Enhanced drug retention, sustained release, and anti-cancer potential of curcumin and indole-curcumin analog-loaded polysorbate 80-stabilizied PLGA nanoparticles in colon cancer cell line SW480

Dehydrocurvularin-loaded mPEG-PLGA nanoparticles for targeted breast cancer drug delivery: preparation, characterization, in vitro, and in vivo evaluation

Dehydrocurvularin (DCV) is a promising lead compound for anti-cancer therapy. Unfortunately, the development of DCV-based drugs has been hampered by its poor solubility and bioavailability. Herein, we prepared a DCV-loaded mPEG-PLGA nanoparticles (DCV-NPs) with improved drug properties and therapeutic efficacy. The spherical and discrete particles of DCV-NPs had a uniform diameter of 101.8 ± 0.45 nm and negative zeta potential of -22.5 ± 1.12 mV (pH = 7.4), and its entrapment efficiency (EE) and drug loading (DL) were ∼53.28 ± 1.12 and 10.23 ± 0.30%, respectively. In vitro the release of DCV-NPs lasted for more than 120 h in a sustained-release pattern, its antiproliferation efficacy towards breast cancer cell lines (MCF-7, MDA-MB-231, and 4T1) was better than that of starting drug DCV, and it could be efficiently and rapidly internalised by breast cancer cells. In vivo DCV-NPs were gradually accumulated in tumour areas of mice and significantly suppressed tumour growth. In summary, loading water-insoluble DCV onto nanoparticles has the potential to be an effective agent for breast cancer therapy with injectable property and tumour targeting capacity.

Advancing Gastrointestinal Health: Curcumin's Efficacy and Nanopreparations

Curcumin (CCM) is a polyphenol compound extracted from the turmeric rhizome. It has various biological activities, including antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and antioxidant. Due to its diverse activities, it is often used by researchers to study the therapeutic effects on various diseases. However, its poor solubility leads to poor bioavailability, and it is necessary to increase the water solubility with the help of carriers to improve the therapeutic effect. Gastrointestinal disease is a major global health problem that continues to affect human health. In this review, we have summarized the possible mechanism and therapeutic effect of CCM in various gastrointestinal diseases, and the improvement in the curative effect of CCM with nanopreparation. Finally, we concluded that there have been many clinical trials of CCM in combination with other drugs for the treatment of gastrointestinal disease, but so far, few have used CCM nanomaterials for treatment. Although in vitro and preclinical experiments have shown that nanopreparations can improve the efficacy of CCM, there are still insufficient studies on the safety of carriers.

Enhancing the therapeutic potential of curcumin: a novel nanoformulation for targeted anticancer therapy to colorectal cancer with reduced miR20a and miR21 expression

Curcumin (Cur) possesses remarkable pharmacological properties, including cardioprotective, neuroprotective, antimicrobial, and anticancer activities. However, the utilization of Cur in pharmaceuticals faces constraints owing to its inadequate water solubility and limited bioavailability. To overcome these hurdles, there has been notable focus on exploring innovative formulations, with nanobiotechnology emerging as a promising avenue to enhance the therapeutic effectiveness of these complex compounds. We report a novel safe, effective method for improving the incorporation of anticancer curcumin to induce apoptosis by reducing the expression levels of miR20a and miR21. The established method features three aspects that, to our knowledge, have not been formally verified: (1) use of a novel formula to incorporate curcumin, (2) use of all biocompatible biodegradable materials to produce this formula without leaving harmful residues, and (3) an incorporation process at temperatures of approximately 50 °C. The formula was prepared from lecithin (LE), and chitosan (CH) with an eco-friendly emulsifying agent and olive oil as the curcumin solvent. The formula was converted to nanoscale through ultrasonication and probe sonication at a frequency of 20 kHz. Transmission electron microscopy showed that the nano formula was spherical in shape with sizes ranging between 49.7 nm in diameter and negative zeta potentials ranging from 28 to 34 mV. Primers miR20a and miR21 were designed for molecular studies. Nearly complete curcumin with an encapsulation efficiency of 91.1% was established using a straight-line equation. The nano formula incorporated with curcumin was used to prepare formulations that exhibited anticancer activities. The apoptosis pathway in cancer cells was activated by the minimum inhibitory concentration of the nano formula. These findings suggest the potential of this nanoformulation as an effective and selective cancer treatment that does not affect the normal cells.

Fabrication and optimization of itraconazole-loaded zein-based nanoparticles in coated capsules as a promising colon-targeting approach pursuing opportunistic fungal infections

Itraconazole (ITZ), a broad-spectrum antifungal drug, was formulated into colon-targeting system aiming to treat opportunistic colonic fungal infections that commonly infect chronic inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) patients due to immunosuppressive therapy. Antisolvent precipitation technique was employed to formulate ITZ-loaded zein nanoparticles (ITZ-ZNPs) using various zein: drug and aqueous:organic phase ratios. Central composite face-centered design (CCFD) was used for statistical analysis and optimization. The optimized formulation was composed of 5.5:1 zein:drug ratio and 9.5:1 aqueous:organic phase ratio with its observed particle size, polydispersity index, zeta potential, and entrapment efficiency of 208 ± 4.29 nm, 0.35 ± 0.04, 35.7 ± 1.65 mV, and 66.78 ± 3.89%, respectively. ITZ-ZNPs were imaged by TEM that revealed spherical core-shell structure, and DSC proved ITZ transformation from crystalline to amorphous form. FT-IR showed coupling of zein NH group with ITZ carbonyl group without affecting ITZ antifungal activity as confirmed by antifungal activity test that showed enhanced activity of ITZ-ZNPs over the pure drug. Histopathological examination and cytotoxicity tests ensured biosafety and tolerance of ITZ-ZNPs to the colon tissue. The optimized formulation was then loaded into Eudragit S100-coated capsules and both in vitro release and in vivo X-ray imaging confirmed the success of such coated capsules in protecting ITZ from the release in stomach and intestine while targeting ITZ to the colon. The study proved that ITZ-ZNPs is promising and safe nanoparticulate system that can protect ITZ throughout the GIT and targeting its release to the colon with effectual focused local action for the treatment of colon fungal infections.

Optimization of PLGA-DSPE hybrid nano-micelles with enhanced hydrophobic capacity for curcumin delivery

Poly (D, L Lactic-co-Glycolic acid) (PLGA) is an FDA-approved polymer. It is distinguished from other biocompatible polymers by its feasibility of production and safety for intravenous cancer tumor targeting. Curcumin (CUR) is a natural molecule with versatile bioactivities including inhibiting the nuclear Factor kappa B (Nf-kB) levels in cancer cells, increased by chemotherapy agents. Our group previously reported a successful decrease in the p65 (RelA) subunit of Nf-kB using 125 µg/ml CUR loaded into PLGA nano-micelles. However, this amount was insufficient to reduce all Nf-kB subunits. This study aimed to increase the hydrophobic capacity of PLGA toward CUR using 1,2-Distearoyl-sn-glycerol-3-phosphoethanolamine (DSPE), an FDA-approved phospholipid. PLGA-DSPE hybrid nano-micelles (HNM) were prepared using two different methods, oil-in-water (OiWa) and film preparation-rehydration (FiRe). The encapsulated CUR was successfully increased to 250 µg/ml using the FiRe method. Physicochemical characterization of CUR-loaded HNM was performed using DLS FT-IR, DSC, and HPLC. In HNM with a size of 156.6 nm, DSPE, incorporated with all functional groups of PLGA, and CUR was trapped in the core of this structure. The release profile of CUR was suitable for targeted cancer therapy and the Encapsulation Efficacy was 92%.

Crystallization inhibitory effects of konjac glucomannan, sodium alginate and xanthan gum on curcumin in supersaturated solution

Supersaturating drug delivery system (SDDS) is a promising approach to enhance the solubility of hydrophobic functional components. However, SDDS is thermodynamically unstable and crystallization tends to occur. In this work, curcumin was used as a model compound, and the crystallization inhibitory effect of konjac glucomannan (KGM), sodium alginate (SA) and xanthan gum (XTG) on curcumin in supersaturated solution was investigated. Amorphous solubility of curcumin was determined using ultraviolet extinction, fluorescence spectroscopy and dynamic light scattering methods. Nucleation induction time (NIT) and crystal growth rate of curcumin were evaluated using ultraviolet probe in the absence and presence of various natural polysaccharides (NPs). Results showed that amorphous solubility of curcumin was approximately 30 μg/mL in pH 6.8 phosphate buffer. NPs used in this work restrained nucleation or crystal growth of curcumin effectively. The NITs of curcumin in the absence of NPs and in the presence of XTG, KGM and SA (1 μg/mL) were 3.7, 60.7, 20.0 and 8.0 min, respectively. The crystal growth rate of curcumin in the absence of NPs and in the presence of XTG, SA and KGM (1 μg/mL) were 0.0103, 0.00752, 0.00286 and 0.000306 min^-1, respectively. The nucleation inhibitory effect of NPs on curcumin was ranked as XTG > KGM > SA. The order of crystal growth inhibition capacity of NPs was KGM > SA > XTG. In conclusion, NPs could be incorporated into SDDS to maintain supersaturation of hydrophobic components for enhanced bioavailability.

Polymeric nanomaterial strategies to encapsulate and deliver biological drugs: points to consider between methods

Biological drugs (BDs) play an increasingly irreplaceable role in treating various diseases such as cancer, and cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases. The market share of BDs is increasingly promising. However, the effectiveness of BDs is currently limited due to challenges in efficient administration and delivery, and issues with stability and degradation. Thus, the field is using nanotechnology to overcome these limitations. Specifically, polymeric nanomaterials are common BD carriers due to their biocompatibility and ease of synthesis. Different strategies are available for BD transportation, but the use of core-shell encapsulation is preferable for BDs. This review discusses recent articles on manufacturing methods for encapsulating BDs in polymeric materials, including emulsification, nanoprecipitation, self-encapsulation and coaxial electrospraying. The advantages and disadvantages of each method are analysed and discussed. We also explore the impact of critical synthesis parameters on BD activity, such as sonication in emulsifications. Lastly, we provide a vision of future challenges and perspectives for scale-up production and clinical translation.

Studies on anti-colon cancer potential of nanoformulations of curcumin and succinylated curcumin in mannosylated chitosan

Colon cancer (CRC) is the second leading cause of death and the third most diagnosed cancer worldwide. Although curcumin (CUR) has demonstrated a potent anticancer activity, it is characterized by its poor solubility, low bioavailability, and instability. This study is a projection from a previous investigation where CUR and succinylated CUR (CUR.SA) were separately encapsulated in mannosylated-chitosan nanoparticles (CM-NPs) to form CUR-NPs and CUR.SA-NPs, respectively. Here, we aim to assess the anti-CRC activity of these two nanoformulations. Cytotoxicity studies using CCK-8 assay indicated that both CUR-NPs and CUR.SA-NPs have a dose and time-dependent toxicity towards CRC human cell-lines (HCT116 and SW480), and more cytotoxic compared to free CUR or CUR-SA in a time-dependent manner. A significant induction of early and late apoptosis in the CUR-NPs and CUR.SA-NPs treated CRC cell lines compared to untreated cells was observed. Western blotting analyses confirmed the induction of apoptosis through activation of Caspase signaling compared to untreated cells. Based on the physicochemical properties of CUR-NPs and CUR.SA-NPs along with the data from the in vitro studies, we may conclude these nanoparticle formulations hold very promising attributes, worthy of further investigations for its role in the management of CRC.

Transferrin decorated PLGA encumbered moxifloxacin nanoparticles and in vitro cellular studies

PURPOSE

Complicated intra-abdominal infection (cIAI) management involves administering antibiotics that destroy the cell wall and the genesis of bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS). During the infectious state, the expression of transferrin receptors upregulates on the intestinal epithelial cells, which are considered the site of infection. In the present research, transferrin decorated poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles (NPs) encapsulated moxifloxacin (MOX) were developed for possible targeting of the receptors in the colon.

SIGNIFICANCE

This study will explore more about the incorporation of transferrin as effective coating material in targeted drug delivery.

METHODS

Nanoparticles were prepared using nano-emulsification and surface modification with transferrin was done by layer-by-layer methodology and evaluated by powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), differential scanning calorimeter (DSC), FTIR, SEM, antibacterial activity, and cellular uptake studies.

RESULTS

The formulated NPs exhibit a size of ≈170 nm, PDI ≈ 0.25, zeta potential ≈-4.0 mV, drug loading ≈ 6.8%, and entrapment efficiency of 82%. Transferrin-decorated NPs exhibit tailored release for almost 12 h and in vitro antibacterial activity for 14 h. The cellular uptake studies were done on a RAW264.7 cell line for better determination of transferrin uptake of fabricated NPs.

CONCLUSION

The above study circumvents around the preparation of transferrin decorated PLGA encumbered MOX NPs intended for cIAI-induced sepsis. PLGA NPs provide tailored release of MOX with primary burst and followed by sustained release. These observations confines with antibacterial activity studies. The prepared transferrin-coated NPs were stable and effectively uptaken by RAW264.7 cells. However, future studies include the preclinical investigation of these NPs in sepsis-induced murine models.

Nano-Nutraceuticals for Health: Principles and Applications

The use of nanotechnological products is increasing steadily. In this scenario, the application of nanotechnology in food science and as a technological platform is a reality. Among the several applications, the main use of this technology is for the development of foods and nutraceuticals with higher bioavailability, lower toxicity, and better sustainability. In the health field, nano-nutraceuticals are being used as supplementary products to treat an increasing number of diseases. This review summarizes the main concepts and applications of nano-nutraceuticals for health, with special focus on treating cancer and inflammation.

Graphical abstract

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s43450-022-00338-7.

Unveiling the therapeutic potential of cabozantinib-loaded poly D,L-lactic-co-glycolic acid and polysarcosine nanoparticles in inducing apoptosis and cytotoxicity in human HepG2 hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines and in vivo anti-tumor activity in SCID female mice

Introduction

The study aimed to develop a nano-based drug delivery system for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a type of liver cancer that accounts for 90% of all liver malignancies. The study focused on the use of cabozantinib (CNB), a potent multikinase inhibitor that targets the VEGF receptor 2, as the chemotherapeutic drug. We developed CNB-loaded nanoparticles made from Poly D, L-lactic-co-glycolic acid, and Polysarcosine (CNB-PLGA-PSar-NPs) for use in human HepG2 cell lines.

Methods

By O/W solvent evaporation method, the polymeric nanoparticles were prepared. The various techniques, such as photon correlation spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy were used, to determine the formulation's particle size, zeta potential, and morphology. SYBR Green/ROX qPCR Master Mix and RT-PCR equipment used to measure liver cancer cell line and tissue mRNA expression and MTT assay to test HepG2 cell cytotoxicity. Cell cycle arrest analysis, annexin V assay, and ZE5 Cell Analyzer apoptosis assay were also performed.

Results

The results of the study showed that the particle diameters were 192.0 ± 3.67 nm with 0.128 PDI and -24.18 ± 3.34 mV zeta potential. The antiproliferative and proapoptotic effects of CNB-PLGA-PSar-NPs were evaluated using MTT and flow cytometry (FCM). The IC50 value of CNB-PLGA-PSar-NPs was 45.67 µg/mL, 34.73 µg/mL, and 21.56 µg/mL for 24, 48, and 72 h, respectively. The study also found that 11.20% and 36.77% of CNB-PLGA-PSar-NPs-treated cells were apoptotic at 60 µg/mL and 80 µg/mL, respectively, suggesting that the nanoparticles were effective in inducing apoptosis in the cancer cells. It can also conclude that, CNB-PLGA-PSar-NPs inhibit human HepG2 hepatocellular carcinoma cells and kill them by upregulating the tumour suppressor genes MT1F, MT1X, and downregulating MTTP, APOA4. Further in vivo antitumor activity was well reported in SCID female mice.

Discussion

Overall, this study suggests that the CNB-PLGA-PSar-NPs are a promising drug delivery system for the treatment of HCC, and further research is needed to investigate their potential in clinical treatment.

Anticancer Properties of Curcumin Against Colorectal Cancer: A Review

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common and reoccurring diseases, as well as the world’s second largest cause of mortality. Despite existing preventative, diagnostic, and treatment methods, such as chemotherapy, the number of instances rises year after year. As a result, new effective medications targeting specific checkpoints should be developed to combat CRC. Natural compounds, such as curcumin, have shown significant anti-colorectal cancer characteristics among medications that can be used to treat CRC. These chemicals are phenolic compounds that belong to the curcuminoids category. Curcumin exerts its anti-proliferative properties against CRC cell lines in vitro and in vivo via a variety of mechanisms, including the suppression of intrinsic and extrinsic apoptotic signaling pathways, the stoppage of the cell cycle, and the activation of autophagy. Curcumin also has anti-angiogenesis properties. Thus, this review is aimed at emphasizing the biological effect and mode of action of curcumin on CRC. Furthermore, the critical role of these substances in CRC chemoprevention was emphasized.

Curcumin and Derivatives in Nanoformulations with Therapeutic Potential on Colorectal Cancer

There is growing concern in the rise of colorectal cancer (CRC) cases globally, and with this rise is the presentation of drug resistance. Like other cancers, current treatment options are either invasive or manifest severe side effects. Thus, there is a move towards implementing safer treatment options. Curcumin (CUR), extracted from Curcuma longa, has received significant attention by scientists as possible alternative to chemotherapeutic agents. It is safe and effective against CRC and nontoxic in moderate concentrations. Crucially, it specifically modulates apoptotic effects on CRC. However, the use of CUR is limited by its low solubility and poor bioavailability in aqueous media. These limitations are surmountable through novel approaches, such as nanoencapsulation of CUR, which masks the physicochemical properties of CUR, thus potentiating its anti-CRC effects. Furthermore, chemical derivatization of CUR is another approach that can be used to address the above constraints. This review spans published work in the last two decades, with key findings employing either of the two approaches, in addition to a combined approach in managing CRC. The combined approach affords the possibility of better treatment outcomes but not widely investigated nor yet clinically implemented.

Current trends and future perspectives of nanomedicine for the management of colon cancer

Colon cancer (CC) kills countless people every year throughout the globe. It persists as one of the highly lethal diseases to be treated because the overall survival rate for CC is meagre. Early diagnosis and efficient treatments are two of the biggest hurdles in the fight against cancer. In the present work, we will review thriving strategies for CC targeted drug delivery and critically explain the most recent progressions on emerging novel nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems. Nanotechnology-based animal and human clinical trial studies targeting CC are discussed. Advancements in nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems intended to enhance cellular uptake, improved pharmacokinetics and effectiveness of anticancer drugs have facilitated the powerful targeting of specific agents for CC therapy. This review provides insight into current progress and future opportunities for nanomedicines as potential curative targets for CC treatment. This information could be used as a platform for the future expansion of multi-functional nano constructs for CC's advanced detection and functional drug delivery.

A comprehensive review of the therapeutic potential of curcumin nanoformulations

Today, due to the prevalence of various diseases such as the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), diabetes, central nervous system diseases, cancer, cardiovascular disorders, and so on, extensive studies have been conducted on therapeutic properties of natural and synthetic agents. A literature review on herbal medicine and commercial products in the global market showed that curcumin (Cur) has many therapeutic benefits compared to other natural ingredients. Despite the unique properties of Cur, its use in clinical trials is very limited. The poor biopharmaceutical properties of Cur such as short half-life in plasma, low bioavailability, poor absorption, rapid metabolism, very low solubility (at acidic and physiological pH), and the chemical instability in body fluids are major concerns associated with the clinical applications of Cur. Recently, nanoformulations are emerging as approaches to develop and improve the therapeutic efficacy of various drugs. Many studies have shown that Cur nanoformulations have tremendous therapeutic potential against various diseases such as SARS-CoV-2, cancer, inflammatory, osteoporosis, and so on. These nanoformulations can inhibit many diseases through several cellular and molecular mechanisms. However, successful long-term clinical results are required to confirm their safety and clinical efficacy. The present review aims to update and explain the therapeutic potential of Cur nanoformulations.

Development of a Curcumin-Loaded Polymeric Microparticulate Oral Drug Delivery System for Colon Targeting by Quality-by-Design Approach

The purpose of this study was to apply the quality-by-design (QbD) approach for the development of colon-targeted curcumin-loaded polymeric microparticles (Col-CUR-MPs). The proportion of the enterosoluble polymer (Eudragit^® FS) in the polymeric matrix, curcumin concentration, and the concentration of the polymer mixture (Eudragit^® FS-polycaprolactone) were identified as potential risk factors for the quality of the final product following risk assessment. The influence of these variables on the critical quality attributes (CQAs) of Col-CUR-MPs was investigated. Therefore, a central composite face experimental design was used in order to determine the functional relationships between variables and product CQAs. The obtained regression model and contour plots were used to establish the design space. Finally, the model was validated by preparing two microparticulate formulations, one corresponding to the robust setpoint from within the design space and one outside the established design space, and calculating the percentage bias between the experimental and predicted values. The in vivo study, which was conducted on a fluorescein-loaded formulation that corresponded to the robust setpoint determined by QbD and that contained a mixture of polycaprolactone and Eudragit^® FS (60:40, w/w), confirmed the colon-targeting qualities of this formulation.

Maximizing the potency of oxaliplatin coated nanoparticles with folic acid for modulating tumor progression in colorectal cancer

One of the challenges of nanotechnology is to improve the efficacy of treatments for diseases, in order to reduce morbidity and mortality rates. Following this line of study, we made a nanoparticle formulation with a small size, uniform surfaces, and a satisfactory encapsulation coefficient as a target for colorectal cancer cells. The results of binding and uptake prove that using the target system with folic acid works: Using this system, cytotoxicity and cell death are increased when compared to using free oxaliplatin. The data show that the system maximized the efficiency of oxaliplatin in modulating tumor progression, increasing apoptosis and decreasing resistance to the drug. Thus, for the first time, our findings suggest that PLGA-PEG-FA increases the antitumor effectiveness of oxaliplatin by functioning as a facilitator of drug delivery in colorectal cancer.