No abstract

To solve biostability and organ distribution problems in polymer-coated liposomes, this study developed tumor−extracellular matrix pH-induced targeting polymer− liposome complexes (ECM-targeting liposomes) that are highly stable in a protein-rich environment and can trigger targeting ability in tumor ECM environment. Experimental results show that the ECM-targeting liposomes significantly reduced adsorption of various proteins (HSA, IgG, and fibrinogen) and leakage of encapsulated drug doxorubicin− hydrochloride from liposomes, significantly improved uptake efficiency in HCT116 colon cancer cells, improved HCT116 tumor accumulation, and reduced distribution in normal organs (e.g., liver, spleen, lung, etc.). We demonstrate that ECM-targeting liposomes overcome the limitations of conventional liposomes and stealth liposomes in cancer therapy.

No abstract

Many medicinal plants contain diosgenin, which has a significant medicinal value. However, there is currently no effective and rapid analytical method to determine the diosgenin content of plants or products. In the present work we have developed an indirect competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for the quantitative determination of diosgenin in herbal medicines. Diosgenin was conjugated with bovine serum albumin (BSA) for immunization. A polyclonal antibody developed in rabbits against a diosgenin-BSA conjugate was shown to be specific for diosgenin. The developed ELISA assay was highly sensitive, specific, and easy to perform. In addition, it gave more precise results with less variation than other methods that have been used in the past, including gravimetric and spectrophotometric assays, and correlated well with high-performance liquid chromatography. The diosgenin content determined by ELISA varied widely, with the highest and lowest values in rhizomes or tubers of Paris polyphylla and Dioscorea opposita Thunb. "Jiao-ban Yam", respectively, differing by more than 9000-fold. These results suggest that the ELISA method can be used as a rapid, simple, sensitive, and accurate tool for quantitative analysis of samples containing diosgenin, and may provide an important criterion for quality evaluation and a valuable tool for quality control of diosgenin-containing medicinal plants.