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Ailuno G, Baldassari S, Balboni A, Pastorino S, Zuccari G, Cortese K, Barbieri F, Drava G, Florio T, Caviglioli G. Development of Biotinylated Liposomes Encapsulating Metformin for Therapeutic Targeting of Inflammation-Based Diseases. Pharmaceutics 2024; 16:235. [PMID: 38399288 PMCID: PMC10893420 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics16020235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Inflammation is a physiological response to a damaging stimulus but sometimes can be the cause of the onset of neurodegenerative diseases, atherosclerosis, and cancer. These pathologies are characterized by the overexpression of inflammatory markers like endothelial adhesion molecules, such as Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule-1 (VCAM-1). In the present work, the development of liposomes for therapeutic targeted delivery to inflamed endothelia is described. The idea is to exploit a three-step pretargeting system based on the biotin-avidin high-affinity interaction: the first step involves a previously described biotin derivative bearing a VCAM-1 binding peptide; in the second step, the avidin derivative NeutrAvidinTM, which strongly binds to the biotin moiety, is injected; the final step is the administration of biotinylated liposomes that would bind to NeutravidinTM immobilized onto VCAM-1 overexpressing endothelium. Stealth biotinylated liposomes, prepared via the thin film hydration method followed by extrusion and purification via size exclusion chromatography, have been thoroughly characterized for their chemico-physical and morphological features and loaded with metformin hydrochloride, a potential anti-inflammatory agent. The three-step system, tested in vitro on different cell lines via confocal microscopy, FACS analysis and metformin uptake, has proved its suitability for therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgia Ailuno
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Genoa, Viale Cembrano 4, 16148 Genova, Italy; (S.B.); (A.B.); (G.Z.); (G.D.); (G.C.)
| | - Sara Baldassari
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Genoa, Viale Cembrano 4, 16148 Genova, Italy; (S.B.); (A.B.); (G.Z.); (G.D.); (G.C.)
| | - Alice Balboni
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Genoa, Viale Cembrano 4, 16148 Genova, Italy; (S.B.); (A.B.); (G.Z.); (G.D.); (G.C.)
| | - Sara Pastorino
- Territorial Pharmacy of Azienda Sociosanitaria Ligure 2, Via Carlo Collodi 13, 17100 Savona, Italy;
| | - Guendalina Zuccari
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Genoa, Viale Cembrano 4, 16148 Genova, Italy; (S.B.); (A.B.); (G.Z.); (G.D.); (G.C.)
| | - Katia Cortese
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genoa, Via Antonio de Toni 14, 16132 Genova, Italy;
| | - Federica Barbieri
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV 2, 16132 Genova, Italy; (F.B.); (T.F.)
| | - Giuliana Drava
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Genoa, Viale Cembrano 4, 16148 Genova, Italy; (S.B.); (A.B.); (G.Z.); (G.D.); (G.C.)
| | - Tullio Florio
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV 2, 16132 Genova, Italy; (F.B.); (T.F.)
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Gabriele Caviglioli
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Genoa, Viale Cembrano 4, 16148 Genova, Italy; (S.B.); (A.B.); (G.Z.); (G.D.); (G.C.)
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Ailuno G, Baldassari S, Balboni A, Drava G, Spalletti C, Tantillo E, Mazzanti M, Barbieri F, Thellung S, Florio T, Caviglioli G. Development and validation of a GC-MS method for determination of metformin in normal brain and in glioblastoma tissues. J Pharm Biomed Anal 2023; 234:115503. [PMID: 37295189 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpba.2023.115503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Metformin hydrochloride (MH) has recently been repurposed as an anticancer agent, showing antiproliferative activity in vitro and in vivo. In particular, experimental evidence has suggested its potential clinical efficacy in glioblastoma (GBM), a very aggressive tumor frequently characterized by gloomy prognosis. Unfortunately, the published literature concerning experimental applications of MH in glioblastoma animal models report no data on metformin levels reached in the brain, which, considering the high hydrophilicity of the drug, are likely very low. Therefore, new sensitive analytical methods to be applied on biological tissues are necessary to improve our knowledge of MH in vivo biodistribution and biological effects on tumors. In this research work, a GC-MS method for MH quantification in brain tissues is proposed. MH has been derivatized using N-methyl-bis(trifluoroacetamide), as already described in the literature, but the derivatization conditions have been optimized; moreover, deuterated MH has been selected as the best internal standard, after a comparative evaluation including other internal standards employed in published methods. After ascertaining method linearity, its accuracy, precision, specificity, repeatability, LOD and LOQ (0.373 µM and 1.242 µM, respectively, corresponding to 0.887 and 2.958 pmol/mg of wet tissue) have been evaluated on mouse brain tissue samples, obtained through a straightforward preparation procedure involving methanolic extraction from lyophilized brain homogenates and solid phase purification. The method has been validated on brain samples obtained from mice, either healthy or xenografted with GBM cells, receiving metformin dissolved in the drinking water. This analytical method can be usefully applied in preclinical studies aiming at clarifying MH mechanism of action in brain tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgia Ailuno
- Department of Pharmacy, Università degli Studi di Genova, Viale Cembrano 4, 16148 Genova, Italy
| | - Sara Baldassari
- Department of Pharmacy, Università degli Studi di Genova, Viale Cembrano 4, 16148 Genova, Italy
| | - Alice Balboni
- Department of Pharmacy, Università degli Studi di Genova, Viale Cembrano 4, 16148 Genova, Italy
| | - Giuliana Drava
- Department of Pharmacy, Università degli Studi di Genova, Viale Cembrano 4, 16148 Genova, Italy
| | - Cristina Spalletti
- Institute of Neuroscience, National Research Council (CNR), Via Giuseppe Moruzzi 1, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Elena Tantillo
- Institute of Neuroscience, National Research Council (CNR), Via Giuseppe Moruzzi 1, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Michele Mazzanti
- Department of Biosciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Giovanni Celoria 26, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Federica Barbieri
- Department of Internal Medicine, Università degli Studi di Genova, Viale Benedetto XV 2, 16132 Genova, Italy; IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Stefano Thellung
- Department of Internal Medicine, Università degli Studi di Genova, Viale Benedetto XV 2, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Tullio Florio
- Department of Internal Medicine, Università degli Studi di Genova, Viale Benedetto XV 2, 16132 Genova, Italy; IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Gabriele Caviglioli
- Department of Pharmacy, Università degli Studi di Genova, Viale Cembrano 4, 16148 Genova, Italy.
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Baldassari S, Balboni A, Drava G, Donghia D, Canepa P, Ailuno G, Caviglioli G. Phytochemicals and Cancer Treatment: Cell-Derived and Biomimetic Vesicles as Promising Carriers. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:pharmaceutics15051445. [PMID: 37242687 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15051445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The majority of anticancer agents currently used derive from natural sources: plants, frequently the ones employed in traditional medicines, are an abundant source of mono- and diterpenes, polyphenols, and alkaloids that exert antitumor activity through diverse mechanisms. Unfortunately, many of these molecules are affected by poor pharmacokinetics and limited specificity, shortcomings that may be overcome by incorporating them into nanovehicles. Cell-derived nanovesicles have recently risen to prominence, due to their biocompatibility, low immunogenicity and, above all, targeting properties. However, due to difficult scalability, the industrial production of biologically-derived vesicles and consequent application in clinics is difficult. As an efficient alternative, bioinspired vesicles deriving from the hybridization of cell-derived and artificial membranes have been conceived, revealing high flexibility and appropriate drug delivery ability. In this review, the most recent advances in the application of these vesicles to the targeted delivery of anticancer actives obtained from plants are presented, with specific focus on vehicle manufacture and characterization, and effectiveness evaluation performed through in vitro and in vivo assays. The emerging overall outlook appears promising in terms of efficient drug loading and selective targeting of tumor cells, suggesting further engrossing developments in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Baldassari
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Genova, 16148 Genova, Italy
| | - Alice Balboni
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Genova, 16148 Genova, Italy
| | - Giuliana Drava
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Genova, 16148 Genova, Italy
| | - Daniela Donghia
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Genova, 16148 Genova, Italy
| | - Paolo Canepa
- Department of Physics, University of Genova, 16146 Genova, Italy
| | - Giorgia Ailuno
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Genova, 16148 Genova, Italy
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Ailuno G, Balboni A, Caviglioli G, Lai F, Barbieri F, Dellacasagrande I, Florio T, Baldassari S. Boron Vehiculating Nanosystems for Neutron Capture Therapy in Cancer Treatment. Cells 2022; 11:cells11244029. [PMID: 36552793 PMCID: PMC9776957 DOI: 10.3390/cells11244029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Boron neutron capture therapy is a low-invasive cancer therapy based on the neutron fission process that occurs upon thermal neutron irradiation of 10B-containing compounds; this process causes the release of alpha particles that selectively damage cancer cells. Although several clinical studies involving mercaptoundecahydro-closo-dodecaborate and the boronophenylalanine-fructose complex are currently ongoing, the success of this promising anticancer therapy is hampered by the lack of appropriate drug delivery systems to selectively carry therapeutic concentrations of boron atoms to cancer tissues, allowing prolonged boron retention therein and avoiding the damage of healthy tissues. To achieve these goals, numerous research groups have explored the possibility to formulate nanoparticulate systems for boron delivery. In this review. we report the newest developments on boron vehiculating drug delivery systems based on nanoparticles, distinguished on the basis of the type of carrier used, with a specific focus on the formulation aspects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgia Ailuno
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Genova, 16147 Genova, Italy
- Correspondence: (G.A.); (T.F.)
| | - Alice Balboni
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Genova, 16147 Genova, Italy
| | | | - Francesco Lai
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences (DiSVA), University of Cagliari, 09124 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Federica Barbieri
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genova, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | | | - Tullio Florio
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genova, 16132 Genova, Italy
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genova, Italy
- Correspondence: (G.A.); (T.F.)
| | - Sara Baldassari
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Genova, 16147 Genova, Italy
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Cannito S, Bincoletto V, Turato C, Pontisso P, Scupoli MT, Ailuno G, Andreana I, Stella B, Arpicco S, Bocca C. Hyaluronated and PEGylated Liposomes as a Potential Drug-Delivery Strategy to Specifically Target Liver Cancer and Inflammatory Cells. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27031062. [PMID: 35164326 PMCID: PMC8840578 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27031062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Revised: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most frequent primary liver cancer and is characterized by poor clinical outcomes, with the majority of patients not being eligible for curative therapy and treatments only being applicable for early-stage tumors. CD44 is a receptor for hyaluronic acid (HA) and is involved in HCC progression. The aim of this work is to propose HA- and PEGylated-liposomes as promising approaches for the treatment of HCC. It has been found, in this work, that CD44 transcripts are up-regulated in HCC patients, as well as in a murine model of NAFLD/NASH-related hepatocarcinogenesis. Cell culture experiments indicate that HA-liposomes are more rapidly and significantly internalized by Huh7 cells that over-express CD44, compared with HepG2 cells that express low levels of the receptor, in which the uptake seems due to endocytic events. By contrast, human and murine macrophage cell lines (THP-1, RAW264.7) show improved and rapid uptake of PEG-modified liposomes without the involvement of the CD44. Moreover, the internalization of PEG-modified liposomes seems to induce polarization of THP1 towards the M1 phenotype. In conclusion, data reported in this study indicate that this strategy can be proposed as an alternative for drug delivery and one that dually and specifically targets liver cancer cells and infiltrating tumor macrophages in order to counteract two crucial aspect of HCC progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Cannito
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, 10125 Turin, Italy; (S.C.); (C.B.)
| | - Valeria Bincoletto
- Department of Drug Science and Technology, University of Turin, 10125 Turin, Italy; (V.B.); (I.A.); (B.S.)
| | - Cristian Turato
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy;
| | | | - Maria Teresa Scupoli
- Research Center LURM, Interdepartmental Laboratory of Medical Research, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy;
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, 37129 Verona, Italy
| | - Giorgia Ailuno
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Genova, 16148 Genova, Italy;
| | - Ilaria Andreana
- Department of Drug Science and Technology, University of Turin, 10125 Turin, Italy; (V.B.); (I.A.); (B.S.)
| | - Barbara Stella
- Department of Drug Science and Technology, University of Turin, 10125 Turin, Italy; (V.B.); (I.A.); (B.S.)
| | - Silvia Arpicco
- Department of Drug Science and Technology, University of Turin, 10125 Turin, Italy; (V.B.); (I.A.); (B.S.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-011-670-6668
| | - Claudia Bocca
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, 10125 Turin, Italy; (S.C.); (C.B.)
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Baldassari S, Cirrincione P, Ailuno G, Drava G, Arpicco S, Caviglioli G. Towards a better understanding of thermally treated polycarbophil matrix tablets for controlled release. Int J Pharm X 2021; 3:100098. [PMID: 34661093 PMCID: PMC8503905 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpx.2021.100098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Revised: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 10/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Polycarbophil (POL), a polyacrylic acid cross-linked with divinyl glycol, is widely used in semisolid and solid dosage forms. When undergoing a thermal treatment in the range 120–160 °C, POL shows interesting morphological modifications, related to changes in physical properties, such as swelling of the powder granules, or hardening and matrix formation if included in the composition of a tablet. Thermal analysis conducted on POL highlighted a thermal event (Z) that can be correlated both to the shrinking of the powder granules and to the matrix formation in compacted POL powder. Modulated differential scanning calorimetry (MDSC) allowed to distinguish, inside event Z, an irreversible process overlapping with a reversible glass transition, attributable to the volatilization of residual solvents identified, through a complex TGA-FTIR-GC–MS interface, as acetate esters used for the polymer production as very fine powder. A specific interaction between acetates and POL, capable of stabilizing the polymer chains in a given conformation, was highlighted. The molecular rearrangement of the POL chains, following the volatilization of the solvent-stabilizers, is therefore ascribable to a loss of energetic stability of this material, which justifies the shrinking phenomena in the granules of the powder and the matrix formation when POL is compacted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Baldassari
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Genova, Viale Cembrano 4, 16148 Genova, Italy
| | - Paola Cirrincione
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Genova, Viale Cembrano 4, 16148 Genova, Italy
| | - Giorgia Ailuno
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Genova, Viale Cembrano 4, 16148 Genova, Italy
| | - Giuliana Drava
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Genova, Viale Cembrano 4, 16148 Genova, Italy
| | - Silvia Arpicco
- Department of Drug Science and Technology, University of Torino, Via Giuria 9, 10125 Torino, Italy
| | - Gabriele Caviglioli
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Genova, Viale Cembrano 4, 16148 Genova, Italy
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Casula L, Lai F, Pini E, Valenti D, Sinico C, Cardia MC, Marceddu S, Ailuno G, Fadda AM. Pulmonary Delivery of Curcumin and Beclomethasone Dipropionate in a Multicomponent Nanosuspension for the Treatment of Bronchial Asthma. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:pharmaceutics13081300. [PMID: 34452261 PMCID: PMC8401312 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13081300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Revised: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Curcumin has shown a potential extraordinary activity as an add-on ingredient in asthma treatment, due to its immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory mechanism of action. However, its low water solubility and bioavailability lead to a poor therapeutic effect, which can be overcome by its formulation as nanocrystals. The aim of this study was to prepare a multicomponent formulation for the delivery of curcumin (CUR) and beclomethasone dipropionate (BDP) into the lungs as water-based nanosuspensions (NS). Single component formulations (CUR-NS, BDP-NS) and a multicomponent formulation (CUR+BDP-NS) were prepared through a wet ball media milling technique, using P188 as a non-toxic stabilizer. Characterization was carried out in terms of size, size distribution, zeta potential, nanocrystals morphology, and solid-state properties. Moreover, the inhalation delivery efficiency was studied with Next Generation Impactor (NGI, Apparatus E Ph. Eu). CUR-NS was optimized and showed a long-term stability and improved nanocrystals apparent solubility. The three formulations exhibited a nanocrystal mean diameter in the range of 200-240 nm and a homogenous particle size distribution. Aggregation or sedimentation phenomena were not observed in the multicomponent formulation on 90 days storage at room temperature. Finally, the nebulization tests of the three samples showed optimal aerodynamic parameters and MMAD < 5 µm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Casula
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell’Ambiente, Sezione di Scienze del Farmaco, Università degli Studi di Cagliari, 09124 Cagliari, Italy; (L.C.); (F.L.); (D.V.); (C.S.); (M.C.C.)
| | - Francesco Lai
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell’Ambiente, Sezione di Scienze del Farmaco, Università degli Studi di Cagliari, 09124 Cagliari, Italy; (L.C.); (F.L.); (D.V.); (C.S.); (M.C.C.)
| | - Elena Pini
- DISFARM, Sezione di Chimica Generale e Organica “A. Marchesini”, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Venezian 21, 20133 Milano, Italy;
| | - Donatella Valenti
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell’Ambiente, Sezione di Scienze del Farmaco, Università degli Studi di Cagliari, 09124 Cagliari, Italy; (L.C.); (F.L.); (D.V.); (C.S.); (M.C.C.)
| | - Chiara Sinico
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell’Ambiente, Sezione di Scienze del Farmaco, Università degli Studi di Cagliari, 09124 Cagliari, Italy; (L.C.); (F.L.); (D.V.); (C.S.); (M.C.C.)
| | - Maria Cristina Cardia
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell’Ambiente, Sezione di Scienze del Farmaco, Università degli Studi di Cagliari, 09124 Cagliari, Italy; (L.C.); (F.L.); (D.V.); (C.S.); (M.C.C.)
| | - Salvatore Marceddu
- Istituto di Scienze delle Produzioni Alimentari (ISPA)-CNR, Sez. di Sassari, 07040 Baldinca, Italy;
| | - Giorgia Ailuno
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Genova, 16147 Genova, Italy;
| | - Anna Maria Fadda
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell’Ambiente, Sezione di Scienze del Farmaco, Università degli Studi di Cagliari, 09124 Cagliari, Italy; (L.C.); (F.L.); (D.V.); (C.S.); (M.C.C.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-070-675-8565
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Ailuno G, Iacobazzi RM, Lopalco A, Baldassari S, Arduino I, Azzariti A, Pastorino S, Caviglioli G, Denora N. The Pharmaceutical Technology Approach on Imaging Innovations from Italian Research. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:1214. [PMID: 34452175 PMCID: PMC8402236 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13081214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Revised: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Many modern therapeutic approaches are based on precise diagnostic evidence, where imaging procedures play an essential role. To date, in the diagnostic field, a plethora of agents have been investigated to increase the selectivity and sensitivity of diagnosis. However, the most common drawbacks of conventional imaging agents reside in their non-specificity, short imaging time, instability, and toxicity. Moreover, routinely used diagnostic agents have low molecular weights and consequently a rapid clearance and renal excretion, and this represents a limitation if long-lasting imaging analyses are to be conducted. Thus, the development of new agents for in vivo diagnostics requires not only a deep knowledge of the physical principles of the imaging techniques and of the physiopathological aspects of the disease but also of the relative pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical requirements. In this scenario, skills in pharmaceutical technology have become highly indispensable in order to respond to these needs. This review specifically aims to collect examples of newly developed diagnostic agents connoting the importance of an appropriate formulation study for the realization of effective products. Within the context of pharmaceutical technology research in Italy, several groups have developed and patented promising agents for fluorescence and radioactive imaging, the most relevant of which are described hereafter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgia Ailuno
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Genova, Viale Cembrano 4, 16148 Genova, Italy; (G.A.); (S.B.)
| | - Rosa Maria Iacobazzi
- Laboratory of Experimental Pharmacology, IRCCS Istituto Tumori “Giovanni Paolo II”, O. Flacco St., 70124 Bari, Italy; (R.M.I.); (A.A.)
| | - Antonio Lopalco
- Department of Pharmacy-Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, Orabona St. 4, 70125 Bari, Italy; (A.L.); (I.A.)
| | - Sara Baldassari
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Genova, Viale Cembrano 4, 16148 Genova, Italy; (G.A.); (S.B.)
| | - Ilaria Arduino
- Department of Pharmacy-Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, Orabona St. 4, 70125 Bari, Italy; (A.L.); (I.A.)
| | - Amalia Azzariti
- Laboratory of Experimental Pharmacology, IRCCS Istituto Tumori “Giovanni Paolo II”, O. Flacco St., 70124 Bari, Italy; (R.M.I.); (A.A.)
| | - Sara Pastorino
- Nuclear Medicine Unit, S. Andrea Hospital, via Vittorio Veneto 197, 19124 La Spezia, Italy;
| | - Gabriele Caviglioli
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Genova, Viale Cembrano 4, 16148 Genova, Italy; (G.A.); (S.B.)
| | - Nunzio Denora
- Department of Pharmacy-Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, Orabona St. 4, 70125 Bari, Italy; (A.L.); (I.A.)
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Pastorino S, Baldassari S, Ailuno G, Zuccari G, Drava G, Petretto A, Cossu V, Marini C, Alfei S, Florio T, Sambuceti G, Caviglioli G. Two Novel PET Radiopharmaceuticals for Endothelial Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule-1 (VCAM-1) Targeting. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:pharmaceutics13071025. [PMID: 34371717 PMCID: PMC8309178 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13071025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Revised: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 07/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Atherosclerosis is a chronic progressive disease involving inflammatory events, such as the overexpression of adhesion molecules including the endothelial Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule-1 (VCAM-1). VCAM-1 is rapidly overexpressed in the first stages of atherosclerosis, thus representing a promising target for early atheroma detection. Two novel Positron Emission Tomography (PET) radiopharmaceuticals (MacroP and NAMP), based on the VCAM-1-binding peptide having sequence VHPKQHRGGSKGC, were synthesized and characterized. MacroP is derived from the direct conjugation of a DOTA derivative with the peptide, while NAMP is a biotin derivative conceived to be employed in a three-step pretargeting system, involving the use of a double-chelating derivative of DOTA. The identity of the newly synthesized radiopharmaceuticals was confirmed by mass spectrometry and, after radiolabeling with 68Ga, both showed high radiochemical purity; in vitro tests on human umbilical vein endothelial cells evidenced their VCAM-1 binding ability, with higher radioactive uptake in the case of NAMP. Moreover, NAMP might also be employed in a theranostic approach in association with functionalized biotinylated nanoparticles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Pastorino
- Nuclear Medicine Unit, S. Andrea Hospital, via Vittorio Veneto 197, 19124 La Spezia, Italy;
| | - Sara Baldassari
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Genova, viale Cembrano 4, 16148 Genova, Italy; (S.B.); (G.A.); (G.Z.); (G.D.); (S.A.)
| | - Giorgia Ailuno
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Genova, viale Cembrano 4, 16148 Genova, Italy; (S.B.); (G.A.); (G.Z.); (G.D.); (S.A.)
| | - Guendalina Zuccari
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Genova, viale Cembrano 4, 16148 Genova, Italy; (S.B.); (G.A.); (G.Z.); (G.D.); (S.A.)
| | - Giuliana Drava
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Genova, viale Cembrano 4, 16148 Genova, Italy; (S.B.); (G.A.); (G.Z.); (G.D.); (S.A.)
| | - Andrea Petretto
- Core Facilities-Clinical Proteomics and Metabolomics, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, via Gerolamo Gaslini 5, 16147 Genova, Italy;
| | - Vanessa Cossu
- Department of Health Science, University of Genova—Nuclear Medicine Unit, via A. Pastore 1, 16132 Genova, Italy; (V.C.); (C.M.); (G.S.)
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Largo R. Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy;
| | - Cecilia Marini
- Department of Health Science, University of Genova—Nuclear Medicine Unit, via A. Pastore 1, 16132 Genova, Italy; (V.C.); (C.M.); (G.S.)
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Largo R. Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy;
- CNR Institute of Bioimages and Molecular Physiology, via Fratelli Cervi 93, 20090 Segrate, Italy
| | - Silvana Alfei
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Genova, viale Cembrano 4, 16148 Genova, Italy; (S.B.); (G.A.); (G.Z.); (G.D.); (S.A.)
| | - Tullio Florio
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Largo R. Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy;
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genova, viale Benedetto XV 2, 16136 Genova, Italy
| | - Gianmario Sambuceti
- Department of Health Science, University of Genova—Nuclear Medicine Unit, via A. Pastore 1, 16132 Genova, Italy; (V.C.); (C.M.); (G.S.)
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Largo R. Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy;
| | - Gabriele Caviglioli
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Genova, viale Cembrano 4, 16148 Genova, Italy; (S.B.); (G.A.); (G.Z.); (G.D.); (S.A.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-010-3352635
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Ailuno G, Zuccari G, Baldassari S, Lai F, Caviglioli G. Anti-Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule-1 Nanosystems: A Promising Strategy Against Inflammatory Based Diseases. J Nanosci Nanotechnol 2021; 21:2793-2807. [PMID: 33653444 DOI: 10.1166/jnn.2021.19065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Inflammation underlays the onset and supports the development of several worldwide diffused pathologies, therefore in the last decades inflammatory markers have attracted a great deal of interest as diagnostic and therapeutic targets. Adhesion molecules are membrane proteins expressed by endotheliocytes and leukocytes, acting as mediators in the process of tethering, rolling, firm adhesion and diapedesis that leads the immune cells to reach an inflamed tissue. Among them, the adhesion molecule VCAM-1 has been investigated as a potential target because of its low constitutive expression and easy accessibility on the endothelium. Moreover, VCAM-1 is involved in the early stages of development of several pathologies like, among others, atherosclerosis, cancer, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, so a diagnostic or therapeutic tool directed to this protein would allow specific detection and efficacious intervention. The availability of monoclonal antibodies against VCAM-1 has recently fostered the development of various targeting technologies potentially suitable for imaging and drug delivery in VCAM-1 overexpressing pathologies. In this review we initially focus on the structure and functions of VCAM-1, giving also a brief overview of antibodies origin, structure and function; then, we summarize some of the VCAM-1 targeting nanosystems based on antibodies, gathered according to the carrier used, for diagnosis or therapeutic treatment of different inflammatory based pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgia Ailuno
- Department of Pharmacy, Università di Genova, 16147 Genova, Italy
| | | | - Sara Baldassari
- Department of Pharmacy, Università di Genova, 16147 Genova, Italy
| | - Francesco Lai
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences (DiSVA), Università di Cagliari, 09124 Cagliari, Italy
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11
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Zuccari G, Baldassari S, Alfei S, Marengo B, Valenti GE, Domenicotti C, Ailuno G, Villa C, Marchitto L, Caviglioli G. D-α-Tocopherol-Based Micelles for Successful Encapsulation of Retinoic Acid. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:ph14030212. [PMID: 33806321 PMCID: PMC7999664 DOI: 10.3390/ph14030212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Revised: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 02/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
All-trans-retinoic acid (ATRA) represents the first-choice treatment for several skin diseases, including epithelial skin cancer and acne. However, ATRA's cutaneous side effects, like redness and peeling, and its high instability limit its efficacy. To address these drawbacks and to improve ATRA solubilization, we prepared ATRA-loaded micelles (ATRA-TPGSs), by its encapsulation in D-α-tocopheryl-polyethylene-glycol-succinate (TPGS). First, to explore the feasibility of the project, a solubility study based on the equilibrium method was performed; then, six ATRA-TPGS formulations were prepared by the solvent-casting method using different TPGS amounts. ATRA-TPGSs showed small sizes (11-20 nm), low polydispersity, slightly negative zeta potential, and proved good encapsulation efficiency, confirmed by a chemometric-assisted Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) investigation. ATRA-TPGS stability was also investigated to choose the most stable formulation. Using Carbopol® 980 as gelling agent, ATRA-TPGS-loaded gels were obtained and analyzed for their rheological profiles. Ex vivo release studies from ATRA-TPGSs were performed by Franz cells, demonstrating a permeation after 24 h of 22 ± 4 µ cm-2. ATRA-TPGSs showed enhanced cytotoxic effects on melanoma cells, suggesting that these formulations may represent a valid alternative to improve patient compliance and to achieve more efficacious therapeutic outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guendalina Zuccari
- Department of Pharmacy (DiFAR), University of Genoa, Viale Cembrano 4, 16148 Genova, Italy; (S.B.); (S.A.); (G.A.); (C.V.); (G.C.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Sara Baldassari
- Department of Pharmacy (DiFAR), University of Genoa, Viale Cembrano 4, 16148 Genova, Italy; (S.B.); (S.A.); (G.A.); (C.V.); (G.C.)
| | - Silvana Alfei
- Department of Pharmacy (DiFAR), University of Genoa, Viale Cembrano 4, 16148 Genova, Italy; (S.B.); (S.A.); (G.A.); (C.V.); (G.C.)
| | - Barbara Marengo
- Department of Experimental Medicine—DIMES, University of Genoa, Via Alberti L.B. 2, 16132 Genova, Italy; (B.M.); (G.E.V.); (C.D.)
| | - Giulia Elda Valenti
- Department of Experimental Medicine—DIMES, University of Genoa, Via Alberti L.B. 2, 16132 Genova, Italy; (B.M.); (G.E.V.); (C.D.)
| | - Cinzia Domenicotti
- Department of Experimental Medicine—DIMES, University of Genoa, Via Alberti L.B. 2, 16132 Genova, Italy; (B.M.); (G.E.V.); (C.D.)
| | - Giorgia Ailuno
- Department of Pharmacy (DiFAR), University of Genoa, Viale Cembrano 4, 16148 Genova, Italy; (S.B.); (S.A.); (G.A.); (C.V.); (G.C.)
| | - Carla Villa
- Department of Pharmacy (DiFAR), University of Genoa, Viale Cembrano 4, 16148 Genova, Italy; (S.B.); (S.A.); (G.A.); (C.V.); (G.C.)
| | - Leonardo Marchitto
- Department of Sciences for the Quality of Life, University of Bologna, Corso D’Augusto 237, 47921 Rimini, Italy;
| | - Gabriele Caviglioli
- Department of Pharmacy (DiFAR), University of Genoa, Viale Cembrano 4, 16148 Genova, Italy; (S.B.); (S.A.); (G.A.); (C.V.); (G.C.)
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12
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Schlich M, Lai F, Pireddu R, Pini E, Ailuno G, Fadda AM, Valenti D, Sinico C. Resveratrol proniosomes as a convenient nanoingredient for functional food. Food Chem 2019; 310:125950. [PMID: 31830712 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2019.125950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2019] [Revised: 11/11/2019] [Accepted: 11/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Proniosomes are free-flowing powders composed of water-soluble carriers blended with surfactants, which form niosomes upon hydration. In this work, proniosomal formulations containing the natural antioxidant resveratrol (RSV) were prepared and fully characterized. A pre-formulation study on RSV-loaded niosomes was carried out to determine the most promising ratio between the two surfactants, Tween 20 and Span 60, in terms of entrapment efficiency and antioxidant activity. The optimized formulae were subsequently adapted to be prepared as proniosomes by the slurry method, including lactose or maltodextrin as carriers. The impact of surfactants and carriers properties on size, entrapment efficiency and release kinetics of proniosomes were evaluated. In vitro release of RSV in simulated gastric and intestinal media was determined, as well as the vesicular stability. Moreover, the biocompatibility of the formulations was determined on intestinal cells in vitro. Overall, the developed proniosomes provide promising nanoingredient for functional food, improving resveratrol stability and bioavailability.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Schlich
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente, Sezione di Scienze del Farmaco, University of Cagliari, CNBS, Via Ospedale 72, 09124 Cagliari, Italy
| | - F Lai
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente, Sezione di Scienze del Farmaco, University of Cagliari, CNBS, Via Ospedale 72, 09124 Cagliari, Italy.
| | - R Pireddu
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente, Sezione di Scienze del Farmaco, University of Cagliari, CNBS, Via Ospedale 72, 09124 Cagliari, Italy
| | - E Pini
- DISMAB-Sezione di Chimica Organica ''A.Marchesini'', Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Giorgia Ailuno
- Dipartimento di Farmacia (DIFAR), University of Genova, Genova 16148, Italy
| | - A M Fadda
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente, Sezione di Scienze del Farmaco, University of Cagliari, CNBS, Via Ospedale 72, 09124 Cagliari, Italy
| | - D Valenti
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente, Sezione di Scienze del Farmaco, University of Cagliari, CNBS, Via Ospedale 72, 09124 Cagliari, Italy
| | - C Sinico
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente, Sezione di Scienze del Farmaco, University of Cagliari, CNBS, Via Ospedale 72, 09124 Cagliari, Italy
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