Analytical Method for Quantifying Monoterpenoids (p-Cymene and Myrcene) in Nanoemulsions Using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography

BACKGROUND

Myrcene and cymene, aromatic monoterpenes found in plants and essential oils, possess distinctive aromatic qualities. However, their volatility and limited solubility pose challenges in precise handling and formulation. Meanwhile, nanoemulsions emerge as promising drug delivery systems, improving the bioavailability and stability of these active ingredients.

OBJECTIVE

This article aimed to develop an HPLC method for the quantification of two monoterpenoids, p-cymene and myrcene, in nanoemulsions.

METHOD

The method used a Phenomenex® Synergi™ Fusion-RP column (150 mm × 4.6 mm id, 4 μm particle size) on an HPLC system with isocratic elution. The mobile phase was composed of acetonitrile and water (60:40, v/v) and was validated in terms of specificity, linearity, accuracy, precision, robustness, and selectivity.

RESULTS

The method provided accurate and precise results with a correlation coefficient of 0.999 and RSD values of less than 2%. The method can be used for quality control of nanoemulsions containing these monoterpenoids and as a reference for future studies on their efficacy and stability.

CONCLUSIONS

The study demonstrates the feasibility of using HPLC for the quantification of monoterpenoids in nanoemulsions and its potential as a quality control tool for nanoemulsion-based drug delivery systems.

HIGHLIGHTS

The method's accuracy, precision, and reliability, as evidenced by high correlation coefficients and low RSD values, underscore its suitability for ensuring the consistent formulation of these monoterpenoid-containing nanoemulsions, while also serving as a reference point for future research endeavors in this field.

Liposome-siderophore conjugates loaded with moxifloxacin serve as a model for drug delivery against Mycobacterium tuberculosis

Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease that annually affects millions of people, and resistance to available antibiotics has exacerbated this situation. Another notable characteristic of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the primary causative agent of TB, is its ability to survive inside macrophages, a key component of the immune system. In our quest for an effective and safe treatment that facilitates the targeted delivery of antibiotics to the site of infection, we have proposed a nanotechnology approach based on an iron chelator. Iron chelators are the primary mechanism by which bacteria acquire iron, a metal essential for their metabolism. Four liposomes were synthesized and characterized using the dynamic light scattering technique (DLS), nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). All of these methods revealed the presence of spherical particles, approximately 200 nm in size. NTA indicated a concentration of around 1011 particles/mL. We also developed and validated a high-performance liquid chromatography method for quantifying Moxifloxacin to determine encapsulation efficiency (EE) and release profiles (RF). The EE was 51.31 % for LipMox and 45.76 % for LipIchMox. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) confirmed the phagocytosis of liposomal vesicles by macrophages. Functionalizing liposomes with iron chelators can offer significant benefits for TB treatment, such as targeted drug delivery to intracellular bacilli through the phagocytosis of liposomal particles by cells like macrophages.

Larvicidal properties of terpenoid-based nanoemulsions against the dengue vector Aedes aegypti L. and their potential toxicity against non-target organism

The development of insecticide resistance in mosquitoes of public health importance has encouraged extensive research into innovative vector control methods. Terpenes are the largest among Plants Secondary Metabolites and have been increasingly studied for their potential as insecticidal control agents. Although promising, terpenes are insoluble in water, and they show low residual life which limits their application for vector control. In this study, we developed and evaluated the performances of terpenoid-based nanoemulsions (TNEs) containing myrcene and p-cymene against the dengue vector Aedes aegypti and investigated their potential toxicity against non-target organisms. Our results showed that myrcene and p-cymene showed moderate larvicidal activity against mosquito larvae compared to temephos an organophosphate widely used for mosquito control. However, we showed similar efficacy of TNEs against both susceptible and highly insecticide-resistant mosquitoes from French Guyana, hence suggesting an absence of cross-resistance with conventional insecticides. We also showed that TNEs remained effective for up to 45 days in laboratory conditions. The exposure of zebrafish to TNEs triggered behavioral changes in the fish at high doses but they did not alter the normal functioning of zebrafish organs, suggesting a good tolerability of non-target organisms to these molecules. Overall, this study provides new insights into the insecticidal properties and toxicity of terpenes and terpenoid-based formulations and confirms that TNE may offer interesting prospects for mosquito control as part of integrated vector management.

Development and characterization of potential larvicidal nanoemulsions against Aedes aegypti

Plant-based insecticides offer advantages such as negligible residual effects, reduced risks to both humans and the environment, and immunity to resistance issues that plague conventional chemicals. However, the practical use of monoterpenes in insect control has been hampered by challenges including their poor solubility and stability in aqueous environments. In recent years, the application of nanotechnology-based formulations, specifically nanoemulsions, has emerged as a prospective strategy to surmount these obstacles. In this study, we developed and characterized nanoemulsions based on cymene and myrcene and assessed their toxicity both in vitro using human keratinocytes (HaCAT) cells and in an in vivo model involving Galleria mellonella larvae. Additionally, we investigated the insecticidal efficacy of monoterpenes against the mosquito Aedes aegypti, the primary dengue vector, via larval bioassay. Employing a low-energy approach, we successfully generated nanoemulsions. The cymene-based nanoemulsion exhibited a hydrodynamic diameter of approximately 98 nm and a zeta potential of -25 mV. The myrcene-based nanoemulsion displayed a hydrodynamic diameter of 118 nm and a zeta potential of -20 mV. Notably, both nanoemulsions demonstrated stability over 60 days, accompanied by controlled release properties and low toxicity towards HaCAT cells and Galleria mellonella larvae. Moreover, the nanoemulsions exhibited significant lethality against third-instar Aedes aegypti larvae at a concentration of 50 mg/L. In conclusion, the utilization of nanoemulsions encapsulating cymene and myrcene presents a promising avenue for overcoming the limitations associated with poor solubility and stability of monoterpenes. This study sheds light on the potential of the nanoemulsions as effective and environmentally friendly insecticides in the ongoing battle against mosquito-borne diseases.

Mucoadhesive liquid crystal precursor system for photodynamic therapy of oral cancer mediated by methylene blue

Oral cancer is one of the most prevalent types of cancer head and neck cancers worldwide. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has demonstrated great potential against cancers, reducing long-term morbidity. In this study, we investigated the incorporation of methylene blue (MB) in a mucoadhesive liquid crystal precursor system (LCPS) for oral cancer treatment. The photostability and the in vitro release, permeation, and retention profile of MB-loaded LCPS (MB-LCPS) were investigated, as well as its in vitro PDT activity against normal (HaCaT) and tumoral (HSC-3) cell lines. LCPS increased the photostability of MB and exhibited a prolonged release profile of MB. In addition, LCPS increased the retention of MB in the porcine esophageal mucosa by around 3 times higher than the MB solution. The retention of MB in LCPS was around 2 times greater than its permeability, which is suitable for guaranteeing the maintenance of the therapy in the oral cavity. In vitro cytotoxicity assay indicated that MB-LCPS increased the antitumoral activity of MB after 20 min of irradiation at 660 nm and 12.5 J/cm2. The results obtained suggest that the developed formulation is an interesting strategy for the potential application in the treatment of oral cancer by PDT.

Targeted Polymeric Nanoparticles as a Strategy for the Treatment of Glioblastoma: A Review

Glioblastoma multiforme is the most common and aggressive malignant tumor that affects the central nervous system, with high mortality and low survival. Glioblastoma multiforme treatment includes resection tumor surgery, followed by radiotherapy and chemotherapy adjuvants. However, the drugs used in chemotherapy present some limitations, such as the difficulty of crossing the bloodbrain barrier and resisting the cellular mechanisms of drug efflux. The use of polymeric nanoparticles has proven to be an effective alternative to circumvent such limitations, as it allows the exploration of a range of polymeric structures that can be modified in order to control the biodistribution and cytotoxic effect of the drug delivery systems. Nanoparticles are nanometric in size and allow the incorporation of targeting ligands on their surface, favoring the transposition of the blood-brain barrier and the delivery of the drug to specific sites, increasing the selectivity and safety of chemotherapy. The present review has described the characteristics of chitosan, poly(vinyl alcohol), poly(lactic-coglycolic acid), poly(ethylene glycol), poly(β-amino ester), and poly(ε-caprolactone), which are some of the most commonly used polymers in the manufacture of nanoparticles for the treatment of glioblastoma multiforme. In addition, some of the main targeting ligands used in these nanosystems are presented, such as transferrin, chlorotoxin, albumin, epidermal growth factor, and epidermal growth factor receptor blockers, explored for the active targeting of antiglioblastoma agents.

Delivery Strategies of Probiotics from Nano- and Microparticles: Trends in the Treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Disease-An Overview

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic inflammatory disorder, most known as ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD), that affects the gastrointestinal tract (GIT), causing considerable symptoms to millions of people around the world. Conventional therapeutic strategies have limitations and side effects, prompting the exploration of innovative approaches. Probiotics, known for their potential to restore gut homeostasis, have emerged as promising candidates for IBD management. Probiotics have been shown to minimize disease symptoms, particularly in patients affected by UC, opening important opportunities to better treat this disease. However, they exhibit limitations in terms of stability and targeted delivery. As several studies demonstrate, the encapsulation of the probiotics, as well as the synthetic drug, into micro- and nanoparticles of organic materials offers great potential to solve this problem. They resist the harsh conditions of the upper GIT portions and, thus, protect the probiotic and drug inside, allowing for the delivery of adequate amounts directly into the colon. An overview of UC and CD, the benefits of the use of probiotics, and the potential of micro- and nanoencapsulation technologies to improve IBD treatment are presented. This review sheds light on the remarkable potential of nano- and microparticles loaded with probiotics as a novel and efficient strategy for managing IBD. Nonetheless, further investigations and clinical trials are warranted to validate their long-term safety and efficacy, paving the way for a new era in IBD therapeutics.

Advances in Diagnostics and Drug Discovery against Resistant and Latent Tuberculosis Infection

Latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) represents a subclinical, asymptomatic mycobacterial state affecting approximately 25% of the global population. The substantial prevalence of LTBI, combined with the risk of progressing to active tuberculosis, underscores its central role in the increasing incidence of tuberculosis (TB). Accurate identification and timely treatment are vital to contain and reduce the spread of the disease, forming a critical component of the global strategy known as "End TB." This review aims to examine and highlight the most recent scientific evidence related to new diagnostic approaches and emerging therapeutic treatments for LTBI. While prevalent diagnostic methods include the tuberculin skin test (TST) and interferon gamma release assay (IGRA), WHO's approval of two specific IGRAs for Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) marked a significant advancement. However, the need for a specific test with global application viability has propelled research into diagnostic tests based on molecular diagnostics, pulmonary immunity, epigenetics, metabolomics, and a current focus on next-generation MTB antigen-based skin test (TBST). It is within these emerging methods that the potential for accurate distinction between LTBI and active TB has been demonstrated. Therapeutically, in addition to traditional first-line therapies, anti-LTBI drugs, anti-resistant TB drugs, and innovative candidates in preclinical and clinical stages are being explored. Although the advancements are promising, it is crucial to recognize that further research and clinical evidence are needed to solidify the effectiveness and safety of these new approaches, in addition to ensuring access to new drugs and diagnostic methods across all health centers. The fight against TB is evolving with the development of more precise diagnostic tools that differentiate the various stages of the infection and with more effective and targeted treatments. Once consolidated, current advancements have the potential to transform the prevention and treatment landscape of TB, reinforcing the global mission to eradicate this disease.

Nanocarrier functionalization strategies for targeted drug delivery in skin cancer therapy: Current progress and upcoming challenges

INTRODUCTION

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer worldwide, with increasing incidence rates in recent years. Although conventional chemotherapy and radiation therapy have been used for its treatment, these therapies have several limitations such as lack of selectivity and significant side effects. Targeted nanocarriers have emerged as a promising approach for the treatment of skin cancer.

AREAS COVERED

This review article provides an overview of targeted nanocarriers for skin cancer treatment. It covers the various types of targeted nanocarriers, including liposomes, polymeric nanoparticles, dendrimers, and inorganic nanoparticles.

EXPERT OPINION

There are still several challenges that need to be addressed before the clinical translation of targeted nanoparticles, such as optimization of their properties, development of reliable and robust characterization methods, and evaluation of their safety and efficacy in clinical trials. Another key aspect for the advancement of these studies is the need to improve regulatory aspects related to the toxicity and regulation of nanomedicines targeting skin cancer. Overall, targeted nanocarriers hold great potential for the development of safe and effective treatments for skin cancer, which can contribute to a better prognosis and overall patients' life quality.

A receptor-mediated landscape of druggable and targeted nanomaterials for gliomas

Gliomas are the most common type of brain cancer, and among them, glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most prevalent (about 60% of cases) and the most aggressive type of primary brain tumor. The treatment of GBM is a major challenge due to the pathophysiological characteristics of the disease, such as the presence of the blood-brain barrier (BBB), which prevents and regulates the passage of substances from the bloodstream to the brain parenchyma, making many of the chemotherapeutics currently available not able to reach the brain in therapeutic concentrations, accumulating in non-target organs, and causing considerable adverse effects for the patient. In this scenario, nanocarriers emerge as tools capable of improving the brain bioavailability of chemotherapeutics, in addition to improving their biodistribution and enhancing their uptake in GBM cells. This is possible due to its nanometric size and surface modification strategies, which can actively target nanocarriers to elements overexpressed by GBM cells (such as transmembrane receptors) related to aggressive development, drug resistance, and poor prognosis. In this review, an overview of the most frequently overexpressed receptors in GBM cells and possible approaches to chemotherapeutic delivery and active targeting using nanocarriers will be presented.

Design of rapamycin and resveratrol coloaded liposomal formulation for breast cancer therapy

Aims: The development of rapamycin (RAP) and resveratrol (RSV) coloaded liposomes (RAP-RSV-LIP) for breast cancer therapy. Materials & methods: Liposomes were prepared using a high-pressure homogenization technique and evaluated according to their physicochemical characteristics, cellular uptake and cytotoxicity against tumoral and normal cells. Results & conclusion: The RAP-RSV-LIP showed negative surface charge, size around 100 nm, low polydispersity and high encapsulation efficiency for RAP and RSV (58.87 and 63.22%, respectively). RAP-RSV-LIP showed great stability over 60 days and a prolonged drug release profile. In vitro studies indicated that RAP-RSV-LIP were internalized in an estrogen receptor-positive human breast cancer cell line (MCF-7, 34.2%) and improved cytotoxicity when compared with free drugs. Therefore RAP-RSV-LIP showed great antitumoral potential against breast cancer cells.

Development, characterization and in vitro cytotoxicity of kaempferol-loaded nanostructured lipid carriers in glioblastoma multiforme cells

Glioblastoma multiforme is the most common and most aggressive human brain cancer. GBM treatment is still a challenge because many drugs are not able to cross the blood-brain barrier, in addition to the increasing resistance to currently available chemotherapy. New therapeutic alternatives are emerging, and, in this context, we highlight kaempferol, a flavonoid with remarkable anti-tumor activity but with limited bioavailability due to its strong lipophilic property. A promising tool to improve the biopharmaceutical properties of molecules such as kaempferol is the use of drug-delivery nanosystems, such as nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC), which can facilitate the dispersion and delivery of highly lipophilic molecules. The present work aimed at the development and characterization of kaempferol-loaded NLC (K-NLC) and the evaluation of its biological properties using in vitro models. The K-NLC showed an average size of 120 nm, zeta potential of - 21 mV, and polydispersity index of 0.099. The K-NLC presented high kaempferol encapsulation efficiency (93%), a drug loading of 3.58%, and a sustained kaempferol release profile for up to 48 h. In addition to presenting a 7-fold increase in kaempferol cytotoxicity, its encapsulation in NLC promoted a cellular uptake of 75%, which corroborates with increased cytotoxicity in U-87MG cells, as observed. Together, these data reinforce the promising antineoplastic properties of kaempferol in addition to the key role of NLC as a platform for the efficient delivery of lipophilic drugs to neoplastic cells, which improved their uptake and therapeutic efficacy in glioblastoma multiforme cells.

Functionalized lipid-based drug delivery nanosystems for the treatment of human infectious diseases

Infectious diseases are still public health problems. Microorganisms such as fungi, bacteria, viruses, and parasites are the main causing agents related to these diseases. In this context, the search for new effective strategies in prevention and/or treatment is considered essential, since current drugs often have side effects or end up, causing microbial resistance, making it a serious health problem. As an alternative to these limitations, nanotechnology has been widely used. The use of lipid-based drug delivery nanosystems (DDNs) has some advantages, such as biocompatibility, low toxicity, controlled release, the ability to carry both hydrophilic and lipophilic drugs, in addition to be easel scalable. Besides, as an improvement, studies involving the conjugation of signalling molecules on the surfaces of these nanocarriers can allow the target of certain tissues or cells. Thus, this review summarizes the performance of functionalized lipid-based DDNs for the treatment of infectious diseases caused by viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, bacteria, fungi, and parasites.

Polymeric Systems for Colon-specific Mesalazine Delivery in the Intestinal Bowel Diseases Management

The anti-inflammatory 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) is the main therapeutic option used to prevent and treat inflammatory bowel diseases. The upper intestinal tract performs rapid and almost complete absorption of this drug when administered orally, making local therapeutic levels of the molecule in the inflamed colonic mucosa difficult to achieve. Micro and nanoparticle systems are promising for 5-ASA incorporation because the reduced dimensions of these structures can improve the drug's pharmacodynamics and contribute to more efficient and localized therapy. Together, the association of these systems with polymers will allow the release of 5-ASA through specific targeting mechanisms to the colon, as demonstrated in the mesalazine modified-release dosage form. This review will summarize and discuss the challenges for the oral administration of 5-ASA and the different colon-specific delivery strategies using polymers.

Pharmaceutical nanotechnology: Antimicrobial peptides as potential new drugs against WHO list of critical, high, and medium priority bacteria

Nanobiotechnology is a relatively unexplored area that has, nevertheless, shown relevant results in the fight against some diseases. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are biomacromolecules with potential activity against multi/extensively drug-resistant bacteria, with a lower risk of generating bacterial resistance. They can be considered an excellent biotechnological alternative to conventional drugs. However, the application of several AMPs to biological systems is hampered by their poor stability and lifetime, inactivating them completely. Therefore, nanotechnology plays an important role in the development of new AMP-based drugs, protecting and carrying the bioactive to the target. This is the first review article on the different reported nanosystems using AMPs against bacteria listed on the WHO priority list. The current shortage of information implies a nanobiotechnological potential to obtain new drugs or repurpose drugs based on the AMP-drug synergistic effect.

In Vitro Skin Co-Delivery and Antibacterial Properties of Chitosan-Based Microparticles Containing Ascorbic Acid and Nicotinamide

Vitamins are widely found in nature, for example, in plants and fruits. Ascorbic acid and nicotinamide are examples of these compounds that have potent antioxidant properties, besides stimulating collagen production and depigmenting properties that protect the skin from premature aging. To overcome the skin barrier and reduce the instability of antioxidant compounds, alternative systems have been developed to facilitate the delivery of antioxidants, making them efficiently available to the tissue for an extended time without causing damage or toxicity. The objective of this study was to obtain chitosan biodegradable microparticles containing ascorbic acid and nicotinamide for topical delivery. The microparticles were obtained by spray drying and characterized chemically by means of scanning electron microscopy, infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and differential exploratory calorimetry. The drugs were successfully encapsulated and the microparticles showed positive zeta potential. In vitro release assays showed a sustained release profile. The evaluation of ex vivo skin permeation and retention demonstrated low permeation and adequate retention of the compounds in the epidermis/dermis, suggesting the efficient delivery from the obtained microparticles. Antibacterial assays have shown that microparticles can inhibit the growth of microorganisms in a time- and dose-dependent manner, corroborating their use in cosmetic products for application on the skin.

Temozolomide: an Overview of Biological Properties, Drug Delivery Nanosystems, and Analytical Methods

Temozolomide (TMZ) is an imidazotetrazine prodrug used to treat glioblastoma multiforme. Its physicochemical prop-erties and small size confer the ability to cross the blood-brain barrier. The antitumor activity depends on pH-dependent hydrolysis of the methyldiazonium cation, which is capable of methylating purine bases (O6-guanine; N7-guanine, and N3-adenine) and causing DNA damage and cell death. TMZ is more stable in acidic media (pH ≤ 5.0) than in basic media (pH ≥ 7.0) due to the protonated form that minimizes the catalytic process. Because of this, TMZ has high oral bioavailability, but it has a half-life of 1.8 h and low brain distribution (17.8%), requiring a repeated dos-ing regimen that limits its efficacy and increases adverse events. Drug delivery Nanosystems (DDNs) improve the phys-icochemical properties of TMZ and may provide controlled and targeted delivery. Therefore, DDNs can increase the efficacy and safety of TMZ. In this context, to ensure the efficiency of DDNs, analytical methods are used to evaluate TMZ pharmacokinetic parameters, encapsulation efficiency, and the release profile of DDNs. Among the methods, high-performance liquid chromatography is the most used due to its detection sensitivity in complex matrices such as tissues and plasma. Micellar electrokinetic chromatography features fast analysis and no sample pretreatment. Spec-trophotometric methods are still used to determine encapsulation efficiency due to their low cost, despite their low sen-sitivity. This review summarizes the physicochemical and pharmacological properties of free TMZ and TMZ-loaded DDNs. In addition, this review addresses the main analytical methods employed to characterize TMZ in different ma-trices.

Targeted Liposomes: A Nonviral Gene Delivery System for Cancer Therapy

Cancer is the second most frequent cause of death worldwide, with 28.4 million new cases expected for 2040. Despite de advances in the treatment, it remains a challenge because of the tumor heterogenicity and the increase in multidrug resistance mechanisms. Thus, gene therapy has been a potential therapeutic approach owing to its ability to introduce, silence, or change the content of the human genetic code for inhibiting tumor progression, angiogenesis, and metastasis. For the proper delivery of genes to tumor cells, it requires the use of gene vectors for protecting the therapeutic gene and transporting it into cells. Among these vectors, liposomes have been the nonviral vector most used because of their low immunogenicity and low toxicity. Furthermore, this nanosystem can have its surface modified with ligands (e.g., antibodies, peptides, aptamers, folic acid, carbohydrates, and others) that can be recognized with high specificity and affinity by receptor overexpressed in tumor cells, increasing the selective delivery of genes to tumors. In this context, the present review address and discuss the main targeting ligands used to functionalize liposomes for improving gene delivery with potential application in cancer treatment.

Epirubicin: Biological Properties, Analytical Methods, and Drug Delivery Nanosystems

Epirubicin (EPI) is a chemotherapeutic agent belonging to the anthracycline drug class indicated for treating several tumors. It acts by suppressing the DNA and RNA synthesis by intercalating between their base pair. However, several side effects are associated with this therapy, including cardiotoxicity and myelosuppression. Therefore, EPI delivery in nanosystems has been an interesting strategy to overcome these limitations and improve the safety and efficacy of EPI. Thus, analytical methods have been used to understand and characterize these nanosystems, including spectrophotometric, spectrofluorimetric, and chromatography. Spectrophotometric and spectrofluorimetric methods have been used to quantify EPI in less complex matrices due to their efficiency, low cost, and green chemistry character. By contrast, high-performance liquid chromatography is a suitable method for detecting EPI in more complex matrices (e.g., plasm and urine) owing to its high sensitivity. This review summarizes physicochemical and pharmacokinetic properties of EPI, its application in drug delivery nanosystems, and the analytical methods employed in its quantification in different matrices, including blood, plasm, urine, and drug delivery nanosystems.

Improving temozolomide biopharmaceutical properties in glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) treatment using GBM-targeting nanocarriers

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common primary brain cancer. GBM has aggressive development, and the pharmacological treatment remains a challenge due to GBM anatomical characteristics' (the blood-brain barrier and tumor microenvironment) and the increasing resistance to marketed drugs, such as temozolomide (TMZ), the first-line drug for GBM treatment. Due to physical-chemical properties such as short half-life time and the increasing resistance shown by GBM cells, high doses and repeated administrations are necessary, leading to significant adverse events. This review will discuss the main molecular mechanisms of TMZ resistance and the use of functionalized nanocarriers as an efficient and safe strategy for TMZ delivery. GBM-targeting nanocarriers are an important tool for the treatment of GBM, demonstrating to improve the biopharmaceutical properties of TMZ and repurpose its use in anti-GBM therapy. Technical aspects of nanocarriers will be discussed, and biological models highlighting the advantages and effects of functionalization strategies in TMZ anti-GBM activity. Finally, conclusions regarding the main findings will be made in the context of new perspectives for the treatment of GBM using TMZ as a chemotherapy agent, improving the sensibility and biological anti-tumor effect of TMZ through functionalization strategies.

Mucoadhesive Nanosystems for Nose-to-Brain Drug Delivery in the Treatment of Central Nervous System Diseases

The diseases affecting the Central Nervous System (CNS) can have varied etiopathology, but they have in common silent progression, global incidence, and significant impacts on the quality of life of patients and public health systems. With the advance of biomedicine and pharmaceutical technology, new and more modern diagnostic methods and treatments were developed, repurposing the use of drugs currently available for the treatment of CNS diseases. An attractive approach is the use of alternative drug delivery platforms, such as nanocarriers, and less invasive administration routes, such as the nose-to-brain, extensively explored for the delivery of drugs into the CNS. Despite many promising results, the nose-to-brain route has some physiological limitations that make it difficult to deliver drugs satisfactorily to exert therapeutic activity in the CNS. To overcome these limitations, nanostructured systems with mucoadhesive properties have stood out over the last few years in pharmaceutical R&D. In this review, we discuss how the nose-to-brain route limitations can influence the delivery of drugs to the CNS and highlight the benefits that mucoadhesion can bring to these nanostructured systems. The main findings in the literature are brought together and discussed critically, focusing on how mucoadhesion can improve the biopharmaceutical properties of molecules used in the clinic, as well as their biological performance. Finally, conclusions are drawn about the points of strength of mucoadhesive nanosystems and the points that still need attention to successfully use the nose-to-brain route for the treatment of diseases that affect the CNS.

Nanotechnology-based Drug Delivery Systems as Potential for Skin Application: A Review

Administration of substances through the skin represents a promising alternative, in relation to other drug administration routes, due to its large body surface area, in order to offer ideal and multiple sites for drug administration. In addition, the administration of drugs through the skin avoids the first-pass metabolism, allowing an increase in the bioavailability of drugs, as well as reducing their side effects. However, the stratum corneum (SC) comprises the main barrier of protection against external agents, mainly due to its structure, composition and physicochemical properties, becoming the main limitation for the administration of substances through the skin. In view of the above, pharmaceutical technology has allowed the development of multiple drug delivery systems (DDS), which include liquid crystals (LC), cubosomes, liposomes, polymeric nanoparticles (PNP), nanoemulsions (NE), as well as cyclodextrins (CD) and dendrimers (DND). It appears that the DDS circumvents the problems of drug absorption through the SC layer of the skin, ensuring the release of the drug, as well as optimizing the therapeutic effect locally. This review aims to highlight the DDS that include LC, cubosomes, lipid systems, PNP, as well as CD and DND, to optimize topical skin therapies.

Highlights in targeted nanoparticles as a delivery strategy for glioma treatment

Glioma is the most common type of Central Nervous System (CNS) neoplasia and it arises from glial cells. As glial cells are formed by different types of cells, glioma can be classified according to the cells that originate it or the malignancy grade. Glioblastoma multiforme is the most common and aggressive glioma. The high lethality of this tumor is related to the difficulty in performing surgical removal, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy in the CNS. To improve glioma treatment, a wide range of chemotherapeutics have been encapsulated in nanosystems to increase their ability to overcome the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and specifically reach the tumoral cells, reducing side effects and improving drug concentration in the tumor microenvironment. Several studies have investigated nanosystems covered with targeting ligands (e.g., proteins, peptides, aptamers, folate, and glucose) to increase the ability of drugs to cross the BBB and enhance their specificity to glioma through specific recognition by receptors on BBB and glioma cells. This review addresses the main targeting ligands used in nanosystems to overcome the BBB and promote the active targeting of drugs for glioma. Furthermore, the advantages of using these molecules in glioma treatment are discussed.

Drug Delivery Nanosystems in Glioblastoma Multiforme Treatment: Current State of the Art

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common primary malignant Central Nervous System cancer, responsible for about 4% of all deaths associated with neoplasia, characterized as one of the fatal human cancers. Tumor resection does not possess curative character, thereby radio and/or chemotherapy are often necessary for the treatment of GBM. However, drugs used in GBM chemotherapy present some limitations, such as side effects associated with non-specific drug biodistribution as well as limited bioavailability, which limits their clinical use. To attenuate the systemic toxicity and overcome the poor bioavailability, a very attractive approach is drug encapsulation in drug delivery nanosystems. The main focus of this review is to explore the actual cancer global problem, enunciate barriers to overcome in the pharmacological treatment of GBM, as well as the most updated drug delivery nanosystems for GBM treatment and how they influence biopharmaceutical properties of anti-GBM drugs. The discussion will approach lipid-based and polymeric nanosystems, as well as inorganic nanoparticles, regarding their technical aspects as well as biological effects in GBM treatment. Furthermore, the current state of the art, challenges to overcome and future perspectives in GBM treatment will be discussed.

[10]-Gingerol-Loaded Nanoemulsion and its Biological Effects on Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cells

The apoptotic, cytotoxic, and cytostatic activities for [10]-gingerol in triple-negative breast cancer cells (TNBCs) were already reported. However, despite these important antitumor activities, the compound has the disadvantage to have a hydrophobic characteristic, hindering in vivo administration. To surpass this issue, in this study we have created a [10]-gingerol-loaded nanoemulsion (10GNE) in order to increase the stability and solubility of the compound. The nanoemulsion was characterized and tested for its cytotoxic, cytostatic, and apoptotic effects on a panel of murine and human TNBC cell lines, as well as non-tumor cells, and compared with a [10]-gingerol-free nanoemulsion (NE) and with [10]-gingerol itself. Except for the murine 4T1.13 cell line, the IC₅₀ of the free 10G molecule, after 72 h of incubation, was higher in all cell lines tested, both murine and human, demonstrating therefore the efficacy of the 10GNE regarding cytotoxicity. In murine tumor cells, 60 μM 10GNE was able to arrest cell cycle at sub-G0 phase and induce apoptosis, leading to 48% and 78% of total cell death in 4T1.13 and 4T1Br4 murine tumor cells, respectively. This represents an improvement compared to 10G-free molecule that only induced 74% of total apoptosis at 100 μM in 4T1Br4 cells. Taken together, our results show that nanoformulation preserved the [10]-gingerol cytotoxic and cytostatic properties and improved its apoptotic function on murine TNBC cell lines. These data open new perspectives to a more suitable drug-delivery approach for [10]-gingerol for TNBC treatment that should be further demonstrated using in vivo assays.

Nanotechnology as a tool for detection and treatment of arbovirus infections

Arboviruses are medically important viruses that cause high rates of infection all over the world. In addition, the severity of the symptoms and the inadequate diagnostic methods represent a challenge far beyond eradicating the vector. The lack of specific treatments for arbovirus infections reflects the imminent need for new research for safe and efficient medicines to treat these infections. Nanotechnology is an innovative approach currently used as a platform for developing new treatments, thus improving the biopharmaceutical properties of drugs. It can also be applied to the development of diagnostic devices, improving their detection capacity. The purpose of this paper is to review recent research on the use of nanotechnology for developing new treatments and detection devices for arbovirus infections. Interestingly, it was found that only a few studies report on the use of nanotechnology to treat arbovirus infections and that most of these reports focus on the fabrication of diagnostic tools. Also, some papers report on the use of nanotechnology for the development of vaccines, which in association with mosquito eradication programs could effectively reduce the high rates of infections by these viruses.

Nanosystem functionalization strategies for prostate cancer treatment: a review

Prostate cancer (PC) has a high morbidity and mortality rate worldwide, and the current clinical guidelines can vary depending on the stage of the disease. Drug delivery nanosystems (DDNs) can improve biopharmaceutical properties of encapsulated anti-cancer drugs by modulating their release kinetics, improving physicochemical stability and reducing toxicity. DDN can also enhance the ability of specific targeting through surface modification by coupling ligands (antibodies, nucleic acids, peptides, aptamer, proteins), thus favouring the cell internalisation process by endocytosis. The purposes of this review are to describe the limitations in the treatment of PC, explore different functionalization such as polymeric, lipid and inorganic nanosystems aimed at the treatment of PC, and demonstrate the improvement of this modification for an active target, as alternative and promising candidates for new therapies.

Gene therapy based on lipid nanoparticles as non-viral vectors for Gliomas treatment

Gliomas are primary brain tumors originating from glial cells, representing 30% of all Central Nervous System (CNS) neoplasia. Among them, the astrocytoma grade IV (glioblastoma multiforme) is the most common presenting an invasive and aggressive profile, with an estimated life expectancy about 15 months after diagnosis even after treatment with radiation, surgical resection, and chemotherapy. This poor prognostic is related to the presence of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and multidrug resistance mechanisms that avoid the uptake and retention of chemotherapeutics inside the brain. Gene therapy has been a promising strategy to overcome these treatment limitations since it has the ability to modify the defective genetic information in tumor cells, being able to induce cellular apoptosis, and silencing genes responsible for multidrug resistance. Lipid-based nanoparticles, non-viral vectors, have been investigated to deliver genes across the BBB to reach the gliomas cells target. Besides that, its low immunogenicity, easy production, ability in the incorporation of ligands to specific target cells and capacity to carry higher size genes, has become the gene therapy based on non-viral vectors promising glioma treatment. In this context, this review will address the most common non-viral vectors based on lipid-based nanoparticles used for gliomas gene therapy such as liposomes, solid lipid nanoparticles, nanostructured lipid carriers and nanoemulsions.

Exploiting solid lipid nanoparticles and nanostructured lipid carriers for drug delivery against cutaneous fungal infections

Several types of cutaneous fungal infections can affect the population worldwide, such as dermatophytosis, cutaneous candidiasis, onychomycosis, and sporotrichosis. However, oral treatments have pronounced adverse effects, making the topical route an alternative to avoid this disadvantage. On the other hand, currently available pharmaceutical forms designed for topical application, such as gels and creams, do not demonstrate effective retention of biomolecules in the upper layers of the skin. An interesting approach to optimise biomolecules' activity in the skin is the use of nanosystems for drug delivery, especially solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) and nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC), which in the past decade has shown advantages like increased adhesiveness, great occlusive properties and higher biomolecule deposition in stratum corneum when designed for topical application. Considering the demand for more effective therapeutic alternatives and the promising characteristics of SLN and NLC for topical application, the present study sought to gather studies that investigated the potential of using SLN and NLC for the treatment of cutaneous fungal infections. Studies demonstrated that these nanosystems showed optimisation, mostly, of the effectiveness of biomolecules besides other biopharmaceutical properties, in addition to offering potential occlusion and hydration of the applied region.

A Critical Review of Biological Properties, Delivery Systems and Analytical/Bioanalytical Methods for Determination of Bevacizumab

Bevacizumab is a chimeric monoclonal human-murine antibody originated from murine monoclonal antibody (muMAb A4.6.1) with the human immunoglobulin IgG1. BVZ binds the extracellular portion of vascular endothelial growth factor receptors (VEGFR), which have tyrosine kinase activity. The mechanism of action of BVZ involves binding to VEGFR, Flt-1 (VEGFR-1) and KDR/Flk-1 (VEGFR-2), inducing homodimerization of two receptor subunits, and, consequently, autophosphorylation of their tyrosine kinase domains located inside the cytoplasm. With the advent of nanostructured systems it is increasingly necessary to look for safe analytical methods, ensuring the reliability of the results obtained by them, becoming essential to ensure the quality of medicines. In this work, the incorporation of bevacizumab in to different drug delivery systems was presented. Moreover, detailed investigation was performed about methods for qualitative and quantitative analyses of bevacizumab, including, biological fluids, and drug delivery systems, were investigated. Most recently high performance liquid chromatography coupled with various detectors, liquid chromatography, mass spectrometry and ELISA were used for this purpose. Thus, this review was performed to evaluate the benefits of bevacizumab carried by nanostructured systems and the analytical methods available for detection and quantification of these drugs.