Steroidal Alkaloids from Food Waste of Tomato Processing Inhibit Neuroblastoma Cell Viability.

Nowadays, there is considerable attention toward the use of food waste from food processing as possible sources of compounds with health properties, such as anticancer activity. An example is tomato processing, which is responsible for generating a remarkable amount of waste (leaves, peel, seeds). Therefore, our goal was to evaluate the potential anticancer property of tomato extracts, in particular "Datterino" tomato (DT) and "Piccadilly" tomato (PT), and to study their phytochemical composition. Liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS-MS) results showed that these extracts are rich in alkaloids, flavonoids, fatty acids, lipids, and terpenes. Furthermore, their potential anticancer activity was evaluated in vitro by MTT assay. In particular, the percentage of cell viability was assessed in olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs), a particular glial cell type of the olfactory system, and in SH-SY5Y, a neuroblastoma cell line. All extracts (aqueous and ethanolic) did not lead to any significant change in the percentage of cell viability on OECs when compared with the control. Instead, in SH-SY5Y we observed a significant decrease in the percentage of cell viability, confirming their potential anticancer activity; this was more evident for the ethanolic extracts. In conclusion, tomato leaves extracts could be regarded as a valuable source of bioactive compounds, suitable for various applications in the food, nutraceutical, and pharmaceutical fields.

Novel mutual prodrug of 5-fluorouracil and heme oxygenase-1 inhibitor (5-FU/HO-1 hybrid): design and preliminary in vitro evaluation.

In this work, the first mutual prodrug of 5-fluorouracil and heme oxygenase1 inhibitor (5-FU/HO-1 hybrid) has been designed, synthesised, and evaluated for its in vitro chemical and enzymatic hydrolysis stability. Predicted in silico physicochemical properties of the newly synthesised hybrid (3) demonstrated a drug-like profile with suitable Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, and Excretion (ADME) properties and low toxic liabilities. Preliminary cytotoxicity evaluation towards human prostate (DU145) and lung (A549) cancer cell lines demonstrated that 3 exerted a similar effect on cell viability to that produced by the reference drug 5-FU. Among the two tested cancer cell lines, the A549 cells were more susceptible for 3. Of note, hybrid 3 also had a significantly lower cytotoxic effect on healthy human lung epithelial cells (BEAS-2B) than 5-FU. Altogether our results served as an initial proof-of-concept to develop 5-FU/HO-1 mutual prodrugs as potential novel anticancer agents.

Lipid Nanoparticles Traverse Non-Corneal Path to Reach the Posterior Eye Segment: In Vivo Evidence.

Lipid-based nanocarriers (LNs) have made it possible to prolong corneal residence time and improve the ocular bioavailability of ophthalmic drugs. In order to investigate how the LNs interact with the ocular mucosa and reach the posterior eye segment, we have formulated lipid nanocarriers that were designed to bear a traceable fluorescent probe in the present work. The chosen fluorescent probe was obtained by a conjugation reaction between fluoresceinamine and the solid lipid excipient stearic acid, forming a chemically synthesized adduct (ODAF, N-(3',6'-dihydroxy-3-oxospiro [isobenzofuran-1(3H),9'-[9H] xanthen]-5-yl)-octadecanamide). The novel formulation (LN-ODAF) has been formulated and characterized in terms of its technological parameters (polydispersity index, mean particle size and zeta potential), while an in vivo study was carried out to assess the ability of LN-ODAF to diffuse through different ocular compartments. LN-ODAF were in nanometric range (112.7 nm ± 0.4), showing a good homogeneity and long-term stability. A TEM (transmission electron microscopy) study corroborated these results of characterization. In vivo results pointed out that after ocular instillation, LN ODAF were concentrated in the cornea (two hours), while at a longer time (from the second hour to the eighth hour), the fluorescent signals extended gradually towards the back of the eye. From the results obtained, LN-ODAF demonstrated a potential use of lipid-based nanoparticles as efficient carriers of an active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) involved in the management of retinal diseases.

Nanotechnologies for intranasal drug delivery: an update of literature.

Scientific research has focused its attention on finding an alternative route to systemic oral and parenteral administration, to overcome their usual drawbacks, such as hepatic first-pass which decreases drug bioavailability after oral administration, off-target effects, low patient compliance and low speed of onset of the pharmacological action in first-aid cases. Innovative drug delivery systems (DDS), mainly based on polymer and lipid biocompatible materials, have given a great prompt in this direction in the last years. The intranasal (IN) route of administration is a valid non-invasive alternative. It is highly suitable for self-administration, the drug quickly reaches the bloodstream, largely avoiding the first pass effect, and can also reach directly the brain bypassing BBB. Association of IN route with DDS can thus become a winning strategy for the controlled delivery of drugs, especially when a very quick effect is desired or needed. This review aims at analyzing the scientific literature regarding IN-DDS and their different ways of administration (systemic, topical, pulmonary, nose-to-brain). In particular, attention was devoted to polymer- and lipid-based micro- and nanocarriers, being the topic of most published articles in the last decade, but the whole plethora of colloidal DDS investigated in recent years for IN administration was presented.

Antioxidant activity and photostability assessment of trans-resveratrol acrylate microspheres.

Trans-resveratrol (RSV) was microencapsulated in Eudragit® RS100 and RL100 resin blends. Lyophilized microspheres were characterized in the solid state for their micromeritic properties and drug loading. FT-IR, PXRD, and DSC analyzes suggested that RSV formed an intimate microcrystalline dispersion within the polymer network, also confirmed by SEM analysis. This produced a reduced degradation of RSV after storage at 40 °C, compared to the neat drug, and a protection of the drug from UV light-induced trans-cis isomerization (60% intact drug was found after 60 s irradiation at 350 nm, compared to 37% for the pure drug). Solubility and in vitro dissolution studies indicated that microencapsulation did not improve the dissolution pattern of RSV in simulated gastric and intestinal aqueous fluids. Evaluation of the in vitro antioxidant activity showed that, compared to the neat drug in aqueous solution, RSV loaded in the microspheres retained for a longer time, up to 22 days of incubation, the initial ORAC capacity. The present study thus demonstrated that Eudragit® Retard resins can be used to easily produce micro-sized solid dispersions with RSV, for potential oral administration, contributing to ameliorate the physico-chemical stability and antioxidant activity of this compound.

Topical Ocular Delivery of TGF-ß1 to the Back of the Eye: Implications in Age-Related Neurodegenerative Diseases.

Dysregulation of the transforming growth factor-ß1 (TGF-ß1)/selected small mother against decapentaplegic (SMAD) pathway can be implicated in development of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and the delivery of TGF-ß1 could be beneficial for AMD. We developed a new ophthalmic formulation of TGF-ß1 assessing the ocular pharmacokinetic profile of TGF-ß1 in the rabbit eye. Small unilamellar vesicles (SUV) loaded with TGF-ß1 were complemented with Annexin V and Ca2+, and the vitreous bioavailability of TGF-ß1 was assessed after topical ocular administration by a commercial ELISA kit. We detected high levels of TGF-ß1 (Cmax 114.7 ± 12.40 pg/mL) in the vitreous after 60 min (Tmax) from the topical application of the liposomal suspension. Ocular tolerability was also assessed by a modified Draize's test. The new formulation was well tolerated. In conclusion, we demonstrated that the novel formulation was able to deliver remarkable levels of TGF-ß1 into the back of the eye after topical administration. Indeed, this TGF-ß1 delivery system may be useful in clinical practice to manage ophthalmic conditions such as age-related macular degeneration, skipping invasive intraocular injections.

Nanosystems based on siRNA silencing HuR expression counteract diabetic retinopathy in rat.

We evaluated whether specifically and directly targeting human antigen R (HuR), a member of embryonic lethal abnormal vision (ELAV) proteins family, may represent a new potential therapeutic strategy to manage diabetic retinopathy. Nanosystems loaded with siRNA silencing HuR expression (lipoplexes), consisting of solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) and liposomes (SUV) were prepared. Photon correlation spectroscopy analysis, Zeta potential measurement and atomic force microscopy (AFM) studies were carried out to characterize the complexation of siRNA with the lipid nanocarriers. Nanosystems were evaluated by using AFM and scanning electron microscopy. The lipoplexes were injected into the eye of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Retinal HuR and VEGF levels were detected by Western blot and ELISA, respectively. Retinal histology was also carried out. The results demonstrated that retinal HuR and VEGF are significantly increased in STZ-rats and are blunted by HuR siRNA treatment. Lipoplexes with a weak positive surface charge and with a 4:1 N/P (cationic lipid nitrogen to siRNA phosphate) ratio exert a better transfection efficiency, significantly dumping retinal HuR and VEGF levels. In conclusion, we demonstrated that siRNA can be efficiently delivered into the rat retina using lipid-based nanocarriers, and some of the lipoplexes loaded with siRNA silencing HuR expression are potential candidates to manage retinal diseases.

A study on liposomal encapsulation of a lipophilic prodrug of LHRH.

This study aimed at evaluating whether derivatization of luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) peptide with an amphiphilic lipoamino acid moiety could allow, along with other technological and/or pharmacokinetic advantages, to improve its encapsulation in liposomes, potentially driving its further body distribution and cellular uptake. Experimental data confirmed that a lipophilic derivative of LHRH was efficiently incorporated in various liposomal systems, differing in lipid composition and surface charge, and obtained using different methods of production. Incubation of liposomes, loaded with a fluorescent derivative of the LHRH prodrug, with NCTC keratinocytes or Caco-2 cell cultures showed that the carriers can be rapidly internalized. Conversely, the internalization of the free prodrug occurred only at very high concentrations.

A study on the encapsulation of an occludin lipophilic derivative in liposomal carriers.

Many peptides and proteins, although potentially useful for the treatment of various diseases, are hindered in their clinical use by poor oral absorption and rapid enzymatic degradation. One of the available solutions to these problems is to increase the lipophilicity by conjugating the peptides to lipophilic moieties, making them more able to cross the biomembranes by passive transport. Occludin is a 65-kDa integral plasma-membrane protein located at the tight junctions. This protein and the peptide derived from it have potential clinical application for drug delivery. Peptide OP90-103 (1) is a fragment of occludin that shows a very poor oral bioavailability and is highly susceptible to enzymatic degradation. The conjugation of 1 with two lipoamino acid (LAA) moieties has been shown to enhance its lipophilicity and bioavailability, as well as its enzymatic stability. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the possibility of encapsulating fluorescein modified lipidated OP90-103 (2), in unilamellar- (LUV) and multilamellar liposomes (MLV), which have a different composition and surface charge and are produced by different methods. The cell internalization of the carrier systems was evaluated in vitro.

Antioxidant activity of idebenone-loaded neutral and cationic solid-lipid nanoparticles.

Idebenone (IDE) is a lipophilic benzoquinone electron carrier synthetic analogue of coenzyme Q10, which behaves as an antioxidant and free radical scavenging molecule. Recently, the therapeutic application of IDE in Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy has been discussed. This work was aimed at evaluating the encapsulation of IDE in solid-lipid nanoparticles (SLN). In particular, we tested the possibility of adapting the quasi-emulsion solvent diffusion technique, already proposed to produce polymeric nanoparticles, to prepare positively charged SLN with different compositions. Such a charge, due to the addition of a cationic lipid, would facilitate the interaction with the negatively charged eye surface epithelium, with a consequent longer pre-corneal residence time of the colloidal systems. In a preliminary evaluation of the produced IDE-loaded SLN, the antioxidant activity of the drug was demonstrated using an oxygen radical absorbance capacity assay. Encapsulation of the drug in the nanocarrier systems seems able to protect IDE from degradation and prolong its antioxidant potential.

New Challenges in Ocular Drug Delivery.

The clinical treatment of diseases affecting the eye globe, and specifically the retina and posterior eye segment, is often hindered by the physiological protection structures and mechanisms of the organ, as well as by the unsuitable physico-chemical features of the active molecules [...].

Formulating Resveratrol and Melatonin Self-Nanoemulsifying Drug Delivery Systems (SNEDDS) for Ocular Administration Using Design of Experiments.

Recent studies have demonstrated that Sirtuin-1 (SIRT-1)-activating molecules exert a protective role in degenerative ocular diseases. However, these molecules hardly reach the back of the eye due to poor solubility in aqueous environments and low bioavailability after topical application on the eye's surface. Such hindrances, combined with stability issues, call for the need for innovative delivery strategies. Within this context, the development of self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery systems (SNEDDS) for SIRT-1 delivery can represent a promising approach. The aim of the work was to design and optimize SNEDDS for the ocular delivery of two natural SIRT-1 agonists, resveratrol (RSV) and melatonin (MEL), with potential implications for treating diabetic retinopathy. Pre-formulation studies were performed by a Design of Experiment (DoE) approach to construct the ternary phase diagram. The optimization phase was carried out using Response Surface Methodology (RSM). Four types of SNEDDS consisting of different surfactants (Tween® 80, Tween® 20, Solutol® HS15, and Cremophor® EL) were optimized to achieve the best physico-chemical parameters for ocular application. Stability tests indicated that SNEDDS produced with Tween® 80 was the formulation that best preserved the stability of molecules, and so it was, therefore, selected for further technological studies. The optimized formulation was prepared with Capryol® PGMC, Tween® 80, and Transcutol® P and loaded with RSV or MEL. The SNEDDS were evaluated for other parameters, such as the mean size (found to be ˂50 nm), size homogeneity (PDI < 0.2), emulsion time (around 40 s), transparency, drug content (>90%), mucoadhesion strength, in vitro drug release, pH and osmolarity, stability to dilution, and cloud point. Finally, an in vitro evaluation was performed on a rabbit corneal epithelial cell line (SIRC) to assess their cytocompatibility. The overall results suggest that SNEDDS can be used as promising nanocarriers for the ocular drug delivery of RSV and MEL.

W/O/W Microemulsions for Nasal Delivery of Hydrophilic Compounds: A Preliminary Study.

The administration of hydrophilic therapeutics has always been a great challenge because of their low bioavailability after administration. For this purpose, W/O/W microemulsion resulted to be a potential successful strategy for the delivery of hydrophilic compounds, interesting for the nasal mucosal therapy. Herein, an optimized biphasic W/O microemulsion was designed, through a preliminary screening, and it was inverted in a triphasic W/O/W microemulsion, intended for the nasal administration. In order to enhance the mucosal retention, surface modification of the biphasic W/O microemulsion was performed adding didodecyldimethylammonium bromide, and then converting the system into a cationic triphasic W/O/W microemulsion. The developed samples were characterized in terms of droplet size, polydispersity, zeta potential, pH and osmolality. The physical long-term stability was analyzed storing samples at accelerated conditions (40 ± 2 °C and 75 ± 5 % RH) for 6 months in a constant climate chamber, following ICH guidelines Q1A (R2). In order to verify the potential retention on the nasal mucosa, the two triphasic systems were analyzed in terms of mucoadhesive properties, measuring the in vitro interaction with mucin over time. Furthermore, fluorescein sodium salt was selected as a model hydrophilic drug to be encapsulated into the inner core of the two triphasic W/O/W microemulsions, and its release was analyzed compared to the free probe solution. The cytocompatibility of the two platforms was assessed on two cell lines, human fibroblasts HFF1 and Calu-3 cell lines, chosen as pre-clinical models for nasal and bronchial/tracheal airway epithelium.

Nose-to-Brain Drug Delivery and Physico-Chemical Properties of Nanosystems: Analysis and Correlation Studies of Data from Scientific Literature.

Background: In the last few decades, nose-to-brain delivery has been investigated as an alternative route to deliver molecules to the Central Nervous System (CNS), bypassing the Blood-Brain Barrier. The use of nanotechnological carriers to promote drug transfer via this route has been widely explored. The exact mechanisms of transport remain unclear because different pathways (systemic or axonal) may be involved. Despite the large number of studies in this field, various aspects still need to be addressed. For example, what physicochemical properties should a suitable carrier possess in order to achieve this goal? To determine the correlation between carrier features (eg, particle size and surface charge) and drug targeting efficiency percentage (DTE%) and direct transport percentage (DTP%), correlation studies were performed using machine learning. Methods: Detailed analysis of the literature from 2010 to 2021 was performed on Pubmed in order to build "NANOSE" database. Regression analyses have been applied to exploit machine-learning technology. Results: A total of 64 research articles were considered for building the NANOSE database (102 formulations). Particle-based formulations were characterized by an average size between 150-200 nm and presented a negative zeta potential (ZP) from -10 to -25 mV. The most general-purpose model for the regression of DTP/DTE values is represented by Decision Tree regression, followed by K-Nearest Neighbors Regressor (KNeighbor regression). Conclusion: A literature review revealed that nose-to-brain delivery has been widely investigated in neurodegenerative diseases. Correlation studies between the physicochemical properties of nanosystems (mean size and ZP) and DTE/DTP parameters suggest that ZP may be more significant than particle size for DTP/DTE predictability.

In vitro and in vivo studies of ocular topically administered NLC for the treatment of uveal melanoma.

Uveal melanoma is one of the most common and aggressive intraocular malignancies, and, due to its great capability of metastasize, it constitutes the most incident intraocular tumor in adults. However, to date there is no effective treatment since achieving the inner ocular tissues still constitutes one of the greatest challenges in actual medicine, because of the complex structure and barriers. Uncoated and PEGylated nanostructured lipid carriers were developed to achieve physico-chemical properties (mean particle size, homogeneity, zeta potential, pH and osmolality) compatible for the ophthalmic administration of (S)-(-)-MRJF22, a new custom-synthetized prodrug for the potential treatment of uveal melanoma. The colloidal physical stability was investigated at different temperatures by Turbiscan® Ageing Station. Morphology analysis and mucoadhesive studies highlighted the presence of small particles suitable to be topically administered on the ocular surface. In vitro release studies performed using Franz diffusion cells demonstrated that the systems were able to provide a slow and prolonged prodrug release. In vitro cytotoxicity test on Human Corneal Epithelium and Human Uveal Melanoma cell lines and Hen's egg-chorioallantoic membrane test showed a dose-dependent cytotoxic effect of the free prodrug on corneal cells, whose cytocompatibility improved when encapsulated into nanoparticles, as also confirmed by in vivo studies on New Zealand albino rabbits. Antiangiogenic capability and preventive anti-inflammatory properties were also investigated on embryonated eggs and rabbits, respectively. Furthermore, preliminary in vivo biodistribution images of fluorescent nanoparticles after topical instillation in rabbits' eyes, suggested their ability to reach the posterior segment of the eye, as a promising strategy for the treatment of choroidal uveal melanoma.

Eudraguard® Natural and Protect: New "Food Grade" Matrices for the Delivery of an Extract from Sorbus domestica L. Leaves Active on the α-Glucosidase Enzyme.

(1) Background: Eudraguard® Natural (EN) and Protect (EP) are polymers regulated for use in dietary supplements in the European Union and the United States to carry natural products, mask unpleasant smells and tastes, ameliorate product handling, and protect products from moisture, light, and oxidation. Moreover, EN and EP can control the release of encapsulated compounds. The aim of this work was the development, preparation, and control of Eudraguard® spray-drying microparticles to obtain powders with easy handling and a stable dietary supplement containing a polar functional extract (SOE) from Sorbus domestica L. leaves. (2) Methods: SOE was characterized using HPLC, NMR, FTIR, DSC, and SEM methods. Furthermore, the SOE's antioxidant/free radical scavenging activity, α-glucosidase inhibition, MTT assay effect on viability in normal cells, and shelf life were evaluated in both the extract and final formulations. (3) Results: The data suggested that SOE, rich in flavonoids, is a bioactive and safe extract; however, from a technological point of view, it was sticky, difficult to handle, and had low aqueous solubility. Despite the fact that EN and EP may undergo changes with spray-drying, they effectively produced easy-to-handle micro-powders with a controlled release profile. Although EN had a weaker capability to coat SOE than EP, EN acted as a substrate that was able to swell, drawing in water and improving the extract solubility and dissolution/release; however, EP was also able to carry the extract and provide SOE with controlled release. (4) Conclusion: Both Eudraguard® products were capable of carrying SOE and improving its antioxidant and α-glucosidase inhibition activities, as well as the extract stability and handling.

The Therapeutic Potential of Novel Carnosine Formulations: Perspectives for Drug Development.

Carnosine (beta-alanyl-L-histidine) is an endogenous dipeptide synthesized via the activity of the ATP-dependent enzyme carnosine synthetase 1 and can be found at a very high concentration in tissues with a high metabolic rate, including muscles (up to 20 mM) and brain (up to 5 mM). Because of its well-demonstrated multimodal pharmacodynamic profile, which includes anti-aggregant, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities, as well as its ability to modulate the energy metabolism status in immune cells, this dipeptide has been investigated in numerous experimental models of diseases, including Alzheimer's disease, and at a clinical level. The main limit for the therapeutic use of carnosine is related to its rapid hydrolysis exerted by carnosinases, especially at the plasma level, reason why the development of new strategies, including the chemical modification of carnosine or its vehiculation into innovative drug delivery systems (DDS), aiming at increasing its bioavailability and/or at facilitating the site-specific transport to different tissues, is of utmost importance. In the present review, after a description of carnosine structure, biological activities, administration routes, and metabolism, we focused on different DDS, including vesicular systems and metallic nanoparticles, as well as on possible chemical derivatization strategies related to carnosine. In particular, a basic description of the DDS employed or the derivatization/conjugation applied to obtain carnosine formulations, followed by the possible mechanism of action, is given. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first review that includes all the new formulations of carnosine (DDS and derivatives), allowing a decrease or complete prevention of the hydrolysis of this dipeptide exerted by carnosinases, the simultaneous blood-brain barrier crossing, the maintenance or enhancement of carnosine biological activity, and the site-specific transport to different tissues, which then offers perspectives for the development of new drugs.

Development of Lyophilised Eudragit® Retard Nanoparticles for the Sustained Release of Clozapine via Intranasal Administration.

Clozapine (CZP) is the only effective drug in schizophrenia resistant to typical antipsychotics. However, existing dosage forms (oral or orodispersible tablets, suspensions or intramuscular injection) show challenging limitations. After oral administration, CZP has low bioavailability due to a large first-pass effect, while the i.m. route is often painful, with low patient compliance and requiring specialised personnel. Moreover, CZP has a very low aqueous solubility. This study proposes the intranasal route as an alternative route of administration for CZP, through its encapsulation in polymeric nanoparticles (NPs) based on Eudragit® RS100 and RL100 copolymers. Slow-release polymeric NPs with dimensions around 400-500 nm were formulated to reside and release CZP in the nasal cavity, where it can be absorbed through the nasal mucosa and reach the systemic circulation. CZP-EUD-NPs showed a controlled release of CZP for up to 8 h. Furthermore, to reduce mucociliary clearance and increase the residence time of NPs in the nasal cavity to improve drug bioavailability, mucoadhesive NPs were formulated. This study shows that the NPs already exhibited strong electrostatic interactions with mucin at time zero due to the presence of the positive charge of the used copolymers. Furthermore, to improve the solubility, diffusion and adsorption of CZPs and the storage stability of the formulation, it was lyophilised using 5% (w/v) HP-ß-CD as a cryoprotectant. It ensured the preservation of the NPs' size, PDI and charge upon reconstitution. Moreover, physicochemical characterisation studies of solid-state NPs were performed. Finally, toxicity studies were performed in vitro on MDCKII cells and primary human olfactory mucosa cells and in vivo on the nasal mucosa of CD-1 mice. The latter showed non-toxicity of B-EUD-NPs and mild CZP-EUD-NP-induced tissue abnormalities.

Lipid Nanoparticles Loading Steroidal Alkaloids of Tomatoes Affect Neuroblastoma Cell Viability in an In Vitro Model.

Tomato by-products represent a good source of phytochemical compounds with health properties, such as the steroidal glycoalkaloid α-tomatine (α-TM) and its aglycone tomatidine (TD). Both molecules have numerous beneficial properties, such as potential anticancer activity. Unfortunately, their therapeutic application is limited due to stability and bioavailability issues. Therefore, a valid strategy seems to be their encapsulation into Solid Lipid Nanoparticles (SLN). The nanoformulations containing α-TM (α-TM-SLN) and TD (TD-SLN) were prepared by solvent-diffusion technique and subsequently characterized in terms of technological parameters (particle size, polydispersity index, zeta potential, microscopy, and calorimetric studies). To assess the effect of α-TM and TD on the percentage of cellular viability in Olfactory Ensheathing Cells (OECs), a peculiar glial cell type of the olfactory system used as normal cells, and in SH-SY5Y, a neuroblastoma cancer cell line, an MTT test was performed. In addition, the effects of empty, α-TM-SLN, and TD-SLN were tested. Our results show that the treatment of OECs with blank-SLN, free α-TM (0.25 µg/mL), and TD (0.50 µg/mL) did not induce any significant change in the percentage of cell viability when compared with the control. In contrast, in SH-SY5Y-treated cells, a significant decrease in the percentage of cell viability when compared with the control was found. In particular, the effect appeared more evident when SH-SY5Y cells were exposed to α-TM-SLN and TD-SLN. No significant effect in blank-SLN-treated SH-SY5T cells was observed. Therefore, SLN is a promising approach for the delivery of α-TM and TD.

Drug Nanocrystals: Focus on Brain Delivery from Therapeutic to Diagnostic Applications.

The development of new drugs is often hindered by low solubility in water, a problem common to nearly 90% of natural and/or synthetic molecules in the discovery pipeline. Nanocrystalline drug technology involves the reduction in the bulk particle size down to the nanosize range, thus modifying its physico-chemical properties with beneficial effects on drug bioavailability. Nanocrystals (NCs) are carrier-free drug particles surrounded by a stabilizer and suspended in an aqueous medium. Due to high drug loading, NCs maintain a potent therapeutic concentration to produce desirable pharmacological action, particularly useful in the treatment of central nervous system (CNS) diseases. In addition to the therapeutic purpose, NC technology can be applied for diagnostic scope. This review aims to provide an overview of NC application by different administration routes, especially focusing on brain targeting, and with a particular attention to therapeutic and diagnostic fields. NC therapeutic applications are analyzed for the most common CNS pathologies (i.e., Parkinson's disease, psychosis, Alzheimer's disease, etc.). Recently, a growing interest has emerged from the use of colloidal fluorescent NCs for brain diagnostics. Therefore, the use of NCs in the imaging of brain vessels and tumor cells is also discussed. Finally, the clinical effectiveness of NCs is leading to an increasing number of FDA-approved products, among which the NCs approved for neurological disorders have increased.