Abdullah Ibrahim El-Kholy

Using plant extracts as photosensitizers in photodynamic therapy (PDT) represents a significant green approach toward sustainability. This study investigates beetroot juice (BRJ), betanin, and their liposomal formulations (Lip-BRJ, Lip-Bet) as photosensitizers in cancer PDT. BRJ was prepared, and its betanin content was quantified via HPLC. The p-nitrosodimethylaniline (RNO)/imidazole technique monitored the singlet oxygen formation. BRJ and betanin decreased the RNO absorbance at 440 nm by 12% and 9% after 45 min of irradiation, respectively. Furthermore, betanin interaction with Bcl-2 proteins was examined using binding free energy analysis and molecular dynamic simulation. The results revealed favorable interactions with ΔG values of −40.94 kcal/mol. Then, BRJ, betanin, Lip-BRJ, and Lip-Bet were tested as photosensitizers on normal (HEK 293) and human lung cancer (A549) cell lines. Irradiation significantly enhanced the cytotoxicity of Lip-Bet on HEK 293 cells (20% cell viability at 2000 µg/mL) and A549 cells (13% cell viability at 1000 µg/mL). For Lip-BRJ, irradiation significantly enhanced the cytotoxicity on HEK 293 cells at lower concentrations and on A549 cells at all tested concentrations. These results proved the positive effect of light and liposomal encapsulation on the anticancer activity of betanin and BRJ, suggesting the efficiency of liposomal beetroot pigments as green photosensitizers.

Purpose: In this study, the efficacy of a gel formulation containing Hp-HCl (a photosensitizer) dissolved in glycerin was evaluated for photodynamic treatment (PDT) of tumors. Methods: The release kinetics of water-dissolved Hp-HCl and glycerin-dissolved Hp-HCl from gel formulae were studied in vitro, where the latter showed faster drug release. The growth rates of tumor size in animals, from different treatment groups, were measured. Results: The group treated with the glycerin-dissolved Hp-HCl showed more significant decrease in tumor rate (smaller size) in comparison to the water-dissolved formula, after 35 post-implantation days. Histopathological examination of tumor sections revealed that glycerin-dissolved Hp-HCl effectively distributed the drug throughout the tumor, resulting in almost complete disappearance of tumor cells. Overall, the dissolution of Hp-HCl in glycerin not only increased drug release from the gel formulation but also improved its distribution and therapeutic efficiency. These findings were supported by histopathological results Conclusion: Suggesting that the topical use of Hp-HCl dissolved in glycerin holds promise for improved PDT.

Applications of conductive polymers cover a wide variety of fields in medicine, pharmacy, industry and agriculture. Properties of conducting polymers are affected by numerous factors such as the method of synthesis, the monomer of which the polymer is built, the possible additives and the dopants. Thus, a wide variety of conductive polymers can be engineered to meet the intended function(s). Conductive polymers were introduced recently in pharmacy and medicine mainly as versatile drug delivery tools, in bio-sensing and as molds for regeneration of nervous pathways. In fact, uses of conductive polymers is not limited to pharmaceutical and medical applications but extend to cover several fields that impact our daily life. In microelectronics, conductive polymers are used in the manufacturing of displays of the intelligent electronic devices, such as smart mobile phones, tablets and computers. Organic light emitting devices or OLEDs are prominent application of conductive polymers in electronics industry. A new trend in solar cells based on increasing the energy efficiency and flexibility of such systems by using conductive polymers has been recently emerged. This mini-review briefly surveys the main applications of conductive polymers in medicine and pharmacy, with short description for their history, chemistry and properties.

This study reports a new protocol for the management of Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS), depending on the synergistic photodynamic and photothermal effect of eosin yellow-gold-polypyrrole hybrid nanoparticles (E-G-Ppy NPs). E-G-Ppy NPs and gold-polypyrrole NPs (G-Ppy NPs) were synthesized, characterized, and formulated in topical hydrogels. Then, in vivo trans-epidermal permeation study, under both dark and white light-irradiation conditions, was done on albino mice. The E-G-Ppy hydrogel was then applied on a twenty-four years old female with recurrent axillary HS lesions pretreated with fractional CO₂ laser. Thereafter, the treated lesions were irradiated sequentially, using an IPL system, in the visible (~550 nm) and NIR band (630–1100 nm) to activate the synthesized nanoparticles. Results showed that, upon application to mice skin, E-G-Ppy exhibited good tolerance and safety under dark conditions and induced degenerative changes into dermal layers after white-light activation, reflecting deep penetration. Photo-activation of E-G-Ppy hydrogel to a severe Hidradenitis Suppurativa case showed an improvement of 80% of the lesions according to average HS-LASI scores after 4 sessions with no recurrence during a follow-up period of six months. In summary, the dual photodynamic/photothermal activation of E-G-Ppy NPs can represent a promising modality for management of HS. Further expanded clinical studies may be needed.