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19 pages, 7686 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Systematic Study of Paeonol/Madecassoside Co-Delivery Nanoemulsion Transdermal Delivery System for Enhancing Barrier Repair and Anti-Inflammatory Efficacy

by Wangwang Lu, Dan Luo, Dan Chen, Shuting Zhang, Xuan Chen, Hong Zhou, Qian Liu, Siyuan Chen and Wei Liu

Molecules 2023, 28(13), 5275; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28135275 - 7 Jul 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2520

Abstract

Sensitive skin is defined as skin with low tolerance and high reactivity. Natural products, such as paeoniflorin and madecassoside, have unique skin care functionality. However, because they are hampered by the skin barrier, paeoniflorin and madecassoside have difficulty penetrating the stratum corneum, resulting [...] Read more.

Sensitive skin is defined as skin with low tolerance and high reactivity. Natural products, such as paeoniflorin and madecassoside, have unique skin care functionality. However, because they are hampered by the skin barrier, paeoniflorin and madecassoside have difficulty penetrating the stratum corneum, resulting in weakened skin barrier repair and anti-inflammatory effects. In addition, there is a lack of detailed studies on the efficacy of paeonol and madecassic in human skin, especially in 3D skin models and clinical trials. To overcome the low transdermal delivery issue, we developed nanoemulsions (PM-NEs) loaded with paeonol and madecassoside to improve their delivery efficiency and promote sensitive skin repair and anti-inflammation effects. Furthermore, systematic evaluations of the efficacy in cell line models, 3D skin models, and clinical trials were conducted. The PM-NEs effectively improved the efficacy of paeonol and madecassoside glucoside transdermal penetration and retention and enhanced cellular uptake. Cellular assays and 3D epidermal models showed that the PM-NEs significantly promoted the secretion of filamentous protein, aquaporin 3, Claudin-1, and hyaluronic acid, and considerably inhibited the secretion of interleukin 1α, interleukin 6, tumor necrosis factor-α, and prostaglandin E₂ compared to free components. Notably, clinical trial data showed that the PM-NEs significantly reduced transepidermal water loss, a* values, erythropoietin, the amount of non-inflammatory acne, and the amount of inflammatory acne in the facial skin. Three levels of systematic studies suggest that co-delivery of paeoniflorin and madecassoside via nanoemulsions is a promising strategy to improve topical delivery efficiency and anti-inflammatory repair efficacy in sensitive skin. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Drug Delivery Effects of Nanocarriers)

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18 pages, 3838 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Caffeic Acid-Zinc Basic Salt/Chitosan Nanohybrid Possesses Controlled Release Properties and Exhibits In Vivo Anti-Inflammatory Activities

by Carla Carolina Ferreira Meneses, Paulo Robson Monteiro de Sousa, Kely Campos Navegantes Lima, Lisa Maria Mendes de Almeida Souza, Waldeci Paraguassu Feio, Cláudio Márcio Rocha Remédios, Jenny Jouin, Philippe Thomas, Olivier Masson, Cláudio Nahum Alves, Jerônimo Lameira and Marta Chagas Monteiro

Molecules 2023, 28(13), 4973; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28134973 - 24 Jun 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1874

Abstract

Caffeic acid (CA) exhibits a myriad of biological activities including cardioprotective action, antioxidant, antitumor, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. On the other hand, CA presents low water solubility and poor bioavailability, which have limited its use for therapeutic applications. The objective of this study [...] Read more.

Caffeic acid (CA) exhibits a myriad of biological activities including cardioprotective action, antioxidant, antitumor, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. On the other hand, CA presents low water solubility and poor bioavailability, which have limited its use for therapeutic applications. The objective of this study was to develop a nanohybrid of zinc basic salts (ZBS) and chitosan (Ch) containing CA (ZBS-CA/Ch) and evaluate its anti-edematogenic and antioxidant activity in dextran and carrageenan-induced paw edema model. The samples were obtained by coprecipitation method and characterized by X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and UV-visible spectroscopy. The release of caffeate anions from ZBS-CA and ZBS-CA/Ch is pH-dependent and is explained by a pseudo-second order kinetics model, with a linear correlation coefficient of R² ≥ 0.99 at pH 4.8 and 7.4. The in vivo pharmacological assays showed excellent anti-edematogenic and antioxidant action of the ZBS-CA/Ch nanoparticle with slowly releases of caffeate anions in the tissue, leading to a prolongation of CA-induced anti-edematogenic and anti-inflammatory activities, as well as improving its inhibition or sequestration antioxidant action toward reactive species. Overall, this study highlighted the importance of ZBS-CA/Ch as an optimal drug carrier. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Drug Delivery Effects of Nanocarriers)

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14 pages, 4299 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Anticancer Effect of STING Agonist-Encapsulated Liposomes on Breast Cancer

by Jibing Zhang, Xiao Cui, Yujiao Huang, Xiangdong Xu, Changshun Feng and Jun Li

Molecules 2023, 28(9), 3740; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28093740 - 26 Apr 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2022

Abstract

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide, posing a serious threat to human health. Recently, innate immunity has become a widely discussed topic in antitumor research. The STING pathway is an important component of innate immunity, and several STING agonists [...] Read more.

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide, posing a serious threat to human health. Recently, innate immunity has become a widely discussed topic in antitumor research. The STING pathway is an important component of innate immunity, and several STING agonists have been developed and applied in antitumor research. Dimeric amidobenzimidazole (diABZI) is one STING agonist and is a nucleotide analog with low serological stability and cell membrane permeability. In this study, we prepared diABZI-encapsulated liposomes (dLNPs) using the ammonium sulfate gradient method. The average particle size of the dLNPs was 99.76 ± 0.230 nm, and the encapsulation efficiency was 58.29 ± 0.53%. Additionally, in vivo and in vitro assays showed that the dLNPs had a sustained-release effect and that the circulation time in vivo was longer than 48 h. The expression of IFN-β and IFN-γ was elevated in mice treated with dLNPs. Moreover, we found that dLNPs can recruit CD8⁺ T cells to tumor tissue and exert antitumor effects. The dLNPs-treated group showed the most significant efficacy: the average tumor volume was 231.46 mm³, which decreased by 78.16% and 54.47% compared to the PBS group and diABZI group. Meanwhile, the hemolysis rate of the dLNPs was 2%, showing high biocompatibility. In conclusion, dLNPs can effectively suppress tumor growth and possess great potential in breast cancer therapy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Drug Delivery Effects of Nanocarriers)

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13 pages, 6436 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Liposome-Based Co-Immunotherapy with TLR Agonist and CD47-SIRPα Checkpoint Blockade for Efficient Treatment of Colon Cancer

by Rui Chang, Xiaohong Chu, Jibing Zhang, Rongrong Fu, Changshun Feng, Dianlong Jia, Rui Wang, Hui Yan, Guangyong Li and Jun Li

Molecules 2023, 28(7), 3147; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28073147 - 31 Mar 2023

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2578

Abstract

Antitumor immunity is an essential component of cancer therapy and is primarily mediated by the innate immune response, which plays a critical role in initiating and shaping the adaptive immune response. Emerging evidence has identified innate immune checkpoints and pattern recognition receptors, such [...] Read more.

Antitumor immunity is an essential component of cancer therapy and is primarily mediated by the innate immune response, which plays a critical role in initiating and shaping the adaptive immune response. Emerging evidence has identified innate immune checkpoints and pattern recognition receptors, such as CD47 and Toll-like receptor 7 (TLR7), as promising therapeutic targets for cancer treatment. Based on the fusion protein Fc-CV1, which comprises a high-affinity SIRPα variant (CV1), and the Fc fragment of the human IgG1 antibody, we exploited a preparation which coupled Fc-CV1 to imiquimod (TLR7 agonist)-loaded liposomes (CILPs) to actively target CT26. WT syngeneic colon tumor models. In vitro studies revealed that CILPs exhibited superior sustained release properties and cell uptake efficiency compared to free imiquimod. In vivo assays proved that CILPs exhibited more efficient accumulation in tumors, and a more significant tumor suppression effect than the control groups. This immunotherapy preparation possessed the advantages of low doses and low toxicity. These results demonstrated that a combination of immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy and innate immunity agonists, such as the Fc-CV1 and imiquimod-loaded liposome preparation utilized in this study, could represent a highly effective strategy for tumor therapy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Drug Delivery Effects of Nanocarriers)

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20 pages, 10302 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Systematic Study of Resveratrol Nanoliposomes Transdermal Delivery System for Enhancing Anti-Aging and Skin-Brightening Efficacy

by Xinchao Zhang, Siyuan Chen, Dan Luo, Dan Chen, Hong Zhou, Shuting Zhang, Xuan Chen, Wangwang Lu and Wei Liu

Molecules 2023, 28(6), 2738; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28062738 - 17 Mar 2023

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3844

Abstract

Due to the stratum corneum barrier, resveratrol is difficult to be absorbed transdermally, limiting its anti-aging and skin-brightening effects. Furthermore, there is a lack of systematic studies on the efficacy of resveratrol in human skin, especially in three-dimensional skin models and clinical trials. [...] Read more.

Due to the stratum corneum barrier, resveratrol is difficult to be absorbed transdermally, limiting its anti-aging and skin-brightening effects. Furthermore, there is a lack of systematic studies on the efficacy of resveratrol in human skin, especially in three-dimensional skin models and clinical trials. To overcome the low transdermal delivery issue, we encapsulated resveratrol into nanoliposomes using the high-pressure homogenization method to develop an efficient transdermal drug delivery system, and systematically evaluated its anti-aging and skin-brightening efficacy via cell line models, a three-dimensional skin model and human skin. The resveratrol nanoliposomes effectively improved the transdermal penetration and retention of resveratrol and enhanced cellular uptake. In addition, compared to free resveratrol, resveratrol nanoliposomes remarkably enhanced the skin-care effects by promoting the antioxidant capacity and collagen synthesis, inhibiting the secretion of matrix metalloproteinases, tyrosine activity and melanin synthesis. Notably, human clinical trials proved the anti-wrinkle and skin-brightening effectiveness of resveratrol nanoliposomes. Three levels of systematic studies indicated that resveratrol nanoliposomes could be a promising transdermal drug delivery system to enhance the anti-aging and skin-brightening effects of resveratrol. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Drug Delivery Effects of Nanocarriers)

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12 pages, 4174 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Whey Protein Isolate-Chitosan PolyElectrolyte Nanoparticles as a Drug Delivery System

by Zahra Yadollahi, Marjan Motiei, Natalia Kazantseva, Jaroslav Císař and Petr Sáha

Molecules 2023, 28(4), 1724; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28041724 - 11 Feb 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2680

Abstract

Whey protein isolate (WPI), employed as a carrier for a wide range of bioactive substances, suffers from a lack of colloidal stability in physiological conditions. Herein, we developed innovative stabilized PolyElectrolyte Nanoparticles (PENs) obtained by two techniques: polyelectrolyte complexation of negatively charged WPI [...] Read more.

Whey protein isolate (WPI), employed as a carrier for a wide range of bioactive substances, suffers from a lack of colloidal stability in physiological conditions. Herein, we developed innovative stabilized PolyElectrolyte Nanoparticles (PENs) obtained by two techniques: polyelectrolyte complexation of negatively charged WPI and positively charged chitosan (CS), and ionic gelation in the presence of polyanion tripolyphosphate (TPP). Therefore, the WPI-based core was coated with a CS-based shell and then stabilized by TPP at pH 8. The nanostructures were characterized by physiochemical methods, and their encapsulation efficiency and in vitro release were evaluated. The spherical NPs with an average size of 248.57 ± 5.00 nm and surface charge of +10.80 ± 0.43 mV demonstrated high encapsulation efficiency (92.79 ± 0.69) and sustained release of a positively charged chemotherapeutic agent such as doxorubicin (DOX). Z-average size and size distribution also presented negligible increases in size and aggregates during the three weeks. The results obtained confirm the effectiveness of the simultaneous application of these methods to improve the colloidal stability of PEN. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Drug Delivery Effects of Nanocarriers)

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12 pages, 4789 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Thymine-Modified Nanocarrier for Doxorubicin Delivery in Glioblastoma Cells

by Albina Y. Ziganshina, Elina E. Mansurova, Alexandra D. Voloshina, Anna P. Lyubina, Syumbelya K. Amerhanova, Marina M. Shulaeva, Irek R. Nizameev, Marsil K. Kadirov, Leysan R. Bakhtiozina, Vyacheslav E. Semenov and Igor S. Antipin

Molecules 2023, 28(2), 551; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28020551 - 5 Jan 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2999

Abstract

Brain tumor glioblastoma is one of the worst types of cancer. The blood–brain barrier prevents drugs from reaching brain cells and shields glioblastoma from treatment. The creation of nanocarriers to improve drug delivery and internalization effectiveness may be the solution to this issue. [...] Read more.

Brain tumor glioblastoma is one of the worst types of cancer. The blood–brain barrier prevents drugs from reaching brain cells and shields glioblastoma from treatment. The creation of nanocarriers to improve drug delivery and internalization effectiveness may be the solution to this issue. In this paper, we report on a new nanocarrier that was developed to deliver the anticancer drug doxorubicin to glioblastoma cells. The nanocarrier was obtained by nanoemulsion polymerization of diallyl disulfide with 1-allylthymine. Diallyl disulfide is a redox-sensitive molecule involved in redox cell activities, and thymine is a uracil derivative and one of the well-known bioactive compounds that can enhance the pharmacological activity of doxorubicin. Doxorubicin was successfully introduced into the nanocarrier with a load capacity of about 4.6%. Biological studies showed that the doxorubicin nanocarrier composition is far more cytotoxic to glioblastoma cells (T98G) than it is to cancer cells (M-HeLa) and healthy cells (Chang liver). The nanocarrier improves the penetration of doxorubicin into T98G cells and accelerates the cells’ demise, as is evident from flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy data. The obtained nanocarrier, in our opinion, is a promising candidate for further research in glioblastoma therapy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Drug Delivery Effects of Nanocarriers)

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17 pages, 2767 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Comparative Loading and Release Study of Vancomycin from a Green Mesoporous Silica

by Georgiana Dolete, Bogdan Purcăreanu, Dan Eduard Mihaiescu, Denisa Ficai, Ovidiu-Cristian Oprea, Alexandra Cătălina Bîrcă, Cristina Chircov, Bogdan Ștefan Vasile, Gabriel Vasilievici, Anton Ficai and Ecaterina Andronescu

Molecules 2022, 27(17), 5589; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27175589 - 30 Aug 2022

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2570

Abstract

Since its first use as a drug delivery system, mesoporous silica has proven to be a surprisingly efficient vehicle due to its porous structure. Unfortunately, most synthesis methods are based on using large amounts of surfactants, which are then removed by solvent extraction [...] Read more.

Since its first use as a drug delivery system, mesoporous silica has proven to be a surprisingly efficient vehicle due to its porous structure. Unfortunately, most synthesis methods are based on using large amounts of surfactants, which are then removed by solvent extraction or heat treatment, leading to an undesired environmental impact because of the generated by-products. Hence, in the present study, we followed the synthesis of a silica material with a wormhole-like pore arrangement, using two FDA-approved substances as templates, namely Tween-20 and starch. As far as we know, it is the first study using the Tween-20/starch combo as a template for mesoporous silica synthesis. Furthermore, we investigated whether the obtained material using this novel synthesis had any potential in using it as a DDS. The material was further analyzed by XRD, TEM, FT-IR, N₂ adsorption/desorption, and DLS to investigate its physicochemical features. Vancomycin was selected as the active molecule based on the extensive research engaged towards improving its bioavailability for oral delivery. The drug was loaded onto the material by using three different approaches, assuming its full retention in the final system. Thermal analysis confirmed the successful loading of vancomycin by all means, and pore volume significantly decreased upon loading, especially in the case of the vacuum-assisted method. All methods showed a slower release rate compared to the same amount of the pure drug. Loadings by physical mixing and solvent evaporation released the whole amount of the drug in 140 min, and the material loaded by the vacuum-assisted method released only 68.2% over the same period of time, leading us to conclude that vancomycin was adsorbed deeper inside the pores. The kinetic release of the three systems followed the Higuchi model for the samples loaded by physical mixing and vacuum-assisted procedures, while the solvent evaporation loading method was in compliance with the first-order model. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Drug Delivery Effects of Nanocarriers)

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9 pages, 1636 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Dry Powder Inhalers for Proteins Using Cryo-Milled Electrospun Polyvinyl Alcohol Nanofiber Mats

by Takaaki Ito, Eriko Yamazoe and Kohei Tahara

Molecules 2022, 27(16), 5158; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27165158 - 12 Aug 2022

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2612

Abstract

To enable the efficient delivery of drugs to the lungs, the drug particle design for most dry powder inhalers (DPIs) involves reducing the aerodynamic particle size to a few microns using methods such as spray-drying or jet-milling. Stresses, including heat and the shear [...] Read more.

To enable the efficient delivery of drugs to the lungs, the drug particle design for most dry powder inhalers (DPIs) involves reducing the aerodynamic particle size to a few microns using methods such as spray-drying or jet-milling. Stresses, including heat and the shear forces generated by the preparation processes, may result in the degradation and denaturation of drugs such as those based on peptides and proteins. Here, we showed that cryo-milled polyvinyl alcohol nanofiber mats loaded with α-chymotrypsin by electrospinning exhibited suitable inhalation properties for use in DPIs, while maintaining enzymatic activity. The cryo-milled nanofiber mats were porous to fine particles, and the particle size and drug stability depended on the freezing and milling times. The median diameter of the milled fiber mats was 12.6 μm, whereas the mass median aerodynamic diameter was 5.9 μm. The milled nanofiber mats were successfully prepared, while retaining the enzymatic activity of α-chymotrypsin; furthermore, the activity of milled fiber mats that had been stored for 6 months was comparable to the activity of those that were freshly prepared. This novel method may be suitable for the DPI preparation of various drugs because it avoids the heating step during the DPI preparation process. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Drug Delivery Effects of Nanocarriers)

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18 pages, 2525 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Cyclodextrin Complexed Lipid Nanoparticles of Irbesartan for Oral Applications: Design, Development, and In Vitro Characterization

by Narendar Dudhipala, Swetha Ettireddy, Ahmed Adel Ali Youssef and Goverdhan Puchchakayala

Molecules 2021, 26(24), 7538; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26247538 - 13 Dec 2021

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 2933

Abstract

Irbesartan (IR) is an angiotensin II receptor antagonist drug with antihypertensive activity. IR bioavailability is limited due to poor solubility and first-pass metabolism. The current investigation aimed to design, develop, and characterize the cyclodextrin(s) (CD) complexed IR (IR-CD) loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (IR-CD-SLNs) [...] Read more.

Irbesartan (IR) is an angiotensin II receptor antagonist drug with antihypertensive activity. IR bioavailability is limited due to poor solubility and first-pass metabolism. The current investigation aimed to design, develop, and characterize the cyclodextrin(s) (CD) complexed IR (IR-CD) loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (IR-CD-SLNs) for enhanced solubility, sustained release behavior, and subsequently improved bioavailability through oral administration. Based on phase solubility studies, solid complexes were prepared by the coacervation followed by lyophilization method and characterized for drug content, inclusion efficiency, solubility, and in vitro dissolution. IR-CD inclusion complexes demonstrated enhancement of solubility and dissolution rate of IR. However, the dissolution efficiency was significantly increased with hydroxypropyl-βCD (HP-βCD) inclusion complex than beta-CD (βCD). SLNs were obtained by hot homogenization coupled with the ultrasonication method with IR/HP-βCD inclusion complex loaded into Dynasan 112 and glycerol monostearate (GMS). SLNs were evaluated for physicochemical characteristics, in vitro release, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), powder X-ray diffractometry (PXRD), and physical stability at room temperature for two months. The optimized SLNs formulation showed particle size, polydispersity index, zeta potential, assay, and entrapment efficiency of 257.6 ± 5.1 nm, 0.21 ± 0.03, −30.5 ± 4.1 mV, 99.8 ± 2.5, and 93.7 ± 2.5%, respectively. IR-CD-SLN and IR-SLN dispersions showed sustained release of IR compared to the IR-CD inclusion complexes. DSC results complimented PXRD results by the absence of IR endothermic peak. Optimized IR-CD complex, IR-SLN, and IR-CD-SLN formulations were stable for two months at room temperature. Thus, the current IR oral formulation may exhibit improved oral bioavailability and prolonged antihypertensive activity, which may improve therapeutic outcomes in the treatment of hypertension and heart failure. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Drug Delivery Effects of Nanocarriers)

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Review

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17 pages, 1321 KiB

Open AccessReview

Role of Nanotechnology in Overcoming the Multidrug Resistance in Cancer Therapy: A Review

by Suhail Ahmad Mir, Laraibah Hamid, Ghulam Nabi Bader, Ambreen Shoaib, Mohamed Rahamathulla, Mohammad Y. Alshahrani, Prawez Alam and Faiyaz Shakeel

Molecules 2022, 27(19), 6608; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27196608 - 5 Oct 2022

Cited by 21 | Viewed by 3477

Abstract

Cancer is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality around the globe and is likely to become the major cause of global death in the coming years. As per World Health Organization (WHO) report, every year there are over 10 and [...] Read more.

Cancer is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality around the globe and is likely to become the major cause of global death in the coming years. As per World Health Organization (WHO) report, every year there are over 10 and 9 million new cases and deaths from this disease. Chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery are the three basic approaches to treating cancer. These approaches are aiming at eradicating all cancer cells with minimum off-target effects on other cell types. Most drugs have serious adverse effects due to the lack of target selectivity. On the other hand, resistance to already available drugs has emerged as a major obstacle in cancer chemotherapy, allowing cancer to proliferate irrespective of the chemotherapeutic agent. Consequently, it leads to multidrug resistance (MDR), a growing concern in the scientific community. To overcome this problem, in recent years, nanotechnology-based drug therapies have been explored and have shown great promise in overcoming resistance, with most nano-based drugs being explored at the clinical level. Through this review, we try to explain various mechanisms involved in multidrug resistance in cancer and the role nanotechnology has played in overcoming or reversing this resistance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Drug Delivery Effects of Nanocarriers)

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12 pages, 878 KiB

Open AccessReview

Pharmacological Role of Functionalized Gold Nanoparticles in Disease Applications

by Wen-Chin Ko, Su-Jane Wang, Chien-Yu Hsiao, Chen-Ting Hung, Yu-Jou Hsu, Der-Chen Chang and Chi-Feng Hung

Molecules 2022, 27(5), 1551; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27051551 - 25 Feb 2022

Cited by 60 | Viewed by 7572

Abstract

Gold has always been regarded as a symbol of nobility, and its shiny golden appearance has always attracted the attention of many people. Gold has good ductility, molecular recognition properties, and good biocompatibility. At present, gold is being used in many fields. When [...] Read more.

Gold has always been regarded as a symbol of nobility, and its shiny golden appearance has always attracted the attention of many people. Gold has good ductility, molecular recognition properties, and good biocompatibility. At present, gold is being used in many fields. When gold particles are as small as several nanometers, their physical and chemical properties vary with their size in nanometers. The surface area of a nano-sized gold surface has a special effect. Therefore, gold nanoparticles can, directly and indirectly, give rise to different biological activities. For example, if the surface of the gold is sulfided. Various substances have a strong chemical reactivity and are easy to combine with sulfhydryl groups; hence, nanogold is often used in biomedical testing, disease diagnosis, and gene detection. Nanogold is easy to bind to proteins, such as antibodies, enzymes, or cytokines. In fact, scientists use nanogold to bind special antibodies, as a tool for targeting cancer cells. Gold nanoparticles are also directly cytotoxic to cancer cells. For diseases caused by inflammation and oxidative damage, gold nanoparticles also have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Based on these unique properties, gold nanoparticles have become the most widely studied metal nanomaterials. Many recent studies have further demonstrated that gold nanoparticles are beneficial for humans, due to their functional pharmacological properties in a variety of diseases. The content of this review will be the application of gold nanoparticles in treating or diagnosing pressing diseases, such as cancers, retinopathy, neurological diseases, skin disorders, bowel diseases, bone cartilage disorders, cardiovascular diseases, infections, and metabolic syndrome. Gold nanoparticles have shown very obvious therapeutic and application potential. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Drug Delivery Effects of Nanocarriers)

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29 pages, 22161 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Antibiofilm Nanosystems for Improved Infection Inhibition of Microbes in Skin

by Yin-Ku Lin, Shih-Chun Yang, Ching-Yun Hsu, Jui-Tai Sung and Jia-You Fang

Molecules 2021, 26(21), 6392; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26216392 - 22 Oct 2021

Cited by 28 | Viewed by 4531

Abstract

Biofilm formation is an important virulence factor for the opportunistic microorganisms that elicit skin infections. The recalcitrant feature of biofilms and their antibiotic tolerance impose a great challenge on the use of conventional therapies. Most antibacterial agents have difficulty penetrating the matrix produced [...] Read more.

Biofilm formation is an important virulence factor for the opportunistic microorganisms that elicit skin infections. The recalcitrant feature of biofilms and their antibiotic tolerance impose a great challenge on the use of conventional therapies. Most antibacterial agents have difficulty penetrating the matrix produced by a biofilm. One novel approach to address these concerns is to prevent or inhibit the formation of biofilms using nanoparticles. The advantages of using nanosystems for antibiofilm applications include high drug loading efficiency, sustained or prolonged drug release, increased drug stability, improved bioavailability, close contact with bacteria, and enhanced accumulation or targeting to biomasses. Topically applied nanoparticles can act as a strategy for enhancing antibiotic delivery into the skin. Various types of nanoparticles, including metal oxide nanoparticles, polymeric nanoparticles, liposomes, and lipid-based nanoparticles, have been employed for topical delivery to treat biofilm infections on the skin. Moreover, nanoparticles can be designed to combine with external stimuli to produce magnetic, photothermal, or photodynamic effects to ablate the biofilm matrix. This study focuses on advanced antibiofilm approaches based on nanomedicine for treating skin infections. We provide in-depth descriptions on how the nanoparticles could effectively eliminate biofilms and any pathogens inside them. We then describe cases of using nanoparticles for antibiofilm treatment of the skin. Most of the studies included in this review were supported by in vivo animal infection models. This article offers an overview of the benefits of nanosystems for treating biofilms grown on the skin. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Drug Delivery Effects of Nanocarriers)

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