The development of a novel oral 5-Fluorouracil in-situ gelling nanosuspension to potentiate the anticancer activity against colorectal cancer cells

Synthesis of silver nanoparticles embedded into melamine polyaminal networks as antibacterial and anticancer active agents

Silver nanoparticles were successfully incorporated into a melamine-based polymer, resulting in the synthesis of (Ag NPs@Bipy-PAN) through a reverse double solvent approach. The synthesised Ag NPs@Bipy-PAN polymer underwent extensive characterisation through Powder X-ray Diffraction (PXRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Transmission Electron Microscopy and Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX) and Thermal Gravimetric Analysis. PXRD analysis confirmed the successful encapsulation of Ag nanoparticles and provided insights into the amorphous nature of the polymer following encapsulation. SEM and EDX analyses further corroborated the presence and distribution of Ag nanoparticles on the polymer surface. The biological efficacy of the Ag NPs@Bipy-PAN polymer was evaluated through antibacterial, anti-breast cancer, and biocompatibility assays. The results demonstrated notable antibacterial and anticancer activities, with significant efficacy against bacterial strains and breast cancer cells. Biocompatibility assessments indicated acceptable compatibility, particularly at a concentration of 2.5 mg/mL, compared to untreated control cells. These findings suggest that Ag NPs@Bipy-PAN has considerable potential as a candidate for cancer-targeted and antimicrobial drug delivery systems. The incorporation of silver nanoparticles into the melamine-based polymer enhances the safety profile of these systems in in vivo conditions, making them a viable option for advanced therapeutic applications.

Oral co-polymeric raft-forming nano gels for targeted empagliflozin delivery against stomach cancer (SGC7901)

Empagliflozin (EMP) is known for its poor safety and efficacy profile due to its fast body distribution and poor solubility. Accordingly, an oral long-acting and floating/raft-forming nano gel was optimized to release coated EMP nanoparticles, and the released EMP nanoparticles showed enhanced dissolution compared to raw EMP particles. To repurpose EMP for cancer treatment, EMP shows anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory effects against cancer cells. EMP nanoparticles were characterized using FT-IR, PXRD, SEM, EMP encapsulation assay, and release studies. The raft-forming gel encapsulating the EMP was optimized and characterized. The EMP co-polymeric nanoparticles were studied to investigate EMP anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory activities against stomach cancer cells. The solubility of EMP nanoparticles was enhanced in 0.1 N HCl and pH 6.8 by 5 and 12 folds, respectively, compared to raw EMP powder. The particle size and zeta-potential values of improved EMP nanoparticles were 135.40 ± 18.60 nm, and -19.30 ± 0.80 mV, respectively. FT-IR, PXRD, SEM and TEM characterizations revealed polymeric coating of EMP particles. The study suggested that this optimized controlled-release raft-forming gel is a promising local oral approach against stomach cancer. The repurposing of EMP co-polymeric nanoparticles for stomach cancer and associated gastritis treatment was justified.

Preparation, optimization, and characterization of genistein-ginseng long-acting polymeric gel as a breast cancer treatment alternative

To address the prevalent genistein (GST) metabolism and inadequate intestinal absorption, an oral long-acting and gastric in-situ gelling gel was designed to encapsulate and localize the intestinal release of the loaded genistein-ginseng (GST-GNS) solid dispersion. Because of the high breast perfusion of GST upon oral absorption, the GST-GNS solid dispersion was developed to enhance GST's dissolution and penetration while offering a synergistic impact against breast cancer (BC). Physiochemical analysis of the GST-GNS solid dispersion, release analysis, gel characterizations, storage stability, penetration, and in vitro cytotoxicity studies were carried out. GST-GNS solid dispersion showed improved dissolution and penetration as compared to raw GST. GST-GNS solid dispersion homogenous shape particles and hydrophilic contacts were revealed by scanning electron microscopy and Fourier Transform-Infrared analysis, respectively. GST-GNS solid dispersion's diffractogram shows the amorphous character. A second modification involved creating a gastric in-situ gelling system loaded with GST-GNS solid dispersion. This system demonstrated improved GST penetration employing the solid dispersion, as well as the localizing of the GST release at the intestinal media and antitumor synergism against BC. For a better therapeutic approach for BC, the innovative oral GST long-acting gel encasing the GST-GNS solid dispersion would be recommended.

Preparation and in vitro/in vivo characterization of sustained-release ciprofloxacin-carrageenan complex

The goal of the study was to look into drug-polyelectrolyte complexation between ciprofloxacin (Cipro) and λ-carrageenan (CRG), and to employ the complex as a sustained-release matrix. The maximum binding capacity of the complexation was determined using the dialysis bag method and employed to prepare the complex. In comparison to Cipro, CRG, and their physical mixing, the complex was examined using differential scanning calorimetry, Fourier infrared spectroscopy, powder X-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy. Cipro-CRG matrices, manufactured as direct compression tablets based on the greatest binding capacity, were assessed for swelling, erosion and drug release in 0.1 M HCl, in comparison with those of CRG, Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) and Cipro-HPMC matrices. In vivo absorption study comparing the Cipro-CRG matrix to Cipro immediate-release tablet was also carried out. The greatest binding capacity of Cipro to CRG was 55% (w/w). Multiple interactions, including electrostatic interaction, Vander wall forces, and hydrogen bonding, have been proposed to be involved in complexation with drug amorphization. As a result of the complexation, the swelling and erosion properties of CRG changed, with Cipro-CRG matrix showing substantially less swelling and erosion than Cipro-free CRG matrix. Cipro-CRG matrix exhibited swelling and erosion similar to Cipro-HPMC matrix. However, the former matrix demonstrated Cipro release with significantly less burst impact and a significantly slower release rate. Furthermore, Cipro-CRG matrices in vivo demonstrated slow-prolonged oral drug absorption with consequent significant changes in pharmacokinetic parameters in comparison to those obtained for immediate-release tablets.

Polymeric in situ forming depots for long-acting drug delivery systems

Polymeric in situ forming depots have emerged as highly promising drug delivery systems for long-acting applications. Their effectiveness is attributed to essential characteristics such as biocompatibility, biodegradability, and the ability to form a stable gel or solid upon injection. Moreover, they provide added versatility by complementing existing polymeric drug delivery systems like micro- and nanoparticles. The formulation's low viscosity facilitates manufacturing unit operations and enhances delivery efficiency, as it can be easily administered via hypodermic needles. The release mechanism of drugs from these systems can be predetermined using various functional polymers. To enable unique depot design, numerous strategies involving physiological and chemical stimuli have been explored. Important assessment criteria for in situ forming depots include biocompatibility, gel strength and syringeability, texture, biodegradation, release profile, and sterility. This review focuses on the fabrication approaches, key evaluation parameters, and pharmaceutical applications of in situ forming depots, considering perspectives from academia and industry. Additionally, insights about the future prospects of this technology are discussed.

Permeability-Enhanced Liposomal Emulgel Formulation of 5-Fluorouracil for the Treatment of Skin Cancer

The plain 5-fluorouracil (5FU) formulations available in the market are associated with adverse effects such as skin irritation, pruritus, redness, blisters, allergy, and dryness on the site of application. The objective of the present study was to develop a liposomal emulgel of 5FU with increased skin permeability and efficacy using clove oil and eucalyptus oil along with pharmaceutically acceptable carriers, excipients, stabilizers, binders, and additives. A series of seven formulations were developed and evaluated for their entrapment efficiency, in vitro release profile, and cumulative drug release profile. The compatibility of drugs and excipients, as confirmed by FTIR (fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy) and DSC (differential scanning calorimetry) as well as SEM (scanning electron microscopy) and TEM (transmission electron microscopy) studies, revealed that the size and shape of liposomes are smooth and spherical, and the liposomes are non-aggregated. To understand their efficacy, the optimized formulations were evaluated for cytotoxicity using B16-F10 mouse skin melanoma cells. The eucalyptus oil and clove oil-containing preparation significantly produced a cytotoxic effect against a melanoma cell line. The addition of clove oil and eucalyptus oil increased the efficacy of the formulation by improving skin permeability and reducing the dose required for the anti-skin cancer activity.

Recent advances in exploiting carrageenans as a versatile functional material for promising biomedical applications

Carrageenans are a group of biopolymers widely found in red seaweeds. Commercial carrageenans have been traditionally used as emulsifiers, stabilizers, and thickening and gelling agents in food products. Carrageenans are regarded as bioactive polysaccharides with disease-modifying and microbiota-modulating activities. Novel biomedical applications of carrageenans as biocompatible functional materials for fabricating hydrogels and nanostructures, including carbon dots, nanoparticles, and nanofibers, have been increasingly exploited. In this review, we describe the unique structural characteristics of carrageenans and their functional relevance. We summarize salient physicochemical features, including thixotropic and shear-thinning properties, of carrageenans. Recent results from clinical trials in which carrageenans were applied as both antiviral and antitumor agents and functional materials are discussed. We also highlight the most recent advances in the development of carrageenan-based targeted drug delivery systems with various pharmaceutical formulations. Promising applications of carrageenans as a bioink material for 3D printing in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine are systematically evaluated. We envisage some key hurdles and challenges in the commercialization of carrageenans as a versatile material for clinical practice. This comprehensive review of the intimate relationships among the structural features, unique rheological properties, and biofunctionality of carrageenans will provide novel insights into their biomedicine application potential.

A Facile Fluorometric Assay of Orotate Phosphoribosyltransferase Activity Using a Selective Fluorogenic Reaction for Orotic Acid

Orotate phosphoribosyltransferase (OPRT) exists as a bifunctional enzyme, uridine 5'-monophosphate synthase, in mammalian cells and plays an important role in pyrimidine biosynthesis. Measuring OPRT activity has been considered important for understanding biological events and development of molecular-targeting drugs. In this study, we demonstrate a novel fluorescence method for measuring OPRT activity in living cells. The technique utilizes 4-trifluoromethylbenzamidoxime (4-TFMBAO) as a fluorogenic reagent, which produces selective fluorescence for orotic acid. To perform the OPRT reaction, orotic acid was added to HeLa cell lysate, and a portion of the enzyme reaction mixture was heated at 80 °C for 4 min in the presence of 4-TFMBAO under basic conditions. The resulting fluorescence was measured using a spectrofluorometer, which reflects the consumption of orotic acid by the OPRT. After optimization of the reaction conditions, the OPRT activity was successfully determined in 15 min of enzyme reaction time without further procedures such as purification of OPRT or deproteination for the analysis. The activity obtained was compatible with the value measured by the radiometric method with [³H]-5-FU as the substrate. The present method provides a reliable and facile measurement of OPRT activity and could be useful for a variety of research fields targeting pyrimidine metabolism.

5-Fluorouracil nano-delivery systems as a cutting-edge for cancer therapy

5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) is amongst the most commonly used antimetabolite chemotherapeutic agents in recent decades. However, its low bioavailability, short half-life, rapid metabolism and the development of drug resistance after chemotherapy limit its therapeutic efficiency. In this study, 5-FU applications as an anti-cancer drug for treating diverse types of cancers (e.g. colon, pancreatic and breast) have been reviewed. Different approaches lately designed to circumvent the drawbacks of 5-FU therapy are described herein, including 5-FU-loaded lipid-based nanoparticles (NPs), polymeric NPs (both stimuli and non-stimuli responsive), carbon-based nanostructures and inorganic NPs. Furthermore, co-delivery systems of 5-FU with other drugs (e.g. paclitaxel, gelatin-doxorubicin and naproxen) have been reviewed, which aid to attain better bioavailability, higher effectiveness at a lower concentration and lower toxicity. This review provides researchers with the latest progress on 5-FU-loaded nanocarriers, which show great potential as an advanced tool for cancer therapy.

Smart Oral pH-Responsive Dual Layer Nano-Hydrogel for Dissolution Enhancement and Targeted Delivery of Naringenin Using Protein-Polysaccharides Complexation Against Colorectal Cancer

Naringenin (NAR) is a natural anticancer, but it has not been developed for clinical use despite its therapeutic potential due to its low water solubility, low membrane permeability, first-pass metabolism, and low bioavailability. To overcome these problems, the optimization and preparation of NAR-Soy protein complex (NAR-Sp) led to the optimum ratio of their interaction using Fourier Transform-Infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) as the first level and layer of the formulation. The second layer of the formulation was to incorporate the NAR-Sp complex in aqueous-based gel-forming. The most optimum nanosuspension was determined using the gel sedimentation, sustained-release, pH-selective and targeted system. The most optimum components combinations and complex were characterized using different characterization tools, such as, the particle size analysis, SEM, TEM, PXRD and FT-IR. In addition, the optimum nanosuspension was characterized for its nanoparticle sensitivity against colorectal cancer cells using MTT assay in comparison to the untreated, naringenin, and blank groups. The complex enhanced the NAR's dissolution. The complex incorporation in the optimum nano-encapsulating system was characterized by the sustained-release and pH-selective behaviors to target the NAR release at the site of action or absorption. Interestingly, the optimum nano-encapsulating system was showing better colorectal cytotoxicity results in comparison to the other groups.

Development and Evaluation of Ginkgo biloba/Sodium Alginate Nanocomplex Gel as a Long-Acting Formulation for Wound Healing

The aim of the study was to develop and evaluate the Ginkgo biloba nanocomplex gel (GKNG) as a long-acting formulation for the wound healing potential. Pharmaceutical analysis showed an average particle size of 450.14 ± 36.06 nm for GKNG, zeta potential +0.012 ± 0.003 mV, and encapsulation efficiency 91 ± 1.8%. The rheological analysis also showed the optimum diffusion rate and viscosity needed for topical drug delivery. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), powder X-ray diffractometry (PXRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis further confirmed the success of GKNG. The in vivo study showed increments in the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and a lower level of lipid peroxidation (MDA) after GKNG treatment. The GKNG group showed upregulations in collagen type I, as alpha 1 collagen (COL1A1), and collagen type IV, as alpha 1 collagen (COL4A1). Furthermore, the in vivo study showed increments in hydroxyproline, epidermal growth factor (EGF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1) after the GKNG. Additionally, GKNG effectively increased the wound contraction compared to GK gel and sodium alginate (SA) gel. Based on the in vitro and in vivo evaluation, GKNG effectively accelerated wound healing by modulation of antioxidant enzymes, collagens, angiogenic factors, and TGF-β1.