Depression is a common mental disorder that is characterized by a persistent feeling of sadness, low self-esteem, disturbed appetite, suicidal thoughts, insomnia and loss of interest [1]. Depression is caused by several aspects which include pathological effects, social activities such as drug and alcohol abuse and biological factors [2]. According to research done by the World Health Organization (W.H.O) in 2017, more than 300 million people (approximately 4.4% of the world’s population) suffer from depression [1] making it one of the top two causes of disability-adjusted life years currently [2]. Pathological causes of depression include a chemical imbalance in the brain, energy metabolic decline and alteration in body hormones [3]. According to the serotonin hypothesis, depression is a result of dysfunctional serotonergic activities [4] which results in reduced serotonin levels in the brain. Several classes of antidepressant therapy that are currently on the market include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI), tricyclic antidepressants, serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, and monoamine oxidase inhibitors. SSRI such as paroxetine, vilazodone, and fluvoxamine are first-line treatment options in adults with depression, albeit with several contraindications [5]. The side effects of current medication include delayed therapeutic onset, low bioavailability, erectile dysfunction, weight gain, dry mouth, nervousness, and insomnia. Some currently approved antidepressant drugs pass through extensive first-pass metabolism which results in reduced oral bioavailability [5]. The time taken by the drug to reach the saturation point is usually prolonged, resulting in delayed therapeutic onset and reduced therapeutic efficacy. Furthermore, as the bioavailability is low, higher doses are required, leading to an increased prevalence of side effects. The therapeutic effect is also limited because of the presence of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and the blood–cerebrospinal fluid barrier (BCSFB). Traditional medicines have a limited capacity of crossing the BBB and BCSFB [6]. According to current research, nanotechnology-based delivery platforms can be employed to ameliorate the above-mentioned limitations [7,8][7][8]. The uses of nanomedicine, biopolymers and nanocarriers have gained significant attention on overcoming these gaps [7].
Nano-based drug delivery strategies offer various advantages in the treatment of chronic diseases by site-specific and targeted delivery, thereby improving the efficacy of approved formulations [7]. Additionally, nanoparticles can improve plasma bioavailability profiles, further enhancing a sustained delivery of antidepressants, resulting in reduced side effects on account of lowered dosing frequencies. Nanomedicine has been used to overcome the limitations of the BBB, as they penetrate through it due to their small size ≤100 nm [9]. Furthermore, nanoparticles can target specific receptors enabled by complexation to ligands such as transferrin and glutathione for improving therapeutic efficacy [9,10,11][9][10][11]. In this review, we discuss different drug carriers, ligands and biopolymers that can improve the bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy of antidepressants by reducing undesirable side effects and dosing frequencies, to achieve safe, desired clinical outcomes.
2. Nanocarriers Employed as Therapeutic Delivery Platforms of Antidepressants
Nanocarriers possess attractive properties which include a high surface-area-to-volume ratio, controlled drug release, targeted delivery, multi-functionality, and a great potential for surface modification [35,36][12][13]. Moreover, their nano size has conferred on them the ability to penetrate the BBB and target the brain, rendering them desirable for neurotherapy and diagnosis. Nanocarriers can be employed to enhance drug solubility, circulating time, stability, and the biocompatibility of antidepressants targeted to the brain [35,37][12][14]. Moreover, nanocarriers minimize hepatic first-pass metabolism and protect bioactive agents from hydrolytic and enzymatic degradation [38][15]. They show great potential in improving antidepressant drug delivery due to their characteristics [35][12]. The use of nanocarriers to improve the efficacy of delivery systems of antidepressants has gained increased attention among researchers [35][12].
2.1. Dendrimers
Dendrimers are nano-sized artificial macromolecules with monodispersed structures and hyperbranched synthetic polymer systems
[39][16]. Dendrimers have garnered significant interest from researchers as drug carriers for several neurological disorders due to their attractive properties which include increased half-life, rapid cellular entry, high drug loading capacity, improved delivery efficiency, biocompatibility, targeting ability, stability, and reduced side effects
[12,40][17][18]. Furthermore, they can be used to deliver both hydrophobic and hydrophilic drug molecules and can maintain drug levels in a therapeutically desired range
[12][17]. Dendrimers can be modified with linkages and conjugated with specific ligands to improve biocompatibility and enhance targeted delivery to the CNS. In a previous study, poly(amidoamine) dendrimers crosslinked with PEG hydrogel was used as a nanocarrier for the antidepressant, venlafaxine
[41][19]. The in vitro results displayed sustained drug release of the antidepressant due to the swelling properties of the nanocarrier, and reduced drug toxicity due to a decreased dosing frequency. The data indicated that the incorporation of PEG hydrogel improved the sustained release profile of the drug and stability of the nanoparticles
[41][19].
2.2. Nanogels
Nanogels are three-dimensional nanoscale hydrogel materials that are formed by chemically or physically crosslinking, hydrophilic or amphiphilic polymer networks. Nanogels have a high capacity of retaining water without being dissolved or denatured, thereby maintaining an intact structure
[36,42][13][20]. They have a large surface area, protect bioactive agents from premature leakage, and can be employed to deliver bioactive agents which includes antidepressants in a controlled release manner when stimulated ()
[43,44][21][22]. Nanogels possess desirable properties for the delivery of antidepressants. They are biodegradable, non-immunogenic, have a high entrapping rate, drug loading capacity, permeability and are highly biocompatible due to their hydrophilic features
[42][20]. The size of nanogels allows them to penetrate the smallest capillary vessels, hence improving their circulation in the blood and thereby enhancing the bioavailability of the contained drug
[42][20]. The drug release mechanism from nanogels involves degradation of the nanogel structure, simple diffusion, and pH- or temperature-induced changes. Nanogels can improve the delivery of antidepressants because their properties can be altered to deliver drugs at targeted sites; leading to diminished side effects and enhanced therapeutic outcome
[42,45][20][23].
Figure 31. Drug release from a nanogel network under stimuli environments. The swelling or shrinking process of nanogel under stimuli environment to attain the controlled release. Adapted from
[44][22] Copyright (2017) Taylor and Francis.
A few studies have evaluated the effectiveness of nanogels as delivery systems for antidepressant drugs. In one study, formulated venlafaxine-loaded nanogels showed an improved drug encapsulation of 88% ± 4.163%. The in vitro analysis used to investigate the drug release displayed a sustained release profile
[31][24]. Moreover, the nanogel displayed a rapid onset with a long duration of action compared to the pure drug solution. The formulation showed good stability with particle size and zeta potential of 150 nm and −8.08 mV, respectively
[31][24]. The ex vivo studies indicated that the permeation rate of the venlafaxine-loaded nanogel had improved
[31][24]. In another study, paroxetine- and duloxetine-loaded nanogels were formulated to enhance their drug release profiles. The in vitro studies of the loaded nanogels displayed a sustained release profile with duloxetine’s release profile higher by 10%. The study proved that biocompatible nanogels can be used to design formulations for the sustained release of antidepressants and have the potential of maintaining long-term antidepressant activity
[46][25].
2.3. Polymeric Micelles
Polymeric micelles are nanocarriers that are formed by self-association of amphiphilic block copolymers in aqueous solutions
[47][26]. They can be used to deliver oral antidepressants which are poorly water-soluble. Polymeric micelles possess important properties that can improve the aqueous solubility, stability, bioavailability and half-life of the oral antidepressants
[48][27]. Furthermore, micelles have other properties which include controlled delivery of hydrophobic drugs, target specificity, low toxicity, biodegradability, biocompatibility and their nano size
[49,50][28][29]. They also display a slow rate of dissociation which increases the retention time of the loaded drug. The hydrophilic shell stabilizes and supports the hydrophobic core in the aqueous medium hence improving the solubility of the biopolymer in the medium, while the hydrophobic core protects the drug
[49][28]. Moreover, micelles can protect the drug from interfering with serum proteins, non-targeted cells, harsh conditions of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) and facilitate safe transportation through the GIT. Nanomicelles also improve drug absorption through the GIT mucosa giving credit to their enhanced permeability. Due to these properties, micelles can be used to deliver drugs to the brain using non-toxic polymers. According to another study, polymeric micelles present an attractive potential for enhancing the sustained release of antidepressants.
Polymeric micelles can also enhance the permeability of the BBB through copolymer interaction with cell membranes that improve membrane fluidity, inhibit P-glycoprotein and multidrug efflux transporters. In the above study, ex vivo studies were carried out on bovine intestines, while rat animal models were used for in vivo studies to investigate the delivery of dapoxetine in a polymeric nano-micelle across the BBB. The ex vivo studies displayed that the permeation rate was found to be 91.27% ± 7.64%. Brain cells from three rats used for the investigation showed that polymeric micelles loaded with the antidepressant displayed high kinetic stability, improved drug solubility and oral bioavailability of the encapsulated dapoxetine by 2.7 folds
[25][30]. The results indicated that polymeric micelles enhanced the distribution of dapoxetine into the brain matrix and reduced its elimination rate due to a delay in residency time. The data suggested that dapoxetine-loaded polymeric micelle formulations improved both delivery across the BBB and oral bioavailability of the drug
[25][30].
However, polymeric micelles possess drawbacks which include, low drug loading capacity and poor drug release from the nanomicelles if the drug particles are too large
[9]. They are also prone to premature drug leaking due to low drug incorporation stability, which might decrease drug bioavailability. Furthermore, their ability to show controlled release requires certain proprieties such as low chain mobility core and high thermodynamic and high kinetic stability in a viscous medium
[51][31]. Drugs with a high diffusion coefficient are unsuitable for incorporation into nanomicelles as they tend to display an immediate release and not the desired sustained release profiles
[51][31].
2.4. Nanoliposomes
Nanoliposomes can be defined as nanoscale bilayer lipid vesicles. They can improve drug permeability through the BBB hence a high concentration of antidepressants can be delivered considering that the BBB is highly selective
[52][32]. Nanoliposomes are made up of phospholipids with an aqueous reservoir which gives them the ability to have a high encapsulation rate
[53][33]. The nanoparticle lipid bilayer is compatible with the lipid layer of the BBB because both layers are similar physiological membranes. The similarity in both membranes confers a positive impact on the BBB permeability of the drug. Nanoliposomes are compatible with both hydrophobic and hydrophilic drug molecules. Besides, they show several characteristics which make them good drug carrier systems for CNS conditions which include biodegradability, biocompatibility, improved intracellular uptake and solubility of the bioactive agents, and reduced toxicity
[54,55][34][35]. Nanoliposomes can impart controlled drug release resulting in improved therapeutic efficacy and reduced side effects. Moreover, they reduce the rate of first-pass effect in the liver
[53][33]. Nanoliposomes can also be complexed with ligands to improve the specificity; thereby resulting in enhanced bioavailability and reduced undesirable side effects. They have been shown to protect bioactive agents from degradation, hence increasing oral bioavailability. According to the literature, nanoliposomes have successfully improved the oral bioavailability of various compounds such as lipophilic and hydrophobic bioactive agents
[56][36]. Notwithstanding, nanoliposome carrier systems display several limitations such as poor stability in aqueous environments due to their mechanical structure, high cell-penetrating ability, and increased chances of serum protein binding. Considering that the nanoliposomes have poor stability under physiological conditions, oral drug delivery would also be complicated
[53][33].
To our best knowledge, no research has been published on the use of nanoliposomes as nanocarriers for the delivery of antidepressant therapy. However, nanoliposomes have been used for the delivery of drugs in other neurological conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s disease is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by the accumulation of toxic proteins in the brain
[57][37]. According to a study that was done, nanoliposomes can increase the penetration of rivastigmine through the BBB. The in vivo studies proved that the nanoliposomes have the potential of protecting the drug from the enzymatic and pH degradation, hence increasing the therapeutic efficacy. The ex vivo studies that were done using the Madin-Darby Canine Kidney (MDCK) cell line showed improved permeation of the drug
[58][38]. Rotman et al. synthesized glutathione PEGylated liposome for the delivery of anti-amyloid antibodies against Alzheimer’s disease. The bioavailability of the antibody and target specificity was improved because of size and surface modification of the nanoliposomes. The in vivo studies that were conducted using mouse animal models proved that nanoliposomes can cross the BBB and they can be retained for a longer period, enhancing the neurological bioavailability
[59][39].
2.5. Carbon Nanotubes (CNT)
Carbon nanotubes are molecules that comprise a single sheet of carbon atoms rolled up into a cylindrical shape. CNTs possess chemical and structural properties that render them good drug carrier systems for drug delivery to the CNS
[60,61][40][41]. CNTs show high biocompatibility and solubility which are determined by certain parameters that include size, physical properties and morphology of the modified molecules. These parameters determine the therapeutic outcome as they affect the biocompatibility of the molecule with the body
[6]. CNTs can entrap high drug volumes owing it to their spherical shape and high surface area to volume ratio
[62][42]. They also shield the drug from degradation during transportation and release it either through a chemically- or electrically controlled release. CNTs have low solubility several in solvents compatible with the biological milieu and it is hard to maintain high quality with negligible impurities
[63][43]. CNTs permeability into the brain cells is dependent on temperature; with higher temperatures leading to decreased permeability
[9]. To our best knowledge, CNTs have not yet been investigated as nanocarriers for antidepressants delivery. Notwithstanding, they have been researched for other neurological conditions such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases
[64][44]. In one study, single-walled nanotubes were synthesized for the targeted delivery of dopamine into the brain of parkinsonian mice
[64][44].
Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder in which there will be low levels of dopamine in the brain. The study aimed to improve the permeation of dopamine, target delivery and to improve neurological bioavailability. PEGylation of carbon nanotubes improved feasibility and therapeutic efficacy of dopamine. PC 12 cell line was used for ex vivo analysis. PC 12 cell line was used due to its properties which include the ability to take up and release dopamine. The ex vivo proved that the carbon nanotubes have a potential of enhancing the permeation of dopamine due to their size of less 200 nm and surface modification. The pre-clinical study showed that small doses of carbon nanotubes (25 mg/kg) are safe for delivery in parkinsonian mice when using the parental route of administration
[64][44].
2.6. Solid-Lipid Nanoparticles (SLN)
SLNs are lipid-based and can overcome the limitations exhibited by the other colloidal carriers, due to good physical stability and excellent drug release profiles
[65][45]. Moreover, SLNs are biodegradable, easy to synthesize, non-toxic and display controlled release properties. Due to their attractive characteristics, SLNs possess the potential to improve the efficacy of antidepressant drug delivery. SLNs display enhanced stability, improved bioavailability, improved epithelial permeability, prolonged half-life, enhanced permeability through the BBB and reduced toxicity
[15,66,67][46][47][48]. Furthermore, SLNs can be used to deliver both hydrophilic and lipophilic drugs, making them versatile drug delivery vehicles. They also have a large surface area due to their nano-sized feature, resulting in an improved absorption rate. The physicochemical properties of SLNs such as surface charge, size, lipophilicity and surface property can be modified to enhance the penetration of SLNs across the gastrointestinal membrane (see ). They also improve the oral bioavailability of drug molecules due to decrease in hepatic first-pass effect through the use of emulsifiers
[15][46]. Several studies have shown that SLNs could increase the oral bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy of antidepressants
[15][46]. Venlafaxine is a substrate of P-glycoprotein with lowered permeability through gastrointestinal and BBB. In one study, venlafaxine-loaded SLNs administered to mice via the oral route demonstrated a 1.5 fold higher concentration of the drug from SLNs in the brain and plasma when compared with venlafaxine alone. This data proved that SLNs can enhance the oral bioavailability of venlafaxine and its accumulation in the brain
[15][46]. The SLNs also showed reduced P-glycoprotein-mediated efflux of venlafaxine, hence improving the penetration of the venlafaxine-loaded SLNs through the BBB
[15][46]. Moreover, an in vivo study using mice indicated that SLN nanocarriers enhance the oral uptake of antidepressants by accessing the lymphatic system, hence improving oral bioavailability
[68][49]. Overall, the data showed that SLNs can be used to improve the efficacy of antidepressants
[68][49]. In another research study where the antidepressant, duloxetine was encapsulated in SLNs, the oral bioavailability of the drug was improved owing to reduced first-pass metabolism of the duloxetine-SLN system when compared with duloxetine only
[69][50]. The drug–nanoparticle formulation was stable under acidic media and it displayed improved pharmacological properties in vivo. The in vivo studies that were done using mice proved that the SLN enhanced the release profile and neuro-bioavailability of the antidepressant. The nanoparticles also displayed a sustained release profile in in vitro
[69][50].
Figure 42. Mechanism of oral solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) using different routes of delivery. Encapsulation of the lipophilic moiety of phospholipids in the lipid matrix and the absorption of drugs across the gastrointestinal tract. Adapted and modified with permission from
[15][46] Copyright (2017) Science Direct.
Currently, no SLNs have been clinically approved as drug carriers for CNS conditions. Although many in vitro and preclinical studies have been carried out on SLN-mediated drug delivery, clinical trials are still limited
[15][46]. The paucity of clinical trials on SLNs might be due to insufficient in vitro and preclinical data to prove their efficacy and biocompatibility. On the negative side, SLNs show lipid particle growth, are prone to gelation and have a poor incorporation rate which can be affected by the molecular weight of the types of compounds involved
[70][51]. The loading capacity of SLNs can either be improved or decreased by the length of the hydrocarbon chain, depending on the physico-chemical properties of the drug. This might result in low oral bioavailability if the entrapment efficiency is low. The stability and specificity can also be affected by lipids, surfactants and co-surfactant used
[71][52]. In other cases, the diseases or condition might become under-treated because the drug molecule is released very slowly. Sometimes, the drug molecule delays accumulating in the targeted organ due to prolonged drug circulation in the body
[15][46].
2.7. Polymeric Nanoparticles
Polymeric nanoparticles are sub-micron particles composed of active pharmaceutical substances encapsulated within or adsorbed onto polymers
[72][53]. Due to their nano size, they have a high potential of being taken up by cells and they can penetrate blood capillaries. This leads to improved bioavailability as a result of an increased rate of drug accumulation at the target organs. The specificity of antidepressants can be amended by conjugating a ligand covalently to the polymeric nanoparticles
[23][54]. As a drug carrier, it displays sustained drug release, biodegradability, prolonged duration, ability to deliver peptides, proteins, and genes through the oral route of administration, and high stability during storage
[23,73][54][55]. Moreover, polymeric nanoparticles can cross the BBB via receptor-mediated endocytosis
[74][56]. In one study where the antidepressant effect of
l-tyrosine-loaded polymeric nanoparticles was investigated, enhanced therapeutic efficacy and drug safety were observed
[34][57]. Another study demonstrated that when desvenlafaxine was encapsulated in PLGA-CN-loaded polymeric nanoparticles the mucoadhesive properties and the retention time of the antidepressant in the nasal cavity were increased; thereby improving the circulation time of the drug
[27][58]. Moreover, encapsulated escitalopram in polymeric nanoparticles composed of chitosan and tripolyphosphate biopolymers have been used to enhance the drug release profile. The in vitro study conducted using a dialysis membrane displayed a sustained release profile of up to 98.4% drug release from the loaded polymeric nanoparticles and about 78.6% for the pure drug over a period of 24 h. The encapsulation rate of the antidepressant was improved to about 79%. The researchers concluded that polymeric nanoparticles can be used for the sustained drug release of antidepressants
[18][59].
2.8. Magnetic Nanoparticles
Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) are generally spherical and crystalline nanoparticles that are composed of elements with unpaired electrons such as iron (Fe), nickel (Ni) and chromium (Cr) which confer magnetic properties on them. Their magnetic properties are harnessed for drug delivery through the application of an external magnetic field. Iron oxide is the most employed core because it exhibits high physiological stability and is easily removed through the endogenous iron metabolic pathway [75][60]. On account of their small size, MNPs can easily penetrate the brain matrix by temporarily creating pores in the BBB endothelium. The size and magnetic properties of synthesized MNPs are dependent on the physiological characteristics of the targeted organ [76][61]. Including their magnetic properties, the attractive characteristics of MNPs which include biocompatibility, low toxicity, easily modifiable surfaces have sprouted interest in drug delivery research [77][62]. Furthermore, since they can bind to several compounds such as drugs, antibodies and proteins, they can be directed to different receptors using an external magnetic field [77][62]. Despite mounting in vitro and in vivo data that indicate the potential applications of MNPs and other nano formulations, only a very few clinical trials have assessed their efficacy and safety on CNS conditions such as depression [77][62]. A study that was done using iron oxide nanoparticles proved that they are biocompatible and highly biodegradable under in vivo conditions. Interestingly, after metabolism, the iron can easily be incorporated into erythrocytes to form a part of hemoglobin, making it an added advantage [75][60]. In vivo studies that were done using rats to investigate the effects of iron oxide nanoparticles on depression treatment indicated that iron oxide nanoparticles are beneficial in reducing the symptoms of depression [78][63].
In another study, paroxetine and duloxetine-loaded nanogels were formulated to investigate the effect of MNPs on the efficacy of the antidepressants. The study showed that MNPs enhanced the release of the antidepressant. Magnetic fields induced stress on the nanoparticles, and this resulted in improved swelling properties of the nanogel. The group concluded that the use of magnetic nanoparticles could enhance the drug loading capacity and the sustained release profile of the formulation [46][25]. A previous study displayed that MNPs might be cleared by macrophages before reaching the targeted receptor or organ and the nanoparticles tend to aggregate due to strong magnetic interactions [77][62] which might result in increased toxicity and tissue damage. Moreover, in the absence of surface coating, the MNPs are prone to oxidation which may lead to the loss of magnetic field properties. However, aggregation can be prevented by coating the MNP with biopolymers, such as PEG and chitosan, which stabilize the nanoparticles. This might result in a reduction of antiparticle surface interaction [79][64]. Summary of nanocarriers discussed is presented in .
Table 21. Summary of nanocarriers.
Type of Nanocarrier
|
Drug Delivery Characteristics
|
Structure
|
Drawbacks
|
References
|
Dendrimers
|
Rapid cellular entry, high drug loading capacity, improved half-life, biocompatibility
|
Highly branched, Monodisperse structure,
|
Non-degradable in physiological environment, Large particle size
|
[12,[1740]][18]
|
Nanogels
|
Large surface area, high entrapping rate, biocompatible, high loading capacity,
|
Hydrogels, cross-linked hydrophilic polymer networks,
|
Physically cross-linked nanogels are less stable
|
[42,43][20][21]
|
Polymeric micelles
|
Increased half-life, solubility and stability, biodegradable, biocompatible
|
Amphiphilic Block copolymers,
|
Low drug loading capacity, Premature leaking,
|
[48,49,50,72][27][28][29][53]
|
Nanoliposomes
|
Enhanced encapsulating rate, biocompatible, biodegradable, improved intracellular uptake
|
Lipid vesicles, amphiphilic phospholipids
|
poor stability in aqueous
|
[53,55][33][35]
|
Carbon nanotubes
|
Improved cell-penetrating ability, biocompatibility, high drug entrapping rate,
|
Tubular morphology, two or more layers, allotropes of carbon
|
Mechanism is not known, too small, low solubility, permeability can be affected with temperature
|
[6,62][6][42]
|
Solid Lipid Nanoparticles
|
Excellent drug release profile, stable, biodegradable, large surface area
|
Spherical structure,
|
Poor incorporation rate, prone to gelation, loading capacity depends on length of the hydrocarbon chain,
|
[15,66][46][47]
|
Polymeric nanoparticles
|
High cell-penetrating rate, prolong duration, biodegradable, enhanced stability,
|
Spherical shape,
|
Easily eliminated in the bloodstream
|
[23,73][54][55]
|
Magnetic nanoparticles
|
High stability, biocompatible, improve drug targeting
|
Spherical structure, crystals.
|
Easily eliminated from the body, prone to aggregation
|
[75,77][60][62]
|