In Vitro transdermal delivery of sesamol using oleic acid chemically-modified gelatin nanoparticles as a potential breast cancer medication

Transdermal Delivery of Tofacitinib Citrate via Mannose-Decorated Transferosomes Loaded with Tofacitinib Citrate in Arthritic Joints

Transdermal drug delivery systems are a promising option for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) because they can lower systemic adverse effects of immunosuppressants. Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors were found to be effective for the treatment of RA by inhibiting the JAK-STAT pathway and preventing autoimmune joint destruction. The aim of this study is to deliver tofacitinib (a JAK 1 and 3 inhibitor) through mannose-decorated transferosomes (MDTs) directly to inflamed joints. Transferosomes are composed of phospholipids, Cremophor A25, PEG400, Labrafac lipophile, and oleic acid to enhance the permeation of tofacitinib and control nanovesicle size (∼70-200 nm). Permeation through rat skin was evaluated, where the skin permeation of MDTs (Q24: 38.8 ± 9.82 μg/cm2) and flux (0.5311 ± 0.072 μg/cm2/h) were significantly greater than those of the uncoated transferosomes (Q24 of T1: 1.522 ± 0.329 μg/cm2, Q24 of T2: 3.5002 ± 0.998 μg/cm2, and Q24 of T3: 18.226 ± 5.25 μg/cm2). In addition, MDTs seem to permeate the skin intact, as shown by the transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images of the recipient buffer removed from the Franz diffusion cell. A histopathology assay was performed during the in vivo evaluation of MDTs in an arthritic rat model, in which, significantly less inflammation was observed when MDTs were applied directly to the joint compared to when applied to the dorsal skin and untreated arthritic joints. Furthermore, significantly lower tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα), IL-6, and IL-1β levels (P < 0.05) were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in homogenates of the joints treated with MDTs than in untreated arthritic joints. In conclusion, this study proposed effective MDTs that could deliver tofacitinib directly to inflamed joints possibly by targeting the macrophages circulating in the proximity of the site of inflammation.

Sesamol as a potent anticancer compound: from chemistry to cellular interactions

Sesamol (SM), a well-known component isolated from sesame seeds (Sesamum indicum), used in traditional medicines in treating numerous ailments. However, numerous molecular investigations revealed the various mechanisms behind its activity, emphasizing its antiproliferative, anti-inflammatory, and apoptosis-inducing properties, preventing cancer cell spread to distant organs. In several cells derived from various malignant tissues, SM-regulated signal transduction pathways and cellular targets have been identified. This review paper comprehensively describes the anticancer properties of SM and SM-viable anticancer drugs. Additionally, the interactions of this natural substance with standard anticancer drugs are examined, and the benefits of using nanotechnology in SM applications are explored. This makes SM a prime example of how ethnopharmacological knowledge can be applied to the development of contemporary drugs.

Polymer-Based Drug Delivery Systems for Cancer Therapeutics

Chemotherapy together with surgery and/or radiotherapy are the most common therapeutic methods for treating cancer. However, the off-target effects of chemotherapy are known to produce side effects and dose-limiting toxicities. Novel delivery platforms based on natural and synthetic polymers with enhanced pharmacokinetic and therapeutic potential for the treatment of cancer have grown tremendously over the past 10 years. Polymers can facilitate selective targeting, enhance and prolong circulation, improve delivery, and provide the controlled release of cargos through various mechanisms, including physical adsorption, chemical conjugation, and/or internal loading. Notably, polymers that are biodegradable, biocompatible, and physicochemically stable are considered to be ideal delivery carriers. This biomimetic and bio-inspired system offers a bright future for effective drug delivery with the potential to overcome the obstacles encountered. This review focuses on the barriers that impact the success of chemotherapy drug delivery as well as the recent developments based on natural and synthetic polymers as platforms for improving drug delivery for treating cancer.

Do the chitosan nanoparticles really augment the drugs' transdermal fluxes: ending the debate using meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

Transdermal delivery has been extensively investigated as a successful alternative to the oral and parenteral routes of administration. The use of polymeric nanoparticles as drug delivery systems through this route has always been controversial. The use of meta-analyses is a useful quantitative means to decide upon the efficiency of this type of vehicles transporting drugs through the skin.

AREAS COVERED

In this meta-analysis study, polymeric nanoparticles were quantitatively compared to conventional formulations in order to investigate the feasibility of using these particles in transdermal delivery. Natural versus synthetic polymeric sub-groups were also contrasted to determine the most efficient class for transdermal drug enhancement.

EXPERT OPINION

Meta-analyses are gaining ground in the drug delivery field as they can exploit the mines of the literature and pick up by statistical evidence the superior formulations administered through several routes of administration. This is the first study that utilized the transdermal fluxes as the meta-analysis study effect and could prove the superiority of natural polymeric nanoparticles in transdermal delivery. In our opinion, there is paucity in research work regarding this type of nanocarriers, specifically on chitosan nanoparticles. More studies are warranted for full exploitation of its benefits.

Nanostructured proteins for delivering drugs to diseased tissues

During the last few years, nanostructures based on proteins have been playing a vital role in revolutionizing the nanomedicine era. Since protein nanoparticles are smaller and have a greater surface area, they retain a better capacity to interact with other molecules, resulting in carrying payloads efficiently to diseased tissues. Besides having attractive biocompatibility and biodegradability, protein nanoparticles can also be modified on their surfaces. For the fabrication of these nanostructures, there are several processes involved, including emulsification, desolvation, a combination of complex coacervation and electrospray. This can be achieved by using different proteins such as albumin, gelatin, elastin, gliadin, collagen, legumin and zein, as well as a combination of these proteins. It is possible to functionalize protein nanoparticles by altering their internal and external interfaces so that they can encapsulate drugs, release them in a controlled manner, disassemble them systematically and target tumors. This review highlights the physicochemical properties and engineering of several proteins to nano-dimensions used to deliver drugs to diseased tissues.

Formulation Strategies for Enhancing Pharmaceutical and Nutraceutical Potential of Sesamol: A Natural Phenolic Bioactive

Natural plants and their products continue to be the major source of phytoconstituents in food and therapeutics. Scientific studies have evidenced the benefits of sesame oil and its bioactives in various health conditions. Various bioactives present in it include sesamin, sasamolin, sesaminol, and sesamol; among these, sesamol represents a major constituent. This bioactive is responsible for preventing various diseases including cancer, hepatic disorders, cardiac ailments, and neurological diseases. In the last decade, the application of sesamol in the management of various disorders has attracted the increasing interest of the research community. Owing to its prominent pharmacological activities, such as antioxidant, antiinflammatory, antineoplastic, and antimicrobial, sesamol has been explored for the above-mentioned disorders. However, despite the above-mentioned therapeutic potential, its clinical utility is mainly hindered owing to low solubility, stability, bioavailability, and rapid clearance issues. In this regard, numerous strategies have been explored to surpass these restrictions with the formulation of novel carrier platforms. This review aims to describe the various reports and summarize the different pharmacological activities of sesamol. Furthermore, one part of this review is devoted to formulating strategies to improve sesamol's challenges. To resolve the issues such as the stability, low bioavailability, and high systemic clearance of sesamol, novel carrier systems have been developed to open a new avenue to utilize this bioactive as an efficient first-line treatment for various diseases.

Multifunctional Graphene Oxide Nanodelivery Platform for Breast Cancer Treatment

Background

Breast cancer (BC) has the highest global prevalence among all malignancies in women and the second highest prevalence in the overall population. Paclitaxel (PTX), a tricyclic diterpenoid, is effective against BC. However, its poor solubility in water and the allergenicity of its dissolution medium limited its clinical application.

Methods

In this work, we established a multifunctional graphene oxide (GO) tumor-targeting drug delivery system using nanosized graphene oxide (nGO) modified with D-tocopherol polyethylene glycol succinate (TPGS) and arginine-glycine-aspartic acid (RGD) for PTX loading.

Results

The obtained RGD-TPGS-nGO-PTX was 310.20±19.86 nm in size; the polydispersity index (PDI) and zeta potential were 0.21±0.020 and -23.42 mV, respectively. The mean drug loading capacity of RGD-TPGS-nGO-PTX was 48.78%. RGD-TPGS-nGO-PTX showed satisfactory biocompatibility and biosafety and had no significant toxic effects on zebrafish embryos. Importantly, it exerted excellent cytotoxicity against MDA-MB-231 cells, reversed multi-drug resistance (MDR) in MCF-7/ADR cells, and showed significant anti-tumor efficacy in tumor-bearing nude mice.

Conclusion

These findings strongly suggested that the multifunctional GO tumor-targeting drug delivery system RGD-TPGS-nGO-PTX could be used in clinical settings to improve PTX delivery, reverse MDR and increase the therapeutic efficacy of BC treatment.

Formulation, Characterization, Anti-Inflammatory and Cytotoxicity Study of Sesamol-Laden Nanosponges

Sesamol (SES) possesses remarkable chemotherapeutic activity, owing to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant potential. However, the activity of SES is mainly hampered by its poor physicochemical properties and stability issues. Hence, to improve the efficacy of this natural anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic agent, it was loaded into β-cyclodextrin nanosponges (NS) prepared using different molar ratios of polymer and crosslinker (diphenyl carbonate). The particle size of SES-laden NS (SES-NS) was shown to be in the nano range (200 to 500 nm), with a low polydispersity index, an adequate charge (-17 to -26 mV), and a high payload. Field emission scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy were used to characterize the bioactive-loaded selected batch (SES-NS6). This batch of nanoformulations showed improved solubilization efficacy (701.88 µg/mL) in comparison to bare SES (244.36 µg/mL), polymer (β-CD) (261.43 µg/mL), and other fabricated batches. The drug release data displayed the controlled release behavior of SES from NS. The findings of the egg albumin denaturation assay revealed the enhanced anti-inflammatory potential of SES-NS as compared to bare SES. Further, the cytotoxicity assay showed that SES-NS was more effective against B16F12 melanoma cell lines than the bioactive alone. The findings of this assay demonstrated a reduction in the IC₅₀ values of SES-NS (67.38 μg/mL) in comparison to SES (106 μg/mL). The present investigation demonstrated the in vitro controlled release pattern and the enhanced anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic activity of SES-NS, suggesting its potential as a promising drug delivery carrier for topical delivery.

Meta-Analysis: A Convenient Tool for the Choice of Nose-to-Brain Nanocarriers

OBJECTIVES

The intranasal route represents a high promising route of administration aiming for brain delivery. Yet, it represents one of the most difficult and complicated routes. Accordingly, scientists are in a continuous search for novel drug delivery vehicles such as the lipid and polymeric nanoparticles that are apt to enhance the bioavailability of the administered drugs to reach the brain. In this study, a certain number of publications were selected from different databases and literature. Meta-analysis studies using two different algorithms (DerSimonian-Laird and inverse variance) followed aiming to explore the published studies and confirm by evidence the superiority of nanocarriers in enhancing the brain bioavailability of various drugs. Furthermore, the quantitative comparison of lipid versus polymeric nanosystems was performed.

METHODS

The area under the curve (AUC) as an important pharmacokinetic parameter extracted from in vivo animal studies was designated as the "effect" in the performed meta-analysis after normalization. Forest plots were generated.

KEY FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS

The meta-analysis confirmed the augmentation of the AUC after the comparison with traditional preparations such as solutions and suspensions. Most importantly, lipid nanoparticles were proven to be significantly superior to the polymeric counterparts.

Brain targeted delivery of carmustine using chitosan coated nanoparticles via nasal route for glioblastoma treatment

This study aims to develop chitosan-coated PLGA nanoparticles intended for nose-to-brain delivery of carmustine. Formulations were prepared by the double emulsion solvent evaporation method and optimized by using Box-Behnken Design. The optimized nanoparticles were obtained to satisfactory levels in terms of particle size, PDI, entrapment efficiency, and drug loading. In vitro drug release and ex-vivo permeation showed sustained release and enhanced permeability (approx. 2 fold) of carmustine compared to drug suspension. The AUC_0-t of brain obtained with carmustine-loaded nanoparticles via nasal administration in Albino Wistar rats was 2.8 and 14.7 times that of intranasal carmustine suspension and intravenous carmustine, respectively. The MTT assay on U87 MG cell line showed a significant decrease (P < 0.05) in the IC50 value of the formulation (71.23 μg ml^-1) as compared to drug suspension (90.02 μg ml^-1).These findings suggest chitosan coated nanoparticles could be used to deliver carmustine via intranasal administration to treat Glioblastoma multiforme.

Microneedles Assisted Controlled and Improved Transdermal Delivery of High Molecular Drugs via Insitu Forming Depot Thermoresponsive Poloxamers Gels in Skin Microchannels

Skin considered as an attractive route for variety of drug molecules administration. However it proved to be the main physical barrier for drug flux owing to their poor permeability and low bioavailability across stratum corneum layer. In current study novel approach has been used to enhance transdermal delivery via microporation through combination of poloxamers gels and microneedles arrays. The phase transition of poloxamers at various concentrations from sol-gel was evaluated using AR2000 rheometer to confirm microneedles-assisted insitu forming depots. Temperature test confirmed gelation between 32-37 °C. Curcumin was loaded in poloxamer formulations at variable concentrations and its effect showed reduction in critical gelation temperature (CGT) owing to its hydrophobic nature. Microneedles (MNs) arrays (600 µm) prepared from Gantrez S-97, PEG 10000 and Gelatin B using (19 × 19) laser-engineered silicone micromoulds showed high mechanical stability investigated via Texture analyzer. From insitu dissolution profile Gelatin 15% w/w based MNs displayed quicker dissolution rate in comparison to PG10000. VivoSight® OCT scanner and dye tracking confirmed that PG10000 MNs arrays pierced SC layer, infiltrate the epidermis and goes to dermis layer. From invitro permeation, it was concluded that 20% w/w PF127^® gel formulations containing (0.1% and 0.3%) curcumin displayed high curcumin permeation for comparatively longer time through microporated skin samples in comparison to non-microporated skin. The curcumin distribution in skin tissues with higher florescence intensity was noted in MNs treated skin samples by confocal microscopy. FTIR confirmed the structure formation of fabricated MNs, while TGA showed dry, brittle and rigid nature of Gelatin MNs.

Sesamol Loaded Albumin Nanoparticles: A Boosted Protective Property in Animal Models of Oxidative Stress

The current study evaluated the ability of sesamol-loaded albumin nanoparticles to impart protection against oxidative stress induced by anthracyclines in comparison to the free drug. Albumin nanoparticles were prepared via the desolvation technique and then freeze-dried with the cryoprotectant, trehalose. Albumin concentration, pH, and type of desolvating agent were assessed as determining factors for successful albumin nanoparticle fabrication. The optimal nanoparticles were spherical in shape, and they had an average particle diameter of 127.24 ± 2.12 nm with a sesamol payload of 96.89 ± 2.4 μg/mg. The drug cellular protection was tested on rat hepatocytes pretreated with 1 µM doxorubicin, which showed a 1.2-fold higher protective activity than the free sesamol. In a pharmacokinetic study, the loading of a drug onto nanoparticles resulted in a longer half-life and mean residence time, as compared to the free drug. Furthermore, in vivo efficacy and biochemical assessment of lipid peroxidation, cardiac biomarkers, and liver enzymes were significantly ameliorated after administration of the sesamol-loaded albumin nanoparticles. The biochemical assessments were also corroborated with the histopathological examination data. Sesamol-loaded albumin nanoparticles, prepared under controlled conditions, may provide an enhanced protective effect against off-target doxorubicin toxicity.

Augmented in vitro and in vivo Profiles of Brimonidine Tartrate Using Gelatinized-Core Liposomes

Background

The low entrapment efficiency of the hydrophilic drugs such as brimonidine tartrate (BRT) in liposomes represents a challenge that requires interventions. Gelatinized core liposomes (GCLs) were fabricated to increase the drug entrapment, corneal penetration, and physical stability of the investigated molecule.

Research Design and Methods

GCLs encapsulating BRT were prepared and optimized utilizing D-optimal design (DOD). The effect of plasticizer incorporation on the physicochemical characteristics and on the in vivo performance was studied. The optimized formulations were investigated for pH, rheological properties, morphological characteristics, in vitro release profiles, biological performance, safety profile. The effects of storage and gamma sterilization were also investigated.

Results

The results revealed the great success of the prepared formulations to achieve high entrapment efficiency reaching 98% after a maturation period of 10 days. The addition of glycerol as plasticizer significantly minimized the particle size and shortened the maturation period to 7 days. The selected formulations were stable for 3 months after gamma sterilization. The formulations showed significant lowering of intra-ocular pressure (IOP) in glaucomatous rabbits with sustainment of the pharmacological effect for 24 hours compared to drug solution.

Conclusions

Enhanced in vitro and in vivo profiles of brimonidine tartrate loaded gelatinized-core-liposomes were obtained.

Lipidic cubic-phase leflunomide nanoparticles (cubosomes) as a potential tool for breast cancer management

Despite the fact of availability of several treatments for breast cancer, most of them fail to attain the desired therapeutic response due to their poor bioavailability, high doses, non-selectivity and as a result systemic toxicity. Here in an attempt made to study the transdermal effect of leflunomide (LEF) against breast cancer. In order to improve the poor physicochemical properties of LEF, it was loaded into cubosomes. Cubosomes were prepared by the emulsification method. Colloidal characteristics of cubosomes including particle size, ζ-potential, entrapment efficiency, in-vitro release profile and ex-vivo permeation were studied. In addition, morphology, stability, cytotoxicity and cell uptake in MDA-MB-231 cell line were carried out for the selected cubosomal formulation. The selected LEF loaded cubosomal formulation showed a small particle size (168 ± 1.08) with narrow size distribution (PI 0.186 ± 0.125) and negative ζ potential (–25.5 ± 0.98). Its Entrapment efficiency (EE%) was 93.2% and showed sustained release profile that extended for 24 h. The selected formulation showed stability when stored at 25 °C for three months in terms of size and EE%. TEM images illustrated the cubic structure of the cubosome. Cell culture results revealed the superiority of LEF cubosomes compared to LEF suspension in their cytotoxic effects with an IC50 close to that of doxorubicin. Furthermore, LEF cell uptake was significantly higher for LEF cubosomes. This may be attributed to the effect of nano-encapsulation on enhancing drug pharmacological effects and uptake indicating the potential usefulness of LEF cubosomes for breast cancer management.

Elaborated survey in the scope of nanocarriers engineering for boosting chemotherapy cytotoxicity: A meta-analysis study

Cancer is the prime cause of mortality throughout the world. Although the conventional chemotherapeutic agents damage the cancerous cells, they exert prominent injury to the normal cells owing to their lack of specificity. With advances in science, many research studies have been established to boost the cytotoxic effect of the chemotherapeutic agents via innovating novel nano-formulations having different variables. In the current meta-analysis study, combined data from different research articles were gathered for the evidence-based proof of the superiority of drug loaded nanocarriers over their corresponding conventional solutions in boosting the cytotoxic effect of chemotherapy in terms of IC50 values. The meta-analysis was subdivided into three subgroups; nanoparticles versus nanofibers, surface functionalized nanocarriers versus naked ones, and protein versus non-protein-based platforms. The different subgroups interestingly showed distinct scoring outcome data paving the road for cytotoxicity enhancement of the anti-cancer drugs in an evidence-based manner.

Route of intracellular uptake and cytotoxicity of sesamol, sesamin, and sesamolin in human melanoma SK-MEL-2 cells

The intracellular uptake concentration determines drug absorption, drug activity, and toxicity. Sesamol, sesamin, and sesamolin are promising bioactive components from Sesame indicum L. Their respective intracellular uptake pathway and cytotoxicity were evaluated using melanoma and non-cancerous cells. Quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) models were built to identify the molecular features affecting drug uptake in cells. The respective intracellular uptake pathway for sesamol vs. sesamin and sesamolin was carrier-mediated vs. passive transport. Topological polar surface area (PSA) and 2D autocorrections increase the intracellular concentration (C/M ratio) of these compounds. Sesamol has the lowest C/M ratio compared to sesamin and sesamolin, but only sesamol inhibits the cell viability of melanoma and provides an inhibition concentration at 50% (IC₅₀) against melanoma cells. The slightly aqueous solubility of sesamin and sesamolin, therefore, limits testing of their cytotoxicity. In conclusion, sesamol has the potential to inhibit melanoma cell growth, but requires improvement of the C/M ratio to increase its physicochemical properties. Thus, in order to investigate the cytotoxicity of sesamin and sesamolin against melanoma cells a solubility enhancer is needed.

Synchronizing In Silico, In Vitro, and In Vivo Studies for the Successful Nose to Brain Delivery of an Anticancer Molecule

Sesamol is a sesame seed constituent with reported activity against many types of cancer. In this work, two types of nanocarriers, solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) and polymeric nanoparticles (PNs), were exploited to improve sesamol efficiency against the glioma cancer cell line. The ability of the proposed systems for efficient brain targeting intranasally was also inspected. By the aid of two docking programs, the virtual loading pattern inside these nanocarriers was matched to the real experimental results. Interactions involved in sesamol-carrier binding were also assessed, followed by a discussion of how different scoring functions account for these interactions. The study is an extension of the computer-assisted drug formulation design series, which represents a promising initiative for an upcoming industrial innovation. The results proved the power of combined in silico tools in predicting members with the highest sesamol payload suitable for delivering a sufficient dose to the brain. Among nine carriers, glyceryl monostearate (GMS) and polycaprolactone (PCL) scored the highest sesamol payload practically and computationally. The EE % was 66.09 ± 0.92 and 61.73 ± 0.47 corresponding to a ΔG (binding energy) of -8.85 ± 0.16 and -5.04 ± 0.11, respectively. Dynamic light scattering evidenced the formation of 215.1 ± 7.2 nm and 414.25 ± 1.6 nm nanoparticles, respectively. Both formulations demonstrated an efficient cytotoxic effect and brain-targeting ability compared to the sesamol solution. This was evidenced by low IC₅₀ (38.50 ± 10.37 μM and 27.81 ± 2.76 μM) and high drug targeting efficiency (7.64 ± 1.89-fold and 13.72 ± 4.1-fold) and direct transport percentages (86.12 ± 3.89 and 92.198 ± 2.09) for GMS-SLNs and PCL-PNs, respectively. The results also showed how different formulations, having different compositions and characteristics, could affect the cytotoxic and targeting ability.

Sesamol-loaded stearic acid-chitosan nanomicelles mitigate the oxidative stress-stimulated apoptosis and induction of pro-inflammatory cytokines in motor neuronal of the spinal cord through NF-ĸB signaling pathway

As natural potential antioxidants suffer from low cellular uptake, the development of drug-loaded nanoplatforms may provide useful information about the treatment of spinal cord injury (SCI). In the present study, sesamol (SM)-loaded stearic acid (SA) -chitosan (CS) nanomicelles were fabricated and well-characterized. Afterwards, the neuroprotective effects of SM@SA-CS nanomicelles against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced oxidative stress in NSC-34 cells was assessed by different cellular and molecular pathways. It was deduced that the size of synthesized SM@SA-CS was in the range of 10-20 nm and the hydrodynamic radii of SA-CA and SM@SA-CA nanomicelles were 53.12 ± 6.21 nm and 59.12 ± 7.31 nm, respectively. Furthermore, SM@SA-CS nanomicelles displayed a sustained drug release at physiological pH, potential dissolution rate and stability even up to 15 days. Cellular assay showed that SM@SA-CS nanomicelles co-incubation with LPS for 24 h in comparison with free drug remarkably regulated cell survival, membrane leakage, generation of ROS, activity of non-enzymatic and enzymatic antioxidant systems, and apoptotic and inflammatory signaling pathway through NF-ĸB signaling pathway. These data indicated that SM@SA-CS nanomicelles can be developed as a promising platform for the mitigation of oxidative stress-mediated apoptosis in neural cells.

Uniting Electroceutical and Cosmeceutical Interventions in Combating Coronavirus Using Ԑ-Poly-l-Lysine

Combating the COVID-19 pandemic warrants the exploitation of all the available tools and implies a major focus on both the biological and the physical properties of the causing virus (SARS-CoV2). We hereby introduce a new prophylaxis hypothesis by decreasing the viral load in the body entrances such as the nose and the mouth using pharmaceutical and cosmeceutical preparations that incorporate viral electrostatic repulsive nanofibers fabricated from an abundant marine-derived or a fermentation product polymer; Ԑ-poly-l-lysine was prepared using the electrospinning technique.

RETRACTED: Pluronic® F127 stabilized reduced graphene oxide hydrogel for the treatment of psoriasis: In vitro and in vivo studies

This article has been retracted: please see Elsevier Policy on Article Withdrawal (http://www.elsevier.com/locate/withdrawalpolicy). This article has been retracted at the request of the Editors. Significant similarities were noticed post-publication between this article and an article submitted to the journal on the same day, by an apparently unrelated research group: Hui Li, Yanlu Jia and Chunling Liu, Colloids and Surfaces B: Biointerfaces 195 (2020) 111259 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.colsurfb.2020.111259. Moreover, the authors did not respond to the journal request to comment on these similarities and to provide the raw data, and the Editors decided to retract the article. One of the conditions of submission of a paper for publication is that authors declare explicitly that their work is original and genuine. As such this article represents a severe abuse of the scientific publishing system. The scientific community takes a very strong view on this matter and apologies are offered to readers of the journal that this was not detected during the submission process. Although this article was published earlier than the article from Colloids and Surfaces B: Biointerfaces 195 (2020) 111259, the Editors decided to retract this article given the concerns on the reliability of the data.

Development and Evaluation of Cucurbitacin B Microemulsion: the Effect of Oil Phase and Aqueous Phase on Drug Percutaneous Absorption Based on ATR-FTIR Spectroscopy and Molecular Modeling

The present study aimed to develop a cucurbitacin B microemulsion (CuB-ME) and investigate the mechanism of the enhanced drug skin absorption at the molecular level. Firstly, the pseudo-ternary phase diagrams were developed to evaluate the effect of composition on microemulsion properties systematically. The formulation composition types and ratios of oil phase, surfactant, co-surfactant, and aqueous phase were optimized by an in vitro skin permeation experiment, and the optimized formula was confirmed with the pharmacodynamics study. Furthermore, the molecular mechanism of enhanced skin permeation was investigated using ATR-FTIR and molecular modeling. As a result, the optimized CuB-ME formulation was composed of Azone:Tween 80:ethanol:water = 2.5:16.9:5.6:75.0 (w/w/w/w). The oil phase improved skin permeation by disordering the stratum corneum intercellular liquid, while the aqueous phase impacted the particle size of the microemulsion and permeability coefficient of the drug. Besides, the hydration state of skin lipid also enhanced drug permeation by the interaction of water and the polar head of ceramide. The in vitro skin permeation amount was 45.47 ± 10.39 μg/cm², and no significant skin irritation was observed. The pharmacodynamics study demonstrated that CuB-ME had a significant therapeutic effect on the animal tumor model. In conclusion, the CuB-ME was developed successfully and the effect of the oil phase and aqueous phase on drug skin permeation was clarified at the molecular level.

Monoolein Assisted Oil-Based Transdermal Delivery of Powder Vaccine

An increasing number of protein vaccines have been researched for cancer, inflammation, and allergy therapies. Most of the protein therapeutics are administered through injection because orally-administered proteins are metabolized by the digestive system. Although transdermal administration has received increasing attention, the natural barrier formed by the skin is an obstacle. Monoolein is a common skin penetration enhancer that facilitates topical and transdermal drug delivery. Conventionally, it has been used in an aqueous vehicle, often with polyhydric alcohols. In the current study, monoolein was dissolved in an oil vehicle, isopropyl myristate, to facilitate the skin permeation of powder proteins. The skin permeabilities of the proteins were examined in-vivo and ex-vivo. Monoolein concentration-dependently enhanced the skin permeation of proteins. The protein permeability correlated with the zeta potential of the macromolecules. Dehydration of the stratum corneum (SC), lipid extraction from the SC, and disordering of ceramides caused by monoolein were demonstrated through Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic analysis and small-angle X-ray scattering analysis. An antigen model protein, ovalbumin from egg white, was delivered to immune cells in living mice, and induced antigen-specific IgG antibodies. The patch system showed the potential for transdermal vaccine delivery.

Nanotechnology for angiogenesis: opportunities and challenges

Angiogenesis plays a critical role within the human body, from the early stages of life (i.e., embryonic development) to life-threatening diseases (e.g., cancer, heart attack, stroke, wound healing). Many pharmaceutical companies have expended huge efforts on both stimulation and inhibition of angiogenesis. During the last decade, the nanotechnology revolution has made a great impact in medicine, and regulatory approvals are starting to be achieved for nanomedicines to treat a wide range of diseases. Angiogenesis therapies involve the inhibition of angiogenesis in oncology and ophthalmology, and stimulation of angiogenesis in wound healing and tissue engineering. This review aims to summarize nanotechnology-based strategies that have been explored in the broad area of angiogenesis. Lipid-based, carbon-based and polymeric nanoparticles, and a wide range of inorganic and metallic nanoparticles are covered in detail. Theranostic and imaging approaches can be facilitated by nanoparticles. Many preparations have been reported to have a bimodal effect where they stimulate angiogenesis at low dose and inhibit it at higher doses.

Development of a Self-Emulsifying Drug Delivery System for Optimized Topical Delivery of Clofazimine

A quality-by-design and characterization approach was followed to ensure development of self-emulsifying drug delivery systems (SEDDSs) destined for topical delivery of the highly lipophilic clofazimine. Solubility and water-titration experiments identified spontaneous emulsification capacity of different excipient combinations and clofazimine. After identifying self-emulsification regions, check-point formulations were selected within the self-emulsification region by considering characteristics required to achieve optimized topical drug delivery. Check-point formulations, able to withstand phase separation after 24 h at an ambient temperature, were subjected to characterization studies. Experiments involved droplet size evaluation; size distribution; zeta-potential; self-emulsification time and efficacy; viscosity and pH measurement; cloud point assessment; and thermodynamic stability studies. SEDDSs with favorable properties, i.e., topical drug delivery, were subjected to dermal diffusion studies. Successful in vitro topical clofazimine delivery was observed. Olive oil facilitated the highest topical delivery of clofazimine probably due to increased oleic acid levels that enhanced stratum corneum lipid disruption, followed by improved dermal clofazimine delivery. Finally, isothermal microcalometric experiments studied the compatibility of excipients. Potential interactions were depicted between argan oil and clofazimine as well as between Span®60 and argan-, macadamia- and olive oil, respectively. However, despite some mundane incompatibilities, successful development of topical SEDDSs achieved enhanced topical clofazimine delivery.

Development of Topical/Transdermal Self-Emulsifying Drug Delivery Systems, Not as Simple as Expected

Self-emulsifying drug delivery systems (SEDDSs) originated as an oral lipid-based drug delivery system with the sole purpose of improving delivery of highly lipophilic drugs. However, the revolutionary drug delivery possibilities presented by these uniquely simplified systems in terms of muco-adhesiveness and zeta-potential changing capacity lead the way forward to ground-breaking research. Contrarily, SEDDSs destined for topical/transdermal drug delivery have received limited attention. Therefore, this review is focused at utilising principles, established during development of oral SEDDSs, and tailoring them to fit evaluation strategies for an optimised topical/transdermal drug delivery vehicle. This includes a detailed discussion of how the authentic pseudo-ternary phase diagram is employed to predict phase behaviour to find the self-emulsification region most suitable for formulating topical/transdermal SEDDSs. Additionally, special attention is given to the manner of characterising oral SEDDSs compared to topical/transdermal SEDDSs, since absorption within the gastrointestinal tract and the multi-layered nature of the skin are two completely diverse drug delivery territories. Despite the advantages of the topical/transdermal drug administration route, certain challenges such as the relatively undiscovered field of skin metabolomics as well as the obstacles of choosing excipients wisely to establish skin penetration enhancement might prevail. Therefore, development of topical/transdermal SEDDSs might be more complicated than expected.

Utilization of a fattigation platform gelatin-oleic acid sodium salt conjugate as a novel solubilizing adjuvant for poorly water-soluble drugs via self-assembly and nanonization

Solubilizing adjuvants are commonly used to dissolve insoluble drugs by simply adding in a formulation. In this study, gelatin and oleic acid sodium salt (OAS), a generally recognized as safe-listed material were chosen and conjugated to develop a natural solubilizing adjuvant using the fattigation platform technology to enhance solubility and dissolution rate of poorly water-soluble drugs according to self-assembly and nanonization principle when simply mixed with poorly water-soluble drugs. We synthesized the gelatin and OAS conjugates (GOC) at three different ratios (1:1, 1:3, 1:5; GOC 1, GOC 2, and GOC 3, respectively) via the 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide/N-hydroxysuccinimide reaction using a spray dryer. This amphiphilic micronized GOC was self-assembled into nanoparticles. The synthesis of new amphiphilic conjugates was identified through Fourier transform-infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. The powder properties of the GOCs, such as angle of repose, bulk density, and tapped density were varied with the oleic acid bonding ratio. Then, GOCs were utilized to investigate the enhanced solubility and release rate of various poorly water-soluble drugs such as cilostazol (CSZ), coenzyme Q10, ticagrelor, telmisartan, aprepitant and itraconazole as model drugs. Based on the solubility studies by concentration and type of GOCs, 3% GOC 2 was selected. When this GOC was mixed with these model drugs by the physical mixing, wetting and hot melting methoods, the solubility was highly enhanced compared to the pure control drug, ranging from 20 to 150,000 times. In case of CSZ, all formulations were significantly improved release rate compared to the of CSZ alone and the reference tablet, cilostan® (Korea United Pharm) in simulated intestinal fluid containing 0.2% sodium lauryl sulfate. Differential scanning calorimetry and powder X-ray diffraction were conducted to confirm the crystal polymorphic structure of CSZ, and as a result they changed to diminutive peak intensity compared to CSZ alone. Field-emission scanning electron microscopy indicated that GOC was round with a reduced size of about 100 nm. The reduction of drug particles via nanonization and self-assembly of amphiphilic GOC in an aqueous media could be a key factor to improve poor water solubility by providing a favorable dispersion of drug molecules in an amphiphilic network.

Preparation and characterization of general-purpose gelatin-based co-loading flavonoids nano-core structure

Flavonoids (FLAs) possess anti-cancer, anti-viral, anti-bacterial, and anti-oxidant properties. In this study, gelatin nanoparticles (GNPs) with controllable surface potential and diameter was prepared through a modified two-step desolvation. Two well-known flavonoids, namely, low-molecular weight Genistein (GEN) and high-molecular weight Icariin (ICA), were adsorbed onto the surface of GNPs (FLA@GNPs). The characteristics of GNPs and the main parameters affecting flavonoid adsorption were studied to evaluate the adsorption capacity and structural stability of FLA@GNPs. Furthermore, co-adsorption of GEN and ICA was detected. The adsorption mechanism of GNPs with FLA was further discussed. Results showed that the low-molecular weight GEN could be effectively adsorbed by GNPs, and their entrapment efficiencies were over 90% under optimized conditions. The total drug loading of the co-adsorbed FLA@GNPs was significantly higher than that of the single drug loaded (GEN or ICA). GEN@GNPs could maintain its structural stability under acidic conditions (pH = 2) at room temperature (25 °C). This protective function enables both ICA and GEN to be bioactive at room temperature for at least 180 days. The characteristics of GNPs adsorption indicate that the hydrogen bonding theory of the combination of gelatin molecules with polyphenols cannot sufficiently explain the binding of GNPs with polyphenols. FLA@GNPs is a promising general-purpose gelatin-based co-loading preload structure with simplified operation and storage condition.

Advances in phytochemical delivery systems for improved anticancer activity

Natural compounds have significant anticancer pharmacological activities, but often suffer from low bioavailability and selectivity that limit therapeutic use. The present work critically analyzes the latest advances on drug delivery systems designed to enhance pharmacokinetics, targeting, cellular uptake and efficacy of anticancer phytoconstituents. Various phytochemicals, including flavonoids, resveratrol, celastrol, curcumin, berberine and camptothecins, carried by liposomes, nanoparticles, nanoemulsions and films showed promising results. Strategies to avoid drug metabolism, overcome physiological barriers and achieve higher concentration at cancer sites through skin, buccal, nasal, vaginal, pulmonary and colon targeted delivery are presented. Current limitations, challenges and future research directions are also discussed.