Nanomedicine Journal
Volume:11 Issue: 1, Winter 2024

Several formulations have been developed in the current era using liposomes and niosomes as vesicular carriers, which have proven useful in oral drug delivery; nevertheless, their use is limited due to their gastrointestinal environment, including pH, enzymes, and bile salts. To overcome these difficulties, researchers are working on finding ways to improve the efficacy and stability of vesicles. Therefore bilosomes have been developed as promising vesicular carriers with the potential to deliver oral vaccines, parenteral and transdermal targeted drug delivery. In addition to incorporating hydrophilic as well as lipophilic drugs into vesicles, bilosomes are considered one of the most effective methods for enhancing bioavailability and efficacy. Bile acid-based bilosomes are rapidly growing in the current research areas and are expected to provide multiple applications in the pharmaceutical and biomedical fields that will occur in the future with bile salts. This paper briefly introduces the bilosomes of a new generation (structure), their mechanism of action, stability, physicochemical properties, and potential biomedical applications including in oral immunization. Furthermore, surface-engineered bilosomes are more effective than bare bilosomes in various animal models, but clinical trials are needed to assess their safety and efficacy. There is also a need for more research on scaling-up factors for commercializing bilosomal systems.

Currently, there is a significant  interest among individuals in the field of bioimaging and detection. Nanostructure-based biosensors have emerged as a superior method for detecting substances due to their unique properties, which enable them to efficiently locate minute quantities of substances.  Carbon quantum dots (CQDs) outperform conventional quantum dots due to their solubility, reduced toxicity, and simplified production process. These attributes make CQDs highly valuable and hold immense potential for medical applications. CQDs are extremely small structures, measuring less than 10 nm in all dimensions. These materials possess exceptional characteristics, such as compatibility with living tissues and the ability to emit light, making them ideal for medical imaging purposes. This review explores the recent advancements in bioimaging utilizing CQDs, delving into their properties, challenges, and future possibilities for further study. As a result, CQDs have gained popularity as a viable option for various medical applications, including drug delivery, gene therapy, light-responsive substances, and antibacterial agents. The review also discusses ongoing efforts to enhance these nanomaterials for improved imaging within the body, efficient drug delivery, and cancer treatment. In summary, this article investigates the latest progress in bioimaging using CQDs and presents insights into surface modification, characteristics, obstacles, and future prospects. Consequently, CQDs have garnered significant attention in diverse bio applications, ranging from nanosystems to brain tumor treatment and bioimaging.

The aim of this study is to investigate the potential of Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) to enhance the therapeutic effectiveness of ternary metal complexes of hydroxy acids in the treatment of acne.

Ternary complexes of Cu (II) and Zn (II) with glycine amino acid (Gly) as a primary ligand, and Hydroxy acids (salicylic acid (L1), lactic acid (L2) or glycolic acid (L3)) as a secondary ligand, were synthesized in a slightly acidic medium and isolated in different ratios. These ternary complexes were loaded into SLNs and evaluated for particle size, polydispersity index, Zeta potential, entrapment efficiency and in vitro release studies. SLN-encapsulated ternary metal complexes were clinically evaluated in acne patients.

Scanning Electron Microscopy revealed that SLNs were spherical in shape and varied in size from 115 to 210 nm when measured with a Malvern Zetasizer. The zeta potential was ranged from -41.33 ± -2.5 to -47.32 ± -2.1 mV. The calculated entrapment efficiency (EE%) was 79 - 83% with slow release of the ternary complexes from the prepared SLNs. The in-vivo clinical study disclosed that Zn(L1)(Gly) SLNs outperformed Cu(L1)(Gly) SLNs in terms of acne spot reduction and patient satisfaction.

In conclusion, this study demonstrated that SLNs-encapsulated ternary metal complexes are a promising new treatment for acne.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is one of the critical multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens. Vaccination could offer dual benefits by preventing sepsis caused by antimicrobial-resistant bacteria and curtailing the rise and selection of antimicrobial resistance due to excessive antibiotic use. With this in mind, we designed a vaccine candidate made of gold nanoparticles conjugated to pilin IV protein. Pilin IV protein is an important virulence factor in the pathogenesis of P. aeruginosa infections. 

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) were synthesized. The Gold nanoparticles were conjugated to the recombinant protein pilin IV. The recombinant protein pilin IV was emulsified in Montanide ISA 266’s adjuvant and was administered to BALB/c mice model via subcutaneous injection. The studied groups included recombinant protein with gold nanoparticles, recombinant protein with Montanide ISA 266’s adjuvant, and the control group. After blood sampling at the appropriate time points, ELISA test was performed on the serum of the mice groups. 

Resuls: 

The results showed that the two studied groups could stimulate the mouse’s immune system. Both IgG antibody subclasses were stimulated. 

This compound can be a new candidate for recombinant vaccine design against P. aeruginosa as a dexterous pathogen.

Breast cancer is the most common malignancy in women. MiRNAs modulate the PI3K/AKT/mTOR (PAM) pathway, functioning as either tumor suppressors or oncogenes. This research explores the impact of AgNPs on breast cancer cells while emphasizing the interplay between miR-133a and the PAM pathway and uncovering regulatory mechanisms.

To assess the impact of AgNPs on cell growth and survival, we performed an MTT assay. Additionally, we employed bioinformatic methodologies to predict potential targets of miR-133a within the PAM pathway. We quantified the expression levels of miR-133a, PI3K, AKT, PTEN, and mTOR in MCF-7 cells after exposure to AgNPs using qRT-PCR. Furthermore, we employed Western blotting to evaluate the protein expression of mTOR.

The MTT assay results demonstrated a significant dose- and time-dependent inhibition of breast cancer cells by AgNPs. The qRT-PCR analysis revealed an upregulation in the mRNA expression levels of PI3K and AKT, accompanied by a downregulation in the mRNA expression levels of PTEN and mTOR upon exposure to AgNPs. However, the efficacy and expression level of miR-133a as a tumor suppressor in breast cancer cells remained unchanged following exposure to AgNPs (IC50).

The study found that AgNPs inhibit breast cancer cell growth, affecting the PAM pathway, but miR-133a remained unchanged, suggesting AgNPs may not primarily act through miR-133a. Further research is needed, but caution is advised when using AgNPs for cancer control and treatment.

Green synthesis is a method of forming silver nanoparticles (AgNP) that is widely developed because it uses natural reducing agents, which are safer and more environmentally friendly. This study investigates the formation of silver nanoparticles using surian (Toona sinensis (Juss.) M. Roem) leaf extract as a bioreductor and its wound healing effectivity in mice. 

T. sinensis leaf was extracted by distilled water in 1:10 ratio at 90 °C for 15 min using magnetic stirrer. 0.5 mL of 0.1 M AgNO3 was mixed with 0.25 mL of 10% T. sinensis leaf extract, diluted to 50 mL, and stirred for 4 hr. The UV-Vis spectrum was measured at 300-800 nm. Particle size, morphology, functional group, and crystal structure of silver nanoparticles were characterized. For wound healing properties, mice were divided into seven groups, and each group experienced wounds induced by HCl on their dorsal side, followed by various treatments. Wound healing was monitored over 18 days, and statistical analysis assessed the effect of silver nanoparticle concentration and treatment duration.

The formation of colloidal silver nanoparticles was indicated by a change in the color from colorless to brown. The silver nanoparticles had the Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) band at 420 nm, spherical with an average size of 39 nm, and crystalline with a face-centered cubic structure. These silver nanoparticles could accelerate wound healing in mice compared to the negative control group, the group given silver sulfadiazine, AgNO3, and T. sinensis leaf extract alone (P<0.05). 

This shows that silver nanoparticles mediated by T. sinensis leaf extract have the potential to be developed into wound healing agents.

Skin wounds are appraised as a rapidly growing threat to the economy and public health. Wound management is the main goal to promote rapid repair, with functional and esthetic outcomes. Among several wound healers, ointments are the most cost-effective and highly functional.  

Here, polysaccharide was isolated from Rosa canina and structural analysis was performed by NMR, LC-MS/MS, and FTIR. Then, the polysaccharide was encapsulated in SLN through the dialysis process. Structural analysis was committed to a survey on the physical and chemical properties of polysaccharide-SLN (PS-SLN) complex by Uv-Vis spectrophotometry, dynamic light scattering (DLS), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) technologies. The ointment was prepared by adding PS-SLN to R. canina oil and beeswax.  

The prepared PS-SLN nanoparticles had monodispersity with a size of about 217 nanometers.  The nano-ointment showed high stability with a pH of about 6 and a high density near 3256 centipoises. The skin absorption of the compounds was determined by the Franz cells. The in vitro skin absorption indicated that during the first 12 hr 36% of our nano-ointment’s skin permeation and then continued up to 12 hr to 51%. The higher healing rate of nano-ointment than positive control with no allergic effects confirmed its efficiency in wound management.  

The results indicated that the nano-ointment could be applied for the healing of scars in pre-clinical and clinical trials. Owing to effectual scar healing, nano-ointment may be effective in the treatment of other wounds including burn, diabetic and chronic ones.

Cognizant of the harsh chemical method of nanoparticles synthesis, researchers are shifting towards the green phyto-mediated synthetic approaches. We herein report the green synthesis of Ag NPs and Co3O4 NPs using silver nitrate solution and cobalt nitrate solution as precursors added to aqueous extract of Croton Macrostachyus leaf extract to evaluate their antibacterial activity. 

The Characterization of the biosynthesized NPs were carried out by using spectroscopic techniques as X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV-Vis spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM).

The average crystallite size of Ag NPs was found to be 12.62 nm from the XRD data, indicating a cubic crystal structure whereas that of Co3O4 NPs was found to be 12.75 nm, indicating a cubic spinel crystal structure.  The energy band gap for Ag NPs and Co3O4 NPs were 3.38 eV, and 3.34 eV respectively. The SEM images showed non-homogeneity of particles distribution with irregular geometries attributable to their shape and size for Ag NPs whereas spherical as well as irregular geometries attributed to non-homogeneity of the particles for Co3O4 NPs. The FTIR identifies the functional groups of the bioactive molecules that were actively involved as stabilizing and capping agents to prevent agglomeration of Ag NPs and Co3O4 NPs. The agar-well diffusion method was employed to evaluate the antibacterial activities of the produced nanoparticles against gram-positive (S. aureus and E. faecalis) and gram-negative (E. coli, S. typhimrium) bacterial strains. 

The biosynthesized nanoparticles showed promising antibacterial activities with Ag NPs exhibiting the best inhibition activities towards all bacteria species.

Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Escherichia coli are the main pathogenic bacteria involved in severe, polymicrobial, and multidrug-resistant infections. For these infections to be overcome, lipid-based nanoparticles and nanoformulations such as liposomes have demonstrated marked potential in fighting bacterial infections by delivering antibacterial drugs, fusing with bacterial membranes, and promoting the direct delivery of antibacterial agents to bacteria. This study assesses the antibacterial effects of various formulations of carvacrol (CV)-encapsulating nanoliposomes on S. aureus, P. aeruginosa, and E. coli. The study further evaluates the cytotoxicity of the fabricated nanoliposomal system against human foreskin fibroblast (HFF) cells.

Various formulations of the liposomal nanosystem were first prepared through the thin film hydration method utilizing different concentrations of soy phosphatidylcholine (SPC), cholesterol (Chol), and Tween 60. The formulations were then evaluated for drug entrapment efficiency and release profiles, and the optimum formulation was determined for the experiments. The optimum formulation was then structurally analyzed, and the cytotoxicity of free CV and encapsulated CV on both bacteria and HFF cells was evaluated. 

Microbial tests revealed that CV-LPs outperform free CV regarding their antibacterial effects on the studied bacterial strains, with the maximum inhibitory effect exerted on S. aureus, followed by E. coli and P. aeruginosa. 

Furthermore, the MTT assay indicated that the cytotoxicity of CV against normal HFF cells was remarkably declined when it was encapsulated in the liposomal nanosystem.