METHODS: Oligo, low, medium and high molecular weight chitosan nanoparticles were prepared by nanospray drying technique. These nanoparticles were incubated with alveolar macrophages in vitro and had model drug sodium fluorescein added into the same cell culture. The diffusion characteristics of sodium fluorescein and nanoparticle behavior were investigated using fluorescence microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy techniques.
RESULTS: The oligochitosan nanoparticles enabled macrophage membrane fluidization with the extent of sodium fluorescein entry into macrophages being directly governed by the nanoparticle loading. Using nanoparticles made of higher molecular weight chitosan, sodium fluorescein permeation into macrophages was delayed due to viscous chitosan diffusion barrier at membrane boundary.
CONCLUSION: Macrophage-chitosan nanoparticle interaction at membrane interface dictates drug migration into cellular domains.
METHODS: Polymeric carriers with different hydrophobic to hydrophilic ratios were used to prepare several electrospun solid dispersion formulations. Physicochemical properties and surface morphology of the samples were assessed using Attenuated Total Reflectance Fourier Transform Infrared (ATR-FTIR), polarized light microscopy, Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), X-ray Powder Diffraction (XRPD) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Dissolution study was conducted in a non-sink condition to assess the drug release.
RESULTS: Incorporation of a higher amount of hydrophilic component showed an improvement in formulating a fully amorphous system based on XRPD, yet the dissolution rate increment showed no significant difference from the lower. Hence, the degree of crystallinity is proven not to be the crucial factor contributing to dissolution rate improvement. The presence of a concomitant hydrophobic component, however, showed ability in resisting precipitation and sustaining supersaturation.
CONCLUSION: Hydrophobicity in a binary carrier system plays an important role in achieving and maintaining the supersaturated state particularly for an amorphous solid dispersion. Graphical Abstract.
METHODS: It was formulated using high pressure homogenization followed by probe sonication and formulation variables were optimized using Central Composite Design. The particle size (PS), zeta potential (ZP), entrapment efficiency (EE), drug release, cytotoxicity on NIH 3T3 fibroblasts cells and HaCaT keratinocytes cells and efficacy on RAW264.7 cells for optimized formulation was determined.
RESULTS: The PS, ZP and EE were found to be 85.26 nm, -23.7 ± 7.45 mV, 99.2 ± 2.62 % (Mes) and 84 ± 1.51 % (Cur), respectively. The good correlation between predicted and obtained value indicated suitability and reproducibility of experimental design. NLCs showed spherical shape as confirmed by TEM. In vitro drug release profile of prepared formulation showed that Mes exhibited 100 % release at 48 h, whereas Cur exhibited 82.23 ± 2.97% release at 120 h. Both the drugs exhibited sustained release upon incorporation into the NLCs. The absence of any significant cell death during MTT assay performed on NIH 3T3 fibroblasts cells and HaCaT keratinocytes cells indicated that NLCs' were safe for use. Furthermore, significant reduction in nitric oxide level during anti-inflammatory evaluation of formulation on RAW264.7 cells showed excellent potential for the formulation to treat inflammation. The formulation was found stable as no significant difference between the PS, ZP and EE of the fresh and aged NLCs was observed.
CONCLUSION: The outcomes of study deciphered successful formulation of Mes-Cur NLCs.
OBJECTIVE: With distinct optical attributes (e.g., robust photostability, restricted emission spectra, tunable broad excitation, and high quantum output), fluorescent quantum dots (QDs) have been feasibly functionalized with manageable interfaces and considerably utilized as a new class of optical probe in biological investigations.
METHODS: In this review article, we structured the current advancements in the preparation methods and attributes of QDs. Furthermore, we extend an overview of the outstanding potential of QDs for biomedical research and radical approaches to drug delivery.
CONCLUSION: Notably, the applications of QDs as smart next-generation nanosystems for neuroscience and pharmacokinetic studies have been explained. Moreover, recent interests in the potential toxicity of QDs are also apprised, ranging from cell investigations to animal studies.
OBJECTIVE: To systematically review the biological activities of pectin synthesised MNPs (Pe-MNPs).
METHODS: The databases Springer Link, Scopus, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, PubMed, Mendeley, and ResearchGate were systematically searched from the date of their inception until 10th February 2020. Pectin, green synthesis, metallic nanoparticles, reducing agent and biological activities were among the key terms searched. The data extraction was focussed on the biological activities of Pe-MNPs and reported following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) recommendations for systematic reviews.
RESULTS: A total of 15 studies outlined 7 biological activities of Pe-MNPs in the only three metals that have been explored, namely silver (Ag), gold (Au) and cerium oxide (CeO2). The activities reported from the in vitro and in vivo studies were antimicrobial (9 studies), anticancer (2 studies), drug carrier (3 studies), non-toxic (4 studies), antioxidant (2 studies), wound healing (1 study) and anti-inflammation (1 study).
CONCLUSIONS: This systematic review demonstrates the current state of the art of Pe-MNPs biological activities, suggesting that Ag and Au have potent antibacterial and anticancer/chemotherapeutic drug carrier activity, respectively. Further in vitro, in vivo, and clinical research is crucial for a better understanding of the pharmacological potential of pectin synthesised MNPs.
METHODS: cRGD-platelet@MnO/MSN@PPARα/LXRα nanoparticles were synthesized by a chemical method. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) was utilized to detect the size distribution and polydispersity index (PDI) of the nanoparticles. The safety of the nanoparticles was detected by CCK8 in vitro and HE staining and kidney function in vivo. Cell apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry detection and TUNEL staining. Oxidative stress responses (ROS, SOD, MDA, and NOX levels) were tested via a DCFH-DA assay and commercial kits. Immunofluorescence and phagocytosis experiments were used to detect the targeting of nanoparticles. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used to detect the imaging performance of cRGD-platelet@MnO/MSN@PPARα/LXRα nanoparticles. Using western blotting, the expression changes in LXRα and ABCA1 were identified.
RESULTS: cRGD-platelet@MnO/MSN@PPARα/LXRα nanoparticles were successfully established, with a particle size of approximately 150 nm and PDI less than 0.3, and showed high safety both in vitro and in vivo. cRGD-platelet@MnO/MSN@PPARα/LXRα nanoparticles showed good targeting properties and better MRI imaging performance in AS. cRGD-platelet@MnO/MSN@PPARα/LXRα nanoparticles showed better antioxidative capacities, MRI imaging performance, and diagnostic and therapeutic effects on AS by regulating the expression of LXRα and ABCA1.
CONCLUSION: In the present study, cRGD-platelet@MnO/MSN@PPARα/LXRα nanoparticles with high safety and the capacity to target vulnerable plaques of AS were successfully established. They showed better performance on MRI images and treatment effects on AS by promoting cholesterol efflux through the regulation of ABCA1. These findings might address the problems of off-target effects and side effects of nanoparticle-mediated drug delivery, which will enhance the efficiency of AS treatment and provide new ideas for the clinical treatment of AS.
MATERIALS & METHODS: F-BC-MTX-LPHNPs were fabricated using self-assembled nano-precipitation technique. Fructose was conjugated on the surface of the particles. The in vitro cytotoxicity, sub-cellular localization and apoptotic activity of F-BC-MTX-LPHNPs were evaluated against MCF-7 breast cancer cells. The antitumor potential of F-BC-MTX-LPHNPs was further studied.
RESULTS & CONCLUSION: Outcomes suggested that F-BC-MTX-LPHNPs induced the highest apoptosis index (0.89) against MCF-7 cells. Following 30 days of treatment, the residual tumor progression was assessed to be approximately 32%, in animals treated with F-BC-MTX-LPHNPs. F-BC-MTX-LPHNPs are competent to selectively convey the chemotherapeutic agent to the breast cancers. Beta carotene ameliorated MTX-induced hepatic and renal toxicity.