Albumin-coated copper nanoparticles for photothermal cancer therapy: Synthesis and in vitro characterization

Long-Lasting Exendin-4-Coated Gold Nanoparticles: Synthesis and In Vivo Evaluation of Hypoglycemic Activity

BACKGROUND

Gold nanoparticles (NPs) have drawn great attention in the area of biomedical research with their relatively safe and versatile properties. This study aimed to synthesize long-lasting exendin-4-coated gold NPs (EX-ABD-AFF-GoldNPs) and evaluate their anti-diabetic effects in vivo.

METHODS

In the present study, EX-ABD-AFF-GoldNPs were synthesized using a simple one-step aqueous reduction method. The physical characterization of the prepared particles verified the successful formation of the EX-ABD-AFF-GoldNPs through dynamic light scattering (DLS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), ultraviolet-visible (UV-VIS) light spectroscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The anti-hyperglycemic and anti-obesity effects were assessed in high-fat diet (HFD)-fed obese diabetic mice. Additionally, pharmacokinetics (PK) and biodistribution studies were performed to verify the long-lasting properties.

RESULTS

The EX-ABD-AFF-GoldNPs were conglomerates of smaller globular-shaped particles, and the average size was 110(±14) nm, based on the TEM images. Safety assessments using Min6, HepG2, and B16F10 cell lines demonstrated low cytotoxicity, with over 80% cell viability up to the highest tested concentration of 150 μg/mL (as EX-ABD-AFF). Notably, the animal studies showed that the EX-ABD-AFF-GoldNPs exhibited significant hypoglycemic activity, comparable to the EX-ABD-AFF, in the HFD-fed mice. A 4-week treatment with EX-ABD-AFF-GoldNPs produced similar reductions in blood glucose and body weight to the EX-ABD-AFF, without any apparent toxicity. Furthermore, the PK and biodistribution study results confirmed the long-lasting properties (plasma half-life: 43.6 h) of the particles.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, this study demonstrated that the preparation of therapeutic protein-loaded gold NPs is feasible and, despite their much larger size compared with the protein, EX-ABD-AFF-GoldNPs can be successfully absorbed through the subcutaneous route and show nearly equivalent hypoglycemic activity to the EX-ABD-AFF protein. Finally, this study showed that long-lasting properties could be acquired by only coating EX-ABD-AFF onto gold NPs.

Unveiling the promising anticancer effect of copper-based compounds: a comprehensive review

Copper is a necessary micronutrient for maintaining the well-being of the human body. The biological activity of organic ligands, especially their anticancer activity, is often enhanced when they coordinate with copper(I) and (II) ions. Copper and its compounds are capable of inducing tumor cell death through various mechanisms of action, including activation of apoptosis signaling pathways by reactive oxygen species (ROS), inhibition of angiogenesis, induction of cuproptosis, and paraptosis. Some of the copper complexes are currently being evaluated in clinical trials for their ability to map tumor hypoxia in various cancers, including locally advanced rectal cancer and bulky tumors. Several studies have shown that copper nanoparticles can be used as effective agents in chemodynamic therapy, phototherapy, hyperthermia, and immunotherapy. Despite the promising anticancer activity of copper-based compounds, their use in clinical trials is subject to certain limitations. Elevated copper concentrations may promote tumor growth, angiogenesis, and metastasis by affecting cellular processes.

Nanoencapsulation of apocynin and vanillic acid extracted from Picrorhiza kurroa Royle ex Benth plant roots and its characterisation

Picrorhiza kurroa Royle ex Benth (P.kurroa) is an important medicinal plant in the ayurvedic system for treating various liver and inflammatory conditions. The present study aimed to extract the phytocompounds from various extracts (Acetone, Chloroform, Ethanol, Ethyl acetate, Hexane, and Methanol) of P. kurroa. Further, the major phytocompounds were nano-encapsulated by PLGA (Poly-lactic-co-glycolic acid) method and characterized to enhance activity towards the target. The highest polyphenolic value was found to be 323.2 ± 16.6 and 316.3 ± 12.1 μg GAEq./mg in ethanolic and methanolic extracts. The highest flavonoid value was found to be 280.3 ± 19.8 and 300.8 ± 15.2 in ethanolic and methanolic extracts μg QEq./mg. P. kurroa exhibited DPPH radical scavenging with IC50 of 38.2 ± 1.1 and 43.7 ± 1.8 μg/mL and also showed potent ferric reducing power and total antioxidant activities. The major phytocompounds, such as apocynin (AP) and vanillic acid (VA), were confirmed using HPLC. Further, the nano-encapsulation of apocynin and vanillic acid successfully achieved by PLGA methods. The average particle size of nano-encapsulated apocynin, vanillic acid is 350 nm, 204.4 nm, and zeta potential were -25.3 mv and -11.2 mv. Nanoformulations showed an apocynin and vanillic acid encapsulation efficiency of 93.6% and 93.3%, respectively. SEM and AFM confirmed the round and smooth morphology of the nanoparticles. The results of XRD confirmed the amorphous nature of nanoformulations. FTIR technique confirm the presence of biomolecules inside the polymer. The thermal stability of nanoformulations determined by DSC analysis showed endothermic peak. The prepared and characterization apocynin, vanillic acid nanoparticles revealed their good quality index, suggesting that potential use in pharmacy and phytotherapy as a source of natural antioxidant.