Biodegradable nanoparticles for the treatment of epilepsy: From current advances to future challenges

Epilepsy is the second most prevalent neurological disease worldwide. It is mainly characterized by an electrical abnormal activity in different brain regions. The massive entrance of Ca2+ into neurons is the main neurotoxic process that lead to cell death and finally to neurodegeneration. Although there are a huge number of antiseizure medications, there are many patients who do not respond to the treatments and present refractory epilepsy. In this context, nanomedicine constitutes a promising alternative to enhance the central nervous system bioavailability of antiseizure medications. The encapsulation of different chemical compounds at once in a variety of controlled drug delivery systems gives rise to an enhanced drug effectiveness mainly due to their targeting and penetration into the deepest brain region and the protection of the drug chemical structure. Thus, in this review we will explore the recent advances in the development of drugs associated with polymeric and lipid-based nanocarriers as novel tools for the management of epilepsy disorders. Keywords: epilepsy; lipid nanoparticles; nanomedicine; nanotechnology; neurodegenerative diseases; polymeric nanoparticles

Diclofenac Loaded Biodegradable Nanoparticles as Antitumoral and Antiangiogenic Therapy

Cancer is identified as one of the main causes of death worldwide, and an effective treatment that can reduce/eliminate serious adverse effects is still an unmet medical need. Diclofenac, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), has demonstrated promising antitumoral properties. However, the prolonged use of this NSAID poses several adverse effects. These can be overcome by the use of suitable delivery systems that are able to provide a controlled delivery of the payload. In this study, Diclofenac was incorporated into biodegradable polymeric nanoparticles based on PLGA and the formulation was optimized using a factorial design approach. A monodisperse nanoparticle population was obtained with a mean size of ca. 150 nm and negative surface charge. The release profile of diclofenac from the optimal formulation followed a prolonged release kinetics. Diclofenac nanoparticles demonstrated antitumoral and antiangiogenic properties without causing cytotoxicity to non-tumoral cells, and can be pointed out as a safe, promising and innovative nanoparticle-based formulation with potential antitumoral effects. Keywords: diclofenac; nanoparticles; PLGA; anti-inflammatory; drug delivery; anti-angiogenesis; antitumora

Obtenció de nanopartícules polimèriques per a l'administració ocular de fàrmacs i estudis d'interacció amb tècniques biofísiques

Ageing is a biological process that leads to a decrease in physiological functions, and is the main risk factor for most common diseases in developed countries. The process causes modifications in biological membranes, especially affecting some body structures, such as the ocular surface. Specifically, the lipids of the corneal ocular surface present modifications related to age, with increased epithelial permeability making the elderly more vulnerable to corneal injuries. Inflammation is one of the most common pathologies evident in ophthalmology, which can affect different eye structures. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, are widely used to treat ocular inflammation. Therefore, a drug delivery system such as PLGA biodegradable polymeric nanoparticles is an interesting alternative, as it can improve drug bioavailability, reduce the number of administrations required, and increase therapeutic adherence. This work also encompassed the proposal of a methodology for the development of formulations of nanoparticles that contain encapsulated dexibuprofen, and the creation of a model of corneal membrane that would permit in vitro studies of interactions. Keywords: dexibuprofen, biological membranes, eye, nanoparticles