Challenges of current treatment and exploring the future prospects of nanoformulations for treatment of atopic dermatitis.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a predominant and deteriorating chronic inflammation of the skin, categorized by a burning sensation and eczematous lesions in diverse portions of the body. The treatment of AD is exclusively focused to limit the itching, reduce inflammation, and repair the breached barrier of the skin. Several therapeutic agents for the treatment and management of AD have been reported and are in use in clinics. However, the topical treatment of AD has been an unswerving challenge for the medical fraternity owing to the impaired skin barrier function in this chronic skin condition. To surmount the problems of conventional drug delivery systems, numerous nanotechnology-based formulations are emerging as alternative new modalities for AD. Latter enhances the bioavailability and delivery to the target disease site, improves drug permeation and therapeutic efficacy with reduced systemic and off-target side effects, and thus improves patient health and promotes compliance. This review aims to describe the various pathophysiological events involved in the occurrence of AD, current challenges in treatment, evidence of molecular markers of AD and its management, combinatorial treatment options, and the intervention of nanotechnology-based formulations for AD therapeutics.

Solid Lipid Nanoparticles Embedded Hydrogels as a Promising Carrier for Retarding Irritation of Leflunomide.

Leflunomide (LEF), a disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug, has been widely explored for its anti-inflammatory potential in skin disorders such as psoriasis and melanoma. However, its poor stability and skin irritation pose challenges for topical delivery. To surmount these issues, LEF-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) integrated with hydrogels have been developed in the present investigation. SLNs developed by microemulsion techniques were found ellipsoidal with 273.1 nm particle size and -0.15 mV zeta potential. Entrapment and total drug content of LEF-SLNs were obtained as 65.25 ± 0.95% and 93.12 ± 1.72%, respectively. FTIR and XRD validated the successful fabrication of LEF-SLNs. The higher stability of LEF-SLNs (p < 0.001) compared to pure drug solution was observed in photostability studies. Additionally, in vitro anti-inflammatory activity of LEF-SLNs showed good potential in comparison to pure drugs. Further, prepared LEF-SLNs loaded hydrogel showed ideal rheology, texture, occlusion, and spreadability for topical drug delivery. In vitro release from LEF-SLN hydrogel was found to follow the Korsmeyer-Peppas model. To assess the skin safety of fabricated lipidic formulation, irritation potential was performed employing the HET-CAM technique. In conclusion, the findings of this investigation demonstrated that LEF-SLN hydrogel is capable of enhancing the photostability of the entrapped drug while reducing its skin irritation with improved topical delivery characteristics.

Evaluation of antimicrobial efficacy of nanocurcumin-coated gutta-percha against Enterococcus faecalis: An in vitro study.

Background: Nanocurcumin has antimicrobial properties and it is to be tested as a coating on gutta-percha against Enterococcusi faecalis. Aim: To evaluate the antimicrobial efficacy of nanocurcumin-coated gutta-percha against E. faecalis in comparison with conventional gutta-percha. Materials and Methods: The broth dilution method and colony-forming unit count assay were chosen for the evaluation of the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration of nanocurcumin against E. faecalis. ISO size 30, 4% taper gutta-percha cones were manually coated with nanocurcumin. All the coated and noncoated gutta-percha cones were examined under a scanning electron microscope to study the exterior surface. Antibacterial efficacy of nanocurcumin-coated gutta-percha and conventional gutta-percha was seen by agar diffusion method against E. faecalis. Results: MIC of nanocurcumin was observed at 50 mg/ml for E. faecalis. Nanocurcumin-coated gutta-percha showed a larger zone of inhibition when compared to conventional gutta-percha which showed a smaller zone of inhibition (P < 0.0001). Nanocurcumin-coated gutta-percha showed moderate antimicrobial activity, while conventional gutta-percha showed weak activity. Conclusion: The results of the study reveal that nanocurcumin has an antimicrobial activity against E. faecalis. The use of herbal alternatives in endodontics might prove to be advantageous.

An in vitro evaluation of antibacterial effect of curcumin-loaded chitosan nanoparticle-coated gutta-percha against Staphylococcus aureus.

Background: The persistence of microorganisms in root canal system is pivotal factor pertinent to endodontic failure. Even if you meet the highest technical and asepsis standards and also minimize the procedural errors, failures result. The rapidly increasing antibiotic resistance among these bacteria and the adverse effects of these antibiotics along with their toxicity are the main situations indicating the utmost urgent requirement of a safe, effective, natural phytochemical like curcumin with tremendous medicinal potential. Nanoformulations of curcumin are their improved version with enhanced antibacterial activity. Materials and Methods: A thin layer of nanocurcumin was coated on the surface of gutta-percha cones. To observe the uniformity and adherence of nanocurcumin coating on the exterior surface of gutta-percha, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was done. Further agar gel diffusion technique was used to assess the antimicrobial activity of nanocurcumin-coated gutta-percha cones and conventional gutta-percha cones and their results were compared statistically. Results: The results of SEM study showed a layer of nanocurcumin adhering uniformly to the surface of gutta-percha cones. Furthermore, the nanocurcumin-coated gutta-percha cones demonstrated higher antibacterial activity as compared to the conventional cones. Conclusions: Our study results reveal that the coating of nanocurcumin on gutta-percha cones has augmented their antibacterial activity.

Preclinical safety of tetrahydrocurcumin loaded lipidic nanoparticles incorporated into tacrolimus ointment: In vitro and in vivo evaluation.

Preclinical safety and proof of concept studies for a topical ointment comprising of concentrated tetrahydrocurcumin loaded lipidic nanoparticles (THC-LNs) and tacrolimus ointment (TTO) is proposed in the present investigation. The skin irritation potential and acute dermal toxicity were performed in rats in compliance with the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) guidelines (402, 404 and 410) while the cytotoxic potential was performed in HaCaT cells. Finally, in vivo evaluation was performed in Imiquimod mice model of psoriasis. In primary skin irritation assessment, TTO formulation, marketed formulation (Tacroz® Forte), THC-LNs, and blank LNs were topically applied on intact skin sites in rats while another group served as a negative control group for 72 h. TTO did not induce any adverse reactions. Repeated 28 days dermal toxicity followed by biochemical and histopathological assessment showed negligible alternations and skin lesions. THC-LNs revealed negligible cytotoxic potential in HaCaT cells. TTO showed significantly high anti-psoriatic activity in comparison to marketed ointment. This was also confirmed via histopathological evaluation. Based on these findings, it can be ascertained that TTO showed minimal toxicity and has ample potential for further clinical analysis. The above studies affirm the potential of TTO as an alternative for psoriasis.

Role of molecularly imprinted hydrogels in drug delivery - A current perspective.

Molecular imprinting in hydrogels crafts memory for template molecules in a flexible macromolecular structure. Molecular imprinting can control the pattern of the drug release via different mechanistic pathways which may involve swelling, which releases the drug via diffusion or receptive-swollen networks. Responsive hydrogels or smart hydrogels can be tailored to undergo a change in the network structure in response to a stimulus by inserting specific chemical or biological entities along their backbone polymer chains. The stimuli which can be either physical, chemical or biochemical in nature, may impact at various energy levels thereby initiating the molecular interactions at critical onset points. Conventional hydrogels lack in responding to an external stimuli in a swift manner, hence the molecular imprinting technology can significantly advance the therapeutic efficiency of the drugs with anticipated controlled release and targeting efficiency. Molecular imprinting in hydrogels is thus anticipated as a step towards establishment of drug delivery systems by providing improved delivery profiles or longer release times and deliver the drugs in a feedback regulated way. The review article focuses on the current scenario of molecularly imprinted hydrogels with emphasis on the imprinting strategies within hydrogels and challenges encountered, latent translational applications, and future perspectives.

Tetrahydrocurcumin Lipid Nanoparticle Based Gel Promotes Penetration into Deeper Skin Layers and Alleviates Atopic Dermatitis in 2,4-Dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) Mouse Model.

Treatment of atopic dermatitis (AD) is challenging due to its complex pathophysiology. Tetrahydrocurcumin (THC) a polyphenolic, colorless compound that is more polar than curcumin. It possesses superior anti-inflammatory properties and has a clinical advantage over curcumin. The present study investigated the therapeutic effectiveness of THC solid lipid nanoparticle (THC-SLN)-based gels in AD. THC-SLNs prepared using microemulsification resulted in a particle size of 109.2 nm as determined by nanoparticle tracking, and FTIR confirmed the entrapment of drug within the lipid matrix. THC-SLNs greatly enhanced skin hydration when tested both ex vivo and in vivo in Lacca mice. Deeper skin penetration was clearly established using dermatokinetics and CLSM. The in vivo pharmacodynamics of THC-SLNs gel in 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB)-induced AD mice showed enhanced bioactivity; reduced levels of TNF-α and IL-6; and complete healing, as evident from histopathological studies. Thus, the novel topical THC-SLN gel has potential to emerge as a safe alternative to conventional corticosteroids for AD and other skin disorders with overbearing inflammation.

Assay and Dermatokinetics of Tetrahydrocurcumin Lipidic Nanostructures Using Reverse Phase-high Performance Liquid Chromatography.

BACKGROUND: Envisaging the poor solubility (56 ngml1) and permeability of tetrahydrocurcumin (THCC), it was formulated into lipidic nanostructures to enhance its bioavailability upon topical application to promote the healing process for skin inflammatory disorders. Lack of literature on a suitable method for determining THCC per se and nanoformulations prompted us to develop an RP-HPLC method to detect the drug in its nanostructures and in pig ear skin post dermatokinetics. OBJECTIVE: The present investigation aimed to develop a simple, precise and RP-HPLC method for the quantitative estimation of THCC in prepared lipidic nanostructures, its ointment, and in skin homogenate obtained post dermatokinetic study. METHODS: THCC encapsulated nanostructures and ointment were formulated using a modified emulsification method and embedded into an ointment base to enhance its spreadability and improve patient compliance. A fast and sensitive reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography method was developed using a Hypersil BDS reverse phase C18 column (4.6 mm × 250 mm, 5 µm) with mobile phase comprising tetrahydrofuran (THF) and 1 mgmL-1 citric acid (4:6), at a flow rate of 1.0 mLmin-1 with a run time of 20 min. RESULTS: THCC nanostructures were successfully prepared using the spontaneous microemulsification method. THCC was detected at 282 nm and revealed two peaks which were attributed to the keto-enol tautomerism in the molecule with retention times of 6.23 min and 11.06 min, respectively. The assay of THCC in nanostructures and ointment was found to be 98.30 % and 99.98 %, with an entrapment efficiency 77.00±2.74 %. The dermatokinetic studies revealed sufficient release of THCC from its ointment up to 24 hr with a concentration of 1382 µgcm-2, for causing a therapeutic effect. CONCLUSION: The method was found to be reproducible and robust, as shown by the low coefficient of variation and a constant analyte/IS ratio. It was successfully employed for the estimation of THCC assay in nanostructures and its ointment and dermatokinetic analysis in the skin.

Enhanced Oral Absorption of All-trans Retinoic Acid upon Encapsulation in Solid Lipid Nanoparticles.

BACKGROUND: All-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) is widely employed in the treatment of various proliferative and inflammatory diseases. However, its therapeutic efficacy is imperiled due to its poor solubility and stability. Latter was surmounted by its incorporation into a solid matrix of lipidic nanoparticles (SLNs). METHODS: ATRA loaded SLNs (ATRA-SLNs) were prepared using a novel microemulsification technique (USPTO 9907758) and an optimal composition and were characterized in terms of morphology, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and powder X-ray diffraction studies (PXRD). In vitro release, oral plasma pharmacokinetics (in rats) and stability studies were also done. RESULTS: Rod-shaped ATRA-SLNs could successfully incorporate 3.7 mg/mL of ATRA, increasing its solubility (from 4.7 µg/mL) by 787 times, having an average particle size of 131.30 ± 5.0 nm and polydispersibility of 0.283. PXRD, DSC, and FTIR studies confirmed the formation of SLNs. Assay/total drug content and entrapment efficiency of ATRA-SLNs was 92.50 ± 2.10% and 84.60 ± 3.20% (n=6), respectively, which was maintained even on storage for one year under refrigerated conditions as an aqueous dispersion. In vitro release in 0.01 M phosphate buffer (pH 7.4) with 3% tween 80 was extended 12 times from 2h for free ATRA to 24 h for ATRA-SLNs depicting Korsmeyer Peppas release. Oral administration in rats showed 35.03 times enhanced bioavailability for ATRA-SLNs. CONCLUSION: Present work reports preparation and evaluation of bioenhanced ATRA-SLNs containing a high concentration of ATRA (>15 times than that reported by others). Latter is attributed to the novel preparation process and intelligent selection of components. Lay Summary: All-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) shows an array of pharmacological activities but its efficacy is limited due to poor solubility, stability and side effects. In present study its solubility and efficacy is improved by 787 and 35.5 times, respectively upon incorporation into solid lipid nanoparticles (ATRA-SLNs). Latter extended its release by 12 times and provided stability for at least a year under refrigeration. A controlled and sustained release will reduce dose related side effects. ATRA-SLNs reported presently can thus be used in treatment /prophylaxis of disorders like cancers, tuberculosis, age related macular degeneration and acne and as an immune-booster.

Dithranol: An Insight into its Novel Delivery Cargos for Psoriasis Management.

OBJECTIVE: Dithranol (DTH) is a well-known moiety that has long been used promisingly to impede and treat skin disorders, particularly psoriasis. Nowadays, a rekindled interest in the use of DTH for this disorder has been observed. Side effects associated with conventional topical formulations of this moiety have aroused the interest of the scientific community in investigating novel cargos of DTH for psoriasis management. RESULTS: Previous research has evidenced the anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferating potential of DTH. Numerous studies have indicated that DTH inhibits polymorphonuclear (PMN) leucocyte, modulates epidermal cell receptors and promotes anti-psoriatic action. However, some deterrent factors like poor solubility, stability, toxicity, staining and skin irritation hamper its use as a potential therapeutic agent. With the adoption of novel drug delivery technologies, the above mentioned inherent limitations of DTH have been compensated to reestablish this drug moiety. CONCLUSION: This article reviews novel drug delivery aspects, safety concerns, clinical evidence, current status, and future opportunities of DTH in the management of psoriasis. Further, it will update researchers on this promising drug moiety, which is free from systemic adverse responses in comparison to other therapeutic molecules like steroids, for psoriasis treatment.

Nano Drug Delivery in Treatment of Oral Cancer, A Review of the Literature.

Oral Cancer (OC) is a serious and growing problem which constitutes a huge burden on people in more and less economically developed countries alike. The scenario is clearly depicted from the increase in the expected number of new cases in the US diagnosed with OC from 49,670 people in 2016, to 49,750 cases in 2017. The situation is even more alarming in India, with 75,000 to 80,000 new cases being reported every year, thus making it the OC capital of the world. Leukoplakia, erythroplakia, oral lichen planus, oral submucous fibrosis, discoid lupus erythmatosus, hereditary disorders such as dyskeratosis congenital and epidermolisys bullosa are highlighted by WHO expert working group as the predisposing factors increasing the risk of OC. Consumption of tobacco and alcohol, genetic factors, and human papilloma virus are assigned as the factors contributing to the aetiology of OC. On the other hand, pathogenesis of OC involves not only apoptosis but also pain, inflammation and oxidative stress. Inspite of current treatment options (surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy), OC is often associated with recurrence and formation of secondary primary tumours resulting in poor overall survival rates (∼50%). The intervention of nano technology-based drug delivery systems as therapeutics for cancers is often viewed as a cutting edge for technologists. Though ample literature on the usefulness of nano-coutured cancer therapeutics, rarely any product is in pipeline. Yet, despite all the hype about nanotechnology, there are few ongoing trials. This review discusses the current and future trends of nano-based drug delivery for the treatment of OC.

Formulation and Evaluation of Silymarin-Loaded Chitosan-Montmorilloite Microbeads for the Potential Treatment of Gastric Ulcers.

Silymarin-loaded mucoadhesive microbeads of Chitosan-MMT were developed using the ionotropic gelation technique. Characterization of the microbeads was performed by DSC, XRD, SEM, and FTIR techniques. In vitro mucoadhesion and drug release studies; gastroprotective studies including the measurement of ulcerative index; the determination of gastric wall mucus; and the determination of percentage protection, biochemical, and histopathological studies were also performed. Microbeads batches were evaluated for particle size (120⁻140 µm), actual drug content, (49.36⁻58.18%) and entrapment efficiency (72.52⁻92.39%).Biochemical estimation of myeloperoxidase was found to be 0.10⁻0.75 µmoles/g/tissue. Significant reduction in the ulcerative index showed the gastroprotective effect of the formulation. Silymarin-loaded beads of Chitosan-MMT were found to exhibit good mucoadhesion and efficient release of the drug, and were found to be a promising drug carrier system for the treatment of gastric ulcers.

Topical delivery of tetrahydrocurcumin lipid nanoparticles effectively inhibits skin inflammation: in vitro and in vivo study.

Tetrahydrocurcumin (THC) also referred to as 'white curcumin', is a stable colorless hydrogenated product of curcumin with superior antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The present study is an attempt to elevate the topical bioavailability of THC, post-incorporation into a nano-carrier system with its final dosage as a hydrogel. Lipid nanoparticles of THC (THC-SLNs) prepared by microemulsification technique were ellipsoidal in shape (revealed in transmission electron microscopy) with a mean particle size of 96.6 nm and zeta potential of -22 mV. Total drug content and entrapment efficiency of THC-SLNs was 94.51% ± 2.15% and 69.56% ± 1.35%, respectively. Differential scanning calorimetry and X-ray diffraction studies confirmed the formation of THC-SLNs. In vitro drug release studies showed the drug release from THC-SLNs gel to follow Higuchi's equation revealing a Fickian diffusion. Ex vivo permeation studies indicated a 17 times (approximately) higher skin permeation of THC-SLNs gel as compared with the free THC gel. Skin irritation, occlusion, and stability studies indicated the formulation to be nonirritating, and stable with a desired occlusivity. Pharmacodynamic evaluation in an excision wound mice model clearly revealed the enhanced anti-inflammatory activity of THC-SLNs gel and was further confirmed using biochemical and histopathological studies. It is noteworthy to report here that THC-SLNs gel showed significantly better (p ≤ 0.001) activity than free THC in gel. As inflammation is innate to all the skin disorders, the developed product opens up new therapeutic avenues for several skin diseases. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first paper elaborating the therapeutic usefulness of white curcumin-loaded lipidic nanoparticles for skin inflammation.

Sesamol Induces Apoptosis by Altering Expression of Bcl-2 and Bax Proteins and Modifies Skin Tumor Development in Balb/c Mice.

BACKGROUND: Chemoprevention using natural agents has emerged as a new and promising strategy for reducing cancer burden. Sesamol, a water soluble lignin, is a potent antioxidant with potential anticancer activities. Its small size (molecular weight: 138.34g) coupled with easy permeability (log P: 1.29) results in its excessive systemic loss therefore, compromising local bioavailability. Furthermore, irritant nature of sesamol limits its application on skin per se. OBJECTIVE: Present study aims to evaluate chemopreventive efficacy of free and encapsulated (SLNs) sesamol, at gross and molecular level, in DMBA induced skin cancer animal model. METHODS: Evaluation is done in terms of tumor burden quantification, histological evaluation of skin, determination of oxidative stress, and quantification of apoptotic proteins, bcl-2 and bax, using both western blot analysis and immunofluorescence studies. RESULTS: Sesamol administration (both in free and encapsulated form) significantly decreased the tumor burden and lipid peroxidation level and increased anti-oxidant levels, thereby hampering the development and promotion of skin tumors. Further, downregulation of bcl-2 and stimulation of bax protein expression on treatment with both free and encapsulated sesamol was responsible for the induction of apoptosis in tumor cells. Encapsulating sesamol into SLNs not only reduced its irritant nature which limits its direct topical application but also improved its local targeting to skin. CONCLUSION: Both free and encapsulated sesamol demonstrated the inhibition of tumor progression by inducing skin cell apoptosis via bcl-2/bax mediated pathway.

Hepatoprotective effects of sesamol loaded solid lipid nanoparticles in carbon tetrachloride induced sub-chronic hepatotoxicity in rats.

Sesamol is a phenolic component of sesame seed oil, which has been established as an antioxidant and also possesses potential for hepatoprotection. However, its protective role in carbon tetrachloride (CCl4 ) induced sub-chronic hepatotoxicity has not been studied. Limited oral bioavailability (BA) and rapid elimination (as conjugates) in rats is reported for sesamol. Considering its significant antioxidant potential and compromised BA, we packaged sesamol into solid lipid nanoparticles (S-SLNs) to enhance its hepatoprotective bioactivity. S-SLNs prepared by microemulsification method were nearly spherical in shape with an average particle size of 120.30 nm and their oral administration at 8 mg/kg body weight (BW) showed significantly (p < 0.001) better hepatoprotection than free sesamol (FS) and a well established hepatoprotective antioxidant silymarin [SILY (25 mg/kg BW); p < 0.05) in CCl4 induced sub-chronic liver injury in rats. Evaluations were done in terms of histological changes in the liver tissue, liver injury markers (serum alanine aminotransferase, serum aspartate aminotransferase, and serum lactate dehydrogenase); oxidative stress markers (lipid peroxidation, superoxide dismutase, and reduced glutathione) and proinflammatory response marker (tumor necrosis factor-alpha).

The augmented anticancer potential of AP9-cd loaded solid lipid nanoparticles in human leukemia Molt-4 cells and experimental tumor.

AP9-cd, a novel lignan composition from Cedrus deodara has significant anticancer potential, and to further enhance its activity, it was lucratively encumbered into solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs). These nanoparticles were formulated by micro-emulsion technique with 70% drug trap competence. AP9-cd-SLNs were regular, solid, globular particles in the range of 100-200 nm, which were confirmed by electron microscopic studies. Moreover, AP9-cd-SLNs were found to be stable for up to six months in terms of color, particle size, zeta potential, drug content and entrapment. AP9-cd-SLNs have 30-50% higher cytotoxic and apoptotic potential than the AP9-cd alone. The augmented anticancer potential of AP9-cd-SLNs was observed in cytotoxic IC50 value, apoptosis signaling cascade and in Ehrlich ascites tumor (EAT) model. AP9-cd-SLNs induce apoptosis in Molt-4 cells via both intrinsic and extrinsic pathway. Moreover, the dummy nanoparticles (SLNs without AP9-cd) did not have any cytotoxic effect in cancer as well as in normal cells. Consequently, SLNs of AP9-cd significantly augment the apoptotic and antitumor potential of AP9-cd. The present study provides a podium for ornamental the remedial latent via novel delivery systems like solid lipid nanoparticles.

Sesamol loaded solid lipid nanoparticles: a promising intervention for control of carbon tetrachloride induced hepatotoxicity.

BACKGROUND: Sesamol, a component of sesame seed oil, exhibited significant antioxidant activity in a battery of in vitro and ex vivo tests including lipid peroxidation induced in rat liver homogenates. Latter established its potential for hepatoprotection. However, limited oral bioavailability, fast elimination (as conjugates) and tendency towards gastric irritation/toxicity (especially forestomach of rodents) may limit its usefulness. Presently, we packaged sesamol into solid lipid nanoparticles (S-SLNs) to enhance its biopharmaceutical performance and compared the efficacy with that of free sesamol and silymarin, a well established hepatoprotectant, against carbon tetrachloride induced hepatic injury in rats, post induction. A self recovery group in which no treatment was given was used to observe the self-healing capacity of liver. METHODS: S-SLNs prepared by microemulsification method were administered to rats post-treatment with CCl4 (1 ml/kg body weight (BW) twice weekly for 2 weeks, followed by 1.5 ml/kg BW twice weekly for the subsequent 2 weeks). Liver damage and recovery on treatment was assessed in terms of histopathology, serum injury markers (alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase), oxidative stress markers (lipid peroxidation, superoxide dismutase, and reduced glutathione) and a pro-inflammatory response marker (tumor necrosis factor alpha). RESULT: S-SLNs (120.30 nm) at a dose of 8 mg/kg BW showed significantly better hepatoprotection than corresponding dose of free sesamol (FS; p < 0.001). Effects achieved with S-SLNs were comparable with silymarin (SILY), administered at a dose of 25 mg/kg BW. Self recovery group confirmed absence of regenerative capacity of hepatic tissue, post injury. CONCLUSION: Use of lipidic nanocarrier system for sesamol improved its efficiency to control hepatic injury. Enhanced effect is probably due to: a) improved oral bioavailability, b) controlled and prolonged effect of entrapped sesamol and iii) reduction in irritation and toxicity, if any, upon oral administration. S-SLNs may be considered as a therapeutic option for hepatic ailments as effectiveness post induction of liver injury, is demonstrated presently.

Sesamol-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles for treatment of skin cancer.

Abstract Role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in skin carcinogenesis is well documented. Natural molecules, like sesamol, with marked antioxidant potential can be useful in combating skin cancers. In vitro antiproliferative (using MTT assay) and DNA fragmentation studies in HL 60 cell lines, confirmed the apoptotic nature of sesamol. However, it showed a significant flux across the mice skin upon topical application, such that its local availability in skin is limited. Former is attributed mainly to its properties like small size, low molecular weight (138.28), and a sufficient lipid and water solubility (log P 1.29; solubility 38.8 mg/ml). To achieve its maximum epicutaneous delivery, packaging it into a suitable carrier system is thus indicated. Sesamol-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (S-SLN) were thus prepared with particle size of 127.9 nm (PI: 0.256) and entrapment efficiency of 88.21%. Topical application of S-SLN in a cream base indicated significant retention in the skin with minimal flux across skin as confirmed by the in-vivo skin retention and ex-vivo skin permeation studies. In vivo anticancer studies performed on TPA-induced and benzo(a)pyrene initiated tumour production (ROS mediated) in mouse epidermis showed the normalization (in histology studies) of skin cancers post their induction, upon treatment with S-SLN.

Issues and concerns in nanotech product development and its commercialization.

The revolutionary and ubiquitous nature of nanotechnology has fetched it a considerable attention in the past few decades. Even though its enablement and application to various sectors including pharmaceutical drug development is increasing with the enormous government aided funding for nanotechnology-based products, however the parallel commercialization of these systems has not picked up a similar impetus. The technology however does address the unmet needs of pharmaceutical industry, including the reformulation of drugs to improve their solubility, bioavailability or toxicity profiles as observed from the wide array of high-quality research publications appearing in various scientific journals and magazines. Based on our decade-long experience in the field of nanotech-based drug delivery systems and extensive literature survey, we perceive that the major hiccups to the marketing of these nanotechnology products can be categorized as 1) inadequate regulatory framework; 2) lack of support and acceptance by the public, practicing physician, and industry; 3) developmental considerations like scalability, reproducibility, characterization, quality control, and suitable translation; 4) toxicological issues and safety profiles; 5) lack of available multidisciplinary platforms; and, 6) poor intellectual property protection. The present review dwells on these issues elaborating the trends followed by the industry, regulatory role of the USFDA and their implication, and the challenges set forth for a successful translation of these products from the lab and different clinical phases to the market.

Attenuation of carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatic injury with curcumin-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Curcumin, an established pleiotropic agent, has potential for hepatoprotection owing to its powerful antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antifibrogenic properties. However, its poor bioavailability limits its use in therapeutics. In this study, we aimed to package curcumin into solid lipid nanoparticles (C-SLNs) to improve its bioavailability and compare the efficacy of C-SLNs with that of free curcumin and silymarin, a well-established hepatoprotectant in clinical use, against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced hepatic injury in rats, post-induction. A self-recovery group to which no treatment was given was also employed for quantifying self-healing of hepatic tissue, if any. MATERIAL AND METHODS: C-SLNs (particle size 147.6 nm), prepared using a microemulsification technique, were administered to rats post-treatment with CCl4 (1 ml/kg body weight [BW] twice weekly for 2 weeks, followed by 1.5 ml/kg BW twice weekly for the subsequent 2 weeks). The extent of liver damage and repair in terms of histopathology and levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), oxidative stress markers (malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, and reduced glutathione) and a pro-inflammatory response marker, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, were determined in both the CCl4 group and the treatment groups. RESULTS: C-SLNs (12.5 mg/kg) significantly (p < 0.001-0.005) attenuated histopathological changes and oxidative stress, and also decreased induction of ALT, AST, and TNF-α in comparison with free curcumin (100 mg/kg), silymarin (25 mg/kg), and self-recovery groups. CONCLUSION: Curcumin could be used as a therapeutic agent for hepatic disorders, provided it is loaded into a suitable delivery system.