Smart Lipid Nanoparticles Containing Levofloxacin And Dnase For Lung Delivery. Design And Characterization

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)Levofloxacin (LV) is a hydrophilic broad-spectrum antibiotic commonly used in pulmonary treatment against recurrent infections of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and particularly in cystic fibrosis (CF) disease. In order to study feasible carriers for LV, solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) of myristyl myristate were prepared by the ultrasonication method in the presence of Pluronic (R) F68 under different experimental conditions and characterized by dynamic light scattering, optical, transmission and scanning electron microscopy for size and morphology. Alternatively, nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) were developed to improve LV encapsulation and storage. SLN showed 20.1 +/- 1.4% LV encapsulation efficiency, while the NLCs encapsulated 55.9 +/- 1.6% LV. NLC formulation exhibited a more controlled release profile than SLN formulation, but both showed a biphasic drug release pattern with burst release at the first 5 h and prolonged release afterwards, demonstrated by in vitro tests. The hydrodynamic average diameter and zeta potential of NLC were 182.6 +/- 3.2 nm and -10.2 +/- 0.2 my, respectively, and were stable for at least 3 months. Additionally, DNase type I was incorporated into the formulations as a "smart" component, since the enzyme could help to decrease the viscoelasticity found in the lungs of CF patients and improves the antibiotic diffusion. FTIR, XRD, DSC, TGA and nitrogen adsorption isotherms of the nanoparticles indicate the presence of the loads in a noncrystalline state. The developed formulation showed an active antimicrobial activity against P. aeruginosa and even against other opportunistic pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus. The presence of LV-loaded NLCs reduced the formation of a bacterial biofilm, which highlighted the significance of the nanodevice as a new alternative for CF treatment. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.143168176CONICET (National Council for Science and Technology) [PIP 0498]National Agency of Scientific and Technological Promotion (ANPCyT) [PICT 2011-2116]Fundacion Argentina de Nanotecnologia, UNLP (National University of La Plata) [11/X545, PRH 5.2]UNLPAUGMBrazilian Network on Nanotoxicology (MCTI/CNPq)NanoBioss (MCTI)-BrazilConselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq

Nanobiotechnology Solutions against Aedes aegypti

United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF)/United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)/World Bank/World Health Organization (WHO) implemented the Training in Tropical Diseases (TDR) program with excellent results; however, due to current challenges, this active program requires new and innovative solutions. Nowadays, Aedes aegyptis-borne diseases can be added among neglected diseases. Surveillance and control must be considered owing to a great risk of infection with dengue, chikungunya and zika viruses. Although investigations on several vaccines are in progress, new insights in term of development of drugs that evade from resistance are of paramount importance. Nanobiotechnology appears as one of the most innovative strategy in the search of new uses for old pharmaceuticals or in the development of innovative and intelligent nanomedicines for neglected diseases. Liposomes, solid lipid nanoparticles, nanoemulsions, polymeric nanoparticles, metallic nanoparticles, quantum dots, carbon dots and carbon nanotubes were the focus of the current advances. In this direction, we have focused this overview on new advances in diagnostic assays as nanobiosensors, antivirus and nanoinsecticides on Aedes aegyptis control