A Comparative Study of Quercetin-Loaded Nanocochleates and Liposomes: Formulation, Characterization, Assessment of Degradation and In Vitro Anticancer Potential

Phthalocyanine-based glucose-responsive nanocochleates for dynamic prevention of β-cell damage in diabetes

Phthalocyanine is a blue-colored macrocyclic compound with excellent anti-oxidant and lipid-peroxidation abilities due to its intermolecular π-π stacking structure. Antioxidants inhibit intracellular reactive oxygen species formation and decrease oxidation defense ability of the enzymes in diabetes management. The present study aimed to fabricate concanavalin A conjugated phthalocyanine-loaded cochleates (Formulation PhConA) as a glucose-sensitive lipidic system and estimate its efficacy in streptozotocin-induced male Sprague Dawley diabetic rats for 28 days. Thin-film hydration and trapping methods were used in the preparation of liposomes and cochleates, respectively, whereas the surface was modified for concanavalin A conjugation using EDAC: NHS (1:1). Formulation PhConA with rod-shaped structures showed particle size of 415.7 ± 0.46 nm, PdI value of 0.435 ± 0.09, encapsulation efficiency of 85.64 ± 0.34%, and 84.55 ± 0.29% release of phthalocyanine for 56 h. The circular dichroism study displayed a slight deviation after the conjugation effect of concanavalin A to cochleates. The in-vivo studies of the formulation PhConA improved the blood glucose levels along with defensive effect on the liver to overcome the hyperlipidemic effect. The rigid structure of cochleates prolongs the drug elimination from systemic circulation and extends its effect for a longer duration by decreasing the blood glucose level. Thus, the glucose-sensitive formulation PhConA showed significant improvement in diabetic rats within the period of 28 days by improving the oxidative defense and protecting the pancreatic β-cells.

Bioactive compounds from Actinidia arguta fruit as a new strategy to fight glioblastoma

In recent years, there has been a significant demand for natural products as a mean of disease prevention or as an alternative to conventional medications. The driving force for this change is the growing recognition of the abundant presence of valuable bioactive compounds in natural products. On recent years Actinia arguta fruit, also known as kiwiberry, has attracted a lot of attention from scientific community due to its richness in bioactive compounds, including phenolic compounds, organic acids, vitamins, carotenoids and fiber. These bioactive compounds contribute to the fruit's diverse outstanding biological activities such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, immunomodulatory, and anti-cancer properties. Due to these properties, the fruit may have the potential to be used in the treatment/prevention of various types of cancer, including glioblastoma. Glioblastoma is the most aggressive form of brain cancer, displaying 90 % of recurrence rate within a span of 2 years. Despite the employment of an aggressive approach, the prognosis remains unfavorable, emphasizing the urgent requirement for the development of new effective treatments. The preclinical evidence suggests that kiwiberry has potential impact on glioblastoma by reducing the cancer self-renewal, modulating the signaling pathways involved in the regulation of the cell phenotype and metabolism, and influencing the consolidation of the tumor microenvironment. Even though, challenges such as the imprecise composition and concentration of bioactive compounds, and its low bioavailability after oral administration may be drawbacks to the development of kiwiberry-based treatments, being urgent to ensure the safety and efficacy of kiwiberry for the prevention and treatment of glioblastoma. This review aims to highlight the potential impact of A. arguta bioactive compounds on glioblastoma, providing novel insights into their applicability as complementary or alternative therapies.

Photoresponsive 'chemo-free' phytotherapy: formulation development for the treatment of triple-negative breast cancer

Aim: The present investigation aimed to develop a chemo-free, nanophytosomal system to treat triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) via a phyto-photo dual treatment strategy. Method: Size, shape, surface analysis, photoprovoked release profile, photothermal stability, (3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazolyl-2)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay, apoptotic assay, DNA fragmentation, in vitro cellular uptake evaluation, mitochondrial membrane potential and caspase-3 assay, and photodynamic evaluation. Results: Biological experiments using MDA-MB-231 cells displayed dose-dependent synergistic anti-TNBC activity of PhytoS/Houttuynia cordata extract (HCE)/IR780 as compared with Phyto/HCE, PhytoS/IR780 and even more promising under laser treatment. Apoptotic assay and DNA fragmentation analysis also showed enhanced anti-TNBC effects. Investigation found that HCE acts via suppression of mitochondrial membrane potential and inducing caspase-3 activity in cells. Conclusion: Our findings suggested that photo-empowered phytotherapy can be employed effectively and safely against TNBC.

Potent Suppression of Prostate Cancer Cell Growth and Eradication of Cancer Stem Cells by CD44-targeted Nanoliposome-quercetin Nanoparticles

The bioavailability of quercetin, a natural compound, is hindered by low solubility, limited absorption, and restricted systemic availability. Therefore, encapsulating it in biocompatible nanoparticles presents a promising solution. This study aimed to target prostate cancer stem cells (CSCs) overexpressing CD44+ receptors as well as cancer cells, employing quercetin-loaded hyaluronic acid-modified nanoliposomes (LP-Quer-HA). Synthesized via a green ethanol injection method, these nanoliposomes had an average diameter of 134 nm and an impressive loading efficiency of 96.9%. Human prostate cancer cells were treated with either 10 μM of free quercetin or the same concentration delivered by LP-Quer-HA for 72 hours. Free quercetin reduced androgen-resistant PC3 cell viability by 16%, while LP-Quer-HA significantly increased cell death to 60%. It induced apoptosis, upregulating cytochrome c, Bax, caspases 3 and 8, and downregulating survivin and Bcl-2 expression. Compared to free quercetin, LP-Quer-HA upregulated E-cadherin expression while inhibiting cell migration and reducing the expression of fibronectin, N-cadherin, and MMP9. Treatment of PC3 cell tumor spheroids with LP-Quer-HA decreased the number of CD44 cells and expression of CD44, Oct3/4 and Wnt. Moreover, LP-Quer-HA inhibited p-ERK expression while increasing p38/MAPK and NF-κB protein expression. In androgen-sensitive LNCaP cells, LP-Quer-HA efficacy was notable, reducing cell viability from 10% to 52% compared to free quercetin. Utilizing HA-modified nanoliposomes as a quercetin delivery system enhanced its potency at lower concentrations, reducing the CD44+ cell population and effectively impeding prostate cancer cell proliferation and migration. These findings underscore the potential of quercetin-loaded cationic nanoliposomes as a robust therapeutic approach.

Curcumin and quercetin loaded nanocochleates gel formulation for localized application in breast cancer therapy

After surgical excision of breast cancer, chemotherapy is recommended to eradicate any undiagnosed cancer cells and lower the likelihood of the cancer recurring. Curcumin and quercetin are two old flavonoid medicines used to treat breast cancer. Besides ambient popularity, they possess poor water solubility and poor bioavailability, limiting their usefulness. Hence to overcome these limitations, the present research aims to formulate curcumin and quercetin-loaded nanocochleates and convert them into a gel for localized application to enhance the breast cancer treatment. In this research article, we have developed curcumin and quercetin-loaded nanocochleates gel for breast cancer adjuvant therapy. The particle size, zeta potential encapsulation efficiency, and drug release of quercetin nanocochleates were 327 nm, -16.8 mV, 83.28 %, and 80.23 %, respectively, and that of curcumin nanocochleates were 328.6 nm, -15.0 mV, 82.30 %, and 77.19 %, respectively. The quercetin and curcumin-loaded nanocochleates gel was further characterized for pH, spreadability, and viscosity. The in vitro drug release behaviour of gel is controlled compared to plain quercetin and quercetin nanocochleates. The release of quercetin and curcumin from nanocochleates gel was 78.19 %, and 77.19 %, respectively. The MTT assay results showed quercetin and curcumin-loaded nanocochleates have maximum inhibition compared to control, quercetin alone, quercetin liposomes, and quercetin nanocochleates. Thus the quercetin and curcumin combination nanocochleates gel formulation can be a better option for the localized application in the breast cancer treatment.

Stimuli-responsive (nano)architectures for phytochemical delivery in cancer therapy

The use of phytochemicals for purpose of cancer therapy has been accelerated due to resistance of tumor cells to conventional chemotherapy drugs and therefore, monotherapy does not cause significant improvement in the prognosis and survival of patients. Therefore, administration of natural products alone or in combination with chemotherapy drugs due to various mechanisms of action has been suggested. However, cancer therapy using phytochemicals requires more attention because of poor bioavailability of compounds and lack of specific accumulation at tumor site. Hence, nanocarriers for specific delivery of phytochemicals in tumor therapy has been suggested. The pharmacokinetic profile of natural products and their therapeutic indices can be improved. The nanocarriers can improve potential of natural products in crossing over BBB and also, promote internalization in cancer cells through endocytosis. Moreover, (nano)platforms can deliver both natural and synthetic anti-cancer drugs in combination cancer therapy. The surface functionalization of nanostructures with ligands improves ability in internalization in tumor cells and improving cytotoxicity of natural compounds. Interestingly, stimuli-responsive nanostructures that respond to endogenous and exogenous stimuli have been employed for delivery of natural compounds in cancer therapy. The decrease in pH in tumor microenvironment causes degradation of bonds in nanostructures to release cargo and when changes in GSH levels occur, it also mediates drug release from nanocarriers. Moreover, enzymes in the tumor microenvironment such as MMP-2 can mediate drug release from nanocarriers and more progresses in targeted drug delivery obtained by application of nanoparticles that are responsive to exogenous stimulus including light.

Recent Progress in Nanotechnology Improving the Therapeutic Potential of Polyphenols for Cancer

Polyphenols derived from fruits, vegetables, and plants are bioactive compounds potentially beneficial to human health. Notably, compounds such as quercetin, curcumin, epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), and resveratrol have been highlighted as antiproliferative agents for cancer. Due to their low solubility and limited bioavailability, some alternative nanotechnologies have been applied to encapsulate these compounds, aiming to improve their efficacy against cancer. In this comprehensive review, we evaluate the main nanotechnology approaches to improve the therapeutic potential of polyphenols against cancer using in vitro studies and in vivo preclinical models, highlighting recent advancements in the field. It was found that polymeric nanomaterials, lipid-based nanomaterials, inorganic nanomaterials, and carbon-based nanomaterials are the most used classes of nanocarriers for encapsulating polyphenols. These delivery systems exhibit enhanced antitumor activity and pro-apoptotic effects, particularly against breast, lung, prostate, cervical, and colorectal cancer cells, surpassing the performance of free bioactive compounds. Preclinical trials in xenograft animal models have revealed decreased tumor growth after treatment with polyphenol-loaded delivery systems. Moreover, the interaction of polyphenol co-delivery systems and polyphenol-drug delivery systems is a promising approach to increase anticancer activity and decrease chemotherapy side effects. These innovative approaches hold significant implications for the advancement of clinical cancer research.

Formulation and Evaluation of Chitosan-PLGA Biocomposite Scaffolds Incorporated with Quercetin Liposomes Made by QbD Approach for Improved Healing of Oral Lesions

The current research aims to develop and evaluate chitosan-PLGA biocomposite scaffolds in combination with quercetin liposomes to accomplish the desired impact in oral lesions where pharmacotherapeutic agent treatment through circulation could only reach the low content at the target. Optimization of quercetin-loaded liposomes was carried out using 32 factorial design. The preparation of porous scaffolds comprising produced quercetin-loaded liposomes by thin-film method was carried out in the current study using a unique strategy combining solvent casting and gas foaming procedures. The prepared scaffolds were tested for physicochemical properties, in vitro quercetin release study, ex vivo drug permeation and retention research using goat mucosa, antibacterial activity, and cell migration studies on fibroblast L929 cell lines. Improved cell growth and migration were seen in the order control < liposomes < proposed system. The proposed system has been examined for its biological and physicochemical features, and it has the potential to be utilized as an efficient therapy for oral lesions.

Recent Advances in Nanoformulations for Quercetin Delivery

Quercetin (QUE) is a flavonol that has recently received great attention from the research community due to its important pharmacological properties. However, QUE's low solubility and extended first-pass metabolism limit its oral administration. This review aims to present the potential of various nanoformulations in the development of QUE dosage forms for bioavailability enhancement. Advanced drug delivery nanosystems can be used for more efficient encapsulation, targeting, and controlled release of QUE. An overview of the primary nanosystem categories, formulation processes, and characterization techniques are described. In particular, lipid-based nanocarriers, such as liposomes, nanostructured-lipid carries, and solid-lipid nanoparticles, are widely used to improve QUE's oral absorption and targeting, increase its antioxidant activity, and ensure sustained release. Moreover, polymer-based nanocarriers exhibit unique properties for the improvement of the Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion, and Toxicology (ADME(T)) profile. Namely, micelles and hydrogels composed of natural or synthetic polymers have been applied in QUE formulations. Furthermore, cyclodextrin, niosomes, and nanoemulsions are proposed as formulation alternatives for administration via different routes. This comprehensive review provides insight into the role of advanced drug delivery nanosystems for the formulation and delivery of QUE.

Exploiting Polyphenol-Mediated Redox Reorientation in Cancer Therapy

Polyphenol, one of the major components that exert the therapeutic effect of Chinese herbal medicine (CHM), comprises several categories, including flavonoids, phenolic acids, lignans and stilbenes, and has long been studied in oncology due to its significant efficacy against cancers in vitro and in vivo. Recent evidence has linked this antitumor activity to the role of polyphenols in the modulation of redox homeostasis (e.g., pro/antioxidative effect) in cancer cells. Dysregulation of redox homeostasis could lead to the overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS), resulting in oxidative stress, which is essential for many aspects of tumors, such as tumorigenesis, progression, and drug resistance. Thus, investigating the ROS-mediated anticancer properties of polyphenols is beneficial for the discovery and development of novel pharmacologic agents. In this review, we summarized these extensively studied polyphenols and discussed the regulatory mechanisms related to the modulation of redox homeostasis that are involved in their antitumor property. In addition, we discussed novel technologies and strategies that could promote the development of CHM-derived polyphenols to improve their versatile anticancer properties, including the development of novel delivery systems, chemical modification, and combination with other agents.