Stimuli-Responsive Design of Metal-Organic Frameworks for Cancer Theranostics: Current Challenges and Future Perspective.

Scientific fraternity revealed the potential of stimuli-responsive nanotherapeutics for cancer treatment that aids in tackling the major restrictions of traditionally reported drug delivery systems. Among stimuli-responsive inorganic nanomaterials, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have transpired as unique porous materials displaying resilient structures and diverse applications in cancer theranostics. Mainly, it demonstrates tailorable porosity, versatile chemical configuration, tunable size and shape, and feasible surface functionalization, etc. The present review provides insights into the design of stimuli-responsive multifunctional MOFs for targeted drug delivery and bioimaging for effective cancer therapy. Initially, the concept of cancer, traditional cancer treatment, background of MOFs, and approaches for MOFs synthesis have been discussed. After this, applications of stimuli-responsive multifunctional MOFs-assisted nanostructures that include pH, light, ions, temperature, magnetic, redox, ATP, and others for targeted drug delivery and bioimaging in cancer have been thoroughly discussed. As an outcome, the designed multifunctional MOFs showed an alteration in properties due to the exogenous and endogenous stimuli that are beneficial for drug release and bioimaging. The several reported types of stimuli-responsive surface-modified MOFs revealed good biocompatibility to normal cells, promising drug loading capability, target-specific delivery of anticancer drugs into cancerous cells, etc. Despite substantial progress in this field, certain crucial issues need to be addressed to reap the clinical benefits of multifunctional MOFs. Specifically, the toxicological compatibility and biodegradability of the building blocks of MOFs demand a thorough evaluation. Moreover, the investigation of sustainable and greener synthesis methods is of the utmost importance. Also, the low flexibility, off-target accumulation, and compromised pharmacokinetic profile of stimuli-responsive MOFs have attracted keen attention. In conclusion, the surface-modified nanosized design of inorganic diverse stimuli-sensitive MOFs demonstrated great potential for targeted drug delivery and bioimaging in different kinds of cancers. In the future, the preference for stimuli-triggered MOFs will open a new frontier for cancer theranostic applications.

Identification of potential biogenic chalcones against antibiotic resistant efflux pump (AcrB) via computational study.

The cases of bacterial multidrug resistance are increasing every year and becoming a serious concern for human health. Multidrug efflux pumps are key players in the formation of antibiotic resistance, which transfer out a broad spectrum of drugs from the cell and convey resistance to the host. Efflux pumps have significantly reduced the efficacy of the previously available antibiotic armory, thereby increasing the frequency of therapeutic failures. In gram-negative bacteria, the AcrAB-TolC efflux pump is the principal transporter of the substrate and plays a major role in the formation of antibiotic resistance. In the current work, advanced computer-aided drug discovery approaches were utilized to find hit molecules from the library of biogenic chalcones against the bacterial AcrB efflux pump. The results of the performed computational studies via molecular docking, drug-likeness prediction, pharmacokinetic profiling, pharmacophore mapping, density functional theory, and molecular dynamics simulation study provided ZINC000004695648, ZINC000014762506, ZINC000014762510, ZINC000095099506, and ZINC000085510993 as stable hit molecules against the AcrB efflux pumps. Identified hits could successfully act against AcrB efflux pumps after optimization as lead molecules.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Capsaicin Loaded Solid SNEDDS for Enhanced Bioavailability and Anticancer Activity: In-Vitro, In-Silico, and In-Vivo Characterization.

In this investigation, the fabrication of capsaicin loaded self nano emulsifying drug delivery system (SNEDDS) was attempted to improve the effectiveness of capsaicin through the oral route. A pseudo-ternary phase diagram was constructed at different km values (1:1, 2:1, & 3:1). Nine liquid formulations (L-CAP-1 to L-CAP-9) were prepared at km = 3, evaluated & converted to solid free-flowing granules using neusilin® US2. L-CAP-3 comprising of 15% isopropyl myristate, 33.75% Labrafil, & 11.25% ethanol exhibited higher % transmittance (98.90 ± 1.24%) & lower self-emulsification time (18.19 ± 0.46 s). FT-IR spectra showed no incompatibility whereas virtual analysis confirmed hydrogen bond interaction between amino hydrogen in the capsaicin & oxygen of the neusilin. DSC & XRD study revealed the amorphization & molecular dispersion of capsaicin in S-SNEDDS. TEM analysis confirmed the nano-sized spherical globules. Within 15 min, L-SNEDDS, S-SNEDDS, & pure capsaicin showed 87.36 ± 3.25%, 85.19 ± 4.87%, & 16.61 ± 3.64% drug release respectively. S-CAP-3 significantly (P < 0.001) inhibited the proliferation of HT-29 colorectal cancer cells than capsaicin. Apoptosis assay involving Annexin V/PI staining for S-CAP-3 treated cells demonstrated a significant (P < 0.001) apoptotic rate. Remarkably, 3.6 fold increase in bioavailability was observed after oral administration of capsaicin-SNEDDS than plain capsaicin.

Acrylamide grafted neem (Azadirachta indica) gum polymer: Screening and exploration as a drug release retardant for tablet formulation.

The study was initiated with the intent to synthesize acrylamide grafted neem gum polymer (AAm-g-NG), and screen its drug release retardation ability both in vitro and in vivo. Different batches (NGP-1 to NGP-9) of tablet formulation were prepared by varying polymer concentration using propranolol HCl and compared with HPMC K100 M and marketed SR tablets. FTIR study proved the grafting phenomenon and showed no incompatibility between AAm-g-NG and propranolol HCl. AAm-g-NG showed significant swelling and water retention capacity than NG. AAm-g-NG was found to be biodegradable and exhibited no toxicity to Artemia salina. After 12 h, NGP-6 showed non-significant (p > 0.05; f2= ∼ 90) percent drug release (80.52 ±â€¯3.41%) compare to marketed formulation (79.65 ±â€¯4.08%). Significant swelling of the matrix caused slower diffusion of the drug. NGP-6 and marketed formulation in rabbits showed the non-significant difference between Cmax and Tmax, hence NGP-6 meets the requirement of sustained-release tablets.

Development of 'S', 'N' Heterocycles as Antimycobacterials Targeting Fatty Acid Biosynthesis.

BACKGROUND: Mycobacterium tuberculosis is a causative organism of tuberculosis, which is the most deadly disease after cancer in the current decade. The development of multidrug and broadly drug- resistant strains makes the tuberculosis problem more and more critical. In the last 40 years, only one molecule is added to the treatment regimen. Generally, drug design and development programs are targeted proteins whose function is known to be essential to the bacterial cell. OBJECTIVES: Here are the development of 'S', 'N' heterocycles as antimycobacterials targeting fatty acid biosynthesis are reported. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In the present communication, rational development of anti-mycobacterial agent's targeting fatty acid biosynthesis has been done by integrating the pocket modeling and virtual analysis. RESULTS: The identified potential 33 lead compounds were synthesized, characterized by physicochemical and spectroscopic methods like IR, NMR spectroscopy and further screened for antimycobacterial activity using isoniazid as standard. All the designed compounds have shown profound antimycobacterial activity. CONCLUSION: In this present communication, we found that 3c, 3f, 3l and 4k molecules had expressive desirable biological activity and specific interactions with fatty acids. Further optimization of these leads is necessary for the development of potential antimycobacterial drug candidates having fewer side effects.

Sericin Inhibits Devitrification of Amorphous Drugs.

The purpose of the present investigation was to analyze devitrification of amorphous drugs such as lornoxicam, meloxicam, and felodipine in the presence of sericin. The binary solid dispersions comprising varying mass ratios of drug and sericin were subject to amorphization by spray drying, solvent evaporation, ball milling, and physical mixing. Further, obtained solid dispersions (SDs) were characterized by HPLC, ATR-FTIR, H1NMR, molecular docking, accelerated stability study at 40°C and 75 ± 2% RH (XRD and DSC), and in vitro dissolution studies. The HPLC analysis indicated no decomposition of the drugs during the spray drying process. From ATR-FTIR, NMR, and molecular docking study, it was revealed that H-bonding played a vital role in amorphous drug stabilization. An excellent devitrification inhibition was observed in case of lornoxicam (SDLS3) and meloxicam (SDMS3) SDs prepared by spray drying. On the other hand, spray-dried SD of felodipine (SDFS3) showed traces of microcrystals. The percent crystallinity of SDLS3, SDMS3, and SDFS3 was found to be 7.4%, 8.23%, and 18.31% respectively indicating adequate amorphization. The dissolution performance of SDLS, SDMS, and SDFS after 3 months showed > 85% than SDs prepared by other methods. Thus, sericin significantly inhibited crystallization and was responsible for amorphous state stabilization of pharmaceuticals.

Development and validation of a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method for quantification of Lupeol in plasma and its application to pharmacokinetic study in rats.

Lupeol, a phytosterol and triterpene, possesses numerous medicinal properties against cancer, inflammation, arthritis, diabetes, heart diseases, etc. A novel, sensitive, specific and reproducible method for quantification of Lupeol in rat plasma using liquid chromatography combined with atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI) tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) was developed and validated as per regulatory guidelines. Sample preparation was simple and fast which consisted of one-step protein precipitation using acetonitrile. Testosterone was used as an internal standard. HyPurity Advance column was used to develop the chromatography method using 0.1% formic acid in water and acetonitrile as mobile phases by gradient elution. APCI positive ion mode was used for mass spectrometric detection. Multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) transitions of m/z 409.5 [M + H - H2O]+→137.3 for Lupeol and m/z 289.1 [M + H]+→97.1 for Testosterone were used for quantification. The method was validated over a linear concentration range of 5-5000 ng/mL with a correlation coefficient (r2) of ≥ 0.99. This method showed acceptable accuracy (89.52-97.10%), precision (%CV ≤ 10.75%) and recovery with a negligible matrix effect. Lupeol was found to be stable in the stock solution, autosampler condition and also in plasma for four freeze-thaw cycles, 6 h at ambient temperature and 30 days at -20°C. This method was successfully applied to measurement of Lupeol in plasma samples from pharmacokinetic study in rats and can be easily extended to human pharmacokinetic studies.

Lung delivery of nanoliposomal salbutamol sulfate dry powder inhalation for facilitated asthma therapy.

The motive behind present work was to discover a solution for overcoming the problems allied with a deprived oral bioavailability of salbutamol sulfate (SS) due to its first pass hepatic metabolism, shorter half-life, and systemic toxicity at high doses. Pulmonary delivery provides an alternative route of administration to avoid hepatic metabolism of SS, moreover facilitated diffusion and prolonged retention can be achieved by incorporation into liposomes. Liposomes were prepared by thin film hydration technique using 32 full factorial design and formulation was optimized based on the vesicle size and percent drug entrapment (PDE) of liposomes. Optimized liposomal formulation exhibited an average size of about 167.2 ± 0.170 nm, with 80.68 ± 0.74% drug entrapment, and 9.74 ± 1.10 mV zeta potential. The liposomal dispersion was then spray dried and further characterized for in-vitro aerosol performance using Andersen Cascade Impactor. Optimized liposomal formulation revealed prolonged in-vitro drug release of more than 90% up to 14 h following Higuchi's controlled release model. Thus, the proposed new-fangled liposomal formulation would be a propitious alternative to conventional therapy for efficient and methodical treatment of asthma and alike respiratory ailments.

Screening of drug-sericin solid dispersions for improved solubility and dissolution.

The aim of present attempt deals with preparation of binary dispersion of sericin, waste of sericulture industry in order to enhance solubility and dissolution of poorly soluble drugs. Solid dispersions (SDs) of BCS-II drugs were prepared by spray drying, solvent evaporation, ball milling and physical mixing in ratio of drug:sericin (1:0.5, 1:1, 1:1.5, 1:2, 1:2.5 and 1:3). Further, SDs were investigated by solubility, ATR-FTIR, XRD, DSC, micromeritics and tablettability, surface morphology and in-vitro dissolution. Results demonstrated that, sericin improves solubility of drugs by 8-10 fold. The ATR-FTIR showed the slight shifting/broadening of principle peaks corresponding to NH and OH. Spray dried (1:2w/w) SDs showed maximum reduction in crystallinity of drugs indicating drug was molecularly distributed and was in amorphous state. Spray dried SDs of meloxicam showed better compressibility and compactibility. The microphotograph of spray dried SDs of lornoxicam and meloxicam showed bowl shaped and blend of bowl and spherical particles respectively, while spray dried SDs of felodepine showed spherical shape. The spray dried SDs (1:2w/w) displayed better dissolution performance than other methods Conclusively, sericin offers a hydrophilic matrix to deliver poor water soluble drugs and its aerodynamic shape may show a great potential for various drug deliveries.

Evaluation of Antiulcer and Antioxidant Activity of Barleria gibsoniDalz. Leaves.

BACKGROUND: Peptic ulcer is a digestive disorder most commonly found in clinical practice. Given the many side effects of modern medicine, the initial acquisition of fewer side effects, and medication of indigenous drugs, it should be considered as a better alternative for the treatment of peptic ulcer. OBJECTIVE: To assess antiulcer and antioxidant activity of ethanol extract of Barleria gibsoni (EBG) Dalz. leaves in ulcer-induced rats and in vitro antioxidants method, respectively. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ethanol EBG was screened for antiulcer activity in pylorus ligation-induced ulcer models in Wistar rats. In vitro antioxidant activity of the extracts was tested using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), nitric oxide (NO) radical scavenging activity. Total phenol and flavonoid content in the extracts were determined spectrophotometrically. RESULTS: Oral administration of ethanol extract of leaves at doses of 250, 500 mg/kg p.o. reduced significant gastric lesions induced by pylorus ligation-induced ulcer as compared to standard omeprazole (20 mg/kg p.o.). The IC50 values were found to be 150 µg/mL in leaves extract. The ethanol extracts showed good antioxidant capacity in DPPH radical scavenging assay and NO radical scavenging activity when compared to standard. The total phenolic content using Folin-Ciocalteu reagent estimated in 1 mg of leaves extracts was 368 µg and 481 µg with gallic acid equivalent and also the total flavonoid content found to be 240 and 410 µg, respectively, with quercetin equivalence. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that the leaves of B. gibsoni possessed antiulcer potential and antioxidant compared to standard. This is the first ever report of antiulcer and antioxidant activities in B. gibsoni (Acanthaceae). SUMMARY: In vivo antiulcer and in vitro antioxidant activity of Barleria gibsoni was evaluated.Soxhelt extraction was carried out and extracts were subjected to qualitative phytochemical analysis. Extract obtained by Soxhlation showed higher total phenolic and flavonoid contents.EBG showed DPPH and Nitric oxide scavenging activity indicating its strong antioxidant potential.On pylorus ligation-accumulated secretions and the related ulcers confirm gastric acid output to be the basic cause of gastric ulcers. Ethanol extract of leaves attenuated the gastric volume, free acidity, total acidity and ulcer index thus showing the anti-secretory mechanism.The results of the histopathological investigation of Barleria gibsoni leaves for antiulcer effects using pylorus ligation induced ulcer model in rats laid credence to traditional use of the plant leaves in ulcer treatment. The ethanol extract of leaves demonstrated increase in percentage preventive index compared to omeprazole respectively. From the present study results reveals the antiulcer activity of ethanol extract leaves which is comparable to that of Omeprazole. Abbreviations Used: EBG: Ethanol extract prepared from the leaves of B. gibsoni, ROS: Reactive Oxygen Species, DPPH: 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, NO: Nitric Oxide, IC50: The half maximal inhibitory concentration, m: mg, DNA: deoxyribonucleic acid, GAE: Gallic acid equivalence, AlCl3: Aluminium chloride.

Isolation, characterization, and evaluation of Cassia fistula Linn. seed and pulp polymer for pharmaceutical application.

INTRODUCTION: Present work, is an effort toward exploring the potential of Cassia fistula Linn. seed gum as an extended release polymer and laxative. While, C. fistula pulp polymer has evaluated as suspending agent. MATERIALS AND METHODS: For extended release application, total five batches (F1-F5) were prepared by varying the ratio of drug:polymer as 1:1, 1:2, 1:3, 1:4, and 1:5, respectively. The granules were prepared by wet granulation method and further evaluated for micromeritic properties such as angle of repose (θ), Carr's compressibility index (CCI), and Hausner's ratio. Further compacts were evaluated by hardness, thickness, swelling index, in-vitro dissolution, and so on. Laxative activity was evaluated by administration of seed polymer (100 mg/kg) alone or in combination with bisacodyl (2.5 mg/kg) in 1% Tween 80. Zinc oxide suspension was prepared by varying the concentration of C. fistula pulp polymer and compared with suspension made by use of tragacanth, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose and bentonite. RESULTS: Result showed that granules were free flowing, while the compact extended the drug release up to 10 h (72.84 ± 0.98; batch F5) and followed Higuchi matrix release kinetics. This extended release might be due to the formation of polyelectrolyte complex because of gluco-mannose in seed gum. Result of in-vivo laxative activity showed that seed polymer reduced faeces weight after 24 h compared to control (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Pulp polymer showed good sedimentation volume, but alone fails to stabilize the suspension for a longer period, so it could be useful in combination with other suspending agents and can be useful as novel excipient.

Método colorímetrico para la estimación simultanea de amlodipino besilato plasmático / Colorimetric method for simultaneous estimation of amlodipine besylate from plasma

Objetivo. El objetivo del presente estudio era desarrollar un método de análisis que permitiera estimar la cantidad de fármaco en forma combinada sin separación previa. Material y Método. Se utilizó espectroscopía colorimétrica UV para la determinación de Amlodipino Besilato (AML) plasmático. Resultados. El presente método está basado en la formación de color verde en la reacción entre Amlodipino Besilato (AML) y cloruro férrico 0,4% y ferrocianuro potásico 0,2%. La medida de la absorbancia se realizó a 775nm. El resultado del análisis de los comprimidos mostró unos valores de DE comprendidos entre 098,22 y 100,63%. El valor de la DE utilizando metanol oscilan entre 98,01y 101,13% lo que demuestra la capacidad del método de permanecer inalterado por pequeños pero intencionados cambios en las condiciones de la reacción, este método es usado para la estimación de Amlodipino Besilato (AML) en muestras biológicas (AU)

Aim: The present work was to develop the method of analysis which can estimate drug in combined form without prior separation. Materials and method: By using UV spectroscopy colorimetric method was used for determination of Amlodipine besylate (AML) from plasma. Result and conclusion: This method is based on the formation of green colour in reaction between AML and 0.4 % Ferric chloride (FC) and 0.2 % Potassium ferricyanide (PF).The absorbance was measured at 775 nm. Result of tablet analysis showed % S.D. values in the range of 098.22 to 100,63%.Standard deviation value for tablet analysis by using methanol ranging from 98.01 to 101,13 % which proves the ability of the method to remain unaffected by small but deliberate change in reaction conditions and this method is used for estimation of AML from biological samples (AU)