Single small molecule-assembled nanoparticles mediate efficient oral drug delivery

Betulinic acid self-assembled nanoparticles for effective treatment of glioblastoma

“…We recently developed a novel approach to form nanoparticles using various naturally existing compounds, including BA [ 18 – 20 ]. In a previous study, we found that BA was able to self-assembled into rod-shaped nanoparticles, which can efficiently penetrate the ischemic brain for stroke treatment [ 20 ].…”

Brain-targeting, acid-responsive antioxidant nanoparticles for stroke treatment and drug delivery

“…We recently developed a magnetic NP- based chemical extraction approach, through which we isolated and identified a group of natural small molecule-based nanomaterials, most of which are known to have antioxidant activities [ [8] , [9] , [10] , [11] ]. To identify one suitable for stroke treatment, we selected and evaluated 10 of those identified nanomaterials, including BA, LP, GA, SA, ST, DTA, OA, UA, PAA, and BT.…”

“…We recently reported a group of natural small molecule-based nanomaterials isolated from medicinal plants that can self-assemble into NPs [ [8] , [9] , [10] , [11] ]. Among them, betulinic acid (BA) forms rod-shaped NPs and can effectively improve post-stroke recovery as an antioxidant agent.…”

Supramolecular assemblies based on natural small molecules: Union would be effective

“…Moreover, in different liquids, self-assembled glycyrrhetinic acid from Glycyrrhiza glabra and OA from Lantana camara produced spherical objects and vesicles or fibrils to form supramolecular gels, respectively [ 34 , 35 ]. Besides, sumaresinolic acid from Melastoma candidum and echinocystic acid from Albizzia julibrissin had been identified as spherical or irregular NPs [ 36 , 37 ]. Ursolic acid (UA) presented in the leaves of Plumeria rubra were proved to aggregate into stable self-assembly in the form of supramolecular gel or nanocrystal which could improve its solubility and anticancer activity in vitro [ [38] , [39] , [40] ].…”

“… Compound Structural formula Micromorphology Macroscopic Phase Ref. Betulinic acid Fibrillar network Gel [ 23 ] Betulin Flower-like fibrillary network Gel/colloidal suspension [ 26 ] Liquidambaric acid Fibrillar network Gel [ 17 ] Lupeol Rod/lamellae/fibrillar network Gel [ 16 ] Arjunolic acid Vesicle Gel [ 31 ] Maslinic acid Vesicle Viscous suspension [ 33 ] Corosolic acid Vesicle Gel/colloidal suspension [ 32 ] Oleanolic acid Vesicle/fiber Gel [ 34 ] Glycyrrhetinic acid Sphere/petal Gel [ 35 ] Sumaresinolic acid Sphere NP [ 36 ] Echinocystic acid Irregular NP [ 37 ] Ursolic acid Vesicles/tubes/fibers/flowers/sphere/layer Gel/colloidal suspension/nanocrystal/NP [ [38] , [39] …”