Stimuli‐responsive zein‐based nanoparticles as a potential carrier for ellipticine: Synthesis,release, and in vitro delivery

In the present research, we have investigated a drug delivery system based on the pH‐responsive behaviors of zein colloidal nanoparticles coated with sodium caseinate (SC) and poly ethylene imine (PEI). These systematically designed nanoparticles were used as nanocarriers for encapsulation of ellipticine (EPT), as an anticancer drug. SC and PEI coatings were applied through electrostatic adsorption, leading to the increased size and improved polydispersity index of nanoparticles as well as sustained release of drug. Physicochemical characteristics such as hydrodynamic diameter, size distribution, zeta potential and morphology of nanoparticles prepared using different formulations and conditions were also determined. Based on the results, EPT was encapsulated into the prepared nanoparticles with a high drug loading capacity (5.06%) and encapsulation efficiency (94.8%) under optimal conditions. in vitro experiments demonstrated that the release of EPT from zein‐based nanoparticles was pH sensitive. When the pH level decreased from 7.4 to 5.5, the rate of drug release was considerably enhanced. The mechanism of pH‐responsive complexation in the drug encapsulation and release processes was extensively investigated. The pH‐dependent electrostatic interactions and drug state were hypothesized to affect the release profiles. Compared to the EPT‐loaded zein/PEI nanoparticles, the EPT‐loaded zein/SC nanoparticles exhibited a better drug sustained‐release profile, with a smaller initial burst release and longer release period. According to the results of in vitro cytotoxicity experiments, drug‐free nanoparticles were associated with a negligible cytotoxicity, whereas the EPT‐loaded nanoparticles displayed a high toxicity for the cancer cell line, A549. Our findings indicate that these pH‐sensitive protein‐based nanoparticles can be used as novel nanotherapeutic tools and potential antineoplastic drug carriers for cancer chemotherapy with controlled release.     

In vitro Anticancer Efficacy by Magnetic Targeted Nanocarrier with Local Delivery of Paclitaxel

A magnetic nanoparticles-loaded polymeric nanocarrier was developed. Amphiphilic copolymer, methoxy polyethylene glycol-poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide)(MPEG-PLGA) could self-assemble to form nanomicelle with the help of emulsion-solvent evaporation technique. This nanocarrier with core-shell structure was loaded with magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles(IONPs) and anticancer drug paclitaxel(PTX). The hydrodynamic diameter of IONPs-PTX-loaded nanocarrier showed an average size of 110 nm with a polydispersity index(PDI) of 0.136, and its zeta potential was (-4.76±0.36) mV. The drug-loading content and encapsulation efficiency were 4.47% and 31.28%, respectively. In vitro drug release experiment was performed and a sustained release profile was observed. 3-(4,5-Dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2-H-tetrazolium bromide(MTT) assay indicated that IONPs-PTX-loaded nanocarrier showed comparable cytotoxicity with free paclitaxel. When an external magnetic field was applied, the nanocarrier significantly localized at the target area, demonstrating that the nanocarrier could be used for potential magnetic targeted drug delivery.     

Paclitaxel loaded poly (DL lactic acid co castor oil) 60:40 with poloxamer‐F68 rod shape cylindrical nanoparticle preparation and in vitro cytotoxicity studies

This research presents a thin‐film hydration‐solvent evaporation method to formulate the paclitaxel loaded poly (DL lactic acid co castor oil) 4:6 with poloxamer‐F68 cylindrical shape nanoparticles. The particles were less than 250 nanometers (nm) in size, with an average width of 60 nm and an average length of 100 nm. The percent yield, encapsulation efficiency (EE), and percent drug loading (DL) were detected. This approach produces drug loading values between 5% and 20% w/w. X‐ray powder diffraction (XRD) identified the physicochemical properties of nanoparticles differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The investigation shows that the drug is molecularly dispersed in polymers or given in an amorphous or semicrystalline state. Horizontal water bath shaker technology considered the in vitro release of PTX loaded nanoparticles under sink conditions. Poly (DL lactic acid co castor oil) 4:6 nanoparticles exhibited a sustained release analysis. At the end of 30 hours, the percent cumulative drug release from the formulations was between 74.52% and 92.87% for F1 and F4. In vitro cytotoxicity assays indicate that PTX having p (DLLA:CO60:40) nanoparticles have a higher cytotoxic effect on MCF‐7/ADR.     

Preparation and characteristics of nanostructured lipid carriers for control-releasing progesterone by melt-emulsification

Nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC) made from mixtures of solid and spatially incompatible liquid lipids were prepared by melt-emulsification. Their drug loading capacity and releasing properties of progesterone were compared with those of solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN), and the NLC prepared by solvent diffusion method. Monostearin (MS) and stearic acid (SA) were used as solid lipid, whilst the oleic acid (OA) was used as liquid lipid. Properties of carriers such as the particle size and its distribution, drug loading, drug encapsulation efficiency and drug release behavior were investigated. As a result, the drug encapsulation efficiencies were improved by adding the liquid lipid into the solid lipid of nanoparticles. The drug release behavior could be adjusted by the addition of liquid lipid, and the NLC with higher OA content showed the faster rate of drug releasing. NLC had higher efficiency of encapsulation and slower rate of drug release than those of NLC prepared by solvent diffusion method. On the other hand, the NLC with higher drug loading was obtained, though the drug encapsulation efficiency was decreased slightly due to the increase of the amount of drug. The NLC modified with polyethylene glycol (PEG) was also prepared by using polyethylene glycol monostearate (PEG-SA). It was observed that the incorporation of PEG-SA reduced the drug encapsulation efficiency, but increased the rate of drug release. A sample with almost complete drug release in 24 h was obtained by modifying with 1.30 mol% PEG-SA. It indicated that the modified NLC was a potential drug delivery system for oral administration.     

Preparation and characteristics of nanostructured lipid carriers for control-releasing progesterone by melt-emulsification

Nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC) made from mixtures of solid and spatially incompatible liquid lipids were prepared by melt-emulsification. Their drug loading capacity and releasing properties of progesterone were compared with those of solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN), and the NLC prepared by solvent diffusion method. Monostearin (MS) and stearic acid (SA) were used as solid lipid, whilst the oleic acid (OA) was used as liquid lipid. Properties of carriers such as the particle size and its distribution, drug loading, drug encapsulation efficiency and drug release behavior were investigated. As a result, the drug encapsulation efficiencies were improved by adding the liquid lipid into the solid lipid of nanoparticles. The drug release behavior could be adjusted by the addition of liquid lipid, and the NLC with higher OA content showed the faster rate of drug releasing. NLC had higher efficiency of encapsulation and slower rate of drug release than those of NLC prepared by solvent diffusion method. On the other hand, the NLC with higher drug loading was obtained, though the drug encapsulation efficiency was decreased slightly due to the increase of the amount of drug. The NLC modified with polyethylene glycol (PEG) was also prepared by using polyethylene glycol monostearate (PEG-SA). It was observed that the incorporation of PEG-SA reduced the drug encapsulation efficiency, but increased the rate of drug release. A sample with almost complete drug release in 24 h was obtained by modifying with 1.30 mol% PEG-SA. It indicated that the modified NLC was a potential drug delivery system for oral administration.     

Development of implantable hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin coated polycaprolactone nanoparticles for the controlled delivery of docetaxel to solid tumors

Treatment of cancer is one of the most challenging problems and conventional therapies are inadequate for targeted, effective and safe therapy. Development of nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems emerge as promising carriers in this field to ensure delivery of anticancer drug to tumor site. The aim of this study was to design hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (CD) coated nanoparticles using poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) and its derivative poly(ethylene glycol)-block-poly(ε-caprolactone) (mePEG-PCL) to be applied as implants to tumor site following surgical operation in cancer patients. CD coated PCL and mePEG-PCL nanospheres were developed to encapsulate poorly soluble chemotherapeutic agent docetaxel (DOC) to improve solubility of drug and to enhance cellular penetration with longer residence time and higher local drug concentration. Nanospheres were prepared according to the nanoprecipitation method and coated with hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (Cavasol^® W7HP). Cyclodextrin coating was performed for higher drug encapsulation and controlled but complete drug release from nanoparticles. Nanoparticle diameters varied between 60 and 136 nm depending on polymer used for preparation and coating. All nanoparticles have negative surface charge and zeta potential values varied between ?22 and ?37 mV. Encapsulation efficiency of formulations were found to be between 46 and 73 % and CD coated nanoparticles have significantly higher entrapment efficiency. Drug release profiles of nanoparticles were similar to each other and all formulations released encapsulated drug in approximately 12 h. Especially, CD-PCL nanoparticles were found to have highest entrapment efficiency and anticancer efficacy against MCF-7 human breast adenocarcinoma cell lines. Our study proved that polycaprolactone and its PEGylated derivatives can be suitable for development of implantable nanoparticles as a potential drug delivery system of DOC for cancer treatment and a good candidate for further in vivo studies.     

Colon specific chitosan microspheres for chronotherapy of chronic stable angina

In the present work, chitosan microspheres with a mean diameter between 6.32 μm and 9.44 μm, were produced by emulsion cross-linking of chitosan, and tested for chronotherapy of chronic stable angina. Aiming at developing a suitable colon specific strategy, diltiazem hydrochloride (DTZ) was encapsulated in the microspheres, following Eudragit S-100 coating by solvent evaporation technique, exploiting the advantages of microbiological properties of chitosan and pH dependent solubility of Eudragit S-100. Different microsphere formulations were prepared varying the ratio DTZ:chitosan (1:2 to 1:10), stirring speed (1000-2000 rpm), and the concentration of emulsifier Span 80 (0.5-1.5% (w/v)). The effect of these variables on the particle size and encapsulation parameters (production yield (PY), loading capacity (LC), encapsulation efficiency (EE)) was evaluated to develop an optimized formulation. In vitro release study of non-coated chitosan microspheres in simulated gastrointestinal (GI) fluid exhibited a burst release pattern in the first hour, whereas Eudragit S-100 coating allowed producing systems of controlled release diffusion fitting to the Higuchi model, and thus suitable for colon-specific drug delivery. DSC analysis indicated that DTZ was dispersed within the microspheres matrix. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that the microspheres were spherical and had a smooth surface. Chitosan biodegradability was proven by the enhanced release rate of DTZ in presence of rat caecal contents.     

Tri-component diblock copolymers of poly(ethylene glycol)–poly(ε-caprolactone-<Emphasis Type="Italic">co</Emphasis>-lactide): synthesis,characterization and loading camptothecin

Biodegradable tri-component diblock copolymer was synthesized by bulk copolymerization of ε-caprolactone (CL) and D, L-lactide (LA) in the presence of methoxy poly(ethylene glycol) (MePEG), using stannous octoate as catalyst. Their chemical structure and physical properties were investigated by GPC, NMR, DSC, TGAand XRD. The increase of CL/LA ratio in the diblock copolymer leads to lower T _g, higher decomposition temperature and crystallinity. Nanoparticles formulated from MePEG–poly(CL-co-LA) (PCAE) possess spherical structure, which was characterized by dynamic light scattering (DLS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The DLS results indicate that the particle size increased with the increase of CL/LA ratio and the hydrophobic fragment length in the copolymer. The drug encapsulation efficiency and the drug release behavior in vitro conditions of camptothecin were measured by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The encapsulation efficiency can be achieved as high as 84.4% and the release behavior can be made well-controlled. MePEG–poly(CL-co-LA) nanoparticles might have a great potential as carriers for hydrophobic drugs.     

Micelle or polymersome formation by PCL-PEG-PCL copolymers as drug delivery systems

Polymeric micelles and polymersomes may have great potential as the drug delivery vehicles for solubilization of hydrophobic drugs.     

Conjugation of pectin biopolymer with Au-nanoparticles as a drug delivery system: Experimental and DFT studies

In the present study, pectin-coated gold nanoparticles (GNPs) were used as a candidate for curcumin drug delivery. The effect of the size of synthesized GNPs was examined, as an important factor on the yield of drug delivery. For this purpose, three different sizes of GNPs were first synthesized using a chemical method. The synthesized nanoparticles were then coated with pectin biopolymer. Finally, curcumin drug was loaded in a pectin@GNPs complex. Various methods such as UV–vis spectrophotometry, dynamic light scattering, scanning electron microscopy and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy were used to characterize the synthesized GNPs and pectin@GNPs. The encapsulation efficiency and the release percentage of the drug were calculated for two different pH values. Further, an antibacterial study was conducted. The results revealed that 100 nm GNPs had the highest encapsulation efficiency. An investigation of the release rate of curcumin drug at 37°C for 48 h indicated that the amount of drug released was higher in acidic pH than at pH 7.4 with a slow release rate. The electronic structure and the adsorption properties of pectin–GNPs complex were examined using the density functional theory method.     

In vitro and in vivo characterization of huperzine a loaded microspheres made from end-group uncapped poly(d,l-lactide acid) and poly(d,l-lactide-co-glycolide acid)

The purpose of this work was to develop biodegradable microspheres for long term delivery of a potent acetyl cholinesterase inhibitor, huperzine A (Hup-A), which is of interest in the palliative treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Microspheres were successfully prepared with specifically end-group uncapped poly(d,l-lactide acid) and poly(d,l-lactide-co-glycolide acid) using a simple o/w solvent evaporation method. The morphology, particle size and size distribution, drug loading capacity, drug entrapment efficiency (EE) and in vitro drug release were studied in detail. It was found that the terminal group and the inherent viscosity (IV) of the polymers played key role in the drug encapsulation: higher EE was achieved with end-group uncapped and low IV polymers. In vitro drug release from microspheres made from the selected three kinds of polymers revealed sustained release of Hup-A without significant burst release. Preliminary pharmacokinetic study following subcutaneous injection of Hup-A loaded microspheres illustrated the sustained release of the drug over 6-8 weeks at clinically relevant doses in vivo. The studies demonstrated the feasibility of long term delivery of Hup-A using biodegradable microspheres.     

Formulation design, preparation and physicochemical characterizations of solid lipid nanoparticles containing a hydrophobic drug: effects of process variables

This study aimed to prepare solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) of a hydrophobic drug, tretinoin, by emulsification-ultrasonication method. Solubility of tretinoin in the solid lipids was examined. Effects of process variables were investigated on particle size, polydispersity index (PI), zeta potential (ZP), drug encapsulation efficiency (EE), and drug loading (L) of the SLNs. Shape and surface morphology of the SLNs were investigated by cryogenic field emission scanning electron microscopy (cryo-FESEM). Complete encapsulation of drug in the nanoparticles was checked by cross-polarized light microscopy and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Crystallinity of the formulation was analyzed by DSC and powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD). In addition, drug release and stability studies were also performed. The results indicated that 10mg tretinoin was soluble in 0.45±0.07 g Precirol? ATO5 and 0.36±0.06 g Compritol? 888ATO, respectively. Process variables exhibited significant influence in producing SLNs. SLNs with <120 nm size, <0.2 PI, >I30I mV ZP, >75% EE, and ～0.8% L can be produced following the appropriate formulation conditions. Cryo-FESEM study showed spherical particles with smooth surface. Cross-polarized light microscopy study revealed that drug crystals in the external aqueous phase were absent when the SLNs were prepared at ≤0.05% drug concentration. DSC and PXRD studies indicated complete drug encapsulation within the nanoparticle matrix as amorphous form. The drug release study demonstrated sustained/prolonged drug release from the SLNs. Furthermore, tretinoin-loaded SLNs were stable for 3 months at 4°C. Hence, the developed SLNs can be used as drug carrier for sustained/prolonged drug release and/or to improve oral absorption/bioavailability.     

REDV/雷帕霉素复合涂层构建内皮细胞选择性功能界面

运用复合涂层的概念构建了兼具药物洗脱和内皮促进作用的载药涂层. 以载雷帕霉素(Rapamycin, RAP)的聚乙二醇甲基丙烯酸酯(PEGMA)-甲基丙烯酸丁酯(BMA)(PEGMA-BMA, PEGB)为内层, Arg-Glu-Asp-Val(REDV)多肽修饰的PEGBN为外层包裹载药涂层. 体外药物释放结果表明, 雷帕霉素可以维持缓慢稳定的长效释放, 释放过程中没有出现暴释现象. 表面细胞生长行为表明, 雷帕霉素可以有效地阻抗内皮细胞和平滑肌细胞的黏附, 抑制细胞活性; 随着药物释放的进行, 雷帕霉素浓度逐渐减低, 但涂层依然维持对平滑肌细胞的非特异性阻抗; 而REDV修饰的外涂层开始呈现内皮细胞的选择性黏附, 随着释放时间延长, 内皮细胞特异选择性也逐渐加强. 雷帕霉素和REDV多肽协同构建的复合涂层能够有效抑制平滑肌细胞的增殖, 获得内皮细胞选择性黏附.     

NIR-triggered drug delivery system based on phospholipid coated ordered mesoporous carbon for synergistic chemo-photothermal therapy of cancer cells

Chemo-photothermal treatment is one of the most efficient strategies for cancer therapy. However, traditional drug carriers without near-infrared absorption capacity need to be loaded with materials behaving photothermal properties, as it results in complicated synthesis process, inefficient photothermal effects and hindered NIR-mediated drug release. Herein we report a facile synthesis of a polyethylene glycol (PEG) linked liposome (PEG-liposomes) coated doxorubicin (DOX)-loaded ordered mesoporous carbon (OMC) nanocomponents (PEG-LIP@OMC/DOX) by simply sonicating DOX and OMC in PEG-liposomes suspensions. The as-obtained PEG-LIP@OMC/DOX exhibits a nanoscale size (600 ± 15 nm), a negative surface potential (−36.70 mV), high drug loading (131.590 mg/g OMC), and excellent photothermal properties. The PEG-LIP@OMC/DOX can deliver loaded DOX to human MCF-7 breast cancer cells (MCF-7) and the cell toxicity viability shows that DOX unloaded PEG-LIP@OMC has no cytotoxicity, confirming the PEG-LIP@OMC itself has excellent biocompatibility. The NIR-triggered release studies demonstrate that this NIR-responsive drug delivery system enables on-demand drug release. Furthermore, cell viability results using human MCF-7 cells demonstrated that the combination of NIR-based hyperthermal therapy and triggered chemotherapy can provide higher therapeutic efficacy than respective monotherapies. With these excellent features, we believe that this phospholipid coating based multifunctional delivery system strategy should promote the application of OMC in nanomedical applications.     

Lomustine loaded chitosan nanoparticles: characterization and in-vitro cytotoxicity on human lung cancer cell line L132

The aim of this work was to prepare chitosan nanoparticles loaded with antineoplastic drug Lomustine (LCNPs), by ionic-gelation method with homogenization. The nanoparticles were characterized for particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), surface morphology, encapsulation efficiency, in-vitro drug release and cytotoxicity on human lung cancer cell line L132 by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The particle size, zeta potential and encapsulation efficiency of prepared nanoparticles ranged from 75 ± 1.1 to 637 ± 1.6 nm (PDI from 0.05 ± 0.001 to 0.18 ± 0.007), 37.2 ± 0.21 to 53.8 ± 0.18 mV and 66.74 ± 1.4 to 98.0 ± 1.8% respectively. The particles were spherical in shape with smooth surface in scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images. Mechanical shearing by homogenization treatment significantly changed the nanoparticle size. The drug release rate was biphasic and diffusion controlled over the 8 h. LCNPs greatly inhibited the growth of the L132 cancer cell line used in this study in comparison to the native Lomustine (LMT).     

NIR-triggered drug delivery system based on phospholipid coated ordered mesoporous carbon for synergistic chemo-photothermal therapy of cancer cells

Chemo-photothermal treatment is one of the most efficient strategies for cancer therapy. However, traditional drug carriers without near-infrared absorption capacity need to be loaded with materials behaving photothermal properties, as it results in complicated synthesis process, inefficient photothermal effects and hindered NIR-mediated drug release. Herein we report a facile synthesis of a polyethylene glycol (PEG) linked liposome (PEG-liposomes) coated doxorubicin (DOX)-loaded ordered mesoporous carbon (OMC) nanocomponents (PEG-LIP@OMC/DOX) by simply sonicating DOX and OMC in PEG-liposomes suspensions. The as-obtained PEG-LIP@OMC/DOX exhibits a nanoscale size (600±15 nm), a negative surface potential (-36.70 mV), high drug loading (131.590 mg/g OMC), and excellent photothermal properties. The PEG-LIP@OMC/DOX can deliver loaded DOX to human MCF-7 breast cancer cells (MCF-7) and the cell toxicity viability shows that DOX unloaded PEG-LIP@OMC has no cytotoxicity, confirming the PEG-LIP@OMC itself has excellent biocompatibility. The NIR-triggered release studies demonstrate that this NIR-responsive drug delivery system enables on-demand drug release. Furthermore, cell viability results using human MCF-7 cells demonstrated that the combination of NIR-based hyperthermal therapy and triggered chemotherapy can provide higher therapeutic efficacy than respective monotherapies. With these excellent features, we believe that this phospholipid coating based multifunctional delivery system strategy should promote the application of OMC in nanomedical applications.     

Characterization and release of triptolide-loaded poly (d,l-lactic acid) nanoparticles

Triptolide (TP), which has immunosuppressive effect, anti-neoplastic activity, anti-fertility function and severe toxicities on digestive, urogenital, blood circulatory system, was used as a model drug in this study. TP-loaded poly (d,l-lactic acid) (PLA) nanoparticles were prepared by the modified spontaneous emulsification solvent diffusion method (modified-SESD method). Dynamic light scattering system (DLS), transmission electron microscope (TEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray powder diffractometry and Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy (FT-IR) were employed to characterize the nanoparticles fabricated for size and size distribution, surface morphology, the physical state of drug in nanoparticles, and the interaction between the drug and polymer. Encapsulation efficiency (EE) and the in vitro release of TP in nanoparticles were measured by the reverse phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC). The produced nanoparticles exhibited a narrow size distribution with a mean size of approximately 150 nm and polydispersity index of 0.088. The morphology of the nanoparticles exhibited a fine spherical shape with smooth surfaces without aggregation or adhesion. TP-entrapped in nanoparticles was found in the form of amorphous or semicrystalline. It was found that a weak interaction existed between the drug and polymer. In all experiments, more than 65% of EE were obtained. The in vitro release profile of TP from nanoparticles exhibited a typical biphasic release phenomenon, namely initial burst release and consequently sustained release. In this case, the particle size played an important role for the drug release. The modified-SESD method was a potential and advantage method to produce an ideal polymer nanoparticles for drug delivery system (DDS).     

Design and Characterization of Maltoheptaose-b-Polystyrene Nanoparticles,as a Potential New Nanocarrier for Oral Delivery of Tamoxifen

Tamoxifen citrate (TMC), a non-steroidal antiestrogen drug used for the treatment of breast cancer, was loaded in a block copolymer of maltoheptaose-b-polystyrene (MH-b-PS) nanoparticles, a potential drug delivery system to optimize oral chemotherapy. The nanoparticles were obtained from self-assembly of MH-b-PS using the standard and reverse nanoprecipitation methods. The MH-b-PS@TMC nanoparticles were characterized by their physicochemical properties, morphology, drug loading and encapsulation efficiency, and release kinetic profile in simulated intestinal fluid (pH 7.4). Finally, their cytotoxicity towards the human breast carcinoma MCF-7 cell line was assessed. The standard nanoprecipitation method proved to be more efficient than reverse nanoprecipitation to produce nanoparticles with small size and narrow particle size distribution. Moreover, tamoxifen-loaded nanoparticles displayed spherical morphology, a positive zeta potential and high drug content (238.6 ± 6.8 µg mL⁻¹) and encapsulation efficiency (80.9 ± 0.4 %). In vitro drug release kinetics showed a burst release at early time points, followed by a sustained release profile controlled by diffusion. MH-b-PS@TMC nanoparticles showed higher cytotoxicity towards MCF-7 cells than free tamoxifen citrate, confirming their effectiveness as a delivery system for administration of lipophilic anticancer drugs.     

Phenylboronic Acid‐Cross‐Linked Nanoparticles with Improved Stability as Dual Acid‐Responsive Drug Carriers

Herein, a kind of dual acid‐sensitive nanoparticles based on monomethoxy poly(ethylene glycol)‐imine‐β‐cyclodextrin is constructed by a facile phenylboronic acid‐cross‐linked way. The data of dynamic light scattering and transmission electron microscope reveal the cross‐linked nanoparticles have improved stability. The cross‐linked nanoparticles could easily self‐assemble and load the anticancer drug at neutral pH condition. However, when the drug‐loaded nanoparticles are delivered to extracellular tumor sites (pH ≈6.8), the surface of the nanoparticles would be amino positively charged and easily internalized by tumor cell due to the cleavage of the acid‐labile benzoic–imine. Subsequently, with the acidity in subcellular compartments significantly increasing (such as the endosome pH ≈5.3), the loaded drug would fast release from the endocytosis carriers due to the hydrolysis of boronate ester. These features suggest that these dual acid‐sensitive cross‐linked nanoparticles not only possess excellent biocompatibility but also can efficiently load and deliver anticancer drug into tumor cells to enhance the inhibition of cellular proliferation, outlining a favorable platform as drug carriers.

     

Preparation,optimization by 2<Superscript>3</Superscript> factorial design,characterization and in vitro release kinetics of lorazepam loaded PLGA nanoparticles

The aim of this work was to formulate the lorazepam loaded poly(lactic-co-glycolic) acid (PLGA) nanoparticles by optimization of different preparation variables using 2³ factorial design. The effect of three independent factors, the amount of polymer, concentration of the stabilizer and volume of organic solvent was investigated on two dependent responses, i.e., particle size and % drug entrapment efficiency. By using PLGA as polymer, PVA as a stabilizer and dimethyl sulfoxide as organic solvent lorazepam loaded PLGA nanoparticles were successfully developed through modified nanoprecipitation method. FTIR and DSC studies were carried out to examine the interaction between the excipients used and to explore the nature of the drug, the formulation and the nature of drug in the formulations. These nanoparticles were characterized for particle size, shape, zeta potential, % drug entrapment efficiency, % process yield and in vitro drug release behavior. In vitro evaluation showed particles size between 161.0 ± 5.4 and 231.9 ± 4.9 nm, % drug entrapment efficiency of formulations was in the range of 60.43 ± 5.8 to 75.40 ± 1.5, % process yield at 68.34 ± 2.3 to 81.55 ± 1.3 was achieved and in vitro drug release for these formulations was in the range of 49.2 to 54.6%. Different kinetics models, such as zero order, first order, Higuchi model, Hixson-Crowell model and Korsmeyer- Peppas model were used to analyze the in vitro drug release data. Preferred formulation showed particle size of 161.0 ± 5.4 nm, PDI as 0.367 ± 0.014,–25.2 mV zeta potential, drug entrapment efficiency as 64.58 ± 3.6% and 72.48 ± 2.5% process yield. TEM results showed that these nanoparticles were spherical in shape, and follow the Korsmeyer-Peppas model with a release exponent value of n = 0.658.