Novel water-soluble and pH-responsive anticancer drug nanocarriers: doxorubicin-PAMAM dendrimer conjugates attached to superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs)

PH-responsive drug release system based on the conjugates of PAMAM dendrimers-doxorubicin (PAMAM-DOX) and superparamagnetic iron oxide (Fe(3)O(4)) nanoparticles (IONPs) has been constructed and characterized. The IONPs were stabilized by mPEG-G2.5 PAMAM dendrimers. The anticancer drug DOX was conjugated to the dendrimer segments of amino-stabilized IONPs using hydrazine as the linker via hydrazone bonds, which is acid cleavable and can be used as an ideal pH-responsive drug release system. The drug release profiles of DOX-PAMAM dendrimer conjugates were studied at pH 5.0 and 7.4. The results showed that the hydrolytic release profile can be obtained only at the condition of lysosomal pH (pH=5.0), and IONPs participated in carrying DOX to the tumor by the Enhanced Permeability and Retention (EPR) effect. These novel DOX-conjugated IONPs have the potential to enhance the effect of MRI contrast and cancer therapy in the course of delivering anticancer drugs to their target sites. Although the dendrimer-DOX-coated IONPs do not have any targeting ligands attached on their surface, they are potentially useful for cancer diagnosis in vivo.     

Ring‐Opening Polymerization of Prodrugs: A Versatile Approach to Prepare Well‐Defined Drug‐Loaded Nanoparticles

The synthesis of polymer–drug conjugates from prodrug monomers consisting of a cyclic polymerizable group that is appended to a drug through a cleavable linker is achieved by organocatalyzed ring‐opening polymerization. The monomers polymerize into well‐defined polymer prodrugs that are designed to self‐assemble into nanoparticles and release the drug in response to a physiologically relevant stimulus. This method is compatible with structurally diverse drugs and allows different drugs to be copolymerized with quantitative conversion of the monomers. The drug loading can be controlled by adjusting the monomer(s)/initiator feed ratio and drug release can be encoded into the polymer by the choice of linker. Initiating these monomers from a poly(ethylene glycol) macroinitiator results in amphiphilic diblock copolymers that spontaneously self‐assemble into micelles with a long plasma circulation, which is useful for systemic therapy.     

Milk proteins as vehicles for bioactives

Milk proteins are natural vehicles for bioactives. Many of their structural and physicochemical properties facilitate their functionality in delivery systems. These properties include binding of ions and small molecules, excellent surface and self-assembly properties; superb gelation properties; pH-responsive gel swelling behavior, useful for programmable release; interactions with other macromolecules to form complexes and conjugates with synergistic combinations of properties; various shielding capabilities, essential for protecting sensitive payload; biocompatibility and biodegradability, enabling to control the bioaccessibility of the bioactive, and promote its bioavailability.The review highlights the main achievements reported in the last 3 years: harnessing the casein micelle, a natural nanovehicle of nutrients, for delivering hydrophobic bioactives; discovering unique nanotubes based on enzymatic hydrolysis of α-la; introduction of novel encapsulation techniques based on cold-set gelation for delivering heat-sensitive bioactives including probiotics; developments and use of Maillard reaction based conjugates of milk proteins and polysaccharides for encapsulating bioactives; introduction of β-lg–pectin nanocomplexes for delivery of hydrophobic nutraceuticals in clear acid beverages; development of core-shell nanoparticles made of heat-aggregated β-lg, nanocoated by beet-pectin, for bioactive delivery; synergizing the surface properties of whey proteins with stabilization properties of polysaccharides in advanced W/O/W and O/W/O double emulsions; application of milk proteins for drug targeting, including lactoferrin or bovine serum albumin conjugated nanoparticles for effective in vivo drug delivery across the blood-brain barrier; beta casein nanoparticles for targeting gastric cancer; fatty acid-coated bovine serum albumin nanoparticles for intestinal delivery, and Maillard conjugates of casein and resistant starch for colon targeting.Major future challenges are spot-lighted.     

Polysaccharide-Based Drug Delivery Systems for the Treatment of Periodontitis

Periodontal diseases are worldwide health problems that negatively affect the lifestyle of many people. The long-term effect of the classical treatments, including the mechanical removal of bacterial plaque, is not effective enough, causing the scientific world to find other alternatives. Polymer–drug systems, which have different forms of presentation, chosen depending on the nature of the disease, the mode of administration, the type of polymer used, etc., have become very promising. Hydrogels, for example (in the form of films, micro-/nanoparticles, implants, inserts, etc.), contain the drug included, encapsulated, or adsorbed on the surface. Biologically active compounds can also be associated directly with the polymer chains by covalent or ionic binding (polymer–drug conjugates). Not just any polymer can be used as a support for drug combination due to the constraints imposed by the fact that the system works inside the body. Biopolymers, especially polysaccharides and their derivatives and to a lesser extent proteins, are preferred for this purpose. This paper aims to review in detail the biopolymer–drug systems that have emerged in the last decade as alternatives to the classical treatment of periodontal disease.     

Nanostructures for magnetically triggered release of drugs and biomolecules

Specific targeting and controlled release are crucial factors in the administration of drugs and therapeutic biomolecules. It has been shown that drug delivery systems can significantly benefit of the introduction of superparamagnetic nanoparticles in terms of both targeting and controlled release. Magnetic gradients can be used to target therapeutics to specific regions, while alternating magnetic fields produce frequency-dependent effects at the nanoparticle level. This review reports on the latest developments of multifunctional systems based on magnetic nanoparticles where the release of drugs and/or biomolecules is triggered by the application of an external magnetic field. The potentials of these systems are presented through examples in the fields of surface functionalized magnetic nanoparticles, magnetic polymer nanocomposites and magnetoliposomes. Recent results suggest the importance of integrating multiple functions within a single nanostructured device in order to successfully transport, localize and release drugs and biomolecules.     

Synthesis of macromolecular prodrugs of procaine, histamine and isoniazid

The attachment of various drugs bearing -NH2 groups to poly-alpha,beta-aspartic acid as a biodegradable carrier afforded in good yields macromolecular prodrugs which were characterized with respect to composition and drug load by spectroscopic and analytical methods. N-Ethyl-N'-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)carbodiimide hydrochloride (EDC) in an aqueous medium proved to be useful in the attachment reaction. Isoniazid, procaine and histamine were covalently coupled as pendant groups onto poly-alpha,beta-aspartic acid via an amide bond. In principle, controlled release of the aforementioned drugs can be achieved by biodegradation of the polymer or by cleavage of covalently bound polymer-drug conjugates.     

Masked Amino Trimethyl Lock (H2N-TML) Systems: New Molecular Entities for the Development of Turn-On Fluorophores and Their Application in Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) Imaging in Human Cells

Masked trimethyl lock (TML) systems as molecular moieties enabling the bioresponsive release of compounds or dyes in a controlled temporal and spatial manner have been widely applied for the development of drug conjugates, prodrugs or molecular imaging tools. Herein, we report the development of a novel amino trimethyl lock (H₂N-TML) system as an auto-immolative molecular entity for the release of fluorophores. We designed Cou-TML-N₃ and MURh-TML-N₃ , two azide-masked turn-on fluorophores. The latter was demonstrated to selectively release fluorescent MURh in the presence of physiological concentrations of the redox-signaling molecule H₂S in vitro and was successfully applied to image H₂S in human cells     

Incorporation and controlled release of silyl ether prodrugs from PRINT nanoparticles

Asymmetric bifunctional silyl ether (ABS) prodrugs of chemotherapeutics were synthesized and incorporated within 200 nm × 200 nm particles. ABS prodrugs of gemcitabine were selected as model compounds because of the difficulty to encapsulate a water-soluble drug within a hydrogel. The resulting drug delivery systems were degraded under acidic conditions and were found to release only the parent or active drug. Furthermore, changing the steric bulk of the alkyl substituents on the silicon atom could regulate the rate of drug release and, therefore, the intracellular toxicity of the gemcitabine-loaded particles. This yielded a family of novel nanoparticles that could be tuned to release drug over the course of hours, days, or months.     

A unique class of duocarmycin and CC-1065 analogues subject to reductive activation

N-Acyl O-amino phenol derivatives of CBI-TMI and CBI-indole2 are reported as prototypical members of a new class of reductively activated prodrugs of the duocarmycin and CC-1065 class of antitumor agents. The expectation being that hypoxic tumor environments, with their higher reducing capacity, carry an intrinsic higher concentration of "reducing" nucleophiles (e.g., thiols) capable of activating such derivatives (tunable N-O bond cleavage) and increasing their sensitivity to the prodrug treatment. Preliminary studies indicate the prodrugs effectively release the free drug in functional cellular assays for cytotoxic activity approaching or matching the activity of the free drug, yet remain essentially stable and unreactive to in vitro DNA alkylation conditions (<0.1-0.01% free drug release) and pH 7.0 phosphate buffer, and exhibit a robust half-life in human plasma (t1/2 = 3 h). Characterization of a representative O-(acylamino) prodrug in vivo indicates that they approach the potency and exceed the efficacy of the free drug itself (CBI-indole2), indicating that not only is the free drug effectively released from the inactive prodrug but also that they offer additional advantages related to a controlled or targeted release in vivo.     

Paclitaxel-Loaded Magnetic Nanoparticles Based on Biotinylated N-Palmitoyl Chitosan: Synthesis,Characterization and Preliminary In Vitro Studies

A considerable interest in cancer research is represented by the development of magnetic nanoparticles based on biofunctionalized polymers for controlled-release systems of hydrophobic chemotherapeutic drugs targeted only to the tumor sites, without affecting normal cells. The objective of the paper is to present the synthesis and in vitro evaluation of the nanocomposites that include a magnetic core able to direct the systems to the target, a polymeric surface shell that provides stabilization and multi-functionality, a chemotherapeutic agent, Paclitaxel (PTX), and a biotin tumor recognition layer. To our best knowledge, there are no studies concerning development of magnetic nanoparticles obtained by partial oxidation, based on biotinylated N-palmitoyl chitosan loaded with PTX. The structure, external morphology, size distribution, colloidal and magnetic properties analyses confirmed the formation of well-defined crystalline magnetite conjugates, with broad distribution, relatively high saturation magnetization and irregular shape. Even if the ability of the nanoparticles to release the drug in 72 h was demonstrated, further complex in vitro and in vivo studies will be performed in order to validate the magnetic nanoparticles as PTX delivery system.     

Targeting Cancer with PCPA‐Drug Conjugates: LSD1 Inhibition‐Triggered Release of 4‐Hydroxytamoxifen

Targeting cancer with small molecule prodrugs should help overcome problems associated with conventional cancer‐targeting methods. Herein, we focused on lysine‐specific demethylase 1 (LSD1) to trigger the controlled release of anticancer drugs in cancer cells, where LSD1 is highly expressed. Conjugates of the LSD1 inhibitor trans‐2‐phenylcyclopropylamine (PCPA) were used as novel prodrugs to selectively release anticancer drugs by LSD1 inhibition. As PCPA‐drug conjugate (PDC) prototypes, we designed PCPA‐tamoxifen conjugates 1 a and 1 b , which released 4‐hydroxytamoxifen in the presence of LSD1 in vitro. Furthermore, 1 a and 1 b inhibited the growth of breast cancer cells by the simultaneous inhibition of LSD1 and the estrogen receptor without exhibiting cytotoxicity toward normal cells. These results demonstrate that PDCs provide a useful prodrug method that may facilitate the selective release of drugs in cancer cells.     

Recent advances in macromolecular prodrugs

Macromolecular prodrugs (MP) are high molar mass conjugates, typically carrying several copies of a drug or a drug combination, designed to optimize delivery of the drug, that is — its pharmacokinetics. From its advent several decades ago, design of MP has undergone significant development and established solid guidelines for engineering successful MP in terms of the choice of the polymer carrier, its molar mass, and the choice of the linkage between the drug and the polymer. This review provides a brief account of the state-of-the-art in the development of MP and details the advantages of these tools of drug delivery. We also identify the challenges that need to be further addressed and offer a view on what is currently being done towards these goals. Specifically, we focus on i) the design of high molar mass, main-chain degradable polymers as drug carriers; ii) drug delivery using endogenous macromolecules such as albumin; iii) the choice of biodegradable linkages for drug delivery, and iv) the emerging interest in delivery of short-lived gasotransmitters. With this analysis and presentation, we aim to spur broader interest into MP to facilitate academic and translational development of MP.     

Comparative evaluation of various structures in polymer controlled drug delivery systems and the effect of their morphology and characteristics on drug release

Oral controlled drug delivery systems have become an essential part of the development of new medicines. In this investigation, several controlled release drug delivery systems with various structures were designed and evaluated. The materials used in their preparation were mainly hydropolymers that play a dominant role as drug carriers. Polymer selection is determined by the intended use and the desired release profile. The design of the devices was based on a matrix tablet, which is used as a core tablet for the preparation of all other systems such as multilayer systems, core in cup systems and hybrid systems. The findings of the study indicate that all systems exhibit controlled release characteristics. Furthermore, the structure of the device appears to significantly affect its behavior, i.e., the drug release and its release rate. Increasing the covered area of the core tablet results in a decrease of drug release since the cover hindrances the contact of the liquid with the core surface and modifies its dissolution and consequently its release. The hybrid systems exhibited pulsatile release, a feature offering significant advantages for certain therapies. Furthermore, the materials used considerably influence the behavior and function of the system. These effects may be attributed to the nature and the properties of the materials employed. Release mechanisms are also affected considerably by these factors.     

New advances in gated materials of mesoporous silica for drug controlled release

Drug delivery systems (DDS) are used to deliver therapeutic drugs to improve selectivity and reduce side effects. With the development of nanotechnology, many nanocarriers have been developed and applied to drug delivery, including mesoporous silica. Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) have attracted a lot of attention for simple synthesis, biocompatibility, high surface area and pore volume. Based on the pore system and surface modification, gated mesoporous silica nanoparticles can be designed to realize on-command drug release, which provides a new approach for selective delivery of antitumor drugs. Herein, this review mainly focuses on the “gate keepers” of mesoporous silica for drug controlled release in nearly few years (2017–2020). We summarize the mechanism of drug controlled release in gated MSNs and different gated materials: inorganic gated materials, organic gated materials, self-gated drug molecules, and biological membranes. The facing challenges and future prospects of gated MSNs are discussed rationally in the end.     

Characterization of Electrospun Polysuccinimide-Dopamine Conjugates and Effect on Cell Viability and Uptake

Biocompatible nanofibrous systems made by electrospinning have been studied widely for pharmaceutical applications since they have a high specific surface and the capability to make the entrapped drug molecule amorphous, which increases bioavailability. By covalently conjugating drugs onto polymers, the degradation of the drug as well as the fast clearance from the circulation can be avoided. Although covalent polymer–drug conjugates have a lot of advantages, there is a lack of research focusing on their nano-formulation by electrospinning. In this study, polysuccinimide (PSI) based electrospun fibrous meshes conjugated with dopamine (DA) are prepared. Fiber diameter, mechanical properties, dissolution kinetics and membrane permeability are thoroughly investigated, as these are crucial for drug delivery and implantation. Dopamine release kinetics prove the prolonged release that influenced the viability and morphology of periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) and SH-SY5Y cells. The presence of dopamine receptors on both cell types is also demonstrated and the uptake of the conjugates is measured. According to flow cytometry analysis, the conjugates are internalized by both cell types, which is influenced by the chemical structure and physical properties. In conclusion, electrospinning of PSI-DA conjugates alters release kinetics, meanwhile, conjugated dopamine can play a key role in cellular uptake.     

Protein–polysaccharide associative interactions in the design of tailor-made colloidal particles

This article reviews some recent advances in the use of diverse protein–polysaccharide associative interactions in the design of colloidal particles having potential to be used for both fortification of food colloids with health-promoting bioactive compounds with better control of their physical stability and breakdown within the gastrointestinal tract. Protein–polysaccharide associative interactions are discussed in the following aspects: (i) the formation of micro- and nanoparticles for the delivery of health promoting ingredients (nutraceuticals); (ii) the controlled gastrointestinal fate of colloidal particles; (iii) the formation of biopolymer-based particles as fat replacers; and (iv) the behavior of colloidal particles as stabilizers of emulsions and foams. The first aspect concerns soluble protein–polysaccharide complex particles (electrostatic nanocomplexes, complex coacervates, covalent conjugates), mixed hydrogel particles, and nanoemulsion-based delivery systems.     

Use of Three‐Dimensional Arterial Models To Predict the In Vivo Behavior of Nanoparticles for Drug Delivery

Nanomaterials have been widely used for applications in biomedical fields and could become indispensable in the near future. However, since it is difficult to optimize in vivo biological behavior in a 3D environment by using a single cell in vitro, there have been many failures in animal models. In vitro prediction systems using 3D human‐tissue models reflecting the 3D location of cell types may be useful to better understand the biological characteristics of nanomaterials for optimization of their function. Herein we demonstrate the potential ability of 3D engineered human‐arterial models for in vitro prediction of the in vivo behavior of nanoparticles for drug delivery. These models enabled optimization of the composition and size of the nanoparticles for targeting and treatment efficacy for atherosclerosis. In vivo experiments with atherosclerotic mice suggested excellent biological characteristics and potential treatment effects of the nanoparticles optimized in vitro.     

Electrohydrodynamic atomization for biodegradable polymeric particle production

Electrohydrodynamic atomization (EHDA) has many applications such as electrospray ionization in mass spectroscopy, electrospray deposition of thin films, pharmaceutical productions, and polymeric particle fabrications for drug encapsulation. In the present study, EHDA was employed to produce biodegradable polymeric micro- and nanoparticles. The effects of processing parameters such as polymer concentration, flow rate, surfactants, organic salt, and setup configurations on the size and morphology of polymeric particles were investigated systematically. By changing the various processing parameters, controllable particle shape and size can be achieved. PLGA nanoparticles with size of around 250 nm can be obtained by using organic salts to increase the conductivity of the spraying solution even at a relatively high flow rate. A higher flow rate has the advantage of producing a stable cone spray and can be easily reproduced. Solid and porous particles can be fabricated using different experimental setups to control the organic solvent evaporation rate. Also, paclitaxel, a model antineoplastic drug, was encapsulated in polymeric particles which can be employed for controlled release applications. In short, EHDA is a promising technique to fabricate polymeric micro- or nanoparticles which can be used in drug delivery systems.     

Design,characterization and enhanced bioavailability of hydroxypropylcellulose-naproxen conjugates

Polysaccharides are beneficially used as drug carriers via prodrug formation and offer a mechanism for better effectiveness and delivery of the drug. The unique geometry of hydroxypropylcellulose (HPC), a polysaccharide, allows the attachment of drug molecules with a higher degree of substitution because the hydroxyls groups are projected outside the HPC chains. Therefore HPC-Naproxen conjugates, i.e., macromolecular prodrugs, were synthesized using a powerful acylation reagent carbonyldiimadazole (CDI) in N,N' dimethylacetamide (DMAc) solvent. The reactions were carried out at 80 °C under stirring for 24 h and inert environment. This reaction strategy appeared efficient to obtain a high degree of drug substitution (DS = 0.88–1.40) on the polymer parent chain as calculated by UV–visible spectrophotometry after hydrolysis of the samples. The method provides high efficacy as product yields were high (77–81%). Macromolecular prodrugs (MPDs) with different DS of naproxen designed were found soluble in organic solvents.     

Lipid,protein and poly(NIPAM) coated mesoporous silica nanoparticles for biomedical applications

In the past decade, mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) as nanocarriers have showed much potential in advanced nanomaterials due to their large surface area and pore volume. Especially, more and more MSNs based nanodevices have been designed as efficient drug delivery systems (DDSs) or biosensors. In this paper, lipid, protein and poly(NIPAM) coated MSNs are reviewed from the preparation, properties and their potential application. We also introduce the preparative methods including physical adsorption, covalent binding and self-assembly on the MSNs' surfaces. Furthermore, the interaction between the aimed cells and these molecular modified MSNs is discussed. We also demonstrate their typical applications, such as photodynamic therapy, bioimaging, controlled release and selective recognition in biomedical field.