Clinical Anti-aging Efficacy of Propolis Polymeric Nanoparticles Prepared by a Temperature-induced Phase Transition Method.

Background: Collagen forms a dermal matrix in the skin. Biosynthesis and decomposition of collagen are the major processes in skin aging. Propolis is rich in flavonoids and phenolic compounds, which are known to be effective in preventing skin aging, including the enhancement of fibroblast proliferation, activation, and growth capacity.

Development of Polymeric Micelles of Oleanolic Acid and Evaluation of Their Clinical Efficacy.

Oleanolic acid has been used only as a subsidiary agent in cosmetic products. The aim of the study is to show the effect of oleanolic acid as an active ingredient for the alleviation of wrinkles in humans and to develop a polymeric micelle formulation that enables poorly soluble oleanolic acid to be used as a main ingredient in cosmetic products for reducing wrinkles. The solubility of oleanolic acid was evaluated in solubilizers, surfactants, and polymers.

Marbofloxacin-encapsulated microparticles provide sustained drug release for treatment of veterinary diseases.

Fluoroquinolone antibiotics with concentration-dependent killing effects and a well-established broad spectrum of activity are used commonly to treat infectious diseases caused by bacteria. However, frequent and excessive administration of these antibiotics is a serious problem, and leads to increased number of drug-resistant bacteria. Thus, there is an urgent need for novel fluoroquinolone antibiotic formulations that minimize the risk of resistance while maximizing their efficacy.

Ethosomes and Transfersomes for Topical Delivery of Ginsenoside Rhl from Red Ginseng: Characterization and In Vitro Evaluation.

Red ginseng (the steamed root of Panax ginseng C. A. Mayer), which contains ginsenosides as its main constituents, is frequently used to treat tumor, inflammation, diabetes, stress and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome in Asian countries.

Gold cluster-labeled thermosensitive liposmes enhance triggered drug release in the tumor microenvironment by a photothermal effect.

Stimulus-triggered drug release based on the liposomal drug delivery platform has been studied vigorously to increase drug release at the target site. Although the delivery system has been developed, an effective carrier system is needed to achieve effective therapeutic efficacy. Therefore, we focused on the development of gold cluster bound thermosensitive liposomes (G-TSL), which are capable of triggered drug release when stimulated by external near-infrared (NIR) irradiation in the tumor microenvironment.

Therapeutic efficacy of doxorubicin delivery by a CO2 generating liposomal platform in breast carcinoma.

Unlabelled: Drug delivery using thermosensitive liposomes (TSL) has significant potential for tumor drug targeting and can be combined with local hyperthermia to trigger drug release. Although TSL-mediated drug delivery can be effective by itself, we developed doxorubicin (DOX)-containing CO2 bubble-generating TSL (TSL-C) that were found to enhance the antitumor effects of DOX owing to the synergism between burst release of drug and hyperthermia-induced CO2 generation. An ultrasound imaging system was used to monitor hyperthermia-induced CO2 generation in TSL-C and the results revealed that hyperthermia-induced CO2 generation in TSL-C led to increased DOX release compared to that observed for non-CO2-generating TSL.

Preparation and evaluation of poly(2-hydroxyethyl aspartamide)-hexadecylamine-iron oxide for MR imaging of lymph nodes.

The purpose of this study was to synthesize biocompatible poly(2-hydroxyethyl aspartamide)-C16-iron oxide (PHEA-C16-iron oxide) nanoparticles and to evaluate their efficacy as a contrast agent for magnetic resonance imaging of lymph nodes. The PHEA-C16-iron oxide nanoparticles were synthesized by coprecipitation method. The core size of the PHEA-C16-iron oxide nanoparticles was about 5 to 7 nm, and the overall size of the nanoparticles was around 20, 60, and 150 nm in aqueous solution.

Biodistribution of newly synthesized PHEA-based polymer-coated SPION in Sprague Dawley rats as magnetic resonance contrast agent.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to observe the pharmacokinetic behavior of newly synthesized biocompatible polymers based on polyhydroxyethylaspartamide (PHEA) to be used to coat an iron oxide core to make superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPION).

Materials And Methods: The isotopes [(14)C] and [(59)Fe] were used to label the polymer backbone (CLS) and iron oxide core (FLS), respectively. In addition, unradiolabeled cold superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPION/ULS) were synthesized to characterize particle size by dynamic light scattering, morphology by transmission electron microscopy, and in vivo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Gd(III)-DOTA-modified sonosensitive liposomes for ultrasound-triggered release and MR imaging.

Ultrasound-sensitive (sonosensitive) liposomes for tumor targeting have been studied in order to increase the antitumor efficacy of drugs and decrease the associated severe side effects. Liposomal contrast agents having Gd(III) are known as a nano-contrast agent system for the efficient and selective delivery of contrast agents into pathological sites. The objective of this study was to prepare Gd(III)-DOTA-modified sonosensitive liposomes (GdSL), which could deliver a model drug, doxorubicin (DOX), to a specific site and, at the same time, be capable of magnetic resonance (MR) imaging.

Enhancement of the targeting capabilities of the Paclitaxel-loaded pluronic nanoparticles with a glycol chitosan/heparin composite.

An enhancement of tumor-targeting capability was demonstrated with paclitaxel (PTX)-loaded Pluronic nanoparticles (NPs) with immobilized glycol chitosan and heparin. The PTX-loaded Pluronic NPs were prepared as described in our previous report by means of a temperature-induced phase transition in a mixture of Pluronic F-68 and liquid polyethylene glycol (PEG; molecular weight: 400) containing PTX. The liquid PEG is used as the solubilizer of PTX, and Pluronic F-68 is the polymer that encapsulates the PTX.

Tumor accumulation and antitumor efficacy of docetaxel-loaded core-shell-corona micelles with shell-specific redox-responsive cross-links.

A robust core-shell-corona micelle bearing redox-responsive shell-specific cross-links was evaluated as a carrier of docetaxel (DTX) for cancer therapy. The polymer micelles of poly(ethylene glycol)-b-poly(L-lysine)-b-poly(L-phenylalanine) (PEG-PLys-PPhe) in the aqueous phase provided the three distinct functional domains: the PEG outer corona for prolonged circulation, the PLys middle shell for disulfide cross-linking, and the PPhe inner core for DTX loading. The shell cross-linking was performed by the reaction of disulfide-containing cross-linkers with Lys moieties in the middle shells.

Glycol chitosan/heparin immobilized iron oxide nanoparticles with a tumor-targeting characteristic for magnetic resonance imaging.

We described the preparation of the glycol chitosan/heparin immobilized iron oxide nanoparticles (composite NPs) as a magnetic resonance imaging agent with a tumor-targeting characteristic. The iron oxide nanoseeds used clinically as a magnetic resonance imaging agent were immobilized into the glycol chitosan/heparin network to form the composite NPs. To induce the ionic interaction between the iron oxide nanoseeds and glycol chitosan, gold was deposited on the surface of iron oxide nanoseeds.

Biocompatible Polyhydroxyethylaspartamide-based Micelles with Gadolinium for MRI Contrast Agents.

Biocompatible poly-[N-(2-hydroxyethyl)-d,l-aspartamide]-methoxypoly(ethyleneglycol)-hexadecylamine (PHEA-mPEG-C(16)) conjugated with 1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecan-1,4,7,10-tetraacetic acid-gadolinium (DOTA-Gd) via ethylenediamine (ED) was synthesized as a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agent. Amphiphilic PHEA-mPEG-C(16)-ED-DOTA-Gd forms micelle in aqueous solution. All the synthesized materials were characterized by proton nuclear magnetic resonance ((1)H NMR).

Core/shell nanoparticles for pH-sensitive delivery of doxorubicin.

Core/shell nanoparticles with lipid core were prepared and characterized as pH-sensitive delivery system of anticancer drug. The lipid core is composed of drug-loaded lecithin and the polymeric shell is composed of Pluronics (poly(ethylene oxide)-poly(propylene oxide)-poly(ethylene oxide) tri-block copolymer, F-127). Based on the preparation method in the previous report by us, the freeze-drying of drug-loaded lecithin was performed in the F-127 aqueous solution containing trehalose used as a cryoprotectant to form stabilized core/shell nanoparticles.

Paclitaxel-loaded Pluronic nanoparticles formed by a temperature-induced phase transition for cancer therapy.

We prepared nanoparticles by a temperature-induced phase transition in a mixture of Pluronic F-68 and liquid PEG (polyethylene glycol, molecular weight: 400) containing paclitaxel (PTX) with a fast, simple, continuous and solvent-free process. The liquid PEG is used as solubilizer of PTX and the polymer for the encapsulation of PTX is composed of Pluronic F-68. At the phase transition temperature, the polymer mixture was changed to the liquid phase, and stirring the liquid 0 °C to form Pluronic nanoparticles.

Increased stability in plasma and enhanced cellular uptake of thermally denatured albumin-coated liposomes.

Liposomes are nano-scale vesicles that can be used as one of drug carriers. The liposomes are, however, plagued by rapid opsonization of them and hence making their circulation time in bloodstream to be shortened. In this study, cationically charged liposomes of which surface was modified with bovine serum albumin (BSA) were prepared by using electrostatic interaction between cationic liposomes and anionically charged BSA molecules at higher pH than isoelectric point (pI) of BSA.

Polyethylene glycol-complexed cationic liposome for enhanced cellular uptake and anticancer activity.

Liposomes as one of the efficient drug carriers have some shortcomings such as their relatively short blood circulation time, fast clearance from human body by reticuloendothelial system (RES) and limited intracellular uptake to target cells. In this study, polyethylene glycol (PEG)-complexed cationic liposomes (PCL) were prepared by ionic complex of cationically charged liposomes with carboxylated polyethylene glycol (mPEG-COOH). The cationic liposomes had approximately 98.

Functional characterization of mesenchymal stem cells labeled with a novel PVP-coated superparamagnetic iron oxide.

Magnetic resonance imaging of cells labeled with superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO) could be a valuable tool for tracking transplanted cells in living organisms. Human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hBMMSC) were labeled with a novel polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP)-coated SPIO. Prussian blue staining and electron microscopy revealed that almost all of the cells were efficiently labeled with PVP-SPIO nanoparticles.

Synthesis and characterization of PVP-coated large core iron oxide nanoparticles as an MRI contrast agent.

The purpose of this study was to synthesize biocompatible polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP)-coated iron oxide (PVP-IO) nanoparticles and to evaluate their efficacy as a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agent. The PVP-IO nanoparticles were synthesized by a thermal decomposition method and characterized by x-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), and a superconducting quantum interface device (SQUID). The core size of the particles is about 8-10 nm and the overall size is around 20-30 nm.

Heparin-immobilized pluronic/PVA composite microparticles for the sustained delivery of ionic drug.

Heparin-immobilized Pluronic (F-68)/Polyvinylalcohol (PVA) composite microparticles were designed and characterized for the sustained drug delivery of ionic drug. Venlafaxine, antidepressant medication, was used as a model drug. For the efficient loading of ionic drug, heparin was immobilized into F-68/PVA composite microparticles.

Core/Shell nanoparticles with lecithin lipid cores for protein delivery.

Core/shell nanoparticles with lipid core, were prepared and characterized as a sustained delivery system for protein. The lipid core is composed of protein-loaded lecithin and the polymeric shell is composed of Pluronics (poly(ethylene oxide)-poly(propylene oxide)-poly(ethylene oxide) triblock copolymer, F-127). Based on the preparation method in the previous report by us, the freeze-drying of protein-loaded lecithin was performed in the F-127 aqueous solution containing trehalose used as a cryoprotectant to form stabilized core/shell nanoparticles.

Preparation and magnetic resonance imaging effect of polyvinylpyrrolidone-coated iron oxide nanoparticles.

Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP)-coated iron oxide nanoparticles were prepared by the thermal decomposition of Fe(CO)(5) (iron pentacarbonyl) in one step. X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), electrophoretic light scattering (ELS), infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) together with the variation of the molar ratio of PVP/Fe(CO)(5), solvent, and molecular weight of PVP, were used to characterize the PVP-coated iron oxide nanoparticles. Fifty to hundred nanometer-sized iron oxide nanoclusters with a spherical shape were formed in dimethylformamide (DMF), used as a solvent, and exhibited an enhanced stability in the aqueous media.

Diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid-gadolinium (DTPA-Gd)-conjugated polysuccinimide derivatives as magnetic resonance imaging contrast agents.

Biocompatible polysuccinimide (PSI) derivatives conjugated with diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid gadolinium (DTPA-Gd) were prepared as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agents. In this study, we synthesized PSI derivatives incorporating methoxy-poly(ethylene glycol) (mPEG) as hydrophilic ligand, hexadecylamine as hydrophobic ligand, and DTPA-Gd as contrast agent. PSI was synthesized by the polycondensation polymerization of aspartic acid.

Synthesis and characterization of polyanhydride for local BCNU delivery carriers.

p-Carboxyphenoxy propane (CPP) prepolymer consisting of 4 units and sebacic acid (SA) prepolymer consisting of about 10 units were synthesized by reacting CPP and SA in the presence of excess acetic anhydride, respectively. Polyanhydride, poly(CPP-SA) copolymers were copolymerized by a melt polycondensation process with a mixture of CPP and SA prepolymer. Copolymers of average molecular weight up to 110,000 g/mol were achieved.

Formation of core/shell nanoparticles with a lipid core and their application as a drug delivery system.

A novel preparation method for core/shell nanoparticles with a drug-loaded lipid core was designed and characterized. The lipid core is composed of lecithin and a drug, and the polymeric shell is composed of Pluronics (poly(ethylene oxide)-poly (propylene oxide)-poly(ethylene oxide) triblock copolymer, F-127). For the formation of stabilized core/shell nanoparticles, freeze-drying was performed in the presence of trehalose used as a cryoprotectant.