Using chitosan-coated magnetite nanoparticles as a drug carrier for opioid delivery against breast cancer.

Over the past decades, opium derivatives have been discovered as new anticancer agents. In our study, Fe3O4 superparamagnetic nanoparticles (SPIONs) decorated with chitosan were loaded with papaverine or noscapine to surmount drug delivery-related obstacles. Modifying the magnetic nanoparticles (MNP) surface with polymeric materials such as chitosan prevents oxidation and provides a site for drug linkage, which renders them a great drug carrier. The obtained systems were characterized by DLS (20-40 nm were achieved for MNPs and drug- loaded MNPs), TEM (spherical with average size of 11-20 nm) FTIR, XRD, and VSM (71.3 - 42.8 emu/g). Contrary to noscapine, papaverine-MNPs attenuated 4T1 murine breast cancer cell proliferation (11.50 ± 1.74 µg/mL) effectively compared to the free drug (62.35 ± 2.88 µg/mL) while sparing L-929 fibroblast cells (138.14 ± 4.38 µg/mL). Furthermore, SPION and SPION-chitosan displayed no cytotoxic activity. Colony-formation assay confirmed the long-term cytotoxicity of nanostructures. Both developed formulations promoted ROS production accompanied by late apoptotic cell death. The biocompatible nanoparticle exerted an augmenting effect to deliver papaverine to metastatic breast cancer cells.

Use of antioxidant nanoparticles to reduce oxidative stress in blood storage.

Oxidative damage by free radicals has a negative effect on blood quality during storage. Antioxidant nanoparticles can prevent oxidative stress. We use SOD-CAT-Alb-PEG-PLGA- nanoparticles to reduce the effects of oxidative stress in blood storage. Electrospray was employed to prepare nanoparticles. Nanoparticles entered the test bags and were kept for 35 days from the time of donation under standard conditions. On target days, experiments were performed on the samples taken. The examination included blood smear, red blood cells count, hemoglobin, hematocrit, K, Fe, glutathione peroxidase, glutathion reductase, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, prooxidant-antioxidant balance, malondialdehyde, and flow cytometric assay for phosphatidylserine. The repeated measures analysis was performed on samples every week. Morphological changes were less in the test group compared to the control. The quantitative hemolysis profile test showed significant changes in the test and control groups (p < 0.05) in consecutive weeks except for K and Fe. Oxidative stress parameters too showed a significant change during the target days of the examination (p < 0.05). Also, the phosphatidylserine expression was increased in control groups more than test in consecutive weeks (p < 0.05). It seems that the use of antioxidant nanoparticles improves the quality of stored red blood cells and can prevent posttransfusion complications and blood loss by reducing oxidative stress.

A Combinational Approach Towards Treatment of Breast Cancer: an Analysis of Noscapine-Loaded Polymeric Nanoparticles and Doxorubicin.

Our aim in this study was to clarify the combination anticancer effect of Noscapine (Nos) loaded in a polymeric nanocarrier with Doxorubicin (Dox) on breast cancer cells. Nanoprecipitation method was used to prepare methoxy polyethylene glycol (mPEG), poly lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) nanoparticles (NPs) containing Nos. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and dynamic light scattering (DLS) were used to characterize the prepared Nos NPs. The anticancer activity of Nos NPs alone and in combination with Dox was assessed on 4T1 breast cancer cell line and in mice model. Spherical-shaped Nos NPs were prepared, with size of 101 ± 4.80 nm and zeta potential of - 15.40 ± 1 mV. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy results demonstrated that Nos chemical structure was kept stable during preparation process. However, differential scanning calorimetric (DSC) thermogram proved that crystalline state of Nos changed to amorphous state in Nos NPs. The entrapment efficacy % (EE%) and drug loading % (DL%) of Nos NPs were about 87.20 ± 3.50% and 12.50 ± 2.30%, respectively. Synergistic anticancer effects of Nos both in free form (in hydrochloride form, Nos HCl) and Nos NPs form with Dox hydrochloride (Dox HCl) were observed on 4T1 cells. Combination of Nos NPs and Dox HCl inhibited tumor growth (68.50%) in mice more efficiently than Nos NPs (55.10%) and Dox HCl (32%) alone. Immunohistochemical (IHC) analysis of the tumor tissues confirmed antiangiogenic effect of Nos NPs. The findings highlighted efficacy of Nos NPs alone and in combination with Dox HCl on breast cancer tumors.

Preparation and Comparison of Effects of Different Herbal Oil Ointments as Wound-Healing Agents.

Wound healing is a complex process and some agents have been reported to accelerate it. The aim of this study was to evaluate the healing effect of Eucerin-based ointments of lemon, sesame and olive oils on infected full-thickness wounds in rats. Wounds were created on the dorsal surface of Male Albino Wistar rats (n = 12). Wounds were treated with an Eucerin-based ointment containing either of lemon, sesame or olive oils (33% w/w) twice a day for 14 days. Histopathology results showed that contraction of wounds treated with lemon and sesame oils was higher than in the olive oil and control groups on days 10 and 14. In the lemon- and sesame-oil treated groups, on day 14, 50% of rat lesions were completely healed. Total number of inflammatory cells in lemon oil treatment group was significantly smaller than that of others on day 14 (p < 0.001). Also, thickness of the epidermal layer and rejuvenation of the hair follicles and other skin appendages was normal in lemon and sesame oil treated groups. The lemon and sesame oil ointments accelerated the healing process of wounds in macroscopic, morphological and morphmetrical analyses. Therefore, lemon and sesame oil ointments could be considered as alternative dressings for infected full-thickness wounds because of improved wound healing characteristics.

Correction to: Promising Antibacterial Effects of Silver Nanoparticle-Loaded Tea Tree Oil Nanoemulsion: a Synergistic Combination Against Resistance Threat.

With regrets, there is an error in the name of one of the authors which has only been noticed after publication.

Promising Antibacterial Effects of Silver Nanoparticle-Loaded Tea Tree Oil Nanoemulsion: a Synergistic Combination Against Resistance Threat.

Highly resistant pathogens may be developed in patients with immune disorders after prolonged exposure to antibiotics, a growing threat worldwide. In order to overcome these problems, this study introduces a new class of engineered nanosystems comprising of tea tree oil nanoemulsion (TTO NE) loaded with Ag nanoparticles (NPs). Silver shows a strong toxicity towards a wide range of microorganisms. Also, TTO NE could be employed as a promising and safe antimicrobial agent for local therapies of bacterial infections. The nanosystem was prepared by low-energy method. Mean droplet size of the NE was found to be 17.7 nm. Results of the antibacterial assays showed promising ability of the designed nanosystem for eradication of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria (95%). Also, it was shown that introducing colloidal Ag NPs to the TTO NE exerted a synergistic effect against Escherichia coli (FIC 0.48) while only an additive effect was observed against Staphylococcus aureus (FIC 0.75). The antibacterial effects of TTO NE+Ag NPs together with their compatibility with human cells can present them as a suitable candidate to fight against the antibacterial resistance threat.

mZD7349 peptide-conjugated PLGA nanoparticles directed against VCAM-1 for targeted delivery of simvastatin to restore dysfunctional HUVECs.

Endothelial dysfunction is initial and critical step of atherosclerosis. Impaired bioavailability of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) is one of the main reasons of endothelial dysfunction. Improving bioavailability of eNOS by increasing its expression or activity using statins is an effective therapeutic strategy in restoring endothelial dysfunction. In this study, simvastatin (SIM) as a poorly water-soluble drug was loaded in poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles (SIM-PLGA-NPs). NPs were then conjugated with mZD7349 peptide (mZD7349-SIM-PLGA-NPs) and directed against vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1). In vitro evaluation of the NPs for targeted delivery of SIM was performed on activated Human Umbilical Cord Vascular Endothelial Cells (HUVECs) by tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α). Effect of mZD7349-SIM-PLGA-NPs and SIM-PLGA-NPs was compared on eNOS phosphorylation (ser-1177). Results of western blot showed SIM post-treatment increased significantly phosphor-eNOS (Ser1177) expression but no total eNOS expression. The study showed that mZD7349-SIM-PLGA-NPs have particle size, zeta potential value, polydispersity index (PDI) and encapsulation efficacy % of 233±18nm, -9.6±1.1mV, 0.59±0.066 and 69±17.3%, respectively. Also phosphor-eNOS (Ser1177) expression in activated HUVECs treated with mZD7349-SIM-PLGA-NPs was significantly (p<0.05) better than treated cells with SIM-PLGA-NPs. The results suggest that mZD7349-SIM-PLGA-NPs may be usable as an appropriate drug carrier for restoring endothelial dysfunction.

Efficacy of nano- and microemulsion-based topical gels in delivery of ibuprofen: an in vivo study.

AIM: Nanoemulsion has shown many advantages in drug delivery systems. In this study, for the first time, analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties of a nanomelusion of almond oil with and without ibuprofen was compared with corresponding microemulsion and commercial topical gel of the drug using formalin and carrageenan tests, respectively. METHOD: Almond oil (oil phase) was mixed with Tween 80 and Span 80 (surfactants), and ethanol (co-surfactant) and them distilled water (aqueous phase) was then added to the mixture at once. Prepared nanoemulsions were pre-emulsified into a 100 ml beaker using magnet/stirrer (1000 rpm). Then, using a probe ultrasonicator (Hielscher UP400s, Hielscher, Ringwood, NJ) the nanoemulsions were formed. RESULTS: The optimised nanoemulsion formulation containing 2.5% ibuprofen, showed improved analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects compared with commercial product and corresponding microemulsion product containing 5% ibuprofen (i.e. twice the content of ibuprofen in the nanoemulsion) in vivo. The nanoemulsion preparation showed superior analgesic activities during chronic phase. Also, it decreased the inflammation from the first hour, while the microemulsion and the commercial product started to show their anti-inflammatory effects after 2 and 3 h, respectively. CONCLUSION: Our finding suggests that the size of the emulsion particles must be considered as an important factor in topical drug delivery systems.

Concurrent study of stability and cytotoxicity of a novel nanoemulsion system - an artificial neural networks approach.

Problems commonly associated with using nanoemulsions are their cytotoxic effects and low stability profiles. Here, for the first time, concentrations of ingredients of a nanoemulsion system were investigated to obtain the most stable nanoemulsion system with the least cytotoxic effect on MCF7 cell line. Artificial neural networks (ANNs) were used to model the experimentally obtained data. Surfactant concentration was found to be the dominant factor in determining the stability - surfactant concentration above a critical point made the preparation unstable, while it appeared not to be influencing the cytotoxicity. Concentration of oil showed a direct relationship to the cytotoxicity with a minimum value required to provide an acceptable safety profile for the preparation. Co-surfactant appeared not to be considerably effective on neither stability nor cytotoxicity. To obtain the optimum preparation with maximum stability and minimum cytotoxicity, surfactant and oil values need to be kept at their maximum and minimum possible, respectively.

Potential of mZD7349-conjugated PLGA nanoparticles for selective targeting of vascular cell-adhesion molecule-1 in inflamed endothelium.

Early diagnosis and restoring normal function of dysfunctional endothelium is an attractive strategy for prevention of inflammatory diseases such as atherosclerosis. Inhibition of cell adhesion in the process of atherosclerosis plaque formation, mediated by peptide antagonists of very late antigen-4 (VLA-4) has already been developed and evaluated both in vitro and in vivo. In this study, for the first time, modified ZD7349 (mZD7349) peptide, as an antagonist for VLA-4, was used for targeting fluorescein isothiocyanate-loaded poly (DL-lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanoparticles (FITC-PLGA NPs). Rate of binding and internalization of mZD7349-NPs to activated human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were compared with that of untargeted. Effects of temperature reduction and clathrin-mediated endocytosis inhibitor (0.45M sucrose) were also studied on the binding and internalization of mZD7349-NPs and NPs. Results showed that binding of the conjugated NPs could be significantly blocked by pre-incubating cells with the free peptide, suggesting that the binding of NPs is mediated by attaching the surface peptide to VCAM-1 on HUVECs. Also, conjugated FITC-loaded NPs were shown to be rapidly endocytosized to a greater extent than the unconjugated ones. The binding and internalization of mZD7349-NPs and NPs were slowed down at low temperature and in the presence of sucrose with greater reductions for mZD7349-NPs. To conclude, the peptide-NPs targeting the VCAM-1 is suggested as a theranostic carrier for lesions upregulating VCAM-1.

Cytotoxicity of chitosan/streptokinase nanoparticles as a function of size: An artificial neural networks study.

Predicting the size and toxicity of chitosan/streptokinase nanoparticles at various values of processing parameters was the aim of this study. For the first time, a comprehensive model could be developed to determine the cytotoxicity of the nanoparticles as a function of their size. Then, artificial neural networks were used for identifying main factors influencing self-assembly prepared nanoparticles size and cytotoxicity. Three variables included polymer concentration; pH and stirring time were used for a modeling study. A second modeling was performed to evaluate the influence of particles' size on toxicity. Experimentally data modeled using ANNs was validated against unseen data. The response surfaces generated from the software demonstrated that chitosan concentration is the dominant factor with a direct effect on size. Results also showed that the most important factor in determining the particles' toxicity is size--smaller particles showed more toxic effects, regardless of the effect of other input parameters. From the Clinical Editor: The understanding of toxicity of nanoparticles is of prime importance. In this article, the authors generated a model to visualize the relationship between nanoparticle size and its cellular toxicity, using chitosan/streptokinase nanoparticles. The data generated here would help the design of future nanoparticles of appropriate sizes for the application in the clinical setting.

Anti-inflammatory effects of eugenol nanoemulsion as a topical delivery system.

Eugenol is the main constituent of clove oil with anti-inflammatory properties. In this work, for the first time, O/W nanoemulsion of eugenol was designed for the evaluation of anti-inflammatory effects as a topical delivery system. Topical formulations containing 1%, 2% and 4% of eugenol as well as a nanoemulsion system containing 4% eugenol and 0.5% piroxicam were prepared. Further to physicochemical examinations, such as determination of particle size, polydispersity index, zeta potential and physical stability, anti-inflammatory activity was examined in carrageenan-induced paw edema in rats. The optimum formulation was found to contain 2% eugenol (oil phase), 14% Tween 20 (surfactant) and 14% isopropyl alcohol (co-surfactant) in water. Nanoemulsion with polydispersity index of 0.3 and median droplet diameter of 24.4 nm (d50) was obtained. Animal studies revealed that the nanoemulsions exhibited significantly improved anti-inflammatory activity after 1.5 h, compared with marketed piroxicam gel. Additionally, it was shown that increasing the concentration of eugenol did not show higher inhibition of inflammation. Also, the nanoemulsion having piroxicam showed less anti-inflammatory properties compared with the nanoemulsion without piroxicam.

Optimization of Self-Assembled Chitosan/Streptokinase Nanoparticles and Evaluation of Their Cytotoxicity and Thrombolytic Activity.

In this study, the enzyme streptokinase (thrombolysis agent) and chitosan (Cs) nanoparticles were prepared by self-assembly. Using experimental design, chitosan concentration, solution pH and stirring time were studied as independent variables to identify their effects on size, polydispersity index (PDI) and loading efficiency of nanoparticles. Results showed that pH and concentration have a direct effect on size. Additionally, minimum PDI was observed at lowest values of concentration and highest values of stirring time. pH-5.6 was also necessary to obtain the smallest PDI and highest loading efficiency values. The model predicted that to obtain maximum loading efficiency and minimum size along with low PDI, optimum values are 0.5 mg/mL, 5.18 and 30 min for the Cs concentration, solution pH and stirring time, respectively. The corresponding mean ± SD values for experimentally prepared nanoparticles were 43 ± 10%, 526 ± 121 nm, 0.3 ± 0.2, respectively. MTT and euglobulin clot lysis assays on the optimized nanoparticles showed that chitosan/streptokinase nanoparticles have slightly toxic effect on human fetal lung fibroblast cells (Mrc-5), compared with chitosan and streptokinase alone as a control. Also, thrombolytic activity of encapsulated streptokinase in nanoparticles is decreased slightly in comparison with free streptokinase. However, the preparation keeps a good potency for use as a thrombolytic agent in vivo.

Optimization of paclitaxel-loaded poly (d,l-lactide-co-glycolide-N-p-maleimido benzoic hydrazide) nanoparticles size using artificial neural networks.

The aim of this study was to find a model using artificial neural networks (ANNs) to predict PLGA-PMBH nanoparticles (NPs) size in preparation by modified nanoprecipitation. The input variables were polymer content, drug content, power of sonication and ratio of organic/aqueous phase (i.e. acetone/water), while the NPs size of PLGA-PMBH was assumed as the output variable. Forty samples of PLGA-PMBH NPs containing anticancer drug (i.e. paclitaxel) were synthesized by changing the variable factors in the experiments. The data modeling were performed using ANNs. The effects of input variables (namely, polymer content, drug content, power of sonication and ratio of acetone/water) on the output variables were evaluated using the 3D graphs obtained after modeling. Contrasting the 3D graphs from the generated model revealed that the amount of polymer (PLGA-PMBH) and drug content (PTX) have direct relation with the size of polymeric NPs in the process. In addition, it was illustrated that the ratio of acetone/water was the most important factor affecting the particle size of PLGA-PMBH NPs provided by solvent evaporation technique. Also, it was found that increasing the sonication power (up to a certain amount) indirectly affects the polymeric NPs size however it was directly affected in higher values.

Processing/formulation parameters determining dispersity of chitosan particles: an ANNs study.

Although a great number of studies may be found in literature about the parameters affecting the size of chitosan nanoparticles, no systematic work so far has detailed the factors affecting the polydispersity of chitosan as an important factor determining the quality of many preparations. Herein, using artificial neural networks (ANNs), four independent variables, namely, pH and concentration of chitosan solution as well as time and amplitude of sonication of the solution were studied to determine their influence on the polydispersity of solution. We found that in an ultrasound prepared nanodispersion of chitosan, all the four input parameters have reverse but non-linear relation with the polydispersity of the nanoparticles.

Production, characterisation, and in vitro nebulisation performance of budesonide-loaded PLA nanoparticles.

The aim of this study is to prepare a nanosuspension of budesonide for respiratory delivery using nebuliser by optimising its particle size and characterising its in vitro deposition behaviour. PLA (poly lactic acid)-budesonide nanosuspension (BNS) was prepared using high-pressure emulsification/solvent evaporation method. To optimise particle size, different parameters such as PLA concentration, sonication time, and amplitude were investigated. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and scanning electron microscope (SEM) analyses were performed to characterise the prepared PLA-budesonide nanoparticles. The in vitro aerodynamic characteristics of the PLA-BNS using a jet nebuliser were estimated and compared with that of commercially available suspension formulation of budesonide. Budesonide-loaded PLA nanoparticles with fine particle size (an average size of 224-360 nm), narrow size distribution, and spherical and smooth surface were prepared. The optimum condition for preparation of fine particle size for aerosolisation was found to be at PLA concentration of 1.2 mg/ml and amplitude of 70 for 75 s sonication time. The in vitro aerosolisation performance of PLA-BNS compared to that of commercial budesonide indicated that it has significantly (p < 0.05) smaller mass median aerodynamic diameter (MMAD) value with an enhancement in fine particle fraction (FPF) value. Improving the in vitro deposition of budesonide, PLA-BNS could be considered as a promising alternative suspension formulation for deep lung delivery of the drug using nebuliser.

Preparation and characterization of self-assembled chitosan nanoparticles for the sustained delivery of streptokinase: an in vivo study.

Chitosan (CS) nanoparticles have been extensively studied as carriers for therapeutic proteins in recent years. In this study, streptokinase loaded-CS nanoparticles were prepared and the pharmacokinetic parameters of streptokinase were compared with those of naked streptokinase. The preparation method included stirring the protein with the CS solution. The optimized combination was used for animal experiments to determine the streptokinase activity in rat plasma. Blood samples were collected at specified intervals and the activity assay was performed based on amidolysis activity of the chromogenic substrate, S2251, by streptokinase-plasminogen activator complex. The results demonstrated that streptokinase-loaded CS nanoparticles have more prolonged amidolytic activity in vivo compared to the naked one.

Investigation of Melphalan interaction as an alkylating agent with nucleotides by using surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS).

SERS (Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy) is a new Raman spectroscopy which relies on Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) of metal nanoparticles. We have applied colloidal silver and gold nanoparticles as amplifier agents to enhance nucleotide Raman signals. It is observed that without these enhancing agents, it is impossible to investigate nucleotide spectrum due to weak Raman signals. Interaction mechanism of Melphalan, an anticancer drug with four nucleotides (Adenine, Cytosine, Guanine, Thymine) was investigated using SERS to detect and identify changes due to alkylating process in Raman spectra. After incubating Melphalan drug with nucleotides for 24 h at 37 °C, some changes occurred in SERS spectrum and interpretation of SERS spectra revealed the influence of the alkyl substitution on peaks and Raman shifts. After incubation of Melphalan with each nucleotide, intensity of relevant SERS signals assigned to Amid III group of Cytosine and Amid I of Thymine decreased significantly, confirming alkylating taking place. In this study, we also investigated the effect of nanoparticles type on nucleotide spectrum. We could not obtain useful information in the cases of guanine nucleotide. The SERS spectrum of Cytosine as an example of nucleotides in aqueous solution compared to solid state and results demonstrated that in solid state better signals were obtained than in liquid state.

Fabrication, characterization and wound-healing properties of core-shell SF@chitosan/ZnO/Astragalus arbusculinus gum nanofibers.

Aim: Silk fibroin/chitosan/ZnO/Astragalus arbusculinus (Ast) gum fibrous scaffolds along with adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADSCs) were investigated for accelerating diabetic wound healing. Methods: Scaffolds with a core-shell structure and different compositions were synthesized using the electrospinning method. Biological in vitro investigations included antibacterial testing, cell viability analysis and cell attachment evaluation. In vivo experiments, including the chicken chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) test, were conducted to assess wound-healing efficacy and histopathological changes. Results: The incorporation of Ast to the silk fibroin@ chitosan/ZnO scaffold improved wound healing in diabetic mice. In addition, seeding of ADSCs on the scaffold accelerated wound healing. Conclusion: These findings suggest that the designed scaffold can be useful for skin regeneration applications.

Chitosan nanoparticles improve the effectivity of miltefosine against Acanthamoeba.

BACKGROUND: Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) is a corneal sight-threatening infection caused by the free-living amoebae of the genus Acanthamoeba. Early and appropriate treatment significantly impacts visual outcomes. Mucoadhesive polymers such as chitosan are a potential strategy to prolong the residence time and bioavailability of the encapsulated drugs in the cornea. Regarding the recent administration of miltefosine (MF) for treating resistant AK, in the present study, we synthesized miltefosine-loaded chitosan nanoparticles (MF-CS-NPs) and evaluated them against Acanthamoeba. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Chitosan nanoparticles (CNPs) were prepared using the ionic gelation method with negatively charged tripolyphosphate (TPP). The zeta-potential (ZP) and the particle size of MF-CS-NPs were 21.8±3.2 mV and 46.61±18.16 nm, respectively. The release profile of MF-CS-NPs indicated linearity with sustained drug release. The cytotoxicity of MF-CS-NPs on the Vero cell line was 2.67 and 1.64 times lower than free MF at 24 and 48 hours. This formulation exhibited no hemolytic activity in vitro and ocular irritation in rabbit eyes. The IC50 of MF-CS-NPs showed a significant reduction by 2.06 and 1.69-fold in trophozoites at 24 and 48 hours compared to free MF. Also, the MF-CS-NPs IC50 in the cysts form was slightly decreased by 1.26 and 1.21-fold at 24 and 48 hours compared to free MF. CONCLUSIONS: The MF-CS-NPs were more effective against the trophozoites and cysts than free MF. The nano-chitosan formulation was more effective on trophozoites than the cysts form. MF-CS-NPs reduced toxicity and improved the amoebicidal effect of MF. Nano-chitosan could be an ideal carrier that decreases the cytotoxicity of miltefosine. Further analysis in animal settings is needed to evaluate this nano-formulation for clinical ocular drug delivery.