Correction: Diad et al. Novel Amoxicillin-Loaded Sericin Biopolymeric Nanoparticles: Synthesis, Optimization, Antibacterial and Wound Healing Activities. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23, 11654.

In the original publication [...].

In vitro and in vivo anti-colorectal cancer effect of the newly synthesized sericin/propolis/fluorouracil nanoplatform through modulation of PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway.

The present work aimed to assess the potential effect of sericin/propolis/fluorouracil nanoformula against colorectal cancer (CRC) (the fourth most common cause of cancer-related mortalities). A novel anti-cancerous formula of the synthesized sericin/propolis nanoparticles was developed and tested both in vitro (using Caco-2 cell line) and in vivo (in experimentally induced colorectal cancer animal models). The combination index of the prepared nanoformula proved that the combination between sericin/propolis nanoparticles and 5-fluorouracil demonstrated the highest synergistic effect (0.86), with dose reduction index (DRI) of the chemotherapeutic drug reaching 1.49. The mechanism of action of the prepared nanoformula revealed that it acts through the inhibition of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway and consequently inhibiting cancerous cells proliferation. Treatment and prophylactic studies of both sericin and propolis showed increased TBARS (Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substance) formation, downregulated BCL2 (B-cell lymphoma 2) and activated BAX, Caspase 9 and Caspase 3 expression. The prepared nanoformula decreased the ROS (Reactive Oxygen Species) production in vivo owing to PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway inhibition and FOXO-1 (Forkhead Box O1) activation that resulted in autophagy/apoptosis processes stimulation. The potent anticancer effect of the prepared nanoformula was further emphasized through the in vivo histopathological studies of experimentally induced tumors. The newly formulated sericin/propolis/fluorouracil nanoparticles exhibited clear-cut cytotoxic effects toward tumor cells with provided evidence for the prophylactic effect.

Novel Amoxicillin-Loaded Sericin Biopolymeric Nanoparticles: Synthesis, Optimization, Antibacterial and Wound Healing Activities.

Infected wounds are a major threat among diabetic patients. Technological advancements are currently increasing the number of new adjunctive therapies that may be potent agents for speeding recovery, lowering the amputation rate and limiting infection recurrences. A novel formula with promising antibacterial activity, namely sericin/propolis/Amoxicillin nanoparticles, was assessed as a potent treatment of infected wounds in normal and diabetic rats. Skin wound healing efficiency was assessed through wound healing scorings, bacterial load assessment and histological examinations. It was revealed that upon using sericin/propolis/Amoxicillin nanoparticles, complete wound healing was successfully achieved after 10 and 15 days postinjury for nondiabetic and diabetic rats, respectively. However, the bacterial load in the induced infected wounds was extremely low (0-10 CFU/mL) after 15 days post-treatment. The histological studies revealed that the dermis was more organized with new matrix deposition, and mature collagen fibers were observed among the treated animal groups. The present study is the first preclinical study which reported the importance of silk sericin in the form of nano-sericin/propolis loaded with Amoxicillin as an effective treatment against bacterial wound infections.