Glioblastoma multiforme targeted delivery of docetaxel using bevacizumab-modified nanostructured lipid carriers impair in vitro cell growth and in vivo tumor progression.

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common malignant brain cancer, characterized by high invasiveness and poor prognosis. Docetaxel (DTX) is a chemotherapeutic drug with promising anti-tumor properties. However, conventional intravenous formulations exhibit side effects of systemic biodistribution and low brain bioavailability, limiting their clinical use. The current work aimed to evaluate the effect of DTX-loaded nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC) functionalized with bevacizumab (BVZ-NLC-DTX) against GBM using in vitro and in vivo models. The NLC was obtained by the fusion-emulsification method followed by sonication, with narrow size distribution, negative zeta potential, and low polydispersity index. NLC showed DTX entrapment efficiency above 90%. BVZ coupling efficiency was 62% and BVZ integrity after functionalization was confirmed by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). Calorimetry studies confirmed thermal stability and molecular dispersion of DTX in the lipid matrix. NLC showed a sustained DTX release over 84 h. In vitro anti-tumor assays shown that BVZ-NLC-DTX selectively increased the cytotoxic of DTX in cells overexpressing VEGF (U87MG and A172), but not in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PMBCs), promoting cell death by apoptosis. BVZ functionalization did not impair cellular uptake. An in vivo orthotopic rat model demonstrated that free-DTX was not capable of reducing tumor growth whereas BVZ-NLC-DTX reduced up to 70% tumor volume after 15-days of treatment. Therefore, this study contributes to understanding new nanotechnology-based vehicles capable of reaching the brain more efficiently and repurposing the use of anti-cancer drugs in GBM treatment.

An overview of the use of central venous catheters impregnated with drugs or with inorganic nanoparticles as a strategy in preventing infections.

Central venous catheter (CVC) is a medical device widely used in therapeutics to avoid repetitive venipuncture. Although its use is advantageous, it is possible to highlight limitations, such as the risk of catheter-related bloodstream infections, caused by excessive manipulation and even the urgency at the time of insertion. These factors lead to an expensive treatment, often hampered by resistance to antimicrobial agents, exposing the patient the risk and even leading to death. The use of CVC impregnated with free drugs or incorporated with nanoparticles is a promising strategy for preventing the adherence of microorganisms in these devices and consequently in the prevention of the infections. Although most of the nanoparticles registered by the FDA for medical use are organic, several studies have reported the potential of inorganic nanoparticles for this purpose. Therefore, the present review seeks to highlight the current scenario of hospital infections related to the use of CVC and the importance of CVCs impregnated with drugs or incorporated with inorganic nanoparticles as an interesting strategy in combating infections assigned to the use of this medical device.