Are there electrochemical aspects of cancer?

Carbon nanotubes: An effective platform for biomedical electronics

Cylindrical fullerenes (or carbon nanotubes (CNTs)) have been extensively investigated as potential sensor platforms due to effective and practical manipulation of their physical and chemical properties by functionalization/doping with chemical groups suitable for novel nanocarrier systems. CNTs play a significant role in biomedical applications due to rapid development of synthetic methods, structural integration, surface area-controlled heteroatom doping, and electrical conductivity. This review article comprehensively summarized recent trends in biomedical science and technologies utilizing a promising nanomaterial of CNTs in disease diagnosis and therapeutics, based on their biocompatibility and significance in drug delivery, implants, and bio imaging. Biocompatibility of CNTs is essential for designing effective and practical electronic applications in the biomedical field particularly due to their growing potential in the delivery of anticancer agents. Furthermore, functionalized CNTs have been shown to exhibit advanced electrochemical properties, responsible for functioning of numerous oxidase and dehydrogenase based amperometric biosensors. Finally, faster signal transduction by CNTs allows charge transfer between underlying electrode and redox centres of biomolecules (enzymes).

Zinc oxide nanoparticles for selective destruction of tumor cells and potential for drug delivery applications

IMPORTANCE OF THE FIELD

Metal oxide nanoparticles, including zinc oxide, are versatile platforms for biomedical applications and therapeutic intervention. There is an urgent need to develop new classes of anticancer agents, and recent studies demonstrate that ZnO nanomaterials hold considerable promise.

AREAS COVERED IN THIS REVIEW

This review analyzes the biomedical applications of metal oxide and ZnO nanomaterials under development at the experimental, preclinical and clinical levels. A discussion regarding the advantages, approaches and limitations surrounding the use of metal oxide nanoparticles for cancer applications and drug delivery is presented. The scope of this article is focused on ZnO, and other metal oxide nanomaterial systems, and their proposed mechanisms of cytotoxic action, as well as current approaches to improve their targeting and cytotoxicity against cancer cells.

WHAT THE READER WILL GAIN

This review aims to give an overview of ZnO nanomaterials in biomedical applications.

TAKE HOME MESSAGE

Through a better understanding of the mechanisms of action and cellular consequences resulting from nanoparticles interactions with cells, the inherent toxicity and selectivity of ZnO nanoparticles against cancer may be improved further to make them attractive new anticancer agents.

The Influences of Cell Type and ZnO Nanoparticle Size on Immune Cell Cytotoxicity and Cytokine Induction

Nanotechnology represents a new and enabling platform that promises to provide a range of innovative technologies for biological applications. ZnO nanoparticles of controlled size were synthesized, and their cytotoxicity toward different human immune cells evaluated. A differential cytotoxic response between human immune cell subsets was observed, with lymphocytes being the most resistant and monocytes being the most susceptible to ZnO nanoparticle-induced toxicity. Significant differences were also observed between previously activated memory lymphocytes and naive lymphocytes, indicating a relationship between cell-cycle potential and nanoparticle susceptibility. Mechanisms of toxicity involve the generation of reactive oxygen species, with monocytes displaying the highest levels, and the degree of cytotoxicity dependent on the extent of nanoparticle interactions with cellular membranes. An inverse relationship between nanoparticle size and cytotoxicity, as well as nanoparticle size and reactive oxygen species production was observed. In addition, ZnO nanoparticles induce the production of the proinflammatory cytokines, IFN-γ, TNF-α, and IL-12, at concentrations below those causing appreciable cell death. Collectively, these results underscore the need for careful evaluation of ZnO nanoparticle effects across a spectrum of relevant cell types when considering their use for potential new nanotechnology-based biological applications.