Iodinated curcumin bearing dermal cream augmented drug delivery, antimicrobial and antioxidant activities.

OBJECTIVES: Curcumin (Cur) exhibits weak microbicidal activity owing to high lipophilicity and low cell permeability. Therefore, in the present investigation, Cur was iodinated using elemental iodine (I2) to synthesise Cur-I2 powder that was later formulated as Cur-I2 dermal cream and characterised in vitro for antimicrobial and antioxidant activities. METHODS AND RESULTS: Electrophilic addition of I2 saturated the olefinic bonds of Cur, as confirmed by UV/visible spectroscopy, FT-IR, 1H NMR and DSC techniques. In addition, in vitro skin permeation and retention analysis indicated that Cur-I2 cream followed the first order and Higuchi model for drug release through the rat skin. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of Cur-I2 powder was measured to be 60 and 90 µg/ml significantly (p < 0.05) lower than 150 and 120 µg/ml of Cur against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, respectively. Moreover, Cur-I2 also exhibited strong antioxidant potential. CONCLUSIONS: Cur-I2 cream warrants further in vivo study to scale up the technology for clinical translation.

Tetanus toxoid-loaded cationic non-aggregated nanostructured lipid particles triggered strong humoral and cellular immune responses.

In the present investigation, non-aggregated cationic and unmodified nanoparticles (TT-C-NLPs4 and TT-NLPs1) were prepared of about 49.2 ± 6.8-nm and 40.8 ± 8.3-nm, respectively. In addition, spherical shape, crystalline architecture and cationic charge were also noticed. Furthermore, integrity and conformational stability of TT were maintained in both TT-C-NLPs4 and TT-NLPs1, as evidenced by symmetrical position of bands and superimposed spectra, respectively in SDS-PAGE and circular dichroism. Cellular uptake in RAW264.7 cells indicating the concentration-dependent internalisation of nanoparticles. Qualitatively, CLSM exhibited enhanced cellular uptake of non-aggregated TT-C-NLPs4 owing to interaction with negatively charged plasma membrane and clevaloe mediated/independent endocytosis. In last, in vivo immunisation with non-aggregated TT-C-NLPs4 elicited strong humoral (anti-TT IgG) and cellular (IFN-γ) immune responses at day 42, as compared to non-aggregated TT-NLPs1 and TT-Alum following booster immunisation at day 14 and 28. Thus, non-aggregated cationic lipid nanoparticles may be a potent immune-adjuvant for parenteral delivery of weak antigens.

Sustained-release protamine sulphate-impregnated microspheres may reduce the frequent administration of recombinant interferon α-2b in ovarian cancer: in-vitro characterization.

Parenteral administration of recombinant interferon-α-2b (rINF-α-2b) at a dose of 50×10 IU once a week for 8 weeks is recommended for ovarian cancer. However, short half-life, small therapeutic index and proteolytic degradation cause fluctuations in plasma level and pose barriers in the development of a clinically viable dosage form. Therefore, in the present investigation, fluorescein isothiocynate-tagged rINF-α-2b was loaded into stearic acid (*rINF-α-2b-SMs), pectin (*rINF-α-2b-PMs) and gelatin (*rINF-α-2b-GMs) microspheres. Parameters such as particle size, ζ potential, encapsulation efficiency and in-vitro release were studied to follow the optimization process. The formulation, *rINF-α-2b-GMs of particle size 8.3±2.1 µm with an encapsulation efficiency of 76.0±7.4%, offered 97.4% of *rINF-α-2b release at 288 h. Thus, negatively charged extended-release formulation *rINF-α-2b-GMs was then tethered with a gradient concentration (5-20 mg/ml) of a cationic arginine-rich protein stabilizer, protamine sulphate (Pt). The nanoformulation, *rINF-α-2b-Pt-GMs-15 superimposed with 15 mg/ml of Pt, released 95.0% of *rINF-α-2b at 336 h and was designated as the optimized formulation. The optimized formulation also conserved the primary and secondary structure of *rINF-α-2b as analysed by gel electrophoresis and circular dichroism. Moreover, in-vitro cytotoxicity analysis of SKOV3 cells of the optimized nanoformulation reported significantly (one-way analysis of variance test, P<0.05) lower IC50 (414.3 IU/ml) compared with *rINF-α-2b-GMs (514.3 IU/ml) and pure rINF-α-2b (628.6 IU/ml) at 72 h by offering a prolonged cytotoxic effect. Therefore, *rINF-α-2b-Pt-GMs-15, a promising nanomedicine, warrants further in-depth in-vivo study to scale up the technology for clinical translation.

Non-aggregated protamine-coated poly(lactide-co-glycolide) nanoparticles of cisplatin crossed blood-brain barrier, enhanced drug delivery and improved therapeutic index in glioblastoma cells: in vitro studies.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Non-aggregated protamine impregnated poly(lactide-co-glycolide) nanoparticles of cisplatin (Pt-PLGA NPs) were synthesized to augment brain delivery. METHODS AND RESULTS: The mean particle size of Pt-PLGA NPs and PLGA NPs were observed to be 173.2 ± 7.9 nm and 140 ± 10.2 nm, respectively. The Pt-PLGA NPs significantly (p < 0.05, one-way analysis of variance; ANOVA) delivered higher amount (172.41 ± 15.04 µg) of cisplatin in comparison to 110.48 ± 4.71 µg by PLGA NPs and 20.83 ± 1.65 µg by cisplatin solution across in vitro bovine brain microvessel endothelial cells. Cisplatin bearing Pt-PLGA NPs was found to be highly cytotoxic to U87 glioblastoma cells with an IC50 of 2.1 µM as compared (one-way ANOVA, p < 0.05) to PLGA NPs (3.9 µM) and cisplatin alone (13.33 µM). Impregnation with Pt enhanced the uptake of PLGA NPs in U87 glioblastoma cells as compared to PLGA NPs by following endocytosis mechanism. CONCLUSION: Cisplatin-loaded Pt-PLGA NPs compel preclinical tumour regression study to further improve its utility against glioblastoma.

Chloroquine diphosphate bearing dextran nanoparticles augmented drug delivery and overwhelmed drug resistance in Plasmodium falciparum parasites.

Chloroquine diphosphate (CHQ) is primarily used for the treatment of Plasmodium falciparum malaria at the dose of 500mg orally or 10mg/kg parenterally. However, point mutations in Plasmodiumfalciparum chloroquine resistance transporter (PfCRT) protein and Plasmodium falciparum multidrug resistance protein 1 (Pfmdr1) localized in digestive vacuole membrane, are responsible for CHQ resistance. Therefore, in present investigation, dextran nanoparticles bearing chloroquine diphosphate (CHQ-DEX-NPs) were formulated by solvent diffusion method of size below 70nm with zeta-potential of -20.1±3.2mV. FT-IR, DSC and PXRD techniques confirmed the successful loading of drug in nanomatrix system with amorphous attributes. In vitro drug release analysis indicated the Higuchi pattern with diffusion controlled drug release. The IC50 of CHQ-DEX-NPs in sensitive (3D7) and resistant (RKL9) Plasmodium falciparum strains was estimated to be 0.031-µg/ml and 0.13-µg/ml significantly lower than 0.059-µg/ml and 0.36-µg/ml of CHQ. The augmented therapeutic efficacy of CHQ-DEX-NPs may be credited to deposition of tailored nanoparticles in food vacuoles of malaria parasites owing to the affinity of parasite towards DEX that consequently lower the drug resistance and improved the therapeutic index. In conclusion, CHQ-DEX-NPs must be evaluated under a set of stringent in vivo parameters to establish its therapeutic efficacy in preclinical model.

Self-assembled nanomicelles of amphiphilic clotrimazole glycyl-glycine analogue augmented drug delivery, apoptosis and restrained melanoma tumour progression.

In present investigation, self-assembled nanomicelles of amphiphilic clotrimazole glycyl-glycine (CLT-GG-SANMs) analogue were customized for augmenting drug delivery, permeability and apoptosis in B16F1 mouse melanoma cancer cells both in vitro and in vivo following intratumoral (i.t.) route of administration. The mean particle size of CLT-GG-SANMs was measured to be 35.9 ±â€¯3.4 nm in addition to zeta-potential of -17.1 ±â€¯3.5 mV. The shape of CLT-GG-SANMs was visualized to be smooth and spherical as like nanoparticles. The critical micellar concentration (CMC) of CLT-GG-SANMs was estimated to be 17 µg/ml using DPH (1,6-diphenyl-1,3,5-hexatriene) as a UV probe. Modification of CLT to CLT-GG-SANMs induced the amorphization in therapeutic moiety. Next, CLT suspension released only 9.7% of the drug within 1 h under dissolution testing and further analysis up to 48 h did not display any remarkable effect on the drug release. On the other hand, CLT-GG-SANMs released 46.2% of the drug significantly (P < 0.01) higher than CLT suspension at 4 h. The IC50 of CLT-GG-SANMs was measured to be 15.1-µM significantly (P < 0.05) lower than CLT suspension (IC50 > 20 µM) in B16F1 cells. Western blotting and histopathological analysis also supported the superior therapeutic efficacy of CLT-GG-SANMs in terms of higher extent of apoptosis, tumour regression and exhibition of strong antioxidant potential against B16F1 cells induced tumour in C57BL6J mice. In conclusion, in vitro and in vivo therapeutic efficacy analysis indicated that CLT-GG-SANMs may be a potential candidate for translating in to a clinically viable product.

Intratumoral administration of carboplatin bearing poly (ε-caprolactone) nanoparticles amalgamated with in situ gel tendered augmented drug delivery, cytotoxicity, and apoptosis in melanoma tumor.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: In a phase II clinical trial, carboplatin (CBDCA) displayed the response rate of 19% equivalent to dacarbazine in the treatment of malignant melanoma. However, besides desirable therapeutic profile, intravenous (i.v) administration of CBDCA delivers a subtherapeutic concentration at the target site. This entails administration of CBDCA through an alternate route by using nanovectors to achieve therapeutic efficacy in the treatment of melanoma. METHODS AND RESULTS: Carboplatin loaded poly(ε-caprolactone) nanoparticles (CBDCA-PCL-NPs) were formulated and amalgamated with chitosan-ß-glycerophosphate gel (CBDCA-PCL-NPs-Gel) for intratumoral (i.t) administration. The mean particle size and zeta-potential of CBDCA-PCL-NPs were determined to be 54.5 ±â€¯6.3-nm and -8.1 ±â€¯0.9-mV, in addition to spherical shape of the nanoformulation. FT-IR spectroscopy denied any issue of chemical incompatibility between drug and polymer. XRD pattern indicated the amorphous lattice of CBDCA-PCL-NPs. The drug loading capacity of CBDCA-PCL-NPs-Gel was estimated to be 152 mg/1 ml. CBDCA-PCL-NPs-Gel demonstrated prolonged drug release up to 48 h. Furthermore, CBDCA-PCL-NPs-Gel displayed the IC50 of 80.3-µM significantly (P < 0.05) lower than 162.8-µM of CBDCA-PCL-NPs and 248.5-µM of CBDCA solution in B16F1, melanoma cancer cells. CBDCA-PCL-NPs-Gel verified 80.2% of apoptosis significantly (P < 0.01) higher than 57.6% of CBDCA-PCL-NPs and 43.4% of CBDCA solution. Continuation to this, CBDCA-PCL-NPs-Gel significantly (P < 0.01) suppressed the tumor volume to 95.5 ±â€¯8.4-mm3 as compared to 178.9 ±â€¯10.2-mm3 of CBDCA solution injected i.t. and 210.6 ±â€¯17.1-mm3 displayed by CBDCA solution injected i.v. vis-à-vis 815.4 ±â€¯17.1-mm3 tumor volume of B16F1 tumor bearing C57BL6J mice. CONCLUSION: The promising preclinical results of CBDCA-PCL-NPs-Gel warrant further investigations under a set of stringent parameters for the treatment of melanoma.

Stealth recombinant human serum albumin nanoparticles conjugating 5-fluorouracil augmented drug delivery and cytotoxicity in human colon cancer, HT-29 cells.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) is a first-line chemotherapeutic drug in colorectal cancer. However, intravenous administration of 5-FU at the dose of 7-12mg/kg exhibits curbs like short half-life (20min) and toxic side-effects on bone marrow cells. Therefore, in present investigation, 5-FU was conjugated to poly (ethylene glycol) anchored recombinant human serum albumin nanoparticles (5-FU-rHSA-PEG-NPs) to improve the pharmacokinetic and therapeutic profiles. METHODS AND RESULTS: The mean particle size of 5-FU-rHSA-NPs was measured to be 44.3±5.8-nm, significantly (P<0.05) lesser than 65.7±7.2-nm of 5-FU-rHSA-PEG-NPs. In addition, zeta-potential of 5-FU-rHSA-NPs was estimated to be -10.2±2.6-mV significantly (P<0.05) lower than -25.8±3.5-mV of 5-FU-rHSA-PEG-NPs. Moreover, both 5-FU-rHSA-NPs and 5-FU-rHSA-PEG-NPs were smooth, spherical and regular in shape. In-vitro drug release analysis indicated that 5-FU-rHSA-NPs and 5-FU-rHSA-PEG-NPs separately released 10.9% and 9.23% of 5-FU in PBS (pH∼7.4) with no significant difference (P>0.05) up to 48h. However, addition of 20% v/v serum to PBS (pH∼7.4) boosted the drug release. 5-FU-rHSA-NPs and 5-FU-rHSA-PEG-NPs released 78.26% and 48.9% of the 5-FU up to 48h in presence of PBS (pH∼7.4 and 20% serum) with significant difference (P<0.05). Furthermore, 5-FU-rHSA-PEG-NPs displayed the IC50 of 3.7-µM significantly (P<0.05) lower than 6.8-µM and 11.2-µM of 5-FU-rHSA-NPs and 5-FU solution, respectively. One compartmental pharmacokinetic elements indicated that 5-FU-rHSA-PEG-NPs demonstrated the half-life (t1/2) of 5.33±0.15-h significantly (P<0.001) higher than 1.50±0.08-h and 0.30±0.09-h of 5-FU-rHSA-NPs and 5-FU solution, respectively. CONCLUSION: 5-FU-rHSA-PEG-NPs tendered improved cytotoxicity and pharmacokinetic profile. Hence, 5-FU-rHSA-PEG-NPs must be further tested under stringent milieu for translating in to a clinical product.

Inhalable bioresponsive chitosan microspheres of doxorubicin and soluble curcumin augmented drug delivery in lung cancer cells.

In present investigation, doxorubicin (Dox) and soluble curcumin (Cur-2-HP-ß-CD-complex) combination was simultaneously loaded in inhalable bioresponsive chitosan microspheres (Dox/Cur-2-HP-ß-CD-complex-elastin-CMs) bearing a substrate-stimuli, elastin. The mean particle size and mean aerodynamic diameter of inhalable bioresponsive microspheres displayed noteworthy differences after incorporation of elastin. Moreover, combination of Dox and soluble curcumin was molecularly dispersed in microspheres matrix as substantiated by a range of spectral techniques. Inhalable bioresponsive microspheres released astonishingly higher amount of Dox in presence of elastase enzyme at pH∼5.5 in comparison to pH∼7.4. However, the release of soluble curcumin from tailored bioresponsive microspheres in presence of elastase enzyme was independent of pH. Consistently, inhalable bioresponsive microspheres exhibited outstandingly lower IC50 of 3.4-µM in comparison to 6.5-µM of inhalable drug loaded microspheres (Dox/Cur-2-HP-ß-CD-complex-CMs) bearing no elastin, against A549, non-small cell lung cancer cells. The superior therapeutic profile of inhalable bioresponsive microspheres may be attributed to enhanced drug release and consequently augmented drug exposure to A549 cells expressing elastase enzyme. In this way, stimuli triggered drug release from tailored inhalable bioresponsive microspheres boosted the phenomena of apoptosis in A549 cells. In conclusion, Dox/Cur-2-HP-ß-CD-complex-elastin-CMs warrant further in-vivo tumor regression study to prove its therapeutic efficacy.

Soluble telmisartan bearing poly (ethylene glycol) conjugated chitosan nanoparticles augmented drug delivery, cytotoxicity, apoptosis and cellular uptake in human cervical cancer cells.

Soluble telmisartan and telmisartan were loaded in to poly (ethylene-glycol) grafted chitosan nanoparticles (S-TEL-PEG-CNPs and TEL-PEG-CNPs) for targeting cervical cancer through non-invasive, intravaginal route. The mean particle size of S-TEL-PEG-CNPs was measured to be 23.4±5.9-nm significantly (P<0.05) higher than 16.2±3.2-nm of TEL-PEG-CNPs. In contrast, the zeta-potential (-21.5±4.6-mV) of S-TEL-PEG-CNPs was insignificantly (P>0.05) different from -23.8±3.7-mV of TEL-PEG-CNPs. In addition, S-TEL-PEG-CNPs exhibited higher percent mucoadhesiveness (40.2%) in comparison (P<0.05) to 31.4% of TEL-PEG-CNPs, although it was lower than CNPs (100%). S-TEL-PEG-CNPs displayed significantly (P<0.01) higher dissolution of drug, 92.5% in comparison to 31.6% from TEL-PEG-CNPs up to 24h. Furthermore, S-TEL-PEG-CNPs exhibited superior cytotoxicity, apoptosis and cellular uptake, analyzed in human cervical cancer, HeLa cells. The IC50 of S-TEL-PEG-CNPs was measured to be 22.3-µM significantly (P<0.05) lower than 40.1-µM of TEL-PEG-CNPs. S-TEL-PEG-CNPs induced higher extent of apoptosis (P<0.05) in HeLa cells as compared to TEL-PEG-CNPs, owing to higher diffusion of drug across biological membrane. Finally, quantitative and qualitative cellular uptake assay confirmed the greater endocytosis of S-TEL-PEG-CNPs in HeLa cells due to diffusion, amorphization, hydrophilicity, and submicron size particularly, below 100nm. In conclusion, S-TEL-PEG-CNPs warrant further in vivo tumour regression study to scale up the technology for clinical translation.

Noscapinoids bearing silver nanocrystals augmented drug delivery, cytotoxicity, apoptosis and cellular uptake in B16F1, mouse melanoma skin cancer cells.

PURPOSE: Noscapine (Nos) and reduced brominated analogue of noscapine (Red-Br-Nos) prevent cellular proliferation and induce apoptosis in cancer cells either alone or in combination with other chemotherapeutic drugs. However, owing to poor physicochemical properties, Nos and Red-Br-Nos have demonstrated their anticancer activity at higher and multiple doses. Therefore, in present investigation, silver nanocrystals of noscapinoids (Nos-Ag2+ nanocrystals and Red-Br-Nos-Ag2+ nanocrystals) were customized to augment drug delivery, cytotoxicity, apoptosis and cellular uptake in B16F1 mouse melanoma cancer cells. METHODS AND RESULTS: Nos-Ag2+ nanocrystals and Red-Br-Nos-Ag2+ nanocrystals were prepared separately by precipitation method. The mean particle size of Nos-Ag2+ nanocrystals was measured to be 25.33±3.52nm, insignificantly (P>0.05) different from 27.43±4.51nm of Red-Br-Nos-Ag2+ nanocrystals. Furthermore, zeta-potential of Nos-Ag2+ nanocrystals was determined to be -25.3±3.11mV significantly (P<0.05) different from -15.2±3.33mV of Red-Br-Nos-Ag2+ nanocrystals. The shape of tailored nanocrystals was slightly spherical and or irregular in shape. The architecture of Nos-Ag2+ nanocrystals and Red-Br-Nos-Ag2+ nanocrystals was crystalline in nature. FT-IR spectroscopy evinced the successful interaction of Ag2+ nanocrystals with Nos and Red-Br-Nos, respectively. The superior therapeutic efficacy of tailored nanocrystals was measured in terms of enhanced cytotoxicity, apoptosis and cellular uptake. The Nos-Ag2+ nanocrystals and Red-Br-Nos-Ag2+ nanocrystals exhibited an IC50 of 16.6µM and 6.5µM, significantly (P<0.05) lower than 38.5µM of Nos and 10.3µM of Red-Br-Nos, respectively. Finally, cellular morphological alterations in B16F1 cells upon internalization of Nos-Ag2+ nanocrystals and Red-Br-Nos-Ag2+ nanocrystals provided the evidences for accumulation within membrane-bound cytoplasmic vacuoles and in enlarged lysosomes and thus triggered mitochondria mediated apoptosis via caspase activation. CONCLUSION: Preliminary investigations substantiated that Nos-Ag2+ nanocrystals and Red-Br-Nos-Ag2+ nanocrystals must be further explored and utilized for the delivery of noscapinoids to melanoma cancer cells.

Imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine Scaffold as Prospective Therapeutic Agents.

Imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine is one of the most potential bicyclic 5-6 heterocyclic rings that is recognized as a "drug prejudice" scaffold due to its broad range of applications in medicinal chemistry such as anticancer, antimycobacterial, antileishmanial, anticonvulsant, antimicrobial, antiviral, antidiabetic, proton pump inhibitor, insecticidal activities. This scaffold has also been represented in various marketed preparations such as zolimidine, zolpidem, alpidem. Therefore, several attempts were made to carry out the structural modifications of this scaffold to discover and develop novel therapeutic agents. This review provides a valuable insight into the research findings of wide range of derivatives of imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine scaffold leading to promising heterocyclic compounds which could be explored further for the synthesis of new derivatives as well as construction of potential drug-like chemical libraries for biological screening in search of new therapeutic agents.

Vincristine sulfate loaded dextran microspheres amalgamated with thermosensitive gel offered sustained release and enhanced cytotoxicity in THP-1, human leukemia cells: In vitro and in vivo study.

Vincristine sulfate (VCS) is a drug of choice for the treatment of childhood and adult acute lymphocytic leukemia, Hodgkin's, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma as well as solid tumors including sarcomas. However, poor biopharmaceutical and pharmacokinetic traits of VCS like short serum half-life (12 min), high dosing frequency (1.4 mg/m(2) per week for 4 weeks) and extensive protein binding (75%) limit the clinical potential of VCS in cancer therapy. In present investigation, injectable vincristine sulfate loaded dextran microspheres (VCS-Dextran-MSs) were prepared and amalgamated with chitosan-ß-glycerophosphate gel (VCS-Dextran-MSs-Gel) to surmount the biopharmaceutical and pharmacokinetic limitations of VCS that consequently induced synergistic sustained release pattern of the drug. Particle size and zeta-potential of VCS-Dextran-MSs were measured to be 6.8 ± 2.4 µm and -18.3 ± 0.11 mV along with the encapsulation efficiency of about 60.4 ± 4.5%. Furthermore, VCS-Dextran-MSs and VCS-Dextran-MSs-Gel exhibited slow release pattern and 94.7% and 95.8% of the drug was released in 72 h and 720 h, respectively. Results from cell viability assay and pharmacokinetic as well as histopathological analysis in mice indicated that VCS-Dextran-MSs-Gel offers superior therapeutic potential and higher AUClast than VCS-Dextran-MSs and drug solution. In conclusion, VCS-Dextran-MSs-Gel warrants further preclinical tumor growth study to scale up the technology.

Protamine coated proliposomes of recombinant human insulin encased in Eudragit S100 coated capsule offered improved peptide delivery and permeation across Caco-2 cells.

In present investigation, recombinant human insulin loaded proliposomes and protamine sulphate coated proliposomes (rh insulin-proliposomes and Pt-rh insulin proliposomes) were encased in Eudragit S100 coated capsule to offer peptide release in simulated intestinal conditions. The particle size and zeta potential of Pt-rh insulin proliposomes were measured to be 583.2±10.2nm/+28.3±3.7mV significantly (P<0.05) higher than 569.7±14.9nm/-37.9±4.3mV and 534.6±24.6nm/-42.7±2.8mV of rh insulin proliposomes and proliposomes, respectively. Next, shape and surface morphology analysis pointed out the successful transformation of proliposomes in to spherical shaped liposomes. Furthermore, in vitro release study specified that free rh insulin solution encapsulated in uncoated gelatine capsule released 97.8% of peptide within 1h in SGF (pH~1.2). On other hand, rh insulin-proliposomes and Pt-rh insulin proliposomes encased in Eudragit S100 coated capsule released 93.2% and 81.6% of peptide, up to 24 h in SIF (pH~7.2). SDS-PAGE and circular dichroism (CD) ascertained the stability and intactness of isolated rh insulin from tailored dosage forms. In last, cellular uptake in Caco-2 cells indicating the superiority of Pt-rh insulin proliposomes in comparison to rh-insulin proliposomes and free rh insulin solution, respectively. In conclusion, Pt-rh insulin proliposomes displayed promising results and may be considered for further investigations.

Soluble curcumin amalgamated chitosan microspheres augmented drug delivery and cytotoxicity in colon cancer cells: In vitro and in vivo study.

In present investigation, initially curcumin was complexed with 2-HP-ß-CD (curcumin-2-HP-ß-CD-complex) in 1:1 ratio and later amalgamated with chitosan microspheres (curcumin-2-HP-ß-CD-CMs) for selective delivery in colon only through oral route of administration. Various analytical, spectral and in-silico docking techniques revealed that the curcumin was deeply inserted in the 2-HP-ß-CD cavity with apparent stability constant of 3.35×10-3M. Furthermore, the mean particle size of 6.8±2.6µm and +39.2±4.1mV surface charge of curcumin-2-HP-ß-CD-complex-CMs in addition to encapsulation efficiency of about 79.8±6.3% exhibited that the tailored microspheres were optimum for colon delivery of curcumin. This was also demonstrated in dissolution testing and standard cell proliferation assay in which curcumin-2-HP-ß-CD-complex-CMs exhibited maximum release in simulated colonic fluid (SCF, pH ∼7.0-8.0, almond emulsion-ß-glucosidase) with improved therapeutic index in HT-29 cells. Consistently, curcumin-2-HP-ß-CD-complex-CMs successively enhanced the colonic bio-distribution of curcumin by ∼8.36 folds as compared to curcumin suspension in preclinical pharmacokinetic studies. In conclusion, curcumin-2-HP-ß-CD-complex-CMs warrant further in vivo tumor regression study to establish its therapeutic efficacy in experimental colon cancer.

Intravaginal administration of metformin hydrochloride loaded cationic niosomes amalgamated with thermosensitive gel for the treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome: In vitro and in vivo studies.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Metformin hydrochloride (MTF-HCl) is extensively recommended by physicians for the treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Mechanistically, MTF-HCl activates AMP-dependent kinase-α (AMPK-α) pathway to decrease the glucose production, enhances fatty acid oxidation and elevates the uptake of glucose in tissues. However, despite favourable physicochemical properties, oral administration of MTF-HCl is associated with impaired bioavailability (50-60%), lactic-acidosis and frequent dosing (500mg 2-3 times a day) in PCOS that ultimately influence the patient compliance. Therefore, in present investigation, MTF-HCl loaded unmodified and cationic small unilamellar niosomes were separately amalgamated with thermosensitive gel (MTF-HCl-SUNs-Gel and MTF-HCl-C-SUNs-Gel) for the treatment of PCOS through vaginal route of administration. METHODS AND RESULTS: MTF-HCl-SUNs and MTF-HCl-C-SUNs were separately prepared by reverse phase evaporation method. The nanovesicle size and zeta-potential of MTF-HCl-C-SUNs were measured to be 210.3±14.8-nm (P<0.05) and +8.7±2.7-mV (P<0.001), significantly higher than 198.5±20.3-nm and -16.6±3.9-mV of MTF-HCl-SUNs, respectively. Moreover, promising results of in vitro characterization parameters like gelation time, gelling temperature, viscosity analysis, percent mucoadhesiveness and drug release of MTF-HCl-C-SUNs-Gel and MTF-HCl-SUNs-Gel ensured the candidature of tailored gels for further in vivo investigations. In this way, treatment of PCOS rats under scheduled dose-dosage regimen with oral MTF-HCl solution, intravaginal MTF-HCl-SUNs-Gel and intravaginal MTF-HCl-C-SUNs-gel exhibited remarkable alterations, recruitment and development of normal follicles in addition to normalization of level of various hormones in PCOS. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, MTF-C-SUNs-Gel has paved the way for developing intravaginal dosage form of MTF-HCl for the treatment of PCOS.

Inhalable nanostructured lipid particles of 9-bromo-noscapine, a tubulin-binding cytotoxic agent: in vitro and in vivo studies.

9-Bromo-noscapine (9-Br-Nos) alters tubulin polymerization in non-small cell lung cancer cells differently from noscapine. However, clinical applications of 9-Br-Nos are limited owing to poor aqueous solubility and high lipophilicity that eventually lead to suboptimal therapeutic efficacy at the site of action. Hence, 9-Br-Nos loaded nanostructured lipid particles (9-Br-Nos-NLPs) were prepared by nanoemulsion method to reduce the particle size below 100 nm. To impart the inhalable and rapid release (RR) attributes, 9-Br-Nos-NLPs were treated with spray dried lactose and effervescent excipients to generate, 9-Br-Nos-RR-NLPs. The mean particle and aerodynamic size of 9-Br-Nos-NLPs were measured to be 13.4±3.2 nm and 2.3±1.5 µm, significantly (P<0.05) lower than 19.4±6.1 nm and 3.1±1.8 µm of 9-Br-Nos-RR-NLPs. In addition, zeta-potential of 9-Br-Nos-NLPs was examined to be -9.54±0.16 mV, significantly (P<0.05) lower than -7.23±0.10 mV of 9-Br-Nos-RR-NLPs. Hence, both formulations were found to be optimum for pulmonary delivery through inhalation route of administration. Next, 9-Br-Nos-RR-NLPs exhibited enhanced cytotoxicity, apoptosis and cellular uptake in A549, lung cancer cells, as compared to 9-Br-Nos-NLPs and 9-Br-Nos suspension. This may be attributed to enhanced drug delivery and internalization character of 9-Br-Nos-RR-NLPs by energy-dependent endocytosis and passive diffusion mechanism. Pharmacokinetic and distribution analysis demonstrated the superiority of 9-Br-Nos-RR-NLPs that exhibited ∼1.12 and ∼1.75-folds enhancement in half-life of the drug as compared to 9-Br-Nos-NLPs and 9-Br-Nos powder following inhalation route. Continuation to this, 9-Br-Nos-RR-NLPs also displayed ∼3.75-fold increment in half-life of the drug in lungs, as compared to 9-Br-Nos suspension following intravenous route of administration. Furthermore, enhanced drug exposure was measured in terms of AUC(last) in lungs following administration of 9-Br-Nos-RR-NLPs, as compared to 9-Br-Nos-NLPs, 9-Br-Nos powder and 9-Br-Nos suspension. This may be attributed to rapid dispersion, enhanced dissolution and deep lung deposition of nanoparticles following inhalation route. Therefore, inhalable 9-Br-Nos-RR-NLPs claims further in depth in vivo tumor regression study to scale up the technology for clinical applications.

Stealth lipid coated aquasomes bearing recombinant human interferon-α-2b offered prolonged release and enhanced cytotoxicity in ovarian cancer cells.

PURPOSE: In present investigation, recombinant human interferon-α-2b (rhINF-α-2b) loaded aquasomes were prepared, optimized and overlaid with PEGylated phospholipid to offer prolong release and high therapeutic index against ovarian cancer, SKOV3 cells. METHODS AND RESULTS: Central Composite Design (CCD) and Response Surface Methodology (RSM) were employed to calculate the optimized conditions, 1:3 core to coat ratio, sonication power of 12.5W and time of about 55min for preparation of aquasomes. Consequently, rhINF-α-2b-Py-5-P-Aq.somes exhibited higher protein loading capacity and retained structural conformations of rhINF-α-2b, as compared to rhINF-α-2b-Cellob-Aq.somes, rhINF-α-2b-Tre-Aq.somes and rhINF-α-2b-Core (CaHPO4). Further, optimized rhINF-α-2b-Py-5-P-Aq.somes was superimposed with phospholipid-PEG2000 to prolong the release pattern of rhINF-α-2b from aquasomes. The rhINF-α-2b-core (CaHPO4) released 97.3% of protein in 1h, while 95.3% of rhINF-α-2b was released by rhINF-α-2b-Tre-Aq.somes in 4h. Concurrently, rhINF-α-2b-Cellob-Aq.somes and rhINF-α-2b-Py-5-P-Aq.somes released 96.2% and 97.8% of rhINF-α-2b respectively in 6 and 8h. Ultimately, rhINF-α-2b-Py-5-P-Aq.somes-P-PEG2000 displayed evidence of its prolonged release pattern and released 98.1% of rhINF-α-2b in 336h. FT-IR and XRD substantiated the involvement of vigorous intermolecular hydrogen bonding and amorphous geometry in rhINF-α-2b-Py-5-P-Aq.somes. In last, rhINF-α-2b-Py-5-P-Aq.somes-P-PEG2000 exhibited the∼4.55, 1.92, 2.3, 2.8, and 3.84 fold reductions in IC50 as compared to free rhINF-α-2b, rhINF-α-2b-Py-5-P-Aq.somes, rhINF-α-2b-Cellob-Aq.somes, rhINF-α-2b-Tre-Aq.somes and rhINF-α-2b-Core (CaHPO4), respectively. CONCLUSION: Therefore, rhINF-α-2b-Py-5-P-Aq.somes-P-PEG2000 warrant further in depth in vitro and in vivo antitumor study to scale up the technology for clinical intervention.

Wheat germ agglutinin anchored chitosan microspheres of reduced brominated derivative of noscapine ameliorated acute inflammation in experimental colitis.

Reduced brominated derivative of noscapine (Red-Br-Nos, EM012), has potent anti-inflammatory property. However, physicochemical limitations of Red-Br-Nos like low aqueous solubility (0.43×10(-3) g/mL), high lipophilicity (logP∼2.94) and ionization at acidic pH greatly encumber the scale-up of oral drug delivery systems for the management of colitis. Therefore, in present investigation, chitosan microspheres bearing Red-Br-Nos (CTS-MS-Red-Br-Nos) were prepared by emulsion polymerization method and later coated with wheat germ agglutinin (WGA-CTS-MS-Red-Br-Nos) to boost the bioadhesive property. The mean particle size and zeta-potential of CTS-MS-Red-Br-Nos were measured to be 10.5±5.4 µm and 8.1±2.2 mV, significantly (P<0.05) lesser than, 30.2±3.2 µm and 19.2±2.3 mV of WGA-CTS-MS-Red-Br-Nos. Furthermore, various spectral techniques like SEM, FT-IR, DSC and PXRD substantiated that Red-Br-Nos was molecularly dispersed in tailored microspheres in amorphous state. Surface bioadhesive property of WGA-CTS-MS-Red-Br-Nos promoted the affinity toward colon mucin cells in simulated colonic fluid (SCF, pH∼7.2). In vitro release studies carried out on WGA-CTS-MS-Red-Br-Nos and CTS-MS-Red-Br-Nos indicated that SCF with colitis milieu (pH∼4.7) favored the controlled release of Red-Br-Nos, owing to solubilization at acidic pH. Consistently, in vivo investigation also demonstrated the utility of WGA-CTS-MS-Red-Br-Nos, which remarkably attenuated the DSS encouraged neutrophil infiltration, myeloperoxidase activity, and pro-inflammatory cytokine production in C57BL6J mice, as compared to CTS-MS-Red-Br-Nos and Red-Br-Nos suspension. The noteworthy anti-inflammatory activity of WGA-CTS-MS-Red-Br-Nos against acute colitis may be attributed to enhanced drug delivery, affinity and utmost drug exposure at inflamed mucosal layers of colon. In conclusion, WGA-CTS-MS-Red-Br-Nos warrants further in-depth in vitro and in vivo investigations to scale-up the technology for clinical translation.

Improved cisplatin delivery in cervical cancer cells by utilizing folate-grafted non-aggregated gelatin nanoparticles.

PURPOSE: Cisplatin is highly effective in the treatment of cervical cancer. However, in therapeutic doses, cisplatin induces several adverse effects due to undesirable tissue distribution. Therefore, it is worth targeting cisplatin in cervical cancer cells by implicating non-aggregated ligand-modified nanotherapeutics. METHODS AND RESULTS: Here, we report the preparation of non-aggregated folic acid-conjugated gelatin nanoparticles of cisplatin (Cis-GNs-FA) by two-step desolvation method with mean particle size of 210.6±9.6nm and 140.5±10.9nm for Cis-GNs to improve the drug delivery in cervical cancer, HeLa cells. FTIR and DSC spectra confirmed the presence and stability of cisplatin in gelatin matrix. Furthermore, amorphization of cisplatin in nanoparticles was ascertained by PXRD. Drug release followed a first-order release kinetic at both pH âˆ¼ 5.6 (cervical cancer pH) and pH âˆ¼ 7.4. In addition, a significant (P<0.05) decrease in IC50 value (8.3µM) and enhanced apoptosis were observed in HeLa cells treated with Cis-GNs-FA as compared to Cis-GNs (15.1µM) and cisplatin solution (40.2µM). In contrast, A549 lung cancer cells did not discriminate between Cis-GNs-FA and Cis-GNs due to the absence of folate receptors-α (FR-α). Consistently, higher cellular uptake, 80.54±7.60% was promoted by Cis-GNs-FA significantly (two-way ANOVA, P<0.05) greater than 51.68±9.78%, by Cis-GNs. This was also illustrated by CLSM images, which indicated that Cis-GNs-FA preferably accumulated in the cytoplasm of HeLa cells nearby nucleus by following receptor-mediated endocytosis pathway as compared to Cis-GNs. CONCLUSION: Therefore, Cis-GNs-FA warrants further in-depth in vitro and in vivo investigations to scale up the technology for clinical translation.