Stabilization and Anticancer Enhancing Activity of the Peptide Nisin by Cyclodextrin-Based Nanosponges against Colon and Breast Cancer Cells

Microbiome and cancer: from mechanistic implications in disease progression and treatment to development of novel antitumoral strategies

Cancer is a very aggressive disease and one of mankind's most important health problems, causing numerous deaths each year. Its etiology is complex, including genetic, gender-related, infectious diseases, dysbiosis, immunological imbalances, lifestyle, including dietary factors, pollution etc. Cancer patients also become immunosuppressed, frequently as side effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy, and prone to infections, which further promote the proliferation of tumor cells. In recent decades, the role and importance of the microbiota in cancer has become a hot spot in human biology research, bringing together oncology and human microbiology. In addition to their roles in the etiology of different cancers, microorganisms interact with tumor cells and may be involved in modulating their response to treatment and in the toxicity of anti-tumor therapies. In this review, we present an update on the roles of microbiota in cancer with a focus on interference with anticancer treatments and anticancer potential.

Marine Bioactive Peptides: Anti-Photoaging Mechanisms and Potential Skin Protective Effects

Skin photoaging, resulting from prolonged exposure to ultraviolet radiation, is a form of exogenous aging that not only impacts the aesthetic aspect of the skin but also exhibits a strong correlation with the onset of skin cancer. Nonetheless, the safety profile of non-natural anti-photoaging medications and the underlying physiological alterations during the process of photoaging remain inadequately elucidated. Consequently, there exists a pressing necessity to devise more secure interventions involving anti-photoaging drugs. Multiple studies have demonstrated the noteworthy significance of marine biomolecules in addressing safety concerns related to anti-photoaging and safeguarding the skin. Notably, bioactive peptides have gained considerable attention in anti-photoaging research due to their capacity to mitigate the physiological alterations associated with photoaging, including oxidative stress; inflammatory response; the abnormal expression of matrix metalloproteinase, hyaluronidase, and elastase; and excessive melanin synthesis. This review provides a systematic description of the research progress on the anti-photoaging and skin protection mechanism of marine bioactive peptides. The focus is on the utilization of marine bioactive peptides as anti-photoaging agents, aiming to offer theoretical references for the development of novel anti-photoaging drugs and methodologies. Additionally, the future prospects of anti-aging drugs are discussed, providing an initial reference for further research in this field.

Nanosponge: A promising and intriguing strategy in medical and pharmaceutical Science

The complicated chemical reactions involved in the production of the newer drug delivery systems have mainly impeded efforts to build successful targeted drug delivery systems for a prolonged duration of time. Nanosponges, a recently created colloidal system, have the potential to overcome issues with medication toxicity, decreased bioavailability, and drug release over a wide area because they can be modified to work with both hydrophilic and hydrophobic types of drugs. Nanosponges are small sized with a three-dimensional network having a porous cavity. They can be prepared easily by crosslinking cyclodextrins with different compounds. Due to Cyclodextrin's outstanding biocompatibility, stability, and safety, a number of Cyclodextrin-based drug delivery systems have been developed promptly. The nanosponge drug delivery system possesses various applications in various ailments such as cancer, autoimmune diseases, theranostic applications, enhanced bioavailability, stability, etc. This review elaborates on benefits and drawbacks, preparation techniques, factors affecting their preparation, characterization techniques, applications, and most current developments in nanosponges.

Cyclodextrin based nanoparticles for smart drug delivery in colorectal cancer

The advancement of colorectal cancer (CRC) prevention, detection, and treatment is essential to ensure that survivors live longer and higher-quality lives. The field of cancer detection and therapy has undergone a revolution with the development of nanotechnology for targeted drug delivery. The significant problems with the delivery of cancer drugs are their solubility, stability, and nonspecific distribution. There is a challenge that the acidic and enzymatic environment in the digestive tract will modify or destroy the medication or the active pharmaceutical ingredient. To overcome the problems, nanoparticles have been widely employed during the past several years to increase the specificity, selectivity, and controlled release of drug delivery systems. The site-specific and targeted delivery leads to reduce toxicity and side effects. With respect to the capability and utilization of cyclodextrin-based nanoparticles in different aspects of the tumour microenvironment and gut microbiota, a survey of current research papers was conducted via looking through databases including GoogleScholar, PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus. This review aims to summarize cutting-edge nanoparticulate-based technologies and therapies for CRC.

Cyclodextrin nanoparticles in targeted cancer theranostics

The field of cancer nanotheranostics is rapidly evolving, with cyclodextrin (CD)-based nanoparticles emerging as a promising tool. CDs, serving as nanocarriers, have higher adaptability and demonstrate immense potential in delivering powerful anti-cancer drugs, leading to promising and specific therapeutic outcomes for combating various types of cancer. The unique characteristics of CDs, combined with innovative nanocomplex creation techniques such as encapsulation, enable the development of potential theranostic treatments. The review here focuses mainly on the different techniques administered for effective nanotheranostics applications of CD-associated complex compounds in the domain of cancer treatments. The experimentations on various loaded drugs and their complex conjugates with CDs prove effective in in vivo results. Various cancers can have potential nanotheranostics cures using CDs as nanoparticles along with a highly efficient process of nanocomplex development and a drug delivery system. In conclusion, nanotheranostics holds immense potential for targeted drug delivery and improved therapeutic outcomes, offering a promising avenue for revolutionizing cancer treatments through continuous research and innovative approaches.

Palladated Cyclodextrin Nanosponge-Alginate Dual Bead as an Efficient Catalyst for Hydrogenation of Nitroarenes in Aqueous Solution

In this study, we present a novel composite material consisting of β-cyclodextrin nanosponge and sodium alginate, used as a support for the immobilization of palladium (Pd) nanoparticles. The composite alginate-cyclodextrin nanosponge beads were prepared, taking advantage of the 3D polymeric network and β-cyclodextrin cavity of the nanosponge. These beads exhibited excellent encapsulation capabilities for hydrophobic substrates, allowing their transfer in aqueous media. The cyclodextrin nanosponge served as a stabilizer for Pd nanoparticles and facilitated phase transfer. Additionally, the sodium alginate bead contributed to the robustness of the structure and improved the recovery and recyclability of the composite material. Comparative studies with control catalysts confirmed the beneficial effect of incorporating cyclodextrin nanosponge within alginate beads, particularly for more hydrophobic substrates. Optimization of reaction conditions revealed that employing 0.03 g of catalyst per mmol of nitroarene at 45 °C resulted in the maximum yield within 90 min. Evaluation of the substrate scope demonstrated the hydrogenation capability of various substrates with different electronic properties under the developed protocol. Notably, the nitro group was selectively reduced in substrates featuring competing functionalities. Furthermore, the recyclability and stability of the composite catalyst were confirmed, making it a promising candidate for sustainable catalysis.

Probiotic-Derived Bioactive Compounds in Colorectal Cancer Treatment

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a multifactorial disease with increased morbidity and mortality rates globally. Despite advanced chemotherapeutic approaches for the treatment of CRC, low survival rates due to the regular occurrence of drug resistance and deleterious side effects render the need for alternative anticancer agents imperative. Accumulating evidence supports that gut microbiota imbalance precedes the establishment of carcinogenesis, subsequently contributing to cancer progression and response to anticancer therapy. Manipulation of the gut microbiota composition via the administration of probiotic-derived bioactive compounds has gradually attained the interest of scientific communities as a novel therapeutic strategy for CRC. These compounds encompass miscellaneous metabolic secreted products of probiotics, including bacteriocins, short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), lactate, exopolysaccharides (EPSs), biosurfactants, and bacterial peptides, with profound anti-inflammatory and antiproliferative properties. This review provides a classification of postbiotic types and a comprehensive summary of the current state of research on their biological role against CRC. It also describes how their intricate interaction with the gut microbiota regulates the proper function of the intestinal barrier, thus eliminating gut dysbiosis and CRC development. Finally, it discusses the future perspectives in precision-medicine approaches as well as the challenges of their synthesis and optimization of administration in clinical studies.

Oxygen Nanocarriers for Improving Cardioplegic Solution Performance: Physico-Chemical Characterization

Nanocarriers for oxygen delivery have been the focus of extensive research to ameliorate the therapeutic effects of current anti-cancer treatments and in the organ transplant field. In the latter application, the use of oxygenated cardioplegic solution (CS) during cardiac arrest is certainly beneficial, and fully oxygenated crystalloid solutions may be excellent means of myocardial protection, albeit for a limited time. Therefore, to overcome this drawback, oxygenated nanosponges (NSs) that can store and slowly release oxygen over a controlled period have been chosen as nanocarriers to enhance the functionality of cardioplegic solutions. Different components can be used to prepare nanocarrier formulations for saturated oxygen delivery, and these include native α-cyclodextrin (αCD), αcyclodextrin-based nanosponges (αCD-NSs), native cyclic nigerosyl-nigerose (CNN), and cyclic nigerosyl-nigerose-based nanosponges (CNN-NSs). Oxygen release kinetics varied depending on the nanocarrier used, demonstrating higher oxygen release after 24 h for NSs than the native αCD and CNN. CNN-NSs presented the highest oxygen concentration (8.57 mg/L) in the National Institutes of Health (NIH) CS recorded at 37 °C for 12 h. The NSs retained more oxygen at 1.30 g/L than 0.13 g/L. These nanocarriers have considerable versatility and the ability to store oxygen and prolong the amount of time that the heart remains in hypothermic CS. The physicochemical characterization presents a promising oxygen-carrier formulation that can prolong the release of oxygen at low temperatures. This can make the nanocarriers suitable for the storage of hearts during the explant and transport procedure.

Targeted Fisetin-Encapsulated β-Cyclodextrin Nanosponges for Breast Cancer

Fisetin (FS) is considered a safer phytomedicine alternative to conventional chemotherapeutics for breast cancer treatment. Despite its surpassing therapeutic potential, its clinical utility is hampered by its low systemic bioavailability. Accordingly, as far as we are aware, this is the first study to develop lactoferrin-coated FS-loaded β-cyclodextrin nanosponges (LF-FS-NS) for targeted FS delivery to breast cancer. NS formation through cross-linking of β-cyclodextrin by diphenyl carbonate was confirmed by FTIR and XRD. The selected LF-FS-NS showed good colloidal properties (size 52.7 ± 7.2 nm, PDI < 0.3, and ζ-potential 24 mV), high loading efficiency (96 ± 0.3%), and sustained drug release of 26 % after 24 h. Morphological examination using SEM revealed the mesoporous spherical structure of the prepared nanosponges with a pore diameter of ~30 nm, which was further confirmed by surface area measurement. Additionally, LF-FS-NS enhanced FS oral and IP bioavailability (2.5- and 3.2-fold, respectively) compared to FS suspension in rats. Antitumor efficacy evaluation in vitro on MDA-MB-231 cells and in vivo on an Ehrlich ascites mouse model demonstrated significantly higher activity and targetability of LF-FS-NS (30 mg/kg) compared to the free drug and uncoated formulation. Consequently, LF-FS-NS could be addressed as a promising formulation for the effective management of breast cancer.

Systematic exo-endo encapsulation of hydroxyurea (HU) by Cu, Ag, and Au-doped gallium nitride nanotubes (GaNNT) for smart therapeutic delivery

Similar to the more well-known carbon nanotubes, gallium nitride nanotubes (GaNNT) are among the materials that scientists have found to be extremely helpful in transporting drugs and to provide significant potential for multi-modal medical therapies. Here, the potential of Cu, Ag, and Au-doped GaNNT for smart delivery of the anticancer medication hydroxyurea (HU) was extensively investigated employing quantum chemical analysis and density functional theory (DFT) computation at the B3LYP-GD3BJ/def2-SVP level of theory. The systematic approach used in this study entails examining the exo (outside)-and endo (inside) loading of HU utilizing the investigated nanotubes in order to understand the adsorption, sensing processes, bonding types, and thermodynamic properties. Results of the HOMO-LUMO studies show that metal-doped GaNNTs with the hydroxyurea (HU) at the endo - interaction of the drug of the nanotube produced more reduced energy gaps (0.911-2.039 eV) compared with metal-doped GaNNTs complexes at the outside - interaction of the drug on the nanotube (2.25-3.22 eV) and as such reveal their suitability for use as drug delivery materials. As observed in the endo-interaction of HU adsorptions in the tubes, HU_endo_Au@GaNNT possessed the highest adsorption energy values of -118.716 kcal/mol which shows the most chemisorption between the surfaces and the adsorbate while for HU_exo_Ag@GaNNT is -97.431 kcal/mol for the highest exo-interactions. These results suggest that HU drug interacted inside the Ag, Au, and Cu doped GaNNT will be very proficient as a carrier of the HU drug into bio systems. These results are along with visual studies of weak interactions, thermodynamics, sensor, and drug release mechanisms suggest strongly the endo-encapsulation of HU as the best mode for smart drug delivery.

Pulmonary delivery of spray-dried Nisin ZP antimicrobial peptide for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treatment

Nisin ZP is an antimicrobial peptide (AMP) produced by the bacterium Lactococcus lactis, and we have previously demonstrated anticancer activity in NSCLC (A549) cells. In this study, we formulated a nisin ZP dry powder (NZSD) using a spray dryer to facilitate inhaled delivery for the treatment of NSCLC. Nisin ZP was spray-dried with mannitol, l-leucine, and trehalose in a ratio of 75:15:10 using Büchi mini spray-dryer B-290 in different drug loadings (10, 20, and 30% w/w). NZSD powder revealed a good powder yield of >55% w/w with ≤3 % w/w moisture content and high nisin ZP drug loading for all the peptide ratios. The NZSD powder particles were irregularly shaped with corrugated morphology. The presence of an endothermic peak in DSC thermograms and attenuated crystalline peaks in PXRD diffractograms confirmed the semi-crystalline powder nature of NZSD. The anticancer activity of nisin ZP was maintained after fabricating it into NZSD powder and showed a similar inhibitory concentration to free nisin ZP. Stability studies indicated that NZSD powders were stable for three months at 4 and 25 ℃ with more than 90% drug content and semi-crystalline nature, as confirmed by DSC and PXRD. Aerosolization studies performed using NGI indicated an aerodynamic diameter (MMAD) within the desired range (1-5 µm) and a high fine particle fraction (FPF > 75%) for all peptide ratios, suggesting powder deposition in the lung's respiratory airways. In conclusion, a dry powder of nisin ZP was formulated using a spray dryer with enhanced storage stability and suitable for inhaled delivery.

Organogel mediated co-delivery of nisin and 5-fluorouracil: a synergistic approach against skin cancer

AIM

The present study aimed to develop topical combinatorial therapy of nisin and 5-fluorouracil in a single nanosized formulation against skin cancer.

METHODS

Nisin and 5-fluorouracil were encapsulated in an organogel system (NF-OG) and investigated for morphology, physicochemical properties, cytotoxicity, encapsulation and release. NF-OG was evaluated against DMBA/TPA murine skin cancer in terms of tumour statistics, histoarchitecture, TUNEL and M1/M2 macrophages.

RESULTS

The optimised NF-OG formulation exhibited particle size of 185.1 ± 11.24 nm, zeta potential of -7.93 ± 0.60 mV, offered substantial drug loading and temporal release. NF-OG therapy led to improved cytotoxicity of nisin and 5-FU against B16-F10 cells, significant decrease in tumour volume (84.983 mm³) in treated group as compared to untreated group (490.482 mm³) accompanied by restoration of histoarchitecture and repolarization of macrophages.

CONCLUSION

The study yielded a promising delivery system exhibiting potent anticancer activity and forms the bases for further applications in clinical settings.

Nanosponges: An overlooked promising strategy to combat SARS-CoV-2

Among explored nanomaterials, nanosponge-based systems have exhibited inhibitory effects for the biological neutralization of, and antiviral delivery against, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). More studies could pave the path for clarification of their biological neutralization mechanisms as well as the assessment of their long-term biocompatibility and biosafety issues before clinical translational studies. In this review, we discuss recent advances pertaining to antiviral delivery and inhibitory effects of nanosponges against SARS-CoV-2, focusing on important challenges and opportunities. Finally, as promising approaches for recapitulating the complex structure of different organs/tissues of the body, we discuss the use of 3D in vitro models to investigate the mechanism of SARS-CoV-2 infection and to find therapeutic targets to better manage and eradicate coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19).

Dextrin-Based Nanohydrogels for Rokitamycin Prolonged Topical Delivery

Macrolides are widely used antibiotics with a broad spectrum of activity. The development of drug carriers to deliver this type of antibiotics has attracted much research. The present study aims at developing new swellable dextrin-based nanohydrogels for the topical delivery of rokitamycin, as model macrolide. Rokitamycin is a synthetic analogous of macrolides with advantageous characteristics as far as bacterial uptake and post-antibiotic effect are concerned. It is also indicated for the treatment of severe infections caused by Acanthamoeba and for topical infections. The nanohydrogels have been prepared from two types of cross-linked polymers obtained by using β-cyclodextrin or Linecaps^® was provided by the Roquette Italia SPA (Cassano Spinola, Al, Italy) as building blocks. The cross-linked polymers have been then formulated into aqueous nanosuspensions refined and tuned to achieve the incorporation of the drug. Cross-linked β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) and Linecaps^® (LC) polymers formed dextrin-based nanohydrogels with high swelling degree and mucoadhesion capability. Rokitamycin was loaded into the nanohydrogels displaying an average size around 200 nm with negative surface charge. In vitro kinetic profiles of free and loaded drug in nanohydrogels were compared at two pH levels. Interestingly, a sustained and controlled release was obtained at skin pH level due to the high degree of swelling and a pH responsiveness possibly. The results collected suggest that these nanohydrogels are promising for the delivery of rokitamycin and may pave the way for the topical delivery of other macrolide antibiotics.

Nisin and nisin-loaded nanoparticles: a cytotoxicity investigation

OBJECTIVE

Nisin is an antibacterial peptide with anticancer properties, but the main drawback is its rapid enzymatic degradation and limited permeation across the cell membrane. This research aims to to overcome these drawbacks by developing nisin-loaded nanoparticles with improved cytotoxic effects.

SIGNIFICANCE

PLGA nanoparticles are one of the most effective biodegradable and biocompatible drug delivery carriers. In the present study, nisin-loaded nanoparticles showed enhanced anticancer effects.

METHODS

NPN was prepared by a double emulsion solvent evaporation method and characterized for different parameters. The cytotoxic investigation of NPN was carried out on various cell lines, including A549, SW-620, HT-29, PC-3, MDA-MB-231, MCF-7, MiaPaca-2, and fR2 by sulforhodamine B (SRB) assay. Mechanistic investigation of cellular cytotoxicity was performed by using bright-field microscopy, DAPI staining, intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), changes in mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm), and western blotting. A comparative cytotoxicity study of nisin and NPN was performed on normal breast epithelial cells (fR-2).

RESULTS

NPN showed spherical shape, 289.09 ± 3.63 nm particle size, and 63.37 ± 3.12% entrapment efficiency. NPN was more cytotoxic to the MDA-MB-231 cell line, showing higher nuclear fragmentation, ROS generation, and depletion of ΔΨm like apoptosis signs compared to nisin and with no cytotoxicity on normal cells.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings suggest that nisin delivery via PLGA nanoparticles can be used to treat cancer without significant effects on healthy cells.

Nanosponges for Drug Delivery and Cancer Therapy: Recent Advances

Nanosponges with three-dimensional (3D) porous structures, narrow size distribution, and high entrapment efficiency are widely engineered for cancer therapy and drug delivery purposes. They protect the molecular agents from degradation and help to improve the solubility of lipophilic therapeutic agents/drugs with targeted delivery options in addition to being magnetized to attain suitable magnetic features. Nanosponge-based delivery systems have been applied for cancer therapy with high specificity, biocompatibility, degradability, and prolonged release behavior. In this context, the drug loading within nanosponges is influenced by the crystallization degree. Notably, 3D printing technologies can be applied for the development of novel nanosponge-based systems for biomedical applications. The impacts of polymers, cross-linkers, type of drugs, temperature, loading and mechanism of drug release, fabrication methods, and substitution degree ought to be analytically evaluated. Eco-friendly techniques for the manufacturing of nanosponges still need to be uncovered in addition to the existing methods, such as solvent techniques, ultrasound-assisted preparation, melting strategies, and emulsion solvent diffusion methods. Herein, the recent advancements associated with the drug delivery and cancer therapy potential of nanosponges (chiefly, cyclodextrin-based, DNAzyme, and ethylcellulose nanosponges) are deliberated, focusing on the important challenges and future perspectives.

Bactericidal Properties of Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE) Modified with Commercial Additives Used for Food Protection in the Food Industry

This study investigated the influence of commercially available food preservatives: Natamax® (containing natamycin) and Nisaplin® (containing nisin) on the antimicrobial properties of LDPE film, commonly used for food packaging. Studies have shown that the addition of 3% Natamax® or, alternatively, the addition of 5% Nisaplin® provides an LDPE film with effective antimicrobial protection. The applied biocides did not significantly affect the strength and rheological properties of LDPE. However, differences in optical properties were observed. The transparency of the samples decreased slightly with the addition of 3% or 5% Natamax® (by approx. 1% and 3%, respectively). A significant change was observed in the film haze, the addition of 5% Natamax® increased this parameter by approx. 80%, while 5% Nisaplin® increased it by approx. 19%. Both Natamax® and Nisaplin® agents can be successfully used to manufacture food packaging materials with antimicrobial protection. Natamax® showed a stronger bactericidal effect, while Nisaplin® changed other properties less significantly.

Cyclodextrin-Based Nanosponges as Perse Antimicrobial Agents Increase the Activity of Natural Antimicrobial Peptide Nisin

At present, antibiotic resistance is considered a real problem. Therefore, for decades scientists have been looking for novel strategies to treat bacterial infections. Nisin Z, an antimicrobial peptide (AMP), can be considered an option, but its usage is mainly limited by the poor stability and short duration of its antimicrobial activity. In this context, cyclodextrin (CD)-based nanosponges (NSs), synthesized using carbonyldiimidazole (CDI) and pyromellitic dianhydride (PMDA), were chosen for nisin Z loading. To determine the minimum inhibitory of nisin Z loaded on CD-NS formulations, agar well diffusion plates were used. Then, the bactericide concentrations of nisin Z loaded on CD-NS formulations were determined against Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) and -negative (Escherichia coli) bacteria, using microdilution brain heart infusion (BHI) and tetrazolium salt 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT). The minimum and bactericide inhibitory values of the nisin complex with NSs were potentially decreased against both bacteria, compared with the nisin-free sample, while the nisin complex with β-CD showed lower antibacterial activity. The antimicrobial effect was also demonstrated by free NSs. Furthermore, the total viable counts (TVCs) antibacterial experiment indicated that the combination of nisin Z in both PMDA and CDI β-CD-based NSs, especially CDI, can provide a better conservative effect on cooked chicken meat. Generally, the present study outcomes suggest that the cross-linked β-CD-based NSs can present their own antimicrobial potency or serve as promising carriers to deliver and enhance the antibacterial action of nisin Z.