Therapeutic Deep Eutectic Systems towards the Treatment of Tuberculosis and Colorectal Cancer: Opportunities and Challenges

Abstract

What if a new technology based on therapeutic deep eutectic systems would disrupt the current treatment of major economic and socially burden diseases? The classical definition of eutectic systems is that they are the combination of two or more compounds that interact via hydrogen bonds, from which results a melting temperature depression in comparison with that of its individual components. Therapeutic deep eutectic systems are defined as eutectic systems in which at least one of the individual components is an active pharmaceutical ingredient, or a eutectic system in which the active pharmaceutical ingredient is dissolved. Current literature reports on tuberculosis have been mostly based on the most common anti-tuberculosis drugs prescribed. Using eutectic systems based on naturally occurring molecules known for their anti-microbial activity may also present a promising therapeutic strategy able to cope with the prevalence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and prevent the appearance of multidrug resistance strains. With regards to colorectal cancer, literature has been unravelling combinations of terpenes with anti-inflammatory drugs that are selectively cytotoxic towards colorectal cancer cells and do not compromise the viability of normal intestinal cells. This technology could contribute to preventing tumor growth and metastasis while providing a patient compliance therapeutics, which will be crucial to the success of overcoming the challenges presented by cancers.

Unveiling the potential of deep eutectic solvents to improve the conformational and colloidal stability of immunoglobulin G antibodies

“…DESs have been described as compounds with negligible toxicity, good biodegradability and non-volatile. [20][21][22][23] Nevertheless, it should be borne in mind that these properties are not general and depend on the specific DES and its constituents and composition. A large proportion of research has been focused on the application of DESs, with several works showing the use of DESs for the extraction and storage of proteins.…”

Current Development of Chemical Penetration Enhancers for Transdermal Insulin Delivery

“…As of recent, a few classes of DESs have been identified, which include natural deep eutectic solvents, as the name suggests, components used for the synthesis of natural deep eutectic solvents are obtained from natural sources such as sugar, amino acids, and organic acids [ 108 , 109 ]. Therapeutic deep eutectic solvents are eutectic mixtures containing APIs as part of the formulation [ 110 ]. DES possesses excellent properties that complement some of the obstacles of existing solvents, especially in the area of drug delivery.…”

Has the Toxicity of Therapeutic Deep Eutectic Systems Been Assessed?

“…Even a different mechanism of action is followed by the THEDESs compared to the isolated ibuprofen and limonene, but their advantages for cancer therapy are preserved [31]. Notably, in a review, Oliveira et al suggested to understand the cytotoxicity process of THEDESs when affecting different kinds of cell lines, malignant and non-malignant, in order to take advantage of this knowledge to design proper therapies for specific cancer types, such as colorectal cancer [59]. Later on, Pereira et al evaluated the usefulness of different THEDES including terpenes and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.…”