No abstract

This study aims to formulate mucoadhesive vancomycin loaded thiolated chitosan (TCS) nanoparticles. These nanoparticles are mucoadhesive and enhance the retention of the drug at the ocular site. For this purpose, TCS loaded vancomycin nanoparticles were prepared by the ion-gelation method and were characterized for their size, shape, polydispersity index, mucoadhesion, cellular uptake and anti-inflammatory activity. The average size of the synthesized nanoparticles was found to be 288 nm with positive zeta potential. Moreover, 85% vancomycin was successfully encapsulated in TCS nanoparticles by using this method. A 2-fold increase in mucoadhesion was found as compared to non-thiolated vancomycin formulation (p < 0.05). Zone of inhibition of vancomycin loaded TCS was also significantly improved compared to non-thiolated chitosan nanoparticles and vancomycin alone. In-vivo anti-inflammatory evaluation via histopathology resulted in ocular healing. Based on the results, it is inferred that TCS nanoparticles are a promising drug delivery carrier system for ocular delivery of vancomycin.

Osteoarthritis is characterized by joint destruction followed by severe inflammation caused by variety of proinflammatory mediators released due to upregulation of nuclear translocation of nuclear factor (NF-kB). Current treatment involves chronic administration of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) that is associated with bewildering array of systemic adverse effects. Transdermal drug delivery system address challenges of systemic toxicities but toxic chemical penetration enhancers limit its utility.  Novel drug delivery system explores the potential of bio-inspired materials for designing of safe and effective carriers that specifically deliver drug to site of action with enhanced transdermal penetration of the drug. Chondroitin sulfate, a biopolymer that mimic extracellular matrix, binds specifically with its overexpressed receptors (CD44, RHAMM and ICAM-I) at inflammatory site, biodegradable and possess intrinsic anti-inflammatory properties. These attributes render chondroitin sulfate an ideal carrier for the drug delivery in osteoarthritis. Chondroitin sulfate based nanocarriers serve as a potential drug delivery system that not only deliver anti-arthritis drug through the skin but also produce synergistic effect to improve therapeutic outcome. In this review, molecular mechanism of intrinsic anti-inflammatory effects of chondroitin sulfate in osteoarthritis is discussed in detail. Moreover, potential of chondroitin sulfate to perform dual role of therapeutic agent as well as serve as nanocarrier in transdermal drug delivery for the treatment of osteoarthritis is elaborated.

In nanotechnology field, iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles (IONPs) have gained much interest. The magnetic nanoparticles have been widely explored for applications due to ease of manufacturing and functionalization with polymers and other materials which makes them highly sensitive for many biological and biomedical applications. They transform electromagnetic energy into heat when exposed to magnetic field, and, hence, prove themselves as potent anti-cancer agent. The most advanced application of nanoscale materials towards human health is application as contrast agents in imaging modalities. MNPs proved safer as imaging contrast agents than conventional methods. MNPs have also been used in overcoming bacterial resistance and as anti-viral agent. They provide further evidences as emerging means in treatment and diagnosis of CVD and chronic inflammatory diseases like Rheumatoid arthritis. They also have employed in gene therapy to treat chronic diseases now a day.