Design of lactoferrin functionalized carboxymethyl dextran coated egg albumin nanoconjugate for targeted delivery of capsaicin: Spectroscopic and cytotoxicity studies

Lactoferrin in cancer: Focus on mechanisms and translational medicine

Lactoferrin is an iron-binding glycoprotein that provides natural protective effects to the human body. Its biological properties, including antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, immune-regulatory, and iron metabolism-regulating functions, have been extensively studied. With further research, lactoferrin's impact on tumorigenesis and tumor microenvironment has become increasingly evident, as it inhibits tumor proliferation, invasion, and metastasis through multiple pathways. This article summarizes the molecular mechanisms underlying lactoferrin's anticancer effects, explores its association with the malignant progression of various cancers, and highlights its clinical translational potential as a potential cancer biomarker and drug delivery carrier to enhance anticancer therapy efficiency. Due to the high safety profile of lactoferrin, its widespread application in the field of cancer treatment is highly anticipated.

Recent insights and applications of nanocarriers-based drug delivery systems for colonic drug delivery and cancer therapy: An updated review

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most prevalent malignant tumor globally and is associated with high morbidity and mortality rates. The advancement of novel nanocarrier-based drug delivery systems has revolutionized therapeutic strategies for colonic drug delivery and cancer treatment. This review provides updated insights into various nanocarrier technologies, including quantum dots (QDs), polymeric nanoparticles (PNPs), magnetic and metallic nanoparticles, solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs), and self-microemulsifying and self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery systems (SMEDDS/SNEDDS). These nanocarriers offer enhanced drug stability, controlled release, and targeted delivery, particularly for CRC treatment, resulting in up to 70 % improved therapeutic efficacy and a significant reduction in systemic toxicity as reported in preclinical studies. The review comprehensively discusses the structural composition, mechanisms of action, therapeutic potential, and imaging capabilities of these systems, with a focus on their applications in theranostics and targeted CRC therapy. For instance, polymeric nanoparticles have demonstrated a 50 % increase in bioavailability compared to conventional formulations, while QDs have enabled real-time imaging with high precision for tumor localization. Additionally, the toxicity profiles and challenges associated with these nanocarriers are critically evaluated. Despite significant progress in preclinical and clinical studies, the review highlights the need for optimizing biocompatibility, scalability, and regulatory standards to facilitate the clinical translation of these promising technologies. Emerging formulations such as graphene quantum dots and PEGylated nanoparticles have shown potential for achieving dual therapeutic and diagnostic applications with fewer adverse effects. Overall, nanocarrier-based systems hold great potential for personalized and more effective treatments in colon-targeted therapies.

Lactoferrin as a Versatile Agent in Nanoparticle Applications: From Therapeutics to Agriculture

Nanoparticles (NPs) have emerged as a potent choice for various applications, from drug delivery to agricultural studies, serving as an alternative and promising methodology for future advancements. They have been widely explored in delivery systems, demonstrating immense promise and high efficiency for the delivery of numerous biomolecules such as proteins and anticancer agents, either solely or modified with other compounds to enhance their capabilities. In addition, the utilization of NPs extends to antimicrobial studies, where they are used to develop novel antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral formulations with advanced characteristics. Lactoferrin (Lf) is a glycoprotein recognized for its significant multifunctional properties, such as antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and neuroprotective effects. Its activity has a broad distribution in the human body, with Lf receptors present in multiple regions. Current research shows that Lf is utilized in NP technology as a surface material, encapsulated biomolecule, and even as an NP itself. Due to the abundance of Lf receptors in various regions, Lf can be employed as a surface material in NPs for targeted delivery strategies, particularly in crossing the BBB and targeting specific cancers. Furthermore, Lf can be synthesized in an NP structure, positioning it as a strong candidate in future NP-related applications. In this article, we explore the highlighted and underexplored areas of Lf applications in NPs research.

Comparative Study of pH-Responsive and Aggregation Stability of Bosutinib-Loaded Nanogels Comprising Gelatin Methacryloyl, Carboxymethyl Dextran, and Hyaluronic Acid for Controlled Drug Delivery in Colorectal Cancer: An Extensive In Vitro Investigation

This study investigates the use of pH-responsive nanogels for delivering Bosutinib (BOSU) in colon cancer treatment. Nanogels were formulated using three polymers: hyaluronic acid (HA), carboxymethyl dextran (CMD), and gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA). These nanogels achieved high drug entrapment efficiencies (80-90%) through polymer mixing with BOSU, followed by EDC/NHS cross-linking and sonication. The nanogels were stable, with negative zeta potentials (-20 to -30 mV) and particle sizes between 100 and 200 nm. Fourier-transform infrared analysis confirmed successful methacrylation in GelMA nanogels. Sustained BOSU release at pH 5.0 was observed, resembling tumor environments, compared to slower release at normal pH (7.4). Cytotoxicity tests showed 70-80% cell survival reduction in HCT116 colon cancer cells at higher doses, and GelMA-BOSU nanogels notably reduced cell migration. Antiangiogenic effects were confirmed in a chick chorioallantoic membrane model, highlighting the potential of these nanogels for targeted BOSU delivery in colon cancer therapy.

Sweeten the pill: Multi-faceted polysaccharide-based carriers for colorectal cancer treatment

Colorectal cancer (CRC) ranks as the second deadliest cancer globally and the third most common malignant tumor. While surgery remains the primary treatment for CRC, alternative therapies such as chemotherapy, molecular targeted therapy, and immunotherapy are also commonly used. The significant side effects and toxicity of conventional drugs drive the search for novel targeted therapies, including the design of advanced drug delivery systems. Polysaccharide-based biopolymers, with their low toxicity, non-immunogenic behavior, synergistic interactions with other biopolymers, and tissue and cell compatibility, emerge as excellent drug carriers for this application. This review aims to provide an in-depth overview of recent advancements in developing polysaccharide-based biopolymeric carriers for anticancer compounds in the treatment of CRC. We highlight the multifunctional nature of polysaccharides, showcasing their potential as standalone drug carriers or as integral components of intelligent robotic devices for biomedical therapeutic applications. In addition to exploring the opportunities for using carbohydrate polymers in CRC treatment, we address the challenges and failures that may limit their applicability in biomedical research, as well as summarize the recent preclinical and clinical trials, resulting in several commercialization attempts. This comprehensive overview critically summarizes the potential of polysaccharide-based biomaterials in CRC treatment.

Capsaicin: Emerging Pharmacological and Therapeutic Insights

Capsaicin, the most prominent pungent compound of chilli peppers, has been used in traditional medicine systems for centuries; it already has a number of established clinical and industrial applications. Capsaicin is known to act through the TRPV1 receptor, which exists in various tissues; capsaicin is hepatically metabolised, having a half-life correlated with the method of application. Research on various applications of capsaicin in different formulations is still ongoing. Thus, local capsaicin applications have a pronounced anti-inflammatory effect, while systemic applications have a multitude of different effects because their increased lipophilic character ensures their augmented bioavailability. Furthermore, various teams have documented capsaicin's anti-cancer effects, proven both in vivo and in vitro designs. A notable constraint in the therapeutic effects of capsaicin is its increased toxicity, especially in sensitive tissues. Regarding the traditional applications of capsaicin, apart from all the effects recorded as medicinal effects, the application of capsaicin in acupuncture points has been demonstrated to be effective and the combination of acupuncture and capsaicin warrants further research. Finally, capsaicin has demonstrated antimicrobial effects, which can supplement its anti-inflammatory and anti-carcinogenic actions.

The development of nanocarriers for natural products

Natural bioactive compounds from plants exhibit substantial pharmacological potency and therapeutic value. However, the development of most plant bioactive compounds is hindered by low solubility and instability. Conventional pharmaceutical forms, such as tablets and capsules, only partially overcome these limitations, restricting their efficacy. With the recent development of nanotechnology, nanocarriers can enhance the bioavailability, stability, and precise intracellular transport of plant bioactive compounds. Researchers are increasingly integrating nanocarrier-based drug delivery systems (NDDS) into the development of natural plant compounds with significant success. Moreover, natural products benefit from nanotechnological enhancement and contribute to the innovation and optimization of nanocarriers via self-assembly, grafting modifications, and biomimetic designs. This review aims to elucidate the collaborative and reciprocal advancement achieved by integrating nanocarriers with botanical products, such as bioactive compounds, polysaccharides, proteins, and extracellular vesicles. This review underscores the salient challenges in nanomedicine, encompassing long-term safety evaluations of nanomedicine formulations, precise targeting mechanisms, biodistribution complexities, and hurdles in clinical translation. Further, this study provides new perspectives to leverage nanotechnology in promoting the development and optimization of natural plant products for nanomedical applications and guiding the progression of NDDS toward enhanced efficiency, precision, and safety. This article is categorized under: Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Emerging Technologies Nanotechnology Approaches to Biology > Nanoscale Systems in Biology.

Advances in Precision Medicine Approaches for Colorectal Cancer: From Molecular Profiling to Targeted Therapies

Precision medicine is transforming colorectal cancer treatment through the integration of advanced technologies and biomarkers, enhancing personalized and effective disease management. Identification of key driver mutations and molecular profiling have deepened our comprehension of the genetic alterations in colorectal cancer, facilitating targeted therapy and immunotherapy selection. Biomarkers such as microsatellite instability (MSI) and DNA mismatch repair deficiency (dMMR) guide treatment decisions, opening avenues for immunotherapy. Emerging technologies such as liquid biopsies, artificial intelligence, and machine learning promise to revolutionize early detection, monitoring, and treatment selection in precision medicine. Despite these advancements, ethical and regulatory challenges, including equitable access and data privacy, emphasize the importance of responsible implementation. The dynamic nature of colorectal cancer, with its tumor heterogeneity and clonal evolution, underscores the necessity for adaptive and personalized treatment strategies. The future of precision medicine in colorectal cancer lies in its potential to enhance patient care, clinical outcomes, and our understanding of this intricate disease, marked by ongoing evolution in the field. The current reviews focus on providing in-depth knowledge on the various and diverse approaches utilized for precision medicine against colorectal cancer, at both molecular and biochemical levels.