Synthesis of Silica-Coated Magnetic Hydroxyapatite Composites for Drug Delivery Applications

We have prepared a core-shell magnetic silica-coated hydroxyapatite, Fe₃O₄@SiO₂@HAp composite materials for pH-responsive drug delivery applications. Captopril (Cap) and ibuprofen (Ibu) were chosen as model hydrophilic and hydrophobic drugs, respectively. The drugs were encapsulated into the Fe₃O₄@SiO₂@HAp composite via electrostatic interactions with existing amine and carboxylic acid groups during calcium phosphate shell formation. The formation of calcium phosphate shell not only protects the encapsulated drugs from leaching but also controls the release rate of drugs from the composite system depending on various pH conditions. We have tested the release behavior of Cap and Ibu drugs under different pH conditions such as neutral pH (pH 7.4) and acidic pH (pH 5.0), respectively. The study result reveals that the synthesized Fe₃O₄@SiO₂@HAp composite is suitable for release of both water soluble and water insoluble drugs based on a pH-responsive controlled manner.

A multifunctional near-infrared laser-triggered drug delivery system using folic acid conjugated chitosan oligosaccharide encapsulated gold nanorods for targeted chemo-photothermal therapy

FA–COS–TGA–GNRs–DOX have been successfully designed as a drug delivery system for chemo-photothermal combination therapy.

Correction: Prussian blue decorated mesoporous silica hybrid nanocarriers for photoacoustic imaging-guided synergistic chemo-photothermal combination therapy

Correction for 'Prussian blue decorated mesoporous silica hybrid nanocarriers for photoacoustic imaging-guided synergistic chemo-photothermal combination therapy' by Madhappan Santha Moorthy et al., J. Mater. Chem. B, 2018, DOI: .

Photoacoustic Imaging-Guided Photothermal Therapy with Tumor-Targeting HA-FeOOH@PPy Nanorods

Cancer theragnosis agents with both cancer diagnosis and therapy abilities would be the next generation of cancer treatment. Recently, nanomaterials with strong absorption in near-infrared (NIR) region have been explored as promising cancer theragnosis agents for bio-imaging and photothermal therapy (PTT). Herein, we reported the synthesis and application of a novel multifunctional theranostic nanoagent based on hyaluronan (HA)-coated FeOOH@polypyrrole (FeOOH@PPy) nanorods (HA-FeOOH@PPy NRs) for photoacoustic imaging (PAI)-guided PTT. The nanoparticles were intentionally designed with rod-like shape and conjugated with tumor-targeting ligands to enhance the accumulation and achieve the entire tumor distribution of nanoparticles. The prepared HA-FeOOH@PPy NRs showed excellent biocompatible and physiological stabilities in different media. Importantly, HA-FeOOH@PPy NRs exhibited strong NIR absorbance, remarkable photothermal conversion capability, and conversion stability. Furthermore, HA-FeOOH@PPy NRs could act as strong contrast agents to enhance PAI, conducting accurate locating of cancerous tissue, as well as precise guidance for PTT. The in vitro and in vivo photothermal anticancer activity results of the designed nanoparticles evidenced their promising potential in cancer treatment. The tumor-bearing mice completely recovered after 17 days of PTT treatment without obvious side effects. Thus, our work highlights the great potential of using HA-FeOOH@PPy NRs as a theranostic nanoplatform for cancer imaging-guided therapy.

Biocompatible Chitosan Oligosaccharide Modified Gold Nanorods as Highly Effective Photothermal Agents for Ablation of Breast Cancer Cells

Photothermal therapy (PTT) using biocompatible nanomaterials have recently attracted much attention as a novel candidate technique for cancer therapy. In this work we report the performance of newly synthesized multidentate chitosan oligosaccharide modified gold nanorods (AuNRs-LA-COS) as novel agents for PTT of cancer cells due to their excellent biocompatibility, photothermal stability, and high absorption in the near-infrared (NIR) region. The AuNRs-LA-COS exhibit a strong NIR absorption peak at 838 nm with a mean length of 26 ± 3.1 nm and diameter of 6.8 ± 1.7 nm, respectively. The temperature of AuNRs-LA-COS rapidly reached 52.6 °C for 5 min of NIR laser irradiation at 2 W/cm². The AuNRs-LA-COS had very low cytotoxicity and exhibited high efficiency for the ablation of breast cancer cells in vitro. The tumor-bearing mice were completely ablated without tumor recurrence after photothermal treatment with AuNRs-LA-COS (25 µg/mL) under laser irradiation. In summary, this study demonstrated that AuNRs-LA-COS with laser irradiation as novel agents pave an alternative way for breast cancer therapy and hold great promise for clinical trials in the near future.

In vivo photoacoustic monitoring using 700-nm region Raman source for targeting Prussian blue nanoparticles in mouse tumor model

Photoacoustic imaging (PAI) is a noninvasive imaging tool to visualize optical absorbing contrast agents. Due to high ultrasonic resolution and superior optical sensitivity, PAI can be used to monitor nanoparticle-mediated cancer therapy. The current study synthesized Food and Drug Administration-approved Prussian blue (PB) in the form of nanoparticles (NPs) with the peak absorption at 712 nm for photoacoustically imaging tumor-bearing mouse models. To monitor PB NPs from the background tissue in vivo, we also developed a new 700-nm-region stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) source (pulse energy up to 200 nJ and repetition rate up to 50 kHz) and implemented optical-resolution photoacoustic microscopy (OR-PAM). The SRS-assisted OR-PAM system was able to monitor PB NPs in the tumor model with micrometer resolution. Due to strong light absorption at 712 nm, the developed SRS light yielded a two-fold higher contrast from PB NPs, in comparison with a 532-nm pumping source. The proposed laser source involved cost-effective and simple system implementation along with high compatibility with the fiber-based OR-PAM system. The study highlights the OR-PAM system in conjunction with the tunable-color SRS light source as a feasible tool to assist NP-mediated cancer therapy.

Fucoidan-coated CuS nanoparticles for chemo-and photothermal therapy against cancer

In advanced cancer therapy, the combinational therapeutic effect of photothermal therapy (PTT) using near-infrared (NIR) light-responsive nanoparticles (NPs) and anti-cancer drug delivery-mediated chemotherapy has been widely applied. In the present study, using a facile, low-cost, and solution-based method, we developed and synthesized fucoidan, a natural polymer isolated from seaweed that has demonstrated anti-cancer effect, and coated NPs with it as an ideal candidate in chemo-photothermal therapy against cancer cells. Fucoidan-coated copper sulfide nanoparticles (F-CuS) act not only as a nanocarrier to enhance the intracellular delivery of fucoidan but also as a photothermal agent to effectively ablate different cancer cells (e.g., HeLa, A549, and K562), both in vitro and in vivo, with the induction of apoptosis under 808 nm diode laser irradiation. These results point to the potential usage of F-CuS in treating human cancer.

Prussian blue decorated mesoporous silica hybrid nanocarriers for photoacoustic imaging-guided synergistic chemo-photothermal combination therapy

Herein, Prussian blue decorated mesoporous silica PB@MSH-EDA NPs are fabricated for efficient photoacoustic imaging guided chemo-photothermal combination therapy.

Coating Chitosan Thin Shells: A Facile Technique to Improve Dispersion Stability of Magnetoliposomes

Magnetoliposomes (ML) have been emerging as a novel multifunctional nanoparticle with a wide range of biomedical and therapeutic applications over the past decade. Although the ML system has shown excellent performances, the stability and lipid peroxidation of liposomal components are still remaining as key issues and need to be solved for intensive applications. Changing zeta potential of nanoparticles' surface can be seen as a potential way to achieve the stable dispersion. In this work, we have employed the positive charged, abundant and cheap chitosan to coat ML in order to change the zeta potential of the ML system and examined the stability of chitosan@magnetoliposomes (CML) in long-term storage. The combining of pH-sensitive chitosan with temperature-sensitive phospholipid formed a novel pH- and temperature-sensitive nanoparticles which can be promisingly used as controllable drug release applications. These novel CML with chitosan thin shells showed excellent stability in long-term storage; meanwhile, the bare ML sample showed aggregations and forming micrometer-size particles. The CML system can achieve a drug encapsulation efficiency of nearly 50% and an enhanced drug release behavior under pH 5 at 45 °C.

Hydroxyapatite Coated Iron Oxide Nanoparticles: A Promising Nanomaterial for Magnetic Hyperthermia Cancer Treatment

Targeting cancer cells without injuring normal cells is the prime objective in treatment of cancer. In this present study, solvothermal and wet chemical precipitation techniques were employed to synthesize iron oxide (IO), hydroxyapatite (HAp), and hydroxyapatite coated iron oxide (IO-HAp) nanoparticles for magnetic hyperthermia mediated cancer therapy. The synthesized well dispersed spherical IO-HAp nanoparticles, magnetite, and apatite phases were confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Field emission transmission electron microscopy (FETEM) with Energy Dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). The non-toxic behavior of synthesized IO-HAp nanoparticles was confirmed by cytotoxicity assay (Trypan blue and MTT assay). The synthesized nanoparticles revealed a remarkable magnetic saturation of 83.2 emu/g for IO and 40.6 emu/g for IO-HAp nanoparticles in presence of 15,000 Oe (1.5 T) magnetic field at room temperature (300 K). The magnetic hyperthermia study that was performed with IO-HAp nanoparticles showed an excellent hyperthermia effect (SAR value 85 W/g) over MG-63 osteosarcoma cells. The in vitro hyperthermia temperature (~45 °C) was reached within 3 min, which shows a very high efficiency and kills nearly all of the experimental MG-63 osteosarcoma cells within 30 min exposure. These results could potentially open new perceptions for biomaterials that are aimed for anti-cancer therapies based on magnetic hyperthermia.

Magnetic hydroxyapatite: a promising multifunctional platform for nanomedicine application

In this review, specific attention is paid to the development of nanostructured magnetic hydroxyapatite (MHAp) and its potential application in controlled drug/gene delivery, tissue engineering, magnetic hyperthermia treatment, and the development of contrast agents for magnetic resonance imaging. Both magnetite and hydroxyapatite materials have excellent prospects in nanomedicine with multifunctional therapeutic approaches. To date, many research articles have focused on biomedical applications of nanomaterials because of which it is very difficult to focus on any particular type of nanomaterial. This study is possibly the first effort to emphasize on the comprehensive assessment of MHAp nanostructures for biomedical applications supported with very recent experimental studies. From basic concepts to the real-life applications, the relevant characteristics of magnetic biomaterials are patented which are briefly discussed. The potential therapeutic and diagnostic ability of MHAp-nanostructured materials make them an ideal platform for future nanomedicine. We hope that this advanced review will provide a better understanding of MHAp and its important features to utilize it as a promising material for multifunctional biomedical applications.

Photo-based PDT/PTT dual model killing and imaging of cancer cells using phycocyanin-polypyrrole nanoparticles

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) and photothermal therapy (PTT) using nanoparticles have gained significant attention for its therapeutic effect for cancer treatment. In the present study, we fabricated polypyrrole nanoparticles by employing bovine serum albumin-phycocyanin complex and the formulated particles were stable in various physiological solutions like water, phosphate buffered saline and culture media. The formulated nanoparticles did not cause any noticeable toxicity to MDA-MB-231 and HEK-293 cells. The obtained nanoparticles effectively killed MDA-MB-231 cells in a dual way upon laser illumination, one is through phycocyanin propagated reactive oxygen species (PDT) upon laser illumination and in another way it eradicated the treated cells by converting optical energy into heat energy (PTT). Additionally, the nanoparticles generated good amplitude of ultrasound signals under photoacoustic imaging (PAT) system that facilitates imaging of treated cells. In conclusion, the fabricated particles could be used as a multimodal therapeutic agent for treatment of cancer in the biomedical field.

Marine natural pigments as potential sources for therapeutic applications

In recent years, marine natural pigments have emerged as a powerful alternative in the various fields of food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries because of their excellent biocompatibility, bioavailability, safety, and stability. Marine organisms are recognized as a rich source of natural pigments such as chlorophylls, carotenoids, and phycobiliproteins. Numerous studies have shown that marine natural pigments have considerable medicinal potential and promising applications in human health. In this review, we summarize the marine natural pigments as potential sources for therapeutic applications, including: antioxidant, anticancer, antiangiogenic, anti-obesity, anti-inflammatory activities, drug delivery, photothermal therapy (PTT), photodynamic therapy (PDT), photoacoustic imaging (PAI), and wound healing. Marine natural pigments will offer a better platform for future theranostic applications.

Synthesis and In Vitro Performance of Polypyrrole-Coated Iron-Platinum Nanoparticles for Photothermal Therapy and Photoacoustic Imaging

Multifunctional nano-platform for the combination of photo-based therapy and photoacoustic imaging (PAI) for cancer treatment has recently attracted much attention to nanotechnology development. In this study, we developed iron-platinum nanoparticles (FePt NPs) with the polypyrrole (PPy) coating as novel agents for combined photothermal therapy (PTT) and PAI. The obtained PPy-coated FePt NPs (FePt@PPy NPs) showed excellent biocompatibility, photothermal stability, and high near-infrared (NIR) absorbance for the combination of PTT and PAI. In vitro investigation experimentally demonstrated the effectiveness of FePt@PPy NPs in killing cancer cells with NIR laser irradiation. Moreover, the phantom test of PAI used in conjunction with FePt@PPy NPs showed a strong photoacoustic signal. Thus, the novel FePt@PPy NPs could be considered as promising multifunctional nanoparticles for further applications of photo-based diagnosis and treatment.

Synthesis of surface capped mesoporous silica nanoparticles for pH-stimuli responsive drug delivery applications

Mesoporous silica-based drug delivery carriers mostly require appropriate surface modifications to improve their drug delivery efficiency and to reduce their adverse side effects. In the present work, we have synthesised mesoporous silica nanoparticles and their surface was covered by using capping units such as tetrathio-maleimide (TTM) via a "host-guest" complexation mechanism for pH-responsive drug delivery applications. The surface-functionalised melamine (Mela) groups on the outer surface of the mesoporous silica nanoparticles act as "hosts" and the surface capped TTM units act as "guests" during the surface capping of the mesoporous silica nanoparticles via the "host-guest" complexation approach. After the encapsulation of cargoes into the mesopore channels, the melamine functional groups were covalently immobilised onto the outer surface of the cargo loaded MSNs and then the TTM units were introduced onto the outer surface of the silica nanoparticles as "gatekeepers" to obtain surface capped mesoporous silica (MSN@Mela@TTM/RhB) NPs to protect the loaded cargo molecules inside the mesopore channels and to prevent their premature leakage. The surface-capped TTM units controlled the drug release behavior with respect to the pH of the release medium. In this study, we used rhodamine B (RhB) as a model cargo to study the loading and pH-responsive release behavior of the MSN@Mela@TTM NPs. The encapsulated RhB molecules were retained inside the mesopore channels at physiological pH (pH 7.4) conditions while an enhanced release occurred at acidic pH (pH 5.0 and 4.0) conditions, respectively. Furthermore, the in vitro biocompatibility and the intracellular uptake efficiency of the synthesised MSNs@Mela@TTM NPs were examined by using the MDA-MB-231 cell line. The experimental results suggest that the MSNs@Mela@TTM nanoparticles are biocompatible and could be utilised for pH-stimuli responsive drug delivery applications.

Anti-EGFR Antibody Conjugation of Fucoidan-Coated Gold Nanorods as Novel Photothermal Ablation Agents for Cancer Therapy

The development of novel photothermal ablation agents as cancer nanotheranostics has received a great deal of attention in recent decades. Biocompatible fucoidan (Fu) is used as the coating material for gold nanorods (AuNRs) and subsequently conjugated with monoclonal antibodies against epidermal growth factor receptor (anti-EGFR) as novel photothermal ablation agents for cancer nanotheranostics because of their excellent biocompatibility, biodegradability, nontoxicity, water solubility, photostability, ease of surface modification, strongly enhanced absorption in near-infrared (NIR) regions, target specificity, minimal invasiveness, fast recovery, and prevention of damage to normal tissues. Anti-EGFR Fu-AuNRs have an average particle size of 96.37 ± 3.73 nm. Under 808 nm NIR laser at 2 W/cm² for 5 min, the temperature of the solution containing anti-EGFR Fu-AuNRs (30 μg/mL) increased by 52.1 °C. The anti-EGFR Fu-AuNRs exhibited high efficiency for the ablation of MDA-MB-231 cells in vitro. In vivo photothermal ablation exhibited that tumor tissues fully recovered without recurrence and finally were reconstructed with normal tissues by the 808 nm NIR laser irradiation after injection of anti-EGFR Fu-AuNRs. These results suggest that the anti-EGFR Fu-AuNRs would be novel photoablation agents for future cancer nanotheranostics.

Chlorin e6 conjugated copper sulfide nanoparticles for photodynamic combined photothermal therapy

The photo-based therapeutic approaches have attracted tremendous attention in recent years especially in treatment and management of tumors. Photodynamic and photothermal are two major therapeutic modalities which are being applied in clinical therapy. The development of nanomaterials for photodynamic combined with photothermal therapy has gained significant attention for its treatment efficacy. In the present study, we designed chlorin e6 (Ce6) conjugated copper sulfide (CuS) nanoparticles (CuS-Ce6 NPs) through amine functionalization and the synthesized nanoparticles act as a dual-model agent for photodynamic therapy and photothermal therapy. CuS-Ce6 NPs showed enhanced photodynamic effect through generation of singlet oxygen upon 670nm laser illumination. The same nanoparticles exerted thermal response under an 808nm laser at 2W/cm². The fabricated nanoparticles did not show any cytotoxic effect toward breast cancer cells in the absence of light. In vitro cell viability assay showed a potent cytotoxicity in photothermal and photodynamic treatment. Rather than singular treatment, the photodynamic combined photothermal treatment showed an enhanced cytotoxic effect on treated cells. In addition, the CuS-Ce6 NPs exert a photoacoustic signal for non-invasive imaging of treated cells in tissue-mimicking phantom. In conclusion the CuS-Ce6 NPs act as multimodal agent for photo based imaging and therapy.

Multifunctional biocompatible chitosan-polypyrrole nanocomposites as novel agents for photoacoustic imaging-guided photothermal ablation of cancer

Cancer nanotechnology is emerging as one of the promising strategies combining photothermal therapy (PTT) and photoacoustic imaging (PAI) for the treatment of breast cancer and it has received considerable attention in the recent years because it is minimally invasive, prevents damage to non-targeted regions, permits fast recovery, and involves breast cancer imaging. The present study demonstrates multifunctional biocompatible chitosan-polypyrrole nanocomposites (CS-PPy NCs) as novel agents for photoacoustic imaging-guided photothermal ablation of cancer because of their biocompatibility, conductivity, stability, and strong near-infrared (NIR) absorbance. The CS-PPy NCs are spherical in shape and range 26–94 nm in size with a mean value of 50.54 ± 2.56 nm. The in vitro results demonstrated good biocompatibility of CS-PPy NCs, which can be used in PTT for cancer cells under 808-nm NIR laser irradiation. Tumor-bearing mice fully recovered after treatment with CS-PPy NCs and NIR 808-nm laser irradiation compared to the corresponding control groups. Our research highlights the promising potential of using CS-PPy NCs for photoacoustic imaging-guided photothermal ablation of cancer in preclinical animals, which should be verified in future clinical trials.

Fucoidan-coated core–shell magnetic mesoporous silica nanoparticles for chemotherapy and magnetic hyperthermia-based thermal therapy applications

Fucoidan-coated FeNP@SiOH@Fuc NPs have been proposed for chemotherapy and thermal therapy applications in emerging cancer therapy.

Crown ether triad modified core–shell magnetic mesoporous silica nanocarrier for pH-responsive drug delivery and magnetic hyperthermia applications

A “host–guest” complexation-based core–shell FeNP@SiOH@CET NP system was fabricated for chemotherapy and magnetic hyperthermia applications.

Polypyrrole–methylene blue nanoparticles as a single multifunctional nanoplatform for near-infrared photo-induced therapy and photoacoustic imaging

A novel contrast agent with broad NIR absorbing properties for combined photo-induced therapy and photoacoustic imaging.

In Vitro Photodynamic Effect of Phycocyanin against Breast Cancer Cells

C-phycocyanin, a natural blue-colored pigment-protein complex was explored as a novel photosensitizer for use in low-level laser therapy under 625-nm laser illumination. C-phycocyanin produced singlet oxygen radicals and the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) were raised in extended time of treatment. It did not exhibit any visible toxic effect in the absence of light. Under 625-nm laser irradiation, c-phycocyanin generated cytotoxic stress through ROS induction, which killed MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells depending on concentrations. Different fluorescent staining of laser-treated cells explored apoptotic cell death characteristics like the shrinking of cells, cytoplasmic condensation, nuclei cleavage, and the formation of apoptotic bodies. In conclusion, phycocyanin is a non-toxic fluorescent pigment that can be used in low-level light therapy.

Design of core–shell magnetic mesoporous silica hybrids for pH and UV light stimuli-responsive cargo release

The drug carrier system proposed here efficiently works under UV light and pH triggers for controlled release of model cargoes. The nanocarrier can be used in the targeted delivery of cargoes by the ‘ON’ and ‘OFF’ command by the UV light trigger.

Synthesis of amine-polyglycidol functionalised Fe3O4@SiO2nanocomposites for magnetic hyperthermia, pH-responsive drug delivery, and bioimaging applications

We report the biocompatible Fe₃O₄@SiO₂@APG-F nanocomposite for drug delivery and hyperthermia applications. The Fe₃O₄@SiO₂@APG-F nanocomposite could serve as a good hyperthermia agent, drug delivery carrier, and fluorescent contrast agent.

Cyclic ligand functionalized mesoporous silica (SBA-15) for selective adsorption of Co2+ ion from artificial seawater

Hard donor atoms (N and O) containing macrocyclic ligand was synthesized and further functionalized with mesoporous SBA-15 materials by chemical modification method. The modification was achieved by the immobilization of 3-chloropropyltriethoxysilane (CIPTES) onto mesoporous silica surface followed by post grafting route. The resulting material (Py-Cy-SBA-15) has been characterized by low angle X-ray diffraction (XRD), nitrogen adsorption-desorption isotherm, Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, 29Si and 13C CP MAS NMR spectroscopic analyses, Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and elemental analysis. The long range orders of the materials were identified by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The functionalized material was employed to the heavy metal ions adsorption from aqueous solution containing Cu2+, Co2+, Zn2+, Cd2+ and Cr2+. The prepared hybrid material showed high selectivity and adsorption capacity for Co2+ ion at pH 8.0.

Functionalized mesoporous silicas with crown ether moieties for selective adsorption of lithium ions in artificial sea water

Lithium ion has been increasingly recognized in a wide range of industrial applications. In this work, we studied on the adsorption of Li+ in the artificial seawater with high selectivity using methyl-crown ether (AC-SBA-15) and aza-crown ether (HMC-SBA-15) moieties-functionalized mesoporous silica materials. First, methyl-crown ether and aza-crown ether moieties-functionalized mesoporous silica materials were synthesized via two-step post-synthesis process using a grafting method. The functionalized materials were employed to the metal ion adsorption from aqueous solution (artificial seawater) containing Li+, Co2+, Cr3+ and Hg2+. The prepared hybrid material showed high selectivity for Li+ ion in the artificial seawater at pH 8.0. The absorbed amount of Li+ was 73 times higher than Cr3+ for aza-crown ether containing AC-SBA-15 as an absorbent. The absorbed amount of Co2+ (4.5 x 10(-5) mol/g), Cr3+ (1.5 x 10(-5) mol/g) and Hg2+ (2.25 x 10(-4) mol/g) were remarkably lower than the case of Li+. On the other hand, the absorbed amount of various metal ions of HMC-SBA-15 with amine groups in alky chains and crown ether moieties were 1.1 x 10(-3) mol/g for Li+, 5.0 x 10(-5) mol/g for Co2+, 2.9 x 10(-4) mol/g for Cr3+, 2.8 x 10(-4) mol/g for Hg2+ mol/g, respectively.

Red fluorescent hybrid mesoporous organosilicas for simultaneous cell imaging and anticancer drug delivery

Red fluorescent mesoporous organosilica was synthesised for simultaneous diagnosis and therapy, and characterized for anticancer drug delivery behavior.

Mesoporous organosilica hybrids with a tunable amphoteric framework for controlled drug delivery

The integrated nitrile groups in the pore walls of the DU-MSH-CN were converted into reactive –COOH or –NH₂groups, by an acid or base hydrolysis technique to achieve large amounts of either –COOH or –NH₂groups into the pore walls. Thein vitrodrug release and biocompatibility tests proved the organosilica hybrids suitable for drug carriers in cancer therapy.

Enhancement of bioavailability of griseofulvin by its complexation with beta-cyclodextrin

Griseofulvin is a poorly soluble antifungal antibiotic drug, the solubility of which can be enhanced by complexation with beta-cyclodextrin. The inclusion complex was prepared by coprecipitation method in various molar ratios of 1:1, 2:1, 3:1, and 1:2 of the drug and beta-cyclodextrin, respectively. The inclusion complex was characterized and evaluated by UV-VIS spectral studies and FTIR. The in vitro drug release studies indicated that the 1:2 molar ratio complex form of the drug significantly increased the dissolution rate when compared to the free form. The acute toxicity studies clearly indicated that the beta-cyclodextrin complex was nontoxic and the safety range was close to other Griseofulvin formulations. The in vivo study of the beta-cyclodextrin was carried out in both animals and human beings by administering in four different rabbits and volunteers, respectively. Pellets made with Griseofulvin-beta-cyclodextrin complex also showed a significant increase in the dissolution of the drug, revealing that beta-cyclodextrin plays an important role in the solubilization of Griseofulvin.