Advances in lipid-based drug delivery: enhancing efficiency for hydrophobic drugs

Lipid Nanocarriers as Precision Delivery Systems for Brain Tumors

Brain tumors, particularly glioblastomas, represent the most complicated cancers to treat and manage due to their highly invasive nature and the protective barriers of the brain, including the blood-brain barrier (BBB). The efficacy of currently available treatments, viz., radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy, are frequently limited by major side effects, drug resistance, and restricted drug penetration into the brain. Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) have emerged as a promising and targeted delivery system for brain tumors. Lipid nanocarriers have gained tremendous attention for brain tumor therapeutics due to multiple drug encapsulation abilities, controlled release, better biocompatibility, and ability to cross the BBB. Herein, a detailed analysis of the design, mechanisms, and therapeutic benefits of LNPs in brain tumor treatment is discussed. Moreover, we also discuss the safety issues and clinical developments of LNPs and their current and future challenges. Further, we also focused on the clinical transformation of LNPs in brain tumor therapy by eliminating side effects and engineering the LNPs to overcome the related biological barriers, which provide personalized, affordable, and low-risk treatment options.

Effect of oral resveratrol-loaded nanoliposomes on hyperlipidemia via toll-like receptor 3 and TIR domain-containing adaptor inducing interferon-β protein expression in an animal model

Hyperlipidemia, a critical risk factor for various health conditions, necessitates innovative therapeutic strategies. Investigating the effectiveness of liposomal formulations in managing hyperlipidemia is essential. Resveratrol (RES)-loaded nanoliposomes present a promising new approach for hyperlipidemia treatment. In this study, we investigated the anti-hyperlipidemic potential of RES-loaded nanoliposomes in high-fat diet (HFD)-fed rats. The nanoliposomes were prepared using a thin-film hydration method. According to transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and dynamic light scattering (DLS) results, the mean size of prepared RES-loaded nanoliposomes were about 42 nm and 68 nm, respectively, with a zeta potential of -65.6 mV. The entrapment efficiency and loading content were 83.78% and 14.25%, respectively. Additionally, the RES-loaded nanoliposomes exhibited controlled release kinetics compared to the free RES form. Moreover, in a hyperlipidemic rat model induced by an HFD, orally administered RES-loaded nanoliposomes significantly reduced total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C), and triglycerides (TG), while concurrently increasing high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels. Additionally, liver damage induced by HFD was alleviated by RES-loaded nanoliposomes. The expression levels of Toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3) and TIR domain-containing adaptor-inducing interferon-β (TRIF) were assessed using fluorescence immunohistochemistry. Notably, RES-loaded nanoliposomes significantly reduced the expression of these protein. The effect of RES-loaded nanoliposomes was measured on body weight of HFD rats, demonstrting RES-loaded nanoliposomes hold promise for weight management. These findings underscore the potential of RES-loaded nanoliposomes as a safe and effective therapeutic option for hyperlipidemia.

Niosomes as a targeted drug delivery system in the treatment of breast cancer: preparation, classification and mechanisms of cellular uptake

Breast cancer (BC) remains one of the significant health issues across the globe, being diagnosed in millions of women worldwide annually. Conventional therapeutic options have substantial adverse effects due to their non-specificity and limited drug bioavailability. Niosomes, being novel drug delivery systems formed from non-ionic surfactants, with or without cholesterol and charge-inducing agents, are used as therapeutic options in treating BC. Their formulation by various methods enhances the therapeutic efficacy and bioavailability and minimises side effects. Niosomal formulation of tamoxifen exhibits target drug delivery with enhanced stability, whereas docetaxel and methotrexate show sustained and controlled drug release, respectively. 5-Fluorouracil, doxorubicin, paclitaxel, cyclophosphamide and epirubicin show improved cytotoxic effects against BC when combined with other agents. Furthermore, repurposed niosomal formulations of anti-cancer drugs show improved penetration, reduced tumour volume and significantly enhanced anti-tumour effect. This review article focuses on the composition of niosomes and their application in BC treatment and then examines how niosomes could contribute to BC research.

Navigating a challenging path: precision disease treatment with tailored oral nano-armor-probiotics

Oral probiotics have significant potential for preventing and treating many diseases. Yet, their efficacy is often hindered by challenges related to survival and colonization within the gastrointestinal tract. Nanoparticles emerge as a transformative solution, offering robust protection and enhancing the stability and bioavailability of these probiotics. This review explores the innovative application of nanoparticle-armored engineered probiotics for precise disease treatment, specifically addressing the physiological barriers associated with oral administration. A comprehensive evaluation of various nano-armor probiotics and encapsulation methods is provided, carefully analyzing their respective merits and limitations, alongside strategies to enhance probiotic survival and achieve targeted delivery and colonization within the gastrointestinal tract. Furthermore, the review explores the potential clinical applications of nano-armored probiotics in precision therapeutics, critically addressing safety and regulatory considerations, and proposing the innovative concept of 'probiotic intestinal colonization with nano armor' for brain-targeted therapies. Ultimately, this review aspires to guide the advancement of nano-armored probiotic therapies, driving progress in precision medicine and paving the way for groundbreaking treatment modalities.

Microfluidic Fabrication of Oleosin-Coated Liposomes as Anticancer Drug Carriers with Enhanced Sustained Drug Release

Microfluid-derived liposomes (M-Lipo) exhibit great potential as drug and functional substance carriers in pharmaceutical and food science. However, the low liposome membrane stability, attributed to the liquid core, limits their application range. Oleosin, a natural surfactant protein, can improve the stability of the lipid nanoparticle membrane against various environmental stresses, such as heat, drying, and pH change; in addition, it can enable sustained drug release. Here, we proposed the fabrication of oleosin-coated M-Lipo (OM-Lipo) through self-assembly on a microfluidic chip and the evaluation of its anticancer drug (carmustine) delivery efficiency. Nanoparticle characterization revealed that the oleosin coating slightly lowered the membrane potential of M-Lipo and greatly improved their dispersibility. Additionally, the in vitro drug release profile showed that the oleosin coating improved the sustained release of the hydrophobic drug from the phospholipid bilayer in body temperature. Our results suggest that OM-Lipo has sufficient potential in various fields, based on its easy production, excellent stability, and biocompatibility.

Targeted delivery of rapamycin and inhibition of platelet adhesion with multifunctional peptide nanoparticles for atherosclerosis treatment

There is increasing evidence supporting the unique benefits of targeted therapy in treating atherosclerotic disease. Given the complex nature of atherosclerosis development, we proposed a novel strategy for the efficient delivery of rapamycin (RAPA) by targeting both the exposed subendothelial collagen and oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL) present in plaques. In response, we developed multifunctional peptide (MP) nanoparticles for targeted drug delivery. The ability of MP nanoparticles to load RAPA and target collagen/oxLDL was investigated through molecular dynamics simulations and in vitro experiments. The efficacy of MP nanoparticles in atherosclerosis treatment was assessed via in vivo experiments on ApoE-/- mice. Results indicate that MP nanoparticles have encapsulation and drug loading efficiencies for RAPA of 78.3 % and 43.9 %, respectively. By targeting collagen, MP nanoparticles create steric hindrance that inhibits 77.2 % of platelet adhesion. These nanoparticles can also target oxLDL, delivering RAPA into plaques and significantly reducing macrophage uptake of oxLDL. In vivo experiments showed that MP nanoparticles effectively targeted and accumulated in plaques. Treating mice with MP@RAPA nanoparticles for 10 weeks led to an 81.3 % reduction in the aortic vascular plaque area and decreased concentrations of MCP-1, hs-CRP, MMP-1, P-selectin, IL-1β, and IL-8 inflammatory factors, as well as the optical density of platelet-associated proteins (CD42, CD61, and PECAM-1). These results highlight the promising potential of MP nanoparticles for atherosclerotic disease treatment.

Protein Nanospheres and Nanofibers Prepared by Ice-Templating for the Controlled Release of Hydrophobic Drugs

Protein scaffolds play a vital role in drug delivery systems. However, few research studies have been focused on loading hydrophobic drugs on protein scaffolds in biomedical fields. Here, we report on the development of protein microspheres and nanofibers by a simple ice-templating approach and their use as scaffolds for the controlled release of hydrophobic drugs, with bovine serum albumin (BSA) as the model protein and curcumin as the model hydrophobic drug. The BSA scaffolds display the unique nanofibrous and microspherical structures. This is a surprising discovery because there has been no report on the formation of microspheres via simple ice-templating of solutions or suspensions. To further understand the formation of microspheres by this approach, lysozyme, papain, and their composites with BSA are also studied. It is speculated that nanoparticles are first formed in aqueous BSA solution, attributed to the overlapping of hydration layers and autoassembly of inner hydrophobic cores of BSA globular molecules. Nanoprecipitation and soaking evaporation approaches are then used to load curcumin into the BSA scaffolds, followed by cross-linking with glutaraldehyde vapor to improve stability in an aqueous medium. The controlled release of curcumin is demonstrated, paving the way for various hydrophobic drugs loaded into this biodegradable and nonimmunogenic protein scaffold for potential treatments of diverse diseases.

Self-Assembled PD-L1 Downregulator to Boost Photodynamic Activated Tumor Immunotherapy Through CDK5 Inhibition

The immunosuppressive characteristics and acquired immune resistance can restrain the therapy-initiated anti-tumor immunity. In this work, an antibody free programmed death receptor ligand 1 (PD-L1) downregulator (designated as CeSe) is fabricated to boost photodynamic activated immunotherapy through cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (CDK5) inhibition. Among which, FDA approved photosensitizer of chlorin e6 (Ce6) and preclinical available CDK5 inhibitor of seliciclib (Se) are utilized to prepare the nanomedicine of CeSe through self-assembly technique without drug excipient. Nanoscale CeSe exhibits an increased stability and drug delivery efficiency, contributing to intracellular production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) for robust photodynamic therapy (PDT). The PDT of CeSe can not only suppress the primary tumor growth, but also induce the immunogenic cell death (ICD) to release tumor associated antigens. More importantly, the CDK5 inhibition by CeSe can downregulate PD-L1 to re-activate the systemic anti-tumor immunity by decreasing the tumor immune escape and therapy-induced acquired immune resistance. This work provides an antibody free strategy to activate systemic immune response for metastatic tumor treatment, which may accelerate the development of translational nanomedicine with sophisticated mechanism.

Methotrexate-Loaded Surface-Modified Solid Lipid Nanoparticles Targeting Cancer Expressing COX-2 Enzyme

Cancer is a major public health problem worldwide, and it is the second leading cause of death of humans in the world. The present study has been directed toward the preparation of methotrexate-loaded surface-modified solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) for potential use as a chemotherapeutic formulation for cancer therapy. A lipid (C14-AAP) derived from myristic acid (C14H30O2) and acetaminophen (AAP) was employed as a targeting ligand for human breast and lung cancer cells that overexpress the cyclooxygenases-2 (COX-2) enzyme. The SLNs consisting of stearic acid and C14-AAP were characterized by several methods, including dynamic light scattering (DLS), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) spectroscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) techniques. An in vitro cell cytotoxicity study was done by carrying out an MTT assay and flow cytometry study in the human breast cancer (MCF7) and human lung cancer cell line (A549). The expression level of COX-2 enzyme in MCF7 and A549 cell lines was examined by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). A high level of COX-2 expression was observed in both cell lines. In vitro cell cytotoxicity study in MC7 and A549 cell lines showed the surface-modified, methotrexate-loaded SLN is more effective in cell killing and induction of apoptotic death in both the cell lines than free methotrexate in MTT, flow cytometry, clonogenic assay, and Western blot studies. The surface-modified SLN was radiolabeled with 99mTc with %RCP greater than 95%. In vivo biodistribution study of the 99mTc-labeled SLN in melanoma tumor-bearing C57BL6 mice showed moderate tumor uptake of the radiotracer at 3 h post injection. The SPECT/CT image aligns with the biodistribution results. This study shows that AAP-modified SLNs could be a potential chemotherapeutic formulation for cancer therapy.

The navel nanoethosomal formulation of gamma-oryzanol attenuates testicular ischemia/reperfusion damages

Testicular torsion reduces blood flow to testes and induces tissue ischemia. Antioxidant can have pivotal roles in alleviation of the effects of torsion/reperfusion. Gamma-oryzanol (γ-Oryzanol) has several pharmacological properties such as antioxidant and anti-apoptosis that can be used in this way. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of nanoethosomal formulation of gamma-oryzanol (γ-Oryzanol-NEs) on testicular damages in a mouse model of ischemia/reperfusion damage. Following induction of ischemia/reperfusion, the mice were treated with γ-Oryzanol and γ-Oryzanol-NEs (6 mg/kg) in times of 3 h and 6 h. The expression of positive cells of TUNEL, superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), heat shock protein-70 (HSP70) and caspase 3 and histopathological parameters were assessed. The results showed higher expression of positive cells of TUNEL, HSP70 and caspase 3 and lower expressions of SOD and GPx in control mice compared with those treated with γ-Oryzanol-NEs (P = 0.001). The treatment with γ-Oryzanol-NEs could decrease pathological damages and the expression of positive cells of TUNEL, HSP70 and caspase 3 and increase the expressions of SOD and GPx. In conclusion, γ-Oryzanol-NEs could have the protective effects on torsion/reperfusion by decreasing apoptosis and increasing antioxidant status in a mouse model.

A Window for Enhanced Oral Delivery of Therapeutics via Lipid Nanoparticles

Oral administration of dosage forms is convenient and beneficial in several respects. Lipid nanoparticulate dosage forms have emerged as a useful carrier system in deploying low solubility drugs systemically, particularly class II, III, and IV drugs of the Biopharmaceutics Classification System. Like other nanoparticulate delivery systems, their low size-to-volume ratio facilitates uptake by phagocytosis. Lipid nanoparticles also provide scope for high drug loading and extended-release capability, ensuring diminished systemic side effects and improved pharmacokinetics. However, rapid gastrointestinal (GI) clearance of particulate delivery systems impedes efficient uptake across the mucosa. Mucoadhesion of dosage forms to the GI mucosa results in longer transit times due to interactions between the former and mucus. Delayed transit times facilitate transfer of the dosage form across the mucosa. In this regard, a balance between mucoadhesion and mucopenetration guarantees optimal systemic transfer. Furthermore, the interplay between GI anatomy and physiology is key to ensuring efficient systemic uptake. This review captures salient anatomical and physiological features of the GI tract and how these can be exploited for maximal systemic delivery of lipid nanoparticles. Materials used to impart mucoadhesion and examples of successful mucoadhesive lipid nanoformulations are highlighted in this review.

An MMAE-loaded PDL1 active targeting nanomedicine for the precision treatment of colon cancer

Tumor-active-targeting drugs such as antibody-drug conjugates have emerged as promising accurate therapeutic agents. However, their complex preparations risk compromising the targeting ability of the fragment antigen binding (Fab) region and promote aggregation over long-term storage. Here, we propose a tumor-active-targeting nanomedicine, aPDL1-PLG-MMAE, that effectively targets programmed death-ligand 1 (PDL1) high-expressing tumors and delivers monomethyl auristatin E (MMAE). aPDL1-PLG-MMAE consists of an anti-PDL1 monoclonal antibody (aPDL1) and poly(L-glutamic acid) (PLG) grafted Fc-III-4C peptide/Val-Cit-PAB-MMAE (Fc-PLG-MMAE). Fc-PLG-MMAE was obtained by conjugating the Fc-III-4C peptide and Val-Cit-PAB-MMAE to PLG via amide condensation. The strong affinity between the fragment crystallizable (Fc) region of aPDL1 and the Fc-III-4C peptide enabled aPDL1 and Fc-PLG-MMAE to self-assemble into aPDL1-PLG-MMAE after four hours of coincubation in PBS. As this nanomedicine can be quickly prepared for immediate use, the required antibodies can be stored separately from the Fc-PLG-MMAE portion for extended periods, which also facilitates transport. Moreover, aPDL1-PLG-MMAE demonstrated robust tumor recognition and targeting effects on MC38 colon cancer cells, resulting in potent therapeutic efficacy without significant toxicities.

Immune-Modulating Lipid Nanomaterials for the Delivery of Biopharmaceuticals

In recent years, with the approval of preventative vaccines for pandemics, lipid nanoparticles have become a prominent RNA delivery vehicle. The lack of long-lasting effects of non-viral vectors is an advantage for infectious disease vaccines. With the introduction of microfluidic processes that facilitate the encapsulation of nucleic acid cargo, lipid nanoparticles are being studied as delivery vehicles for various RNA-based biopharmaceuticals. In particular, using microfluidic chip-based fabrication processes, nucleic acids such as RNA and proteins can be effectively incorporated into lipid nanoparticles and utilized as delivery vehicles for various biopharmaceuticals. Due to the successful development of mRNA therapies, lipid nanoparticles have emerged as a promising approach for the delivery of biopharmaceuticals. Biopharmaceuticals of various types (DNA, mRNA, short RNA, proteins) possess expression mechanisms that are suitable for manufacturing personalized cancer vaccines, while also requiring formulation with lipid nanoparticles. In this review, we describe the basic design of lipid nanoparticles, the types of biopharmaceuticals used as carriers, and the microfluidic processes involved. We then present research cases focusing on lipid-nanoparticle-based immune modulation and discuss the current status of commercially available lipid nanoparticles, as well as future prospects for the development of lipid nanoparticles for immune regulation purposes.

Characterization of Potent ABCG2 Inhibitor Derived from Chromone: From the Mechanism of Inhibition to Human Extracellular Vesicles for Drug Delivery

Inhibition of ABC transporters is a promising approach to overcome multidrug resistance in cancer. Herein, we report the characterization of a potent ABCG2 inhibitor, namely, chromone 4a (C4a). Molecular docking and in vitro assays using ABCG2 and P-glycoprotein (P-gp) expressing membrane vesicles of insect cells revealed that C4a interacts with both transporters, while showing selectivity toward ABCG2 using cell-based transport assays. C4a inhibited the ABCG2-mediated efflux of different substrates and molecular dynamic simulations demonstrated that C4a binds in the Ko143-binding pocket. Liposomes and extracellular vesicles (EVs) of Giardia intestinalis and human blood were used to successfully bypass the poor water solubility and delivery of C4a as assessed by inhibition of the ABCG2 function. Human blood EVs also promoted delivery of the well-known P-gp inhibitor, elacridar. Here, for the first time, we demonstrated the potential use of plasma circulating EVs for drug delivery of hydrophobic drugs targeting membrane proteins.

Lipid-core nanoparticles: Classification, preparation methods, routes of administration and recent advances in cancer treatment

Nanotechnological drug delivery platforms represent a new paradigm for cancer therapeutics as they improve the pharmacokinetic profile and distribution of chemotherapeutic agents over conventional formulations. Among nanoparticles, lipid-based nanoplatforms possessing a lipid core, that is, lipid-core nanoparticles (LCNPs), have gained increasing interest due to lipid properties such as high solubilizing potential, versatility, biocompatibility, and biodegradability. However, due to the wide spectrum of morphologies and types of LCNPs, there is a lack of consensus regarding their terminology and classification. According to the current state-of-the-art in this critical review, LCNPs are defined and classified based on the state of their lipidic components in liquid lipid nanoparticles (LLNs). These include lipid nanoemulsions (LNEs) and lipid nanocapsules (LNCs), solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) and nanostructured lipid nanocarriers (NLCs). In addition, we present a comprehensive and comparative description of the methods employed for their preparation, routes of administration and the fundamental role of physicochemical properties of LCNPs for efficient antitumoral drug-delivery application. Market available LCNPs, clinical trials and preclinical in vivo studies of promising LCNPs as potential treatments for different cancer pathologies are summarized.

Promising Role of Polylactic Acid as an Ingenious Biomaterial in Scaffolds, Drug Delivery, Tissue Engineering, and Medical Implants: Research Developments, and Prospective Applications

In the present scenario, the research is now being focused on the naturally occurring polymers that can gradually replace the existing synthetic polymers for the development of bio composites having applications in medical surgeries and human implants. With promising mechanical properties and bio compatibility with human tissues, poly lactic acid (PLA) is now being viewed as a future bio material. In order to examine the applicability of PLA in human implants, the current article sheds light on the synthesis of PLA and its various copolymers used to alter its physical and mechanical properties. In the latter half, various processes used for the fabrication of biomaterials are discussed in detail. Finally, biomaterials that are currently in use in the field of biomedical (Scaffolding, drug delivery, tissue engineering, medical implants, derma, cosmetics, medical surgeries, and human implants) are represented with respective advantages in the sphere of biomaterials.

DNA framework carriers with asymmetric hydrophobic drug patterns for enhanced cellular cytotoxicity

We devise a class of amphiphilic drug complexes by programming hydrophobic drug patterns (HDPs) on DNA frameworks. We investigate the effect of HDPs on cellular uptake efficiency and drug potency. We achieve enhanced cytotoxicity against tumor cells by using an asymmetric HDP.

Functional Excipients and Novel Drug Delivery Scenario in Self-nanoemulsifying Drug Delivery System: A Critical Note

Lipid-based formulations have emerged as prospective dosage forms for extracting the therapeutic effects of existing lipophilic compounds and novel chemical entities more efficiently. Compared to other excipients, lipids have the added benefit of enhancing the bioavailability of lipophilic and highly metabolizable drugs due to their unique physicochemical features and similarities to in vivo components. Furthermore, lipids can minimize the needed dose and even the toxicity of drugs with poor aqueous solubility when employed as the primary excipient. Hence, the aim of the present review is to highlight the functional behavior of lipid excipients used in SNEDD formulation along with the stability aspects of the formulation in vivo. Moreover, this review also covered the importance of SNEDDS in drug delivery, the therapeutic and manufacturing benefits of lipids as excipients, and the technological advances made so far to convert liquid to solid SNEDDS like melt granulation, adsorption on solid support, spray cooling, melt extrusion/ spheronization has also highlighted. The mechanistic understanding of SNEDD absorption in vivo is highly complex, which was discussed very critically in this review. An emphasis on their application and success on an industrial scale was presented, as supported by case studies and patent surveys.

Rationale utilization of phospholipid excipients: a distinctive tool for progressing state of the art in research of emerging drug carriers

Phospholipids have a high degree of biocompatibility and are deemed ideal pharmaceutical excipients in the development of lipid-based drug delivery systems, because of their unique features (permeation, solubility enhancer, emulsion stabilizer, micelle forming agent, and the key excipients in solid dispersions) they can be used in a variety of pharmaceutical drug delivery systems, such as liposomes, phytosomes, solid lipid nanoparticles, etc. The primary usage of phospholipids in a colloidal pharmaceutical formulation is to enhance the drug's bioavailability with low aqueous solubility [i.e. Biopharmaceutical Classification System (BCS) Class II drugs], Membrane penetration (i.e. BCS Class III drugs), drug uptake and release enhancement or modification, protection of sensitive active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) from gastrointestinal degradation, a decrease of gastrointestinal adverse effects, and even masking of the bitter taste of orally delivered drugs are other uses. Phospholipid-based colloidal drug products can be tailored to address a wide variety of product requirements, including administration methods, cost, product stability, toxicity, and efficacy. Such formulations that are also a cost-effective method for developing medications for topical, oral, pulmonary, or parenteral administration. The originality of this review work is that we comprehensively evaluated the unique properties and special aspects of phospholipids and summarized how the individual phospholipids can be utilized in various types of lipid-based drug delivery systems, as well as listing newly marketed lipid-based products, patents, and continuing clinical trials of phospholipid-based therapeutic products. This review would be helpful for researchers responsible for formulation development and research into novel colloidal phospholipid-based drug delivery systems.

Clinical Trials of Liposomes in Children’s Anticancer Therapy: A Comprehensive Analysis of Trials Registered on ClinicalTrials.gov

Objective

Clinical trials have become essential for driving the development of medicine. However, little is known about the current status of clinical trials on liposomes in children’s anticancer therapy (LCAT). This study aimed to synthesize current finding from clinical trials of LCAT in ClinicalTrials.gov.

Methods

A cross-sectional descriptive study of clinical trials on LCAT was conducted, using studies registered on ClinicalTrials.gov through December 30, 2021.

Results

A total of 74 eligible trials were identified, accounting for 4.8% (74/1552) of all trials on liposomes for cancer therapy. Among these trials, 70 (94.6%) were interventional trials, and the remaining 4 (5.4%) were observational trials. Of the 70 interventional trials, 63 (90.0%) were for treatment, 48.6% were involving unlabeled allocations, 30.0% were randomized, 52.9% were single group assignment, 71.4% were without masking, 28.6% were Phase 3 trials, 30.0% were Phase 1 trials, and 24.3% were Phase 2 trials. Furthermore, 17 liposomal drugs for 123 types of cancer were investigated in the interventional trials, and these were mainly focused on organic chemicals (43/70, 61.4%). Of these cancers, the highest proportion was leukemia (15.4%), followed by lymphoma (9.8%) and ovarian cancer (8.9%).

Conclusion

High quality, adequately powered, masked, appropriately sized, and randomized clinical trials represent the critical priorities for conducting a high-quality clinical trial. However, most of these trials for LCAT were non-randomized, single group assignment, and non-blinded interventional trials of small scale, with various eligibility criteria and outcome measures. Our analysis highlights the need for improvement in the completeness of study designs curated on clinicalTrials.gov. We urge for decision-makers to avoid adopting entrenched positions about the study design of cancer clinical trials to avoid this problem. As such, tackling the problematic challenges related to cancer and designing efficient trials for cancer requires developing and applying new approaches and multiple strategies.

Supramolecular lipid nanoparticles as delivery carriers for non-invasive cancer theranostics

Nanotheranostics is an emerging frontier of personalized medicine research particularly for cancer, which is the second leading cause of death. Supramolecular aspects in theranostics are quite allured to achieve more regulation and controlled features. Supramolecular nanotheranostics architecture is focused on engineering of modular supramolecular assemblies benefitting from their mutable and stimuli-responsive properties which confer an ultimate potential for the fabrication of unified innovative nanomedicines with controlled features. Amalgamation of supramolecular approaches to nano-based features further equip the potential of designing novel approaches to overcome limitations seen by the conventional theranostic strategies, for curing even the lethal diseases and endowing personalized therapeutics with optimistic prognosis, endorsing their clinical translation. Among many potential nanocarriers for theranostics, lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) have shown various promising advances in theranostics and their formulation can be tailored for several applications. Despite the great advancement in cancer nanotheranostics, there are still many challenges that need to be highlighted to fill the literature gap. For this purpose, herein, we have presented a systematic overview on the subject and proposed LNPs as the potential material to manage cancer via non-invasive approaches by highlighting the use of supramolecular approaches to make them robust for cancer theranostics. We have concluded the review by entailing the future perspectives of lipid nanotheranostics towards clinical translation.

The effects and mechanisms of isoliquiritigenin loaded nanoliposomes regulated AMPK/mTOR mediated glycolysis in colorectal cancer

In this study, isoliquiritigenin (ISL) incorporated nanoliposomes were prepared and their effects on colorectal cancer (CRC) cell lines were investigated. Herein, we sought to explore the anti-cancer mechanisms of ISL loaded nanoliposomes (ISL-NLs) on AMP-activated protein kinase/mammalian target of rapamycin (AMPK/mTOR) pathways mediated glycolysis. Also, the key targets such as caveolin 1 (CAV1), glucose transporters and Akt/mTOR that promote glycolysis, and are activated via the induction of α-enolase (ENO1), fructose bisphosphate aldolase A (ALDOA) and monocarboxylate transporter 4 (MCT4) expressions were also investigated. It was shown that ISL-NLs significantly suppressed the proliferation and glucose uptake of CRC cell by potentially regulating the glycolysis and lactate targets as well as pathways that formed the basis of the anti-CRC effects of ISL-NLs. The mechanism underlying this effect was further validated via the regulation of some key targets such as ENO1, ALDOA, lactate dehydrogenase A (LDHA) and MCT4 in glycolysis coupled with cellular myelocytomatosis oncogene (c-myc), hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha (HIF-1α) in protein kinase B/mTOR (Akt/mTOR) pathways. Moreover, the AMPK proteins were identified to be up-regulated while the lactic acid production was suppressed by ISL-NLs in the CRC cells, indicating that ISL-NLs had an inhibitory effect on AMPK mediated glycolysis and lactate production. Altogether, these results have provided insights into the mechanism underlying the key role that liposomal ISL played in the multiple inhibition of AMPK and Akt/mTOR mediated glycolysis and lactate generation, which may be regulated as the alternative metabolic pathways of CRC as well as serve as adjuvant therapy for the disease.

Comparative Study on Curcumin Loaded in Golden Pompano (Trachinotus blochii) Head Phospholipid and Soybean Lecithin Liposomes: Preparation, Characteristics and Anti-Inflammatory Properties

In this study, we compared the characteristics and in vitro anti-inflammatory effects of two curcumin liposomes, prepared with golden pompano head phospholipids (GPL) and soybean lecithin (SPC). GPL liposomes (GPL-lipo) and SPC liposomes (SPC-lipo) loaded with curcumin (CUR) were prepared by thin film extrusion, and the differences in particle size, ζ-potential, morphology, and storage stability were investigated. The results show that GPL-lipo and SPC-lipo were monolayer liposomes with a relatively small particle size and excellent encapsulation rates. However, GPL-lipo displayed a larger negative ζ-potential and better storage stability compared to SPC-lipo. Subsequently, the effects of phospholipids in regulating the inflammatory response of macrophages were evaluated in vitro, based on the synergistic effect with CUR. The results showed that both GPL and SPC exerted excellent synergistic effect with CUR in inhibiting the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced secretion of nitric oxide (NO), reactive oxygen species (ROS), and pro-inflammatory genes (tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin 1β (IL-β), and interleukin 6 (IL-6)) in RAW264.7 cells. Interestingly, GPL-lipo displayed superior inhibitory effects, compared to SPC-lipo. The findings provide a new innovative bioactive carrier for development of stable CUR liposomes with good functional properties.

Effects of Lipid Digestion and Drug Permeation/Re-Dissolution on Absorption of Orally Administered Ritonavir as Different Lipid-Based Formulations

The aim of this study is to clarify absorption mechanisms after oral administration of ritonavir (RTV) from different types of lipid-based formulations (LBFs) with particular emphasis on the effect of lipid digestion and drug permeation/re-dissolution on the oral absorption. Four LBFs were prepared; three contained either long-chain (LC) or medium-chain (MC) lipids [lipid formulation classification system (LFCS) Type II-LC, Type IIIA-MC, and Type IIIB-MC] and the fourth contained only surfactant and co-solvent (Type IV). The solubility of RTV in those LBFs was determined and drug subsequently loaded at 85% w/w of the saturated solubility in the formulations. Then, each LBF containing drug was added into a model rat intestinal fluid at approximately 2.5% w/v for evaluation using an in vitro digestion model. In vitro digestion study showed the ability of Type II-LC and Type IIIA-MC to support continued solubilization of RTV, and moderate supersaturation was observed in Type IIIA-MC. In contrast, RTV partly precipitated in the Type IIIB-MC during digestion, and the Type IV formulation lost its solubilization capacity rapidly upon dispersion, leading to drastic precipitation. Oral administration of RTV as Type IIIA-MC to rats showed significantly higher area under the plasma concentration-time curve compared to control suspension, whereas it was not improved with Type II-LC administration despite complete solubilization of RTV during digestion. From the results of in vitro permeation across dialysis membrane (a molecular weight cutoff of > 1000 Da), this may be attributed to the lowered free concentration in the gastrointestinal tract owing to incorporation of RTV into the undigested LC lipid. Oral absorption drastically increased with Type IIIB-MC and Type IV despite the observed moderate and drastic precipitation, respectively. Powder X-ray diffraction analysis revealed that the precipitate was amorphous. Therefore, improved re-solubilization may partly contribute to improved absorption. The present study revealed detailed absorption mechanisms from LBFs with different compositions. Our findings may be useful for selecting appropriate excipients to design optimal LBFs for poorly water-soluble drugs.

Oral Bioavailability Improvement of Tailored Rosuvastatin Loaded Niosomal Nanocarriers to Manage Ischemic Heart Disease: Optimization, Ex Vivo and In Vivo Studies

Rosuvastatin is an efficient antihyperlipidemic agent; however, being a BCS class II molecule, it shows poor oral bioavailability of < 20%. The present study focused on the improvement of oral bioavailability of rosuvastatin using tailored niosomes. The niosomes were prepared by film hydration method and sonication using cholesterol and Span 40. The Box-Behnken design (BBD) was applied to optimize the size (98 nm) and the entrapment efficacy (77%) of the niosomes by selecting cholesterol at 122 mg, Span 40 at 0.52%, and hydration time at 29.88 min. The transmission electron microscopy image showed spherical shape niosomes with smooth surface without aggregation. The ex vivo intestinal permeability studies showed significant improvement in the rosuvastatin permeation (95.5% after 2 h) using niosomes in comparison to the rosuvastatin suspension (40.1% after 2 h). The in vivo pharmacokinetic parameters in the rat model confirmed the improvement in the oral bioavailability with optimized rosuvastatin loaded niosomes (relative bioavailability = 2.01) in comparison to the rosuvastatin suspension, due to high surface area of niosomes and its lymphatic uptake via transcellular route. In conclusion, the optimized rosuvastatin loaded niosomes offers a promising approach to improve the oral bioavailability of rosuvastatin.

Improved Bioactivity of the Natural Product 5-Lipoxygenase Inhibitor Hyperforin by Encapsulation into Polymeric Nanoparticles

Hyperforin, a highly hydrophobic prenylated acylphloroglucinol from the medical plant St. John's Wort, possesses anti-inflammatory properties and suppresses the formation of proinflammatory leukotrienes by inhibiting the key enzyme 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO). Despite its strong effectiveness and the unique molecular mode of interference with 5-LO, the high lipophilicity of hyperforin hampers its efficacy in vivo and, thus, impairs its therapeutic value, especially because of poor water solubility and strong plasma (albumin) protein binding. To overcome these hurdles that actually apply to many other hydrophobic 5-LO inhibitors, we have encapsulated hyperforin into nanoparticles (NPs) consisting of acetalated dextran (AcDex) to avoid plasma protein binding and thus improve its cellular supply under physiologically relevant conditions. Encapsulated hyperforin potently suppressed 5-LO activity in human neutrophils, but it failed to interfere with 5-LO activity in a cell-free assay, as expected. In the presence of human serum albumin (HSA), hyperforin was unable to inhibit cellular 5-LO activity, seemingly because of strong albumin binding. However, when encapsulated into NPs, hyperforin caused strong inhibition of 5-LO activity in the presence of HSA. Together, encapsulation of the highly hydrophobic hyperforin as a representative of lipophilic 5-LO inhibitors into AcDex-based NPs allows for efficient inhibition of 5-LO activity in neutrophils in the presence of albumin because of effective uptake and circumvention of plasma protein binding.

Development and Validation of a New High-Performance Liquid Chromatography Method for the Simultaneous Quantification of Coenzyme Q10, Phosphatidylserine, and Vitamin C from a Cutting-Edge Liposomal Vehiculization

A high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method was developed to simultaneously quantify three widely used active substances such as coenzyme Q10, phosphatidylserine, and vitamin C. This new method optimizes current timing and costs in the analyses of these three active substances. Additionally, since the analyzed compounds were encapsulated on a cutting-edge liposomal formulation, further processing was necessary to be developed prior to HPLC analyses. The technique was studied and adequately validated in accordance with the guidelines of the International Council for Harmonisation of Technical Requirements for Pharmaceuticals for Human Use (ICH) regarding selectivity, linearity, accuracy, precision, and robustness. After data treatment of results, linear regressions for all active substances showed an optimal linearity with a correlation coefficient of >0.999 in the concentration range between 70 to 130% of the liposomal formulation and less than a 3% relative standard deviation (RSD) in accuracy and precision.

Ultrasound-assisted preparation of different nanocarriers loaded with food bioactive ingredients

Developing green and facile approaches to produce nanostructures suitable for bioactives, nanoencapsulation faces some challenges in the nutraceutical and food bioactive industries due to potential risks arising from nanomaterials fabrication and consumption. High-intensity ultrasound is an effective technology to generate different bio-based structures in sub-micron or nanometer scale. This technique owing to some intrinsic advantages such as safety, straightforward operation, energy efficiency, and scale-up potential, as well as, ability to control over size and morpHology has stood out among various nanosynthetic routes. Ultrasonically-provided energy is mainly transferred to the droplets and particles via acoustic cavitation (which is formation, growth, and implosive collapse of bubbles in solvent). This review provides an outlook on the fundamentals of ultrasonication and some applicable setups in nanoencapsulation. Different kinds of nanostructures based on surfactants, lipids, proteins and carbohydrates formed by sonication, along with their advantages and disadvantages are assessed from the viewpoint of stability, particle size, and process impacts on some functionalities. The gastrointestinal fate and safety issues of ultrasonically prepared nanostructures are also discussed. Sonication, itself or in combination with other encapsulation approaches, alongside biopolymers generate nano-engineered carriers with enough stability, small particle sizes, and a low polydispersity. The nano-sized systems improve techno-functional activities of encapsulated bioactive agents including stability, solubility, dissolution, availability, controlled and targeted release profile in vitro and in vivo plus other bioactive properties such as antioxidant and antimicrobial capacities. Ultrasonically prepared nanocarriers show a great potential in fortifying food products with desired bioactive components, especially for the industrial applications.

The trip of a drug inside the body: From a lipid-based nanocarrier to a target cell

To date, enormous investigations have been conducted to enhance medicines' target-oriented delivery to improve their therapeutic index. In this regard, lipid-based carrier system might have been regarded as prime delivery systems that are very close to the naturally cell-derived vesicles used for biomolecular communication among cells from occasionally remote tissues. Upon examination of the literature, we found a chasm between groups of investigations in drug pharmaceutics and thought that maybe holistic research could provide better information with respect to drug delivery inside the body, especially when they are going to be injected directly into the bloodstream for systemic distribution. While a collection of older research in most cases dealt with the determination of drug partition coefficient between the aqueous and cell membrane compartments, the link has been overlooked in newer investigations that were mostly focused on drug formulation optimization and their association with particle biodistribution. This gap in the literature motivated us to present the current opinion paper, in which drug physicochemical properties like drug lipophilicity/hydrophilicity is considered as an important element in designing drug-carrying liposomes or micelles. How a hypothetical high throughput cell-embedded chromatographic technique might help to investigate a nanocarrier tissue distribution and to design 'multi-epitope grafted lipid-based drug carrier systems' are discussed. Whenever we would need support for our opinions, we have provided analogy from hydrophobic biomolecules like cholesterol, steroid hormones, and sex hormones and encouraged readers to consider our principle hypothesis: If these molecules could reach their targets far away from the site of production, then a large list of hydrophobic drugs could be delivered to their targets using the same principles.

Liposomal formulation of Galbanic acid improved therapeutic efficacy of pegylated liposomal Doxorubicin in mouse colon carcinoma

Galbanic acid (Gba), a sesquiterpene coumarin, with strong antiangiogenic activity could serve as an excellent anti-cancer agent. However, Gba is a poor water-solube which hampered its clinical application. In this study, a pegylated liposomal Gba (PLGba) with HSPC/Cholesterol/mPEG2000-DSPE (56.2, 38.3, 5.3% molar ratio) was developed by the thin film hydration plus extrusion and calcium acetate gradient remote loading method, to address the issue of poor Gba solubility. Moreover, an integrin-targeting ligand (RGD peptide, cyclo[Arg-Gly-Asp-D-Tyr-Cys]) was post-inserted into liposomes in order to increase Gba cell delivery. Using fluorescently-labeled model liposomes, it was found that the targeting could improve the integrin-mediated cellular uptake of the liposomes in vitro in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), and in vivo as evidenced by chicken chorioallantoic membrane angiogenesis (CAM) model. It also could enrich the liposome accumulation in C26 tumor. Interestingly, co-treatment with PLGba and pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (PLD, also known as Doxil®) had a synergistic and antagonistic antiproliferative effect on the C26 tumor cell line and the normal HUVEC, respectively. In C26 tumor bearing BALB/c mice, the PLGba and PLD combinatorial therapy improved the antitumor efficacy of the treatment as compared to those of single agents. This results have clear implications for cancer therapy.

Lipid-based carriers for the delivery of local anesthetics

INTRODUCTION

There is a clinical need for pharmaceutical dosage forms devised to prolong the acting time of local anesthetic (LA) agents or to reduce their toxicity. Encapsulation of LA in drug delivery systems (DDSs) can provide long-term anesthesia for inpatients (e.g. in immediate postsurgical pain control, avoiding the side effects from systemic analgesia) and diminished systemic toxicity for outpatients (in ambulatory/dentistry procedures). The lipid-based formulations described here, such as liposomes, microemulsions, and lipid nanoparticles, have provided several nanotechnological advances and therapeutic alternatives despite some inherent limitations associated with the fabrication processes, costs, and preclinical evaluation models.

AREAS COVERED

A description of the currently promising lipid-based carriers, including liposomes, microemulsions, and nanostructured lipid carriers, followed by a systematic review of the existing lipid-based formulations proposed for LA. Trends in the research of these LA-in-DDS are then exposed, from the point of view of administration route and alternatives for non-traditionally administered LA molecules.

EXPERT OPINION

Considering the current state and potential future developments in the field, we discuss the reasons for why dozens of formulations published every year fail to reach clinical trials; only one lipid-based formulation for the delivery of local anesthetic (Exparel®) has been approved so far.

pH-sensitive PEGylation of RIPL peptide-conjugated nanostructured lipid carriers: design and in vitro evaluation

BACKGROUND

RIPL peptide (IPLVVPLRRRRRRRRC)-conjugated nanostructured lipid carriers (RIPL-NLCs) can facilitate selective drug delivery to hepsin (Hpn)-expressing cancer cells, but they exhibit low stability in the blood. Generally, biocompatible and nontoxic poly(ethylene glycol) surface modification (PEGylation) can enhance NLC stability, although this may impair drug delivery and NLC clearance. To attain RIPL-NLC steric stabilization without impairing function, pH-sensitive cleavable PEG (cPEG) was grafted onto RIPL-NLCs (cPEG-RIPL-NLCs).

METHODS

Various types of NLC formulations including RIPL-NLCs, PEG-RIPL-NLCs, and cPEG-RIPL-NLCs were prepared using the solvent emulsification-evaporation method and characterized for particle size, zeta potential (ZP), and cytotoxicity. The steric stabilization effect was evaluated by plasma protein adsorption and phagocytosis inhibition studies. pH-sensitive cleavage was investigated using the dialysis method under different pH conditions. Employing a fluorescent probe (1,1'-dioctadecyl-3,3,3',3'-tetramethylindocarbocyanine perchlorate [DiI]), in vitro drug delivery capacity of the cPEG-RIPL-NLCs under different pH conditions was also performed on Hpn-expressing SKOV3 cells and 3D-tumor spheroids.

RESULTS

All prepared NLCs showed homogenous dispersion (<220 nm in size) with a negative ZP (-18 to -22 mV), except for positively charged RIPL-NLCs (~10 mV), revealing no significant cytotoxicity in either SKOV3 or RAW 264.7 cell lines. cPEG-RIPL-NLC protein adsorption was 1.75-fold less than that of RIPL-NLCs, and PEGylation significantly reduced the macrophage uptake. PEG detachment from the cPEG-RIPL-NLCs was pH-sensitive and time dependent. At 2 hours incubation, cPEG-RIPL-NLCs and PEG-RIPL-NLCs exhibited comparable cellular uptake at pH 7.4, whereas cPEG-RIPL-NLC uptake was increased over 2-fold at pH 6.5. 3D-spheroid penetration also demonstrated pH-sensitivity: at pH 7.4, cPEG-RIPL-NLCs could not penetrate deep into the spheroid core region during 2 hours, whereas at pH 6.5, high fluorescence intensity in the core region was observed for both cPEG-RIPL-NLC-and RIPL-NLC-treated groups.

CONCLUSION

cPEG-RIPL-NLCs are good candidates for Hpn-selective drug targeting in conjunction with pH-responsive PEG cleavage.

Cyclic RGD-Peptide-Functionalized Polylipopeptide Micelles for Enhanced Loading and Targeted Delivery of Monomethyl Auristatin E

Monomethyl auristatin E (MMAE) is an extremely potent peptide drug that is currently used in the form of antibody drug conjugates (ADCs) for treating different cancers. ADCs are, however, associated with low drug conjugation, immunogenicity, small scale production, and high costs. Here, cRGD-functionalized polylipopeptide micelles (cRGD-Lipep-Ms) were explored for enhanced loading and targeted delivery of MMAE to HCT-116 colorectal tumor xenografts. Interestingly, cRGD-Lipep-Ms achieved an MMAE loading content of 5.5 wt %, which was 55-fold higher than that of poly(ethylene glycol)- b-poly(d,l-lactide) micelles. MMAE-loaded cRGD-Lipep-Ms (MMAE-cRGD-Lipep-Ms) showed a small hydrodynamic size of 59 nm, minimal drug leakage in 10% FBS, and efficient uptake and superb antiproliferative activity in α_vβ₅-overexpressing HCT-116 tumor cells. Remarkably, MMAE-cRGD-Lipep-Ms displayed over 10-fold better toleration than free MMAE in mice and completely suppressed growth of HCT-116 colorectal tumor xenografts. These polylipopeptide micelles have appeared to be an attractive alternative to ADCs for targeted delivery of potent peptide drugs.

The chemical (not mechanical) paradigm of thermodynamics of colloid and interface science

In the most influential monograph on colloid and interfacial science by Adamson three fundamental equations of "physical chemistry of surfaces" are identified: the Laplace equation, the Kelvin equation and the Gibbs adsorption equation, with a mechanical definition of surface tension by Young as a starting point. Three of them (Young, Laplace and Kelvin) are called here the "mechanical paradigm". In contrary it is shown here that there is only one fundamental equation of the thermodynamics of colloid and interface science and all the above (and other) equations of this field follow as its derivatives. This equation is due to chemical thermodynamics of Gibbs, called here the "chemical paradigm", leading to the definition of surface tension and to 5 rows of equations (see Graphical abstract). The first row is the general equation for interfacial forces, leading to the Young equation, to the Bakker equation and to the Laplace equation, etc. Although the principally wrong extension of the Laplace equation formally leads to the Kelvin equation, using the chemical paradigm it becomes clear that the Kelvin equation is generally incorrect, although it provides right results in special cases. The second row of equations provides equilibrium shapes and positions of phases, including sessile drops of Young, crystals of Wulff, liquids in capillaries, etc. The third row of equations leads to the size-dependent equations of molar Gibbs energies of nano-phases and chemical potentials of their components; from here the corrected versions of the Kelvin equation and its derivatives (the Gibbs-Thomson equation and the Freundlich-Ostwald equation) are derived, including equations for more complex problems. The fourth row of equations is the nucleation theory of Gibbs, also contradicting the Kelvin equation. The fifth row of equations is the adsorption equation of Gibbs, and also the definition of the partial surface tension, leading to the Butler equation and to its derivatives, including the Langmuir equation and the Szyszkowski equation. Positioning the single fundamental equation of Gibbs into the thermodynamic origin of colloid and interface science leads to a coherent set of correct equations of this field. The same provides the chemical (not mechanical) foundation of the chemical (not mechanical) discipline of colloid and interface science.

ICAM-1-Targeted Liposomes Loaded with Liver X Receptor Agonists Suppress PDGF-Induced Proliferation of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells

The proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) is one of the key events during the progress of atherosclerosis. The activated liver X receptor (LXR) signalling pathway is demonstrated to inhibit platelet-derived growth factor BB (PDGF-BB)-induced VSMC proliferation. Notably, following PDGF-BB stimulation, the expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) by VSMCs increases significantly. In this study, anti-ICAM-1 antibody-conjugated liposomes were fabricated for targeted delivery of a water-insoluble LXR agonist (T0901317) to inhibit VSMC proliferation. The liposomes were prepared by filming-rehydration method with uniform size distribution and considerable drug entrapment efficiency. The targeting effect of the anti-ICAM-T0901317 liposomes was evaluated by confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM) and flow cytometry. Anti-ICAM-T0901317 liposomes showed significantly higher inhibition effect of VSMC proliferation than free T0901317 by CCk8 proliferation assays and BrdU staining. Western blot assay further confirmed that anti-ICAM-T0901317 liposomes inhibited retinoblastoma (Rb) phosphorylation and MCM6 expression. In conclusion, this study identified anti-ICAM-T0901317 liposomes as a promising nanotherapeutic approach to overcome VSMC proliferation during atherosclerosis progression.

Biodegradable Micelles Based on Poly(ethylene glycol)-b-polylipopeptide Copolymer: A Robust and Versatile Nanoplatform for Anticancer Drug Delivery

Poly(ethylene glycol)-b-polypeptide block copolymer micelles, with excellent safety, are one of the most clinically studied nanocarriers for anticancer drug delivery. Notably, self-assembled nanosystems based on hydrophobic polypeptides showing typically a low drug loading and burst drug release are limited to preclinical studies. Here, we report that poly(ethylene glycol)-b-poly(α-aminopalmitic acid) (PEG-b-PAPA) block copolymer could be easily prepared with tailored M_n through ring-opening polymerization of α-aminopalmitic acid N-carboxyanhydride (APA-NCA). Interestingly, PEG-b-PAPA copolymers exhibited superb solubility in common organic solvents (including CHCl₃, CH₂Cl₂, and THF), while stable nanomicelles were formed in phosphate buffer, with a small size of 59 nm and a low critical micelle concentration of 2.38 mg/L. These polylipopeptide micelles (Lipep-Ms) allowed facile loading of a potent anticancer drug, docetaxel (DTX), likely due to the existence of a strong interaction between the lipophilic drug and polylipopeptide in the core. Notably, cRGD-peptide-functionalized Lipep-Ms (cRGD-Lipep-Ms) were also obtained with similar biophysical characteristics. The in vitro studies showed efficient cellular uptake of DTX-loaded cRGD-Lipep-Ms by B16F10 cells and fast intracellular drug release due to the enzymatic degradation of PAPA blocks in endo/lysosome, leading to a pronounced anticancer effect (IC₅₀ = 0.15 μg DTX equiv/mL). The in vivo therapy studies showed that DTX-cRGD-Lipep-Ms exhibited superior tumor growth inhibition of B16F10 melanoma, improved survival rate, and little side effects as compared to free DTX. These polylipopeptide micelles appear as a promising and robust nanoplatform for anticancer drug delivery.

Beyond liposomes: Recent advances on lipid based nanostructures for poorly soluble/poorly permeable drug delivery

Solid lipid nanoparticle (SLN), nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC) and hybrid nanoparticles, have gained increasing interest as drug delivery systems because of their potential to load and release drugs from the Biopharmaceutical classification system (BCS) of class II (low solubility and high permeability) and of class IV (low solubility and low permeability). Lipid properties (e.g. high solubilizing potential, biocompatibility, biotolerability, biodegradability and distinct route of absorption) contribute for the improvement of the bioavailability of these drugs for a set of administration routes. Their interest continues to grow, as translated by the number of patents being field worldwide. This paper discusses the recent advances on the use of SLN, NLC and lipid-polymer hybrid nanoparticles for the loading of lipophilic, poorly water-soluble and poorly permeable drugs, being developed for oral, topical, parenteral and ocular administration, also discussing the industrial applications of these systems. A review of the patents filled between 2014 and 2017, concerning the original inventions of lipid nanocarriers, is also provided.

A new paradigm on the chemical potentials of components in multi-component nano-phases within multi-phase systems

A new paradigm is offered claiming that the thermodynamic nano-effect in multi-component and multiphase systems is proportional to the increased surface areas of the phases and not to their increased curvatures (as the Kelvin paradigm claims).

Utilization of nanoemulsions to enhance bioactivity of pharmaceuticals, supplements, and nutraceuticals: Nanoemulsion delivery systems and nanoemulsion excipient systems

INTRODUCTION

The efficacy of many hydrophobic bioactives (pharmaceuticals, supplements, and nutraceuticals) is limited due to their relatively low or highly variable bioavailability. Nanoemulsions consisting of small lipid droplets (r < 100 nm) dispersed in water can be designed to improve bioavailability.

AREAS COVERED

The major factors limiting the oral bioavailability of hydrophobic bioactive agents are highlighted: bioaccessibility, absorption and transformation. Two nanoemulsion-based approaches to control these processes and improve bioavailability are discussed: nanoemulsion delivery systems (NDS) and nanoemulsion excipient systems (NES). In NDS, hydrophobic bioactives are dissolved within the lipid phase of oil-in-water nanoemulsions. In NES, the bioactives are present within a conventional drug, supplement, or food, which is consumed with an oil-in-water nanoemulsion. Examples of NDS and NES utilization to improve bioactive bioavailability are given.

EXPERT OPINION

Considerable progress has been made in nanoemulsion design, fabrication, and testing. This knowledge facilitates the design of new formulations to improve the bioavailability of pharmaceuticals, supplements, and nutraceuticals. NDS and NES must be carefully designed based on the major factors limiting the bioavailability of specific bioactives. Research is still required to ensure these systems are commercially viable, and to demonstrate their safety and efficacy using animal and human feeding studies.