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(1) Background: Pulsed electric field (PEF) techniques are commonly used to support the delivery of various molecules. A PEF seems a promising method for low permeability drugs or when cells demonstrate therapy resistance and the cell membrane becomes an impermeable barrier. (2) Methods: In this study, we have used doxorubicin-resistant and sensitive models of human breast cancer (MCF-7/DX, MCF-7/WT) and colon cancer cells (LoVo, LoVoDX). The study aimed to investigate the susceptibility of the cells to doxorubicin (DOX) and electric fields in the 20-900 ns pulse duration range. The viability assay was utilized to evaluate the PEF protocols' efficacy. Cell confluency and reduced glutathione were measured after PEF protocols. (3) Results: The obtained results showed that PEFs significantly supported doxorubicin delivery and cytotoxicity after 48 and 72 h. The 60 kV/cm ultrashort pulses × 20 ns × 400 had the most significant cytotoxic anticancer effect. The increase in DOX concentration provokes a decrease in cell viability, affected cell confluency, and reduced GSSH when combined with the ESOPE (European Standard Operating Procedures of Electrochemotherapy) protocol. Additionally, reactive oxygen species after PEF and PEF-DOX were detected. (4) Conclusions: Ultrashort electric pulses with low DOX content or ESOPE with higher DOX content seem the most promising in colon and breast cancer treatment.

(1) Background: The size and surface charge are the most significant parameters of nanocarriers that determine their efficiency and potential application. The poor cell uptake of encapsulated drugs is the main limitation in anticancer treatment. The well-defined properties of nanocarriers will enable to target specific tissue and deliver an active cargo. (2) Methods: In the current study, poly(D,L -lactide) (PLA) nanocarriers loaded with curcumin (CUR) and differing surface charge were evaluated for transport efficacy in combination with electroporation (EP) in dependence on the type of cells. The obtained CUR-loaded nanoparticles with diameters ranging from 195 to 334 nm (derived from dynamic light scattering (DLS)) were characterized by atomic force microscopy (AFM) (morphology and shape) and Doppler electrophoresis ( ζ -potential) as well as UV-vis spectroscopy (CUR encapsulation efficiency (about 90%) and photobleaching rate). The drug delivery properties of the obtained PLA nanocarriers enhanced by electroporation were assessed in human colon cancer cells (LoVo), excitable normal rat muscle cells (L6), and free of voltage-gated ion channels cells (CHO-K1). CLSM studies, viability, and ROS release were performed to determine the biological effects of nanocarriers. (3) Results: The highest photodynamic activity indicated anionic nanocarriers (1a) stabilized by C 12 (COONa) 2 surfactant. Nanocarriers were cytotoxic for LoVo cells and less cytotoxic for normal cells. ROS release increased in cancer cells with the increasing electric field intensity, irradiation, and time after EP. Muscle L6 cells were less sensitive to electric pulses. (4) Conclusions: EP stimulation for CUR-PLA nanocarriers transport was considered to improve the regulated and more effective delivery of nanosystems differing in surface charge.

Nanocarriers and electroporation (also named electropermeabilization) are convenient methods to increase drug transport. In the current study, we present an effective support of drug delivery into cancer cells, utilizing these methods. We compare the efficiency of each of them and their combination. Multifunctional solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) loaded with a cyanine-type IR-780 - acting as a diagnostic agent and a photosensitizer, and a flavonoid derivative - baicalein (BAI) or fisetin (FIS) as a therapeutic cargo - were fabricated via solvent-diffusion method. A therapy supplemented with flavonoids may provide a more precise method to apply desirable lower drug doses and is more likely to result in lower toxicity and a decrease in tumor growth. The SLNs were stabilized with Phospholipon 90G at various concentrations; cetyl palmitate (CP) was applied as a solid matrix. The obtained nanosystems were characterized by dynamic light scattering (size along with size distribution), UV-vis (cargos encapsulation efficiency) and atomic force microscopy (morphology and shape). The obtained SLNs were used as drug carriers alone and in combination with electropermeabilization induced by millisecond pulsed electric fields of high intensity. Two cell lines were selected for the study: LoVo and CHO-K1. The viability was assessed after electroporation alone, the use of electroporation and nanoparticles, and nanoparticles or drugs alone. The intracellular accumulation of cyanine IR-780 and the impact on intracellular structure organization of cytoskeleton was visualized with confocal microscopy method with alpha-actin and beta-tubulin. In this study, the efficacy of nanoparticles with mixed cargo, additionally enhanced by electroporation, is demonstrated to act as an anticancer modality to eliminate cancer cells., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Electroporation (EP) can effectively support the penetration of macromolecules from the extracellular space into cells. Electropores induced by the influence of electromagnetic field generate additional paths of transport for macromolecules. The aim of this study was evaluation of the electroporation effect on doxorubicin transport efficiency to human colon (LoVo and LoVo/DX) and gastric (EPG85-257/P and EPG85-257/RDB) adenocarcinoma cells with overexpression of P-glycoprotein and murine macrophage cell line (P388/D1). In our EP experiments cells were placed into a cuvette with aluminum electrodes and pulsed with five square electric pulses of 1300 V/cm and duration of 50 μs each. Cells were also treated with low doxorubicin concentration ([DOX]=1.7 μM). The ultrastructure (TEM) and changes of P-glycoprotein expression of tumor cells subjected to electric field were monitored. The mitochondrial cell function and trypan blue staining were evaluated after 24h. Our results indicate the most pronounced effect of EP with DOX and disturbed ultrastructure in resistant gastric and colon cells with decrease of P-gp expression. Electroporation may be an attractive delivery method of cytostatic drugs in chemotherapy, enabling reduction of drug dose, exposure time and side effects., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)