Folic acid-modified liposomal drug delivery strategy for tumor targeting of 5-fluorouracil

Nanomedicine in Cancer Therapeutics: Current Perspectives from Bench to Bedside

Cancer is among the leading causes of death worldwide, with projections indicating that it will claim 35 million lives by the year 2050. Conventional therapies, such as chemotherapy and immune modulation, have reduced cancer mortality to some extent; however, they have limited efficacy due to their broad mode of action, often resulting in cytotoxic effects on normal cells along with the malignant tissues, ultimately limiting their overall optimal therapeutic efficacy outcomes.Rapid advances in nanotechnology and an evolving understanding of cancer mechanisms have propelled the development of a diverse array of nanocarriers to vanquish the hurdles in achieving sophisticated drug delivery with reduced off-target toxicity. Nanoformulations can deliver the anti-cancer agents precisely to the tumor cell by integrating a multitarget approach that allows for tissue-, cell-, or organelle-specific delivery and internalization. Despite the immense interest and unmatched advancements in modern oncology equipped with nanomedicines, only a few nanoformulations have successfully translated into clinical settings. A major reason behind this shortcoming is the lack of a rationale design incorporating smart, responsive targeting features, leading to a compromised therapeutic window due to inefficient internalization or erroneous intracellular localization with unsuccessful payload release. This review aims to summarize the recent perspective of nanomedicine and its translation to clinical practice, with a particular focus on the evolution of strategies used in tumor targeting from traditional EPR-based passive mechanisms to advanced active and multi-stage approaches. We highlight the coupling of organelle-specific and stimuli-responsive nanocarriers, discuss the potential of biomimetic and cell-mediated delivery systems, and also shed light on technologies such as microfluidics, tumor-on-chip models, and AI-assisted synthesis. Finally, this review explores translational hurdles ranging from biological and manufacturing challenges to regulatory bottlenecks and outlines how innovative modeling systems and engineering solutions can bridge the gap from bench to bedside in cancer nanotherapeutics.

Developments in nanotechnology approaches for the treatment of solid tumors

Nanotechnology has revolutionized cancer therapy by introducing advanced drug delivery systems that enhance therapeutic efficacy while reducing adverse effects. By leveraging various nanoparticle platforms-including liposomes, polymeric nanoparticles, and inorganic nanoparticles-researchers have improved drug solubility, stability, and bioavailability. Additionally, new nanodevices are being engineered to respond to specific physiological conditions like temperature and pH variations, enabling controlled drug release and optimizing therapeutic outcomes. Beyond drug delivery, nanotechnology plays a crucial role in the theranostic field due to the functionalization of specific materials that combine tumor detection and targeted treatment features. This review analyzes the clinical impact of nanotechnology, spanning from early-phase trials to pivotal phase 3 studies that have obtained regulatory approval, while also offering a critical perspective on the preclinical domain and its translational potential for future human applications. Despite significant progress, greater attention must be placed on key challenges, such as biocompatibility barriers and the lack of regulatory standardization, to ensure the successful translation of nanomedicine into routine clinical practice.

More than a delivery system: the evolving role of lipid-based nanoparticles

Lipid-based nanoparticles, including liposomes and lipid nanoparticles (LNPs), make up an important class of drug delivery systems. Their modularity enables encapsulation of a wide range of therapeutic cargoes, their ease of functionalization allows for incorporation of targeting motifs and anti-fouling coatings, and their scalability facilitates rapid translation to the clinic. While the discovery and early understanding of lipid-based nanoparticles is heavily rooted in biology, formulation development has largely focused on materials properties, such as how liposome and lipid nanoparticle composition can be altered to maximize drug loading, stability and circulation. To achieve targeted delivery and enable improved accumulation of therapeutics at target tissues or disease sites, emphasis is typically placed on the use of external modifications, such as peptide, protein, and polymer motifs. However, these approaches can increase the complexity of the nanocarrier and complicate scale up. In this review, we focus on how our understanding of lipid structure and function in biological contexts can be used to design intrinsically functional and targeted nanocarriers. We highlight formulation-based strategies, such as the incorporation of bioactive lipids, that have been used to modulate liposome and lipid nanoparticle properties and improve their functionality while retaining simple nanocarrier designs. We also highlight classes of naturally occurring lipids, their functions, and how they have been incorporated into lipid-based nanoparticles. We will additionally position these approaches into the historical context of both liposome and LNP development.

PLGA-Encapsulated Elvitegravir and Curcumin Modulates ART Penetration, Oxidative Stress, and Inflammation

Background/Objectives: HIV persists in central nervous system (CNS) reservoirs, where infected microglia and macrophages drive neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and neuronal damage, contributing to HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder (HAND). Nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems, particularly poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles, offer a promising strategy to improve CNS antiretroviral therapy (ART) delivery. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of co-administration of PLGA nanoparticles (NPs) encapsulating elvitegravir (EVG) and curcumin (CUR) in targeting CNS reservoirs, reducing neuroinflammation, and mitigating oxidative stress. Methods: PLGA NPs encapsulating EVG and CUR (PLGA-EVG and PLGA-CUR) were prepared via the nanoprecipitation method. The NPs were characterized for size, zeta potential, and encapsulation efficiency (EE). Their therapeutic efficacy was evaluated in vitro using U1 macrophages and in vivo in Balb/c mice. Key parameters, including cytokine levels, oxidative stress markers, and neuronal marker expression, were analyzed. Results: The PLGA-EVG and PLGA-CUR NPs demonstrated high EE% (~90.63 ± 4.21 for EVG and 87.59 ± 3.42 for CUR) and sizes under 140 nm, ensuring blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability. In vitro studies showed enhanced intracellular EVG concentrations and reductions in proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, TNFα, and IL-18) and improved antioxidant capacity in U1 macrophages. In vivo, the co-administration of NPs improved CNS drug delivery, reduced neuroinflammation and oxidative stress, and preserved neuronal markers (L1CAM, synaptophysin, NeuN, GFAP). Conclusions: PLGA-based co-delivery of EVG and CUR enhances ART CNS drug delivery, mitigating neuroinflammation and reducing oxidative stress. These findings highlight the potential of nanoparticle-based ART strategies to address limitations in current regimens and pave the way for more effective HAND therapies. Future studies should focus on optimizing formulations and evaluating safety in chronic HIV settings.

Ternary lipids-based novel thermoresponsive lipid nanoparticles for targeting doxorubicin to breast cancer cells

Conventional thermoresponsive liposomes have failed to meet cancer targeting potential due to poor safety profile, unpredictable fate, and low therapeutic response in clinical studies. Recently, we reported phase-change nanostructured lipid carriers, termed thermoresponsive lipid nanoparticles (TLNs), for targeting cancer cells under hyperthermia. Herein, we have prepared ternary eutectic mixtures of myristic, stearic, and palmitic acid at a ratio of 2.5:1:1.5 yielded a melting point or solid-liquid phase transition temperature of 41°C. Doxorubicin (DOX)-loaded TLNs were fabricated and optimized using Box-Behnken Design Expert® software and exhibited desirable particle size (191.7±2.88 nm), polydispersity index (0.213±0.025), zeta-potential (-21.2±2.29 mV), spherical shape, high entrapment efficiency (92.24±1.05), and desirable physicochemical stability. In-vitro drug release studies showed hyperthermia-aided abrupt DOX release within 2 h at 41°C and 43°C while sustained drug release pattern for 12 h at 37°C. In-vitro cytotoxicity studies of TLN also exhibited the highest breast cancer (MCF-7) cells killing at hyperthermia (41°C), more than 3-fold compared to 37°C and free DOX solution. A 23-fold higher cell uptake in breast cancer cells further confirmed that ternary eutectic mixture-based DOX-loaded TLNs are an excellent candidate for breast cancer targeting and may be preferred over other nano-carriers due to the feasible preparation and superior stability.

Advances in the delivery of anticancer drugs by nanoparticles and chitosan-based nanoparticles

Cancer is the leading cause of death globally, and conventional treatments have limited efficacy with severe side effects. The use of nanotechnology has the potential to reduce the side effects of drugs by creating efficient and controlled anticancer drug delivery systems. Nanoparticles (NPs) used as drug carriers offer several advantages, including enhanced drug protection, biodistribution, selectivity and, pharmacokinetics. Therefore, this review is devoted to various organic (lipid, polymeric) as well as inorganic nanoparticles based on different building units and providing a wide range of potent anticancer drug delivery systems. Within these nanoparticulate systems, chitosan (CS)-based NPs are discussed with particular emphasis due to the unique properties of CS and its derivatives including non-toxicity, biodegradability, mucoadhesivity, and tunable physico-chemical as well as biological properties allowing their alteration to specifically target cancer cells. In the context of streamlining the nanoparticulate drug delivery systems (DDS), innovative nanoplatform-based cancer therapy pathways involving passive and active targeting as well as stimuli-responsive DDS enhancing overall orthogonality of developed NP-DDS towards the target are included. The most up-to-date information on delivering anti-cancer drugs using modern dosage forms based on various nanoparticulate systems and, specifically, CSNPs, are summarised and evaluated concerning their benefits, limitations, and advanced applications.

AS1411aptamer conjugated liposomes for targeted delivery of arsenic trioxide in mouse xenograft model of melanoma cancer

Development of AS1411aptamer-conjugated liposomes for targeted delivery of arsenic trioxide is the primary goal of this study. AS1411aptamer was used as ligand to target nucleolin, which is highly expressed on the surface of melanoma cancer cells. The targeted liposomes were constructed by the thin film method, and arsenic trioxide was loaded as cobalt (II) hydrogen arsenite (CHA) to increase the loading efficiency and stability of the liposomes. The liposomal structure was characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). In addition, particle sizes and zeta potential of the CHA-loaded liposomes (CHAL) and aptamer-functionalized CHA-loaded liposomes (AP-CHAL) were determined. In vitro cytotoxicity of CHAL and AP-CHAL were evaluated using MTT assay in murine melanoma (B16) and mouse embryonic fibroblast (MEF) cell lines. The encapsulation efficiency of CHAL and AP-CHAL was reported as 60.2 ± 6.5% and 58.7 ± 4.2%, respectively. In vivo antitumor activity of CHAL and AP-CHAL in the B16 tumor-xenograft mouse model was dramatically observed. All mice of both groups survived until the end of treatment and showed body weight gain. The tumor protrusion completely disappeared in 50% of the mice in these groups. Furthermore, histopathology studies demonstrated that CHAL and AP-CHAL did not induce significant toxicity in healthy mice tissues. However, unlike the CHAL group, which showed an initial increase in tumor volume, a specific antitumor effect was observed in the AP-CHAL group from the beginning of treatment. The results showed that AP-CHAL can be used as an effective drug delivery system with high potential in the treatment of solid tumors.

Functionalized liposomes as a potential drug delivery systems for colon cancer treatment: A systematic review

Colon cancer is one of the lethal diseases in the world with approximately 700,000 fatalities annually. Nowadays, due to the side effects of existing methods in the treatment of colon cancer such as radiotherapy and chemotherapy, the use of targeted nanocarriers in cancer treatment has received wide attention, and among them, especially liposomes have been studied a lot. Based on this, anti-tumor drugs hidden in targeted active liposomes can selectively act on cancer cells. In this systematic review, the use of various ligands such as folic acid, transferrin, aptamer, hyaluronic acid and cRGD for active targeting of liposomes to achieve improved drug delivery to colon cancer cells has been reviewed. The original articles published in English in the databases of Science Direct, PubMed and Google scholar from 2012 to 2022 were reviewed. From the total of 26,256 published articles, 19 studies met the inclusion criteria. The results of in vitro and in vivo studies have revealed that targeted liposomes lead to increasing the efficacy of anti-cancer agents on colon cancer cells with reducing side effects compared to free drugs and non-targeted liposomes. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first systematic review showing promising results for improvement treatment of colon cancer using targeted liposomes.

Microneedle-mediated nanomedicine to enhance therapeutic and diagnostic efficacy

Nanomedicine has been extensively explored for therapeutic and diagnostic applications in recent years, owing to its numerous advantages such as controlled release, targeted delivery, and efficient protection of encapsulated agents. Integration of microneedle technologies with nanomedicine has the potential to address current limitations in nanomedicine for drug delivery including relatively low therapeutic efficacy and poor patient compliance and enable theragnostic uses. In this Review, we first summarize representative types of nanomedicine and describe their broad applications. We then outline the current challenges faced by nanomedicine, with a focus on issues related to physical barriers, biological barriers, and patient compliance. Next, we provide an overview of microneedle systems, including their definition, manufacturing strategies, drug release mechanisms, and current advantages and challenges. We also discuss the use of microneedle-mediated nanomedicine systems for therapeutic and diagnostic applications. Finally, we provide a perspective on the current status and future prospects for microneedle-mediated nanomedicine for biomedical applications.

Engineered liposomes mediated approach for targeted colorectal cancer drug Delivery: A review

Colorectal cancer (CRC) continues to be one of the most prevalent and deadliest forms of cancer worldwide, despite notable advancements in its management. The prognosis for metastatic CRC remains discouraging, with a relative 5-year survival rate for stage IV CRC patients. Conventional treatments for advanced malignancies such as chemotherapy, often face limitations in effectively targeting cancer cells resulting in off-target distribution and significant side effects. In the quest for better strategies, researchers have explored numerous alternatives. Among these, nanoparticles (NPs) specifically liposomes have emerged as one of the most promising candidates in developing targeted delivery systems for cancer therapeutics. This review discusses the current approaches employing functionalised liposomes to overcome major biological barriers in therapeutics delivery for CRC treatment. We have also shared our perspectives on the technological development of liposomes for future clinical use and highlighted a few useful insights on the material choices for future research work in CRC.

Polysarcosine-Coated liposomes attenuating immune response induction and prolonging blood circulation

HYPOTHESIS

Liposomes coated with long polysarcosine (PSar) chains at a high density might enable long blood circulation and attenuate accelerated blood clearance (ABC) phenomenon.

EXPERIMENTS

In this study, we controlled the length (23, 45, 68 mers) and density (5, 10, 15 mol%) of PSar on liposomal coatings and, furthermore, investigated the effects of PSar length and density on the blood circulation time, biodistribution, immune response, and ABC phenomenon induction. Length-controlled PSar-bound lipids (PSar-PEs) were synthesized using a click reaction and inserted into bare liposomes at different combinations of chain lengths and proportions.

FINDINGS

Although all PSar-coated liposomes (PSar-lipos) had similar morphological, physical, and chemical properties, they had different blood circulation times and biodistribution, and exerted varied effects on the immune system. All PSar-lipos with different PSar length and density showed a similar anti-PSar IgM response. Liposomes modified with the longest PSar chain (68 mers) at a high density (15 mol%) showed the longest blood circulation time and, additionally, attenuated ABC phenomenon compared with PEG-lipo. The ex vivo analysis of the biodistribution of liposomes revealed that a thick PSar layer enhanced the blood circulation time of liposomes due to the reduction of the accumulation of liposomes in the liver and spleen. These findings provide new insights into the relationship between IgM expression and ABC phenomenon inhibition.

Encapsulation of STING Agonist cGAMP with Folic Acid-Conjugated Liposomes Significantly Enhances Antitumor Pharmacodynamic Effect

Background: 2',3'-cGAMP (2',3'-cyclic AMP-GMP) has been reported as an agonist of the STING (stimulator of interferon genes) signaling pathway. However, cGAMP has poor membrane permeability and can be hydrolyzed by ectonucleotide pyrophosphatase/phosphodiesterase (ENPP1), limiting its ability to activate the STING-IRF3 pathway. This study aimed to investigate that the folate-targeted liposomal cGAMP could overcome the defects of free cGAMP to enhance the antitumor effect. Materials and Methods: cGAMP was encapsulated in PEGylated folic acid-targeted liposomes to construct a carrier-delivered formulation. The particle size and morphology were detected by dynamic light scattering and transmission electron microscopy. The sustained-release ability was measured by drug release and pharmacokinetics. Animal models were applied to evaluate the tumor inhibition efficiency in vivo. Flow cytometry, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and real-time polymerase chain reaction were used to detect the expression of immune cells, secreted cytokines, and target genes. The activation of the STING-IRF3 pathway was evaluated by immunofluorescence. Results: Physical characters of liposomes revealed that the prepared liposomes were stable in neutral humoral environments and released more internal drugs in acidic tumor tissues. Systemic therapy with liposomes on Colorectal 26 tumor-bearing mice in vivo effectively inhibited tumor growth via stimulating the expression of CD8+ T cells and reversed the immunosuppressed tumor microenvironment (TME). Conclusions: The study suggests that the folic acid-targeted cGAMP-loaded liposomes deliver drugs to the TME to enhance the STING agonist activity, improving the efficiency of tumor therapy via the cGAMP-STING-IRF3 pathway.

Specific surface modification of liposomes for gut targeting of food bioactive agents

Liposomes have become a research hotspot in recent years as food delivery systems with attractive properties, including the bilayer structure assembled like the cell membrane, reducing the side-effect and improving environmental stability of cargos, controlling release, extending duration of functional ingredients, and high biodegradable and biocompatible abilities in the body. However, the conventional liposomes lack stability during storage and are weak in targeted absorption in the gastrointestinal track. At present, surface modification has been approved to be an effective platform to shield these barricades and help liposomes deliver the agents safely and effectively to the ideal site. In this review, the gastrointestinal stability of conventional liposomes, cargo release models from liposomes, and the biological fate of the core materials after release were emphasized. Then, the strategies in both physical and chemical perspectives to improve the stability and utilization of liposomes in the gastrointestinal tract, and the emerging approaches for improving gut targeting by specifically modified liposomes and the intestinal receptors relative to liposomes/cargos absorption were highlighted. Last but not the least, the safety, challenges, and opportunities for the improvement of liposomal bioavailability were also discussed to inspire new applications of liposomes as oral carriers.

4-amino-2-phenyl-6-(p-fluorophenyl)-5-carbonitrile-pyrimidine-bis-substituted-loaded liposomes as promising system for cancer treatment

The aim of the present study was to perform in vitro and in vivo assessments of the antineoplastic action of 4-amino-pyrimidine encapsulated in liposomes. Liposomes were prepared and characterized for particle size and drug encapsulation and submitted to long-term stability tests. Cytotoxicity assays were performed in HeLa cells. Antineoplastic activity was investigated using the experimental sarcoma 180 tumor in Swiss albino mice. Encapsulation efficiency was 82.93 ± 0.04% and no significant changes were found with respect to particle size or pH after centrifugation and mechanical agitation tests. The in vitro results at concentration of 20 μg/mL indicated a considerable reduction in cell viability after treatment with encapsulated pyrimidine (75.91%). The in vivo assays using the compounds in encapsulated and free forms and 5-fluorouracil achieved tumor inhibition rates of 66.47 ± 26.8%, 50.46 ± 16.24% and 14.47 ± 9.22%, respectively. Mitotic counts demonstrated a greater reduction in the number of mitoses in animals treated with liposomal pyrimidine (32.15%) compared to those treated with the pyrimidine free (87.69%) and 5-fluorouracil (71.39%). This study demonstrated that the development of liposome formulations containing 4-amino-pyrimidine is a promising alternative for overcoming limitations related to the toxicity of current cancer treatment, ensuring greater therapeutic efficacy.

Dual Drug-Loaded Nanoliposomes Encapsulating Curcumin and 5-Fluorouracil with Advanced Medicinal Applications: Self-Monitoring and Antitumor Therapy

Due to the presence of physiological barriers, it is difficult to achieve the desired therapeutic efficacy of drugs; thus, it is necessary to develop an efficient drug delivery system that enables advanced functions such as self-monitoring. Curcumin (CUR) is a naturally functional polyphenol whose effectiveness is limited by poor solubility and low bioavailability, and its natural fluorescent properties are often overlooked. Therefore, we aimed to improve the antitumor activity and drug uptake monitoring by simultaneously delivering CUR and 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) in the form of liposomes. In this study, dual drug-loaded liposomes (FC-DP-Lip) encapsulating CUR and 5-FU were prepared by the thin-film hydration method; their physicochemical properties were characterized; and their biosafety, drug uptake distribution in vivo, and tumor cell toxicity were evaluated. The results showed that the nanoliposome FC-DP-Lip showed good morphology, stability, and drug encapsulation efficiency. It showed good biocompatibility, with no side effects on zebrafish embryonic development. In vivo uptake in zebrafish showed that FC-DP-Lip has a long circulation time and presents gastrointestinal accumulation. In addition, FC-DP-Lip was cytotoxic against a variety of cancer cells. This work showed that FC-DP-Lip nanoliposomes can enhance the toxicity of 5-FU to cancer cells, demonstrating safety and efficiency, and enabling real-time self-monitoring functions.

Surface Modification of Liposomes Using Folic Acid

Liposomes are usually defined as spherically shaped microscopic vesicles that consist of one or more phospholipid bilayer membranes. They are widely used in drug delivery due to their biocompatibility, biodegradability, and stability. In recent years, a growing body of research shows that folic acid (FA)-modified liposomes can be targeted to deliver therapeutics to tumor and inflammation sites via receptor-mediated endocytosis between FA and folate receptor (FR). Taking this advantage, FA-modified liposomes are usually used in the targeted treatment of cancer, atherosclerosis, and arthrosis. In this chapter, we provided a classical thin-film hydration method to prepare FA-modified liposomes. We expect that our strategies would provide new opportunities for the development of FA-modified liposomes for research and clinical uses.

What We Need to Know about Liposomes as Drug Nanocarriers: An Updated Review

Liposomes have been attracted considerable attention as phospholipid spherical vesicles, over the past 40 years. These lipid vesicles are valued in biomedical application due to their ability to carry both hydrophobic and hydrophilic agents, high biocompatibility and biodegradability. Various methods have been used for the synthesis of liposomes, so far and numerous modifications have been performed to introduce liposomes with different characteristics like surface charge, size, number of their layers, and length of circulation in biological fluids. This article provides an overview of the significant advances in synthesis of liposomes via active or passive drug loading methods, as well as describes some strategies developed to fabricate their targeted formulations to overcome limitations of the "first-generation" liposomes.

Lipid-engineered nanotherapeutics for cancer management

Cancer causes significant mortality and morbidity worldwide, but existing pharmacological treatments are greatly limited by the inherent heterogeneity of cancer as a disease, as well as the unsatisfactory efficacy and specificity of therapeutic drugs. Biopharmaceutical barriers such as low permeability and poor water solubility, along with the absence of active targeting capabilities, often result in suboptimal clinical results. The difficulty of successfully reaching and destroying tumor cells is also often compounded with undesirable impacts on healthy tissue, including off-target effects and high toxicity, which further impair the ability to effectively manage the disease and optimize patient outcomes. However, in the last few decades, the development of nanotherapeutics has allowed for the use of rational design in order to maximize therapeutic success. Advances in the fabrication of nano-sized delivery systems, coupled with a variety of surface engineering strategies to promote customization, have resulted in promising approaches for targeted, site-specific drug delivery with fewer unwanted effects and better therapeutic efficacy. These nano systems have been able to overcome some of the challenges of conventional drug delivery related to pharmacokinetics, biodistribution, and target specificity. In particular, lipid-based nanosystems have been extensively explored due to their high biocompatibility, versatility, and adaptability. Lipid-based approaches to cancer treatment are varied and diverse, including liposomal therapeutics, lipidic nanoemulsions, solid lipid nanoparticles, nanostructured lipidic carriers, lipid-polymer nanohybrids, and supramolecular nanolipidic structures. This review aims to provide an overview of the use of diverse formulations of lipid-engineered nanotherapeutics for cancer and current challenges in the field, as researchers attempt to successfully translate these approaches from bench to clinic.

Lipid-Based Nanoparticles as a Pivotal Delivery Approach in Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) Therapy

Triple-negative breast cancer is considered the most aggressive type of breast cancer among women and the lack of expressed receptors has made treatment options substantially limited. Recently, various types of nanoparticles have emerged as a therapeutic option against TNBC, to elevate the therapeutic efficacy of the existing chemotherapeutics. Among the various nanoparticles, lipid-based nanoparticles (LNPs) viz. liposomes, nanoemulsions, solid lipid nanoparticles, nanostructured lipid nanocarriers, and lipid–polymer hybrid nanoparticles are developed for cancer treatment which is well confirmed and documented. LNPs include various therapeutic advantages as compared to conventional therapy and other nanoparticles, including increased loading capacity, enhanced temporal and thermal stability, decreased therapeutic dose and associated toxicity, and limited drug resistance. In addition to these, LNPs overcome physiological barriers which provide increased accumulation of therapeutics at the target site. Extensive efforts by the scientific community could make some of the liposomal formulations the clinical reality; however, the relatively high cost, problems in scaling up the formulations, and delivery in a more targetable fashion are some of the major issues that need to be addressed. In the present review, we have compiled the state of the art about different types of LNPs with the latest advances reported for the treatment of TNBC in recent years, along with their clinical status and toxicity in detail.

Research progress in membrane fusion-based hybrid exosomes for drug delivery systems

Liposomes are the earliest and most widely used nanoparticles for targeted drug delivery. Exosomes are nanosized membrane-bound particles and important mediators of intercellular communication. Combining liposomes and exosomes using various membrane fusion methods gives rise to a novel potential drug delivery system called membrane fusion-based hybrid exosomes (MFHE). These novel MFHEs not only exhibit potential advantageous features, such as high drug loading rate and targeted cellular uptake via surface modification, but are also endowed with high biocompatibility and low immunogenicity. Here, we provide an overview of MFHEs’ various preparation methods, characterization strategies, and their applications for disease treatment and scientific research.

Folic acid-modified disulfiram/Zn-IRMOF3 nanoparticles for oral cancer therapy by inhibiting ALDH1A1+ cancer stem cells

The repurposing of old drugs can reduce the cost of drug development and speed up the availability of drugs for clinical use. Disulfiram (DSF) is an approved drug for alcohol abuse. In recent years, it has been established that DSF exerts an antitumor effect via targeted inhibition of ALDH1+ cancer stem cells (CSCs). However, due to its metal ion dependence, easy hydrolysis and low availability, the clinical application of DSF is limited. Previous studies have also shown that Zn²⁺ can inhibit CSCs. Accordingly, we developed a novel metal organic framework (IRMOF3)-Zn²⁺, and DSF was incorporated in the IRMOF3. Folic acid (FA) was subsequently loaded on the surface yielding IRMOF3 (IRMOF3-DSF-FA) for targeted therapy of tumors. The nanoscale IRMOF3-DSF-FA exhibited a high loading capacity, good biocompatibility and strong cell uptake capacity, which could provide metal ions, target tumor tissues and inhibit ALDH1+ CSCs. In vivo experiments showed that IRMOF3-DSF-FA could significantly inhibit the growth of CSCs and tumors, with no significant vital organ damage during treatment. Accordingly, IRMOF3-DSF-FA has great prospects for application as a DSF carrier, opening new horizons for targeted therapy of oral cancer.

Folate-Modified Chitosan 5-Flourouraci Nanoparticles-Embedded Calcium Alginate Beads for Colon Targeted Delivery

Gel beads are formed when alginate acid reacts with divalent cations, particularly Ca2+. As a result of this feature, it is one of the best materials for making gel beads. Furthermore, it swells only slightly at acidic pH, resulting in stable alginate acid beads, but swells and dissolves rapidly at higher pH values, leading to pH-responsive release. Our current study aimed to embed folate-modified chitosan 5FU nanoparticles (FA-CS-5FU-NPs) into calcium alginate beads for colon-targeted delivery. Calcium alginate beads were developed successfully. Based on the method of drying, two types of beads were obtained: freeze-dried folate-modified chitosan 5FU nanoparticles-embedded beads (FA-CS-5FU-NP-Bf) and oven-dried folate-modified chitosan 5FU nanoparticles-embedded beads (FA-CS-5FU-NP-Bo). The size of (FA-CS-5FU-NP-Bf) was significantly larger than (FA-CS-5FU-NP-Bo). Swelling index (SI), erosion index (EI), and water-uptake index (WUI) of (FA-CS-5FU-NP-Bf) beads were significantly higher than FA-CS-5FU-NP-Bo beads at simulated intestinal pH. An insignificant difference was observed in the release rate of 5FU between (FA-CS-5FU-NP-Bf) and FA-CS-5FU-NP-Bo. The release rate of FA-CS-5FU-NPs was significantly higher than FA-CS-5FU-NP-Bf and FA-CS-5FU-NP-Bo. Pharmacokinetic parameters of 5FU solution, FA-CS-5FU-NPs, and FA-CS-5FU-NP-Bo were analyzed. Solution of pure 5FU showed significantly higher Cmax and lower AUC, T1/2, and Vd than both FA-CS-5FU-NPs and FA-CS-5FU-NPs-Bo, suggesting that FA-CS-5FU-NPs and FA-CS-5FU-NPs-Bo have sustained-release behavior. Biodistribution studies also show that maximum drug amounts were found in the colon from nanoparticles-embedded beads. FA-CS-5FU-NPs-Bo avoid releasing drugs in the stomach and small intestine and make them available in the colon region in higher concentrations to target the colon region specifically.

Dihydromyricetin-Encapsulated Liposomes Inhibit Exhaustive Exercise-Induced Liver Inflammation by Orchestrating M1/M2 Macrophage Polarization

Exhaustive exercise (EE) induced hepatic inflammatory injury has been well reported. Dihydromyricetin (DHM) has shown anti-inflammatory bioactivity and hepatoprotective effects but is limited by poor bioavailability. Here, high-bioavailability DHM-encapsulated liposomes were synthesized and explored for their therapeutic potential and regulatory mechanisms in a hepatic inflammatory injury model. The animal model was established by swimming-to-exhaustive exercise in C57BL/6 mice, and the anti-inflammatory effects were detected after administration of DHM or DHM liposome. NIR fluorescence imaging was used to assess the potential of liver targeting. The DHM liposome-induced macrophage polarization was measured by flow cytometry ex vivo. The anti-inflammatory mechanism of DHM was studied in cell line RAW264.7 in vitro. Liposome encapsulation enhanced DHM bioavailability, and DHM liposome could alleviate liver inflammation more effectively. Moreover, DHM liposome targeted hepatic macrophages and polarized macrophages into an anti-inflammatory phenotype. The SIRT3/HIF-1α signaling pathway could be the major mechanism of DHM motivated macrophage polarization. Our study indicates that DHM liposomes can alleviate liver inflammation induced by EE through sustained releasing and hepatic targeting. It is a promising option to achieve the high bioavailability of DHM. Also, this study provides new insights into the regional immune effect of DHM against inflammation.

Lipid-based nanoparticles for treatment of cancer

Investigators were continuously creating novel nanotechnologies to address unmet requirements throughout the administration of therapeutic medicines & imaging agents for cancer treatment & diagnostics, appropriately. LNPs(Lipid nanoparticles) are legitimate particulates (approx. 100 nm in size) gathered from various lipid as well as other biochemical compounds which overall functionality to resolve biological barriers (biobarriers), allowing LNPs to selectively collect somewhere outside of disease-target cells again for responsive therapeutics. Most pharmaceutically important compounds were insoluble throughout water solutions, were chemical & physiologically unstable, or have toxicities. Among the most potential drug carrier for bioactive organic compounds is LBNPs (Lipid based nanoparticles) technologies. Its present use in chemotherapy have transformed treatment for cancer by increasing the antitumor effect of a number of chemotherapeutics. Because they may be created using naturally occurring sources, LBNPs have great temporal and thermal stability, maximum load potential, simplicity of preparations, cheap manufacturing costs, & big manufacturing output. Furthermore, combining chemotherapeutic drugs with LNPs reduces active therapeutic dosage and toxicities, lowers treatment resistance, & raises drug concentration in tumour cells while reducing concentrations in normal tissue. LBNPs were widely studied in cancer treatment, both in vitro and in vivo, with encouraging outcomes in certain clinical trials. This study provides an overview of the many types of LBNPs which have been created in latest years and their applications and contributions in different types of cancers.

Folate Conjugated Polyethylene Glycol Probe for Tumor-Targeted Drug Delivery of 5-Fluorouracil

A targeted delivery system is primarily intended to carry a potent anticancer drug to specific tumor sites within the bodily tissues. In the present study, a carrier system has been designed using folic acid (FA), bis-amine polyethylene glycol (PEG), and an anticancer drug, 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). FA and PEG were joined via an amide bond, and the resulting FA-PEG-NH2 was coupled to 5-FU producing folate-polyethylene glycol conjugated 5-fluorouracil (FA-PEG-5-FU). Spectroscopic techniques (UV-Vis, 1HNMR, FTIR, and HPLC) were used for the characterization of products. Prodrug (FA-PEG-5-FU) was analyzed for drug release profile (in vitro) up to 10 days and compared to a standard anticancer drug (5-FU). Folate conjugate was also analyzed to study its folate receptors (FR) mediated transport and in vitro cytotoxicity assays using HeLa cancer cells/Vero cells, respectively, and antitumor activity in tumor-bearing mice models. Folate conjugate showed steady drug release patterns and improved uptake in the HeLa cancer cells than Vero cells. Folate conjugate treated mice group showed smaller tumor volumes; specifically after the 15th day post-treatment, tumor sizes were decreased significantly compared to the standard drug group (5-FU). Molecular docking findings demonstrated importance of Trp138, Trp140, and Lys136 in the stabilization of flexible loop flanking the active site. The folic acid conjugated probe has shown the potential of targeted drug delivery and sustained release of anticancer drug to tumor lesions with intact antitumor efficacy.

Engineering Lipusu by lysophosphatidylcholine for improved tumor cellular uptake and anticancer efficacy

Liposomes have been developed as drug delivery carriers to enhance the antitumor efficiency of the therapeutic agents. Lipusu® (Lip), a paclitaxel (PTX) liposome, has been widely used in the treatment...

Co-Delivery of Letrozole and Cyclophosphamide via Folic Acid-Decorated Nanoniosomes for Breast Cancer Therapy: Synergic Effect, Augmentation of Cytotoxicity, and Apoptosis Gene Expression

Breast cancer is one of the most prevalent causes of cancer mortality in women. In order to increase patient prognosis and survival rates, new technologies are urgently required to deliver therapeutics in a more effective and efficient manner. Niosome nanoparticles have been recently employed as therapeutic platforms capable of loading and carrying drugs within their core for both mono and combination therapy. Here, niosome-based nanoscale carriers were investigated as a targeted delivery system for breast cancer therapy. The platform developed consists of niosomes loaded with letrozole and cyclophosphamide (NLC) and surface-functionalized with a folic-acid-targeting moiety (NLCPFA). Drug release from the formulated particles exhibited pH-sensitive properties in which the niosome showed low and high release in physiological and cancerous conditions, respectively. The results revealed a synergic effect in cytotoxicity by co-loading letrozole and cyclophosphamide with an efficacy increment in NLCPFA use in comparison with NLC. The NLCPFA resulted in the greatest drug internalization compared to the non-targeted formulation and the free drug. Additionally, downregulation of cyclin-D, cyclin-E, MMP-2, and MMP-9 and upregulating the expression of caspase-3 and caspase-9 genes were observed more prominently in the nanoformulation (particularly for NLCPFA) compared to the free drug. This exciting data indicated that niosome-based nanocarriers containing letrozole and cyclophosphamide with controlled release could be a promising platform for drug delivery with potential in breast cancer therapy.

Methotrexate-loaded folic acid of solid-phase synthesis conjugated gold nanoparticles targeted treatment for rheumatoid arthritis

PURPOSE

Methotrexate (MTX) is a first-line drug for rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Targeting of MTX to inflamed joints is essential to the prevention of potential toxicity and improving therapeutic effects. Gold nanoparticles (GNPs) are characterized by controllable particle sizes and good biocompatibilities, therefore, they are promising drug delivery systems. We aimed at developing a GNPs drug delivery system incorporating MTX and folic acid (FA) with strong efficacies against RA.

METHODS

MTX-Cys-FA was synthesized through solid-phase organic synthesis. Then, it was coupled with sulfhydryl groups in GNPs, thereby successfully preparing a GNPs/MTX-Cys-FA nanoconjugate with targeting properties. Physical and chemical techniques were used to characterize it. Moreover, we conducted its stability, release, pharmacokinetics, biodistribution and cell cytotoxicity, cell uptake, cell migration, as well as its therapeutic effect on CIA rats. The histopathology was conducted to investigate anti-RA effects of GNPs/MTX-Cys-FA nanoconjugates.

RESULTS

The GNPs/MTX-Cys-FA nanoconjugate exhibited a spherical appearance, had a particle size of 103.06 nm, a zeta potential of -33.68 mV, drug loading capacity of 11.04 %, and an encapsulation efficiency of 73.61%. Cytotoxicity experiments revealed that GNPs had good biocompatibilities while GNPs/MTX-Cys-FA exhibited excellent drug-delivery abilities. Cell uptake and migration experiment showed that nanoconjugates containing FA by LPS activated mouse mononuclear macrophages (RAW264.7) was significantly increased, and they exerted significant inhibitory effects on human fibroblast-like synoviocytes (HFLS) of RA (p<0.01). In addition, the nanoconjugate prolonged blood circulation time of MTX in collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) rats (p<0.01), enhanced MTX accumulation in inflamed joints (p<0.01), enhanced their therapeutic effects (p<0.01), and reduced toxicity to major organs (p<0.01).

CONCLUSION

GNPs/MTX-Cys-FA nanoconjugates provide effective approaches for RA targeted therapeutic strategies.

Strategies for Liposome Drug Delivery Systems to Improve Tumor Treatment Efficacy

In the advancement of tumor therapy, in addition to the search for new antitumor compounds, the development of nano-drug delivery systems has opened up new pathways for tumor treatment by addressing some of the limitations of traditional drugs. Liposomes have received much attention for their high biocompatibility, low toxicity, high inclusivity, and improved drug bioavailability. They are one of the most studied nanocarriers, changing the size and surface characteristics of liposomes to better fit the tumor environment by taking advantage of the unique pathophysiology of tumors. They can also be designed as tumor targeting drug delivery vehicles for the precise delivery of active drugs into tumor cells. This paper reviews the current development of liposome formulations, summarizes the characterization methods of liposomes, and proposes strategies to improve the effectiveness of tumor treatment. Finally, it provides an outlook on the challenges and future directions of the field. Graphical abstract.

Bacteria and Archaea: A new era of cancer therapy

Cancer is one of the most important mortality in the world. The major drawbacks of chemotherapy are the poor absorption of drugs into tumor tissues and development of resistance against anti-cancer agents. To overcome these limitations, the use of microorganisms has been extensively considered in the treatment of cancer. Microorganisms (bacteria/Archaea) secrete different bioactive compounds that can efficiently inhibit cancer cells growth. Biological nanocarriers derived from microorganisms including outer membrane vesicles (OMVs), bacterial ghosts (BGs) and archaeosomes have also been considered as drug delivery systems. Conjugation of drug loaded nanocarriers to bacteria strongly kills the cancer cells after internalization through the bacteria. Merging of microbiology and nanotechnology may provide versatile microbial nano-hybrids for promising treatment of cancer. This strategy causes more amount of drug to enter into cancer cells. In this review, we present evidence that microorganism, their derivatives as well as their intervention with nanotechnology can be a powerful vehicle for eradication cancer.

Liposomes as Versatile Platform for Cancer Theranostics: Therapy, Bio-imaging, and Toxicological Aspects

Liposomes are nano-sized formulations having the benefits of site-specificity, biocompatibility, and biodegradability, which make them useful for the therapy and diagnosis of major diseases like cancer. In this review, various synthetic strategies of liposomes and their biomedical application in special concern to cancer are discussed. In context to the biomedical application, this article gives a detailed insight into subcellular targeted therapy and several therapeutic modifications like immunotherapy, receptor-based therapy, phototherapy, and combination therapy. The review also describes the liposome-based imaging platforms and the toxicity associated with liposomes. Owing to a significant amount of benefits of this carrier system, several products have been approved to be launched in the market and several others have already been marketed for clinical use.

Pegylation of phenothiazine – A synthetic route towards potent anticancer drugs

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Antitumor activity of two PEGylated phenotiazines was investigated

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The compounds showed cytotoxic activity against six tumor lines

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They inhibited the tumor growth in experimental mice

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The PEGylation improved the phenothiazine biocompatibility

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A synergistic effect of PEG and phenothiazine toward properties improvement was proved

Introduction

Cancer is a big challenge of the 21 century, whose defeat requires efficient antitumor drugs.

Objectives

The paper aims to investigate the synergistic effect of two structural building blocks, phenothiazine and poly(ethylene glycol), towards efficient antitumor drugs.

Methods

Two PEGylated phenothiazine derivatives were synthetized by attaching poly(ethylene glycol) of 550 Da to the nitrogen atom of phenothiazine by ether or ester linkage. Their antitumor activity has been investigated on five human tumour lines and a mouse tumor line as well, by determination of IC50. The in vivo toxicity was determined by measuring the LD50 in BALB/c mice by the sequential method and the in vivo antitumor potential was measured by the tumours growth test. The antitumor mechanism was investigated by complexation studies of zinc and magnesium ions characteristic to the farnesyltransferase enzyme, by studies of self-aggregation in the cells proximity and by investigation of the antitumor properties of the acid species resulted by enzymatic cleavage of the PEGylated derivatives.

Results

The two compounds showed antitumor activity, with IC50 against mouse colon carcinoma cell line comparable with that of the traditional antitumor drugs 5-Fluorouracil and doxorubicin. The phenothiazine PEGylation resulted in a significant toxicity diminishing, the LD50 in BALB/c mice increasing from 952.38 up to 1450 mg/kg, in phenothiazine equivalents. Both compounds inflicted a 92% inhibition of the tumour growth for doses much smaller than LD50. The investigation of the possible tumour inhibition mechanism suggested the nanoaggregate formation and the cleavage of ester bonds as key factors for the inhibition of cancer cell proliferation and biocompatibility improvement.

Conclusion

Phenothiazine and PEG building blocks have a synergetic effect working for both tumour growth inhibition and biocompatibility improvement. All these findings recommend the PEGylated phenothiazine derivatives as a valuable workbench for a next generation of antitumor drugs.

Dual-Targeting and Stimuli-Triggered Liposomal Drug Delivery in Cancer Treatment

The delivery of chemotherapeutics to solid tumors using smart drug delivery systems (SDDSs) takes advantage of the unique physiology of tumors (i.e., disordered structure, leaky vasculature, abnormal extracellular matrix (ECM), and limited lymphatic drainage) to deliver anticancer drugs with reduced systemic side effects. Liposomes are the most promising of such SDDSs and have been well investigated for cancer therapy. To improve the specificity, bioavailability, and anticancer efficacy of liposomes at the diseased sites, other strategies such as targeting ligands and stimulus-sensitive liposomes have been developed. This review highlights relevant surface functionalization techniques and stimuli-mediated drug release for enhanced delivery of anticancer agents at tumor sites, with a special focus on dual functionalization and design of multistimuli responsive liposomes.

Functionalized liposomes as drug nanocarriers for active targeted cancer therapy: a systematic review

Cancer is a broad term used to describe a group of diseases that have more than 270 types. Today, due to the suffering of patients from the side effects of existing methods in the treatment of cancer such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy, the employment of targeted methods in the treatment of this disease has been received much consideration. In recent years, nanoparticles have revolutionized in the treatment of many diseases such as cancer. Among these nanoparticles, liposomes are more considerable. Active targeted liposomes show an important role in the selective action of the drug on cancer cells. Until now, a variety of anti-cancer agents have been reported for targeted delivery to cancer cells using liposomes. The results of in vitro and studies in vivo have been shown that selective action of the targeted liposomes is increased with reduced side effects and toxicity compared with free drugs or non-targeted liposomes. This systematic review expresses the reports of this type of drug delivery system. Search terms were searched through several online databases including PubMed, Scopus, and Science Direct from 1990 to 2019 and the quality evaluation was performed. Out of 11,676 published articles, 196 articles met the inclusion criteria. The current report reviews developments in the liposomes targeted with aptamer, transferrin, folate, and monoclonal antibodies.

Novel decorated nanostructured lipid carrier for simultaneous active targeting of three anti-cancer agents

Cancer-targeted co-delivery of therapeutic agents has been recognized as an effective strategy for increasing efficacy and reducing side effects of therapeutic agents. In this study, we used methotrexate (MTX) alone as a targeting moiety and chemotherapeutic agent and in combination with docetaxel (DTX) and doxorubicin (DOX) as chemotherapeutic agents to stop cancer cell proliferation with the aid of newly designed nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs). The physicochemical properties of our designed nanocomplexes were evaluated by DLS, FT-IR spectroscopy, SEM, and TEM. Moreover, the targeting efficiency of the designed and synthesized nanoplatforms was evaluated on the folate receptor (FR) positive human breast cancer cell line (MCF-7) and FR negative human alveolar basal epithelial cells (A549). The NLCs/DTX/DOX/CS and NLCs/DTX/DOX/CS-MTX complexes significantly increased the cell cytotoxicity and the cell apoptosis rate. However, the complexes significantly reduced the capability of colony formation and cell migration. Our results revealed that NLCs/DTX/DOX/CS-MTX had synergistic cytotoxicity, reactive oxygen spaces, autophagy, and the apoptosis induction ability with an enhanced cellular internalization rate in FR-positive cancer cells, thorough MTX recognition capability. We conclude that the NLCs/DTX/DOX/CS-MTX complex is a new promising paradigm for breast cancer-targeted co-delivery.

Intriguing Biomedical Applications of Synthetic and Natural Cell-Derived Vesicles: A Comparative Overview

The significant role of a vesicle is well recognized; however, only lately has the advancement in biomedical applications started to uncover their usefulness. Although the concept of vesicles originates from cell biology, it later transferred to chemistry and material science to develop nanoscale artificial vesicles for biomedical applications. Herein, we examine different synthetic and biological vesicles and their applications in the biomedical field in general. As our understanding of biological vesicles increases, more suitable biomimicking synthetic vesicles will be developed. The comparative discussion between synthetic and natural vesicles for biomedical applications is a relevant topic, and we envision this could enable the development of a proper approach to realize the next-generation treatment goals.

Targeted nanoformulation of C1 inhibits the growth of KB spheroids and cancer stem cell-enriched MCF-7 mammospheres

C1, a synthetic analog of curcumin, has been reported to show potent antiproliferative effects against a variety of cancer cells. Here, we report a strong anticancer activity of the folate receptor-targeted lipid nanoparticle formulation of C1 against cancer cells and cancer stem cells both in 2D culture and 3D spheroids. The size of the C1 encapsulated folic acid functionalized nanoliposomes (Lipos-C1) was determined to be 83 ± 17 nm. Lipos-C1 nanoparticles displayed sustained C1 release kinetics at both pH 7.4 and 5.5. The folate receptor (FR) targeted nanoliposomes were internalized into FR-positive KB cells via the folate receptor-mediated endocytosis process. Lipos-C1 killed KB cells much more efficiently than C1. Lipos-C1 depolymerized microtubules, generated ROS, caused DNA damage, and induced apoptosis in KB cells. Importantly, Lipos-C1 strongly inhibited the growth of the 3D KB spheroids than C1. Interestingly, Lipos-C1 also suppressed cancer stem cells (CSCs) enriched MCF-7 mammosphere growth by impeding breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs) enrichment, growth, and proliferation. The results suggested that Lipos-C1 could be a promising nanoformulation for cancer chemotherapy.

Novel multifunctional nano-hybrid polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane-based molecules with high cell permeability: molecular design and application for diagnosis and treatment of tumors

Chemotherapy mostly functions as a carrier for direct drug delivery to the tumor, which may induce secondary damage to healthy tissue cells around the tumor. To avoid this side effect, using multifunctional drugs with high cell permeability during chemotherapy is crucial to achieve significant antitumor efficacy. In this study, polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane-based multifunctional organic-inorganic hybrid molecules with potential for recognition, imaging, and treatment were designed and successfully synthesized through a facile and efficient one-pot reaction process. The structure and properties of the synthesized multifunctional molecules were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, fluorescence spectroscopy, cytotoxicity assay, surface tension testing, cell compatibility testing, hematoxylin and eosin staining, as well as in vivo and in vitro studies. The results demonstrated that these multifunctional molecules can be effectively used for delivering precisely-targeted imaging and therapeutic agents and exhibited considerable cell permeability. The excellent synergy between high permeability and precise targeting results in multifunctional molecules with superior diagnostic performance.

Antitumor Effect of 5-Fluorouracil-Loaded Liposomes Containing n-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in Two Different Colorectal Cancer Cell Lines

It has been shown that long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) could act synergistically with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) to kill cancer cells. To facilitate their simultaneous transport in the bloodstream, we synthesized, for the first time, liposomes (LIPUFU) containing 5-FU in the aqueous core and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)/eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) at a ratio of 1:2 in the lipid bilayer. LIPUFU werestable with uniform size of 154 ± 4 nm, PDI of 0.19 ± 0.03 and zeta potential of -41 ± 2 mV. They contained 557 ± 210 μmol/l DHA, 1467 ± 362 μmol/l EPA, and 9.8 ± 1.1 μmol/l 5-FU. Control liposomes without (LIP) or with only 5-FU (LIFU) or n-3 PUFAs (LIPU) were produced in a similar way. The effects of these different liposomal formulations on the cell cycle, growth, and apoptosis were evaluated in two human colorectal cancer (CRC) cell lines differing in sensitivity to 5-FU, using fluorescence-activated cell sorting analyses. LIPUFU were more cytotoxic than LIP, LIFU, and LIPU in both LS174T (p53+/+, bax-/-) and HT-29 (p53-/0, bax+/+) cell lines. Similar to LIFU, LIPUFU increased the percentage of cells in S phase, apoptosis, and/or necrosis. The cytotoxic potential of LIPUFU was confirmed in vivo by tumor growth inhibition in the chicken chorioallantoic membrane model. These results suggest that LIPUFU could be considered to facilitate the simultaneous transport of 5-FU and n-3 PUFAs to the tumor site, in particular in case of CRC liver metastases.

Synthesis and characterization of Schiff base containing bovine serum albumin-gum arabic aldehyde hybrid nanogels via inverse miniemulsion for delivery of anticancer drug

The periodate modified gum arabic was used as a natural-based, non-toxic cross-linker to synthesize hybrid bovine serum albumin-gum arabic aldehyde (BSA-GAA) nanogels by Schiff base reaction through the inverse miniemulsion method for the first time. The synthesis process was performed in the absence of toxic organic solvents using fractionated coconut oil as the continuous phase. The particle size of the nanogels was managed by tweaking the concentration of the surfactants (Span 80/Tween 80) and the total volume of the aqueous phase. Based on the bicinchoninic acid method, the cross-linking efficiency of BSA and GAA was estimated at 98%. 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) was selected as the sample drug. The 5-FU-loaded hybrid nanogels showed a spherical morphology with an average diameter of 231.33 ±12.74 nm and a zeta potential of -31.6 mV. The encapsulation and loading efficiency of the nanogels were calculated at 42 ± 4.52% and 2.37 ± 0.59%, respectively. The properties of the hybrid nanogels were analyzed by dynamic light scattering (DLS), Fourier transform infrared microscopy (FTIR) analysis, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The pH sensitivity of the hybrid nanogels was confirmed by the in vitro release profiles of 5-FU in different buffers. Hemolysis assay revealed the in vitro hemocompatibility of the hybrid nanogels which inhibited the growth of MCF-7 cells with an IC50 value of 16.21 μM. The present study suggested that these biobased hybrid nanogels could have a great potential in drug delivery and other biomedical applications.

Cellular Targeting of Oligonucleotides by Conjugation with Small Molecules

Drug candidates derived from oligonucleotides (ON) are receiving increased attention that is supported by the clinical approval of several ON drugs. Such therapeutic ON are designed to alter the expression levels of specific disease-related proteins, e.g., by displaying antigene, antisense, and RNA interference mechanisms. However, the high polarity of the polyanionic ON and their relatively rapid nuclease-mediated cleavage represent two major pharmacokinetic hurdles for their application in vivo. This has led to a range of non-natural modifications of ON structures that are routinely applied in the design of therapeutic ON. The polyanionic architecture of ON often hampers their penetration of target cells or tissues, and ON usually show no inherent specificity for certain cell types. These limitations can be overcome by conjugation of ON with molecular entities mediating cellular 'targeting', i.e., enhanced accumulation at and/or penetration of a specific cell type. In this context, the use of small molecules as targeting units appears particularly attractive and promising. This review provides an overview of advances in the emerging field of cellular targeting of ON via their conjugation with small-molecule targeting structures.

Relevant Physicochemical Methods to Functionalize, Purify, and Characterize Surface-Decorated Lipid-Based Nanocarriers

Surface functionalization of lipid-based nanocarriers (LBNCs) with targeting ligands has attracted huge interest in the field of nanomedicines for their ability to overcome some physiological barriers and their potential to deliver an active molecule to a specific target without causing damage to healthy tissues. The principal objective of this review is to summarize the present knowledge on LBNC decoration used for biomedical applications, with an emphasis on the ligands used, the functionalization approaches, and the purification methods after ligand corona formation. The most potent experimental techniques for the LBNC surface characterization are described. The potential of promising methods such as nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and isothermal titration calorimetry to characterize ligand surface corona is also outlined.

Evaluation and clinical comparison studies on liposomal and non-liposomal ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and their enhanced bioavailability

The aim of this study was to evaluate the oral bioavailability of liposomal vitamin C and non-liposomal vitamin C in healthy, adult, human subjects under fasting conditions through an open label, randomized, single-dose, two-treatment, two-sequence, two-period, two-way crossover, study. The vitamin C loaded liposome was well characterized using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS) and zeta potential measurements for evaluating morphology, particle size and stabilities, respectively. Microscopic image shows the core-type structure that confirms the characteristic pattern of liposome. The encapsulation efficiency (EE%) and the particle size were 65.85 ± 1.84% and below 100 nm, respectively. The results of the clinical studies of liposomal vitamin C by oral delivery to be 1.77 times more bioavailable than non-liposomal vitamin C. The liposomal vitamin C demonstrated higher values of C_max, AUC_0-t and AUC_0-∞ related to non-liposomal vitamin C due to liposomal encapsulation. No adverse events were reported. It could be concluded that liposomal encapsulated ascorbic acid (vitamin C) shows well-organized morphological pattern, uniform particle size and highly efficient, which leads to have enhanced bioavailability.

Stability of Alkyl Chain-Mediated Lipid Anchoring in Liposomal Membranes

Lipid exchange among biological membranes, lipoprotein particles, micelles, and liposomes is an important yet underrated phenomenon with repercussions throughout the life sciences. The premature loss of lipid molecules from liposomal formulations severely impacts therapeutic applications of the latter and thus limits the type of lipids and lipid conjugates available for fine-tuning liposomal properties. While cholesterol derivatives, with their irregular lipophilic surface shape, are known to readily undergo lipid exchange and interconvert, e.g., with serum, the situation is unclear for lipids with regular, linear-shaped alkyl chains. This study compares the propensity of fluorescence-labeled lipid conjugates of systematically varied lengths to migrate from liposomal particles consisting mainly of egg phosphatidyl choline 3 (EPC3) and cholesterol into biomembranes. We show that dialkyl glyceryl lipids with chains of 18-20 methylene units are inherently stable in liposomal membranes. In contrast, C16 lipids show some lipid exchange, albeit significantly less than comparable cholesterol conjugates. Remarkably, the C18 chain length, which confers noticeable anchor stability, corresponds to the typical chain length in biological membranes.

Engineering Smart Targeting Nanovesicles and Their Combination with Hydrogels for Controlled Drug Delivery

Smart engineered and naturally derived nanovesicles, capable of targeting specific tissues and cells and delivering bioactive molecules and drugs into them, are becoming important drug delivery systems. Liposomes stand out among different types of self-assembled nanovesicles, because of their amphiphilicity and non-toxic nature. By modifying their surfaces, liposomes can become stimulus-responsive, releasing their cargo on demand. Recently, the recognized role of exosomes in cell-cell communication and their ability to diffuse through tissues to find target cells have led to an increase in their usage as smart delivery systems. Moreover, engineering "smarter" delivery systems can be done by creating hybrid exosome-liposome nanocarriers via membrane fusion. These systems can be loaded in naturally derived hydrogels to achieve sustained and controlled drug delivery. Here, the focus is on evaluating the smart behavior of liposomes and exosomes, the fabrication of hybrid exosome-liposome nanovesicles, and the controlled delivery and routes of administration of a hydrogel matrix for drug delivery systems.