Concurrent Tissue Engineering for Wound Healing in Diabetic Rats Utilizing Dual Actions of Green Synthesized CuO NPs Prepared from Two Plants Grown in Egypt.

Purpose: Diabetes mellitus is among the disrupting factors of orchestrated events in wound healing. This necessitates the urge for tailored medications, which are continually offered by nano-sized materials. Herein, we present greenly synthesized copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs), obtained from either Punica granatum L. (PG) or Pisidium guajava L. (GV) extract, to function as potent bactericidal and fungicidal materials that promote regeneration and healing of the targeted diabetic wounded tissues. Methods: PG or GV plant extracts were compared as source of reducing agents for CuO NPs synthesis process. The yield and photocatalytic degradation potential were compared. NPs obtained from the superior extract, PG, were characterized using particles size, zeta potential, XRD, TEM, SEM, and EDX. The antimicrobial effects were evaluated on multidrug-resistant human pathogens and then the percentage biofilm inhibitory concentration was determined. The cytotoxicity and wound scratch study were conducted on a normal human skin cell line. In-vivo wound healing activity in diabetic rats was assessed along with histopathological and immunohistochemical examination of CD45 and α-SMA. Results: The greenly synthesized CuO NPs are spherical in shape having a diameter of 233nm. CuO NPs (250µg/mL) acted as promising biocontrol agent against a variety of multidrug-resistant human pathogens. They significantly exhibited 29.460±0.811% healing of the scratched wound compared to only 2.001±0.155% for the control. Wound healing experiments revealed the safety of a low CuO NPs concentration in a diabetic animal model as well as on human normal skin fibroblast cell line. The treated group with a dose of 2mg/cm2 showed superior results with a WC50 value of 7.2 days, and 92% wound contraction after 13-days. Immunohistochemical investigation of the same group demonstrated well-established fibrous tissue (5.7±3.7/HPF), and an amplified granulation tissue of recently developed blood vessels (70±1.5/HPF). Conclusion: Green synthesized CuO NPs could overcome drug resistance and promote wound healing process effectively.

Preclinical studies on melanogenesis proteins using a resveratrol-nanoformula as a skin whitener.

A naturally occurring polyphenol called trans-resveratrol has received a lot of attention due to its possible health advantages for humans. The low solubility of trans-resveratrol and its isomerization upon UV exposure strongly limit its application as a skin-whitening agent. In the present study, to increase trans-resveratrol solubility, a new nanoformula was created by combining hydrophilic surfactants and oils. Trans-Resveratrol nanoformula has been prepared, characterized, and applied as a skin-whitening agent on the dorsal skin of Guinea pigs. The optimized trans-resveratrol nanoformula with a particle size of 63.49 nm displayed a single peak and a polydispersity index [0.36 ± 0.02]. In addition, the zeta potential of the optimized formula was -30.4 mV, confirming the high stability of this nanoformula. The melanin contents in the trans-resveratrol nanoformula-treated group were substantially lower than those of the control and the blank nanoformula-treated groups after staining of the dorsal skins [black areas] of guinea pigs with Fontana Mountain dye. The pigmentation index in the control, blank nanoformula, and optimized trans-resveratrol nanoformula were 329.4 ± 36.9, 335.8 ± 71.4, and 124.8 ± 19.6 respectively. Confirming this finding, immunohistochemistry analysis of skin tissues revealed that the expressions of melanogenesis-regulating proteins such as tyrosinase and microphthalmia-associated transcription factor were down-regulated. The safety of topical application of trans-resveratrol nanoformula was validated by no changes in free radical levels and oxidative stress markers proteins in the livers and kidneys of guinea pigs at the end of the experiment. Conclusions: A novel trans-resveratrol nanoformula as well as the mechanism whereby it promotes skin whitening effects were presented. Furthermore, the study illustrated that trans-resveratrol nanoformula is safe, non-toxic, and can be applied for skin whitening, although more research on human skin is needed.

Hybrid lipid core chitosan-TPGS shell nanocomposites as a promising integrated nanoplatform for enhanced oral delivery of sulpiride in depressive disorder therapy.

Sulpiride (SUL), a benzamide derivative, acts as a multitarget drug with extensive biological properties. However, being a P-glycoprotein efflux substrate with a limited oral bioavailability imposes a challenge to its clinical efficacy. The current research explores the impact of tailored hybrid lipid-polysaccharide nanocomposites in augmenting the biological performance of SUL. Chitosan-graft-tocopherol polyethylene glycol 1000 succinate (TPGS) copolymers were synthesized and integrated as a polysaccharide shell into a SUL-loaded lipid nanocore. The optimized nanohybrids revealed a nanocore-shell structure with 110.1 nm particle size, 23.7 mV zeta potential, 85.42% encapsulation efficiency, a pH-dependent-release profile, and an acceptable mucoadhesive tendency. Employing TPGS into the chitosan backbone alleviated the cellular internalization of nanohybrids into the Caco-2 intestinal cells and hence increased the intestinal permeation and the oral bioavailability of SUL by 3.3, and 8.7-folds, respectively. Reserpine-induced depression rat model confirmed the superior antidepressant activity of nanohybrids, compared with free SUL and a marketed product. The nanohybrids exhibited 1.87- and 1.47-folds enhancement in both serotonin and dopamine levels, respectively. Additionally, nanohybrids were shown to attenuate brain oxidative stress state and SUL irritant effect on different body tissues. Overall, the newly tailored nanohybrids pave the way for an advance in the field of oral drug delivery.

Precisely Fabricated Sulpiride-Loaded Nanolipospheres with Ameliorated Oral Bioavailability and Antidepressant Activity.

BACKGROUND: Sulpiride (SUL), is a selective antidopaminergic drug that had extensive biological activities. However, its sparingly aqueous solubility and limited gastrointestinal permeability lead to scanty oral bioavailability which hinders its clinical efficacy. OBJECTIVE: SUL-loaded lipospheres (SUL-LPS) were designed to serve as an oral biocompatible nanovector for improving SUL permeability as well as conquering its low oral absorption and then in turn enhancing its antidepressant action. METHODS: SUL-LPS were fabricated via two processing techniques namely, melt emulsification and solvent evaporation. The impact of different lipid cores, phospholipid shells together with various surfactant concentrations and types on the lipospheres properties were screened. Detailed physicochemical elucidations were performed followed by ex vivo permeation appraisal using the non-everted intestine model. The pharmacokinetic parameters of SUL-LPS, free SUL and marketed product were assessed following oral administration to healthy rats. Reserpine-induced depression rat model was used to assess the antidepressant action of SUL-LPS on which full behavioural and biochemical analysis was conducted. Safety attributes of nanoencapsulated SUL on the brain and other internal organs were evaluated. RESULTS: The optimum LPS revealed an excellent nanosize with a narrow PdI, negative zeta potential and acceptable entrapment efficiency of 68.62 nm, 0.242, -30.4 mV and 84.12%, respectively. SUL-LPS showed a sustained release pattern and 2.1-fold enhancement in the intestinal permeation parameters with low mucin interaction. Oral pharmacokinetic appraisal exhibited that LPS provided 3.4-fold improvement in SUL oral bioavailability together with long-circulating properties, relative to the free drug. Pharmacodynamic study confirmed the superior antidepressant action of SUL-LPS as evident by 1.6 and 1.25-fold elevation in the serotonin and dopamine expressions, respectively. Meanwhile, nanotoxicological appraisal proved the biocompatibility of SUL-LPS upon repetitive oral administration. CONCLUSION: Rationally designed lipospheres hold promising in vitro and in vivo characteristics for efficient delivery of SUL with high oral bioavailability, antidepressant activity together with a good safety profile.

Graphene oxide crosslinked-zein nanofibrous scaffolds for prominent Cu-adsorption as tissue regeneration promoters in diabetic rats: Nanofibers optimization and in vivo assessment.

Diabetic ulcers are prone to bacterial contamination and can severely affect patient's quality of life. This study is first report to explore copper-grafted graphene oxide-crosslinked zein scaffolds (Cu-GZS) for promoting cutaneous excision wounds healing as a promising therapeutic modality in diabetic male-rats. Cu-GZS scaffolds were fabricated using electrospinning technique, where GO was employed as an echo-friendly crosslinker to meliorate mechanical stability and swellability of scaffolds. To circumvent risk of infection, copper ions were grafted into GZS as bactericidal agents and angiogenesis promoters, through soaking GZS nanofibers into Cu-solution or direct loading during electrospinning process. SEM images showed GO encapsulation by wrapping around/or trapping within nanofibrous. Interestingly, formation of chemical amide bond between zein and GO was proven by FTIR spectra. Crosslinking of zein nanofibers with GO increased tensile strength of nanofibrous by 3-folds compared to uncrosslinked zein nanofibers. Optimized Cu-GZS exhibited constant release rate of copper over a period of 8 days (~53.42%). Cu-GZS immensely accelerated wound closure demonstrated by diminished infiltration of leukocytes, absence of α-SMA positive cells, presence of fully intact epithelium with normal keratinization and accelerated wound size reduction, compared to control. Cu-GZS scaffolds could serve as promising biomaterials for effective topical wound healing in diabetic rats.

α-Bisabolol-Loaded Cross-Linked Zein Nanofibrous 3D-Scaffolds For Accelerating Wound Healing And Tissue Regeneration In Rats.

OBJECTIVES: Novel α-bisabolol (BIS)-loaded citric acid cross-linked zein nanofibrous scaffolds (C-ZNFs) were proposed to serve as safe platforms for promoting wound repair in rats. METHODS: ZNFs were synthesized using electrospinning technique, then NFs, with adequate water resistance, were produced using citric acid as a safe cross-linker. RESULTS: Compared to the uncross-linked ZNFs, cross-linking with 7% w/w citric acid decreased swelling index by 3 folds, while the tensile strength and the contact angle were enhanced to 2.5 and 3.8 folds, respectively. SEM images showed beads-free homogeneous NFs with a fully inter-connected 3D-network, where the average diameter of optimized C-ZNFs was 181.7±50 nm. After 24 h, C-ZNFs exhibited a decreased BIS release rate (45.6%), compared to uncross-linked mats (84.9%). By increasing BIS concentration, the cell adhesion (WI38 fibroblasts) was improved which can be attributed mainly to BIS activation of transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-ß1). The MTT-OD obtained values indicated that all tested zein scaffolds significantly enhanced the viability of WI38 fibroblasts, compared to the control after 48h of incubation which can be referred to the proliferative potential of zein by provoking cell spreading process. The scratch wound assay demonstrated that BIS-loaded ZNF scaffolds showed accelerated migration and proliferation of fibroblasts expressed by significantly higher wound closure rates compared to the control sample. BIS-loaded-C-ZNFs prominently accelerated tissue regeneration for wound closure demonstrated by entirely grown epithelium with normal keratinization and rapid wound contraction, compared to the control. Immunohistochemical results confirmed the superiority of BIS-loaded-C-ZNFs, where the observed reduced NF-κB and the elevated cytokeratin expressions confirmed the anti-inflammatory and proliferative effects of the scaffolds, respectively. CONCLUSION: In-vitro, optimized C-ZNFs offered a satisfactory cytocompatibility, adhesion and healing which were consistent with the in-vivo results. BIS-loaded-C-ZNFs could be regarded as a promising and effective biomaterial for tissue regeneration and for accelerating the wound healing process.

Rifampicin-Carbohydrate Spray-Dried Nanocomposite: A Futuristic Multiparticulate Platform For Pulmonary Delivery.

PURPOSE: Rifampicin, a first-line anti-tuberculosis drug, was loaded into a carbohydrate-based spray-dried nanocomposite with the aim to design a dry powder inhalation formulation. This strategy can enable efficient distribution of rifampicin within the lungs, localizing its action, enhancing its bioavailability and reducing its systemic exposure consequently side effects. METHODS: The respirable nanocomposite was developed utilizing spray drying of rifampicin nanosuspension employing a combination of mannitol, maltodextrin and leucine as microparticles matrix formers. Detailed physicochemical characterization and in-vitro inhalation properties of the nanocomposite particles were investigated. Compatibility studies were carried out using differential scanning calorimetry and Infrared spectroscopy techniques. Moreover, pulmonary in-vitro cytotoxicity on alveolar basal epithelial cells was performed and evaluated. RESULTS: Nanocomposite-based rifampicin-loaded dry inhalable powder containing maltodextrin, mannitol and leucine at a ratio of 2:1:1 was successfully formulated. Rifampicin loading efficiency into the carbohydrate nanocomposite was in the range of 89.3% to 99.2% w/w with a suitable particle size (3.47-6.80 µm) and unimodal size distribution. Inhalation efficiency of the spray-dried nanosuspension was significantly improved after transforming into an inhalable carbohydrate composite. Specifically, mannitol-based powder had higher respirable fraction (49.91%) relative to the corresponding formulation of maltodextrin. Additionally, IC50 value of rifampicin nanocomposite was statistically significantly higher than that of free drug thus providing superior safety profile on lung tissues. CONCLUSION: The obtained results suggested that spray drying of rifampicin nanosuspension utilizing carbohydrates as matrix formers can enhance drug inhalation performance and reduce cellular toxicity. Thus, representing an effective safer pulmonary delivery of anti-tuberculosis drugs.

Lactoferrin-decorated vs PEGylated zein nanospheres for combined aromatase inhibitor and herbal therapy of breast cancer.

OBJECTIVES: Herein, we propose combined aromatase inhibitor and herbal therapy of breast cancer as a synergistic therapeutic modality. METHODS: Zein nanospheres were prepared by phase separation for co-delivery of exemestane and luteolin. To enhance their tumor-targeting capability, the nanospheres were coated with PEGylated phospholipids and lactoferrin for passive and active targeting, respectively. RESULTS: The developed nanospheres demonstrated a small particle size and controlled drug release. In addition, the nanospheres revealed high serum stability, acceptable hemocompatibility, and good physical stability. Moreover, a 5-fold scale-up of zein nanospheres could be enabled followed by spray-drying using 2.5% mannitol as a drying adjuvant. PEGylated and lactoferrin-targeted nanospheres showed enhanced cytotoxicity against MCF-7 and 4T1 breast cancer cells with higher selectivity to cancer cells rather than normal fibroblasts. The in-vivo pharmacokinetics and anti-tumor efficacy confirmed the superiority of zein nanospheres particularly after PEGylation compared to free drug(s). The enhanced anti-cancer activity of nanocarriers was revealed as prolonged circulation half-life, lower % change in tumor volume, reduced expression of aromatase, Cyclin D1 and VEGF markers as well as amplified apoptosis and necrosis. CONCLUSION: Overall, combined delivery of aromatase inhibitors and herbal drugs via tumor-targeted zein nanospheres could serve as a promising strategy for breast cancer therapy.

Shell-crosslinked zein nanocapsules for oral codelivery of exemestane and resveratrol in breast cancer therapy.

AIM: Oral administration of exemestane (EXM) and resveratrol (RES) for breast cancer therapy has been limited by their poor solubility and low permeability. METHODS: In this study, these issues were tackled using zein nanocapsules (ZNCs) for oral EXM/RES codelivery combining drug solubilization within oily core and resistance to digestion via hydrophobic protein shell. Furthermore, higher oral stability and sustained release could be enabled by glutaraldehyde crosslinking of zein shell. RESULTS & CONCLUSION: EXM/RES-ZNCs showed enhanced cytotoxicity against MCF-7 and 4T1 breast cancer cells compared with free drug combination with higher selectivity to cancer cells rather than normal fibroblasts. In vivo, crosslinked EXM/RES-ZNCs markedly reduced the percentage increase of Ehrlich ascites mammary tumor volume in mice by 2.4-fold compared with free drug combination.

The relevancy of controlled nanocrystallization on rifampicin characteristics and cytotoxicity.

PURPOSE: This article investigated the influence of novel rifampicin nanosuspension (RIF NS) for enhancing drug delivery properties. METHODS: RIF NS was fabricated using the antisolvent precipitation technique. The impact of solvent type and flow rate, stabilizer type and concentration, and stirring time and apparatus together with the solvent-antisolvent volume ratio on its controlled nanocrystallization has been evaluated. NSs were characterized by transmission electron microscopy, particle size and zeta potential analysis, solubility, and dissolution profiles. The compatibility between RIF and the stabilizer was investigated via Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and the differential scanning calorimetry techniques. The shelf-life stability of the RIF NS was assessed within a period of 3 months at different storage temperatures. Cell cytotoxicity was evaluated using 3(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay on lung epithelial cells. RESULTS: Polyvinyl alcohol at 0.4% w/v, 1:15 methanol to deionized water volume ratio and 30-minutes sonication were the optimal parameters for RIF NS preparation. Nanocrystals were obtained with a nanometeric particle size (101 nm) and a negative zeta potential (-26 mV). NS exhibited a 50-fold enhancement in RIF solubility and 97% of RIF was dissolved after 10 minutes. The RIF NS was stable at 4±0.5°C with no significant change in particle size or zeta potential. The MTT cytotoxicity assay of RIF NS demonstrated a good safety profile and reduction in cell cytotoxicity with half maximal inhibitory concentration values of 0.5 and 0.8 mg/mL for free RIF and RIF NS, respectively. CONCLUSION: A novel RIF NS could be followed as an approach for enhancing RIF physicochemical characteristics with a prominence of a safer and better drug delivery.

HPLC Methods for Quantitation of Exemestane-Luteolin and Exemestane-Resveratrol Mixtures in Nanoformulations.

Two HPLC-DAD assays for the simultaneous quantitation of exemestane (EXE) and resveratrol (RES)-Mix 1-and EXE and luteolin (LUT)-Mix 2-in novel breast cancer therapy nanoformulations were developed. Calibration curves 15-30 µg/mL and samples were injected through an Inertsil ODS-3 (250 × 4.6 mm, 5 µm) column. The gradient elution for Mix 1 was methanol : 0.05% (v/v) acetic acid in water (60 : 40 to 80 : 20, linear over 2 min), and for Mix 2, it was methanol : water (60 : 40 for 4 min, then ramped linearly to 90 : 10, over 12 min) pumped at 1.5 mL/min for 4 min, then 1 mL/min till the end of run. EXE, RES, LUT and flutamide (internal standard (IS)) were measured at 246, 307, 350 and 300 nm, respectively. For Mix 1, RES, EXE and IS eluted at 3.5, 6.8 and 7.4 min, respectively, while for Mix 2, LUT, EXE and IS eluted at 7.5, 11.4 and 12.7 min, respectively. The mean r(2) for the standard curves was ≥0.99, and percentage coefficient of variation and % error of the mean were <2. Both assays successfully quantitated Mix 1 and Mix 2 in their nanoformulations. The two developed assays were sensitive and selective for the analysis of EXE-LUT and EXE-RES mixtures in nanoformulations according to International Conference on Harmonization guidelines.

Superiority of liquid crystalline cubic nanocarriers as hormonal transdermal vehicle: comparative human skin permeation-supported evidence.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this investigation was to explore the feasibility of various nanocarriers to enhance progesterone penetration via the human abdominal skin. METHODS: Four progesterone-loaded nanocarriers; cubosomes, nanoliposomes, nanoemulsions and nanomicelles were formulated and characterized regarding particle size, zeta potential, % drug encapsulation and in vitro release. Structural elucidation of each nanoplatform was performed using transmission electron microscopy. Ex vivo skin permeation, deposition ability and histopathological examination were evaluated using Franz diffusion cells. RESULTS: Each nanocarrier was fabricated with a negative surface, nanometric size (≤ 270 nm), narrow size distribution and reasonable encapsulation efficiency. In vitro progesterone release showed a sustained release pattern for 24 h following a non-Fickian transport diffusion mechanism. All nanocarriers exhibited higher transdermal flux relative to free progesterone. Cubosomes revealed a higher skin penetration with transdermal steady flux of 48.57.10(-2) ± 0.7 µg/cm(2) h. Nanoliposomes offered a higher percentage of skin progesterone deposition compared to other nanocarriers. Based on the histopathological examination, cubosomes and nanoliposomes were found to be biocompatible for transdermal application. Confocal laser scanning microscopy confirmed the ability of fluoro-labeled cubosomes to penetrate through the whole skin layers. CONCLUSION: The elaborated cubosomes proved to be a promising non-invasive nanocarrier for transdermal hormonal delivery.

Self-assembled nano-architecture liquid crystalline particles as a promising carrier for progesterone transdermal delivery.

The study aims to elaborate novel self-assembled liquid crystalline nanoparticles (LCNPs) for management of hormonal disturbances following non-invasive progesterone transdermal delivery. Fabrication and optimization of progesteroneloaded LCNPs for transdermal delivery were assessed via a quality by design approach based on 2(3) full factorial design. The design includes the functional relationships between independent processing variables and dependent responses of particle size, polydispersity index, zeta potential, cumulative drug released after 24h and ex-vivo transdermal steady flux. The developed nanocarrier was subjected to TEM (transmission electron microscope) for morphological elucidation and stability study within a period of three months at different storage temperatures. The cubic phase of LCNPs was successfully prepared using glyceryl monooleate (GMO) via the emulsification technique. Based on the factorial design, the independent operating variables significantly affected the five dependent responses. The cubosomes hydrodynamic diameters were in the nanometric range (101-386 nm) with narrow particle size distribution, high negative zeta potential ≥-30 mV and entrapment efficiency ≥94%. The LCNPs succeeded in sustaining progesterone release for almost 24h, following a non-fickian transport of drug diffusion mechanism. Ex-vivo study revealed a significant enhancement up to 6 folds in the transdermal permeation of progesterone-loaded LCNPs compared to its aqueous suspension. The optimized LCNPs exhibited a high physical stability while retaining the cubic structure for at least three months. Quality by design approach successfully accomplished a predictable mathematical model permitting the development of novel LCNPs for transdermal delivery of progesterone with the benefit of reducing its oral route side effects.

Swellable floating tablet based on spray-dried casein nanoparticles: Near-infrared spectral characterization and floating matrix evaluation.

In this study, spray-dried alfuzosin hydrochloride (ALF)-loaded casein (CAS) nanoparticles were successfully used for the preparation of a swellable floating matrix via direct compression. The developed NIR calibration model was able to assess ALF and CAS levels in five different batches of drug-loaded nanoparticles. The calibration and prediction plots exhibited good linearity with correlation coefficients of more than 0.9. The standard error of calibration and cross-validation was less than 5% of the measured values, confirming the accuracy of the model. A linear relationship was obtained correlating the actual drug entrapped and the predicted values obtained from the NIR partial least squares regression model. The un-crosslinked tablet demonstrated a substantial weight gain (317% after 2h) and completely disintegrated after 3-4h whereas both 10 and 40% w/w genipin-crosslinked tablets showed lower weight gain (114 and 42% after 2h, respectively). A rapid floating of the tablets within 5-15min (compared to 45min for the marketed tablet) was observed, with maintained floating for 24h. Marketed and prepared tablets succeeded to prolong ALF release for 24h. The development of drug-loaded CAS nanoparticles using spray-drying represents a new alternative for the preparation of swellable floating tablets for prolonged drug release.

Respirable nanocarriers as a promising strategy for antitubercular drug delivery.

Tuberculosis is considered a fatal respiratory infectious disease that represents a global threat, which must be faced. Despite the availability of oral conventional anti-tuberculosis therapy, the disease is characterized by high progression. The leading causes are poor patient compliance and failure to adhere to the drug regimen primarily due to systemic toxicity. In this context, inhalation therapy as a non-invasive route of administration is capable of increasing local drug concentrations in lung tissues, the primary infection side, by passive targeting as well as reducing the risk of systemic toxicity and hence improving the patient compliance. Nanotechnology represents a promising strategy in the development of inhaled drug delivery systems. Nanocarriers can improve the drug effectiveness and decrease the expected side effects as consequences of their ability to target the drug to the infected area as well as sustain its release in a prolonged manner. The current review summarizes the state-of-the-art in the development of inhaled nanotechnological carriers confined currently available anti-tuberculosis drugs (anti TB) for local and targeting drug delivery specifically, polymeric nanoparticles, solid lipid nanoparticles, nanoliposomes and nanomicelles. Moreover, complexes and ion pairs are also reported. The impact and progress of nanotechnology on the therapeutic effectiveness and patient adherence to anti TB regimen are addressed.

Novel microstructured sildenafil dosage forms as wound healing promoters.

PURPOSE: Study the possible benefit of combining biodegradable polymers with sildenafil citrate (SC) in wound healing. METHOD: Biodegradable micronized powdered formulations of SC were prepared by spray drying using chitosan (P1) or chitosan/gum Arabic (P2). Powders were characterized by differential scanning calorimetry, Scanning electron microscope, particle size analysis, flow and swelling behavior. The powders were also incorporated into microstructured gels and in vitro SC release from powders and gels was tested. In vivo wound healing acceleration was tested by measuring area contraction of excision wounds and histologically. Post-healing tensile strength (TS) for incision wounds in rats receiving powder formulations was tested. RESULTS: The powders were in the micron-size range showing no SC-polymers interaction. Powders had poor flow with angle of repose (θ) of 41 - 48°, and high moisture uptake reaching 107% for placebo powder P1. Good excision wound healing was seen with P1 and G1 formulations showing 98.4 and 98.5% reduction in wound area, respectively, compared with 83% for the control. Incision wounds were improved with P1 showing TS value of 6.9 compared with 3.7 kg/cm² for control. Histological examinations supported. CONCLUSION: Spray-dried chitosan/SC powder (P1) and its gel form (G1) could be promising wound healing promoters as supported by the histological examinations.

Ionically-crosslinked milk protein nanoparticles as flutamide carriers for effective anticancer activity in prostate cancer-bearing rats.

In this study, casein (CAS) nanoparticles were used to encapsulate the hydrophobic anticancer drug, flutamide (FLT), aiming at controlling its release, enhancing its anti-tumor activity, and reducing its hepatotoxicity. The nanoparticles were prepared by emulsification of CAS, at pH below its isoelectric point, and stabilized via ionic-crosslinking with sodium tripolyphosphate (TPP). The nanoparticles were spherical and positively charged with a size below 100 nm and exhibited a sustained drug release up to 4 days. After intravenous administration into prostate cancer-bearing rats for 28 days, FLT-loaded CAS nanoparticles showed a higher anti-tumor efficacy as revealed by a significantly higher % reduction in PSA serum level (75%) compared to free FLT (55%). Moreover, the nanoparticles demonstrated a marked reduction in the relative weights of both prostate tumor and seminal vesicle (43% and 32%) compared to free FLT (12% and 18%), respectively. A significantly higher anti-proliferative, anti-angiogenic, and apoptotic effects was demonstrated by the nanoparticles compared to drug solution as evidenced by their ability to decrease the expression of the proliferative marker (Ki-67) and reduce the level of tumor angiogenic markers (VEGF and IGF-1) as well as their ability to activate caspase-3 with subsequent induction of apoptosis in prostate cancer cells. Conclusively, these novel ionically-crosslinked milk protein nanovehicles offer a promising carrier to allow controlled intravenous delivery of hydrophobic anticancer drugs.

Micellar delivery of flutamide via milk protein nanovehicles enhances its anti-tumor efficacy in androgen-dependent prostate cancer rat model.

PURPOSE: This article describes the preparation, physicochemical characterization and in vivo assessment of parenteral colloidal formulation of flutamide (FLT) based on biocompatible casein (CAS) self-assembled micelles in order to control drug release, enhance its antitumor efficacy and reduce its hepatotoxicity. METHODS: Spray-drying technique was successfully utilized to obtain solidified redispersible drug-loaded micelles. RESULTS: Spherical core-shell micelles were obtained with a particle size below 100 nm and a negative zeta potential above -30 mV exhibiting a sustained drug release up to 5 days. After intravenous administration into prostate cancer bearing rats for 28 days, FLT-loaded CAS micelles showed a higher antitumor efficacy as revealed by significantly higher reduction in PSA serum level (65.95%) compared to free FLT (55.43%). Moreover, micellar FLT demonstrated a marked decrease in relative weights of both prostate tumor and seminal vesicle (34.62 and 24.59%) compared to free FLT (11.86 and 17.74%), respectively. These antitumor responses were associated with notable reduction of cell proliferation, intratumoral angiogenesis and marked increase of tumor apoptosis. A significantly lower risk of hepatotoxicity was observed by micellar FLT as evidenced by lower alanine aminotransferase (ALT) serum level compared to free FLT. CONCLUSIONS: Overall this approach suggested that CAS micelles might be an ideal candidate for intravenous delivery of hydrophobic anticancer drugs.

Novel ionically crosslinked casein nanoparticles for flutamide delivery: formulation, characterization, and in vivo pharmacokinetics.

A novel particulate delivery matrix based on ionically crosslinked casein (CAS) nanoparticles was developed for controlled release of the poorly soluble anticancer drug flutamide (FLT). Nanoparticles were fabricated via oil-in-water emulsification then stabilized by ionic crosslinking of the positively charged CAS molecules below their isoelectric point, with the polyanionic crosslinker sodium tripolyphosphate. With the optimal preparation conditions, the drug loading and incorporation efficiency achieved were 8.73% and 64.55%, respectively. The nanoparticles exhibited a spherical shape with a size below 100 nm and a positive zeta potential (+7.54 to +17.3 mV). FLT was molecularly dispersed inside the nanoparticle protein matrix, as revealed by thermal analysis. The biodegradability of CAS nanoparticles in trypsin solution could be easily modulated by varying the sodium tripolyphosphate crosslinking density. A sustained release of FLT from CAS nanoparticles for up to 4 days was observed, depending on the crosslinking density. After intravenous administration of FLT-CAS nanoparticles into rats, CAS nanoparticles exhibited a longer circulation time and a markedly delayed blood clearance of FLT, with the half-life of FLT extended from 0.88 hours to 14.64 hours, compared with drug cosolvent. The results offer a promising method for tailoring biodegradable, drug-loaded CAS nanoparticles as controlled, long-circulating drug delivery systems of hydrophobic anticancer drugs in aqueous vehicles.