Comparison of protein- and polysaccharide-based nanoparticles for cancer therapy: synthesis, characterization, drug release, and interaction with a breast cancer cell line

Gliadin Nanoparticles Containing Doxorubicin Hydrochloride: Characterization and Cytotoxicity

Doxorubicin hydrochloride (DOX) is a well-known antitumor drug used as first line treatment for many types of malignancies. Despite its clinical relevance, the administration of the compound is negatively affected by dose-dependent off-target toxicity phenomena. Nanotechnology has helped to overcome these important limitations by improving the therapeutic index of the bioactive and promoting the translation of novel nanomedicines into clinical practice. Herein, nanoparticles made up of wheat gliadin and stabilized by polyoxyethylene (2) oleyl ether were investigated for the first time as carriers of DOX. The encapsulation of the compound did not significantly affect the physico-chemical features of the gliadin nanoparticles (GNPs), which evidenced a mean diameter of ~180 nm, a polydispersity index < 0.2 and a negative surface charge. The nanosystems demonstrated great stability regarding temperature (25−50 °C) and were able to retain high amounts of drug, allowing its prolonged and sustained release for up to a week. In vitro viability assay performed against breast cancer cells demonstrated that the nanoencapsulation of DOX modulated the cytotoxicity of the bioactive as a function of the incubation time with respect to the free form of the drug. The results demonstrate the potential use of GNPs as carriers of hydrophilic antitumor compounds.

Mitochondria-targeting nano therapy altering IDH2-mediated EZH2/EZH1 interaction as precise epigenetic regulation in glioblastoma

Glioblastoma (GBM) is a complex brain cancer with frequent relapses and high mortality and still awaits effective treatment. Mitochondria dysfunction is a pathogenic condition in GBM and could be a prime therapeutic target for ceasing GBM progression. Strategies to overcome brain solid tumor barriers and selectively target mitochondria within specific cell types may improve GBM treatment. Here, we present hypericin-conjugated gold nanoparticles (PEG-AuNPs@Hyp) where hypericin is a mitochondrion-targeting agent exhibiting multimodal therapy by critically impacting the IDH2 gene (Isocitrate dehydrogenase) and its interaction with polycomb methyltransferase EZH1/2 for GBM therapy. It significantly localizes in mitochondria by enhanced cellular uptake in the human GBM cell lines/three-dimensional (3D) culture model under red-light exposure. It triggers oxidative stress and changes the mitochondrial potential, with increased Bax/Bcl2 ratio enhancing GBM cell death. The suppressed expression of mutated IDH2 and polycomb group of proteins upon PEG-AuNPs@Hyp/light exposure regulates mitochondria-targeting-mediated GBM metabolism with epigenetic repression of complex machinery function. Polyubiquitination and proteasomal degradation of EZH1 indicate the implication of these polycomb proteins in GBM progression. Chromatin immunoprecipitation reveals the IDH2 and EZH1/EZH2 direct interaction, confirming the role played by IDH2 in modulating the expression of EZH1 and EZH2. In vivo studies further displayed better tumor ablation in a GBM tumor-bearing nude mouse model. The present multimodal nanoformulation compromised the functional dependency of polycomb on mitochondrial IDH2 and established the mechanism of GBM inhibition.

Advances in Polyhydroxyalkanoate Nanocarriers for Effective Drug Delivery: An Overview and Challenges

Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are natural polymers produced under specific conditions by certain organisms, primarily bacteria, as a source of energy. These up-and-coming bioplastics are an undeniable asset in enhancing the effectiveness of drug delivery systems, which demand characteristics like non-immunogenicity, a sustained and controlled drug release, targeted delivery, as well as a high drug loading capacity. Given their biocompatibility, biodegradability, modifiability, and compatibility with hydrophobic drugs, PHAs often provide a superior alternative to free drug therapy or treatments using other polymeric nanocarriers. The many formulation methods of existing PHA nanocarriers, such as emulsion solvent evaporation, nanoprecipitation, dialysis, and in situ polymerization, are explained in this review. Due to their flexibility that allows for a vessel tailormade to its intended application, PHA nanocarriers have found their place in diverse therapy options like anticancer and anti-infective treatments, which are among the applications of PHA nanocarriers discussed in this article. Despite their many positive attributes, the advancement of PHA nanocarriers to clinical trials of drug delivery applications has been stunted due to the polymers’ natural hydrophobicity, controversial production materials, and high production costs, among others. These challenges are explored in this review, alongside their existing solutions and alternatives.

An evaluative in vitro investigation of the delivery of cytarabine with RGD decorated solid lipid nanoparticles

AIM

To synthesise cytarabine-loaded SLNs modified with the RGD peptide as a ligand, suitable for effective cancer therapy.

METHODS

SLNs were synthesised by the high shear, hot homogenisation technique. A 2 level 3 factor analysis was used in optimisation. Particle size, zeta potential, poly-dispersion index and surface morphology were measured. Drug encapsulation, drug release, release kinetics, nanoparticle stability and chemical structure were determined. LIVE/DEAD® Fluorescence Assay was used to qualify cytotoxicity and Tryphan Blue assay to quantify.

RESULTS

Cyt-SLNs exhibited a size of 161 ± 2.25 nm, a PDI of 0.49 ± 0.15 and a zeta potential of -19.8 mV. Entrapment fell at 88.87 ± 0.02% and release at 83.5 ± 0.95%. The in vitro release kinetics pointed towards a diffusion-based drug release mechanism. SLNs remained stable for 60 d. Cytotoxicity studies revealed that conjugation of the ligand with the RDG peptide resulted in a significant decrease in cell viability in both cell lines.

CONCLUSION

Overall, the study suggests that RGD-SLN-cyt can be used for effective cancer therapy.

Development of a Polysaccharide-Based Hydrogel Drug Delivery System (DDS): An Update

Delivering a drug to the target site with minimal-to-no off-target cytotoxicity is the major determinant for the success of disease therapy. While the therapeutic efficacy and cytotoxicity of the drug play the main roles, the use of a suitable drug delivery system (DDS) is important to protect the drug along the administration route and release it at the desired target site. Polysaccharides have been extensively studied as a biomaterial for DDS development due to their high biocompatibility. More usefully, polysaccharides can be crosslinked with various molecules such as micro/nanoparticles and hydrogels to form a modified DDS. According to IUPAC, hydrogel is defined as the structure and processing of sols, gels, networks and inorganic–organic hybrids. This 3D network which often consists of a hydrophilic polymer can drastically improve the physical and chemical properties of DDS to increase the biodegradability and bioavailability of the carrier drugs. The advancement of nanotechnology also allows the construction of hydrogel DDS with enhanced functionalities such as stimuli-responsiveness, target specificity, sustained drug release, and therapeutic efficacy. This review provides a current update on the use of hydrogel DDS derived from polysaccharide-based materials in delivering various therapeutic molecules and drugs. We also highlighted the factors that affect the efficacy of these DDS and the current challenges of developing them for clinical use.

Mechanisms of Drug Resistance and Use of Nanoparticle Delivery to Overcome Resistance in Breast Cancers

Breast cancer is the leading cancer type diagnosed among women in the world. Unfortunately, drug resistance to current breast cancer chemotherapeutics remains the main challenge for a higher survival rate. The recent progress in the nanoparticle platforms and distinct features of nanoparticles that enhance the efficacy of therapeutic agents, such as improved delivery efficacy, increased intracellular cytotoxicity, and reduced side effects, hold great promise to overcome the observed drug resistance. Currently, multifaceted investigations are probing the resistance mechanisms associated with clinical drugs, and identifying new breast cancer-associated molecular targets that may lead to improved therapeutic approaches with the nanoparticle platforms. Nanoparticle platforms including siRNA, antibody-specific targeting and the role of nanoparticles in cellular processes and their effect on breast cancer were discussed in this article.

Magnetically responsive, sorafenib loaded alginate microspheres for hepatocellular carcinoma treatment

This study aimed to develop sorafenib loaded magnetic microspheres for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma. To achieve this goal, superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) were synthesised and encapsulated in alginate microspheres together with an antineoplastic agent, sorafenib. In the study, firstly SPIONs were synthesised and characterised by dynamic light scattering, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. Then, alginate-SPIONs microspheres were developed, and further characterised by electron spin resonance spectrometer and vibrating sample magnetometer. Besides the magnetic properties of SPIONs, alginate microspheres with SPIONs were also found to have magnetic properties. The potential use of microspheres in hyperthermia treatment was then investigated and an increase of about 4°C in the environment was found out. Drug release studies and cytotoxicity tests were performed after sorafenib was encapsulated into the magnetic microspheres. According to release studies, sorafenib has been released from microspheres for 8 h. Cytotoxicity tests showed that alginate-SPION-sorafenib microspheres were highly effective against cancerous cells and promising for cancer therapy.

Synthesis of nano-α mangostin based on chitosan and Eudragit S 100

Alpha-mangostin is a xanthone compound isolated from the mangosteen plant (Garcinia mangostana L.), which has various pharmacological activities. However, in its utilization alpha-mangostin is unstable and shows low solubility in the oral delivery system. Nanoparticles can deliver specific drugs to their workplace and increase the solubility. The objectives of this study were to create and characterize the alpha-mangostin nanoparticles based on chitosan and Eudragit® S 100. The nanoparticles were made by the ionic gelation method with comparisons core: Coating FI (1:2), FII (1:1), and FIII (2:1). Nanoparticles powder obtained using the spray pyrolysis method. Characterization using Fourier transform infrared indicates that the nanoparticles have been coated properly, and no damage occurred in the formula. The particle sizes for FI, FII, and FII are 373.381 ± 138.023 nm, 398.333 ± 184.977 nm, and 326.567 ± 130.366 nm, respectively, with a smooth surface. The entrapment efficiency value of FI, FII, and FIII are, respectively, 99.7692%, 99.6535%, and 99.476%. Alpha-mangostin was successfully encapsulated in chitosan-tripolyphosphate polymer by ionic gelation method and then coated with Eudragit S 100. Alpha-mangostin chitosan-eudragit nanoparticles (core: Polymer ratio of 1:2) yielded more entrapment efficiency.

Dendrimer grafted albumin nanoparticles for the treatment of post cerebral stroke damages: A proof of concept study

Stroke is the second largest disease of mortality. The biggest hurdle in designing effective brain drug delivery systems is offered by the blood-brain barrier (BBB), which is highly impermeable to many drugs. Albumin nanoparticles (NP) have gained attention due to their multiple ligand binding sites and long circulatory half-life. Citicoline (CIT) is reported to enhance the acetylcholine secretion in the brain and also helps in membrane repair and regeneration. However, the poor BBB permeation of CIT results in lower levels of CIT in the brain. This demands the development of a suitable delivery platform to completely realize the therapeutic benefit of CIT in stroke therapy. This investigation reports the synthesis and characterization of second generation (2.0 G) dendrimer Amplified Albumin (dAA) biopolymer by FTIR, MALDI-TOF, and surface charge (mV). Further, the synthesized biopolymer has been utilized to develop a CIT nanoformulation using a commercially translatable one-pot process. Release of CIT from biopolymer was performed within an acetate buffer at pH 5 and Phosphate buffer at pH 7.4. Further, we investigated the ability of biopolymer to permeate BBB by in vitro permeability assay in bEnd.3 cells. MTT assay of CIT-dAA-NP, CIT-ANP, and 2.0 G PAMAM dendrimers was performed in bEnd.3 cells. Therapeutic efficacy of the synthesized biopolymer was determined by VEGF gene expression within an in vitro hypoxia model in PC12 cells. Thus, this investigation resulted in biopolymers that can be used to deliver any therapeutic agent by altering the permeability of the BBB. Also, cationization by dendrimer grafting is one such strategy that may be used to cationize any other negatively charged polymer, such as albumin. The synthesized biopolymer is not limited to deliver molecules to the brain, but can also be used to increase the loading of negatively-charged drug molecules, siRNA, or any other oligonucleotide.

A NIR-responsive indocyanine green-genistein nanoformulation to control the polycomb epigenetic machinery for the efficient combinatorial photo/chemotherapy of glioblastoma

Combinatorial photodynamics and chemotherapy have drawn enormous attention as therapeutic modalities via precise stimuli-responsive drug delivery for glioblastoma, which can overcome the limitations associated with conventional therapies. Herein, we have prepared an indocyanine green tagged, genistein encapsulated casein nanoformulation (ICG-Gen@CasNPs) that exhibits the near infra-red region responsive controlled release of genistein and enhanced cellular uptake in the human glioblastoma monolayer and a three-dimensional raft culture model via the enhanced retention effect. ICG-Gen@CasNPs, with the integrated photosensitizer indocyanine green within the nanoformulation, triggered oxidative stress, activating the apoptosis cascade, promoting cell cycle arrest and damaging the mitochondrial membrane potential, collectively directing glioblastoma cell death. The suppression of the polycomb group of proteins in the glioblastoma upon ICG-Gen@CasNPs/NIR exposure revealed the involvement of the epigenetic repression complex machinery in the regulation. Furthermore, ICG-Gen@CasNPs/PDT/PTT directed ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation of EZH2 and BMI1 indicates the implication of the polycomb in conferring glioblastoma survival. The increased activation of the apoptotic pathways and the generation of cellular reactive oxygen species upon inhibiting the expression of EZH2 and BMI1 strengthen our observations. It is worth noting that ICG-Gen@CasNPs robustly accumulated in the brain after crossing the blood-brain barrier, which represents the eminent biocompatibility and means that the system is devoid of any nonspecific toxicity in vivo. Moreover, a superior anti-tumor effect was demonstrated on a three-dimensional glioma spheroid model. Thus, this combinatorial chemo/photodynamic therapy revealed that ICG-Gen@CasNPs mediated epigenetic regulation, which is a crucial molecular mechanism of GBM suppression.

Antitumor activities on HL-60 human leukemia cell line, molecular docking, and quantum-chemical calculations of some sulfonamide-benzoxazoles

We previously synthesized some novel benzoxazole derivatives-containing sulfonamide. In this study, the compounds were investigated for their antitumor activities against the HL-60 human leukemia cells, using the MTT assay. Moreover, quantum chemical calculations using the DFT methods were applied for understanding the difference in antitumor activity. Additionally, molecular docking into active site of the DNA Topo II enzyme was performed on 3QX3. PDB file in order to find out possible mechanism of antitumor effect. According to all obtained results showed that compounds 1b, 1c, and 1d could be potential drug candidates as new antitumor agents, and are promising for cancer therapy.