Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Sohaib Mahri, Eleonore Hardy, Tobias Wilms, Herlinde De Keersmaecker, Kevin Braeckmans, Stefaan De Smedt, Cynthia Bosquillon, Rita Vanbever
Summary: Conjugation with high molecular weight polyethylene glycol (PEG) significantly prolongs the lung residence time of recombinant human deoxyribonuclease I (rhDNase) by reducing transport across lung epithelial cells and uptake by macrophages, thus improving therapeutic efficacy after pulmonary delivery.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICS
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Xiang-Rong Cheng, Bu-Tao Yu, Jie Song, Jia-Hui Ma, Yu-Yao Chen, Chen-Xi Zhang, Piao-Han Tu, Mitchell N. N. Muskat, Ze-Gang Zhu
Summary: This study investigated the effects of six prevalent food-derived electrophilic compounds (FECs) on colitis and their relationship with molecular characteristics. The results showed that fumaric acid and chlorogenic acid had limited effects on colitis improvement, while isoliquiritigenin and sulforaphane effectively alleviated oxidative stress and inflammatory responses by activating the Keap1-Nrf2 pathway.
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Haojie Zhai, Chi Zhang, Huilong Ou, Ming Chen
Summary: The study demonstrates that the combination of low-frequency sonophoresis and sponge Haliclona sp. spicules can significantly enhance transdermal drug delivery, especially for increasing the skin absorption of hydrophilic macromolecules like low-molecular-weight heparin.
BIOMATERIALS SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Garion E. J. Hicks, Rosemary R. Cranston, Victor Lotocki, Joseph G. Manion, Benoit H. Lessard, Dwight S. Seferos
Summary: This study presents a method of polymer assembly driven and stabilized by oxidative doping. The size and morphology of the oxidized polymer nanostructures can be controlled by the dopant mol % and addition temperature. The assembly is influenced by the polymer planarity, optical absorption, and doping level, which can be modulated through sequential dopant addition.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Hyewon Park, Hyeonjung Park, Hyungju Ahn, Wooseop Lee, Jinseok Park, Bumjoon J. Kim, Dong Ki Yoon
Summary: Nanoconfinement is an effective strategy to control the orientations and orderings of conjugated polymers (CPs). The study investigates the chain orientations of two crystal polymorphs, Form I and Form II, in poly(3dodecylthiophene)s (P3DDTs) using a porous anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) template. The results show that the pore diameter of the AAO template and the regioregularity (RR) of P3DDTs affect the orientational changes of Form I and Form II crystals, providing guidelines for achieving CPs with controlled intermolecular assembly and chain orientations.
CHEMISTRY OF MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
David H. Kenney, Randy C. Paffenroth, Michael T. Timko, Andrew R. Teixeira
Summary: MF-LOGP is a new method that uses molecular formula as the only input to determine a single component octanol-water partition coefficients (LogP). It does not require any structural information and is useful in situations where the structure is unknown or where low dimensional, easily automatable, and computationally inexpensive calculations are required.
JOURNAL OF CHEMINFORMATICS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ruonan Wang, Changfeng Yin, Changren Liu, Ying Sun, Panpan Xiao, Jia Li, Shuo Yang, Wei Wu, Xiqun Jiang
Summary: PBA modification facilitates lysosome escape of cylindrical polymer brushes, enhancing tumor accumulation and penetration without adverse effects on properties, while increasing drug loading content to over 20%, demonstrating an effective strategy to improve overall nanomedicine properties.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Dongbum Kim, Sony Maharjan, Jinsoo Kim, Sangkyu Park, Jeong-A Park, Byoung Kwon Park, Younghee Lee, Hyung-Joo Kwon
Summary: The study found that SARS-CoV-2 infection increases the expression of MUC1-C, which may trigger the growth of lung cancer cells, suggesting that COVID-19 could be a risk factor for lung cancer patients.
Article
Physics, Applied
Paromita Bhattacharjee, Himakshi Mishra, Parameswar K. K. Iyer, Harshal B. B. Nemade
Summary: This study demonstrates and analyzes the acoustically improving charge transport characteristics of a regioregular poly(3-hexylthiophene) (rrP3HT) based organic field effect transistor (OFET) fabricated on a YZ lithium niobate piezoelectric substrate. The acoustoelectric (AE) effect leads to a reduction in the effective energy gap between charge hopping states, resulting in a decrease in charge trapping, an increase in path conductivity, and the number of paths for charge transport. The presence of a surface acoustic wave (SAW) significantly increases the drain current and mobility, and reduces the gate voltage. The bias stress analysis confirms that the propagation of SAW enhances the long-term stability of the OFETs by compensating for the charge trapping effect.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED PHYSICS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Daniela Santo, Rosemeyre A. Cordeiro, Patricia V. Mendonca, Armenio C. Serra, Jorge F. J. Coelho, Henrique Faneca
Summary: Cationic glycopolymers have shown great potential as gene delivery systems due to their biocompatibility and binding affinity to specific receptors. However, their synthesis process is complicated, and they have solubility issues. In this study, a mini-library of well-defined poly(2-aminoethyl methacrylate hydrochloride-co-poly(2-lactobionamidoethyl methacrylate) (PAMA-co-PLAMA) glycopolymers was synthesized using ARGET ATRP. The generated glycoplexes demonstrated high specificity and efficiency in gene delivery, and when combined with small amounts of docetaxel, they showed potent antitumor activity in HCC models.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Yueheng Wu, Lin Jiang, Zixuan Dong, Shaoxian Chen, Xi-Yong Yu, Shunqing Tang
Summary: Intracellular protein delivery using nanocomposites prepared with PEI1200 has shown high efficiency and safety in delivering active proteins to different cell types, with the ability to continuously release proteins for up to 96 hours. These nanocomposites offer a promising alternative strategy for protein delivery in clinical biomedicine, maintaining protein activity and low cytotoxicity.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF NANOMEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Qianqian Zhang, Jianwei Bao, Tijie Duan, Minxing Hu, Yuting He, Junwei Wang, Rongfeng Hu, Jihui Tang
Summary: A nanomicelle-microsphere composite was developed for targeted treatment of lung cancer. The complex showed promising anti-tumor effects and targeted distribution in both in vitro and in vivo studies.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Radhakanta Ghosh, Yuvaraj Arun, Peter Siman, Abraham J. Domb
Summary: Polyanhydrides are synthesized by melt-polycondensation of diacid monomers and excess acetic anhydride to form stable polymers with controlled molecular weight. The synthesized aliphatic polyanhydrides have controllable molecular weight and low polydispersity, making them suitable for potential use as drug carriers. In vitro drug release studies show promising results for poly(sebacic acid) as a candidate for controlled drug delivery applications.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Maria Anzengruber, Lukas Wimmer, Raffaela Szuchar, Katharina Skoll, Michael Wirth, Franz Gabor
Summary: Bladder cancer is difficult to treat due to the short half-life and hydrophilicity of the cytotoxic drug gemcitabine. Researchers have synthesized N-acyl-gemcitabine derivatives to modify the drug's lipophilicity and tested their release from PLGA nanoparticles. The results showed that lipophilicity increased drug content but decreased subsequent release. Additionally, acylation increased cytotoxicity and allowed for passive diffusion into cancer cells. Coating the nanoparticles with wheat germ agglutinin improved their retention in the bladder cavity and uptake into cancer cells. This study proposes a novel strategy for smart drug delivery in the instillative therapy of bladder cancer.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Diana Rodriguez, Concepcion Gonzalez-Bello
Summary: The success of precision medicine and the negative impact of broad-spectrum antibiotics on microbiome stability and bacterial resistance have led to a shift towards precision antibiotics. A novel vectorization approach involves conjugating antibiotics to siderophores, which facilitate internalization into deadly gram-negative pathogens through bacterial iron uptake pathways. This approach has shown promising results, as demonstrated by the commercialization of cefiderocol, the first antibiotic based on this principle. This review provides an overview of the molecular basis, successful examples, and future challenges of antibiotic-siderophore conjugation.
BIOORGANIC & MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Alberto Baldelli, Aylin Cidem, Yigong Guo, Hui Xin Ong, Anika Singh, Daniela Traini, Anubhav Pratap-Singh
Summary: Proteins are often used as therapeutics, but their delivery poses challenges due to their lability. Spray freeze drying, a combination of spray drying and freeze drying, has emerged as a suitable technology for maintaining protein stability. This study explores the correlation between formulation parameters and the properties of protein encapsulated microparticles prepared by spray freeze drying.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Giovanni Falcone, Sonja Kuth, Aldo R. Boccaccini, Rita P. Aquino, Tiziana Esposito, Paola Russo
Summary: To fully utilize the potential of 3D printing, particularly in the case of semisolid extrusion (SSE), the technological challenges need to be addressed. This study focuses on investigating the physicochemical properties of natural polymers, specifically alginate hydrogel, for 3D printing tablets that are easy to swallow. By adding sorbitol as a plasticizer, the aim is to improve the swallowability of the tablets. Different concentrations of sorbitol solution are evaluated to determine the best composition in terms of printing and technological properties. The results highlight a predictable relationship between the amount of sorbitol loaded and the residual mass of the final platforms.
ADVANCED ENGINEERING MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Ye Zhang, Hanieh Gholizadeh, Paul Young, Daniela Traini, Ming Li, Hui Xin Ong, Shaokoon Cheng
Summary: This study demonstrates the real-time and noninvasive monitoring of P. aeruginosa biofilm growth using a novel microfluidic device. It shows that P. aeruginosa biofilm developed on the air-liquid interface continuously produces the compound PYO, and the amount of PYO produced is proportional to its viable cell numbers. Results also indicate that treating the biofilm directly on its surface is more effective in reducing PYO and killing the biofilm.
BIOTECHNOLOGY AND BIOENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Ye Zhang, Chun Yuen Jerry Wong, Hanieh Gholizadeh, Annalisa Aluigi, Mattia Tiboni, Luca Casettari, Paul Young, Daniela Traini, Ming Li, Shaokoon Cheng, Hui Xin Ong
Summary: Respiratory tract infections are a leading cause of death globally, and liposomal antibiotic nano-systems delivered via inhalation have shown promise in targeting infections with reduced systemic exposure and side effects. This study evaluated the antibiofilm efficacy of two different-sized liposomal ciprofloxacin formulations using a 3D-printed microfluidic chip, and the results suggest that these formulations can effectively control drug release and offer potential treatment for respiratory infections.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICS
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Mathew N. Leslie, Nirmal Marasini, Zara Sheikh, Paul M. Young, Daniela Traini, Hui Xin Ong
Summary: A central characteristic of emphysematous progression is the continuous destruction of the lung extracellular matrix (ECM). Our study aims to repurpose Nitrofurantoin (NF) as an inhalable therapeutic strategy to upregulate ECM expression, thereby reversing the disease progression within the emphysematous lung. Spray-dried (SD) formulations of NF were prepared using different nozzles (2FN and 3FN) and characterized for their physicochemical properties and efficacy on human lung fibroblasts. The 2FN formulation displayed better aerodynamic properties and higher drug release, leading to significantly enhanced ECM protein expression compared to the 3FN formulation.
Article
Biophysics
Hanieh Gholizadeh, Shaokoon Cheng, Agisilaos Kourmatzis, Daniela Traini, Paul Young, Zara Sheikh, Hui Xin Ong
Summary: The current organ-on-chip platforms for respiratory drug delivery research have limitations in administering aerosol drugs and studying their interaction with the respiratory tract barrier. This study developed a human nasal epithelial mucosa (NEM)-on-a-chip that can deposit nasal aerosol formulations under realistic shear stresses. The NEM-on-a-chip demonstrated varying aerosol deposition and particle size distributions under different dynamic conditions, as well as adverse effects on cell viability at higher shear stress.
BIOSENSORS & BIOELECTRONICS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Vishal Chaugule, Larissa Gomes dos Reis, David F. Fletcher, Paul M. Young, Daniela Traini, Julio Soria
Summary: A novel design concept for a dry powder inhaler is proposed to improve its aerosol performance and achieve higher lung deposition. The design includes a varying inner cross-section of the device, resulting in improved flow characteristics and an increased fine particle fraction. This design concept was further adapted with the use of a honeycomb grid, which showed a reduction in fine particle fraction when placed after the tangential inlets but had no significant effect on throat deposition when placed at the mouthpiece exit.
JOURNAL OF AEROSOL SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Ching-Yee Loo, Daniela Traini, Paul M. Young, Thaigarajan Parumasivam, Wing-Hin Lee
Summary: The delivery of polyphenols, such as curcumin and quercetin, via inhalation can effectively treat lung cancer by increasing drug concentration in tumor cells. However, their applications have been limited by poor solubility and stability. In this study, inhaled curcumin nanoparticles and quercetin nanoparticles were shown to have enhanced anti-cancer activity in A549 cells compared to their individual formulations. Higher ratios of quercetin in the combination formulations induced more apoptosis, reduced ATP levels, generated more ROS, and caused MMP loss in A549 cells. The combination formulations also increased the expression of pro-apoptotic protein Bax. The toxicity of the formulations followed the trend: Cur-NPs: Que-NPs (1:4) > Cur-NPs: Que-NPs (2:3) > Cur-NPs: Que-NPs (3:2) > Cur-NPs: Que-NPs (4:1) > Cur-NPs only > Que-NPs only. Furthermore, both Cur-NPs and Que-NPs were internalized by cells through clathrin-mediated endocytosis. Overall, the combination of Cur-NPs and Que-NPs delivered via inhalation may serve as an alternative treatment for lung cancer.
JOURNAL OF DRUG DELIVERY SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Instruments & Instrumentation
Zara Sheikh, Antonella Granata, Ye Zhang, Hanieh Mohammad Gholizadeh Mahvizani, Dina Silva, Paul M. M. Young, Luca Casettari, Hui Xin Ong, Daniela Traini
Summary: A novel 3D-printed throat model integrated with the Detroit 562 ALI model was developed to investigate drug transport in the oro-pharyngeal region by optimizing the culture conditions.
DRUG DELIVERY AND TRANSLATIONAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Sabrina Sciabica, Riccardo Barbari, Riccardo Fontana, Giovanni Tafuro, Alessandra Semenzato, Daniela Traini, Dina M. Silva, Larissa Gomes Dos Reis, Luisa Canilli, Massimo Terno, Peggy Marconi, Anna Baldisserotto, Silvia Vertuani, Stefano Manfredini
Summary: Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a polymer with unique biological properties that has various applications in pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and biomedical fields; however, its short half-life has limited its widespread use. A new cross-linked hyaluronic acid was designed and characterized using a natural and safe cross-linking agent, arginine methyl ester, which showed improved resistance to enzymatic action compared to linear polymers. The new derivative demonstrated effective antibacterial activity against S. aureus and P. acnes, making it a promising candidate for cosmetic formulations and skin applications, and its tolerability on lung cells suggests its suitability for respiratory tract applications.
Article
Biology
Chiara Amante, Chiara De Soricellis, Gianni Luccheo, Luigi Luccheo, Paola Russo, Rita Patrizia Aquino, Pasquale Del Gaudio
Summary: The National Institute of Health has found that 80% of chronic infections are linked to biofilms, which contribute to bacterial resistance to antimicrobial agents. A novel mixture composed of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) and various natural ingredients has been developed to enhance NAC's activity against different bacteria and reduce biofilm formation. This mixture has shown increased NAC permeation, fibrinolytic activity, antibiofilm activity, and reduced bacterial adhesion.
Article
Polymer Science
Maria Rosaria Sellitto, Chiara Amante, Rita Patrizia Aquino, Paola Russo, Rosalia Rodriguez-Dorado, Monica Neagu, Carlos A. Garcia-Gonzalez, Renata Adami, Pasquale Del Gaudio
Summary: The use of polysaccharide-based aerogels as drug carriers for wound healing is being explored. Drug-loaded aerogel capsules were produced through prilling in tandem with supercritical extraction. The capsules had a hollow cavity and a thin alginate aerogel layer with good textural properties. These capsules effectively absorbed wound fluid and prolonged drug release due to a formed hydrogel barrier.
Review
Biochemical Research Methods
Ye Zhang, Paul Young, Daniela Traini, Ming Li, Hui Xin Ong, Shaokoon Cheng
Summary: Biofilms are structured communities of bacterial cells encased in a self-produced polymeric matrix, exhibiting temporal responses to stimuli. They have both beneficial and detrimental impacts in various fields, but comprehensive understanding of their properties remains a challenge.
BIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Ching-Yee Loo, Charles Gnanaraj, Daniela Traini, Paul M. Young, Wing-Hin Lee
Summary: This study evaluated the use of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) as a co-stabilizer and coating material to improve the stability and bioavailability of curcumin (CUR) and quercetin (QUE) nanoparticles (NPs). The NPs showed anomalous Non-Fickian release behavior when co-stabilized with different concentrations of PVP. The NPs maintained their physical stability and drug content under different pH conditions and demonstrated enhanced cellular uptake and stability during storage when higher concentrations of PVP were used.
JOURNAL OF DRUG DELIVERY SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Xuezhi Zhuo, Vito Fodera, Per Larsson, Zarah Schaal, Christel A. S. Bergstrom, Korbinian Lobmann, Aleksei Kabedev
Summary: Our previous work demonstrated that beta-lactoglobulin-stabilized amorphous solid dispersion (ASD) loaded with 70 % indomethacin remains stable for over 12 months. We further investigated the stabilization mechanisms by testing five other drug molecules and using experimental techniques and molecular dynamics simulations. The results showed that steric confinement, hydrogen bonding, and the glass transition temperature of the drug molecule play important roles in stabilizing ASDs with high drug loadings.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES
(2024)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Sebastian Schmidt, Ulrike Holzgrabe
Summary: The binding of drugs to plasma proteins, such as human serum albumin (HSA), is crucial for determining pharmacokinetic parameters. This study investigated the enantioselective binding of S- and R-ketamine to HSA. It was found that ketamine has weak affinity to HSA, with no significant differences in binding behavior between the individual enantiomers and the racemate. The aromatic ring and N-methyl group were identified as the most strongly involved structural moieties in the binding of ketamine to HSA.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES
(2024)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Yuchen Zhao, Han Wang, Lin Jin, Ziwei Zhang, Lianghu Liu, Mengqi Zhou, Xianzheng Zhang, Lingling Zhang
Summary: Interleukins (ILs) are important for communication between immune cells and non-immune cells, but dysregulation of ILs expression is a characteristic of autoinflammatory diseases. Drugs targeting ILs have significant clinical benefits, but may also cause adverse reactions. Fusion protein technology, with its ability to enhance therapeutic efficacy, has been explored for developing anti-inflammatory drugs. This review discusses the efficacy of fusion protein drugs developed with ILs or their receptors in treating autoinflammatory diseases, highlighting the potential of this technology in future anti-inflammatory drug development.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES
(2024)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Serena Bertoni, Elena Simone, Stefano Sangiorgi, Beatrice Albertini, Nadia Passerini
Summary: This study investigated the correlation between the structure and release properties of solid lipid microparticles (MPs) with different liquid additives. The additives accelerated the conversion of the unstable alpha-form of tristearin to the stable beta-polymorph and caused structural modifications in the MPs. The presence of additives prolonged the drug release in water and resulted in higher release profiles in biorelevant media. The findings suggest that the release behavior can be influenced by the polymorphism and supramolecular-level structural modification of lipid formulations containing crystal modifiers.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES
(2024)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Juulia Jarvinen, Ahmed B. Montaser, Santosh Kumar Adla, Jukka Leppanen, Marko Lehtonen, Kati-Sisko Vellonen, Tuomo Laitinen, Aaro Jalkanen, William F. Elmquist, Juri Timonen, Kristiina M. Huttunen, Jarkko Rautio
Summary: This study attempted to alter the brain distribution pattern of Palbociclib by creating and assessing two novel prodrugs. Although the prodrug design did not significantly improve Palbociclib brain delivery, the study provides valuable insights for future prodrug development and drug delivery strategies targeting specific transporters.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES
(2024)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Miao Wang, Xinyu Ma, Shiyu Zong, Yaqiong Su, Rui Su, Hong Zhang, Yang Liu, Chunliu Wang, Ye Li
Summary: This article discusses the potential and limitations of nasal administration in central nervous system drug delivery. Nasal gel viscosity can alleviate the impact of nasal mucociliary clearance on drug delivery, and materials such as gellan gum, chitosan, carbomer, cellulose, and poloxamer can be used to prepare nasal gels.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES
(2024)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Bjarke Strom Larsen, Eric Kissi, Liebert Parreiras Nogueira, Natalja Genina, Ingunn Tho
Summary: This study investigates the influence of drug load and polymer molecular weight on the structure of 3D printed tablets. The results show that drug load and polymer molecular weight have a significant impact on the porosity and size of the tablets, while the effect of drug load on the total porosity of the tablets is minimal.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES
(2024)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Zhentao Qiao, Fuhang Wang, Dongjian Han, Yuansong Zhuang, Qingjiao Jiang, Yi Zhang, Miaomiao Liu, Quanxu An, Zhiwei Wang, Deliang Shen
Summary: In this study, it was demonstrated that periadventitial delivery of rapamycin-fibrin glue (RPM-FG) can inhibit intimal hyperplasia (IH) in a rat carotid artery injury model without compromising re-endothelialization. This provides a promising direction for the future development of a safe, effective, and minimally invasive perivascular drug delivery method to treat vascular disease.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES
(2024)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Neele Puhlmann, Rodrigo Vidaurre, Klaus Kuemmerer
Summary: Active pharmaceutical ingredients and their metabolites and transformation products are pollutants that can harm human and environmental health. Designing greener APIs is an effective strategy to address this issue. The drug discovery and development process can incorporate environmental parameters to achieve this design, and this process is highly flexible.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES
(2024)