Wheat Germ Agglutinin-Conjugated Disulfide Cross-Linked Alginate Nanoparticles as a Docetaxel Carrier for Colon Cancer Therapy

Hydroxypropyl trimethyl ammonium chloride chitosan (HACC)-modified protein nanoparticles enhance docetaxel oral delivery and exhibit potent in vitro anti-tumor and macrophage-activating effects

The antitumor drug docetaxel (DTX) has limited oral bioavailability. This study aimed to develop novel oral nanoparticles to enhance DTX's absorption and bioactivities. The nanoparticles (H-N-D) were prepared by inducing the self-assembly of a Coptis protein through heating, followed by modification using hydroxypropyl trimethyl ammonium chloride chitosan (HACC). H-N-D was characterized, its effects on DTX's pharmacokinetics and bioactivities were evaluated, and related mechanisms were explored. H-N-D exhibited a spherical morphology, a size of 174.9 ± 1.53 nm, a zeta potential of 19.81 ± 0.79 mV, and good stability in gastric and intestinal fluids. DTX had an encapsulation efficiency of 99.17 ± 0.57 % and a drug loading of 2.95 ± 0.40 %. DTX, originally a crystal, existed as an amorphous form in H-N-D and produces hydrogen bond interactions. H-N-D significantly enhanced DTX's solubility (4.6 times, p < 0.01), release (p < 0.01), metabolic stability (p < 0.05 or p < 0.01), uptake in Caco-2 cells (p < 0.01), and absorption in mouse gut sacs (p < 0.01). Pharmacokinetic studies in mice revealed a 235.2-fold increase in blood AUC0-12 h and enhanced colon, liver, and lung distribution (4.8, 277.4, and 66.8-fold, respectively). H-N-D demonstrated superior cytotoxicity against HepG2 (IC50 reduction, p < 0.01) and MCF-7 cells (IC50 reduction, p < 0.01) compared to free DTX. Additionally, H-N-D induced tumor necrosis factor-α and nitric oxide release in macrophages and exhibited antioxidant activity in concentration-dependent manners. In conclusion, H-N-D significantly improved DTX's oral bioavailability and bioactivities, offering a promising strategy for oral DTX delivery.

Extraction and characterization of sodium alginate from native Malaysian brown seaweed Sargassum polycystum

Malaysian seaweed, particularly Sargassum polycystum, has potential for alginate production, yet an extraction protocol for this seaweed remains lacking. This study aimed to optimize the extraction process to maximize alginate yield while characterizing the physicochemical properties of the extracted alginate and its potential applications. An alkali-based extraction method was employed, with key parameters, including alkali concentration, extraction temperature, and time, carefully optimized to yield 30.17 ± 0.76 % (g alginate/100 g dry seaweed biomass) of alginate. Sodium alginate extracted from Sargassum polycystum has a viscosity-average molecular weight of 4.73 ± 0.001 × 104 g/mol and an M/G ratio of 2.87. The physicochemical properties and biochemical composition of the extracted alginate revealed its capacity to be utilized as a natural antioxidant. An alginate-based nanohybrid for polyphenol delivery was developed to explore the potential applications of extracted alginate. This nanohybrid showed favorable properties (hydrodynamic particle size: 415 nm, PDI: 0.3, zeta potential: -44.7 mV), high encapsulation (80.13 %), and loading efficiency (19.21 ± 1.69 %). Alginate coating on the nanohybrid protected polyphenol from premature release, significantly enhancing its antioxidant activity. These findings suggest that alginate extracted from Malaysian Sargassum polycystum could be a valuable natural material for developing controlled-release delivery systems.

Wheat germ agglutinin modified mixed micelles overcome the dual barrier of mucus/enterocytes for effective oral absorption of shikonin and gefitinib

The combination of shikonin (SKN) and gefitinib (GFB) can reverse the drug resistance of lung cancer cells by affecting energy metabolism. However, the poor solubility of SKN and GFB limits their clinical application because of low bioavailability. Wheat germ agglutinin (WGA) can selectively bind to sialic acid and N-acetylglucosamine on the surfaces of microfold cells and enterocytes, and is a targeted biocompatible material. Therefore, we created a co-delivery micelle system called SKN/GFB@WGA-micelles with the intestinal targeting functions to enhance the oral absorption of SKN and GFB by promoting mucus penetration for nanoparticles via oral administration. In this study, Caco-2/HT29-MTX-E12 co-cultured cells were used to simulate a mucus/enterocyte dual-barrier environment, and HCC827/GR cells were used as a model of drug-resistant lung cancer. We aimed to evaluate the oral bioavailability and anti-tumor effect of SKN and GFB using the SKN/GFB@WGA-micelles system. In vitro and in vivo experimental results showed that WGA promoted the mucus penetration ability of micelles, significantly enhanced the uptake efficiency of enterocytes, improved the oral bioavailability of SKN and GFB, and exhibited good anti-tumor effects by reversing drug resistance. The SKN/GFB@WGA-micelles were stable in the gastrointestinal tract and provided a novel safe and effective drug delivery strategy.

Recent Strategies and Advances in Hydrogel-Based Delivery Platforms for Bone Regeneration

Bioactive molecules have shown great promise for effectively regulating various bone formation processes, rendering them attractive therapeutics for bone regeneration. However, the widespread application of bioactive molecules is limited by their low accumulation and short half-lives in vivo. Hydrogels have emerged as ideal carriers to address these challenges, offering the potential to prolong retention times at lesion sites, extend half-lives in vivo and mitigate side effects, avoid burst release, and promote adsorption under physiological conditions. This review systematically summarizes the recent advances in the development of bioactive molecule-loaded hydrogels for bone regeneration, encompassing applications in cranial defect repair, femoral defect repair, periodontal bone regeneration, and bone regeneration with underlying diseases. Additionally, this review discusses the current strategies aimed at improving the release profiles of bioactive molecules through stimuli-responsive delivery, carrier-assisted delivery, and sequential delivery. Finally, this review elucidates the existing challenges and future directions of hydrogel encapsulated bioactive molecules in the field of bone regeneration.

Delivery of natural products via polysaccharide-based nanocarriers for cancer therapy: A review on recent advances and future challenges

Cancer, caused by uncontrolled proliferation of abnormal cells, has long been a global public health issue. For decades, natural products have been proven to be an essential source for novel anticancer drug discovery. But their instability, low solubility and bioavailability, poor targeting impede therapeutic efficacy. With the development of nanotechnology, nanomedicine delivery systems have emerged as promising strategies to improve bioavailability and enhance the therapeutic efficacy of drugs. However, constructing suitable nanocarrier is still a major challenge. Polysaccharides are extensively employed as carrier materials in nanomedicine delivery systems, owing to their unique physicochemical properties, biocompatibility and low immunogenicity. Polysaccharide-based nanomedicine delivery systems show high drug delivery efficiency, controlled drug release, and precise tumor targeting. This paper reviews influencing factors in the construction of polysaccharide-based nanocarriers and the application of polysaccharide-based nanocarriers for the delivery of natural products in treating various cancers. It focuses on their in vitro and in vivo anticancer efficacy and mechanisms. Furthermore, the review contrasts the capabilities and limitations of polysaccharide-based nanocarriers with traditional delivery methods, underlining their potential to enable targeted, reduced toxicity and excellent cancer treatment modalities. Finally, we discuss the current research limitations and future prospects in this emerging field.

Natural Coptidis Rhizoma Nanoparticles Improved the Oral Delivery of Docetaxel

Purpose

Docetaxel (DTX) is a valuable anti-tumor chemotherapy drug with limited oral bioavailability. This study aims to develop an effective oral delivery system for DTX using natural nanoparticles (Nnps) derived from Coptidis Rhizoma extract.

Methods

DTX-loaded self-assembled nanoparticles (Nnps-DTX) were created using an optimized heat-induction strategy. Nnps-DTX's shape, size, Zeta potential, and in vitro stability were all carefully examined. Additionally, the study investigated the encapsulation efficiency, loading capacity, crystal form, and intermolecular interactions of DTX in Nnps-DTX. Subsequently, the solubility, release, cellular uptake, metabolic stability, and preclinical pharmacokinetics of DTX in Nnps-DTX were systematically evaluated. Finally, the cytotoxicity of Nnps-DTX was assessed in three tumor cell lines.

Results

Nnps-DTX was spherical in shape, 138.6 ± 8.2 nm in size, with a Zeta potential of -20.8 ± 0.6 mV, a DTX encapsulation efficiency of 77.6 ± 8.5%, and a DTX loading capacity of 6.8 ± 1.9%. Hydrogen bonds, hydrophobic interactions, and electrostatic interactions were involved in the formation of Nnps-DTX. DTX within Nnps-DTX was in an amorphous form, resulting in enhanced solubility (23.3 times) and release compared to free DTX. Following oral treatment, the mice in the Nnps-DTX group had DTX peak concentrations 8.8, 23.4, 44.6, and 5.7 times higher in their portal vein, systemic circulation, liver, and lungs than the mice in the DTX group. Experiments performed in Caco-2 cells demonstrated a significant increase in DTX uptake by Nnps-DTX compared to free DTX, which was significantly inhibited by indomethacin, an inhibitor of caveolae-mediated endocytosis. Furthermore, compared to DTX, DTX in Nnps-DTX demonstrated better metabolic stability in liver microsomes. Notably, Nnps-DTX significantly reduced the viability of MCF-7, HCT116, and HepG2 cells.

Conclusion

The novel self-assembled nanoparticles considerably enhanced the cellular absorption, solubility, release, metabolic stability, and pharmacokinetics of oral DTX and demonstrated strong cytotoxicity against tumor cell lines.

pH and redox dual response nano-suppository for the treatment of ulcerative colitis

To improve treatment compliance and reach sustained and controlled drug release in the colon, we developed a hollow mesoporous silica nano-suppository that responded to both pH and redox stimuli. Firstly, we prepared hollow mesoporous silica nanoparticles containing disulfide bonds (HMSN-SS) and loaded them with 5-ASA. Secondly, we modified the surface of HMSN-SS with polydopamine (PDA) and chitosan (CS) and molded the suppository, which we named 5-ASA@HMSN-SS-PDA-CS (5-ASA@HSPC). By administering 5-ASA@HSPC rectally, it acted directly on the affected area. CS helped the nanoparticles adhere to the colon's surface, while PDA dissociates from HMSN-SS due to protonation in the acidic environment of the ulcerative colon. The disulfide bonds were destroyed by the reducing environment of the colon, leading to a stable and slow release of encapsulated 5-ASA from the pores of HMSN. Finally, in vitro release experiments and in vivo pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic experiments had demonstrated that 5-ASA@HSPC exhibited a slow and steady action at the colonic site, with an excellent safety profile. This novel approach showed great potential in the treatment of ulcerative colitis.

Decoding the mechanism governing the structural stability of wheat germ agglutinin and its isolated domains: A combined calorimetric, NMR, and MD simulation study

Wheat germ agglutinin (WGA) demonstrates potential as an oral delivery agent owing to its selective binding to carbohydrates and its capacity to traverse biological membranes. In this study, we employed differential scanning calorimetry and molecular dynamics simulations to comprehensively characterize the thermal unfolding process of both the complete lectin and its four isolated domains. Furthermore, we present the nuclear magnetic resonance structures of three domains that were previously lacking experimental structures in their isolated forms. Our results provide a collective understanding of the energetic and structural factors governing the intricate unfolding mechanism of the complete agglutinin, shedding light on the specific role played by each domain in this process. The analysis revealed negligible interdomain cooperativity, highlighting instead significant coupling between dimer dissociation and the unfolding of the more labile domains. By comparing the dominant interactions, we rationalized the stability differences among the domains. Understanding the structural stability of WGA opens avenues for enhanced drug delivery strategies, underscoring its potential as a promising carrier throughout the gastrointestinal environment.

pH-sensitive docetaxel-loaded chitosan/thiolated hyaluronic acid polymeric nanoparticles for colorectal cancer

Aim: This study aimed to develop and evaluate pH-sensitive docetaxel-loaded thiolated hyaluronic acid (HA-SH) nanoparticles (NPs) for targeted treatment of colon cancer. Materials & methods: HA-SH, synthesized via oxidation and subsequent covalent linkage to cysteamine, served as the precursor for developing HA-SH NPs through polyelectrolyte complexation involving chitosan and thiol-bearing HA. Results & conclusion: HA-SH NPs displayed favorable characteristics, with small particle sizes (184-270 nm), positive zeta potential (15.4-18.6 mV) and high entrapment efficiency (91.66-95.02%). In vitro, NPs demonstrated potent mucoadhesion and enhanced cytotoxicity compared with free docetaxel. In vivo assessments confirmed safety and biocompatibility, suggesting HA-SH NPs as promising pH-sensitive drug carriers with enhanced antitumor activity for colorectal cancer treatments.

Targeting the Gut: A Systematic Review of Specific Drug Nanocarriers

The intestine is essential for the modulation of nutrient absorption and the removal of waste. Gut pathologies, such as cancer, inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and celiac disease, which extensively impact gut functions, are thus critical for human health. Targeted drug delivery is essential to tackle these diseases, improve therapy efficacy, and minimize side effects. Recent strategies have taken advantage of both active and passive nanocarriers, which are designed to protect the drug until it reaches the correct delivery site and to modulate drug release via the use of different physical-chemical strategies. In this systematic review, we present a literature overview of the different nanocarriers used for drug delivery in a set of chronic intestinal pathologies, highlighting the rationale behind the controlled release of intestinal therapies. The overall aim is to provide the reader with useful information on the current approaches for gut targeting in novel therapeutic strategies.

A novel combination for the treatment of small cell lung cancer: Active targeted irinotecan and stattic co-loaded PLGA nanoparticles

Polymeric nanoparticles are widely used drug delivery systems for cancer treatment due to their properties such as ease of passing through biological membranes, opportunity to modify drug release, specifically targeting drugs to diseased areas, and potential of reducing side effects. Here, we formulated irinotecan and Stattic co-loaded PLGA nanoparticles targeted to small cell lung cancer. Nanoparticles were successfully conjugated with CD56 antibody with a conjugation efficiency of 84.39 ± 1.01%, and characterization of formulated nanoparticles was conducted with in-vitro and in-vivo studies. Formulated particles had sizes in the range of 130-180 nm with PDI values smaller than 0.3. Encapsulation and active targeting of irinotecan and Stattic resulted in increased cytotoxicity and anti-cancer efficiency in-vitro. Furthermore, it was shown with ex-vivo biodistribution studies that conjugated nanoparticles were successfully targeted to CD56-expressing SCLC cells and distributed mainly to tumor tissue and lungs. Compliant with our hypothesis and literature, the STAT3 pathway was successfully inhibited with Stattic solution and Stattic loaded nanoparticles. Additionally, intravenous injection of conjugated co-loaded nanoparticles resulted in decreased side effects and better anti-tumor activity than individual solutions of drugs in SCLC tumor-bearing mice. These results may indicate a new treatment option for clinically aggressive small cell lung cancer.

Advancement in Therapeutic Intervention of Prebiotic-Based Nanoparticles for Colonic Diseases

Intestinal flora has become a therapeutic target for the intervention of colonic diseases (CDs) with better understanding of the interplay between microbiota and CDs. Depending on unique properties and prominent ability of regulating the intestinal flora, prebiotics can not only achieve a colon-specific drug delivery but also maintain the intestinal homeostasis, thus playing a positive role in the intervention of CDs. Currently, different studies on prebiotic-based nanoparticles have been contrived for colonic drug delivery and have shown great potential in curing various CDs, such as colitis and colorectal cancer. Nevertheless, there is a lack of systematic survey on the use of prebiotic nanoparticles for the treatment of CDs. This review aims to generalize the state-of-the-art of prebiotic nanomedicines specific for CDs. The species and function of intestinal flora and various kinds of prebiotics available as well as their regulating effects on intestinal flora were expounded. A variety of prebiotic nanoparticles pertinent to colon-targeted drug delivery systems were illustrated with particular emphasis on their curative activities on CDs. The efficacy and safety of prebiotic-based colonic drug delivery systems (p-CDDs) were also analyzed. In conclusion, the synergy between prebiotic nanoparticles and their cargos may hold promise for the treatment and intervention of CDs.

Ligand-modified nanocarriers for oral drug delivery: Challenges, rational design, and applications

Ligand-modified nanocarriers (LMNCs) specific to their targets have attracted increasing interest for enhanced oral drug delivery in recent decades. Although the design of LMNCs for enhanced endocytosis and improved exposure of the loaded drugs through the oral route has received abundant attention, it remains unclear how the design influences their transcellular process, especially the key factors affecting their functions. This review discusses the extracellular and cellular barriers to orally administered LMNCs in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and new discoveries regarding the GI protein corona and the sequential transport barriers that impede the preplanned movements of LMNCs after oral administration. Furthermore, innovative progress in considering key factors (including target selection, ligand properties, and other important factors) in the rational design of LMNCs for oral drug delivery is presented. In particular, some factors that endow LMNCs with efficient transcytosis rather than only endocytosis are highlighted. Finally, the prospects of orally administered LMNCs in disease therapy for the enhanced oral/local bioavailability of active pharmaceutical ingredients, as well as emerging delivery routes, such as lymphatic drug delivery and systemic location-specific drug release based on oral transcellular LMNCs, are discussed.

Progressive Application of Marine Biomaterials in Targeted Cancer Nanotherapeutics

The marine microenvironment harbors many unique species of organisms that produce a plethora of compounds that help mankind cure a wide range of diseases. The diversity of products from the ocean bed serves as potentially healing materials and inert vehicles carrying the drug of interest to the target site. Several composites still lay undiscovered under the blue canopy, which can provide treatment for untreated diseases that keep haunting the earth periodically. Cancer is one such disease that has been of interest to several eminent scientists worldwide due to the heterogenic complexity involved in the disease's pathophysiology. Due to extensive globalization and environmental changes, cancer has become a lifestyle disease continuously increasing exponentially in the current decade. This ailment requires a definite remedy that treats by causing minimal damage to the body's normal cells. The application of nanotechnology in medicine has opened up new avenues of research in targeted therapeutics due to their highly malleable characteristics. Marine waters contain an immense ionic environment that succors the production of distinct nanomaterials with exceptional character, yielding highly flexible molecules to modify, thus facilitating the engineering of targeted biomolecules. This review provides a short insight into an array of marine biomolecules that can be probed into cancer nanotherapeutics sparing healthy cells.

High expression of PI4K2A predicted poor prognosis of colon adenocarcinoma (COAD) and correlated with immunity

BACKGROUND

PI4K2A has been found to have a tumor-promoting role in various solid tumors and be involved in various biological procedures. In this article, we aim to investigate the prognostic values of PI4K2A and provide new insights in colon adenocarcinoma (COAD).

METHODS

The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database, Human Protein Atlas online database, and UALCAN database were used to analyze the expression of PI4K2A in COAD and the survival of patients. Univariate and multifactorial Cox regression analyses were used to assess the prognosis of PI4K2A on COAD. GSEA was used to explore PI4K2A-related signaling pathways. In addition, the effect of PI4K2A on immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) treatment was investigated by constructing a TIDE model and predicting the association between PI4K2A and anticancer drug sensitivity through the CellMiner database.

RESULTS

In the TCGA database, PI4K2A was highly expressed in COAD and the similar results were verified by qRT-PCR. Survival analysis, utilizing Kaplan-Meier curves, revealed that COAD patients with high PI4K2A expression had a worse prognosis. In addition, PI4K2A expression was discovered to have been associated with T-stage, N-stage, and pathological stage by logistic analysis. Next, we utilized univariate and multifactorial Cox regression analyses to identify PI4K2A as an independent predictor. Additionally, GSEA analysis indicates that PI4K2A is enriched in MAPK signaling pathway, Toll-like receptor signaling pathway, etc. In COAD, PI4K2A was remarkably associated with the tumor immune microenvironment. In addition, by constructing a TIDE model, we discovered that COAD patients in the PI4K2A low-expression cohort were better treated with ICI. Finally, analysis of the CellMiner database predicted that PI4K2A was adversely correlated with the sensitivity of various anticancer drugs.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study suggests that PI4K2A may be a potential predictor of poor prognosis in COAD and a potential biomarker for early diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment.

3D printed tablets containing oxaliplatin loaded alginate nanoparticles for colon cancer targeted delivery. An in vitro/in vivo study

This study aimed to develop a colon-targeted tablet of oxaliplatin (OP) using the combination of nanotechnology and fused deposition modeling (FDM) 3D printing to improve its antitumor activity, tumor targetability, and safety profile. Eudragit L100-55 filament containing OP loaded alginate nanoparticles (OP-NPs) were fabricated using hot-melt extrusion method and printed by an FDM printer to 3D printed tablets with good uniformity in the drug content and selective release of OP in the colonic environment. The antitumor effect of 3D printed tablets containing OP-NPs in CT-26 tumor-bearing mice was evaluated compared to intravenous and oral administration of OP solution, and compressed tablets containing OP-NPs, which were prepared by direct compression method with the same formulation. The antitumor effect of 3D printed tablets containing OP-NPs was remarkable and comparable with intravenous OP solution (p ˃ 0.05) with a better safety profile, whereas compressed tablets did not show any significant antitumor effect, probably in terms of non-selective drug release in stomach and upper intestine environments. This study highlights the potential of the combination of nanotechnology and 3D printing in the preparation of colon-specific drug delivery systems of chemotherapeutic drugs with good antitumor activity, tumor targetability, and safety profile for colorectal cancer treatment.

Drug delivery systems for cancer treatment: a review of marine-derived polysaccharides

Abstract:

Cancer is a disease characterized by uncontrolled cell proliferation and the spread of cells to other tissues and remains one of the worldwide problems waiting to be solved. There are various treatment strategies for cancer, such as chemotherapy, surgery, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy, although it varies according to its type and stage. Many chemotherapeutic agents have limited clinical use due to lack of efficacy, off-target toxicity, metabolic instability, or poor pharmacokinetics. One possible solution to this high rate of clinical failure is to design drug delivery systems that deliver drugs in a controlled and specific manner and are not toxic to normal cells. Marine systems contain biodiversity, including components and materials that can be used in biomedical applications and therapy. Biomaterials such as chitin, chitosan, alginate, carrageenan, fucoidan, hyaluronan, agarose, and ulvan obtained from marine organisms have found use in DDSs today. These polysaccharides are biocompatible, non-toxic, biodegradable, and cost-effective, making them ideal raw materials for increasingly complex DDSs with a potentially regulated release. In this review, the contributions of polysaccharides from the marine environment to the development of anticancer drugs in DDSs will be discussed.

Programmed cell death, redox imbalance, and cancer therapeutics

Cancer cells are disordered by nature and thus featured by higher internal redox level than healthy cells. Redox imbalance could trigger programmed cell death if exceeded a certain threshold, rendering therapeutic strategies relying on redox control a possible cancer management solution. Yet, various programmed cell death events have been consecutively discovered, complicating our understandings on their associations with redox imbalance and clinical implications especially therapeutic design. Thus, it is imperative to understand differences and similarities among programmed cell death events regarding their associations with redox imbalance for improved control over these events in malignant cells as well as appropriate design on therapeutic approaches relying on redox control. This review addresses these issues and concludes by bringing affront cold atmospheric plasma as an emerging redox controller with translational potential in clinics.

Exploring the link between chronobiology and drug delivery: effects on cancer therapy

Circadian clock is an impressive timing system responsible for the control of several metabolic, physiological and behavioural processes. Nowadays, the connection between the circadian clock and cancer occurrence and development is consensual. Therefore, the inclusion of circadian timing into cancer therapy may potentially offer a more effective and less toxic approach. This way, chronotherapy has been shown to improve cancer treatment efficacy. Despite this relevant finding, its clinical application is poorly exploited. The conception of novel anticancer drug delivery systems and the combination of chronobiology with nanotechnology may provide a powerful tool to optimize cancer therapy, instigating the incorporation of the circadian timing into clinical practice towards a more personalized drug delivery. This review focuses on the recent advances in the field of cancer chronobiology, on the link between cancer and the disruption of circadian rhythms and on the promising targeted drug nanodelivery approaches aiming the clinical application of cancer chronotherapy.