Formulation of Deformable Liponiosomal Hybrid of Repaglinide: In vitro Characterization and Evaluation of the Anti-Diabetic Effect

Purpose

The current study sought to create novel deformable liponiosomal hybrids (LNHs) as a viable RPG delivery system. Repaglinide (RPG) is an effective anti-hyperglycemic drug. However, its limited solubility may limit its therapeutic applicability. LNHs are a potential liposome-niosome combination. Using phospholipids and non-ionic surfactants together improves their functionality in regulating drug release and increasing their permeability and stability.

Materials and Methods

The development of RPG-loaded LNHs was performed using the reverse ethanol injection method based on the 23 factorial design to explore the potential of various variables on the encapsulation efficiency (EE%) and % RPG released after 12 h (Q12h). Further in vitro characterization tests and in vivo study were also performed on the optimal RPG-loaded LNHs.

Results

After investigating how the examined independent factors could affect significantly both the EE % and Q12h, F7 was selected as the optimal liponiosomal formulation. F7 showed 87.07 ± 2.27 EE% and 94.32 ± 1.25 Q12h. F7 demonstrated higher permeability and stability than the corresponding liposomes and niosomes. Furthermore, F7 demonstrated greater hypoglycemic efficacy and bioavailability than pure RPG.

Conclusion

The combination of liponiosomes and niosomes in the form of LNHs has the potential to be an effective nano-drug delivery vehicle for RPG.

Formulation and Characterization of Mupirocin Nanomicelles in Insulin-Based Gel for Dermatological Application

Aim

To produce and analyze mupirocin nanomicelle (MP-NM) in insulin-based gel.

Procedures

MP-NM was prepared using solvent evaporation with Tween 80 as a surfactant. HPMC polymer prepared gel. MP-NM was characterized by globular diameter, polydispersity index (PDI), pH, entrapment efficiency (EE), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). NM MP release was studied in vitro.

Results

The revolutionary MP-NM in insulin-based gel dissolves MP completely without precipitation due to its unique physical and chemical properties. MP had 8.64 ± 0.2 nm globular diameter, high EE (98.85 ± 0.01%), and normal homogeneous dispersion (PDI, 0.143 ± 0.003) in NM. MP's formula showed rapid first-order kinetics release.

Conclusion

To our knowledge, this is the first MP-NM nano-drug delivery system employing insulin-based gel. It has promising pre-clinical and clinical uses.

Glutathione and Esterase Dual-Responsive Smart Nano-drug Delivery System Capable of Breaking the Redox Balance for Enhanced Tumor Therapy

Conventional chemotherapy usually fails to achieve its intended effect because of the poor water solubility, poor tumor selectivity, and low tumor accumulation of chemotherapy drugs. The systemic toxicity of chemotherapy agents is also a problem that cannot be ignored. It is expected that smart nano-drug delivery systems that are able to respond to tumor microenvironments will provide better therapeutic outcomes with decreased side effects of chemotherapeutics. Nano-drug delivery systems capable of breaking the redox balance can also increase the sensitivity of tumor cells to chemotherapeutics. In this study, using polymer-containing disulfide bonds, ester bonds, and d-α-tocopherol polyethylene glycol succinate (TPGS), which can amplify reactive oxygen species (ROS) in tumor cells, we have successfully prepared a smart glutathione (GSH) and esterase dual-responsive nano-drug delivery system (DTX@PAMBE-SS-TPGS NPs) with the ability to deplete GSH as well as amplify ROS and effectively release an encapsulated chemotherapy drug (DTX) in tumor cells. The potential of DTX@PAMBE-SS-TPGS NPs for enhanced antitumor effects was thoroughly evaluated using in vitro as well as in vivo experiments. Our research offers a promising strategy for maximizing the efficacy of tumor therapy.

[Preparation of two tanshinone Ⅱ_A-astragaloside Ⅳ co-loaded nano-delivery systems and in vitro antitumor activity comparison]

This study screened excellent carriers for co-loading tanshinone Ⅱ_A(TSA) and astragaloside Ⅳ(As) to construct antitumor nano-drug delivery systems for TSA and As. TSA-As microemulsions(TSA-As-MEs) were prepared by water titration. TSA-As metal-organic framework(MOF) nano-delivery system was prepared by loading TSA and As in MOF by the hydrothermal method. Dynamic light scattering(DLS), transmission electron microscopy(TEM), and scanning electron microscopy(SEM) were used to characterize the physicochemical properties of the two preparations. Drug loading was determined by HPLC and the effects of the two preparations on the proliferation of vascular endothelial cells, T lymphocytes, and hepatocellular carcinoma cells were detected by the CCK-8 method. The results showed that the particle size, Zeta potential, and drug loading of TSA-As-MEs were(47.69±0.71) nm,(-14.70±0.49) mV, and(0.22±0.01)%, while those of TSA-As-MOF were(258.3±25.2) nm,(-42.30 ± 1.27) mV, and 15.35%±0.01%. TSA-As-MOF was superior to TSA-As-MEs in drug loading, which could inhibit the proliferation of bEnd.3 cells at a lower concentration and improve the proliferation ability of CTLL-2 cells significantly. Therefore, MOF was preferred as an excellent carrier for TSA and As co-loading.

Nano-embedded medical devices and delivery systems in interventional radiology

Nanomaterials research has significantly accelerated the development of the field of vascular and interventional radiology. The incorporation of nanoparticles with unique and functional properties into medical devices and delivery systems has paved the way for the creation of novel diagnostic and therapeutic procedures for various clinical disorders. In this review, we discuss the advancements in the field of interventional radiology and the role of nanotechnology in maximizing the benefits and mitigating the disadvantages of interventional radiology theranostic procedures. Several nanomaterials have been studied to improve the efficacy of interventional radiology interventions, reduce the complications associated with medical devices, improve the accuracy and efficiency of drug delivery systems, and develop innovative imaging modalities. Here, we summarize the recent progress in the development of medical devices and delivery systems that link nanotechnology in vascular and interventional radiology. This article is categorized under: Diagnostic Tools > Diagnostic Nanodevices Diagnostic Tools > In Vivo Nanodiagnostics and Imaging Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Cardiovascular Disease.

Salinomycin as a potent anticancer stem cell agent: State of the art and future directions

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a small subpopulation of cells within a tumor that can both self‐renew and differentiate into other cell types forming the heterogeneous tumor bulk. Since CSCs are involved in all aspects of cancer development, including tumor initiation, cell proliferation, metastatic dissemination, therapy resistance, and recurrence, they have emerged as attractive targets for cancer treatment and management. Salinomycin, a widely used antibiotic in poultry farming, was identified by the Weinberg group as a potent anti‐CSC agent in 2009. As a polyether ionophore, salinomycin exerts broad‐spectrum activities, including the important anti‐CSC function. Studies on the mechanism of action of salinomycin against cancer have been continuously and rapidly published since then. Thus, it is imperative for us to update its literature of recent research findings in this area. We here summarize the notable work reported on salinomycin's anticancer activities, intracellular binding target(s), effects on tumor microenvironment, safety, derivatives, and tumor‐specific drug delivery; after that we also discuss the translational potential of salinomycin toward clinical application based on current multifaceted understandings.

Controlled Drug Delivery Systems: Current Status and Future Directions

The drug delivery system enables the release of the active pharmaceutical ingredient to achieve a desired therapeutic response. Conventional drug delivery systems (tablets, capsules, syrups, ointments, etc.) suffer from poor bioavailability and fluctuations in plasma drug level and are unable to achieve sustained release. Without an efficient delivery mechanism, the whole therapeutic process can be rendered useless. Moreover, the drug has to be delivered at a specified controlled rate and at the target site as precisely as possible to achieve maximum efficacy and safety. Controlled drug delivery systems are developed to combat the problems associated with conventional drug delivery. There has been a tremendous evolution in controlled drug delivery systems from the past two decades ranging from macro scale and nano scale to intelligent targeted delivery. The initial part of this review provides a basic understanding of drug delivery systems with an emphasis on the pharmacokinetics of the drug. It also discusses the conventional drug delivery systems and their limitations. Further, controlled drug delivery systems are discussed in detail with the design considerations, classifications and drawings. In addition, nano-drug delivery, targeted and smart drug delivery using stimuli-responsive and intelligent biomaterials is discussed with recent key findings. The paper concludes with the challenges faced and future directions in controlled drug delivery.

Unsteady hybrid nanoparticle-mediated magneto-hemodynamics and heat transfer through an overlapped stenotic artery: Biomedical drug delivery simulation

Two-dimensional laminar hemodynamics through a diseased artery featuring an overlapped stenosis was simulated theoretically and computationally. This study presented a mathematical model for the unsteady blood flow with hybrid biocompatible nanoparticles (Silver and Gold) inspired by drug delivery applications. A modified Tiwari-Das volume fraction model was adopted for nanoscale effects. Motivated by the magneto-hemodynamics effects, a uniform magnetic field was applied in the radial direction to the blood flow. For realistic blood behavior, Reynolds' viscosity model was applied in the formulation to represent the temperature dependency of blood. Fourier's heat conduction law was assumed and heat generation effects were included. Therefore, the governing equations were an extension of the Navier-Stokes equations with magneto-hydrodynamic body force included. The two-dimensional governing equations were transformed and normalized with appropriate variables, and the mild stenotic approximation was implemented. The strongly nonlinear nature of the resulting dimensionless boundary value problem required a robust numerical method, and therefore the FTCS algorithm was deployed. Validation of solutions for the particular case of constant viscosity and non-magnetic blood flow was included. Using clinically realistic hemodynamic data, comprehensive solutions were presented for silver, and silver-gold hybrid mediated blood flow. A comparison between silver and hybrid nanofluid was also included, emphasizing the use of hybrid nanoparticles for minimizing the hemodynamics. Enhancement in magnetic parameter decelerated the axial blood flow in stenotic region. Colored streamline plots for blood, silver nano-doped blood, and hybrid nano-doped blood were also presented. The simulations were relevant to the diffusion of nano-drugs in magnetic targeted treatment of stenosed arterial diseases.

Is Emodin with Anticancer Effects Completely Innocent? Two Sides of the Coin

Many anticancer active compounds are known to have the capacity to destroy pathologically proliferating cancer cells in the body, as well as to destroy rapidly proliferating normal cells. Despite remarkable advances in cancer research over the past few decades, the inclusion of natural compounds in researches as potential drug candidates is becoming increasingly important. However, the perception that the natural is reliable is an issue that needs to be clarified. Among the various chemical classes of natural products, anthraquinones have many biological activities and have also been proven to exhibit a unique anticancer activity. Emodin, an anthraquinone derivative, is a natural compound found in the roots and rhizomes of many plants. The anticancer property of emodin, a broad-spectrum inhibitory agent of cancer cells, has been detailed in many biological pathways. In cancer cells, these molecular mechanisms consist of suppressing cell growth and proliferation through the attenuation of oncogenic growth signaling, such as protein kinase B (AKT), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), HER-2 tyrosine kinase, Wnt/-catenin, and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K). However, it is known that emodin, which shows toxicity to cancer cells, may cause kidney toxicity, hepatotoxicity, and reproductive toxicity especially at high doses and long-term use. At the same time, studies of emodin, which has poor oral bioavailability, to transform this disadvantage into an advantage with nano-carrier systems reveal that natural compounds are not always directly usable compounds. Consequently, this review aimed to shed light on the anti-proliferative and anti-carcinogenic properties of emodin, as well as its potential toxicities and the advantages of drug delivery systems on bioavailability.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease: The Emergence of New Trends in Lifestyle and Nanomedicine as the Modern Tool for Pharmacotherapy

The human intestine, which harbors trillions of symbiotic microorganisms, may enter into dysbiosis when exposed to a genetic defect or environmental stress. The naissance of chronic inflammation due to the battle of the immune system with the trespassing gut bacteria leads to the rise of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Though the genes behind the scenes and their link to the disease are still unclear, the onset of IBD occurs in young adults and has expanded from the Western world into the newly industrialized countries. Conventional drug deliveries depend on a daily heavy dosage of immune suppressants or anti-inflammatory drugs targeted for the treatment of two types of IBD, ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD), which are often associated with systemic side effects and adverse toxicities. Advances in oral delivery through nanotechnology seek remedies to overcome the drawbacks of these conventional drug delivery systems through improved drug encapsulation and targeted delivery. In this review, we discuss the association of genetic factors, the immune system, the gut microbiome, and environmental factors like diet in the pathogenesis of IBD. We also review the various physiological concerns required for oral delivery to the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) and new strategies in nanotechnology-derived, colon-targeting drug delivery systems.

Investigation of cell death mechanism and activity of esculetin-loaded PLGA nanoparticles on insulinoma cells in vitro

AIM

The purpose of this study was to prepare targeted cancer therapy formulation against insulinoma INS-1 cells and to study its effect on cell death with related mechanisms in vitro.

METHODS

Polylactide-co-glycolide (PLGA) nano-micelles were used for preparation of esculetin nano-formulation (nano-esculetin). The cells were treated with nano-esculetin and free esculetin. Apoptotic and necrotic cell death percentages, cell proliferation, ATP and GTP reductions and insulin levels were investigated on insulinoma INS-1 cells for both free and nano-esculetin formulations.

RESULTS

About 50 mg of PLGA was able to carry 20 mg esculetin in 20 ml of formulation. The obtained optimized formulation was 150 nm, with 92% encapsulation efficiency and a slow-release behaviour was observed during release studies. Nano-esculetin bearing 25, 50 and 100 μg esculetin and free esculetin in equivalent doses successfully decreased cell viability. The prevailing cell death mechanism was necrosis. Along with cell proliferation, intracellular insulin and the ratio of ATP and GTP were decreased even with 12.5, 25 and 50 μg esculetin bearing nano-formulation and its equivalent free esculetin.

CONCLUSIONS

The results revealed that esculetin is able to show its anti-tumor afficacy after loading to PLGA nano-micelles and nano-encapsulation intensifies its cytotoxic activity in vitro. Current study shows that esculetin and its nano formulations are promising agents in treatment of insulinoma.

General Characteristics and Cytotoxic Effects of Nano-Poly (Butyl Cyanoacrylate) Containing Carboplatin on Ovarian Cancer Cells

The initial response to treatment and subsequent development of resistance to carboplatin are very important challenges. Use of nano drug delivery is a new method to replace standard chemotherapy. In this research, both non-PEGylated and PEGylated nanoparticles (NPs) were prepared by mini-emulsion polymerization of poly (butyl cyanoacrylate) (PBCA) NPs. Characteristics such as size, polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential, drug release, and stability were examined. In addition, infrared spectroscopy was used for description of the produced NPs. Then, cytotoxicity effects of both formulations were studied on the A2780CIS ovarian cancer cell line with incubation for 24, 48, and 72h. Examination of characteristics of loaded carboplatin on the PBCA NPs under suitable laboratory conditions showed a positive effect of PEG on their properties. Cytotoxicity studies demonstrated greater toxicity with both formulations of nano-drugs than the free drug. The results indicated that PBCA NPs can be considered as suitable candidates for nano-drugs in chemotherapy.

Niosomal encapsulation of ethambutol hydrochloride for increasing its efficacy and safety

CONTEXT

Tuberculosis (TB) is a worldwide health concern. In 2011, about 8.7 million new cases developed TB and 1.4 million people died from it.

OBJECTIVE

Enhancement of ethambutol hydrochloride activity and safety in treatment of TB through niosomal encapsulation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Niosomes were prepared by the thin-film hydration method. They were characterized, investigated for in vitro release, lung disposition and in vivo biological evaluation.

RESULTS

Entrapment efficiency of ethambutol hydrochloride ranged from 12.20% to 25.81%. Zeta potential values inferred stability of neutral and negatively charged formulations. In vitro release was biphasic. Lung targeting was increased by niosomal encapsulation. Biological evaluation revealed superiority of niosomal ethambutol hydrochloride over the free drug.

DISCUSSION

Neutral and negatively charged niosomal vesicles are dispersed homogenously unlike positively charged vesicles. Niosomal encapsulation results in controlled drug release. Niosomal formulations targeted more drugs to mice lungs for a prolonged period of time resulting in: decreased root-specific lung weight, bacterial counts in lung homogenates and optimizing pathological effect on guinea pigs lungs, livers and spleens.

CONCLUSION

Encapsulation of ethambutol hydrochloride in niosomal formulations for the treatment of TB provides higher efficacy and safety compared with the free drug.