Feeding Cells with a Novel "Trojan" Carrier: Citrate Nanoparticles

Development of Eugenol-Embedded Calcium Citrate Nanoparticles as a Local Anesthetic Agent

Eugenol is a major phenolic component derived from clove oil with potential medical applications. Of particular interest, it has been used as a therapeutic agent in topical applications because of its analgesic and local anesthetic properties. However, topical formulations of eugenol produce skin irritation, which limits its clinical applications. One promising strategy to overcome this disadvantage is by using a biocompatible material that could be an appropriate topical vehicle for eugenol. Researchers have recently focused on the development of eugenol-embedded calcium citrate nanoparticles (Eu-CaCit NPs) without adverse effects. The Eu-CaCit NPs were developed as a topical delivery system and their biocompatibility and penetration ability were evaluated. Eu-CaCit NPs at 1.2 mg/mL did not show cytotoxicity effects in human cells. Moreover, the Eu-CaCit NPs presented the ability to penetrate the dermis layer of the human intact skin following 12 h exposure. All the results concluded that Eu-CaCit NPs have shown a potential as a carrier for topical delivery of eugenol. These novel nanoparticles represent a promising alternative for topical application of local anesthetic with natural pain relievers.

Biguanide-Based Synthesis of 1,3,5-Triazine Derivatives with Anticancer Activity and 1,3,5-Triazine Incorporated Calcium Citrate Nanoparticles

Twelve derivatives of biguanide-derived 1,3,5-triazines, a promising class of anticancer agent, were synthesised and evaluated for their anticancer activity against two colorectal cancer cell lines-HCT116 and SW620. 2c and 3c which are the derivatives containing o-hydroxyphenyl substituents exhibited the highest activity with IC50 against both cell lines in the range of 20-27 µM, which is comparable to the IC50 of cisplatin reference. Moreover, the potential use of the calcium citrate nanoparticles (CaCit NPs) as a platform for drug delivery system was studied on a selected 1,3,5-triazine derivative 2a. Condition optimisation revealed that the source of citrate ions and reaction time significantly influence the morphology, size and %drug loading of the particles. With the optimised conditions, "CaCit-2a NPs" were successfully synthesised with the size of 148 ± 23 nm and %drug loading of up to 16.3%. Furthermore, it was found that the release of 2a from the synthesised CaCit-2a NPs is pH-responsive, and 2a could be control released under the acidic cancer environment. The knowledge from this study is perceptive for further development of the 1,3,5-triazine-based anticancer drugs and provide the platform for the incorporation of other drugs in the CaCit NPs in the future.