Novel composite fatty acid vesicles-in-Pluronic lecithin organogels for enhanced magnolol delivery in skin cancer treatment.

A novel composite carrier composed of Pluronic lecithin organogels and fatty acid vesicles was used to enhance the stability and facilitate the topical delivery of a natural bioactive drug, magnolol (Mag), for treatment of skin cancer. Jojoba oil was incorporated in the organogel (OG) base to provide a synergistic effect in treatment of skin cancer. The organoleptic properties, rheological behavior, morphology, and drug content of the OG formulations were investigated with emphasis on the impact of vesicle loading on the OG characteristics. The effect of OG on Mag release and ex-vivo permeation studies were evaluated and compared to free Mag in OG. The biological anti-tumor activity of the OG formulae was assessed using a skin cancer model in mice. All OG formulations exhibited uniform drug distribution with drug content ranging from 92.22 ± 0.91 to 100.45 ± 0.77 %. Rheological studies confirmed the OG shear-thinning flow behavior. Ex-vivo permeation studies demonstrated that the permeation of Mag from all OG formulations surpassed that obtained with free Mag in the OG. The anti-tumor activity studies revealed the superior efficacy of 10-hydroxy-decanoic acid (HDA)-based vesicles incorporated in OG formulations in mitigating 7,12- dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA)-induced skin cancer, thereby offering a promising platform for the local delivery of Mag.

Engineering a novel water-in-oil biocompatible microemulsion system for the ocular delivery of dexamethasone sodium phosphate in the treatment of acute uveitis.

Due to their unique characteristics, microemulsions (ME) represent one of the most promising delivery systems which can conquer poor ocular drug bioavailability providing long residence time. Development of a ME system, relying on the use of a safe and non-irritant surfactant combination derived from sustainable resources and which can consolidate the small ME droplets, is the goal of this work. Herein, we report the design and characterization of a novel biocompatible, eco-friendly ME system loaded with the hydrophilic dexamethasone sodium phosphate (DEXP) using a novel surfactant mixture composed of D-α-tocopherol polyethylene glycol succinate (TPGS) and Plantacare® (coco-Glycosides). Capryol™ PGMC and double-distilled water were used as the respective oil and aqueous phases and the MEs were prepared by the water titration method, suitable for scaling up. Optimization of ME formulae was conducted by varying Plantacare® grades, TPGS to Plantacare® mass ratios and drug loading. The formulae were characterized in terms of physical appearance, droplet size (PS), size distribution (PDI), zeta potential (ZP), and stability. The optimized DEXP-loaded ME formula attained acceptable PS, PDI, and ZP values of 43 ± 5 nm, 0.35 ± 0.07, -12 ± 4 mV, respectively. TEM images confirmed a small PS ≤ 100 nm. The in vivo safety of ME was proved by the Draize test. The ME formula prompted excellent mucoadhesion and transcorneal permeation. The confocal studies showed deep penetration into the rabbits' corneas. In vivo studies using endotoxin-induced uveitis showed high ocular efficacy and a significant reduction in inflammatory cells, including interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). The obtained results elect the novel engineered ME system as a promising tool for the ocular delivery of hydrophilic moieties in the management of various ophthalmic diseases.

10-Hydroxy Decanoic Acid-Based Vesicles as a Novel Topical Delivery System: Would It Be a Better Platform Than Conventional Oleic Acid Ufasomes for Skin Cancer Treatment?

10-hydroxy decanoic acid (HDA), a naturally derived fatty acid, was used for the preparation of novel fatty acid vesicles for comparison with oleic acid (OA) ufasomes. The vesicles were loaded with magnolol (Mag), a potential natural drug for skin cancer. Different formulations were prepared using the thin film hydration method and were statistically evaluated according to a Box-Behnken design in terms of particle size (PS), polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential (ZP), and entrapment efficiency (EE). The ex vivo skin permeation and deposition were assessed for Mag skin delivery. In vivo, an assessment of the optimized formulae using 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA)-induced skin cancer in mice was also conducted. The PS and ZP of the optimized OA vesicles were 358.9 ± 3.2 nm and -82.50 ± 7.13 mV compared to 191.9 ± 6.28 nm and -59.60 ± 3.07 mV for HDA vesicles, respectively. The EE was high (>78%) for both types of vesicles. Ex vivo permeation studies revealed enhanced Mag permeation from all optimized formulations compared to a drug suspension. Skin deposition demonstrated that HDA-based vesicles provided the highest drug retention. In vivo, studies confirmed the superiority of HDA-based formulations in attenuating DMBA-induced skin cancer during treatment and prophylactic studies.

A pan-cancer analysis reveals CHD1L as a prognostic and immunological biomarker in several human cancers.

Introduction: Several recent studies pointed out that chromodomain-helicase-DNA-binding protein 1-like (CHD1L) is a putative oncogene in many human tumors. However, up to date, there is no pan-cancer analysis performed to study the different aspects of this gene expression and behavior in tumor tissues. Methods: Here, we applied several bioinformatics tools to make a comprehensive analysis for CHD1L. Firstly we assessed the expression of CHD1L in several types of human tumors and tried to correlate that with the stage and grade of the analyzed tumors. Following that, we performed a survival analysis to study the correlation between CHD1L upregulation in tumors and the clinical outcome. Additionally, we investigated the mutation forms, the correlation with several immune cell infiltration, and the potential molecular mechanisms of CHD1L in the tumor tissue. Result and discussion: The results demonstrated that CHD1L is a highly expressed gene across several types of tumors and that was correlated with a poor prognosis for most cancer patients. Moreover, it was found that CHD1L affects the tumor immune microenvironment by influencing the infiltration level of several immune cells. Collectively, the current study provides a comprehensive overview of the oncogenic roles of CHD1L where our results nominate CHD1L as a potential prognostic biomarker and target for antitumor therapy development.

Boosting hair growth through follicular delivery of Melatonin through lecithin-enhanced Pickering emulsion stabilized by chitosan-dextran nanoparticles in testosterone induced androgenic alopecia rat model.

The strategy in this work was loading Melatonin (MEL), the powerful antioxidant photosensitive molecule, in novel Pickering emulsions (PEs) stabilized by chitosan-dextran sulphate nanoparticles (CS-DS NPs) and enhanced by lecithin, for treatment of androgenic alopecia (AGA). Biodegradable CS-DS NPs dispersion was prepared by polyelectrolyte complexation and optimized for PEs stabilization. PEs were characterized for droplet size, zeta potential, morphology, photostability and antioxidant activity. Ex-vivo permeation study through rat full thickness skin was conducted with optimized formula. Differential tape stripping trailed by cyanoacrylate skin surface biopsy was executed, for quantifying MEL in skin compartments and hair follicles. In-vivo evaluation of MEL PE hair growth activity was performed on testosterone induced AGA rat model. Visual inspection followed by anagen to telogen phase ratio (A/T) and histopathological examinations were conducted and compared with marketed 5% minoxidil spray "Rogaine ®". Data showed that PE improved MEL antioxidant activity and photostability. Ex-vivo results displayed MEL PE high follicular deposition. In-vivo study demonstrated that MEL PE treated testosterone induced AGA rat group, restored hair loss and produced maximum hair regeneration along with prolonged anagen phase amongst tested groups. The histopathological examination revealed that MEL PE prolonged anagen stage, increased follicular density and A/T ratio by 1.5-fold. The results suggested that lecithin-enhanced PE stabilized by CS-DS NPs was found to be an effective approach to enhance photostability, antioxidant activity and follicular delivery of MEL. Thus, MEL-loaded PE could be a promising competitor to commercially marketed Minoxidil for treatment of AGA.

Towards more efficient inhalable chemotherapy: Fabrication of nanodiamonds-releasing microspheres.

Nanodiamonds (NDs) are among the most promising chemotherapy vectors, however, they tend to aggregate upon storage, or when exposed to mild changes in pH or ionic strength. Therefore, fabrication of dried NDs with minimal change in particle size is highly desirable. In this study, we have developed a dried powder form of NDs with controlled particle size to be eligible for pulmonary delivery, after screening different drying protectants for their effect on NDs particle size and surface charge. Results showed that the nanospray-drying process in the presence of mannitol prevented the aggregation of NDs. Nanospray-dried NDs microparticles exhibited an optimal aerodynamic size for pulmonary delivery, and the in vitro aerosol deposition testing showed that NDs-embedded mannitol microspheres could deliver more than half of the emitted fraction to the lower stage of the Twin impinger device; indicating high pulmonary delivery potential. Upon loading NDs with doxorubicin (NDX) prior to spray dryng, they were able to deliver 2.6 times more drug to A549 lung cancer cell line compared to the free drug. Pharmacokinetics study in rats showed that inhaled NDX microparticles could efficiently limit the biodistribution of the drug to the lungs, and minimize the drug fraction reaching the systemic circulation. To conclude, nanospray-dried NDs microparticles present a promising vehicle for the pulmonary delivery of chemotherapeutic agents for treatment of lung cancer.

Why human prepuce is a valuable resource in science? Histological, ultrastructural, immunohistochemical and statistical analysis / ¿Por qué el prepucio humano es un recurso valioso en la ciencia? Análisis histológicos, ultraestructurales, inmunohistoquímicos y estadísticos

SUMMARY: This research was to examine the histological and ultrastructural characteristics of prepuce samples, as well as vimentin and S100 protein localization and statistical analysis. Urologists have long struggled with the prepuce, which is used to treat a variety of urethral problems. Skin biopsies were collected from the prepuce at the moment of circumcision and processed for light microscopy, electron microscope examination, immunohistochemical techniques, and statistical analysis in a total of six boys. Histologically, the prepuce epidermis displayed focal spiky ridges, which are saw-toothed interspersed with sulci, slight hyperpigmentation, looser connective tissue and plentiful vascular components. Immunohistochemically, the existence of melanocytes and Langerhans cells in the epidermis, as well as smooth muscles in the dermis, was stained positively for vimentin. Also, there was a positive reactivity of the Langerhans cells in the epidermis and around Meissner's corpuscles in the dermis for S100 protein staining. Ultrastructurally, the prepuce's intercellular gaps were widened, melanocytes rested on a folded basement membrane, and desmosomal content was reduced, with a prominent active euchromatic nucleus. Cytoplasmic projections were distended and elongated, and the interstitial blood vessels were surrounded by endothelial cells and rested on a basement membrane. There were also minimal collagen fibers in the interstitium. The prepuce's histological and ultrastructural features, as well as immunohistological studies using vimentin and S100 protein as intermediate filaments and statistical analysis, all demonstrated that it is a useful scientific resource.

RESUMEN: El presente trabajo de investigación se realizó para examinar las características histológicas y ultraestructurales de las muestras de prepucio, así como la localización y el análisis estadístico de la vimentina y la proteína S100. Los urólogos han intentado trabajar durante mucho tiempo con el prepucio, que se usa para tratar una variedad de problemas uretrales. Se recolectaron biopsias de piel del prepucio de seis niños en el momento de la circuncisión y se procesaron para microscopía óptica, examen con microscopio electrónico, técnicas inmunohistoquímicas y análisis estadístico. Histológicamente, la epidermis del prepucio mostraba crestas puntiagudas focales, intercaladas con surcos, hiperpigmentación leve, tejido conectivo más laxo y abundantes componentes vasculares. Inmunohistoquímicamente, la existencia de melanocitos y células dendríticas epidérmicas (células de Langerhans), así como músculo liso en la dermis, se tiñeron positivamente para vimentina. Además, hubo una reactividad positiva de las células dendríticas epidérmicas en la epidermis y alrededor de los corpúsculos del tacto (de Meissner) en la dermis para la tinción de la proteína S100. Ultraestructuralmente, los espacios intercelulares del prepucio se ensancharon, los melanocitos descansaban sobre una membrana basal plegada y el contenido desmosómico se redujo, con un núcleo eucromático activo prominente. Las proyecciones citoplasmáticas estaban distendidas y alargadas, y los vasos sanguíneos intersticiales estaban rodeados por células endoteliales y descansaban sobre una membrana basal. También había fibras de colágeno mínimas en el intersticio. Las características histológicas y ultraestructurales del prepucio, así como los estudios inmunohistológicos utilizando vimentina y proteína S100 como filamentos intermedios y el análisis estadístico, demostraron que es un recurso científico útil.

An "eat me" combinatory nano-formulation for systemic immunotherapy of solid tumors.

Rational: Tumor immunogenic cell death (ICD), induced by certain chemotherapeutic drugs such as doxorubicin (Dox), is a form of apoptosis potentiating a protective immune response. One of the hallmarks of ICD is the translocation of calreticulin to the cell surface acting as an 'eat me' signal. This manuscript describes the development of a stable nucleic acid-lipid particles (SNALPs) formulation for the simultaneous delivery of ICD inducing drug (Dox) with small interfering RNA (siRNA) knocking down CD47 (siCD47), the dominant 'don't eat me' marker, for synergistic enhancement of ICD. Methods: SNALPs loaded with Dox or siCD47 either mono or combinatory platforms were prepared by ethanol injection method. The proposed systems were characterized for particle size, surface charge, entrapment efficiency and in vitro drug release. The ability of the SNALPs to preserve the siRNA integrity in presence of serum and RNAse were assessed over 48 h. The in vitro cellular uptake and gene silencing of the prepared SNALPs was assessed in CT26 cells. The immunological responses of the SNALPs were defined in vitro in terms of surface calreticulin expression and macrophage-mediated phagocytosis induction. In vivo therapeutic studies were performed in CT26 bearing mice where the therapeutic outcomes were expressed as tumor volume, expression of CD4 and CD8 as well as in vivo silencing. Results: The optimized SNALPs had a particle size 122 ±6 nm and an entrapment efficiency > 65% for both siRNA and Dox with improved serum stability. SNALPs were able to improve siRNA and Dox uptake in CT26 cells with enhanced cytotoxicity. siCD47 SNALPs were able to knockdown CD47 by approximately 70% with no interference from the presence of Dox. The siCD47 and Dox combination SNALPs were able to induce surface calreticulin expression leading to a synergistic effect on macrophage-mediated phagocytosis of treated cells. In a tumor challenge model, 50% of mice receiving siCD47 and Dox containing SNALPs were able to clear the tumor, while the remaining animals showed significantly lower tumor burden as compared to either monotreatment. Conclusion: Therefore, the combination of siCD47 and Dox in a particulate system showed potent anti-tumor activity which merits further investigation in future clinical studies.

Bioinspired lipid-polysaccharide modified hybrid nanoparticles as a brain-targeted highly loaded carrier for a hydrophilic drug.

Lipid-polysaccharide modified biohybrid nanoparticles (NPs) are eminent drug carriers for brain targeting, owing to their ability to prolong the circulation time and penetrate the blood brain barrier (BBB). Biohybrid NPs particular interest arises from their potential to mimic biological components. Herein, we prepared bioinspired lipid polymeric NPs, either naked or surface modified by a synthesized biocompatible dextran-cholic acid (DxC). The nanoprecipitation method was tailored to allow the assembly of the multicomponent NPs in a single step. Modulating the solvent/antisolvent system provided lipid polymer hybrid NPs in the size of 111.6 ± 11.4 nm size. The NPs encapsulated up to 92 ± 1.2% of a hydrophilic anti-Alzheimer drug, rivastigmine (Riv). The brain uptake, biodistribution and pharmacokinetics studies, proved the efficient fast penetration of the bioinspired surface modified NPs to the brain of healthy albino rats. The modified nanocarrier caused a 5.4 fold increase in brain targeting efficiency compared to the drug solution. Furthermore, the presence of DxC increased Riv's brain residence time up to 40 h. The achieved results suggest that the fabricated biohybrid delivery system was able to circumvent the BBB and is expected to minimize Riv systemic side effects.

Polypeptide and glycosaminoglycan polysaccharide as stabilizing polymers in nanocrystals for a safe ocular hypotensive effect.

Improved ocular delivery of a poorly soluble anti-glaucoma drug, acetazolamide (ACZ), in a stable nanosuspension (NS) was the main target of the study. The anionic polypeptide, poly-γ-glutamic acid (PG) and the glycosaminoglycan, hyaluronic acid, were used to stabilize ACZ-NS prepared using the antisolvent precipitation (AS-PT) coupled with sonication technique. To endue in site biocompatibility with high tolerability, soya lecithin (SL) phospholipid has been also combined with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). NS with uniform PS in the range 100-300 nm, high ζ > ±20 mV, and enhanced saturation solubility were produced. Targeting solvent removal with control on future particle growth, post-production processing of NS was done using spray drying. The carriers' composition and amount relative to ACZ-NS were optimized to allow for the production of a redispersible dry crystalline powder. Particles crystallinity was confirmed using X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) in liquid and spray dried NS. The modified Draize test proved the safety and tolerability following application to rabbit eyes accompanying an efficient ocular hypotensive activity using a steroid glaucoma model.

Chitosan-coated nanodiamonds: Mucoadhesive platform for intravesical delivery of doxorubicin.

Nanodiamonds (NDs) are an emerging delivery system with a massive surface area qualifying them for efficient loading with various drugs. However, NDs easily scavenge ions upon mixing with physiological media leading to rapid aggregation. Herein, chitosan was employed to endue steric stabilization to NDs and confer adhesiveness to the particles improving their retention in the urinary bladder. The effect of chitosan molecular weight and pH on the particle size and surface charge of chitosan-coated doxorubicin-loaded NDs (Chi-NDX) was investigated. Selected formula exhibited high drug loading efficiency (>90 %), small particle size (<150 nm), good colloidal stability, acid-favored drug release but limited stability in cell culture media. After further stabilization with TPP or dextran sulfate, selected TPP-treated formula displayed more potent cytotoxic effect compared with free doxorubicin and uncoated nanoparticles, and higher drug retention in ex vivo bovine bladder. Therefore, TPP-Chi-NDX is suggested as a promising system for mucosal anticancer delivery.

Near IR responsive targeted integrated lipid polymer nanoconstruct for enhanced magnolol cytotoxicity in breast cancer.

Advances in cancer nanotechnology aim at improving specificity and effectiveness for tumor treatment. Amalgamation of different treatment modalities is expected to provide better cancer combating. Herein, We developed a long circulating nanocarrier comprising trastuzumab (TZB) surface modified polylactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) nanoparticles (NPs) co-encapsulating magnolol (Mag) and gold nanoparticles (GNPs). A modified single step nanoprecipitation method was adopted ensuring particle coating with D-α-tocopheryl polyethylene glycol 1000 succinate (TPGS) while co-encapsulating GNPs. TZB was then anchored on NPs surface using a carbodiimide chemistry. The cytotoxicity of the developed system was evaluated with and without photothermal irradiation. NPs cellular uptake was then followed using confocal microscopical imaging. A hybrid matrix composed of PLGA/TPGS and surface decorated with TZB with a conjugation efficiency of ˃65%, was confirmed via FTIR, 1HNMR. GNPs could only be included in the NPs, when placed in the organic phase as evidenced by the shifted GNPs surface plasmonic resonance and confirmed via imaging coupled with energy dispersive X-ray analysis. Optimized NPs (136.1 ± 1.3 nm, -8.2 ± 1 mV and Mag encapsulation efficiency of 81.4 ± 1.8%) were able to boost Mag cytotoxicity on breast cancer cells while providing a selective multifunctional therapy with an added photothermal effect.

Pharmacokinetic/pulmokinetic analysis of optimized lung targeted spray dried ketotifen-dextran core shell nanocomplexes-in-microparticles.

A passive lung targeted system for controlled lung delivery of ketotifen (KT) was developed based on the green complexation of dextran sulphate (DS) and KT. Achieving deep lung deposition of high drug fraction, while evading lung defense mechanisms were set as goals. Optimized uniform negatively charged nanocomplexes (NC), <80 nm, were obtained at KT/DS weight ratio of 1:0.66 to 1:0.5 and 1% surfactant concentration with 90% drug complexation efficiency. The interaction between KT and DS and matrix formation were evidenced by Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectra and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) studies. A respirable particle percent reaching 67.41 ±â€¯2.6% was obtained following co-spray drying NC containing poloxamer with leucine. A higher lung/plasma partitioning was obtained following pulmonary administration of selected nanocomplexes in microparticles (NCEMP) to rats compared to oral and intravenous (iv) routes. A new core shell nanocomplex formed of DS and KT as main substrates exhibited a potential for lung targeting of the anti-asthmatic drug.

Exploiting gelatin nanocarriers in the pulmonary delivery of methotrexate for lung cancer therapy.

Gelatin has many merits that encourage its use in the pulmonary delivery of anticancer drugs. It is a biodegradable denatured protein which possesses several functional groups that could be modified. Additionally, it has balanced hydrophilic and hydrophobic characters, which facilitate the loading of chemotherapeutic agents. Accordingly, the purpose of the current work was to exploit this valuable biomaterial in the efficient pulmonary delivery of methotrexate in case of lung cancer. Gelatin nanoparticles were prepared via a desolvation method and the fabrication process was optimized using Box Behnken design of experiment. A comparative study on uptake of gelatin nanoparticles by lung adenocarcinoma cells and macrophages was implemented using flow cytometry. Investigation of the effect of different methotrexate loading techniques: encapsulation, post loading and chemical conjugation on the nanoparticles characteristics and cellular cytotoxicity was performed. Nano-in-microparticles were prepared by co-spray drying optimized nanoparticles with leucine. Results showed that Box Behnken design was able to optimize preparation parameters to yield uniform nanoparticles with suitable particle size for cancer cells uptake. The prepared nanoparticles demonstrated a preferential uptake by lung cancer cells. Additionally, methotrexate loaded nanoparticles demonstrated up to four fold significant reduction in methotrexate IC50. The spray dried gelatin nano-in microparticles demonstrated good aerosolization properties enabling lung deposition in the respirable airways. Thus, providing a promising platform for lung cancer therapy.

Nanodiamonds: Minuscule gems that ferry antineoplastic drugs to resistant tumors.

Remarkable efforts are currently devoted to the area of nanodiamonds (NDs) research due to their superior properties viz: biocompatibility, minute size, inert core, and tunable surface chemistry. The use of NDs for the delivery of anticancer drugs has been at the forefront of NDs applications owing to their ability to increase chemosensitivity, sustain drug release, and minimize drug side effects. Accelerated steps towards the move of NDs from bench side to bedside have been recently witnessed. In this review, the effects of NDs production and purification techniques on NDs' final properties are discussed. Special concern is given to studies focusing on NDs use for anticancer drug delivery, stability enhancement and mediated targeted delivery. The aim of this review is to put the results of studies oriented towards NDs-mediated anticancer drug delivery side by side such that the reader can assess the potential use of NDs in clinics and follow up the upcoming results of clinical testing of NDs on animals and humans.

Construction and immunogenicity analysis of nanoparticulated conjugate of heat-stable enterotoxin (STa) of enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli.

The ultimate goal of this research was to overcome the low immunogenicity of the biological macromolecule (heat stable enterotoxin STa) via its conjugation to biodegradable PLGA nanoparticles (NP). STa was first isolated from Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC), purified and identified using reported HPLC procedures. Optimized homogenous PLGA NP, prepared using the nanoprecipitation technique were used for conjugating STa using the carbodiimide synthesis. Covalent binding of STa to PLGA NP was confirmed via FTIR and 1HNMR analysis. Safety and tolerability of the developed nanoparticulated STa-PLGA conjugate were confirmed by MTT assay on A549 lung cancer cells. After subcutaneous immunization, STA-PLGA NP conjugate induced a significant immune response in mice showing a strong binding and neutralizing antibody titer. The developed novel STa-PLGA NP conjugate is expected to provide promising protection against enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC).

Polysaccharides-based nanocomplexes for the prolonged delivery of enoxaparin: In-vitro and in-vivo evaluation.

Thromboprophylaxis and anticoagulant therapy face serious medical challenges in terms of how crucial it is to maintain therapeutic activity of the anticoagulant agent over the required period of time. Failure to do so will lead to an increased risk of clot propagation if a subtherapeutic drug level is reached. On the other hand, higher-than intended anticoagulation levels might lead to an enhanced risk of hemorrhagic complications. Nanocomplexes (NCs) for the controlled delivery of the antithrombotic Enoxaparin (Enox) with dextran sulfate (DS) and chitosan (CS) were formulated, in an attempt to circumvent therapeutic and compliance challenges associated with the prolonged administration of the current dosage form. Using polyelectrolyte complexation method, various fabrication and formulation parameters were tested. Assessment of ex-vivo stability of selected formulae in rat serum was done prior to determination of their pharmacokinetic profile. High EE% was achieved in all systems prepared. In absence of DS, target size was obtained when 0.54mg/mL CS at an initial pH of 5 and Enox to CS mass ratio of 1:2.5 were employed at room temperature. These parameters were shifted to new optima upon introduction of DS. The anticoagulant activity of NCs (in absence/presence of DS) was significantly sustained compared to the market product (135 and >144h versus 5h, respectively).

Passive targeting and lung tolerability of enoxaparin microspheres for a sustained antithrombotic activity in rats.

Pulmonary bed can retain microparticles (MP) larger than their capillaries' diameter, hence we offer a promising way for lung passive targeting following intravenous (IV) administration. In this study, enoxaparin (Enox)-albumin microspheres (Enox-Alb MS) were, optimally, developed as lung targeted sustained release MP for IV use. Lung tolerability and targeting efficiency of Enox-Alb MS were tested, and the pharmacokinetic profile following IV administration to albino rats was constructed. In vivo studies confirmed high lung targeting efficiency of Enox-Alb MS with lack of potential tissue toxicity. The anticoagulant activity of the selected Alb MS was significantly sustained for up to 38 h compared to 5 h for the market product. Alb MS are promising delivery carriers for controlled and targeted delivery of Enox to the lungs for prophylaxis and treatment of pulmonary embolism.

Polymer-Based Novel Lung Targeted Delivery Systems.

BACKGROUND: Due to its unique features, the respiratory tract had received great attention as a promising non-invasive route for drug administration to achieve both local and systemic effects. Efforts spent to tailor systems able to overcome the lung defence mechanisms and biological barriers are followed in this review. Aerodynamic diameter, morphology, lung deposition and drug release profiles are the main criteria describing the selected new smart lung targeted delivery systems. METHODS: Novel systems such as nanoparticles, nano-embedded-in microparticles (NEM), small microparticles (MP), large porous particles (LPP), PulmospheresTM and polymeric micelles are used to passively target different areas in the respiratory tract. The most common preparation methods are outlined in the article. Special emphasis was given to the characteristics of the polymers used to fabricate the developed systems. Efforts made to prepare systems using chitosan (CS), alginate (alg), hyaluronic acid (HA), gelatin and albumin as examples of natural polymers and poly lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) and poly(Ɛ-caprolactone) (PCL) as synthetic polymers were compiled. CONCLUSION: The continuous development and work in the area of lung targeting resulted in the development of engineered smart platforms with the capability to carry small drug molecules, proteins and genes to treat a variety of local and systemic diseases.

Dextran-based Nanocarriers for Delivery of Bioactives.

BACKGROUND: Dextran (DX) is a natural polysaccharide produced in the laboratory by fermentation of sucrose under the effect of the enzyme DX sucrase (1,6-α-D-glucan-α- glucosyltransferase). After harvesting and purification DX is subjected to cracking and separation to obtain the desired molecular weight. METHODS: The hydroxyl groups present in DX offer many sites for derivatization allowing the production of functionalized glycoconjugates biocompatible compound. DX and its derivatives are getting increased attention for use in core decoration or as carriers in novel drug delivery systems. This includes, among others, ion-pairing, self-aggregate, protein and drug conjugates. DX carriers and camouflaged particles will be dealt with in this review to give emphasis on the great versatility of this natural biocompatible polysaccharide. CONCLUSION: With the continuous development in the area of drug delivery, we believe that the unique properties of this versatile nanocarrier platform will elect it as one of the cornerstones of safe nanodelivery systems.