Formulation and characterization of rutin loaded chitosan-alginate nanoparticles: Antidiabetic and cytotoxicity studies

In vitro and in silico anti-Alzheimer study of rutin embedded with zinc chloride loaded bovine serum albumin nanoparticles

Nanotechnology-based herbal drug formulations that target multiple aspects of the disease are one of the possible approaches to address the pathological intricacies of Alzheimer's disease (AD). The present study includes the development of rutin embedded with zinc chloride-loaded bovine serum albumin nanoparticles (R-BSA-ZnCl2 NPs) to counter AD pathogenesis. In this work, the anti-AD potential of selected Phyto active (Rutin) was investigated using a high throughput in silico screening technique. Characterisation and optimization of the formulation were performed by different analytical methods such as FT-IR, zeta sizer and zeta potential, SEM analysis, thermal analysis, x-ray diffraction technique, etc. In vitro, free radical scavenging assay of the formulation was performed using a DPPH assay, and the ROS quantification was done by taking the RAW cell line. The amyloid β disaggregation study was confirmed by the thioflavin T assay, and the blood-brain barrier permeability assay was performed by taking brain endothelial cells. An anticholinesterase study was conducted to ascertain the formulation's potential for treating Alzheimer's disease. The NPs was prepared by ion gelation method and characterized for size (164.8 ± 5.6 nm), zeta potential (-29.6 mV), encapsulation efficiency (91 ± 1.1 %) and loading capacity (10 ± 0.2 %). The FTIR analysis indicated that there was no chemical interaction between the functional groups of rutin and other excipients. DSC, XRD studies suggested unchanged physical state of rutin in the prepared nanoparticle. Surface characterization analysed the irregular morphology of the nanoparticle. The antioxidant activity by DPPH and FRAP assay demonstrated a significant increase in free radical scavenging for R-BSA-ZnCl2 NPs in compared to rutin (p < 0.01). Anti-aggregation studies indicated that the nanoparticle inhibited the Aβ fibrils by over 70-80 %, as confirmed by Thioflavin T assay. Moreover, the blood brain barrier (BBB) permeability assay indicated permeation of nanoparticle via BBB. Thus, the present study highlighted that bovine serum albumin-zinc chloride nanoparticle may be used as a multifactorial therapeutic platform to address neurodegeneration associated with cognition.

Bibliometric analysis of advances in polysaccharide pharmacology research: A review

Polysaccharide pharmacology has attracted considerable scholarly interest due to its wide range of pharmacological activities, with notable examples such as heparin's anticoagulant mechanisms via antithrombin III interactions and its emerging role in tumor microenvironment modulation. This study presents a bibliometric analysis of the literature pertinent to polysaccharide pharmacology, aiming to elucidate key insights within this research field. Utilizing the Web of Science database, we applied bibliometric analysis methods and utilized tools such as CiteSpace and VOSviewer to systematically investigate the current research landscape, hotspots, and developmental trends in polysaccharide pharmacology. This bibliometric study analyzed 2418 Web of Science publications (2006-2024) using CiteSpace and VOSviewer, revealing China, the US, Germany, and India as leading contributors. The identified keywords are categorized into four clusters: (1) "Anti-inflammatory and anticoagulant properties of polysaccharides," (2) "Multi-omics analysis of polysaccharides," (3) "Pharmacology and bioactivity of natural plants," and (4) "Applications of polysaccharide derivatives." Current research priorities focus on immunomodulation, including dual roles of lipopolysaccharides (LPS) as both endotoxins and immunomodulators in vaccine development, anti-tumor activities leveraging heparin's tumor microenvironment regulation, and drug delivery. This study offers a comprehensive analysis of polysaccharide pharmacology, with the objective of advancing mechanistic understanding in foundational research and facilitating clinical translation within this field.

Rutin Nanoparticles Alleviate Cadmium-Induced Oxidative and Immune Damage in Broilers' Bursa of Fabricius via Modulating Hsp70/TLR4/NF-κB Signaling Pathway

Cadmium (Cd) is a serious environmental pollutant affecting various tissues/organs in broilers and compromising their immunological function and productivity. Therefore, the current study aimed to investigate Cd-induced immunotoxicity and potential immunoprotective effect of rutin nanoparticles (RNPs) in the bursal tissue of broilers. A total number of 150 chicks from the Hubbard breed were randomly divided into 5 groups. Group I was fed on standard basal diet (SD) with normal drinking water (DW), Group II received SD containing RNPs (50 mg/kg feed) with DW, Group III fed on SD and DW containing Cd (150 mg/L), Group IV co-treated with rutin-enforced SD (50 mg/kg diet) and DW containing Cd (150 mg/L), and finally, Group V co-supplemented with RNP-enhanced SD (50 mg/kg diet) DW containing Cd (150 mg/L). Productive performance, economic efficiency, oxidative biomarkers, histopathological changes, and the expression level of TLR-4, HSP-70, caspase 3, NF-κB, Bcl-2, and Bax were assessed in the BF tissue. Cd led to severe production and economic losses in exposed birds with a marked surge of oxidative biomarkers, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and histopathological changes in the bursal tissue which could be explained through upregulation of the Hsp70/TLR4/NF-κB molecular pathway in the BF tissue. Meanwhile, RNPs could alleviate most of these changes and prevail optimistic immunomodulatory properties which subsequently could enhance broilers' productivity when incorporated in their diets.

Formulation of Morus alba extract loaded solid lipid nanoparticles: in silico, characterizations, and in vitro cytotoxicity study

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to formulate Morus alba leaf extract (MAE) loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) and investigate its cytotoxic potential using MDA-MB231 cell line.

SIGNIFICANCE

SLNs can protect MAE from degradation, enhance cytotoxicity potential, and making them suitable for various therapeutic areas.

METHODS

SLNs were developed using high-pressure homogenization method, and the formulations were optimized based on particle size, zeta potential, % entrapment efficiency (EE), and % cumulative drug release (CDR). The in vitro cytotoxic efficacy of MAE-loaded SLNs was evaluated through apoptosis assays and compared to that of free MAE.

RESULTS

The particle size, zeta potential, % EE, and % CDR of optimized SLNs were found 116.3 nm, -26.18 mV, 89.30%, and 79.4%, respectively. MAE-loaded SLNs demonstrated significantly greater cytotoxic effects than the MAE (p < 0.05). SLNs induced less inhibition in the G0/G1 phase but showed marked inhibition in the S phase (9.7 ± 1.7%) and G2/M phase (2.2 ± 0.6%), indicating effective disruption of DNA replication and cell division, with significant cytotoxicity compared to control cells. The percentage of total apoptosis was 72.49 ± 2.7% for MAE alone and 81.46 ± 2.9% for MAE loaded SLNs, demonstrating a notably higher apoptosis rate for the SLNs formulation (p < 0.05). These findings indicated that MAE loaded SLNs significantly enhance the apoptotic and cytotoxic impact compared to MAE.

CONCLUSION

These results proved that MAE loaded SLNs as a promising nano carrier system to improve the therapeutic performance of MAE.

Bile acid conjugated chitosan nanoparticles promote the proliferation and epithelial-mesenchymal transition of hepatocellular carcinoma by regulating the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway

Bile acids have been known to play significant roles at certain physiological levels in gastrointestinal metabolism. Yet, they are known to be carcinogenic and aid in tumor progression in most cases, although the roles remain uncertain. Hence, we tested the cytotoxic potential of cholic acid (CA) loaded chitosan nanoparticles (CNPs) on Hep3B cells. The physicochemical properties of the CNPs synthesized with CA load (CA-CNPs) were determined using standard techniques such as ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry (UV-Vis), fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), dynamic light scattering (DLS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The characteristic peak for chitosan nanoparticles were observed for plain CNPs (pCNPs) and CA-CNPs at around 300 nm as per UV-Vis analysis. FTIR analysis indicated the possible trapping of CA onto CNPs as certain peaks were retained and some peaks were shifted. XRD analysis determined that the peaks representing CA and pCNPs were collectively obtained in CA-CNPs. As per DLS analysis, the particle size, PDI and ζ-potential of the CA-CNPs were 259 nm, 0.284 and 30.4 mV. Further, the CA-CNPs were non-cytotoxic on Hep3B cells at the maximum tested concentration of 500 μg/mL. The viability at 500 μg/mL of CA-CNPs was two-fold higher than 500 μg/mL of pCNPs. Also, the pCNPs were not hemolytic and therefore could not have played a role in the increase of viability after treatment with CA-CNPs, which indicates that CA posed a major role in increased viability of Hep3B cells. As per quantitative PCR (qPCR), the upregulated gene expressions of PI3K, Akt, mTORC2, cMyc, Fibronectin, hVPS34, Slug and ZEB1 and the downregulated expression of the tumor suppressor PTEN indicates that PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway mediated the induction of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in response to CA-CNPs treatment on Hep3B cells.

Economic and Productive Comparison of Rutin and Rutin-Loaded Chitosan Alginate Nanoparticles Against Lead-Induced Oxidative Stress in Cobb and Arbor Broiler Breeds

Rutin, a natural bioflavonoid compound, is one of the best-known antioxidants. This study aimed to investigate the protective effect of rutin-loaded chitosan alginate nanoparticles (RCA NPs) against lead (Pb)-induced oxidative stress in two different broiler breeds. A total number of 240 chicks from Cobb (CB) and Arbor Acres (AR) breeds were randomly allocated into 4 groups/breed. The 1st group received standard basal diet (SD) and drinking water (DW) while the 2nd group received SD and Pb-incorporated DW (350 mg/L). The 3rd group treated with both rutin-supplemented SD (50 mg/kg feed), and DW contain Pb (350 mg/L). Finally, the 4th group administered RCA NPs-supplemented SD (50 mg/kg feed) and Pb-incorporated DW (350 mg/L). On the 40th day of experiment, broilers weighed, and blood samples collected for biochemical and hematological analysis then slaughtered. Economic efficiency, growth performance, and oxidative stress biomarkers were evaluated. Gene expression level of growth-associated genes as insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-1) and histopathological changes were assessed in liver and intestinal tissue of both breeds. Our results revealed that Pb-treated birds exhibited the lowest average body weight gain (BWG) and economic efficiency measures in both breeds while RCA NPs-treated groups revealed enhanced growth and economic performance. Furthermore, diet supplementation with RCA NPs considerably enhanced the antioxidant enzymes activity and expression of growth-associated genes than groups treated with rutin alone specifically in AR breed. In conclusion, RCA NPs supplementation could be a promising nanoformulation in poultry production through enhancing the antioxidant capacity and bioavailability of rutin.

Biological activity, limitations and steady-state delivery of functional substances for precision nutrition

Food-related functional substances with biological activity serve as a crucial material foundation for achieving precision nutrition, which has gained increasing attraction in regulating physiological functions, preventing chronic diseases, and maintaining human health. Nutritional substances typically include bioactive proteins, peptides, polysaccharides, polyphenols, functional lipids, carotenoids, probiotics, vitamins, saponins, and terpenes. These functional substances play an essential role in precise nutrition. This chapter introduces and summarizes typical functional substances to demonstrate the challenges in precision nutrition for their stability, solubility, and bioavailability. The current status of delivery systems of functional substances is described to give an insight into the development of desirable characteristics, such as food grade status, high loading capacity, site targeting, and controlled release capacity. Finally, the applications of food-borne delivery systems of functional substances for precision nutrition are emphasized to meet the requirement for precision nutrition during nutritional intervention for chronic diseases.

ULK1 Mediated Autophagy-Promoting Effects of Rutin-Loaded Chitosan Nanoparticles Contribute to the Activation of NF-κB Signaling Besides Inhibiting EMT in Hep3B Hepatoma Cells

Background

Liver cancer remains to be one of the leading causes of cancer worldwide. The treatment options face several challenges and nanomaterials have proven to improve the bioavailability of several drug candidates and their applications in nanomedicine. Specifically, chitosan nanoparticles (CNPs) are extremely biodegradable, pose enhanced biocompatibility and are considered safe for use in medicine.

Methods

CNPs were synthesized by ionic gelation, loaded with rutin (rCNPs) and characterized by ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), dynamic light scattering (DLS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The rCNPs were tested for their cytotoxic effects on human hepatoma Hep3B cells, and experiments were conducted to determine the mechanism of such effects. Further, the biocompatibility of the rCNPs was tested on L929 fibroblasts, and their hemocompatibility was determined.

Results

Initially, UV-vis and FTIR analyses indicated the possible loading of rutin on rCNPs. Further, the rutin load was quantitatively measured using Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatography (UPLC) and the concentration was 88 µg/mL for 0.22 micron filtered rCNPs. The drug loading capacity (LC%) of the rCNPs was observed to be 13.29 ± 0.68%, and encapsulation efficiency (EE%) was 19.55 ± 1.01%. The drug release was pH-responsive as 88.58% of the drug was released after 24 hrs at the lysosomal pH 5.5, whereas 91.44% of the drug was released at physiological pH 7.4 after 102 hrs. The cytotoxic effects were prominent in 0.22 micron filtered samples of 5 mg/mL rutin precursor. The particle size for the rCNPs at this concentration was 144.1 nm and the polydispersity index (PDI) was 0.244, which is deemed to be ideal for tumor targeting. A zeta potential (ζ-potential) value of 16.4 mV indicated rCNPs with good stability. The IC50 value for the cytotoxic effects of rCNPs on human hepatoma Hep3B cells was 9.7 ± 0.19 μg/mL of rutin load. In addition, the increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and changes in mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) were observed. Gene expression studies indicated that the mechanism for cytotoxic effects of rCNPs on Hep3B cells was due to the activation of Unc-51-like autophagy-activating kinase (ULK1) mediated autophagy and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling besides inhibiting the epithelial-mesenchymal Transition (EMT). In addition, the rCNPs were less toxic on NCTC clone 929 (L929) fibroblasts in comparison to the Hep3B cells and possessed excellent hemocompatibility (less than 2% of hemolysis).

Conclusion

The synthesized rCNPs were pH-responsive and possessed the physicochemical properties suitable for tumor targeting. The particles were effectively cytotoxic on Hep3B cells in comparison to normal cells and possessed excellent hemocompatibility. The very low hemolytic profile of rCNPs indicates that the drug could be administered intravenously for cancer therapy.

Eco-friendly chitosan-based nanostructures in diabetes mellitus therapy: Promising bioplatforms with versatile therapeutic perspectives

Nature-derived polymers, or biopolymers, are among the most employed materials for the development of nanocarriers. Chitosan (CS) is derived from the acetylation of chitin, and this biopolymer displays features such as biocompatibility, biodegradability, low toxicity, and ease of modification. CS-based nano-scale delivery systems have been demonstrated to be promising carriers for drug and gene delivery, and they can provide site-specific delivery of cargo. Owing to the high biocompatibility of CS-based nanocarriers, they can be used in the future in clinical trials. On the other hand, diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic disease that can develop due to a lack of insulin secretion or insulin sensitivity. Recently, CS-based nanocarriers have been extensively applied for DM therapy. Oral delivery of insulin is the most common use of CS nanoparticles in DM therapy, and they improve the pharmacological bioavailability of insulin. Moreover, CS-based nanostructures with mucoadhesive features can improve oral bioavailability of insulin. CS-based hydrogels have been developed for the sustained release of drugs and the treatment of DM complications such as wound healing. Furthermore, CS-based nanoparticles can mediate delivery of phytochemicals and other therapeutic agents in DM therapy, and they are promising compounds for the treatment of DM complications, including nephropathy, neuropathy, and cardiovascular diseases, among others. The surface modification of nanostructures with CS can improve their properties in terms of drug delivery and release, biocompatibility, and others, causing high attention to these nanocarriers in DM therapy.

Formulation, Characterisation and Evaluation of the Antihypertensive Peptides, Isoleucine-Proline-Proline and Leucine-Lysine-Proline in Chitosan Nanoparticles Coated with Zein for Oral Drug Delivery

Isoleucine-Proline-Proline (IPP) and Leucine-Lysine-Proline (LKP) are food-derived tripeptides whose antihypertensive functions have been demonstrated in hypertensive rat models. However, peptides display low oral bioavailability due to poor intestinal epithelial permeability and instability. IPP and LKP were formulated into nanoparticles (NP) using chitosan (CL113) via ionotropic gelation and then coated with zein. Following addition of zein, a high encapsulation efficiency (EE) (>80%) was obtained for the NP. In simulated gastric fluid (SGF), 20% cumulative release of the peptides was achieved after 2 h, whereas in simulated intestinal fluid (SIF), ~90% cumulative release was observed after 6 h. Higher colloidal stability (39−41 mV) was observed for the coated NP compared to uncoated ones (30−35 mV). In vitro cytotoxicity studies showed no reduction in cellular viability of human intestinal epithelial Caco-2 and HepG2 liver cells upon exposure to NP and NP components. Administration of NP encapsulating IPP and LKP by oral gavage to spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) attenuated systolic blood pressure (SBP) for 8 h. This suggests that the NP provide appropriate release to achieve prolonged hypotensive effects in vivo. In conclusion, chitosan-zein nanoparticles (CZ NP) have potential as oral delivery system for the encapsulation of IPP and LKP.