Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Joana Torres, Jose Miguel Pereira, Rita Marques-Oliveira, Ines Costa, Eva Gil-Martins, Renata Silva, Fernando Remiao, Andreia Filipa Peixoto, Jose Manuel Sousa Lobo, Ana Catarina Silva
Summary: This study investigated the use of lipid nanoparticles, including solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) and nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC), for intranasal delivery of astaxanthin. The formulations loaded with astaxanthin from different sources (algae Haematococcus pluvialis extract (AE) and fungi Blakeslea trispora extract (PA)) were evaluated for biocompatibility with nasal (RPMI 2650) and neuronal (SH-SY5Y) cells, antioxidant activity, and cellular uptake. The PA-loaded NLC formulation showed promising neuroprotective effects, suggesting its potential for improving the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Zeyaul Islam, Mohamed H. Ali, Anton Popelka, Raghvendra Mall, Ehsan Ullah, Janarthanan Ponraj, Prasanna R. Kolatkar
Summary: Amyloid fibrillation, related to various neurological disorders, was studied by examining lysozyme fibrillation using nano-infrared spectroscopy (nanoIR). The study showed that lysozyme transformed into mainly parallel beta-sheets in its fibrillar structure, and nanoIR can complement other biophysical studies in analyzing the aggregation process for potential therapeutic design against amyloid disorders.
JOURNAL OF BIOMOLECULAR STRUCTURE & DYNAMICS
(2021)
Review
Clinical Neurology
Zahra Asefy, Sirus Hoseinnejhad, Zaker Ceferov
Summary: The World Health Organization has declared neurodegenerative diseases as the biggest health issues of the 21st century, with Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases being considered the most acute incurable neurological diseases. Researchers are studying and developing new treatment approaches using nanotechnology to reverse these diseases, aiming to regress nerve cells apoptosis, reduce inflammation, and improve drug delivery to the brain.
NEUROLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2021)
Review
Chemistry, Medicinal
Fabiola Guzman-Mejia, Marycarmen Godinez-Victoria, Daniel Efrain Molotla-Torres, Maria Elisa Drago-Serrano
Summary: Lactoferrin is a versatile glycoprotein with potential therapeutic applications in the pharmaceutical field. It can be used as a bioactive component or carrier in various formulations such as nanoparticles and liposomes. Lactoferrin has shown promise in enhancing the activity of antibiotics and protecting drugs from degradation in the intestine. It can also be used as a delivery system for drugs that cannot cross the blood-brain barrier. This manuscript focuses on the therapeutic possibilities of lactoferrin-containing pharmaceutical preparations and its interactions with tissue receptors, with the aim of improving drug bioavailability and reducing antimicrobial resistance.
Review
Clinical Neurology
Lorena Bonilla, Gerard Esteruelas, Miren Ettcheto, Marta Espina, Maria Luisa Garcia, Antoni Camins, Eliana B. Souto, Amanda Cano, Elena Sanchez-Lopez
Summary: Epilepsy, the second most common neurological disease globally, is characterized by abnormal electrical activity in the brain. Despite the availability of numerous antiseizure medications, there are patients who do not respond to treatment. Nanomedicine is considered a promising alternative to enhance drug effectiveness in managing epilepsy disorders.
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Tanima Bhattacharya, Giselle Amanda Borges e Soares, Hitesh Chopra, Md. Mominur Rahman, Ziaul Hasan, Shasank S. Swain, Simona Cavalu
Summary: The strategies for therapeutics development for neurodegenerative disorders are complex and challenging due to the blood-brain barrier. Nanotechnology combined with phytomedicine shows promise in enhancing drug delivery to the brain and reducing adverse effects.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Anamika Sindhu, Rajender S. Varma, Pannuru Venkatesu
Summary: The study found that bio-derived cholinium-based ionic liquids have inhibitory effects on the amyloid formation of lysozyme, preventing fibrillation and potentially serving as a new treatment for neurodegenerative diseases.
ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Wen Shi, Atik Rohmana Maftuhatul Fuad, Yanhong Li, Yang Wang, Junyang Huang, Ruolin Du, Guixue Wang, Yazhou Wang, Tieying Yin
Summary: Biodegradable polymers are being explored as an alternative to plastics. One such polymer, poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA), is widely used in medicine due to its high biocompatibility. There is growing concern about the accumulation of degradable polymer nanoparticles (NPs) in the circulatory system and their potential impact on cardiovascular health. This study investigated the harmful effects of PLGA NPs on vascular stenosis, a common feature of cardiovascular disease. The results suggest that PLGA NPs accelerate stenosis progression by inducing inflammation, impairing vascular function, promoting smooth muscle cell proliferation, and causing abnormal collagen distribution. These findings highlight the need to consider the potential risks of biodegradable polymers, particularly in clinical applications.
JOURNAL OF NANOBIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Radka Boyuklieva, Bissera Pilicheva
Summary: Neurodegenerative disorders, particularly Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease, have become a major global health issue. Recent advances in nose-to-brain drug delivery systems at the micro- and nanoscale have been explored as a novel strategy for the treatment of these diseases. Polymer- and lipid-based micro- and nanoparticles have shown potential for increasing the brain availability of certain drugs, while nanocomposites have been discussed as suitable formulations for nasal administration.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Qi Han, Jack Binns, Jiali Zhai, Xingyu Guo, Timothy M. Ryan, Calum J. Drummond, Tamar L. Greaves
Summary: Solvents play a crucial role in protein instability and aggregation, and the development of quantitative, high throughput methods for evaluating protein aggregation in solvent systems, including viscous solvents, is important.
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR LIQUIDS
(2022)
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Akram Bardestani, Shiva Ebrahimpour, Ali Esmaeili, Abolghasem Esmaeili
Summary: Iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) have been proposed as targeted carriers to deliver therapeutic molecules in the central nervous system (CNS), but they may damage neural tissue. Quercetin (QC) has neuroprotective effects, but poor solubility and low bioavailability have led to the development of QC-involved nanoparticles. Combining quercetin with superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (QCSPIONs) can improve cognitive dysfunction and promote neurogenesis without toxicity by inhibiting protein aggregation and acting against iron overload.
JOURNAL OF NANOBIOTECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Qi Han, Kate M. Smith, Connie Darmanin, Timothy M. Ryan, Calum J. Drummond, Tamar L. Greaves
Summary: This study investigates the conformational changes of lysozyme in the presence of ionic liquids using a combination of spectroscopic techniques, small angle X-ray scattering, and X-ray crystallography. The results show that the secondary structure of lysozyme remains stable while the tertiary structure, particularly the loop regions, are sensitive to the concentration and type of ionic liquids.
JOURNAL OF COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE
(2021)
Review
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Leo Kit Cheung Lee, Lok Leong, Yao Liu, Meihua Luo, Ho Yin Edwin Chan, Chung Hang Jonathan Choi
Summary: Polyglutamine diseases are inheritable progressive neurodegenerative disorders lacking disease-modifying therapeutic interventions. Nanoparticles offer potential for improved drug delivery to the brain, with promising preclinical applications in treating polyQ diseases. The future of nanomedicines for polyQ diseases appears promising with developments in inorganic nanoparticles and novel drug candidates.
MOLECULAR PHARMACEUTICS
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Thuy Trang Nguyen, Thi Thuy Dung Nguyen, Nguyen-Minh-An Tran, Giau Van Vo
Summary: Neurodegenerative disorders are characterized by the gradual deterioration of the nervous system due to various factors, with different lipid-based nanocarriers showing promising results in alleviating symptoms of NDs. Challenges in translating lipid nanocarriers from bench to bed side are also discussed.
NEUROCHEMICAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Qin Ouyang, Kai Liu, Qubo Zhu, Huiyin Deng, Yuan Le, Wen Ouyang, Xiaoxin Yan, Wenhu Zhou, Jianbin Tong
Summary: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a common form of dementia in elderly individuals, with no effective treatment currently available. This study presents a novel DNA nanoflowers-based delivery system for AD therapy, which allows exogenous supplementation of miR-124 to ameliorate AD-like pathology. The nanosystem demonstrates promising results in increasing miR-124 levels in the brain and achieving robust therapeutic efficacy in a mouse model of AD.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Davide D'Angelo, Stefan Kooij, Frank Verhoeven, Fabio Sonvico, Cees van Rijn
Summary: This study optimized a method for evaluating the nasal deposition and coverage of innovative nasal spray nozzles. It was found that aerosol formulations with droplets of 15-25 μm in size could be uniformly deposited in the nasal cavity, with less than 10% passing beyond the nasopharyngeal region.
JOURNAL OF ADVANCED RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Davide 'Angelo, Veronica Chierici, Eride Quarta, Giada Varacca, Luca Cavalieri, Alessio Piraino, Andrea S. Melani, Fabio Sonvico, Francesca Buttini
Summary: This study investigates the effects of unshaken, shaken, and delayed use of suspension pressurized metered-dose inhalers (pMDIs) on Fine Particle Mass (<5 μm), Extra Fine Particle Mass (<2 μm), and MMAD. Most suspension pMDIs produce variable amounts of respirable size drug when subjected to shake-fire delays, with FPM ranging from -82% for Symbicort to 363% for Ventolin compared to the control values if not shaken. In terms of MMAD measurements, Seretide and Serzyl inhalers experience an increase from around 3 μm to 4.2-5.1 μm when not shaken. On the other hand, FPM and MMAD for solution aerosols remain unchanged regardless of being shaken or the delay in actuation after shaking.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICS
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Sergio Augusto Lopes de Souza, Roberta Silveira Santos Laurindo, Gabriel Gutfilen-Schlesinger, Felippe Felix, Jose Luiz de Medeiros Amarante, Bianca Gutfilen
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of Tc-99m-mononuclear leukocyte scintigraphy associated with Tc-99m-phytate in suspected Necrotizing External Otitis (NEO) patients, and found that Tc-99m-mononuclear leukocyte scintigraphy has high specificity and is the best option for NEO.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Eleonora Bianchi, Marco Ruggeri, Barbara Vigani, Elena Del Favero, Caterina Ricci, Cinzia Boselli, Antonia Icaro Cornaglia, Cesar Viseras, Silvia Rossi, Giuseppina Sandri
Summary: Tendon disorders are common and painful conditions. Current treatment methods often involve surgery, which requires addressing the issue of scar tissue. This study developed nanofibrous scaffolds made of thermoplastic polyurethane, enriched with cerium oxide nanoparticles and chondroitin sulfate, to support tissue regeneration. The scaffolds exhibited excellent mechanical properties, promoted cell adhesion and proliferation, and showed potential as platforms for tendon regeneration.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Giada Varacca, Davide D'Angelo, Stefania Glieca, Luca Cavalieri, Alessio Piraino, Eride Quarta, Fabio Sonvico, Francesca Buttini
Summary: The correct use of dry powder inhalers is crucial for effective treatment and management of the disease. This study evaluated the impact of inhaler misuse on dose delivery and aerodynamic parameters. Two different inhaler devices, NEXThaler and Ellipta, were investigated. NEXThaler consistently delivered the correct dose, while Ellipta had reduced dose delivery when operated facing downward. NEXThaler's dose protector prevented powder loss during incorrect manipulations. Both devices proved reliable during double activation. Exhalation conditions had a slight effect on the aerodynamic profile of the inhalers.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Eleonora Bianchi, Barbara Vigani, Marco Ruggeri, Elena Del Favero, Caterina Ricci, Pietro Grisoli, Anita Ferraretto, Silvia Rossi, Cesar Viseras, Giuseppina Sandri
Summary: Tendon disorders are common and can cause disability, pain, healthcare costs, and loss of productivity. Traditional approaches are not effective due to tissue weakness and postoperative changes in joint mechanics. This study aimed to design nano-fibrous scaffolds using a biodegradable polymer, poly(butyl cyanoacrylate) (PBCA), doped with copper oxide nanoparticles and caseinphosphopeptides (CPP) to mimic the structure of tendons and improve tissue healing. These scaffolds could be used to reconstruct tendons and ligaments during surgery. The results showed that the scaffolds had improved mechanical properties and displayed antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial effects. Further research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of these scaffolds in vivo for tendon regeneration.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Silvia Franze, Caterina Ricci, Elena Del Favero, Francesco Rama, Antonella Casiraghi, Francesco Cilurzo
Summary: This study investigated the advantages of combining proliposomes and DiMiL as drug carriers to enhance the skin penetration of CBD. Sucrose and trehalose were found to be the best carriers for spray-dried and slurried proliposomes, respectively. Cryo-EM images showed the presence of micelles in the aqueous core of lipid vesicles in the DiMiL system, and the presence of sugars did not alter the structural organization. CBD permeation through human epidermis was significantly improved when carried by DiMiL systems, and trehalose further increased the flux.
MOLECULAR PHARMACEUTICS
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Patricia Sola Penna, Sergio Augusto Lopes De Souza, Paulo Gustavo Limeira Nobre De Lacerda, Izabela Jardim Rodrigues Pitta, Clarissa Neves Spitz, Ana Maria Sales, Flavio Alves Lara, Ana Caroline Siquara De Souza, Euzenir Nunes Sarno, Roberta Olmo Pinheiro, Marcia Rodrigues Jardim
Summary: This study used 18F-FDG PET/CT to evaluate the peripheral nerves of nine leprosy patients and found that the uptake of 18F-FDG correlates with clinical neuritis. The results suggest that 18F-FDG PET-CT could be a useful tool to confirm neuritis, especially in difficult-to-diagnose cases.
PLOS NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Davide D'Angelo, Eride Quarta, Stefania Glieca, Giada Varacca, Lisa Flammini, Simona Bertoni, Martina Brandolini, Vittorio Sambri, Laura Grumiro, Giulia Gatti, Giorgio Dirani, Francesca Taddei, Annalisa Bianchera, Fabio Sonvico, Ruggero Bettini, Francesca Buttini
Summary: This study developed a dry inhalation powder of cyclosporine-A for lung transplantation rejection prevention and COVID-19 treatment. The impact of excipients on the powder's critical quality attributes was investigated. The optimized powder exhibited faster dissolution, better respirability, and showed efficacy in reducing IL-6 and inhibiting SARS-CoV-2 replication, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic strategy for lung rejection prevention and COVID-19 treatment.
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Eride Quarta, Michele Chiappi, Alessio Adamiano, Anna Tampieri, Weijie Wang, Teresa D. Tetley, Francesca Buttini, Fabio Sonvico, Daniele Catalucci, Paolo Colombo, Michele Iafisco, Lorenzo Degli Esposti
Summary: There has been a growing interest in developing biocompatible inhalable nanoparticle formulations for treating and diagnosing lung disease. In this study, superparamagnetic iron-doped calcium phosphate nanoparticles (FeCaP NPs) were found to be safe for inhalation administration to human lung cells. D-mannitol spray-dried microparticles embedding FeCaP NPs were formulated to achieve optimal particle size distribution for successful inhalation and deposition. This work demonstrates a spray drying method to provide a dry powder platform for the lung delivery of safe FeCaP NPs for magnetically driven applications.
JOURNAL OF FUNCTIONAL BIOMATERIALS
(2023)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Fabio Sonvico, Gaia Colombo, Eride Quarta, Fabiola Guareschi, Sabrina Banella, Francesca Buttini, Regina Scherliess
EXPERT OPINION ON DRUG DELIVERY
(2023)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Francesca Buttini, Stefania Glieca, Fabio Sonvico, David A. Lewis
Summary: The urgency to replace propellants with sustainable alternatives has led to the need for investigation and reformulation of pMDIs.
EXPERT OPINION ON DRUG DELIVERY
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Chiara Guidolin, Christopher Heim, Nathan B. P. Adams, Philipp Baaske, Valeria Rondelli, Roberto Cerbino, Fabio Giavazzi
Summary: Introduced more than 50 years ago, dynamic light scattering (DLS) is commonly used for determining the size distribution of colloidal suspensions and macromolecules in solution. This study demonstrates that differential dynamic microscopy (DDM), a microscope-based DLS technique, can accurately measure the size of small macromolecules in diluted solutions. The results show that DDM is a valuable alternative for rapid, label-free protein sizing with an optical microscope.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Md. Musfizur Hassan, Bilquis Romana, Guangzhao Mao, Naresh Kumar, Fabio Sonvico, Pall Thordarson, Paul Joyce, Kristen E. Bremmell, Timothy J. Barnes, Clive A. Prestidge
Summary: The study explores the potential of liposome-micelle-hybrid (LMH) carriers for co-formulation and delivery of PTX and 5-FU, aiming to enhance their chemotherapeutic performance. The optimized PTX-5FU-LMH carriers demonstrated increased drug loading and solubility, temperature-sensitive release, enhanced permeability, and cancer cell eradication.
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Cristina S. Matushita, Francisco de Assis Romeiro Figueiroa Benicio Coelho, Camila Edith Stachera Stasiak, Denise Ferreira Rodrigues, Diego Bromfman Pianta, Flavia Dornelas Kurkowski, Marcelo Moreira da Silva, Sergio Augusto Lopes de Souza, Rafael Willain Lopes, Paulo Henrique Rosado de Castro
REVISTA DA ASSOCIACAO MEDICA BRASILEIRA
(2023)