Top-down and bottom-up approaches in production of aqueous nanocolloids of low solubility drug paclitaxel

Plant exosome nanovesicles (PENs): green delivery platforms

Natural plants have been attracting increasing attention in biomedical research due to their numerous benefits. Plant exosome-derived vesicles, some of the plant's components, are small nanoscale vesicles secreted by plant cells. These vesicles are rich in bioactive substances and play significant roles in intercellular communication, information transfer, and maintaining homeostasis in organisms. They also hold promise for treating diseases, and their vesicular structures make them suitable carriers for drug delivery, with large-scale production feasible. Therefore, this paper aims to provide an overview of nanovesicles from different plant sources and their extraction methods. We also outline the biological activities of nanovesicles, including their anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, and anti-tumor properties, and systematically introduce their applications in drug delivery. These applications include transdermal delivery, targeted drug delivery, gene delivery, and their potential use in the modern food industry. This review provides new ideas and methods for future research on plant exosomes, including their empowerment by artificial intelligence and gene editing, as well as their potential application in the biomedicine, food, and agriculture industries.

Evaluation of cell membrane-derived nanoparticles as therapeutic carriers for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma using an in vitro tumour stroma model

Here, we fabricated nanoparticles made solely from the membrane of cells found in the pancreatic tumour's microenvironment (TME), like the human MiaPaCa-2 cells and M2-polarized macrophages. The cell membrane-derived nanoparticles (CMNPs) deriving from the MiaPaCa-2 cells (MPC2-CMNPs) were loaded with the chemotherapeutic drug paclitaxel (PTX), and the CMNPs deriving from M2-polarized macrophages (M2-CMNPs) were loaded with the colony-stimulating factor 1 receptor inhibitor, pexidartinib (PXDB). The CMNPs' thorough morphological and physicochemical characterisation was followed by an in-depth study of their targeting ability and the endocytosis pathway involved during their internalisation. An in vitro model of the desmoplastic stroma comprising cancer-associated fibroblast-mimicking cells and M2-polarized macrophages was also developed. The model was characterised by collagen and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) expression (overexpressed in desmoplasia) and was used to assess the CMNPs' ability to cross the stroma and target the tumour cells. Moreover, we assessed the effect of PXDB-loaded M2-CMNPs on the expression of M1 (CD80/CD86) and M2 (CD206/CD209) polarisation markers on activated macrophages. Finally, we evaluated the PTX and PXDB-loaded CMNPs' effect on the viability of all the used TME cell lines alone or in combination. Overall, this pilot study showed the potential of the CMNPs to cross an in vitro stroma model and act synergistically to treat PDAC.

Design and Characterization of Carboplatin and Paclitaxel Loaded PCL Filaments for 3D Printed Controlled Release Intrauterine Implants

Uterine cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women. Despite various chemotherapy approaches, the desired effect has not yet been achieved. The main reason is each patient responds differently to standard treatment protocols. The production of personalized drugs and/or drug-loaded implants is not possible in today’s pharmaceutical industry; 3D printers allow for the rapid and flexible preparation of personalized drug-loaded implants. However, the key point is the preparation of drug-loaded working material such as filament for 3D printers. In this study, two different anticancer (paclitaxel, carboplatin) drug-loaded PCL filaments with a 1.75 mm diameter were prepared with a hot-melt extruder. To optimize the filament for a 3D printer, different PCL Mn, cyclodextrins and different formulation parameters were tried, and a series of characterization studies of filaments were conducted. The encapsulation efficiency, drug release profile and in vitro cell culture studies have shown that 85% of loaded drugs retain their effectiveness, provide a controlled release for 10 days and cause a decrease in cell viability of over 60%. In conclusion, it is possible to prepare optimum dual anticancer drug-loaded filaments for FDM 3D printers. Drug-eluting personalized intra-uterine devices can be designed for the treatment of uterine cancer by using these filaments.

Starch Nanoparticles: Preparation, Properties and Applications

Starch as a natural polymer is abundant and widely used in various industries around the world. In general, the preparation methods for starch nanoparticles (SNPs) can be classified into 'top-down' and 'bottom-up' methods. SNPs can be produced in smaller sizes and used to improve the functional properties of starch. Thus, they are considered for the various opportunities to improve the quality of product development with starch. This literature study presents information and reviews regarding SNPs, their general preparation methods, characteristics of the resulting SNPs and their applications, especially in food systems, such as Pickering emulsion, bioplastic filler, antimicrobial agent, fat replacer and encapsulating agent. The aspects related to the properties of SNPs and information on the extent of their utilisation are reviewed in this study. The findings can be utilised and encouraged by other researchers to develop and expand the applications of SNPs.

Exploiting the layer-by-layer nanoarchitectonics for the fabrication of polymer capsules: A toolbox to provide multifunctional properties to target complex pathologies

Polymer capsules fabricated via the layer-by-layer (LbL) approach have attracted a great deal of attention for biomedical applications thanks to their tunable architecture. Compared to alternative methods, in which the precise control over the final properties of the systems is usually limited, the intrinsic versatility of the LbL approach allows the functionalization of all the constituents of the polymeric capsules following relatively simple protocols. In fact, the final properties of the capsules can be adjusted from the inner cavity to the outer layer through the polymeric shell, resulting in therapeutic, diagnostic, or theranostic (i.e., combination of therapeutic and diagnostic) agents that can be adapted to the particular characteristics of the patient and face the challenges encountered in complex pathologies. The biomedical industry demands novel biomaterials capable of targeting several mechanisms and/or cellular pathways simultaneously while being tracked by minimally invasive techniques, thus highlighting the need to shift from monofunctional to multifunctional polymer capsules. In the present review, those strategies that permit the advanced functionalization of polymer capsules are accordingly introduced. Each of the constituents of the capsule (i.e., cavity, multilayer membrane and outer layer) is thoroughly analyzed and a final overview of the combination of all the strategies toward the fabrication of multifunctional capsules is presented. Special emphasis is given to the potential biomedical applications of these multifunctional capsules, including particular examples of the performed in vitro and in vivo validation studies. Finally, the challenges in the fabrication process and the future perspective for their safe translation into the clinic are summarized.

Recent advances in nanocarriers for nutrient delivery

For the past few years, there has been a surge in the use of nutraceuticals. The global nutraceuticals market in 2020 was USD 417.66 billion, and the market value is expected to increase by 8.9% compound annual growth rate from 2020 to 2028. This is because nutraceuticals are used to treat and prevent various diseases such as cancer, skin disorders, gastrointestinal, ophthalmic, diabetes, obesity, and central nervous system-related diseases. Nutritious food provides the required amount of nutrition to the human body through diet, whereas most of the bioactive agents present in the nutrients are highly lipophilic, with low aqueous solubility leading to poor dissolution and oral bioavailability. Also, the nutraceuticals like curcumin, carotenoids, anthocyanins, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins C, vitamin B12, and quercetin have limitations such as poor solubility, chemical instability, bitter taste, and an unpleasant odor. Additionally, the presence of gastrointestinal (GIT) membrane barriers, varied pH, and reaction with GIT enzymes cause the degradation of some of the nutraceuticals. Nanotechnology-based nutrient delivery systems can be used to improve oral bioavailability by increasing nutraceutical stability in foods and GIT, increasing nutraceutical solubility in intestinal fluids, and decreasing first-pass metabolism in the gut and liver. This article has compiled the properties and applications of various nanocarriers such as polymeric nanoparticles, micelles, liposomes, niosomes, solid lipid nanocarriers, nanostructured lipid carrier, microemulsion, nanoemulsion, dendrimers in organic nanoparticles, and nanocomposites for effective delivery of bioactive molecules.

Immunogenic-cell-killing and immunosuppression-inhibiting nanomedicine

Combining chemo-therapeutics with immune checkpoint inhibitors facilitates killing cancer cells and activating the immune system through inhibiting immune escape. However, their treatment effects remain limited due to the compromised accumulation of both drugs and inhibitors in certain tumor tissues. Herein, a new poly (acrylamide-co-acrylonitrile-co-vinylimidazole-co-bis(2-methacryloyl) oxyethyl disulfide) (PAAVB) polymer-based intelligent platform with controllable upper critical solution temperature (UCST) was used for the simultaneous delivery of paclitaxel (PTX) and curcumin (CUR). Additionally, a hyaluronic acid (HA) layer was coated on the surface of PAAVB NPs to target the CD44-overexpressed tumor cells. The proposed nanomedicine demonstrated a gratifying accumulation in tumor tissue and uptake by cancer cells. Then, the acidic microenvironment and high level of glutathione (GSH) in cancer cells could spontaneously decrease the UCST of polymer, leading to the disassembly of the NPs and rapid drug release at body temperature without extra-stimuli. Significantly, the released PTX and CUR could induce the immunogenic cell death (ICD) to promote adaptive anti-tumor immunogenicity and inhibit immunosuppression through suppressing the activity of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1) enzyme respectively. Therefore, the synergism of this intelligent nanomedicine can suppress primary breast tumor growth and inhibit their lung metastasis.

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A new copolymer PAAVB was prepared with pH- and GSH- controllable upper critical solution temperature (UCST) properties.

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A nano-platform with PAAVB copolymer core and HA shell was developed and showed the capability to deliver PTX and CUR.

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The antitumor immune response was synergistically stimulated by PTX-induced ICD and CUR induced IDO1activity suppression.

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The synergism of intelligent nanomedicine could suppress the primary breast tumor growth and inhibit their lung metastasis.

Curcumin in cancer therapy: A novel adjunct for combination chemotherapy with paclitaxel and alleviation of its adverse effects

Dealing with cancer is of importance due to enhanced incidence rate of this life-threatening disorder. Chemotherapy is an ideal candidate in overcoming and eradication of cancer. To date, various chemotherapeutic agents have been applied in cancer therapy and paclitaxel (PTX) is one of them. PTX is a key member of taxane family with potential anti-tumor activity against different cancers. Notably, PTX has demonstrated excellent proficiency in elimination of cancer in clinical trials. This chemotherapeutic agent is isolated from Taxus brevifolia, and is a tricyclic diterpenoid. However, resistance of cancer cells into PTX chemotherapy has endangered its efficacy. Besides, administration of PTX is associated with a number of side effects such as neurotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, cardiotoxicity and so on, demanding novel strategies in obviating PTX issues. Curcumin is a pharmacological compound with diverse therapeutic effects including anti-tumor, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic and so on. In the current review, we demonstrate that curcumin, a naturally occurring nutraceutical compound is able to enhance anti-tumor activity of PTX against different cancers. Besides, curcumin administration reduces adverse effects of PTX due to its excellent pharmacological activities. These topics are discussed with an emphasis on molecular pathways to provide direction for further studies in revealing other signaling networks.

Nanoparticles and its biomedical applications in health and diseases: special focus on drug delivery

Nanotechnology is an emerging technology that deals with nanosized particles possessing crucial research roles and application. Disciplines like chemistry, biology, physics, engineering, materials science, and health sciences provide an accumulated knowledge of nanotechnology. Nonetheless, it has vast submissions precisely in biology, electronics, and medicine. Aimed at drug delivery system, nanoparticles are based on the mechanism of entrapment of the drugs or biomolecules into the interior structure of the particles; another mechanism could be that the drugs or the biomolecules can be absorbed onto the exterior surfaces of the particles. Currently, nanoparticles (NPs) are used in the delivery of drugs, proteins, genes, vaccines, polypeptides, nucleic acids, etc. In recent years, various applications of the drug delivery system via NPs have encountered an enormous position sector like pharmaceutical, medical, biological, and others. Considering the impact of NPs in drug delivery systems, this review focuses on the detailed profile of NPs, its impact on biology and medicine, and their commercialization prospects.

A candidate drug administered subcutaneously to rodents as drug particles showing hepatic recirculation which influenced the sustained release process

The aim of the present study was to evaluate and interpret the pharmacokinetic profiles after subcutaneous (s.c.) administration of crystalline AZ'72 nano- and microsuspensions to rodents. Both formulations were injected at 1.5 and 150 mg/kg to rats. For the lower dose, the profiles were similar after s.c. injection but extended as compared to oral administration. The overall exposure was higher for nanoparticles compared with microparticles during the investigated period. For the higher dose, injection of both suspensions resulted in maintained plateaus caused by the drug depots but, unexpectedly, at similar exposure levels. After addition of a further stabilizer, pluronic F127, nanosuspensions showed improved exposure with dose and higher exposure compared to larger particles in mice. Obviously, a stabilizer mixture that suits one delivery route is not necessarily optimal for another one. The differences in peak concentration (C_max) between nano- and microparticles were mainly ascribed to differences in dissolution rate. Plasma profiles in mice showed curves with secondary absorption peaks after intravenous and oral administration, suggesting hepatic recirculation following both administration routes. This process, together with the depot formulation, complicates the analysis of absorption from s.c. administration, i.e. multiple processes were driving the plasma profile of AZ'72.

Nano-carriers for targeted delivery and biomedical imaging enhancement

Theranostic approaches using nanotechnology have been a hot research area for the past decade. All nano drug delivery techniques and architectures have some limitations, as do diagnostic nano-approaches. Thus, combining nano drug delivery strategies with diagnostic techniques using nanoparticles for improving imaging modalities has been the key to fill up those gaps. In the past decade, lots of approaches have been made with different combinations of biomaterials fabricated/synthesized to nanostructures with modified surface functionalization to improve their overall theranostic properties. This article summarizes recent research works based on the biomaterials used for fabricating these nanostructures. Their combinations with other biomaterials have been demonstrated with their overall advantages and limitations.

Application of flash nanoprecipitation to fabricate poorly water-soluble drug nanoparticles

Nanoparticles are considered to be a powerful approach for the delivery of poorly water-soluble drugs. One of the main challenges is developing an appropriate method for preparation of drug nanoparticles. As a simple, rapid and scalable method, the flash nanoprecipitation (FNP) has been widely used to fabricate these drug nanoparticles, including pure drug nanocrystals, polymeric micelles, polymeric nanoparticles, solid lipid nanoparticles, and polyelectrolyte complexes. This review introduces the application of FNP to produce poorly water-soluble drug nanoparticles by controllable mixing devices, such as confined impinging jets mixer (CIJM), multi-inlet vortex mixer (MIVM) and many other microfluidic mixer systems. The formation mechanisms and processes of drug nanoparticles by FNP are described in detail. Then, the controlling of supersaturation level and mixing rate during the FNP process to tailor the ultrafine drug nanoparticles as well as the influence of drugs, solvent, anti-solvent, stabilizers and temperature on the fabrication are discussed. The ultrafine and uniform nanoparticles of poorly water-soluble drug nanoparticles prepared by CIJM, MIVM and microfluidic mixer systems are reviewed briefly. We believe that the application of microfluidic mixing devices in laboratory with continuous process control and good reproducibility will be benefit for industrial formulation scale-up.

Nano interface potential influences in CdTe quantum dots and biolabeling

Nano interface influences in physiochemical properties of quantum dots (QDs) are the challenging approach to tailor its surface functionalities. In this study, a set of polar and non-polar solvents were selected to analyze the influences in solvent-based dynamic radius and surface potential of QDs. From the nano interface chemistry of polar and non-polar solvents, an appropriate mechanism of precipitation and hydrophobic ligand exchange strategy were elucidated by correlating Henry’s equation. Further, the in vitro cytotoxic potential and antimicrobial activity of QDs were assessed to perform biolabeling. From the observations, an appropriate dosage of QDs was fixed to label the animal ((RAW 264.7 cell lines) and bacterial cells (Escherichia coli) for effective cell attachment. Biolabeling was achieved by tailoring nano interface chemistry of QDs without additional support of biomolecules. Bacterial cell wall-based interaction of QDs was evaluated using SEM and EDAX analysis. Thus, provided clear insights into the nano interface chemistry in the development of highly photostable QDs will be helpful in biomedical applications.

Electrospun poly(lactic acid) fibers containing novel chlorhexidine particles with sustained antibacterial activity

The treatment of persistent infections often requires a high local drug concentration and sustained release of antimicrobial agents. This paper proposes the use of novel electrospinning of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) fibers containing uncoated and encapsulated chlorhexidine particles. Chlorhexidine particles with a mean (SD) diameter of 17.15 ± 1.99 μm were fabricated by the precipitation of chlorhexidine diacetate with calcium chloride. Layer-by-layer (LbL) encapsulation of the chlorhexidine particles was carried out to produce encapsulated particles. The chlorhexidine particles had a high chlorhexidine content (90%), and when they were electrospun into PLA fibers a bead-in-string structure was obtained. The chlorhexidine content in the fibers could be tuned and a sustained release over 650 h was produced, via chlorhexidine particle encapsulation. Chlorhexidine release was governed by the polyelectrolyte multilayer encapsulation as demonstrated by SEM and confocal imaging. The incorporation of uncoated and encapsulated chlorhexidine particles (0.5% and 1% wt/wt chlorhexidine) into the fibers did not cause toxicity to healthy fibroblasts or affect cell adhesion to the fibers over a period of 5 days. The chlorhexidine-containing fibers also demonstrated sustained antibacterial activity against E. coli via an agar diffusion assay and broth transfer assay. Therefore, the chlorhexidine-containing PLA fibers may be useful in the treatment of persistent infections in medicine and dentistry.

Berberine nanoparticles with enhanced in vitro bioavailability: characterization and antimicrobial activity

BACKGROUND

Berberine is an isoquinoline alkaloid widely used in Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine to treat illnesses such as hypertension and inflammatory conditions, and as an anticancer and hepato-protective agent. Berberine has low oral bioavailability due to poor aqueous solubility and insufficient dissolution rate, which can reduce the efficacy of drugs taken orally. In this study, evaporative precipitation of nanosuspension (EPN) and anti-solvent precipitation with a syringe pump (APSP) were used to address the problems of solubility, dissolution rate and bioavailability of berberine.

METHODS

Semi-crystalline nanoparticles (NPs) of 90-110 nm diameter for APSP and 65-75 nm diameter for EPN were prepared and then characterized using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and X-ray powder diffractometry (XRD). Thereafter, drug content solubility and dissolution studies were undertaken. Berberine and its NPs were evaluated for their antibacterial activity.

RESULTS

The results indicate that the NPs have significantly increased solubility and dissolution rate due to conversion of the crystalline structure to a semi-crystalline form.

CONCLUSION

Berberine NPs produced by both APSP and EPN methods have shown promising activities against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, and yeasts, with NPs prepared through the EPN method showing superior results compared to those made with the APSP method and the unprocessed drug.

Actinomycetes-mediated biogenic synthesis of metal and metal oxide nanoparticles: progress and challenges

Actinomycetes-mediated biogenic synthesis of metal nanoparticles and their antimicrobial activities are well documented. Actinomycetes facilitate both intracellular and extracellular metal nanoparticles synthesis and are efficient candidates for the production of polydispersed, stable and ultra-small size metal nanoparticles. Secondary metabolites and new chemical entities derived from Actinomycetes have not been extensively studied for the synthesis of metal/metal oxide nanoparticles. The present review focuses on biogenic synthesis of metal nanoparticles from Actinomycetes and the scope for exploring Actinomycetes-derived compounds (enzymes, organics acids and bioactive compounds) as metal and metal oxide reducing agents for the synthesis of desired nanoparticles. This review also focuses on challenges faced in the applications of nanoparticles and the methods to synthesize biogenic metal nanoparticles with desired physiochemical properties such as ultra-small size, large surface to mass ratio, high reactivity etc. Methods to evade their toxicity and unique interactions with biological systems to improve their chance as an alternative therapeutic agent in medical and pharmaceutical industry are also discussed.

In Vitro and In Vivo Evaluation of PEGylated Layer-by-Layer Polyelectrolyte-Coated Paclitaxel Nanocrystals

Drug nanocrystals (NCs) are colloidal dispersions composed almost entirely of drug. As such, there is substantial interest in targeting them to diseased tissues, where they can locally deliver high doses of the therapeutic. However, because of their uncontrolled dissolution characteristics in vivo and uptake by the monomolecular phagocyte system, achieving tumor accumulation is challenging. To address these issues, a layer-by-layer approach is adopted to coat paclitaxel NCs with alternating layers of oppositely charged polyelectrolytes, using a PEGylated copolymer as the top layer. The coating successfully slows down dissolution in comparison to the noncoated NCs and to Abraxane (an approved paclitaxel nanoformulation), provides colloidal stability in physiologically relevant media, and has no intrinsic effect on cell viability at the concentrations tested. Nevertheless, their pharmacokinetic and biodistribution profile indicates that the NCs are rapidly cleared from the bloodstream followed by accumulation in the mononuclear phagocyte system organs (i.e., liver and spleen). This is hypothesized to be a consequence of the shedding of the PEGylated polyelectrolyte from the NCs' surface. While therapeutic efficacy was not investigated (due to poor tumor accumulation), overall, this work questions whether approaches that rely solely on electrostatic interactions for retaining coatings on the surfaces of NCs are appropriate for use in vivo.

Development of docetaxel nanocrystals surface modified with transferrin for tumor targeting

The purpose of this study was to develop the surface modification of docetaxel nanocrystals (DTX-NCs) with apo-Transferrin human (Tf) for improving the cellular uptake and cytotoxicity of DTX. DTX-NCs were prepared by a nanoprecipitation method, and the surface modified with Tf by an adsorption method (Tf-DTX-NCs). The morphology and particle size of DTX-NCs and Tf-DTX-NCs were characterized using a field emission scanning electron microscope and zetasizer. An in vitro drug release study was performed in phosphate-buffered saline containing 0.5% (w/v) Tween 80 for 24 hours. Cellular uptake was studied at 0.5, 1, and 2 hours. A cytotoxicity study was performed using the A549 (human lung cancer) cell line after 24-, 48-, and 72-hour treatments. The mean sizes were 295±97 and 398±102 nm for DTX-NCs and Tf-DTX-NCs, respectively. Tf-DTX-NCs and DTX-NCs exhibited rapid drug release, whereas DTX (pure) was slowly released. Tf-DTX-NCs showed higher cellular uptake than DTX-NCs in confocal microscopic and quantitative studies. Moreover, at DTX concentration of 100 µg/mL, Tf-DTX-NCs (82.6%±0.8%) showed higher cytotoxicity than DTX-NCs (77.4%±4.1%) and DTX (pure; 20.1%±4.6%) for 72-hour treatment. In conclusion, Tf-DTX-NCs significantly improved the cellular uptake and cytotoxicity of DTX in the A549 cell line.

Development and evaluation of targeting ligands surface modified paclitaxel nanocrystals

To overcome the toxicity of excipient or blank nanoparticles for drug delivery nano-system, the surface modified paclitaxel nanocrystals (PTX-NC) have been developed. PTX-NCs were prepared by nano-precipitation method. The surface of PTX-NCs were modified by grafting with apo-transferrin (Tf) or hyaluronic acid (HA). The physical properties of PTX-NCs were evaluated by field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM), zeta-sizer, zeta-potential, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectrometry. In vitro drug release study was performed in phosphate buffered saline (PBS) with or without 0.5% (w/v) Tween 80 for 24h. Cellular uptake was studied at time intervals of 0.5, 1, and 2h in MCF-7 cells, and cell growth inhibition study was performed for 24h using MCF-7 cells (cancer cells), and HaCaT cells (normal cells). Three different types of PTX-NCs with a mean size of 236.0±100.6nm (PTX-NC), 302.0±152.0nm (Tf-PTX-NC) and 339±180.6nm (HA-PTX-NC) were successfully prepared. The drug release profiles showed 29.1%/6.9% (PTX (pure)), 40.7%/23.9% (PTX-NC), 50.5%/25.1% (Tf-PTX-NC) and 46.8/24.8% (HA-PTX-NC) in PBS with/without 0.5% (w/v) Tween 80 for 24h, respectively. As per the results, the drug release of PTX-NCs showed the faster release as compared to that of PTX (pure). Surface modified PTX-NCs exhibited higher values for cell permeability than unmodified PTX-NC in the cellular uptake study. Surface modified PTX-NCs inhibited the cell growth approximately to 60% in MCF-7 cells, however effect of surface modified PTX-NCs on normal cell line was lower than the PTX-NC and PTX (pure). In conclusion, biological macromolecules (Tf or HA) surface modified PTX-NC enhanced the cellular uptake and the cell growth inhibition.