Emerging nanoformulation strategies for phytocompounds and applications from drug delivery to phototherapy to imaging

Multifaceted role of erlotinib in various cancer: nanotechnology intervention, patent landscape, and advancements in clinical trials

Erlotinib (ELB) is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor that targets the activity of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) protein found in both healthy and cancerous cells. It binds reversibly to the ATP-binding site of the EGFR tyrosine kinase. ELB was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2004 for advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treatment in patients who relapsed after at least one other therapy. It was authorized for use with gemcitabine in 2005 for the treatment of advanced pancreatic cancer. In addition to lung cancer, ELB has shown promising results in the treatment of other cancers, including breast, prostate, colon, pancreatic, cervical, ovarian, and head and neck cancers. However, its limited water solubility, as a BCS class II drug, presents biopharmaceutical problems. Nanoformulations have been developed to overcome these issues, including increased solubility, controlled release, enhanced stability, tumor accumulation, reduced toxicity, and overcoming drug resistance. In older patients, ELB management should involve individualized dosing based on age-related changes in drug metabolism and close monitoring for adverse effects. Regular assessments of renal and hepatic functions are essential. This review provides an overview of ELB's role of ELB in treating various cancers, its associated biopharmaceutical issues, and the latest developments in ELB-related nanotechnology interventions. It also covers ELB patents granted in previous years and the ongoing clinical trials.

QbD Based Formulation Development and Optimisation of Ozenoxacin Topical Nano-Emulgel and Efficacy Evaluation Using Impetigo Mice Model

To formulate and optimize Ozenoxacin nano-emulsion using Quality by Design (QbD) concept by means of Box-Behnken Design (BBD) and converting it to a gel to form Ozenoxacin nano-emulgel followed by physico-chemical, in-vitro, ex-vivo and in-vivo evaluation. This study demonstrates the application of QbD methodology for the development and optimization of an effective topical nanoemulgel formulation for the treatment of Impetigo focusing on the selection of appropriate excipients, optimization of formulation and process variables, and characterization of critical quality attributes. BBD was used to study the effect of "% of oil, % of Smix and homogenization speed" on critical quality attributes "globule size and % entrapment efficiency" for the optimisation of Ozenoxacin Nano-emulsion. Ozenoxacin loaded nano-emulgel was characterized for "description, identification, pH, specific gravity, amplitude sweep, viscosity, assay, organic impurities, antimicrobial effectiveness testing, in-vitro release testing, ex-vivo permeation testing, skin retention and in-vivo anti-bacterial activity". In-vitro release and ex-vivo permeation, skin retention and in-vivo anti-bacterial activity were found to be significantly (p < 0.01) higher for the nano-emulgel formulation compared to the innovator formulation (OZANEX™). Antimicrobial effectiveness testing was performed and found that even at 70% label claim of benzoic acid is effective to inhibit microbial growth in the drug product. The systematic application of QbD principles facilitated the successful development and optimization of a Ozenoxacin Nano-Emulsion. Optimised Ozenoxacin Nano-Emulgel can be considered as an effective alternative and found to be stable at least for 6 months at 40 °C / 75% RH and 30 °C / 75% RH.

Formulation and optimisation of Ozenoxacin topical nano-emulgel including a comprehensive methodology to qualify and validate the critical parameters of an in-vitro release test method and ex-vivo permeation test

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to formulate, optimize Ozenoxacin topical nano-emulsion using factorial design followed by to prepare and evaluate nano-emulgel using validated in-vitro release testing (IVRT) technique for determination of Ozenoxacin release rate along with ex-vivo permeation testing (EVPT).Significance: Nano-emulgel is a proven delivery system for poorly soluble substances works by enhancing the solubility and bioavailability. Factorial design provides a systematic and efficient means to study the effect of multiple factors on responses. IVRT is an USP compendia technique utilized for performance analysis of semi-solid formulations.

METHODS

Nano-emulsion formulation optimization was done with factorial design, evaluated for globule size and % entrapment efficiency (EE). Nano-emulgels were characterized for assay, organic impurities, rheological behavior, IVRT, EVPT, and skin retention studies. IVRT validation was executed using vertical diffusion cells (VDCs).

RESULTS

Ozenoxacin nano-emulsion was optimized with 1:1 ratio of Oil: Smix, 3:1 ratio of Surfactant:Co-Surfactant, and 15000 RPM of homogenization speed which resulted 414.6 ± 5.2 nm globule size and 92.8 ± 2.1% entrapment efficiency. Results confirmed that IVRT and Reversed Phase - High Performance Liquid Chromatographic techniques were validated as per regulatory guidelines. In-vitro, ex-vivo drug release, and skin retention from the optimized nano-emulgel formulation was comparatively higher (∼1.5 times) than that from the innovator (OZANEXTM) formulation.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on these results, Ozenoxacin nano-emulgel can be considered an effective alternative and was found to be stable at 40 °C/75% RH and 30 °C/75% RH storage condition for 6 months.

Gut microbiome as therapeutic target for diabesity management: opportunity for nanonutraceuticals and associated challenges

Diabesity is showing rising prevalence. Current treatment modalities include pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches, yet associated with various drawbacks. Recently, gut microbial dysbiosis is documented as a crucial factor in the pathogenesis of diabesity. Targeting gut microbiome using modulators shows promising therapeutic strategy for diabesity management. In this line, nanonutraceuticals represent new class of gut microbial modulators. The present article explores the potential of nanonutraceuticals including nanoprobiotics, nanoprebiotics, and plant-derived nanovesicles that are fabricated on the ecofriendly food based scaffold with gut microbial modulatory potential for diabesity management. A number of compelling evidences from different studies support Bifidobacterium, Enterococcus, and Bacteroides genera and Lactobacillus plantarum and Akkermansia muciniphila species significant in diabesity management. The probable mechanisms reported for gut microbial dysbiosis-induced diabesity are mentioned. The review findings suggest gut microbiome as significant therapeutic target for diabesity management. Moreover, ecofriendly nanonutraceuticals developed using natural products including food-grade materials are efficient modulators of gut microbiome and indicate next-generation diabesity therapeutics. Clinical studies are imperative as further exploration may provide new dimensions to the future research.

Nanobiosensors and nanoformulations in agriculture: new advances and challenges for sustainable agriculture

In the current scenario of climate change, global agricultural systems are facing remarkable challenges in order to increase production, while reducing the negative environmental impact. Nano-enabled technologies have the potential to revolutionise farming practices by increasing the efficiency of inputs and minimising losses, as well as contributing to sustainable agriculture. Two promising applications of nanotechnology in agriculture are nanobiosensors and nanoformulations (NFs). Nanobiosensors can help detect biotic and abiotic stresses in plants before they affect plant production, while NFs can make agrochemicals, more efficient and less polluting. NFs are becoming new-age materials with a wide variety of nanoparticle-based formulations such as fertilisers, herbicides, insecticides, and fungicides. They facilitate the site-targeted controlled delivery of agrochemicals enhancing their efficiency and reducing dosages. Smart farming aims to monitor and detect parameters related to plant health and environmental conditions in order to help sustainable agriculture. Nanobiosensors can provide real-time analytical data, including detection of nutrient levels, metabolites, pesticides, presence of pathogens, soil moisture, and temperature, aiding in precision farming practices, and optimising resource usage. In this review, we summarise recent innovative uses of NFs and nanobiosensors in agriculture that may boost crop protection and production, as well as reducing the negative environmental impact of agricultural activities. However, successful implementation of these smart technologies would require two special considerations: (i) educating farmers about appropriate use of nanotechnology, (ii) conducting field trials to ensure effectiveness under real conditions.

Phosphatidylcholine (PCL) fortified nano-phytopharmaceuticals for improvement of therapeutic efficacy

Phytopharmaceuticals, derived from plants, are increasingly recognized for their potential therapeutic benefits. However, their effectiveness is often hindered by challenges such as poor bioavailability, stability, and targeted delivery. In this study, we aimed to address these limitations by developing PCL (phosphatidylcholine) fortified nano-phytopharmaceuticals to enhance therapeutic efficacy. PCL, a biocompatible and biodegradable polymer, was employed to encapsulate the phytopharmaceuticals, thereby improving their stability and bioavailability. The encapsulation process utilized nanoprecipitation, resulting in the formation of nanoparticles with controlled size and morphology. Various analytical techniques were employed to characterize the physicochemical properties of PCL fortified nano-phytopharmaceuticals, including dynamic light scattering, scanning electron microscopy, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. Furthermore, the release kinetics of encapsulated phytopharmaceuticals from PCL nanoparticles were evaluated, demonstrating sustained and controlled release profiles, essential for prolonged therapeutic effects. Cytotoxicity studies conducted on in vitro cell culture models confirmed the biocompatibility and non-toxic nature of the developed nano-phytopharmaceuticals. Additionally, in vivo studies were conducted to assess the therapeutic efficacy of PCL fortified nano-phytopharmaceuticals in animal models. The results showIased improved bioavailability, targeted tissue distribution, and enhanced therapeutic effects compared to free phytopharmaceuticals. Moreover, the developed nano-phytopharmaceuticals exhibited prolonged circulation time in the bloodstream, enabling improved drug delivery and reduced dosing frequency. This review highlights the promising potential of PCL fortified nano-phytopharmaceuticals as an effective approach for enhancing the therapeutic efficacy of phytopharmaceuticals. The improved stability, bioavailability, sustained release, and targeted delivery achieved through this formulation strategy offer promising opportunities for advancing plant-based therapies. See also the Graphical abstract(Fig. 1).

Formulation and Evaluation of Plumbagin-Loaded Niosomes for an Antidiabetic Study: Optimization and In Vitro Evaluation

Diabetes treatment requires focused administration with quality systemic circulation to determine the optimal therapeutic window. Intestinal distribution through oral administration with nanoformulation provides several benefits. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to create plumbagin enclosed within niosomes using the quality by design (QbD) strategy for efficient penetration and increased bioavailability. The formulation and optimization of plumbagin-loaded niosomes (P-Ns-Opt) involved the use of a Box-Behnken Design. The particle size (PDI) and entrapment efficiency of the optimized P-Ns-Opt were 133.6 nm, 0.150, and 75.6%, respectively. TEM, DSC, and FTIR were used to analyze the morphology and compatibility of the optimized P-Ns-Opt. Studies conducted in vitro revealed a controlled release system. P-Ns-Opt's antioxidant activity, α-amylase, and α-glucosidase were evaluated, and the results revealed a dose-dependent efficacy with 60.68 ± 0.02%,90.69 ± 2.9%, and 88.43 ± 0.89%, respectively. In summary, the created P-Ns-Opt demonstrate remarkable potential for antidiabetic activity by inhibiting oxygen radicals, α-amylase, and α-glucosidase enzymes and are, therefore, a promising drug delivery nanocarrier in the management and treatment of diabetes.

Development of Phytochemical Delivery Systems by Nano-Suspension and Nano-Emulsion Techniques

The awareness of the existence of plant bioactive compounds, namely, phytochemicals (PHYs), with health properties is progressively expanding. Therefore, their massive introduction in the normal diet and in food supplements and their use as natural therapeutics to treat several diseases are increasingly emphasized by several sectors. In particular, most PHYs possessing antifungal, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiulcer, anti-cholesterol, hypoglycemic, immunomodulatory, and antioxidant properties have been isolated from plants. Additionally, their secondary modification with new functionalities to further improve their intrinsic beneficial effects has been extensively investigated. Unfortunately, although the idea of exploiting PHYs as therapeutics is amazing, its realization is far from simple, and the possibility of employing them as efficient clinically administrable drugs is almost utopic. Most PHYs are insoluble in water, and, especially when introduced orally, they hardly manage to pass through physiological barriers and scarcely reach the site of action in therapeutic concentrations. Their degradation by enzymatic and microbial digestion, as well as their rapid metabolism and excretion, strongly limits their in vivo activity. To overcome these drawbacks, several nanotechnological approaches have been used, and many nanosized PHY-loaded delivery systems have been developed. This paper, by reporting various case studies, reviews the foremost nanosuspension- and nanoemulsion-based techniques developed for formulating the most relevant PHYs into more bioavailable nanoparticles (NPs) that are suitable or promising for clinical application, mainly by oral administration. In addition, the acute and chronic toxic effects due to exposure to NPs reported so far, the possible nanotoxicity that could result from their massive employment, and ongoing actions to improve knowledge in this field are discussed. The state of the art concerning the actual clinical application of both PHYs and the nanotechnologically engineered PHYs is also reviewed.

Curcumin loaded liposome formulation: Enhanced efficacy on performance, flesh quality, immune response with defense against Streptococcus agalactiae in Nile tilapia (Orechromis niloticus)

Application of novel trend comprising antioxidant phytogenics is aiming to minimize the stress related factors and associated diseases in intensive fish culturing. Today, the concept of exploiting and protecting natural antioxidants represents a paradigm shift for the aqua feed industry. Therefore, our principal goal targeting liposome as a novel nanocarrier for curcumin is directed to attain superior performance, fillet antioxidant stability and bacterial resistance in Nile tilapia. A total of 500 Nile tilapia fingerlings (average body weight, 10.27 ± 0.10 g) assigned into five experimental groups in 25 glass aquaria of 120 L capacity at the density 20 fish/aquaria. The experimental groups were supplemented with varying doses of liposomal curcumin-NPs, LipoCur-NPs (0, 5, 15, 25 and 35 mg/kg diet) were reared for 12 weeks and later Streptococcus agalactiae (S. agalactiae) challenged model was performed. Inclusion of LipoCur-NPs (25 and 35 mg/kg diet) had the most prominent impact on Nile tilapia growth rate and feed conversion ratio. The immune boosting outcomes post supplementing 35 mg/kg diet of LipoCur-NPs were evidenced by higher myeloperoxidase, lysozyme and total immunoglobulin levels. Even after 4 weeks frozen storage, LipoCur-NPs at the dose of 35 mg/kg diet prominently increased (P < 0.05) the fillet scavenging capability for free radicals (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl and 2,2'-Azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) with an inverse reduction in lipid peroxidation biomarker (malondialdehyde). Notably, upregulation of GSH-Px, CAT, and SOD genes in fillet of 35 mg/kg LipoCur-NPs fed fish coordinated with higher T-AOC and lower oxidative markers (ROS and H₂O₂). Post S. agalactiae challenge, higher supplementation levels of LipoCur-NPs (35 mg/kg diet) greatly attenuated the expression of its vital virulence genes (cfb, fbsA and cpsA) with higher expression of Igm, CXC-chemokine and MHC genes. Concordantly, downregulation of inflammatory markers (IL-1β, TNF-α and IL-8) and upregulation of anti-inflammatory ones (IL-10 and TGF-β) were remarkably documented. Based on these findings, the innovative curcumin loaded liposome was considered a novel multitargeting alternative not only playing an imperative role in Nile tilapia growth promotion and fillet stability upon storage, but also protecting efficiently against S. agalactiae.

Role of curcumin and its nanoformulations in the treatment of neurological diseases through the effects on stem cells

Curcumin from turmeric is a natural phenolic compound with a promising potential to regulate fundamental processes involved in neurological diseases, including inflammation, oxidative stress, protein aggregation, and apoptosis at the molecular level. In this regard, employing nanoformulation can improve curcumin efficiency by reducing its limitations, such as low bioavailability. Besides curcumin, growing data suggest that stem cells are a noteworthy candidate for neurodegenerative disorders therapy due to their anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, and neuronal-differentiation properties, which result in neuroprotection. Curcumin and stem cells have similar neurogenic features and can be co-administered in a cell-drug delivery system to achieve better combination therapeutic outcomes for neurological diseases. Based on the evidence, curcumin can induce the neuroprotective activity of stem cells by modulating their related signalling pathways. The present review is about the role of curcumin and its nanoformulations in the improvement of neurological diseases alone and through the effect on different categories of stem cells by discussing the underlying mechanisms to provide a roadmap for future investigations.

An Eco-Friendly and Hopeful Promise Platform for Delivering Hydrophilic Wound Healing Agents in Topical Administration for Wound Disorder: Diltiazem-Loaded Niosomes

Purposes

Calcium channel blockers, such as diltiazem (DLZ), are important drugs for wound repair treatment. This current study used an ultrasonic method to increase the cutaneous delivery of (DLZ) niosomes.

Methods

The impact of the cholesterol:surfactant ratio on the DLZ-loaded niosome formulations was investigated. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy, drug release, skin sensitivity, animal wound repair model, and histopathological assessment were applied to investigate the characteristics, morphology, and therapeutic effectiveness of the DLZ noisome.

Results

The results showed that changes in the cholesterol:surfactant ratio can influence the zeta potential and the size of the niosome. The maximum entrapment efficiency was observed to be about 94% when the cholesterol content in the formulation was high. The DLZ release studies revealed that the niosomal formulation was released slowly over the course of 24 h. Macroscopic observations of the wound demonstrated that wound closure in the DLZ-niosome-treated group and the commercial brand was equal and higher than in the other groups (gel base, placebo gel, and negative control). Pathological studies described that the wound repair in the DLZ-niosomal gel group was greater than in the other treatment. All the preparations tested for cutaneous irritation on Wistar rats showed the DLZ niosomal gels to be non-irritating.

Conclusion

The findings of this study revealed that the prepared DLZ-niosome could be used as a possible nano-vesicle for DLZ cutaneous delivery thus potentially opening up new prospects for the treatment of wound disorders.

Attenuation of Hyperlipidemia by Medicinal Formulations of Emblica officinalis Synergized with Nanotechnological Approaches

The ayurvedic herb Emblica officinalis (E. officinalis) is a gift to mankind to acquire a healthy lifestyle. It has great therapeutic and nutritional importance. Emblica officinalis, also known as Indian gooseberry or Amla, is a member of the Euphorbiaceae family. Amla is beneficial for treating illnesses in all its forms. The most crucial component is a fruit, which is also the most common. It is used frequently in Indian medicine as a restorative, diuretic, liver tonic, refrigerant, stomachic, laxative, antipyretic, hair tonic, ulcer preventive, and for the common cold and fever. Hyperlipidemia is also known as high cholesterol or an increase in one or more lipid-containing blood proteins. Various phytocompounds, including polyphenols, vitamins, amino acids, fixed oils, and flavonoids, are present in the various parts of E. officinalis. E. officinalis has been linked to a variety of pharmacological effects in earlier studies, including hepatoprotective, immunomodulatory, antimicrobial, radioprotective, and hyperlipidemic effects. The amla-derived active ingredients and food products nevertheless encounter challenges such as instability and interactions with other food matrices. Considering the issue from this perspective, food component nanoencapsulation is a young and cutting-edge field for controlled and targeted delivery with a range of preventative activities. The nanoformulation of E. officinalis facilitates the release of active components or food ingredients, increased bioaccessibility, enhanced therapeutic activities, and digestion in the human body. Accordingly, the current review provides a summary of the phytoconstituents of E. officinalis, pharmacological actions detailing the plant E. officinalis's traditional uses, and especially hyperlipidemic activity. Correspondingly, the article describes the uses of nanotechnology in amla therapeutics and functional ingredients.

Nanoparticles of naturally occurring PPAR-γ inhibitor betulinic acid ameliorates bone marrow adiposity and pathological bone loss in ovariectomized rats via Wnt/β-catenin pathway

AIMS

Postmenopausal osteoporosis is one of the world's biggest yet unnoticed health issues. After ovariectomy, declined estrogen level significantly contributes to the elevation of bone marrow adiposity and bone loss leading to osteoporosis. Therapeutics to prevent osteoporosis addressing various aspects are now in short supply. In this study we made an approach to synthesize nanoparticles of naturally occurring PPAR-γ inhibitor, betulinic acid (BA/NPs) and tested the same in altered bone metabolisms developed after ovariectomy.

MAIN METHODS

The osteogenic efficacy of BA/NPs was established in human and rat primary osteoblast cells using qRT-PCR and immunoblot analysis. Furthermore, lineage allocations of multipotent bone marrow stromal cells were evaluated. Various aspects of altered bone metabolism after ovariectomy such as bone marrow adiposity and pathological bone loss were evaluated using μCT and histological assessments.

KEY FINDINGS

BA/NPs exert potential osteogenic efficacy by modulating RUNX2 and BMP2. Mechanistically BA/NPs regulate osteoblastogenesis through Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Further, BA/NPs showed the potential to inhibit the differentiation of multipotent BMSCs towards adipogenesis while favouring the osteogenic lineage. In the in vivo study, increased bone marrow adiposity was reduced in ovariectomized rats after BA/NPs treatment as assessed by histology and μCT analysis. Loss of bone mineral density as a hallmark of pathological bone loss was also abrogated by BA/NPs.

SIGNIFICANCE

Our findings imply that BA/NPs could be used further as a viable drug lead to counteract various pathophysiological challenges after menopause.

Characterization, Stability, and Antibrowning Effects of Oxyresveratrol Cyclodextrin Complexes Combined Use of Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose

Oxyresveratrol (Oxy) has attracted much attention by employing it as an antibrowning agent in fruits and vegetables. In this study, the formation of cyclodextrin (CD) inclusion exhibited a certain protective effect on Oxy oxidative degradation, while hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HP–β-CD) inclusion complex showed stronger stabilizing effects than those of β-cyclodextrin (β-CD). The combined use of CD and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) greatly improved the stability of Oxy–CD inclusion complexes, with approximately 70% of the trans-Oxy retained after 30 days of storage under light conditions at 25 °C. The results of the interaction between CD and Oxy determined by phase solubility studies and fluorescence spectroscopic analysis showed that the binding strength of CD and Oxy increased in the presence of HPMC. Moreover, Oxy combined with ascorbic acid and HPMC showed an excellent antibrowning effect on fresh-cut apple slices during the 48 h test period, indicating that adding HPMC as the third component will not influence the antibrowning activity of Oxy.

Discovery and Photoisomerization of New Pyrrolosesquiterpenoids Glaciapyrroles D and E, from Deep-Sea Sediment Streptomyces sp

Two new pyrrolosesquiterpenes, glaciapyrroles D (1) and E (2) were discovered along with the previously reported glaciapyrrole A (3) from Streptomyces sp. GGS53 strain isolated from deep-sea sediment. This study elucidated the planar structures of 1 and 2 using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), mass spectrometry (MS), ultraviolet (UV), and infrared (IR) spectroscopic data. The absolute configurations of the glaciapyrroles were determined by Mosher’s method, circular dichroism spectroscopy, and X-ray crystallography. Under 366 nm UV irradiation, the glaciapyrroles were systematically converted to the corresponding photoglaciapyrroles (4–6) via photoisomerization, resulting in the diversification of the glaciapyrrole family compounds. The transformation of the glaciapyrrole Z to E isomers occurred in a 1:1 ratio, based on virtual validation of the photoisomerization of these olefinic compounds by ¹H-NMR spectroscopy and liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS) analysis. Finally, when encapsulated in poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanoparticles, glaciapyrrole E and photoglaciapyrrole E displayed significant inhibitory activity against influenza A virus. This is the first report of antiviral effects from glaciapyrrole family compounds, whose biological functions have only been subjected to limited studies so far.