Quercitrin loaded cyclodextrin based nanosponge as a promising approach for management of lung cancer and COVID-19

β-Cyclodextrin nanosponges for the ocular delivery of therapeutic Micro-RNA in a Mouse model of retinitis Pigmentosa: A proof of concept study

The exploitation of micro-RNA (miR) sequences as therapeutics has become highly attractive for the treatment of several diseases, including those still lacking effective cures such as retinitis pigmentosa (RP). Interestingly, miR-155-5p plays a role in photo-oxidative inflammation in wild-type mice and is up-regulated in rd10 mice showing peak rod degeneration, suggesting its inhibition by the corresponding anti-miR as a viable therapeutic strategy for RP. However, biomedical application of (anti-)miRs is limited by their oligonucleotide nature, suffering from low solubility and bioavailability along with a very low half-life in vivo due to enzymatic degradation. Thereby, the need for suitable delivery systems led to the development of various nanocarriers, including oligosaccharide-based polymers. In this context, we designed and prepared an innovative nanosponge (NS) with a β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) motif payload with a bridge-like molecule, the amphipathic adamantane derivative (ADM), able to establish strong interactions with both NS and the therapeutic miR, thereby delivering and eventually releasing it close to the active site. Through an in vivo study, we both validated the NS system as a useful tool for miR topical administration by eye drop formulation and the functional activity of anti-miR-155-5p in RP.

Novel microwave-based green approach for the synthesis of dual-loaded cyclodextrin nanosponges: Characterization, pharmacodynamics, and pharmacokinetics evaluation

Recently, microwave-based cyclodextrin nanosponges (CDNS) of domperidone (DOM) for their solubility and dissolution improvement have been studied. However, microwave-based CDNS for the dual-loading of cinnarizine (CIN) and DOM have not been documented. Therefore, this research concentrates explicitly on the concurrent loading of two drugs employing these nanocarriers, namely CIN and DOM, both categorized under Class II of the Biopharmaceutical Classification System. A green approach involving microwave synthesis was employed to fabricate these nanocarriers. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy confirmed the formation of CDNS, while scanning electron microscopy scans illustrated their porous nature. X-ray diffraction studies established the crystalline structure of the nanocarriers. Differential scanning calorimetry and FTIR analyses corroborated the drugs’ loading and subsequent amorphization. In vitro drug release studies demonstrated an enhanced solubility of the drugs, suggesting a potential improvement in their bioavailability. The in vivo pharmacokinetic investigation emphatically substantiated this hypothesis, revealing a 4.54- and 2.90-fold increase in the bioavailability of CIN and DOM, respectively. This enhancement was further supported by the results of the pharmacodynamic study utilizing the gastrointestinal distress/pica model, which indicated a significantly reduced consumption of kaolin. Conclusively, this study affirms the adaptability of microwave-based CDNS for the concurrent loading of multiple drugs, leading to improved solubility and bioavailability.

Research Progress of Disulfide Bond Based Tumor Microenvironment Targeted Drug Delivery System

Cancer poses a significant threat to human life and health. Chemotherapy is currently one of the effective cancer treatments, but many chemotherapy drugs have cell toxicity, low solubility, poor stability, a narrow therapeutic window, and unfavorable pharmacokinetic properties. To solve the above problems, target drug delivery to tumor cells, and reduce the side effects of drugs, an anti-tumor drug delivery system based on tumor microenvironment has become a focus of research in recent years. The construction of a reduction-sensitive nanomedicine delivery system based on disulfide bonds has attracted much attention. Disulfide bonds have good reductive responsiveness and can effectively target the high glutathione (GSH) levels in the tumor environment, enabling precise drug delivery. To further enhance targeting and accelerate drug release, disulfide bonds are often combined with pH-responsive nanocarriers and highly expressed ligands in tumor cells to construct drug delivery systems. Disulfide bonds can connect drug molecules and polymer molecules in the drug delivery system, as well as between different drug molecules and carrier molecules. This article summarized the drug delivery systems (DDS) that researchers have constructed in recent years based on disulfide bond drug delivery systems targeting the tumor microenvironment, disulfide bond cleavage-triggering conditions, various drug loading strategies, and carrier design. In this review, we also discuss the controlled release mechanisms and effects of these DDS and further discuss the clinical applicability of delivery systems based on disulfide bonds and the challenges faced in clinical translation.

Appraisal terpenoids rich Boswellia carterri ethyl acetate extract in binary cyclodextrin oligomer nano complex for improving respiratory distress

Boswellia carterii (BC) resins plants have a long historical background as a treatment for inflammation, as indicated by information originating from multiple countries. Twenty-seven diterpenoids have been identified in ethyl acetate and total methanol BC, comprising seventeen boscartins of the cembrane-type diterpenoids and ten boscartols of the prenylaromadendrane-type diterpenoids. Moreover, twenty-one known triterpenoids have also been found, encompassing nine tirucallane-type, six ursane-type, four oleanane-type, and two lupane-type. The cembrane-type diterpenoids hold a significant position in pharmaceutical chemistry and related industries due to their captivating biological characteristics and promising pharmacological potentials. Extraction of BC, creation and assessment of nano sponges loaded with either B. carterii plant extract or DEX, are the subjects of our current investigation. With the use of ultrasound-assisted synthesis, nano sponges were produced. The entrapment efficiency (EE%) of medications in nano sponges was examined using spectrophotometry. Nano sponges were characterized using a number of methods. Within nano sponges, the EE% of medicines varied between 98.52 ± 0.07 and 99.64 ± 1.40%. The nano sponges' particle sizes varied from 105.9 ± 15.9 to 166.8 ± 26.3 nm. Drugs released from nano sponges using the Korsmeyer-Peppas concept. In respiratory distressed rats, the effects of BC plant extract, DEX salt and their nano formulations (D1, D5, P1 and P1), were tested. Treatment significantly reduced ICAM-1, LTB4, and ILβ 4 levels and improved histopathologic profiles, when compared to the positive control group. Boswellia extract and its nano sponge formulation P1 showed promising therapeutic effects. The effect of P1 may be due to synergism between both the extract and the formulation. This effect was achieved by blocking both ICAM-1 and LTB4 pathways, therefore counteracting the effects of talc powder.

Reprogramming of arachidonic acid metabolism using α-terpineol to alleviate asthma: insights from metabolomics

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder in airways with typical pathologic features of airway inflammation and mucus hypersecretion. α-Terpineol is a monocyclic terpene found in many natural plants and foods. It has been reported to possess a wide range of pharmacological activities including anti-inflammatory and expectorant effects. However, the role of α-terpineol in asthma and its potential protective mechanism have not been well elucidated. This study is designed to investigate the pharmacological effect and mechanism of α-terpineol on asthmatic mice using the metabolomics platform. A murine model of asthma was established using ovalbumin (OVA) sensitization and then challenged for one week. The leukocyte count and inflammatory cytokines in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), lung histopathology, inflammatory  infiltrate and mucus secretion were evaluated. An ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS)-based metabolomics study was performed on lung tissues and serum to explore endogenous small molecule metabolites affected by α-terpineol in asthmatic mice. After α-terpineol treatment, leukocyte count, inflammatory cytokines in the BALF, and peribronchial inflammation infiltration were significantly downregulated. Goblet cell hyperplasia and mucus secretion were attenuated, with the level of Muc5ac in BALF decreased. These results proved the protective effect of α-terpineol against airway inflammation, mucus hypersecretion and Th1/Th2 immune imbalance. To further investigate the underlying mechanisms of α-terpineol in asthma treatment, UPLC-MS/MS-based metabolomics analysis was performed. 26 and 15 identified significant differential metabolites were found in the lung tissues and serum of the control, model and α-terpineol groups, respectively. Based on the above differential metabolites, enrichment analysis showed that arachidonic acid (AA) metabolism was reprogrammed in both mouse lung tissues and serum. 5-Lipoxygenase (5-LOX) and cysteinyl leukotrienes (CysLTs) are the key enzyme and the end product of AA metabolism, respectively. In-depth studies have shown that pretreatment with α-terpineol can alleviate asthma by decreasing the AA level, downregulating the expression of 5-LOX and reducing the accumulation of CysLTs in mouse lung tissues. In summary, this study demonstrates that α-terpineol is a potential agent that can prevent asthma via regulating disordered AA metabolism.

Characterization and In Vivo Antiangiogenic Activity Evaluation of Morin-Based Cyclodextrin Inclusion Complexes

Morin (MRN) is a natural compound with antiangiogenic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer activity. However, it shows a very low water solubility (28 μg/mL) that reduces its oral absorption, making bioavailability low and unpredictable. To improve MRN solubility and positively affect its biological activity, particularly its antiangiogenic activity, in this work, we prepared the inclusion complexes of MNR with sulfobutylether-β-cyclodextrin (SBE-β-CD) and hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HP-β-CD). The inclusion complexes obtained by the freeze-drying method were extensively characterized in solution (phase-solubility studies, UV-Vis titration, and NMR spectroscopy) and in the solid state (TGA, DSC, and WAXD analysis). The complexation significantly increased the water solubility by about 100 times for MRN/HP-β-CD and 115 times for MRN/SBE-β-CD. Furthermore, quantitative dissolution of the complexes was observed within 60 min, whilst 1% of the free drug dissolved in the same experimental time. 1H NMR and UV-Vis titration studies demonstrated both CDs well include the benzoyl moiety of the drug. Additionally, SBE-β-CD could interact with the cinnamoyl moiety of MRN too. The complexes are stable in solution, showing a high value of association constant, that is, 3380 M-1 for MRN/HP-β-CD and 2870 M-1 for MRN/SBE-β-CD. In vivo biological studies on chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) and zebrafish embryo models demonstrated the high biocompatibility of the inclusion complexes and the effective increase in antiangiogenic activity of complexed MRN with respect to the free drug.

Topical caffeine-loaded nanostructured lipid carriers for enhanced treatment of cellulite: A 32 full factorial design optimization and in vivo evaluation in rats

The goal of this study was the development and evaluation of semisolid caffeine (CAF) loaded nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) for topical treatment of cellulite. CAF-loaded NLC formulations were prepared via high-speed homogenization followed by ultrasonication. A 32 full factorial design was employed for formulation optimization. The total lipid content (%) and the liquid lipid content per total lipids (%) were chosen as factors, whereas particle size (PS), polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential (|ZP|) and viscosity (VIS) were selected as responses. The design suggested CAF-NLC3 as the optimum formulation consisting of a total lipid content of 15% w/w (palmitic acid and soft paraffin/isopropyl myristate, 7:3 w/w) and a surfactant content of 10% w/w (Tween 80/lecithin, 8:1.2 w/w). CAF-NLC3 revealed PS, PDI, ZP, VIS and CAF content values of 318.8 nm, 0.253, -41.1 mV, 18.0 Pa.s and 97.57%, respectively. It showed a pseudoplastic rheological behavior, acceptable pH value (5.25), good spreadability (1.12 mm2/g) and spherical shape employing transmission electron microscopy. Differential scanning calorimetry and X-ray diffraction demonstrated the amorphization of CAF in CAF-NLC3. CAF-NLC3 remained stable for 3 months at room and refrigeration conditions. A single topical application of CAF-NLC3 on shaved abdominal skins of Wistar rats revealed enhanced skin retention of CAF by 2-fold and 1.4-fold after 4 h when compared with plain CAF gel (CAF-P) and marketed CAF gel (CAF-M), respectively. Furthermore, CAF-NLC3 exhibited a superior anti-cellulite activity in comparison with CAF-P and CAF-M through elevating extracellular matrix components (collagen 1, elastin and hyaluronic acid) and stimulating the brown adipose tissue thermogenesis via up-regulating UCP1 and PPAR-γ expression. In addition, CAF-NLC3 prominently increased lipolysis through HSL activity and decreased pro-inflammatory cytokines such as ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 after 30 days of treatment on a high fat diet-induced cellulite rat model. These findings were further confirmed by histopathological examination supported by morphometric analysis. Therefore, incorporation of CAF in a semisolid NLC formulation would be a promising cosmetic approach for the topical treatment of cellulite.

Targeted Fisetin-Encapsulated β-Cyclodextrin Nanosponges for Breast Cancer

Fisetin (FS) is considered a safer phytomedicine alternative to conventional chemotherapeutics for breast cancer treatment. Despite its surpassing therapeutic potential, its clinical utility is hampered by its low systemic bioavailability. Accordingly, as far as we are aware, this is the first study to develop lactoferrin-coated FS-loaded β-cyclodextrin nanosponges (LF-FS-NS) for targeted FS delivery to breast cancer. NS formation through cross-linking of β-cyclodextrin by diphenyl carbonate was confirmed by FTIR and XRD. The selected LF-FS-NS showed good colloidal properties (size 52.7 ± 7.2 nm, PDI < 0.3, and ζ-potential 24 mV), high loading efficiency (96 ± 0.3%), and sustained drug release of 26 % after 24 h. Morphological examination using SEM revealed the mesoporous spherical structure of the prepared nanosponges with a pore diameter of ~30 nm, which was further confirmed by surface area measurement. Additionally, LF-FS-NS enhanced FS oral and IP bioavailability (2.5- and 3.2-fold, respectively) compared to FS suspension in rats. Antitumor efficacy evaluation in vitro on MDA-MB-231 cells and in vivo on an Ehrlich ascites mouse model demonstrated significantly higher activity and targetability of LF-FS-NS (30 mg/kg) compared to the free drug and uncoated formulation. Consequently, LF-FS-NS could be addressed as a promising formulation for the effective management of breast cancer.

Optimisation of a Greener-Approach for the Synthesis of Cyclodextrin-Based Nanosponges for the Solubility Enhancement of Domperidone, a BCS Class II Drug

BCS class II molecules suffer from low oral bioavailability because of their poor permeability and sub-optimal aqueous solubility. One of the approaches to enhance their bioavailability is using cyclodextrin-based nanosponges. This study aimed to optimise and evaluate the feasibility of a microwave-assisted approach to synthesise nanosponges and improve domperidone's solubility and drug delivery potential. In the production process, microwave power level, response speed, and stirring speed were optimised using the Box-Behnken approach. Ultimately, the batch with the smallest particle size and highest yield was chosen. The optimised method of synthesis of the nanosponges resulted in a product yield of 77.4% and a particle size of 195.68 ± 2.16 nm. The nanocarriers had a drug entrapment capacity of 84 ± 4.2% and a zeta potential of -9.17± 0.43 mV. The similarity and the difference factors demonstrated proof-of-concept, showing that the drug release from the loaded nanosponges is significantly greater than the plain drug. Additionally, spectral and thermal characterisations, such as FTIR, DSC, and XRD, confirmed the entrapment of the drug within the nanocarrier. SEM scans revealed the porous nature of the nanocarriers. Microwave-assisted synthesis could be used as a better and greener approach to synthesise these nanocarriers. It could then be utilised to load drugs and improve their solubility, as seen in the case of domperidone.