Formulation of dacarbazine-loaded cubosomes-part I: influence of formulation variables

Collaboration of Hprt/K-RAS/c-Myc mutation in the oncogenesis of T-lymphocytic leukemia: a comparative study

Aim: Leukemia is a malignant clonal illness stem from the mutations of hematopoietic cells. Acute lymphoblastic leukemia is one of the utmost prevalent kinds of leukemia, is brought on by atypical lymphoid progenitor cell division in the bone marrow. Materials & methods: A comparative study between, titanium Nanoparticle-loaded doxorubicin or cisplatin and lactoferrin-loaded doxorubicin or cisplatin, on 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]-anthracene (DMBA)-induced leukemia was investigated and confirming the hypothesis that messenger RNA of Hprt/K-RAS/c-Myc/SAT-2/P53/JAK-2 is a forthcoming signaling pathways in leukemia. Results: A significant alteration in Hprt, K-RAS, C-Myc, P53, JAK-2 and SAT-2 genes was observed post DMBA intoxication the aforementioned Nanodrugs modulated these signaling pathways. Conclusion: The carrier-loaded drugs triggered cytotoxicity of cancer cells via enhancing drug efficacy and bio-availability.

Cubosomal nanoformulation increase invitro dissolution and anticancer activity of Fisetin in A549 lung cancer cells

Aim: To prepare fisetin (FIS) cubosomal nanoformulation to increase aqueous solubility and anticancer activity. Methods: Top-down method using glyceryl monooleate (GMO) and Pluronic F-127. Results: Optimized using 2% GMO and 1% Pluronic F-127, reported 93.07 nm particle size, 80.10% drug entrapment, and reports more than 50% enhanced in vitro drug release than native FIS. MTT assay reports IC50 Values of FIS 16.59 μg/ml and optimized cubosomal FIS nanoformulation (FISCUB) 12.18 μg/ml. The colony numbers observed in clonogenic assay for FISCUB were 8.33 ± 0.58 and FIS 11.67 ± 1.15. In flow cytometry study, apoptotic cells in FISCUB and FIS-treated A549 cells were found to be 33.4 and 6.83% respectively. Conclusion: A stable cubosomal nanoformulation of FIS showed enhanced aqueous solubility and anticancer activity.

Lyotropic liquid crystalline 2D and 3D mesophases: Advanced materials for multifunctional anticancer nanosystems

Cancer remains a leading cause of mortality. Despite significant breakthroughs in conventional therapies, treatment is still far from ideal due to high toxicity in normal tissues and therapeutic inefficiency caused by short drug lifetime in the body and resistance mechanisms. Current research moves towards the development of multifunctional nanosystems for delivery of chemotherapeutic drugs, bioactives and/or radionuclides that can be combined with other therapeutic modalities, like gene therapy, or imaging to use in therapeutic screening and diagnosis. The preparation and characterization of Lyotropic Liquid Crystalline (LLC) mesophases self-assembled as 2D and 3D structures are addressed, with an emphasis on the unique properties of these nanoassemblies. A comprehensive review of LLC nanoassemblies is also presented, highlighting the most recent advances and their outstanding advantages as drug delivery systems, including tailoring strategies that can be used to overcome cancer challenges. Therapeutic agents loaded in LLC nanoassemblies offer qualitative and quantitative enhancements that are superior to conventional chemotherapy, particularly in terms of preferential accumulation at tumor sites and promoting enhanced cancer cell uptake, lowering tumor volume and weight, improving survival rates, and increasing the cytotoxicity of their loaded therapeutic agents. In terms of quantitative anticancer efficacy, loaded LLC nanoassemblies reduced the IC50 values from 1.4-fold against lung cancer cells to 125-fold against ovarian cancer cells.

Formulation and evaluation of simvastatin cubosomal nanoparticles for assessing its wound healing effect

Wound healing is one of the most challenging medical circumstances for patients. Pathogens can infect wounds, resulting in tissue damage, inflammation, and disruption of the healing process. Simvastatin was investigated recently, as a wound healing agent that may supersede the present therapies for wounds. Our goal in this paper is to focus on formulation of simvastatin cubosomes for topical delivery, as a potential approach to improve simvastatin skin permeation. By this technique its wound healing effect could be improved. Cubosomes were prepared using the top-down method and the prepared cubosomes were characterized by several techniques. The most optimal simvastatin cubosomal formulation was then included in a cubogel dosage form using different gelling agents. The results showed that the average particle size of the prepared cubosomes was 113.90 ± 0.58 nm, the entrapment efficiency was 93.95 ± 0.49% and a sustained simvastatin release was achieved. The optimized formula of simvastatin cubogel displayed pseudoplastic rheological behavior. This same formula achieved enhancement in drug permeation through excised rat skin compared to free simvastatin hydrogel with flux values of 46.18 ± 2.12 mcg cm-2 h-1 and 25.92 ± 3.45 mcg cm-2 h-1 respectively. Based on the in-vivo rat studies results, this study proved a promising potential of simvastatin cubosomes as wound healing remedy.

Darifenacin Self-assembled Liquid Crystal Cubic Nanoparticles: a Sustained Release Approach for an Overnight Control of Overactive Bladder

The current study is regarding the development and characterization of Darifenacin-loaded self-assembled liquid crystal cubic nanoparticles (LCCN). An anhydrous approach was used for the preparation of these cubic nanoparticles using a hydrotropic agent (propylene glycol), with minimal energy input. Upon dispersion in aqueous medium, the system was successfully transformed to cubosomal nanoparticles counterpart as depicted by transmission electron micrographs. A Box-Behnken design was used to optimize formulation variables, namely A: amount of GMO, B: amount of Pluronic F127, C: amount of PG, and D: amount of HPMC. The design has generated 29 formulae which were tested regarding drug content uniformity, dispersibility in water, particle size, zeta potential, polydispersity index, and in vitro release behavior. The numerical optimization algorithms have generated an optimized formula with high desirability ≈ 1. The optimized formula displayed small particle size, good homogeneity, and zeta potential along with controlled in vitro release profile and ex vivo permeation through rabbit intestine. Thus, self-assembled LCCN might offer an alternative anhydrous approach for the preparation of cubosomal nanoparticles with controlled release profile for a possibly better control of overactive bladder syndrome which tremendously affect the overall life quality.

Utilizing TPGS for Optimizing Quercetin Nanoemulsion for Colon Cancer Cells Inhibition

Background: Colorectal cancer is one of the most challenging cancers to treat. Exploring novel therapeutic strategies is necessary to overcome drug resistance and improve patient outcomes. Quercetin (QR) is a polyphenolic lipophilic compound that was chosen due to its colorectal anticancer activity. Nanoparticles could improve cancer therapy via tumor targeting by utilizing D-tocopheryl polyethylene glycol succinate (vitamin-E TPGS) as a surfactant in a nanoemulsion preparation, which is considered an efficient drug delivery system for enhancing lipophilic antineoplastic agents. Thus, this study aims to develop and optimize QR-loaded nanoemulsions (NE) using TPGS as a surfactant to enhance the QR antitumor activity. Method: The NE was prepared using a self-assembly technique using the chosen oils according to QR maximum solubility and TPGS as a surfactant. The prepared QR-NE was evaluated according to its particle morphology and pH. QR entrapment efficiency and QR in vitro drug release rate were determined from the selected QR-NE then we measured the QR-NE stability. The anticancer activity of the best-selected formula was studied on HT-29 and HCT-116 cell lines. Results: Oleic acid was chosen to prepare QR-NE as it has the best QR solubility. The prepared NE, which had particles size < 200 nm, maximum entrapment efficiency > 80%, and pH 3.688 + 0.102 was selected as the optimal formula. It was a physically stable formula. The prepared QR-NE enhanced the QR release rate (84.52 ± 0.71%) compared to the free drug. QR-NPs significantly improved the cellular killing efficiency in HCT-116 and HT-29 colon cancer cell lines (lower IC50, two folds more than free drug). Conclusion: The prepared QR-NE could be a promising stable formula for improving QR release rate and anticancer activity.

Green synthesis of PEG-coated MIL-100(Fe) for controlled release of dacarbazine and its anticancer potential against human melanoma cells

In this study, the potential of using MIL-100(Fe) metal-organic framework (MOF) for loading and controlling the release of dacarbazine (DTIC) was evaluated for in vitro treatment of melanoma. The drug loading was performed during the green synthesis of MIL-100(Fe) in an aqueous media without using any harmful solvents, to obtain MIL-DTIC. The surface of this structure was then coated with polyethylene glycol (PEG) in the same aqueous solution to synthesize MIL-DTIC-PEG. The synthesized samples were characterized using various methods. Their release profile was studied in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) and simulated cutaneous medium (SCM). The cytotoxicity of DTIC and its nano-MOF formulation were investigated against melanoma A375 cell lines. The results revealed that the PEG coating (PEGylation) changed the surface charge of MOF from -2.8 ± 0.9 mV to -42.8 ± 1.2 mV, which can contribute to the colloidal stability of MOF. The PEGylation showed a significant effect on controlled drug release, especially in SCM, which increases the complete release time from 60 h to 12 days. Moreover, both of the drug-containing MOFs showed more toxicity than DTIC and unloaded MOFs, confirming that the cumulative release of drug and better cellular uptake of NPs lead to increased toxicity.

Adsorption properties of dacarbazine with graphene/fullerene/metal nanocages - Reactivity, spectroscopic and SERS analysis

Drug delivery devices are an effective way to minimize anticancer drug toxicity and nanostructures are used in the targeted drug delivery. In the present work, adsorption and interaction behavior of 4-(dimethylaminodiazenyl)-1H-imidazole-5-carboxamide (DAIC) with nano complexes (graphene, fullerene and fullerene like metal cages) are reported theoretically. From the reactivity studies, the electrophilicity index of DAIC-nanoclusters are increasing and this gives the bioactivity of the nanocluster systems. Adsorption energy is highest in the case of AlP and lowest in the case of BP clusters. Mulliken charge distribution of all systems is an evidence for chemical enhancement. DAIC adsorption over nanocages causes changes in electronic properties resulting in chemical enhancement and variation in Raman spectra which suggests that nanocages could be a good candidate for DAIC detection.

Nek1-inhibitor and temozolomide-loaded microfibers as a co-therapy strategy for glioblastoma treatment

Malignant glioblastoma (GB) is the predominant primary brain tumour in adults, but despite the efforts towards novel therapies, the median survival of GB patients has not significantly improved in the last decades. Therefore, localised approaches that treat GB straight into the tumour site provide an alternative to enhance chemotherapy bioavailability and efficacy, reducing systemic toxicity. Likewise, the discovery of protein targets, such as the NIMA-related kinase 1 (Nek1), which was previously shown to be associated with temozolomide (TMZ) resistance in GB, has stimulated the clinical development of target therapy approaches to treat GB patients. In this study, we report an electrospun polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) microfiber (MF) brain-implant prepared for the controlled release of Nek1 protein inhibitor (iNek1) and TMZ or TMZ-loaded nanoparticles. The formulations revealed adequate stability and drug loading, which prolonged the drugs' release allowing a sustained exposure of the GB cells to the treatment and enhancing the drugs' therapeutic effects. TMZ-loaded MF provided the highest concentration of TMZ within the brain of tumour-bearing rats, and it was statistically significant when compared to TMZ via intraperitoneal (IP). All animals treated with either co-therapy formulation (TMZ + iNek1 MF or TMZ nanoparticles + iNek1 MF) survived until the endpoint (60 days), whereas the Blank MF (drug-unloaded), TMZ MF and TMZ IP-treated rats' median survival was found to be 16, 31 and 25 days, respectively. The tumour/brain area ratio of the rats implanted with either MF co-therapy was found to be reduced by 5-fold when compared to Blank MF-implanted rats. Taken together, our results strongly suggest that Nek1 is an important GB oncotarget and the inhibition of Nek1's activity significantly decreases GB cells' viability and tumour size when combined with TMZ treatment.

Dacarbazine-Loaded Targeted Polymeric Nanoparticles for Enhancing Malignant Melanoma Therapy

Dacarbazine (DTIC) dominates chemotherapy for malignant melanoma (MM). However, the hydrophobicity, photosensitivity, instability, and toxicity to normal cells of DTIC limit its efficacy in treating MM. In the present study, we constructed star-shaped block polymers nanoparticles (NPs) based on Cholic acid -poly (lactide-co-glycolide)-b-polyethylene glycol (CA-PLGA-b-PEG) for DTIC encapsulation and MM targeted therapy. DTIC-loaded CA-PLGA-b-PEG NPs (DTIC-NPs) were employed to increase the drug loading and achieve control release of DTIC, followed by further modification with nucleic acid aptamer AS1411 (DTIC-NPs-Apt), which played an important role for active targeted therapy of MM. In vitro, DTIC-NPs-Apt showed good pH-responsive release and the strongest cytotoxicity to A875 cells compared with DTIC-NPs and free DTIC. In vivo results demonstrated that the versatile DTIC-NPs-Apt can actively target the site of MM and exhibited excellent anti-tumor effects with no obvious side effects. Overall, this research provided multi-functional NPs, which endow a new option for the treatment of MM.

The efficacy of Origanum majorana nanocubosomal systems in ameliorating submandibular salivary gland alterations in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

Diabetes mellitus is a challenging health problem. Salivary gland dysfunction is one of its complications. Current treatments possess numerous adverse effects. Therefore, herbal extracts have emerged as a promising approach for safe and effective treatment. However, they are required in large doses to achieve the desired effect. Accordingly, Origanum majorana extract (OE) was incorporated into nano-sized systems to enhance its biological effects at lower dosages. OE was standardized against rosmarinic acid (RA) and then loaded into nano-cubosomal (NC) systems via a 2³ full-factorial design. Two optimum nano-systems at different drug loads (2.08 or 1.04 mg-RA/mL) were selected and assessed in vivo to compare their effects in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats against conventional OE (2.08 mg-RA/mL). Blood glucose was evaluated weekly. Submandibular salivary glands were processed for histopathological examination and nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1), and p38-MAPK gene expression analysis. NC systems were successfully prepared and optimized where the optimum systems showed nano-sized vesicles (210.4–368.3 nm) and high zeta potential values. In vivo results showed a significant lower blood glucose in all treated groups, with an exceptional reduction with NC formulations. Marked histopathological improvement was observed in all OE-treated groups, with OE-NC4 (2.08 mg-RA/mL) demonstrating the best features. This was supported by RT-PCR; where the OE-NC4 group recorded the highest mean value of Nrf2 and the least mean values of Keap1 and p38-MAPK, followed by OE-NC3 and OE groups. In conclusion, OE-loaded NC enhanced the anti-hyperglycemic effect of OE and ameliorated diabetic gland alterations compared to conventional OE. Thus, cubosomal nano-systems could be anticipated as potential carriers for the best outcome with OE.

Metformin dampens cisplatin cytotoxicity on leukemia cells after incorporation into cubosomal nanoformulation

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is one of the most common type of leukemia in children. It is caused by abnormal cell division of the lymphoid progenitor cells in the bone marrow. In the past decade, metformin has gained increased attention for its anti-leukemic potential. Moreover, other chemotherapeutic agents were investigated for the possible superior efficacy over the existing treatments in treating ALL. Several studies examined the effect of cisplatin as a potential candidate for therapy. Here, we investigate the anti-leukemic effect of metformin and cisplatin on 697 cells. Both compounds revealed significant cytotoxic effects. Specifically designed lipid-based cubosomal nanoformulations were used as drug carriers to facilitate compound entry in low doses. Our results indicate that the use of the carrier did not affect cytotoxicity significantly. In addition, combining the drugs in different carriers demonstrated an antagonistic effect through damping the efficacy of both drugs. This was evident from experiments investigating cellular viability, annexin V/PI staining, mitochondrial membrane potential and caspase-3 activity. Taken together, it appears that metformin does not represent a suitable option for sensitizing leukemia cells to cisplatin.

Cubosomes: Versatile Nanosized Formulation for Efficient Delivery of Therapeutics

Cubosomes are bicontinuous cubic phase nanoparticles with a size range from 10-500 nm. They offer various advantages with some limitations at the production level, e.g., cubosomes have the feature to encapsulate a large amount of the drug due to its large internal area owing to cuboidal shape thus has a larger area but limited in large scale production due to its high viscosity which is associated with the problem in homogenization. This nanoparticulate formulation is compatible for administration by various routes like oral, transdermal, topical, buccal, etc. The drug release mechanism from cubosomes was reported to be dependent on the partition coefficient and diffusion process. Compared with liposomes, cubosomes show many differences in various aspects like shape, size, ingredients, and mode of action. The main ingredients for the preparation of cubosomes include lipids, stabilizer, aqueous phases, and therapeutic agents. Several methods have been reported for cubosomes, including the top-down method, the bottom-up method, and the adopted coarse method. For the optimization of cubosomes, the key factors to be considered, which will affect the cubosomes characteristics include; the concentration of lipid, temperature, and pH. At present, many research groups are exploring the potential of cubosomes as biosensors and nanocarriers. Based on the latest reports and research, this review illuminates the structure of the Cubosomes, mechanism of the drug release, different methods of preparation with factors affecting the cubosomes, application of cubosomes in different sectors, differences from the liposomes, and advantages.

Norfloxacin loaded nano-cubosomes for enhanced management of otitis externa: In vitro and in vivo evaluation

The research's goal is to design and formulate nano-structured cubosomes loaded with norfloxacin (NFX)formanagement of otitis externa. In this study, glyceryl monooleate (GMO) as lipid phase, Cremophor EL as surfactant and either Pluronic F108 or Pluronic F127 as stabilizer were the used ingredients. The nano-cubosomal formulation "CUB 1" (its dispersed phase is composed of GMO (95%), Cremophor EL (2.5%) and Pluronic F108 (2.5%)) was the best achieved one. It had small particles size (216.75 ± 2.47 nm), good polydispersity index (0.339 ± 0.012) and acceptable zeta potential (-41.2 ± 2.262 mV). Images obtained after transmission electron microscopy examination ensured nearly cubic shape of formed nanoparticles with excellent dispersibility. Moreover, micrographs of rabbit ear skin specimens examined by confocal laser microscopy ensured good permeation capability of nano-structured cubosomes.In addition, in vivoskin deposition results revealed that higher amount of NFX was deposited in the rabbit ear skin throughout the study period (10 h) compared to drug suspension. Additionally, histopathological results proved that NFX loaded cubosomes can be safely applied topically on ear skin without any signs of inflammation nor skin irritation. Accordingly, these results anticipated the nano-structured cubosomal capabilities as a favorable nano-carrier for dermal NFX delivery to external ear skin for enhancing the management of otitis externa.

Investigation of the Pristine and Functionalized Carbon Nanotubes as a Delivery System for the Anticancer Drug Dacarbazine: Drug Encapsulation

Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs) have been used as the systems in drug delivery due to their exceptional physical and chemical properties. In this study, the adsorption of an anticancer drug Dacarbazine (DAC) into the inner and outer surface of pristine and Functionalized Carbon Nanotubes (FCNTs) with four carboxylic acid groups was investigated in aqueous solution using the Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulations. Our simulation results showed that in spite of the adsorption of drug molecules on the outer sidewall of pristine and functionalized nanotubes, the spontaneous encapsulation of DAC molecule into the cavity of CNTs and FCNTs is observed. The simulations show that the arrangement of the DAC molecule into the CNTs and FCNTs is controlled by π-π interactions.

Potential application of novel liquid crystal nanoparticles of isostearyl glyceryl ether for transdermal delivery of 4-biphenyl acetic acid

Novel liquid crystal nanoparticles (LCNs) composed of isostearyl glyceryl ether (GE-IS) and ethoxylated hydrogenated castor oil (HCO-60) were developed for the enhanced transdermal delivery of 4-biphenyl acetic acid (BAA). The physical properties and pharmaceutical properties of the LCNs were measured. The interaction between the intercellular lipid model of the stratum corneum and the LCNs was observed to elucidate the skin permeation mechanism. In the formulation, the LCNs form niosomes with mean particles sizes of 180-300 nm. The skin absorption mechanisms of LCNs are different, depending upon the application and buffer concentration. The LCNs composed of GE-IS and HCO-60 are attractive tools for use as transdermal drug delivery systems carriers for medicines and cosmetics, due to their high efficiency and safety.

Nanostructured cubosomes in an in situ nasal gel system: an alternative approach for the controlled delivery of donepezil HCl to brain

The purpose of this research was to develop cubosomal mucoadhesive in situ nasal gel to enhance the donepezil HCl delivery to the brain. Glycerol mono-oleate (GMO) and surfactant poloxamer 407 were used to prepare cubosomes. The developed formulations were characterized for particle size (PS), poly dispersity index (PDI), zeta potential (ZP), entrapment efficiency (EE), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), in vitro drug release and in vivo bio-distribution study in blood and brain tissue. Central composite design was used for the optimization purpose and the selected formulation (containing GMO 2 g and poloxamer 1.5%) was prepared in presence of gellan gum and konjac gum as gelling agent and mucoadhesive agent respectively. The optimal cubosomal dispersion and optimal cubosomal mucoadhesive in situ nasal gel were subjected to in vivo bio-distribution studies in rat model. It showed significantly higher transnasal permeation and better distribution to the brain, when compared to the drug solution. Thus, the formulated cubosomal mucoadhesive in situ gel could be considered as a promising carrier for brain targeting of CNS acting drugs through the transnasal route.

Development of self-assembled nanocarriers to enhance antitumor efficacy of docetaxel trihydrate in MDA-MB-231 cell line

Self-assembled nanocarriers (SANs) as a novel colloidal controlled delivery for docetaxel trihydrate (DTX) were engineered by high-pressure homogenization method to overcome the several clinical problems. Drug-excipient compatibility was studied using DSC and FTIR spectroscopy. The fabricated SANs was characterized by particle size, zeta potential, and SEM. QbD based central composite design of experiment was employed for formula optimization. The cell viability of DTX-hydroalcoholic solution (DTX-HA) and DTX-loaded SANs has been determined in MDA-MB-231 cell line by MTT assay. The stability study of selected SANs formulations were carried out at various storage conditions as per ICH guidelines. The summary of results obtained shows high drug content with higher entrapment efficiency (91.23 ± 3.41% w/w) of DTX-loaded SANs. It shows diffusion controlled release of DTX over the period of 12 h which is higher than DTX-HA solution, releases the DTX within 4 h. The MTT assay expressed lower cellular viability and improved cell inhibition leads to increase cytotoxicity of formulations towards cells. The stability study reveals stability of DTX-loaded SANs formulations at various storage conditions over a period of three months. The strong experimental evidence confirms the SANs as an effective approach to formulate the controlled delivery system of antineoplastics with improved stability.

Dacarbazine nanoparticle topical delivery system for the treatment of melanoma

Dacarbazine (DZ) is poorly soluble in water with the short half-life in blood circulation, low rate of response with the toxic effect which ultimately limits its utilization of the treatment of skin cancer. In view of this background current study was designed for development of dacarbazine laden nanoparticle (DZNP) and dacarbazine laden nanocream (DZNC) topical delivery system for the treatment of melanoma. Firstly DZNP was prepared. By using DZNP its cream formulation prepared for topic drug delivery for melanoma. Dacarbazine nanoparticle and its cream were evaluated for morphology, drug load capacity, efficiency of nanoencapsulation and size of particle and zeta potential, Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), determination of pH, spreadability and viscosity, in vitro drug release capacity and its cytotoxic potential. The particle size of DZNP and DZNC was 16.3 ± 8.1 nm and 16.9 ± 7.8 nm respectively. pH value and spreadability of nanoparticle cream were found to be 6.7 ± 0.14 g cm/sec and 55.23 ± 3.13 g cm/sec respectively. Nanoencapsulation efficiency and Drug loading capacity were 67.4 ± 3.5% and 6.73 mg/10 mg respectively. IC50 of dacarbazine nanoparticle was 0.19 mg/ml while it was 0.63 mg/ml for nanoparticle cream. It can be concluded that DZNP and its cream can be effectively used as a topical formulation for the treatment of melanoma.

Dacarbazine-Loaded Hollow Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles Grafted with Folic Acid for Enhancing Antimetastatic Melanoma Response

Dacarbazine (DTIC) is one of the most important chemotherapeutic agents for the treatment of melanoma; however, its poor solubility, photosensitivity, instability, and serious toxicity to normal cells limit its clinical applications. In this article, we present a rationally designed nanocarrier based on hollow mesoporous silica nanoparticles (HMSNs) for the encapsulation and targeted release of DTIC for eradicating melanoma. The nanocarrier (DTIC@HMLBFs) is prepared by modifying HMSNs with carboxyl groups to enhance the loading of DTIC, followed by further enveloping of folic acid-grafted liposomes, which act as a melanoma active target for controlled and targeted drug release. In vitro, DTIC@HMLBFs exhibited the strongest cytotoxicity to melanoma cells compared with DTIC@HMSNs and free DTIC. The in vivo investigations demonstrate that the rationally designed nanocarrier loaded with DTIC achieves significant improvement against lung metastasis of melanoma via targeting melanoma cells and tumor-associated macrophages. This study provides a promising platform for the design and fabrication of multifunctional nanomedicines, which are potentially useful for the treatment of melanoma.

Spray-Dried Thiolated Chitosan-Coated Sodium Alginate Multilayer Microparticles for Vaginal HIV Microbicide Delivery

It is hypothesized that novel thiolated chitosan-coated multilayer microparticles (MPs) with enhanced drug loading are more mucoadhesive than uncoated MPs and safe in vivo for vaginal delivery of topical anti-HIV microbicide. Formulation optimization is achieved through a custom experimental design and the alginate (AG) MPs cores are prepared using the spray drying method. The optimal MPs are then coated with the thiolated chitosan (TCS) using a layer-by-layer method. The morphological analysis, in situ drug payload, in vitro drug release profile, and mucoadhesion potential of the MPs are carried out using scanning electron microscopy, solid-state ³¹P NMR spectroscopy, UV spectroscopy, fluorescence imaging and periodic acid Schiff method, respectively. The cytotoxicity and preclinical safety of MPs are assessed on human vaginal (VK2/E6E7) and endocervical (End1/E6E7) epithelial cell lines and in female C57BL/6 mice, respectively. The results show that the MPs are successfully formulated with an average diameter ranging from 2 to 3 μm with a drug loading of 7-12% w/w. The drug release profile of these MPs primarily follows the Baker-Lonsdale and Korsmeyer-Peppas models. The MPs exhibit high mucoadhesion (20-50 folds) compared to native AGMPs. The multilayer MPs are noncytotoxic. Histological and immunochemical analysis of the mice genital tract shows neither signs of damage nor inflammatory cell infiltrate. These data highlight the potential use of TCS-coated AG-based multilayer MPs templates for the topical vaginal delivery of anti-HIV/AIDS microbicides.

Nanostructured Cubosomes in a Thermoresponsive Depot System: An Alternative Approach for the Controlled Delivery of Docetaxel

The aim of the present study was to develop and evaluate a thermoresponsive depot system comprising of docetaxel-loaded cubosomes. The cubosomes were dispersed within a thermoreversible gelling system for controlled drug delivery. The cubosome dispersion was prepared by dilution method, followed by homogenization using glyceryl monooleate, ethanol and Pluronic® F127 in distilled water. The cubosome dispersion was then incorporated into a gelling system prepared with Pluronic® F127 and Pluronic® F68 in various ratios to formulate a thermoresponsive depot system. The thermoresponsive depot formulations undergo a thermoreversible gelation process i.e., they exists as free flowing liquids at room temperature, and transforms into gels at higher temperatures e.g., body temperature, to form a stable depot in aqueous environment. The mean particle size of the cubosomes in the dispersion prepared with Pluronic® F127, with and without the drug was found to be 170 and 280 nm, respectively. The prepared thermoresponsive depot system was evaluated by assessing various parameters like time for gelation, injectability, gel erosion, and in-vitro drug release. The drug-release studies of the cubosome dispersion before incorporation into the gelling system revealed that a majority (∼97%) of the drug was released within 12 h. This formulation also showed a short lag time (∼3 min). However, when incorporated into a thermoresponsive depot system, the formulation exhibited an initial burst release of ∼21%, and released only ∼39% drug over a period of 12 h, thus indicating its potential as a controlled drug delivery system.

Nanotechnology-Based Drug Delivery Systems for Melanoma Antitumoral Therapy: A Review

Melanoma (MEL) is a less common type of skin cancer, but it is more aggressive with a high mortality rate. The World Cancer Research Fund International (GLOBOCAN 2012) estimates that there were 230,000 new cases of MEL in the world in 2012. Conventional MEL treatment includes surgery and chemotherapy, but many of the chemotherapeutic agents used present undesirable properties. Drug delivery systems are an alternative strategy by which to carry antineoplastic agents. Encapsulated drugs are advantageous due to such properties as high stability, better bioavailability, controlled drug release, a long blood circulation time, selective organ or tissue distribution, a lower total required dose, and minimal toxic side effects. This review of scientific research supports applying a nanotechnology-based drug delivery system for MEL therapy.

Optimization, characterization and evaluation of chitosan-tailored cubic nanoparticles of clotrimazole

The present study deals with improvement of the mucoadhesive properties of monoolein based cubic nanoparticles by incorporating chitosan. Chitosan-tailored cubic nanoparticles were prepared by thin film hydration followed by ultrasonication employing clotrimazole as model drug. The effect of Pluronic F127 fraction and concentration of chitosan on particle size and % mucin binding of the formulations was studied using 2-factor, 3-level, central composite experimental design. The concentration of chitosan was found to influence particle size and % mucin binding of cubic nanoparticles while Pluronic F127 fraction influenced only the % mucin binding. Studies indicated 8.33(%w/w) fraction of Pluronic F127 and 0.17 (%w/v) concentration of chitosan as optimum concentration. Finally, the optimized batch was characterized by polarized light microscopy, small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and transmission electron microscopy. The results unveiled incorporation of chitosan did not disrupt the inner cubic structure of nanoparticles. Peak indexing of SAXS data revealed the coexistence of P-type and D-type cubic phases in nanoparticles. Further, comparative evaluation studies showed significantly higher anti-fungal activity of clotrimazole-loaded chitosan-tailored cubic nanoparticles than conventional suspension of clotrimazole against Candida albicans.

Development, characterisation and pharmacoscintigraphic evaluation of nano-fluticasone propionate dry powder inhalation as potential antidote against inhaled toxic gases

Acute lung injuries caused due to inhalation of toxic irritant gases such as ammonia, chlorine, hot smoke and burning plastic fumes predominantly affect the airways, causing tracheitis, bronchitis, and other inflammatory responses. The purpose was to develop and characterise nanoparticle based fluticasone propionate (FP) DPI formulation and assess its in vitro and in vivo pulmonary deposition using pharmacoscintigraphy. FP nanoparticles were prepared by nanoprecipitation method. Optimisation was carried out with the help of Box-Behnken statistical design. Nanoparticles were characterised with the help of SEM, FT-IR, DSC and XRD. Anderson cascade impaction showed that nano-FP exhibited significantly higher respirable fraction of 60.3 ± 2.41 as compared to 16.4 ± 0.66 for micronised form. Ventilation lung scintigraphy in human volunteers confirmed significant increase in drug delivery till alveolar region with nano-FP in comparison to micronised drug. Results indicate that the developed formulation may have a potential prophylactic/therapeutic role against toxic, irritant gas inhalation.

Surface-modified solid lipid nanoparticulate formulation for ifosfamide: development and characterization

Aims: The present research focuses on the development of the surface modified solid lipid nanoparticulate (SLN) system for enhancing the stability and sustaining the release of a model hydrophilic drug ifosfamide. Materials & Methods: SLNs consisting of glyceryl monooleate (GMO) and chitosan were prepared by double emulsion technique, crosslinked with sodium tripolyphosphate, followed by lyophilization under two different vacuum conditions. The physicochemical characterization of SLNs included evaluation of surface morphology, particle size and surface charge, moisture content and physical state of the drug in the delivery system. The in vitro drug release and the stability were evaluated using high-performance liquid chromatography and liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry, respectively. Cellular permeability and subcellular localization studies were performed using Caco-2 cells. Results: Different chamber pressures during lyophilization produced SLNs with different morphologies and moisture contents. SLNs demonstrated high encapsulation efficiency, sustained release, and enhanced stability of ifosfamide with a high cellular uptake and permeability for Caco-2 cells. Conclusion: GMO and chitosan SLNs could be successfully used for enhancing the stability, sustaining the release, enhancing the targeting and permeability characteristics of ifosfamide.

Engineering tenofovir loaded chitosan nanoparticles to maximize microbicide mucoadhesion

The objective of this study was to engineer a model anti-HIV microbicide (tenofovir) loaded chitosan based nanoparticles (NPs). Box-Behnken design allowed to assess the influence of formulation variables on the size of NPs and drug encapsulation efficiency (EE%) that were analyzed by dynamic light scattering and UV spectroscopy, respectively. The effect of the NPs on vaginal epithelial cells and Lactobacillus crispatus viability and their mucoadhesion to porcine vaginal tissue were assessed by cytotoxicity assays and fluorimetry, respectively. In the optimal aqueous conditions, the EE% and NPs size were 5.83% and 207.97nm, respectively. With 50% (v/v) ethanol/water as alternative solvent, these two responses increased to 20% and 602 nm, respectively. Unlike small size (182nm) exhibiting burst release, drug release from medium (281 nm) and large (602 nm)-sized NPs fitted the Higuchi (r(2)=0.991) and first-order release (r(2)=0.999) models, respectively. These NPs were not cytotoxic to both the vaginal epithelial cell line and L. crispatus for 48h. When the diameter of the NPs decreased from 900 to 188 nm, the mucoadhesion increased from 6% to 12%. However, the combinatorial effect of EE% and percent mucoadhesion for larger size NPs was the highest. Overall, large-size, microbicide loaded chitosan NPs appeared to be promising nanomedicines for the prevention of HIV transmission.

Engineering nanomedicines for improved melanoma therapy: progress and promises

Once metastatic, melanoma remains one of the most aggressive and morbid malignancies. Moreover, in past decades, the overall survival for advanced unresectable melanoma exhibited a constancy of poor prognosis. Low response rates and serious adverse effects have been characteristic of standard therapy based on a combination of chemotherapeutic agents or immunotherapy with IL-2. For example, the chemotherapy including dacarbazine, carmustin, cisplatin and tamoxifen is known as 'Dartmouth regimen' while the CVD regimen comprises carmustine, vinblastine and dacarbazine. Thus, there is an urgent and critical need to reformulate these bioactive agents using nanoscience and nanotechnology as alternative strategies. This article overviews current design and evaluation of nanomedicine undertaken to address this unmet medical need. The nanomedicines studied include polymeric nanoparticles, liposomes, polymersomes, dendrimers, cubosomes, niosomes and nanodiamonds. In this preclinical article, nanotechnology provides hope for effective treatment of this aggressive and largely treatment-resistant disease.

Formulation of dacarbazine-loaded cubosomes. Part III. Physicochemical characterization

The purpose of this study was to investigate the physicochemical properties of dacarbazine-loaded cubosomes. The drug-loaded cubosome nanocarriers were prepared by a fragmentation method and then freeze dried. They were then characterized for size, morphology, thermal behavior, and crystallography using dynamic light scattering, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), respectively. The drug loading and encapsulation efficiency were determined by UV spectrophotometry. The results showed that the prepared dacarbazine-loaded cubosomes had mean diameters ranging from 86 to 106 nm. In addition to the TEM, the characteristic peaks from PXRD data suggested that the freeze-dried nanoformulations were indeed cubic in nature. DSC and PXRD analysis suggested the 0.06 or 0.28% w/w actual drug loaded inside cubosomes was in the amorphous or molecular state. These physicochemical characteristics would affect the nanoformulation shelf-life, efficacy, and safety.

Analysis of process parameters affecting spray-dried oily core nanocapsules using factorial design

The purpose of this work was to optimize the process parameters required for the production of spray-dried oily core nanocapsules (NCs) with targeted size and drug yield using a two-level four-factor fractional factorial experimental design (FFED). The coded process parameters chosen were inlet temperature (X(1)), feed flow rate (X(2)), atomizing air flow (X(3)), and aspiration rate (X(4)). The produced NCs were characterized for size, yield, morphology, and powder flowability by dynamic light scattering, electron microscope, Carr's index, and Hausner ratio measurement, respectively. The mean size of produced NCs ranged from 129.5 to 444.8 nm, with yield varying from 14.1% to 31.1%. The statistical analysis indicated an adequate model fit in predicting the effect of process parameters affecting yield. Predicted condition for maximum yield was: inlet temperature 140°C, atomizing air flow 600 L/h, feed flow rate 0.18 L/h, and aspiration air flow set at 100%, which led to a yield of 30.8%. The morphological analysis showed the existence of oily core and spherical nanostructure. The results from powder flowability analysis indicated average Carr's index and Hausner ratio of 42.77% and 1.76, respectively. Spray-dried oily core NCs with size lower than 200 nm were successfully produced, and the FFED proved to be an effective approach in predicting the production of spray-dried NCs of targeted yield.

Formulation of dacarbazine-loaded Cubosomes--part II: influence of process parameters

The purpose of this study is to investigate the combined influence of process parameters (independent variables) such as homogenization speed (X(1)), duration (X(2)), and temperature (X(3)) during the preparation of dacarbazine-loaded cubosomes. Box-Behnken design was used to rationalize the influence of these three factors on two responses, namely particle size (Y(1)) and encapsulation efficiency (Y(2)). Independent and dependent variables were analyzed with multiple regressions to establish a full-model second-order polynomial equation. F value was calculated to confirm the omission of insignificant parameters or interactions of parameters from the analysis to derive a reduced-model polynomial equation to predict the Y(1) and Y(2) of dacarbazine-loaded cubosomes. Pareto charts were also obtained to show the effects of X(1), X(2), and X(3) on Y(1) and Y(2). For Y(1), there was a model validated for more accurate prediction of response parameter by performing checkpoint analysis. The optimization process and Pareto charts were obtained automatically and they predicted the levels of independent parameters X(1), X(2), and X(3) (0.889794, 0.11886, and 0.56201, respectively) and minimized Y(1). The optimal process parameters (homogenization's speed = approximately 24,000 rpm, duration = 5.5 min, and temperature = 76 degrees C) led to the production of cubosomes with 85.6 nm in size and 16.7% in encapsulation efficiency. The Box-Behnken design proved to be a useful tool in the preparation and optimization of dacarbazine-loaded cubosomes. For encapsulation efficiency (Y(2)), further studies are needed to enhance the result and improve the model for such water-soluble drug encapsulation in cubosomes.