Modares Journal of Biotechnology

Abstract Hepatocellular carcinoma, predominant form of liver cancer, is the main cause of death in patients with liver cirrhosis. Podophyllotoxin, a natural anticancer compound, has ideal anti-tumor properties. However, its use is limited due to poor solubility and bioavailability. Finding a suitable drug delivery system have great importance in improving the bioavailability of podophyllotoxin. In this study, mPEG-PCL nanoparticles have been used for delivery of podophyllotoxin to liver cancer cells. mPEG-PCL copolymers were synthesized and characterized by DLS, FTIR and NMR analyses methods. The critical micellization concentration was 0.055 µg/ml. The z-average and surface charge of micelle was 186 ± 12 nm and -5.13 mV, respectively. podophyllotoxin was loaded in micelles in different w/w ratios of drug: copolymer. The size of the nanodrug was 214 ± 20 nm and the weight ratio of 1:1 with encapsulation efficiency of 77.36 ± 1.23 % was selected as the optimal ratio. The drug release results showed a significant difference between the rapid release of free podophyllotoxin and the more stable release of the loaded drug. At 37°C, drug release was higher, which was attributed to the destruction of polymersome structure at this temperature. According to the cytotoxicity study, the IC50 value for nanodrug (8.64 μg/ml) was lower than the IC50 value for the free drug (12.79 μg/ml), which showed the effect of improved cytotoxicity of nanodrug compared to the free drug. The results proved the polymersome can be potential carriers for delivery, controllable release and improve the toxicity effect of podophyllotoxin in cancer chemotherapy.

Abstract Cancer is one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide. this multifactorial disease characterized by complex molecular landscape and altered cell pathways that results in an abnormal cell growth. One of the recent strategies to combat cancer is application of phytochemicals. phytochemicals including phenolics, alkaloids, terpenoids, carotenoids, phytosterol, saponin and organosulfur compounds which play important roles in the prevention and treatment of cancer. The pharmacological use of phytochemicals compounds is frequently limited by their low bioavailability and solubility as they are mainly lipophilic compounds. The nanotechnological approach improves bioavailability, and inhences solubility. In the present review we aim to summarize challenges of phytochemical compounds in cancer treatment and the status of phytochemical based nanoformulations in improving the therapeutic response.

Abstract Designing new drug delivery systems is important; therefore, in the present study the interaction between an anti-cancer drug, bicalutamide, and an amide/acid hydrogel was studied. Analyzing was done by using docking and molecular dynamics simulation methods. Molecular dynamics simulations were performed at 37 and 42 °C. The results showed that the binding free energies of the drug to the hydrogel system at two temperatures were similar, and altering the temperature did not affect the stability of the system. The van der Waals interaction is the most crucial interaction between the drug and the hydrogel, which depends on the distance between the drug and hydrogel. Intra- and intermolecular hydrogen bonds and van der Waals interactions, are the major factors in the stability of the hydrogel system. Due to the stability of the studied system, it can be used as a drug carrier.

Abstract Inflammatory bowel disease is a chronic inflammatory disease of the gastrointestinal tract. Despite numerous endeavors over the past few years, as well as an increase within the number of patients with the disease, there are currently limited medications available to manage intestinal inflammation. Designing a new biological treatment using natural bioactive medications with fewer side effects and more secure transmission than chemical compounds could be advantageous. In this study, a new strategy for the controlled release of Gallic acid as a bioactive polyphenol with anti-inflammatory impacts was proposed. This bioactive compound was loaded on a Cerosome nanocarrier and its stability was investigated. Cerosome-forming lipid (CFL) was synthesized through a two-step chemical reaction and then the Cerosomes were prepared by thin layer hydration by distinctive proportions of DPPC: CFL mole ratio. Cerosome with a mean diameter of 335 nm and zeta potential of -23 mV were homogeneous. The optimal formulation of the Cerosomal gallic acid system shows 34% loading and controlled release of the medication in gastrointestinal fluid environments. Structural stability was systematically evaluated by physicochemical characterization methods, and Cerasomes showed greater stability than liposomes and could be present longer in the bloodstream. These results indicate that Cerasomes can be a better medication delivery system for long-term storage and controllable release of gallic acid and have remarkable applications as carriers of intestinal inflammation drug delivery.

Abstract Background: In recent years, the use of medicinal plants has increased significantly. Essential oils are one of the most important secondary metabolites in plants with promising potentials to promote health. Paying attention to the quality and effectiveness of medicinal plant products is important. Use of free essential oils due to volatility, low stability, poor solubility in water and low bioavailability, limit both their use and effectiveness. The most important tool to increase the quality of essential oil is the use of nanoparticles as carriers. This study aimed to investigate the nanoencapsulation of essential oils of medicinal plants and its effect on increasing the stability of essential oils and improving the quality of drug delivery systems. Method: In the present study, the data of scientific research articles have been used to investigate the use of nanoparticles in increasing the effectiveness of the essential oils. Findings: Drug-carrier nanoparticles include various materials such as nano polymers, dendrimers, etc. that can have different morphology and sizes depending on their synthesis method. Technology of nanoencapsulation of essential oils is used to increase stability, purposefulness and control the release time of essential oil in the human. One of the advantages of targeted drug delivery is the accurate and intelligent accumulation of essential oil as a drug at the target site, thus increasing the stability and pharmacological effects of the essential oil on the organs in the human. Conclusion: Nanocapsules containing essential oils of medicinal plants have significantly increased the effectiveness of essential oils in medical applications.

Abstract Klebsiella pneumoniae is a gram-negative bacillus of the Enterobacteriaceae family. Despite being part of the natural human microflora, this is an opportunistic pathogen and a major cause of nosocomial infections. The increased emergence of multidrug resistance in Klebsiella pneumoniae has limited the treatment options for this bacterium. Carbon nanotubes (CNT), by improving the stability and solubulity of drugs, could increase the effectiveness of drugs for treatment. The aim of this study is to investigate the antibacterial effect of nanofluid containing functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (f-CNT-NF) on Klebsiella pneumoniae isolated from clinical specimens. For the strain confirmation, biochemical ,API20E kit, and additional differential tests were performed, and antibiotic susceptibility test was performed by the disk diffusion method. The studied strain showed a resistance to all antibiotics such as cefepime.The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined using the antibiotic micro dilution method. The MIC was determined in five effect modes including antibiotic (Ab), nanofluid containing functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (f-CNT-NF) , nanofluid containing multi-walled carbon nanotubes (CNT-NF) ,Ab in combination with f-CNT-NF and Ab with CNT-NF. Nevertheless the individual effects of 10 µg mL^-1 cefepime or 80 µg of nanofluid with f-CNT-NF did not inhibit the growth of the bacteria, but the co-administration of 10 µg mL^-1 cefepime with 80 µg of the f-CNT-NF could inhibit the bacteria`s growth. It was concluded that f-CNT-NF could be more effective in drug delivery at lower concentrations than the free state, which could be used as a tool for optimal drug delivery.