Assessment of Drug Delivery Systems from Molecular Dynamic Perspective

In this study, we developed and simulated nano-drug delivery systems efficacy in compare to free drug prescription. Computational models can be utilized to accelerate experimental steps and control the experiments high cost. Molecular dynamics simulation (MDS), in particular NAMD was utilized to better understand the anti-cancer drug interaction with cell membrane model. Paclitaxel (PTX) and dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) were selected for the drug molecule and as a natural phospholipid nanocarrier, respectively. This work focused on two important interaction parameters between molecules in terms of center of mass (COM) and van der Waals interaction energy. Furthermore, we compared the simulation results of the PTX interaction with the cell membrane and the interaction of DPPC as a nanocarrier loaded by the drug with the cell membrane. The molecular dynamic analysis resulted in low energy between the nanocarrier and the cell membrane as well as significant decrease of COM amount in the nanocarrier and the cell membrane system during the interaction. Thus, the drug vehicle showed notably better interaction with the cell membrane in compared to free drug interaction with the cell membrane.

Biorecognizable Nanoparticles Based On Hyaluronic Acid/Poly(ε-Caprolactone) Block Copolymer

Since hyaluronic acid (HA) receptor such as CD44 is over-expressed at sites of cancer cells, HA can be used as a targeting vehicles for anti-cancer drugs. The aim of this study is to synthesize block copolymer composed of hyaluronic acid and poly(ε-caprolactone) (HAPCL) and to fabricate polymeric micelles for anticancer drug targeting against CD44 receptor of tumor cells. Chemical composition of HAPCL was confirmed using 1H NMR spectroscopy. Doxorubicin (DOX) was incorporated into polymeric micelles of HAPCL. The diameters of HAPHS polymeric micelles were changed around 80nm and have spherical shapes. Targeting potential was investigated using CD44-overexpressing. When DOX-incorporated polymeric micelles was added to KB cells, they revealed strong red fluorescence color while blocking of CD44 receptor by pretreatment of free HA resulted in reduced intensity, indicating that HAPCL polymeric micelles have targetability against CD44 receptor.