Regulatory status quo and prospects for biosurfactants in pharmaceutical applications

The concept of going ‘green’ and ‘cold’ has led to utilizing renewable resources for the synthesis of microbial biosurfactants that are both patient and eco-friendly. In this review, we shed light on the potential and regulatory aspects of biosurfactants in pharmaceutical applications and how they can significantly contribute to novel concepts for the Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine and future treatment. We emphasize that more specific guidelines should be formulated to regulate the approval of biosurfactants for human use. It is also crucial to implement a risk-based approach from the early research and development (R&D) phase in addition to establishing more robust standardized techniques and assays to evaluate the characteristics of biosurfactants.     

In vitro and in vivo evaluation of the efficacy of nanoformulation of siRNA as an adjuvant to improve the anticancer potential of cisplatin

With the advent of advanced tools in molecular biology, understanding on cancer etiology has improved. siRNA can be considered as an effective tool in cancer therapy through silencing overexpressed genes responsible for cell proliferation or preventing apoptosis. However, some contentious issues such as stability and delivery of siRNA are to be resolved. Bcl-2, an anti-apoptotic gene, is overexpressed in a wide variety of cancers and responsible for drug resistance tumors. In our earlier studies, we developed a nanoformulation of siRNA targeting the Bcl-2 and achieved successful delivery in vitro and in vivo. To extend the scope of the study further, in the present work, we studied the role of nanoformulation of siRNA as adjuvant in chemotherapy with cisplatin. Dose dependant nephrotoxicity is a serious concern apart from other adverse effects of cisplatin. The IC₅₀ value for cisplatin was decreased from 9.83 μmol/l to 7.43 μmol/l in HeLa cells and from 8.54 μmol/l to 6.68 μmol/l in HEp-2 cells, when it was given with siRNA nanoformulation. Cisplatin at the dose of 1.7 mg/kg in combination with siRNA nanoformulation was effective in improving the lifespan of tumor bearing mice with significant decrease in nephrotoxicity.     

Micro- and nanoformulations of paclitaxel based on micelles,liposomes, cubosomes,and lipid nanoparticles: Recent advances and challenges

The diterpenoid molecule paclitaxel (PTX), extracted from the Western yew tree, Taxus brevifolia, is a promising anticancer drug specifically in clinical use for ovarian and breast cancers. However, its wider use is hampered by adverse effects and emerging resistance in cancer cells. Micelles, liposomes, cubosomes, and lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) have the potential to reduce or even remove complications associated with the use of PTX. Herein, we provide an overview of micro- and nanoformulations of PTX based on micelles, liposomes, cubosomes and LNPs to improve the therapeutic effects of this drug both in vitro and in vivo.     

熊果酸纳米制剂的研究进展

熊果酸是一种具有保肝、抗炎、抗癌等多种生物活性的五环三萜类化合物,药理活性广泛。但是,较低的水溶性和生物利用度等缺陷限制了其临床应用。因此,开发新剂型以提高熊果酸的生物利用度成为熊果酸研究的重要部分。纳米载体广泛应用于改善药物水溶性,提高药效、延长药物作用时间。本文总结了国内外熊果酸纳米制剂的相关研究,包括脂质体、胶束、纳米粒、纳米悬浮液和纳米乳,为其后续研究提供必要的思路和参考。