Hyaluronic acid-modified curcumin-copper complex nano delivery system for rapid healing of bacterial prostatitis

A kidney protection nanoparticle based on Alpinia oxyphylla fructus polysaccharide by modulating macrophage polarization

The use of natural polysaccharides from traditional Chinese medicine as carrier materials has great potentiality in drug delivery. Nootkatone (NKT) demonstrated good pharmacological activity in treating kidney injury, but its solubility and bioavailability are not very good which may affect the effectiveness of its therapeutic effect. Alpinia oxyphylla fructus polysaccharide (AOP), as a plant polysaccharide, has multiple pharmacological activities and may help to provide synergy for NKT. Therefore, AOP nanoparticles loaded with NKT (AOP-NKT NPs) were prepared for the prevention of acute kidney injury in this study. The sizes of AOP-NKT NPs are 291.60 ± 3.73 nm, and the Zeta potential values are 35.2 ± 0.65 mV. The nanoparticles exhibited excellent stability in pH, NaCl solution, temperature, and storage. The nanoparticles also improved the solubility and oral bioavailability of NKT. In biocompatibility experiments, AOP-NKT NPs showed lower macrophage toxicity than NKT, and the nanoparticles had good blood compatibility and in vivo biosafety. In vivo, prophylactic administration of this nanoparticle could enhance the ability of NKT in promoting macrophage M2 polarization, reducing renal inflammation and thus improve renal function and repair renal damage. In conclusion, the present study may provide the possibility for AOP as a nano delivery vehicle for renal injury protective drugs.

Hyaluronic acid application strategies for plant bioactive component delivery: A review

Despite the notable therapeutic effects of bioactive components derived from naturally occurring medicinal plants, various factors such as low solubility, poor bioavailability, possible toxicity, and inadequate tumor targeting capabilities generally hinder their full potential. Hyaluronic Acid (HA), a naturally occurring polysaccharide, has recently attracted significant research interest from scientists owing to its ability to precisely target tumors, anionic polysaccharide properties, and easily modifiable unique structure. In addition to offering a solid backing for delivering plant bioactive constituents, these remarkable attributes also have considerable implications for drug delivery systems in the future. This review delves into HA's application in delivering plant bioactive components, starting with a summary of HA's functional characteristics and detailing its strategies for single and dual-component delivery. The review also provides a forward-looking analysis of the challenges encountered in developing HA-based drug delivery systems.

Hyaluronic Acid-Modified Luteolin-Copper Complex Nanodelivery System for Bacterial Prostatitis

Bacterial prostatitis is a common disease of the male genitourinary system, which seriously affects the normal life and health of male patients. Antibiotics are commonly used in the clinical treatment of bacterial prostatitis, but the efficacy of fluoroquinolones is gradually declining due to the increasing drug resistance of bacteria. Hence, it is necessary to find new antibacterial drugs to treat bacterial prostatitis. Luteolin is a natural flavonoid compound with many pharmacological activities such as antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activities, but its poor water solubility and low structural stability seriously limit its clinical application. In this study, we designed a targeting drug delivery system via a luteolin-copper complex grafted with hyaluronic acid. The results of the characterization proved the successful synthesis of the system. The results of the in vitro performance test show that the system has a good antibacterial effect and excellent blood compatibility and can be effectively released under different pH conditions. The prepared nanodrug delivery system not only provides a new idea for the treatment of bacterial prostatitis but also lays a theoretical and practical foundation for the wide application of luteolin in clinical practice.

Hyaluronic Acid Receptor-Mediated Nanomedicines and Targeted Therapy

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a naturally occurring polysaccharide found in the extracellular matrix with broad applications in disease treatment. HA possesses good biocompatibility, biodegradability, and the ability to interact with various cell surface receptors. Its wide range of molecular weights and modifiable chemical groups make it an effective drug carrier for drug delivery. Additionally, the overexpression of specific receptors for HA on cell surfaces in many disease states enhances the accumulation of drugs at pathological sites through receptor binding. In this review, the modification of HA with drugs, major receptor proteins, and the latest advances in receptor-targeted nano drug delivery systems (DDS) for the treatment of tumors and inflammatory diseases are summarized. Furthermore, the functions of HA with varying molecular weights of HA in vivo and the selection of drug delivery methods for different diseases are discussed.

Recent advances in copper homeostasis-involved tumor theranostics

As the third essential trace element in the human body, copper plays a crucial role in various physiological processes, which lays the foundation for its broad applications in cancer treatments. The overview of copper, including pharmacokinetics, signaling pathways, and homeostasis dysregulation, is hereby discussed. Additionally, cuproptosis, as a newly proposed cell death mechanism associated with copper accumulation, is analyzed and further developed for efficient cancer treatment. Different forms of Cu-based nanoparticles and their advantages, as well as limiting factors, are introduced. Moreover, the unique characteristics of Cu-based nanoparticles give rise to their applications in various imaging modalities. In addition, Cu-based nanomaterials are featured by their excellent photothermal property and ROS-associated tumor-killing potential, which are widely explored in diverse cancer therapies and combined therapies. Reducing the concentration of Cu2+/Cu+ is another cancer-killing method, and chelators can meet this need. More importantly, challenges and future prospects are identified for further research.

Spatiotemporal fate of nanocarriers-embedded dissolving microneedles: the impact of needle dissolving rate

OBJECTIVE

Dissolving microneedles (DMNs) have shown great potential for transdermal drug delivery due to their excellent skin-penetrating ability and combination with nanocarriers (NCs) can realize targeted drug delivery. The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of microneedle dissolving rate on the in vivo fate of NC-loaded DMNs, which would facilitate the clinical translation of such systems.

METHODS

Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) were selected as the model NC for loading in DMNs, which were labeled by P4 probes with aggregation-quenching properties. Sodium hyaluronate acid (HA) and chitosan (CS), with different aqueous dissolving rates, were chosen as model tip materials. The effects of needle dissolving rate on the in vivo fate of NC-loaded DMNs was investigated by tracking the distribution of fluorescence signals after transdermal exposure.

RESULTS

P4 SLNs achieved a deeper diffusion depth of 180 μm in DMN-HA with a faster dissolution rate, while the diffusion depth in DMN-CS with a slower dissolution rate was lower (140 μm). The in vivo experiments demonstrated that P4 SLNs had a T1/2 value of 12.14 h in DMN-HA, whilst a longer retention time was found in DMN-CS, with a T1/2 of 13.12 h.

CONCLUSIONS

This study confirmed that the in vivo diffusion rate of NC-loaded DMNs was determined by the dissolving rate of DMNs materials and provided valuable guidance for the design and development of NC-loaded DMNs in the future.

Promising biomedical systems based on copper nanoparticles: Synthesis, characterization, and applications

Copper and copper oxide nanoparticles (CuNPs) have unique physicochemical properties that make them highly promising for biomedical applications. This review discusses the application of CuNPs in biomedicine, including diagnosis, therapy, and theranostics. Recent synthesis methods, with an emphasis on green approaches, are described, and the latest techniques for nanoparticle characterization are critically analyzed. CuNPs, including Cu2O, CuO, and Cu, have significant potential as anti-cancer agents, drug delivery systems, and photodynamic therapy enhancers, among other applications. While challenges such as ensuring biocompatibility and stability must be addressed, the state-of-the-art research reviewed here provides strong evidence for the efficacy and versatility of CuNPs. These multifunctional properties have been extensively researched and documented, showcasing the immense potential of CuNPs in biomedicine. Overall, the evidence suggests that CuNPs are a promising avenue for future research and development in biomedicine. We strongly support further progress in the development of synthesis and application strategies to enhance the effectiveness and safety of CuNPs for clinical purposes.

Oral Curcumin-Thioketal-Inulin Conjugate Micelles against Radiation-Induced Enteritis

Radiation-induced enteritis is an unavoidable complication associated with pelvic tumor radiotherapy, significantly influencing the prognosis of cancer patients. The limited availability of commercial gastrointestinal radioprotectors in clinical settings poses a substantial challenge in preventing radiation enteritis. Despite the inherent radioprotective characteristics of Cur in vitro, its poor solubility in water, instability, and low bioavailability lead to inferior therapeutic effects in vivo. Herein, we developed novel ROS-responsive micelles (CTI) from inulin and curcumin, aimed at mitigating radiation enteritis. CTI micelles had excellent solubility and stability. Importantly, CTI improved the cytotoxicity and bioavailability of curcumin, thereby showing enhanced effectiveness in neutralizing ROS induced by radiation, safeguarding against DNA damage, and reducing radiation-induced cellular mortality. Moreover, in a radiation enteritis mice model, CTI not only alleviated severe radiation-induced intestinal injury but also improved redox-related indicators and reduced inflammatory cytokine expression. Furthermore, CTI effectively increased gut microbiota abundance and maintained gut homeostasis. In conclusion, CTI could be a promising candidate for the clinical management of radiation enteritis. Our study provides a new perspective for radioprotection using natural antioxidants.

Fabrication of zein-tamarind seed polysaccharide-curcumin nanocomplexes: their characterization and impact on alleviating colitis and gut microbiota dysbiosis in mice

In this work, a zein-tamarind seed polysaccharide (TSP) co-delivery system was fabricated using an anti-solvent precipitation method. The formation mechanism, characterization, and effect on alleviating colitis and gut microbiota dysbiosis in mice of zein-TSP-curcumin (Z/T-Cur) nanocomplexes were investigated. Hydrogen bonding and the hydrophobic effect played a key role in the formation of Z/T-Cur nanocomplexes, and the interactions were spontaneous and driven by enthalpy. The encapsulation efficiency, loading capacity, and bioavailability increased from 60.8% (Zein-Cur) to 91.7% (Z/T-Cur1:1), from 6.1% (Zein-Cur) to 18.3% (Z/T-Cur1:1), and from 4.7% (Zein-Cur) to 20.0% (Z/T-Cur1:1), respectively. The Z/T-Cur significantly alleviated colitis symptoms in DSS-treated mice. Additionally, the prepared nanocomplexes rebalanced the gut microbiota composition of colitis mice by increasing the abundance of Akkermansia. Odoribacter and Monoglobus were rich in the Z-T-Cur treatment group, and Turicibacter and Bifidobacterium were rich in the zein-TSP treatment group. This study demonstrated that the TSP could be helpful in the targeted drug delivery system.

Traditional Scraping (Gua Sha) Combined with Copper-Curcumin Nanoparticle Oleogel for Accurate and Multi-Effective Therapy of Androgenic Alopecia

Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is a prevalent systemic disease caused by diverse factors, for which effective treatments are currently limited. Herein, the oleogel (OG) containing copper-curcumin (CuR) nanoparticles is developed, designated as CuRG, which is also combined with traditional naturopathic scraping (Gua Sha, SCR) as a multifunctional therapy for AGA. With the assistance of lipophilic OG and SCR, CuR can efficaciously penetrate the epidermal and dermal regions where most hair follicles (HFs) reside, thereby releasing curcumin (CR) and copper ions (Cu2+) subcutaneously to facilitate hair regeneration. Concomitantly, the mechanical stimulation induced by SCR promotes the formation of new blood vessels, which is conducive to reshaping the microenvironment of HFs. This study validates that the combination of CuRG and SCR is capable of systematically interfering with different pathological processes, ranging from improvement of perifollicular microenvironment (oxidative stress and insufficient vascularization), regulation of inflammatory responses to degradation of androgen receptor, thus potentiating hair growth. Compared with minoxidil, a widely used clinical drug for AGA therapy, the designed synergistic system displays augmented hair regeneration in the AGA mouse model.

Quorum Sensing Interference Assisted Therapy-Based Magnetic Hyperthermia Amplifier for Synergistic Biofilm Treatment

Biofilms offer bacteria a physical and metabolic barrier, enhancing their tolerance to external stress. Consequently, these biofilms limit the effectiveness of conventional antimicrobial treatment. Recently, quorum sensing (QS) has been linked to biofilm's stress response to thermal, oxidative, and osmotic stress. Herein, a multiple synergistic therapeutic strategy that couples quorum sensing interference assisted therapy (QSIAT)-mediated enhanced thermal therapy with bacteria-triggered immunomodulation in a single nanoplatform, is presented. First, as magnetic hyperthermia amplifier, hyaluronic acid-coated ferrite (HA@MnFe2 O4 ) attenuates the stress response of biofilm by down-regulating QS-related genes, including agrA, agrC, and hld. Next, the sensitized bacteria are eliminated with magnetic heat. QS interference and heat also destruct the biofilm, and provide channels for further penetration of nanoparticles. Moreover, triggered by bacterial hyaluronidase, the wrapped hyaluronic acid (HA) decomposes into disaccharides at the site of infection and exerts healing effect. Thus, by reversing the bacterial tissue invasion mechanism for antimicrobial purpose, tissue regeneration following pathogen invasion and thermal therapy is successfully attained. RNA-sequencing demonstrates the QS-mediated stress response impairment. In vitro and in vivo experiments reveal the excellent antibiofilm and anti-inflammatory effects of HA@MnFe2 O4 . Overall, QSIAT provides a universal enhancement strategy for amplifying the bactericidal effects of conventional therapy via stress response interference.

Inhibitory effect of a novel Curcumin derivative DMC-HA on keloid fibroblasts

Keloids pose a significant dermatological challenge, marked by abnormal fibroblast proliferation and excessive collagen deposition in response to skin injury or trauma. In the present study, we introduce DMC-HA, a derivative of Curcumin, as a promising candidate for keloid treatment. DMC-HA is poised to provide superior therapeutic benefits compared to Curcumin due to its structural modifications. Examining the comparative effects of DMC-HA and Curcumin on keloid fibroblasts can offer insights into their potential as therapeutic agents and the underlying mechanisms in keloid pathogenesis. In our study, CCK-8 experiments revealed that, at equivalent concentrations, DMC-HA demonstrated greater efficacy in inhibiting the proliferation of keloid fibroblasts compared to Curcumin. Flow cytometry analysis indicated that DMC-HA induced fibroblast apoptosis more significantly than Curcumin at the same concentration. Further data demonstrated that DMC-HA notably increased the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), upregulated the expression levels of Bax, cleaved PARP, and cleaved Caspase-3. Interestingly, the impact of DMC-HA was reversed upon the application of the antioxidant NAC. Additionally, DMC-HA could suppress IL-6-induced increased expression of p-STAT3. Collectively, our findings suggest that DMC-HA is more effective than Curcumin in inhibiting the proliferation of keloid fibroblasts. The underlying mechanism of its action appears to be associated with the augmentation of ROS induction and the concurrent inhibition of STAT3 activation.

A combined electrohydrodynamic atomization method for preparing nanofiber/microparticle hybrid medicines

Bacterial prostatitis is a challenging condition to treat with traditional dosage forms. Physicians often prescribe a variety of dosage forms with different administration methods, which fail to provide an efficient and convenient mode of drug delivery. The aim of this work was to develop a new type of hybrid material incorporating both electrosprayed core-shell microparticles and electrospun nanofibers. A traditional Chinese medicine (Ningmitai, NMT) and a Western medicine (ciprofloxacin, CIP) were co-encapsulated within this material and were designed to be released in a separately controlled manner. Utilizing polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) as a hydrophilic filament-forming polymer and pH-sensitive Eudragit® S100 (ES100) as the particulate polymeric matrix, a combined electrohydrodynamic atomization (EHDA) method comprising coaxial electrospraying and blending electrospinning, was used to create the hybrids in a single-step and straightforward manner. A series of characterization methods were conducted to analyze both the working process and its final products. Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy revealed that the EHDA hybrids comprised of both CIP-PVP nanofibers and NMT-ES100 core-shell microparticles. Multiple methods confirmed the rapid release of CIP and the sustained release of NMT. The antibacterial experiments indicated that the hybrids exhibited a more potent antibacterial effect against Escherichia coli dh5α and Bacillus subtilis Wb800 than either the separate nanofibers or microparticles. The amalgamation of fibrous nanomedicine and particulate micromedicine can expand the horizon of new types of medicines. The integration of electrospinning and coaxial electrospraying provides a straightforward approach to fabrication. By combining hydrophilic soluble polymers and pH-sensitive polymers in the hybrids, we can ensure the separate sequential controlled release of CIP and NMT for a potential synergistic and convenient therapy for bacterial prostatitis.