Self-assembled nanoparticles of reduction-sensitive poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid)-conjugated chondroitin sulfate A for doxorubicin delivery: preparation,characterization and evaluation

In this study, reduction-sensitive self-assembled polymer nanoparticles based on poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) and chondroitin sulfate A (CSA) were developed and characterized. PLGA was conjugated with CSA via a disulfide linkage (PLGA-ss-CSA). The critical micelle concentration (CMC) of PLGA-ss-CSA conjugate is 3.5?µg/mL. The anticancer drug doxorubicin (DOX) was chosen as a model drug, and was effectively encapsulated into the nanoparticles (PLGA-ss-CSA/DOX) with high loading efficiency of 15.1%. The cumulative release of DOX from reduction-sensitive nanoparticles was only 34.8% over 96?h in phosphate buffered saline (PBS, pH 7.4). However, in the presence of 20?mM glutathione-containing PBS environment, DOX release was notably accelerated and almost complete from the reduction-sensitive nanoparticles up to 96?h. Moreover, efficient intracellular DOX release of PLGA-ss-CSA/DOX nanoparticles was confirmed by CLSM assay in A549 cells. In vitro cytotoxicity study showed that the half inhibitory concentrations of PLGA-ss-CSA/DOX nanoparticles and free DOX against A549 cells were 1.141 and 1.825?µg/mL, respectively. Therefore, PLGA-ss-CSA/DOX nanoparticles enhanced the cytotoxicity of DOX in vitro. These results suggested that PLGA-ss-CSA nanoparticles could be a promising carrier for drug delivery.     

Effect of molecular structure of chitosan on protein delivery properties of chitosan nanoparticles

Chitosan nanoparticles (CS NP) with various formations were produced based on ionic gelation process of tripolyphosphate (TPP) and chitosan. They were examined with diameter 20-200 nm and spherical shape using TEM. FTIR confirmed tripolyphosphoric groups of TPP linked with ammonium groups of chitosan in the nanoparticles. Factors affecting delivery properties of bovine serum albumin (BSA) as model protein have been tested, they included molecular weight (Mw) and deacetylation degree (DD) of chitosan, the concentration of chitosan and initial BSA, and the presence of polyethylene glycol (PEG) in encapsulation medium. Increasing Mws of chitosan from 10 to 210 kDa, BSA encapsulation efficiency was enhanced about two times, BSA total release in PBS (phosphate buffer saline) pH 7.4 in 8 days was reduced from 73.9 to 17.6%. Increasing DD from 75.5 to 92% promoted slightly the encapsulation efficiency and decelerated the release rate. The encapsulation efficiency was highly decreased by increase of initial BSA and chitosan concentration; higher loading capacity of BSA speeded the BSA release from the nanoparticles. Adding PEG hindered the BSA encapsulation and accelerated the release rate.     

Promoting Antitumor Activities of Hydroxycamptothecin by Encapsulation into Acid-Labile Nanoparticles Using Electrospraying

Purpose

Acid-labile nanoparticles are proposed to enhance the tumor targeting and anti-tumor therapy of hydroxycamptothecin (HCPT) in response to the acidic microenvironment within cells and tumor tissues.

Methods

HCPT was entrapped into matrix polymers containing acid-labile segments and galactose moieties (PGBELA) through an electrospraying technique. The antitumor activities of HCPT-loaded nanoparticles were evaluated both on HepG2 cells and after intravenous injection into H22 tumor-bearing mice.

Results

The electrosprayed nanoparticles were obtained with enhanced loading efficiency and extended release of HCPT compared with other nanoparticle preparation methods. The acid-lability and targeting capability of PGBELA nanoparticles resulted in a 5 times higher inhibitory activity after incubation in pH 6.8 media compared to that of pH 7.4. Animal studies indicated that both the blood circulation time and tumor distribution of PGBELA nanoparticles were significantly increased. HCPT/PGBELA nanoparticles indicated a superior in vivo antitumor activity and fewer side effects than other treatments on the basis of tumor growth, animal survival rate, tissue necrosis and cell apoptosis evaluation.

Conclusion

Biodegradable PGBELA nanoparticles are capable of achieving site-specific drug delivery by active targeting and triggered release by acidic pH both in tumor tissues and after internalization within tumor cells, thereby providing a novel strategy for cancer treatment.     

Antitumoral activity of camptothecin-loaded nanoparticles in 9L rat glioma model

Camptothecin (CPT), a plant alkaloid, is a potent anticancer drug in cell culture studies but it is clinically inactive due to rapid hydrolysis under physiological conditions. The drug exists in two forms depending on the pH value, an active lactone form at pH below 5 and an inactive carboxylate form at basic pH and this is a reversible reaction. In this study, nanoparticulate delivery systems were developed with either amphiphilic cyclodextrins, poly(lactide-co-glycolide) or poly-?-caprolactone in order to maintain the active lactone form and prevent the drug from hydrolysis. All nanoparticles were prepared with nanoprecipitation technique. Mean particle sizes were 130–280 nm and surface charges were negative. The encapsulation efficiency was significantly higher for amphiphilic cyclodextrin nanoparticles when compared to polymeric nanoparticles. Nanoparticle formulations based on cyclodextrins showed a controlled release profile extended up to 12 days. 6-O-Capro-β-cyclodextrin (1.44 μg/60 μL CPT) and concentrated 6-O-Capro-β-cyclodextrin (2.88 μg/60 μL CPT) nanoparticles significantly modified the growth or lethality of the 9L gliomas, since the median survival time was 26 days for the untreated group and between 27 and 33 days for amphiphilic cyclodextrin nanoparticle groups. These results indicate that, CPT-loaded amphiphilic cyclodextrin nanoparticles may provide a promising carrier system for the effective delivery of CPT in comparison to polymeric analogues.     

A Heterogeneously Structured Composite Based on Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) Microspheres and Poly(vinyl alcohol) Hydrogel Nanoparticles for Long-Term Protein Drug Delivery

Purpose. To prepare a heterogeneously structured composite based on poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) microspheres and poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) hydrogel nanoparticles for long-term protein drug delivery. Methods. A heterogeneously structured composite in the form of PLGA microspheres containing PVA nanoparticles was prepared and named as PLGA-PVA composite microspheres. A model protein drug, bovine serum albumin (BSA), was encapsulated in the PVA nanoparticles first. The BSA-containing PVA nanoparticles was then loaded in the PLGA microspheres by using a phase separation method. The protein-containing PLGA-PVA composite microspheres were characterized with regard to morphology, size and size distribution, BSA loading efficiency, in vitroBSA release, and BSA stability. Results. The protein-containing PLGA-PVA composite microspheres possessed spherical shape and nonporous surface. The PLGA-PVA composite microspheres had normal or Gaussian size distribution. The particle size ranged from 71.5 m to 282.7 m. The average diameter of the composite microspheres was 180 m. The PLGA-PVA composite microspheres could release the protein (BSA) for two months. The protein stability study showed that BSA was protected during the composite microsphere preparation and stabilized inside the PLGA-PVA composite microspheres. Conclusions. The protein-containing PLGA-PVA composite may be suitable for long-term protein drug delivery.     

不同表面活性剂修饰的汉防己甲素PLGA纳米粒制备表征及体外评价

目的:基于纳米粒的递送系统,以改善天然化合物汉防己甲素对肺癌的功效。方法:选取聚乙烯醇、普朗尼克-F127和双十二烷基二甲基溴化铵3种不同的稳定剂,采用单乳化扩散溶剂挥发法制备载汉防己甲素的PLGA纳米粒,考察不同稳定剂对载药纳米粒粒径、ζ电位以及对肺癌A549细胞摄取的影响。结果:2%,1%和0.1%浓度的PVA、PF127和DMAB制备的纳米粒呈表面光滑、大小均一的球形,粒径范围均控制在180~200nm;药物包封率为50%~60%;体外释放实验显示,在pH 7.4的PBS溶液中3组载药纳米粒均呈现缓慢持续释药;细胞学实验结果表明3组纳米粒给药系统均表现出比药物更强的抗肿瘤活性。结论:对PLGA进行表面修饰制备的纳米载体能使汉防己甲素的给药效率得到明显提升。     

PLA nanoparticles loaded with an active lactone form of hydroxycamptothecin: Development,optimization, and in vitro–in vivo evaluation in mice bearing H22 solid tumor

Hydroxycamptothecin (HCPT)‐loaded PLA nanoparticles were prepared by a one‐step method using the direct dialysis technique, and were examined for particle characteristics, in vitro drug release, and cytotoxicity, as well as antitumor efficiency. Three main influential factors based on the results of a single‐factor test, i.e., PLA concentration, ratio of HCPT to PLA (wt/wt), and dialysis bags with different molecule weight cutoffs, were evaluated using an orthogonal design, giving nanoparticles an average diameter of ～226.8 nm with smooth surface, modest drug entrapment efficiency (65.15%), and fine drug‐loading content (5.16%, w/w). HCPT was in a crystalline state within the particles. In vitro drug release studies exhibited a slow and prolonged release profile over a period of 30 days. The cytotoxicity test on BEL‐7402 cells indicated that the HCPT‐PLA nanoparticles were more cytotoxic than commercially available HCPT injection. When the antitumor effect was examined by i.v. administration to mice bearing H22 solid tumor, HCPT‐PLA nanoparticles showed a significant suppression of tumor growth without loss of body weight. These results suggest that HCPT‐PLA nanoparticles prepared by the dialysis technique present desirable characteristics for sustained drug delivery and are potentially useful to enhance the antitumor efficacy of HCPT. Drug Dev Res 72: 337–345, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Effects of incorporated drugs on degradation of novel 2,2'-bis(2-oxazoline) linked poly(lactic acid) films

Earlier studies have indicated that the degradation rate of poly(lactic acid) (PDLLA) can be modified by using 2,2′-bis(2-oxazoline) as a chain extender in polymer synthesis to form a lactic acid-based poly(ester-amide) (PEA). In the present study, the effect of an incorporated drug on the degradation rate of the PEA was evaluated. The model drugs, neutral guaifenesin, acidic sodium salicylate (pK_a 3.0) and basic timolol (pK_a 9.2), were incorporated into solvent cast PDLLA and PEA films. The drug content in the films was 2% (w/w). The degradation studies were carried out in PBS (pH 7.4, 37 °C); the resulting decrease in molecular weight of polymers was determined by size exclusion chromatography and the weight loss of films was measured. In addition, the drug release from the films in PBS (pH 7.4, 37 °C) was studied. The model drugs were released from the PDLLA and PEA films in a biphasic or triphasic manner. The final fast release phase of the drugs from both PDLLA and PEA films started when the molecular weight (M_n) of the polymer had decreased close to 15,000 g/mol. The degradation rate of the PDLLA films was clearly enhanced by incorporated sodium salicylate or timolol. Whereas, the degradation rate of the PEA film was not enhanced by the incorporated drugs. The present results indicate that when compared to the PDLLA film, degradation rate of the PEA film in the presence of the drug is more predictable.     

Biodegradable poly(epsilon -caprolactone) nanoparticles for tumor-targeted delivery of tamoxifen

To increase the local concentration of tamoxifen in estrogen receptor (ER) positive breast cancer, we have developed and characterized nanoparticle formulation using poly(epsilon -caprolactone) (PCL). The nanoparticles were prepared by solvent displacement method using acetone-water system. Particle size analysis, scanning electron microscopy, zeta potential measurements, and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) were used for nanoparticle characterization. Biodegradation studies were performed in the presence and absence of Pseudomonas lipase in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS, pH 7.4) at 37 degrees C. Tamoxifen loading over different concentrations was analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and the optimum loading concentration was determined. In vitro release studies were performed in 0.5% (w/v) sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) containing PBS at 37 degrees C. Cellular uptake and distribution of fluorescent-labeled nanoparticles was examined in MCF-7 breast cancer cells. SEM micrographs and Coulter analysis showed nanoparticles with spherical shape and uniform size distribution (250-300 nm), respectively. Zeta potential analysis revealed a positive surface charge of +25 mV on the tamoxifen-loaded formulation. Being hydrophobic crystalline polyester, PCL did not degrade in PBS alone, but the degradation was enhanced by the presence of lipase. The maximum tamoxifen loading efficiency was 64%. Initial burst release of tamoxifen was observed, probably due to significant surface presence of the drug on the nanoparticles. A large fraction of the administered nanoparticle dose was taken up by MCF-7 cells through non-specific endocytosis. The nanoparticles were found in the perinuclear region after 1 h. Results of the study suggest that nanoparticle formulations of selective ER modulators, like tamoxifen, would provide increased therapeutic benefit by delivering the drug in the vicinity of the ER.     

两亲性PCL-PVP聚合物水凝胶负载布洛芬-精氨酸药物共晶制备及体外释放研究

目的：制备两亲性聚己内酯-聚乙烯吡咯烷酮（PCL-PVP）聚合物水凝胶用于负载布洛芬-精氨酸药物共晶并考察其体外释放行为。方法：采用溶剂挥发法制备物质的量比1：1布洛芬-精氨酸药物共晶;通过自由基溶液聚合法制备PCL-PVP聚合物凝胶。将布洛芬-精氨酸共晶负载于PCL-PVP聚合物凝胶上,考察不同亲疏水比例载药物共晶凝胶（PCL：PVP=1：9,3：7,5：5）在pH 5.8,7.4的PBS中的体外释放行为。结果：在pH 5.8 PBS中,布洛芬释放速率及释放量受载药凝胶亲疏水比例影响较大,释放72 h后, PCL：PVP=3：7的载药凝胶累积释放量达到约80%,为3组凝胶中的最大值。在pH 7.4 PBS中,不同亲疏水比例的载药凝胶的释放速率差别不大,布洛芬的释放速率较pH 5.8 PBS中的释放速率明显增大,在释放开始12 h后三者累积释放率均已接近或超过80%。结论：药物共晶的体外释放受多种因素影响,两亲性PCL-PVP聚合物凝胶可用于布洛芬-精氨酸药物共晶的载体,具有一定控释作用。     

The Acidic Microclimate in Poly(lactide-co-glycolide) Microspheres Stabilizes Camptothecins

Purpose. The camptothecin (CPT) analogue, 10-hydroxycamptothecin (10-HCPT) has been shown previously to remain in its acid-stable (and active) lactone form when encapsulated in poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) microspheres (1). The purpose of this study was to determine the principal mechanism(s) of 10-HCPT stabilization. Methods. CPTs were encapsulated in PLGA 50:50 microspheres by standard solvent evaporation techniques. Microspheres were eroded in pH 7.4 buffer at 37°C. The ratio of encapsulated lactone to carboxylate was determined by HPLC as a function of time, initial form of drug encapsulated, fraction of co-encapsulated Mg(OH)₂, CPT lipophilicity, and drug loading. Two techniques were developed to assess the microclimate pH, including: i) measurement of H⁺ content of the dissolved microspheres in an 80:20 acetonitrile/H₂O mixture and ii) confocal microscopy of an encapsulated pH-sensitive dye, fluorescein. Results. The encapsulated carboxylate converted rapidly to the lactone after exposure to the release media, indicating the lactone is favored at equilibrium in the microspheres. Upon co-encapsulation of Mg(OH)₂, the trend was reversed, i.e., the lactone rapidly converted to the carboxylate form. Measurement of -log(hydronium ion activity) (pa*_H) of dissolved microspheres with pH-electrode and pH mapping with fluorescein revealed the presence of an acidic microclimate. From the measurements of H+ and water contents of particles hydrated for 3 days, a microclimate pH was estimated to be in the neighborhood of 1.8. The co-encapsulation of Mg(OH)₂ could both increase the pa*_H reading and neutralize pH in various regions of the microsphere interior. Varying the drug lipophilicity and loading revealed that the precipitation of the lactone could also stabilize CPT. Conclusions. PLGA microspheres prepared by the standard solvent evaporation techniques develop an acidic microclimate that stabilizes the lactone form of CPTs. This microclimate may be neutralized by co-encapsulating a base such as Mg(OH)₂, as suggested by previous work with poly(ortho esters) (2).     

Box-Behnken optimization design and enhanced oral bioavailability of thymopentin-loaded poly (butyl cyanoacrylate) nanoparticles

This study was done to prepare thymopentin (TP5)-loaded poly (butyl cyanoacrylate) nanoparticles (TP5-PBCA-NPs) and evaluate thier efficacy for oral delivery. TP5-PBCA-NPs were prepared by emulsion polymerization, and the formulation was optimized based on Box-Behnken experimental design. The physico-chemical characteristics of TP5-PBCA-NPs were evaluated using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), malvern zetasizer, Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy (FT-IR) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The encapsulation efficiency, enzymatic degradation and release behavior of TP5-PBCA-NPs in various media were evaluated using a high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method. The pharmacodynamic studies on oral administration of TP5-PBCA-NPs were performed in FACScan flow cytometry. An optimum formulation consisted of 0.7% poloxamer 188 (Pol), 0.6% dextran-70 (Dex), 0.1% sodium metabisulfite (Sm), 0.1% TP5 and 1% (v/v) n-butyl cyanoacrylate. The particle size and zeta potential of optimized TP5-PBCA-NPs was 212 nm and -22.6 mV respectively with 82.45% encapsulation efficiency. TP5 was entrapped inside the nanoparticles in molecular dispersion form. The release of TP5 from PBCA-NPs was pH dependent; the cumulative release percentage in 0.1 M HCI for 4 hours was less than 16% while it was more than 80% in pH6.8 PBS. The PBCA-NPs could efficiently protect TP5 from enzymatic degradation; the remained percentage of TP5 encapsulated in PBCA-NPs was 58.40% after incubated with trypsin in pH6.8 PBS for 4 h while it was only 32.29% for free drug. In the oral administration study in vivo, the lowered T-lymphocyte subsets values were significantly increased and the raised CD4+/CD8+ ratio was evidently reduced compared with that of TP5 solution (p < 0.05), and the improvement of bioavailability was dose-dependent. These results indicated that the PBCA nanoparticles may be a promising carrier for oral delivery of TP5.     

Role of erythrocytes and serum proteins in the kinetic profile of total 9-amino-20(S)-camptothecin in humans

9-Amino-20(S)-camptothecin (9-AC) is a water-insoluble topoisomerase I inhibitor with evident schedule-dependent antitumor activity in preclinical studies. The pharmacokinetic behavior of 9-AC given as a bolus i.v. infusion (1.0 mg/m2 over 5 min) was recently characterized in 12 patients in a bioavailability study. Remarkable rebound concentrations of 9-AC total drug (i.e. lactone plus carboxylate forms) were observed at about 2-3 h after dosing. In vitro experiments indicated that this phenomenon was associated with a substantial uptake of 9-AC lactone by erythrocytes immediately after dosing and its subsequent release followed by accumulation of 9-AC carboxylate in the plasma compartment mediated by a pH-dependent hydrolysis of the lactone form, which is unable to diffuse across cell membranes. The preferential binding of 9-AC carboxylate to human serum albumin shifts the equilibrium between the lactone and carboxylate forms of 9-AC to the pharmacological inactive carboxylate form.     

载阿霉素海藻酸钠纳米粒的制备及体外释药行为研究

目的以海藻酸钠(sodium alginate,ALG)为材料,制备载阿霉素海藻酸钠纳米粒(doxorubicin loading nanoparticles,DOX-ALG-NPs),并对其载药、释药特性进行研究。方法采用微乳-离子交联法制备空白海藻酸钠纳米粒(ALG-NPs),以吸附法载药制备阿霉素海藻酸钠纳米粒(DOX-ALG-NPs)。采用效应面法对ALG-NPs的处方进行优化,并考察ALG-NPs悬液浓度、药载比、孵育时间及孵育温度对ALG-NPs载药性能的影响。对DOX-ALG-NPs的基本性质及体外释药行为进行考察。结果成功制备了粒径为(262.0±4.5)nm的ALG-NPs及粒径为(159.8±8.1)nm、包封率及载药量分别为(94.2±0.5)%和(19.05±0.085)%的DOX-ALG-NPs。与原料药DOX相比,DOX-ALG-NPs在生理盐水与PBS(pH=7.4)中均呈现明显的缓释作用,在生理盐水和PBS中2 h与5 h时分别释放药物(38.1±1.5)%与(55.5±1.1)%、(40.0±1.8)%与(48.1±2.5)%,24 h时分别释放(73.1±3.2)%、(60.3±3.4)%。结论所制备的DOX-ALG-NPs形态圆整,粒径小且分布均匀,包封率及载药量较高,具有缓释性能,有望用作抗癌药物传递系统。     

Effect of Chemical Binding of Doxorubicin Hydrochloride to Gold Nanoparticles, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Versus</Emphasis> Electrostatic Adsorption,on the <Emphasis Type="Italic">In Vitro</Emphasis> Drug Release and Cytotoxicity to Breast Cancer Cells

Purpose

The selective delivery of chemotherapeutic agent to the affected area is mainly dependent on the mode of drug loading within the delivery system. This study aims to compare the physical method to the chemical method on the efficiency of loading DOX.HCl to GNPs and the specific release of the loaded drug at certain tissue.

Method

Bifunctional polyethylene glycol with two different functionalities, the alkanethiol and the carboxyl group terminals, was synthesized. Then, DOX·HCl was covalently linked via hydrazone bond, a pH sensitive bond, to the carboxyl functional group and the produced polymer was used to prepare drug functionalized nanoparticles. Another group of GNPs was coated with carboxyl containing polymer; loading the drug into this system by the means of electrostatic adsorption. Finally, the prepared system were characterized with respect to size, shape and drug release in acetate buffer pH 5 and PBS pH 7.4 Also, the effect of DOX.HCl loaded systems on cell viability was assessed using MCF-7 breast cancer cell line.

Results

The prepared nanoparticles were spherical in shape, small in size and monodisperse. The release rate of the chemically bound drug in the acidic pH was higher than the electrostatically adsorbed one. Moreover, both systems show little release at pH 7.4. Finally, cytotoxicity profiles against human breast adenocarcinoma cell line (MCF-7) exhibited greater cytotoxicity of the chemically bound drug over the electrostatically adsorbed one.

Conclusion

Chemical binding of DOX·HCl to the carboxyl group of PEG coating GNPs selectively delivers high amount of drug to tumour-affected tissue which leads to reducing the unwanted effects of the drug in the non-affected ones.

     

In Vitro Extended-Release Properties of Drug-Loaded Poly(DL-Lactic Acid) Nanoparticles Produced by a Salting-Out Procedure

Savoxepine-loaded poly(DL-lactic acid) (PLA) nanoparticles were prepared using an emulsion technique involving a salting-out process which avoids surfactants and chlorinated solvents. After their formation, the nanoparticles were purified by cross-flow microfiltration and subsequently freeze-dried. The drug loading and the drug entrapment efficacy were improved by using savoxepine base rather than the methanesulfonate salt and by modifying the pH of the aqueous phase. A drug entrapment efficacy as high as 95% was obtained with a 9% drug loading. The overall yield of the procedure can rise up to 93%. In vitro release studies have demonstrated that by varying the mean size of the nanoparticles and their drug loading, the release of the drug from the nanoparticles can be modulated to last from several hours to more than 30 days, thus allowing the preparation of an injectable extended-release dosage form.     

9-nitrocamptothecin polymeric nanoparticles: cytotoxicity and pharmacokinetic studies of lactone and total forms of drug in rats

The objective of this study was to evaluate the cytotoxicity and pharmacokinetics of total and lactone forms of 9-nitrocamptothecin (9-NC), an effective antineoplastic drug, after intravenous injection of drug incorporated into poly (DL-lactic-glycolic acid) nanoparticles (NPs). Drug-loaded NPs (9-NC.NP) were prepared by the nanoprecipitation method and examined for particle characteristics and in-vitro release in phosphate buffered saline. The best formulation showed a narrow size with an average diameter of 207+/-26 nm and a drug loading of more than 33.5%. The drug release profile showed a sustained 9-NC release up to 160 h. For a pharmacokinetic study, the concentration of 9-NC as the lactone form (9-NC.lac) and as the total of the lactone and carboxylate forms (9-NC.tot) in plasma was determined by using reverse-phase high performance liquid chromatography after intravenous administration of 9-NC.NP and a control solution to cannulated Wistar rats. In-vitro cytotoxic activity of 9-NC.NP and control solution was evaluated on the human ovarian cancer cell line (A2780sn) by MTT cell cytotoxicity assay. Results of in-vivo studies showed that NP encapsulation markedly increased the plasma concentration of both lactone and total forms of 9-NC compared with free drug. In comparison with free drug, NPs resulted in 3.63-fold and 5.40-fold increases in area under the plasma concentration-versus-time curve (AUC(0-infinity)) for lactone and total forms of 9-NC, respectively. The values of mean residence time and elimination half-life (T(1/2)) were also significantly higher for NPs than for free drug. The in-vitro cytotoxicity study revealed that the IC50 value of NPs decreased 10-fold compared with the drug solution. Prepared NPs described here were considered potentially useful in both stabilizing and delivering 9-NC and enhancing the efficacy of this drug for cancer treatment for which high drug retention in the body, protection from the drug-active lactone form, and gradual drug release appeared to be related.     

肝靶向羟基喜树碱缓释毫微粒的研究

采用吸附—包裹法制备了聚乙烯吡啶烷酮包被的羟基喜树碱聚氰基丙烯酸正丁酯毫微粒。研究了该毫微粒的形态、粒径及粒径分布、载药量、体外释药特征、动物体内的分布与药代动力学参数。结果表明平均粒径dav=81.2nm,载药量为1.22%,体外释药速率符合Higuchi方程:Q=0.0615+0.0940t,静脉注射后15min,即有68.2%羟基喜树碱浓集于肝脏。血浆药浓—时间曲线符合二室开放药动学模型。主要药动学参数为:Vc=3.548L,T_1/2β=146.99h,CL=0.1788L·h^-1。说明该载药毫微粒具有明显的肝靶向和缓释作用。本文报道的吸附─包裹法对水、脂不溶性药物聚氰基丙烯酸酯毫微粒的制备具有一定参考价值。     

Design of novel multifunctional targeting nano-carrier drug delivery system based on CD44 receptor and tumor microenvironment pH condition

In this study, to develop a multifunctional targeting nano-carrier drug delivery system for cancer therapy, the novel pH-sensitive ketal based oligosaccharides of hyaluronan (oHA) conjugates were synthesized by chemical conjugation of hydrophobic menthone 1,2-glycerol ketal (MGK) to the backbone of oHA with the histidine as the linker of proton sponge effect. The multifunctional oHA conjugates, oHA-histidine-MGK (oHM) carried the pH-sensitive MGK as hydrophobic moieties and oHA as the target of CD44 receptor. The oHM could self-assemble to nano-sized spherical shape with the average diameters of 128.6?nm at pH 7.4 PBS conditions. The oHM nanoparticles (oHMN) could release encapsulated curcumin (Cur) with 82.6% at pH 5.0 compared with 49.3% at pH 7.4. The results of cytotoxicity assay indicated that encapsulated Cur in oHMN (Cur-oHMN) were stable and have less toxicity compared to Cur suspension. The anti-tumor efficacy in vivo suggested that Cur-oHMN suppressed tumor growth most efficiently. These results present the promising potential of oHMN as a stable and effective nano-sized pH-sensitive drug delivery system for cancer treatment.     

Sustained-release hydroxycamptothecin polybutylcyanoacrylate nanoparticles as a liver targeting drug delivery system

Sustained release hydroxycamptothecin polybutylcyanoacrylate nanoparticles (HCPT-PBCA-NP) associated with polybutylpyrolidone (PVP) for liver targeting were prepared by the adsorption-entrapping method. The morphology, sizes, drug loading efficiencies, release characteristics in vitro, distribution and pharmacokinetic parameters in vivo of the HCPT-PBCA-NP associated with PVP were studied. The median diameter of the particles was 81 nm and the drug loading was 1.2%. The release characteristics in vitro were in accordance with the Higuchi equation: Q = 0.0615 + 0.0940 mean square root t. 64.5% of the HCPT were concentrated in the liver at 15 min after i.v. administration of HCPT-PBCA-NP associated with PVP. The plasma drug concentration-time curve of the HCPT in rabbits was fitted to a two-compartment open model. The Vc, T 1/2 and CL were 3.5L; 147h; 0.18L x h(-1), respectively. The method of preparation presented in this paper seems to bean alternative for the preparation of PBCA-NP of poorly soluble drugs both in water and in lipid.