Unveiling the potential of ursolic acid modified hyaluronate nanoparticles for combination drug therapy in triple negative breast cancer

Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) represents the most aggressive and heterogenous disease, and combination therapy holds promising potential. Here, an enzyme-responsive polymeric prodrug with self-assembly properties was synthesized for targeted co-delivery of paclitaxel (PTX) and ursolic acid (UA). Hyaluronic acid (HA) was conjugated with UA, yielding an amphiphilic prodrug with 13.85 mol% UA and a CMC of 32.3 μg/mL. The HA-UA conjugate exhibited ∼14 % and 47 % hydrolysis at pH 7.4 and in tumor cell lysate. HA-UA/PTX NPs exhibited a spherical structure with 173 nm particle size, and 0.15 PDI. The nanoparticles showed high drug loading (11.58 %) and entrapment efficiency (76.87 %) of PTX. Release experiments revealed accelerated drug release (∼78 %) in the presence of hyaluronidase enzyme. Cellular uptake in MDA-MB-231 cells showed enhanced uptake of HA-UA/PTX NPs through CD44 receptor-mediated endocytosis. In vitro, HA-UA/PTX NPs exhibited higher cytotoxicity, apoptosis, and mitochondrial depolarization compared to PTX alone. In vivo, HA-UA/PTX NPs demonstrated improved pharmacokinetic properties, with 2.18, 2.40, and 2.35-fold higher AUC, t1/2, and MRT compared to free PTX. Notably, HA-UA/PTX NPs exhibited superior antitumor efficacy with a 90 % tumor inhibition rate in 4T1 tumor model and low systemic toxicity, showcasing their significant potential as carriers for TNBC combination therapy.

Collagen fibril-like injectable hydrogels from self-assembled nanoparticles for promoting wound healing

Soft hydrogels are excellent candidate materials for repairing various tissue defects, yet the mechanical strength, anti-swelling properties, and biocompatibility of many soft hydrogels need to be improved. Herein, inspired by the nanostructure of collagen fibrils, we developed a strategy toward achieving a soft but tough, anti-swelling nanofibrillar hydrogel by combining the self-assembly and chemical crosslinking of nanoparticles. Specifically, the collagen fibril-like injectable hydrogel was subtly designed and fabricated by self-assembling methylacrylyl hydroxypropyl chitosan (HM) with laponite (LAP) to form nanoparticles, followed by the inter-nanoparticle bonding through photo-crosslinking. The assembly mechanism of nanoparticles was elucidated by both experimental and simulation techniques. Due to the unique structure of the crosslinked nanoparticles, the nanocomposite hydrogels exhibited low stiffness (G'< 2 kPa), high compressive strength (709 kPa), and anti-swelling (swelling ratio of 1.07 in PBS) properties. Additionally, by harnessing the photo-crosslinking ability of the nanoparticles, the nanocomposite hydrogels were processed as microgels, which can be three-dimensionally (3D) printed into complex shapes. Furthermore, we demonstrated that these nanocomposite hydrogels are highly biocompatible, biodegradability, and can effectively promote fibroblast migration and accelerate blood vessel formation during wound healing. This work presents a promising approach to develop biomimetic, nanofibrillar soft hydrogels for regenerative medicine applications.

An injectable nanocomposite hydrogel prevents postoperative tumor recurrence and wound infection via synergistic photothermal-chemo-therapy

HYPOTHESIS

Tumor recurrence, bacterial infection, and wound healing remain significant clinical challenges after skin-tumor resection. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that a multifunctional nanocomposite platform containing nanoparticles (NPs) with the photothermal agent IR820 and bioactive drug curcumin (Cur) would be able to prevent tumor recurrence, limit bacterial wound infections, and promote wound healing.

EXPERIMENTS

In this study, we developed a near-infrared light-activated nanocomposite hydrogel system (Hydrogel/Cur@IR820) by incorporating self-assembled NPs (Cur@IR820) in solutions containing Pluronic F127 modified with aldehyde groups (F127-CHO) and polyethyleneimine-grafted F127 (F127-PEI).

FINDINGS

The Hydrogel/Cur@IR820 platform exhibited inherent multifunctional properties, including superior injectability, self-healing behavior, photothermal effects, and free radical scavenging ability. The Cur@IR820 NPs led to photonic hyperthermia and near-infrared (NIR)-triggered Cur release, which drove synergistic therapeutic effects against bacteria and tumor cells. Furthermore, the Hydrogel/Cur@IR820 system promoted wound repair and tissue regeneration by reducing inflammation through the antioxidant properties of Cur. Overall, the results of this study have clinical implications for inhibiting tumor growth, treating bacterial infections, and accelerating tissue regeneration.

Hollow carbon spheres derived from self-assembled chitosan/poly(γ-glutamic acid) nanoparticles for oil-in-water emulsion separation

With the rapid science and technology advancement, the oil-water separation in oily wastewater has become an urgent problem, especially the emulsified oil-water mixtures. Hollow carbon spheres (HCSs) have tremendous potential in separating oil-water emulsions due to their rich porous channels and high surface-to-volume ratio. In this work, as-prepared chitosan/poly(γ-glutamic acid) nanoparticles crosslinked by Ni2+ (Ni2+/CS/γ-PGA NPs) were used as carbon precursor to fabricate HCSs. This strategy separated the formation process of the biomolecular microspheres and the carbonization process. Especially, the Ni2+/CS/γ-PGA NPs were fabricated from the self-assembly of chitosan and γ-PGA in aqueous solution and the crosslinking of Ni2+ via the electrostatic interactions, facilitating the formation of biomolecular microspheres and making the usable of biomolecule-based carbon precursors diversity. After lyophilization, Ni2+/CS/γ-PGA NPs powder was obtained, which was then carbonized in a tube furnace under N2 atmosphere. During the carbonization process, the nickel species aggregated together to form the core of nickel@carbon nanoparticles, and carbon formed the shell. At last, nickel nanoparticles were removed from the carbon framework by hydrochloric acid, obtaining HCSs with super-hydrophobicity and lipophilicity. The as-prepared HCSs exhibited excellent separation performance in oil-in-water emulsions.

Computational and experimental therapeutic efficacy analysis of andrographolide phospholipid complex self-assembled nanoparticles against Neuro2a cells

BACKGROUND

Neuroblastoma is one of the most common malignancies in childhood, accounts for approximately 7% of all malignancies. Andrographolide (AN) inhibits cancer cells progression via multiple pathways like cell cycle arrest, mitochondrial apoptosis, NF-κβ inhibition, and antiangiogenesis mechanism. Despite multiple advantages, application of AN is very limited due to its low aqueous solubility (6.39 ± 0.47 μg/mL), high lipophilicity (log P ∼ 2.632 ± 0.135), and reduced stability owing to pH sensitive lactone ring.

OBJECTIVES AND RESULTS

In present investigation, a molecular complex of AN with soya-L-α-phosphatidyl choline (SPC) was synthesized as ANSPC and characterized by FT-IR and¹H NMR spectroscopy. Spectral and molecular simulation techniques confirmed the intermolecular interactions between the 14-OH group of AN and the N⁺(CH₃)₃part of SPC. In addition, molecular dynamics (MD) simulation was used to determine the degree of interaction between various proteins such as TNF-α, caspase-3, and Bcl-2. Later, ANSPC complex was transformed in to self-assembled soft nanoparticles of size 201.8 ± 1.48 nm with PDI of 0.092 ± 0.004 and zeta potential of -21.7 ± 0.85 mV. The IC50 offree AN (8.319 μg/mL) and the self-assembled soft ANSPC nanoparticles (3.406 μg/mL ∼ 1.2 μg of AN) against Neuro2a cells was estimated with significant (P < 0.05) difference. Interestingly, the self-assembled soft ANSPC nanoparticles showed better endocytosis compared to free AN in Neuro2a cells. In-vitrobiological assays confirmed that self-assembled soft ANSPC nanoparticles induces apoptosis in Neuro2a cells by declining the MMP (Δψm) and increasing the ROS generation.

CONCLUSION

Self-assembled soft ANSPC nanoparticles warrant further in-depth antitumor study in xenograft model of neuroblastoma to establish the anticancer potential.

Preparation and characterization of zein-lecithin-total flavonoids from Smilax glabra complex nanoparticles and the study of their antioxidant activity on HepG2 cells

Total flavonoids from Smilax glabra (TFSG) exhibit several biological activities; however, their poor stability limits their application. In this work, zein-lecithin-TFSG complex nanoparticles (Z-L-TFSG NPs) were prepared using the anti-solvent coprecipitation technique. The prepared Z-L-TFSG NPs were spherical with an encapsulation efficiency of 98.0%. Differential scanning calorimetry, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and morphology tests revealed that the TFSG were successfully encapsulated by Z-L NPs. Z-L-TFSG NPs showed superior stability and better controlled release characteristics in simulated gastrointestinal digestion. The encapsulation of TFSG by Z-L NPs could improve their antioxidant capacity in vitro. Moreover, Z-L-TFSG NPs could enhance the protective effects of TFSG against H₂O₂-induced oxidative damage to HepG2 cells. The results indicated that the Z-L self-assembled NPs could serve as a promising drug delivery system through the integrated encapsulation of multiple flavonoids.

Antibiotics-free nanoparticles eradicate Helicobacter pylori biofilms and intracellular bacteria

Biofilms and intracellular survival tremendously help Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) escape from antibacterial agents attacking, therefore issuing extreme challenges to clinical therapies. Herein, we constructed fucoidan (FU)-coated nanoparticles (FU/ML-LA/EB NPs) via simple self-assembly of biguanide derivative (metformin-linoleic acid, ML) and linoleic acid (LA), encapsulating urease inhibitor ebselen (EB) instead of antibiotics to take antibacterial effect. Negatively charged FU/ML-LA/EB NPs easily penetrated through the gastric mucus layer to arrive at infection sites, then eradicated extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) to destroy H. pylori biofilms structure. After strengthening bacterial membrane permeability, the nanoparticles could enter H. pylori and kill bacteria by inhibiting the activity of urease. FU/ML-LA/EB NPs also entered H. pylori-infected host cells through receptor-mediated internalization, in which they activated AMPK to recover lysosomal acidification for killing intracellular H. pylori. Additionally, FU/ML-LA/EB NPs alleviated oxidative stress, hence reducing gastric mucosal damage and cutting off the pathways of carcinogenesis. Notably, H. pylori burden after FU/ML-LA/EB NPs treatment was reduced to a great extent in vivo, which was significantly lower than that after treatment with clinical therapy. Antibiotics-free FU/ML-LA/EB NPs improving bacterial eradication and alleviating oxidation stress made it a powerful approach against H. pylori.

Construction of reduction-sensitive heterodimer prodrugs of doxorubicin and dihydroartemisinin self-assembled nanoparticles with antitumor activity

Doxorubicin (DOX) is used as a first-line chemotherapeutic drug, whereas dihydroartemisinin (DHA) also shows a certain degree of antitumor activity. Disulfide bonds (-SS-) in prodrug molecules can be degraded in highly reducing environments. Thus, heterodimer prodrugs of DOX and DHA linked by a disulfide bond was designed and subsequently prepared as reduction-responsive self-assembled nanoparticles (DOX-SS-DHA NPs). In an in vitro release study, DOX-SS-DHA NPs exhibited reduction-responsive activity. Upon cellular evaluation, DOX-SS-DHA NPs were found to have better selectivity toward tumor cells and less cytotoxicity to normal cells. Compared to free DiR, DOX-SS-DHA NPs showed improved accumulation at the tumor site and even had a longer clearance half-life. More importantly, DOX-SS-DHA NPs possessed a much higher tumor inhibition efficacy than DOX-sol and MIX-sol in 4T1 tumor-bearing mice. Our results suggested the superior antitumor efficacy of DOX-SS-DHA NPs with less cytotoxicity.

A molecularly imprinted biosensor based on water-compatible and electroactive polymeric nanoparticles for lysozyme detection

A molecularly imprinted biosensor for lysozyme based on the polymer nanoparticles self-assembled from water-soluble and electroactive poly (γ-glutamic acid) modified with 3-aminothiophene copolymer were prepared. The water-soluble copolymer made imprinting of lysozyme in aqueous solution possible and thus facilitated improvement of the activity of LYS. Subsequent electro-polymerization not only locked the recognition site between copolymer and lysozyme but also created a conductive polymer network, which can enhance the electron transfer rate and increase the conductivity of the film. The prepared molecularly imprinted biosensor exhibited a wide linear range from 1 × 10^-10 to 1 × 10^-5 mg mL^-1, and satisfactory selectivity, stability, repeatability for lysozyme detection.

Murine pharmacokinetics and antimalarial pharmacodynamics of dihydroartemisinin trimer self-assembled nanoparticles

Currently, conjugation of artemisinin-derived dimers, trimers, and tetramers is a viable strategy for developing new effective antimalarial candidates. Furthermore, nanotechnology is an effective means to achieve intravenous administration of hydrophobic drugs. In this paper, an ester-linked dihydroartemisinin trimer (DHA₃) was synthesized and further prepared as self-assembled nanoparticles (DHA₃NPs) by a one-step nanoprecipitation method. The pharmacokinetics and antimalarial pharmacodynamics of DHA₃NPs were studied in rats and mice infected with Plasmodium yoelii BY265 (PyBY265). DHA₃NPs had a regular spherical shape with a uniform size distribution of 140.27 ± 3.59 nm, entrapment efficiency (EE) of 99.63 ± 0.17%, and drug loading efficiency (DL) of 79.62 ± 0.11%. The in vitro release characterization revealed that DHA₃NPs were easily hydrolysed into DHA in an esterase environment. The pharmacokinetics study demonstrated that the area under the concentration-time curve (AUC_0-t) of DHA in DHA₃NPs group was 2070.52 ± 578.76 h×ng×mL^-1, which was higher than that of DHA and artesunate (AS) control groups (AUC_0-t values of 724.18 ± 94.32 and 448.40 ± 94.45 h×ng×mL^-1, respectively) (P < 0.05). The antimalarial pharmacodynamics in vivo suggested that DHA₃NP_S (ED₉₀ 7.82 ± 1.16 μmol×(kg×day)^-1) had a superior antimalarial effect compared with that of control groups (ED₉₀ values of 14.68 ± 0.98 (DHA) and 14.34 ± 1.96 (AS) μmol×(kg×day)^-1) (P < 0.05). In addition, DHA₃NP_S reduced the recurrence ratio and improved the cure ratio and survival time. In summary, DHA₃NPs exhibited promising pharmacokinetic characteristics and antimalarial pharmacodynamics in vivo.

[Biofilm Eradication Four-Step Strategy: Study of Using Self-Assembled Azithromycin/Rhamnolipid Nanoparticles for Removing Pseudomonas aeruginosa Biofilm]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the in vitro eradicative effect of self-assembled azithromycin/rhamnolipid nanoparticles (AZI-RHL NPs) on P seudomonas aeruginosa ( P. aeruginosa) biofilm.

METHODS

AZI-RHL NPs were prepared and characterized. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of AZI-RHL NPs on planktonic P. aeruginosa was measured by the broth microdilution method. The eradicative effect of AZI-RHL NPs on P. aeruginosa biofilm was evaluated via crystal violet staining and SYTO 9/PI live/dead staining. Fluorescence labeling was used to measure the eradicative effect of NPs on extracellular polymeric substances (EPS). In addition, crystal violet staining was performed to evaluate the inhibitory effect of AZI-RHL NPs on the adhesion of P. aeruginosa on human bronchial epithelial BEAS-2B cells. To investigate the ability of AZI-RHL NPs to penetrate mucus, the interaction between NPs and mucin was measured via particle size changes after co-incubation with mucin solution.

RESULTS

The AZI-RHL NPs had a particle size of about 121 nm and were negatively charged on the surface, displaying a high encapsulation efficiency and a high drug loading capacity of 96.72% and 45.08% for AZI, respectively and 99.38% and 53.07% for RHL, respectively. The MIC of AZI-RHL NPs on planktonic P. aeruginosa was half of that of using AZI alone. AZI-RHL NPs displayed the capacity to effectively destroy the biofilm structure and remove the proteins and polysaccharides in EPS, eradicating biofilms in addition to reducing the survival rate of bacteria in the biofilm. AZI-RHL NPs were shown to have inhibited P. aeruginosa adhesion on BEAS-2B cells and prevented the residual bacteria from forming a new biofilm. There was no significant change in the particle size of NPs after co-incubation with mucin solution, indicating a weak interaction between NPs and mucin, and suggesting that NPs could penetrate the mucus and reach the P. aeruginosa infection sites.

CONCLUSION

AZI-RHL NPs were able to effectively enhance the removal of P. aeruginosa biofilm through a four-step strategy of biofilm eradication, including penetrating the mucus, disintegrating the biofilm structure, killing the bacteria dispersed from biofilm, and preventing the adhesion of residual bacteria. We hope that this study will provide a replicable common strategy for the treatment of refractory infections caused by P. aeruginosa and other types of biofilms.

The Inclusion of a Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 Responsive Sequence in Self-assembled Peptide-based Brain-Targeting Nanoparticles Improves the Efficiency of Nanoparticles Crossing the Blood-Brain Barrier at Elevated MMP-9 Levels

This study investigated whether the inclusion of a matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) responsive sequence in self-assembled peptide-based brain-targeting nanoparticles (NPs) would enhance the blood-brain barrier (BBB) penetration when MMP-9 levels are elevated both in the brain and blood circulation. Brain-targeting peptides were conjugated at the N-terminus to MMP-9-responsive peptides, and these were conjugated at the N-terminus to lipid moiety (cholesteryl chloroformate or palmitic acid). Two constructs did not have MMP-9-responsive peptides. NPs were characterised for size, charge, critical micelle concentration, toxicity, blood compatibility, neural cell uptake, release profiles, and in vitro BBB permeability simulating normal or elevated MMP-9 levels. The inclusion of MMP-9-sensitive sequences did not improve the release of a model drug in the presence of active MMP-9 from NPs compared to distilled water. ¹⁹F NMR studies suggested the burial of MMP-9-sensitive sequences inside the NPs making them inaccessible to MMP-9. Only cholesterol-GGGCKAPETALC (responsive to MMP-9) NPs showed <5% haemolysis, <1 pg/mL release of IL-1β at 500 μg/mL from THP1 cells, with 70.75 ± 5.78% of NPs crossing the BBB at 24 h in presence of active MMP-9. In conclusion, brain-targeting NPs showed higher transport across the BBB model when MMP-9 levels were elevated and the brain-targeting ligand was responsive to MMP-9.

Drug-loaded titanium dioxide nanoparticle coated with tumor targeting polymer as a sonodynamic chemotherapeutic agent for anti-cancer therapy

Sonodynamic therapy utilizes ultrasound (US)-responsive generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) from sonosensitizer, and it is a powerful strategy for anti-cancer treatment in combination with chemotherapy. Herein, we report a precisely designed sonodynamic chemotherapeutics which exhibits US-responsive drug release via ROS generation from co-loaded sono-sensitizer. Doxorubicin (DOX)-coordinated titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TNPs) were encapsulated with polymeric phenyboronic acid (pPBA) via phenylboronic ester bond between pPBA and DOX. Loaded DOX was readily released under US irradiation due to the ROS-cleavable characteristics of phenylboronic ester bond. The size of nanoparticles was around 200 nm, and DOX was released by ROS generated under US irradiation. Tumor targeting by PBA moiety, intracellular ROS generation, and combined therapeutic effect against tumor cells were confirmed in vitro. Finally, we demonstrated high tumor accumulation and efficient tumor growth inhibition in tumor-bearing mice under US irradiation, which revealed potential as a multi-functional agent for sonodynamic chemotherapy.

Pre-drug Self-assembled Nanoparticles: Recovering activity and overcoming glutathione-associated cell antioxidant resistance against photodynamic therapy

In photodynamic therapy (PDT), the elevated glutathione (GSH) of cancer cells have two sides for treatment efficacy, activation pre-drug by removing activity suppressor part (advantages) and consumption reactive oxygen species (ROS) to confer PDT resistance (disadvantages). Preparation all-in-one system by simple method to make best use of the advantages and bypass the disadvantages still were remains a technical challenge. Herein, we report a robust PDT nanoparticle with above function based on a self-assembled pyridine modified Zinc phthalocyanine (ZnPc-DTP). The activity suppressor and active part of ZnPc-DTP were linked by disulfide bond. After targeting cancer cells, GSH can react with ZnPc-DTP nanoparticles by cutting disulfide bond to release its active part (ZnPc-SH) and oxidize GSH. In vitro and in vivo results indicated that ZnPc-SH can effective suppress tumor growth under the low antioxidant tumor microenvironment (TME).

Self-assembled hyaluronic acid nanoparticles: Implications as a nanomedicine for treatment of type 2 diabetes

Self-assembled hyaluronic acid nanoparticles (HA-NPs) have been extensively investigated for biomedical and pharmaceutical applications owing to their biocompatibility and receptor-binding properties. Here, we report that an empty HA-NP itself not bearing any drug has therapeutic effects on adipose tissue inflammation and insulin resistance. HA-NPs inhibited not only the receptor-mediated internalization of low-molecular-weight (LMW) free HA but also LMW free HA-induced pro-inflammatory gene expression in mouse primary bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) isolated from wild-type mice, but not in CD44-null (CD44-/-) BMDMs. An in vivo biodistribution study showed the distribution of HA-NPs and their co-localization with CD44 in adipose tissues including epididymal white adipose tissues (eWATs), but these were rarely observed in the eWATs of CD44-/- mice. In addition, CD44 expression and HA-NP accumulation in the eWATs were increased in mice with diet-induced obesity (DIO) compared to lean mice. Interestingly, treatment with HA-NPs in DIO mice suppressed adipose tissue inflammation as indicated by reduced macrophage content, the production of proinflammatory cytokines and NLRP3 inflammasome activity in eWATs, leading to improved insulin sensitivity and normalized blood glucose levels. Collectively, these results suggest that an empty HA-NP itself can be a therapeutic agent for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.

Fattigation-platform nanoparticles using apo-transferrin stearic acid as a core for receptor-oriented cancer targeting

A major hurdle in cancer treatment is the precise targeting of drugs to the cancer site. As many cancer cells overexpress the transferrin receptor (TfR), the transferrin (Tf)-TfR interaction is widely exploited to target cancer cells. In this study, novel amphiphilic apo-Tf stearic acid (TfS) conjugates were prepared and characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry, and trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (TNBS) assay. The prepared TfS conjugates were readily self-assembled in water to form nanoparticles (NPs), consisting of TfS as a core of NPs, whose sizes and zeta potentials were determined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and a particle size analyzer. Hydrophilic water-soluble doxorubicin (DOX) was chosen as a model drug. DOX-loaded TfS NPs (NP+DOX), prepared by the adsorption of DOX on the NP surface via the incubation method, were analyzed for their cell targeting and killing efficiencies in TfR-overexpressing A549 and HCT116 cell lines by MTT assay, confocal microscopy, and fluorescence assisted cell sorting (flow cytometry). The data showed that NP+DOX exhibited improved cancer cell targeting and killing properties compared to that reported for free DOX. Further, the cytotoxic efficiency of NP+DOX was comparable to that of PEGylated liposomal product, Doxil^®, while its cellular uptake was higher than that of Doxil^®. Thus, this novel receptor-based TfS NP drug delivery system has great potential to target TfR-overexpressing cancer cells without off-target effects.

Self-assembled tumor-targeting hyaluronic acid nanoparticles for photothermal ablation in orthotopic bladder cancer

Bladder cancer is one of the most frequent malignancies in the urinary system. Radical cystectomy is inevitable when bladder cancer progresses to a muscle-invasive disease. However, cystectomy still causes a high risk of death and a low quality of life (such as ureter-abdomen ostomy, uroclepsia for ileal-colon neobladder). Therefore, more effective treatments as well as bladder preservation are needed. We developed self-assembled tumor-targeting hyaluronic acid-IR-780 nanoparticles for photothermal ablation in over-expressing CD44 (the receptor for HA) bladder cancer, which show high tumor selectivity, high treatment efficacy, good bioavailability, and excellent biocompatibility. The nanoparticles demonstrated a stable spherical nanostructure in aqueous conditions with good mono-dispersity, and their average size was 171.3±9.14nm. The nanoparticles can be degraded by hyaluronidase when it is over-expressed in bladder cells; therefore, they appear to have a hyaluronidase-responsive "OFF/ON" behavior of a fluorescence signal. HA-IR-780 NPs also showed high photothermal efficiency; 2.5, 5, 10 and 20μg/mL of NPs had a maximum temperature increase of 11.2±0.66°C, 18.6±0.75°C, 26.8±1.11°C and 32.3±1.42°C. The in vitro cell viability showed that MB-49 cells could be efficiently ablated by combining HA-IR-780 NPs with 808nm laser irradiation. Then, in vivo biodistribution showed the HA-IR-780 NPs are targeted for accumulation in bladder cancer cells but have negligible accumulation in normal bladder wall. The photothermal therapeutic efficacy of HA-IR-780 NPs in the orthotopic bladder cancer model showed tumors treated with NPs had a maximum temperature of 48.1±1.81°C after 6min of laser irradiation. The tumor volume was approximately 65-75mm³ prior to treatment. After 12days, the tumor sizes for the PBS, PBS plus laser irradiation and HA-IR-780 NPs-treated groups were 784.75mm³, 707.5mm³, and 711.37mm³, respectively. None of the tumors in the HA-IR-780 NPs plus laser irradiation-treated group were visible to the naked eye. A toxicity study showed HA-IR-780 NPs (2.5-20mg/kg, i.v.) were nontoxic and safe for in vivo applications. HA-IR-780 nanoparticles address current clinical challenges, treating locally aggressive lesions and preserving the bladder. They have enormous potential to improve the bladder cancer treatment strategies in clinic.

STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE

1) Bladder cancer is one of the most frequent malignancies in the urinary system. Radical cystectomy is inevitable while bladder cancer progress to muscle-invasive disease. 2) We developed self-assembled tumor-targeting hyaluronic acid-IR-780 nanoparticles for photothermal ablation in over-expressing CD44 (the receptor for HA) bladder cancer. 3) Photothermal therapeutic efficacy of HA-IR-780 NPs in orthotopic bladder cancer model showed tumors were completely ablated. 4) HA-IR-780 nanoparticles address current clinical challenges, treating locally aggressive lesions as well as for bladder preservation.

Enhanced Antiglioma Efficacy of Ultrahigh Loading Capacity Paclitaxel Prodrug Conjugate Self-Assembled Targeted Nanoparticles

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) presents one of the most lethal brain tumor with a dismal prognosis. And nanodrug delivery system (nano-DDS) have raised a lot of concern, while the conventional nanoformulations addressed many limitations, especially the low drug loading capacity and poor stability in vivo. Herein, we proposed PTX prodrug (PTX-SS-C₁₈) conjugate self-assembled nanoparticles (PSNPs) functionalized with Pep-1, glioma homing peptide, to overcome the blood brain tumor barrier (BBTB) via interleukin 13 receptor α2 (IL-13Rα2)-mediated endocytosis for targeting GMB. This nanocarrier was with ultrahigh drug loading capacity (56.03%) and redox-sensitivity to the up-expression of glutathione in glioma tumors. And compared with PEG-PSNPs, Pep-PSNPs could significantly enhance cellular uptake in U87MG cells via IL-13Rα2-mediated endocytosis. Enhanced cytotoxicity of Pep-PSNPs against U87MG cells and BCEC cells pretreated with glutathione monoester (GSH-OEt) confirmed that this nanosystem was sensitive to reduction environment, and there was significant difference between targeting and nontargeting groups in MTT assay. Real-time fluorescence image of intracranialU87MG glioma-bearing mice revealed that Pep-PSNPs could more efficiently accumulate at tumor site and improve the penetration. Furthermore, the ex vivo fluorescence imaging and corresponding semiquantitative results displayed that the glioma fluorescence intensity of Pep-PSNPs group was 1.74-fold higher than that of nontargeting group. Pep-PSNPs exhibited remarkable antiglioblastoma efficacy with an extended median survival time. In conclusion, Pep-PSNPs had a promising perspective as a targeting drug delivery system of PTX for glioma treatment.

Novel self-assembled tacrolimus nanoparticles cross-linking thermosensitive hydrogels for local rheumatoid arthritis therapy

The aim was to explore the potential application of novel self-assembled nanoparticles cross-linking thermosensitive hydrogels composed of polyvinyl caprolactam-polyvinyl acetate-polyethylene glycol (Soluplus) and tacrolimus (FK-506) for local therapy of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The sol-gel transition temperature (T_sol-gel), gelation time, rheological behaviors, in vitro release, in vivo gelation and retention, and therapeutic efficacy against adjuvant-induced arthritis (AIA) rats were compared between the Soluplus hydrogels and widely studied poloxamer 407 (P407) delivery systems. In sol, the spherical and uniform FK506 loaded Soluplus nanoparticles (Soluplus-SNPs) were self-assembled with encapsulation efficiency of 99.5±1.5% and particle size of 73.9±2.9nm. The decreased T_sol-gel of Soluplus-SNPs hydrogels was associated with the addition of salts, elevation of pH and ionic strength. The optimal T_sol-gel of Soluplus-SNPs with concentrations of 10%-30% in phosphate buffer (50mM, pH 7.4) was from 37.4±0.1°C to 32.8±0.3°C and the gelation time was not greater than 2min. Soluplus-SNPs gelling systems showed lower viscosity and wider range concentrations in sol state at 25°C and stronger gel strength at 37°C than P407, which resulting in longer sustained release of FK506 but without burst-release in vitro, and longer retention time in the local injection site in vivo. The therapeutic efficacy to treat AIA rats was significantly enhanced from d10 to d17 after a single dose of FK506 loaded in 10% and 20% Soluplus-SNPs hydrogels. In conclusion, Soluplus-SNPs hydrogel is a potential sustainable delivery system for FK506 to treat RA locally.

Ginsenoside compound K-bearing glycol chitosan conjugates: synthesis, physicochemical characterization, and in vitro biological studies

Ginsenosides are triterpenoids found in Panax ginseng and have a numerous structural, functional, and pharmacological properties. The purpose of this study was to develop hydrophilic polymer functionalized ginsenoside conjugates to enhance water solubility and targeted delivery. To this end, hydrophobic ginsenoside compound K (CK) was covalently conjugated to the backbone of hydrophilic glycol chitosan (GC) through an acid-labile linkage. The resulting GC-CK conjugates formed self-assembled spherical nanoparticles in an aqueous solution, and their particles sizes were (296 nm and 255 nm) dependent on the degree of CK substitution. The nanoparticles were stable in the physiological buffer (pH 7.4) over a period of 8 days, whereas they were readily degraded under acidic conditions (pH 5.0) mimicking the intracellular pH-conditions. From in vitro release experiment, it was found that CK released slowly from the self-assembled nanoparticles in the physiological buffer (pH 7.4). On the other hand, the release rate of CK was rapidly increased under the acidic condition (pH 5.0). In vitro cytotoxicity assays revealed that GC-CK conjugates exhibited higher cytotoxicity than CK in HT29, and similar cytotoxicity in HepG2, and HT22 cell lines. Moreover, RAW264.7 cells treated with GC-CK maintained good cell viability and exhibited decreased lipopolysaccharide-induced NO production. Taken together, these results suggest that the GC-CK conjugate may be potentially useful as a tumor-specific delivery vehicle.

Enhanced solubility and modified release of poorly water-soluble drugs via self-assembled gelatin-oleic acid nanoparticles

Recently, we synthesized novel amphiphilic gelatin-oleic acid (GO) conjugate to prepare self-assembled nanoparticles for drug delivery. The aim of this study was to investigate pharmaceutical potentialities of self-assembled GO nanoparticles for solubility enhancement and modified release of poorly water-soluble drugs. Three poorly water-soluble model drugs with different pH-dependent solubility (valsartan and aceclofenac, insoluble at pH 1.2; telmisartan, insoluble at pH 6.8) were chosen to investigate the potential contributions of self-assembled GO nanoparticles to solubility enhancement and controlled release. The particle size of the drug-loaded nanoparticles was 200-250 nm. Zeta potential was calculated, and instrumental analysis such as powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy were used to investigate the physicochemical properties of the drug-loaded nanoparticles. Compared to the drug alone, the drug-loaded nanoparticles showed enhanced solubility. Furthermore, the release profiles of the model drugs were modified in a controlled manner. The current self-assembled GO nanoparticles can provide a versatile potential in drug delivery and tumor targeting.