Review
Chemistry, Physical
Azin Rashidy Ahmady, Pakshid Hosseinzadeh, Atefeh Solouk, Somaye Akbari, Adrianna M. Szulc, Bogumil E. Brycki
Summary: Gemini surfactants, composed of two cationic monomers linked together, have high surface activity and can decrease water surface tension due to their unique structure. They possess outstanding properties, such as antibacterial activity, unique aggregation behavior, and interaction with biomacromolecules. These properties can be tailored by adjusting the structure of the surfactant. Gemini surfactants demonstrate higher performance efficacy and lower toxicity compared to their monomeric counterparts. However, biocompatibility remains a limitation, leading researchers to develop alternative gemini surfactants based on amino acids and sugars.
ADVANCES IN COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Jose Antonio Lebron, Pilar Lopez-Cornejo, Elena Garcia-Dionisio, Pablo Huertas, Margarita Garcia-Calderon, Maria Luisa Moya, Francisco Jose Ostos, Manuel Lopez-Lopez
Summary: The tendency of surfactants to self-aggregate plays a key role in determining their efficiency for compacting nucleic acids, with 12NBr showing the most effectiveness as a DNA compacting agent. Lipoplexes of DOPE/12NBr/pEGFP-C1 were prepared and characterized, with investigations into their cytotoxicity and transfection efficiency.
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Joachim Justad Roise, Hesong Han, Jie Li, D. Lucas Kerr, Chung Taing, Kamyar Behrouzi, Maomao He, Emily Ruan, Lienna Y. Chan, Eli M. Espinoza, Soren Reinhard, Kanav Thakker, Justin Kwon, Mohammad R. K. Mofrad, Niren Murthy
Summary: The development of endosomal disruptive agents is challenging, with current agents having limited clinical impact. The caged surfactants are a new class of low molecular weight agents that selectively disrupt endosomes via reversible PEGylation under acidic conditions, addressing limitations hindering current agents. These surfactants have demonstrated the ability to enhance mRNA delivery and deliver siRNA into cells, showing promise for various applications in pharmaceutical chemistry and drug delivery.
MOLECULAR PHARMACEUTICS
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Puja Ghosh, Himja Tiwari, Jaya Lakkakula, Arpita Roy, Talha Bin Emran, Summya Rashid, Saad Alghamdi, Bodour S. Rajab, Mazen Almehmadi, Mamdouh Allahyani, Abdulelah Aljuaid, Ahad Amer Alsaiari, Rohit Sharma, Ahmad O. Babalghith
Summary: Despite advancements in the biomedical field, clinically approved cancer therapeutics are mostly limited to chemotherapy, surgery, and radiotherapy. There is a growing demand for targeted drug delivery using nanomaterials to mitigate the cardiotoxicity and side effects associated with current treatment strategies. In this review, the use of modified liposomes encapsulating the commonly used drug doxorubicin (DOX) is explored for the treatment of various types of cancer, showing potential for enhanced efficiency and site-specific drug delivery.
MATERIALS TODAY ADVANCES
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Lluvia Guerrero-Hernandez, Hector Ivan Melendez-Ortiz, Gladis Y. Cortez-Mazatan, Sandra Vaillant-Sanchez, Rene D. Peralta-Rodriguez
Summary: This paper reviews the importance of surfactants in polymerization reactions, and discusses the synthesis of novel surfactants, micelle formation, and their applications in various fields.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Zhou Lu, Gan Zongjie, Zhang Qianyu, Liu Xueyan, Wu Kexin, Chen Baoyan, Tao Ran, Ren Fang, Hu Hui, Chen Huali
Summary: Gemini surfactants (GS) have potential as non-viral vectors for gene delivery. However, their cytotoxicity and in vivo limitations have hindered their development. In this study, GS-based gene delivery systems complexed with red blood cell membranes (RBCM) and/or DOPE-PEG2000 (DP) were prepared and evaluated. The results showed that the dual incorporation of RBCM and DP significantly improved the transfection efficiency and cell viability in hepatocytes.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICS AND BIOPHARMACEUTICS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Yaoqi Pan, Bingqing Ge, Yongle Zhang, Pan Li, Bogeng Guo, Xiaoyang Zeng, Jianguo Pan, Sen Lin, Pei Yuan, Linxi Hou
Summary: Novel rosin-based Gemini surfactants (RGS-n) exhibit lower critical micelle concentration and better cleaning efficacy, with RGS-14 showing the highest performance in cleaning PCBs. This research has specific significance for industrial circuit board cleaning using Gemini surfactants as a cleaning agent.
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR LIQUIDS
(2021)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Myriam Sainz-Ramos, Ilia Villate-Beitia, Idoia Gallego, Nuseibah AL Qtaish, Margarita Menendez, Laura Lagartera, Santiago Grijalvo, Ramon Eritja, Gustavo Puras, Jose Luis Pedraz
Summary: Lipid nanocarriers, such as niosomes, are promising candidates for non-viral gene delivery due to their biocompatibility and versatility. This study evaluated the effects of incorporating chloroquine in niosomes and different non-ionic surfactant compositions on their biophysical properties. Results showed that chloroquine incorporation improved the performance of niosomes, while variations in surfactant substitution and protocol had less impact.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Noemi Dirzu, Ondine Lucaciu, Dan Sebastian Dirzu, Olga Soritau, Diana Cenariu, Bogdan Crisan, Lucia Tefas, Radu Septimiu Campian
Summary: Bone regeneration is a key focus in maxillofacial research, with exogenous delivery of growth factors, such as BMP-2, through liposomes showing potential in enhancing bone integration and quality. This literature review explores the scientific data on BMP-2 delivery using liposomes, suggesting a promising strategy for future clinical practice.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2022)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Guilherme S. Ramos, Virginia M. R. Vallejos, Marina S. Ladeira, Priscila G. Reis, Daniel M. Souza, Yuri A. Machado, Luiz O. Ladeira, Mauricio B. Pinheiro, Maria N. Melo, Ricardo T. Fujiwara, Frederic Frezard
Summary: The study found that fullerol has potential anti-leishmanial activity, especially when combined with liposomes, showing significant reduction in parasite load. This innovative approach provides a new potential method for treating VL.
BIOMEDICINE & PHARMACOTHERAPY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Michele Massa, Mirko Rivara, Gaetano Donofrio, Luigi Cristofolini, Erica Peracchia, Carlotta Compari, Franco Bacciottini, Davide Orsi, Valentina Franceschi, Emilia Fisicaro
Summary: This paper evaluates the gene delivery ability of newly synthesized gemini bis-pyridinium surfactants and compares them with compounds of different lengths. The results suggest that these surfactants could be a valuable tool for gene delivery purposes, but their performance depends on the spacer length and structure in solution.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Meng-Meng Song, Jing Chen, Shu-Ming Ye, Da-Peng Lu, Gui-Yang Zhang, Rui Liu, Yu-Xian Shen
Summary: This study aimed to develop an effective drug delivery system for acute ischemic stroke using EDV-LIPs. The results of biodistribution and therapeutic effect analysis showed that the nanoliposomes had a long circulation time and were able to accumulate in the brain lesion region. Furthermore, the EDV-LIPs could restore cerebral blood flow, reduce infarct volume, and decrease neuronal apoptosis.
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Rebecca L. Goldman, Namratha Turuvekere Vittala Murthy, Trent P. Northen, Anuranjani Balakrishnan, Sudha Chivukula, Hillary Danz, Timothy Tibbitts, Anusha Dias, Jorel Vargas, Dustin Cooper, Hardip Gopani, Angela Beaulieu, Kirill V. Kalnin, Timothy Plitnik, Saswata Karmakar, Ramesh Dasari, Ryan Landis, Shrirang Karve
Summary: Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) incorporating ionizable lipids have shown great promise as delivery vehicles for mRNA and vaccines. In this study, a novel family of ionizable lipids with unique tails and degradable moieties was synthesized. The structure of the lipids and the physical characteristics of LNPs were found to affect protein production in vivo. LNPs formulated with mRNA encoding an influenza HA antigen successfully generated functional HA inhibition antibody titers in non-human primates, demonstrating their potential as a vaccine.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Jennifer Lien, Tawni Bull, Richard W. Michelmore, Ting Guo
Summary: Fluorescence titration using magnetic nanoparticles (FTMN) is a rapid, inexpensive, and simple method for quantifying the amount of fluorophore-intercalated plasmid DNA on DNA attractive nanoparticles. By confirming the binding of propidium iodide (PI)-intercalated DNA to polyethylenimine (PEI)-coated monodisperse iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles (PEI-MNs), the FTMN method provides a way to determine the amount of DNA on MNs, the dissociation constant, and binding energy. This method is validated by utilizing quantitative polymerase chain reaction to measure the amount of free PI/DNA in solution.
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
A. Ringaci, A. V. Yaremenko, K. G. Shevchenko, S. D. Zvereva, M. P. Nikitin
Summary: This study presents a novel nanoscale modified MOFs that allow co-delivery of a transgene and a drug-like molecule, opening up new opportunities for gene delivery while retaining the advantages of small molecule transport. Experimental results demonstrate the performance of these multimodal nanoparticles in vitro for different cell lines and in vivo upon intravenous injection in mice, showing potential applications in lung disease treatment.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Sara Battista, Pierangelo Bellio, Lorenza Fagnani, Elena Allegritti, Lisaurora Nazzicone, Luciano Galantini, Giuseppe Celenza, Luisa Giansanti
Summary: Although primarily investigated for drug delivery, liposomes can also exhibit pharmacological activity based on their composition. The molecular structure of liposome components affects their interaction with bacterial cells and antimicrobial properties. Liposomal formulations with N-oxide are effective against Gram-positive bacteria.
MOLECULAR PHARMACEUTICS
(2022)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Sara Battista, Mariana Koeber, Pierangelo Bellio, Giuseppe Celenza, Luciano Galantini, Guillem Vargas-Nadal, Lorenza Fagnani, Jaume Veciana, Nora Ventosa, Luisa Giansanti
Summary: The newly developed nanovesicle system of the quatsome family shows noticeable antibacterial activity, demonstrating great potential for the treatment of bacterial infections and can also serve as nanocarriers of pharmaceutical actives.
ACS APPLIED NANO MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Christoph M. Zimmermann, Domizia Baldassi, Karen Chan, Nathan B. P. Adams, Alina Neumann, Diana Leidy Porras-Gonzalez, Xin Wei, Nikolaus Kneidinger, Mircea Gabriel Stoleriu, Gerald Burgstaller, Dominik Witzigmann, Paola Luciani, Olivia M. Merkel
Summary: This study verifies the successful spray drying procedure of LNP-siRNA systems maintaining their integrity and mediating strong gene silencing efficiency on mRNA and protein levels both in vitro and ex vivo. The successful spray drying procedure of LNP-siRNA formulations in 5% lactose solution creates a novel siRNA-based therapy option to target respiratory diseases such as lung cancer, asthma, COPD, cystic fibrosis and viral infections.
JOURNAL OF CONTROLLED RELEASE
(2022)
Article
Biology
Cristina Zivko, Kathrin Fuhrmann, Gregor Fuhrmann, Paola Luciani
Summary: This study developed a method to isolate and characterize extracellular vesicles (EVs) from human hepatic stellate cells and identified a potential EV marker, the matricellular protein SPARC, after lipid-based antifibrotic treatment. Understanding the cellular mechanisms underlying hepatic fibrogenesis and finding alternative biomarkers for liver biopsies could lead to more effective treatments and less invasive diagnostic methods.
COMMUNICATIONS BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biophysics
Simona Sennato, Angelo Sarra, Carlo Panella La Capria, Cecilia Bombelli, Enrica Donati, Paolo Postorino, Federico Bordi
Summary: Laser Transmission Spectroscopy (LTS) is a technique that can determine the particle concentration and size of colloidal suspensions by measuring the transmittance of a laser beam through the suspension as a function of wavelength. This study demonstrates the application of LTS in investigating liposome suspensions, where accurate quantification of particle concentration is crucial for defining the colloidal properties. LTS is validated by comparing results with High-Performance Liquid Chromatography, and then applied to state-of-art liposomal nanocarrier suspensions. The study also explores data analysis methods and potential future applications of LTS in characterizing nanocarriers and other nanoparticles.
COLLOIDS AND SURFACES B-BIOINTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Cristina Zivko, Finja Witt, Andreas Koeberle, Gregor Fuhrmann, Paola Luciani
Summary: Chronic hepatic diseases are a major cause of death worldwide, but there is currently no effective treatment. Recent research has shown that combining experimental drugs Elafibranor (Ela) and Obeticholic acid (OA) with PPC-rich liposomes can mitigate their damaging effects on hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). EV analysis provides a deeper evaluation of drug performance and delivery strategies.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICS AND BIOPHARMACEUTICS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Sarah Teworte, Paola Luciani
Summary: This article provides a comprehensive overview of the pathophysiological processes involved in endometriosis, highlighting the role of inflammation, fibrosis, angiogenesis, hormonal regulation, and genetic factors. It also emphasizes the importance of drug delivery in the treatment of this disease.
HELVETICA CHIMICA ACTA
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Sarah Teworte, Simone Aleandri, Jessica R. Weber, Marianna Carone, Paola Luciani
Summary: Gynaecological health is an overlooked area of research that requires the development of dosage forms for diseases such as endometriosis. In this study, a 3D-printed semisolid vaginal ovule containing pirfenidone, a drug candidate for endometriosis, was developed. The 3D-printed ovule showed controlled release of pirfenidone and better mucoadhesive properties compared to standard excipients. This work opens up possibilities for further preclinical and clinical studies on vaginally administered pirfenidone as a treatment for endometriosis.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Marianna Carone, Marianne R. Spalinger, Robert A. Gaultney, Raffaele Mezzenga, Kristyna Hlavackova, Aart Mookhoek, Philippe Krebs, Gerhard Rogler, Paola Luciani, Simone Aleandri
Summary: Ulcerative colitis, a chronic inflammatory bowel disease, can be improved by a temperature-triggered in situ forming lipid gel. This gel can sustainably release drugs of different polarities and adhere to the colonic wall, enhancing drug bioavailability. Loading known colitis treatment drugs into the gel improves animal health in acute colitis mouse models.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Irene Spera, Nikola Cousin, Miriam Ries, Anna Kedracka, Alina Castillo, Simone Aleandri, Mykhailo Vladymyrov, Josephine A. Mapunda, Britta Engelhardt, Paola Luciani, Michael Detmar, Steven T. Proulx
Summary: This study anatomically defined the connections between the subarachnoid space and the lymphatic system at the cribriform plate in mice. It identified direct connections from the subarachnoid space to lymphatic vessels enwrapping the olfactory nerves, forming a continuous network that allows cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) drainage into nasal submucosal lymphatics. This finding is important for understanding CSF outflow pathways and the role of the lymphatic system in CSF circulation.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Gregor Bordon, Shivaprakash N. Ramakrishna, Sam G. Edalat, Remo Eugster, Andrea Arcifa, Martina Vermathen, Simone Aleandri, Mojca Frank Bertoncelj, Julien Furrer, Peter Vermathen, Lucio Isa, Rowena Crockett, Oliver Distler, Paola Luciani
Summary: Researchers have developed a zinc ion-based liposomal drug delivery system for local osteoarthritis therapy, which provides sustained release and tribological protection. Aggregation of liposomes induced by zinc ions extended the release of rapamycin (RAPA) and improved cartilage lubrication. The system showed excellent protective ability against friction at both nano- and macro-scales and demonstrated potential to enhance OA therapy through extended release and cartilage tribological protection.
JOURNAL OF COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Aymar Abel Ganguin, Ivo Skorup, Sebastian Streb, Alaa Othman, Paola Luciani
Summary: This study introduces a new therapeutic approach using cell-derived nanovesicles (cdNVs) to address the lack of effective treatments for liver fibrosis. The cdNVs from LX-2 cells exhibit concentration-dependent fibrosis regression, linked to their biomolecular corona. This makes cdNVs a promising candidate for the development of liver fibrosis resolving therapeutics.
ADVANCED HEALTHCARE MATERIALS
(2023)
Review
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Gregor Bordon, Francis Berenbaum, Oliver Distler, Paola Luciani
Summary: This review discusses recent advancements in lipid-based drug delivery systems for osteoarthritis (OA) therapy. Lipid nanoparticles and other lipidic systems offer targeted delivery and improved therapeutic outcomes, while also reducing systemic drug exposure. Additionally, combining multifunctional systems with cartilage lubrication shows promising results. The review highlights the importance of direct comparisons between novel drug delivery systems and standard treatments to accurately evaluate their effectiveness and safety.
BIOMEDICINE & PHARMACOTHERAPY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Benedetta Brugnoli, Alessia Mariano, Beatrice Simonis, Cecilia Bombelli, Simona Sennato, Antonella Piozzi, Vincenzo Taresco, Veeren M. Chauhan, Steven M. Howdle, Anna Scotto d'Abusco, Iolanda Francolini
Summary: This study investigates the use of chitosan nanoparticles as carriers for an anticancer drug, demonstrating their ability to reduce hepatotoxicity and potentially decrease invasiveness of osteosarcoma.
CARBOHYDRATE POLYMER TECHNOLOGIES AND APPLICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Oumar Elzenaty, Paola Luciani, Simone Aleandri
Summary: Lipid mesophases have been widely used as drug delivery systems due to their ability to incorporate and release various molecules. However, their water channels restrict the release of large hydrophilic molecules. In this study, a gel with swollen water channels was designed to overcome this limitation. The gel was able to efficiently release a hydrophilic model protein. This approach opens up new possibilities for the local application of biomacromolecules.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY B
(2022)