Design, preparation and evaluation of different branched biotin modified liposomes for targeting breast cancer

Active targeting tumor therapy using host-guest drug delivery system based on biotin functionalized azocalix[4]arene

Host-guest drug delivery systems (HGDDSs) provided a facile method for incorporating biomedical functions, including efficient drug-loading, passive targeting, and controlled drug release. However, developing HGDDSs with active targeting is hindered by the difficult functionalization of popular macrocycles. Herein, we report an active targeting HGDDS based on biotin-modified sulfonated azocalix[4]arene (Biotin-SAC4A) to efficiently deliver drug into cancer cells for improving anti-tumor effect. Biotin-SAC4A was synthesized by amide condensation and azo coupling. Biotin-SAC4A demonstrated hypoxia responsive targeting and active targeting through azo and biotin groups, respectively. DOX@Biotin-SAC4A, which was prepared by loading doxorubicin (DOX) in Biotin-SAC4A, was evaluated for tumor targeting and therapy in vitro and in vivo. DOX@Biotin-SAC4A formulation effectively killed cancer cells in vitro and more efficiently delivered DOX to the lesion than the similar formulation without active targeting. Therefore, DOX@Biotin-SAC4A significantly improved the in vivo anti-tumor effect of free DOX. The facilely prepared Biotin-SAC4A offers strong DOX complexation, active targeting, and hypoxia-triggered release, providing a favorable host for effective breast cancer chemotherapy in HGDDSs. Moreover, Biotin-SAC4A also has potential to deliver agents for other therapeutic modalities and diseases.

Review of recent preclinical and clinical research on ligand-targeted liposomes as delivery systems in triple negative breast cancer therapy

Triple-negative breast Cancer (TNBC) is one of the deadliest types, making up about 20% of all breast cancers. Chemotherapy is the traditional manner of progressed TNBC treatment; however, it has a short-term result with a high reversibility pace. The lack of targeted treatment limited and person-dependent treatment options for those suffering from TNBC cautions to be the worst type of cancer among breast cancer patients. Consequently, appropriate treatment for this disease is considered a major clinical challenge. Therefore, various treatment methods have been developed to treat TNBC, among which chemotherapy is the most common and well-known approach recently studied. Although effective methods are chemotherapies, they are often accompanied by critical limitations, especially the lack of specific functionality. These methods lead to systematic toxicity and, ultimately, the expansion of multidrug-resistant (MDR) cancer cells. Therefore, finding novel and efficient techniques to enhance the targeting of TNBC treatment is an essential requirement. Liposomes have demonstrated that they are an effective method for drug delivery; however, among a large number of liposome-based drug delivery systems annually developed, a small number have just received authorization for clinical application. The new approaches to using liposomes target their structure with various ligands to increase therapeutic efficiency and diminish undesired side effects on various body tissues. The current study describes the most recent strategies and research associated with functionalizing the liposomes' structure with different ligands as targeted drug carriers in treating TNBCs in preclinical and clinical stages.

Dual-loaded liposomal carriers to combat chemotherapeutic resistance in breast cancer

INTRODUCTION

The resistance to chemotherapy is a significant hurdle in breast cancer treatment, prompting the exploration of innovative strategies. This review discusses the potential of dual-loaded liposomal carriers to combat chemoresistance and improve outcomes for breast cancer patients.

AREAS COVERED

This review discusses breast cancer chemotherapy resistance and dual-loaded liposomal carriers. Drug efflux pumps, DNA repair pathways, and signaling alterations are discussed as chemoresistance mechanisms. Liposomes can encapsulate several medicines and cargo kinds, according to the review. It examines how these carriers improve medication delivery, cancer cell targeting, and tumor microenvironment regulation. Also examined are dual-loaded liposomal carrier improvement challenges and techniques.

EXPERT OPINION

The use of dual-loaded liposomal carriers represents a promising and innovative strategy in the battle against chemotherapy resistance in breast cancer. This article has explored the various mechanisms of chemoresistance in breast cancer, emphasizing the potential of dual-loaded liposomal carriers to overcome these challenges. These carriers offer versatility, enabling the encapsulation and precise targeting of multiple drugs with different modes of action, a crucial advantage when dealing with the complexity of breast cancer treatment.

An Updated Insight into Phytomolecules and Novel Approaches used in the Management of Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is a widespread condition that kills more women from cancer-related causes than any other type of cancer globally. Women who have estrogen-dependent, initial metastatic breast cancer frequently receive treatment with surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. They may also get more specialized treatments like tamoxifen or aromatase inhibitors (anastrozole or letrozole). The World Health Organisation reported in 2012 that by 2030, breast cancer will be more common worldwide. There are several phytochemicals, such as isoflavones, coumestans, lignans, and prenylflavonoides. Isoflavones have been shown in studies to prevent the spread of breast cancer and to trigger apoptosis. Targeting BCs in metastatic breast cancer may be made possible by combining well-formulated phytochemicals in nanoparticles or other novel drug delivery agents with currently accepted endocrine and/or conventional chemotherapies. Cell signaling, regulation of cell cycles, oxidative stress action, and inflammation could be positively impacted by phytoconstituents. They have the ability to alter non-coding RNAs, to prevent the proliferation and regeneration of cancer cells. The availability of novel approaches helps in disease targeting, safety, effectiveness and efficacy. The current literature helps to know the available drugs i.e. phytoconstituents or novel drug delivery like nanoparticle, microsphere, micelles, liposomes and neosomes. The literature has been taken from PubMed, Google Scholar, SciFinder, or other internet sites.

Innovative Phospholipid Carriers: A Viable Strategy to Counteract Antimicrobial Resistance

The overuse and misuse of antibiotics have led to the emergence and spread of multidrug-resistant (MDR), extensively drug-resistant (XDR), and pan-drug-resistant (PDR) bacteria strains, usually associated with poorer patient outcomes and higher costs. In order to preserve the usefulness of these life-saving drugs, it is crucial to use them appropriately, as also recommended by the WHO. Moreover, innovative, safe, and more effective approaches are being investigated, aiming to revise drug treatments to improve their pharmacokinetics and distribution and to reduce the onset of drug resistance. Globally, to reduce the burden of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), guidelines and indications have been developed over time, aimed at narrowing the use and diminishing the environmental spread of these life-saving molecules by optimizing prescriptions, dosage, and times of use, as well as investing resources into obtaining innovative formulations with better pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and therapeutic results. This has led to the development of new nano-formulations as drug delivery vehicles, characterized by unique structural properties, biocompatible natures, and targeted activities such as state-of-the-art phospholipid particles generally grouped as liposomes, virosomes, and functionalized exosomes, which represent an attractive and innovative delivery approach. Liposomes and virosomes are chemically synthesized carriers that utilize phospholipids whose nature is predetermined based on their use, with a long track record as drug delivery systems. Exosomes are vesicles naturally released by cells, which utilize the lipids present in their cellular membranes only, and therefore, are highly biocompatible, with investigations as a delivery system having a more recent origin. This review will summarize the state of the art on microvesicle research, liposomes, virosomes, and exosomes, as useful and effective tools to tackle the threat of antibiotic resistance.

Nano delivery system for paclitaxel: Recent advances in cancer theranostics

Paclitaxel is one of the most effective chemotherapeutic drugs which processes the obvious curative effect for a broad range of cancers including breast, ovarian, lung, and head & neck cancers. Though some novel paclitaxel-loaded formulations have been developed, the clinical application of the paclitaxel is still limited due to its toxicity and solubility issues. Over the past decades, we have seen rapid advances in applying nanocarriers in paclitaxel delivery systems. The nano-drug delivery systems offer unique advantages in enhancing the aqueous solubility, reducing side effects, increasing permeability, prolonging circulation half-life of paclitaxel. In this review, we summarize recent advances in developing novel paclitaxel-loaded nano delivery systems based on nanocarriers. These nanocarriers show great potentials in overcoming the disadvantages of pure paclitaxel and as a result improving the efficacy.

Functionalized liposomes for targeted breast cancer drug delivery

Despite the exceptional progress in breast cancer pathogenesis, prognosis, diagnosis, and treatment strategies, it remains a prominent cause of female mortality worldwide. Additionally, although chemotherapies are effective, they are associated with critical limitations, most notably their lack of specificity resulting in systemic toxicity and the eventual development of multi-drug resistance (MDR) cancer cells. Liposomes have proven to be an invaluable drug delivery system but of the multitudes of liposomal systems developed every year only a few have been approved for clinical use, none of which employ active targeting. In this review, we summarize the most recent strategies in development for actively targeted liposomal drug delivery systems for surface, transmembrane and internal cell receptors, enzymes, direct cell targeting and dual-targeting of breast cancer and breast cancer-associated cells, e.g., cancer stem cells, cells associated with the tumor microenvironment, etc.

Advanced liposome and polymersome-based drug delivery systems: Considerations for physicochemical properties, targeting strategies and stimuli-sensitive approaches

Liposomes and polymersomes are colloidal vesicles that are self-assembled from lipids and amphiphilic polymers, respectively. Because of their ability to encapsulate both hydrophilic and hydrophobic therapeutics, they are of great interest in drug delivery research. Today, the applications of liposomes and polymersomes have expanded to a wide variety of complex therapeutic molecules, including nucleic acids, proteins and enzymes. Thanks to their chemical versatility, they can be tailored to different drug delivery applications to achieve maximum therapeutic index. This review article evaluates liposomes and polymersomes from a perspective that takes into account the physical and biological barriers that reduce the efficiency of the drug delivery process. In this context, the design approaches of liposomes and polymersomes are discussed with representative examples in terms of their physicochemical properties (size, shape, charge, mechanical), targeting strategies (passive and active) and response to different stimuli (pH, redox, enzyme, temperature, light, magnetic field, ultrasound). Finally, the challenges limiting the transition from laboratory to practice, recent clinical developments, and future perspectives are addressed.

Reconstituted Lipid Nanoparticles from Cells/Tissues for Drug Delivery in Cancer

Nanomedicine represents a promising way to devise better drug delivery systems (DDSs), and the development of cell/tissue-based lipid carriers is a promising strategy. In this study, the author proposes the concept of reconstituted lipid nanoparticles (rLNPs) and offers a facile preparation method. The results demonstrated that the preparation of ultrasmall (∼20 nm) rLNPs can be highly reproducible from both cells (a mouse breast cancer cell line, 4T1) and tissue (mouse liver tissue). As a selected model platform, rLNPs derived from mouse liver tissue can be further labeled with imaging molecules (indocyanine green and coumarin 6) and modified with targeting moiety (biotin). Moreover, rLNPs were proved to be highly biocompatible and able to load various drugs, such as doxorubicin hydrochloride (Dox) and curcumin (Cur). Most importantly, Dox-loaded rLNPs (rLNPs/Dox) exerted good in vitro and in vivo anticancer performances. Therefore, rLNPs might be a potential versatile carrier for the construction of different DDSs and treatment of a variety of diseases.

Small molecules as cancer targeting ligands: Shifting the paradigm

Conventional chemotherapeutics exploration is hampered due to their nonspecific distribution leading to unintended serious toxicity. Toxicity is so severe that deciding to go for chemotherapy becomes a question of concern for many terminally ill cancer patients. However, with evolving times nanotechnology assisted in reducing the haywire distribution and channelizing the movement of drug-enclosing drug delivery systems to cancer cells to a greater extent, yet toxicity issues still could not be obliterated. Thus, active targeting appeared as a refuge, where ligands actively or specifically deliver linked chemotherapeutics and carriers to cancer cells. For a very long time, large molecule weight/macromolecular ligands (peptides and big polymers) were considered the first choice for ligand-directed active cancer targeting, due to their specificity towards overexpressed native cancer receptors. However, complex characterization, instability, and the expensive nature demanded to reconnoitre better alternatives for macromolecule ligands. The concept of small molecules as ligands emerged from the idea that few chemical molecules including chemotherapeutics have a higher affinity for cancer receptors, which are overexpressed on cell membranes, and may have the ability to assist in drug cellular uptake through endocytosis. But now the question is, can they assist the conjugated macro cargos to enter the cell or not? This present review will provide a holistic overview of the small molecule ligands explored till now.

Preparation and Optimization of Ibrutinib-Loaded Nanoliposomes Using Response Surface Methodology

The main aim of this study was to optimize the formulation and process variables for the preparation of ibrutinib nanoliposomes and to evaluate the stability of nanoliposomes. The influence of four formulations and process parameters, namely, the phosphatidylcholine-to-cholesterol ratio (A), conc. of ibrutinib (B), sonication time (C), and stirring time (D) on the drug encapsulation efficiency (Y₁) and particle size (Y₂) of ibrutinib nanoliposomes were investigated by using response surface methodology. Reverse-phase evaporation was used to prepare ibrutinib nanoliposomes. Twenty-nine trial experiments were performed as per the design and the response parameters were noted. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to assess each response parameter. The effect of each factor on the response parameters was depicted using perturbation, response surface, and contour plots. A numerical optimization technique was used to estimate the optimum process parameters to obtain the desired responses. Ibrutinib nanoliposomes prepared under optimal conditions were evaluated for stability at a different temperature, pH, and sonication time. It is evident from the results that the phosphatidylcholine-to-cholesterol ratio (A) was the major factor influencing the encapsulation efficiency. All the factors were found to have noteworthy influences on particle size. A statistical evaluation provided the information about the individual and interactive effects of independent factors on the response parameters in order to obtain optimum experimental conditions that lead to preparing nanoliposomes with improved characteristics. The optimum level of the independent variables was phosphatidylcholine:cholesterol (6.76:1), ibrutinib concentration (2 mg/mL), sonication time (15.13 min), and stirring time (45 min). At optimal conditions, Y₁ and Y₂ were found to be 90.76 ± 1.56% and 208.24 ± 3.16 nm, respectively. The ibrutinib nanoliposomes were found to be stable both in simulated gastric and intestinal fluids at 37 °C for 6 h. At elevated conditions of temperature and pH, the prepared nanoliposomes were found to be unstable. Sonication for shorter periods resulted in decreased particle size, whereas longer periods can be helpful for ultrasound-assisted drug delivery. The closeness between the obtained results and predicted results indicates the reliability of the optimization technique for the preparation of ibrutinib nanoliposomes.

Naturally derived indole alkaloids targeting regulated cell death (RCD) for cancer therapy: from molecular mechanisms to potential therapeutic targets

Regulated cell death (RCD) is a critical and active process that is controlled by specific signal transduction pathways and can be regulated by genetic signals or drug interventions. Meanwhile, RCD is closely related to the occurrence and therapy of multiple human cancers. Generally, RCD subroutines are the key signals of tumorigenesis, which are contributed to our better understanding of cancer pathogenesis and therapeutics. Indole alkaloids derived from natural sources are well defined for their outstanding biological and pharmacological properties, like vincristine, vinblastine, staurosporine, indirubin, and 3,3′-diindolylmethane, which are currently used in the clinic or under clinical assessment. Moreover, such compounds play a significant role in discovering novel anticancer agents. Thus, here we systemically summarized recent advances in indole alkaloids as anticancer agents by targeting different RCD subroutines, including the classical apoptosis and autophagic cell death signaling pathways as well as the crucial signaling pathways of other RCD subroutines, such as ferroptosis, mitotic catastrophe, necroptosis, and anoikis, in cancer. Moreover, we further discussed the cross talk between different RCD subroutines mediated by indole alkaloids and the combined strategies of multiple agents (e.g., 3,10-dibromofascaplysin combined with olaparib) to exhibit therapeutic potential against various cancers by regulating RCD subroutines. In short, the information provided in this review on the regulation of cell death by indole alkaloids against different targets is expected to be beneficial for the design of novel molecules with greater targeting and biological properties, thereby facilitating the development of new strategies for cancer therapy.

Lipid-Based Nanomaterials for Drug Delivery Systems in Breast Cancer Therapy

Globally, breast cancer is one of the most prevalent diseases, inducing critical intimidation to human health. Lipid-based nanomaterials have been successfully demonstrated as drug carriers for breast cancer treatment. To date, the development of a better drug delivery system based on lipid nanomaterials is still urgent to make the treatment and diagnosis easily accessible to breast cancer patients. In a drug delivery system, lipid nanomaterials have revealed distinctive features, including high biocompatibility and efficient drug delivery. Specifically, a targeted drug delivery system based on lipid nanomaterials has inherited the advantage of optimum dosage and low side effects. In this review, insights on currently used potential lipid-based nanomaterials are collected and introduced. The review sheds light on conjugation, targeting, diagnosis, treatment, and clinical significance of lipid-based nanomaterials to treat breast cancer. Furthermore, a brighter side of lipid-based nanomaterials as future potential drug delivery systems for breast cancer therapy is discussed.

Recent advancements of nanoparticles application in cancer and neurodegenerative disorders: At a glance

Nanoscale engineering is one of the innovative approaches to heal multitudes of ailments, such as varieties of malignancies, neurological problems, and infectious illnesses. Therapeutics for neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) may be modified in aspect because of their ability to stimulate physiological response while limiting negative consequences by interfacing and activating possible targets. Nanomaterials have been extensively studied and employed for cancerous therapeutic strategies since nanomaterials potentially play a significant role in medical transportation. When compared to conventional drug delivery, nanocarriers drug delivery offers various benefits, such as excellent reliability, bioactivity, improved penetration and retention impact, as well as precise targeting and administering. Upregulation of drug efflux transporters, dysfunctional apoptotic mechanisms, and a hypoxic atmosphere are all elements that lead to cancer treatment sensitivity in humans. It has been possible to target these pathways using nanoparticles and increase the effectiveness of multidrug resistance treatments. As innovative strategies of tumor chemoresistance are uncovered, nanomaterials are being developed to target specific pathways of tumor resilience. Scientists have recently begun investigating the function of nanoparticles in immunotherapy, a field that is becoming increasingly useful in the care of malignancies. Nanoscale therapeutics have been explored in this scientific literature and represent the most current approaches to neurodegenerative illnesses and cancer therapy. In addition, current findings and various biomedical nanomaterials' future promise for tissue regeneration, prospective medication design, and the synthesis of novel delivery approaches have been emphasized.

Triple branched RGD modification on liposomes: A prospective strategy to enhance the glioma targeting efficiency

Glioma, as one of the most common primary intracranial tumors, is in an urgent need for specific targeting agents. Multi-branched RGD ligand is a promising alternative for liposome functionalization which combines the benefits of high affinity with α_vβ₃ receptors and proper branching structure in response to the receptor clustering. Herein, we designed and synthesized single branched, double branched and triple branched RGD ligand (1RGD-Chol, 2RGD-Chol and 3RGD-Chol) respectively, which were then modified on the liposomes to prepare six different kinds of liposomes (including 1RGD-Lip, 2RGD-Lip, 3RGD-Lip, 2 × 1RGD-Lip, 3 × 1RGD-Lip and unmodified Lip). Subsequently, a series of assays were conducted. The results exhibited that the liposome decorated with 3RGD-Chol ligand possessed superior cellular internalization ability in C6 cells and bEnd.3 cells, suggesting the strongest ability of 3RGD-Lip to target the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and glioma cells. Besides, both the cytotoxicity and pro-apoptotic assays revealed that PTX-3RGD-Lip had the strongest ability to inhibit the survival of C6 cells. Moreover, the enrichment of liposomes at tumor site was 3RGD-Lip > 3 × 1RGD-Lip ≈ 2RGD-Lip ≈ 2 × 1RGD-Lip > 1RGD-Lip > Lip according to the in vivo imaging of C6-bearing mice, which was consistent with the result of in vitro targeting experiments. To sum up, the targeting efficiency of liposomes can be strongly promoted by improving the amount of targeting molecules, whereas the branching structure and spatial distance of RGD residues also accounted for the affinity between liposomes and α_vβ₃ receptors. Collectively, PTX-3RGD-Lip would be a prospective strategy in glioma treatment.

Harnessing the Immunogenic Potential of Gold Nanoparticle-Based Platforms as a Therapeutic Strategy in Breast Cancer Immunotherapy: A Mini Review

Breast cancer remains the most common malignancy among women worldwide. Although the implementation of mammography has dramatically increased the early detection rate, conventional treatments like chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery, have significantly improved the prognosis for breast cancer patients. However, about a third of treated breast cancer patients are known to suffer from disease recurrences and progression to metastasis. Immunotherapy has recently gained traction due to its ability to establish long-term immune surveillance, and response for the prevention of disease recurrence and extension of patient survival. Current research findings have revealed that gold nanoparticles can enhance the safety and efficacy of cancer immunotherapy, through their unique intrinsic properties of good biocompatibility, durability, convenient surface modification, as well as enhanced permeability and retention effect. Gold nanoparticles are also able to induce innate immune responses through the process of immunogenic cell death, which can lead to the establishment of lasting adaptive immunity. As such gold nanoparticles are considered as good candidates for next generation immunotherapeutic strategies. This mini review gives an overview of gold nanoparticles and their potential applications in breast cancer immunotherapeutic strategies.

Targeted delivery of quercetin by biotinylated mixed micelles for non-small cell lung cancer treatment

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death world-wide and its treatment remains a challenge in clinic, especially for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Thus, more effective therapeutic strategies are required for NSCLC treatment. Quercetin (Que) as a natural flavonoid compound has gained increasing interests due to its anticancer activity. However, poor water solubility, low bioavailability, short half-life, and weak tumor accumulation hinder in vivo applications and antitumor effects of Que. In this study, we developed Que-loaded mixed micelles (Que-MMICs) assembled from 1,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine–poly(ethylene glycol)–biotin (DSPE–PEG–biotin) and poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate–poly[2-(dimethylamino) ethyl acrylate]–polycaprolactone (PEGMA–PDMAEA–PCL) for NSCLC treatment. The results showed that Que was efficiently encapsulated into the mixed micelles and the encapsulation efficiency (EE) was up to 85.7%. Cellular uptake results showed that biotin conjugation significantly improved 1.2-fold internalization of the carrier compared to that of non-targeted mixed micelles. In vitro results demonstrated that Que-MMICs could improve cytotoxicity (IC₅₀ = 7.83 μg/mL) than Que-MICs (16.15 μg/mL) and free Que (44.22 μg/mL) to A549 cells, which efficiently induced apoptosis and arrested cell cycle. Furthermore, Que-MMICs showed satisfactory tumor targeting capability and antitumor efficacy possibly due to the combination of enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) and active targeting effect. Collectively, Que-MMICs demonstrated high accumulation at tumor site and exhibited superior anticancer activity in NSCLC bearing mice model.

Nanocarrier cancer therapeutics with functional stimuli-responsive mechanisms

Presently, nanocarriers (NCs) have gained huge attention for their structural ability, good biocompatibility, and biodegradability. The development of effective NCs with stimuli-responsive properties has acquired a huge interest among scientists. When developing drug delivery NCs, the fundamental goal is to tackle the delivery-related problems associated with standard chemotherapy and to carry medicines to the intended sites of action while avoiding undesirable side effects. These nanocarriers were able of delivering drugs to tumors through regulating their pH, temperature, enzyme responsiveness. With the use of nanocarriers, chemotherapeutic drugs could be supplied to tumors more accurately that can equally encapsulate and deliver them. Material carriers for chemotherapeutic medicines are discussed in this review keeping in viewpoint of the structural properties and targeting methods that make these carriers more therapeutically effective, in addition to metabolic pathways triggered by drug-loaded NCs. Largely, the development of NCs countering to endogenous and exogenous stimuli in tumor regions and understanding of mechanisms would encourage the progress for tumor therapy and precision diagnosis in future.

Lipid-Based Nanoparticles for Targeted Delivery of the Anti-Cancer Drugs: A Review

Abstract:

Cancer is one of the main reasons for mortality worldwide. Chemotherapeutic agents have been effectively designed to increase certain patients' survival rates, but ordinarily designed chemotherapeutic agents necessarily deliver toxic chemotherapeutic drugs to healthy tissues, resulting in serious side effects. Cancer cells can often acquire drug resistance after repeated dosing of current chemotherapeutic agents, restricting their efficacy. Given such obstacles, investigators have attempted to distribute chemotherapeutic agents using targeted drug delivery systems (DDSs), especially nanotechnology-based DDSs. Lipid-Based Nanoparticles (LBNPs) are a large and complex class of substances that have been utilized to manage a variety of diseases, mostly cancer. Liposomes seem to be the most frequently employed LBNPs, owing to their high biocompatibility, bioactivity, stability, and flexibility; howbeit Solid Lipid Nanoparticles (SLNs) and Non-structured Lipid Carriers (NLCs) have lately received a lot of interest. Besides that, there are several reports that concentrate on novel therapies via LBNPs to manage various forms of cancer. In the present research, the latest improvements in the application of LBNPs have been shown to deliver different therapeutic agents to cancerous cells and have been demonstrated LBNPs also can be a quite successful candidate in cancer therapy for subsequent use.

Improved Photodynamic Activity of Phthalocyanine by Adjusting the Chirality of Modified Amino Acids

Herein, four zinc phthalocyanines (ZnPcs) with chiral lysine modification were synthesized. We found that the chirality of lysine and the chiral structure position strongly influence the properties of ZnPcs. Among the four ZnPcs, d-lysine-modified ZnPc through -NH₂ on C_ε [denoted N(ε)-d-lys-ZnPc] showed superior properties, including tumor enrichment, cancer cell uptake, and tumor retention capability, compared to the other three ZnPcs. Thus, chiral molecule modification is a simple and effective strategy to regulate the abovementioned properties to achieve a satisfactory antitumor outcome of drugs.

Recent advances in targeted nanotherapeutic approaches for breast cancer management

Breast cancer is the most commonly occurring tumor disease worldwide. Breast cancer is currently managed by conventional chemotherapy, which is inadequate in curbing this heterogeneous disease and results in off-site toxic effects, suggesting effective treatment approaches with better therapeutic profiles are needed. This review, therefore, focuses on the recent advancements in delivering therapeutics to the target site using passive and/or active targeted nanodrug-delivery systems to ameliorate endolysosomal escape. In addition, recent strategies in targeting breast cancer stem cells are discussed. The role of naturally cell-secreted nanovesicles (exosomes) in the management of triple-negative breast cancer is also discussed.

DEC-205 receptor-mediated long-circling nanoliposome as an antigen and Eucommia ulmoides polysaccharide delivery system enhances the immune response via facilitating dendritic cells maturation

DEC-205 receptor-mediated dendritic cells (DC) targeting nanoliposomes is a promising delivery system in eliciting an immune response against pathogens. When this delivery system carries both antigen and immunomodulator, it can effectively regulate the DC function as well as the initial T cell response. To maximize the desired therapeutic effects of Eucommia ulmoides Oliv. polysaccharides (EUPS), and induce an efficient humoral and cellular immune response against an antigen, we encapsulated the OVA and EUPS in long-circling nanoliposomes and conjugated it with anti-DEC-205 receptor antibody to obtain a DEC-205-targeted nanoliposomes (anti-DEC-205-EUPS-OVA-LPSM). The physicochemical properties and immune-modulating effects were investigated in vitro and in vivo by a series of the experiment to evaluate the targeting efficiency of anti-DEC-205-EUPS-OVA-LPSM. In vitro, anti-DEC-205-EUPS-OVA-LPSM (160 μg mL⁻¹) could enhance DCs proliferation and increase their phagocytic efficiency. In vivo anti-DEC-205-EUPS-OVA-LPSM remarkably promoted the OVA-specific IgG and IgG isotypes levels, enhanced the splenocyte proliferation, and induced the NK cell and CTL cytotoxicity. Besides, the anti-DEC-205-EUPS-OVA-LPSM enhanced the maturation of DCs. These findings suggest that the DEC-205 receptor antibody-conjugated EUPS nanoliposome can act as an efficient antigen delivery system to enhance the cellular and humoral immune response by promoting DC maturation. This indicates that the anti-DEC-205-EUPS-OVA-LPSM has significant potential as an immune-enhancing agent and antigen delivery system.

Cytotoxic effect of targeted biodegradable epothilone B and rapamycin co-loaded nanocarriers on breast cancer cells

The new therapeutic solutions for breast cancer treatment are needed, for example, combined therapy consisted of several drugs that characterize different mechanisms of action and modern drug delivery systems. Therefore, we used combination of epothilone B (EpoB) and rapamycin (Rap) to analyze the cytotoxic effect against breast cancer cells (MCF-7; MDA-MB-231). Also, the effect of drugs co-delivered in bioresorbable micelles functionalized with biotin (PLA-PEG-BIO; poly(lactide)-co-poly(ethylene glycol)-biotin) was studied. The comparison of effects of the mixture of free drugs and the micelles co-loaded with EpoB and Rap revealed a significant decrease in the cell metabolic activity and survival. Moreover, the dual drug-loaded PLA-PEG-BIO micelles enhanced the cytotoxicity of EpoB and Rap against the tested cells as compared with the free drugs. The blank PLA-PEG-BIO micelles did not affect the tested cells. We expect that mixture of EpoB and Rap may be promising in breast cancer treatment and PLA-PEG-BIO micelles as carrier of these two drugs can be applicable for successful targeted delivery.

QbD Enabled Azacitidine Loaded Liposomal Nanoformulation and Its In Vitro Evaluation

Azacitidine (AZA), an inhibitor of DNA methyltransferase, is a commonly recognized drug used in clinical treatment for myelodysplastic syndrome and breast cancer. Due to higher aqueous solubility and negative log P of AZA causes poor cancer cell permeation and controlled release. The objective of the present study was to formulate and optimize AZA-loaded liposome (AZA-LIPO) for breast cancer chemotherapy by using Box Behnken design (BBD) and in vitro evaluation using MCF-7 cells. AZA-LIPO were prepared using a thin film hydration technique and characterization study was performed by using FTIR and DSC. The prepared formulations were optimized using BBD and the optimized formulation was further subjected for particle size, surface charges, polydispersity index (PDI), drug loading, entrapment efficiency, TEM, XRD, in-vitro drug release and hemolytic toxicity. The mean particle size of optimized AZA-LIPO was 127 nm. Entrapment efficiency and drug loading of AZA-LIPO was found to be 85.2% ± 0.5 and 6.82 ± 1.6%, respectively. Further, in vitro drug release study showed preliminary burst release in 2 h followed by a sustained release for 36 h in phosphate buffer at different pH (4.0, 5.5, and 7.4) as compared to free drug. Drug release was found to be pH dependent, as the pH was increased, the drug release rate was found to be low. Time-dependent cell viability assay exhibited significant higher cell viability and higher internalization than free AZA in MCF-7 cells. AZA-LIPO were more effective than the free AZA in reducing Bcl2 expression, while increasing pro-apoptotic Bax and caspase-3 activity. The result showed that the formulated biocompatible AZA-LIPO nano-formulations may be used as an efficient anti-cancer drug delivery system for the treatment of breast cancer after establishing preclinical and clinical studies.

Functional vinorelbine plus schisandrin B liposomes destroying tumor metastasis in treatment of gastric cancer

Gastric cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related death worldwide with a poor prognosis. Gastric cancer is usually treated with surgery and chemotherapy, accompanied by a high rate of metastasis and recurrence. In this paper, R₈ (RRRRRRRR) modified vinorelbine plus schisandrin B liposomes had been successfully constructed for treating gastric cancer. In the liposomes, R₈ was used to enhance the intracellular uptake, schisandrin B was incorporated into liposomes for inhibiting tumor cells metastasis, and vinorelbine was encapsulated into liposomes as antitumor drugs. Studies were performed on BGC-823 cells in vitro and were verified in the BGC-823 cell xenografts nude mice in vivo. Results in vitro demonstrated that the targeting liposomes could induce BGC-823 cells apoptosis, inhibit the metastasis of tumor cells, and increase targeting effects to tumor cells. Meanwhile, action mechanism studies showed that the targeting liposomes could down-regulate VEGF, VE-Cad, HIF-1a, PI3K, MMP-2, and FAK to inhibit tumor metastasis. In vivo results exhibited that the targeting liposomes displayed an obvious antitumor efficacy by accumulating selectively in tumor site and induce tumor cell apoptosis. Hence, R₈ modified vinorelbine plus schisandrin B liposomes might provide a safe and efficient therapy strategy for gastric cancer.

Nanoparticle-Based Drug Delivery in Cancer Therapy and Its Role in Overcoming Drug Resistance

Nanotechnology has been extensively studied and exploited for cancer treatment as nanoparticles can play a significant role as a drug delivery system. Compared to conventional drugs, nanoparticle-based drug delivery has specific advantages, such as improved stability and biocompatibility, enhanced permeability and retention effect, and precise targeting. The application and development of hybrid nanoparticles, which incorporates the combined properties of different nanoparticles, has led this type of drug-carrier system to the next level. In addition, nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems have been shown to play a role in overcoming cancer-related drug resistance. The mechanisms of cancer drug resistance include overexpression of drug efflux transporters, defective apoptotic pathways, and hypoxic environment. Nanoparticles targeting these mechanisms can lead to an improvement in the reversal of multidrug resistance. Furthermore, as more tumor drug resistance mechanisms are revealed, nanoparticles are increasingly being developed to target these mechanisms. Moreover, scientists have recently started to investigate the role of nanoparticles in immunotherapy, which plays a more important role in cancer treatment. In this review, we discuss the roles of nanoparticles and hybrid nanoparticles for drug delivery in chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy and describe the targeting mechanism of nanoparticle-based drug delivery as well as its function on reversing drug resistance.

Nanoparticle-Based Drug Delivery in Cancer Therapy and Its Role in Overcoming Drug Resistance

Nanotechnology has been extensively studied and exploited for cancer treatment as nanoparticles can play a significant role as a drug delivery system. Compared to conventional drugs, nanoparticle-based drug delivery has specific advantages, such as improved stability and biocompatibility, enhanced permeability and retention effect, and precise targeting. The application and development of hybrid nanoparticles, which incorporates the combined properties of different nanoparticles, has led this type of drug-carrier system to the next level. In addition, nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems have been shown to play a role in overcoming cancer-related drug resistance. The mechanisms of cancer drug resistance include overexpression of drug efflux transporters, defective apoptotic pathways, and hypoxic environment. Nanoparticles targeting these mechanisms can lead to an improvement in the reversal of multidrug resistance. Furthermore, as more tumor drug resistance mechanisms are revealed, nanoparticles are increasingly being developed to target these mechanisms. Moreover, scientists have recently started to investigate the role of nanoparticles in immunotherapy, which plays a more important role in cancer treatment. In this review, we discuss the roles of nanoparticles and hybrid nanoparticles for drug delivery in chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy and describe the targeting mechanism of nanoparticle-based drug delivery as well as its function on reversing drug resistance.