Aerodynamic properties and in silico deposition of isoniazid loaded chitosan/thiolated chitosan and hyaluronic acid hybrid nanoplex DPIs as a potential TB treatment

Enhanced pulmonary delivery of spray-dried theophylline: investigation of the trehalose and amino acid combinations as innovative fine carriers

The emergence of novel carrier systems for dry powder inhalers is an attractive research subject. Additionally, the site-specific pulmonary delivery of theophylline (THN) remains challenging. Therefore, the present research aims to assess the potential enhancement of THN local delivery to the deep lung via powder inhalation for asthma treatment by developing appropriate fine carriers utilizing the well-established spray-drying technique. The preliminary study aimed to develop novel trehalose-based carrier systems combined with amino acids leucine, glycine, and arginine. Aqueous feedstock solutions were spray-dried, and the obtained microparticulate carriers were assessed. Subsequently, therapeutic powders were produced by spray drying ethanol 10 % solutions of THN combined with candidate-developed carriers. Following each sample preparation, it was subjected to structural, thermal, morphological, rheological, aerodynamic, and particle size distribution characterization. Furthermore, THN solubility was determined. In vitro drug release and diffusion, in vitro and in silico simulated lung deposition, and aerodynamic particle count were analyzed by applying samples equivalent to 10 mg of THN. To summarize the outcomes, carriers composed of trehalose with either leucine or a leucine-glycine combination demonstrated superior respirable properties and were considered candidates for further development. THN co-spray-dried samples showed less crystalline structure and particle size of 4-5 µm, leading to profound solubility enhancement (⁓20 fold) and rapid drug release compared to the pure THN (⁓100 % in 5 min). The in vitro and in silico aerodynamic measurements demonstrated that the THN-trehalose-leucine combination had a significantly enhanced fine particle fraction (43 %), leading to higher deep lung deposition (36 %), and the aerodynamic counter confirmed the development of fine particles (mean=3.61 µm). Moreover, the in vitro experiments on the A549 cells demonstrated that the optimized formulation has a low cytotoxicity profile. In conclusion, the acquired characteristics suggest that inhalable co-spray-dried THN with the trehalose-leucine fine carrier may be a practical approach for local asthma therapy.

Responding to Hitch in Fighting Mycobacterium Tuberculosis Through Arginine Multi Functionalized Mucoadhesive SNEDDS of Rifampicin

The study aimed to develop thiolated pluronic-based self-emulsifying drug delivery system (SNEDDS) targeted delivery of Rifampicin coated by arginine for enhanced drug loading, mucoadhesion, muco penetration, site-specific delivery, stabilized delivery against intracellular mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tb), decreased bacterial burden and production by intracellular targeting. Oleic oil, PEG 200 and Tween 80 are selected as oil, co-surfactant and surfactant based on solubilizing capacity and pseudo ternary diagram region. Coating of thiolated polymer on SNEDDS with ligand arginine (Arg-Th-F407 SNEDDDS) decreased bacterial burden and production by intracellular targeting in macrophages. Formulation are evaluated through scanning electron microscope (SEM), EDAX analysis, diffraction laser scattering (DLS), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and thermal analysis (DSC & TGA). Hydrodynamic diameter of thiolated polymeric SNEDDS (Th-F407 SNEDDS) and Arg-Th-F407 SNEDDS is observed to be 148.4 and 188.5 nm with low PDI of 0.4 and 0.3, respectively. Invitro drug release study from Arg-Th-F407 SNEDDS indicates 80% sustained release in 72 h under controlled conditions. Arg-Th-F407 SNEDDDS shows excellent capability of killing M.tb strains in macrophages even at low dose as compared to traditional rifampicin (RIF) and is found biocompatible, non-cytotoxic, and hemocompatible. Therefore, Arg-Th-F407 SNEDDDS of RIF proved ideal for targeting and treating M.tb strains within macrophages.

Fabrication of Ciprofloxacin-Loaded Sodium Alginate Nanobeads Coated with Thiol-Anchored Chitosan Using B-390 Encapsulator Following Optimization by DoE

Most infectious diseases of the gastrointestinal tract can easily be treated by exploiting the already available antibiotics with the change in administration approach and delivery system. Ciprofloxacin (CIP) is used as a drug of choice for many bacterial infections; however, long-term therapy and off-site drug accumulation lead to an increased risk of tendinitis and peripheral neuropathy. To overcome this issue, nanotechnology is being exploited to encapsulate antibiotics within polymeric structures, which not only facilitates dose maintenance at the infection site but also limits off-site side effects. Here, sodium alginate (SA) and thiol-anchored chitosan (TC) were used to encapsulate CIP via a calcium chloride (CaCl2) cross-linker. For this purpose, the B-390 encapsulator was employed in the preparation of nanobeads using a simple technique. The hydrogel-like sample was then freeze-dried, using trehalose or mannitol as a lyoprotectant, to obtain a fine dry powder. Design of Experiment (DoE) was utilized to optimize the nanobead production, in which the influence of different independent variables was studied for their outcome on the polydispersity index (PDI), particle size, zeta potential, and percentage encapsulation efficiency (% EE). In vitro dissolution studies were performed in simulated saliva fluid, simulated gastric fluid, and simulated intestinal fluid. Antibacterial and anti-inflammatory studies were also performed along with cytotoxicity profiling. By and large, the study presented positive outcomes, proving the advantage of using nanotechnology in fabricating new delivery approaches using already available antibiotics.

A quality-by-design strategic approach for the development of bedaquiline-pretomanid nanoparticles as inhalable dry powders for TB treatment

Tuberculosis (TB) is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tb) and is the second leading cause of death from an infectious disease globally. The disease mainly affects the lungs and forms granulomatous lesions that encapsulate the bacteria, making treating TB challenging. The current treatment includes oral administration of bedaquiline (BDQ) and pretomanid (PTD); however, patients suffer from severe systemic toxicities, low lung drug concentration, and non-adherence. In this study, we developed BDQ-PTD loaded nanoparticles as inhalable dry powders for pulmonary TB treatment using a Quality-by-Design (QbD) approach. The BDQ-PTD combination showed an additive/synergistic effect for M.tb inhibition in vitro, and the optimized drug ratio (1:4) was successfully loaded into polymeric nanoparticles (PLGA NPs). The QbD approach was implemented by identifying the quality target product profile (QTPPs), critical quality attributes (CQAs), and critical process parameters (CPPs) to develop efficient design space for dry powder preparation using spray drying. The three-factorial and three-level Box-Behnken Design was used to assess the effect of process parameters (CPPs) on product quality (CQAs). The Design of Experiments (DoE) analysis showed different regression models for product quality responses and helped optimize process parameters to meet QTPPs. The optimized dry powder showed excellent yield (72 ± 2 % w/w), high drug (BDQ-PTD) loading, low moisture content (<1% w/w), and spherical morphology. Further, aerosolization performance revealed the suitability of powder for deposition in the respiratory airways of the lungs (MMAD 2.4 µm and FPF > 75 %). In conclusion, the QbD approach helped optimize process parameters and develop dry powder with a suitable quality profile for inhalation delivery in TB patients.

Nanomedicines for targeted pulmonary delivery: receptor-mediated strategy and alternatives

Pulmonary drug delivery of nanomedicines is promising for the treatment of lung diseases; however, their lack of specificity required for targeted delivery limit their applications. Recently, a variety of pulmonary delivery targeting nanomedicines (PDTNs) has been developed for enhancing drug accumulation in lung lesions and reducing systemic side effects. Furthermore, with the increasing profound understanding of the specific microenvironment of different local lung diseases, multiple targeting strategies have been employed to promote drug delivery efficiency, which can be divided into the receptor-mediated strategy and alternatives. In this review, the current publication trend on PDTNs is analyzed and discussed, revealing that the research in this area has been attracting much attention. According to the different unique microenvironments of lung lesions, the reported PDTNs based on the receptor-mediated strategy for lung cancer, lung infection, lung inflammation and pulmonary fibrosis are listed and summarized. In addition, several other well-established strategies for the design of these PDTNs, such as charge regulation, mucus delivery enhancement, stimulus-responsive drug delivery and magnetic force-driven targeting, are introduced and discussed. Besides, bottlenecks in the development of PDTNs are discussed. Finally, we highlight the challenges and opportunities in the development of PDTNs. We hope that this review will provide an overview of the available PDTNs for guiding the treatment of lung diseases.

Anticancer Analysis of CD44 Targeted Cyclosporine Loaded Thiolated Chitosan Nanoformulations for Sustained Release in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer

Introduction

Cyclosporine (CsA), a potent immunosuppressive chemotherapeutic medication, treats numerous cancers, particularly malignant carcinoma, acute leukemia, and triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC).

Methodology

A specified polymeric nanoformulation (NF) based drug delivery technique with ligand functionalization at the surface was developed to improve its delivery at the intended area and boost the efficacy for prolonged time. The in silico verified the HA binding to the CD44 receptor at binding sites A and B in triple-negative breast cancer cells. The NF of encapsulated Cyclosporine in thiolated chitosan (TC) with the outermost coating of hyaluronic acid (HA) was formulated and characterized.

Results

So, the zeta analysis revealed a particle size of 192 nm and PDI of 0.433, zeta potential of 38.9mV. FTIR and Raman investigations also support the existence of hydrophobic groups, porous surfaces, and non-clumping characteristics. While XRD verified its crystallographic nature while SEM and TEM analysis revealed the spherical nanoparticles with sleek exteriors. DSC demonstrated the stability of NF at high temperatures. The NF showed 85% drug encapsulation followed Higuchi release model for therapeutic moiety at acidic pH for a maximum of 72 hours. When compared to raw Cyclosporine, the in vitro tumor cell inhibition of ThC-HA encapsulated with Cyclosporine was tested using an MTT dye on normal breast epithelial cells compared to triple-negative breast cancer cells.

Conclusion

This novel formulation improved the long-term viability, effectiveness, and active targeting as an effective and potent therapeutic moiety against cancer.

Advancements in Chitosan-Based Nanoparticles for Pulmonary Drug Delivery

The evolution of respiratory diseases represents a considerable public health challenge, as they are among the leading causes of death worldwide. In this sense, in addition to the high prevalence of diseases such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pneumonia, cystic fibrosis, and lung cancer, emerging respiratory diseases, particularly those caused by members of the coronavirus family, have contributed to a significant number of deaths on a global scale over the last two decades. Therefore, several studies have been conducted to optimize the efficacy of treatments against these diseases, focusing on pulmonary drug delivery using nanomedicine. Thus, the development of nanocarriers has emerged as a promising alternative to overcome the limitations of conventional therapy, by increasing drug bioavailability at the target site and reducing unwanted side effects. In this context, nanoparticles composed of chitosan (CS) show advantages over other nanocarriers because chitosan possesses intrinsic biological properties, such as anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and mucoadhesive capacity. Moreover, CS nanoparticles have the potential to enhance drug stability, prolong the duration of action, improve drug targeting, control drug release, optimize dissolution of poorly soluble drugs, and increase cell membrane permeability of hydrophobic drugs. These properties could optimize the performance of the drug after its pulmonary administration. Therefore, this review aims to discuss the potential of chitosan nanoparticles for pulmonary drug delivery, highlighting how their biological properties can improve the treatment of pulmonary diseases, including their synergistic action with the encapsulated drug.

The Use of Particulate Systems for Tuberculosis Prophylaxis and Treatment: Opportunities and Challenges

The use of particles to develop vaccines and treatments for a wide variety of diseases has increased, and their success has been demonstrated in preclinical investigations. Accurately targeting cells and minimizing doses and adverse side effects, while inducing an adequate biological response, are important advantages that particulate systems offer. The most used particulate systems are liposomes and their derivatives, immunostimulatory complexes, virus-like particles, and organic or inorganic nano- and microparticles. Most of these systems have been proven using therapeutic or prophylactic approaches to control tuberculosis, one of the most important infectious diseases worldwide. This article reviews the progress and current state of the use of particles for the administration of TB vaccines and treatments in vitro and in vivo, with a special emphasis on polymeric particles. In addition, we discuss the challenges and benefits of using these particulate systems to provide researchers with an overview of the most promising strategies in current preclinical trials, offering a perspective on their progress to clinical trials.

QbD-based fabrication of transferrin-anchored nanocarriers for targeted drug delivery to macrophages and colon cells for mucosal inflammation healing

Colon mucosal inflammation attracts a plethora of immune cells with overexpressed surface receptors. Colon drug targeting can be aided by exploiting overexpressed cell surface receptors which improve drug site retention for an extended period. We developed Tofacitinib citrate (Tofa) loaded transferrin anchored PLGA nanocarriers (Tofa-P/tfr NCs) via the quality by design (QbD) approach for specific binding to the transferrin receptor (TFR-1/CD71) overexpressed on macrophages and colon epithelial cells. Nanocarriers were produced using a modified emulsion-evaporation method with a protein adsorption technique. The QbD-risk assessment method was adopted to screen the variables impacting the quality of nanocarriers, which were then optimized using the 3³ Box-Behnken design of experiment (DOE). The obtained nanocarriers have the desired physicochemical properties, drug entrapment, tfr adsorption, stability, mucoadhesion, and sustained drug release pattern at pH 7.4 (colon pH). In vitro cell-based studies confirmed the cellular biocompatibility and considerable uptake of nanocarriers by colon and macrophage cells; the uptake was diminished by anti-CD71/TFR1 antibodies. Tofa-P/tfr NCs demonstrated good colon targeting potential in the dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) induced ulcerative colitis (UC) model. In vivo therapeutic efficacy against UC was established through restored morphological and histopathological scores, vascular integrity, antioxidant levels, hematological parameters, pro-inflammatory cytokine/marker levels, and microbial indices. Tofa-P/tfr NCs shut down the elevated STAT-1 and TFR-1 levels, demonstrating the enhanced efficacy of the encapsulated drug. Thus, the QbD-driven approach successfully developed Tofa-P/tfr NCs with good potential to mitigate mucosal inflammation by targeting colon and macrophage surface receptors.

Targeting mucus barrier in respiratory diseases by chemically modified advanced delivery systems

Mucus gel constitutes of heavily cross-linked mucin fibers forming a viscoelastic, dense porous network that coats all the exposed epithelia not covered with the skin. The layer provides protection to the underlying gastrointestinal, respiratory, and female reproductive tracts, in addition to the organs such as the surface of eye by trapping the pathogens, irritants, environmental fine particles, and potentially hazardous foreign matter. However, this property of mucus gel poses a substantial challenge for realizing the localized and sustained drug delivery across the mucosal surfaces. The mucus permeating particles that spare the protective properties of mucus gel improve the therapeutic potency of the drugs aimed at the management of diseases, including sexually transmitted infections, lung cancer, irritable bowel disease, degenerative eye diseases and infections, and cystic fibrosis. As such, the mucoadhesive materials conjugated with drug molecules display a prolonged retention time in the mucosal gel that imparts a sustained release of the deliberated drug molecules across the mucosa. The contemporarily developed mucus penetrating materials for drug delivery applications comprise of a finer size, appreciable hydrophilicity, and a neutral surface to escape the entrapment within the cross-inked mucus fibers. Pertaining to the mucus secretion as a first line of defence in respiratory tract in response to the invading physical, chemical, and biological pathogens, the development of mucus penetrating materials hold promise as a stalwart approach for revolutionizing the respiratory drug delivery paradigm. The present review provides an epigrammatic collation of the mucus penetrating/mucoadhesive materials for achieving a controlled/sustained release of the cargo pharmaceutics and drug molecules across the respiratory mucus barrier.

Dry Powder Comprised of Isoniazid-Loaded Nanoparticles of Hyaluronic Acid in Conjugation with Mannose-Anchored Chitosan for Macrophage-Targeted Pulmonary Administration in Tuberculosis

Marketed dosage forms fail to deliver anti-tubercular drugs directly to the lungs in pulmonary Tuberculosis (TB). Therefore, nanomediated isoniazid (INH)-loaded dry powder for inhalation (Nano-DPI) was developed for macrophage-targeted delivery in TB. Mannosylated chitosan (MC) and hyaluronic acid (HA) with an affinity for the surface mannose and CD44 receptors of macrophages were used in conjugation to prepare hybrid nanosuspension by ionic gelation method using cross-linker, sodium tri-polyphosphate (TPP) followed by freeze-drying to obtain a dry powder composed of nanoparticles (INH-MC/HA NPs). Nanoformulations were evaluated for aerodynamic characteristics, cytotoxicity, hemocompatibility, macrophage phenotype analysis, and immune regulation. Cellular uptake imaging was also conducted to evaluate the uptake of NPs. The nanopowders did not pose any significant toxicity to the cells, along with good compatibility with red blood cells (RBCs). The pro-inflammatory costimulatory markers were upregulated, demonstrating the activation of T-cell response. Moreover, the NPs did not show any tolerogenic effect on the macrophages. Furthermore, confocal imaging exhibited the translocation of NPs in the cells. Altogether, the findings present that nano-DPI was found to be a promising vehicle for targeting macrophages.

Development of extra-fine particles containing nanosized meloxicam for deep pulmonary delivery: in vitro aerodynamic and cell line measurements

Pulmonary drug administration provides a platform for the effective local treatment of various respiratory diseases. Application of nano-sized active ingredients results in higher bioavailability because of their large specific surface area. Extra-fine dry powder inhalers reach the smaller airways, further improving therapeutic efficiency. Poorly water-soluble meloxicam was the selected active ingredient. We aimed to decrease the particle size into the nano range by wet milling and producing extra-fine inhalable particles via nano spray-drying. The diameter of the drug was reduced to 138 nm. The particle size of the dry products was between 1.1-1.5 µm, and the dispersed diameter was between 500-800 nm. Owing to the excipients (poly-vinyl-alcohol, leucine), the spray-dried particles presented nearly spherical morphology. The drug became partially amorphous. Thanks to the improved surface area, the solubility and the released and the diffused amount of the meloxicam increased in artificial lung media. The in vitro aerodynamic measurements showed that the leucine-containing formulations had outstanding fine particle fraction (FPF) deposition with 1.3 µm mass median aerodynamic diameter (MMAD). The aerodynamic particle counter test also proved the extra-fine aerodynamic particle size. The in vitro cell line experiments revealed the non-cytotoxicity of the products and the suppression of the interleukin concentration. Overall, the powders are suitable for deep pulmonary delivery and the local treatment of lung inflammations.

Dry powder inhalers of antitubercular drugs

Despite advancements in the medical and pharmaceutical fields, tuberculosis remains a major health problem globally. Patients do not widely accept the conventional approach to treating tuberculosis (TB) due to prolonged treatment periods with multiple high doses of drugs and associated side effects. A pulmonary route is a non-invasive approach to delivering drugs, hormones, nucleic acid, steroids, proteins, and peptides directly to the lungs, improving the efficacy of the treatment and consequently decreasing the adverse effect of the treatment. This route has been successfully developed for the treatment of various respiratory diseases such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), tuberculosis (TB), lung cancer, and other pulmonary infections. The major approaches of inhalation delivery systems include nebulizers, metered-dose inhalers (MDIs), and dry powder inhalers (DPIs). However, dry powder inhalers (DPIs) are more advantageous due to their stability and ability to deliver a high dose of the drug to the lungs. The present review analyzes the modern therapeutic approach of inhaled dry powders, with a special focus on novel drug delivery system (NDDS) based DPIs for the treatment of TB. The article also discussed the challenges of preparing inhalable dry powder formulations for the treatment of TB. The clinical development of inhalable anti-TB drugs is also reviewed.

Exploring the applications of hyaluronic acid-based nanoparticles for diagnosis and treatment of bacterial infections

Hyaluronic acid (HA) has become a topic of significant interest in drug delivery research due to its excellent properties, including biosafety, biodegradability, and nonimmunogenicity. Moreover, due to its ease of modification, HA can be used to prepare several HA‐based nanosystems using various approaches. These approaches involve conjugating/grafting of hydrophobic moieties, polyelectrolytes complexation with cationic polymers, or surface modification of various nanoparticles using HA. These nanoparticles are able to selectively deliver antibacterial drugs or diagnostic molecules into the site of infections. In addition, HA can bind with overexpressed cluster of differentiation 44 (CD44) receptors in macrophages and also can be degraded by a family of enzymes called hyaluronidase (HAase) to release drugs or molecules. By binding with these receptors or being degraded at the infection site by HAase, HA‐based nanoparticles allow enhanced and targeted antibacterial delivery. Herein, we present a comprehensive and up‐to‐date review that highlights various techniques of preparation of HA‐based nanoparticles that have been reported in the literature. Furthermore, we also discuss and critically analyze numerous types of HA‐based nanoparticles that have been employed in antibacterial delivery to date. This article offers a critical overview of the potential of HA‐based nanoparticles to overcome the challenges of conventional antibiotics in the treatment of bacterial infections. Moreover, this review identifies further avenues of research for developing multifunctional and biomimetic HA‐based nanoparticles for the treatment, prevention, and/or detection of pathogenic bacteria.

This article is categorized under:

Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Infectious Disease

Nanotechnology Approaches to Biology > Nanoscale Systems in Biology

Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Emerging Technologies

Inhalable Mannosylated Rifampicin–Curcumin Co-Loaded Nanomicelles with Enhanced In Vitro Antimicrobial Efficacy for an Optimized Pulmonary Tuberculosis Therapy

Among respiratory infections, tuberculosis was the second deadliest infectious disease in 2020 behind COVID-19. Inhalable nanocarriers offer the possibility of actively targeting anti-tuberculosis drugs to the lungs, especially to alveolar macrophages (cellular reservoirs of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis). Our strategy was based on the development of a mannose-decorated micellar nanoformulation based in Soluplus^® to co-encapsulate rifampicin and curcumin. The former is one of the most effective anti-tuberculosis first-line drugs, while curcumin has demonstrated potential anti-mycobacterial properties. Mannose-coated rifampicin (10 mg/mL)–curcumin (5 mg/mL)-loaded polymeric micelles (10% w/v) demonstrated excellent colloidal properties with micellar size ~108 ± 1 nm after freeze-drying, and they remain stable under dilution in simulated interstitial lung fluid. Drug-loaded polymeric micelles were suitable for drug delivery to the deep lung with lung accumulation, according to the in vitro nebulization studies and the in vivo biodistribution assays of radiolabeled (99mTc) polymeric micelles, respectively. Hence, the nanoformulation did not exhibit hemolytic potential. Interestingly, the addition of mannose significantly improved (5.2-fold) the microbicidal efficacy against Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv of the drug-co-loaded systems in comparison with their counterpart mannose-free polymeric micelles. Thus, this novel inhaled nanoformulation has demonstrated its potential for active drug delivery in pulmonary tuberculosis therapy.

Polysaccharide-based formulations as potential carriers for pulmonary delivery - A review of their properties and fates

Polysaccharides can be elite carriers for therapeutic molecules due to their versatility and low probability to trigger toxicity and immunogenic responses. Local and systemic therapies can be achieved through particle pulmonary delivery, a promising non-invasive alternative. Successful pulmonary delivery requires particles with appropriate flowability to reach alveoli and avoid premature clearance mechanisms. Polysaccharides can form micro-, nano-in-micro-, and large porous particles, aerogels, and hydrogels. Herein, the characteristics of polysaccharides used in drug formulations for pulmonary delivery are reviewed, providing insights into structure-function relationships. Charged polysaccharides can confer mucoadhesion, whereas the ability for specific sugar recognition may confer targeting capacity for alveolar macrophages. The method of particle preparation must be chosen considering the properties of the components and the delivery device to be utilized. The fate of polysaccharide-based carriers is dependent on enzyme-triggered hydrolytic and/or oxidative mechanisms, allowing their complete degradation and elimination through urine or reutilization of released monosaccharides.

2Receptor Specific Ligand conjugated Nanocarriers: an Effective Strategy for Targeted Therapy of Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis (TB) is an ancient chronic disease caused by the bacillus Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which has affected mankind for more than 4,000 years. Compliance with the standard conventional treatment can assure recovery from tuberculosis, but emergence of drug resistant strains pose a great challenge for effective management of tuberculosis. The process of discovery and development of new therapeutic entities with better specificity and efficacy is unpredictable and time consuming. Hence, delivery of pre-existing drugs with improved targetability is the need of the hour. Enhanced delivery and targetability can ascertain improved bioavailability, reduced toxicity, decreased frequency of dosing and therefore better patient compliance. Nanoformulations are being explored for effective delivery of therapeutic agents, however optimum specificity is not guaranteed. In order to achieve specificity, ligands specific to receptors or cellular components of macrophage and Mycobacteria can be conjugatedto nanocarriers. This approach can improve localization of existing drug molecules at the intramacrophageal site where the parasites reside, improve targeting to the unique cell wall structure of Mycobacterium or improve adhesion to epithelial surface of intestine or alveolar tissue (lectins). Present review focuses on the investigation of various ligands like Mannose, Mycolic acid, Lectin, Aptamers etc. installed nanocarriers that are being envisaged for targeting antitubercular drugs.

Thiolated-Polymer-Based Nanoparticles as an Avant-Garde Approach for Anticancer Therapies-Reviewing Thiomers from Chitosan and Hyaluronic Acid

Thiomers (or thiolated polymers) have broken through as avant-garde approaches in anticancer therapy. Their distinguished reactivity and properties, closely linked to their final applications, justify the extensive research conducted on their preparation and use as smart drug-delivery systems (DDSs). Multiple studies have demonstrated that thiomer-rich nanoformulations can overcome major drawbacks found when administering diverse active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), especially in cancer therapy. This work focuses on providing a complete and concise review of the synthetic tools available to thiolate cationic and anionic polymers, in particular chitosan (CTS) and hyaluronic acid (HA), respectively, drawing attention to the most successful procedures. Their chemical reactivity and most relevant properties regarding their use in anticancer formulations are also discussed. In addition, a variety of NP formation procedures are outlined, as well as their use in cancer therapy, particularly for taxanes and siRNA. It is expected that the current work could clarify the main synthetic strategies available, with their scope and drawbacks, as well as provide some insight into thiomer chemistry. Therefore, this review can inspire new research strategies in the development of efficient formulations for the treatment of cancer.

Role of chitosan based nanomedicines in the treatment of chronic respiratory diseases

Chitosan-loaded nanomedicines provide a greater opportunity for the treatment of respiratory diseases. Natural biopolymer chitosan and its derivatives have a large number of proven pharmacological actions like antioxidant, wound healing, immuno-stimulant, hypocholesterolemic, antimicrobial, obesity treatment, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, bone tissue engineering, antifungal, regenerative medicine, anti-diabetic and mucosal adjuvant, etc. which attracted its use in the pharmaceutical industry. As compared to other polysaccharides, chitosan has excellent mucoadhesive characteristics, less viscous, easily modified into the chemical and biological molecule and gel-forming property due to which the drugs retain in the respiratory tract for a longer period of time providing enhanced therapeutic action of the drug. Chitosan-based nanomedicines would have the greatest effect when used to transport poor water soluble drugs, macromolecules like proteins, and peptides through the lungs. In this review, we highlight and discuss the role of chitosan and its nanomedicines in the treatment of chronic respiratory diseases such as pneumonia, asthma, COPD, lung cancer, tuberculosis, and COVID-19.

Moxifloxacin loaded nanoparticles of disulfide bridged thiolated chitosan-eudragit RS100 for controlled drug delivery

The aim of our study was to prepare nanoparticles of disulfide bridged thiolated chitosan and eudragit RS100 using the air oxidation method for controlled drug delivery. The developed nanoparticles were characterized by FTIR, DSC, TGA, zeta sizer, zeta potential, SEM and ¹H NMR. The loading, entrapment efficiency and in-vitro release of moxifloxacin from nanoparticles was determined. Toxicity was studied using Caco-2 cell line and pharmacokinetics of moxifloxacin from the developed nanoparticles was studied in albino rats. The FTIR analysis showed no chemical interaction of the drug with the thiolated polymers. The DSC and TGA showed the thermal stability of nanoparticles. The average particle size of nanoparticles was 87 nm, zeta potential of NTC3 was ± 19 and SEM showed the spherical shape of nanoparticles. The ¹H NMR spectra confirmed the structure of thiolated chitosan and eudragit RS100. The loading, encapsulation efficiency and release of moxifloxacin from NTC3 were 100.3%, 89.67% and 88.49% respectively. The nanoparticles in culture medium did not affect the viability of Caco-2 cells. The NTC3 formulation showed a greater bioavailability of moxifloxacin compared to the reference formulation. The study reports a convenient and effective way to prepare a chitosan and eudragit RS100 based drug delivery system with a controlled release pattern.

A Proposed Methodology for a Risk Assessment-Based Liposome Development Process

The requirements of a liposomal formulation vary depending on the pharmaceutical indication, the target patient population, and the corresponding route of administration. Different preparation methods require various material attributes (MAs) (properties and characteristics of the components) and process parameters (PPs) (settings of the preparation method). The identification of the quality target product profile for a liposome-based formulation, the critical quality attributes of the liposomes, and the possible MAs and PPs that may influence the key characteristics of the vesicles facilitates pharmaceutical research. Researchers can systematise their knowledge by using the quality by design (QbD) approach. The potential factors that influence the quality of the product can be collected and studied through a risk assessment process. In this paper, the requirements of a liposome formulation prepared via the thin-film hydration preparation technique are presented; furthermore, the possible factors that have an impact on the quality of the final product and have to be considered and specified during the development of a liposomal formulation are herein identified and collected. The understanding and the application of these elements of QbD in the pharmaceutical developments help to influence the quality, the achievements, and the success of the formulated product.