A comprehensive study on 2D, 3D and solid tumor environment to explore a multifunctional biogenic nanoconjugate.

Emergence of nanotechnology created a drastic change in the field of cancer therapy due to their unique features in drug delivery and imaging. Polysaccharide based nanoparticles have received extensive attention in recent years as promising nanoparticle mediated drug delivery systems. Polysaccharides are endorsed with versatile merits including high drug encapsulation efficiency, efficient drug protection against chemical or enzymatic degradation, unique ability to create a controlled release and cellular internalization. In the current study, we have fabricated doxorubicin-loaded carboxymethylated PST001 coated iron oxide nanoparticles (DOX@CM-PST-IONPs) for better management of cancer. CM-PST coated iron oxide nanoparticles co-encapsulated with chemotherapeutic drug doxorubicin, can be utilized for targeted drug delivery. Biocompatible and non-toxic nanoconjugates was found to be effective in both 2-D and 3-D cell culture system with efficient cancer cell internalization. The bench-marked potential of CM-PIONPs to produce reactive oxygen species makes it a noticeable drug delivery system to compact neoplasia. These nanoconjugates can lay concrete on a better way for the elimination of cancer spheroids and tumor burden.

Folic acid-appended galactoxyloglucan-capped iron oxide nanoparticles as a biocompatible nanotheranostic agent for tumor-targeted delivery of doxorubicin.

Iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) are employed as MRI contrast agents and as effective drug delivery vehicles. However, the limited solubility and biodegradability of these nanoparticles need to be improved for safer biomedical applications. In an attempt to improve the bottlenecks associated with IONPs, the current study focuses on the synthesis of folic acid conjugated, galactoxyloglucan-iron oxide nanoparticles (FAPIONPs), for the loading and controlled release of the encapsulated chemotherapeutic agent doxorubicin (DOX). The as-designed DOX@FAPIONPs induced a dose-dependent increase in cytotoxicity in folate receptor-positive cells through a caspase-mediated programmed cell death pathway while bare DOX demonstrated a non-targeted toxicity profile. Using LC-MS/MS analysis, several major biological processes altered in treated cells, from which, cell cycle, cellular function and maintenance were the most affected. Detailed toxicity studies in healthy mice indicated the absence of any major side effects while bare drugs created substantial organ pathology. Gadolinium-based contrast agents have a risk of adverse effects, including nephrogenic systemic fibrosis overcome by the administration of DOX@FAPIONPs in xenograft mice model. Tumor-targeted biodistribution pattern with a favorable DOX pharmacokinetics will be the driving factor behind the appealing tumor reduction capacity and increased survival benefits demonstrated on solid tumor-bearing mice.

Self-assembled drug loaded glycosyl-protein metal nanoconstruct: Detailed synthetic procedure and therapeutic effect in solid tumor treatment.

Nanotechnology-based drug delivery research has largely focused on developing well efficient localized delivery therapeutic agents to overcome the limitations of non-specificity and toxicity of conventional chemotherapy. Herein, we constructed a nanoplatform based on a self-assembled polysaccharide-protein conjugate to deliver anti-tumor drug doxorubicin and gold nanoparticles (DOX@PST-BSA AuNPs) for cancer therapy. The self-assembled DOX@PST-BSA AuNPs exhibited higher stability and thermal properties which enable them for drug delivery via passive targeting. The fluorescent property of the drug contributes to the self-monitoring of NPs Biodistribution in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, the NPs showed negligible cytotoxicity and tissue accumulation in normal cells in vivo. Importantly, the NPs could load the anti-tumor drug with high encapsulation efficiency and competently delivered into the tumor microenvironment thereby inhibit tumor growth significantly through apoptotic induction. Notably, DOX@PST-BSA AuNPs exhibits low systemic toxicity and very few side effects in vivo. Based on the explored features, these NPs could serve as a promising multifunctional drug delivery nanoplatform for cancer therapy.

Semi-interpenetrating nanosilver doped polysaccharide hydrogel scaffolds for cutaneous wound healing.

The extensive advancement with novel wound dressing materials functionalized with desirable properties, often touted as a panacea for cuts and burns afflicting various pathologies. However, it would indeed be a hard task to isolate any such material which perfectly fits the needs of any biomedical issue at hand. Biocompatibility, biodegradability as well as non-toxicity of natural polysaccharide served as a versatile and tunable platform for designing natural polysaccharide based scaffolds as an attractive tool in tissue engineering with a greater degree of acceptability. In this regard, we aimed to fabricate a semi interpenetrating hydrogel via exploiting the nontoxic and immune-stimulatory nature of galacto-xyloglucan (PST001) which was further doped with silver nanoparticles to formulate SNP@PST. The wound healing potential of SNP@PST was then studied both with in vitro and preclinical mice models. The current study gives a formulation for cost effective preparation of polysaccharide hydrogels using acrylamide crosslinking with improved biocompatibility and degradability. Wound healing studies in mice proved the efficiency of gels for the clinical application wherein the incorporation of nanosilver greatly enhanced the antimicrobial activity.

Doxorubicin eluting microporous polysaccharide scaffolds: An implantable device to expunge tumour.

A variety of naturally derived and synthetic biomaterial scaffolds have been investigated as 3D environments for supporting cell growth and can be used to achieve drug delivery with high loading efficiency. Polysaccharides which enhance the tumour-specific drug release are ideal candidates for scaffold preparation in combination with chemotherapeutic agents for the management of solid tumours by local applications. Galactoxyloglucan (PST001) based porous scaffolds (PS) were prepared by crosslinking and freeze drying with a porosity of 90%. FTIR showed the same functional groups as of PST001 with slight peak shifts and 1200% water absorption was observed. Comparing with PBS, macrophage mediated improved degradation up to 40% in 28 days was observed. The scaffold was relatively non toxic towards normal and cancer cells and there was no epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) observed. In vitro drug release profile of doxorubicin (DOX)-loaded scaffold (PSD) showed higher release at acidic pH, apparent in tumour microenvironment, than normal physiological pH. In in vitro assays, cell viability was decreased confirming the drug release potential of the scaffold. DLA tumour was significantly reduced with PSD implantation. The excellent biodegradability of the PS overcome the limitations of non-biodegradable systems which support the sustained release of the drug and degrade after a specific time period. The local tumour reduction potential of the PSD embrace immense application in malignant solid tumour management.

Overcoming drug-resistance in lung cancer cells by paclitaxel loaded galactoxyloglucan nanoparticles.

Paclitaxel, an effective chemotherapeutic drug, is insoluble in aqueous solvents and is usually administered with excipients which have side effects. The use of this drug is also limited due to multi-drug resistance. In this study polysaccharide nanoparticles are used in the delivery of chemotherapeutic drug while minimizing side-effects, solubility issues and drug resistance. The use of biopolymers like galactoxyloglucan to synthesize nanoparticle makes it more biocompatible. This study involves the synthesis of PST-PTX nanoparticles using tamarind seed polysaccharide and Paclitaxel by epichlorohydrin crosslinking. The particles were further characterized by Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM) Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and UV-Visible spectroscopy. The cytotoxicity of PST-PTX nanoparticles in cancer cell lines and resistant cancer cell lines were determined by MTT assay. The quantitative analysis of cell death was determined by Annexin V dead cell assay, Caspase 3/7 assay and expression of pro-apoptotic protein Bax. The ability of the nanoparticle to overcome multi-drug resistance was evaluated by the expression of multidrug-resistant proteins P-glycoprotein (P-gp) and Breast cancer resistant protein (BCRP) in lung adenocarcinoma resistant cells (A549R). The present study provides evidence for the ability of PST-PTX nanoparticle to overcome multi-drug resistance and cause apoptotic cell death. The particle was found to be more effective than Paclitaxel in causing cell death in resistant cancer cells. Moreover, the particles were found to downregulate the expression of multi-drug resistant proteins P-gp and BCRP in resistant cell lines suggesting the ability of PST-PTX nanoparticles to overcome multi-drug resistance.

Immunostimulatory plant polysaccharides impede cancer progression and metastasis by avoiding off-target effects.

An unexploited homo-polysaccharide (PSM001) isolated from the seed kernel of Kottukonam variety of Mangifera indica, demonstrated selective cytotoxicity against cancer cells both in vitro and in murine models while maintaining the immunostimulatory potential. Galactoxyloglucan (PST001) isolated from the seeds of Tamarindus indica, was previously established to be an effective anticancer and immunomodulatory agent. Cancer metastasis, with key features including invasion, migration, increased angiogenesis and colony formation is only likely to accentuate in the coming decades, considering the ground realities of the modern lifestyle and environmental factors and hence both the polysaccharides were tested towards the management of malignancy. It was a startling observation with both the biopolymers in inhibiting various processes involved in the metastatic cascade. A quick perusal of the issue at hand would throw up the promising ability of both PSM001 and PST001 to inhibit lung metastatic nodules of C57BL/6 mice wherein the combinatorial treatment of these polysaccharides with vincristine delivered superior therapeutic output. Later, vascular endothelial growth factor and multiple matrix metalloproteinases were found to be the lead players in the polysaccharide mediated metastatic inhibition. Having considered the complexities associated with the chemotherapy in metastatic cancer in terms of palpable immunosuppression, the aftermaths with the co-administration of an immunostimulatory agent which itself possess unique anticancer and anti-metastatic potentials with a potent chemotherapeutic agent will be enormously consequential.

Galactomannan endowed biogenic silver nanoparticles exposed enhanced cancer cytotoxicity with excellent biocompatibility.

Galactomannan isolated from the fruit rind of Punica granatum was previously reported to have excellent antioxidant, immunomodulatory and anticancer properties against both human and murine cancer cells. This polysaccharide was proved to be an anticancer agent either alone or as an adjuvant to chemotherapy. An exploration leads to the fabrication of silver nanoparticles with an average size around 30 nm and a negative surface charge of 35.2 mV using this biopolymer which acted both as reducing and capping agent and displayed good stability and biocompatibility. UV-vis spectrum of the aqueous medium containing silver nanoparticles showed an absorption peak at around 440 nm. The nanoparticles displayed an upgraded and selective cytotoxicity towards human adenocarcinoma, colorectal carcinoma and hepatocellular carcinoma cells. The induction of cancer cell toxicity was proved to be through the induction of programmed cell death pathway mediated with the active involvement of caspases. The significant anti-metastatic properties will further favour the safer in vivo application of these silver nanoparticles against neoplasia. The nontoxic nature of polysaccharide endowed the resultant silver nanoparticles with excellent biocompatibility towards red blood cells and extended the biomedical potential of this candidate. Hence, the surfactant-free green method mediated orchestration of biogenic silver nanoparticles resembled a potential theransonstic nano-construct with synergistic anticancer and immunomodulatory potential in a single platform.

The inhibitory effect of anti- tumor polysaccharide from Punica granatum on metastasis.

Galactomannan (PSP001) isolated from the fruit rind of Punica granatum was demonstrated as an excellent antioxidant, immunomodulatory and anticancer agent both in vitro and in vivo models. Since the most lethal and debilitating attribute of cancer cells is their ability to evolve to a state of malignancy, with key features like increased angiogenesis, invasion, migration, colony formation, and metastasis, the present study focused on evaluating the effects of the galactomannan on tumor and malignancy. PSP001 effectively reduced the neovascularization in chick embryos highlighting its potential as an angiogenic inhibitor. Furthermore, the invasion, migration and clonogenic capacity of human and murine cancer cells were dramatically inhibited by PSP001. Evaluation of the molecular mechanism of its unique potential revealed the down regulation of key players including VEGF, MMP-2, and MMP-9 with marked elevation of TIMP-1 and TIMP-2. The anti-metastatic potential of PSP001 tested in pulmonary metastasis C57BL/6 mice model deciphered the combinatorial administration with vincristine deliberated better survival rates and decreased metastatic index. The angiogenic inhibition potential of PSP001 was further proved with peritoneal angiogenesis assay in BALB/c mice ascitic tumor model. The outcomes of the current investigation highlight the mode of action of antitumor galactomannan in the reduction of tumor malignancy.

Computational and mechanistic studies on the effect of galactoxyloglucan: Imatinib nanoconjugate in imatinib resistant K562 cells.

Imatinib mesylate, a BCR/ABL fusion protein inhibitor, is the first-line treatment against chronic myelogenous leukemia. In spite of its advantageous viewpoints, imatinib still has genuine impediments like undesirable side effects and tumor resistance during chemotherapy. Nanoparticles with sustainable release profile will help in targeted delivery of anticancer drugs while minimizing deleterious side effects and drug resistance. The use of biopolymers like galactoxyloglucan (PST001) for the fabrication of imatinib mesylate nanoparticles could impart its use in overcoming multidrug resistance in chronic myelogenous leukemia patients with minimal side effects. This study involved in the synthesis of PST-Imatinib nanoconjugates with appreciable drug payload and excellent cytotoxicity against drug-resistant chronic myelogenous leukemia cell line (K562) in comparison with free drug. The use of bioinformatics tool revealed better binding affinity for the drug-polysaccharide complex than the drug alone with three proteins: 3QX3 (Topoisomerase), 1M17 (EGFR tyrosine kinase domain), and 3QRJ (ABL1 kinase domain). Assessment of the biochemical, hematological, and histopathological parameters in mice upheld the security and adequacy of the nanoconjugate compared to free drug. Although perspective investigations are warranted, in a condition like drug resistance in leukemia, this nanoconjugate would display a productive approach in cancer therapeutics.

Pseudopyronine B: A Potent Antimicrobial and Anticancer Molecule Isolated from a Pseudomonas mosselii.

In continuation of our search for new bioactive compounds from soil microbes, a fluorescent Pseudomonas strain isolated from paddy field soil of Kuttanad, Kerala, India was screened for the production of bioactive secondary metabolites. This strain was identified as Pseudomonas mosselii through 16S rDNA gene sequencing followed by BLAST analysis and the bioactive metabolites produced were purified by column chromatography (silica gel) and a pure bioactive secondary metabolite was isolated. This bioactive compound was identified as Pseudopyronine B by NMR and HR-ESI-MS. Pseudopyronine B recorded significant antimicrobial activity especially against Gram-positive bacteria and agriculturally important fungi. MTT assay was used for finding cell proliferation inhibition, and Pseudopyronine B recorded significant antitumor activity against non-small cell lung cancer cell (A549), and mouse melanoma cell (B16F10). The preliminary MTT assay results revealed that Pseudopyronine B recorded both dose- and time-dependent inhibition of the growth of test cancer cell lines. Pseudopyronine B induced apoptotic cell death in cancer cells as evidenced by Acridine orange/ethidium bromide and Hoechst staining, and this was further confirmed by flow cytometry analysis using Annexin V. Cell cycle analysis also supports apoptosis by inducing G2/M accumulation in both A549 and B16F10 cells. Pseudopyronine B treated cells recorded significant up-regulation of caspase 3 activity. Moreover, this compound recorded immunomodulatory activity by enhancing the proliferation of lymphocytes. The production of Pseudopyronine B by P. mosselii and its anticancer activity in A549 and B16F10 cell lines is reported here for the first time. The present study has a substantial influence on the information of Pseudopyronine B from P. mosselii as potential sources of novel drug molecule for the pharmaceutical companies, especially as potent antimicrobial and anticancer agent.

Profiling gene mutations, translocations, and multidrug resistance in pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia: a step forward to personalizing medicine.

Precise risk stratification and tailored therapy in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) can lead to enhanced survival rates among children. Translocations and mutations along with multidrug resistance markers are important factors that determine therapeutic efficacy. Gene mutation profiling of patients at the time of diagnosis can offer accurate clinical decision-making. Multiplex PCR was used to screen for various translocations, mutations, and P-glycoprotein (P-gp) status in pediatric ALL samples. The roles of P-gp were analyzed at the transcriptional and translational levels by using real-time PCR and immunoblotting, respectively. ALL specific cell line Jurkat was used to validate the functional role of P-gp in imparting drug resistance by siRNA knockdown studies. Co-occurrence of translocations and mutations contributes to cellular drug resistance. Presence of any translocation in addition to FLT3/ITD hints for overactive P-gp. Co-occurrence of E2A/PBX and TEL/AML has also been positively correlated with P-gp status. Multiplex PCR provides a rapid and cost effective technique for profiling translocations, mutations, and multidrug resistance status that determines what therapy patients could be administered. Mutation profiling in patients for analyzing genetic lesions along with drug resistance profiling will help improve risk stratification and personalized medicine, thereby increasing the treatment success rates among pediatric patients with leukemia.

A Dual-Targeting Octaguanidine-Doxorubicin Conjugate Transporter for Inducing Caspase-Mediated Apoptosis on Folate-Expressing Cancer Cells.

An efficient synthetic framework was assembled (G8-FKE-FA-Dox), consisting of a lysosome-targeting octaguanidine molecular transporter with a cathepsin B (cath B)-specific peptide substrate, folic acid, and the potent chemotherapeutic drug doxorubicin (Dox). Because the folate receptor (FR) and cath B are overexpressed in malignant cells, this transporter conjugate successfully executed lysosome-mediated transport of Dox to FR-positive tumor cells, illustrating this framework as an excellent targeted drug delivery system (TDDS). G8-FKE-FA-Dox was shown to exhibit selective toxicity toward FR-overexpressing cancer cells, with an IC50 value superior to that of the USFDA-approved Lipodox(TM) and proportional to that of free Dox via selective induction of apoptosis by the activation of caspases 8, 9, and 3. This TDDS was observed to be nontoxic to red blood cells and lymphocytes at neutral pH. Furthermore the tumor-targeting dissemination pattern of this system was revealed by monitoring the in vivo biodistribution of the carrier (G8-FKE-FA-FL) in normal and FR-overexpressing tumor-bearing mice.

Anticancer activity of galactoxyloglucan polysaccharide-conjugated doxorubicin nanoparticles: Mechanistic insights and interactome analysis.

Toxicity associated with chemotherapeutic drugs such as doxorubicin (Dox), is one of the major obstacles that is currently affecting patients. PST-Dox (Galactoxyloglucan, PST001-conjugated Dox) nanoparticles were synthesized by encapsulating Dox with polysaccharide PST001, isolated from Tamarindus indica (Ti) by ionic gelation with tripolyphosphate (TPP). Herein, we demonstrate a detailed mechanistic and interactome network analysis that is specific to PST-Dox action in cancer cells and normal lymphocytes. Our results show that PST-Dox is superior to its parental counterparts, exhibiting a greater cytotoxicity by the induction of apoptosis against a wide variety of cancers by enhanced cellular uptake of Dox from the nanoparticle conjugates. Also, PST-Dox nanoparticles were non-toxic to normal lymphocytes with limited immunostimulatory effects up to certain doses. Elucidation of molecular mechanism by whole genome microarray in cancer cells and lymphocytes revealed that a large number of genes were dysregulated specifically in cancer cells. Specifically, a unique target gene EGR1, contextually determined translational activation of P53 in the cancerous and non-cancerous cells. Most of the key downregulated genes were tyrosine kinases, indicating the potential inhibitory action of PST-Dox on tyrosine kinase oncogenic pathways. Western blotting of proteins corresponding to the genes that were altered at the genomic level was very well correlated in the majority of them, except in a few that demonstrated post-transcriptional modifications. The important findings and highly disciplined approaches highlighted in the present study will speed up the therapeutic potential of this augmented nanoparticle formulation for more robust clinical studies and testing in several cancers.

Asarones from Acorus calamus in combination with azoles and amphotericin B: a novel synergistic combination to compete against human pathogenic Candida species in vitro.

The increase in drug resistance to current antifungal drugs brings enormous challenges to the management of Candida infection. Therefore, there is a continuous need for the discovery of new antimicrobial agents that are effective against Candida infections especially from natural source especially from medical plants. The present investigation describes the synergistic anticandidal activity of two asarones (∞ and ß) purified from Acorus calamus in combination with three clinically used antifungal drugs (fluconazole, clotrimazole, and amphotericin B). The synergistic anticandidal activities of asarones and drugs were assessed using the checkerboard microdilution and time-kill assays. The results of the present study showed that the combined effects of asarones and drugs principally recorded substantial synergistic activity (fractional inhibitory concentration index (FICI) <0.5). Time-kill study by combination of the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of asarones and drugs (1:1) recorded that the growth of the Candida species was significantly arrested between 0 and 2 h and almost completely attenuated between 2 and 6 h of treatment. These findings have potential implications in adjourning the development of resistance as the anticandidal activity is achieved with lower concentrations of asarones and drugs. The combination of asarones and drugs also significantly inhibit the biofilm formation by Candida species, and this would also help to fight against drug resistance because biofilms formed by Candida species are ubiquitous in nature and are characterized by their recalcitrance toward antimicrobial treatment. The in vitro synergistic activity of asarones and drugs against pathogenic Candida species is reported here for the first time.

TRAIL-based tumor sensitizing galactoxyloglucan, a novel entity for targeting apoptotic machinery.

Tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) is an attractive target for cancer therapy due to its ability to selectively induce apoptosis in cancer cells, without causing significant toxicity in normal tissues. We previously reported that galactoxyloglucan (PST001) possesses significant antitumor and immunomodulatory properties. However, the exact mechanism in mediating this anticancer effect is unknown. This study, for the first time, indicated that PST001 sensitizes non-small cell lung cancer (A549) and nasopharyngeal (KB) cells to TRAIL-mediated apoptosis. In vitro studies suggested that PST001 induced apoptosis primarily via death receptors and predominantly activated caspases belonging to the extrinsic apoptotic cascade. Microarray profiling of PST001 treated A549 and KB cells showed the suppression of survivin (BIRC5) and anti-apoptotic Bcl-2, as well as increased cytochrome C. TaqMan low density array analysis of A549 cells also confirmed that the induction of apoptosis by the polysaccharide occurred through the TRAIL-DR4/DR5 pathways. This was finally confirmed by in silico analysis, which revealed that PST001 binds to TRAIL-DR4/DR5 complexes more strongly than TNF and Fas ligand-receptor complexes. In summary, our results suggest the potential of PST001 to be developed as an anticancer agent that not only preserves innate biological activity of TRAIL, but also sensitizes cancer cells to TRAIL-mediated apoptosis.

Co-encapsulation of Doxorubicin with galactoxyloglucan nanoparticles for intracellular tumor-targeted delivery in murine ascites and solid tumors.

Doxorubicin (Dox) treatment is limited by severe toxicity and frequent episodes of treatment failure. To minimize adverse events and improve drug delivery efficiently and specifically in cancer cells, encapsulation of Dox with naturally obtained galactoxyloglucan polysaccharide (PST001), isolated from Tamarindus indica was attempted. Thus formed PST-Dox nanoparticles induced apoptosis and exhibited significant cytotoxicity in murine ascites cell lines, Dalton's lymphoma ascites and Ehrlich's ascites carcinoma. The mechanism contributing to the augmented cytotoxicity of nanoconjugates at lower doses was validated by measuring the Dox intracellular uptake in human colon, leukemic and breast cancer cell lines. PST-Dox nanoparticles showed rapid internalization of Dox into cancer cells within a short period of incubation. Further, in vivo efficacy was tested in comparison to the parent counterparts - PST001 and Dox, in ascites and solid tumor syngraft mice models. Treatment of ascites tumors with PST-Dox nanoparticles significantly reduced the tumor volume, viable tumor cell count, and increased survival and percentage life span in the early, established and prophylactic phases of the disease. Administration of nanoparticles through intratumoral route delivered more robust antitumor response than the intraperitoneal route in solid malignancies. Thus, the results indicate that PST-Dox nanoparticles have greater potential compared to the Dox as targeted drug delivery nanocarriers for loco regional cancer chemotherapy applications.