Search for Articles:
Title / Keyword
Author / Affiliation / Email
Journal
Article Type
 
 
Advanced Search
 
Section
Special Issue
Volume
Issue
Number
Page
 
7.4
5.3
Journals
Nanomaterials
Special Issues
Nanotechnology Applications in the Pharmaceutical Field: Lipid-Based Nanoparticles
share announcement

Nanotechnology Applications in the Pharmaceutical Field: Lipid-Based Nanoparticles

A special issue of Nanomaterials (ISSN 2079-4991).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (10 March 2019) | Viewed by 46289

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Lucia Montenegro

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Drug Sciences, University of Catania, I-95125 Catania, Italy
Interests: lipid nanoparticles; nanocarriers; topical drug delivery; brain drug delivery; percutaneous absorption; prodrugs; cosmetics
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

The recent involvement of nanotechnology in the pharmaceutical field has led to the development of several nanocarriers as drug delivery systems. The great number of advantages of lipid-based nanoparticles has prompted researchers to investigate the feasibility of using these nanocarriers to solve drug bioavailability and targeting issues.

This special issue aims to cover a wide range of aspects related to the potential use of lipid-based nanoparticles for various therapeutic purposes and different administration routes.

Authors are invited to contribute original research articles and comprehensive review articles focused on the most recent advances in the design, characterization and pharmaceutical applications of lipid-based nanocarriers and the relevant future perspectives in their potential clinical use.

Potential topics include, but are not limited to lipid –based nanoparticles brain delivery, topical (dermal and ocular) delivery, transdermal delivery, parenteral administration, oral administration, in vitro and in vivo evaluation methods, design and characterization.

Prof. Lucia Montenegro
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Nanomaterials is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2900 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Published Papers (7 papers)

Download All Papers
Order results
Result details
Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

Jump to: Review

15 pages, 5512 KiB  
Article
MMP-9 Downregulation with Lipid Nanoparticles for Inhibiting Corneal Neovascularization by Gene Silencing
by Josune Torrecilla, Itziar Gómez-Aguado, Mónica Vicente-Pascual, Ana del Pozo-Rodríguez, María Ángeles Solinís and Alicia Rodríguez-Gascón
Nanomaterials 2019, 9(4), 631; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano9040631 - 18 Apr 2019
Cited by 17 | Viewed by 3668
Abstract
Gene silencing targeting proangiogenic factors have been shown to be a useful strategy in the treatment of corneal neovascularization (CNV). Among interference RNA (RNAi) molecules, short-hairpin RNA (shRNA) is a plasmid-coded RNA able to down-regulate the expression of the desired gene. It is [...] Read more.
Gene silencing targeting proangiogenic factors have been shown to be a useful strategy in the treatment of corneal neovascularization (CNV). Among interference RNA (RNAi) molecules, short-hairpin RNA (shRNA) is a plasmid-coded RNA able to down-regulate the expression of the desired gene. It is continuously produced in the host cell, inducing a durable gene silencing effect. The aim of this work was to develop a solid lipid nanoparticle (SLN)-based shRNA delivery system to downregulate metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9), a proangiogenic factor, in corneal cells for the treatment of CNV associated with inflammation. The nanovectors were prepared using a solvent emulsification-evaporation technique, and after physicochemical evaluation, they were evaluated in different culture cell models. Transfection efficacy, cell internalization, cell viability, the effect on MMP-9 expression, and cell migration were evaluated in human corneal epithelial cells (HCE-2). The inhibition of tube formation using human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) was also assayed. The non-viral vectors based on SLN were able to downregulate the MMP-9 expression in HCE-2 cells via gene silencing, and, consequently, to inhibit cell migration and tube formation. These results demonstrate the potential of lipid nanoparticles as gene delivery systems for the treatment of CNV-associated inflammation by RNAi technology. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanotechnology Applications in the Pharmaceutical Field: Lipid-Based Nanoparticles)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

17 pages, 5734 KiB  
Article
Solid Lipid Nanoparticles Surface Modification Modulates Cell Internalization and Improves Chemotoxic Treatment in an Oral Carcinoma Cell Line
by Lide Arana, Laura Bayón-Cordero, Laura Isabel Sarasola, Miren Berasategi, Sandra Ruiz and Itziar Alkorta
Nanomaterials 2019, 9(3), 464; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano9030464 - 20 Mar 2019
Cited by 27 | Viewed by 3899
Abstract
Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) present low toxicity, versatility to incorporate both lipophilic and hydrophilic drugs, controlled drug release and they are easy to scale-up. It is well known that the endocytosis pathway by which SLN are taken up and the subsequent subcellular distribution [...] Read more.
Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) present low toxicity, versatility to incorporate both lipophilic and hydrophilic drugs, controlled drug release and they are easy to scale-up. It is well known that the endocytosis pathway by which SLN are taken up and the subsequent subcellular distribution are crucial for the biological effect of the incorporated drug. In addition, interactions between SLN and cells depend on many factors, such as, the composition of nanoparticle surface. In this work different amounts of phosphatidylethanolamine polyethylene glycol (PE–PEG) were added to SLN composed of stearic acid, Epikuron 200 and sodium taurodeoxycholate. Characterization of obtained nanoparticle suspensions were performed by the analysis of particle size, polydispersity index, ζ-potential, cell toxicity and cell internalization pathway. We have observed that the presence of PE–PEG improves active cell internalization of the nanoparticles in an oral adenocarcinoma cell line, reducing non-specific internalization mechanisms. Finally, we have tested the effect of surface coating on the efficiency of incorporated drugs using all-trans retinoic acid as a model drug. We have observed that delivery of this drug into PE–PEG coated SLN increases its chemotoxic effect compared to non-coated SLN. Therefore, it can be concluded that surface modification with PE–PEG improves the efficiency and the specificity of the SLN-loaded drug. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanotechnology Applications in the Pharmaceutical Field: Lipid-Based Nanoparticles)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

14 pages, 1193 KiB  
Article
Solid Lipid Nanoparticles Loading Idebenone Ester with Pyroglutamic Acid: In Vitro Antioxidant Activity and In Vivo Topical Efficacy
by Lucia Montenegro, Anna Maria Panico, Ludovica Maria Santagati, Edy Angela Siciliano, Sebastiano Intagliata and Maria N. Modica
Nanomaterials 2019, 9(1), 43; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano9010043 - 29 Dec 2018
Cited by 29 | Viewed by 3857
Abstract
Idebenone (IDE), a strong antioxidant widely investigated for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases and skin disorders, shows low oral and topical bioavailability due to its unfavorable physico-chemical properties. In this work, to improve IDE topical effectiveness, we explored a two-steps approach: (1) we [...] Read more.
Idebenone (IDE), a strong antioxidant widely investigated for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases and skin disorders, shows low oral and topical bioavailability due to its unfavorable physico-chemical properties. In this work, to improve IDE topical effectiveness, we explored a two-steps approach: (1) we synthesized an IDE ester (IDEPCA) with pyroglutamic acid, a molecule whose hydrating effects are well known; (2) we loaded IDEPCA into solid lipid nanocarriers (SLN). We evaluated in vitro antioxidant and anti-glycation activity and in vivo hydrating effects after topical application in human volunteers from gel vehicles of IDEPCA SLN in comparison to IDE SLN. All SLN showed good technological properties (mean particle size < 25 nm, polydispersity index < 0.300, good stability). The oxygen radical absorbance capacity assay showed that IDEPCA SLN and IDE SLN had similar antioxidant activity while IDEPCA SLN were more effective in the in vitro NO scavenging assay. Both IDEPCA and IDE SLN showed the same effectiveness in inhibiting the formation of advanced glycation end products. In vivo experiments pointed out a better hydrating effect of IDEPCA SLN in comparison to IDE SLN. These results suggest that the investigated approach could be a promising strategy to obtain topical formulations with increased hydrating effects. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanotechnology Applications in the Pharmaceutical Field: Lipid-Based Nanoparticles)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 3012 KiB  
Article
In Situ Gel of Triamcinolone Acetonide-Loaded Solid Lipid Nanoparticles for Improved Topical Ocular Delivery: Tear Kinetics and Ocular Disposition Studies
by Akshaya Tatke, Narendar Dudhipala, Karthik Yadav Janga, Sai Prachetan Balguri, Bharathi Avula, Monica M. Jablonski and Soumyajit Majumdar
Nanomaterials 2019, 9(1), 33; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano9010033 - 27 Dec 2018
Cited by 104 | Viewed by 5768
Abstract
Triamcinolone acetonide (TA), an intermediate acting corticosteroid, is used in the treatment of posterior ocular diseases, such as inflammation, posterior uveitis, and diabetic macular edema. The objective of this investigation was to prepare TA-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (TA-SLNs) and in situ gel (TA-SLN-IG) [...] Read more.
Triamcinolone acetonide (TA), an intermediate acting corticosteroid, is used in the treatment of posterior ocular diseases, such as inflammation, posterior uveitis, and diabetic macular edema. The objective of this investigation was to prepare TA-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (TA-SLNs) and in situ gel (TA-SLN-IG) formulations for delivery into the deeper ocular tissues through the topical route. TA-SLNs were prepared by hot homogenization and ultrasonication method using glyceryl monostearate and Compritol® 888ATO as solid lipids and Tween®80 and Pluronic® F-68 as surfactants. TA-SLNs were optimized and converted to TA-SLN-IG by the inclusion of gellan gum and evaluated for their rheological properties. In vitro transcorneal permeability and in vivo ocular distribution of the TA-SLNs and TA-SLN-IG were studied using isolated rabbit corneas and New Zealand albino rabbits, respectively, and compared with TA suspension, used as control (TA-C). Particle size, PDI, zeta potential, assay, and entrapment efficiency of TA-SLNs were in the range of 200–350 nm, 0.3–0.45, −52.31 to −64.35 mV, 70–98%, and 97–99%, respectively. TA-SLN-IG with 0.3% gellan gum exhibited better rheological properties. The transcorneal permeability of TA-SLN and TA-SLN-IG was 10.2 and 9.3-folds higher compared to TA-C. TA-SLN-IG showed maximum tear concentration at 2 h, indicating an improved pre-corneal residence time, as well as higher concentrations in aqueous humor, vitreous humor and cornea at 6 h, suggesting sustained delivery of the drug into the anterior and posterior segment ocular tissues, when compared to TA-SLN and TA-C. The results, therefore, demonstrate that the lipid based nanoparticulate system combined with the in situ gelling agents can be a promising drug delivery platform for the deeper ocular tissues. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanotechnology Applications in the Pharmaceutical Field: Lipid-Based Nanoparticles)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

18 pages, 4941 KiB  
Article
A Gemini Cationic Lipid with Histidine Residues as a Novel Lipid-Based Gene Nanocarrier: A Biophysical and Biochemical Study
by María Martínez-Negro, Laura Blanco-Fernández, Paolo M. Tentori, Lourdes Pérez, Aurora Pinazo, Conchita Tros de Ilarduya, Emilio Aicart and Elena Junquera
Nanomaterials 2018, 8(12), 1061; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano8121061 - 16 Dec 2018
Cited by 17 | Viewed by 3801
Abstract
This work reports the synthesis of a novel gemini cationic lipid that incorporates two histidine-type head groups (C3(C16His)2). Mixed with a helper lipid 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphatidyl ethanol amine (DOPE), it was used to transfect three different types [...] Read more.
This work reports the synthesis of a novel gemini cationic lipid that incorporates two histidine-type head groups (C3(C16His)2). Mixed with a helper lipid 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphatidyl ethanol amine (DOPE), it was used to transfect three different types of plasmid DNA: one encoding the green fluorescence protein (pEGFP-C3), one encoding a luciferase (pCMV-Luc), and a therapeutic anti-tumoral agent encoding interleukin-12 (pCMV-IL12). Complementary biophysical experiments (zeta potential, gel electrophoresis, small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), and fluorescence anisotropy) and biological studies (FACS, luminometry, and cytotoxicity) of these C3(C16His)2/DOPE-pDNA lipoplexes provided vast insight into their outcomes as gene carriers. They were found to efficiently compact and protect pDNA against DNase I degradation by forming nanoaggregates of 120–290 nm in size, which were further characterized as very fluidic lamellar structures based in a sandwich-type phase, with alternating layers of mixed lipids and an aqueous monolayer where the pDNA and counterions are located. The optimum formulations of these nanoaggregates were able to transfect the pDNAs into COS-7 and HeLa cells with high cell viability, comparable or superior to that of the standard Lipo2000*. The vast amount of information collected from the in vitro studies points to this histidine-based lipid nanocarrier as a potentially interesting candidate for future in vivo studies investigating specific gene therapies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanotechnology Applications in the Pharmaceutical Field: Lipid-Based Nanoparticles)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

Review

Jump to: Research

23 pages, 1629 KiB  
Review
Lipid-Based Nanoparticles: Application and Recent Advances in Cancer Treatment
by Beatriz García-Pinel, Cristina Porras-Alcalá, Alicia Ortega-Rodríguez, Francisco Sarabia, Jose Prados, Consolación Melguizo and Juan M. López-Romero
Nanomaterials 2019, 9(4), 638; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano9040638 - 19 Apr 2019
Cited by 291 | Viewed by 11060
Abstract
Many therapeutically active molecules are non-soluble in aqueous systems, chemically and biologically fragile or present severe side effects. Lipid-based nanoparticle (LBNP) systems represent one of the most promising colloidal carriers for bioactive organic molecules. Their current application in oncology has revolutionized cancer treatment [...] Read more.
Many therapeutically active molecules are non-soluble in aqueous systems, chemically and biologically fragile or present severe side effects. Lipid-based nanoparticle (LBNP) systems represent one of the most promising colloidal carriers for bioactive organic molecules. Their current application in oncology has revolutionized cancer treatment by improving the antitumor activity of several chemotherapeutic agents. LBNPs advantages include high temporal and thermal stability, high loading capacity, ease of preparation, low production costs, and large-scale industrial production since they can be prepared from natural sources. Moreover, the association of chemotherapeutic agents with lipid nanoparticles reduces active therapeutic dose and toxicity, decreases drug resistance and increases drug levels in tumor tissue by decreasing them in healthy tissue. LBNPs have been extensively assayed in in vitro cancer therapy but also in vivo, with promising results in some clinical trials. This review summarizes the types of LBNPs that have been developed in recent years and the main results when applied in cancer treatment, including essential assays in patients. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanotechnology Applications in the Pharmaceutical Field: Lipid-Based Nanoparticles)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

20 pages, 1675 KiB  
Review
Application of Solid Lipid Nanoparticles to Improve the Efficiency of Anticancer Drugs
by Laura Bayón-Cordero, Itziar Alkorta and Lide Arana
Nanomaterials 2019, 9(3), 474; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano9030474 - 22 Mar 2019
Cited by 209 | Viewed by 13589
Abstract
Drug delivery systems have opened new avenues to improve the therapeutic effects of already-efficient molecules. Particularly, Solid Lipid Nanoparticles (SLNs) have emerged as promising nanocarriers in cancer therapy. SLNs offer remarkable advantages such as low toxicity, high bioavailability of drugs, versatility of incorporation [...] Read more.
Drug delivery systems have opened new avenues to improve the therapeutic effects of already-efficient molecules. Particularly, Solid Lipid Nanoparticles (SLNs) have emerged as promising nanocarriers in cancer therapy. SLNs offer remarkable advantages such as low toxicity, high bioavailability of drugs, versatility of incorporation of hydrophilic and lipophilic drugs, and feasibility of large-scale production. Their molecular structure is crucial to obtain high quality SLN preparations and it is determined by the relationship between the composition and preparation method. Additionally, SLNs allow overcoming several physiological barriers that hinder drug delivery to tumors and are also able to escape multidrug resistance mechanisms, characteristic of cancer cells. Focusing on cell delivery, SLNs can improve drug delivery to target cells by different mechanisms, such as passive mechanisms that take advantage of the tumor microenvironment, active mechanisms by surface modification of SLNs, and codelivery mechanisms. SLNs can incorporate many different drugs and have proven to be effective in different types of tumors (i.e., breast, lung, colon, liver, and brain), corroborating their potential. Finally, it has to be taken into account that there are still some challenges to face in the application of SLNs in anticancer treatments but their possibilities seem to be high. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanotechnology Applications in the Pharmaceutical Field: Lipid-Based Nanoparticles)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
 
Displaying articles 1-7
Back to TopTop