Design, Synthesis, Characterization, and Evaluation of the Anti-HT-29 Colorectal Cell Line Activity of Novel 8-Oxyquinolinate-Platinum(II)-Loaded Nanostructured Lipid Carriers Targeted with Riboflavin

An oral delivery approach for riboflavin-targeted platinum(II)-loaded lipid nanoparticles into alginate-gelatin matrices against 2D and 3D colorectal carcinoma models

This study investigated the use of riboflavin-targeted Nanostructured Lipid Carriers (R-NLCs) to deliver a platinum-based anticancer drug [PtCl(8-O-quinolinate)(dmso)] (8-QO-Pt) to colorectal cancer cells. Three different R-8-QO-Pt-NLC formulations were prepared via hot-homogenization by ultrasonication method. The physicochemical characterizations of NLCs were analyzed by small- and wide-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS/WAXS) and fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The cytotoxic effects and IC50 values of R-8-QO-Pt-NLC formulations were compared with those of the free 8-QO-Pt. Cellular uptake and apoptosis were evaluated towards HCT 116 cells in monolayer (2D). The liquid overlay technique was used to generate 3D multicellular tumor spheroids, MCTS. The anticancer and antimetastatic activities of the free 8-QO-Pt and R-8-QO-Pt-NLCs were determined in MCTS. The results revealed that R-8-QO-Pt-NLC exhibited greater cytotoxicity and lower IC50 values than free 8-QO-Pt in both 2D and 3D cell cultures. Furthermore, results showed that the volumes of the spheroids were reduced in response to increasing concentrations of R-8-QO-Pt-NLC, showing higher inhibition of cell migration in colorectal cancer spheroids at concentrations of 10.0, 15.0, and 25.0 μM than free 8-QO-Pt. To provide protection against gastric acid conditions, an additional drug delivery system based on alginate (Alg) and gelatin (Gel) beads for R-8-QO-Pt-NLC oral administration was developed. While free and R-NLC encapsulated 8-QO-Pt were practically inactivated at pH 1.2 and 37 °C, it was revealed that the Alg-Gel beads retain 5.7 times the initial activity of the R-8-QO-Pt-NLC. The findings of this research indicate that R-8-QO-Pt-NLC embedded in Alg-Gel beads are promising hydrogels for targeted colorectal delivery systems.

Synergistic Nanoformulation: Streamlined One-Pot Synthesis Enhances Paclitaxel Functionalization Gold Nanoparticles for Potent Anticancer Activity

The development of innovative, eco-friendly methods for synthesizing functional nanoparticles is crucial in advancing cancer therapeutics. This study highlights a one-pot in situ synthesis of paclitaxel-functionalized gold nanoparticles (PTX-AuNPs), with paclitaxel serving as both the reducing and stabilizing agent. The synthesis process was validated using UV-visible spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (FEG-TEM). High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) confirmed the purity and structural integrity of paclitaxel before and after synthesis. The resulting PTX-AuNPs exhibited potent anticancer activity against human cervical cancer (SiHa) and human colon cancer (HT-29) cell lines, with a significantly stronger effect on the HT-29 cell line. A concentration-dependent reduction in HT-29 cell growth was observed as nanoparticle concentrations increased from 10 µg/mL-20 µg/mL. Molecular docking studies further demonstrated paclitaxel's strong binding affinity (-8.5 kcal/mol) to β-Tubulin, elucidating its anticancer mechanism. This cost-effective and environmentally friendly approach offers significant promise for enhancing cancer treatment strategies.

Novel drug delivery systems in colorectal cancer: Advances and future prospects

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is an abnormal proliferation of cells within the colon and rectum, leading to the formation of polyps and disruption of mucosal functions. The disease development is influenced by a combination of factors, including inflammation, exposure to environmental mutagens, genetic alterations, and impairment in signaling pathways. Traditional treatments such as surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy are often used but have limitations, including poor solubility and permeability, treatment resistance, side effects, and post-surgery issues. Novel Drug Delivery Systems (NDDS) have emerged as a superior alternative, offering enhanced drug solubility, precision in targeting cancer cells, and regulated drug release. Thereby addressing the shortcomings of conventional therapies and showing promise for more effective CRC management. The present review sheds light on the pathogenesis, signaling pathways, biomarkers, conventional treatments, need for NDDS, and application of NDDS against CRC. Additionally, clinical trials, ongoing clinical trials, marketed formulations, and patents on CRC are also covered in the present review.

Platinum-based chemotherapy: trends in organic nanodelivery systems

Despite the investment in platinum drugs research, cisplatin, carboplatin and oxaliplatin are still the only Pt-based compounds used as first line treatments for several cancers, with a few other compounds being approved for administration in some Asian countries. However, due to the severe and worldwide impact of oncological diseases, there is an urge for improved chemotherapeutic approaches. Furthermore, the pharmaceutical application of platinum complexes is hindered by their inherent toxicity and acquired resistance. Nanodelivery systems rose as a key strategy to overcome these challenges, with recognized versatility and ability towards improving the safety, bioavailability and efficacy of the available drugs. Among the known nanocarriers, organic systems have been widely applied, taking advantage of their potential as drug vehicles. Researchers have mainly focused on the development of lipidic and polymeric carriers, including supramolecular structures, with an overall improvement of encapsulated platinum complexes. Herein, an overview of recent trends and strategies is presented, with the main focus on the encapsulation of platinum compounds into organic nanocarriers, showcasing the evolution in the design and development of these promising systems. This comprehensive review highlights formulation methods as well as characterization procedures, providing insights that may be helpful for the development of novel platinum nanocarriers aiming at future pharmaceutical applications.

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.

Oxaliplatin(IV) Prodrugs Functionalized with Gemcitabine and Capecitabine Induce Blockage of Colorectal Cancer Cell Growth-An Investigation of the Activation Mechanism and Their Nanoformulation

The use of platinum-based anticancer drugs, such as cisplatin, oxaliplatin, and carboplatin, is a common frontline option in cancer management, but they have debilitating side effects and can lead to drug resistance. Combination therapy with other chemotherapeutic agents, such as capecitabine and gemcitabine, has been explored. One approach to overcome these limitations is the modification of traditional Pt(II) drugs to obtain new molecules with an improved pharmacological profile, such as Pt(IV) prodrugs. The design, synthesis, and characterization of two novel Pt(IV) prodrugs based on oxaliplatin bearing the anticancer drugs gemcitabine or capecitabine in the axial positions have been reported. These complexes were able to dissociate into their constituents to promote cell death and induce apoptosis and cell cycle blockade in a representative colorectal cancer cell model. Specifically, the complex bearing gemcitabine resulted in being the most active on the HCT116 colorectal cancer cell line with an IC50 value of 0.49 ± 0.04. A pilot study on the encapsulation of these complexes in biocompatible PLGA-PEG nanoparticles is also included to confirm the retention of the pharmacological properties and cellular drug uptake, opening up to the possible delivery of the studied complexes through their nanoformulation.