Crystalline-phase nano cubosome functionalized with biopolymers: development as a drug carrier and in vivo studies in zebrafish (Danio rerio)

Abstract

The efficient oral administration of drugs and bioactive substances, especially anti-cancer agents, represents a scientific and technological challenge due to the resulting low bioavailability. To overcome this challenge, nano-structured and functionalized materials such as systems for carrying and controlled release represent technology of high interest. In this proposal, we will develop a nano-particulated and bioconjugated carrier with lipid and biocompatible polysaccharides as a material with a high capacity for encapsulating bioactives due to its internal structure of crystalline topology. Bioconjugate nano cubosomes will have a pH-responsive property in order to optimize structural characteristics with the oral administration route and thus favor intestinal mucus adhesion to provide the release of carried drug directly into the intestinal mucosa and thus favor their absorption. The proposal intends to move forward on two fronts. Initially, the production and characterization of the functionalized cubosome with internal crystalline structure will be extensively studied by modern physicochemical techniques to optimize the structure. Then, the characteristics of drug encapsulation and release and the physical interaction with a biological membrane model will be studied. In parallel, the aim is to test the functionalized cubosomes in vivo through oral administration in zebrafish. Histological, hematological and immunofluorescence studies will be carried out to assess the potential application of the material as a carrier of drugs and bioactive agents for oral administration. (AU)