Herein, a novel “ON-OFF” colorimetric and fluorometric chemosensor; 1N-allyl-2-(2, 5-dimethoxyphenyl)-4, 5-diphenyl-1H-imidazole (ADPPI), was constructed for sequential determination of Cu2+ and S2− ions in aqueous media. The interaction between chemosensor ADPPI and different metal cations was investigated using UV-VIS and fluorimetric spectroscopy. ADPPI showed a favorable and good interaction with Cu2+ ions producing blue colored solution peaked at 610 nm with blue fluorescence at λem. = 447 nm. The produced complex between Cu2+ ions and ADPPI can be used as a cascade probe for detection of S2− ions. The detection limits (LODs) were 1.01 nM and 1.25 μM for Cu2+ and S2− ions, respectively (the lowest between the family of colorimetric and fluorometric chemosensors). To further increase the applicability of the proposed method, Cu2+ and S2− ions concentrations were measured in environmental water samples.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the 5th most common cancer type and the worldwide’s third cause of cancer-related deaths. Conventional chemotherapy is the only available therapeutic option for non-resectable or metastatic tumors, but it is challenged by high off-target cytotoxicity and the emergence of multidrug resistance by cancer cells. In the current study, we used RNA interference gene therapy (RNAi) by small interfering RNA (siRNA) to knockdown Midkine gene (MK), an overexpressed gene in HCC, which is responsible for anti-apoptotic and chemoresistant functions. We proposed that using such approach in combination with the cytotoxic drug, sorafenib (SOR), would act synergistically to maximize the anticancer activity and reduce the therapeutic dose of the drug. We designed a novel lipid-based nanocarrier for the co-delivery of SOR and MK-siRNA to HCC cells based on YSK05, a novel pH-responsive lipid synthesized in our laboratory. Nanoparticles were modified with a novel targeting peptide to ensure highly-specific delivery of the payload. The performance of the delivery system and the cargo was evaluated by cytotoxicity and gene knockdown studies. Furthermore, optimization of the different formulation variables maximized the efficiency of the combination and the biotolerability of the nanocarrier. We showed the first proof that MK-siRNA increases the sensitivity of HCC cells to SOR. In addition, our system showed amazing selectivity to HCC cells compared to other cancerous and normal cells. Our selective and efficient co-delivery system, encapsulating the novel anticancer combination, holds promise as a novel strategy for HCC treatment. We are currently optimizing it for the in vivo application.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the 5th most common cancer type and the worldwide’s third cause of cancer-related deaths. Conventional chemotherapy is the only available therapeutic option for non-resectable or metastatic tumors, but it is challenged by high off-target cytotoxicity and the emergence of multidrug resistance by cancer cells. In the current study, we used RNA interference gene therapy (RNAi) by small interfering RNA (siRNA) to knockdown Midkine gene (MK), an overexpressed gene in HCC, which is responsible for anti-apoptotic and chemoresistant functions. We proposed that using such approach in combination with the cytotoxic drug, sorafenib (SOR), would act synergistically to maximize the anticancer activity and reduce the therapeutic dose of the drug. We designed a novel lipid-based nanocarrier for the co-delivery of SOR and MK-siRNA to HCC cells based on YSK05, a novel pH-responsive lipid synthesized in our laboratory. Nanoparticles were modified with a novel targeting peptide to ensure highly-specific delivery of the payload. The performance of the delivery system and the cargo was evaluated by cytotoxicity and gene knockdown studies. Furthermore, optimization of the different formulation variables maximized the efficiency of the combination and the biotolerability of the nanocarrier. We showed the first proof that MK-siRNA increases the sensitivity of HCC cells to SOR. In addition, our system showed amazing selectivity to HCC cells compared to other cancerous and normal cells. Our selective and efficient co-delivery system, encapsulating the novel anticancer combination, holds promise as a novel strategy for HCC treatment. We are currently optimizing it for the in vivo application.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is not easily cleared from the human body and in most cases turned into chronic infection. This chronicity is a major cause of liver damage, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Therefore, immediate detection and treatment of HCV guarantees eradication of the virus and prevention of chronicity complications. Since discovery of HCV in 1989, several emerging treatments were developed such as polyethylene glycol(PEG)-ylated interferon/ribavirin, direct acting antivirals and host targeting antivirals. Despite the progress in anti-HCV therapy, there is still a pressing need of new approaches for affordable and effective drug delivery systems using nanomedicine. In this review, the contribution of nanoparticles as a promising delivery system for HCV immunizing, diagnostic and therapeutic agents are discussed.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is not easily cleared from the human body and in most cases turned into chronic infection. This chronicity is a major cause of liver damage, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Therefore, immediate detection and treatment of HCV guarantees eradication of the virus and prevention of chronicity complications. Since discovery of HCV in 1989, several emerging treatments were developed such as polyethylene glycol(PEG)-ylated interferon/ribavirin, direct acting antivirals and host targeting antivirals. Despite the progress in anti-HCV therapy, there is still a pressing need of new approaches for affordable and effective drug delivery systems using nanomedicine. In this review, the contribution of nanoparticles as a promising delivery system for HCV immunizing, diagnostic and therapeutic agents are discussed.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is not easily cleared from the human body and in most cases turned into chronic infection. This chronicity is a major cause of liver damage, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Therefore, immediate detection and treatment of HCV guarantees eradication of the virus and prevention of chronicity complications. Since discovery of HCV in 1989, several emerging treatments were developed such as polyethylene glycol(PEG)-ylated interferon/ribavirin, direct acting antivirals and host targeting antivirals. Despite the progress in anti-HCV therapy, there is still a pressing need of new approaches for affordable and effective drug delivery systems using nanomedicine. In this review, the contribution of nanoparticles as a promising delivery system for HCV immunizing, diagnostic and therapeutic agents are discussed.

To enhance anthralin efficacy against psoriasis and reduce its notorious side effects, it was loaded into various liposomal and ethosomal preparations. The nanocarriers were characterized for drug encapsulation efficiency, size, morphology and compatibility between various components. Optimum formulations were dispersed in various gel bases and drug release kinetics were studied. Clinical efficacy and safety of liposomal and ethosomal Pluronic®F-127 gels were evaluated in patients having psoriasis (clinicaltrials.gov identifier is NCT03348462). Safety was assessed by recording various adverse events. Drug encapsulation efficiency ≥97.2% and ≥77% were obtained for liposomes and ethosomes, respectively. Particle sizes of 116 to 199 nm and 146 to 381 nm were observed for liposomes and ethosomes, respectively. Fourier-Transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) studies confirmed the absence of interaction between anthralin and various nanocarrier components. Tested gel bases showed excellent ability to sustain drug release. At baseline, the patients had a median Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) of 3.4 for liposomes and 3.6 for ethosomes without significant difference. After treatment, mean PASI change was 68.66% and 81.84% for liposomes and ethosomes, respectively with a significant difference in favor of ethosomes. No adverse effects were detected in both groups. Anthralin ethosomes could be considered as a potential treatment of psoriasis.

To enhance anthralin efficacy against psoriasis and reduce its notorious side effects, it was loaded into various liposomal and ethosomal preparations. The nanocarriers were characterized for drug encapsulation efficiency, size, morphology and compatibility between various components. Optimum formulations were dispersed in various gel bases and drug release kinetics were studied. Clinical efficacy and safety of liposomal and ethosomal Pluronic®F-127 gels were evaluated in patients having psoriasis (clinicaltrials.gov identifier is NCT03348462). Safety was assessed by recording various adverse events. Drug encapsulation efficiency ≥97.2% and ≥77% were obtained for liposomes and ethosomes, respectively. Particle sizes of 116 to 199 nm and 146 to 381 nm were observed for liposomes and ethosomes, respectively. Fourier-Transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) studies confirmed the absence of interaction between anthralin and various nanocarrier components. Tested gel bases showed excellent ability to sustain drug release. At baseline, the patients had a median Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) of 3.4 for liposomes and 3.6 for ethosomes without significant difference. After treatment, mean PASI change was 68.66% and 81.84% for liposomes and ethosomes, respectively with a significant difference in favor of ethosomes. No adverse effects were detected in both groups. Anthralin ethosomes could be considered as a potential treatment of psoriasis.

To enhance anthralin efficacy against psoriasis and reduce its notorious side effects, it was loaded into various liposomal and ethosomal preparations. The nanocarriers were characterized for drug encapsulation efficiency, size, morphology and compatibility between various components. Optimum formulations were dispersed in various gel bases and drug release kinetics were studied. Clinical efficacy and safety of liposomal and ethosomal Pluronic®F-127 gels were evaluated in patients having psoriasis (clinicaltrials.gov identifier is NCT03348462). Safety was assessed by recording various adverse events. Drug encapsulation efficiency ≥97.2% and ≥77% were obtained for liposomes and ethosomes, respectively. Particle sizes of 116 to 199 nm and 146 to 381 nm were observed for liposomes and ethosomes, respectively. Fourier-Transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) studies confirmed the absence of interaction between anthralin and various nanocarrier components. Tested gel bases showed excellent ability to sustain drug release. At baseline, the patients had a median Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) of 3.4 for liposomes and 3.6 for ethosomes without significant difference. After treatment, mean PASI change was 68.66% and 81.84% for liposomes and ethosomes, respectively with a significant difference in favor of ethosomes. No adverse effects were detected in both groups. Anthralin ethosomes could be considered as a potential treatment of psoriasis.

Further chemical study of the crude extract of the soft coral Heteroxenia fuscescens (Fam., Xeniidea), led to isolation of two new sterols, Heterofuscesterols A (1) and B (2), a sterol isolated for the first time from natural sources, 3β,5α,6β-trihydroxyandrosta-17-one (3), along with one new hydroperoxy sesquiterpene, Heterofusceterpene A (4), and one known ceramide (5). Their structures were elucidated by comprehensive spectroscopic analyses, including NMR and HRESIMS, and by comparison with previous data for related compounds in the literature. The cytotoxic activities of the isolated compounds were assessed using MTT colorimetric assay against MCF-7 and OVK-18 cancer cell lines.