Effect of Drug-To-Lipid Ratio on Nanodisc-Based Tenofovir Drug Delivery to The Brain for HIV-1 Infection

Abstract

Background: Combination antiretroviral therapy has significantly advanced HIV-1 infection treatment. However, HIV-1 remains persistent in the brain; the inaccessibility of the blood–brain barrier allows for persistent HIV-1 infections and neuroinflammation. Nanotechnology-based drug carriers such as nanodiscoidal bicelles can provide a solution to combat this challenge. Methods: This study investigated the safety and extended release of a combination antiretroviral therapy drug (tenofovir)-loaded nanodiscs for HIV-1 treatment in the brain both in vitro and in vivo. Result: The nanodiscs entrapped the drug in their interior hydrophobic core and released the payload at the desired location and in a controlled release pattern. The study also included a comparative pharmacokinetic analysis of nanodisc formulations in in vitro and in vivo models. Conclusion: The study provides potential applications of nanodiscs for HIV-1 therapy development.

Molecular Dynamics and In Vitro Studies Elucidating the Tunable Features of Reconfigurable Nanodiscs for Guiding the Optimal Design of Curcumin Formulation

“…Compared to conventional delivery systems such as liposomes, polymeric nanoparticles, and micelles, NDs offer distinct features. Primarily, they mimic natural cell membranes and provide a stable and biocompatible environment for encapsulating lipophilic compounds like curcumin, ensuring a controlled and sustained release [ 28 ]. Furthermore, they exhibit unique, small discoid structures (10–30 nm) that can easily penetrate different tissues without being quickly removed by circulation [ 29 ].…”