Exploring the Biofilm Inhibition Potential of a Novel Phytic Acid-Crosslinked Chitosan Nanoparticle: In Vitro and In Vivo Investigations.

The primary factor underlying the virulence of Candida albicans is its capacity to form biofilms, which in turn leads to recurrent complications. Over-the-counter antifungal treatments have proven ineffective in eliminating fungal biofilms and the inflammatory cytokines produced during fungal infections. Chitosan nanoparticles offer broad and versatile therapeutic potential as both antifungal agents and carriers for antifungal drugs to combat biofilm-associated Candida infections. In our study, we endeavoured to develop chitosan nanoparticles utilising chitosan and the antifungal crosslinker phytic acid targeting C. albicans. Phytic acid, known for its potent antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties, efficiently crosslinks with chitosan. The nanoparticles were synthesised using the ionic gelation technique and subjected to analyses including Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering, and zeta potential analysis. The synthesised nanoparticles exhibited dimensions with a diameter (Dh) of 103 ± 3.9 nm, polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.33, and zeta potential (ZP) of 37 ± 2.5 mV. These nanoparticles demonstrated an antifungal effect with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 140 ± 2.2 µg/mL, maintaining cell viability at approximately 90% of the MIC value and reducing cytokine levels. Additionally, the nanoparticles reduced ergosterol content and exhibited a 62% ± 1.2 reduction in biofilm susceptibility, as supported by colony-forming unit (CFU) and XTT assays-furthermore, treatment with nanoparticles reduced exopolysaccharide production and decreased secretion of aspartyl protease by C. albicans. Our findings suggest that the synthesised nanoparticles effectively combat Candida albicans infections. In vivo studies conducted on a mouse model of vaginal candidiasis confirmed the efficacy of the nanoparticles in combating fungal infections in vivo.

Novel Drug Delivery Approaches for the Localized Treatment of Cervical Cancer.

Cervical cancer (CC) is the fourth leading cancer type in females globally. Being an ailment of the birth canal, primitive treatment strategies, including surgery, radiation, or laser therapy, bring along the risk of infertility, neonate mortality, premature parturition, etc. Systemic chemotherapy led to systemic toxicity. Therefore, delivering a smaller cargo of therapeutics to the local site is more beneficial in terms of efficacy as well as safety. Due to the regeneration of cervicovaginal mucus, conventional dosage forms come with the limitations of leaking, the requirement of repeated administration, and compromised vaginal retention. Therefore, these days novel strategies are being investigated with the ability to combat the limitations of conventional formulations. Novel carriers can be engineered to manipulate bioadhesive properties and sustained release patterns can be obtained thus leading to the maintenance of actives at therapeutic level locally for a longer period. Other than the purpose of CC treatment, these delivery systems also have been designed as postoperative care where a certain dose of antitumor agent will be maintained in the cervix postsurgical removal of the tumor. Herein, the most explored localized delivery systems for the treatment of CC, namely, nanofibers, nanoparticles, in situ gel, liposome, and hydrogel, have been discussed in detail. These carriers have exceptional properties that have been further modified with the aid of a wide range of polymers in order to serve the required purpose of therapeutic effect, safety, and stability. Further, the safety of these delivery systems toward vital organs has also been discussed.

Implementation of Quality by Design Approaches for Development and Validation of Reverse-Phase High-Performance Liquid Chromatography Assay Method for Determination of Glycyrrhizin in Nanoformulation.

Glycyrrhizin (GL) is the principal constituent of Glycyrrhiza glabra, having antiallergic, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial action. The reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) analytical method was used to quantitatively estimate GL in a nanoformulation and validated as per International Conference on Harmonization Q2 (R1) standards. A stationary phase of the C18-HL reversed-phase column and a mobile phase of acetonitrile and water were used for effective elution. The chromatographic conditions of RP-HPLC were optimized utilizing a quality-by-design approach to accomplish the required chromatographic separation of GL from its nanoformulation with minimal experimental runs. Optimized RP-HPLC conditions for the assay method consist of acetonitrile (41%) and water, pH 1.8, balanced with phosphoric acid (0.1%) as a mobile phase with a flow rate of 1 mL/min. The retention time was found at 7.25 min, and method validation confirmed its sensitivity, preciseness, accuracy, and robustness.

Hyaluronic acid based microneedle array: Recent applications in drug delivery and cosmetology.

Microneedles are micron-sized arrays of needles that facilitate drug delivery for local and systemic effects. Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a glycosaminoglycan and is an indigenous component of the connective tissues and dermis. Owing to its versatility and biocompatibility, it has widely been used against various bone, eye, and skin disorders. Therefore, fabricating HA-microneedles is fetching massive global attention. HA based dissolvable microneedles have been immensely explored due to their biodegradable nature. Its degradation residues are very safe. Several attempts have been made to deliver vitamins, proteins, DNAs, and biological macromolecules by HA-microneedles. Here we present the recent advancements in HA-microneedles based application on drug delivery and cosmetology. Its bio-degradation pathways, the receptors on which HA and its derivatives interact, the biological half-lives, and their importance as useful materials for various applications are highlighted. The literature reports identify HA-microneedle as an useful carrier for the delivery of pharmaceuticals.