Self-assembled hyaluronan nanocapsules for the intracellular delivery of anticancer drugs

Abstract

Preparation of sophisticated delivery systems for nanomedicine applications generally involve multi-step procedures using organic solvents. In this study, we have developed a simple self-assembling process to prepare docetaxel-loaded hyaluronic acid (HA) nanocapsules by using a self-emulsification process without the need of organic solvents, heat or high shear forces. These nanocapsules, which comprise an oily core and a shell consisting of an assembly of surfactants and hydrophobically modified HA, have a mean size of 130 nm, a zeta potential of −20 mV, and exhibit high docetaxel encapsulation efficiency. The nanocapsules exhibited an adequate stability in plasma. Furthermore, in vitro studies performed using A549 lung cancer cells, showed effective intracellular delivery of docetaxel. On the other hand, blank nanocapsules showed very low cytotoxicity. Overall, these results highlight the potential of self-emulsifying HA nanocapsules for intracellular drug delivery.

Asymmetric flow field-flow fractionation as a multifunctional technique for the characterization of polymeric nanocarriers

“…The most external layer of a nanocarrier has the double role of favoring the specific recognition at the targeted pathological site and avoiding the non-specific interactions that would lead to fast opsonization. This purpose can be achieved by adding an hydrophilic coating, such as PEG [ 111 ] or glycans functionalized or not [ 112 ]. Despite the importance of the PEG layer in balancing the stealth and targeting properties of the nanocarriers, its formation and stability are determined mostly in a qualitative or unprecise way [ 113 ].…”

Solvent-Free Polycaprolactone Dissolving Microneedles Generated via the Thermal Melting Method for the Sustained Release of Capsaicin

“…Moreover, toxicity by accumulation in cell organelles and cell death by inflammation are related to the interaction between nanoparticles and cells [ 10 ]. Furthermore, an organic solvent used during nanocarrier manufacture may cause toxicity [ 11 ]. In contrast, hydrophilic polymers, which are widely used in DMNs, were chemically modified to fabricate DMNs for sustained release because these polymers presented extended degradation times and strong mechanical strength properties [ 12 ].…”

Onco-Receptors Targeting in Lung Cancer via Application of Surface-Modified and Hybrid Nanoparticles: A Cross-Disciplinary Review

“…CD44 is highly upregulated in squamous cell metaplasia and NSCLC [76] and is involved in metastasis of NSCLC to the lymph node [77]. HA, as an anionic glycosaminoglycan and a polymeric ligand, can be anchored to the surface of the particles or itself is able to self-assemble to target the lung cancer [78,79]. For instance, HA anchored polyethyleneimine-PEG nanoparticles specifically delivered siRNA to lung cancer cells [78].…”