Nanoprecipitation Method Research Articles

In vitro & in vivo evaluations of PLGA nanoparticle based combinatorial drug therapy for baclofen and lamotrigine for neuropathic pain management

Aim Baclofen and Lamotrigine via PLGA nanoparticles were developed for nose-to-brain delivery for the treatment of Neuropathic pain. Methods Nanoparticles were prepared using the modified nano-precipitation method. The prepared NPs were characterised and further in vitro and in vivo studies were performed. Results The Bcf-Ltg-PLGA-NPs were ∼177.7 nm with >75%(w/w) drugs encapsulated. In vitro dissolution studies suggested zero-order release profiles following the Korsmeyer-Peppas model. In vitro cytotoxicity and staining studies on mammalian cells showed dose dependant cytotoxicity where nanoparticles were significantly less toxic (>95% cell-viability). ELISA studies on RAW-macrophages showed Bcf-Ltg-PLGA-NPs as a potential pro-inflammatory-cytokines inhibitor. In vivo gamma-scintigraphy studies on rats showed intra-nasal administration of 99mTc-Bcf-Ltg-PLGA-NPs showed C max 3.6%/g at T max = 1.5h with DTE% as 191.23% and DTP% = 38.61% in brain. Pharmacodynamics evaluations on C57BL/6J mice showed a significant reduction in licks/bites during inflammation-induced phase II pain. Conclusion The findings concluded that the combination of these drugs into a single nanoparticle-based formulation has potential for pain management.

Expression of Matrix Metalloprotein 13 in Injury Model of Articular Chondrocyte in Rabbits and Analysis of Nano-Drug-Loading System.

This study aimed to analyze the application of a responsive nano-drug-loading system in injury model of articular chondrocyte in rabbits, as well as its effect on expression of matrix metalloprotein 13 (MMP13). The nanoprecipitation method was adopted to prepare camptothecin (CPT)-loaded poly ethylene glycol (PEG)-Poly caprolactone (PCL) and PEG-PCL nanoparticles without CPT. Afterward, the above mentioned nano-drug-loaded system was used to treat an in vitro scratch model of articular chondrocytes. According to different treatment plans, they were divided into groups: G0 (administered CPT-PEG-PCL nanomedicine), G1 (administered PEG-PCL drug), G2 (saline control), and G3 (healthy control). Results showed that the drug-loading capacity and efficiency of CPT-PEG-PCL was higher than that of PEG-PCL. The levels of type II collagen and hyaluronic acid in G0 was higher than that in G1 and G2. The levels of type II collagen and hyaluronic acid in G0 were not obviously different from those in G3. The level of MMP13 in G0 was lower than that in G1 and G2 and the level of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases 1 (TIMP1) in G0 was higher than that in G1 and G2. The proliferation activity of cells in G0 was higher than that in G1 and G2, but there was no obvious difference when compared with G3. In conclusion, CPT-PEG-PCL has stronger long-term circulation capacity and drug-loading efficiency. It can effectively up-regulate the levels of type II collagen, hyaluronic acid, and TIMP1, as well as reduce the synthesis and secretion of MMP13 and promote the repair of articular cartilage damage.

Nitric oxide nano-prodrug platform with synchronous glutathione depletion and hypoxia relief for enhanced photodynamic cancer therapy

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a promising non-invasive and selective cancer treatment. However, its efficacy is curtailed by tumor hypoxia and high levels of glutathione (GSH) in the tumor and addressing both limitations simultaneously remain challenging. Here, an all-in-one nanoplatform was designed using a GSH-responsive nitric oxide (NO) nano-prodrug that synchronously depletes GSH and relieves hypoxia in tumors, enhancing PDT efficacy. The nano-prodrug PEG-PAMAM-PA/SNO was prepared by integrating the GSH-sensitive NO and pheophorbide A (PA) prodrugs N-acetyl-d-penicillamine thiolactone and PAMAM-PA into polyethylene glycol (PEG), and the NPPA/NO and NPPA were then obtained through nanoprecipitation method. This nanoplatform depletes the intracellular antioxidant, GSH, by integrating GSH-responsive NO prodrug and generating NO that relaxes blood vessels, thereby relieving tumor hypoxia and defeating antioxidant defense system in tumor, while PEGylated PAMAM dendrimers have abundant surface functional groups and can greatly prolong their circulation lifetime in the bloodstream. These effects make this GSH-activatable NO nano-prodrug platform an appealing strategy for enhancing PDT's antitumor effects.

DEVELOPMENT OF NANOPARTICLES SUSPENSION FOR PAEDIATRIC DRUG ADMINISTRATION

Objective: Enalapril maleate (EM) is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor. It is generally prescribed for the treatment of hypertension, heart failure and chronic kidney diseases in adults and children. EM 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg and 20 mg tablets and EM injection 1.25 mg/ml are currently available in the market. But a liquid paediatric formulation of this medicine is not currently available. Also, it is a BCS class III drug, having a bioavailability of approximately 60%. The present study proposes a new strategy for improvement of drug bioavailability and taste masking: EM nanoencapsulation within polymeric nanoparticles suspensions prepared with Eudragit RS100 (ERS100) as polymer and Tween 80 as a stabilizer, aiming at obtaining a liquid dosage form suitable for paediatric administration.Methods: Nanoprecipitation method used for the preparation of nanoparticles suspension. The preparations were evaluated for drug content, entrapment efficiency, particle size, zeta potential, polydispersity index, pH, viscosity and in vitro drug release. Based on the entrapment efficiency, viscosity and in vitro drug release the optimized formulation was selected. Optimized formulation evaluated for taste, ex vivo intestinal permeation, differential scanning calorimetry, scanning electron microscopy and release kinetic studies.Results: The optimized nanoparticle formulation F8 having drug to polymer ratio of 1:100 showed satisfactory drug content (95.1%), entrapment efficiency (77.71%), particle size (198.47 nm), pH (6.36), viscosity (2.9 x〖10〗^(-3)Pa•s) and 81.2% drug release after 12 h. The formulation has taste-masking properties and shows 84.6% drug permeation through the goat intestine within 12 h.Conclusion: The prepared nanoparticles suspension of Enalapril maleate was found to be an effective liquid pharmaceutical dosage form for paediatric administration with taste-masking properties.

Investigating the Impact of Optimized Trans-Cinnamic Acid-Loaded PLGA Nanoparticles on Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition in Breast Cancer.

PurposeTo design and optimize trans-cinnamic acid-loaded PLGA nanoparticles (CIN-PLGA-NPs) and assess its inhibitory effect on epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in triple-negative breast cancer.MethodsThe quality by design approach was used to correlate the formulation parameters (PLGA amount and Poloxamer188 concentration) and critical quality attributes (entrapment efficiency percent, particle size and zeta potential). Design of CIN-PLGA-NPs formulations was done based on central composite response surface design and formulated by nanoprecipitation method. In addition, the optimized CIN-PLGA-NPs formulation was further evaluated for morphology using transmission electron microscopy and in vitro dissolution test. The cytotoxicity of CIN-PLGA-NPs optimized formula in comparison to the free trans-cinnamic acid (CIN-Free) was investigated in vitro using MDA-MB-231, triple-negative breast cancer cells, followed by scratch wound assay for evaluating the impact on the migratory potential of MDA-MB-231 cells. In vivo antitumor activity was evaluated using Ehrlich ascites carcinoma solid tumor animal model where tumor volumes were measured at different time points and necrotic/apoptotic indices were estimated in tumor sections. EMT markers, E- and N-cadherin, were assessed in solid tumors as well.ResultsThe optimized formulation showed entrapment efficiency of 76.98%, particle size of 186.3 nm with a smooth spherical surface and zeta potential of −28.47 mV indicating its stability. Furthermore, CIN-PLGA-NPs optimized formula released 60.8±1.89% of the total CIN-Free within 24 hours compared to 29±1.25% of the raw CIN-Free indicating improved dissolution rate. The optimized formula showed superior cytotoxicity on MDA-MB-231 cells compared to its free counterpart as well as increased wound closure percentage along with reduced tumor size in mice and increased necrotic and apoptotic indices. Tumor levels of E-cadherin and N-cadherin were indicative of EMT inhibition.ConclusionOur findings proved the capability of PLGA nanoparticles in loading trans-cinnamic acid in addition to enhancing its antitumor efficacy in triple-negative breast cancer possibly via inhibiting EMT.

Light-Decomposable Polymeric Micelles with Hypoxia-Enhanced Phototherapeutic Efficacy for Combating Metastatic Breast Cancer.

Oxygen dependence and anabatic hypoxia are the major factors responsible for the poor outcome of photodynamic therapy (PDT) against cancer. Combining of PDT and hypoxia-activatable bioreductive therapy has achieved remarkably improved antitumor efficacy compared to single PDT modality. However, controllable release and activation of prodrug and safety profiles of nanocarrier are still challenging in the combined PDT/hypoxia-triggered bioreductive therapy. Herein, we developed a near infrared (NIR) light-decomposable nanomicelle, consisting of PEGylated cypate (pCy) and mPEG-polylactic acid (mPEG2k-PLA2k) for controllable delivery of hypoxia-activated bioreductive prodrug (tirapazamine, TPZ) (designated TPZ@pCy), for combating metastatic breast cancer via hypoxia-enhanced phototherapies. TPZ@pCy was prepared by facile nanoprecipitation method, with good colloidal stability, excellent photodynamic and photothermal potency, favorable light-decomposability and subsequent release and activation of TPZ under irradiation. In vitro experiments demonstrated that TPZ@pCy could be quickly internalized by breast cancer cells, leading to remarkable synergistic tumor cell-killing potential. Additionally, metastatic breast tumor-xenografted mice with systematic administration of TPZ@pCy showed notable tumor accumulation, promoting tumor ablation and lung metastasis inhibition with negligible toxicity upon NIR light illumination. Collectively, our study demonstrates that this versatile light-decomposable polymeric micelle with simultaneous delivery of photosensitizer and bioreductive agent could inhibit tumor growth as well as lung metastasis, representing a promising strategy for potent hypoxia-enhanced phototherapies for combating metastatic breast cancer.

Tunable Aggregation-Induced Emission Fluorophore with the Assistance of the Self-Assembly of Block Copolymers by Controlling the Morphology and Secondary Conformation for Bioimaging.

Aggregation-induced emission (AIE) luminogens with highly tunable properties show great potential for many applications. In this study, we synthesized a new family of AIE-type poly(ethylene glycol)-block-poly(9-anthrylmethyl lysine) (PEG-b-PLys-An) diblock copolymers by taking advantage of amphiphilic self-assembly and rigid helical backbones. These copolymers can self-assemble into various assemblies through nanoprecipitation methods. The micelles using N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) as a cosolvent present brighter fluorescence than the vesicles prepared from tetrahydrofuran (THF). We demonstrate that the decreased solubility of copolymers in DMF results in the formation of more compact micelles with more excimer formation during the self-assembly process, while better solvent THF favors the formation of vesicles with stretched core chains. In addition, the secondary conformation of the polypeptide block shows pronounced effects on the fluorescence property. We further show the internalization of the assemblies using two types of cells by cellular uptake experiments. By the delicate design of the block copolymer, we successfully prepare the morphology- and conformation-dependent AIE materials for potential biomedical applications.

A pH-sensitive supramolecular nanosystem with chlorin e6 and triptolide co-delivery for chemo-photodynamic combination therapy

The combination of Ce6, an acknowledged photosensitizer, and TPL, a natural anticancer agent, has been demonstrated as a useful strategy to reinforce the tumor growth suppression, as well as decrease the systemic side effects compared with their monotherapy. However, in view of the optimal chemo-photodynamic combination efficiency, there is still short of the feasible nanovehicle to steadily co-deliver Ce6 and TPL, and stimuli-responsively burst release drugs in tumor site. Herein, we described the synergistic antitumor performance of a pH-sensitive supramolecular nanosystem, mediated by the host–guest complexing between β-CD and acid pH-responsive amphiphilic co-polymer mPEG-PBAE-mPEG, showing the shell–core structural micelles with the tight β-CD layer coating. Both Ce6 and TPL were facilely co-loaded into the spherical supramolecular NPs (TPL+Ce6/NPs) by one-step nanoprecipitation method, with an ideal particle size (156.0 nm), acid pH-responsive drug release profile, and enhanced cellular internalization capacity. In view of the combination benefit of photodynamic therapy and chemotherapy, as well as co-encapsulation in the fabricated pH-sensitive supramolecular NPs, TPL+Ce6/NPs exhibited significant efficacy to suppress cellular proliferation, boost ROS level, lower MMP, and promote cellular apoptosis in vitro. Particularly, fluorescence imaging revealed that TPL+Ce6/NPs preferentially accumulated in the tumor tissue area, with higher intensity than that of free Ce6. As expected, upon 650-nm laser irradiation, TPL+Ce6/NPs exhibited a cascade of amplified synergistic chemo-photodynamic therapeutic benefits to suppress tumor progression in both hepatoma H22 tumor-bearing mice and B16 tumor-bearing mice. More importantly, lower systemic toxicity was found in the tumor-bearing mice treated with TPL+Ce6/NPs. Overall, the designed supramolecular TPL+Ce6/NPs provided a promising alternative approach for chemo-photodynamic therapy in tumor treatment.

Formulation and Evaluation of Rosuvastatin Calcium Polymeric Nanoparticles-Loaded Transdermal Patch

Background: Transdermal drug delivery systems (TDDS) have been rapidly developed as a promising alternative to the oral delivery systems to provide controlled drug delivery and avoid the first-pass metabolism of drugs. Recently, various nanocarriers such as liposome and lipid nanoparticles have been used to enhance dermal and transdermal penetration of drugs. The aim of this study is to formulate and evaluate a polymeric nanoparticle (PNPs)-loaded transdermal patch of the antihyperlipidemic drug rosuvastatin. Materials and Methods: Rosuvastatin PNPs were prepared by nanoprecipitation method, and evaluated for particle size, zeta-potential and polydispersity index. PNPs-loaded patch and PNPs-free patch (control) of rosuvastatin were prepared by solvent casting method using hydroxyl polymethyl cellulose K15 (HPMC K 15) as film-forming polymer and polyethylene glycol 200 (PEG 200) as a plasticizer and evaluated for physical appearance, thickness, folding endurance, surface pH, in-vitro release and ex-vivo permeability. Results: The particle size, zeta-potential, and polydispersity index of rosuvastatin-loaded PNPs were 68.69 nm, - 7.5 mV, and 0.294, respectively. The prepared transdermal films showed acceptable appearance, thickness, and folding endurance as well as surface pH values. In vitro release study showed 65% and 82% cumulative release after 24 hrs for the polymeric nanoparticle-loaded patch and control patch, respectively. However. ex vivo permeation results showed that a significantly higher amount of rosuvastatin permeated via rat skin from the PNPs-loaded patch in comparison to the control patch (P-value ˂ 0.05). Conclusion: Rosuvastatin PNPs-loaded transdermal patch was successfully prepared and revealed promising releasing and permeation properties comparing to control patch.

Novel Nanoparticles Based on N,O-Carboxymethyl Chitosan-Dopamine Amide Conjugate for Nose-to-Brain Delivery.

A widely investigated approach to bypass the blood brain barrier is represented by the intranasal delivery of therapeutic agents exploiting the olfactory or trigeminal connections nose-brain. As for Parkinson’s disease (PD), characterized by dopaminergic midbrain neurons degeneration, currently there is no disease modifying therapy. Although several bio-nanomaterials have been evaluated for encapsulation of neurotransmitter dopamine (DA) or dopaminergic drugs in order to restore the DA content in parkinsonian patients, the premature leakage of the therapeutic agent limits this approach. To tackle this drawback, we undertook a study where the active was linked to the polymeric backbone by a covalent bond. Thus, novel nanoparticles (NPs) based on N,O-Carboxymethylchitosan-DA amide conjugate (N,O-CMCS-DA) were prepared by the nanoprecipitation method and characterized from a technological view point, cytotoxicity and uptake by Olfactory Ensheating Cells (OECs). Thermogravimetric analysis showed high chemical stability of N,O-CMCS-DA NPs and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy evidenced the presence of amide linkages on the NPs surface. MTT test indicated their cytocompatibility with OECs, while cytofluorimetry and fluorescent microscopy revealed the internalization of labelled N,O-CMCS-DA NPs by OECs, that was increased by the presence of mucin. Altogether, these findings seem promising for further development of N,O-CMCS-DA NPs for nose-to-brain delivery application in PD.

Gum-based nanocapsules comprising naphthoquinones enhance the apoptotic and trypanocidal activity against Trypanosoma evansi

Nanoencapsulation is a promising approach to enhance the therapeutic potential of a drug. Herein, three selected naphthoquinone (NTQ) derivatives, based on the IC50 value against Trypanosoma evansi, were encapsulated using gum damar as biocompatible and biodegradable natural gum via nanoprecipitation method. Nanoformulation of NTQs (NNTQs) was less than 150 nm in size, was found to be stable and released the drug in a sustained manner. All the three NNTQs exhibited significant antitrypanosomal effect and morphological changes at approximately two to three times lesser drug concentrations. The nanoformulations exhibited enhanced production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the axenic culture of T. evansi and less cytotoxic effect on horse peripheral blood mononuclear cells relative to pure NTQs. As evidenced by flow cytometry, the NNTQs showed dose-dependent and time-dependent increased transition of live cells (AV-PI-) to early apoptotic cells (AV+PI−), late apoptotic cells (AV−PI+), and necrotic cells (AV+PI+) using annexin V/propidium iodide probe analysis. The results concluded that NNTQs induced more ROS, apoptosis and necrotic effects that exhibited more inhibitory effect on the growth of T. evansi with respect to respective NTQ by themselves.

Conjugated Oligomer‐Directed Formation of Hollow Nanoparticles for Targeted Photokilling Cancer Cells under Hypoxia

AbstractPhotodynamic therapy (PDT) has been recognized as one powerful solution to treat cancers, but its efficacy is often impaired by the oxygen‐deficient hypoxic tumor microenvironment. Herein, conjugated oligomer‐based hollow nanoparticles are developed as efficient phototheranostic agent for targeted PDT under hypoxia. The sialic acid (SA)‐imprinted hollow nanoparticles are facilely prepared via a nanoprecipitation method using a conjugated oligomer as photosensitizer and an amphiphilic polymer as matrix. The strong intra‐ and inter‐molecular π–π stacking interactions of the conjugated oligomer direct the self‐assembly and formation of hollow nanostructure. Triggered by 660 nm laser, the nanoparticles exhibit prominent reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation both in water and cellular medium, which are specifically determined as singlet oxygen (1O2) and superoxide radical (O2–•) under normoxia (20% O2) while mainly O2–• under hypoxia (1% O2). Moreover, the feature of SA‐imprinted surface makes these nanoparticles capable of selectively targeting and being internalized into SA over‐expressed cancer cells, and their efficient PDT behaviors in vitro are also demonstrated even under severely hypoxic environment. Thus, the work provides a promising photosensitizer candidate for targeted PDT in hypoxic tumor.

Study of antimycobacterial, cytotoxic, and mutagenic potential of polymeric nanoparticles of copper (II) complex

ABSTRACT This study aimed to encapsulate and characterize a potential anti-tuberculosis copper complex (CuCl2(INH)2.H2O:I1) into polymeric nanoparticles (PNs) of polymethacrylate copolymers (Eudragit®, Eu) developed by nanoprecipitation method. NE30D, S100 and, E100 polymers were tested. The physicochemical characterizations were performed by DLS, TEM, FTIR, encapsulation efficiency and, in vitro release studies. Encapsulation of I1 in PN-NE30D, PN-E100, and PN-S100 was 26.3%, 94.5%, 22.6%, respectively. The particle size and zeta potential were 82.3 nm and -24.5 mV for PNs-NE30D, 304.4 nm and +18.7 mV for PNs-E100, and 517.9 nm and -6.9 mV for PNs-S100, respectively. All PDIs were under 0.5. The formulations showed a I1 controlled release at alkaline pH with 29.7% from PNs-NE30D, 7.9% from PNs-E100 and, 28.1% from PNs-S100 at 1 h incubation. PNs were stable for at least 3 months. Particularly, PNs-NE30D demonstrated moderate inhibition of M. tuberculosis and low cytotoxic activity. None of the PNs induced mutagenicity.

Encapsulation of Isoniazid in Polylactide-Co-Glycolide Nanoparticles by Nanoprecipitation

The use of polymeric materials as drug carriers has several advantages, such as prolongation of drug action and reduction of drug side effects. In this study, we consider the methods for the preparation of polylactide-co-glycolide (PLGA) polymeric nanoparticles with the anti-tuberculosis drug (ATD), isoniazid, by nanoprecipitation. Polymeric nanocarriers were obtained by varying individual parameters such as the nature of solvent and non-solvent, drug/polymer ratio, and stabilizer concentration. It was determined that the aver-age particle size depends on the type of non-solvent. When alcohols were used, the average size increased in the sequence: ethanol < isopropanol < isobutanol. The type of solvent is an important factor in the formation of nanoparticles and their final characteristics. With an increase in the drug/polymer ratio, the average size of nanoparticles also increased. The size of obtained nanoparticles varied from 93 to 869 nm. Thermogravi-metric and differential scanning calorimetry analyses were carried out to confirm the incorporation of the drug into the polymer matrix. In addition, polymer degradation and the degree of release of isoniazid from the polymeric matrix at different pH were studied. It was identified that the nanoprecipitation method can be used not only for hydrophobic but also for hydrophilic drugs.

Self-assembled traditional Chinese nanomedicine modulating tumor immunosuppressive microenvironment for colorectal cancer immunotherapy.

Colorectal cancer (CRC), mostly categorized as a low immunogenic microsatellite-stable phenotype bearing complex immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME), is highly resistant to immunotherapy. Seeking safe and efficient alternatives aimed at modulating tumor immunosuppressive TME to improve outcome of CRC is highly anticipated yet remains challenging.Methods: Enlightened from the drug complementary art in traditional Chinese medicine, we designed a self-assembled nanomedicine (termed LNT-UA) by the natural active ingredients of ursolic acid (UA) and lentinan (LNT) through a simple nano-precipitation method, without any extra carriers, for CRC immunotherapy.Results: UA induces immunogenic cell death (ICD), while LNT further promotes dendritic cell (DC) maturation and repolarizes tumor-associated macrophage (TAM) from a protumorigenic M2 to an antitumor M1 phenotype. Co-delivery of UA and LNT by LNT-UA effectively reshapes the immunosuppressive TME and mobilizes innate and adaptive immunity to inhibit tumor progression in the CT26 CRC tumor model. Following the principle of integrative theoretical system of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) on overall regulation, the further combination of LNT-UA and anti-CD47 antibody (αCD47) would reinforce the antitumor immunity by promoting phagocytosis of dying tumor cells and tumor-associated antigens (TAAs), leading to effective suppression of both primary and distant tumor growth with 2.2-fold longer of median survival time in the bilateral tumor model. Most notably, this combination effect is also observed in the spontaneous CRC model induced by chemical carcinogens, with much less and smaller size of tumor nodules after sequential administration of LNT-UA and αCD47 through gavage and intraperitoneal injection, respectively.Conclusions: This study provides a promising self-assembled traditional Chinese nanomedicine to improve immunotherapy for CRC, which might be applicable for future clinical translation.

Synthesis and in vitro drug release of primaquine phosphate loaded PLGA nanoparticles

Plasmodium falciparum is one of the most common resistant Plasmodium species responsible for high rates of morbidity and mortality in malaria patients. Clinical guidelines for the management of Plasmodium falciparum include the use of a dose of primaquine phosphate resulting intolerable side effects. Therefore, the aim of this work was to formulate primaquine phosphate-loaded PLGA nanoparticles by using a nanoprecipitation method in order to increase its bioavailability to minimize drug intake. This leads to reduced toxicity and better therapeutic efficacy of the drug. The synthesized nanoparticles were characterized by using dynamic light scattering (DLS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and powder X-ray diffraction (XRD). TEM analysis revealed the presence of smooth spherical-shaped nanoparticles. The drug DLS analysis confirmed the presence of negatively charged nanoparticles with particle size in the range of 100-400 nm. The drug release study was performed to analyses different kinetic models like zero-order model, first-order model, Higuchi model, Hixson-Crowell model, and Korsmeyer-Peppas model.

Overcoming MDR by Associating Doxorubicin and pH-Sensitive PLGA Nanoparticles Containing a Novel Organoselenium Compound-An In Vitro Study.

In this study, we developed PLGA nanoparticles (NPs) as an effective carrier for 5′-Se-(phenyl)-3-(amino)-thymidine (ACAT-Se), an organoselenium compound, nucleoside analogue that showed promising antitumor activity in vitro. The PLGA NPs were prepared by the nanoprecipitation method and modified with a pH-responsive lysine-based surfactant (77KL). The ACAT-Se-PLGA-77KL-NPs presented nanometric size (around 120 nm), polydispersity index values < 0.20 and negative zeta potential values. The nanoencapsulation of ACAT-Se increased its antioxidant (DPPH and ABTS assays) and antitumor activity in MCF-7 tumor cells. Hemolysis study indicated that ACAT-Se-PLGA-77KL-NPs are hemocompatible and that 77KL provided a pH-sensitive membranolytic behavior to the NPs. The NPs did not induce cytotoxic effects on the nontumor cell line 3T3, suggesting its selectivity for the tumor cells. Moreover, the in vitro antiproliferative activity of NPs was evaluated in association with the antitumor drug doxorubicin. This combination result in synergistic effect in sensitive (MCF-7) and resistant (NCI/ADR-RES) tumor cells, being especially able to successfully sensitize the MDR cells. The obtained results suggested that the proposed ACAT-Se-loaded NPs are a promising delivery system for cancer therapy, especially associated with doxorubicin.

Development of Sustained Release Baricitinib Loaded Lipid-Polymer Hybrid Nanoparticles with Improved Oral Bioavailability.

Baricitinib (BTB) is an orally administered Janus kinase inhibitor, therapeutically used for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Recently it has also been approved for the treatment of COVID-19 infection. In this study, four different BTB-loaded lipids (stearin)-polymer (Poly(d,l-lactide-co-glycolide)) hybrid nanoparticles (B-PLN1 to B-PLN4) were prepared by the single-step nanoprecipitation method. Next, they were characterised in terms of physicochemical properties such as particle size, zeta potential (ζP), polydispersity index (PDI), entrapment efficiency (EE) and drug loading (DL). Based on preliminary evaluation, the B-PLN4 was regarded as the optimised formulation with particle size (272 ± 7.6 nm), PDI (0.225), ζP (−36.5 ± 3.1 mV), %EE (71.6 ± 1.5%) and %DL (2.87 ± 0.42%). This formulation (B-PLN4) was further assessed concerning morphology, in vitro release, and in vivo pharmacokinetic studies in rats. The in vitro release profile exhibited a sustained release pattern well-fitted by the Korsmeyer–Peppas kinetic model (R2 = 0.879). The in vivo pharmacokinetic data showed an enhancement (2.92 times more) in bioavailability in comparison to the normal suspension of pure BTB. These data concluded that the formulated lipid-polymer hybrid nanoparticles could be a promising drug delivery option to enhance the bioavailability of BTB. Overall, this study provides a scientific basis for future studies on the entrapment efficiency of lipid-polymer hybrid systems as promising carriers for overcoming pharmacokinetic limitations.

Targeted drug delivery via folate decorated nanocarriers based on linear polymer for treatment of breast cancer

In this project, a biocompatible block copolymer including poly ethylene glycol and poly caprolactone was synthesized using ring-opening reaction. Then, the copolymer was conjugated to folic acid using lysine as a linker. Also, curcumin (CUR) was used as a therapeutic anticancer agent. Nanoprecipitation method was used to prepare CUR-loaded polymeric micelles. Different methods including Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and dynamic light scattering (DLS) were used to characterize the prepared nanocarriers (NCs). MTT assay and hemolysis assay were used to evaluate in vitro anticancer efficiency and biocompatibility of the prepared NCs, respectively. The results proved efficiency of NCs as a drug delivery system (DDS) in various aspects such as physicochemical properties and biocompatibility. Also, in vivo results showed that NCs did not show any severe weight loss and side effects on mice, and the anti-cancer study results of the CUR-loaded NCs proved that the conjugation of folic acid on the surface of NCs as a targeting agent could increase the therapeutic efficacy of CUR.

Development and Evaluation of Nanoparticles Based Topical Gel Containing Antifungal Drug Fluconazole

The objective of this work was to prepare Fluconazole nanoparticles, and then incorporated into the freshly prepared gel for transdermal delivery, reducing the oral side effects of the drug and forenhancing stability. Fluconazole is commonly used antifungal agents for the treatment of local and systemic fungal infections. In this study Fluconazole nanoparticles was prepared by using Eudragit RL 100 by nanoprecipitation method with different drugs to polymer (1:1, 1:2 and 1:3) and stabilizer (Poloxamer 188) ratios (0.5%, 0.75% and 1%) and evaluated for various parameters. Drug-excipients compatibility was performed by FTIR study. The particle size, polydispersity index, Zeta potential, % Entrapment efficiency and % drug content of all the formulations were found in the range of 16.8 to 48.9nm, 0.229 to 0.558, -11.6 to -26.6 mv, 28.41% to 95.78% and 59% to 97.38%. From SEM studies it was revealed that Fluconazole nanoparticles particles are spherical in shape and without any agglomeration. From the in-vitro drug release study, it was revealed that sustained release of same formulation last up to 12 hours. From the stability study, it was revealed that the F5 formulation was stable at 40°C ± 2°C /75% ± 5%RH and 4°C. The optimised formulation F5 was selected to prepare Fluconazole loaded nanoparticles based topical gels using different concentration of Carbopol 934 and 940 and characterized for pH, spreadability, drug content, viscosity and in-vitro drug diffusion. Among the five formulations, G5 was selected as the best formulation. The pH of all formulations was found near to the skin pH value. The in-vitrodiffusion study of Fluconazole gel (G5) showed 94.75%. The optimized formulation G5 was checked for mechanism and kinetics of drug release. It is found it following Zero order release and non-Fickian mechanism. The selected Gel formulation G5 was found to be stable at 40°C ± 2°C /75% ± 5%RH and 4°C, it is clear that the formulation did not undergo any chemical changes found more stable at room temperature