Tuan Hiep Tran

Layer-by-layer assembly of liposomal nanoparticles with PEGylated polyelectrolytes enhances systemic delivery of multiple anticancer drugs

Layer-by-layer (LbL)-engineered nanoparticles (NPs) are a promising group of therapeutic carriers used in an increasing number of biomedical applications. The present study uses a controlled LbL process to create a multidrug-loaded nanoplatform capable of promoting blood circulation time, biodistribution profile and controlling drug release in the dynamic systemic environment. LbL assembly is achieved by sequential deposition of poly-l-lysine (PLL) and poly(ethylene glycol)-block-poly(l-aspartic acid) (PEG-b-PLD) on liposomal nanoparticles (LbL-LNPs). This generates spherical and stable multilayered NPs ∼240nm in size, enabling effective systemic administration. The numerous functional groups and compartments in the polyelectrolyte shell and core facilitate loading with doxorubicin and mitoxantrone. The nanoarchitecture effectively controls burst release, providing different release kinetics for each drug. LbL-LNPs are pH-sensitive, indicating that intracellular drug release can be increased by the acidic milieu of cancer cells. We further demonstrate that the LbL nanoarchitecture significantly reduces the elimination rates of both drugs tested and markedly extends their systemic circulation times, paving the way for efficacious tumor drug delivery. Because this delivery system accommodates multiple drugs, improves drug half-life and diminishes burst release, it provides an exciting platform with remarkable potential for combination therapeutics in cancer therapy.

Layer-by-layer coated lipid-polymer hybrid nanoparticles designed for use in anticancer drug delivery

Polyelectrolyte multilayers created via sequential adsorption of complimentary materials may be useful in the delivery of small molecules such as anti-cancer drugs. In this study, layer-by-layer (LbL) nanoarchitectures were prepared by step-wise deposition of naturally derived chitosan and hyaluronic acid on negatively charged hybrid solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs). A doxorubicin/dextran sulfate complex was incorporated into the SLNs. This resulted in the production of spherical nanoparticles ∼ 265 nm in diameter, with a zeta potential of approximately -12 mV. The nanoparticles were physically stable and exhibited controlled doxorubicin (DOX) release kinetics. Further pharmacokinetic manipulations revealed that in comparison with both free DOX and uncoated DOX-loaded SLNs, LbL-functionalized SLNs remarkably enhanced the circulation half-life and decreased the elimination rate of the drug. Cumulatively, our results suggest that this novel LbL-coated system, with a pH-responsive shell and molecularly targeted entities, has the potential to act as a vehicle to deliver medication to targeted tumor regions.

pH sensitive polyelectrolyte complex micelles for highly effective combination chemotherapy

The co-encapsulation of two or more drugs in the same carrier affords synergistic therapeutic effects and enhanced therapeutic potency. For this, polyethylene oxide-b-polyacrylic acid di-block polymer based-smart pH-sensitive di-block polyelectrolyte complex (PEC) micelles were designed to encapsulate mitoxantrone (MTX) and doxorubicin (DOX) with high payload capacity and precise drug ratio. Three molar ratios (MTX/DOX: 2 : 1, 1 : 1, 1 : 2) of the drug-loaded PECs were prepared with high payload capacity and evaluated for various physicochemical characteristics. The dual drug combination exhibited a synergistic cytotoxic activity against both sensitive (MCF-7 and A-549) and resistant cancer cell lines (MDA-MB-231), unlike the individual drugs. Dual drug-loaded nanosystems (MTX/DOX-M) prolonged the blood circulation of drugs, and a synergic ratio was maintained throughout the study period. MTX/DOX-M exhibited superior therapeutic efficacy in xenograft models; by contrast, the free drug cocktail caused a significant loss of body weight in mice. Taken together, our results suggest that PEC micelles have great potential as nano-scaled therapeutic delivery systems for combination chemotherapy.

Hyaluronic acid-coated solid lipid nanoparticles for targeted delivery of vorinostat to CD44 overexpressing cancer cells.

Hyaluronic acid (HA)-decorated solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) were developed for tumor-targeted delivery of vorinostat (VRS), a histone deacetylase inhibitor. HA, a naturally occurring polysaccharide, which specifically binds to the CD44 receptor, was coated on a cationic lipid core through electrostatic interaction. After the optimization process, HA-coated VRS-loaded SLNs (HA-VRS-SLNs) were spherical, core-shell nanoparticles, with small size (∼100 nm), negative charge (∼-9 mV), and narrow size distribution. In vitro release profile of HA-VRS-SLNs showed a typical bi-phasic pattern. In addition, the intracellular uptake of HA-VRS-SLNs was significantly enhanced in CD44 overexpressing cells, A549 and SCC-7 cells, but reduced when HA-VRS-SLNs were incubated with SCC-7 cells pretreated with HA or MCF-7 cells with low over-expressed CD44. Of particular importance, HA-VRS-SLNs were more cytotoxic than the free drug and VRS-SLNs in A549 and SCC-7 cells. In addition, HA shell provided longer blood circulation and reduced VRS clearance rate in rats, resulting in enhanced higher plasma concentration and bioavailability. These results clearly indicated the potential of the HA-functionalized lipid nanoparticle as a nano-sized drug formulation for chemotherapy.

Fabrication and evaluation of pH-modulated solid dispersion for telmisartan by spray-drying technique.

The present study was undertaken to overcome the problems associated with solubility, dissolution and oral bioavailability of a poorly water-soluble ionizable drug, telmisartan (TMS). For these purposes, a solubility test was carried to select the appropriate formulation composition from various carriers and alkalizers. Solid dispersions (SDs) of TMS were prepared at different drug-to-carrier ratios by the spray-drying technique, and were characterized by dissolution and aqueous solubility studies. The optimum formulation was investigated by dissolution studies at different pH and water media and its solid state characterisations were performed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) studies. In solubility and dissolution tests, all TMS-loaded pH-modulated SDs (pH(M)-SDs) exhibited marked improvement in the dissolution behavior when compared with crystalline TMS powder. The optimum formulation of pH(M)-SD consisted of TMS/PVP (polyvinylpyrrolidone) K30/Na(2)CO(3) at a weight ratio of 2/0.5/3 and showed significant improvement in the aqueous solubility and dissolution rate by approximately 40,000- and 3-fold, respectively, compared to TMS powder. Solid-state characterization revealed the changed in crystallinity of TMS into amorphous state. Furthermore, area under the drug concentration time-curve (AUC) of TMS from the pH(M)-SD increased by 13.4- and 2.1-fold, compared with TMS powder and commercial product, respectively. According to these observations, taken together with dissolution and pharmacokinetic behaviors, pH-modulated SD in the presence of an alkalizer for a poorly water-soluble ionizable drug, TMS, appeared to be efficacious for enhancing its bioavailability.

Preparation and evaluation of raloxifene-loaded solid dispersion nanoparticle by spray-drying technique without an organic solvent

The aim of this study was to improve the physicochemical properties and bioavailability of a poorly water-soluble drug, raloxifene by solid dispersion (SD) nanoparticles using the spray-drying technique. These spray-dried SD nanoparticles were prepared with raloxifene (RXF), polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and Tween 20 in water. Reconstitution of optimized RXF-loaded SD nanoparticles in pH 1.2 medium showed a mean particle size of approximately 180 nm. X-ray diffraction and differential scanning calorimetry indicated that RXF existed in an amorphous form within spray-dried nanoparticles. The optimized formulation showed an enhanced dissolution rate of RXF at pH 1.2, 4.0, 6.8 and distilled water as compared to pure RXF powder. The improved dissolution of raloxifene from spray-dried SD nanoparticles appeared to be well correlated with enhanced oral bioavailability of raloxifene in rats. Furthermore, the pharmacokinetic parameters of the spray-dried SD nanoparticles showed increased AUC(0-∞) and C(max) of RXF by approximately 3.3-fold and 2.3-fold, respectively. These results suggest that the preparation of RXF-SD nanoparticles using the spray drying technique without organic solvents might be a promising approach for improving the oral bioavailability of RXF.

Tumor-targeting, pH-sensitive nanoparticles for docetaxel delivery to drug-resistant cancer cells

The attachment of polyethylene glycol (PEG) increases the circulation time of drug-containing nanoparticles; however, this also negatively affects cellular uptake. To overcome this problem, unique lipid polymer hybrid (LPH) nanoparticles were developed with a pH-responsive PEG layer that detached prior to cell uptake. Docetaxel (DTX) was incorporated into the lipid core of the nanoparticles, which was then shielded with the pH-responsive block co-polymer polyethylene glycol-b-polyaspartic acid (PEG-b-PAsp) using a modified emulsion method. The optimized LPH nanoparticles were ~200 nm and had a narrow size distribution. Drug release from DTX-loaded LPH (DTX-LPH) nanoparticles was pH-sensitive, which is beneficial for tumor targeting. More importantly, DTX-LPH nanoparticles were able to effectively induce apoptosis in cancer cells. The negative surface charge and PEG shell of vehicle remarkably enhanced the blood circulation and physiological activity of DTX-LPH nanoparticles compared with that of free DTX. The nanoparticles were also found to reduce the size of tumors in tumor-bearing xenograft mice. The in vivo anticancer effect of DTX-LPH nanoparticles was further confirmed by the elevated levels of caspase-3 and poly ADP ribose polymerase found in the tumors after treatment. Thus, the results suggest that this novel LPH system could be an effective new treatment for cancer.

A novel surface-attached carvedilol solid dispersion with enhanced solubility and dissolution

A novel surface-attached, spray-dried solid dispersion containing poorly water-soluble carvedilol (CV) without any change in the crystallinity was prepared using water, polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP K30) and Tween 80. The solid dispersion was optimized by investigating the effects of the weight ratios of Tween 80/PVP K30 and carrier/drug on the aqueous solubility of CV. The optimum solid dispersion consisted of a relatively low carrier to drug weight ratio: the weight ratio of CV/PVP K30/Tween 80 was 12/4/2. Unlike conventional methods of solid dispersion preparation, this method yielded CV-loaded solid dispersion with no change in the crystallinity of the drug as was evident from SEM, DSC and XRD. It was demonstrated that the solid dispersions prepared had hydrophilic carriers attached to the surface of the drug, thus changing it from a hydrophobic to a hydrophilic form without changing the crystalline form. The optimized solid dispersion improved the drug solubility and dissolution rate by about 11,500-fold and twofold, respectively. It was further suggested that this method of solid dispersion preparation is better than conventional methods in terms of environmental and industrial standpoints. Thus, it was concluded that CV-loaded solid dispersion prepared using this method would be of use for delivering poorly water-soluble CV with enhanced solubility and dissolution, but without crystalline changes.

Development of Solid Self-Emulsifying Formulation for Improving the Oral Bioavailability of Erlotinib

To improve the solubility and oral bioavailability of erlotinib, a poorly water-soluble anticancer drug, solid self-emulsifying drug delivery system (SEDDS) was developed using solid inert carriers such as dextran 40 and Aerosil® 200 (colloidal silica). The preliminary solubility of erlotinib in various oils, surfactants, and co-surfactants was determined. Labrafil M2125CS, Labrasol, and Transcutol HP were chosen as the oil, surfactant, and co-surfactant, respectively, for preparation of the SEDDS formulations. The ternary phase diagram was evaluated to show the self-emulsifying area. The formulations were optimized using the droplet size and polydispersity index (PDI) of the resultant emulsions. Then, the optimized formulation containing 5% Labrafil M2125CS, 65% Labrasol, and 30% Transcutol was spray dried with dextran or Aerosil® and characterized for surface morphology, crystallinity, and pharmacokinetics in rats. Powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) exhibited the amorphous form or molecular dispersion of erlotinib in the formulations. The pharmacokinetic parameters of the optimized formulations showed that the maximum concentration (Cmax) and area under the curve (AUC) of erlotinib were significantly increased, compared to erlotinib powder (p < 0.05). Thus, this SEDDS could be a promising method for enhancing the oral bioavailability of erlotinib.

Systemic delivery of axitinib with nanohybrid liposomal nanoparticles inhibits hypoxic tumor growth

Axitinib (AXT) is a potent and selective orally administered inhibitor of the vascular endothelial growth factor receptors 1-3 that contribute to the pathogenesis of solid tumors. The goal of the present study was to enhance the antiangiogenic and antitumor effects of AXT under hypoxia. Here we developed spherical polypeptide-coated hybrid liposomal nanoparticles (P-LNP/AXT) with a narrow size distribution and high loading efficiency. The cytotoxic effects of P-LNP/AXT on cancer cells were lower than those of AXT, and the human cancer cell lines SCC7, BT-474, and SH-SY5YP efficiently incorporated P-LNP/AXT. However, these formulations were not significantly internalized by the mouse macrophage cell line RAW 264.7, suggesting that they could evade the reticuloendothelial system. Western blotting analysis showed a significant increase in the level of expression of hydroxy-HIF-1α when cells were treated with P-LNP/AXT. The growth of tumors in mice treated with P-LNP/AXT was significantly inhibited compared with controls. Further, elevated levels of caspase-3 and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase and reduced levels of platelet/endothelial cell adhesion molecule 1 (PECAM1, CD31) and Ki-67 in tumor cells suggested that tumor cells underwent apoptosis and that angiogenesis was inhibited within the tumor. Thus, P-LNP/AXT shows promise for cancer chemotherapy by inhibiting tumor angiogenesis.