Nanogels for Skin Cancer Therapy via Transdermal Delivery: Current Designs

Synthesis, in silico modelling, and in vitro biological evaluation of substituted pyrazole derivatives as potential anti-skin cancer, anti-tyrosinase, and antioxidant agents

Twenty-five azole compounds (P1-P25) were synthesised using regioselective base-metal catalysed and microwave-assisted approaches, fully characterised by high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and infrared spectra (IR) analyses, and evaluated for anticancer, anti-tyrosinase, and anti-oxidant activities in silico and in vitro. P25 exhibited potent anticancer activity against cells of four skin cancer (SC) lines, with selectivity for melanoma (A375, SK-Mel-28) or non-melanoma (A431, SCC-12) SC cells over non-cancerous HaCaT-keratinocytes. Clonogenic, scratch-wound, and immunoblotting assay data were consistent with anti-proliferative results, expression profiling therewith implicating intrinsic and extrinsic apoptosis activation. In a mushroom tyrosinase inhibition assay, P14 was most potent among the compounds (half-maximal inhibitory concentration where 50% of cells are dead, IC50 15.9 μM), with activity greater than arbutin and kojic acid. Also, P6 exhibited noteworthy free radical-scavenging activity. Furthermore, in silico docking and absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADMET) simulations predicted prominent-phenotypic actives to engage diverse cancer/hyperpigmentation-related targets with relatively high affinities. Altogether, promising early-stage hits were identified - some with multiple activities - warranting further hit-to-lead optimisation chemistry with further biological evaluations, towards identifying new skin-cancer and skin-pigmentation renormalising agents.

Research progress of physical transdermal enhancement techniques in tumor therapy

The advancement and popularity of transdermal drug delivery (TDD) based on the physical transdermal enhancement technique (PTET) has opened a new paradigm for local tumor treatment. The drug can be directly delivered to the tumor site through the skin, thus avoiding the toxic side effects caused by the first-pass effect and achieving high patient compliance. Further development of PTETs has provided many options for antitumor drugs and laid the foundation for future applications of wearable closed-loop targeting drug delivery systems. In this highlight, the different types of PTETs and related mechanisms, and applications of PTET-related tumor detection and therapy are highlighted. According to their type and characteristics, PTETs are categorized as follows: (1) iontophoresis, (2) electroporation, (3) ultrasound, (4) thermal ablation, and (5) microneedles. PTET-related applications in the local treatment of tumors are categorized as follows: (1) melanoma, (2) breast tumor, (3) squamous cell carcinoma, (4) cervical tumor, and (5) others. The challenges and future prospects of existing PTETs are also discussed. This highlight will provide guidance for the design of PTET-based wearable closed-loop targeting drug delivery systems and personalized therapy for tumors.

Advances in the Novel Nanotechnology for the Targeted Tumor Therapy by the Transdermal Drug Delivery

Despite modern medicine advances greatly, cancer remains a serious challenge to world health for which effective methods of treatment have hardly been developed yet. However, throughout the recent years, the rapid-developing nanotechnology has provided a new outlook of cancer therapy by transdermal drug delivery. By disrupting the stratum corneum, drugs are delivered through the skin and navigated to the tumor site by drug delivery systems such as nanogels, microneedles, etc. The superiorities include the improvement of drug pharmacokinetics as well as reduced side effects. This paper reviews the reported novel development of transdermal drug delivery systems for targeted cancer therapy. Advanced techniques for penetrating the skin will be discussed as well.

The Use of Natural Materials in Film Coating for Controlled Oral Drug Release

BACKGROUND

Although synthetic materials have been used in film coating processes for drug delivery for many years, substantial studies on natural materials have also been conducted because of their biodegradable and unique properties.

METHODS

Because of the ability to form and modify films for controlled oral drug delivery, increasing attention has been shown to these materials in the design of film coating systems in recent research.

RESULTS

This review aims to provide an overview of natural materials focusing on film coating for oral delivery, specifically in terms of their classification and their combinations in film coating formulations for adjusting the desired properties for controlled drug delivery.

CONCLUSIONS

Discussing natural materials and their potential applications in film coating would benefit the optimization of processes and strategies for future utilization.

Transdermal Delivery Systems for Biomolecules

Purpose

The present review article focuses on highlighting the main technologies used as tools that improve the delivery of transdermal biomolecules, addressing them from the point of view of research in the development of transdermal systems that use physical and chemical permeation enhancers and nanocarrier systems or a combination of them.

Results

Transdermal drug delivery systems have increased in importance since the late 1970s when their use was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). They appeared to be an alternative resource for the administration of many potent drugs. The first transdermal drug delivery system used for biomolecules was for the treatment of hormonal disorders. Biomolecules have been used primarily in many treatments for cancer and diabetes, vaccines, hormonal disorders, and contraception.

Conclusions

The latest technologies that have used such transdermal biomolecule transporters include electrical methods (physical penetration enhancers), some chemical penetration enhancers and nanocarriers. All of them allow the maintenance of the physical and chemical properties of the main proteins and peptides through these clinical treatments, allowing their efficient storage, transport, and release and ensuring the achievement of their target and better results in the treatment of many diseases.

Graphical abstract

Current Designs and Developments of Fucoidan-based Formulations for Cancer Therapy

BACKGROUND

Natural nanostructure materials have been involved in antitumor drug delivery systems due to their biocompatibility, biodegradation, and bioactive properties.

METHODS

These materials have contributed to advanced drug delivery systems in the roles of both bioactive compounds and delivery nanocarriers. Fucoidan, a valuable ocean material used in drug delivery systems, has been exploited in research on cancer and a variety of other diseases.

RESULTS

Although the uniqueness, structure, properties, and health benefits of fucoidan have been mentioned in various prominent reviews, current developments and designs of fucoidan-based formulations still need to be assessed to further develop an effective anticancer therapy. In this review, current important formulations using fucoidan as a functional material and as an anticancer agent will be discussed. This article will also provide a brief principle of the methods that incorporate functional nanostructure materials in formulations exploiting fucoidan.

CONCLUSION

Current research and future perspectives on the use of fucoidan in anticancer therapy will advance innovative and important products for clinical uses.