Controlled release of drug and better bioavailability using poly(lactic acid-co-glycolic acid) nanoparticles

Targeted Therapeutic Strategies for the Treatment of Cancer

Extensive research is underway to develop new therapeutic strategies to counteract therapy resistance in cancers. This review presents various strategies to achieve this objective. First, we discuss different vectorization platforms capable of releasing drugs in cancer cells. Second, we delve into multitarget therapies using drug combinations and dual anticancer agents. This section will describe examples of multitarget therapies that have been used to treat solid tumors.

3D bioprinting and its innovative approach for biomedical applications

3D bioprinting or additive manufacturing is an emerging innovative technology revolutionizing the field of biomedical applications by combining engineering, manufacturing, art, education, and medicine. This process involved incorporating the cells with biocompatible materials to design the required tissue or organ model in situ for various in vivo applications. Conventional 3D printing is involved in constructing the model without incorporating any living components, thereby limiting its use in several recent biological applications. However, this uses additional biological complexities, including material choice, cell types, and their growth and differentiation factors. This state-of-the-art technology consciously summarizes different methods used in bioprinting and their importance and setbacks. It also elaborates on the concept of bioinks and their utility. Biomedical applications such as cancer therapy, tissue engineering, bone regeneration, and wound healing involving 3D printing have gained much attention in recent years. This article aims to provide a comprehensive review of all the aspects associated with 3D bioprinting, from material selection, technology, and fabrication to applications in the biomedical fields. Attempts have been made to highlight each element in detail, along with the associated available reports from recent literature. This review focuses on providing a single platform for cancer and tissue engineering applications associated with 3D bioprinting in the biomedical field.

Inhibitory of active dual cancer targeting 5-Fluorouracil nanoparticles on liver cancer in vitro and in vivo

The chitosan (CS) material as the skeleton nano-drug delivery system has the advantages of sustained release, biodegradability, and modifiability, and has broad application prospects. In the previous experiments, biotin (Bio) was grafted onto CS to synthesize biotin-modified chitosan (Bio-CS), and it was confirmed that it has liver cancer targeting properties. Single-targeted nanomaterials are susceptible to pathological and physiological factors, resulting in a state of ineffective binding between ligands and receptors, so there is still room for improvement in the targeting of liver cancer. Based on the high expression of folate (FA) receptors on the surface of liver cancers, FA was grafted onto Bio-CS by chemical synthesis to optimize the synthesis of folic acid-modified biotinylated chitosan (FA-CS-Bio), verified by infrared spectroscopy and hydrogen^-1 nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The release of FA-CS-Bio/fluorouracil (5-FU) had three obvious stages: fast release stage, steady release stage, and slow release stage, with an obvious sustained release effect. Compared with Bio-CS, FA-CS-Bio could promote the inhibition of the proliferation and migration of liver cancer by 5-FU, and the concentration of 5-FU in hepatoma cells was significantly increased dose-dependently. Laser confocal experiments confirmed that FA-CS-Bio caused a significant increase in the fluorescence intensity in liver cancer cells. In terms of animal experiments, FA-CS-Bio increased the concentration of 5-FU in liver cancer tissue by 1.6 times on the basis of Bio-CS and the number of monophotons in liver cancer tissue by in vivo dynamic imaging experiments was significantly stronger than that of Bio-CS, indicating that the targeting ability of FA-CS-Bio was further improved. Compared with Bio-CS, FA-CS-Bio can significantly prolong the survival time of 5-FU in the orthotopic liver cancer transplantation model in mice, and has a relieving effect on liver function damage and bone marrow suppression caused by 5-FU. In conclusion, FA-CS-Bio nanomaterials have been optimized for synthesis. In vivo and in vitro experiments confirmed that FA-CS-Bio can significantly improve the targeting of liver cancer compared with Bio-CS. FA-CS-Bio/5-FU nanoparticles can improve the targeted inhibition of the proliferation and migration of liver cancer cells, prolong the survival period of tumor-bearing mice, and alleviate the toxic and side effects.

The Promise of Nanotechnology in Personalized Medicine

Both personalized medicine and nanomedicine are new to medical practice. Nanomedicine is an application of the advances of nanotechnology in medicine and is being integrated into diagnostic and therapeutic tools to manage an array of medical conditions. On the other hand, personalized medicine, which is also referred to as precision medicine, is a novel concept that aims to individualize/customize therapeutic management based on the personal attributes of the patient to overcome blanket treatment that is only efficient in a subset of patients, leaving others with either ineffective treatment or treatment that results in significant toxicity. Novel nanomedicines have been employed in the treatment of several diseases, which can be adapted to each patient-specific case according to their genetic profiles. In this review, we discuss both areas and the intersection between the two emerging scientific domains. The review focuses on the current situation in personalized medicine, the advantages that can be offered by nanomedicine to personalized medicine, and the application of nanoconstructs in the diagnosis of genetic variability that can identify the right drug for the right patient. Finally, we touch upon the challenges in both fields towards the translation of nano-personalized medicine.

PLGA's Plight and the Role of Stealth Surface Modification Strategies in Its Use for Intravenous Particulate Drug Delivery

Numerous human disorders can benefit from targeted, intravenous (IV) drug delivery. Polymeric nanoparticles have been designed to undergo systemic circulation and deliver their therapeutic cargo to target sites in a controlled manner. Poly(lactic-co-glycolic) acid (PLGA) is a particularly promising biomaterial for designing intravenous drug carriers due to its biocompatibility, biodegradability, and history of clinical success across other routes of administration. Despite these merits, PLGA remains markedly absent in clinically approved IV drug delivery formulations. A prominent factor in PLGA particles' inability to succeed intravenously may lie in the hydrophobic character of the polyester, leading to the adsorption of serum proteins (i.e., opsonization) and a cascade of events that end in their premature clearance from the bloodstream. PEGylation, or surface-attached polyethylene glycol chains, is a common strategy for shielding particles from opsonization. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) continues to be regarded as the ultimate "stealth" solution despite the lack of clinical progress of PEGylated PLGA carriers. This review reflects on some of the reasons for the clinical failure of PLGA, particularly the drawbacks of PEGylation, and highlights alternative surface coatings on PLGA particles. Ultimately, a new approach will be needed to harness the potential of PLGA nanoparticles and allow their widespread clinical adoption.

Surface engineered nanocarriers for the management of breast cancer

Breast cancer is commonly known life-threatening malignancy in women after lung cancer. The standard of care (SOC) treatment for breast cancer primarily includes surgery, radiotherapy, hormonal therapy, and chemotherapy. However, the effectiveness of conventional chemotherapy is restricted by several limitations such as poor targeting, drug resistance, poor drug delivery, and high toxicity. Nanoparticulate drug delivery systems have gained a lot of interest in the scientific community because of its unique features and promising potential in breast cancer diagnosis and treatment. The unique physicochemical and biological properties of the nanoparticulate drug delivery systems promotes the drug accumulation, Pharmacokinetic profile towards the tumor site and thereby, reduces the cytotoxicity towards healthy cells. In addition, to improve tumor-specific drug delivery, researchers have focused on surface engineered nanocarrier system with targeting molecules/ligands that are specific to overexpressed receptors present on cancer cells. In this review, we have summarized the different biological ligands and surface-engineered nanoparticles, enlightening the physicochemical characteristics, toxic effects, and regulatory considerations of nanoparticles involved in treatment of breast cancer.

Multi-sensitive curcumin-loaded nanomicelle based on ABC-CBA block copolymer for sustained drug delivery

A type of multi-sensitive ABC-CBA block copolymer with thermal, glutathione and pH-responsive bonds was synthesized via ring opening polymerization along with cationic ring opening mechanisms. In continuum, the synthesized copolymer strands self-assembled into nanomicelles. The linear copolymer is comprised poly (methoxy ethylene glycol)-b-poly (2-ethyl-2-oxazoline)-b-poly (ε-caprolactone)-cystamine (i.e. [mPEG-b-PEtOz-PCL]₂-Cys) and the curcumin was encapsulated inside the micelles mostly through hydrophobic interaction. The H-NMR, FTIR and GPC analysis were applied to identify the composition structure of the copolymer. The critical micelle concentration (CMC) value was achieved favorably 0.01 mg/mL for the synthesized copolymer. The morphology and particle size of solid nanocarrier were characterized by DLS, Zeta potential, AFM, TEM, and SEM micrographs. The drug loading content for the curcumin was attained 13.3% (w/w), and the entrapment efficacy of the drug in nanocarrier was obtained 79 percent. The in vitro release profile of the drug-loaded micelle was investigated by exposure to different pH, temperature and reduction circumstances, stimulated by tumor microenvironment conditions. The cell viability assay of the drug-loaded nanocarrier demonstrates high cytotoxicity toward HDF cells, while the drug-free nanocarrier has trifling toxicity and good biocompatibility. Therefore, according to the pleasant output of the research, this novel nanomicelle based on ABC-CBA block copolymer can be carried out effectively as an efficient nanocarrier in targeted drug delivery.

Nanomedicine - a promising therapy for hematological malignancies

Hematological tumors are a group of diseases defined as the clonal proliferation of blood-forming cells. In recent years, incidences of hematological malignancies have increased. Traditional methods of diagnosing hematological tumors are primarily based on observing morphological features under light microscopy, and molecular diagnostics and immunological indicators are powerful auxiliary diagnostic methods. However, traditional methods cannot efficiently identify tumor markers and limit the efficiency and accuracy of diagnosis. Although treatment methods have been improved continuously, chemotherapy remains a primary technique for the treatment of hematological tumors. Traditional chemotherapy exhibits poor drug selectivity and lacks good biocompatibility and pharmacokinetic properties. The therapeutic effect is not ideal and the risk of toxic side effects is high. The nanosize and surface charge properties of nanodrugs are effective in improving drug delivery efficiency. The high load and rich surface modification methods of nanomaterials provide various possibilities for improving the biocompatibility and pharmacokinetics of drugs, as well as the targeting of drugs. In addition, a nanomedicine loading platform can load multiple drugs simultaneously and design the optimal proportion of combined drug schemes, which can improve the efficacy of drugs and reduce the occurrence of drug resistance. With their unique physical and chemical properties and biological characteristics, the application of nanoparticles in the diagnosis and treatment of hematological tumors has received considerable attention. In this review, we summarize recent advances in the application of various types of nanostructures for the diagnosis and treatment of hematological malignancies, investigate the advantages of nanomedicine compared with the traditional diagnosis and treatment of hematological tumors, and discuss their biological security and application prospects.

Quercetin Loaded Nanoparticles in Targeting Cancer: Recent Development

The spread of metastatic cancer cell is the main cause of death worldwide. Cellular and molecular basis of the action of phytochemicals in the modulation of metastatic cancer highlights the importance of fruits and vegetables. Quercetin is a natural bioflavonoid present in fruits, vegetables, seeds, berries, and tea. The cancer-preventive activity of quercetin is well documented due to its anti-inflammatory, anti-proliferative and anti-angiogenic activities. However, poor water solubility and delivery, chemical instability, short half-life, and low-bioavailability of quercetin limit its clinical application in cancer chemoprevention. A better understanding of the molecular mechanism of controlled and regulated drug delivery is essential for the development of novel and effective therapies. To overcome the limitations of accessibility by quercetin, it can be delivered as nanoconjugated quercetin. Nanoconjugated quercetin has attracted much attention due to its controlled drug release, long retention in tumor, enhanced anticancer potential, and promising clinical application. The pharmacological effect of quercetin conjugated nanoparticles typically depends on drug carriers used such as liposomes, silver nanoparticles, silica nanoparticles, PLGA (Poly lactic-co-glycolic acid), PLA (poly(D,L-lactic acid)) nanoparticles, polymeric micelles, chitosan nanoparticles, etc. In this review, we described various delivery systems of nanoconjugated quercetin like liposomes, silver nanoparticles, PLGA (Poly lactic-co-glycolic acid), and polymeric micelles including DOX conjugated micelles, metal conjugated micelles, nucleic acid conjugated micelles, and antibody-conjugated micelles on in vitro and in vivo tumor models; as well as validated their potential as promising onco-therapeutic agents in light of recent updates.

Optimization of the Single Emulsion Method for Encapsulation of a Cancer Drug in Nanoparticles

The goal of this study is to apply and optimize the single emulsion technique for encapsulation of an anti-tumor drug, Di-2-pyridylketone-4,4-dimethyl-3-thiosemicarbazone (Dp44mT), in nanoparticles (NPs) of poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA), as a step towards targeted delivery of this drug. We previously showed that the nanoprecipitation technique can effectively produce PLGA NPs carrying this drug. Here, we aim to examine the single emulsion technique as an alternative for the preparation of these NPs and to compare the resultant NPs to those from nanoprecipitation. We fabricated NPs with variations in (i) injection rate, (ii) the amount of surfactant poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) in aqueous phase, and (iii) concentration of PLGA in the organic phase. These NPs were characterized for size, surface potential, and encapsulation efficiency. The results revealed that increasing the injection rate (from manual addition to 90 mL/hr via syringe pump) greatly reduced the size of NPs (by 48%) and decreasing the PVA concentration in the aqueous phase (from 5 to 1% w/v) further reduced the NP size (by 32%) to 329 nm. All tested NP formulations had negative surface potential, suggesting good colloidal stability for these NPs. Focusing on the optimal injection rate and PVA percentage, we found that reducing the concentration of PLGA, from 100 to 1 mg/mL, significantly reduced the NP size to 136 nm, which is close to the optimal range for cancer therapeutic delivery. NPs produced by this method had a high encapsulation efficiency of 77% for Dp44mT and reducing the PLGA concentration slightly lowered this value to 74%. Overall, these NPs were comparable to those produced by nanoprecipitation and can thus, serve as an effective alternative for delivery of Dp44mT to cancer cells.

Oral delivery of nanoparticle urolithin A normalizes cellular stress and improves survival in mouse model of cisplatin-induced AKI

The popular anticancer drug cisplatin causes many adverse side effects, the most serious of which is acute kidney injury (AKI). Emerging evidence from laboratory and clinical studies suggests that the AKI pathogenesis involves oxidative stress pathways; therefore, regulating such pathways may offer protection. Urolithin A (UA), a gut metabolite of the dietary tannin ellagic acid, possesses antioxidant properties and has shown promise in mouse models of AKI. However, therapeutic potential of UA is constrained by poor bioavailability. We aimed to improve oral bioavailability of UA by formulating it into biodegradable nanoparticles that use a surface-conjugated ligand targeting the gut-expressed transferrin receptor. Nanoparticle encapsulation of UA led to a sevenfold enhancement in oral bioavailability compared with native UA. Treatment with nanoparticle UA also significantly attenuated the histopathological hallmarks of cisplatin-induced AKI and reduced mortality by 63% in the mouse model. Expression analyses indicated that nanoparticle UA therapy coincided with oxidative stress mitigation and downregulation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2- and P53-inducible genes. Additionally, normalization of miRNA (miR-192-5p and miR-140-5p) implicated in AKI, poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 levels, antiapoptotic signaling, intracellular NAD+, and mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation were observed in the treatment group. Our findings suggest that nanoparticles greatly increase the oral bioavailability of UA, leading to improved survival rates in AKI mice, in part by reducing renal oxidative and apoptotic stress.

Oral delivery of nanoparticle urolithin A normalizes cellular stress and improves survival in mouse model of cisplatin-induced AKI

The popular anticancer drug cisplatin causes many adverse side effects, the most serious of which is acute kidney injury (AKI). Emerging evidence from laboratory and clinical studies suggests that the AKI pathogenesis involves oxidative stress pathways; therefore, regulating such pathways may offer protection. Urolithin A (UA), a gut metabolite of the dietary tannin ellagic acid, possesses antioxidant properties and has shown promise in mouse models of AKI. However, therapeutic potential of UA is constrained by poor bioavailability. We aimed to improve oral bioavailability of UA by formulating it into biodegradable nanoparticles that use a surface-conjugated ligand targeting the gut-expressed transferrin receptor. Nanoparticle encapsulation of UA led to a sevenfold enhancement in oral bioavailability compared with native UA. Treatment with nanoparticle UA also significantly attenuated the histopathological hallmarks of cisplatin-induced AKI and reduced mortality by 63% in the mouse model. Expression analyses indicated that nanoparticle UA therapy coincided with oxidative stress mitigation and downregulation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2- and P53-inducible genes. Additionally, normalization of miRNA (miR-192-5p and miR-140-5p) implicated in AKI, poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 levels, antiapoptotic signaling, intracellular NAD+, and mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation were observed in the treatment group. Our findings suggest that nanoparticles greatly increase the oral bioavailability of UA, leading to improved survival rates in AKI mice, in part by reducing renal oxidative and apoptotic stress.

Biomaterials for Interfacing Cell Imaging and Drug Delivery: An Overview

This feature article provides an overview of different kinds of futuristic biomaterials which have the potential to be used for fluorescent imaging and drug delivery, often simultaneously. The synthesis route or preparation process, fluorescence property, release profile, biocompatibility, bioimaging, and mechanistic approaches are vividly discussed. These include bioimaging with fluorescently doped quantum dots, mesoporous silica, noble metals, metal clusters, hydrophilic/hydrophobic polymers, semiconducting polymer dots, carbon/graphene dots, dendrimers, fluorescent proteins, and other nanobiomaterials. Another section discusses the controlled and targeted drug, gene, or biologically active material delivery using various vehicles such as micelles, 2D nanomaterials, organic nanoparticles, polymeric nanohybrids, and chemically modified polymers. In the last section, we discuss biomaterials, which can deliver biologically active molecules, and imaging the cell/tissue.

Development of biodegradable polyesters based on a hydroxylated coumarin initiator towards fluorescent visible paclitaxel-loaded microspheres

In this work, we developed a facile end-functionalization method using hydroxylated coumarin to initiate the ring-opening polymerization of cyclic esters to synthesize a series of fluorescent biodegradable aliphatic polyesters with tailorable properties. The resulting fluorescent functionalized poly(l-lactide) (PLLA-COU), poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL-COU) poly(δ-valerolactone) (PVL-COU) and poly(trimethylene carbonate) (PTMC-COU) were investigated to evaluate the dependence of fluorescence on the chemical structure and molecular weight of the materials. The differences in the electron withdrawing ability and the density of ester groups are responsible for the changes in the fluorescence quantum yield. Then, two representative biodegradable materials, namely, PLLA-COU and PCL-COU, were used to prepare fluorescent paclitaxel-loaded microspheres. During in vitro drug release, the release rate of the PCL-COU microspheres is dramatically faster than that of the PLLA-COU microspheres due to the difference in the material nature and their surface morphologies, possibly achieving a tunable degradation and release rate for the drug carriers. Fluorescent functionalized polyester microspheres can retain their fluorescence properties and emit bright blue light for fluorescence tracing during the degradation process. Biological evaluations showed that both fluorescent polyesters are devoid of any significant toxicity and have good biocompatibility. The results demonstrated that the obtained fluorescent polyesters are promising for use in traceable and controlled drug delivery with tunable drug release.

Nanoparticle-mediated targeted drug delivery for breast cancer treatment

Breast cancer (BC) is the most common malignancy in women worldwide, and one of the deadliest after lung cancer. Currently, standard methods for cancer therapy including BC are surgery followed by chemotherapy or radiotherapy. However, both chemotherapy and radiotherapy often fail to treat BC due to the side effects that these therapies incur in normal tissues and organs. In recent years, various nanoparticles (NPs) have been discovered and synthesized to be able to selectively target tumor cells without causing any harm to the healthy cells or organs. Therefore, NPs-mediated targeted drug delivery systems (DDS) have become a promising technique to treat BC. In addition to their selectivity to target tumor cells and reduce side effects, NPs have other unique properties which make them desirable for cancer treatment such as low toxicity, good compatibility, ease of preparation, high photoluminescence (PL) for bioimaging in vivo, and high loadability of drugs due to their tunable surface functionalities. In this study, we summarize with a critical analysis of the most recent therapeutic studies involving various NPs-mediated DDS as alternatives for the traditional treatment approaches for BC. It will shed light on the significance of NPs-mediated DDS and serve as a guide to seeking for the ideal methodology for future targeted drug delivery for an efficient BC treatment.

Fenton-reaction-stimulative nanoparticles decorated with a reactive-oxygen-species (ROS)-responsive molecular switch for ROS amplification and triple negative breast cancer therapy

P@P/H NPs were rapidly disintegrated in response to ROS, and this further enhanced ROS level in tumor cells via the Fenton reaction.

Anticarcinogenic activity of blue fluorescent hexagonal boron nitride quantum dots: as an effective enhancer for DNA cleavage activity of anticancer drug doxorubicin

Blue fluorescent hexagonal boron nitride quantum dots (h-BNQDs) of ∼10 nm size as an effective enhancer for DNA cleavage activity of anticancer drug doxorubicin (DOX) were synthesized using simple one-step hydrothermal disintegration of exfoliated hexagonal boron nitride at very low temperature ∼ 120 °C. Boron nitride quantum dots (BNQDs) at a concentration of 25 μg/ml enhanced DNA cleavage activity of DOX up to 70% as checked by converting supercoiled fragment into nicked circular PBR322 DNA. The interaction of BNQDs with DOX is proportional to the concentration of BNQDs, with binding constant K b ∼0.07338 μg/ml. In addition, ab initio theoretical results indicate that DOX is absorbed on BNQDs at the N-terminated edge with binding energy -1.075 eV and prevented the normal replication mechanisms in DNA. BNQDs have been shown to kill the breast cancer cell MCF-7 extensively as compared with the normal human keratinocyte cell HaCaT. The cytotoxicity of BNQDs may be correlated with reduced reactive oxygen species level and increased apoptosis in MCF-7 cells, which may be liable to enhance the anticancerous activity of DOX. The results provide a base to develop BNQD-DOX as a more effective anticancer drug.

Improved synergistic anticancer efficacy of quercetin in combination with PI-103, rottlerin, and G0 6983 against MCF-7 and RAW 264.7 cells

Flavonoids have been chronicles of the history of a long way journey in the cure of physiological or pathophysiological conditions in various diseases including cancer. Our previous findings suggest the extensive mechanism of quercetin (QUE) mediated regression of cell survival, cell proliferation, oxidative stress, inflammation, and angiogenesis via modulating PI3K and PKC signaling in lymphoma as well as hepatocellular carcinoma. PI3K-PKC pathway is a key monitor of mammalian cells regulated by its different isoenzymes, which may exert similar or opposite cellular effects by differential coupling of signaling pathways. Put forward the invention of selective inhibitors against various isoenzymes is beneficial to reduce the burden of inclusive deleterious effects of drug for normal physiological process. Therefore, we hypothesized the improved anticancer efficacy of QUE in combination with isoenzyme inhibitors-rottlerin (ROT-PKCδ inhibitor), G0 6983 (PKCα inhibitor), and PI-103 (p110α-class I PI3K inhibitor) in MCF-7 and RAW 264.7 cells. QUE significantly improves the cytotoxicity of ROT + G0 6983 ranged 30-55% and PI-103 ranged 24-63% after 24-48 h against MCF-7 cells. Additionally in the presence of QUE, the improved cytotoxicity of ROT + G0 6983 is observed to range 69-75% and PI-103 ranged 45-88% after 24-48 h in RAW 264.7 cells. This increment in cell deaths are positively correlated with enhanced morphological alteration observed in MCF-7 cells. Further, QUE significantly increases the attenuation of PKCα level approximately by 50% in combination with PI-103. Overall results of the current study suggested that QUE improves the synergistic anticancer efficacy in combination with PI-103, ROT, and G0 6983 in MCF-7 and RAW 264.7 cells.

Fabrication and Optimization of Dp44mT-Loaded Nanoparticles

This paper describes the modulation of polymeric nanoparticle (NP) preparation to produce an optimal nanocarrier for delivery of the potent anti-tumor iron chelator, Di2-pyridylketone-4,4-dimethyl-3-thiosemicarbazone (Dp44mT) towards application in cancer therapy. We have previously shown the potential of poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) NPs as a nano-carrier for delivery of Dp44mT to malignant cells. The focus of this study is to alter the fabrication parameters to improve the characteristics of these NPs as a delivery vehicle for Dp44mT. To this end, PLGA NPs encapsulating Dp44mT are fabricated using the nanoprecipitation method with systematic variations in (i) the amount of surfactant poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) in aqueous phase, and (ii) the drug to polymer ratio in organic phase. The resultant NPs are characterized for size, surface potential, encapsulation efficiency, and drug release profile. Results of this study showed that increasing the PVA % (within the examined range of 0.5-4% w/v) and decreasing the Dp44mT to PLGA ratio (within the tested range of 0.0375-0.3: 1 mg/mL) both led to an increase in drug encapsulation efficiency. Focusing on the optimal PVA percentage, we found that the changes in drug to polymer ratio did not have a significant impact on the size distribution and surface potential of Dp44mT-NPs and these NPs remained in the desirable range of 80-120 nm. Lastly, the release of Dp44mT from NPs differed for different Dp44mT: PLGA ratios, providing a means to further optimize the NP formulation for future cancer treatment applications.

Controlled drug delivery vehicles for cancer treatment and their performance

Although conventional chemotherapy has been successful to some extent, the main drawbacks of chemotherapy are its poor bioavailability, high-dose requirements, adverse side effects, low therapeutic indices, development of multiple drug resistance, and non-specific targeting. The main aim in the development of drug delivery vehicles is to successfully address these delivery-related problems and carry drugs to the desired sites of therapeutic action while reducing adverse side effects. In this review, we will discuss the different types of materials used as delivery vehicles for chemotherapeutic agents and their structural characteristics that improve the therapeutic efficacy of their drugs and will describe recent scientific advances in the area of chemotherapy, emphasizing challenges in cancer treatments.

Improving the delivery of cancer therapies to tumor sites is crucial to reduce unwanted side effects and patient mortality rates. Pralay Maiti and colleagues at the Indian Institute of Technology in Varanasi, India, review the latest developments in drug delivery vehicles and treatment approaches designed to enhance the effectiveness of current cancer therapies. New nanoparticle-based carriers, hydrogels and hybrid materials that offer controlled and sustained drug release are showing great promise in animal models. Furthermore, materials that respond to stimuli such as heat, light, magnetic or electric fields are also being tested to aid target-specific drug delivery and, thus, avoid damage to healthy tissues. Although there are some challenges in translating these findings to the clinic, there is no doubt that technological advances are shaping better and safer treatment options.

The reversion of anti-cancer drug antagonism of tamoxifen and docetaxel by the hyaluronic acid-decorated polymeric nanoparticles

Docetaxel (DTX) and tamoxifen (TMX) are first-line drugs used to treat breast cancer. However when used in combination, they produce antagonism because of their differential metabolic pathways. In order to prevent this antagonism, an amphiphilic copolymer, cholesterol modified hyaruronic acid (HA-CHOL), was synthesized for investigating the co-delivery of TMX and DTX. In vitro drug release experiment of the Co-encapsulated (encapsulated DTX+TMX) nanoparticles (Co-NPs) revealed that NPs with unique release mechanism can markedly reduce the release of these drugs in the circulatory system. However, when reaching in cell, TMX can release rapidly to prevent DTX from coming into contact with metabolizing enzymes. In vitro cytotoxicity experiment revealed that the Co-NPs exhibited a significant synergistic effect for inhibiting the proliferation of the cancer cell lines A549, MCF7 and S180. NPs carrying Coumarin-6(Cou6) exhibited increased cellular uptake compared with Cou6 solution at similar drug concentrations. As an in vivo treatment of xenograft tumors involving 180 cells, the Co-NPs displayed a clear tumor-inhibiting effect. This led us to conclude that the reversion of drug antagonism by NPs was attributed to the increased stability of the nanoparticles in the blood circulation, the efficient cellular uptake, the hierarchical drug metabolism in the tumor and the good and orderly delivery of the drugs to the tumor tissue.

In vitro–in vivo evaluation of hyaluronic acid-based amphiphilic copolymers for tumour targeted delivery: the role of hydrophobic groups

Polymeric micelles are widely used as suitable nano-carriers for a variety of therapeutic applications.

PI-103 attenuates PI3K-AKT signaling and induces apoptosis in murineT-cell lymphoma

Aberrant activation of PI3K-AKT signaling in many pathological conditions including cancer has attracted much of interest for drug targeting. Various isoforms are known from three classes of PI3K. Targeting selective isoform is advantageous to overcome the global deleterious effects of drug. PI-103 is a specific inhibitor of p110α of class I PI3K. The present study is aimed to analyze anti-carcinogenic activity of PI-103 in Dalton's lymphoma ascite (DLA) cells. Result shows regression in cell proliferation and increased apoptosis in terms of increased Annexin V binding, nuclear fragmentation and active caspase 3 level. It is correlated with attenuation of PI3K-AKT signaling by PI-103 via downregulation of the level of p110α, phospho-p85α, phospho- AKT, and PKCα in DLA cells as well as in H₂O₂ induced DLA cells. Additionally, ROS accumulation is declined in H₂O₂ induced DLA cells. Overall result suggests that PI-103 attenuates PI3K-AKT signaling via induction of apoptosis in murine T-cell lymphoma.

PI-103 and Quercetin Attenuate PI3K-AKT Signaling Pathway in T- Cell Lymphoma Exposed to Hydrogen Peroxide

Phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase-protein kinase B (PI3K-AKT) pathway has been considered as major drug target site due to its frequent activation in cancer. AKT regulates the activity of various targets to promote tumorigenesis and metastasis. Accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) has been linked to oxidative stress and regulation of signaling pathways for metabolic adaptation of tumor microenvironment. Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in this context is used as ROS source for oxidative stress preconditioning. Antioxidants are commonly considered to be beneficial to reduce detrimental effects of ROS and are recommended as dietary supplements. Quercetin, a ubiquitous bioactive flavonoid is a dietary component which has attracted much of interest due to its potential health-promoting effects. Present study is aimed to analyze PI3K-AKT signaling pathway in H2O2 exposed Dalton's lymphoma ascite (DLA) cells. Further, regulation of PI3K-AKT pathway by quercetin as well as PI-103, an inhibitor of PI3K was analyzed. Exposure of H2O2 (1mM H2O2 for 30min) to DLA cells caused ROS accumulation and resulted in increased phosphorylation of PI3K and downstream proteins PDK1 and AKT (Ser-473 and Thr-308), cell survival factors BAD and ERK1/2, as well as TNFR1. However, level of tumor suppressor PTEN was declined. Both PI-103 & quercetin suppressed the enhanced level of ROS and significantly down-regulated phosphorylation of AKT, PDK1, BAD and level of TNFR1 as well as increased the level of PTEN in H2O2 induced lymphoma cells. The overall result suggests that quercetin and PI3K inhibitor PI-103 attenuate PI3K-AKT pathway in a similar mechanism.