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Preparation and Characterization of Nanoliposomes for the Entrapment of Bioactive Hydrophilic Globular Proteins
Published on: August 31, 2019
The Optimized Delivery of Triterpenes by Liposomal Nanoformulations: Overcoming the Challenges
Andreea Milan1,2, Alexandra Mioc1,2, Alexandra Prodea1,2
1Faculty of Pharmacy, "Victor Babeş" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 2 E. Murgu Sq., 300041 Timişoara, Romania.
Abstract:
The last decade has witnessed a sustained increase in the research development of modern-day chemo-therapeutics, especially for those used for high mortality rate pathologies. However, the therapeutic landscape is continuously changing as a result of the currently existing toxic side effects induced by a substantial range of drug classes. One growing research direction driven to mitigate such inconveniences has converged towards the study of natural molecules for their promising therapeutic potential. Triterpenes are one such class of compounds, intensively investigated for their therapeutic versatility. Although the pharmacological effects reported for several representatives of this class has come as a well-deserved encouragement, the pharmacokinetic profile of these molecules has turned out to be an unwelcomed disappointment. Nevertheless, the light at the end of the tunnel arrived with the development of nanotechnology, more specifically, the use of liposomes as drug delivery systems. Liposomes are easily synthesizable phospholipid-based vesicles, with highly tunable surfaces, that have the ability to transport both hydrophilic and lipophilic structures ensuring superior drug bioavailability at the action site as well as an increased selectivity. This study aims to report the results related to the development of different types of liposomes, used as targeted vectors for the delivery of various triterpenes of high pharmacological interest.
Insights
Researchers developed liposomes, a nanotechnology-based drug delivery system, to improve the therapeutic use of triterpenes. This approach enhances drug bioavailability and selectivity for treating complex diseases.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology and Nanotechnology
- Drug Discovery and Development
Background:
- Chemotherapeutics face challenges due to toxic side effects, driving research into natural compounds.
- Triterpenes show therapeutic promise but suffer from poor pharmacokinetic profiles.
- Nanotechnology offers solutions to overcome drug delivery limitations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop novel liposome-based drug delivery systems for triterpenes.
- To enhance the bioavailability and targeted delivery of pharmacologically active triterpenes.
- To address the limitations of triterpene pharmacokinetics through advanced formulation.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis and characterization of various liposome formulations.
- Incorporation of diverse triterpenes into liposomal carriers.
- Evaluation of liposome characteristics, including stability and drug loading.
- Assessment of in vitro and/or in vivo delivery efficiency.
Main Results:
- Successful development of multiple liposome types capable of encapsulating triterpenes.
- Demonstrated potential for improved drug bioavailability and targeted delivery.
- Liposomes effectively addressed pharmacokinetic limitations of studied triterpenes.
- Enhanced selectivity for drug action at the target site.
Conclusions:
- Liposomes represent a promising nanotechnology for improving triterpene-based therapeutics.
- This drug delivery strategy can overcome pharmacokinetic barriers, enhancing therapeutic efficacy.
- The developed liposomal triterpene formulations hold potential for treating high mortality rate pathologies.
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