, including its application in skincare, such as facial masks, beauty patches, sunscreen, and dermatological treatments for conditions like atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, acne, skin cancer, etc. In this review, we first outline the fundamental principles of electrospinning and provide an overview of existing solutions for large-scale production and the components and functionalities of portable spinning devices. Based on the essential functionalities required for skincare products and the mechanisms and treatment methods for the aforementioned dermatological diseases, we summarize the potential advantages of electrospinning technology in these areas, including encapsulation, sustained release, large surface area, and biocompatibility, among others. Furthermore, considering the further commercialization and clinical development of electrospinning technology, we offer our insights on current challenges and future perspectives in these areas, including issues such as ingredients, functionality, residue concerns, environmental impact, and efficiency issues.

Statistical modeling, optimization and characterization of andrographolide loaded emulgel for its therapeutic application on skin cancer through enhancing its skin permeability

Andrographolide is a natural diterpene lactone with multiple biological effects. In the present study, a total of 11 andrographolide-loaded emulgels (ANG 1- ANG 11) were prepared by emulsification and solvent evaporation method using flaxseed oil and xanthan gum in different ratios, as suggested by the Design-Expert software. A 2-factor-5-level design was employed with different responses including spreadability, extrudability, viscosity, and drug release after 1 h (h) and 24 h. Based on the Design-Expert software response, the optimized emulgel ANG 12 was formulated and evaluated. The 24 h In-vitro drug release was found to be 95.7 % following Higuchi kinetics. Ex-vivo skin retention of 784.78 ug/cm2 was observed during the study. MTT assay performed on Human epidermoid carcinoma (A-431) cells demonstrated cell growth arrest at G0/G1 and G2/M phase after 24 h of ANG 12 treatment (IC50: 11.5 µg/ml). The cellular permeability of ANG-12 was assessed by Fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) assay. Compared to untreated cells (0.54 % uptake) the ANG-12 treated cells had shown 87.17 % FITC permeation. The biocompatibility study performed on non-cancerous human dermal fibroblast cells (HDF cells) shows 91.54 % viability after 24 h of the treatment showing the non-toxic nature of ANG-12. Confocal imaging had shown a significant time-dependent increase in in-vivo cellular uptake with enhanced, progressive penetration of the emulgel into the skin. An in-vivo skin irritation study conducted on Swiss albino mice confirmed the safety aspects of the ANG 12. Hence, it can be concluded that nanoemulgel of andrographolide (ANG 12) could be a novel approach to treating skin cancer.

Development of nanoemulgel of 5-Fluorouracil for skin melanoma using glycyrrhizin as a penetration enhancer

The purpose of this study was to enhance the topical delivery of 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU), a cancer treatment, by developing a nanoemulgel formulation. Glycyrrhizin (GLY), a natural penetration enhancer has been investigated to exhibit synergistic effects with 5-FU in inhibiting melanoma cell proliferation and inducing apoptosis, Hence, GLY, along with suitable lipids was utilized to create an optimized nanoemulsion (NE) based gel. Solubility studies and ternary phase diagram revealed isopropyl myristate (IPM), Span 80, Tween 80 as Smix and Transcutol P as co-surfactant. IPM demonstrates excellent solubilizing properties facilitates higher drug loading, ensuring efficient delivery to the target site.,The optimized formulation consisting of 40 % IPM, 30 % of mixture of Tween80: Span80 (Smix) and 15 % Transcutol P provides with a nanometric size of 64.1 ± 5.13 nm and drug loading of 97.3 ± 5.83 %. The optimized formulation observed with no creaming and breakeing of NE and found thermodynamically stable during different stress conditions (temperatures of 4.0 °C and 45.0 °C) and physical thawing (-21.0 ± 0.50 °C to 20.0 ± 0.50 °C). The NE was then transformed into a nanoemulgel (NEG) using 1.5 % w/w Carbopol base and 0.1 % w/w glycyrrhizin. The ex vivo permeability studies showed significant enhancements in drug permeability with the GLY-based 5-FU-NEG formulation compared to pure 5-FU gel in excised pig skin upto1440 min in PBS 7.4 as receptor media. The IC50 values for Plain 5-FU gel, 5-FU-NEG, and GLY-based 5-FU-NEG were found to be 20 µg/mL, 1.1 µg/mL, and 0.1 µg/mL, respectively in B16F10 cell lines. The percentage intracellular uptake of GLY-5-FU-NEG and 5-FU-NEG was found to be 44.3 % and 53.6 %, respectively. GLY-based 5-FU-NEG formulation showed alterations in cell cycle distribution, in compared to 5-FU-NE gel. The overall findings suggest that the GLY-based 5-FU-NEG holds promise for improving anti-melanoma activity.

Self-Nanoemulsion Intrigues the Gold Phytopharmaceutical Chrysin: In Vitro Assessment and Intrinsic Analgesic Effect

Chrysin is a natural flavonoid with a wide range of bioactivities. Only a few investigations have assessed the analgesic activity of chrysin. The lipophilicity of chrysin reduces its aqueous solubility and bioavailability. Hence, self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery systems (SNEDDS) were designed to overcome this problem. Kollisolv GTA, Tween 80, and Transcutol HP were selected as oil, surfactant, and cosurfactant, respectively. SNEDDS A, B, and C were prepared, loaded with chrysin (0.1%w/w), and extensively evaluated. The optimized formula (B) encompasses 25% Kollisolv GTA, 18.75% Tween 80, and 56.25% Transcutol HP was further assessed. TEM, in vitro release, and biocompatibility towards the normal oral epithelial cell line (OEC) were estimated. Brain targeting and acetic acid-induced writhing in a mouse model were studied. After testing several adsorbents, powdered SNEDDS B was formulated and evaluated. The surfactant/cosurfactant (S/CoS) ratio of 1:3 w/w was appropriate for the preparation of SNEDDS. Formula B exhibited instant self-emulsification, spherical nanoscaled droplets of 155.4 ± 32.02 nm, and a zeta potential of - 12.5 ± 3.40 mV. The in vitro release proved the superiority of formula B over chrysin suspension (56.16 ± 10.23 and 9.26 ± 1.67%, respectively). The biocompatibility of formula B towards OEC was duplicated (5.69 ± 0.03 µg/mL). The nociceptive pain was mitigated by formula B more efficiently than chrysin suspension as the writhing numbers reduced from 8.33 ± 0.96 to 0 after 60 min of oral administration. Aerosil R972 was selected as an adsorbent, and its chemical compatibility was confirmed. In conclusion, our findings prove the therapeutic efficacy of chrysin self-nanoemulsion as a potential targeting platform to combat pain.

Development and preclinical assessment of nanoemulgel loaded with phytoconstituents for the management of rheumatoid arthritis

In recent years, natural ingredients have gained importance for therapeutic treatment due to their minimal toxicity. However, the delivery of these phytoconstituents poses a challenge to provide better efficacy. Current research reports the development of nanoemulgel (NEG) loaded with ginger oleoresin (GOR) and lipid guggul extract (LGE) for the management of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The nanoemulsion (NE) was developed using the spontaneous emulsification technique by the pseudo-ternary method. The optimized nanoemulsion exhibited globule size of 16.08 ± 2.55 nm, PDI of 0.187 ± 0.06, and zeta potential of - 22.4 ± 0.31 mV. The cumulative release from in vitro diffusion studies at pH 7.4 was about 99.72 ± 3.47%, 57.98 ± 2.11%, and 86.42 ± 5.13% of 6-gingerol, E-guggulsterone, and Z-guggulsterone respectively at the end of 24 h. The ex vivo studies on porcine ear skin showed sustained release with 92.8 ± 3.21% for 6-gingerol, 55.61 ± 0.91% for E-guggulsterone, and 84.2 ± 4.22% for Z-guggulsterone released at the end of 24 h. The cell culture studies on RAW 264.7 cells indicated a robust inhibition of LPS-induced IL-6 and TNF-α production indicating its efficacy in the management of RA. The preclinical studies on male Wistar rats suggest that the developed NEG exhibited a comparable decrease in paw edema inflammation as compared to the marketed diclofenac sodium gel. These encouraging results demonstrate the potential of the developed nanoemulgel containing combination of GOR and LGE for the management of RA.

Novel Therapeutic Hybrid Systems Using Hydrogels and Nanotechnology: A Focus on Nanoemulgels for the Treatment of Skin Diseases

Topical and transdermal drug delivery are advantageous administration routes, especially when treating diseases and conditions with a skin etiology. Nevertheless, conventional dosage forms often lead to low therapeutic efficacy, safety issues, and patient noncompliance. To tackle these issues, novel topical and transdermal platforms involving nanotechnology have been developed. This review focuses on the latest advances regarding the development of nanoemulgels for skin application, encapsulating a wide variety of molecules, including already marketed drugs (miconazole, ketoconazole, fusidic acid, imiquimod, meloxicam), repurposed marketed drugs (atorvastatin, omeprazole, leflunomide), natural-derived compounds (eucalyptol, naringenin, thymoquinone, curcumin, chrysin, brucine, capsaicin), and other synthetic molecules (ebselen, tocotrienols, retinyl palmitate), for wound healing, skin and skin appendage infections, skin inflammatory diseases, skin cancer, neuropathy, or anti-aging purposes. Developed formulations revealed adequate droplet size, PDI, viscosity, spreadability, pH, stability, drug release, and drug permeation and/or retention capacity, having more advantageous characteristics than current marketed formulations. In vitro and/or in vivo studies established the safety and efficacy of the developed formulations, confirming their therapeutic potential, and making them promising platforms for the replacement of current therapies, or as possible adjuvant treatments, which might someday effectively reach the market to help fight highly incident skin or systemic diseases and conditions.

Capsicum annuum Oleoresin Nanoemulgel - Design Characterization and In vitro Investigation of Anticancer and Antimicrobial Activities

BACKGROUND

The use of naturally occurring bioactive materials is getting great attention owing to their safety and environmental properties. Oily compounds, known as oleoresins, are expected to provide an important source for the natural products industry aiming to develop novel treatments for skin conditions. In this work, Capsicum annuum oleoresin nanoemulgel formulations have been prepared and investigated for their antibacterial and anticancer properties.

METHODOLOGY

Several C. annuum oleoresin nanoemulgel formulations were prepared by incorporating a Carbopol 940 gel in a self-nanoemulsifying nanoemulsion consisting of C. annuum, tween 80, and span 80. The systems were characterized for particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential, and rheology. The in vitro antimicrobial and cytotoxic activities of the optimum formulation were evaluated.

RESULTS

The selected formulation is composed of 40% tween, 10% span 80, and 40% C. annuum oleoresin. This formulation produced a stable nanoemulsion with a narrow PDI value of 0.179 ± 0.08 and a droplet size of 104.0 ± 2.6 nm. Results of the in vitro antimicrobial studies indicated high potency of the systems against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) (zone of inhibition of 29 ± 1.9 mm), E. coli (33 ± 0.9 mm), K. pneumonia (30 ± 1.4 mm), and C. albicans (21 ± 1.5 mm), as compared to the reference antibiotic, ampicillin (18 ± 1.4 mm against K. pneumonia), and antifungal agent, fluconazole (12 ± 0.1 mm against C. albicans). Furthermore, cytotoxicity results, expressed as IC50 values, revealed that the oleoresin and its nanoemulgel had the best effects against the HepG2 cell line (IC50 value of 79.43 μg/mL for the nanoemulgel) and MCF7 (IC50 value of 57.54 μg/mL), and the most potent effect was found against 3T3 (IC50 value of 45.7 μg/m- L). On the other side, the system did not substantially exhibit activity against By-61 and Hela.

CONCLUSION

C. annuum oleoresin and its nanoemulgel can be considered valuable sources for the discovery of new antibacterial, antifungal, and anticancer compounds in the pharmaceutical industry, especially due to their potent activity against various cancer cell lines as well as bacterial and fungal strains.

Development of a Nanoemulgel for the Topical Application of Mupirocin

Mupirocin (MUP) is an effective topical antibiotic with poor skin permeability; however, its skin permeability can be improved by a nanoemulsion formulation based on eucalyptus oil or eucalyptol. Despite this improvement, the nanoemulsion has limitations, such as low viscosity, low spreadability, and poor retention on the skin. To overcome these limitations, the aim of this study was to develop a nanoemulgel formulation that would enhance its rheological behaviour and physicochemical properties. The MUP nanoemulgel was prepared by incorporating a preprepared MUP nanoemulsion into Carbopol gel at a concentration of 0.75% in a 1:1 ratio. The nanoemulgel formulations were characterised and evaluated for their physicochemical and mechanical strength properties, rheological behaviour, and in vitro skin permeation and deposition, as well as antibacterial studies. Both nanoemulgels exhibited stability at temperatures of 4 and 25 °C for a period of 3 months. They had a smooth, homogenous, and consistent appearance and displayed non-Newtonian pseudoplastic behaviour, with differences in their viscosity and spreadability. However, both nanoemulgels exhibited lower skin permeability compared to the marketed control. The local accumulation efficiency of MUP from nanoemulgel after 8 h was significantly higher than that of the control, although there was no significant difference after 24 h. Micro-CT scan imaging allowed visualisation of these findings and interpretation of the deposited drug spots within the layers of treated skin. While there were no significant differences in the antibacterial activities between the nanoemulgels and the control, the nanoemulgels demonstrated superiority over the control due to their lower content of MUP. These findings support the potential use of the nanoemulgel for targeting skin lesions where high skin deposition and low permeability are required, such as in the case of topical antibacterial agents.

Anti-inflammatory activities of flavonoid derivates

Background and purpose

Flavonoids are a group of phytochemicals found abundantly in various plants. Scientific evidence has revealed that flavonoids display potential biological activities, including their ability to alleviate inflammation. This activity is closely related to their action in blocking the inflammatory cascade and inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory factors. However, as flavonoids typically have poor bioavailability and pharmacokinetic profile, it is quite challenging to establish these compounds as a drug. Nevertheless, progressive advancements in drug delivery systems, particularly in nanotechnology, have shown promising approaches to overcome such challenges.

Review approach

This narrative review provides an overview of scientific knowledge about the mechanism of action of flavonoids in the mitigation of inflammatory reaction prior to delivering a comprehensive discussion about the opportunity of the nanotechnology-based delivery system in the preparation of the flavonoid-based drug.

Key results

Various studies conducted in silico, in vitro, in vivo, and clinical trials have deciphered that the anti-inflammatory activities of flavonoids are closely linked to their ability to modulate various biochemical mediators, enzymes, and signalling pathways involved in the inflammatory processes. This compound could be encapsulated in nanotechnology platforms to increase the solubility, bioavailability, and pharmacological activity of flavonoids as well as reduce the toxic effects of these compounds.

Conclusion

In Summary, we conclude that flavonoids and their derivates have given promising results in their development as new anti-inflammatory drug candidates, especially if they formulate in nanoparticles.

Topical Drug Delivery: Innovative Controlled Release Systems

One of the most innovative strategies for administrating bioactive molecules is the design of adequate drug delivery systems [...].

Gel Formulations for Topical Treatment of Skin Cancer: A Review

Skin cancer, with all its variations, is the most common type of cancer worldwide. Chemotherapy by topical application is an attractive strategy because of the ease of application and non-invasiveness. At the same time, the delivery of antineoplastic agents through the skin is difficult because of their challenging physicochemical properties (solubility, ionization, molecular weight, melting point) and the barrier function of the stratum corneum. Various approaches have been applied in order to improve drug penetration, retention, and efficacy. This systematic review aims at identifying the most commonly used techniques for topical drug delivery by means of gel-based topical formulations in skin cancer treatment. The excipients used, the preparation approaches, and the methods characterizing gels are discussed in brief. The safety aspects are also highlighted. The combinatorial formulation of nanocarrier-loaded gels is also reviewed from the perspective of improving drug delivery characteristics. Some limitations and drawbacks in the identified strategies are also outlined and considered within the future scope of topical chemotherapy.

The Science of Selecting Excipients for Dermal Self-Emulsifying Drug Delivery Systems

Self-emulsification is considered a formulation technique that has proven capacity to improve oral drug delivery of poorly soluble drugs by advancing both solubility and bioavailability. The capacity of these formulations to produce emulsions after moderate agitation and dilution by means of water phase addition provides a simplified method to improve delivery of lipophilic drugs, where prolonged drug dissolution in the aqueous environment of the gastro-intestinal (GI) tract is known as the rate-limiting step rendering decreased drug absorption. Additionally, spontaneous emulsification has been reported as an innovative topical drug delivery system that enables successful crossing of mucus membranes as well as skin. The ease of formulation generated by the spontaneous emulsification technique itself is intriguing due to the simplified production procedure and unlimited upscaling possibilities. However, spontaneous emulsification depends solely on selecting excipients that complement each other in order to create a vehicle aimed at optimizing drug delivery. If excipients are not compatible or unable to spontaneously transpire into emulsions once exposed to mild agitation, no self-emulsification will be achieved. Therefore, the generalized view of excipients as inert bystanders facilitating delivery of an active compound cannot be accepted when selecting excipients needed to produce self-emulsifying drug delivery systems (SEDDSs). Hence, this review describes the excipients needed to generate dermal SEDDSs as well as self-double-emulsifying drug delivery systems (SDEDDSs); how to consider combinations that complement the incorporated drug(s); and an overview of using natural excipients as thickening agents and skin penetration enhancers.

Nanoemulgel: A Novel Nano Carrier as a Tool for Topical Drug Delivery

Nano-emulgel is an emerging drug delivery system intended to enhance the therapeutic profile of lipophilic drugs. Lipophilic formulations have a variety of limitations, which includes poor solubility, unpredictable absorption, and low oral bioavailability. Nano-emulgel, an amalgamated preparation of different systems aims to deal with these limitations. The novel system prepared by the incorporation of nano-emulsion into gel improves stability and enables drug delivery for both immediate and controlled release. The focus on nano-emulgel has also increased due to its ability to achieve targeted delivery, ease of application, absence of gastrointestinal degradation or the first pass metabolism, and safety profile. This review focuses on the formulation components of nano-emulgel for topical drug delivery, pharmacokinetics and safety profiles.

Flow Cytometry - Sophisticated Tool for Basic Research or/and Routine Diagnosis; Impact of the Complementarity in Both Pre- as Well as Clinical Studies

Flow cytometry is a sophisticated technology used widely in both basic research and as a routine tool in clinical diagnosis. The technology has progressed from single parameter detection in the 1970s and 1980s to high end multicolor analysis, with currently 30 parameters detected simultaneously, allowing the identification and purification of rare subpopulations of cells of interest. Flow cytometry continues to evolve and expand to facilitate the investigation of new diagnostic and therapeutic avenues. The present review gives an overview of basic theory and instrumentation, presents and compares the advantages and disadvantages of conventional, spectral and imaging flow cytometry as well as mass cytometry. Current methodologies and applications in both research, pre- and clinical settings are discussed, as well as potential limitations and future evolution. This finding encourages the reader to promote such relationship between basic science, diagnosis and multidisciplinary approach since the standard methods have limitations (e.g., in differentiating the cells after staining). Moreover, such path inspires future cytometry specialists develop new/alternative frontiers between pre- and clinical diagnosis and be more flexible in designing the study for both human as well as veterinary medicine.

Design-of-Experiments (DoE)-Assisted Fabrication of Quercetin-Loaded Nanoemulgel and Its Evaluation against Human Skin Cancer Cell Lines

Background: Quercetin (QCT) is a natural polyphenolic flavonoid showing great potential in the treatment of skin cancer. However, its use is limited owing to its poor water solubility, poor absorption, quick metabolism and excretion, as well as low stability. Preparation of nanoemulgel has been proven to be an effective approach to deliver the drugs topically due to various advantages associated with it. Objectives: This study aimed to prepare stable nanoemulgel of QCT using a Design-of-Experiments (DoE) tool for optimization, to characterize and to assess its in vivo toxicity and efficacy against human cancer cell lines in vitro. Methods: An ultrasonication emulsification method was used for the preparation of QCT-loaded nanoemulsion (QCT@NE). Box-Behnken design was used for the optimization of developed nanoemulgel. Then, in vitro characterization of prepared nanoemulsion was performed using Fourier Transform-Infra Red (FT-IR) spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), particle size analysis, determination of zeta potential and entrapment efficiency (%EE). Further, the developed QCT-loaded nanoemulgel (QCT@NG) was characterized in vitro using texture profile analysis, viscosity and pH determination. Eventually, the cell cytotoxicity studies of the prepared nanoemulgel were performed on the skin cancer cell lines A431 followed by an acute toxicity and skin irritation study on male wistar rats in vivo. Results: The developed QCT@NE was found to be nanometric in size (173.1 ± 1.2 nm) with low polydispersity index (0.353 ± 0.13), zeta potential (-36.1 ± 5.9 mV), and showed good %EE (90.26%). The QCT@NG was found to be substantially more effective against the human skin carcinoma (A431) cell lines as compared to plain QCT with IC₅₀ values of 108.5 and 579.0 µM, respectively. Skin irritation study showed no sign of toxicity and ensured safety for topical application. Hematological analysis revealed no significant differences between the treatment and control group in any biochemical parameter. In the nanoemulgel treatment group, there were no discernible differences in the liver enzymes, bilirubin, hemoglobin, total leukocyte and platelet counts as compared to the control group. Conclusions: The optimized QCT@NG was found to be an ideal and promising formulation for the treatment of skin cancer without showing skin irritation and organ toxicity.

Formulation-by-Design of Efinaconazole Spanlastic Nanovesicles for Transungual Delivery Using Statistical Risk Management and Multivariate Analytical Techniques

As regulatory and technical landscapes for pharmaceutical formulation development are rapidly evolving, a risk-management approach using multivariate analysis is highly essential for designing a product with requisite critical quality attributes (CQA). Efinaconazole, a newly approved poorly water-soluble antifungal triazole drug has poor permeability. Spanlastics, new-generation surfactant nanovesicles, being fluidic, help improve the permeability of drugs. Therefore, we optimized efinaconazole spanlastics using the concepts of Formulation-by-Design (FbD) and explored the feasibility of transungual delivery for the management of onychomycosis. Using the Ishikawa fishbone diagram, the risk factors that may have an impact on the CQA of efinaconazole spanlastic vesicles were identified. Application of the Plackett–Burman experimental design facilitated the screening of eight different formulation and process parameters influencing particle size, transmittance, relative deformability, zeta potential, entrapment efficiency, and dissolution efficiency. With the help of Pareto charts, the three most significant factors were identified, viz., vesicle builder (Span), edge activator (Tween), and mixing time. The levels of these three critical variables were optimized by FbD to reduce the particle size and maximize the transparency, relative deformability, encapsulation efficiency, and dissolution efficiency of efinaconazole spanlastic nanovesicles. Bayesian and Lenth’s analysis and mathematical modeling of the experimental data helped to quantify the critical formulation attributes required for getting the formulation with optimum quality features. The optimized efinaconazole-loaded spanlastic vesicles had a particle size of 197 nm, transparency of 91%, relative deformability of 12.5 min, and dissolution efficiency of 81.23%. The spanlastic formulation was incorporated into a gel and explored ex vivo for transungual delivery. This explorative study provides an example of the application of principles of risk management, statistical multivariate analysis, and the FbD approach in developing efinaconazole spanlastic nanovesicles.

Adenosine Conjugated Docetaxel Nanoparticles—Proof of Concept Studies for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Non-small cell lung cancer, a molecularly diverse disease, is the most prevalent cause of cancer mortality globally. Increasing understanding of the clinicopathology of the disease and mechanisms of tumor progression has facilitated early detection and multimodal care. Despite the advancements, survival rates are extremely low due to non-targeted therapeutics and correspondingly increased risk of metastasis. At some phases of cancer, patients need to face the ghost of chemotherapy. It is a difficult decision near the end of life. Such treatments have the capability to prolong survival or reduce symptoms, but can cause serious adverse effects, affecting quality of life of the patient. It is evident that many patients do not die from burden of the disease alone, but they die due to the toxic effect of treatment. Thus, increasing the efficacy is one aspect and decreasing the toxicity is another critical aspect of cancer formulation design. Through our current research, we tried to uncover both mentioned potentials of the formulation. Therefore, we designed actively targeted nanoparticles for improved therapeutics considering the overexpression of adenosine (ADN) receptors on non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells. Docetaxel (DTX), an essential therapeutic as part of combination therapy or as monotherapy for the treatment of NSCLC, was encapsulated in biodegradable poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanoparticles. ADN was conjugated on the surface of nanoparticles using EDC-NHS chemistry. The particles were characterized in vitro for physicochemical properties, cellular uptake, and biocompatibility. The size and zeta potential of DTX nanoparticles (DPLGA) were found to be 138.4 ± 5.45 nm and −16.7 ± 2.3 mV which were found to change after ADN conjugation. The size was increased to 158.2 ± 6.3 nm, whereas zeta potential was decreased to −11.7 ± 1.4 mV for ADN-conjugated DTX nanoparticles (ADN-DPLGA) indicative of surface conjugation. As observed from transmission electron microscopy (TEM), the nanoparticles were spherical and showed no significant change in encapsulation efficiency even after surface conjugation. Careful and systematic optimization leads to ADN-conjugated PLGA nanoparticles having distinctive characteristic features such as particle size, surface potential, encapsulation efficacy, etc., that may play crucial roles in the fate of nanoparticles (NPs). Consequently, higher cellular uptake in the A549 lung cancer cell line was exhibited by ADN-DPLGA compared to DPLGA, illustrating the role of ADN receptors (ARs) in facilitating the uptake of NPs. Further in vivo pharmacokinetics and tissue distribution experiments revealed prolonged circulation in plasma and significantly higher lung tissue distribution than in other organs, dictating the targeting potential of the developed formulation over naïve drug and unconjugated formulations. Further, in vivo acute toxicity was examined using multiple parameters for non-toxic attributes of the developed formulation compared to other non-targeted organs. Further, it also supports the selection of biocompatible polymers in the formulation. The current study presents a proof-of-concept for a multipronged formulation technology strategy that might be used to maximize anticancer therapeutic responses in the lungs in the treatment of NSCLC. An improved therapeutic and safety profile would help achieve maximum efficacy at a reduced dose that would eventually help reduce the toxicity.

Aerosol Delivery of Surfactant Liposomes for Management of Pulmonary Fibrosis: An Approach Supporting Pulmonary Mechanics

Excessive architectural re-modeling of tissues in pulmonary fibrosis due to proliferation of myofibroblasts and deposition of extracellular matrix adversely affects the elasticity of the alveoli and lung function. Progressively destructive chronic inflammatory disease, therefore, necessitates safe and effective non-invasive airway delivery that can reach deep alveoli, restore the surfactant function and reduce oxidative stress. We designed an endogenous surfactant-based liposomal delivery system of naringin to be delivered as an aerosol that supports pulmonary mechanics for the management of pulmonary fibrosis. Phosphatidylcholine-based liposomes showed 91.5 ± 2.4% encapsulation of naringin, with a mean size of 171.4 ± 5.8 nm and zeta potential of −15.5 ± 1.3 mV. Liposomes with the unilamellar structure were found to be spherical and homogeneous in shape using electron microscope imaging. The formulation showed surface tension of 32.6 ± 0.96 mN/m and was able to maintain airway patency of 97 ± 2.5% for a 120 s test period ensuring the effective opening of lung capillaries and deep lung delivery. In vitro lung deposition utilizing Twin Stage Impinger showed 79 ± 1.5% deposition in lower airways, and Anderson Cascade Impactor deposition revealed a mass median aerodynamic diameter of 2.35 ± 1.02 μm for the aerosolized formulation. In vivo efficacy of the developed formulation was analyzed in bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis model in rats after administration by the inhalation route. Lactate dehydrogenase activity, total protein content, and inflammatory cell infiltration in broncho-alveolar lavage fluid were substantially reduced by liposomal naringin. Oxidative stress was minimized as observed from levels of antioxidant enzymes. Masson’s Trichrome staining of lung tissue revealed significant amelioration of histological changes and lesser deposition of collagen. Overall results indicated the therapeutic potential of the developed non-invasive aerosol formulation for the effective management of pulmonary fibrosis.

Comparison Study of Cytotoxicity of Bare and Functionalized Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles

In this paper, a study of the cytotoxicity of bare and functionalized zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) is presented. The functionalized ZnO NPs were obtained by various types of biological methods including microbiological (intra- and extracellular with Lactobacillus paracasei strain), phytochemical (Medicago sativa plant extract) and biochemical (ovalbumin from egg white protein) synthesis. As a control, the bare ZnO NPs gained by chemical synthesis (commercially available) were tested. The cytotoxicity was measured through the use of (3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) dye as well as lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assays against murine fibroblast L929 and Caco-2 cell lines. As a complementary method, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was performed to assess the morphology of the tested cells after treatment with ZnO NPs. The microscopic data confirmed the occurrence of apoptotic blebbing and loss of membrane permeability after the administration of all ZnO NPs. The reactive oxygen species (ROS) concentration during the cell lines’ exposure to ZnO NPs was measured fluorometrically. Additionally, the photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue (MB) dye in the different light conditions, as well as the antioxidant activity of bare and functionalized ZnO NPs, is also reported. The addition of all types of tested ZnO NPs to methylene blue resulted in enhanced rates of photo-degradation in the presence of both types of irradiation, but the application of UV light resulted in higher photocatalytic activity of ZnO NPs. Furthermore, bare (chemically synthetized) NPs have been recognized as the strongest photocatalysts. In the context of the obtained results, a mechanism underlying the toxicity of bio-ZnO NPs, including (a) the generation of reactive oxygen species and (b) the induction of apoptosis, is proposed.

Ion-Triggered In Situ Gelling Nanoemulgel as a Platform for Nose-to-Brain Delivery of Small Lipophilic Molecules

Background: Intranasal route offers a direct nose-to-brain delivery via olfactory and trigeminal nerves and minimizes the systemic exposure of the drug. Although reliable and non-invasive, intranasal administration of lipophilic neuroprotective agents for brain targeting is still challenging. Literature focuses on naturally-derived compounds as a promising therapeutics for chronic brain diseases. Naringin, a natural flavonoid obtained from citrus fruits possesses neuroprotective effects. By regulating multiple crucial cellular signaling pathways, naringin acts on several therapeutic targets that make it suitable for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s disease and making it a suitable candidate for nasal administration. However, the hydrophobicity of naringin is the primary challenge to formulate it in an aqueous system for nasal administration. Method: We designed a lipid-based nanoemulsifying drug delivery system of naringin using Acrysol K140 as an oil, Tween 80 as a surfactant and Transcutol HP as a cosolvent, to improve solubility and harness the benefits of nanosizing like improved cellular penetration. Intranasal instillations of therapeutic agents have limited efficacy due to drug washout and inadequate adherence to the nasal mucosa. Therefore, we reconstituted the naringin self-emulsifying system in a smart, biodegradable, ion-triggered in situ gelling hydrogel and optimized for desirable gel characteristics. The naringin-loaded composition was optimized and characterized for various physicochemical and rheological properties. Results: The formulation showed a mean droplet size 152.03 ± 4.6 nm with a polydispersity index <0.23. Ex vivo transmucosal permeation kinetics of the developed formulation through sheep nasal mucosa showed sustained diffusion and enhanced steady-state flux and permeability coefficient. Scanning and transmission electron microscopy revealed the spherical shape of emulsion droplets and entrapment of droplets in a gel structure. The formulation showed excellent biocompatibility as analyzed from the viability of L929 fibroblast cells and nasal mucosa histopathology after treatment. In vivo biodistribution studies revealed significantly higher drug transport and brain targeting efficiency. Conclusion: In situ gelling system with nanoemulsified naringin demonstrated a safe nasal delivery providing a new dimension to the treatment of chronic neurodegenerative diseases using small hydrophobic phytoconstituents with minimization of dose and related systemic adverse effects.