Liposomal-Based Formulations: A Path from Basic Research to Temozolomide Delivery Inside Glioblastoma Tissue

A synthetic model of bioinspired liposomes to study cancer-cell derived extracellular vesicles and their uptake by recipient cells

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are secreted by most cell types and play a central role in cell-cell communication. These naturally occurring nanoparticles have been particularly implicated in cancer, but EV heterogeneity and lengthy isolation methods with low yield make them difficult to study. To circumvent the challenges in EV research, we aimed to develop a unique synthetic model by engineering bioinspired liposomes to study EV properties and their impact on cellular uptake. We produced EV-like liposomes mimicking the physicochemical properties as cancer EVs. First, using a panel of cancer and non-cancer cell lines, small EVs were isolated by ultracentrifugation and characterized by dynamic light scattering (DLS) and nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA). Cancer EVs ranged in mean size from 107.9 to 161 nm by NTA, hydrodynamic diameter from 152 to 355 nm by DLS, with a zeta potential ranging from - 25 to -6 mV. EV markers TSG101 and CD81 were positive on all EVs. Using a microfluidics bottom-up approach, liposomes were produced using the nanoprecipitation method adapted to micromixers developed by our group. A library of liposome formulations was created that mimicked the ranges of size (90-222 nm) and zeta potential (anionic [-47 mV] to neutral [-1 mV]) at a production throughput of up to 41 mL/h and yielding a concentration of 1 × 1012 particles per mL. EV size and zeta potential were reproduced by controlling the flow conditions and lipid composition set by a statistical model based on the response surface methodology. The model was fairly accurate with an R-squared > 70% for both parameters between the targeted EV and the obtained liposomes. Finally, the internalization of fluorescently labeled EV-like liposomes was assessed by confocal microscopy and flow cytometry, and correlated with decreasing liposome size and less negative zeta potential, providing insights into the effects of key EV physicochemical properties. Our data demonstrated that liposomes can be used as a powerful synthetic model of EVs. By mimicking cancer cell-derived EV properties, the effects on cellular internalization can be assessed individually and in combination. Taken together, we present a novel system that can accelerate research on the effects of EVs in cancer models.

An anti-CD19-exosome delivery system navigates the blood-brain barrier for targeting of central nervous system lymphoma

BACKGROUND

High-dose methotrexate (HD-MTX) serves as the cornerstone of central nervous system lymphoma (CNSL) treatment, but its efficacy is limited due to low blood-brain barrier (BBB) penetration and adverse effects. This study is focused on an exosome-based drug delivery approach aimed at enhancing BBB permeability, thereby reducing the required dosage of methotrexate (MTX) while ensuring specific targeting of CNSL.

METHODS

Human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hAMSCs) were modified with a lentiviral vector encoding anti-CD19, incorporated into exosomes characterized by colloidal gold immunoelectron microscopy and Nano flow cytometry. MTX loaded into anti-CD19-Exos via co-incubation, assessed for loading and encapsulation efficiencies using HPLC. In vitro BBB model constructed using hCMEC/D3 and astrocytes to investigate BBB permeability. In vivo efficacy of anti-CD19-Exo-MTX evaluated in intracranial CNSL models using MRI. Biodistribution tracked with DiR-labeled exosomes, drug concentration in CSF measured by HPLC. LC-MS/MS identified and characterized exosomal proteins analyzed using GO Analysis. Neuroprotective effects of exosomal proteins assessed with TUNEL and Nissl staining on hippocampal neurons in CNSL models. Liver and kidney pathology, blood biochemical markers, and complete blood count evaluated exosomal protein effects on organ protection and MTX-induced myelosuppression.

RESULTS

We generated anti-CD19-Exo derived from hAMSCs. These adapted exosomes effectively encapsulated MTX, enhancing drug accessibility within lymphoma cells and sustained intracellular accumulation over an extended period. Notably, anti-CD19-Exo-MTX interacted with cerebrovascular endothelial cells and astrocytes of the BBB, leading to endocytosis and facilitating the transportation of MTX across the barrier. Anti-CD19-Exo-MTX outperformed free MTX in vitro, exhibiting a more potent lymphoma-suppressive effect (P < 0.05). In intracranial orthotopic CNSL models, anti-CD19-Exo-MTX exhibited a significantly reduced disease burden compared to both the MTX and Exo-MTX groups, along with prolonged overall survival (P < 0.05). CSF drug concentration analysis demonstrated enhanced stability and longer-lasting drug levels for anti-CD19-Exo-MTX. Anti-CD19-Exo-MTX exhibited precise CNSL targeting with no organ toxicity. Notably, our study highlighted the functional potential of reversal effect of hAMSCs-exosomes on MTX-induced neurotoxicity, hepatic and renal impairment, and myelosuppression.

CONCLUSIONS

We present anti-CD19-Exo-MTX as a promising exosome-based drug delivery platform that enhances BBB permeability and offers specific targeting for effective CNSL treatment with reduced adverse effects.

Status Quo in the Liposome-Based Therapeutic Strategies Against Glioblastoma: "Targeting the Tumor and Tumor Microenvironment"

Glioblastoma is the most aggressive and fatal brain cancer, characterized by a high growth rate, invasiveness, and treatment resistance. The presence of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and blood-brain tumor barrier (BBTB) poses a challenging task for chemotherapeutics, resulting in low efficacy, bioavailability, and increased dose-associated side effects. Despite the rigorous treatment strategies, including surgical resection, radiotherapy, and adjuvant chemotherapy with temozolomide, overall survival remains poor. The failure of current chemotherapeutics and other treatment regimens in glioblastoma necessitates the development of new drug delivery methodologies to precisely and efficiently target glioblastoma. Nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems offer a better therapeutic option in glioblastoma, considering their small size, ease of diffusion, and ability to cross the BBB. Liposomes are a specific category of nanoparticles made up of fatty acids. Furthermore, liposomes can be surface-modified to target a particular receptor and are nontoxic. This review discusses various methods of liposome modification for active/directed targeting and various liposome-based therapeutic approaches in the delivery of current chemotherapeutic drugs and nucleic acids in targeting the glioblastoma and tumor microenvironment.

Natural Food Components as Biocompatible Carriers: A Novel Approach to Glioblastoma Drug Delivery

Efficient drug delivery methods are crucial in modern pharmacotherapy to enhance treatment efficacy, minimize adverse effects, and improve patient compliance. Particularly in the context of glioblastoma treatment, there has been a recent surge in interest in using natural dietary components as innovative carriers for drug delivery. These food-derived carriers, known for their safety, biocompatibility, and multifunctional properties, offer significant potential in overcoming the limitations of conventional drug delivery systems. This article thoroughly overviews numerous natural dietary components, such as polysaccharides, proteins, and lipids, used as drug carriers. Their mechanisms of action, applications in different drug delivery systems, and specific benefits in targeting glioblastoma are examined. Additionally, the safety, biocompatibility, and regulatory considerations of employing food components in drug formulations are discussed, highlighting their viability and future prospects in the pharmaceutical field.

Dual-targeting liposomes modified with BTP-7 and pHA for combined delivery of TCPP and TMZ to enhance the anti-tumour effect in glioblastoma cells

AIM

To construct a novel nano-carrier with dual ligands to achieve superior anti-tumour efficacy and lower toxic side effects.

METHODS

Liposomes were prepared by thin film hydration method. Ultraviolet, high performance liquid chromatography, nano-size analyser, ultrafiltration centrifugation, dialysis, transmission electron microscope, flow cytometry, Cell Counting Kit-8, confocal laser scanning microscopy, transwell, and tumorsphere assay were used to study the characterisations, cytotoxicity, and in vitro targeting of dg-Bcan targeting peptide (BTP-7)/pHA-temozolomide (TMZ)/tetra(4-carboxyphenyl)porphyrin (TCPP)-Lip.

RESULTS

BTP-7/pHA-TMZ/TCPP-Lip was a spheroid with a mean diameters of 143 ± 3.214 nm, a polydispersity index of 0.203 ± 0.025 and a surface charge of -22.8 ± 0.425 mV. The drug loadings (TMZ and TCPP) are 7.40 ± 0.23% and 2.05 ± 0.03% (mg/mg); and the encapsulation efficiencies are 81.43 ± 0.51% and 84.28 ± 1.64% (mg/mg). The results showed that BTP-7/pHA-TMZ/TCPP-Lip presented enhanced targeting and cytotoxicity.

CONCLUSION

BTP-7/pHA-TMZ/TCPP-Lip can specifically target the tumour cells to achieve efficient drug delivery, and improve the anti-tumour efficacy and reduces the systemic toxicity.

Prospectives and challenges of nano-tailored biomaterials-assisted biological molecules delivery for tissue engineering purposes

Nano carriers have gained more attention for their possible medical and technological applications. Tailored nanomaterials can transport medications efficiently to targeted areas and allow for sustained medication discharge, reducing undesirable toxicities while boosting curative effectiveness. Nonetheless, transitioning nanomedicines from experimental to therapeutic applications has proven difficult, so different pharmaceutical incorporation approaches in nano scaffolds are discussed. Then numerous types of nanobiomaterials implemented as carriers and their manufacturing techniques are explored. This article is also supported by various applications of nanobiomaterials in the biomedical field.

Magnet-Guided Temozolomide and Ferucarbotran Loaded Nanoparticles to Enhance Therapeutic Efficacy in Glioma Model

Background. The aim of the study was to synthesize liposomal nanoparticles loaded with temozolomide and ferucarbotran (LTF) and to evaluate the theranostic effect of LTF in the glioma model. Methods. We synthesized an LTF that could pass through the Blood Brain Barrier (BBB) and localize in brain tumor tissue with the help of magnet guidance. We examined the chemical characteristics. Cellular uptake and cytotoxicity studies were conducted in vitro. A biodistribution and tumor inhibition study was conduted using an in vivo glioma model. Results. The particle size and surface charge of LTF show 108 nm and -38 mV, respectively. Additionally, the presence of ferucarbotran significantly increased the contrast agent effect of glioma compared to the control group in MR imaging. Magnet-guided LTF significantly reduced the tumor size compared to control and other groups. Furthermore, compared to the control group, our results demonstrate a significant inhibition in brain tumor size and an increase in lifespan. Conclusions. These findings suggest that the LTF with magnetic guidance represents a novel approach to address current obstacles, such as BBB penetration of nanoparticles and drug resistance. Magnet-guided LTF is able to enhance therapeutic efficacy in mouse brain glioma.

Terpenes-Modified Lipid Nanosystems for Temozolomide, Improving Cytotoxicity against Glioblastoma Human Cancer Cells In Vitro

Currently, increasing the efficiency of glioblastoma treatment is still an unsolved problem. In this study, a combination of promising approaches was proposed: (i) an application of nanotechnology approach to create a new terpene-modified lipid system (7% w/w), using soybean L-α-phosphatidylcholine, N-carbonyl-methoxypolyethylene glycol-2000)-1,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine for delivery of the chemotherapy drug, temozolomide (TMZ, 1 mg/mL); (ii) use of TMZ associated with natural compounds-terpenes (1% w/w) abietic acid and Abies sibirica Ledeb. resin (A. sibirica). Different concentrations and combinations of terpene-lipid systems were employed to treat human cancer cell lines T 98G (glioblastoma), M-Hela (carcinoma of the cervix) and human liver cell lines (Chang liver). The terpene-lipid systems appeared to be unilamellar and of spherical shape under transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The creation of a TMZ-loaded terpene-lipid nanosystem was about 100 nm in diameter with a negative surface charge found by dynamic light scattering. The 74% encapsulation efficiency allowed the release time of TMZ to be prolonged. The modification by terpenes of TMZ-loaded lipid nanoparticles improved by four times the cytotoxicity against human cancer T 98G cells and decreased the cytotoxicity against human normal liver cells. Terpene-modified delivery lipid systems are of potential interest as a combination therapy.

Heparin interferes with the uptake of liposomes in glioma

In glioblastoma, a malignant primary brain tumor, liposomes have shown promise in pre-clinical and early phase clinical trials as delivery vehicles for therapeutics. However, external factors influencing cellular uptake of liposomes in glioma cells are poorly understood. Heparin and heparin analogues are commonly used in glioma patients to decrease the risk of thrombo-embolic events. Our results show that heparin inhibits pegylated liposome uptake by U87 glioma and GL261 cells in a dose dependent manner in vitro, and that heparin-mediated inhibition of uptake required presence of fetal bovine serum in the media. In a subcutaneous model of glioma, Cy5.5 labeled liposomes could be detected with in vivo imaging after direct intra-tumoral injection. Ex-vivo analysis with flow cytometry showed a decreased uptake of liposomes into tumor cells in mice treated systemically with heparin compared to those treated with vehicle only.

Nanomedicine strategies for central nervous system (CNS) diseases

The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a crucial part of brain anatomy as it is a specialized, protective barrier that ensures proper nutrient transport to the brain, ultimately leading to regulating proper brain function. However, it presents a major challenge in delivering pharmaceuticals to treat central nervous system (CNS) diseases due to this selectivity. A variety of different vehicles have been designed to deliver drugs across this barrier to treat neurodegenerative diseases, greatly impacting the patient's quality of life. The two main types of vehicles used to cross the BBB are polymers and liposomes, which both encapsulate pharmaceuticals to allow them to transcytose the cells of the BBB. For Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, and glioblastoma brain cancer, there are a variety of different nanoparticle treatments in development that increase the bioavailability and targeting ability of existing drugs or new drug targets to decrease symptoms of these diseases. Through these systems, nanomedicine offers a new way to target specific tissues, especially for the CNS, and treat diseases without the systemic toxicity that often comes with medications used currently.

A Novel Isotope-labeled Small Molecule Probe CC12 for Anti-glioma via Suppressing LYN-mediated Progression and Activating Apoptosis Pathways

Background: Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most lethal malignancy in brain, which is surrounded by the blood-brain barrier (BBB), which limits the efficacy of standard treatments. Developing an effective drug that can penetrate the blood-brain barrier (BBB) remains a critical challenge in the fight against GBM. CC12 (NSC749232) is an anthraquinone tetraheterocyclic homolog with a lipophilic structure that may facilitate penetration of the brain area. Methods: We used temozolomide sensitive and resistance GBM cells and animal model to identify the CC12 delivery, anti-tumor potential and its underlying mechanism. Results: Importantly, toxicity triggered by CC12 was not associated with the methyl guanine-DNA methyl transferase (MGMT) methylation status which revealed a greater application potential compared to temozolomide. Alexa F488 cadaverine-labelled CC12 successfully infiltrated into the GBM sphere; in addition, ⁶⁸Ga-labeled CC12 was also found in the orthotopic GBM area. After passing BBB, CC12 initiated both caspase-dependent intrinsic/extrinsic apoptosis pathways and apoptosis-inducing factor, EndoG-related caspase-independent apoptosis signaling in GBM. RNA sequence analysis from The Cancer Genome Atlas indicated that LYN was overexpressed in GBM is associated with poorer overall survival. We proved that targeting of LYN by CC12 may diminish GBM progression and suppress it downstream factors such as signal transduction and activator of extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK)/transcription 3 (STAT3)/nuclear factor (NF)-κB. CC12 was also found to participate in suppressing GBM metastasis and dysregulation of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) through inactivation of the LYN axis. Conclusion: CC12, a newly developed BBB-penetrating drug, was found to possess an anti-GBM capacity via initiating an apoptotic mechanism and disrupting LYN/ERK/STAT3/NF-κB-regulated GBM progression.

Exosomes: Promising Delivery Tools for Overcoming Blood-Brain Barrier and Glioblastoma Therapy

Gliomas make up virtually 80% of all lethal primary brain tumors and are categorized based on their cell of origin. Glioblastoma is an astrocytic tumor that has an inferior prognosis despite the ongoing advances in treatment modalities. One of the main reasons for this shortcoming is the presence of the blood-brain barrier and blood-brain tumor barrier. Novel invasive and non-invasive drug delivery strategies for glioblastoma have been developed to overcome both the intact blood-brain barrier and leverage the disrupted nature of the blood-brain tumor barrier to target cancer cells after resection-the first treatment stage of glioblastoma. Exosomes are among non-invasive drug delivery methods and have emerged as a natural drug delivery vehicle with high biological barrier penetrability. There are various exosome isolation methods from different origins, and the intended use of the exosomes and starting materials defines the choice of isolation technique. In the present review, we have given an overview of the structure of the blood-brain barrier and its disruption in glioblastoma. This review provided a comprehensive insight into novel passive and active drug delivery techniques to overcome the blood-brain barrier, emphasizing exosomes as an excellent emerging drug, gene, and effective molecule delivery vehicle used in glioblastoma therapy.

Progress in research and development of temozolomide brain-targeted preparations: a review

Gliomas are a heterogeneous group of brain tumours with high malignancy, for which surgical resection remains the mainstay of treatment at present. However, the overall prognosis of gliomas remains poor because of their aggressiveness and high recurrence. Temozolomide (TMZ) has anti-proliferative and cytotoxic effects and is indicated for glioblastoma multiforme and recurrent mesenchymal astrocytoma. However, TMZ is disadvantaged by low efficacy and drug resistance, and therefore it is necessary to enhance the brain drug concentration of TMZ to improve its effectiveness and reduce the toxic and adverse effects from systemic administration. There have been many nano-formulations developed for the delivery of TMZ to gliomas that overcome the limitations of TMZ penetration to tumours and increase brain targeting. In this paper, we review the research progress of TMZ nano-formulations, and also discuss challenges and opportunities in the research and development of drug delivery systems, hoping that the data and information summarised herein could provide assistance for the clinical treatment of gliomas.

Latest advances in biomimetic nanomaterials for diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular disease

Cardiovascular disease remains one of the leading causes of death in China, with increasingly serious negative effects on people and society. Despite significant advances in preventing and treating cardiovascular diseases, such as atrial fibrillation/flutter and heart failure over the last few years, much more remains to be done. Therefore, developing innovative methods for identifying and managing cardiovascular disorders is critical. Nanomaterials provide multiple benefits in biomedicine, primarily better catalytic activity, drug loading, targeting, and imaging. Biomimetic materials and nanoparticles are specially combined to synthesize biomimetic nanoparticles that successfully reduce the nanoparticles' toxicity and immunogenicity while enhancing histocompatibility. Additionally, the biological targeting capability of nanoparticles facilitates the diagnosis and therapy of cardiovascular disease. Nowadays, nanomedicine still faces numerous challenges, which necessitates creating nanoparticles that are highly selective, toxic-free, and better clinically applicable. This study reviews the scientific accomplishments in this field over the past few years covering the classification, applications, and prospects of noble metal biomimetic nanozymes and biomimetic nanocarriers.

Erythromycin Formulations—A Journey to Advanced Drug Delivery

Erythromycin (ERY) is a macrolide compound with a broad antimicrobial spectrum which is currently being used to treat a large number of bacterial infections affecting the skin, respiratory tract, intestines, bones and other systems, proving great value from a clinical point of view. It became popular immediately after its discovery in 1952, due to its therapeutic effect against pathogens resistant to other drugs. Despite this major advantage, ERY exhibits several drawbacks, raising serious clinical challenges. Among them, the very low solubility in water and instability under acidic conditions cause a limited efficacy and bioavailability. Apart from this, higher doses promote drug resistance and undesirable effects. In order to overcome these disadvantages, during the past decades, a large variety of ERY formulations, including nanoparticles, have emerged. Despite the interest in ERY-(nano)formulations, a review on them is lacking. Therefore, this work was aimed at reviewing all efforts made to encapsulate ERY in formulations of various chemical compositions, sizes and morphologies. In addition, their preparation/synthesis, physico-chemical properties and performances were carefully analysed. Limitations of these studies, particularly the quantification of ERY, are discussed as well.

Temozolomide Efficacy and Metabolism: The Implicit Relevance of Nanoscale Delivery Systems

The most common primary malignant brain tumors in adults are gliomas. Glioblastoma is the most prevalent and aggressive tumor subtype of glioma. Current standards for the treatment of glioblastoma include a combination of surgical, radiation, and drug therapy methods. The drug therapy currently includes temozolomide (TMZ), an alkylating agent, and bevacizumab, a recombinant monoclonal IgG1 antibody that selectively binds to and inhibits the biological activity of vascular endothelial growth factor. Supplementation of glioblastoma radiation therapy with TMZ increased patient survival from 12.1 to 14.6 months. The specificity of TMZ effect on brain tumors is largely determined by special aspects of its pharmacokinetics. TMZ is an orally bioavailable prodrug, which is well absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and is converted to its active alkylating metabolite 5-(3-methyl triazen-1-yl)imidazole-4-carbozamide (MTIC) spontaneously in physiological condition that does not require hepatic involvement. MTIC produced in the plasma is not able to cross the BBB and is formed locally in the brain. A promising way to increase the effectiveness of TMZ chemotherapy for glioblastoma is to prevent its hydrolysis in peripheral tissues and thereby increase the drug concentration in the brain that nanoscale delivery systems can provide. The review discusses possible ways to increase the efficacy of TMZ using nanocarriers.

The pH-Responsive Liposomes-The Effect of PEGylation on Release Kinetics and Cellular Uptake in Glioblastoma Cells

Nanomedicine has been, to a certain degree, a success story in the development of superior anticancer therapies. However, there are tumors that remain a huge challenge for nanoformulations, for instance, brain tumors such as glioblastoma, the most common and aggressive brain tumor. To utilize the fact that such tumors are characterized by an acidic extracellular environment, we selected pH-responsive liposomes as a potential drug delivery system for superior delivery to GBM. Liposomes comprising PEGylated lipid of two chain lengths with encapsulated fluorescent marker calcein were characterized and challenged against non-PEGylated vesicles. The in vitro calcein release from three liposomal formulations (<200 nm), namely non-PEGylated (pH-Lip) and PEGylated, pH-Lip−PEG750, and pH-Lip−PEG2000, was followed at three pH conditions to prove the pH-responsiveness. The intracellular delivery of a liposomally encapsulated marker was determined in GL261 glioblastoma cell lines in vitro using both flow cytometry and confocal microscopy. The inclusion of PEG2000 within liposomal formulation resulted in reduced in vitro pH-responsiveness compared to pH-Lip and pH-Lip750. All three pH-responsive liposomal formulations improved intracellular uptake in GL261 cells compared to non-pH-responsive liposomes, with negligible differences regarding PEG length. The proposed formulations should be further evaluated in glioblastoma models.