Nanotechnology in oncology: Characterization and in vitro release kinetics of cisplatin-loaded albumin nanoparticles: Implications in anticancer drug delivery

Nanotechnology in food packaging materials: role and application of nanoparticles

Global concerns about food security, driven by rising demand, have prompted the exploration of nanotechnology as a solution to enhance food supply. This shift comes in response to the limitations of conventional technologies in meeting the ever-increasing demand for food products. Consequently, nanoparticles play a crucial role in enhancing food production, preservation, and extending shelf life by imparting exceptional properties to materials. Nanoparticles and nanostructures with attributes like expansive surface area and antimicrobial efficacy, are versatile in both traditional packaging and integration into biopolymer matrices. These distinctive qualities contribute to their extensive use in various food sector applications. Hence, this review explores the physicochemical properties, functions, and biological aspects of nanoparticles in the context of food packaging. Furthermore, the synergistic effect of nanoparticles with different biopolymers, alongside its different potential applications such as food shelf-life extenders, antimicrobial agents and as nanomaterials for developing smart packaging systems were summarily explored. While the ongoing exploration of this research area is evident, our review highlights the substantial potential of nanomaterials to emerge as a viable choice for food packaging if the challenges regarding toxicity are carefully and effectively modulated.

Translational Challenges and Prospective Solutions in the Implementation of Biomimetic Delivery Systems

Biomimetic delivery systems (BDSs), inspired by the intricate designs of biological systems, have emerged as a groundbreaking paradigm in nanomedicine, offering unparalleled advantages in therapeutic delivery. These systems, encompassing platforms such as liposomes, protein-based nanoparticles, extracellular vesicles, and polysaccharides, are lauded for their targeted delivery, minimized side effects, and enhanced therapeutic outcomes. However, the translation of BDSs from research settings to clinical applications is fraught with challenges, including reproducibility concerns, physiological stability, and rigorous efficacy and safety evaluations. Furthermore, the innovative nature of BDSs demands the reevaluation and evolution of existing regulatory and ethical frameworks. This review provides an overview of BDSs and delves into the multifaceted translational challenges and present emerging solutions, underscored by real-world case studies. Emphasizing the potential of BDSs to redefine healthcare, we advocate for sustained interdisciplinary collaboration and research. As our understanding of biological systems deepens, the future of BDSs in clinical translation appears promising, with a focus on personalized medicine and refined patient-specific delivery systems.

Pharmacokinetics and Anti-Tumor Efficacy of PEGylated Liposomes Co-Loaded with Cisplatin and Mifepristone

Although cisplatin is an effective chemotherapy drug used against many types of cancer, it has poor bioavailability, produces severe adverse effects, and frequently leads to tumor resistance. Consequently, more effective formulations are needed. The co-administration of cisplatin with mifepristone, which counters an efflux pump drug-resistance mechanism in tumor cells, has shown important synergism, but without resolving the problem of poor bioavailability. Specificity to tumor tissue and bioavailability have been improved by co-encapsulating cisplatin and mifepristone in a liposomal formulation (L-Cis/MF), which needs further research to complete pre-clinical requirements. The aim of this current contribution was to conduct a pharmacokinetic study of cisplatin and mifepristone in male Wistar rats after administration of L-Cis/MF and the conventional (unencapsulated) formulation. Additionally, the capacity of L-Cis/MF to reduce tumor growth in male nude mice was evaluated following the implantation of xenografts of non-small-cell lung cancer. The better pharmacokinetics (higher plasma concentration) of cisplatin and mifepristone when injected in the liposomal versus the conventional formulation correlated with greater efficacy in controlling tumor growth. Future research on L-Cis/MF will characterize its molecular mechanisms and apply it to other types of cancer affected by the synergism of cisplatin and mifepristone.

Circumventing Physicochemical Barriers of Cyclometalated Gold(III) Dithiocarbamate Complexes with Protein-Based Nanoparticle Delivery to Enhance Anticancer Activity

Optimizing the bioavailability of drug candidates is crucial to successful drug development campaigns, especially for metal-derived chemotherapeutic agents. Nanoparticle delivery strategies can be deployed to overcome physicochemical limitations associated with drugs to improve bioavailability, pharmacokinetics, efficacy, and minimize toxicity. Biodegradable albumin nanoconstructs offer pragmatic solutions for drug delivery of metallodrugs with translational benefits in the clinic. In this work, we explored a logical approach to investigate and resolve the physicochemical drawbacks of gold(III) complexes with albumin nanoparticle delivery to improve solubility, enhance intracellular accumulation, circumvent premature deactivation, and enhance anticancer activity. We synthesized and characterized stable gold(III) dithiocarbamate complexes with a variable degree of cyclometalation such as phenylpyridine (C^N) or biphenyl (C^C) Au(III) framework and different alkyl chain lengths. We noted that extended alkyl chain lengths impaired the solubility of these complexes in biological media, thus adversely impacting potency. Encapsulation of these complexes in bovine serum albumin (BSA) reversed solubility limitations and improved cancer cytotoxicity by ∼25-fold. Further speciation and mechanism of action studies demonstrate the stability of the compounds and alteration of mitochondria bioenergetics, respectively. We postulate that this nanodelivery strategy is a relevant approach for translational small-molecule gold drug delivery.

The development of highly dense highly protected surfactant ionizable lipid RNA loaded nanoparticles

The long quest for efficient drug administration has been looking for a universal carrier that can precisely transport traditional drugs, new genomic and proteic therapeutic agents. Today, researchers have found conditions to overcome the two main drug delivery dilemmas. On the one side, the versatility of the vehicle to efficiently load, protect and transport the drug and then release it at the target place. On the other hand, the questions related to the degree of PEGylation which are needed to avoid nanoparticle (NP) aggregation and opsonization while preventing cellular uptake. The development of different kinds of lipidic drug delivery vehicles and particles has resulted in the development of ionizable lipid nanoparticles (iLNPs), which can overcome most of the typical drug delivery problems. Proof of their success is the late approval and massive administration as the prophylactic vaccine for SARS-CoV-2. These ILNPs are built by electrostatic aggregation of surfactants, the therapeutic agent, and lipids that self-segregate from an aqueous solution, forming nanoparticles stabilized with lipid polymers, such as PEG. These vehicles overcome previous limitations such as low loading and high toxicity, likely thanks to low charge at the working pH and reduced size, and their entry into the cells via endocytosis rather than membrane perforation or fusion, always associated with higher toxicity. We herein revise their primary features, synthetic methods to prepare and characterize them, pharmacokinetic (administration, distribution, metabolization and excretion) aspects, and biodistribution and fate. Owing to their advantages, iLNPs are potential drug delivery systems to improve the management of various diseases and widely available for clinical use.

Application of nanotechnology in food: processing, preservation, packaging and safety assessment

Even though nanotechnology is extensively applied in agriculture, biochemistry, medicine and many other sectors, it is a developing field that conforms to new and more complex applications in food systems as compared to other technologies. It offers a viable strategy for integrating cutting-edge technology into a wide range of operations related to the production, development, fabrication, packaging, storage and distribution of food. The most fundamentally sophisticated technology in nano-based food science, nanoparticles deal with a wide range of nanostructured materials and nano methods, including nanofood, nanotubes, nanocomposites, nano packaging, nanocapsules, nanosensors, liposomes, nanoemulsions, polymeric nanoparticles and nanoencapsulation. This method is developed to increase food solubility and shelf life, availability of bioactive chemical, the protection of food constituents, nutritional supplementation, fortification and food or constituent delivery. Additionally, it serves as an antibacterial agent by generating reactive oxygen species (ROS) which cause bacterial DNA damage, protein denaturation and cell damage. Although the use of nanotechnology in food applications is advancing, there are certain negative or dangerous effects on health related to the toxicity and dangers of ingesting nanoparticles in food. The use of nanotechnology in the food industry, notably in processing, preservation and packaging, with its promising future, was addressed in this study. The toxicity of nanoparticles in food as well as its development in food safety assessments with certain areas of concern were also reviewed.

Nanoparticle formulation of 11-keto-β-boswellic acid (KBA): anti-inflammatory activity and in vivo pharmacokinetics

CONTEXT

The oleo-gum-resin of Boswellia serrata Roxb. (Burseraceae) is widely used for the treatment of inflammatory diseases such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and cancer. Anti-inflammatory activity of 11-keto-β-boswellic acid (KBA) is impeded by poor oral bioavailability due to its high lipid solubility, rapid phase-1 metabolism and poor intestinal permeability.

OBJECTIVE

This study developed a poly-dl-lactide-co-glycolide-based nanoparticle formulation of KBA to improve its oral bioavailability and in vivo anti-inflammatory activity.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

KBA was isolated from the oleo-gum resin of B. serrata, and its nanoparticle formulation (KBA-NPs) was prepared by the emulsion-diffusion-evaporation method. Oral bioavailability of KBA and KBA-NPs was studied at 50 mg/kg p.o. dose in Sprague-Dawley rats, and further evaluated for in vivo anti-inflammatory activity in carrageenan-induced rat paw oedema assay at the same dose level.

RESULTS

The prepared KBA-NPs had a particle size of 152.6 nm with polydispersity index of 0.194, 79.7% entrapment efficiency and a cumulative 61.5% release of KBA from KBA-NPs, at 72 h. KBA-NPs showed 60.8% inhibition of rat paw oedema at 5 h as compared to 34.9% as that of KBA. The results of oral bioavailability study and in vivo anti-inflammatory activity showed 7- and 1.7-fold increase in bioavailability and anti-inflammatory activity, respectively, of KBA in KBA-NPs as compared to KBA alone.

CONCLUSION

The results of improved oral bioavailability and in vivo anti-inflammatory activity of KBA-NPs suggested successful development of KBA nanoparticle formulation.

Review: Application of Nanoparticles in Urothelial Cancer of the Urinary Bladder

Bladder cancer is a common malignancy of the urinary tract, which generally develops in the epithelial lining of the urinary bladder. The specific course of treatment depends on the stage of bladder cancer; however, therapeutic strategies typically involve intravesical drug delivery to reduce toxicity and increase therapeutic effects. Recently, metallic, polymeric, lipid, and protein nanoparticles have been introduced to aid in the treatment of bladder cancer. Nanoparticles are also commonly used as pharmaceutical carriers to improve interactions between drugs and the urothelium. In this review, we classify the characteristics of bladder cancer and discuss the types of nanoparticles used in various treatment modalities. Finally we summarize the potential applications and benefits of various nanoparticles in intravesical therapy.

Formulation of Biologically-Inspired Silk-Based Drug Carriers for Pulmonary Delivery Targeted for Lung Cancer

The benefits of using silk fibroin, a major protein in silk, are widely established in many biomedical applications including tissue regeneration, bioactive coating and in vitro tissue models. The properties of silk such as biocompatibility and controlled degradation are utilized in this study to formulate for the first time as carriers for pulmonary drug delivery. Silk fibroin particles are spray dried or spray-freeze-dried to enable the delivery to the airways via dry powder inhalers. The addition of excipients such as mannitol is optimized for both the stabilization of protein during the spray-freezing process as well as for efficient dispersion using an in vitro aerosolisation impactor. Cisplatin is incorporated into the silk-based formulations with or without cross-linking, which show different release profiles. The particles show high aerosolisation performance through the measurement of in vitro lung deposition, which is at the level of commercially available dry powder inhalers. The silk-based particles are shown to be cytocompatible with A549 human lung epithelial cell line. The cytotoxicity of cisplatin is demonstrated to be enhanced when delivered using the cross-linked silk-based particles. These novel inhalable silk-based drug carriers have the potential to be used as anti-cancer drug delivery systems targeted for the lungs.

Development and optimisation of 3-Acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid loaded poly-lactic-co-glycolic acid-nanoparticles with enhanced oral bioavailability and in-vivo anti-inflammatory activity in rats

OBJECTIVES

3-Acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid (AKBA) is a potent anti-inflammatory compound of Boswellia serrata. However, anti-inflammatory activity of AKBA is impeded by poor oral bioavailability due to its poor aqueous solubility. In this context, we aimed to develop poly lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA)-based nanoparticle formulation of AKBA (AKBA-NPs) in order to improve its oral bioavailability and in-vivo anti-inflammatory activity in rats.

METHODS

AKBA-NPs were prepared and characterised by analysing particle size and zeta potential using zeta sizer, surface morphology by scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy, and physical property using differential scanning calorimetry and X-ray diffraction techniques. The optimised nanoparticles were evaluated for in-vitro drug release and oral bioavailability studies, and in-vivo anti-inflammatory activity by carrageenan-induced rat paw oedema method.

KEY FINDINGS

The optimised AKBA-NPs showed the particle size of 179.6 nm with 0.276 polydispersity index and entrapment efficiency of 82.5%. AKBA-NPs showed increased in-vivo anti-inflammatory activity as compared with AKBA. Bioavailability study revealed about six times higher peak plasma concentration of AKBA in AKBA-NPs. Moreover, t1/2 and total area under the curve of AKBA were also enhanced by two and ninefold, respectively, in AKBA-NPs as compared with corresponding AKBA.

CONCLUSIONS

The promising results of improved oral bioavailability and in-vivo anti-inflammatory activity of AKBA suggested the successful nanoparticle formulation of AKBA.

Anti-cancer, pharmacokinetics and tumor localization studies of pH-, RF- and thermo-responsive nanoparticles

The curcumin-encapsulated chitosan-graft-poly(N-vinyl caprolactam) nanoparticles containing gold nanoparticles (Au-CRC-TRC-NPs) were developed by ionic cross-linking method. After "optimum RF exposure" at 40 W for 5 min, Au-CRC-TRC-NPs dissipated heat energy in the range of ∼42°C, the lower critical solution temperature (LCST) of chitosan-graft-poly(N-vinyl caprolactam), causing controlled curcumin release and apoptosis to cancer cells. Further, in vivo PK/PD studies on swiss albino mice revealed that Au-CRC-TRC-NPs could be sustained in circulation for a week with no harm to internal organs. The colon tumor localization studies revealed that Au-CRC-TRC-NPs were retained in tumor for a week. These results throw light on their feasibility as multi-responsive nanomedicine for RF-assisted cancer treatment modalities.

Is dialysis a reliable method for studying drug release from nanoparticulate systems?-A case study

The kinetics of in vitro drug release from nanoparticulate systems is extensive, though uncritically, being studied by dialysis. Evaluating the actual relevance of dialysis data to drug release was the purpose of this study. Diclofenac- or ofloxacin-loaded chitosan nanoparticles crosslinked with tripolyphosphate were prepared and characterized. With each drug, dynamic dialysis was applied to nanoparticle dispersion, solution containing dissolved chitosan·HCl, and solution of plain drug. Drug kinetics in receiving phase (KRP), nanoparticle matrix (KNM) and nanoparticle dispersion medium (KDM) were determined. Release of each drug from nanoparticles was also assessed by ultracentrifugation. Although KRP data may be interpreted in terms of sustained release from nanoparticles, KNM and KDM data show that, with both drugs, the process was in fact controlled by permeation across dialysis membrane. Analysis of KRP data reveals a reversible interaction of diclofenac with dispersed nanoparticle surface, similar to the interaction of this drug with dissolved chitosan·HCl. No such interactions are noticed with ofloxacin. The results from the ultracentrifugation method agree with the above interpretation of dialysis data. This case study shows that dialysis data from a nanoparticle dispersion is not necessarily descriptive of sustained-release from nanoparticles, hence, if interpreted uncritically, it may be misleading.