Trends in Drug Delivery Systems for Natural Bioactive Molecules to Treat Health Disorders: The Importance of Nano-Liposomes

Nanoliposomes a future based delivery vehicle of cyanidin-3-O-glucoside against major chronic disease

BACKGROUND

Cyanidin-3-O-glucoside (C3G), is an anthocyanin mainly found in berries, and can also be produced by microorganisms. It has been traditionally used as a natural coloring agent for decades. Recently, it has been investigated for its high antioxidant activity and anti-cancer attributes. C3G has low bioavailability and is sensitive to oxidation and gastric pH; therefore, it is encapsulated in nanoliposomes to enhance its bio-availability, targeted delivery- and efficacy against chronic disease.

SCOPE AND APPROACH

In this review, the role of C3G nanoliposomes against major chronic diseases has been discussed. The focus was on research findings and the mechanism of action to affect the proliferation of cancer, neuro disease and cardiovascular problems. It also discussed the formulation of nanoliposomes, their role in nutraceutical delivery and enhancement in C3G bioavailability.

KEY FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS

Data suggested that nanoliposomes safeguard C3G, enhance bioavailability, and ensure safe, adequate and targeted delivery. It can reduce the impact of cancer and inflammation by inhibiting the ß-catenin/O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) pathway and upregulating miR-214-5p. Formation of C3G nanoliposomes significantly enhances the nutraceutical efficacy of C3G against major chronic disease therefore, C3G nanoliposomes might be a future-based nutraceutical to treat major chronic diseases, including cancer, neuro problems and CVD, but challenges remain in finding correct dose and techniques to maximize its efficacy.

In vivo Fate of Targeted Drug Delivery Carriers

This review aimed to systematically investigate the intracellular and subcellular fate of various types of targeting carriers. Upon entering the body via intravenous injection or other routes, a targeting carrier that can deliver therapeutic agents initiates their journey. If administered intravenously, the carrier initially faces challenges presented by the blood circulation before reaching specific tissues and interacting with cells within the tissue. At the subcellular level, the car2rier undergoes processes, such as drug release, degradation, and metabolism, through specific pathways. While studies on the fate of 13 types of carriers have been relatively conclusive, these studies are incomplete and lack a comprehensive analysis. Furthermore, there are still carriers whose fate remains unclear, underscoring the need for continuous research. This study highlights the importance of comprehending the in vivo and intracellular fate of targeting carriers and provides valuable insights into the operational mechanisms of different carriers within the body. By doing so, researchers can effectively select appropriate carriers and enhance the successful clinical translation of new formulations.

Nanoliposomes Permeability in a Microfluidic Drug Delivery Platform across a 3D Hydrogel

Nanoliposomes are nano-sized vesicles that can be used as drug delivery carriers with the ability to encapsulate both hydrophobic and hydrophilic compounds. Moreover, their lipid compositions facilitate their internalization by cells. However, the interaction between nanoliposomes and the membrane barrier of the human body is not well-known. If cellular tests and animal testing offer a solution, their lack of physiological relevance and ethical concerns make them unsuitable to properly mimic human body complexity. Microfluidics, which allows the environment of the human body to be imitated in a controlled way, can fulfil this role. However, existing models are missing the presence of something that would mimic a basal membrane, often consisting of a simple cell layer on a polymer membrane. In this study, we investigated the diffusion of nanoliposomes in a microfluidic system and found the optimal parameters to maximize their diffusion. Then, we incorporated a custom made GelMA with a controlled degree of substitution and studied the passage of fluorescently labeled nanoliposomes through this barrier. Our results show that highly substituted GelMA was more porous than lower substitution GelMA. Overall, our work lays the foundation for the incorporation of a hydrogel mimicking a basal membrane on a drug delivery microfluidic platform.

Advances in Nanotechnology for Enhancing the Solubility and Bioavailability of Poorly Soluble Drugs

This manuscript offers a comprehensive overview of nanotechnology's impact on the solubility and bioavailability of poorly soluble drugs, with a focus on BCS Class II and IV drugs. We explore various nanoscale drug delivery systems (NDDSs), including lipid-based, polymer-based, nanoemulsions, nanogels, and inorganic carriers. These systems offer improved drug efficacy, targeting, and reduced side effects. Emphasizing the crucial role of nanoparticle size and surface modifications, the review discusses the advancements in NDDSs for enhanced therapeutic outcomes. Challenges such as production cost and safety are acknowledged, yet the potential of NDDSs in transforming drug delivery methods is highlighted. This contribution underscores the importance of nanotechnology in pharmaceutical engineering, suggesting it as a significant advancement for medical applications and patient care.

Exploiting Natural Niches with Neuroprotective Properties: A Comprehensive Review

Natural products from mushrooms, plants, microalgae, and cyanobacteria have been intensively explored and studied for their preventive or therapeutic potential. Among age-related pathologies, neurodegenerative diseases (such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases) represent a worldwide health and social problem. Since several pathological mechanisms are associated with neurodegeneration, promising strategies against neurodegenerative diseases are aimed to target multiple processes. These approaches usually avoid premature cell death and the loss of function of damaged neurons. This review focuses attention on the preventive and therapeutic potential of several compounds derived from natural sources, which could be exploited for their neuroprotective effect. Curcumin, resveratrol, ergothioneine, and phycocyanin are presented as examples of successful approaches, with a special focus on possible strategies to improve their delivery to the brain.

Secondary metabolites in topical infectious diseases and nanomedicine applications

Topical infection affects nearly one-third of the world's population; it may result from poor sanitation, hygienic conditions and crowded living and working conditions that accelerate the spread of topical infectious diseases. The problems associated with the anti-infective agents are drug resistance and long-term therapy. Secondary metabolites are obtained from plants, microorganisms and animals, but they are metabolized inside the human body. The integration of nanotechnology into secondary metabolites is gaining attention due to their interaction at the subatomic and skin-tissue levels. Hydrogel, liposomes, lipidic nanoparticles, polymeric nanoparticles and metallic nanoparticles are the most suitable carriers for secondary metabolite delivery. Therefore, the present review article extensively discusses the topical applications of nanomedicines for the effective delivery of secondary metabolites.

Effects of solid lipid nanocarrier containing methyl urolithin A by coating folate-bound chitosan and evaluation of its anti-cancer activity

BACKGROUND

Nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems have received much attention over the past decade. In the present study, we synthesized Methyl Urolithin A-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles decorated with the folic acid-linked chitosan layer called MuSCF-NPs and investigated their effects on cancer cells.

METHODS

MuSCF-NPs were prepared using a high-pressure homogenization method and characterized using FTIR, FESEM, DLS, and zeta potential methods. Drug encapsulation was assessed by spectrophotometry and its cytotoxic effect on various cancer cells (MDA-MB231, MCF-7, PANC, AGS, and HepG2) by the MTT method. Antioxidant activity was assessed by the ABTS and DPPH methods, followed by expression of genes involved in oxidative stress and apoptosis by qPCR and flow cytometry.

RESULTS

The results showed the formation of monodisperse and stable round nanoparticles with a size of 84.8 nm. The drug loading efficiency in MuSCF-NPs was reported to be 88.6%. MuSCF-NPs exhibited selective cytotoxicity against MDA-MB231 cells (IC50 = 40 μg/mL). Molecular analysis showed a significant increase in the expression of Caspases 3, 8, and 9, indicating that apoptosis was occurring in the treated cells. Moreover, flow cytometry results showed that the treated cells were arrested in his SubG1 phase, confirming the pro-apoptotic effect of the nanoparticles. The results indicate a high antioxidant effect of the nanoparticles with IC50 values ​​of 45 μg/mL and 1500 μg/mL against ABTS and DPPH, respectively. The reduction of catalase gene expression confirmed the pro-oxidant effect of nanoparticles in cancer cells treated at concentrations of 20 and 40 μg/mL.

CONCLUSIONS

Therefore, our findings suggest that the MuSCF-NPs are suitable candidates, especially for breast cancer preclinical studies.

Advancements in wound healing: integrating biomolecules, drug delivery carriers, and targeted therapeutics for enhanced tissue repair

Wound healing, a critical biological process vital for tissue restoration, has spurred a global market exceeding $15 billion for wound care products and $12 billion for scar treatment. Chronic wounds lead to delayed or impaired wound healing. Natural bioactive compounds, prized for minimal side effects, stand out as promising candidates for effective wound healing. In response, researchers are turning to nanotechnology, employing the encapsulation of these agents into drug delivery carriers. Drug delivery system will play a crucial role in enabling targeted delivery of therapeutic agents to promote tissue regeneration and address underlying issues such as inflammation, infection, and impaired angiogenesis in chronic wound healing. Drug delivery carriers offer distinct advantages, exhibiting a substantial ratio of surface area to volume and altered physical and chemical properties. These carriers facilitate sustained and controlled release, proving particularly advantageous for the extended process of wound healing, that typically comprise a diverse range of components, integrating both natural and synthetic polymers. Additionally, they often incorporate bioactive molecules. Despite their properties, including poor solubility, rapid degradation, and limited bioavailability, various natural bioactive agents face challenges in clinical applications. With a global research, emphasis on harnessing nanomaterial for wound healing application, this research overview engages advancing drug delivery technologies to augment the effectiveness of tissue regeneration using bioactive molecules. Recent progress in drug delivery has poised to enhance the therapeutic efficacy of natural compounds in wound healing applications.

Drug Delivery Angle for Various Atherosclerosis and Aneurysm Percentages of the Carotid Artery

Stroke is the second cause of mortality among adult males and the first cause of death in adult females all around the world. It is also recognized as one of the most important causes of morbidity and dementia in adults. Stenosis or rupture of the only channels of the blood supply from the heart to the brain (carotid arteries) is among the main causes of stroke. In this regard, treatment of the lesions of carotid arteries, including atherosclerosis and aneurysm, could be a huge step in preventing stroke and improving brain performance. Targeted drug delivery by drug-carrying nanoparticles is the latest method for optimal delivery of drug to the damaged parts of the artery. In this study, a wide range of carotid artery lesions, including different percentages of atherosclerosis and aneurysm, were considered. After analyzing the dynamics of the fluid flow in different damaged regions and selecting the magnetic framework with proper ligand (Fe3O4@MOF) as the drug carrier, the size of the particles and their number per cycle were analyzed. Based on the results, the particle size of 100 nm and the use of 300 particles per injection at each cardiac cycle can result in maximum drug delivery to the target site. Then, the effect of the hospital bed angle on drug delivery was investigated. The results showed a unique optimal drug delivery angle for each extent of atherosclerosis or aneurysm. For example, in a 50% aneurysm, drug delivery at an angle of 30° is about 387% higher than that at an angle of 15°. Finally, simulation of real geometry indicated the effectiveness of simple geometry instead of real geometry for the simulation of carotid arteries, which can remarkably decrease the computational time and costs.

Multifunctional Liposomes Co-Modified with Ginsenoside Compound K and Hyaluronic Acid for Tumor-Targeted Therapy

Liposomes show promise for anti-cancer drug delivery and tumor-targeted therapy. However, complex tumor microenvironments and the performance limitations of traditional liposomes restrict clinical translation. Hyaluronic acid (HA)-modified nanoliposomes effectively target CD44-overexpressing tumor cells. Combination therapy enhances treatment efficacy and delays drug resistance. Here, we developed paclitaxel (PTX) liposomes co-modified with ginsenoside compound K (CK) and HA using film dispersion. Compared to cholesterol (Ch), CK substantially improved encapsulation efficiency and stability. In vitro release studies revealed pH-responsive behavior, with slower release at pH 7.4 versus faster release at pH 5. In vitro cytotoxicity assays demonstrated that replacing Ch with CK in modified liposomes considerably decreased HCT-116 cell viability. Furthermore, flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy showed a higher cellular uptake of PTX-CK-Lip-HA in CD44-high cells, reflected in the lower half maximal inhibitory concentrations. Overall, CK/HA-modified liposomes represent an innovative, targeted delivery system for enhanced tumor therapy via pH-triggered drug release and CD44 binding.

Engineered therapeutic proteins for sustained-release drug delivery systems

Proteins play a vital role in diverse biological processes in the human body, and protein therapeutics have been applied to treat different diseases such as cancers, genetic disorders, autoimmunity, and inflammation. Protein therapeutics have demonstrated their advantages, such as specific pharmaceutical effects, low toxicity, and strong solubility. However, several disadvantages arise in clinical applications, including short half-life, immunogenicity, and low permeation, leading to reduced drug effectiveness. The structure of protein therapeutics can be modified to increase molecular size, leading to prolonged stability and increased plasma half-life. Notably, the controlled-release delivery systems for the sustained release of protein drugs and preserving the stability of cargo proteins are envisioned as a potential approach to overcome these challenges. In this review, we summarize recent research progress related to structural modifications (PEGylation, glycosylation, poly amino acid modification, and molecular biology-based strategies) and promising long-term delivery systems, such as polymer-based systems (injectable gel/implants, microparticles, nanoparticles, micro/nanogels, functional polymers), lipid-based systems (liposomes, solid lipid nanoparticles, nanostructured lipid carriers), and inorganic nanoparticles exploited for protein therapeutics. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: In this review, we highlight recent advances concerning modifying proteins directly to enhance their stability and functionality and discuss state-of-the-art methods for the delivery and controlled long-term release of active protein therapeutics to their target site. In terms of drug modifications, four widely used strategies, including PEGylation, poly amino acid modification, glycosylation, and genetic, are discussed. As for drug delivery systems, we emphasize recent progress relating to polymer-based systems, lipid-based systems developed, and inorganic nanoparticles for protein sustained-release delivery. This review points out the areas requiring focused research attention before the full potential of protein therapeutics for human health and disease can be realized.

The antioxidant, anti-angiogenic, and anticancer impact of chitosan-coated herniarin-graphene oxide nanoparticles (CHG-NPs)

Background

Herniarin, a simple coumarin found in chamomile leaf rosettes is known as the oxidative stress protector. In the current study, herniarin was captured into Graphene oxide nanoparticles and coated with chitosan poly-cationic polymer to be used as a novel bio-compatible nano-drug delivery system and investigate its antioxidant, anti-angiogenic and anti-cancer impacts on human lung A549 cancer cells.

Method

The Chitosan-coated Herniarin-Graphene oxide nanoparticles (CHG-NPs) were designed, produced, and characterized utilizing DLS, FESEM, FTIR, and Zeta-potential analysis. The CHG-NPs' antioxidant activity was analyzed by conducting ABTS and DPPH antioxidant assays. The CHG-NPs' anti-angiogenic activity was analyzed by CAM assay and verified by measuring VEGF and VEGFR gene expression levels following their increased treatment doses by applying Q-PCR technique. Finally, the CHG-NPs' cytotoxicity was studied in the human lung A549 cancer cells.

Result

The stable (+27.11 mV) 213.6-nm CHG-NPs significantly inhibited the ABTS/DPPH free radicals and exhibited antioxidant activity. The suppressed angiogenesis process in the CAM vessels was observed by detecting the decreased length/number of the vessels. Moreover, the down-regulated VEGF and VEGFR gene expression of the CAM blood vessels following the increased CHG-NPs treatment doses verified the nanoparticles' anti-angiogenic potential. Finally, the CHG-NPs significantly exhibited a selective cytotoxic impact on human A549 cancer cells compared with the normal HFF cell line.

Conclusion

The selective cytotoxicity, strong antioxidant activity, and significant anti-angiogenic property of the nano-scaled produced CHG-NPs make it an appropriate anticancer nano-drug delivery system. Therefore, the CHG-NPs have the potential to be used as a selective anti-lung cancer compound.

Nano-based drug delivery system for therapeutics: a comprehensive review

Nanomedicine and nano-delivery systems hold unlimited potential in the developing sciences, where nanoscale carriers are employed to efficiently deliver therapeutic drugs at specifically targeted sites in a controlled manner, imparting several advantages concerning improved efficacy and minimizing adverse drug reactions. These nano-delivery systems target-oriented delivery of drugs with precision at several site-specific, with mild toxicity, prolonged circulation time, high solubility, and long retention time in the biological system, which circumvent the problems associated with the conventional delivery approach. Recently, nanocarriers such as dendrimers, liposomes, nanotubes, and nanoparticles have been extensively investigated through structural characteristics, size manipulation, and selective diagnosis through disease imaging molecules, which are very effective and introduce a new paradigm shift in drugs. In this review, the use of nanomedicines in drug delivery has been demonstrated in treating various diseases with significant advances and applications in different fields. In addition, this review discusses the current challenges and future directions for research in these promising fields as well.

Rational Design and Multicomponent Synthesis of Lipid-Peptoid Nanocomposites towards a Customized Drug Delivery System Assembly

Nanotechnology has assumed a significant role over the last decade in the development of various technologies applied to health sciences. This becomes even more evident with its application in controlled drug delivery systems. In this context, peptoids are a promising class of compounds for application as nanocarriers in drug delivery systems. These compounds can be obtained efficiently and with highly functionalized structural diversity via the Ugi 4-component reaction (U-4CR). Herein, we report the design of the process control strategy for the future development of lipid-peptoid-based customized drug delivery system assemblies. Over 20 lipid-peptoid nanocomposites were synthesized via the U-4CR in good to excellent yields. These products were successfully submitted to the nanoparticle formation by the emulsification-evaporation process from lipophilic solution and analyzed via Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS). Several molecules generated nanoparticles with a size ≤200 nm, making them good candidates for drug delivery systems, such as in cancer treatment.