Properties Of Nanocarriers Research Articles

From mouse to mouse-ear cress: Nanomaterials as vehicles in plant biotechnology.

Biological applications of nanomaterials as delivery carriers have been embedded in traditional biomedical research for decades. Despite lagging behind, recent significant breakthroughs in the use of nanocarriers as tools for plant biotechnology have created great interest. In this Perspective, we review the outstanding recent works in nanocarrier-mediated plant transformation and its agricultural applications. We analyze the chemical and physical properties of nanocarriers determining their uptake efficiency and transport throughout the plant body.

Star Polymer Size, Charge Content, and Hydrophobicity Affect their Leaf Uptake and Translocation in Plants.

Determination of how the properties of nanocarriers of agrochemicals affect their uptake and translocation in plants would enable more efficient agent delivery. Here, we synthesized star polymer nanocarriers poly(acrylic acid)-block-poly(2-(methylsulfinyl)ethyl acrylate) (PAA-b-PMSEA) and poly(acrylic acid)-block-poly((2-(methylsulfinyl)ethyl acrylate)-co-(2-(methylthio)ethyl acrylate)) (PAA-b-P(MSEA-co-MTEA)) with well-controlled sizes (from 6 to 35 nm), negative charge content (from 17% to 83% PAA), and hydrophobicity and quantified their leaf uptake, phloem loading, and distribution in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) plants 3 days after foliar application of 20 μL of a 1g L-1 star polymer solution. In spite of their property differences, ∼30% of the applied star polymers translocated to other plant organs, higher than uptake of conventional foliar applied agrochemicals (<5%). The property differences affected their distribution in the plant. The ∼6 nm star polymers exhibited 3 times higher transport to younger leaves than larger ones, while the ∼35 nm star polymer had over 2 times higher transport to roots than smaller ones, suggesting small star polymers favor symplastic unloading in young leaves, while larger polymers favor apoplastic unloading in roots. For the same sized star polymer, a smaller negative charge content (yielding ζ ∼ -12 mV) enhanced translocation to young leaves and roots, whereas a larger negative charge (ζ < -26 mV) had lower mobility. Hydrophobicity only affected leaf uptake pathways, but not translocation. This study can help design agrochemical nanocarriers for efficient foliar uptake and targeting to desired plant organs, which may decrease agrochemical use and environmental impacts of agriculture.

Light-Induced Reversible Hierarchical Self-Assembly of Amphiphilic Diblock Copolymers into Microscopic Vesicles with Tunable Optical and Nanocarrier Properties.

In contrast to the conventional hierarchical self-assembly process, effective methods to enable reversible hierarchical self-assembly of block copolymers are comparatively few and limited in scope. Herein, we report, for the first time, a simple yet robust strategy for light-induced reversible hierarchical self-assembly of an amphiphilic diblock copolymer, poly(4-vinylpyridine)-block-poly[6-[4-(4-butyloxyphenylazo)phenoxy]hexyl methacrylate] (denoted P4VP-b-PAzoMA). The hierarchical structures are constructed via a two-step self-assembly process (first-level reverse micelles, second-level compound micelles, and rearrangement into micrometer-sized vesicles) driven by use of solvent. Intriguingly, because of reversible photoinduced trans-to-cis isomerization of azobenzene moieties in PAzoMA, the vesicles could disassemble into subunits upon UV light and then recover the nearly identical vesicular morphology upon visible light. Such a reversible hierarchical self-assembly process is accompanied by reversible fluorescence, encapsulation, and controlled release of dyes and can be used as a template for the synthesis of nanoparticles. Clearly, the ability to render the light-enabled reversible hierarchical self-assembly provides a unique platform for smart delivery vehicles and templates for nanomaterials.

The conjugation strategy affects antibody orientation and targeting properties of nanocarriers.

Antibody-modified drug delivery systems in the nano-range have the ability to overcome current challenges for treating diseases due to their high specificity towards the targeted body region. However, no antibody-bound nanocarrier has been clinically approved to date. This missing clinical approval may be a result of the conjugation strategy that influences the spatial orientation of the attached antibody on the nanocarriers' surface. What is not missing, however, is a diverse selection of antibody to nanocarrier conjugation strategies that determine the success of an antibody functionalized drug delivery system. In this paper, two antibody conjugation strategies were compared by conjugating the surface of cross-linked starch iron oxide nanocarriers with specifically modified CD11c monoclonal antibodies. The antibody nanocarrier conjugates, synthesized either by the chemistry of thiol-maleimide coupling or copper-free click chemistry, were analyzed by flow cytometry to determine their binding affinity towards a murine dendritic cell line (DC2.4). In the cell uptake, different antibody amounts on the nanocarrier could induce a dendritic cell uptake for both conjugation strategies. However, blocking experiments further highlighted the importance of the orientation of the antibody on to the nanocarriers' surface. While the antibodies which were attached via the copper-free click chemistry were oriented, maleimide synthesized conjugates presented their antibodies randomly on the surface. Lastly, to evaluate the in vivo properties of the antibody modified nanocarriers, targeting experiments with mouse plasma were performed, and it was proven that the biomolecular corona does not diminish the targeting efficiency.

Investigating the influence of block copolymer micelle length on cellular uptake and penetration in a multicellular tumor spheroid model.

The efficient penetration of drug nanocarriers into tumors is an important prerequisite for therapeutic and diagnostic success. The physicochemical properties of nanocarriers, including size, shape and surface chemistry have been shown to influence their transport in biological systems. Recent studies have shown that elongated nanoparticles (NPs) can exhibit advantageous properties in comparison to spherical NPs, but these experiments have involved a variety of different materials, many of which are characterized by a broad size distribution. Here we describe a series of rigid rod-like micelles of uniform width, with narrow length distributions, and common surface chemistry, and examine their cell uptake and penetration into multicellular tumor spheroids (MCTSs) formed from two human breast cancer cell lines (MDA-MB-436 and MDB-MB-231). These micelles were prepared from a polyferrocenylsilane (PFS) diblock copolymer (BCP) with a corona block consisting of a statistical polymer of aminopropyl methacrylamide and oligo(ethyleneglycol methacrylate) (PFS27-b-PAPMA3-stat-POEGMA48). The rigid rod micelles, with a common width (12 nm) and lengths ranging from 80 to 2000 nm, were prepared by seeded growth crystallization-driven self-assembly in ethanol and then transferred to water. To consider whether changing the shape of these micelles affects its uptake and penetration behavior, analogous spherical micelles were prepared by direct nanoprecipitation into water. Both micelle shape and length were found to influence cellular uptake and penetration into 500 μm MCTSs. Laser confocal fluorescence microscopy was used to examine penetration of these micelles into three-dimensional MCTS up to 90 μm depth. Micelles with an elongated shape and short length (80 nm) demonstrated the deepest penetration into the MCTSs formed by MDA-MB-436 cells. Micelles with lengths of 200 nm also showed substantial penetration into these MCTS, but the extent and depth of tumor penetration of the rod-like micelles decreased with increasing aspect ratio. MCTS of MDA-MB-231 cells had a less dense, more open structure than those formed by MDA-MB-436 cells. Here more extensive penetration was observed, particularly for the longer micelle samples.

Nanomedicine of tyrosine kinase inhibitors.

Recent progress in nanomedicine and targeted therapy brings new breeze into the field of therapeutic applications of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). These drugs are known for many side effects due to non-targeted mechanism of action that negatively impact quality of patients' lives or that are responsible for failure of the drugs in clinical trials. Some nanocarrier properties provide improvement of drug efficacy, reduce the incidence of adverse events, enhance drug bioavailability, helps to overcome the blood-brain barrier, increase drug stability or allow for specific delivery of TKIs to the diseased cells. Moreover, nanotechnology can bring new perspectives into combination therapy, which can be highly efficient in connection with TKIs. Lastly, nanotechnology in combination with TKIs can be utilized in the field of theranostics, i.e. for simultaneous therapeutic and diagnostic purposes. The review provides a comprehensive overview of advantages and future prospects of conjunction of nanotransporters with TKIs as a highly promising approach to anticancer therapy.

Physicochemical characterisation of fluorohectorite: Water dynamics and nanocarrier properties

Abstract Clay minerals such as fluorohectorite (FHt) have come into prominence as drug carrier systems due to their layered structure and excellent cation exchange capabilities. Water present in the interlayers of FHt is believed to facilitate the uptake of bio-active molecules in these systems, yet details of this interaction are not well understood. To shed light into this question, using quasi-elastic neutron scattering and the jump diffusion model, we determined the diffusion coefficients and the residence time of water in this synthetic smectite clay. We demonstrate how different interlayer cations (Li + , Na + and Ni 2 + ) and different hydration levels influenced water mobility in FHt. By means of the elastic window method and analysis of the thermal decomposition of samples with the drug Ciprofloxacin intercalated at pH 2 in LiFHt, we confirmed that the intercalation process removed most of the interlayer water previously present in the clay. Based on the Kissinger procedure, we also showed that thermal decomposition of the intercalated drug was activated at lower temperature. These findings are discussed in relation to the drug’s shelf life and might aid in the selection of clay systems for use as nanocarrier.

Cystic Fibrosis: Overview of the Current Development Trends and Innovative Therapeutic Strategies.

Cystic Fibrosis (CF), an autosomal recessive genetic disease, is caused by a mutation in the gene encoding the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR). This mutation reduces the release of chloride ions (Cl−) in epithelial tissues, and hyperactivates the epithelial sodium channels (ENaC) which aid in the absorption of sodium ions (Na+). Consequently, the mucus becomes dehydrated and thickened, making it a suitable medium for microbial growth. CF causes several chronic lung complications like thickened mucus, bacterial infection and inflammation, progressive loss of lung function, and ultimately, death. Until recently, the standard of clinical care in CF treatment had focused on preventing and treating the disease complications. In this review, we have summarized the current knowledge on CF pathogenesis and provided an outlook on the current therapeutic approaches relevant to CF (i.e., CFTR modulators and ENaC inhibitors). The enormous potential in targeting bacterial biofilms using antibiofilm peptides, and the innovative therapeutic strategies in using the CRISPR/Cas approach as a gene-editing tool to repair the CFTR mutation have been reviewed. Finally, we have discussed the wide range of drug delivery systems available, particularly non-viral vectors, and the optimal properties of nanocarriers which are essential for successful drug delivery to the lungs.

Colloidal properties of self-assembled cationic hyperbranched-polyethyleneimine covered poly lactide-co-glycolide nanoparticles: Exploring modified release and cell delivery of methotrexate

This study explores the hypothesis that the colloidal properties of nanocarriers can modulate the interaction of hydrophilic and anionic chemotherapy agents with biological surfaces, especially tumoral cells. Different compositions were tested for preparing poloxamer-stabilized poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles. Surface covering with the cationic hyperbranched polyethyleneimine (PEI) is tailored to improve methotrexate (MTX) efficacy against cancer cells. Two types of poloxamer (188 and 407) were tested as surfactants against different concentrations of PLGA in a nanoprecipitation method. Small and uniformly sized PLGA nanoparticles (90 to 110 nm) were produced with a neutral/slightly negative charge and low-drug loading efficiency. These limitations were resolved and improved by varying the PEI:PLGA ratio. The cationic-functionalized MTX-loaded nanoparticles showed a diameter of approximately 170 nm and a drug loading efficiency higher than 80%. The slow drug release profile was best fitted using the first order and the Peppas–Sahlin non-linear models. Fluorescence microscopy experiments reinforce the notion that drug uptake is improved using the functionalized nanoparticles. Cell viability assays reveal the biocompatibility of the drug-free cationic-functionalized nanoparticles and the increased efficacy of MTX-loaded cationic nanoparticles.

Copolymacrolactones Grafted with l-Glutamic Acid: Synthesis, Structure, and Nanocarrier Properties.

The enzymatic ring-opening copolymerization (eROP) of globalide (Gl) and pentadecalactone (PDL) was performed in solution from mixtures of the two macrolactones at ratios covering the whole range of comonomeric compositions. The resulting P(Glx-r-PDLy) random copolyesters were aminofunctionalized by thiol-ene reaction with aminoethanethiol. ROP of γ-benzyl-l-glutamate N-carboxyanhydride initiated by P(Glx-r-PDLy)-NH2 provided neutral poly(γ-benzyl-l-glutamate)-grafted copolyesters, which were converted by hydrolysis into negatively charged hybrid copolymers. Both water-soluble and nonsoluble copolymers were produced depending on copolymer charge and their grafting degree, and their capacity for self-assembling in nano-objects were comparatively examined. The emulsion solvent-evaporation technique applied to the chloroform-soluble copolymers grafted with benzyl glutamate rendered well-delineated spherical nanoparticles with an average diameter of 200–300 nm. Conversely, micellar solutions in water were produced from copolyesters bearing grafted chains composed of at least 10 units of glutamic acid in the free form. The copolymer micelles were shown to be able to load doxorubicin (DOX) efficiently through electrostatic interactions and also to release the drug at a rate that was markedly pH dependent.

Engineering of a universal polymeric nanoparticle platform to optimize the PEG density for photodynamic therapy

Nanocarrier-mediated photodynamic therapy (PDT) has attracted extensive attention due to its locoregional therapeutic effect, minimal toxicity to normal tissues, and activation of immune system capability. However, it is still unclear how the physicochemical properties of nanocarriers affect their PDT therapeutic efficacies, which could be very different from those for chemotherapy. Herein, to demonstrate the effect of PEG density on PDT efficacy, we synthesized a series of random polyphosphoesters (PPEs) with different PEG contents by regulating the molar ratios of these monomers, and then these PPEs were used to prepare chlorin e6 (Ce6)-loaded polymeric nanoparticles with tunable PEG density. Thereafter, the PDT efficacies of these nanoparticles were carefully and comprehensively evaluated. We demonstrate that the moderate PEG density (3.01 PEG/nm2) of nanocarrier exhibited the best PDT therapeutic efficacy in a mouse model of pancreatic cancer due to its efficient balance of prolonged circulation and tumor cellular uptake.

Experimental study: experimental evaluation of phospholipid system containing doxorubicin HCL for use in chemotherapy

Introdution: Common cancer treatment methods have many side effects. Therefore, the use of new methods for drug delivery to cancer cells is necessary. In the present study, nano formulations of lipid carriers containing doxorubicin have been synthesized and its physicochemical properties have been investigated. Methods: The present study was an experimental study. The liposomal systems were synthesized by the method of thin-film hydration and using Tween-20, cholesterol and soybean phosphatidylcholine. After loading Doxorubicin drug into the liposomes, physiochemical properties of nano-carriers were determined from the perspective of encapsulation efficiency, drug release profile under healthy and cancerous cells condition, hydrodynamic diameter, zeta potential, morphology and IR spectra. Results: The liposomal system had 132.9 nm in diameter, the encapsulation 93.74% and -38.73±0.18mV zeta potential. The maximum release of drug from the nano-carrier under conditions 37°C, pH=7.4 and 42°C, pH=5.4 and 37°C, pH=5.4 after 72 hours was 36.54% and 74.18% and 55.9% respectively. SEM and IR assessments revealed spherical morphology and the absence of chemical interaction between nano-carrier and drug. Conclusion: The result of this research indicates that the liposomal system, having the appropriate physiochemical properties, has not changed the chemical nature of drug and thus can be a suitable and semi-targeted carrier for doxorubicin

5-Fluorouracil and curcumin co-encapsulated chitosan/reduced graphene oxide nanocomposites against human colon cancer cell lines

Recent attention on chemotherapy against cancer is to explore the effective therapy through targeted delivery of anticancer agents to the tumor site by manipulating pharmacokinetic properties of nanocarriers. 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) and curcumin (CUR) loaded chitosan/reduced graphene oxide (CS/rGO) nanocomposite has been prepared via simple chemical method. The polymer matrix-type chitosan/rGO nanocomposite, before and after encapsulation, has been analyzed by various characterizations. Entrapment and loading efficiencies were estimated. The results that demonstrated higher entrapment efficiency (> 90%) were achieved by CS/rGO nanocarrier. Various kinetic models were used to analyze the release model and to elucidate the release mechanism of the drug from CS/rGO nanocomposite. The synergistic cytotoxicity was observed on addition of 5-FU + CUR-loaded CS/rGO nanocomposite which shows the effectiveness of the system toward the inhibition of growth of HT-29 colon cancer cells. The better cytotoxicity with an IC50 of 23.8 μg/mL was observed for dual-drug-loaded nanocomposite.

Modulation of the fate of zein nanoparticles by their coating with a Gantrez® AN-thiamine polymer conjugate

The aim of this work was to evaluate the mucus-permeating properties of nanocarriers using zein nanoparticles (NPZ) coated with a Gantrez® AN-thiamine conjugate (GT). NPZ were coated by incubation at different GT-to-zein ratios: 2.5% coating with GT (GT-NPZ1), 5% (GT-NPZ2) and 10% (GT-NPZ3). During the process, the GT conjugate formed a polymer layer around the surface of zein nanoparticles. For GT-NPZ2, the thickness of this corona was estimated between 15 and 20 nm. These nanocarriers displayed a more negative zeta potential than uncoated NPZ. The diffusivity of nanoparticles was evaluated in pig intestinal mucus by multiple particle tracking analysis. GT-NPZ2 displayed a 28-fold higher diffusion coefficient within the mucus layer than NPZ particles. These results align with in vivo biodistribution studies in which NPZ displayed a localisation restricted to the mucus layer, whereas GT-NPZ2 were capable of reaching the intestinal epithelium. The gastro-intestinal transit of mucoadhesive (NPZ) and mucus-permeating nanoparticles (GT-NPZ2) was also found to be different. Thus, mucoadhesive nanoparticles displayed a significant accumulation in the stomach of animals, whereas mucus-penetrating nanoparticles appeared to exit the stomach more rapidly to access the small intestine of animals.

Effect of physicochemical and surface properties on in vivo fate of drug nanocarriers.

Over the years, a plethora of materials - natural and synthetic - have been engineered at a nanoscopic level and explored for drug delivery. Nanocarriers based on such materials could improve the payload's pharmacokinetics and achieve the desired pharmacological response at the target tissue. Despite the development of rationally designed drug nanocarriers, only a handful of such formulations have been successfully translated into the clinic. The physicochemical properties (size, shape, surface chemistry, porosity, elasticity, and many others) of these nanocarriers influence its biological identity, which in presence of biological barriers in vivo, could significantly modulate the therapeutic index of its cargo and alter the desired outcome. Further, complexities associated with developing effective drug nanocarriers have led to conflicting views of its safety, permeation of biological barriers and cellular uptake. Here, in this review, we emphasize the effect of physicochemical properties of nanocarriers on their interactions with the biological milieu. The review will discuss in depth, how modulating the physicochemical properties would influence a drug nanocarrier's behavior in vivo and the mechanisms underlying these effects. The goal of this review is to summarize the design considerations based on these properties and to provide a conceptual template for achieving improved therapeutic efficacy with enhanced patient compliance.

Protein Corona Liposomes Achieve Efficient Oral Insulin Delivery by Overcoming Mucus and Epithelial Barriers.

Oral delivery of peptide/protein drugs has attracted worldwide attention due to its good patient compliance and convenience of administration. Orally administered nanocarriers always encounter the rigorous defenses of the gastrointestinal tract, which mainly consist of mucus and epithelium barriers. However, diametrically opposite surface properties of nanocarriers are required for good mucus penetration and high epithelial uptake. Here, bovine serum albumin (BSA) is adsorbed to cationic liposomes (CLs) to form protein corona liposomes (PcCLs). The aim of using PcCLs is to conquer the mucus and epithelium barriers, eventually improving the oral bioavailability of insulin. Investigations using in vitro and in vivo experiments show that the uptake amounts and transepithelial permeability of PcCLs are 3.24- and 7.91-fold higher than that of free insulin, respectively. Further study of the behavior of PcCLs implies that BSA corona can be shed from PcCLs as they cross the mucus layer, which results in the exposure of CLs to improve the transepithelial transport. Intrajejunal administration of PcCLs in type I diabetic rats produces a remarkable hypoglycemic effect and increases the oral bioavailability up to 11.9%. All of these results imply that PcCLs may provide a new insight into the method for oral insulin delivery by overcoming the multiple barriers.

Physicochemical properties of cationic nanoemulsions and liposomes obtained by microfluidization complexed with a single plasmid or along with an oligonucleotide: Implications for CRISPR/Cas technology

In this study, we investigated the effects of the association of a single plasmid or its co-complexation along with an oligonucleotide on the physicochemical properties of cationic nanoemulsions and liposomes intended for gene editing. Formulations composed of DOPE, DOTAP, DSPE-PEG (liposomes), MCT (nanoemulsions), and water were obtained by microfluidization. DSPE-PEG was found to play a crucial role on the size and polydispersity index of nanocarriers. Nucleic acids were complexated by adsorption at different charge ratios. No significant differences were noticed in the physicochemical properties of nanocarriers (i.e. droplet size, polydispersity index, or zeta potential) when a single plasmid or both plasmid and oligonucleotide were adsorbed to the formulations. Transmission electron microscopy photomicrographs suggested round nanostructures with the nucleic acids and DSPE-PEG enfolding the surface. Complexes at +4/−1 charge ratio protected nucleic acids against DNase I degradation. The oligonucleotide seemed to be released from the liposomal complexes, while nanoemulsions only released the plasmid after 24 and 48 h of incubation in DMEM supplemented or not. In vitro experiments demonstrated that complexes were highly tolerable to human fibroblasts, Hep-G2, and HEK-293 cells, demonstrating also an uptake ability of about 30%, 30%, and 90%, respectively, no matter what the formulation or the combination of nucleic acids used. Transfection efficiency of the formulations was around 25% in human fibroblasts, 32% in HEK-293, and 15% in Hep-G2 cells. The overall results demonstrated the behavior of liposomes and nanoemulsions complexed with a plasmid or a mixture of a plasmid and an oligonucleotide, and demonstrated that the association with one or two nucleic acids sequences of different length does not seem to interfere in the physicochemical characteristics of complexes or in the uptake capacity by three different types of cells.

Mechanistic insight into the interaction of gastrointestinal mucus with oral diblock copolymers synthesized via ATRP method.

IntroductionNanoparticles are increasingly used as drug carriers for oral administration. The delivery of drug molecules is largely dependent on the interaction of nanocarriers and gastrointestinal (GI) mucus, a critical barrier that regulates drug absorption. It is therefore important to understand the effects of physical and chemical properties of nanocarriers on the interaction with GI mucus. Unfortunately, most of the nanoparticles are unable to be prepared with satisfactory structural monodispersity to comprehensively investigate the interaction. With controlled size, shape, and surface chemistry, copolymers are ideal candidates for such purpose.Materials and methodsWe synthesized a series of diblock copolymers via the atom transfer radical polymerization method and investigated the GI mucus permeability in vitro and in vivo.ResultsOur results indicated that uncharged and hydrophobic copolymers exhibited enhanced GI absorption.ConclusionThese results provide insights into developing optimal nanocarriers for oral administration.

Nanomedicine in Cancer Treatment: Efficacy and Toxicity Profile of PEGylated Liposomal Doxorubicin Compared to Conventional Doxorubicin: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

BackgroundCancer [CA] has a major impact on society in the United States (U.S.) and worldwide. as one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in all continents, accounting for 8.8 million deaths in 2015. As indicated by the World Health Organization (WHO), there will be 15 million new cases of CA worldwide in 2020. In developed countries, CA represents the second leading cause of death, exceeded only by heart disease. Current interventions for CA incorporate a combination of radiation, chemotherapy and surgery. Conventional CA drugs display distinctive toxicity and adverse effects compared to nanoformulated CA drugs (nanomedicines). Nanotechnology offers an enhanced technique for delivering anti‐CA drugs at molecular level in neoplasms while avoiding any harm to the normal rapidly proliferating cells in the body.AimTo facilitate the benefits, efficacy and safety assessment of nanomedicines, this research aimed to gain insight into the effects specific for the nanomedicine PEGylated Liposomal Doxorubicin (PLD) by systematically reviewing and analyzing the available data utilizing published research articles discussing randomized controlled trials [RCT] PLD to conventional CA drugs or treatments. In addition, by comparing Doxorubicin, the same active pharmaceutical ingredient in a conventional formulation versus a nanoformulation, this research aimed to identify any adverse effects specific for the nano aspect PLD.MethodsA systematic review and analysis of research articles published on nanotechnology and nanomedicine in CA treatment and therapy was performed utilizing different online databases and indexes available. This research focused on identifying research articles discussing nanomedicine in CA treatment with special emphasis on RCT comparing PEGylated Liposomal Doxorubicin(PLD) to conventional CA drugs. Restrictive exclusion and inclusion criteria were defined leading to a selection of relevant articles that used comparable experimentaldesigns. Critical appraisal of those studies was performed and the results were summarized in a table of evidence.ResultsThe objective was to investigate whether particular toxicity could be related to PLD and whether a nanoformulation of an active pharmaceutical ingredient altered the nature of adverse effects of the product in humans compared to a conventional formulation. The study of toxicity information did not reveal nanospecific toxicity that could be related to PLD.ConclusionCompared to conventional CA therapies, nanomedicine have the following advantages: it may increase the bioavailability of poorly soluble drugs, may prolongs drug circulation times in vivo, and permits multiple drug loading, all of which could improve drug efficacy and reduce toxicity. Furthermore, nanomedicine can maintain the synergistic ratio of the drugs; deliver the drugs to the tumor at the same time, such that two or more drugs of tumor treatment achieve synchronization in time and space; and alter the pharmacokinetics and distribution profile in vivo such that these are dependent on nanocarrier properties (rather than being dependent on the drugs themselves). This research has demonstrated that PEGylated Liposomal Doxorubicin (PLD) is highly effective and associated with a significantly lower risk of toxicity and an improved therapeutic index [TI] compared to conventional doxorubicin without any compromise in efficacy, and makes it a favorable choice over conventional anthracyclines,Support or Funding InformationSupported by Institutional Resources of USAT Montserrat and the Einstein Medical Instiute, N. Palm Beach, FL. USAThis abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2018 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.

Production and characterization of vitamin D3 loaded starch nanoparticles: effect of amylose to amylopectin ratio and sonication parameters.

Two types of starches with different amylose to amylopectin ratios were used for the production of vitamin D3 loaded nanoparticles and effects of starch type, sonication time and temperature on physicochemical properties of nanocarriers were investigated. Both high amylose corn and potato starches nanocarriers had granular structure with particle size ranging from 32.04 to 99.2nm and the encapsulation efficiency ranging from 22.34 to 94.8%. The results showed that potato starch nanoparticles had larger size, higher zeta potential, encapsulation efficiency and encapsulation load and lower polydispersity index values in comparison to high amylose corn starch nanoparticle. Increase in sonication time reduced the size of nanoparticles in both starch types and decreasing temperature led to reduction of particle size and increase of zeta potential. Physicochemical features of nanocarriers were analyzed by Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and differential scanning calorimetry. The results indicated that vitamin D3 is well incorporated in carriers and ultrasonic treatment led to increase of hydrocarbon chain that resulted in van der Waals and hydrogen bonds of vitamin D3 with the potato starch and greater thermal stability.