Multi-Stimuli Nanocomposite Therapeutic: Docetaxel Targeted Delivery and Synergies in Treatment of Human Breast Cancer Tumor

The therapeutic effect and MR molecular imaging of FA-PEG-FePt/DDP nanoliposomes in AMF on ovarian cancer

Purpose

This study aimed to construct targeting drug-loading nanocomposites (FA-FePt/DDP nanoliposomes) to explore their potential in ovarian cancer therapy and molecular magnetic resonance imaging (MMRI).

Methods

FA-FePt-NPs were prepared by coupling folate (FA) with polyethylene-glycol (PEG)-coated ferroplatinum nanoparticles and characterized. Then cisplatin (DDP) was encapsulated in FA-FePt-NPs to synthesize FA-PEG-FePt/DDP nanoliposomes by thin film-ultrasonic method and high-speed stirring, of which MMRI potential, magnetothermal effect, and the other involved performance were analyzed. The therapeutic effect of FA-FePt/DDP nanoliposomes combined with magnetic fluid hyperthermia (MFH) on ovarian cancer in vitro and in vivo was evaluated. The expression levels of Bax and epithelial-mesenchymal transition related proteins were detected. The biosafety was also preliminarily observed.

Results

The average diameter of FA-FePt-NPs was about 30 nm, FA-FePt/DDP nanoliposomes were about 70 nm in hydrated particle size, with drug slow-release and good cell-specific targeted uptake. In an alternating magnetic field (AMF), FA-FePt/DDP nanoliposomes could rapidly reach the ideal tumor hyperthermia temperature (42~44 °C). MRI scan showed that FA-FePt-NPs and FA-FePt/DDP nanoliposomes both could suppress the T2 signal, indicating a good potential for MMRI. The in vitro and in vivo experiments showed that FA-FePt/DDP-NPs in AMF could effectively inhibit the growth of ovarian cancer by inhibiting cancer cell proliferation, invasion, and migration, and inducing cancer cell apoptosis, much better than that of the other individual therapies; molecularly, E-cadherin and Bax proteins in ovarian cancer cells and tissues were significantly increased, while N-cadherin, Vimentin, and Bcl-2 proteins were inhibited, effectively inhibiting the malignant progression of ovarian cancer. In addition, no significant pathological injury and dysfunction was observed in major visceras.

Conclusion

We successfully synthesized FA-FePt/DDP nanoliposomes and confirmed their good thermochemotherapeutic effect in AMF and MMRI potential on ovarian cancer, with no obvious side effects, providing a favorable strategy of integrated targeting therapy and diagnosis for ovarian cancer.

Boosting antitumor efficacy using docetaxel-loaded nanoplatforms: from cancer therapy to regenerative medicine approaches

The intersection of nanotechnology and pharmacology has revolutionized the delivery and efficacy of chemotherapeutic agents, notably docetaxel, a key drug in cancer treatment. Traditionally limited by poor solubility and significant side effects, docetaxel's therapeutic potential has been significantly enhanced through its incorporation into nanoplatforms, such as nanofibers and nanoparticles. This advancement offers targeted delivery, controlled release, and improved bioavailability, dramatically reducing systemic toxicity and enhancing patient outcomes. Nanofibers provide a versatile scaffold for the controlled release of docetaxel, utilizing techniques like electrospinning to tailor drug release profiles. Nanoparticles, on the other hand, enable precise drug delivery to tumor cells, minimizing damage to healthy tissues through sophisticated encapsulation methods such as nanoprecipitation and emulsion. These nanotechnologies not only improve the pharmacokinetic properties of docetaxel but also open new avenues in regenerative medicine by facilitating targeted therapy and cellular regeneration. This narrative review highlights the transformative impact of docetaxel-loaded nanoplatforms in oncology and beyond, showcasing the potential of nanotechnology to overcome the limitations of traditional chemotherapy and pave the way for future innovations in drug delivery and regenerative therapies. Through these advancements, nanotechnology promises a new era of precision medicine, enhancing the efficacy of cancer treatments while minimizing adverse effects.

Tackling breast cancer with gold nanoparticles: twinning synthesis and particle engineering with efficacy

The World Health Organization identifies breast cancer as the most prevalent cancer despite predominantly affecting women. Surgery, hormonal therapy, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy are the current treatment modalities. Site-directed nanotherapeutics, engineered with multidimensional functionality are now the frontrunners in breast cancer diagnosis and treatment. Gold nanoparticles with their unique colloidal, optical, quantum, magnetic, mechanical, and electrical properties have become the most valuable weapon in this arsenal. Their advantages include facile modulation of shape and size, a high degree of reproducibility and stability, biocompatibility, and ease of particle engineering to induce multifunctionality. Additionally, the surface plasmon oscillation and high atomic number of gold provide distinct advantages for tailor-made diagnosis, therapy or theranostic applications in breast cancer such as photothermal therapy, radiotherapy, molecular labeling, imaging, and sensing. Although pre-clinical and clinical data are promising for nano-dimensional gold, their clinical translation is hampered by toxicity signs in major organs like the liver, kidneys and spleen. This has instigated global scientific brainstorming to explore feasible particle synthesis and engineering techniques to simultaneously improve the efficacy and versatility and widen the safety window of gold nanoparticles. The present work marks the first study on gold nanoparticle design and maneuvering techniques, elucidating their impact on the pharmacodynamics character and providing a clear-cut scientific roadmap for their fast-track entry into clinical practice.

Nanochemistry of gold: from surface engineering to dental healthcare applications

Advancements in nanochemistry have led to the development of engineered gold nanostructures (GNSs) with remarkable potential for a variety of dental healthcare applications. These innovative nanomaterials offer unique properties and functionalities that can significantly improve dental diagnostics, treatment, and overall oral healthcare applications. This review provides an overview of the latest advancements in the design, synthesis, and application of GNSs for dental healthcare applications. Engineered GNSs have emerged as versatile tools, demonstrating immense potential across different aspects of dentistry, including enhanced imaging and diagnosis, prevention, bioactive coatings, and targeted treatment of oral diseases. Key highlights encompass the precise control over GNSs' size, crystal structure, shape, and surface functionalization, enabling their integration into sensing, imaging diagnostics, drug delivery systems, and regenerative therapies. GNSs, with their exceptional biocompatibility and antimicrobial properties, have demonstrated efficacy in combating dental caries, periodontitis, peri-implantitis, and oral mucosal diseases. Additionally, they show great promise in the development of advanced sensing techniques for early diagnosis, such as nanobiosensor technology, while their role in targeted drug delivery, photothermal therapy, and immunomodulatory approaches has opened new avenues for oral cancer therapy. Challenges including long-term toxicity, biosafety, immune recognition, and personalized treatment are under rigorous investigation. As research at the intersection of nanotechnology and dentistry continues to thrive, this review highlights the transformative potential of engineered GNSs in revolutionizing dental healthcare, offering accurate, personalized, and minimally invasive solutions to address the oral health challenges of the modern era.

Radiofrequency driving antitumor effect of graphene oxide-based nanocomposites: a Hill model analysis

Aim: This report proposes using the Hill model to assess the benchmark dose, the 50% lethal dose, the cooperativity and the dissociation constant while analyzing cell viability data using nanomaterials to evaluate the antitumor potential while combined with radiofrequency therapy. Materials & methods: A nanocomposite was synthesized (graphene oxide-polyethyleneimine-gold) and the viability was evaluated using two tumor cell lines, namely LLC-WRC-256 and B16-F10. Results: Our findings demonstrated that while the nanocomposite is biocompatible against the LLC-WRC-256 and B16-F10 cancer cell lines in the absence of radiofrequency, the application of radiofrequency enhances the cell toxicity by orders of magnitude. Conclusion: This result points to prospective studies with the tested cell lines using tumor animal models.

In vitro and in vivo investigations on arsenic-induced cartilage degeneration in osteoarthritis

Heavy metals found in the environment, including arsenic (As) pose significant risks to human health and present a risk factor for osteoarthritis (OA). This study researched the impact of As on cartilage degeneration by focusing on the role of As in causing OA in mice. We employed chemical inhibition and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry analyses to identify the effect of As on chondrocytes as well as studying its accumulation in organs after oral administration in mice. Additionally, the study examined the effect of intra-articular As treatment on the levels of crucial catabolic factors, namely Hif-2α (Epas1) and Zip8 (Slc39a8), during OA progression. Mice that were administered As orally in conjunction with surgically induced joint instability, had heightened cartilage destruction compared to wild-type mice. Quantitative analysis revealed a significant increase in Hif-2α and Zip8 mRNA expression (p = 0.0352,0.0004 respectively) and protein expression (p = 0.0101,0.008 respectively) post oral administration. Our findings illustrated the role of As in influencing crucial cellular functions that are triggered by reactive oxygen species. These events consequently activate the Akt/Hif-2α/NF-κB pathways, leading to disruptions in articular cartilage homeostasis. This study provides a comprehensive understanding of the impact of As on the development of osteoarthritis.

A Mesoporous Magnetic Fe3O4/BioMOF-13 with a Core/Shell Nanostructure for Targeted Delivery of Doxorubicin to Breast Cancer Cells

In the current project, magnetic Bio-MOF-13 was used as an efficient carrier for the targeted delivery and controlled release of doxorubicin (DOX) to MDA-MB-231 cells. Magnetic Bio-MOF-13 was prepared by two strategies and compared to determine the optimal state of the structure. In the first path, Bio-MOF-13 was grown in situ on the surface of Fe3O4 nanoparticles (core/shell structure), while in the second method, the two presynthesized materials were mixed together (surface composite). Core/shell structure, among prepared nanocomposites, was chosen for biological evaluation due to its favorable structural features like a high accessible surface area and pore volume. Also, it is highly advantageous for drug release due to its ability to selectively release DOX in the acidic pH of breast cancer cells, while preventing any premature release in the neutral pH of the blood. Drug release from the carrier structure is precisely controlled not only by pH but also by an external magnetic field, guaranteeing accurate drug delivery at the intended location. Confocal microscopy and flow cytometry assay clearly confirms the increase in drug concentration in the MDA-MB-231 cell line after external magnet applying. This point, along with the low toxicity of the carrier components, makes it a suitable candidate for injectable medicine. According to MTT results, the percentage of viable MDA-MB-231 cells after treatment with 10 μL of DOX@Fe3O4/Bio-MOF-13 core/shell composite in different concentrations, in the presence and absence of magnetic field is 0.87 ± 0.25 and 2.07 ± 0.15, respectively. As a result, the DOX@Fe3O4/Bio-MOF-13 core/shell composite was performed and approved for targeted drug delivery and magnetic field-assisted controlled release of DOX to the MDA-MB-231 cell line.

Material and Design Toolkit for Drug Delivery: State of the Art, Trends, and Challenges

The nanomaterial and related toolkit have promising applications for improving human health and well-being. Nanobased drug delivery systems use nanoscale materials as carriers to deliver therapeutic agents in a targeted and controlled manner, and they have shown potential to address issues associated with conventional drug delivery systems. They offer benefits for treating various illnesses by encapsulating or conjugating biological agents, chemotherapeutic drugs, and immunotherapeutic agents. The potential applications of this technology are vast; however, significant challenges exist to overcome such as safety issues, toxicity, efficacy, and insufficient capacity. This article discusses the latest developments in drug delivery systems, including drug release mechanisms, material toolkits, related design molecules, and parameters. The concluding section examines the limitations and provides insights into future possibilities.

Plasmonic porous micro- and nano-materials based on Au/Ag nanostructures developed for photothermal cancer therapy: challenges in clinicalization

Photothermal therapy (PTT) has developed in recent decades as a relatively safe method for the treatment of cancers. Recently, various species of gold and silver (Au and Ag) nanostructures have been developed and investigated to achieve PTT due to their highly localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) effect. Concisely, the collective oscillation of electrons on the surface of Au and Ag nanostructures upon exposure to a specific wavelength (depending on their size and shape) and further plasmonic resonance leads to the heating of the surface of these particles. Hence, porous species can be equipped with tiny plasmonic ingredients that add plasmonic properties to therapeutic cargoes. In this case, a precise review of the recent achievements is very important to figure out to what extent plasmonic photothermal therapy (PPTT) by Au/Ag-based plasmonic porous nanomedicines successfully treated cancers with satisfactory biosafety. Herein, we classify the various species of LSPR-active micro- and nano-materials. Moreover, the routes for the preparation of Ag/Au-plasmonic porous cargoes and related bench assessments are carefully reviewed. Finally, as the main aim of this study, principal requirements for the clinicalization of Ag/Au-plasmonic porous cargoes and their further challenges are discussed, which are critical for specialists in this field.

Fast synthesis of [1,2,3]-triazole derivatives on a Fe/Cu-embedded nano-catalytic substrate

Triazoles are biologically important compounds that play a crucial role in biomedical applications. In this study, we present an innovative and eco-friendly nanocatalyst system for synthesizing compounds via the click reaction. The system is composed of Arabic gum (AG), iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles (Fe3O4 MNPs), (3-chloropropyl) trimethoxysilane (CPTMS), 2-aminopyridine (AP), and Cu(i) ions. Using AP as an anchor for Cu(i) ions and Fe3O4 MNPs allows facile separation using an external magnet. The hydrophilic nature of the Fe3O4@AG/AP-Cu(i) nanocomposite makes it highly efficient in water as a green solvent. The highest reaction efficiency (95.0%) was achieved in H2O solvent with 50.0 mg of nanocatalyst for 60 min at room temperature. The reaction yield remained consistent for six runs, demonstrating the stability and effectiveness of the catalyst.

3D and 4D printing hydroxyapatite-based scaffolds for bone tissue engineering and regeneration

The osseous tissue can be classified as a nanocomposite that encompasses a complex interweaving of organic and inorganic matrices. This intricate amalgamation consists of a collagen component and a mineral phase that are intricately arranged to form elaborate and perforated configurations. Hydroxyapatite, whether synthesized artificially or obtained from natural sources, has garnered considerable attention as a composite material in the field of bone tissue engineering due to its striking resemblance to bone in terms of structure and characteristics. Hydroxyapatite (HA) constitutes the predominant ceramic biomaterial for biomedical applications due to its ability to replicate the mineral composition of vertebrate bone. Nonetheless, it is noteworthy that the present biomimetic substance exhibits unfavorable mechanical characteristics, characterized by insufficient tensile and compressive strength, thus rendering it unsuitable for effective employment in the field of bone tissue engineering. Due to its beneficial attributes, hydroxyapatite (HA) is frequently employed in conjunction with various polymers and crosslinkers as composites to enhance mechanical properties and overall efficacy of implantable biomaterials engineered. The restoration of skeletal defects through the use of customized replacements is an effective way to replace damaged or lost bone structures. This method not only restores the bones' original functions but also reinstates their initial aesthetic appearance. The utilization of hydroxyapatite-polymer composites within 3D-printed grafts necessitates meticulous optimization of both mechanical and biological properties, in order to ensure their suitability for employment in medical devices. The utilization of 3D-printing technology represents an innovative approach in the manufacturing of HA-based scaffolds, which offers advantageous prospects for personalized bone regeneration. The expeditious prototyping method, with emphasis on the application of 3D printing, presents a viable approach in the development of bespoke prosthetic implants, grounded on healthcare data sets. 4D printing approach is an evolved form of 3D printing that utilizes programmable materials capable of altering the intended shape of printed structures, contingent upon single or dual stimulating factors. These factors include aspects such as pH level, temperature, humidity, crosslinking degree, and leaching factors.

DNA hydrogels and nanogels for diagnostics, therapeutics, and theragnostics of various cancers

As an efficient class of hydrogel-based therapeutic drug delivery systems, deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) hydrogels (particularly DNA nanogels) have attracted massive attention in the last five years. The main contributor to this is the programmability of these 3-dimensional (3D) scaffolds that creates fundamental effects, especially in treating cancer diseases. Like other active biological ingredients (ABIs), DNA hydrogels can be functionalized with other active agents that play a role in targeting drug delivery and modifying the half-life of the therapeutic cargoes in the body's internal environment. Considering the brilliant advantages of DNA hydrogels, in this survey, we intend to submit an informative collection of feasible methods for the design and preparation of DNA hydrogels and nanogels, and the responsivity of the immune system to these therapeutic cargoes. Moreover, the interactions of DNA hydrogels with cancer biomarkers are discussed in this account. Theragnostic DNA nanogels as an advanced species for both detection and therapeutic purposes are also briefly reviewed.

Mechanical, biocompatibility and antibacterial studies of gelatin/polyvinyl alcohol/silkfibre polymeric scaffold for bone tissue engineering

The current study focuses on the incorporation of natural polymers (gelatin, silk fibre) and synthetic (polyvinyl alcohol) polymer towards the fabrication of a novel composite for bone tissue engineering. The Electrospinning method was used to fabricate the novel gelatin/polyvinyl alcohol/silk fibre scaffold. XRD, FTIR and SEM-EDAX analysis was performed to characterize the composite. The characterized composite was investigated for its physical properties (porosity and mechanical studies) and biological studies (antimicrobial activity, hemocompatibility, bioactivity). The fabricated composite showed high porosity and the highest tensile strength of 34 MPa, with elongation at a break of 35.82 for the composite. The antimicrobial activity of the composite was studied and the zone of inhibition was measured around 51 ± 0.54 for E. coli, 48 ± 0.48 for S. aureus and 50 ± 0.26 for C. albicans. The hemolytic % was noted around 1.36 for the composite and the bioactivity assay revealed the formation of apatite on composite surfaces.

Silver-assisted reduction of nitroarenes by an Ag-embedded curcumin/melamine-functionalized magnetic nanocatalyst

In the current study, we introduce a hybrid magnetic nanocomposite comprised of curcumin (Cur), iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles (Fe₃O₄ MNPs), melamine linker (Mel), and silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs). Initially, a facile in situ route is administrated for preparing the Fe₃O₄@Cur/Mel-Ag effectual magnetic catalytic system. In addition, the advanced catalytic performance of the nanocomposite to reduce the nitrobenzene (NB) derivatives as hazardous chemical substances were assessed. Nevertheless, a high reaction yield of 98% has been achieved in short reaction times 10 min. Moreover, the Fe₃O₄@Cur/Mel-Ag magnetic nanocomposite was conveniently collected by an external magnet and recycled 5 times without a noticeable diminish in catalytic performance. Therefore, the prepared magnetic nanocomposite is a privileged substance for NB derivatives reduction since it achieved notable catalytic activity.

A magnetic X-band frequency microwave nanoabsorbent made of iron oxide/halloysite nanostructures combined with polystyrene

A novel nanocomposite has been designed and fabricated through an in situ polymerization process, based on iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe₃O₄ NPs), halloysite nanotubes (HNTs), and polystyrene (PS). The prepared nanocomposite (formulated as Fe₃O₄/HNT-PS) has been fully characterized through various methods, and its applicability in microwave absorption was investigated by using some single-layer and bilayer pellets containing nanocomposite and resin. The efficiency of the Fe₃O₄/HNT-PS composite with different weight ratios and pellets with the thickness of 3.0 and 4.0 mm were examined. Vector network analysis (VNA) revealed that the microwave (12 GHz) can be noticeably absorbed by Fe₃O₄/HNT-60% PS particles in a bilayer structure with 4.0 mm thickness and 85% resin of the pellets, resulting in a microwave absorption value of ca. -26.9 dB. The observed bandwidth (RL < -10 dB) was about 1.27 GHz, where ca. 95% of the radiated wave is absorbed. Ultimately, due to low-cost raw materials and high performance of the presented absorbent system, the Fe₃O₄/HNT-PS nanocomposite and the construction of the presented bilayer system can be subjected to further investigations to test and compare with other compounds for industrialization.

Vancomycin-Loaded Fe3O4/MOF-199 Core/Shell Cargo Encapsulated by Guanidylated-β-Cyclodextrine: An Effective Antimicrobial Nanotherapeutic

This study describes an efficient antimicrobial drug delivery system composed of iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles (Fe₃O₄ NPs) coated by an MOF-199 network. Then, the prepared vancomycin (VAN)-loaded carrier was fully packed in a lattice of beta-cyclodextrin (BCD). For cell adhesion, beta-cyclodextrin has been functionalized with guanidine (Gn) groups within in situ synthetic processes. Afterward, drug loading efficiency and the release patterns were investigated through precise analytical methods. Confocal microscopy has shown that the prepared cargo (formulated as [VAN@Fe₃O₄/MOF-199]BCD-Gn) could be attached to the Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacterial cells in a higher rate than the individual VAN. The presented system considerably increased the antibacterial effects of the VAN with a lower dosage of drug. The cellular experiments such as the zone of inhibition and optical density (OD₆₀₀) have confirmed the enhanced antibacterial effect of the designed cargo. In addition, the MIC/MBC (minimum inhibitory and bactericidal concentrations) values have been estimated for the prepared cargo compared to the individual VAN, revealing high antimicrobial potency of the VAN@Fe₃O₄/MOF-199]BCD-Gn cargo.

Magnetic nanoparticles: multifunctional tool for cancer therapy

INTRODUCTION

Cancer has one of the highest mortality rates globally. The traditional therapies used to treat cancer have harmful adverse effects. Considering these facts, researchers have explored new therapeutic possibilities with enhanced benefits. Nanoparticle development for cancer detection, in addition to therapy, has shown substantial progress over the past few years.

AREA COVERED

Herein, the latest research regarding cancer treatment employing magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) in chemo-, immuno-, gene-, and radiotherapy along with hyperthermia is summarized, in addition to their physio-chemical features, advantages, and limitations for clinical translation have also been discussed.

EXPERT OPINION

MNPs are being extensively investigated and developed into effective modules for cancer therapy. They are highly functional tools aimed at cancer therapy owing to their excellent superparamagnetic, chemical, biocompatible, physical, and biodegradable properties.

Smart Chemical Oxidative Polymerization Strategy To Construct Au@PPy Core-Shell Nanoparticles for Cancer Diagnosis and Imaging-Guided Photothermal Therapy

Imaging-guided photothermal therapy (PTT) in a single nanoscale platform has aroused extensive research interest in precision medicine, yet only a few methods have gained wide acceptance. Thus, it remained an urgent need to facilely develop biocompatible and green probes with excellent theranostic capacity for superior biomedical applications. In this study, a smart chemical oxidative polymerization strategy was successfully developed for the synthesis of Au@PPy core-shell nanoparticles with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) as the hydrophile. In the reaction, the reactant tetrachloroauric acid (HAuCl₄) was reduced by pyrrole to fabricate a gold (Au) core, and pyrrole was oxidized to deposit around the Au core to form a polypyrrole (PPy) shell. The as-synthesized Au@PPy nanoparticles showed a regular core-shell morphology and good colloidal stability. Relying on the high X-ray attenuation of Au and strong near-infrared (NIR) absorbance of PPy and Au, Au@PPy nanoparticles exhibited excellent performance in blood pool/tumor imaging and PTT treatment by a series of in vivo experiments, in which tumor could be precisely positioned and thoroughly eradicated. Hence, the facile chemical oxidative polymerization strategy for constructing monodisperse Au@PPy core-shell nanoparticles with potential for cancer diagnosis and imaging-guided photothermal therapy shed light on an innovative design concept for the facile fabrication of biomedical materials.

Facile synthesis of pyrazolopyridine pharmaceuticals under mild conditions using an algin-functionalized silica-based magnetic nanocatalyst (Alg@SBA-15/Fe3O4)†

Pyrazolopyridines are common scaffolds in various bioactive compounds, which have several therapeutic effects and unique pharmacological properties. In this study, we fabricated a novel environmentally friendly silica-based nanocomposite as a multifunctional catalytic system for the synthesis of pyrazolopyridine derivatives. This novel heterogeneous nanocomposite named Alg@SBA-15/Fe₃O₄ (Alg stands for alginic acid), was prepared in several steps. In this regard, SBA-15 was synthesized by the hydrothermal method. Next, it was magnetized by Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles via an in situ co-precipitation process. Then, SBA-15/Fe₃O₄ particles were functionalized with 3-minopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES). Afterward, Alg@SBA-15/Fe₃O₄ was obtained by a nucleophilic substitution reaction between SBA-15/Fe₃O₄–NH₂ and an as-synthesized methyl-esterified alginic. Different analyses such as Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR), energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy, field-emission scanning-electron microscopy (FESEM), vibrating-sample magnetometer (VSM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and BET (Brunauer–Emmett–Teller) have been used to confirm the structure of the fabricated catalyst. The magnetic properties of the Alg@SBA-15/Fe₃O₄ catalytic system imparted by Fe₃O₄ MNPs enable it to be conveniently isolated from the reaction mixture by using an external magnet. According to the obtained results, the prepared nanocatalyst has high thermal stability and it lost approximately 26% of its weight up to 800 °C. Interestingly, a small amount of prepared nanocatalyst (0.02 g) has shown excellent catalytic performance in the synthesis of pyrazolopyridine derivatives (90–97%) in a short reaction time (20–30 min) at room temperature which can be attributed to its porous structure and large surface area, and the presence of many acidic and basic functional groups. In general, it can be argued that the Alg@SBA-15/Fe₃O₄ nanocomposite deserves more attention due to its non-toxicity, ease of preparation, good recyclability, and its high catalytic efficiency.

Pyrazolopyridines are common scaffolds in various bioactive compounds, which have several therapeutic effects and unique pharmacological properties.

Effects of morphology and size of nanoscale drug carriers on cellular uptake and internalization process: a review

In the field of targeted drug delivery, the effects of size and morphology of drug nanocarriers are of great importance and need to be discussed in depth. To be concise, among all the various shapes of nanocarriers, rods and tubes with a narrow cross-section are the most preferred shapes for the penetration of a cell membrane. In this regard, several studies have focused on methods to produce nanorods and nanotubes with controlled optimized size and aspect ratio (AR). Additionally, a non-spherical orientation could affect the cellular uptake process while a tangent angle of less than 45° is better at penetrating the membrane, and Ω = 90° is beneficial. Moreover, these nanocarriers show different behaviors when confronting diverse cells whose fields should be investigated in future studies. In this survey, a comprehensive classification based on carrier shape is first submitted. Then, the most commonly used methods for control over the size and shape of the carriers are reviewed. Finally, influential factors on the cellular uptake and internalization processes and related analytical methods for evaluating this process are discussed.

An effective antimicrobial complex of nanoscale β-cyclodextrin and ciprofloxacin conjugated to a cell adhesive dipeptide

Today, various drug delivery systems (DDS) are utilized to carry and deliver the desired drugs to the targeted action area to reduce potential side effects and negative interactions. Nanomaterials are an excellent candidate for the delivery of potent drugs, as they enhance pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties. Herein, we present a new ciprofloxacin (CPFX) delivery system based on a polymeric nanocarrier (β-cyclodextrin) conjugated to a cell-adhesive dipeptide structure. Cyclodextrin (CD) is an inexpensive, easily accessible, biodegradable, and biocompatible material. Also, the conjugation of cysteine-arginine (CR) dipeptide to the CPFX/β-CD particles is carried out to enhance cell adhesion growth. Through accurate analysis, the drug content and release for a final product have been estimated to be ca. 32%. Overall, the antimicrobial effects of CPFX were considerably raised through a low dose of CPFX. The growth zone inhibition of CPFX/β-CD-CR particles on the staphylococcus aureus and the Escherichia coli bacterial cells was 5.5 ± 0.2 cm and 3.5 ± 0.2 cm, respectively. Hence, this therapeutic nano bioconjugate is an excellent candidate to be applied in antimicrobial applications with the minimum incorporated CPFX.

Efficient Photodegradation of Eriochrome Black-T by a Trimetallic Magnetic Self-Synthesized Nanophotocatalyst Based on Zn/Au/Fe-Embedded Poly(vinyl alcohol)

This study presents a novel photocatalytic system for photocatalytic degradation of Eriochrome black-T (EBT) dye via green light-emitting diode (LED) light exposure. This photocatalyst is comprised of nanoscale components, i.e., poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe₃O₄ NPs), gold NPs (Au NPs), and zinc oxide nanorods (ZnO NRs), rendering an active high surface area. The most highlighted property from the structural facet is the superparamagnetic behavior of Fe₃O₄ NPs, which provides a facile collection of magnetic photocatalyst NPs from the reaction flask and is successfully recycled eight times without considerable reduction in catalytic behavior. Briefly, the photocatalytic degradation at its highest efficiency reached 51.4% (10 ppm dye solution, 5.0 mL) and 64.75% (8 ppm dye solution, 5.0 mL) utilizing 10 mg of the designed photocatalyst (formulated as Fe₃O₄@PVA-Au/ZnO), a magnetic photocatalytic system under green LED light (7 W, 526 nm) exposure for 60 min. Besides, the photocatalytic degradation mechanism of the EBT dye by the as-prepared photocatalyst was proposed. Based on the obtained results, the presented photocatalytic method was recommended for scaling up and large-scale exploitation for the purification of the water resources.

Synergies in antimicrobial treatment by a levofloxacin-loaded halloysite and gold nanoparticles with a conjugation to a cell-penetrating peptide

Herein, a novel designed antimicrobial therapeutic drug delivery system is presented, in which halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) encapsulate a determined dosage of levofloxacin (lvx). Moreover, gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) have been embedded into the structure for plasmonic heating under irradiation of the green LED light (7 W, 526 nm). It was revealed that the plasmonic heating of the AuNPs leads to a controlled trend in the lvx release process. Also, a synergistic effect on the antimicrobial activity of the prepared therapeutic system has been observed through photothermal heating of the structure. To enhance the cell adhesion, a cell-penetrating peptide sequence (CPP) is conjugated to the surfaces. This CPP has led to quick co-localization of the prepared nano-cargo (denoted as lvx@HNT/Au-CPP) with the bacterial living cells and further attachment (confirmed by confocal microscopy). Concisely, the structure of the designed nano-cargo has been investigated by various methods, and the in vitro cellular experiments (zone of inhibition and colony-counting) have disclosed that the antimicrobial activity of the lvx is significantly enhanced through incorporation into the HNT/Au-CPP delivery system (drug content: 16 wt%), in comparison with the individual lvx with the same dosage. Hence, it can be stated that the bacterial resistance against antibiotics and the toxic effects of the chemical medications are reduced through the application of the presented strategy.

A magnetic antibody-conjugated nano-system for selective delivery of Ca(OH)2 and taxotere in ovarian cancer cells

An efficient strategy for cancer therapy is presented, in which a tumor mass is initially pretreated with calcium hydroxide, then treated with Taxotere (TXT). In this regard, an advanced delivery system based on iron oxide nanoparticles has been designed. The surface of nanoparticles was functionalized with sortilin (SORT-1, a human IgG1 monoclonal antibody) that specifically encodes caov-4 ovarian cancerous cells. Plasmonic heating of the incorporated gold nanoparticles in polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) has been exploited to control the release process of TXT. The in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo experiments have exhibited high efficacy of a seven-day pretreatment by Ca(OH)₂ plus 14 days treatment program by Ca(OH)₂@Fe₃O₄/PVA/Au-SORT nano-therapeutics, where more penetration ratio resulted in tumor growth inhibition by ca. 78.3%. As a result, due to showing high values of the anti-tumor properties and biosafety, the presented pretreatment strategy is suggested for more effective treatment on the aged tumors.

A magnetic drug delivery system containing polyvinyl alcohol, gold nanoparticles, and sortilin antibody followed by the plasmonic photothermal heating strategy for the controlled drug release is proposed, with use in ovarian cancer demonstrated.

A diselenobis-functionalized magnetic catalyst based on iron oxide/silica nanoparticles suggested for amidation reactions

In this study, a new heterogeneous magnetic catalytic system based on selenium-functionalized iron oxide nanoparticles is presented and suggested for facilitating amide/peptide bonds formation. The prepared nanocatalyst, entitled as “Fe₃O₄/SiO₂-DSBA” (DSBA stands for 2,2′-diselanediylbis benzamide), has been precisely characterized for identifying its physicochemical properties. As the most brilliant point, the catalytic performance of the designed system can be mentioned, where only a small amount of Fe₃O₄/SiO₂-DSBA (0.25 mol%) has resulted in 89% reaction yield, under a mild condition. Also, given high importance of green chemistry, convenient catalyst particles separation from the reaction medium through its paramagnetic property (ca. 30 emu·g⁻¹) should be noticed. This particular property provided a substantial opportunity to recover the catalyst particles and successfully reuse them for at least three successive times. Moreover, due to showing other excellences, such as economic benefits and nontoxicity, the presented catalytic system is recommended to be scaled up and exploited in the industrial applications.

Magnetic Nanoparticles: Current Advances in Nanomedicine, Drug Delivery and MRI

Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) have evolved tremendously during recent years, in part due to the rapid expansion of nanotechnology and to their active magnetic core with a high surface-to-volume ratio, while their surface functionalization opened the door to a plethora of drug, gene and bioactive molecule immobilization. Taming the high reactivity of the magnetic core was achieved by various functionalization techniques, producing MNPs tailored for the diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular or neurological disease, tumors and cancer. Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) are established at the core of drug-delivery systems and could act as efficient agents for MFH (magnetic fluid hyperthermia). Depending on the functionalization molecule and intrinsic morphological features, MNPs now cover a broad scope which the current review aims to overview. Considering the exponential expansion of the field, the current review will be limited to roughly the past three years.

Docetaxel in combination with metformin enhances antitumour efficacy in metastatic breast carcinoma models: a promising cancer targeting based on PEGylated liposomes

OBJECTIVES

Metformin has been shown to kill cancer stem-like cells in genetically various types of breast carcinoma. With the aim to simultaneously eradicate the bulk population of tumour cells and the rare population of cancer stem-like cells in breast cancer tissues, we used the combination chemotherapy of docetaxel (DTX) with metformin (MET). Furthermore, we introduce an active loading method based on ammonium sulphate 250 mM (SA) for encapsulating docetaxel into liposomes.

METHODS

Docetaxel and metformin encapsulated into PEGylated liposomes with two different methods based on remote or passive loading methods, respectively. The size and surface charge of the liposomes were characterized. DTX content in the nanoliposomes was measured by the high-performance liquid chromatography method. The drug release profiles were evaluated in phosphate-buffered dextrose 5% with the pH of 6.5 and 7.4. We examined the antitumour activity of Taxotere (TAX), and liposomal formulation of DTX and MET as a monotherapy or combination therapy. The biodistribution of liposomes was also investigated using 99mTc hexamethyl propylene amine oxime method in BALB/c mice bearing 4T1 breast carcinoma tumours.

KEY FINDINGS

The final formulations were prepared according to the best physicochemical characteristics which were HSPC/mPEG2000-DSPE/Chol (DTX liposomes) and HSPC/DPPG/mPEG2000-DSPE/Chol (MET liposomes), at molar ratios of 85/5/10 and (55/5/5/35), respectively. In vivo experiments showed that when free or liposomal metformin used in combination with liposomal docetaxel, they prolonged median survival time (MST) from 31 in the control group to 46 days, which demonstrates their promising effects on the survival of the 4T1 breast carcinoma mice models. Moreover, combination therapies could significantly increase life span in comparison with phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) and Taxotere groups at the same dose. Furthermore, in the combination therapy study, treatment with DTX liposomes prepared by ammonium sulphate 250 mM buffer alone resulted in similar therapeutic efficacy to combination therapy. The biodistribution study exhibited significant accumulation of DTX liposomes in the tumours due to the Enhanced Permeability and Retention effect.

CONCLUSIONS

This study also showed that metformin-based combinatorial chemotherapies have superior efficacy versus their corresponding monotherapy counterparts at same doses. The findings confirm that liposomes based on ammonium sulphate 250 mM could be as a promising formulation for efficient DTX delivering and cancer targeting and therefore merit further investigations.

Nanoscale bioconjugates: A review of the structural attributes of drug-loaded nanocarrier conjugates for selective cancer therapy

Nanobioconjugates are nanoscale drug delivery vehicles that have been conjugated to or decorated with biologically active targeting ligands. These targeting ligands can be antibodies, peptides, aptamers, or small molecules such as vitamins or hormones. Most research studies in this field have been devoted to targeting cancer. Moreover, the nanostructures can be designed with an additional level of targeting by being designed to be stimulus-responsive or "smart" by a judicious choice of materials to be incorporated into the hybrid nanostructures. This stimulus could be an acidic pH, raised temperature, enzyme, ultrasound, redox potential, an externally applied magnetic field, or laser irradiation. In this case, the smart capability can increase the accumulation at the tumor site or the on-demand drug release, while the ligand ensures selective binding to the tumor cells. The present review highlights some interesting studies classified according to the nanostructure material. These materials include natural substances (polysaccharides), multi-walled carbon nanotubes (and halloysite nanotubes), metal-organic frameworks and covalent-organic frameworks, metal nanoparticles (gold and silver), and polymeric micelles.

Controlled temperature-mediated curcumin release from magneto-thermal nanocarriers to kill bone tumors

Systemic chemotherapy has lost its position to treat cancer over the past years mainly due to drug resistance, side effects, and limited survival ratio. Among a plethora of local drug delivery systems to solve this issue, the combinatorial strategy of chemo-hyperthermia has recently received attention. Herein we developed a magneto-thermal nanocarrier consisted of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) coated by a blend formulation of a three-block copolymer Pluronic F127 and F68 on the oleic acid (OA) in which Curcumin as a natural and chemical anti-cancer agent was loaded. The subsequent nanocarrier SPION@OA-F127/F68-Cur was designed with a controlled gelation temperature of the shell, which could consequently control the release of curcumin. The release was systematically studied as a function of temperature and pH, via response surface methodology (RSM). The bone tumor killing efficacy of the released curcumin from the carrier in combination with the hyperthermia was studied on MG-63 osteosarcoma cells through Alamar blue assay, live-dead staining and apoptosis caspase 3/7 activation kit. It was found that the shrinkage of the F127/F68 layer stimulated by elevated temperature in an alternative magnetic field caused the curcumin release. Although the maximum release concentration and cell death took place at 45 °C, treatment at 41 °C was chosen as the optimum condition due to considerable cell apoptosis and lower side effects of mild hyperthermia. The cell metabolic activity results confirmed the synergistic effects of curcumin and hyperthermia in killing MG-63 osteosarcoma cells.

Recent Advances of Magnetic Gold Hybrids and Nanocomposites, and Their Potential Biological Applications

Magnetic gold nanoparticles (mGNP) have become a great interest of research for nanomaterial scientists because of their significant magnetic and plasmonic properties applicable in biomedical applications. Various synthetic approaches and surface modification techniques have been used for mGNP including the most common being the coprecipitation, thermal decomposition, and microemulsion methods in addition to the Brust Schiffrin technique, which involves the reduction of metal precursors in a two-phase system (water and toluene) in the presence of alkanethiol. The hybrid magnetic–plasmonic nanoparticles based on iron core and gold shell are being considered as potential theranostic agents. In this critical review, in addition to future works, we have summarized recent developments for synthesis and surface modification of mGNP with their applications in modern biomedical science such as drug and gene delivery, bioimaging, biosensing, and neuro-regeneration, neuro-degenerative and arthritic disorders. This review includes techniques and biological applications of mGNP majorly based on research from the previous six years.

Convenient synthesis of dipeptide structures in solution phase assisted by a thioaza functionalized magnetic nanocatalyst

In this study, a heterogeneous nanocatalyst is presented that is capable to efficiently catalyze the synthetic reactions of amide bond formation between the amino acids. This nanocatalyst which is named Fe₃O₄@SiO₂/TABHA (TABHA stands for thio-aza-bicyclo-hepten amine), was composed of several layers that increased the surface area to be functionalized with 2-aminothiazole rings via Diels-Alder approach. Firstly, various analytic methods such as Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) and energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopic methods, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), electron microscopy (EM), and UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV-DRS) have been used to characterize the desired structure of the Fe₃O₄@SiO₂/TABHA catalyst. Afterward, the application of the presented catalytic system has been studied in the peptide bond formation reactions. Due to the existence of a magnetic core in the structure of the nanocatalyst, the nanoparticles (NPs) could be easily separated from the reaction medium by an external magnet. This special feature has been corroborated by the obtained results from vibrating-sample magnetometer (VSM) analysis that showed 24 emu g^-1 magnetic saturation for the catalytic system. Amazingly, a small amount of Fe₃O₄@SiO₂/TABHA particles (0.2 g) has resulted in ca. 90% efficiency in catalyzing the peptide bond formation at ambient temperature, over 4 h. Also, this nanocatalyst has demonstrated an acceptable recycling ability, where ca. 76% catalytic performance has been observed after four recycles. Due to high convenience in the preparation, application, and recyclization processes, and also because of lower cost than the traditional coupling reagents (like TBTU), the presented catalytic system is recommended for the industrial utilization.

Functionalized hybrid magnetic catalytic systems on micro- and nanoscale utilized in organic synthesis and degradation of dyes

Herein, a concise review of the latest developments in catalytic processes involving organic reactions is presented, focusing on magnetic catalytic systems (MCSs). In recent years, various micro- and nanoscale magnetic catalysts have been prepared through different methods based on optimized reaction conditions and utilized in complex organic synthesis or degradation reactions of pharmaceutical compounds. These biodegradable, biocompatible and eco-benign MCSs have achieved the principles of green chemistry, and thus their usage is highly advocated. In addition, MCSs can shorten the reaction time, effectively accelerate reactions, and significantly upgrade both pharmaceutical synthesis and degradation mechanisms by preventing unwanted side reactions. Moreover, the other significant benefits of MCSs include their convenient magnetic separation, high stability and reusability, inexpensive raw materials, facile preparation routes, and surface functionalization. In this review, our aim is to present at the recent improvements in the structure of versatile MCSs and their characteristics, i.e., magnetization, recyclability, structural stability, turnover number (TON), and turnover frequency (TOF). Concisely, different hybrid and multifunctional MCSs are discussed. Additionally, the applications of MCSs for the synthesis of different pharmaceutical ingredients and degradation of organic wastewater contaminants such as toxic dyes and drugs are demonstrated.

Stimuli-Responsive Nanoparticles for Controlled Drug Delivery in Synergistic Cancer Immunotherapy

Cancer immunotherapy has achieved promising clinical progress over the recent years for its potential to treat metastatic tumors and inhibit their recurrences effectively. However, low patient response rates and dose-limiting toxicity remain as major dilemmas for immunotherapy. Stimuli-responsive nanoparticles (srNPs) combined with immunotherapy offer the possibility to amplify anti-tumor immune responses, where the weak acidity, high concentration of glutathione, overexpressions of enzymes, and reactive oxygen species, and external stimuli in tumors act as triggers for controlled drug release. This review highlights the design of srNPs based on tumor microenvironment and/or external stimuli to combine with different anti-tumor drugs, especially the immunoregulatory agents, which eventually realize synergistic immunotherapy of malignant primary or metastatic tumors and acquire a long-term immune memory to prevent tumor recurrence. The authors hope that this review can provide theoretical guidance for the construction and clinical transformation of smart srNPs for controlled drug delivery in synergistic cancer immunotherapy.

Diamine-functionalized porous graphene oxide sheets decorated with palladium oxide nanoparticles for the oxidative amidation of aldehydes

C–N coupling between aldehydes and amines by ultra-small PdO NPs adorned diamine functionalized porous GO sheets as retrievable nano-catalyst.

Functionalized Au@Cu-Sb-S Nanoparticles for Spectral CT/Photoacoustic Imaging-Guided Synergetic Photo-Radiotherapy in Breast Cancer

Background

Radiotherapy (RT) is clinically well-established cancer treatment. However, radioresistance remains a significant issue associated with failure of RT. Phototherapy-induced radiosensitization has recently attracted attention in translational cancer research.

Methods

Cu-Sb-S nanoparticles (NPs) coated with ultra-small Au nanocrystals (Au@Cu-Sb-S) were synthesized and characterized. The biosafety profiles, absorption of near-infrared (NIR) laser and radiation-enhancing effect of the NPs were evaluated. In vitro and in vivo spectral computed tomography (CT) imaging and photoacoustic (PA) imaging were performed in 4T1 breast cancer-bearing mice. The synergetic radio-phototherapy was assessed by in vivo tumor inhibition studies.

Results

Au@Cu-Sb-S NPs were prepared by in situ growth of Au NCs on the surface of Cu-Sb-S NPs. The cell viability experiments showed that the combination of Au@Cu-Sb-S+NIR+RT was significantly more cytotoxic to tumor cells than the other treatments at concentrations above 25 ppm Sb. In vitro and in vivo spectral CT imaging demonstrated that the X-ray attenuation ability of Au@Cu-Sb-S NPs was superior to that of the clinically used Iodine, particularly at lower KeV levels. Au@Cu-Sb-S NPs showed a concentration-dependent and remarkable PA signal brightening effect. In vivo tumor inhibition studies showed that the prepared Au@Cu-Sb-S NPs significantly suppressed tumor growth in 4T1 breast cancer-bearing mice treated with NIR laser irradiation and an intermediate X-ray dose (4 Gy).

Conclusion

These results indicate that Au@Cu-Sb-S integrated with spectral CT, PA imaging, and phototherapy-enhanced radiosensitization is a promising multifunctional theranostic nanoplatform for clinical applications.

Cefixime-Containing Silica Nanoseeds Coated by a Hybrid PVA-Gold Network with a Cys-Arg Dipeptide Conjugation: Enhanced Antimicrobial and Drug Release Properties

Therapeutic nano-bioconjugates (TNBCs) as an advanced class of drug delivery systems have attracted much attention due to more efficacy than the individual medications. Hence, in this study, a novel anti-infection TNBC system is designed based on highly porous silica nanoparticles, gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), and hybridized polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) for the efficient delivery of cefixime (CFM). Furthermore, a conjugation of cysteine-arginine (CR) dipeptide is made onto the surfaces for the enhancement of cell adhesion. Concisely, the AuNPs incorporated inside the PVA network play the key role in the controlled release process triggered by localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) heating. The drug content of the CFM-containing cargo (named as CFM@SiO₂/PVA/Au-CR) and related release profile have been precisely studied by the confirmed analytical methods. Eventually, confocal microscopy on the stained cells has revealed that the TNBC particles are capable of entering the Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (K. pneumoniae) bacterial cells better than the individual CFM. Also, optical density experiments (OD₆₀₀) have corroborated that the prepared CFM@SiO₂/PVA/Au-CR TNBC includes a high antimicrobial effect on K. pneumoniae and E. coli cells with (93.0 ± 1.5) % and (86.8 ± 1.0) % success rates, respectively, whereas the same dosage of the individual CFM has shown a lower effect on the cell growth rate. Also, estimation of minimum inhibitory/bactericidal concentrations (MIC/MBC) confirmed the enhanced antibacterial property of the CFM through the presented delivery method. Overall, this product is suggested to be clinically administrated instead of the individual CFM due to its high efficacy and containing lower dosage of the antibiotic drug.

Enhanced antimicrobial treatment by a clay-based drug nanocarrier conjugated to a guanidine-rich cell penetrating peptide

In this study, a novel and efficient drug delivery system is proposed for the enhancement of antimicrobial properties of antibiotic medications such as vancomycin (VCM) and levofloxacin (OFX). The architecture of the designed drug carrier is based on halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) with a rolled-laminate shape, suitable for the encapsulation of drug and further release. In order to make them capable for magnetic direction to the target tissue, the exterior surface of the tubes is composed of iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe₃O₄ NPs), via an in situ process. The main role in the antimicrobial activity enhancement is played by a cell-penetrating peptide (CPP) sequence synthesized in the solid phase, which contains three arginine–tryptophan blocks plus a cysteine as the terminal amino acid (C(WR)₃). The drug content values for the prepared nanocargoes named as VCM@Fe₃O₄/HNT–C(WR)₃ and OFX@Fe₃O₄/HNT–C(WR)₃, have been estimated at ca. 10 wt% and 12 wt%, respectively. Also, the drug release investigations have shown that above 90% of the encapsulated drug is released in acetate buffer (pH = 4.6), during a 90 minutes process. Confocal microscopy has corroborated good adhesion and co-localization of the particles and the stained living cells. Moreover, in vitro antimicrobial assessments (optical density, zone of inhibition, and minimum inhibitory concentration) have revealed that the bacterial cell growth rate is significantly inhibited by suggested nanocargoes, in comparison with the individual drugs in the same dosage. Hence, administration of the presented nanocargoes is recommended for the clinical treatment of the infected target organ.

A novel anti-infection therapeutic nano-bioconjugate based on magnetized halloysite nanotubes and a CPP is presented. High levels of bactericidal effects have been obtained with the designed nanocargo in comparison with the individual drugs.