Original article
Biopharmaceuticals and Monoclonal Antibodies
Fatima khilonawala; Amjaad Majeed Ali; Mustafa R. AL-Shaheen
Volume 1, Issue 1 , June 2023, Pages 1-11
Abstract
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a prevalent condition, impacting a third of women globally. It’s marked by reduced healthy lactobacilli and increased growth of certain anaerobes like Gardnerella. Even though antibiotics can be taken orally or applied vaginally to treat BV, about 50% of the patients ...
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Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a prevalent condition, impacting a third of women globally. It’s marked by reduced healthy lactobacilli and increased growth of certain anaerobes like Gardnerella. Even though antibiotics can be taken orally or applied vaginally to treat BV, about 50% of the patients will have the condition return in less than 6 months. High concentrations of Lactobacillus acidophilus have been linked to health benefits. Given the recurrence rates after treating BV, there’s growing interest in using beneficial bacteria either as an alternative or as a supplementary treatment. This research wanted to demonstrate the potential for a new long-lasting delivery method for L. acidophilus. Results indicated that polyethylene oxide (PEO) fibers containing L. acidophilus can be combined with poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) fibers in a 1:1 ratio. This structure subsequently releases L. acidophilus, which remains metabolically active, produces lactic acid, and can counteract Gardnerella. When these probiotic-rich fibers were consistently cultured in MRS broth and refreshed daily, they continued to produce active L. acidophilus for up to a week. The amount of lactic acid and associated pH measurements reflected the concentration of L. acidophilus from the fibers, underscoring their metabolic activity. In lab tests with vaginal cell cultures, the L. acidophilus fibers hindered Gardnerella growth in proportion to their dilution, showcasing their bacteria-killing capability. Introducing VK2/E6E7 cells to these L. acidophilus fibers showed only a slight reduction in cell viability compared to cells that weren’t treated. In summary, the findings highlight the potential of using electrospun fibers as a viable means to administer vaginal probiotics in a durable format.
Original article
Nanotechnology in Drug Delivery
Saja Hussain Dilfy; Nawras Najah mubark; Abiya Ahad Ahad
Volume 1, Issue 1 , June 2023, Pages 12-18
Abstract
This study showcases the creation of nanostructures that carry Chrysin (Chr), using gold (AuNPs) nanoparticles encased in chitosan. The Au particles were derived by reducing AuCl4− with tripolyphosphate (TPP) andCS. These gold/chitosan nanoparticles (Au/CS NPs) were analyzed using UV-Vis spectroscopy. ...
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This study showcases the creation of nanostructures that carry Chrysin (Chr), using gold (AuNPs) nanoparticles encased in chitosan. The Au particles were derived by reducing AuCl4− with tripolyphosphate (TPP) andCS. These gold/chitosan nanoparticles (Au/CS NPs) were analyzed using UV-Vis spectroscopy. Their size was identified as approximately 45.23± 4.32 nm through DLS, and the crystal makeup of gold was verified by XRD. FE-SEM imaging confirmed these NPs to be round, with an average size around 42 nm. Measurements showed that the drug capacity for Chr was about 20 ± 3.70% and its encapsulation efficiency stood at roughly 88.7 ± 4.50%. The nanocarrier’s drug release behavior was observed in both acidic and neutral conditions (with pH levels of 5.4 and 7.4), and it was notably responsive to the acidic environment. Moreover, MTT test showed the Chr-infused NPs were more toxic to the MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells than Chr alone. Based on this data, further exploration of these Au/CS NPs is recommended to enhance the therapeutic potential of Chr.
Review article
CRISPR-Cas9 in Drug Discovery
Nameera siraj; Saja Hussain Dilfy; Rafat Hamdi Abduljaleel
Volume 1, Issue 1 , June 2023, Pages 19-33
Abstract
The CRISPR/Cas system, with its capacity to modify DNA sequences and thus change cellular and organ traits, holds promise for gene study and therapeutic interventions. However, the absence of reliable and efficient delivery mechanisms curtails its clinical usage. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) present ...
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The CRISPR/Cas system, with its capacity to modify DNA sequences and thus change cellular and organ traits, holds promise for gene study and therapeutic interventions. However, the absence of reliable and efficient delivery mechanisms curtails its clinical usage. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) present an appealing avenue for transporting CRISPR/Cas9. They offer multiple benefits over other delivery vehicles, especially in safety, protection, carrying capacity, tissue penetration, targeting precision, and adaptability. As a result, there’s a growing trend in employing EVs for in vivo delivery of CRISPR/Cas9. This article provides an overview of the strengths and weaknesses associated with various CRISPR/Cas9 delivery mechanisms and vehicles. It underscores the unique attributes of EVs as carriers, delving into their inherent features, physiological and pathological roles, safety profile, and targeting proficiency. The piece also delves into the origins of EVs, methods for their isolation, and techniques for packing CRISPR/Cas9 within them. In its conclusion, the article charts a path forward, emphasizing the pivotal areas of focus for optimizing EVs as carriers in CRISPR/Cas9’s clinical utilization, namely the safety, storage potential, uniformity, production rate, and precise targeting of EVs.
Review article
Nanotechnology in Drug Delivery
Shahad Q. Al-Hamadiny; Rasha ibrahim salman; Ali Mohammed Al-Rawe
Volume 1, Issue 1 , June 2023, Pages 34-47
Abstract
Although numerous medications have the potential to treat central nervous system (CNS) disorders, only a small number of these drugs have actually been used successfully. It is as a result of the blood–brain barrier (BBB) and blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier (BCSF) preventing them from exerting ...
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Although numerous medications have the potential to treat central nervous system (CNS) disorders, only a small number of these drugs have actually been used successfully. It is as a result of the blood–brain barrier (BBB) and blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier (BCSF) preventing them from exerting biological activity by allowing them to cross the brain. The current methods for enhancing penetration across these barriers for efficient CNS medication delivery are reviewed in this article. Direct systemic delivery, invasive delivery, BBB disruption, and convection enhanced delivery are a summary of these problems. Additionally, cutting-edge nanoscale drug delivery methods such polymeric nanoparticles, liposomes, nanoemulsions, dendrimers, and micelles are explored. These nanocarriers might lead to a development in the treatment of numerous CNS illnesses. To evaluate the biocompatibility and safety of these medical devices, however, further extensive research is required.
Review article
Biosimilars
Anmar Kamil Alalwani; Seema Ahad; Nedhal Hameed Sajet Dhaher
Volume 1, Issue 1 , June 2023, Pages 48-63
Abstract
Disorders of the CNS, such as brain tumors, ischemic strokes, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s disease, pose a significant risk to human well-being. The presence of the BBB further complicates the transportation of medications and the development of targeted drug delivery methods. In recent decades, ...
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Disorders of the CNS, such as brain tumors, ischemic strokes, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s disease, pose a significant risk to human well-being. The presence of the BBB further complicates the transportation of medications and the development of targeted drug delivery methods. In recent decades, considerable attention has been directed towards biomimetic vehicles derived from cell membranes, driven by the emergence of targeted drug delivery systems and biomimetic nanotechnology. Cell membranes are recognized as inherent multifunctional biomaterials, holding promise for the design and adaptation of targeted delivery strategies. The current conjunction of cell membranes and nanoparticles gives rise to biomimetic vehicles, offering fresh insights into BBB recognition, transportation, and efficient therapy. These vehicles leverage the diverse biological functions and strong biocompatibility of cell membranes, presenting a promising avenue for enhanced treatments. This article offers a summary of the current obstacles in achieving targeted delivery within the CNS and highlights recent progress made in utilizing various types of biomimetic vehicles derived from cell membranes for efficient CNS targeting. The discussion includes an exploration of the mechanisms involved in BBB targeting, in addition to an examination of the challenges and potential for clinical application. Ultimately, novel perspectives for advancement and development are also presented.
