Cancer Drug Delivery Research Articles

Nanobiopolymers in cancer therapeutics: advancing targeted drug delivery through sustainable and controlled release mechanisms.

Nanobiopolymers have emerged as a transformative frontier in cancer treatment, leveraging nanotechnology to transform drug delivery. This review provides a comprehensive exploration of the multifaceted landscape of nano-based biopolymers, emphasizing their diverse sources, synthesis methods, and classifications. Natural, synthetic, and microbial nanobiopolymers are scrutinized, along with elucidation of their underlying mechanisms and impact on cancer drug delivery; the latest findings on their deployment as targeted drug delivery agents for cancer treatment are discussed. A detailed analysis of nanobiopolymer sources, including polysaccharides, peptides, and nucleic acids, highlights critical attributes like biodegradability, renewability, and sustainability essential for therapeutic applications. The classification of nanobiopolymers based on their origin and differentiation among natural, synthetic, and microbial sources are thoroughly examined for inherent advantages, challenges, and suitability for cancer therapeutics. The importance of targeted drug release at tumour sites, crucial for minimizing adverse effects on normal tissues, is discussed, encompassing various mechanisms. The role of polymer membrane coatings as a pivotal barrier for facilitating controlled drug release through diffusion is elucidated, providing further insight into efficient methods for cancer treatment and thus consolidating the current knowledge base for researchers and practitioners in the field of nanobiopolymers and cancer therapeutics.

Rational design of metal organic frameworks as the carriers for improving the efficiency of cancer drug delivery

Rational design of metal organic frameworks as the carriers for improving the efficiency of cancer drug delivery

Carbon quantum dots in breast cancer modulate cellular migration via cytoskeletal and nuclear structure

Carbon nanomaterials have been widely applied for cutting edge therapeutic applications as they offer tunable physio-chemical properties with economic scale-up options. Nuclear delivery of cancer drugs has been of prime focus since it controls important cellular signaling functions leading to greater anti-cancer drug efficacies. Better cellular drug uptake per unit drug injection drastically reduces severe side-effects of cancer therapies. Similarly, carbon dots (CDs) uptaken by the nucleus can also be used to set-up cutting edge nano delivery systems. In an earlier paper, we showed the cellular uptake and plasma membrane impact of combustion generated yellow luminescing CDs produced by our group from fuel rich combustion reactors in a one-step tunable production. In this paper, we aim to specifically study the nucleus by establishing the uptake kinetics of these combustion-generated yellow luminescing CDs. At sub-lethal doses, after crossing the plasma membrane, they impact the actin and microtubule mesh, affecting cell adhesion and migration; enter nucleus by diffusion processes; modify the overall appearance of the nucleus in terms of morphology; and alter chromatin condensation. We thus establish how this one-step produced, cost and bulk production friendly carbon dots from fuel rich combustion flames can be innovatively repurposed as potential nano delivery agents in cancer cells.

PH-responsive magnetic CuFe2O4-PMAA nanogel conjugated with amino-modified lignin for controlled breast cancer drug delivery

In this study, a novel magnetic and pH-responsive nanocarrier was developed, incorporating both natural and synthetic polymers, for delivering curcumin (CUR) to breast cancer cells. For this purpose, CuFe2O4@poly(methacrylic acid) (CuFe2O4@PMAA) nanogel was developed and conjugated with amino-modified lignin (Lignin-adipic acid dihydrazide conjugate, Lig-ADH) to achieve the CuFe2O4@PMAA@Lig-ADH nanocarrier. The morphology, structure, and physical properties of the synthesized nanomaterials were examined using a range of techniques, including transmission electron microscopy (TEM), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). The synthesized nanocarrier exhibited a spherical shape, with an average diameter of approximately 15 nm, and demonstrated good magnetic responsiveness. Moreover, the in vitro drug release was found to be pH-dependent, with an increased release rate in acidic conditions. To evaluate cytotoxicity, the survival of MCF-7 cells was measured using the MTT assay for 24 h. Notably, the synthesized CuFe2O4@PMAA@Lig-ADH@CUR and CUR exhibited significant cytotoxic effects, effectively eliminating MCF-7 cells with IC50 values of 39.80 µg/mL and 4.27 µg/mL, respectively. Also, the significant intracellular uptake of NPs was confirmed by FITC and DAPI staining after 4 h. This research highlighted the potential of CuFe2O4@PMAA@Lig-ADH@CUR as a highly effective nano-delivery system and demonstrated a straightforward method for utilizing renewable lignin.

Editorial for Special Issue: Gel-Based Drug Delivery Systems for Cancer Treatment

In recent years, hydrogel-based cancer drug delivery systems have developed rapidly due to the versatility of hydrogels [...]

An Overview of the Cancer Targeting Attributes of the Elastin Like Polypeptide Nano‐Carriers: Discerning Active and Passive Modes

AbstractSince the 1940s, generalized cytotoxic therapy has been a valuable tool in cancer treatment. Over the years, there's been a significant increase in developing potential cytotoxic drugs. However, little progress has been made in enhancing patients' quality of life. The therapeutic index is limited due to the drug's poor solubility and lack of selectivity. Various carriers have been explored for drug delivery to enhance efficacy. Yet, there's a gap for a versatile delivery system that can adjust to specific drug and application requirements. Here, a multifaceted drug delivery platform based on a genetically engineered nature‐inspired polymer, elastin‐like polypeptide (ELP) is introduced. This technology enables the customization of the polymeric vehicle's physicochemical characteristics to suit the needs of a specific drug and application. The review highlights ELP's advantages in cancer targeting, such as site‐specificity, controlled release, biocompatibility, and extended plasma circulation. For the first time, ELP‐based drug delivery into passive and active targeting for better comprehension of its adaptability is classified. Moreover, numerous opportunities for loading different types of drugs onto the polymer are outlined. Finally, the polymer's efficacy in delivery across multiple cancer types, underscoring the wide spectrum of ELP‐based cancer drug delivery is precisely described.

Numerical study of magneto convective ag (silver) graphene oxide (GO) hybrid nanofluid in a square enclosure with hot and cold slits and internal heat generation/absorption

Energy transmission is widely used in various engineering industries. In recent times, the utilization of hybrid nanofluids has become one of the most popular choices in various industrial fields to increase thermal performance and enhance power generation, entropy reduction, solar collectors, and solar systems. Motivated by this wide range of applications, the present article explores the mixed convection flow and heat transfer of magnetohydrodynamic \\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\:Ag$$\\end{document} (Silver) and \\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\:GO$$\\end{document} (Graphene) nanofluids hybrid nanofluids in a square enclosure with heat generation/absorption by using the MAC method. The vertical walls of the enclosure are assumed to be adiabatic. The horizontal walls are also assumed adiabatic except for the center portion of the top and bottom walls of the cavity. The center portion of the horizontal upper wall is maintained as a cold is \\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\:{(T}_{c})$$\\end{document}and the lower wall is maintained as hot \\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\:\\left({T}_{h}\\right)$$\\end{document}. The dimension equations are transformed into dimensionless form and then discretized and solved with the finite difference Marker and cell (MAC) method. Numerical modelling is implemented, by changing Richardson number \\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\:\\left(Ri\\right)$$\\end{document}, The results are located graphically using MATLAB software. The Nusselt number graph was displayed for the Reynolds number (Re), Richardson number\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\:\\:\\left(Ri\\right)$$\\end{document}, and Hartmann number \\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\:\\left(Ha\\right)$$\\end{document}. The findings show that enhancing the values of the Richardson number and Reynolds number enhances the Nusselt number values except for the Hartmann number. The findings indicate that the combination of the new model is very good at predicting thermal conductivity and correlates experimental results well. The augmenting strength of magnetic force diminishes fluid flow. Developing the coefficients for the heat source and sink improves energy transmission and heat transfer enhancement. Hybrid nanofluids like \\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\:Ag-GO$$\\end{document} enhance heat transfer and efficiency. They improve cooling in heat exchangers, radiators, and electronics, boost solar energy systems, aid in cancer treatment and drug delivery, enhance geothermal and wind turbine efficiency, and improve manufacturing processes. Overall, they optimize thermal management in various applications.

Cell membrane camouflaged Cu-doped mesoporous polydopamine for combined CT/PTT/CDT synergistic treatment of breast cancer

Currently, traditional monotherapy for cancer often results in indiscriminate attacks on the body, leading to the emergence of new health problems. To confront these challenges, multimodal combination therapy has become necessary. However, how to develop new smart nanomaterials through green synthesis methods, delivering drugs while simultaneously synergizing multimodal combination therapies for tumor treatment, remains a topic of great significance. In this study, a biomimetic composite nanomaterial (RM-Cu/P) composed of mesoporous polydopamine (MPDA) as the core and red blood cell membranes (RBCMs) as the shell was synthesized as a drug carrier to deliver doxorubicin (DOX) while achieving synergistic chemotherapy, photothermal and chemodynamic therapy (CT/PTT/CDT). Herein, the nanoparticles were extensively characterized to examine their morphological characteristics, elemental composition, and drug-carrying capacity. Notably, the coating of RBCM reduced the toxicity of the RM-Cu/P@DOX nanoparticles, improved their targeting ability and prolonged their circulation time in vivo. The Cu-doped nanoparticles were capable of initiating a Fenton-like reaction to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) for CDT, while the photothermal conversion efficiency (η) reached 45.20 % under NIR laser irradiation. Subsequently, the particles were examined by in vivo and in vitro experimental studies in cytotoxicity, cellular uptake, ROS levels, lysosomal escape, and mouse tumor model to evaluate their potential application in antitumor. Compared with monotherapy, the RM-Cu/P@DOX nanoparticles had multiple-stimulation response properties under redox, pH, and NIR, which exhibited the advantage of combined trimodal therapy, resulting in remarkable synergistic antitumor efficacy. In conclusion, this innovative platform exhibited promising applications in smart drug delivery and synergistic treatment of cancer.

Effective removal of host cell-derived nucleic acids bound to hepatitis B core antigen virus-like particles by heparin chromatography.

Virus-like particles (VLPs) show considerable potential for a wide array of therapeutic applications, spanning from vaccines targeting infectious diseases to applications in cancer immunotherapy and drug delivery. In the context of hepatitis B core antigen (HBcAg) VLPs, a promising candidate for gene delivery approaches, the naturally occurring nucleic acid (NA) binding region is commonly utilized for effective binding of various types of therapeutic nucleic acids (NAther). During formation of the HBcAg VLPs, host cell-derived nucleic acids (NAhc) might be associated to the NA binding region, and are thus encapsulated into the VLPs. Following a VLP harvest, the NAhc need to be removed effectively before loading the VLP with NAther. Various techniques reported in literature for this NAhc removal, including enzymatic treatments, alkaline treatment, and lithium chloride precipitation, lack quantitative evidence of sufficient NAhc removal accompanied by a subsequent high VLP protein recovery. In this study, we present a novel heparin chromatography-based process for effective NAhc removal from HBcAg VLPs. Six HBcAg VLP constructs with varying lengths of the NA binding region and diverse NAhc loadings were subjected to evaluation. Process performance was thoroughly examined through NAhc removal and VLP protein recovery analyses. Hereby, reversed phase chromatography combined with UV/Vis spectroscopy, as well as silica spin column-based chromatography coupled with dye-based fluorescence assay were employed. Additionally, alternative process variants, comprising sulfate chromatography and additional nuclease treatments, were investigated. Comparative analyses were conducted with LiCl precipitation and alkaline treatment procedures to ascertain the efficacy of the newly developed chromatography-based methods. Results revealed the superior performance of the heparin chromatography procedure in achieving high NAhc removal and concurrent VLP protein recovery. Furthermore, nuanced relationships between NA binding region length and NAhc removal efficiency were elucidated. Hereby, the construct Cp157 surpassed the other constructs in the heparin process by demonstrating high NAhc removal and VLP protein recovery. Among the other process variants minimal performance variations were observed for the selected constructs Cp157 and Cp183. However, the heparin chromatography-based process consistently outperformed other methods, underscoring its superiority in NAhc removal and VLP protein recovery.

Investigation of aluminum nitrate nanotube as the smart carriers for targeted delivery of gemcitabine anti-lung cancer drug

The potential of aluminum nitrate nanotube as a drug carrier for anti-lung cancer drug gemcitabine is examined based on the density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The adsorption geometries of gemcitabine drug onto the surface of nanotube are investigated for various orientation in order to attain the most stable configuration. Significant interaction is observed between the double bonded oxygen atom of the gemcitabine drug and aluminum atom of the nanocage. The charge transfer analysis indicates that there is significant interaction along with considerable charge transfer between gemcitabine and the aluminum nitrate nanotube. The electronic properties such as highest occupied molecular orbital, lowest unoccupied molecular orbitals energy levels, energy gap, chemical hardness, chemical potential, electrophilicity index, and dipole moment for the best three configurations of the complexation are examined. The recovery time calculations are also performed at 298.15 K temperature in order to study the drug desorption process on the targeted site. The stability of the complex is compared in both gas and aqueous medium. Eventually, this work interprets that aluminum nitrate nanotube can be considered to be suitable candidates for delivering gemcitabine anti-lung cancer drug in a biological system.

Novel Carbohydrate Polymer-Based Systems for Precise Drug Delivery in Colon Cancer: Improving Treatment Effectiveness With Intelligent Biodegradable Materials.

Due to their biocompatibility, biodegradability, and controlled release, carbohydrates polymers are crucial to targeted drug delivery systems, notably for colon cancer treatment. This article examines how carbohydrate polymers like chitosan, pectin, guar gum, alginate, hyaluronic acid, dextran, and chondroitin sulfate are used in improved drug delivery. Modifying these polymers improves drug loading, stability, and release patterns, enhancing chemotherapeutic drugs' therapeutic index. Chitosan nanoparticles are pH-responsive, making them perfect for cancer treatment. Pectin's resistance to gastric enzymes and colonic bacteria makes it a promising colon-specific medication delivery agent. The combination of these polymers with nanotechnology, 3D printing, and AI allows the creation of stimuli-responsive systems that release drugs precisely in response to environmental signals like pH, redox potential, or colon enzymatic activity. The review highlights intelligent delivery system design advances that reduce systemic toxicity, improve treatment efficacy, and improve patient adherence. Carbohydrate polymers will revolutionize colon cancer treatment with personalized and accurate alternatives.

Chrysin Embedded Metal Organic Framework for Anticancer Drug Delivery.

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have garnered significant attention in the field of cancer drug delivery owing to their porosity, high drug-loading capacity, and large surface area. In our recent research, we synthesized a redox-responsive MOF using zirconium (Zr) as the metal ion and 4,4-dithiobisbenzoic acid (DTBA) as the organic linker. The synthesis method employed was the hydrothermal method, and it was observed that the MOF synthesized at 400°C had a particle size of less than 200 nm and a zeta potential of +35 mV, indicating its suitability as a carrier for drug delivery. Chrysin, a natural anticancer drug, was used in this study. Glutathione, which is abundantly present in tumor cells, cleaves the disulfide bond in the organic ligand (DTBA), leading to faster drug release. By incorporating chrysin into the synthesized MOF, we observed faster in vitro drug release, with 88 and 89% at pH 7.4 and 5.5, respectively. The synthesis of ZrDTBA MOF opens up new opportunities for its application in drug delivery.

Comparative Cellular and In Vivo Anti-cancer studies of Doxorubicin Liposomes Prepared with Different Types of Phospholipids

The selection of lipid components of membrane bilayer determines the rigidity of liposomes affecting drug efficacy, especially for cancer drug delivery. The present study evaluated liposomes with different rigidity for delivering doxorubicin (DOX). In this work, liposomes composed of rigid lipid, hydrogenated soybean phosphatidylcholine (HSPC), were totally or partially substituted with 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (POPC) or 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine (DOPE). The liposomes are composed of phosphatidylcholine (HSPC, POPC), with and without combination with DOPE, cholesterol, and DSPE-mPEG2000 with a molar ratio of 57: 38: 5, respectively. Liposomes were prepared using a thin layer hydration method. Then, in vitro cytotoxicity and in vivo antitumor activity of these liposomes were evaluated. Substitution of HSPC with POPC resulted in similar cytotoxicities profiles similar to the DOX solution on C26 colon cancer cells and LLC cells. The DOPE addition to DOX liposomes reduced the antitumor activity. In conclusion, the lipid substitution of HSPC with POPC or DOPE reduced liposome rigidity; however, it lowered the in vivo antitumor activity.

Unraveling the role of graphene oxide in cancer drug delivery

The advancements in nanotechnology have opened up novel possibilities for drug delivery in cancer treatment. Among these, carbon-based nanomaterials have shown significant promise due to their capacity to carry multiple anticancer drugs. In particular, graphene oxide (GO) and its derivatives have been extensively studied and utilized as effective carriers for cancer drug delivery, due to their high drug-loading capability, large surface area, and ease of functionalization. This mini-review aims to provide recent evidence highlighting the important role of GO and its derivatives in cancer diagnosis and therapy.

Folic acid-conjugated bovine serum albumin-coated selenium-ZIF-8 core/shell nanoparticles for dual target-specific drug delivery in breast cancer.

Methotrexate (MTX), a frequently used chemotherapeutic agent, has limited water solubility, leading to rapid clearance even in local injections. In the present study, we developed folic acid-conjugated BSA-stabilized selenium-ZIF-8 core/shell nanoparticles for targeted delivery of MTX to combat breast cancer. FT-IR, XRD, SEM, TEM, and elemental mapping analysis confirmed the successful formation of FA-BSA@MTX@Se@ZIF-8. The developed nano-DDS had a mean diameter, polydispersity index, and zeta potential of 254.8nm, 0.17, and - 16.5 mV, respectively. The release behavior of MTX from the nanocarriers was pH-dependent, where the cumulative release percentage at pH 5.4 was higher than at pH 7.4. BSA significantly improved the blood compatibility of nanoparticles so that after modifying their surface with BSA, the percentage of hemolysis decreased from 12.67 to 5.12%. The loading of methotrexate in BSA@Se@ZIF-8 nanoparticles reduced its IC50 on 4T1 cells from 40.29µg/mL to 16.54µg/mL, and by conjugating folic acid on the surface, this value even decreased to 12.27µg/mL. In vivo evaluation of the inhibitory effect in tumor-bearing mice showed that FA-BSA@MTX@Se@ZIF-8 caused a 2.8-fold reduction in tumor volume compared to the free MTX, which is due to the anticancer effect of selenium nanoparticles, the pH sensitivity of ZIF-8, and the presence of folic acid on the surface as a targeting agent. More importantly, histological studies and animal body weight monitoring confirmed that developed nano-DDS does not have significant organ toxicity. Taking together, the incorporation of chemotherapeutics in folic acid-conjugated BSA-stabilized selenium-ZIF-8 nanoparticles may hold a significant impact in the field of future tumor management.

PH‐responsive bionanocomposite pectin grafted with dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate and acrylic acid copolymer along with silver nanoparticles for breast cancer drug delivery

AbstractIn this study, we developed a pH‐responsive hydrogel membrane composed of pectin, dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate (DMAEMA), and acrylic acid (AA) through a free radical‐triggered graft copolymerization method. Freshly formed silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) produced from the reduction reaction were embedded in the produced hydrogel. Pectin‐grafted dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate and acrylic acid copolymer [poly (DMAEMA‐co‐AA)‐g‐pectin] and its bionanocomposite with AgNPs were confirmed by Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The swelling behavior of poly (DMAEMA‐co‐AA)‐g‐pectin in solutions with diverse pH values was assessed. For use as a controlled drug delivery agent, the hydrogel was loaded with 5‐fluorouracil (5‐FU). The incorporation of AgNPs had a great impact on the entrapment efficiency of 5‐FU. At pH 7.4, nearly 48% of the 5‐FU was released in vitro from the polymeric nanocomposite within 24 h. Moreover, poly (DMAEMA‐co‐AA)‐g‐pectin and poly (DMAEMA‐co‐AA)‐g‐pectin/AgNPs presented high cytocompatibility toward normal skin fibroblast cells (BJ1), and the drug delivery system strongly inhibited human Caucasian breast adenocarcinoma cells (MCF‐7). These results demonstrated that these poly (DMAEMA‐co‐AA)‐g‐pectin/AgNPs are an excellent candidate for use in anticancer drug delivery systems.Highlights Free radical polymerization of nanocomposites incorporated with nanoparticles. Nanoparticles improve the bionanocomposites' drug loading. The developed bionanocomposites exhibit control drug release. The novel bionanocomposites acts as an excellent anticancer drug carrier.

Phototactic Biohybrid Microrobot Using Peptide Nanotubes‐Coated Microalgae for pH‐Responsive Active Drug Delivery

Despite the recent wide investigation on active cancer drug delivery, there are still strong medical unmet needs for active tumor‐environment responsive cancer drug delivery in terms of spatiotemporal control. Herein, a biohybrid system of pH‐responsive peptide nanotubes (PNTs)‐coated microalgae for active cancer drug delivery in response to the tumor‐environment is developed. The amphiphilic PNTs are effectively used to encapsulate cancer drugs and coat the living microalgae of C. reinhardtii by electrostatic interactions. The drug‐loaded PNTs‐based biohybrid microalgae maintain agile movement with phototaxis behavior. After in vitro characterization and cytotoxicity assessment, it is shown that the biohybrid microalgae could be phototactically localized to the cancer cells and pH‐responsively disassembled to release cancer drugs in a controlled manner. Finally, with the encapsulation of paclitaxel, the statistically significant suppression of tumor growth in xenograft tumor model animals is successfully demonstrated. Taken together, the feasibility of the multifunctional microrobotic platform for advanced cancer therapy is confirmed.

Efficient delivery of curcumin by functional solid lipid nanoparticles with promoting endosomal escape and liver targeting properties

In the realm of intracellular drug delivery, overcoming the barrier of endosomal entrapment stands as a critical factor influencing the effectiveness of nanodrug delivery systems. This study focuses on the synthesis of an acid-sensitive fatty acid derivative called imidazole-stearic acid (IM-SA). Leveraging the proton sponge effect attributed to imidazole groups, IM-SA was anticipated to play a pivotal role in facilitating endosomal escape. Integrated into the lipid core of solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs), IM-SA was paired with hyaluronic acid (HA) coating on the surface of SLNs loading with curcumin (CUR). The presence of IM-SA and HA endowed HA-IM-SLNs@CUR with dual functionalities, enabling the promotion of endosomal escape, and specifical targeting of liver cancer. HA-IM-SLNs@CUR exhibited a particle size of ∼228 nm, with impressive encapsulation efficiencies (EE) of 87.5 % ± 2.3 % for CUR. Drugs exhibit significant pH sensitive release behavior. Cellular experiments showed that HA-IM-SLN@CUR exhibits enhanced drug delivery capability. The incorporation of IM-SA significantly improved the endosomal escape of HA-IM-SLN@CUR, facilitating accelerated intracellular drug release and increasing intracellular drug concentration, exhibiting excellent growth inhibitory effects on HepG2 cells. Animal experiments revealed a 3.4-fold increase in CUR uptake at the tumor site with HA-IM-SLNs@CUR over the free CUR, demonstrating remarkable tumor homing potential with the tumor growth inhibition rate of 97.2 %. These findings indicated the significant promise of HA-IM-SLNs@CUR in the realm of cancer drug delivery.

Synthesis and characterization of nickel-based MOFs: Enhancing photocatalysis and targeted cancer drug delivery

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) are intricate molecular solids formed by connecting organic ligands with metal or metal–cluster binding sites. They have exceptional characteristics such as expansive surface area, adaptability, and meticulously structured porosity, rendering them valuable in various applications including photocatalytic degradation and drug delivery systems. In this investigation, a benign Ni-based MOF was synthesized using benzene 1,4dicarboxylic acid as a linker and dimethyl sulfoxide as a solvent through the hydrothermal approach within a Teflon autoclave. The synthesized MOFs were precisely characterized using techniques such as X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope with energy-dispersive X-ray analysis, Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and N2-sorption measurements. The photocatalytic efficiency of the Ni-based MOF was explored against Congo red under visible light exposure, with the proposed mechanism involving electron transfer from photoexcited organic ligands to metallic clusters, resulting in a degradation efficiency of 98.68 % after 145 min. Furthermore, the Ni-based MOFs, when loaded with the anticancer drug cisplatin, displayed notable capabilities in drug delivery against the human breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231, leading to a 35.26 % reduction in cell viability. Cytotoxicity assessments using the MTT assay revealed that the nano-carriers hindered cell proliferation with an IC50 value of 46.84 μg/mL.

Implementation of PLGA-based Nanoparticles for Treatment of Colorectal Cancer

: Colorectal cancer is more prevalent in females than males. There are many anticancer drugs accessible for use, but their therapeutic importance is constrained by factors including poor solubility, low absorption, and multi-drug resistance. This review highlights how PLGA may be used to develop polymeric- targeted drug delivery systems that specifically target colorectal cancer. The PLGA polymer, which is disseminated in the colon together with drugs in a regulated and targeted manner, has the distinct characteristics of smart degradation in a biological system. Its degradability is dependent on multiple glycolide units; therefore, a lower glycol concentration improves degradability and vice versa. Also, PLGA facilitates drug delivery in colorectal cancer, enhances the efficacy of the drug, improves the sustained release profile of a drug, improves bioavailability due to prolonged retention time in the colon, enhances solubility, etc. To develop the formulation for improving the cytotoxic impact of various anticancer drugs, the surface modification of PLGA can be carried out by introducing a copolymer. By emphasizing their crucial characterization to demonstrate their therapeutic potential, this literature work has also shed light on recent patents and advancements in PLGA application.