Andrographolide-Soya-L-α-Phosphatidyl Choline Complex Augmented Solubility and Drug Delivery in Leishmania donovani, a Causative Agent for Cutaneous and Visceral Leishmaniasis.

The utility of andrographolide (AN) in visceral leishmaniasis (VL) and cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is limited owing to poor solubility, hindered permeation, and unstable structure under physiological conditions. The present study mainly focuses on synthesizing of andrographolide-Soya-L-α-phosphatidyl choline (ANSPC) complex in ethanol and its characterization using various spectral and analytical techniques. Results from FT-IR, 1H NMR, ROSEY, and in silico docking techniques suggest ANSPC complex formation due to inter-molecular interaction between the hydrophilic head of SPC and hydroxyl group of AN present at 24th position. ANSPC complex demonstrated the solubility of 113.93 ± 6.66 µg/mL significantly (P < 0.05) greater than 6.39 ± 0.47 µg/mL of AN. The particle size of ANSPC complex was found to be 182.2 ± 2.69 nm. The IC50 value of AN suspension (PBS, pH ~ 7.4) at 24, 48, and 72 h against Leishmania donovani (L. donovani) was noticed to be 32.76 ± 4.53, 20.87 ± 2.37, and 17.71 ± 3.06 µM/mL, respectively. Moreover, augmented aqueous solubility of ANSPC complex led to significant (P < 0.05) reduction in IC50 value, i.e., 25.02 ± 4.35, 11.31 ± 0.60, and 8.33 ± 2.71 µM/mL at 24, 48, and 72 h, respectively. The IC50 values for miltefosine were noted to be 9.84 ± 2.65, 12.13 ± 7.26, and 6.56 ± 0.61 µM/mL at similar time periods. Moreover, ANSPC complex demonstrated augmented cellular uptake at 24 h as compared to 6 h in L. donovani. We suppose that submicron size and phospholipid-mediated complexation might have endorsed the permeation of ANSPC complex across the plasma membrane of L. donovani parasite by transport mechanisms such as P-type ATPase. ANSPC complex warrants further in-depth in vivo studies under a set of stringent parameters for translating the product into a clinically viable form.

Engineered upconversion nanocarriers for synergistic breast cancer imaging and therapy: Current state of art.

Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in women and is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Early diagnosis and effective therapeutic interventions are critical determinants that can improve survival and quality of life in breast cancer patients. Nanotheranostics are emerging interventions that offer the dual benefit of in vivo diagnosis and therapeutics through a single nano-sized carrier. Rare earth metal-doped upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) with their ability to convert near-infrared light to visible light or UV light in vivo settings have gained special attraction due to their unique luminescence and tumor-targeting properties. In this review, we have discussed applications of UCNPs in drug and gene delivery, photothermal therapy (PTT), photodynamic therapy (PDT) and tumor targeting in breast cancer. Further, present challenges and future opportunities for UCNPs in breast cancer treatment have also been mentioned.