Physico-chemical characterization of an amphiphilic cyclodextrin/genistein complex

Surface modified Genistein phytosome for Breast Cancer Treatment: In-vitro Appraisal, Pharmacokinetics, and In-vivo Antitumor Efficacy

Based on phytosomes advantages over liposomes, hyaluronic acid (HA) with/out pegylated phospholipid was used to develop surface-modified genistein (Gen) phytosome as Gen pegylated hyaluophytosomes (G-PHA) and Gen hyaluophytosomes (G-HA) as novel delivery systems for breast cancer treatment. In this study, in-vitro characterization of G-HA and G-PHA shows PS 144.2 ±1.266 nm and 220.3 ±2.51 nm, ZP -30.9 ±0.75 and -32.06 ±0.305 respectively. Morphological elucidation shows HA covers the surface of G-HA and the presence of a transparent layer of PEG surrounding G-PHA. In-vitro release shows a significant slow Gen release from G-HA, and G-PHA compared to Gen solution and Gen phytosomes. In-vivo bioavailability data shows improvement in bioavailability for G-HA and G-PHA compared to Gen suspension (AUC_0- T: :3.563 ±0.067, 2.092 ±0.058, 0.374 ±0.085 µg/ml*h respectively). Therapeutic evaluation of the prepared targeted formulations was carried out by subcutaneous injection in an EAC-induced breast cancer model in mice. G-HA and G-PHA show a promising chemotherapeutic effect in terms of lowering the tumor size and tumor biomarkers (CEA: -34.6, -44.7 & CA15.3: -77.8, -81.6 respectively). This reduction in their values compared to Gen phytosomes, Gen suspension, and the control group is attributed to high Gen accumulation at the target organ owing to targeting properties of HA that are used in phytosomal surface modification in G-HA. Additionally, the presence of MPEG₂₀₀₀-DSPE in G-PHA tends to improve interstitium lymphatic drainage following SC administration, resulting in maximizing the therapeutic benefits of breast cancer despite the difference in pharmacokinetics behavior compared to G-HA. These formulations can be further studied for metastatic breast cancer.

Oral genistein-loaded phytosomes with enhanced hepatic uptake, residence and improved therapeutic efficacy against hepatocellular carcinoma

Genistein (Gen) is one of the most potent soy isoflavones used for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treatment. Low aqueous solubility and first-pass metabolism are the main obstacles resulting in low Gen oral bioavailability. The current study aims to introduce phytosomes as an approach to improve Gen solubility, protect it from metabolism by complexation with phospholipids (PL), and get used to PL in Gen lymphatic delivery. Different forms of PL namely: Lipiod® S100, Phosal® 53 MCT, and Phosal®75 SA were used in phytosomes preparation GP, GPM, and GPL respectively. The effect of formulation components on Gen absorption, metabolism, and liver accumulation was evaluated following oral administration to rats. Cytotoxicity and cellular uptake studies were applied on HepG2 cells and in-vivo anti-tumor studies were applied to the DEN-mice model. Results revealed that GP and GPL remarkably accumulated Gen aglycone in hepatic cells and minimized the metabolic effect on Gen. They significantly increased the intracellular accumulation of Gen in its complex form in HepG2 cells. Their cytotoxicity is time-dependent according to the complex stability. The enhanced in-vivo anti-tumor effect was observed for GP and GPL compared to Gen suspension on DEN-induced HCC in mice. In conclusion, Gen-phytosomes can represent a promising approach for liver cancer treatment.

Therapeutic Efficacy and Biodistribution of Paclitaxel-Bound Amphiphilic Cyclodextrin Nanoparticles: Analyses in 3D Tumor Culture and Tumor-Bearing Animals In Vivo

The uniqueness of paclitaxel’s antimitotic action mechanism has fueled research toward its application in more effective and safer cancer treatments. However, the low water solubility, recrystallization, and side effects hinder the clinical success of classic paclitaxel chemotherapy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the in vivo efficacy and biodistribution of paclitaxel encapsulated in injectable amphiphilic cyclodextrin nanoparticles of different surface charges. It was found that paclitaxel-loaded amphiphilic cyclodextrin nanoparticles showed an antitumoral effect earlier than the drug solution. Moreover, the blank nanoparticles reduced the tumor growth with a similar trend to the paclitaxel solution. At 24 h, the nanoparticles had not accumulated in the heart and lungs according to the biodistribution assessed by in vivo imaging. Therefore, our results indicated that the amphiphilic cyclodextrin nanoparticles are potentially devoid of cardiac toxicity, which limits the clinical use and commercialization of certain polymeric nanoparticles. In conclusion, the amphiphilic cyclodextrin nanoparticles with different surface charge increased the efficiency of paclitaxel in vitro and in vivo. Cyclodextrin nanoparticles could be a good candidate vehicle for intravenous paclitaxel delivery.

Daidzein cocrystals: An opportunity to improve its biopharmaceutical parameters

The present study involves the contribution of cocrystallization towards the modification of the biopharmaceutical parameters of poorly watersoluble plant-originated isoflavone, daidzein (DAID). The cocrystals were prepared with GRAS status coformers i.e., isonicotinamide, theobromine and cytosine using mechanochemical grinding and characterized by various analytical techniques (DSC, FT-IR, PXRD and solid-state NMR). Crystal structures were obtained from PXRD data using BIOVIA Materials Studio software and compared in terms of supramolecular motifs. An additional qualitative and quantitative insight into interactions between both components of the cocrystal illustrated the presence of OH⋯N and OH⋯O=C heterosynthons and revealed a stabilizing role of hydrogen bonding. The cocrystals were further evaluated for their solubility, intrinsic dissolution and in vivo profile. Solubility and dissolution studies of pure daidzein and its cocrystals, namely daidzein-isonicotinamide (DIS), daidzein-cytosine (DCYT) and daidzein-theobromine (DTB) exhibited an almost 2-fold improvement. Evaluation of maximum concentration (Cmax) of cocrystals reveals that the DIS cocrystal shows the highest Cmax of 1848.7 ng/ml followed by DCYT cocrystal (1614.9 ng/ml) and DTB cocrystal (1326.0 ng/ml) in comparison to DAID which has a Cmax 870.5 ng/ml. Each of these cocrystals showed significant enhancement in in vivo and in vitro activities in comparison to daidzein. Thus, this report suggests cocrystallization as a viable approach to resolve the solubility and bioavailability issues that circumvent the use of a therapeutically potential isoflavone, daidzein.

Encapsulation of Isoniazid-conjugated Phthalocyanine-In-Cyclodextrin-In-Liposomes Using Heating Method

Liposomes are reputed colloidal vehicles that hold the promise for targeted delivery of anti-tubercular drugs (ATBDs) to alveolar macrophages that host Mycobacterium tuberculosis. However, the costly status of liposome technology, particularly due to the use of special manufacture equipment and expensive lipid materials, may preclude wider developments of therapeutic liposomes. In this study, we report efficient encapsulation of a complex system, consisting of isoniazid-hydrazone-phthalocyanine conjugate (Pc-INH) in gamma-cyclodextrin (γ-CD), in liposomes using crude soybean lecithin by means of a simple organic solvent-free method, heating method (HM). Inclusion complexation was performed in solution and solid-state, and evaluated using UV-Vis, magnetic circular dichroism, ¹H NMR, diffusion ordered spectroscopy and FT-IR. The HM-liposomes afforded good encapsulation efficiency (71%) for such a large Pc-INH/γ-CD complex (PCD) system. The stability and properties of the PCD-HM-liposomes look encouraging; with particle size 240 nm and Zeta potential −57 mV that remained unchanged upon storage at 4 °C for 5 weeks. The release study performed in different pH media revealed controlled release profiles that went up to 100% at pH 4.4, from about 40% at pH 7.4. This makes PCD-liposomes a promising system for site-specific ATBD delivery, and a good example of simple liposomal encapsulation of large hydrophobic compounds.

Development of Health Products from Natural Sources

BioActive Compounds (BACs) recovered from food or food by-product matrices are useful in maintaining well being, enhancing human health, and modulating immune function to prevent or to treat chronic diseases. They are also generally seen by final consumers as safe, non-toxic and environment-friendly. Despite the complex process of production, chemical characterization, and assessment of health effects, BACs must also be manufactured in stable and bioactive ingredients to be used in pharmaceutical, food and nutraceutical industry. Generally, vegetable derivatives occur as sticky raw materials with pervasive smell and displeasing flavor. Also, they show critical water solubility and dramatic stability behavior over time, involving practical difficulties for industrial use. Therefore, the development of novel functional health products from natural sources requires the design of a suitable formulation to delivery BACs at the site of action, preserve stability during processing and storage, slow down the degradation processes, mask lousy tasting or smell, and increase the bioavailability, while maintaining the BACs functionality. The present review focuses on human health benefits, BACs composition, and innovative technologies or formulation approaches of natural ingredients from some selected foods and by-products from industrial food transformations.

Cyclodextrin encapsulation of daidzein and genistein by grinding: implication on the glycosaminoglycan accumulation in mucopolysaccharidosis type II and III fibroblasts

This work aimed to investigate the potential effect of cyclodextrin encapsulation on intrinsic ability of daidzein (DAD) and genistein (GEN) to inhibit the glycosaminoglycan (GAG) synthesis in fibroblasts originating from patients with mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS), type II and III. DAD or GEN encapsulation with either 2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin or sulphobuthylether-β-cyclodextrin were achieved by neat grinding and were characterised by thermal analysis, X-ray powder diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and solubility testing which confirmed the complexes formation with increased solubility with respect to starting compounds. Both isoflavones, as well as their co-ground cyclodextrin complexes reduced GAG levels in the fibroblasts of MPS II and MPS III patients from 54.8-77.5%, in a dose dependent manner, without any significant cytotoxic effect. Cyclodextrin encapsulation did not change the intrinsically high effect of both DAD and GEN on the GAG level reduction in the treated cells, thus could be considered as a part of combination therapies of MPS.

Nanospheres based on PLGA/amphiphilic cyclodextrin assemblies as potential enhancers of Methylene Blue neuroprotective effect

Nanospheres of amphiphilic cyclodextrin and PLGA entrapping Methylene Blue are proposed as potential enhancers of drug neuroprotective effect on neuroblastoma cells.

Analytical techniques for characterization of cyclodextrin complexes in the solid state: A review

Cyclodextrins are cyclic oligosaccharides able to form inclusion complexes with a variety of hydrophobic guest molecules, positively modifying their physicochemical properties. A thorough analytical characterization of cyclodextrin complexes is of fundamental importance to provide an adequate support in selection of the most suitable cyclodextrin for each guest molecule, and also in view of possible future patenting and marketing of drug-cyclodextrin formulations. The demonstration of the actual formation of a drug-cyclodextrin inclusion complex in solution does not guarantee its existence also in the solid state. Moreover, the technique used to prepare the solid complex can strongly influence the properties of the final product. Therefore, an appropriate characterization of the drug-cyclodextrin solid systems obtained has also a key role in driving in the choice of the most effective preparation method, able to maximize host-guest interactions. The analytical characterization of drug-cyclodextrin solid systems and the assessment of the actual inclusion complex formation is not a simple task and involves the combined use of several analytical techniques, whose results have to be evaluated together. The objective of the present review is to present a general prospect of the principal analytical techniques which can be employed for a suitable characterization of drug-cyclodextrin systems in the solid state, evidencing their respective potential advantages and limits. The applications of each examined technique are described and discussed by pertinent examples from literature.

Mitochondriotropic nanoemulsified genistein-loaded vehicles for cancer therapy

Genistein (Gen), a major soy isoflavone, produces extensive pro-apoptotic anticancer effects, mediated predominantly via induction of mitochondrial damage. Based on several biophysical model criteria, our rational assumptions for the native mitochondrial selectivity of Gen allowed its design as a cationic lipid-based nanocarrier (NC) system. Proof-of-concept nano-formulations, lipidic micelles (Mic), and nanoemulsions (NEs) incorporated Gen, which serves as therapeutic and targeting moieties, specific for mitochondria. Our in vitro experimental data demonstrated superior physicochemical properties and significant cytotoxicity of Gen-NCs (five- to tenfolds lower EC50) compared to all drug controls, in hepatic and colon carcinomas. The established mitochondria-specific accumulation of the various Gen-NCs positively correlated with marked mitochondrial depolarization effects. Within first 24 h, Gen-NC treatments ultimately lead to distinct activation of intrinsic apoptotic pathway markers, such as cytosolic cytochrome c and specific caspase-9 vs. nonspecific caspases-3, 7, and 8. Such mechanistic evidence of the mitochondriotropic activity of our Gen-NC platforms favors their prospective as intracellularly targeted delivery nano-vehicles, to enhance anticancer efficacy of different co-formulated chemotherapeutic agents.

Preparation of Spray-Dried Soy Isoflavone-Loaded Gelatin Microspheres for Enhancement of Dissolution: Formulation, Characterization and in Vitro Evaluation

The most bioactive soy isoflavones (SI), daidzein (DAI) and genistein (GEN) have poor water solubility, which reduces their bioavailability and health benefits and limits their use in industry. The goal of this study was to develop and characterize a new gelatin matrix to microencapsulate DAI and GEN from soy extract (SE) by spray drying, in order to obtain solid dispersions to overcome solubility problems and to allow controlled release. The influences of 1:2 (MP2) and 1:3 (MP3) SE/polymer ratios on the solid state, yield, morphology, encapsulation efficiency, particle size distribution, release kinetics and cumulative release were evaluated. Analyses showed integral microparticles and high drug content. MP3 and MP2 yield were 43.6% and 55.9%, respectively, with similar mean size (p > 0.05), respectively. X-ray diffraction revealed the amorphous solid state of SE. In vitro release tests showed that dissolution was drastically increased. The results indicated that SE microencapsulation might offer a good system to control SI release, as an alternative to improve bioavailability and industrial applications.

A 5,7-dimethoxyflavone/hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin inclusion complex with anti-butyrylcholinesterase activity

This study aimed to improve the water solubility of 5,7-dimethoxyflavone (5,7-DMF) isolated from Kaempferia parviflora by complexation with 2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HPβ-CD). The phase solubility profile of 5,7-DMF in the presence of HPβ-CD was classified as AL-type and indicated a 1:1 mole ratio. Differential scanning colorimetry, X-ray diffraction, NMR and SEM analyses supported the formation of a 5,7-DMF/HPβ-CD inclusion complex involving the A ring of 5,7-DMF inside the HPβ-CD cavity. This is the first example of CD inclusion with the A ring of non-hydroxyl flavones. The stability and binding constants of the complexes were determined using the phase solubility and UV-vis absorption spectroscopy, respectively. The water solubility of 5,7-DMF was increased 361.8-fold by complexation with HPβ-CD and overcame the precipitation problem observed in aqueous buffers, such as during in vitro anti-butyrylcholinesterase activity assays. The 1:1 mole ratio of the 5,7-DMF/HPβ-CD complex showed a 2.7-fold higher butyrylcholinesterase inhibitory activity (in terms of the IC50 value) compared to the non-complexed compound.

Investigation of inclusion complexes of sulfamerazine with α- and β-cyclodextrins: an experimental and theoretical study

Inclusion complexation behavior and binding ability of sulfamerazine (SMRZ) with α- and β-cyclodextrins (α-CD and β-CD) were investigated. The formation of inclusion complexes are studied by UV-visible, fluorescence, time-resolved fluorescence, (1)H NMR, FT-IR, DSC, XRD, SEM, TEM and molecular modeling methods. Both experimental and PM3 results indicated that the SMRZ is partially encapsulated in the CD cavity. The different spectral shifts observed in both the CDs indicate that different types of inclusion complexes are formed. Nanosecond time-resolved fluorescence studies demonstrated that SMRZ exhibit biexponential decay in water and triexponential decay in CD solutions. The resonance of the aromatic protons of SMRZ showed remarkably upfield shift in the complexes suggested that the aniline ring deeply encapsulated in the CD cavity. The amino and amido stretching vibrations at 3483 cm(-1) and 3379 cm(-1) respectively are strongly affected in the inclusion complexes. DSC curves for the inclusion complexes exhibited a broad endothermic effect from 106.4 °C, 123.8 °C and 234.5 6 °C for α-CD and 118.2 °C and 231.4 °C for β-CD. TEM images of both inclusion complexes are forms a nanochain like agglomerated structures with a width ranging from 40 nm to 100 nm. Thermodynamic parameters and binding affinity of the inclusion complex formation were determined and discussed.

Advanced technologies for oral controlled release: cyclodextrins for oral controlled release

Cyclodextrins (CDs) are used in oral pharmaceutical formulations, by means of inclusion complexes formation, with the following advantages for the drugs: (1) solubility, dissolution rate, stability, and bioavailability enhancement; (2) to modify the drug release site and/or time profile; and (3) to reduce or prevent gastrointestinal side effects and unpleasant smell or taste, to prevent drug-drug or drug-additive interactions, or even to convert oil and liquid drugs into microcrystalline or amorphous powders. A more recent trend focuses on the use of CDs as nanocarriers, a strategy that aims to design versatile delivery systems that can encapsulate drugs with better physicochemical properties for oral delivery. Thus, the aim of this work was to review the applications of the CDs and their hydrophilic derivatives on the solubility enhancement of poorly water-soluble drugs in order to increase their dissolution rate and get immediate release, as well as their ability to control (to prolong or to delay) the release of drugs from solid dosage forms, either as complexes with the hydrophilic (e.g., as osmotic pumps) and/or hydrophobic CDs. New controlled delivery systems based on nanotechnology carriers (nanoparticles and conjugates) have also been reviewed.

Inclusion complexes of isoflavones with two commercially available dendrimers: Solubility, stability, structures, release behaviors, cytotoxicity, and anti-oxidant activities

We prepared and characterized the inclusion complexes of daidzein with poly(amidoamine) (PAMAM) and poly(propylene imine) (PPI) dendrimers. Aqueous solubility of daidzein was significantly enhanced by both PAMAM and PPI (186- and 650-fold at 0.36mM, respectively). Daidzein in G3 PAMAM solution is more stable than that in G4 PPI. NMR studies reveal the encapsulation of daidzein within the interior cavities of PPI through hydrophobic interactions. Daidzein exhibits a slower release behavior from PPI than that from PAMAM. PPI/daidzein complex is much more toxic than PAMAM/daidzein complex on several cell lines. PAMAM/daidzein complexes showed similar protective effect on oxidative stress-induced cytotoxicity as compared to free daidzein. These results suggest that the inclusion of daidzein with dendrimer can effectively improve the solubility, prolong the delivery, and maintain the anti-oxidant activity of daidzein. This research provides new insights into dendrimer-based drug delivery systems and will be helpful for the design of novel dendrimer/drug formulations.

Curdlan complexes as a potential food-grade delivery system: genistein case study

Complexes of curdlan and genistein were prepared using four different methods. The total amount of genistein in curdlan–genistein complexes prepared at 40°C (system I) was significantly higher (2.3 mg/100 mg dry matter) than that in other systems studied: curdlan–genistein complexes prepared at 60°C (system II; 1.8 mg/100 mg dry matter); curdlan–genistein gel complexes (system III; 1.0 mg/100 mg dry matter); and curdlan–genistein dimethyl sulfoxide complexes (system IV; 1.8 mg/100 mg dry matter). x-ray diffraction results indicate that complexation of curdlan with genistein changes the crystalline nature of the pure components. Particle size analysis, atomic force microscopy and scanning electron microscopy imaging of curdlan–genistein complexes showed strong difference in particle size, surface and distribution in comparison with pure curdlan, confirming our assumption of a molecular interaction between curdlan and genistein and the formation of a new structure, which was revealed at the nanoscale level. All the curdlan–genistein complexes showed prolonged genistein release of up to 72 h, enhanced upon enzymatic digestion of curdlan by lyticase, thus opening the possibility of release regulation by the incorporation of lyticase in the delivery system. It is therefore suggested that the complexes could be used as a delivery system for the protection and slow release of genistein in the digestive tract.