Biomolecular interactions between Plasmodium and human host: A basis of targeted antimalarial therapy.

Malaria is one of the serious health concerns worldwide as it remains a clinical challenge due to the complex life cycle of the malaria parasite and the morphological changes it undergoes during infection. The malaria parasite multiplies rapidly and spreads in the population by changing its alternative hosts. These various morphological stages of the parasite in the human host cause clinical symptoms (anemia, fever, and coma). These symptoms arise due to the preprogrammed biology of the parasite in response to the human pathophysiological response. Thus, complete elimination becomes one of the major health challenges. Although malaria vaccine(s) are available in the market, they still contain to cause high morbidity and mortality. Therefore, an approach for eradication is needed through the exploration of novel molecular targets by tracking the epidemiological changes the parasite adopts. This review focuses on the various novel molecular targets.

Rationally designed block copolymer-based nanoarchitectures: An emerging paradigm for effective drug delivery.

Various polymeric materials have been investigated to produce unique modes of delivery for drug modules to achieve either temporal or spatial control of bioactives delivery. However, after intravenous administration, phagocytic cells quickly remove these nanostructures from the systemic circulation via the reticuloendothelial system (RES). To overcome these concerns, ecofriendly block copolymers are increasingly being investigated as innovative carriers for the delivery of bioactives. In this review, we discuss the design, fabrication techniques, and recent advances in the development of block copolymers and their applications as drug carrier systems to improve the physicochemical and pharmacological attributes of bioactives.

Multicompartment systems: A putative carrier for combined drug delivery and targeting.

In this review, we discuss recent developments in multicompartment systems commonly referred to as vesosomes, as well as their method of preparation, surface modifications, and clinical potential. Vesosomal systems are able to entrap more than one drug moiety and can be customized for site-specific delivery. We focus in particular on the possible reticuloendothelial system (RES) - mediated accumulation of vesosomes, and their application in tumor targeting, as areas for further investigation.

Dual antitubercular drug loaded liposomes for macrophage targeting: development, characterisation, ex vivo and in vivo assessment.

AIM: The present study was conducted to formulate and investigate liposomes for the dual drug delivery based on anti-tubercular drug(s) combination i.e. Isoniazid (INH) and Rifampicin (RIF). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Mannosylated and non mannosylated liposomes were prepared by lipid thin film hydration method, using DSPC: Chol at a molar ratio 6:4 while in case of mannosylated liposomes DSPC: Chol: Man-C4-Chol at a molar ratio 6.0:3.5:0.5 were used and extensively characterised. The particle size and zeta potential were recorded to be 1.29 ± 0.24 µm and -9.1 ± 0.11 mV. The drug entrapment (%) was recorded to be 84.7 ± 1.25% for Rifampicin and 31.8 ± 0.12% for Isoniazid. RESULTS: The antitubercular activity studied in Balb/C mice was maximum in the case of mannosylated liposomes. The biodistribution studies also revealed higher drug(s) concentration (accumulation) maintained over a protracted period. CONCLUSIONS: The liposomal preparations are passively as well as actively uptaken by the alveolar macrophages which are the cellular tropics of infection. The mannosylated liposomes appear to be a potential carrier for dual drug delivery and targeted antitubercular therapy.

Development and Characterization of Biocompatible Mannose Functionalized Mesospheres: an Effective Chemotherapeutic Approach for Lung Cancer Targeting.

The aim of the present study was to analyze the lung targeting potential of surface engineered mesospheres loaded with doxorubicin hydrochloride (DOX). Gelatin-based DOX encapsulated mesospheres were prepared using a steric stabilization process and surface modified with mannose, using the amino group present on the surface of the mesospheres. Gelatin-DOX-mesospheres (M1) and gelatin-mannosylated-DOX-mesospheres (M2) were characterized for particle size, polydispersity index, zeta potential, and % entrapment efficiency which were found respectively 8.7 ± 0.35, 0.671 ± 0.018, 1.74 ± 0.27, and 80.4 ± 1.2 for (M1) and 9.8 ± 0.41, 0.625 ± 0.010, 0.85 ± 0.11, and 75.1 ± 0.7 for (M2). Furthermore, the mesospheres were characterized by FTIR, DSC, SEM, and TEM. In vitro drug release study of optimized formulation was carried out using the dialysis tube method. The cumulative percent drug release was found to be 79.2 ± 0.1% and 69.6 ± 0.52% respectively for gelatin-DOX-mesospheres and gelatin-mannosylated-DOX-mesospheres. In vitro cytotoxicity of formulations was determined using xenograft A-549 tumor cell lines. The cytotoxicity recorded as IC50 was more in the case of M2 compared to M1. In addition, mesospheres exhibited minimal hemolytic toxicity and appear to be promising for sustained drug delivery of DOX to the lungs. Cytotoxicity assay was conducted on the A-549 cell line. The results revealed that gelatin-mannosylated-DOX-mesospheres were maximally cytotoxic as compared to free DOX as well as gelatin-DOX-mesospheres. The lung's accumulation of drug was measured and found maximum after administration of M2. It may, therefore, be inferred that gelatin-mannosylated-DOX-mesospheres are capable to carry bioactive(s) and can be used specifically to target the lung cancer with minimal side effects.

Lipid Drug Conjugates for Improved Therapeutic Benefits.

Lipid drug conjugates (LDCs) are the chemical entities, which are commonly referred to as lipoidal prodrug. They contain the bioactive molecules, covalently or non-covalently linked with lipids like fatty acids, glycerides or phospholipids. Lipid drug conjugates are fabricated with the aim of increasing drug payload. It also prevents leakage of a highly polar bioactive(s) from the lipophilic matrix. Conjugating lipidic moieties to bioactive molecules improves hydrophobicity. It also modifies other characteristics of bioactive(s). These conjugates possess numerous merits encompassing enhanced tumor targeting, lymphatic system targeting, systemic bioavailability and decreased toxicity. Different conjugation approaches, chemical linkers and spacers can be used to synthesize LDCs based on the chemical behaviour of lipidic moieties and bioactive(s). The factors such as coupling/ conjugation methods, the linkers etc. regulate and control the release of bioactive(s) from the LDCs. It is considered as a crucial parameter for the better execution of the LDCs. The purpose of this review is to explore widely the potential of LDCs as an approach for improving the therapeutic indices of bioactive(s). In this review, the conjugation methods, various lipids used for preparing LDCs, and advantages of using LDCs are summarized. Though LDCs might be administered without using a carrier; however, majority of them are incorporated in an appropriate nanocarrier system. In the conjugates, the lipidic component may considerably improve the loading of lipoidal bioactive(s) in the lipid compartments. This results in high % drug entrapment in nanocarriers with greater stability. Several nanometric carriers such as polymeric nanoparticles, micelles, liposomes, emulsions and lipid nanoparticles, which have been explored, are reviewed here.