Cyclodextrins in drug delivery: applications in gene and combination therapy

Exploring Erythrina flavonoids as potential SARS-CoV-2 RdRp inhibitors through virtual screening, in silico ADMET evaluation, and molecular dynamics simulation studies

The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by SARS-CoV-2, has intensified the search for effective antiviral agents. This study investigates the inhibitory potential of 473 flavonoids from the genus Erythrina against the key enzyme of SARS-CoV-2, RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp). Virtual screening campaign using molecular docking identified 128 flavonoids with stronger binding energies to RdRp than remdesivir, a WHO-endorsed drug. Lipinski's Rule of Five and ADMET profiling suggested butein (119) as the promising RdRp inhibitor. Moreover, molecular dynamics simulations revealed that 119 binds effectively to RdRp and interacts with the RNA template and primer, suggesting a multi-faceted inhibitory mechanism. Our findings highlight the potential of Erythrina-derived flavonoids, particularly compound 119, as potent RdRp inhibitors, warranting further experimental studies.

Nanoparticle-Based gene therapy strategies in retinal delivery

Vision loss and blindness are significant issues in both developed and developing countries. There are a wide variety of aetiologies that can cause vision loss, which are outlined in this review. Although treatment has significantly improved over time for some conditions, nearly half of all people with vision impairment are left untreated. Gene delivery is an emerging field that may assist with the treatment of some of these difficult to manage forms of vision loss. Here we review how a component of nanotechnology-based, non-viral gene delivery systems are being applied to help resolve vision impairment. This review focuses on the use of lipid and polymer nanoparticles, and quantum dots as gene delivery vectors to the eye. Finally, we also highlight some emerging technologies that may be useful in this discipline.

Topical Ocular Drug Delivery: The Impact of Permeation Enhancers

Topical ophthalmic drug delivery targeting the posterior segment of the eye has become a key area of interest due to its non-invasive nature, safety, ease of application, patient compliance, and cost-effectiveness. However, achievement of effective drug bioavailability in the posterior ocular segment is a significant challenge due to unique ocular barriers, including precorneal factors and anatomical barriers, like the cornea, the conjunctiva, and the sclera. Successful ocular drug delivery systems require increased precorneal residence time and improved corneal penetration to enhance intraocular bioavailability. A promising strategy to overcome these barriers is incorporating drug penetration enhancers (DPEs) into formulations. These compounds facilitate drug delivery by improving permeability across otherwise impermeable or poorly permeable membranes. At the ocular level, they act through three primary mechanisms: breaking tear film stability by interfering with the mucous layer; disrupting membrane components such as phospholipids and proteins; and loosening epithelial cellular junctions. DPEs offer significant potential to improve bioavailability and therapeutic outcomes, particularly for drugs targeting the posterior segment of the eye. This review is focused on analyzing the current literature regarding the use of penetration enhancers in topical ocular drug delivery, highlighting their mechanisms of action and potential to revolutionize ophthalmic treatments.

Cyclodextrins: Enhancing Drug Delivery, Solubility and Bioavailability for Modern Therapeutics

Cyclodextrins (CDs) have revolutionized the pharmaceutical industry with their ability to enhance the stability, solubility, and bioavailability of a wide range of active substances. These cyclic oligosaccharides, with a unique hydrophilic exterior and hydrophobic cavity, form inclusion complexes with poorly soluble drugs, improving their pharmacokinetic profiles and therapeutic efficacy. This review explores the multifaceted roles of cyclodextrins in pharmaceutical formulations, ranging from oral, ophthalmic, parenteral, and topical applications to their emerging use in targeted therapies, gene delivery, and treatment of neurodegenerative, cardiovascular, and infectious diseases. Cyclodextrins not only improve drug solubility and controlled release but also reduce toxicity and side effects, leading to safer and more effective treatments. Recent advancements, such as cyclodextrin-based nanoparticles, offer promising pathways for cancer therapy, chronic disease management, and personalized medicine. As research continues, cyclodextrins remain at the forefront of innovation in drug delivery systems, ensuring better patient outcomes and expanding the possibilities of modern therapeutics.

Structure-activity relationship of modified amphiphilic cationic cyclodextrins for enhanced siRNA delivery

The presence of multiple hydroxyl groups at positions C2, C3 and C6 on the cyclodextrin (CD) ring structure allows for extensive functionalisation, enabling the development of biomaterials with significant potential for therapeutic siRNA delivery. To identify structural modifications that enhance activity, a range of cationic amphiphilic CDs, including both β- and γ-CDs, were synthesised, compared and evaluated. Each CDs incorporated a C12 lipid chain on the primary face of the CD. On the secondary rim, at positions C2 and C3, either primary or tertiary amine groups with different pKa values were introduced via either a triazole or a thiopropyl linker. Nanoparticles (NPs) encapsulating small interfering RNA (siRNA) were formulated at mass ratios 7.5:1 and 10:1 (CD:siRNA) and their physicochemical properties evaluated. A comparative in vitro study was conducted to assess the gene silencing efficacy of these NPs using the luciferase reporter gene in A549-luc cells. Gene silencing levels for both β- and γ-CDs increased when modified with a primary amine compared to a tertiary amine group at position C2. Gene expression inhibition was further improved when the CDs were functionalized with amine functionalities at positions C2 and C3. Modification of the secondary side of γ-CDs with two sets of primary amine functionalities via a thiopropyl linker, as compared to a triazole linker, achieved up to 80% gene knockdown, regardless of dose. In conclusion, the structure-activity relationship study successfully identified CD modifications that enhance gene silencing efficacy.

Formulation and Evaluation of a Silymarin Inclusion Complex-Based Gel for Skin Cancer

Silymarin (SLM) is a bioactive, water-insoluble flavonoid reported against different types of cancer. In the present research, the SLM inclusion complex was prepared by the freeze-drying method using different cyclodextrins. The phase solubility study was performed to assess the stability constant and complexation efficiency. The prepared SLM inclusion complexes (F1, F2, and F3) were characterized for different physicochemical and in vitro parameters. Based on the results, the selected inclusion complex (F2) was converted to a topical gel. Finally, it was evaluated for antioxidant, protein denaturation, and cell viability assay (B16F10; skin cancer cell line). The in vitro results were further confirmed by performing a molecular docking study. The phase solubilization results showed the formation of a stable complex with a stability constant value of 548 mol L-1 (βCD-PLX), 911 mol L-1 (HP βCD-PLX), and 736 mol L-1 (M βCD-PLX). A marked increase in release pattern was found from the prepared inclusion complex (80.9 ± 2.2-97.8 ± 3.1%) compared to free SLM (24.1 ± 2.8%). DSC as well as the IR studies confirm the formation of a stable complex. SEM and X-ray diffraction results confirmed the conversion to the amorphous form. The molecular docking studies exhibited the high docking score of SLM with both colchicine-binding sites of the tubulin protein (-6.28 kcal/mol) and complexing agents, viz., βCD (-4.61 kcal/mol), HP βCD (-5.77 kcal/mol), and M βCD (-5.61 kcal/mol). The antioxidant assay results showed that the activity was significantly improved (1.2-1.6 fold) compared to free SLM. The in vitro cell viability assay outcome displayed concentration-dependent activity with a significantly lower IC50 value from F2G2 (145.3 ± 4.2 μg/mL) than free SLM (304.7 ± 5.7 μg/mL). The above conclusions demonstrated that the developed SLM inclusion complex-based gel system could be an ideal delivery system for skin cancer.

Cationic Cyclodextrin-Based Carriers for Drug and Nucleic Acid Delivery

Cyclodextrins can serve as carriers for various payloads, utilizing their capacity to form unique host-guest inclusion complexes within their cavity and their versatile surface functionalization. Recently, cationic cyclodextrins have gained considerable attention, as they can improve drug permeability across negatively charged cell membranes and efficiently condense negatively charged nucleic acid due to electrostatic interactions. This review focuses on state-of-the-art and recent advances in the construction of cationic cyclodextrin-based delivery systems. First, we identified different cationic moieties that are commonly employed in the design of cyclodextrins with enhanced complexation ability. Subsequently, a wide range of cationic cyclodextrin-based drug delivery systems were analyzed with emphasis on chemistry, drug release profiles, and therapeutic outcomes. The evaluation of the delivery platforms was also based on the four major types of drugs, such as anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antidiabetic agents. The delivery systems for nucleic acids were also summarized while focusing on their condensation ability, transfection efficiency, and biocompatibility in comparison to commercially available vectors such as PEI 25 kDa and lipofectamine 2000. Furthermore, we highlighted the potential of cationic cyclodextrins in constructing multimodal delivery systems for the simultaneous encapsulation of both drugs and nucleic acids. Finally, the challenges and limitations associated with cationic cyclodextrin setups were discussed.

β-Cyclodextrin-based geometrically frustrated amphiphiles as one-component, cell-specific and organ-specific nucleic acid delivery systems

We introduce an innovative β-cyclodextrin (βCD)-prototype for delivering nucleic acids: "geometrically frustrated amphiphiles (GFAs)." GFAs are designed with cationic centers evenly distributed across the primary O6 and secondary O2 positions of the βCD scaffold, while hydrophobic tails are anchored at the seven O3 positions. Such distribution of functional elements differs from Janus-type architectures and enlarges the capacity for accessing strictly monodisperse variants. Changes at the molecular level can then be correlated with preferred self-assembly and plasmid DNA (pDNA) co-assembly behaviors. Specifically, GFAs undergo pH-dependent transition between bilayered to monolayered vesicles or individual molecules. GFA-pDNA nanocomplexes exhibit topological and internal order characteristics that are also a function of the GFA molecular architecture. Notably, adjusting the pKa of the cationic heads and the hydrophilic-hydrophobic balance, pupa-like arrangements implying axial alignments of GFA units flanked by quasi-parallel pDNA segments are preferred. In vitro cell transfection studies revealed remarkable differences in relative performances, which corresponded to distinct organ targeting outcomes in vivo. This allowed for preferential delivery to the liver and lung, kidney or spleen. The results collectively highlight cyclodextrin-based GFAs as a promising class of molecular vectors capable of finely tuning cell and organ transfection selectivity.

Cyclodextrins: Advances in Chemistry, Toxicology, and Multifaceted Applications

Cyclodextrins (CDs) have garnered significant attention in various scientific and industrial fields due to their unique ability to form inclusion complexes with a wide range of guest molecules. This review comprehensively explores the latest advancements in cyclodextrin chemistry, focusing on the synthesis and characterization of cyclodextrin derivatives and their inclusion complexes. This review examines the biological activities of cyclodextrins, highlighting their pharmacological properties and pharmacokinetics, and discussing their promising applications in drug delivery systems. Furthermore, the industrial utilization of cyclodextrins, including their role in nanomaterials and nanostructured coatings, as well as their potential in environmental remediation, are explored. The present research also addresses the critical aspect of toxicity, particularly concerning cyclodextrin inclusion complexes, providing an overview of the current understanding and safety considerations. Through a multidisciplinary approach, the aim is to present a complete view of cyclodextrins, underscoring their versatility and impact across various domains.

Supramolecular Nano-Tracker for Real-Time Tracking of Drug Release and Efficient Combination Therapy

Real-time tracking of drug release from nanomedicine in vivo is crucial for optimizing its therapeutic efficacy in clinical settings, particularly in dosage control and determining the optimal therapeutic window. However, most current real-time tracking systems require a tedious synthesis and purification process. Herein, a supramolecular nano-tracker (SNT) capable of real-time tracking of drug release in vivo based on non-covalent host-guest interactions is presented. By integrating multiple cavities into a single nanoparticle, SNT achieves co-loading of drugs and probes while efficiently quenching the photophysical properties of the probe through host-guest complexation. Moreover, SNT is readily degraded under hypoxic tumor tissues, leading to the simultaneous release of drugs and probes and the fluorescence recovery of probes. With this spatial and temporal consistency in drug loading and fluorescence quenching, as well as drug release and fluorescence recovery, SNT successfully achieves real-time tracking of drug release in vivo (Pearson r = 0.9166, R2 = 0.8247). Furthermore, the released drugs can synergize effectively with fluorescent probes upon light irradiation, achieving potent chemo-photodynamic combination therapy in 4T1-bearing mice with a significantly improved survival rate (33%), providing a potential platform to significantly advance the development of nanomedicine and achieve optimal therapeutic effects in the clinic.

The Many Faces of Cyclodextrins within Self-Assembling Polymer Nanovehicles: From Inclusion Complexes to Valuable Structural and Functional Elements

Most chemotherapeutic agents are poorly soluble in water, have low selectivity, and cannot reach the tumor in the desired therapeutic concentration. On the other hand, sensitive hydrophilic therapeutics like nucleic acids and proteins suffer from poor bioavailability and cell internalization. To solve this problem, new types of controlled release systems based on nano-sized self-assemblies of cyclodextrins able to control the speed, timing, and location of therapeutic release are being developed. Cyclodextrins are macrocyclic oligosaccharides characterized by a high synthetic plasticity and potential for derivatization. Introduction of new hydrophobic and/or hydrophilic domains and/or formation of nano-assemblies with therapeutic load extends the use of CDs beyond the tried-and-tested CD-drug host-guest inclusion complexes. The recent advances in nano drug delivery have indicated the benefits of the hybrid amphiphilic CD nanosystems over individual CD and polymer components. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the most recent advances in the design of CDs self-assemblies and their use for delivery of a wide range of therapeutic molecules. It aims to offer a valuable insight into the many roles of CDs within this class of drug nanocarriers as well as current challenges and future perspectives.

Advances in Microfluidic-Based Core@Shell Nanoparticles Fabrication for Cancer Applications

Current research in cancer therapy focuses on personalized therapies, through nanotechnology-based targeted drug delivery systems. Particularly, controlled drug release with nanoparticles (NPs) can be designed to safely transport various active agents, optimizing delivery to specific organs and tumors, minimizing side effects. The use of microfluidics (MFs) in this field has stood out against conventional methods by allowing precise control over parameters like size, structure, composition, and mechanical/biological properties of nanoscale carriers. This review compiles applications of microfluidics in the production of core-shell NPs (CSNPs) for cancer therapy, discussing the versatility inherent in various microchannel and/or micromixer setups and showcasing how these setups can be utilized individually or in combination, as well as how this technology allows the development of new advances in more efficient and controlled fabrication of core-shell nanoformulations. Recent biological studies have achieved an effective, safe, and controlled delivery of otherwise unreliable encapsulants such as small interfering RNA (siRNA), plasmid DNA (pDNA), and cisplatin as a result of precisely tuned fabrication of nanocarriers, showing that this technology is paving the way for innovative strategies in cancer therapy nanofabrication, characterized by continuous production and high reproducibility. Finally, this review analyzes the technical, biological, and technological limitations that currently prevent this technology from becoming the standard.

Platinum-based chemotherapy: trends in organic nanodelivery systems

Despite the investment in platinum drugs research, cisplatin, carboplatin and oxaliplatin are still the only Pt-based compounds used as first line treatments for several cancers, with a few other compounds being approved for administration in some Asian countries. However, due to the severe and worldwide impact of oncological diseases, there is an urge for improved chemotherapeutic approaches. Furthermore, the pharmaceutical application of platinum complexes is hindered by their inherent toxicity and acquired resistance. Nanodelivery systems rose as a key strategy to overcome these challenges, with recognized versatility and ability towards improving the safety, bioavailability and efficacy of the available drugs. Among the known nanocarriers, organic systems have been widely applied, taking advantage of their potential as drug vehicles. Researchers have mainly focused on the development of lipidic and polymeric carriers, including supramolecular structures, with an overall improvement of encapsulated platinum complexes. Herein, an overview of recent trends and strategies is presented, with the main focus on the encapsulation of platinum compounds into organic nanocarriers, showcasing the evolution in the design and development of these promising systems. This comprehensive review highlights formulation methods as well as characterization procedures, providing insights that may be helpful for the development of novel platinum nanocarriers aiming at future pharmaceutical applications.

Beyond Lipids: Exploring Advances in Polymeric Gene Delivery in the Lipid Nanoparticles Era

The recent success of gene therapy during the COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the importance of effective and safe delivery systems. Complementing lipid-based delivery systems, polymers present a promising alternative for gene delivery. Significant advances have been made in the recent past, with multiple clinical trials progressing beyond phase I and several companies actively working on polymeric delivery systems which provides assurance that polymeric carriers can soon achieve clinical translation. The massive advantage of structural tunability and vast chemical space of polymers is being actively leveraged to mitigate shortcomings of traditional polycationic polymers and improve the translatability of delivery systems. Tailored polymeric approaches for diverse nucleic acids and for specific subcellular targets are now being designed to improve therapeutic efficacy. This review describes the recent advances in polymer design for improved gene delivery by polyplexes and covalent polymer-nucleic acid conjugates. The review also offers a brief note on novel computational techniques for improved polymer design. The review concludes with an overview of the current state of polymeric gene therapies in the clinic as well as future directions on their translation to the clinic.

PEO-b-PCL/Tween 80/cyclodextrin systems: from bioinspired fabrication to possible nasal administration of ropinirole hydrochloride

In this study, we designed and developed systems composed of poly(ethylene-oxide)-b-poly(ε-caprolactone) block copolymers of different molecular weights and compositions, non-ionic surfactant, and cyclodextrins. The innovation of this study lies in the combination of these diverse biomaterials to create biomimetic and bioinspired drug delivery supramolecular structures. The systems were formed by the thin-film hydration method. Extensive physicochemical and morphological characterization was conducted using differential scanning calorimetry, light scattering techniques, microcalorimetry analysis, high-resolution ultrasound spectroscopy, surface tension measurements, fluorescence spectroscopy, cryogenic transmission electron microscopy images, and in vitro cytotoxicity evaluation. These innovative hybrid nanoparticles were found to be attractive candidates as drug delivery systems with unique properties by encompassing the physicochemical and thermotropic properties of both classes of materials. Subsequently, Ropinirole hydrochloride was used as a model drug for the purpose of this study. These systems showed a high RH content (%), and in vitro diffusion experiments revealed that more than 90% of the loading dose was released under pH and temperature conditions that simulate the conditions of the nasal cavity. Promising drug release performance was observed with all tested formulations, worth further investigation to explore both ex vivo permeation through the nasal mucosa and in vivo performance in an experimental animal model.

Amphiphilic Chlorin-β-cyclodextrin Conjugates in Photo-Triggered Drug Delivery: The Role of Aggregation

Conjugates of chlorins with β-cyclodextrin connected either directly or via a flexible linker were prepared. In aqueous medium these amphiphilic conjugates were photostable, produced singlet oxygen at a rate similar to clinically used temoporfin and formed irregular nanoparticles via aggregation. Successful loading with the chemotherapeutic drug tamoxifen was evidenced in solution by the UV-Vis spectral changes and dynamic light scattering profiles. Incubation of MCF-7 cells with the conjugates revealed intense spotted intracellular fluorescence suggestive of accumulation in endosome/lysosome compartments, and no dark toxicity. Incubation with the tamoxifen-loaded conjugates revealed also practically no dark toxicity. Irradiation of cells incubated with empty conjugates at 640 nm and 4.18 J/cm2 light fluence caused >50 % cell viability reduction. Irradiation following incubation with tamoxifen-loaded conjugates resulted in even higher toxicity (74 %) indicating that the produced reactive oxygen species had triggered tamoxifen release in a photochemical internalization (PCI) mechanism. The chlorin-β-cyclodextrin conjugates displayed less-lasting effects with time, compared to the corresponding porphyrin-β-cyclodextrin conjugates, possibly due to lower tamoxifen loading of their aggregates and/or their less effective lodging in the cell compartments' membranes. The results suggest that further to favorable photophysical properties, other parameters are important for the in vitro effectiveness of the photodynamic systems.

Unveiling the dynamic and thermodynamic interactions of hydrocortisone with β-cyclodextrin and its methylated derivatives through insights from molecular dynamics simulations

Cyclodextrins (CDs) can enhance the stability and bioavailability of pharmaceutical compounds by encapsulating them within their cavities. This study utilized molecular dynamics simulations to investigate the interaction mechanisms between hydrocortisone (HC) and various methylated CD derivatives. The results reveal that the loading of HC into CD cavities follows different mechanisms depending on the degree and position of methylation. Loading into βCD and 6-MeβCD was more complete, with the hydroxyl groups of HC facing the primary hydroxyl rim (PHR) and the ketone side facing the secondary hydroxyl rim (SHR). In contrast, 2,3-D-MeβCD and 2,6-D-MeβCD showed a different loading mechanism, with the ketone side facing the PHR and the hydroxyl groups facing the SHR. The root mean square fluctuation (RMSF) analysis demonstrated that methylation increases the flexibility of CD heavy atoms, with 3-MeβCD and 2,3-D-MeβCD exhibiting the highest flexibility. However, upon inclusion of HC, 3-MeβCD, 2,3-D-MeβCD, 2-MeβCD, and 6-MeβCD showed a significant reduction in flexibility, suggesting a more rigid structure that effectively retains HC within their cavities. The radial distribution function revealed a significant reduction in the number of water molecules within the innermost layer of the methylated CD cavities, particularly in TMeβCD, indicating a decrease in polarity. The presence of HC led to the release of high-energy water molecules, creating more favorable conditions for HC loading. Conformational analysis showed that methylation caused a partial decrease in the area of the PHR, a significant decrease in the area of the middle rim, and a notable decrease in the area of the SHR. The loading of HC increased the area of the PHR in most derivatives, with the most pronounced increase observed in 2,6-D-MeβCD and 6-MeβCD. The analysis of interaction energies and binding free energies demonstrated that the binding of HC to methylated CD derivatives is thermodynamically more favorable than to βCD, with the strongest association observed for 6-MeβCD, 2-MeβCD, and 2,3-D-MeβCD.

Fabricating Polymer/Surfactant/Cyclodextrin Hybrid Particles for Possible Nose-to-Brain Delivery of Ropinirole Hydrochloride: In Vitro and Ex Vivo Evaluation

Ropinirole is a non-ergolinic dopamine agonist used to manage Parkinson's disease and it is characterized by poor oral bioavailability. This study aimed to design and develop advanced drug delivery systems composed of poloxamer 407, a non-ionic surfactant (Tween 80), and cyclodextrins (methyl-β-CD or hydroxy-propyl-β-CD) for possible brain targeting of ropinirole after nasal administration for the treatment of Parkinson's disease. The hybrid systems were formed by the thin-film hydration method, followed by an extensive physicochemical and morphological characterization. The in vitro cytotoxicity of the systems on HEK293 cell lines was also tested. In vitro release and ex vivo mucosal permeation of ropinirole were assessed using Franz cells at 34 °C and with phosphate buffer solution at pH 5.6 in the donor compartment, simulating the conditions of the nasal cavity. The results indicated that the diffusion-controlled drug release exhibited a progressive increase throughout the experiment, while a proof-of-concept experiment on ex vivo permeation through rabbit nasal mucosa revealed a better performance of the prepared hybrid systems in comparison to ropinirole solution. The encouraging results in drug release and mucosal permeation indicate that these hybrid systems can serve as attractive platforms for effective and targeted nose-to-brain delivery of ropinirole with a possible application in Parkinson's disease. Further ex vivo and in vivo studies to support the results of the present work are ongoing.

Chitosan and Cyclodextrins-Versatile Materials Used to Create Drug Delivery Systems for Gastrointestinal Cancers

Gastrointestinal cancers are characterized by a frequent incidence, a high number of associated deaths, and a tremendous burden on the medical system and patients worldwide. As conventional chemotherapeutic drugs face numerous limitations, researchers started to investigate better alternatives for extending drug efficacy and limiting adverse effects. A remarkably increasing interest has been addressed to chitosan and cyclodextrins, two highly versatile natural carbohydrate materials endowed with unique physicochemical properties. In this respect, numerous studies reported on fabricating various chitosan and cyclodextrin-based formulations that enabled prolonged circulation times, improved cellular internalization of carried drugs, preferential uptake by the targeted cells, reduced side effects, enhanced apoptosis rates, and increased tumor suppression rates. Therefore, this paper aims to briefly present the advantageous properties of these oligo- and polysaccharides for designing drug delivery systems, further focusing the discussion on nanocarrier systems based on chitosan/cyclodextrins for treating different gastrointestinal cancers. Specifically, there are reviewed studies describing promising solutions for colorectal, liver, gastric, pancreatic, and other types of cancers of the digestive system towards creating an updated framework of what concerns anticancer chitosan/cyclodextrin-based drug delivery systems.

Activating the delivery of a model drug to lipid membrane by encapsulation of cyclodextrin: Combined experimental and molecular docking studies

Drug delivery science is always an important topic as it studies the delivery of therapeutic payloads to the desired target cells without affecting the healthy tissues/cells, thus minimizing drug-induced toxicity. Aiming towards the targeted drug delivery, the present project deals with the delivery of a polarity-sensitive solvatochromic model drug, namely, salt of 8-anilinonaphthalene-1-sulphonic acid (ANSA) to the model bio-membrane (which mimic several aspects of the real cell membrane), more precisely at the lipid-water interface of L-α-Dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) phospholipid. The drug delivery process has been activated through the binding of dye with cyclodextrin, acting as a drug transporter. Detailed steady-state and time-resolved spectroscopic studies including molecular docking analysis imply the targeted drug delivery of dye, ANSA, towards the lipid-water interface region of lipid bilayers through encapsulation within the cyclodextrin void. Stronger binding interaction of the dye with the lipid bilayers relative to β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) is the foremost reason for the targeted delivery. The present biophysical interaction studies of drug-lipid interaction, thus, may provide a cordial approach for drug formulation and drug delivery.

M2pep-Modified Cyclodextrin-siRNA Nanoparticles Modulate the Immunosuppressive Tumor Microenvironment for Prostate Cancer Therapy

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the most prevalent cause of cancer deaths in men. Conventional strategies, such as surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy, face challenges including poor prognosis and resistance. Therefore, the development of new improved strategies is vital to enhance patient outcomes. Recently, immunotherapy has shown potential in the treatment of a range of cancers, including PCa. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) play an important role in the tumor microenvironment (TME) and reprogramming of TAMs is associated with remodeling the TME. The colony-stimulating factor-1/colony stimulating factor-1 receptor (CSF-1/CSF-1R) signaling pathway is closely related to the polarization of TAMs. The downregulation of CSF-1R, using small interfering RNA (siRNA), has been shown to achieve the reprogramming of TAMs, from the immunosuppressive M2 phenotype to the immunostimulatory M1 one. To maximize specific cellular delivery an M2 macrophage-targeting peptide, M2pep, was formulated with an amphiphilic cationic β-Cyclodextrin (CD) incorporating CSF-1R siRNA. The resulting nanoparticles (NPs) increased M2 macrophage targeting both in vitro and in vivo, promoting the release of M1 factors and simultaneously downregulating the levels of M2 factors through TAM reprogramming. The subsequent remodeling of the TME resulted in a reduction in tumor growth in a subcutaneous PCa mouse model mainly mediated through the recruitment of cytotoxic T cells. In summary, this M2pep-targeted CD-based delivery system demonstrated significant antitumor efficacy, thus presenting an alternative immunotherapeutic strategy for PCa treatment.

Tackling TNF-α in autoinflammatory disorders and autoimmune diseases: From conventional to cutting edge in biologics and RNA- based nanomedicines

Autoinflammatory disorders and autoimmune diseases result from abnormal deviations of innate and adaptive immunity that heterogeneously affect organs and clinical phenotypes. Despite having etiologic and phenotypic differences, these two conditions share the onset of an aberrant inflammatory process. Targeting the main drivers controlling inflammation is useful to treat both autoimmune and autoinflammatory syndromes. TNF-α is a major player in the inflammatory immune response, and anti-TNF-α antibodies have been a revolutionary treatment in many autoimmune disorders. However, production difficulties and high development costs hinder their implementation, and accessibility to their use is still limited. Innovative strategies aimed at overcoming the limitations associated with anti-TNF-α antibodies are being explored, including RNA-based therapies. Here we summarize the central role of TNF-α in immune disorders and how anti-TNF-based immunotherapies changed the therapeutic landscape, albeit with important limitations related to side effects, tolerance, and resistance to therapies. We then outline how nanotechnology has provided the final momentum for the use of nucleic acids in the treatment of autoimmune and autoinflammatory diseases, with a focus on inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs). The example of IBDs allows the evaluation and discussion of the nucleic acids-based treatments that have been developed, to identify the role that innovative approaches possess in view of the treatment of autoinflammatory disorders and autoimmune diseases.

Emerging non-viral vectors for gene delivery

Gene therapy holds great promise for treating a multitude of inherited and acquired diseases by delivering functional genes, comprising DNA or RNA, into targeted cells or tissues to elicit manipulation of gene expression. However, the clinical implementation of gene therapy remains substantially impeded by the lack of safe and efficient gene delivery vehicles. This review comprehensively outlines the novel fastest-growing and efficient non-viral gene delivery vectors, which include liposomes and lipid nanoparticles (LNPs), highly branched poly(β-amino ester) (HPAE), single-chain cyclic polymer (SCKP), poly(amidoamine) (PAMAM) dendrimers, and polyethyleneimine (PEI). Particularly, we discuss the research progress, potential development directions, and remaining challenges. Additionally, we provide a comprehensive overview of the currently approved non-viral gene therapeutics, as well as ongoing clinical trials. With advances in biomedicine, molecular biology, materials science, non-viral gene vectors play an ever-expanding and noteworthy role in clinical gene therapy.

Intratumoural Delivery of mRNA Loaded on a Cationic Hyper-Branched Cyclodextrin-Based Polymer Induced an Anti-Tumour Immunological Response in Melanoma

mRNA technology has demonstrated potential for use as an effective cancer immunotherapy. However, inefficient in vivo mRNA delivery and the requirements for immune co-stimulation present major hurdles to achieving anti-tumour therapeutic efficacy. Therefore, we used a cationic hyper-branched cyclodextrin-based polymer to increase mRNA delivery in both in vitro and in vivo melanoma cancer. We found that the transfection efficacy of the mRNA-EGFP-loaded Ppoly system was significantly higher than that of lipofectamine and free mRNA in both 2D and 3D melanoma cancer cells; also, this delivery system did not show cytotoxicity. In addition, the biodistribution results revealed time-dependent and significantly higher mEGFP expression in complexes with Ppoly compared to free mRNA. We then checked the anti-tumour effect of intratumourally injected free mRNA-OVA, a foreign antigen, and loaded Ppoly; the results showed a considerable decrease in both tumour size and weight in the group treated with OVA-mRNA in loaded Ppoly compared to other formulations with an efficient adaptive immune response by dramatically increasing most leukocyte subtypes and OVA-specific CD8+ T cells in both the spleen and tumour tissues. Collectively, our findings suggest that the local delivery of cationic cyclodextrin-based polymer complexes containing foreign mRNA antigens might be a good and reliable concept for cancer immunotherapy.

Biomaterial-based gene therapy

Gene therapy, a medical approach that involves the correction or replacement of defective and abnormal genes, plays an essential role in the treatment of complex and refractory diseases, such as hereditary diseases, cancer, and rheumatic immune diseases. Nucleic acids alone do not easily enter the target cells due to their easy degradation in vivo and the structure of the target cell membranes. The introduction of genes into biological cells is often dependent on gene delivery vectors, such as adenoviral vectors, which are commonly used in gene therapy. However, traditional viral vectors have strong immunogenicity while also presenting a potential infection risk. Recently, biomaterials have attracted attention for use as efficient gene delivery vehicles, because they can avoid the drawbacks associated with viral vectors. Biomaterials can improve the biological stability of nucleic acids and the efficiency of intracellular gene delivery. This review is focused on biomaterial-based delivery systems in gene therapy and disease treatment. Herein, we review the recent developments and modalities of gene therapy. Additionally, we discuss nucleic acid delivery strategies, with a focus on biomaterial-based gene delivery systems. Furthermore, the current applications of biomaterial-based gene therapy are summarized.

β-Cyclodextrin/chitosan-based (polyvinyl alcohol-co-acrylic acid) interpenetrating hydrogels for oral drug delivery

Gallic acid is an important phenolic compound with extensive applications in the food and pharmaceutical industries due to its health-promoting properties. However, due to its poor solubility and bioavailability, it is rapidly excreted from the body. Therefore, β-cyclodextrin/chitosan-based (polyvinyl alcohol-co-acrylic acid) interpenetrating controlled release hydrogels were developed to improve its dissolution and bioavailability. pH, polymer ratios, dynamic and equilibrium swelling, porosity, sol-gel, FTIR, XRD, TGA, DSC, SEM and structural parameters like an average molecular weight between crosslinks, solvent interaction parameters, and diffusion coefficient affecting release behavior were investigated. The highest swelling and release were observed at pH 7.4. Furthermore, hydrogels showed good antioxidant and antibacterial properties. Hydrogels improved the bioavailability of gallic acid in a pharmacokinetics study in rabbits. In vitro biodegradation showed that hydrogels were more stable in blank PBS than lysozyme and collagenase. Hydrogels were safe for rabbits (3500 mg/kg) without causing hematological or histopathological changes. The hydrogels showed good biocompatibility, and no adverse reactions were observed. Moreover, the developed hydrogels can be used to improve the bioavailability of various other drugs.

Graphene Quantum Dot‐PEI‐Cyclodextrin Nanocarrier for Simultaneous miR21a Delivery and Cell Imaging in Cancer Therapy

Over‐expression of miR21 plays an important role in several cancers by promoting cancer cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and metastasis. Here, we attempted to prepare a beta cyclodextrin‐polyethyleneimine‐graphene quantum dot (βCD‐PEI‐GQD) nanocarrier for cellular delivery of miR21a. For this purpose, tosylated‐βCD and GQD were conjugated to branched PEI. The product was characterized by FTIR, 1H‐NMR, and fluorescence spectroscopy. The morphology, particle size distribution, and ζ‐potential of miR21a were examined by TEM and DLS following overnight incubation with βCD‐PEI‐GQD in aqueous media. The miR21 silencing was measured by stem‐loop RT‐PCR in HepG2 human hepatoma cell line. Cellular uptake and cell toxicity assays were determined by fluorescence microscopy and Trypan blue staining method, respectively. The formation of miR21a/CD‐PEI‐GQD Nanoplex with a decreased average size of 114 nm and a ζ‐potential (+36.1 mV) lower than CD‐PEI‐GQD nanocarrier by adding miR21a was confirmed at optimum C/P ratio =8.7. RT‐PCR revealed that miR21a/βCD‐PEI‐GQD Nanoplex significantly downregulated miR21 expression levels effectively. Overall, miR21a delivery using CD‐PEI‐GQD is presented as a novel trackable nanocarrier for cancer therapy.

A Comparison between the Molecularly Imprinted and Non-Molecularly Imprinted Cyclodextrin-Based Nanosponges for the Transdermal Delivery of Melatonin

Melatonin is a neurohormone that ameliorates many health conditions when it is administered as a drug, but its drawbacks are its oral and intravenous fast release. To overcome the limitations associated with melatonin release, cyclodextrin-based nanosponges (CD-based NSs) can be used. Under their attractive properties, CD-based NSs are well-known to provide the sustained release of the drug. Green cyclodextrin (CD)-based molecularly imprinted nanosponges (MIP-NSs) are successfully synthesized by reacting β-Cyclodextrin (β-CD) or Methyl-β Cyclodextrin (M-βCD) with citric acid as a cross-linking agent at a 1:8 molar ratio, and melatonin is introduced as a template molecule. In addition, CD-based non-molecularly imprinted nanosponges (NIP-NSs) are synthesized following the same procedure as MIP-NSs without the presence of melatonin. The resulting polymers are characterized by CHNS-O Elemental, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Thermogravimetric (TGA), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Zeta Potential, and High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC-UV) analyses, etc. The encapsulation efficiencies are 60-90% for MIP-NSs and 20-40% for NIP-NSs, whereas melatonin loading capacities are 1-1.5% for MIP-NSs and 4-7% for NIP-NSs. A better-controlled drug release performance (pH = 7.4) for 24 h is displayed by the in vitro release study of MIP-NSs (30-50% released melatonin) than NIP-NSs (50-70% released melatonin) due to the different associations within the polymeric structure. Furthermore, a computational study, through the static simulations in the gas phase at a Geometry Frequency Non-covalent interactions (GFN2 level), is performed to support the inclusion complex between βCD and melatonin with the automatic energy exploration performed by Conformer-Rotamer Ensemble Sampling Tool (CREST). A total of 58% of the CD/melatonin interactions are dominated by weak forces. CD-based MIP-NSs and CD-based NIP-NSs are mixed with cream formulations for enhancing and sustaining the melatonin delivery into the skin. The efficiency of cream formulations is determined by stability, spreadability, viscosity, and pH. This development of a new skin formulation, based on an imprinting approach, will be of the utmost importance in future research at improving skin permeation through transdermal delivery, associated with narrow therapeutic windows or low bioavailability of drugs with various health benefits.

Study of Hydroxypropyl β-Cyclodextrin and Puerarin Inclusion Complexes Encapsulated in Sodium Alginate-Grafted 2-Acrylamido-2-Methyl-1-Propane Sulfonic Acid Hydrogels for Oral Controlled Drug Delivery

Puerarin has been reported to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, immunity enhancement, neuroprotective, cardioprotective, antitumor, and antimicrobial effects. However, due to its poor pharmacokinetic profile (low oral bioavailability, rapid systemic clearance, and short half-life) and physicochemical properties (e.g., low aqueous solubility and poor stability) its therapeutic efficacy is limited. The hydrophobic nature of puerarin makes it difficult to load into hydrogels. Hence, hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HP-βCD)-puerarin inclusion complexes (PIC) were first prepared to enhance solubility and stability; then, they were incorporated into sodium alginate-grafted 2-acrylamido-2-methyl-1-propane sulfonic acid (SA-g-AMPS) hydrogels for controlled drug release in order to increase bioavailability. The puerarin inclusion complexes and hydrogels were evaluated via FTIR, TGA, SEM, XRD, and DSC. Swelling ratio and drug release were both highest at pH 1.2 (36.38% swelling ratio and 86.17% drug release) versus pH 7.4 (27.50% swelling ratio and 73.25% drug release) after 48 h. The hydrogels exhibited high porosity (85%) and biodegradability (10% in 1 week in phosphate buffer saline). In addition, the in vitro antioxidative activity (DPPH (71%), ABTS (75%), and antibacterial activity (Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) indicated the puerarin inclusion complex-loaded hydrogels had antioxidative and antibacterial capabilities. This study provides a basis for the successful encapsulation of hydrophobic drugs inside hydrogels for controlled drug release and other purposes.

Sialic Acid-Targeted Cyclodextrin-Based Nanoparticles Deliver CSF-1R siRNA and Reprogram Tumour-Associated Macrophages for Immunotherapy of Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer remains a serious condition threatening the health of men. Due to the complicated nature of the tumour microenvironment (TME), conventional treatments face challenges including poor prognosis and tumour resistance, therefore new therapeutic strategies are urgently needed. Small interfering RNA (siRNA), a double-stranded non-coding RNA, regulates specific gene expression through RNA interference. Tumour-associated macrophages (TAMs) are a potential therapeutic target in cancer immunotherapy. Colony stimulating factor-1/colony stimulating factor-1 receptor (CSF-1/CSF-1R) signaling pathway plays a crucial role in the polarization of the immunosuppressive TAMs, M2 macrophages. Downregulation of CSF-1R is known to reprogram the immunosuppressive TAMs, M2 macrophages, to the immunostimulatory phenotype, M1 macrophages. Sialic acid is a ligand for Siglec-1 (CD169) which is overexpressed on M2 macrophages with little expression in other phenotypes. Therefore, a sialic acid-targeted cyclodextrin-based nanoparticle was developed to specifically deliver CSF-1R siRNA to M2 macrophages. The nanoparticles were studied in vitro using both human and mouse prostate cancer cell lines. Results show that the targeted nanoparticles achieved cell specific delivery to M2 macrophages via the sialic acid-CD169 axis. The expression of CSF-1R was significantly downregulated in M2 macrophages (29.64% for targeted vs 19.31% for non-targeted nanoparticles in THP-1-derived M2 macrophages and 38.94% for targeted vs 18.51% for non-targeted nanoparticles in RAW 264.7-derived M2 macrophages, n = 4, p < 0.01). The resulting reprograming of M2 macrophages to M1 enhanced the level of apoptosis in the prostate cancer cells in a Transwell model (49.17% for targeted vs 37.68% for non-targeted nanoparticles in PC-3 cells and 69.15% for targeted vs 44.73% for non-targeted nanoparticles in TRAMP C1 cells, n = 3, p < 0.01). Thus, this targeted cyclodextrin-based siRNA drug delivery system provides a potential strategy for prostate cancer immunotherapy.

Dual Immunostimulatory Pathway Agonism through a Synthetic Nanocarrier Triggers Robust Anti-Tumor Immunity in Murine Glioblastoma

Myeloid cells are abundant, create a highly immunosuppressive environment in glioblastoma (GBM), and thus contribute to poor immunotherapy responses. Based on the hypothesis that small molecules can be used to stimulate myeloid cells to elicit anti-tumor effector functions, a synthetic nanoparticle approach is developed to deliver dual NF-kB pathway-inducing agents into these cells via systemic administration. Synthetic, cyclodextrin-adjuvant nanoconstructs (CANDI) with high affinity for tumor-associated myeloid cells are dually loaded with a TLR7 and 8 (Toll-like receptor, 7 and 8) agonist (R848) and a cIAP (cellular inhibitor of apoptosis protein) inhibitor (LCL-161) to dually activate these myeloid cells. Here CANDI is shown to: i) readily enter the GBM tumor microenvironment (TME) and accumulate at high concentrations, ii) is taken up by tumor-associated myeloid cells, iii) potently synergize payloads compared to monotherapy, iv) activate myeloid cells, v) fosters a "hot" TME with high levels of T effector cells, and vi) controls the growth of murine GBM as mono- and combination therapies with anti-PD1. Multi-pathway targeted myeloid stimulation via the CANDI platform can efficiently drive anti-tumor immunity in GBM.

Anticancer potential of curcumin-cyclodextrin complexes and their pharmacokinetic properties

Cancer is one of the most common diseases throughout the world, with many treatment modalities currently being used, and new treatment strategies being sought. Most chemotherapeutic molecules have shown extensive toxicity for normal cells, which leads to severe adverse effects. Chemotherapy may also lead to drug resistance, which is one of the major obstacles to the clinical treatment of cancer. Curcumin, a polyphenolic natural compound, has long been considered a therapeutic molecule for a variety of diseases and possesses anti-cancer, anti-oxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. However, its use is limited due to its hydrophobic nature, poor solubility in water at acidic or neutral pH, and limited bioavailability at the tumor site. Cyclodextrin complexes of curcumin increase curcumin's water solubility, as well as its physicochemical stability to hydrolysis and photochemical decomposition. The most common type of cyclodextrin used for pharmaceutical preparations is β-cyclodextrin. This review focuses on different curcumin-cyclodextrin formulations and compares their pharmacokinetic parameters and efficacy.

Hyper-Branched Cationic Cyclodextrin Polymers for Improving Plasmid Transfection in 2D and 3D Spheroid Cells

In this article, we used monolayer two dimensional (2D) and 3D multicellular spheroid models to improve our understanding of the gene delivery process of a new modified cationic hyper-branched cyclodextrin-based polymer (Ppoly)-loaded plasmid encoding Enhanced Green Fluorescent Protein (EGFP). A comparison between the cytotoxicity effect and transfection efficiency of the plasmid DNA (pDNA)-loaded Ppoly system in 2D and 3D spheroid cells determined that the transfection efficiency and cytotoxicity of Ppoly-pDNA nanocomplexes were lower in 3D spheroids than in 2D monolayer cells. Furthermore, histopathology visualization of Ppoly-pDNA complex cellular uptake in 3D spheroids demonstrated that Ppoly penetrated into the inner layers. This study indicated that the Ppoly, as a non-viral gene delivery system in complex with pDNA, is hemocompatible, non-toxic, high in encapsulation efficiency, and has good transfection efficiency in both 2D and 3D cell cultures compared to free pDNA and lipofectamine (as the control).

Co-delivery of docetaxel and p53 gene from cationic nanoparticles based on poly (l-lactide) and low-molecular-weight polyethyleneimine (PEA)

Recent findings revealed that low-concentration paclitaxel(DTX) could enhance cytotoxicity by upregulating p53 expression in lung cancer cell lines. So, co-delivery of DTX and RFP-p53 gene with PEA nanoparticles (NPs) was studied. The prepared DTX loaded PEA NPs (PEA/DTX) were characterized by particle size distribution, morphology, zeta potential, and crystallography and cytotoxicity. Results showed that the PEA/DTX NPs had a mall particle size (≤100 nm), moderate zeta potential (≥40 mV) and drug loading of 9.0%, DTX was released from PEA/DTX NPs in an extended period in vitro. More important, agarose gel electrophoresis showed that PEA/DTX cationic NPs were able to completely bind RFP-p53 gene with mean particles size and zeta potential. Studies on cellular uptake of (PEA/DTX)/RFP-p53 NPs demonstrated that both drug and gene were effectively taken up by A549 tumor cells. It was found that intravenous injection of (PEA/DTX)/RFP-p53 NPs efficiently inhibited growth of subcutaneous A549 carcinoma in vivo (p < 0.05) and was significantly less side effect than that of mice treated with the other groups. Therefore, the (PEA/DTX)/RFP-p53 NPs might be a promising candidate for A549 cancer therapy.

Cyclodextrin-Based Polymeric Materials Bound to Corona Protein for Theranostic Applications

Cyclodextrins (CDs) are cyclic oligosaccharide structures that could be used for theranostic applications in personalized medicine. These compounds have been widely utilized not only for enhancing drug solubility, stability, and bioavailability but also for controlled and targeted delivery of small molecules. These compounds can be complexed with various biomolecules, such as peptides or proteins, via host-guest interactions. CDs are amphiphilic compounds with water-hating holes and water-absorbing surfaces. Architectures of CDs allow the drawing and preparation of CD-based polymers (CDbPs) with optimal pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties. These polymers can be cloaked with protein corona consisting of adsorbed plasma or extracellular proteins to improve nanoparticle biodistribution and half-life. Besides, CDs have become famous in applications ranging from biomedicine to environmental sciences. In this review, we emphasize ongoing research in biomedical fields using CD-based centered, pendant, and terminated polymers and their interactions with protein corona for theranostic applications. Overall, a perusal of information concerning this novel approach in biomedicine will help to implement this methodology based on host-guest interaction to improve therapeutic and diagnostic strategies.

An Updated Overview of Cyclodextrin-Based Drug Delivery Systems for Cancer Therapy

Encompassing a group of complex and heterogeneous diseases, cancer continues to be a challenge for patients and healthcare systems worldwide. Thus, it is of vital importance to develop advanced treatment strategies that could reduce the trends of cancer-associated morbidity and mortality rates. Scientists have focused on creating performant delivery vehicles for anti-cancer agents. Among the possible materials, cyclodextrins (CDs) attracted increasing interest over the past few years, leading to the emergence of promising anti-tumor nanomedicines. Tackling their advantageous chemical structure, ease of modification, natural origin, biocompatibility, low immunogenicity, and commercial availability, researchers investigated CD-based therapeutical formulations against many types of cancer. In this respect, in this paper, we briefly present the properties of interest of CDs for designing performant nanocarriers, further reviewing some of the most recent potential applications of CD-based delivery systems in cancer management.

An Updated Overview of Cyclodextrin-Based Drug Delivery Systems for Cancer Therapy

Encompassing a group of complex and heterogeneous diseases, cancer continues to be a challenge for patients and healthcare systems worldwide. Thus, it is of vital importance to develop advanced treatment strategies that could reduce the trends of cancer-associated morbidity and mortality rates. Scientists have focused on creating performant delivery vehicles for anti-cancer agents. Among the possible materials, cyclodextrins (CDs) attracted increasing interest over the past few years, leading to the emergence of promising anti-tumor nanomedicines. Tackling their advantageous chemical structure, ease of modification, natural origin, biocompatibility, low immunogenicity, and commercial availability, researchers investigated CD-based therapeutical formulations against many types of cancer. In this respect, in this paper, we briefly present the properties of interest of CDs for designing performant nanocarriers, further reviewing some of the most recent potential applications of CD-based delivery systems in cancer management.

Curcumin-loaded hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin inclusion complex with enhanced dissolution and oral bioavailability for epilepsy treatment

Curcumin, the main bioactive component of turmeric, has a wild range of beneficial effects on central nervous diseases, including anti-Alzheimer's disease, antioxidant stress, and anti-inflammation. Currently, it has been demonstrated the anti-epileptic potential. However, curcumin has poor water solubility, high sensitivity to light and heat, and low absorption, which results in low bioavailability and greatly limits the clinical application of curcumin, as well as the elusive effects in anti-epileptic treatment.This study aimed to develop a curcumin hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin inclusion complex (CUR-HP-β-CD) to improve its bioavailability and facilitate its potential development as an anti-epileptic drug. The CUR-HP-β-CD was generated by the solvent evaporation method, which has efficient entrapment, high solubility, and facilitated bioavailability and brain distribution.The solubility of the CUR-HP-β-CD was 63.5, 60.1, and 52.9 times that of the unformulated curcumin in H₂O, HCl (pH 1.2), and PBS (pH 6.8), respectively. The bioavailability of CUR-HP-β-CD is improved 2.8 times and 38.7 folds higher brain concentrations. Moreover, the therapeutic anti-epileptic effects of CUR-HP-β-CD were much more effective in pentylenetetrazol (PTZ)-induced zebrafish and mouse models.This study showed a simple and reproducible strategy to effectively improve the bioavailability and therapeutic effects of curcumin, which could be potentially used in epilepsy treatment.

Incorporation of Hydrophilic Macrocycles Into Drug-Linker Reagents Produces Antibody-Drug Conjugates With Enhanced in vivo Performance

Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) have begun to fulfil their promise as targeted cancer therapeutics with ten clinical approvals to date. As the field matures, much attention has focused upon the key factors required to produce safe and efficacious ADCs. Recently the role that linker-payload reagent design has on the properties of ADCs has been highlighted as an important consideration for developers. We have investigated the effect of incorporating hydrophilic macrocycles into reagent structures on the in vitro and in vivo behavior of ADCs. Bis-sulfone based disulfide rebridging reagents bearing Val-Cit-PABC-MMAE linker-payloads were synthesized with a panel of cyclodextrins and crown ethers integrated into their structures via a glutamic acid branching point. Brentuximab was selected as a model antibody and ten ADCs with a drug-to-antibody ratio (DAR) of 4 were prepared for biological evaluation. In vitro, the ADCs prepared showed broadly similar potency (range: 16–34 pM) and were comparable to Adcetris® (16 pM). In vivo, the cyclodextrin containing ADCs showed greater efficacy than Adcetris® and the most efficacious variant (incorporating a 3′-amino-α-cyclodextrin component) matched a 24-unit poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) containing comparator. The ADCs bearing crown ethers also displayed enhanced in vivo efficacy compared to Adcetris®, the most active variant (containing a 1-aza-42-crown-14 macrocycle) was superior to an analogous ADC with a larger 24-unit PEG chain. In summary, we have demonstrated that hydrophilic macrocycles can be effectively incorporated into ADC reagent design and offer the potential for enhanced alternatives to established drug-linker architectures.

Toward Gene Transfer Nanoparticles as Therapeutics

Genetic medicine has great potential to treat the underlying causes of many human diseases with exquisite precision, but the field has historically been stymied by delivery as the central challenge. Nanoparticles, engineered constructs the size of natural viruses, are being designed to more closely mimic the delivery efficiency of viruses, while enabling the advantages of increased safety, cargo-carrying flexibility, specific targeting, and ease in manufacturing. The speed in which nonviral gene transfer nanoparticles are making progress in the clinic is accelerating, with clinical validation of multiple nonviral nucleic acid delivery nanoparticle formulations recently FDA approved for both expression and for silencing of genes. While much of this progress has been with lipid nanoparticle formulations, significant development is being made with other nanomaterials for gene transfer as well, with favorable attributes such as biodegradability, scalability, and cell targeting. This review highlights the state of the field, current challenges in delivery, and opportunities for engineered nanomaterials to meet these challenges, including enabling long-term therapeutic gene editing. Delivery technology utilizing different kinds of nanomaterials and varying cargos for gene transfer (DNA, mRNA, and ribonucleoproteins) are discussed. Clinical applications are presented, including for the treatment of genetic diseases such as cystic fibrosis.

Actively Targeted Nanomedicines in Breast Cancer: From Pre-Clinal Investigation to Clinic

Simple Summary

Despite all the efforts and advances made in the treatment of breast cancer, this pathology continues to be one of the main causes of cancer death in women, particularly triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), and, although to a lesser degree, HER-2 receptor-positive tumors. Chemotherapy is one of the main treatments available. However, it shows numerous limitations due to its lack of selectivity. In this sense, the selective delivery of antineoplastics to cancer cells can reduce their adverse effects and increase their efficacy. The use of active targeted nanomedicine is a good strategy to achieve this selective chemotherapy. In fact, in recent decades, several active targeted nanoformulations have been approved or reached clinical investigation with excellent results. Among all nanomedicines, antibody-drug conjugates are the most promising.

Abstract

Breast cancer is one of the most frequently diagnosed tumors and the second leading cause of cancer death in women worldwide. The use of nanosystems specifically targeted to tumor cells (active targeting) can be an excellent therapeutic tool to improve and optimize current chemotherapy for this type of neoplasm, since they make it possible to reduce the toxicity and, in some cases, increase the efficacy of antineoplastic drugs. Currently, there are 14 nanomedicines that have reached the clinic for the treatment of breast cancer, 4 of which are already approved (Kadcyla^®, Enhertu^®, Trodelvy^®, and Abraxane^®). Most of these nanomedicines are antibody–drug conjugates. In the case of HER-2-positive breast cancer, these conjugates (Kadcyla^®, Enhertu^®, Trastuzumab-duocarmycin, RC48, and HT19-MMAF) target HER-2 receptors, and incorporate maytansinoid, deruxtecan, duocarmicyn, or auristatins as antineoplastics. In TNBC these conjugates (Trodelvy^®, Glembatumumab-Vedotin, Ladiratuzumab-vedotin, Cofetuzumab-pelidotin, and PF-06647263) are directed against various targets, in particular Trop-2 glycoprotein, NMB glycoprotein, Zinc transporter LIV-1, and Ephrin receptor-4, to achieve this selective accumulation, and include campthotecins, calicheamins, or auristatins as drugs. Apart from the antibody–drug conjugates, there are other active targeted nanosystems that have reached the clinic for the treatment of these tumors such as Abraxane^® and Nab-rapamicyn (albumin nanoparticles entrapping placlitaxel and rapamycin respectively) and various liposomes (MM-302, C225-ILS-Dox, and MM-310) loaded with doxorubicin or docetaxel and coated with ligands targeted to Ephrin A2, EPGF, or HER-2 receptors. In this work, all these active targeted nanomedicines are discussed, analyzing their advantages and disadvantages over conventional chemotherapy as well as the challenges involved in their lab to clinical translation. In addition, examples of formulations developed and evaluated at the preclinical level are also discussed.

A Review on Curcumin-Loaded Electrospun Nanofibers and their Application in Modern Medicine

Herbal drugs are safe and show significantly fewer side effects than their synthetic counterparts. Curcumin (an active ingredient primarily found in turmeric) shows therapeutic properties, but its commercial use as a medication is unrealized, because of doubts about its potency. The literature reveals that electrospun nanofibers show simplicity, efficiency, cost, and reproducibility compared to other fabricating techniques. Forcespinning is a new technique that minimizes limitations and provides additional advantages to electrospinning. Polymer-based nanofibers-whose advantages lie in stability, solubility, and drug storage-overcome problems related to drug delivery, like instability and hydrophobicity. Curcumin-loaded polymer nanofibers show potency in healing diabetic wounds in vitro and in vivo. The release profiles, cell viability, and proliferation assays substantiate their efficacy in bone tissue repair and drug delivery against lung, breast, colorectal, squamous, glioma, and endometrial cancer cells. This review mainly discusses how polymer nanofibers interact with curcumin and its medical efficacy.

Bridging micro/nano-platform and airway allergy intervention

Allergic airway diseases, with incidence augmenting visibly as industrial development and environmental degradation, are characterized by sneezing, itching, wheezing, chest tightness, airway obstruction, and hyperresponsiveness. Current medical modalities attempt to combat these symptoms mostly by small molecule chemotherapeutants, such as corticosteroids, antihistamines, etc., via intranasal approach which is one of the most noninvasive, rapid-absorbed, and patient-friendly routes. Nevertheless, inherent defects for irritation to respiratory mucosa, drug inactivation and degradation, and rapid drug dispersal to off-target sites are inevitable. Lately, intratracheal micro/nano therapeutic systems are emerging as innovative alternatives for airway allergy interventions. This overview introduces several potential application directions of mic/nano-platform in the treatment of airway allergic diseases, including carriers, therapeutic agents, and immunomodulators. The improvement of the existing drug therapy of respiratory allergy management by micro/nano-platform is described in detail. The challenges of the micro/nano-platform nasal approach in the treatment of airway allergy are summarized and the development of micro/nano-platform is also prospected. Although still a burgeoning area, micro/nano therapeutic systems are gradually turning to be realistic orientations as crucial future alternative therapeutic options in allergic airway inflammation interventions.

Microfluidic formulation of nanoparticles for biomedical applications

Nanomedicine has made significant advances in clinical applications since the late-20th century, in part due to its distinct advantages in biocompatibility, potency, and novel therapeutic applications. Many nanoparticle (NP) therapies have been approved for clinical use, including as imaging agents or as platforms for drug delivery and gene therapy. However, there are remaining challenges that hinder translation, such as non-scalable production methods and the inefficiency of current NP formulations in delivering their cargo to their target. To address challenges with existing formulation methods that have batch-to-batch variability and produce particles with high dispersity, microfluidics-devices that manipulate fluids on a micrometer scale-have demonstrated enormous potential to generate reproducible NP formulations for therapeutic, diagnostic, and preventative applications. Microfluidic-generated NP formulations have been shown to have enhanced properties for biomedical applications by formulating NPs with more controlled physical properties than is possible with bulk techniques-such as size, size distribution, and loading efficiency. In this review, we highlight advances in microfluidic technologies for the formulation of NPs, with an emphasis on lipid-based NPs, polymeric NPs, and inorganic NPs. We provide a summary of microfluidic devices used for NP formulation with their advantages and respective challenges. Additionally, we provide our analysis for future outlooks in the field of NP formulation and microfluidics, with emerging topics of production scale-independent formulations through device parallelization and multi-step reactions within droplets.

Trifaceted Mickey Mouse Amphiphiles for Programmable Self-Assembly, DNA Complexation and Organ-Selective Gene Delivery

Instilling segregated cationic and lipophilic domains with an angular disposition in a trehalose-based trifaceted macrocyclic scaffold allows engineering patchy molecular nanoparticles leveraging directional interactions that emulate those controlling self-assembling processes in viral capsids. The resulting trilobular amphiphilic derivatives, featuring a Mickey Mouse architecture, can electrostatically interact with plasmid DNA (pDNA) and further engage in hydrophobic contacts to promote condensation into transfectious nanocomplexes. Notably, the topology and internal structure of the cyclooligosaccharide/pDNA co-assemblies can be molded by fine-tuning the valency and characteristics of the cationic and lipophilic patches, which strongly impacts the transfection efficacy in vitro and in vivo. Outstanding organ selectivities can then be programmed with no need of incorporating a biorecognizable motif in the formulation. The results provide a versatile strategy for the construction of fully synthetic and perfectly monodisperse nonviral gene delivery systems uniquely suited for optimization schemes by making cyclooligosaccharide patchiness the focus.

Loading of capsaicin-in-cyclodextrin inclusion complexes into PEGylated liposomes and the inhibitory effect on IL-8 production by MDA-MB-231 and A549 cancer cell lines

Capsaicin (CAP) is an active component in Capsicum annuum L. known to have anti inflammatory and anticancer activity. CAP is highly lipophilic and suffers low bioavailability. Therefore, developing delivery systems that enhance solubility and bioavailability can provide more promising therapeutic applications for CAP. In the current work, CAP was complexed with β-cyclodextrin (βCD) to form capsaicin-in-β-cyclodextrin (CAP-in-βCD) inclusion complexes. Then, the CAP-in-βCD inclusion complexes were characterized and loaded into PEGylated liposomes using the thin-film hydration extrusion method. The size, charge, and polydispersity index (PDI) of the PEGylated liposomes were characterized. The levels of IL-8 production were quantified after treatment using array beads. The results of this work showed that the successful formation of inclusion complexes at 1:5 M ratio of CAP to βCD respectively. PEGylated liposomes loaded with βCD/CAP inclusion complexes (CAP-in-βCD-in-liposomes) have a hydrodynamic diameter of (181 ± 36) nm, zeta potential of (-2.63 ± 4.00) mV, encapsulation efficiency (EE) of (38.65 ± 3.70)%, drug loading (DL) of (1.65 ± 0.16)%, and a stable release profile. Both free CAP and liposomal CAP showed a significant reduction in the IL-8 production by the MDA-MB-231 and A549 cancer cell lines after treatment. In conclusion, a liposomal-based drug delivery system for CAP was achieved.

History of cyclodextrin-based polymers in food and pharmacy: a review

Cyclodextrins are glucose macrocycles whose inclusional capabilities towards non-polar solutes can be modulated with the help of other macrostructures. The incorporation of cyclodextrin moieties into larger structures produces five types of new materials: crosslinked networks, functionalized chains, amphiphilic cyclodextrins, polyrotaxanes and nanocomposites. This review presents crosslinking and grafting to prepare covalently-attached cyclodextrins, and applications in the food and pharmaceutical sectors, from an historical point of view. In food science, applications include debittering of juices, retention of aromas and release of preservatives from packaging. In biomedical science, cyclodextrin polymers are applied classically to drug release, and more recently to gene delivery and regenerative medicine. The remarkable points are: 1) epichlorohydrin and diisocyanates have been extensively used as crosslinkers since the 1960s, but during the last two decades more complex cyclodextrin polymeric structures have been designed. 2) The evolution of cyclodextrin polymers matches that of macromolecular materials with regard to complexity, functionality and capabilities. 3) The use of cyclodextrin polymers as sorbents in the food sector came first, but smart packaging is now an active challenge. Cyclodextrins have also been recently used to design treatments against the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).