Synthesis and morphological studies of Tc-99m-labeled lupulone-conjugated Fe3O4@TiO2 nanocomposite, and in vitro cytotoxicity activity on prostate cancer cell lines

The purpose of this study was to develop a multifunctional theranostic probe for imaging (magnetic resonance imaging [MRI] and single-photon emission computed tomography [SPECT]) and therapy (photodynamic therapy). For this purpose, Tc-99m-labeled lupulone-conjugated Fe₃O₄@TiO₂ nanocomposites (^99mTc-DTPA-Fe₃O₄@TiO₂-HLP and ^99mTc-DTPA-Fe₃O₄@TiO₂-ALP nanocomposites) were synthesized. The average diameter of the nanocomposites was 171 ± 20 nm as seen on transmission electron microscopy images. Fe₃O₄@TiO₂ nanocomposites exhibited fluorescence spectra at an emission wavelength of 314 nm. Lupulone-conjugated Fe₃O₄@TiO₂ nanocomposites were spherical-shaped with a suitable dispersion and without visible aggregation, and their radiolabeling yields were over 85%. Healthy (RWPE-1 normal human prostate epithelial cell line) and cancer prostate cell lines (PC-3 human prostate cancer cell line) were used to determine the in vitro biological behavior of the nanocomposites. The PC-3 cells treated with lupulone-conjugated Fe₃O₄@TiO₂ nanocomposites showed a lower cell viability compared with RWPE-1 cells treated with lupulone-conjugated Fe₃O₄@TiO₂ nanocomposites. Lupulone-modified Fe₃O₄@TiO₂ nanocomposites may serve in the future as a multifunctional probe for positron emission tomography (PET)/MRI, photodynamic therapy, and hyperthermia therapy of cancer.

Functionalized niosomes as a smart delivery device in cancer and fungal infection

Various diseases remain untreated due to lack of suitable therapeutic moiety or a suitable drug delivery device, especially where toxicities and side effects are the primary reason for concern. Cancer and fungal infections are diseases where treatment schedules are not completed due to severe side effects or lengthy treatment protocols. Advanced treatment approaches such as active targeting and inhibition of angiogenesis may be preferred method for the treatment for malignancy over the conventional method. Niosomes may be a better alternative drug delivery carrier for various therapeutic moieties (either hydrophilic or hydrophobic) and also due to ease of surface modification, non-immunogenicity and economical. Active targeting approach may be done by targeting the receptors through coupling of suitable ligand on niosomal surface. Moreover, various receptors (CD44, folate, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) & Vascular growth factor receptor (VGFR)) expressed by malignant cells have also been reviewed. The preparation of suitable niosomal formulation also requires considerable attention, and its formulation depends upon various factors such as selection of non-ionic surfactant, method of fabrication, and fabrication parameters. A combination therapy (dual drug and immunotherapy) has been proposed for the treatment of fungal infection with special consideration for surface modification with suitable ligand on niosomal surface to sensitize the receptors (C-type lectin receptors, Toll-like receptors & Nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptors) present on immune cells involved in fungal immunity. Certain gene silencing concept has also been discussed as an advanced alternative treatment for cancer by silencing the mRNA at molecular level using short interfering RNA (si-RNA).

Nanoenzymes in disease diagnosis and therapy

This feature article highlights various nanoenzymes and their bio-applications in disease diagnosis and therapy. Current challenges and future trends of nanoenzymes are also discussed.