Chitosan-PLGA mucoadhesive nanoparticles for gemcitabine repurposing for glioblastoma therapy

Chitosan nanocarriers: A promising approach for glioblastoma therapy

Glioblastoma is a rapidly growing form of brain tumour originating from the supportive tissues present in the brain or spinal cord. The conventional therapeutic options include the use of alkylating agents, radiation and surgical procedures, that exhibits numerous limitations. The considerably less survival rate, very high incidence of recurrence and lack of effective therapeutic options has made the disease as the most lethal brain cancer. Being widely investigated, nanocarriers assure efficacy in brain targeting. Nano-based systems also hold the edge of higher encapsulation efficiency, ability to encapsulate anticancer therapeutics and effective blood brain barrier (BBB) penetration ability has been proven as one of the most successful means of delivering therapeutic agents in brain interstitial. The extreme biocompatible and biodegradable features of chitosan (CS) have been advantageous in combination with its easy fabrication and modifiable physicochemical behaviour. CS has been extensively investigated in the synthesis of nano-systems for brain targeting of drugs. The mucoadhesive behaviour of CS, cationic nature, and its ability to conjugate with various ligands helps in effective targeting of glioblastoma. This review specifically focuses on the fabrication of various CS-based nanocarriers for glioblastoma therapy, alongside describing its suitability and reflecting the recent research outcomes in glioblastoma therapy.

Topical application of insulin encapsulated by chitosan-modified PLGA nanoparticles to alleviate alkali burn-induced corneal neovascularization

Corneal neovascularization (CRNV) severely impairs corneal transparency and is one of the leading causes of vision loss worldwide. Drug therapy is the main approach to inhibit CRNV. Insulin (INS) has been reported to facilitate the healing of corneal injuries and suppress inflammation. However, but due to the unique physiological barriers of the eye, its bioavailability is low, limiting its therapeutic effect. In this study, we developed a chitosan-poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid)-INS nanoparticles (CPI NPs) system for INS delivery. The characterization of CPI NPs was satisfactory. Experimental results demonstrated that CPI NPs effectively inhibited the migration of vascular endothelial cells and the formation of tubular structures. Furthermore, CPI NPs markedly suppressed the neovascularization in a CRNV model without any observable side effects. Quantitative proteomics analysis indicated that INS treatment led to a reduction in FTO levels within the neovascularized cornea. Both in vitro and in vivo experiments substantiated the impact of CPI NPs on FTO protein expression and the N6-methyladenosine modification. In conclusion, this study successfully developed an effective ocular drug delivery system for the treatment of CRNV induced by alkali burns, thereby offering a novel therapeutic option for this condition.

Advancements in Using Polymeric Nanoparticles for Blood-Brain Barrier Penetration in Neurological Disorders

Neurological disorders and glioblastoma represent a significant global health burden, affecting billions of individuals and contributing to high rates of morbidity and mortality. A primary obstacle in treating these conditions is the presence of the blood-brain barrier (BBB), a protective barrier that restricts the entry of most therapeutic agents into the brain. Despite this challenge, advancements in nanotechnology, specifically the development of polymeric nanoparticles, offer promising solutions for overcoming the BBB. Key strategies include surface modifications like PEGylation to enhance circulation time, receptor-mediated targeting for specific brain cells, and stimuli-responsive nanoparticles that release drugs in response to pH or reactive oxygen species. Ultrasound-guided delivery, intranasal administration, and magnetic nanoparticle guidance further enhance targeted delivery, while multifunctional nanoparticles enable combination therapies. These nanoparticles, with their customizable properties, allow for targeted and sustained delivery of drugs to the central nervous system, providing new hope in the treatment of both neurodegenerative diseases and brain cancers. In this review, we explore recent strategies that exploit polymeric nanoparticles to improve drug delivery across the BBB, highlighting their potential in revolutionizing therapeutic approaches for neurological disorders.

Immune Modulation with Oral DNA/RNA Nanoparticles

The oral delivery of DNA/RNA nanoparticles represents a transformative approach in immunotherapy and vaccine development. These nanoparticles enable targeted immune modulation by delivering genetic material to specific cells in the gut-associated immune system, triggering both mucosal and systemic immune responses. Unlike parenteral administration, the oral route offers a unique immunological environment that supports both tolerance and activation, depending on the formulation design. This review explores the underlying mechanisms of immune modulation by DNA/RNA nanoparticles, their design and delivery strategies, and recent advances in their application. Emphasis is placed on strategies to overcome physiological barriers such as acidic pH, enzymatic degradation, mucus entrapment, and epithelial tight junctions. Special attention is given to the role of gut-associated lymphoid tissue in mediating immune responses and the therapeutic potential of these systems in oral vaccine platforms, food allergies, autoimmune diseases, and chronic inflammation. Despite challenges, recent advances in nanoparticle formulation support the translation of these technologies into clinical applications for both therapeutic immunomodulation and vaccination.

Chitosan/carbomer nanoparticles- laden in situ gel for improved ocular delivery of timolol: in vitro, in vivo, and ex vivo study

Due to the small capacity of the eye cavity and the rapid drainage of liquid into the nasolacrimal duct, patients must frequently administer the drops. Nanoparticles (NPs) and in situ gel systems have each proven their ability to achieve eye retention independently. In this study, timolol-loaded chitosan-carbomer NPs were prepared using the polyelectrolyte complexation method, and incorporated into a pH-responsive in situ gel system made of carbomer. The rheological behavior of NPs-laden in situ gel was examined at room and physiological conditions. Characteristics such as zeta potential, surface tension, refractive index, mucoadhesive properties, drug release, transcorneal permeability, and intra-ocular pressure (IOP) lowering activity were investigated on NPS and NPs-laden in situ gel formulations. The optimum gained NPs system had an encapsulation efficiency of about 69% with a particle size of 196 nm. The zeta potential of the NP and NPs-laden in situ gel were - 16 and + 11 mV respectively. NPs-laden in situ gel presented enhanced viscosity at physiological pH. All physicochemical properties were acceptable for both formulations. NPs and NPs-laden in situ gel systems proved to sustain drug release. They showed mucoadhesive properties which were greater for NPs-laden in situ gel. IOP reduction by NPs-laden in situ gel was significantly higher and more long-lasting than the timolol solution and NPs. In conclusion, the developed NPs-laden in situ gel is a promising carrier for ocular drug delivery due to the slow release of drug from nanoparticles, its mucoadhesive properties, and high viscosity acquisition in contact with precorneal film, which lead to improved therapeutic efficacy.

Progress in Drug Delivery Systems Based on Nanoparticles for Improved Glioblastoma Therapy: Addressing Challenges and Investigating Opportunities

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a highly malignant brain tumor that has a bleak outlook despite existing treatments such as surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. The utilization of nanoparticles for drug delivery presents a promising method by which to improve the effectiveness of treatment while reducing the harmful effects on the entire body. This review examines the application of nanoparticles in the treatment of GBM, focusing on different types of nanoparticles, including lipid-based, polymeric, metallic, and those under development. Every variety is analyzed for its distinct characteristics and therapeutic capacity. Lipid-based nanoparticles, such as liposomes and solid lipid nanoparticles, enhance the transport of medicines that are not soluble in water and have shown considerable potential in preclinical investigations. Polymeric nanoparticles have benefits in terms of controlled release and targeted distribution, whereas metallic nanoparticles have potential in both therapy and imaging. In the current review we would like to emphasize the ways in which nanoparticles improve medicine delivery, specifically by enhancing penetration of the blood-brain barrier (BBB), targeting tumors, and enabling controlled release. Additionally, we also discuss current preclinical and clinical discoveries, highlighting both achievements and obstacles in the process of converting these technologies into effective treatments for GBM. This study offers a thorough examination of the present status and prospects of nanoparticles in the treatment of GBM.

Innovative drug delivery strategies for targeting glioblastoma: overcoming the challenges of the tumor microenvironment

INTRODUCTION

Glioblastoma multiforme(GBM) presents a challenging endeavor in therapeutic management because of its highly aggressive tumor microenvironment(TME). This complex TME, characterized by hypoxia, nutrient deprivation, immunosuppression, stromal barriers, increased interstitial fluid pressure and the presence of the blood-brain barrier(BBB), frequently compromises the efficacy of promising therapeutic strategies. Consequently, a deeper understanding of the TME and the development of innovative methods to overcome its associated challenges are essential for improving treatment outcomes in GBM.

AREAS COVERED

This review critically evaluates the major obstacles within the GBM TME, focusing on the biological and structural barriers that limit therapeutic delivery and efficacy. Novel approaches designed to address these barriers, including advanced formulation strategies and precise targeting mechanisms, are explored in detail. Additionally, the review highlights the potential of emerging technologies such as 3D-printed models, scaffolds, Robotics and artificial intelligence(AI) techniques and machine learning, in tackling TME- associated hurdles.

EXPERT OPINION

The integration of these innovative methods presents a promising path for enhancing the specificity and efficacy of GBM therapies. By combining these advanced strategies, the potential for improving patient outcomes in GBM treatment can be significantly enhanced, offering hope for overcoming the limitations posed by the TME.

Recent Applications of PLGA in Drug Delivery Systems

Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) is a widely used biodegradable and biocompatible copolymer in drug delivery systems (DDSs). In this article, we highlight the critical physicochemical properties of PLGA, including its molecular weight, intrinsic viscosity, monomer ratio, blockiness, and end caps, that significantly influence drug release profiles and degradation times. This review also covers the extensive literature on the application of PLGA in delivering small-molecule drugs, proteins, peptides, antibiotics, and antiviral drugs. Furthermore, we discuss the role of PLGA-based DDSs in the treating various diseases, including cancer, neurological disorders, pain, and inflammation. The incorporation of drugs into PLGA nanoparticles and microspheres has been shown to enhance their therapeutic efficacy, reduce toxicity, and improve patient compliance. Overall, PLGA-based DDSs holds great promise for the advancement of the treatment and management of multiple chronic conditions.