Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Gabriele Balciunaite-Murziene, Mindaugas Dzikaras
Summary: Wheat germ agglutinin has the potential to enhance and improve drug delivery systems, anticancer drugs, and antibacterial and antifungal therapeutics through its cytotoxic mechanisms and specific carbohydrate binding. Extractable from wheat germ, it displays specific toxicity and biomedical potential, with antifungal and cytotoxic properties. Demonstrated as a viable solution for various biomedical applications, wheat germ agglutinin is mainly used in conjunction with nanoparticles, liposomes, and other carrier mechanisms for targeted drug delivery and chemotherapy.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2021)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Gabriela Haedrich, Gustavo Richter Vaz, Juliana Bidone, Virginia Campello Yurgel, Helder Ferreira Teixeira, Alexandre Goncalves Dal Bo, Luciano da Silva Pinto, Mariana Appel Hort, Daniela Fernandes Ramos, Antonio Sergio Varela Junior, Pedro Eduardo Almeida da Silva, Cristiana Lima Dora
Summary: This study aimed to produce nanostructured lipid carriers with novel glycosylated amphiphilic to attach WGA on the surface for improved intracellular drug delivery. The functionalization of nanocarriers with WGA protein increased phagocytosis by macrophages, showing potential for treating intracellular pathogens.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Luis E. Rojas Tovar, Michael G. Ganzle
Summary: This study found that the fate of WGA during sourdough fermentation is mainly related to thiol-exchange reactions rather than proteolytic degradation. Latilactobacillus sakei and Fructilactobacillus sanfranciscensis can reduce WGA content in the process of fermentation.
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Victoria L. Messerschmidt, Uday Chintapula, Aneetta E. Kuriakose, Samantha Laboy, Thuy Thi Dang Truong, LeNaiya A. Kydd, Justyn Jaworski, Zui Pan, Hashem Sadek, Kytai T. Nguyen, Juhyun Lee
Summary: Notch signaling is crucial for embryonic development and organ regeneration, with loss of signal resulting in maldevelopment. Encapsulating Notch plasmid in nanoparticles made of poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) can reestablish downstream signaling, showing non-toxicity, stability, compatibility with blood, and successful transfection of HUVECs.
FRONTIERS IN CARDIOVASCULAR MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Bo Yang, Yongqing Mao, Yanjun Zhang, Yue Hao, Meitong Guo, Bian Li, Haisheng Peng
Summary: In this study, receptor-selective HA-coated PLGA nanoparticles were prepared to deliver the anti-tumor drug API, showing enhanced therapeutic efficacy against colon cancers with high expression of CD44.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Peuli Nath, Sameer Sayel Hamadna, Leshern Karamchand, John Foster, Raoul Kopelman, Jacques G. Amar, Aniruddha Ray
Summary: A novel method of intracellular detection of singlet oxygen using biocompatible polymeric nanosensors has been proposed, where the change in fluorescence intensity serves as a metric to detect singlet oxygen in the local micro-environment inside mammalian cancer cells.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Muhammad AbdEl-haq, Awanish Kumar, Fatima-ezzahra Ait Mohand, Nataly Kravchenko-Balasha, Yakir Rottenberg, Abraham J. Domb
Summary: The study investigated the development of paclitaxel-loaded polymeric nanoparticles for brain tumor treatment. Poly(lactide-glycolide) (PLGA) nanoparticles with a size of 216 nm and containing 10% w/w paclitaxel were administered through intranasal and intravenous routes to rats. Both routes of administration resulted in significant accumulation of paclitaxel in brain tissue, liver, and kidney, with no observed toxicity. The anti-proliferative effect of the nanoparticles on glioblastoma tumor cells was similar to that of free paclitaxel.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Chaowei Han, Tianbao Dong, Pengcheng Wang, Feimeng Zhou
Summary: Unlike conventional SPR, SPR microscopy for single-cell analysis uses a protein-or polypeptide-modified gold substrate to immobilize cells and a cell-free area as the reference. However, the gold substrate is prone to nonspecific adsorption (NSA) of species from the cell culture media, resulting in false background signals. In this study, a dual-channel substrate was patterned using a microfluidic device to exclude NSA and cell scattering for more accurate kinetic results.
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Katharina Skoll, Julia Palmetzhofer, Maria Lummerstorfer, Maria Anzengruber, Franz Gabor, Michael Wirth
Summary: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common bacterial infections, but treatment is often compromised by the efficient colonization mechanism of uropathogenic Escherichia coli. In this study, a drug delivery system utilizing a plant lectin called wheat germ agglutinin (WGA) was created, which showed increased cell binding potential and efficacy against both gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria. This novel approach has the potential to improve the treatment of UTIs.
NANOMEDICINE-NANOTECHNOLOGY BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Dan Yun, Dengyuan Liu, Jinlin Liu, Yanyi Feng, Hongyu Chen, Simiao Chen, Qingchun Xie
Summary: This study proposes a simplified surface modification strategy using cRGDyK peptide (RGD)-modified PLGA nanoparticles (NPs) loaded with paclitaxel. The results show that the modified NPs have excellent in vitro drug release properties and cellular uptake ability, leading to increased efficacy and reduced toxicity of the antitumor drug. In a mouse model experiment, the RGD-modified NPs exhibit a higher tumor weight suppression rate, demonstrating their promising potential in cancer therapy.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Keegan Braz Gomes, Bernadette D'Souza, Sharon Vijayanand, Ipshita Menon, Martin J. D'Souza
Summary: Effective vaccines delivered via painless methods would revolutionize vaccination. This study developed fast-dissolving microneedles to deliver antigen-loaded polymeric nanoparticles, achieving a dual-delivery platform for transdermal vaccination. The study demonstrated the feasibility of this approach and its potential for transdermal vaccine administration.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICS
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Juan C. Fraire, Elnaz Shaabani, Maryam Sharifiaghdam, Matthias Rombaut, Charlotte Hinnekens, Dawei Hua, Jana Ramon, Laurens Raes, Eduardo Bolea-Fernandez, Toon Brans, Frank Vanhaecke, Peter Borghgraef, Chaobo Huang, Felix Sauvage, Tamara Vanhaecke, Joery De Kock, Ranhua Xiong, Stefaan De Smedt, Kevin Braeckmans
Summary: Biolistic delivery with light-triggered self-assembled nanobombs can efficiently transfect mammalian cells by propelling smaller nanoprojectiles through the cell membrane using vapor bubble formation. It outperforms electroporation in terms of transfection yield.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Mark Rutschmann, Natalja Redinger, Ulrich E. Schaible, Claus Feldmann
Summary: AMC@SiO2 core@shell nanocarriers with a high drug load of 0.8 mg mg(-1) are prepared using a solvent-antisolvent approach. The nanocarriers have a mean diameter of 240 nm, with an inner AMC core of 200 nm and an outer silica shell of 20 nm. The size, structure, and composition of the nanocarriers are confirmed by various characterization methods. The AMC@SiO2 core@shell nanocarriers show promising potential for the treatment of multidrug resistant bacterial pathogens.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY B
(2023)
Article
Anatomy & Morphology
Lixin Wang, Pu-Qing Yuan, Yvette Tache
Summary: This study discovers that the distribution, morphology, and innervation of vasculature in different mouse colonic segments and layers are not well understood. The blood vessels enter from the mesentery and form capillary networks in the mucosa and muscularis externa. There are differences in microvascular density between the mucosa and muscularis externa.
FRONTIERS IN NEUROANATOMY
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Guoyun Jiang, Zhenglan Huang, Ying Yuan, Kun Tao, Wenli Feng
Summary: The study demonstrated that encapsulating anti-BCR/ABL antibodies in PLGA NPs enabled efficient and safe intracellular delivery, leading to degradation of BCR/ABL oncoprotein in CML cells via the Trim-Away pathway. The nanoparticles inhibited cell proliferation and induced apoptosis in vitro, as well as impaired oncogenic ability of CML cells in vivo, offering a promising therapeutic strategy for CML patients, especially those with TKI resistance.
JOURNAL OF HEMATOLOGY & ONCOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Yazid Zaiki, Lee Yong Lim, Tin Wui Wong
Summary: Key materials used in the design of oral insulin nanoparticles include intestinal receptor targeting, biomimetic virus mimicking, particulate surface charge switching, coat-core detachment, and combination approaches. Mucus penetration favors particles with hydrophilic/amphiphilic surfaces with no net charges, while mucosa penetration shows a preponderance for hydrophobic or positively charged surfaces.
INTERNATIONAL MATERIALS REVIEWS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Khairul Islam, Tomislav Sostaric, Lee Yong Lim, Katherine Hammer, Cornelia Locher
Summary: This paper investigates the effects of temperature on the physicochemical properties and bioactivity levels of honeys. The study shows that increasing temperature significantly increases the HPTLC-DPPH total band activity and HMF content of honeys.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ivan Lozada Lawag, Md Khairul Islam, Tomislav Sostaric, Lee Yong Lim, Katherine Hammer, Cornelia Locher
Summary: This study examined the phenolic content, antioxidant activity, and phenolic compounds in different honeys from Western Australia. The highest total phenolic content and antioxidant activity were found in Calothamnus spp. honey. Various phenolic compounds were identified and quantified in the honeys using High Performance Thin-Layer Chromatography (HTPLC). The identified compounds were found to contribute to the honeys' antioxidant activity, except for certain compounds like t-cinnamic acid and lumichrome.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Md Lokman Hossain, Lee Yong Lim, Katherine Hammer, Dhanushka Hettiarachchi, Cornelia Locher
Summary: This study reports on the release profile of MGO from five commercial products containing Manuka honey using Franz diffusion cell and HPLC analysis. The results showed that the release rate of MGO from an artificial honey matrix and NZ Manuka honey reached 99.49% and 98.05% respectively over a 12-hour period, while a time-dependent % MGO release between 85% and 97.18% was observed in the investigated formulations over the same period.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ivan Lozada Lawag, Elisa S. Nolden, Arthur A. M. Schaper, Lee Yong Lim, Cornelia Locher
Summary: The Folin-Ciocalteu assay is commonly used for measuring total phenolic content (TPC) in honey, but it can be influenced by the presence of reducing sugars, resulting in overestimation of TPC. This study investigates the effect of pH on the assay and proposes a modified TPC method using appropriate pH conditions (pH 7.9) achieved with a 0.75% Na2CO3 solution to minimize interference from reducing sugars. The findings demonstrate the importance of pH control for accurate analysis of TPC in honey and validate the modified method according to ICH guidelines.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Md Lokman Hossain, Lee Yong Lim, Katherine Hammer, Dhanushka Hettiarachchi, Cornelia Locher
Summary: This study presents the design, preparation, and physicochemical characterization of three types of alginate-based topical formulations incorporating honey. The developed manufacturing techniques yielded topical formulations with high honey content while preserving the integrity of the honey constituents, regardless of the honey type utilized. A storage stability study demonstrated that the monitored honey constituents retained their integrity after 6 months of storage.
Article
Immunology
Li Zhang, Ling Rong Wong, Peiyan Wong, Wanxiang Shen, Shili Yang, Lizhen Huang, Yun-An Lim, Paul Chi-Lui Ho
Summary: Baicalein has the potential to improve cognition and brain circulation in Alzheimer's disease by inhibiting the activity of neuronal injury-related factors.
BRAIN, BEHAVIOR, & IMMUNITY - HEALTH
(2023)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Nur Nabihah Binte Zailani, Paul Chi-Lui Ho
Summary: This review provides an overview of the applications of dried blood spots (DBS) as matrices for therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) and drug or disease response monitoring (DRM). DBS offers advantages such as minimal invasiveness, small blood volume requirement, reduced biohazardous risk, and improved sample stability compared to conventional methods. Factors like haematocrit, blood volume, sampling paper, and chromatographic effects can affect the accuracy of DBS sampling. The potential of DBS for home-based TDM and its application in monitoring drug or disease responses through various approaches are also discussed.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF DRUG METABOLISM AND PHARMACOKINETICS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Mariana Mello dos Santos, Christina Jacobs, Md Khairul Islam, Lee Yong Lim, Cornelia Locher
Summary: A novel HPTLC method using silica gel 60 F-254 plates with 1-butanol-2-propanol-aqueous boric acid solution as the mobile phase was developed for quantification of trehalulose in stingless bee honey. The method exhibited good linearity over the concentration range of 100-800 ng per band with a coefficient of correlation of 0.9996. The method was validated for various parameters and successfully applied for determination of trehalulose in stingless bee honey.
JPC-JOURNAL OF PLANAR CHROMATOGRAPHY-MODERN TLC
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Md Lokman Hossain, Lee Yong Lim, Katherine Hammer, Dhanushka Hettiarachchi, Cornelia Locher
Summary: This study presents data on the antioxidant and antibacterial activities of honey-based topical formulations incorporating four Western Australian (WA) honeys along with New Zealand Manuka honey as a comparator honey. The study found that the antioxidant activity was retained in all formulation types irrespective of the honey that was utilized. Additionally, the antibacterial activity of honey-loaded formulations was recorded to be comparable to that of their respective pure honeys.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2023)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Okhee Yoo, Britta S. von Ungern-Sternberg, Lee Yong Lim
Summary: This review paper discusses the use of human taste panels and artificial neural networks (ANNs) in taste-masking paediatric drug formulations. Young adults (18-40) can serve as suitable substitutes for children due to their similar taste sensitivity. Taste panellists need not be experts in sensory evaluation, but should be screened for bitterness taste detection thresholds. ANNs can model complex relationships and enable predictions in taste-masking optimization. Continuous refinement of machine learning algorithms can enhance paediatric formulation development and overcome taste-masking challenges.
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Okhee Yoo, Sam Salman, Britta S. von Ungern-Sternberg, Lee Yong Lim
Summary: This study utilized the D-optimal mixture experimental design to determine the optimal component ratio of flucloxacillin, Eudragit EPO, and palmitic acid to prepare taste-masked microparticles. The interactions between the excipients and the drug influenced the stability and release of flucloxacillin. Storage temperature and humidity also affected the chemical stability of the microparticles, with over 90% of the drug load retained after 12 months under preferred storage conditions.
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Okhee Yoo, Sam Salman, Britta S. von Ungern-Sternberg, Lee Yong Lim
Summary: This paper presents a new taste-masked flucloxacillin ternary microparticle (FTM) formulation for children, which overcomes the challenges of bitter taste, quick dissolution, and large doses. A robust and reproducible fabrication method is developed, with potential scalability.
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Md Lokman Hossain, Minh Nguyen, Leah Benington, Lee Yong Lim, Katherine Hammer, Dhanushka Hettiarachchi, Cornelia Locher
Summary: The aim of this study was to assess the release profile of components in five different honeys and their corresponding honey-loaded gel formulations using a custom-designed diffusion cell in combination with High-Performance Thin-Layer Chromatography (HPTLC). The newly developed approach coupled with HPTLC is conducive to monitor the release profile of minor honey constituents from pure honeys and honey-loaded semisolid formulations.
METHODS AND PROTOCOLS
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Md Khairul Islam, Ivan Lozada Lawag, Kathryn J. Green, Tomislav Sostaric, Katherine A. Hammer, Lee Yong Lim, Cornelia Locher
Summary: This study questions the value of melissopalynology as an analysis tool to authenticate Jarrah honey, as no statistically significant difference was found amongst the honeys classified by pollen analysis into two honey groups, 'Jarrah' or 'Blackbutt'.
CURRENT RESEARCH IN FOOD SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Greta Camilla Magnano, Marika Quadri, Elisabetta Palazzo, Roberta Lotti, Francesca Loschi, Stefano Dall'Acqua, Michela Abrami, Francesca Larese Filon, Alessandra Marconi, Dritan Hasa
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the loading of sildenafil citrate in three commercial transdermal vehicles using 3D full-thickness skin equivalent and compare the results with permeability experiments using porcine skin. The results showed that the results obtained using the 3D skin equivalent were comparable to those obtained using porcine skin, suggesting that the 3D skin model can be a valid alternative for ex-vivo skin absorption experiments.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICS
(2024)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
James W. Mckeage, Andrew Z. H. Tan, Andrew J. Taberner
Summary: Needle-free jet injection is a promising alternative drug delivery technique that offers rapid, non-invasive, and large-volume injections. The study presents a prototype multi-orifice nozzle and a computational fluid dynamic model to demonstrate the feasibility and effectiveness of this technology.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICS
(2024)
