Background: Autophagy plays a crucial role in modulating the proliferation of cancer diseases. However, the application of Naringenin (Nar), a compound with potential benefits against these diseases, has been limited due to its poor solubility and bioavailability.
Objective: This study aimed to develop solid lipid nanoparticles (Nar-SLNs) loaded with Nar to enhance their therapeutic impact.
Methods: In vitro experiments using Rin-5F cells exposed to Nar and Nar-SLNs were carried out to investigate the protective effects of Nar and its nanoformulation against the pancreatic cancer cell line of Rin-5F.
Results: Treatment with Nar and Nar-SLN led to an increase in autophagic markers (Akt, LC3, Beclin1, and ATG genes) and a decrease in the level of miR-21. Both Nar and Nar-SLN treatments inhibited cell proliferation and reduced the expression of autophagic markers. Notably, Nar-SLNs exhibited greater efficacy compared to free Nar.
Conclusion: These findings suggest that SLNs effectively enhance the cytotoxic impact of Nar, making Nar-SLNs a promising candidate for suppressing or preventing Rin-5F cell growth.
Background: Therapeutic gene delivery may be facilitated by the use of polymeric carriers. When combined with nucleic acids to form nanoparticles or polyplexes, a variety of polymers may shield the cargo from in vivo breakdown and clearance while also making it easier for it to enter intracellular compartments.
Aim and objectives: Polymer synthesis design choices result in a wide variety of compounds and vehicle compositions. Depending on the application, these characteristics may be changed to provide enhanced endosomal escape, longer-lasting distribution, or stronger connection with nucleic acid cargo and cells. Here, we outline current methods for delivering genes in preclinical and clinical settings using polymers.
Methodology: Significant therapeutic outcomes have previously been attained using genetic material- delivering polymer vehicles in both in-vitro and animal models. When combined with nucleic acids to form nanoparticles or polyplexes, a variety of polymers may shield the cargo from in vivo breakdown and clearance while also making it easier for it to enter intracellular compartments. Many innovative diagnoses for nucleic acids have been investigated and put through clinical assessment in the past 20 years.
Results: Polymer-based carriers have additional delivery issues due to their changes in method and place of biological action, as well as variances in biophysical characteristics. We cover recent custom polymeric carrier architectures that were tuned for nucleic acid payloads such genomemodifying nucleic acids, siRNA, microRNA, and plasmid DNA.
Conclusion: In conclusion, the development of polymeric carriers for gene delivery holds promise for therapeutic applications. Through careful design and optimization, these carriers can overcome various challenges associated with nucleic acid delivery, offering new avenues for treating a wide range of diseases.
Purpose: The primary objective of this study was to optimize formulation variables and investigate the in vitro characteristics of fluticasone propionate (FP)-loaded mixed polymeric micelles, which were composed of depolymerized chitosan-stearic acid copolymer (DC-SA) in combination with either tocopheryl polyethylene glycol succinate or dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine for pulmonary drug delivery.
Methods: A D-optimal design was employed for the optimization procedure, considering lipid/ polymer ratio, polymer concentration, drug/ polymer ratio, and lipid type as independent variables. Dependent variables included particle size, polydispersion index, zeta potential, drug encapsulation efficiency, and loading efficiency of the polymeric micelles. Additionally, the nebulization efficacy and cell viability of the optimal FP-loaded DC-SA micellar formulations were evaluated.
Results: The mixed polymeric micelles were successfully prepared with properties falling within the desired ranges, resulting in four optimized formulations. The release of FP from the optimal systems exhibited a sustained release profile over 72 hours, with 70% of the drug still retained within the core of the micelles. The nebulization efficiency of these optimal formulations reached up to 63%, and the fine particle fraction (FPF) ranged from 41% to 48%. Cellular viability assays demonstrated that FP-loaded DC-SA polymeric micelles exhibited lower cytotoxicity than the free drug but were slightly more cytotoxic than empty mixed micelles.
Conclusion: In conclusion, this study suggests that DC-SA/ lipid mixed micelles have the potential to serve as effective carriers for nebulizing poorly soluble FP.
Objective: The primary limitations of tadalafil in treating erectile dysfunction are its low solubility and unpleasant bitter taste, which ultimately result in inadequate patient adherence. The present study aimed to develop and characterize a medicated chocolate formulation containing Tadalafil and β-CD (solubility enhancer) employing the concept of Design of Experiment (DoE) using chocolate as a user-friendly excipient.
Methods: An inclusion complex was formulated by incorporating the drug into β-CD using the kneading method for solubility improvement and also as a taste masker for Tadalafil. The ratio of drug: β-CD inclusion complex was selected based on a phase solubility study. The inclusion complex was molded into a chocolate base and optimized using the DoE approach. Further, drug excipient interaction was evaluated by DSC and FTIR study.
Results: Phase solubility study suggested a 1:1 ratio of Tadalafil: β-CD for better solubility. DSC spectra suggested the conversion of crystalline structure into an amorphous state which indicates improvement of the drug solubility. DSC and FTIR studies revealed that there was no significant interaction between drug and excipients. Next, %CDR (cumulative drug release) at 30 min revealed the immediate effect of Tadalafil from chocolate formulation and free drug analysis (an unbound drug with β-CD) proved reduced bitterness of the drug in the complex. Additionally, the medicated chocolate was found to be stable at room temperature as per stability study.
Conclusion: β-CD was found to be a promising multifunctional excipient as a solubility enhancement carrier and taste masker for bitter-tasting drugs.
The buccal cavity, also known as the oral cavity, is a complex anatomical structure that plays a crucial role in various physiological processes. It serves as a gateway to the digestive system and facilitates the initial stages of food digestion and absorption. However, its significance extends beyond mere digestion as it presents a promising route for drug delivery, particularly to the brain. Transferosomes are lipid-based vesicles that have gained significant attention in the field of drug delivery due to their unique structure and properties. These vesicles are composed of phospholipids that form bilayer structures capable of encapsulating both hydrophilic and lipophilic drugs. Strategies for the development of buccal transferosomes for brain delivery have emerged as promising avenues for pharmaceutical research. This review aims to explore the various approaches and challenges associated with harnessing the potential of buccal transferosomes as a means of enhancing drug delivery to the brain. By understanding the structure and function of both buccal tissue and transferosomes, researchers can develop effective formulation methods and characterization techniques to optimize drug delivery. Furthermore, strategic approaches and success stories in buccal transferosome development are highlighted, showcasing inspiring examples that demonstrate their potential to revolutionize brain delivery.
Organogels represent semi-solid systems where an organic liquid phase is entrapped within a three-dimensional network formed by self-assembled, crosslinked, or entangled gelator fibers. These versatile materials find applications in a wide range of fields, including chemistry, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, biotechnology, and food technology. Notably, in pharmacology, they serve as valuable platforms for drug and vaccine delivery, facilitating the transport of active ingredients through various routes such as transdermal, oral, and parenteral. However, their previous utility as drug delivery systems was hindered by the toxicity associated with the organic solvents used. The pharmacokinetics of medications delivered via organogels are primarily influenced by the distinctive properties of these materials, specifically their "high permeability and poor aqueous solubility," which can impact the bioavailability of the drugs. Organogels can be employed topically or for the controlled release of medications through cutaneous administration and percutaneous absorption, expanding their scope of application beyond conventional drug delivery methods. Organogels hold significant promise as drug delivery vehicles due to their biocompatibility, non-irritating properties, and thermoremanent characteristics. They enable the formulation of diverse drug delivery systems by incorporating both hydrophilic and hydrophobic bioactive compounds within the gel matrix. This comprehensive review offers an overview of organogels, encompassing their nature, synthesis, characterization, and properties. Special attention is directed towards cutting-edge technologies employed in designing organogels as potential controlled delivery systems, with a focus on their emerging therapeutic applications.
Using skin patches to deliver drugs is dependable and doesn't have the same issues as permeation enhancers, which help drugs get through the skin but struggle because of the skin's natural barrier. Strategies are required to increase topical bioavailability to enhance drug absorption. Natural compounds offer a promising solution by temporarily reducing skin barrier resistance and improving drug absorption. Natural substances allow a wider variety of medications to be distributed through the stratum corneum, offering a dependable approach to enhancing transdermal drug delivery. Natural substances have distinct advantages as permeability enhancers. They are pharmacologically effective and safe, inactive, non-allergenic, and non-irritating. These characteristics ensure their suitability for use without causing adverse effects. Natural compounds are readily available and well tolerated by the body. Studies investigating the structure-activity relationship of natural chemicals have demonstrated significant enhancer effects. By understanding the connection between chemical composition and enhancer activity, researchers can identify effective natural compounds for improving drug penetration. In conclusion, current research focuses on utilizing natural compounds as permeability enhancers in transdermal therapy systems. These substances offer safety, non-toxicity, pharmacological inactivity, and non-irritation. Through structure-activity relationship investigations, promising advancements have been made in enhancing drug delivery. Using natural compounds holds enormous potential for improving the penetration of trans-dermally delivered medications.