Skin Tolerability of Oleic Acid Based Nanovesicles Designed for the Improvement of Icariin and Naproxen Percutaneous Permeation

Deformable nanovesicles have a crucial role in topical drug delivery through the skin, due to their capability to pass intact the stratum corneum and epidermis (SCE) and significantly increase the efficacy and accumulation of payloads in the deeper layers of the skin. Namely, lipid-based ultradeformable nanovesicles are versatile and load bioactive molecules with different physicochemical properties. For this reason, this study aims to make oleic acid based nanovesicles (oleosomes) for the codelivery of icariin and sodium naproxen and increase their permeation through the skin. Oleosomes have suitable physicochemical properties and long-term stability for a potential dermal or transdermal application. The inclusion of oleic acid in the lipid bilayer increases 3-fold the deformable properties of oleosomes compared to conventional liposomes and significantly improves the percutaneous permeation of icariin and sodium naproxen through the human SCE membranes compared to hydroalcoholic solutions of both drugs. The tolerability studies on human volunteers demonstrate that oleosomes are safer and speed up the recovery of transepidermal water loss (TEWL) baselines compared to saline solution. These results highlight promising properties of icariin/sodium naproxen coloaded oleosomes for the treatment of skin disorders and suggest the potential future applications of these nanovesicles for further in vivo experiments.

Biomimetic Platelet-Cloaked Nanoparticles for the Delivery of Anti-Inflammatory Curcumin in the Treatment of Atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis still represents a major driver of cardiovascular diseases worldwide. Together with accumulation of lipids in the plaque, inflammation is recognized as one of the key players in the formation and development of atherosclerotic plaque. Systemic anti-inflammatory treatments are successful in reducing the disease burden, but are correlated with severe side effects, underlining the need for targeted formulations. In this work, curcumin is chosen as the anti-inflammatory payload model and further loaded in lignin-based nanoparticles (NPs). The NPs are then coated with a tannic acid (TA)- Fe (III) complex and further cloaked with fragments derived from platelet cell membrane, yielding NPs with homogenous size. The two coatings increase the interaction between the NPs and cells, both endothelial and macrophages, in steady state or inflamed status. Furthermore, NPs are cytocompatible toward endothelial, smooth muscle and immune cells, while not inducing immune activation. The anti-inflammatory efficacy is demonstrated in endothelial cells by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and ELISA assay where curcumin-loaded NPs decrease the expression of Nf-κb, TGF-β1, IL-6, and IL-1β in lipopolysaccharide-inflamed cells. Overall, due to the increase in the cell-NP interactions and the anti-inflammatory efficacy, these NPs represent potential candidates for the targeted anti-inflammatory treatment of atherosclerosis.

pH-Responsive Sorafenib/Iron-Co-Loaded Mesoporous Polydopamine Nanoparticles for Synergistic Ferroptosis and Photothermal Therapy

Ferroptosis has attracted significant attention as a new mechanism of cell death. Sorafenib (SRF) is widely considered a prototypical ferroptosis-inducing drug, particularly for liver cancer treatment. However, the low solubility and hydrophobic nature of SRF, along with the absence of synergistic therapeutic strategies, still limit its application in cancer treatment. Herein, we report a dual therapeutic method incorporating photothermal therapy and ferroptosis by using Fe-doped mesoporous polydopamine nanoparticles (Fe-mPDA@SRF-TPP) as a carrier for loading SRF and targeting triphenylphosphine (TPP). SRF molecules are efficiently encapsulated within the polydopamine nanospheres with a high loading ratio (80%) attributed to the porosity of Fe-mPDA, and the inherent biocompatibility and hydrophilicity of Fe-mPDA@SRF-TPP facilitate the transport of SRF to the target cancer cells. Under the external stimuli of acidic environment (pH 5.0), glutathione (GSH), and laser irradiation, Fe-mPDA@SRF-TPP shows sustained release of SRF and Fe ions with the ratio of 72 and 50% within 48 h. Fe-mPDA@SRF-TPP nanoparticles induce intracellular GSH depletion, inhibit glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) activity, and generate hydroxyl radicals, all of which are essential components of the therapeutic ferroptosis process for killing MDA-MB-231 cancer cells. Additionally, the excellent near-infrared (NIR) light absorption of Fe-mPDA@SRF-TPP nanoparticles demonstrates their capability for photothermal therapy and further enhances the therapeutic efficiency. Therefore, this nanosystem provides a multifunctional therapeutic platform that overcomes the therapeutic limitations associated with standalone ferroptosis and enhances the therapeutic efficacy of SRF for breast cancer.

Synthesis, characterization, and antibacterial activity of chitosan-chelated silver nanoparticles

Bacterial infections pose a significant threat to human health and safety, necessitating the urgent resolution of the problem through the development and implementation of highly effective antibacterial agents. However, the emergence of multidrug-resistant bacteria has diminished the satisfactory effectiveness of antibacterial treatments. To overcome this obstacle, we developed effective antibacterial agents by chemical reduction for inhibiting bacterial proliferation and inducing membrane damage. Specifically, four different types of chitosan/Ag nanoparticle (CS-AgNPs-i) (i-1, 2, 3, 4) complexes were synthesized by varying the quantity of chitosan added during the synthesis process. We found that the amount of CS does not affect the morphology and size of CS-AgNPs-i, which remained at approximately 20 nm and all CS-AgNPs were mostly spherical. The zeta potential measurements indicated that the surface of CS-AgNPs carries a positive charge. Notably, elevating the chitosan concentration led to a more pronounced antibacterial impact, particularly evident in its interaction with the peptidoglycan layer on the bacterial surface. Our experimental results undeniably establish the potent antibacterial efficacy of CS-AgNPs against both Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Employing live/dead bacterial staining, we reveal the marked capability of CS-AgNPs to effectively hinder bacterial proliferation. Furthermore, our experimental investigations revealed that CS-AgNPs possess broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity. The results of in vitro cytotoxicity experiments substantiated the high biocompatibility of CS-AgNPs with elevated chitosan loading. The study provides valuable insights into the development of nano-antibacterial agents that exhibit significant potential as a substitute to replace traditional antibiotics for medical applications.

Thermoresponsive M1 macrophage-derived hybrid nanovesicles for improved in vivo tumor targeting

Despite the efforts and advances done in the last few decades, cancer still remains one of the main leading causes of death worldwide. Nanomedicine and in particular extracellular vesicles are one of the most potent tools to improve the effectiveness of anticancer therapies. In these attempts, the aim of this work is to realize a hybrid nanosystem through the fusion between the M1 macrophages-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs-M1) and thermoresponsive liposomes, in order to obtain a drug delivery system able to exploit the intrinsic tumor targeting capability of immune cells reflected on EVs and thermoresponsiveness of synthetic nanovesicles. The obtained nanocarrier has been physicochemically characterized, and the hybridization process has been validated by cytofluorimetric analysis, while the thermoresponsiveness was in vitro confirmed through the use of a fluorescent probe. Tumor targeting features of hybrid nanovesicles were in vivo investigated on melanoma-induced mice model monitoring the accumulation in tumor site through live imaging and confirmed by cytofluorimetric analysis, showing higher targeting properties of hybrid nanosystem compared to both liposomes and native EVs. These promising results confirmed the ability of this nanosystem to combine the advantages of both nanotechnologies, also highlighting their potential use as effective and safe personalized anticancer nanomedicine.

In Vitro Characterization and Real-Time Label-Free Assessment of the Interaction of Chitosan-Coated Niosomes with Intestinal Cellular Monolayers

In vitro cell-based characterization methods of nanoparticles are generally static and require the use of secondary analysis techniques and labeling agents. In this study, bare niosomes and chitosan-coated niosomes (chitosomes) and their interactions with intestinal cells are studied under dynamic conditions and without fluorescent probes, using surface plasmon resonance (SPR)-based cell sensing. Niosomes and chitosomes were synthesized by using Tween 20 and cholesterol in a 15 mM:15 mM ratio and then characterized by dynamic light scattering (DLS). DLS analysis demonstrated that bare niosomes had average sizes of ∼125 nm, polydispersity index (PDI) below 0.2, and a negative zeta (ζ)-potential of -35.6 mV. In turn, chitosomes had increased sizes up to ∼180 nm, with a PDI of 0.2-0.3 and a highly positive ζ-potential of +57.9 mV. The viability of HT29-MTX, Caco-2, and Caco-2/HT29-MTX cocultured cells showed that both niosomes and chitosomes are cytocompatible up to concentrations of 31.6 μg/mL for at least 240 min. SPR analysis demonstrated that chitosomes interact more efficiently with HT29-MTX, Caco-2, and Caco-2/HT29-MTX cocultures compared to bare niosomes. The resulting SPR measurements were further supported by confocal microscopy and flow cytometry studies, which demonstrated that this method is a useful complementary or even alternative tool to directly characterize the interactions between niosomes and in vitro cell models in label-free and real-time conditions.

Nanocarriers overcoming biological barriers induced by multidrug resistance of chemotherapeutics in 2D and 3D cancer models

Multidrug resistance (MDR) is currently a big challenge in cancer therapy and limits its success in several patients. Tumors use the MDR mechanisms to colonize the host and reduce the efficacy of chemotherapeutics that are injected as single agents or combinations. MDR mechanisms are responsible for inactivation of drugs and formbiological barriers in cancer like the drug efflux pumps, aberrant extracellular matrix, hypoxic areas, altered cell death mechanisms, etc. Nanocarriers have some potential to overcome these barriers and improve the efficacy of chemotherapeutics. In fact, they are versatile and can deliver natural and synthetic biomolecules, as well as RNAi/DNAi, thus providing a controlled release of drugs and a synergistic effect in tumor tissues. Biocompatible and safe multifunctional biopolymers, with or without specific targeting molecules, modify the surface and interface properties of nanocarriers. These modifications affect the interaction of nanocarriers with cellular models as well as the selection of suitable models for in vitro experiments. MDR cancer cells, and particularly their 2D and 3D models, in combination with anatomical and physiological structures of tumor tissues, can boost the design and preparation of nanomedicines for anticancer therapy. 2D and 3D cancer cell cultures are suitable models to study the interaction, internalization, and efficacy of nanocarriers, the mechanisms of MDR in cancer cells and tissues, and they are used to tailor a personalized medicine and improve the efficacy of anticancer treatment in patients. The description of molecular mechanisms and physio-pathological pathways of these models further allow the design of nanomedicine that can efficiently overcome biological barriers involved in MDR and test the activity of nanocarriers in 2D and 3D models of MDR cancer cells.

Injectable Drug Delivery Systems for Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis

Joint diseases are one of the most common causes of morbidity and disability worldwide. The main diseases that affect joint cartilage are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, which require chronic treatment focused on symptomatic relief. Conventional drugs administered through systemic or intra-articular routes have low accumulation and/or retention in articular cartilage, causing dose-limiting toxicities and reduced efficacy. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop improved strategies for drug delivery, in particular, the use of micro- and nanotechnology-based methods. Encapsulation of therapeutic agents in delivery systems reduces drug efflux from the joint and protects against rapid cellular and enzymatic clearance following intra-articular injection. Consequently, the use of drug delivery systems decreases side effects and increases therapeutic efficacy due to enhanced drug retention in the intra-articular space. Additionally, the frequency of intra-articular administration is reduced, as delivery systems enable sustained drug release. This review summarizes various advanced drug delivery systems, such as nano- and microcarriers, developed for articular cartilage diseases.

Abstract 5069: Delivering docetaxel and curcumin via a nano-combination-therapy for modulating the progression of neuroblastoma

Introduction: Neuroblastoma (NB) is a form of extracranial tumor derived from the sympathetic nervous system that affects most often infants and young children. It is a very heterogeneous tumor with different levels of aggressiveness. Despite the multiple therapeutic strategies (i.e. aggressive chemotherapy, surgery, radiotherapy, immunotherapy), the outcome in advanced stages or recurrent diseases is negative. New strategies are needed to improve the therapeutic efficacy of existing drugs and reduce their toxicity. Nanotechnology represents a good tool for reaching this goal. Taken this in mind, the focus of this experimental work was to engineer polymeric biodegradable nanomedicines for co-delivering anti-inflammatory and chemotherapeutic molecules to NB malignant masses. More specifically, the work focused on the synthesis, physico-chemical and biopharmaceutical characterization, in vitro testing and in vivo validation of nanomedicines loaded with the cytotoxic drug Docetaxel (DTXL) and the natural anti-inflammatory compound, Curcumin (CURC).

Methods: Four configurations of Spherical Polymeric Nanoparticles (SPNs) - loaded with CURC (CURC-SPNs), loaded with DTXL (DTXL-SPNs), loaded with the combination thereof (CURC/DTXL-SPNs), and empty (SPNs) - were synthesized using an oil-in water emulsion/solvent evaporation technique. SPNs size, zeta potential, and polydispersity index (PDI) were measured by dynamic light scattering. The toxicity of SPNs was determined by an MTT assay on the human NB cell line SH-SY5Y. For in vivo efficacy and biodistribution experiments, homozygous CD1 nu/nu athymic female mice (4 to 6-weeks old) were orthotopically injected with SH-SY5Y cells in the left adrenal gland.

Results: Empty, DTXL-SPNs, CURC-SPNs, and CURC/DTXL-SPNs were characterized by a narrow size distribution (PdI < 0.15) with an average hydrodynamic diameter of about 185 nm. All the formulations showed a negative surface ζ-potential, associated with the carboxylate groups in the DSPE-PEG coating. A biphasic release profile was observed for all the 3 formulations, with almost 90% of the total drug mass released within the first 24 hours. In vivo results indicated that mice treated with CURC/DTXL -SPNs had a significant increase in life span as compared to untreated mice (control) (p=0.0002), mice treated with CURC-SPNs (p=0.0205), DTXL-SPNs (p=0.0391), and free DTXL (p=0.0054). Biodistribution experiments showed a 2% ID/g accumulation of the injected dose per tumor mass, regardless of the tumor development stage. This behavior is in agreement with results from a longitudinal Magnetic Resonance Imaging analysis of the malignant masses.

Conclusion: The obtained results would suggest that nanomedicines could effectively delivery two therapeutic molecules within the malignant mass and modulate its progression leading to a significant increase in overall survival.

Citation Format: Agnese Fragassi, Martina Di Francesco, Fabio Pastorino, Miguel Ferreira, Valentina Di Francesco, Anna Lisa Palange, Christian Celia, Luisa Di Marzio, Michele Cilli, Veronica Bensa, Mirco Ponzoni, Paolo Decuzzi. Delivering docetaxel and curcumin via a nano-combination-therapy for modulating the progression of neuroblastoma [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2022; 2022 Apr 8-13. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2022;82(12_Suppl):Abstract nr 5069.

Multidrug Idebenone/Naproxen co-loaded Aspasomes for a Significant In VivoAnti-Inflammatory Activity

The use of proper nanocarriers for dermal and transdermal delivery of anti‐inflammatory drugs recently gained several attentions in the scientific community because they pass intact and accumulate payloads in the deepest layers of skin tissue. Ascorbyl palmitate‐based vesicles (aspasomes) can be considered a promising nanocarrier for dermal and transdermal delivery due to their skin whitening properties and suitable delivery of payloads through the skin. The aim of this study was the synthesis of multidrug Idebenone/naproxen co‐loaded aspasomes for the development of an effective anti‐inflammatory nanomedicine. Aspasomes had suitable physicochemical properties and were safe in vivo if topically applied on human healthy volunteers. Idebenone/naproxen co‐loaded aspasomes demonstrated an increased therapeutic efficacy of payloads compared to the commercially available Naprosyn® gel, with a rapid decrease of chemical‐induced erythema on human volunteers. These promising results strongly suggested a potential application of Idebenone/naproxen multidrug aspasomes for the development of an effective skin anti‐inflammatory therapy.

Neonatal Fc receptor-targeted lignin-encapsulated porous silicon nanoparticles for enhanced cellular interactions and insulin permeation across the intestinal epithelium

Oral insulin delivery could change the life of millions of diabetic patients as an effective, safe, easy-to-use, and affordable alternative to insulin injections, known by an inherently thwarted patient compliance. Here, we designed a multistage nanoparticle (NP) system capable of circumventing the biological barriers that lead to poor drug absorption and bioavailability after oral administration. The nanosystem consists of an insulin-loaded porous silicon NP encapsulated into a pH-responsive lignin matrix, and surface-functionalized with the Fc fragment of immunoglobulin G, which acts as a targeting ligand for the neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn). The developed NPs presented small size (211 ± 1 nm) and narrow size distribution. The NPs remained intact in stomach and intestinal pH conditions, releasing the drug exclusively at pH 7.4, which mimics blood circulation. This formulation showed to be highly cytocompatible, and surface plasmon resonance studies demonstrated that FcRn-targeted NPs present higher capacity to interact and being internalized by the Caco-2 cells, which express FcRn, as demonstrated by Western blot. Ultimately, in vitro permeability studies showed that Fc-functionalized NPs induced an increase in the amount of insulin that permeated across a Caco-2/HT29-MTX co-culture model, showing apparent permeability coefficients (P_app) of 2.37 × 10⁻⁶ cm/s, over the 1.66 × 10⁻⁶ cm/s observed for their non-functionalized counterparts. Overall, these results demonstrate the potential of these NPs for oral delivery of anti-diabetic drugs.

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Multistage nanoparticle (NP) system targeted for the neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) aimed at oral insulin delivery.

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NPs released insulin under precisely controlled pH conditions.

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FcRn expression in the cell culture model used was demonstrated by Western blot.

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FcRn-targeted NPs presented higher capacity to interact with the intestinal cells.

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Increased insulin permeation was obtained when using Fc-functionalized NPs.

Extracellular vesicle therapeutics from plasma and adipose tissue

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are cell-released lipid-bilayer nanoparticles that contain biologically active cargo involved in physiological and pathological intercellular communication. In recent years, the therapeutic potential of EVs has been explored in various disease models. In particular, mesenchymal stromal cell-derived EVs have been shown to exert anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-apoptotic, and pro-angiogenic properties in cardiovascular, metabolic and orthopedic conditions. However, a major drawback of EV-based therapeutics is scale-up issues due to extensive cell culture requirements and inefficient isolation protocols. An emerging alternative approach to time-consuming and costly cell culture expansion is to obtain therapeutic EVs directly from the body, for example, from plasma and adipose tissue. This review discusses isolation methods and therapeutic applications of plasma and adipose tissue-derived EVs, highlighting advantages and disadvantages compared to cell culture-derived ones.

Nanonutraceuticals: The New Frontier of Supplementary Food

In the last few decades, the combination between nanotechnology and nutraceutics has gained the attention of several research groups. Nutraceuticals are considered as active compounds, abundant in natural products, showing beneficial effects on human health. Unfortunately, the uses, and consequently the health benefits, of many nutraceutical products are limited by their unsuitable chemico-physical features. For example, many nutraceuticals are characterized by low water solubility, low stability and high susceptibility to light and oxygen, poor absorption and potential chemical modifications after their administration. Based on the potential efficacy of nutraceuticals and on their limiting features, nanotechnology could be considered a revolutionary innovation in empowering the beneficial properties of nutraceuticals on human health, thus enhancing their efficacy in several diseases. For this reason, nanotechnology could represent a new frontier in supplementary food. In this review, the most recent nanotechnological approaches are discussed, focusing on their ability to improve the bioavailability of the most common nutraceuticals, providing an overview regarding both the advantages and the possible limitations of the use of several nanodelivery systems. In fact, although the efficacy of smart nanocarriers in improving health benefits deriving from nutraceuticals has been widely demonstrated, the conflicting opinions on the mechanism of action of some nanosystems still reduce their applicability in the therapeutic field.

Nano-bio interface between human plasma and niosomes with different formulations indicates protein corona patterns for nanoparticle cell targeting and uptake

Unraveling the proteins interacting with nanoparticles (NPs) in biological fluids, such as blood, is pivotal to rationally design NPs for drug delivery. The protein corona (PrC), formed on the NP surface, represents an interface between biological components and NPs, dictating their pharmacokinetics and biodistribution. PrC composition depends on biological environments around NPs and on their intrinsic physicochemical properties. We generated different formulations of non-ionic surfactant/non-phospholipid vesicles, called niosomes (NIOs), using polysorbates which are biologically safe, cheap, non-toxic and scarcely immunogenic. PrC composition and relative protein abundance for all designed NIOs were evaluated ex vivo in human plasma (HP) by quantitative label-free proteomics. We studied the correlation of the relative protein abundance in the corona with cellular uptake of the PrC-NIOs in healthy and cancer human cell lines. Our results highlight the effects of polysorbates on nano-bio interactions to identify a protein pattern most properly aimed to drive the NIO targeting in vivo, and assess the best conditions of PrC-NIO NP uptake into the cells. This study dissected the biological identity in HP of polysorbate-NIOs, thus contributing to shorten their passage from preclinical to clinical studies and to lay the foundations for a personalized PrC.

Doxorubicin Hydrochloride-Loaded Nonionic Surfactant Vesicles to Treat Metastatic and Non-Metastatic Breast Cancer

Doxorubicin hydrochloride (DOX) is currently used to treat orthotropic and metastatic breast cancer. Because of its side effects, the use of DOX in cancer patients is sometimes limited; for this reason, several scientists tried designing drug delivery systems which can improve drug therapeutic efficacy and decrease its side effects. In this study, we designed, prepared, and physiochemically characterized nonionic surfactant vesicles (NSVs) which are obtained by self-assembling different combinations of hydrophilic (Tween 20) and hydrophobic (Span 20) surfactants, with cholesterol. DOX was loaded in NSVs using a passive and pH gradient remote loading procedure, which increased drug loading from ∼1 to ∼45%. NSVs were analyzed in terms of size, shape, size distribution, zeta potential, long-term stability, entrapment efficiency, and release kinetics, and nanocarriers having the best physiochemical parameters were selected for further in vitro tests. NSVs with and without DOX were stable and showed a sustained drug release up to 72 h. In vitro studies, with MCF-7 and MDA MB 468 cells, demonstrated that NSVs, containing Span 20, were better internalized in MCF-7 and MDA MB 468 cells than NSVs with Tween 20. NSVs increased the anticancer effect of DOX in MCF-7 and MDA MB 468 cells, and this effect is time and dose dependent. In vitro studies using metastatic and nonmetastatic breast cancer cells also demonstrated that NSVs, containing Span 20, had higher cytotoxicity than NSVs with Tween 20. The resulting data suggested that DOX-loaded NSVs could be a promising nanocarrier for the potential treatment of metastatic breast cancer.

Flow Cytometry Analysis of Circulating Extracellular Vesicle Subtypes from Fresh Peripheral Blood Samples

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are released by shedding during different physiological processes and are increasingly thought to be new potential biomarkers. However, the impact of pre-analytical processing phases on the final measurement is not predictable and for this reason, the translation of basic research into clinical practice has been precluded. Here we have optimized a simple procedure in combination with polychromatic flow cytometry (PFC), to identify, classify, enumerate, and separate circulating EVs from different cell origins. This protocol takes advantage of a lipophilic cationic dye (LCD) able to probe EVs. Moreover, the application of the newly optimized PFC protocol here described allowed the obtainment of repeatable EVs counts. The translation of this PFC protocol to fluorescence-activated cell sorting allowed us to separate EVs from fresh peripheral blood samples. Sorted EVs preparations resulted particularly suitable for proteomic analyses, which we applied to study their protein cargo. Here we show that LCD staining allowed PFC detection and sorting of EVs from fresh body fluids, avoiding pre-analytical steps of enrichment that could impact final results. Therefore, LCD staining is an essential step towards the assessment of EVs clinical significance.

Design and Characterization of Sodium Alginate and Poly(vinyl) Alcohol Hydrogels for Enhanced Skin Delivery of Quercetin

Nature has led to the discovery of biopolymers with noteworthy pharmaceutical applications. Blended biopolymers have demonstrated promising characteristics when compared with their individual counterparts. Sodium alginate (SA) is a marine polymer that has demonstrated the ability to form hydrogels, an interesting property for the development of cutaneous formulations. Predicting the good performance of blended biopolymers, a novel series of hybrid hydrogels based on SA and poly(vinyl) alcohol (PVA) were prepared. Quercetin, a natural polyphenolic flavonoid commonly found in fruits and vegetables, is widely known for its strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity, thus with potential applications against melanoma, dermatitis, psoriasis, and skin ageing. Here, hydrogels were produced at different ratios of SA and PVA. The surface morphology, structure, interaction of polymers, the capacity to absorb water and the entrapment efficiency of quercetin were evaluated for the blended hydrogels. Targeting the cutaneous application of the formulations, the rheological properties of all unloaded and quercetin-loaded hydrogels revealed pseudoplastic behavior, evidence of non-thixotropy, good resistance to deformation, and profile maintenance with temperatures ranging from 20 °C up to 40 °C. The incorporation of quercetin in the hydrogel retained its antioxidant activity, confirmed by radical scavenging assays (ABTS and DPPH). The permeability of quercetin through the skin showed different penetration/permeation profiles according to the hydrogel's blend. This behavior will allow the selection of SA-PVA at 2/1 ratio for a local and prolonged skin effect, making the use of these hydrogels a good solution to consider for the treatment of skin ageing and inflammation.

Liposome-Embedding Silicon Microparticle for Oxaliplatin Delivery in Tumor Chemotherapy

Mesoporous silicon microparticles (MSMPs) can incorporate drug-carrying nanoparticles (NPs) into their pores. An NP-loaded MSMP is a multistage vector (MSV) that forms a Matryoshka-like structure that protects the therapeutic cargo from degradation and prevents its dilution in the circulation during delivery to tumor cells. We developed an MSV constituted by 1 µm discoidal MSMPs embedded with PEGylated liposomes containing oxaliplatin (oxa) which is a therapeutic agent for colorectal cancer (CRC). To obtain extra-small liposomes able to fit the 60 nm pores of MSMP, we tested several liposomal formulations, and identified two optimal compositions, with a prevalence of the rigid lipid 1,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine and of 1,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine-N-[methoxy(polyethylene glycol)-2000]. To improve the MSV assembly, we optimized the liposome-loading inside the MSMP and achieved a five-fold increase of the payload using an innovative lyophilization approach. This procedure also increased the load and limited dimensional changes of the liposomes released from the MSV in vitro. Lastly, we found that the cytotoxic efficacy of oxa-loaded liposomes and-oxa-liposome-MSV in CRC cell culture was similar to that of free oxa. This study increases knowledge about extra-small liposomes and their loading into porous materials and provides useful hints about alternative strategies for designing drug-encapsulating NPs.

Overcoming Nanoparticle-Mediated Complement Activation by Surface PEG Pairing

Many PEGylated nanoparticles activate the complement system, which is an integral component of innate immunity. This is of concern as uncontrolled complement activation is potentially detrimental and contributes to disease pathogenesis. Here, it is demonstrated that, in contrast to carboxyPEG₂₀₀₀-stabilized poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanoparticles, surface camouflaging with appropriate combinations and proportions of carboxyPEG₂₀₀₀ and methoxyPEG₅₅₀ can largely suppress nanoparticle-mediated complement activation through the lectin pathway. This is attributed to the ability of the short, rigid methoxyPEG₅₅₀ chains to laterally compress carboxyPEG₂₀₀₀ molecules to become more stretched and assume an extended, random coil configuration. As supported by coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations, these conformational attributes minimize statistical protein binding/intercalation, thereby affecting sequential dynamic processes in complement convertase assembly. Furthermore, PEG pairing has no additional effect on nanoparticle longevity in the blood and macrophage uptake. PEG pairing significantly overcomes nanoparticle-mediated complement activation without the need for surface functionalization with complement inhibitors.

Ammonium glycyrrhizate skin delivery from ultradeformable liposomes: A novel use as an anti-inflammatory agent in topical drug delivery

Glycyrrhiza glabra L. is a native plant of Central and South-Western Asia that is also diffused in the Mediterranean area and contains several bioactive compounds such as: flavonoids, sterols, triterpene and saponins. Glycyrrhizin, containing glycyrrhizic and glycyrrhizinic acids has anti-inflammatory and antiallergic effects that are similar to corticosteroids. Ammonium glycyrrhizinate is a derivative salt of glycyrrhizic acid with similar anti-inflammatory activity that cannot pass through the skin due to its physicochemical properties and molecular weight. Although several nanoformulations, such as ethosomes, are designed to provide a systemic effect through a topical application, there are different limitations to the distribution inside the blood stream. For this reason, ultradeformable liposomes, or transfersomes, are selected to improve the topical delivery of drugs and allow the distribution of payloads in the blood stream because they pass intact through the stratum corneum epidermis barrier, due to the presence of sodium cholate, aqueous cutaneous gradient, and the rapid penetration of transfersomes by cutaneous tight junctions, thus allowing the systemic delivery of different therapeutic cargo in non-occlusive conditions. The aim of this work was the synthesis and physicochemical characterization of the ammonium glycyrrhizinate-loaded ultradeformable liposomes, the evaluation of drug release and permeation through stratum corneum and epidermis barrier. The in vivo anti-inflammatory effect of ammonium glycyrrhizinate-loaded ultradeformable liposomes was tested on human healthy volunteers. The results demonstrated that the ammonium glycyrrhizinate-loaded ultradeformable liposomes decreased the skin inflammation on the human volunteers and the resulting nanoformulations can be used as a potential topical drug delivery system for anti-inflammatory therapy. ^☆Parts of these results were presented as a poster communication at the Recent Developments in Pharmaceutical Analysis 2019 (RDPA 2019), Chieti, Italy.

In vitro and in vivo trans-epidermal water loss evaluation following topical drug delivery systems application for pharmaceutical analysis

The measurement of Trans-Epidermal Water Loss (TEWL) allows to evaluate the integrity of Stratum Corneum Epidermis (SCE) barrier after topical application of colloidal nanocarriers by using a non-invasive method. The temporarily modifications of SCE lipids are important for the passage of colloidal nanocarriers across the skin; this passage causes a modification of TEWL values. Niosomes, ethosomes®, and transfersomes® are used as topical drug delivery systems due to their biopharmaceutical properties, and capability to permeate intact through the SCE. In vitro and in vivo evaluation of TEWL values was studied for niosomes, ethosomes® and transfersomes® in occlusive and non-occlusive conditions. TEWL values in vivo, using healthy human volunteers, are ∼12 g/m²∙× h for all nanoformulations after 72 h, due to the rearrangement of lipids forming the SCE membranes. Conversely, TEWL values of healthy human volunteers, that are topically treated with niosomes, ethosomes® and transfersomes®, in non-occlusive conditions, are ∼20 g/m²∙× h. This data was lower than those obtained in occlusive conditions (∼35 g/m²∙× h). In vitro studies agreed results which are obtained in occlusive conditions using healthy human volunteers. SCE lipids of the skin restore their native structure after 72 h of nanocarrier application. In vitro and in vivo results showed that niosomes, ethosomes®, and transfersomes® interact with the skin in a temporary and reversible mode, and they can be used as suitable colloidal nanocarriers to increase the percutaneous permeation of drugs after topical application without damaging the native structure of the skin.

Design, synthesis and characterization of a PEGylated stanozolol for potential therapeutic applications

Stanozolol (STZ) is a drug used to treat serious disorders like aplastic anemia and hereditary angioedema. It is also indicated as an adjunct therapy for the treatment of vascular disorders and growth failures. Encouraging results obtained using animal models demonstrated that STZ increases bone formation and mineralization, thus improving both density and biomechanical properties. Like natural androgens, such as TST and 5α-dihydrotestosterone (5α-DHT), STZ binds androgen receptor (AR) to activate AR-mediated signaling. Despite its therapeutic effects, this synthetic anabolic-androgenic steroid (AAS), or 5α-DHT derivative, due to its high lipophilicity, is poor soluble in water. Thus, to increase the water solubility and stability of STZ, as well as its bioavailability and efficacy, an innovative PEGylated STZ (STZ conjugated with (MeO-PEG-NH₂)_10kDa, (MeO-PEG-NH)_10kDa-STZ) was synthesized. As confirmed by chromatography (RP-HPLC) and spectrometry (ATR-FTIR, ¹H NMR, elemental CHNS(O) analysis, MALDI-TOF/TOF) analyses, a very pure, stable and soluble compound was obtained. Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) competitive ELISA demonstrated that the resulting PEGylated STZ competes against biological TST, especially at lower concentrations. Cytotoxicity of increasing concentrations (1, 10, 25 or 50 µM) of STZ and/or (MeO-PEG-NH)_10kDa-STZ was also evaluated for up 80 h by performing the MTT assay on human osteosarcoma Saos-2 cells, which express AR and are responsive to STZ. PEGylation mitigated cytotoxicity of STZ, by increasing the cell viability values, especially at higher drug concentrations. Furthermore, these results suggest that (MeO-PEG-NH)_10kDa-STZ is a promising and reliable drug to be used in clinical conditions in which TST is required.

Paclitaxel-loaded sodium deoxycholate-stabilized zein nanoparticles: characterization and in vitro cytotoxicity

Paclitaxel (PTX) is one of the most successful antineoplastic drugs and is widely used for the treatment of many forms of advanced and refractory cancer. Unfortunately, various drawbacks including non-selective cytotoxicity, poor water solubility and low bioavailability limit its clinical use. The aim of this study was to characterize a novel colloidal system made up of the natural protein zein, that would be able to efficiently retain the anticancer compound and increase its in vitro pharmacological effects. In fact, zein has promising characteristics that render it a potential material to be used in drug delivery application. The influences of temperature, pH and serum incubation on the stability of these particles, entrapment efficiency of PTX and in vitro toxicity on different cancer cell lines were evaluated. The nanosystems containing PTX demonstrated suitable storage stability, and were not destabilized by temperatures of up to 50 °C, pH alterations, the freeze-drying process or serum proteins. The encapsulation of PTX did not destabilize the structure of the zein nanoparticles and a suitable drug entrapment efficiency resulted. PTX-loaded zein nanoparticles showed an increased toxicity on different cancer cell lines with respect to the free drug, confirming its potential application in preclinical and clinical investigations.

Mathematical Modeling of Release Kinetics from Supramolecular Drug Delivery Systems

Embedding of active substances in supramolecular systems has as the main goal to ensure the controlled release of the active ingredients. Whatever the final architecture or entrapment mechanism, modeling of release is challenging due to the moving boundary conditions and complex initial conditions. Despite huge diversity of formulations, diffusion phenomena are involved in practically all release processes. The approach in this paper starts, therefore, from mathematical methods for solving the diffusion equation in initial and boundary conditions, which are further connected with phenomenological conditions, simplified and idealized in order to lead to problems which can be analytically solved. Consequently, the release models are classified starting from the geometry of diffusion domain, initial conditions, and conditions on frontiers. Taking into account that practically all solutions of the models use the separation of variables method and integral transformation method, two specific applications of these methods are included. This paper suggests that "good modeling practice" of release kinetics consists essentially of identifying the most appropriate mathematical conditions corresponding to implied physicochemical phenomena. However, in most of the cases, models can be written but analytical solutions for these models cannot be obtained. Consequently, empiric models remain the first choice, and they receive an important place in the review.

Mathematical Models as Tools to Predict the Release Kinetic of Fluorescein from Lyotropic Colloidal Liquid Crystals

In this study, we investigated the release kinetic of fluorescein from colloidal liquid crystals made from monoglyceride and different non-ionic surfactants. The crystals were physicochemically characterized and the release experiments were carried out under the sink conditions, while mathematical models were described as extrapolations from solutions of the diffusion equation, in different initial and boundary conditions imposed by pharmaceutical formulations. The diffusion equation was solved using Laplace and Fourier transformed functions for release kinetics from infinite reservoirs in a semi-infinite medium. Solutions represents a general square root law and can be applied for the release kinetic of fluorescein from lyotropic colloidal liquid crystals. Akaike, Schwartz, and Imbimbo criteria were used to establish the appropriate mathematical model and the hierarchy of the performances of different models applied to the release experiments. The Fisher statistic test was applied to obtain the significance of differences among mathematical models. Differences of mathematical criteria demonstrated that small or no significant statistic differences were carried out between the various applied models and colloidal formulations. Phenomenological models were preferred over the empirical and semi-empirical ones. The general square root model shows that the diffusion-controlled release of fluorescein is the mathematical models extrapolated for lyotropic colloidal liquid crystals.

Polydocanol foam stabilized by liposomes: Supramolecular nanoconstructs for sclerotherapy

Vascular pathology of the lower limbs is a widespread disease affecting the quality of life for more than 30% of the adult world population. Polydocanol foam is presently the main therapeutic option for treating varicosities, inflammation, and chronic disease which affect the vascular endothelium and blood vessels. Unfortunately, the commercial product contains detergents and surfactants which can provoke several side effects and decrease the efficacy of therapy. In an attempt to overcome these drawbacks, polydocanol foam was mixed with different liposomes before use. The resulting mixture was stable and generated supramolecular nanoconstructs, which may prevent the interaction of the components of the commercial polydocanol foam with the vascular endothelium. This effect depends on the presence of liposomes, which can induce polydocanol foam to change its structure from micelles to complex nanostructures, thus improving its stability. In this attempt, the physicochemical features of the resulting nanoconstructs were tested through dynamic- and multiple light scattering analyses, rheological studies and gel permeation chromatography, while the stability was tested in biological fluids. Our preliminary results showed that the nanoconstructs have some potential as therapeutic agents in sclerotherapy.

Simultaneous quantification of Gemcitabine and Irinotecan hydrochloride in rat plasma by using high performance liquid chromatography-diode array detector

In this manuscript we aimed at the simultaneous separation and quantification of Gemcitabine and Irinotecan hydrochloride (injected both as single components and in combination) from Sprague Dawley rat plasma by using a validated method obtained through the use of a High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC)-diode array detector (DAD). Gemcitabine and Irinotecan hydrochloride were detected and quantified using a Zorbax Extend C-18 column (250 mm × 4.6 mm; 5 μm particle size) in gradient elution mode. The chromatographic analyses were carried out in 15 min. The analytical mode was calibrated and validated in the concentration range from 0.1 to 18 μg/mL both for Gemcitabine and Irinotecan hydrochloride. Sprague Dawley rat plasma was used to perform the analysis. 3-methylxanthine was the internal standard. The weighted-matrix matched standard curves of Gemcitabine and Irinotecan hydrochloride showed a good linearity up to 18 μg/mL. Parallelism tests were also performed to evaluate whether the over-range samples could be analyzed after dilution without affecting the analytical performance. The intra- and inter-day precision (RSD%) values of Gemcitabine and Irinotecan hydrochloride were ≤7.14% and ≤11.5%, respectively. The intra- and inter-day trueness (Bias%) values were in the range from -11.5% to 1.70% for both drugs. The analytical mode performance was further tested after collecting Sprague Dawley rat plasma following a single-dose administration of chemotherapeutics or their association. The validated HPLC-DAD method allowed the simultaneous quantification of Gemcitabine and Irinotecan hydrochloride in the rat plasma, besides the evaluation of the pharmacokinetic parameters and drug delivery.

An insight of in vitro transport of PEGylated non-ionic surfactant vesicles (NSVs) across the intestinal polarized enterocyte monolayers

PEGylated non-ionic surfactant-based vesicles (NSVs) are promising drug delivery systems for the local, oral and systemic administrations of therapeutics. The aim of this study was to test the cellular biocompatibility and transport of Nile Red-loaded NSVs (NR-NSVs) across the Caco-2-cell monolayers, which represent an in vitro model of human intestinal epithelium. The NR-NSVs assumed a spherical shape with a mean size of 140 nm, and a narrow size distribution. The NR-NSVs did not modify Caco-2 cell viability, which remained unaltered in vitro up to a concentration of 1 mM. The transport studies demonstrated that the NR-NSVs moved across the Caco-2 monolayers without affecting the transepithelial electrical resistance. These results were supported by flow cytometry analysis, which demonstrated that NR-NSVs were internalized inside the Caco-2 cells. Nanoparticle tracking and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) analysis showed the presence of NR-NSVs in the basolateral side of the Caco-2 monolayers. TEM images also showed that NSVs were transported intact across the Caco-2 monolayers, thus demonstrating a predominant transcytosis mechanism of transport through endocytosis. The NSVs did not affect the integrity of the membrane barrier in vitro, and can potentially be used in clinics to increase the oral bioavailability and delivery of therapeutics.

Hierarchical Microplates as Drug Depots with Controlled Geometry, Rigidity, and Therapeutic Efficacy

A variety of microparticles have been proposed for the sustained and localized delivery of drugs with the objective of increasing therapeutic indexes by circumventing filtering organs and biological barriers. Yet, the geometrical, mechanical, and therapeutic properties of such microparticles cannot be simultaneously and independently tailored during the fabrication process to optimize their performance. In this work, a top-down approach is employed to realize micron-sized polymeric particles, called microplates (μPLs), for the sustained release of therapeutic agents. μPLs are square hydrogel particles, with an edge length of 20 μm and a height of 5 μm, made out of poly(lactic- co-glycolic acid) (PLGA). During the synthesis process, the μPL Young's modulus can be varied from 0.6 to 5 MPa by changing the PLGA amounts from 1 to 7.5 mg, without affecting the μPL geometry while matching the properties of the surrounding tissue. Within the porous μPL matrix, different classes of therapeutic payloads can be incorporated including molecular agents, such as anti-inflammatory dexamethasone (DEX), and nanoparticles containing imaging and therapeutic molecules themselves, thus originating a truly hierarchical platform. As a proof of principle, μPLs are loaded with free DEX and 200 nm spherical polymeric nanoparticles, carrying DEX molecules (DEX-SPNs). Electron and fluorescent confocal microscopy analyses document the uniform distribution and stability of molecular and nanoagents within the μPL matrix. This multiscale, hierarchical microparticle releases DEX for at least 10 days. The inclusion of DEX-SPNs serves to minimize the initial burst release and modulate the diffusion of DEX molecules out of the μPL matrix. The biopharmacological and therapeutic properties together with the fine tuning of geometry and mechanical stiffness make μPLs a unique polymeric depot for the potential treatment of cancer, cardiovascular, and chronic, inflammatory diseases.

Cell Membrane-Based Nanoreactor To Mimic the Bio-Compartmentalization Strategy of a Cell

Organelles of eukaryotic cells are structures made up of membranes, which carry out a majority of functions necessary for the surviving of the cell itself. Organelles also differentiate the prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, and are arranged to form different compartments guaranteeing the activities for which eukaryotic cells are programmed. Cell membranes, containing organelles, are isolated from cancer cells and erythrocytes and used to form biocompatible and long-circulating ghost nanoparticles delivering payloads or catalyzing enzymatic reactions as nanoreactors. In this attempt, red blood cell membranes were isolated from erythrocytes, and engineered to form nanoerythrosomes (NERs) of 150 nm. The horseradish peroxidase, used as an enzyme model, was loaded inside the aqueous compartment of NERs, and its catalytic reaction with Resorufin was monitored. The resulting nanoreactor protected the enzyme from proteolytic degradation, and potentiated the enzymatic reaction in situ as demonstrated by maximal velocity (V_max) and Michaelis constant (K_m), thus suggesting the high catalytic activity of nanoreactors compared to the pure enzymes.

Physicochemical properties of inclusion complexes of highly soluble β-cyclodextrins with highly hydrophobic testosterone propionate

Hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HP-β-CyD) and sulfobutyl ether-β-cyclodextrin (SBE-β-CyD) were used to generate hydrophilic complexes of the poorly water-soluble drug testosterone propionate (TP). The inclusion complexes were obtained by freeze-drying, and then analyzed at both liquid and solid states. Phase solubility studies, performed according to the type-A_L solubility diagrams of TP in presence of both CyDs, suggested the formation of water-soluble complexes at 1:1 molar ratio. These results were confirmed by continuous variation method (Job's plot). Both CyDs increased water-solubility of TP 100-fold as compared to the native drug. The host-guest arrangement of CyD complexes in a water solution was further investigated by one- and two-dimensional NMR spectroscopy, highlighting the insertion of the tetracyclic ring of TP into the CyD cavity, and the interaction of the pending ester chain of drug with the primary hydroxyl groups of CyDs at the narrow end of the toroid structure. In solid phase, FTIR-ATR spectroscopy showed that the CO stretching mode of the TP vibrational spectrum changed if the complex between the drug and CyDs occurred. This change is temperature-dependent, and its evolution, accounted for by deconvolution procedures, provided the thermodynamic parameters explaining the mechanisms involved in the formation of inclusion complexes.

Analysis of imidazoles and triazoles in biological samples after MicroExtraction by packed sorbent

This paper reports the MEPS-HPLC-DAD method for the simultaneous determination of 12 azole drugs (bifonazole, butoconazole, clotrimazole, econazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole, miconazole, posaconazole, ravuconazole, terconazole, tioconazole and voriconazole) administered to treat different systemic and topical fungal infections, in biological samples. Azole drugs separation was performed in 36 min. The analytical method was validated in the ranges as follows: 0.02–5 μg mL⁻¹ for ravuconazole; 0.2–5 μg mL⁻¹ for terconazole; 0.05–5 μg mL⁻¹ for the other compounds. Human plasma and urine were used as biological samples during the analysis, while benzyl-4-hydroxybenzoate was used as an internal standard. The precision (RSD%) and trueness (Bias%) values fulfill with International Guidelines requirements. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first HPLC-DAD procedure coupled to MEPS, which provides the simultaneous analysis of 12 azole drugs, available in the market, in human plasma and urine. Moreover, the method was successfully applied for the quantitative determination of two model drugs (itraconazole and miconazole) after oral administration in real samples.

Bioactive isoflavones from Pueraria lobata root and starch: Different extraction techniques and carbonic anhydrase inhibition

Kudzu, the dried root of an important edible plant (Pueraria lobata), is used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for the important nutritional value strictly related to its isoflavone derivatives. These compounds characterize the quality of kudzu contained in different preparations, as pharmaceutical ingredient as well as dietary/food supplement (e.g. starch). The optimization of the isoflavones recovery, monitored by HPLC-PDA, through different innovative and conventional extraction techniques, e.g. microwave-assisted, ultrasound-assisted and conventional extraction, represented a suitable challenge in food industry and natural products evaluation. The impact on the isoflavone extraction by using an ionic liquid-assisted procedure was also considered. Furthermore, the inhibitory activity of the most representative isoflavones, isolated from kudzu, was evaluated using four isoforms (I, II, IX and XII) of human carbonic anhydrase (hCA) due to their role in several physiopathological processes.

Detection and Physicochemical Characterization of Membrane Vesicles (MVs) of Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938

Membrane vesicles (MVs) are bilayer structures which bleb from bacteria, and are important in trafficking biomolecules to other bacteria or host cells. There are few data about MVs produced by the Gram-positive commensal-derived probiotic Lactobacillus reuteri; however, MVs from this species may have potential therapeutic benefit. The aim of this study was to detect and characterize MVs produced from biofilm (bMVs), and planktonic (pMVs) phenotypes of L. reuteri DSM 17938. MVs were analyzed for structure and physicochemical characterization by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS). Their composition was interrogated using various digestive enzyme treatments and subsequent Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) analysis. eDNA (extracellular DNA) was detected and quantified using PicoGreen. We found that planktonic and biofilm of L. reuteri cultures generated MVs with a broad size distribution. Our data also showed that eDNA was associated with pMVs and bMVs (e_MVsDNA). DNase I treatment demonstrated no modifications of MVs, suggesting that an eDNA-MVs complex protected the e_MVsDNA. Proteinase K and Phospholipase C treatments modified the structure of MVs, showing that lipids and proteins are important structural components of L. reuteri MVs. The biological composition and the physicochemical characterization of MVs generated by the probiotic L. reuteri may represent a starting point for future applications in the development of vesicles-based therapeutic systems.

Interaction between PEG lipid and DSPE/DSPC phospholipids: An insight of PEGylation degree and kinetics of de-PEGylation

The degree to which liposomes are PEGylated is the feature, which most influences the length of the presence of stealth liposomes in the bloodstream. In order to thoroughly investigate the maximum amount of DSPE-PEG₂₀₀₀ that can be used to stabilize stealth liposomes, these were synthesized at different concentrations of DSPE-PEG₂₀₀₀ and their physicochemical properties were investigated by using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The kinetics of PEGylation and de-PEGylation were performed by incubating non-stealth liposomes in a DSPE-PEG₂₀₀₀ suspension at different incubation times, and then analyzing the data using DSC and dynamic light scattering (DLS) techniques. The results demonstrated that DSPE-PEG₂₀₀₀ was self-assembled in the phospholipid bilayers, thus forming stealth liposomes. The different amounts of DSPE-PEG₂₀₀₀ in the bilayer triggered a de-PEGylation phenomenon, resulting in mixed nanoaggregates, which derived from the detergent-like properties of the PEGylated phospholipids.

Acronychiabaueri Analogue Derivative-Loaded Ultradeformable Vesicles: Physicochemical Characterization and Potential Applications

Elastic and ultradeformable liposomes were synthesized and physicochemically characterized to make suitable topical formulations for delivering the anti-inflammatory and anticancer compound 3-(4'-geranyloxy-3'-methoxyphenyl)-2-trans-propenoic acid. The average sizes of elastic and ultradeformable liposomes are below 300 nm, while the size distribution and Z-potential are below 0.3 and - 25 mV, respectively. The presence of 3-(4'-geranyloxy-3'-methoxyphenyl)-2-trans-propenoic acid does not affect the physicochemical parameters of nanovesicles. Elastic and ultradeformable liposomes show a zero order release kinetic and are stable at room temperature for a long time with or without 3-(4'-geranyloxy-3'-methoxyphenyl)-2-trans-propenoic acid. The ultradeformable liposomes are more deformable than elastic liposomes. These differences may depend on sodium cholate derivatives making nanoformulations. The 3-(4'-geranyloxy-3'-methoxyphenyl)-2-trans-propenoic acid-loaded elastic and ultradeformable liposomes can provide innovative nanotherapeutics-based natural compounds for the potential treatment of cutanous inflammation.

Hesperetin Liposomes for Cancer Therapy

Hesperetin is a compound from citrus fruit that has previously been found to exert anticancer activity through a variety of mechanisms. However, the application of hesperetin to cancer therapy has been hampered by its hydrophobicity, necessitating the use of toxic solubilizing agents. Here, we have developed the first liposome-based delivery system for hesperetin. Liposomes were fabricated using the thin-layer evaporation technique and physical and pharmacological parameters were measured. The liposomes remained stable for prolonged periods of time in serum and under storage conditions, and displayed anticancer efficacy in both H441 lung cancer cells and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. Furthermore, the anticancer activity was not impaired in cells expressing the multidrug resistance protein 1 (MDR-1). In conclusion, the encapsulation of hesperetin in liposomes does not interfere with therapeutic efficacy and provides a biocompatible alternative to toxic solubilizing agents, thereby enabling future clinical use of this compound for cancer therapy.

Ghee Butter as a Therapeutic Delivery System

Solid lipid nanoparticles carrying a chemotherapeutic payload (i.e., temozolomide, TMZ) were synthesized using ghee, a clarified butter commonly used in traditional medicine and food products. Ghee solid lipid nanoparticles (GSLN) were characterized through dynamic light scattering, scanning electron microscopy, and UV-visible spectrometry. Formulations were generated with varying ratios of surfactant to lipid, resulting in a maximum TMZ entrapment efficiency of ˜70%. Optimal formulations were found to have an average size and polydispersity of ˜220 nm and 0.340, respectively. Release kinetics revealed TMZ-loaded GSLN (TMZ@GSLN) retained 10% of its pay-load at 2 h with ˜53% released in 5 h. Metabolic activity on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) revealed GSLN treatment resulted in an increase in viability following 3 d while treatment of glioblastoma LN-229 cells with TMZ@GSLN resulted in a significant decrease. Evaluation of diffusion of TMZ across a reconstructed HUVEC monolayer demonstrated TMZ@GSLN resulted in a significantly higher diffusion of drug when compared to free TMZ. This data suggests GSLN pose a promising delivery vehicle for TMZ-based therapeutics. Collectively, this data demonstrates GSLN exhibit favorable drug carrier properties with anti-proliferative properties in glioblastoma cancer cells.

Anticancer activity of all-trans retinoic acid-loaded liposomes on human thyroid carcinoma cells

All-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) is an anti-tumor compound, exerting different anti-cancer effects on different types of cancer cells. Unfortunately, retinoids are also characterized by certain side effects following systemic administration, such as the burning of skin and general malaise. The highly variable degree of bioavailability of ATRA plus its tendency to induce its own destruction through metabolic degradation following oral treatment necessitate the development of alternative formulations. The aim of this work is to evaluate the physico-chemical properties of unilamellar, ATRA-containing liposomes and to investigate the cytotoxic activity of this potential nanomedicine on human thyroid carcinoma cells. Liposomes made up of DPPC/Chol/DSPE-mPEG2000 (6:3:1 molar ratio), characterized by a mean diameter of ∼200nm, a polydispersity index of 0.1 and a negative surface charge, were used as ATRA-carriers and their antiproliferative efficacy was investigated in comparison with the free drug on three different human thyroid carcinoma cell lines (PTC-1, B-CPAP, and FRO) through MTT-testing. The liposomes protected the ATRA against photodegradation and increased its antiproliferative properties due to the improvement of its cellular uptake. ATRA-loaded liposomes could be a novel formulation useful for the treatment of anaplastic thyroid carcinoma.