No abstract

Genistein has been reported to have antioxidant and neuroprotective activity. Despite encouraging in vitro and in vivo results, several disadvantages such as poor water solubility, rapid metabolism, and low oral bioavailability limit the clinical application of genistein. The aim of this study was to design and characterize genistein-loaded chitosan nanoparticles for intranasal drug delivery, prepared by the ionic gelation technique by using sodium hexametaphosphate. Nanoparticles were characterized in vitro and their cytotoxicity was tested on PC12 cells. Genistein-loaded nanoparticles were prepared, and sodium hexametaphosphate was used as a valid alternative to well-known cross-linkers. Nanoparticle characteristics as well as their physical stability were affected by formulation composition and manufacturing. Small (mean diameters of 200–300 nm) and homogeneous nanoparticles were obtained and were able to improve genistein penetration through the nasal mucosa as compared to pure genistein. Nanoparticle dispersions showed a pH consistent with the nasal fluid and preserved PC12 cell vitality.

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This review aims to provide the state of the art on polymeric and lipid nanoparticles, used or suggested to approach pediatric diseases’ problems and needs, and to inspire new researches in this field. Several drugs are currently not available in formulations suitable for pediatric patients. The United States Pediatric Formulation Initiative suggested applying new technologies to pediatric drug formulations, for instance, nanotechnology. The literature analysis showed that polymeric and lipid nanoparticles have been widely studied to treat pediatric diseases, and albumin nanoparticles and liposomes are already used in clinical practice. Nevertheless, these studies are focused almost exclusively on pediatric cancer treatment. Although nanomedicine may solve many needs of pediatric diseases and medicines, the unavailability of data on pharmacokinetics, safety and efficacy of both drugs and nanoparticles in pediatric patients limits the development of new pediatric medicines based on nanoparticles. Therefore, nanomedicine applied in pediatrics remains a significant challenge in the near future.

Lymphatic vessels are the preferential route of most solid tumors to spread their metastases in the body. The onset of metastatic nests in draining lymph nodes (LNs) are a significant indicator of cancer progression and a dismaying sign of worsen staging. Therefore, the individuation and elimination of cancer cells within the lymphatic system (LS) are an important goal. Nevertheless, the targeting of the LS with traditional contrast agents and/or chemotherapeutics is difficult, due to its anatomical structure. For this reason, many studies on new lymphatic delivery systems have been carried out, both to improve lymphatic imaging and to selectively carry chemotherapeutics to LNs, reducing the exposure of healthy tissues to the cytotoxic substances. This is an overview of the present situation in the field of detection and treatment strategies of lymphatic metastases, taking into account the use of nano-drug delivery systems. Nanocarriers, thanks to their small size and other physicochemical characteristics, are suitable vectors for imaging and chemotherapy of the LS. Areas covered: The role of the LS in tumor progression and importance of treatment and imaging strategies of lymphatic metastases. Expert opinion: The nanoparticles are a promising approach for treatment and detection of lymphatic metastases. However further studies are necessary in order to evaluate their efficacy in human clinical application.