Application of Nanocellulose Derivatives as Drug Carriers; A Novel Approach in Drug Delivery.

BACKGROUND: The production of nanocellulose for drug delivery systems has achieved increased attention in the past decade. High capacity for swelling and absorption of the liquid phase, high flexibility in creating different derivatives, economical cost, and ease of access to the primary source, all of these properties have encouraged researchers to use nanocellulose and its derivatives as a high-performance drug carrier. OBJECTIVE: The recent progress summary of cellulose-based nanocarriers designing and practical approaches in drug delivery. METHODS: We conducted a literature review on the development of the nanocellulose and its derivatives as a high-performance drug carrier. RESULTS: In this review, we have attempted to present the latest advances in cellulose modifications for the design of pharmaceutical nanocarriers. At first, cellulose properties and structural classification of nanocellulose were introduced. Then, focusing on medical applications, some efforts and laboratory trials in cellulose-based nano designing were also discussed. The findings demonstrate the benefits of nanocellulose in drug delivery and its potential for modifying by adding functional groups to enhance drug delivery efficiency. Due to the physical and chemical properties of cellulose and its high flexibility to interact with other compounds, a broad perspective can be imagined in the diverse research and novel forms of nanocarriers. CONCLUSION: The cellulose nanocarriers can be considered as an attractive platform for researchers to design new structures of pharmaceutical carriers and increase the efficiency of these nanocarriers in drug delivery for the treatment of diseases such as cancer.

Cadmium induces reactive oxygen species-dependent apoptosis in MCF-7 human breast cancer cell line.

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: Although low concentrations of cadmium exposure may enhance growth of human cultured cells, high and long term of this heavy metal leads to cell death through apoptosis or necrosis. This study was conducted to define the underlying biochemical mechanism of Cd-induced cell death in MCF-7 human breast cancer cell line. METHODS: The MCF-7 breast cancer cells were treated with different concentrations of CdCl2 and cell viability was assessed using the MTT assay. A propidium iodide (PI) and annexin-V staining flow cytometric method was used for apoptosis detection. Hoechst 33342 staining was used to observe the morphological changes of cell apoptosis. The cellular DNA was isolated using DNA kit extraction and analyzed electrophoretically. Intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were quantified using the fluorescent dye (DCFH-DA). RESULTS: A progressive loss in cell viability and an increased number of apoptotic cells were observed upon 48 h exposure to CdCl2. N-acetylcysteine (NAC) administration reversed the cadmium cytotoxicity effects and protected cells from apoptotic death. Simultaneously, significant elevations of ROS levels were revealed in a dose-dependent manner during the exposure. Typical morphological changes of apoptosis were observed with Hoechst staining after cadmium treatment. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that during the apoptosis mediated by cadmium chloride, ROS production and oxidative damage may be an initiating event and responsible for the mechanism of MCF-7 human breast cell death.