The aim of this study was to obtain essential oil (LNEO) from the Laurus nobilis L. plant, and to prepare LNEO-loaded poly lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) nanoparticles (NPs) as an approach in cancer treatment. The components of the obtained LNEO were analyzed using GC-MS. The LNEO-NPs were synthesized by the single-emulsion method. The LNEO-NPs were characterized using UV-Vis spectrometry, Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and a DNA binding assay, which was performed via the UV-Vis titration method. According to the results, the LNEO-NPs had a 211.4 ± 4.031 nm average particle size, 0.068 ± 0.016 PdI, and −7.87 ± 1.15 mV zeta potential. The encapsulation efficiency and loading capacity were calculated as 59.25% and 25.65%, respectively, and the in vitro drug release study showed an LNEO release of 93.97 ± 3.78% over the 72 h period. Moreover, the LNEO was intercalatively bound to CT-DNA. In addition, the mechanism of action of LNEO on a dual PI3K/mTOR inhibitor was predicted, and its antiproliferative activity and mechanism were determined using molecular docking analysis. It was concluded that LNEO-loaded PLGA NPs may be used for cancer treatment as a novel phytotherapeutic agent-based controlled-release system.
1 August 2021 in Journal of Drug Delivery Science and Technology
Wound healing remains a significant clinical challenge, calling for innovative approaches to expedite the recovery process and improve patient outcomes. Bacterial nanocelluloses (BNCs) have emerged as a promising solution in the field of wound healing and dressings due to their unique properties such as high crystallinity, mechanical strength, high purity, porosity, high water absorption capacity, biodegradability, biocompatibility, sustainability, and flexibility. BNC-based materials can be applied for the treatment of different types of wounds, from second-degree burns to skin tears, biopsy sites, and diabetic and ischemic wounds. BNC-based dressings have exceptional mechanical properties such as flexibility and strength, which ensure proper wound coverage and protection. The renewable nature, eco-friendly production process, longer lifespan, and potential for biodegradability of BNCs make them a more sustainable alternative to conventional wound care materials. This review aims to provide a detailed overview on the application of BNC-based composites for wound healing and dressings via highlighting their ability as a carrier for delivery of different types of antimicrobial compounds as well as their direct effect on the healing process. Besides, it mentions some of the in vivo and clinical studies using BNC-based dressings and describes challenges related to the application of these materials as well as their future directions.
22 June 2023 in Journal of Biomolecular Structure and Dynamics
Background N-acetylcarnosine (NAC), a dipeptide with powerful antioxidant properties that is extensively used as a pharmaceutical prodrug for the treatment of cataract and acute gastric disease, was investigated by molecular dynamics with the GROMACS program in order to understand the solvent effect on peptide conformation of the peptide molecule used as a component of a drug and which presents substantial information on where drug molecules bind and how they exert their effects. Besides, molecular docking simulation was performed by using the AutoDock Vina program which identify the kind of interaction between the drug and proteins. A delivery system based on poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles (NPs) loaded with NAC (NAC-PLGA-NPs) for the treatment of cataract was prepared for the first time in this study in order to enhance drug bioavailability and biocompatibility. The objective of this work was to prepare and evaluate the structural formulation, characterization, and cytotoxicity studies of NAC-loaded NPs based on PLGA for cataract treatment. Methods PLGA and NAC-loaded PLGA NPs were prepared using the double emulsion (w/o/w) method, and characterizations of the NPs were carried out with UV–Vis spectrometer to determine drug concentration, the Zeta-sizer system to analyze size and zeta potential, FTIR spectrometer to determine the incorporation of drug and PLGA, and TEM analysis for morphological evaluation. Results NAC-loaded PLGA NPs were successfully obtained according to UV–Vis and FTIR spectroscopy, Zeta-sizer system. And it was clearly observed from the TEM analysis that the peptide-loaded NPs had spherical and non-aggregated morphology. Also, the NPs had low toxicity at lower concentrations, and toxicity was augmented by increasing the concentration of the drug. Discussion The NAC molecule, which has been investigated as a drug molecule due to its antioxidant and oxidative stress-reducing properties, especially in cataract treatment, was encapsulated with a PLGA polymer in order to increase drug bioavailability. This study may contribute to the design of drugs for cataract treatment with better reactivity and stability.