Small-size Ti3C2Tx MXene nanosheets coated with metal-polyphenol nanodots for enhanced cancer photothermal therapy and anti-inflammation

A multifunctional cascade enzyme system for enhanced starvation/chemodynamic combination therapy against hypoxic tumors

Starvation therapy has shown promise as a cancer treatment, but its efficacy is often limited when used alone. In this work, a multifunctional nanoscale cascade enzyme system, named CaCO3@MnO2-NH2@GOx@PVP (CMGP), was fabricated for enhanced starvation/chemodynamic combination cancer therapy. CMGP is composed of CaCO3 nanoparticles wrapped in a MnO2 shell, with glucose oxidase (GOx) adsorbed and modified with polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP). MnO2 decomposes H2O2 in cancer cells into O2, which enhances the efficiency of GOx-mediated starvation therapy. CaCO3 can be decomposed in the acidic cancer cell environment, causing Ca2+ overload in cancer cells and inhibiting mitochondrial metabolism. This synergizes with GOx to achieve more efficient starvation therapy. Additionally, the H2O2 and gluconic acid produced during glucose consumption by GOx are utilized by MnO2 with catalase-like activity to enhance O2 production and Mn2+ release. This process accelerates glucose consumption, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, and CaCO3 decomposition, promoting the Ca2+ release. CMGP can alleviate tumor hypoxia by cycling the enzymatic cascade reaction, which increases enzyme activity and combines with Ca2+ overload to achieve enhanced combined starvation/chemodynamic therapy. In vitro and in vivo studies demonstrate that CMGP has effective anticancer abilities and good biosafety. It represents a new strategy with great potential for combined cancer therapy.

MXene-based composites in smart wound healing and dressings

MXenes, a class of two-dimensional materials, exhibit considerable potential in wound healing and dressing applications due to their distinctive attributes, including biocompatibility, expansive specific surface area, hydrophilicity, excellent electrical conductivity, unique mechanical properties, facile surface functionalization, and tunable band gaps. These materials serve as a foundation for the development of advanced wound healing materials, offering multifunctional nanoplatforms with theranostic capabilities. Key advantages of MXene-based materials in wound healing and dressings encompass potent antibacterial properties, hemostatic potential, pro-proliferative attributes, photothermal effects, and facilitation of cell growth. So far, different types of MXene-based materials have been introduced with improved features for wound healing and dressing applications. This review covers the recent advancements in MXene-based wound healing and dressings, with a focus on their contributions to tissue regeneration, infection control, anti-inflammation, photothermal effects, and targeted therapeutic delivery. We also discussed the constraints and prospects for the future application of these nanocomposites in the context of wound healing/dressings.

Shape Memory Polyurethane Composite With Fast Response to Near-Infrared Light Based on Tannic Acid-Iron and Dynamic Phenol-Carbamate Network

Intelligent materials derived from green and renewable bio-based materials garner widespread attention recently. Herein, shape memory polyurethane composite (PUTA/Fe) with fast response to near-infrared (NIR) light is successfully prepared by introducing Fe3+ into the tannic acid-based polyurethane (PUTA) matrix through coordination between Fe3+ and tannic acid. The results show that the excellent NIR light response ability is due to the even distribution of Fe3+ filler with good photo-thermal conversion ability. With the increase of Fe3+ content, the NIR light response shape recovery rate of PUTA/Fe composite films is significantly improved, and the shape recovery time is reduced from over 60 s to 40 s. In addition, the mechanical properties of PUTA/Fe composite film are also improved. Importantly, owing to the dynamic phenol-carbamate network within the polymer matrix, the PUTA/Fe composite film can reshape its permanent shape through topological rearrangement and show its good NIR light response shape memory performance. Therefore, PUTA/Fe composites with high content of bio-based material (TA content of 15.1-19.4%) demonstrate the shape memory characteristics of fast response to NIR light; so, it will have great potential in the application of new intelligent materials including efficient and environmentally friendly smart photothermal responder.

Engineered Niobium Carbide MXenzyme-Integrated Self-Adaptive Coatings Inhibiting Periprosthetic Osteolysis by Orchestrating Osteogenesis-Osteoclastogenesis Balance

Periprosthetic osteolysis induced by the ultrahigh-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) wear particles is a major complication associated with the sustained service of artificial joint prostheses and often necessitates revision surgery. Therefore, a smart implant with direct prevention and repair abilities is urgently developed to avoid painful revision surgery. Herein, we fabricate a phosphatidylserine- and polyethylenimine-engineered niobium carbide (Nb2C) MXenzyme-coated micro/nanostructured titanium implant (PPN@MNTi) that inhibits UHMWPE particle-induced periprosthetic osteolysis. The specific mechanism by which PPN@MNTi operates involves the bioresponsive release of nanosheets from the MNTi substrate within an osteolysis microenvironment, initiated by the cleavage of a thioketal-dopamine molecule sensitive to reactive oxygen species (ROS). Subsequently, functionalized Nb2C MXenzyme could target macrophages and escape from lysosomes, effectively scavenging intracellular ROS through its antioxidant nanozyme-mimicking activities. This further achieves the suppression of osteoclastogenesis by inhibiting NF-κB/MAPK and autophagy signaling pathways. Simultaneously, based on the synergistic effect of MXenzyme-integrated coatings and micro/nanostructured topography, the designed implant promotes the osteogenic differentiation of bone mesenchymal stem cells to regulate bone homeostasis, further achieving advanced osseointegration and alleviable periprosthetic osteolysis in vivo. This study provides a precise prevention and repair strategy of periprosthetic osteolysis, offering a paradigm for the development of smart orthopedic implants.

Facile Fabrication of Titanium Carbide (Ti3C2)-Bismuth Vanadate (BiVO4) Nano-Coupled Oxides for Anti-cancer Activity

Background MXene is a newly discovered substance consisting of 2D transition metal carbides or nitrides, produced through the disintegration and etching of aluminum layers. It possesses numerous properties, including a high surface area, conductivity, strength, stiffness, negative zeta potential, and excellent volumetric capacitance. MXene is utilized in detecting anti-cancer medicine, while bismuth vanadate (BiVO4) is synthesized to form an optimized material for anti-cancer activity applications. BiVO4 exhibits visible light absorption, strong chemical stability, and non-toxic properties. However, when loaded onto target stem cells, it can cause skin and respiratory irritation. Aim This study aimed to evaluate the facile fabrication of titanium carbide (Ti3C2)-BiVO4 nanomaterials coupled with oxides for anti-cancer activity. Moreover, it aimed to create Ti3C2-BiVO4 nanomaterials in combination with oxides using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to assess their potential as efficient and targeted anti-cancer agents. Methods and materials To prepare the 2D Ti3C2 MXene, 2.5 g of titanium aluminum carbide (Ti3AlC2) powder was dissolved in 60 mL of a 40% hydrofluoric acid (HF) solution in a polytetrafluoroethylene(PTFE) container. The etching process was made more efficient and completed in 24 hours by using a magnetic stirring system to keep the mixture stirred and heated continuously. The centrifugation was performed at 4000 rpm for five minutes. Subsequently, deionized water was used to wash the solution many times until its pH reached around 7. The appropriate Ti3C2 powder was made by vacuum drying the acquired sediment at 80°C for 24 hours. Monoclinic BiVO4 samples were synthesized via a hydrothermal method. Typically, 10 mmol of Bi(NO3)3.5H2O was dissolved in 100 mL of a 2 mol/L HNO3 solution and stirred uniformly. Subsequently, 10 mmol of ammonium metavanadate (NH4VO3) was added to the mixed solution. After being stirred for one hour, the mixture was transferred into a 100 mL sealed Teflon-lined stainless steel autoclave at 180°C for 16 hours. After cooling to room temperature, the sediment was washed three times with deionized water, ethanol, and acetone, respectively. Finally, the suspension was dried at 80°C, followed by calcination at 450°C for three hours to obtain BiVO4. Ti3C2-BiVO4 heterostructures were prepared by surface modification Ti3C2 using BiVO4 suspensions by a simple, cost-effective approach. Results Ti3C2 nanosheets were observed with BiVO4 particles, and the high crystalline nature of the compound was confirmed after XRD analysis and energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) analysis. The compound was found to be pure without any impurities and exhibited anti-cancer activity. Conclusion The XRD, field emission scanning electron microscopy(FESEM), and EDS investigations provide an in-depth analysis of the structural, morphological, and compositional characteristics of Ti3C2-BiVO4 sheets. The XRD analysis proves the successful combination of different materials and the presence of crystalline phases. The FESEM imaging technique exposes the shape and arrangement of particles in sheets, while the EDS analysis verifies the elemental composition and uniform distribution. These investigations show that Ti3C2-BiVO4 composites have been successfully synthesized, indicating their potential for use in anti-cancer applications.

MXene-Mediated Catalytic Redox Reactions for Biomedical Applications

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) play a crucial role in orchestrating a myriad of physiological processes within living systems. With the advent of materdicine, an array of nanomaterials has been intricately engineered to influence the redox equilibrium in biological milieus, thereby pioneering a distinctive therapeutic paradigm predicated on ROS-centric biochemistry. Among these, two-dimensional carbides, nitrides, and carbonitrides, collectively known as MXenes, stand out due to their multi-valent and multi-elemental compositions, large surface area, high conductivity, and pronounced local surface plasmon resonance effects, positioning them as prominent contributors in ROS modulation. This review aims to provide an overview of the advancements in harnessing MXenes for catalytic redox reactions in various biological applications, including tumor, anti-infective, and anti-inflammatory therapies. The emphasis lies on elucidating the therapeutic mechanism of MXenes, involving both pro-oxidation and anti-oxidation processes, underscoring the redox-related therapeutic applications facilitated by self-catalysis, photo-excitation, and sono-excitation properties of MXenes. Furthermore, this review highlights the existing challenges and outlines future development trends in leveraging MXenes for ROS-involving disease treatments, marking a significant step towards the integration of these nanomaterials into clinical practice.

Enhanced osteogenic and ROS-scavenging MXene nanosheets incorporated gelatin-based nanocomposite hydrogels for critical-sized calvarial defect repair

The healing of critical-sized bone defects is a major challenge in the field of bone tissue engineering. Gelatin-related hydrogels have emerged as a potential solution due to their desirable properties. However, their limited osteogenic, mechanical, and reactive oxygen species (ROS)-scavenging capabilities have hindered their clinical application. To overcome this issue, we developed a biofunctional gelatin-Mxene nanocomposite hydrogel. Firstly, we prepared two-dimensional (2D) Ti3C2 MXene nanosheets using a layer delamination method. Secondly, these nanosheets were incorporated into a transglutaminase (TG) enzyme-containing gallic acid-imbedded gelatin (GGA) pre-gel solution to create an injectable GGA-MXene (GM) nanocomposite hydrogel. The GM hydrogels exhibited superior compressive strength (44-75.6 kPa) and modulus (24-44.5 kPa) compared to the GGA hydrogels. Additionally, the GM hydrogel demonstrated the ability to scavenge reactive oxygen species (OH- and DPPH radicals), protecting MC3T3-E1 cells from oxidative stress. GM hydrogels were non-toxic to MC3T3-E1 cells, increased alkaline phosphatase secretion, calcium nodule formation, and upregulated osteogenic gene expressions (ALP, OCN, and RUNX2). The GM400 hydrogel was implanted in critical-sized calvarial defects in rats. Remarkably, it exhibited significant potential for promoting new bone formation. These findings indicated that GM hydrogel could be a viable candidate for future clinical applications in the treatment of critical-sized bone defects.

FeS2-modified MXene nanocomposite platform for efficient PTT/CDT/TDT integration through enhanced GSH consumption

Hypoxic microenvironment and glutathione (GSH) accumulation in tumours limit the efficacy of cytotoxic reactive oxygen species (ROS) anti-tumour therapy. To address this challenge, we increased the consumption of GSH and the production of ROS through a novel nanoplatform with the action of inorganic nanoenzymes. In this study, we prepared mesoporous FeS2 using a simple template method, efficiently loaded AIPH, and assembled Ti3C2/FeS2-AIPH@BSA (TFAB) nanocomposites through self-assembly with BSA and 2D Ti3C2. The constructed TFAB nanotherapeutic platform enhanced chemodynamic therapy (CDT) by generating toxic hydroxyl radicals (˙OH) via FeS2, while consuming GSH to reduce the loss of generated ˙OH via glutathione oxidase-like (GSH-OXD). In addition, TFAB is able to stimulate the decomposition of AIPH under 808 nm laser irradiation to produce oxygen-independent biotoxic alkyl radicals (˙R) for thermodynamic therapy (TDT). In conclusion, TFAB represents an innovative nanoplatform that effectively addresses the limitations of free radical-based treatment strategies. Through the synergistic therapeutic strategy of photothermal therapy (PTT), CDT, and TDT within the tumor microenvironment, TFAB nanoplatforms achieve controlled AIPH release, ROS generation, intracellular GSH consumption, and precise temperature elevation, resulting in enhanced intracellular oxidative stress, significant apoptotic cell death, and notable tumor growth inhibition. This comprehensive treatment strategy shows great promise in the field of tumor therapy.

Two-Dimensional Materials for Highly Efficient and Stable Perovskite Solar Cells

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) offer low costs and high power conversion efficiency. However, the lack of long-term stability, primarily stemming from the interfacial defects and the susceptible metal electrodes, hinders their practical application. In the past few years, two-dimensional (2D) materials (e.g., graphene and its derivatives, transitional metal dichalcogenides, MXenes, and black phosphorus) have been identified as a promising solution to solving these problems because of their dangling bond-free surfaces, layer-dependent electronic band structures, tunable functional groups, and inherent compactness. Here, recent progress of 2D material toward efficient and stable PSCs is summarized, including its role as both interface materials and electrodes. We discuss their beneficial effects on perovskite growth, energy level alignment, defect passivation, as well as blocking external stimulus. In particular, the unique properties of 2D materials to form van der Waals heterojunction at the bottom interface are emphasized. Finally, perspectives on the further development of PSCs using 2D materials are provided, such as designing high-quality van der Waals heterojunction, enhancing the uniformity and coverage of 2D nanosheets, and developing new 2D materials-based electrodes.

Ti3C2 (MXene), an advanced carrier system: role in photothermal, photoacoustic, enhanced drugs delivery and biological activity in cancer therapy

In the realm of healthcare and the advancing field of medical sciences, the development of efficient drug delivery systems become an immense promise to cure several diseases. Despite considerable advancements in drug delivery systems, numerous challenges persist, necessitating further enhancements to optimize patient outcomes. Smart nano-carriers, for instance, 2D sheets nano-carriers are the recently emerging nanosheets that may garner attention for targeted delivery of bioactive compounds, drugs, and genes to kill cancer cells. Within these advancements, Ti3C2TX-MXene, characterized as a two-dimensional transition metal carbide, has surfaced as a prominent intelligent nanocarrier within nanomedicine. Its noteworthy characteristics facilitated it as an ideal nanocarrier for cancer therapy. In recent advancements in drug delivery research, Ti3C2TX-MXene 2D nanocarriers have been designed to release drugs in response to specific stimuli, guided by distinct physicochemical  parameters. This review emphasized the multifaceted role of Ti3C2TX-MXene as a potential carrier for delivering poorly hydrophilic drugs to cancer cells, facilitated by various polymer coatings. Furthermore, beyond drug delivery, this smart nanocarrier demonstrates utility in photoacoustic imaging and photothermal therapy, further highlighting its significant role in cellular mechanisms.

Multifunctional iron-apigenin nanocomplex conducting photothermal therapy and triggering augmented immune response for triple negative breast cancer

Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) presents a formidable challenge due to its low sensitivity to many chemotherapeutic drugs and a relatively low overall survival rate in clinical practice. Photothermal therapy has recently garnered substantial interest in cancer treatment, owing to its swift therapeutic effectiveness and minimal impact on normal cells. Metal-polyphenol nanostructures have recently garnered significant attention as photothermal transduction agents due to their facile preparation and favorable photothermal properties. In this study, we employed a coordinated approach involving Fe3+ and apigenin, a polyphenol compound, to construct the nanostructure (nFeAPG), with the assistance of β-CD and DSPE-PEG facilitating the formation of the complex nanostructure. In vitro research demonstrated that the formed nFeAPG could induce cell death by elevating intracellular oxidative stress, inhibiting antioxidative system, and promoting apoptosis and ferroptosis, and near infrared spectrum irradiation further strengthen the therapeutic outcome. In 4T1 tumor bearing mice, nFeAPG could effectively accumulate into tumor site and exhibit commendable control over tumor growth. Futher analysis demonstrated that nFeAPG ameliorated the suppressed immune microenvironment by augmenting the response of DC cells and T cells. This study underscores that nFeAPG encompasses a multifaceted capacity to combat TNBC, holding promise as a compelling therapeutic strategy for TNBC treatment.

ROS-Responsive Bola-Lipid Nanoparticles as a Codelivery System for Gene/Photodynamic Combination Therapy

The nonviral delivery systems that combine genes with photosensitizers for multimodal tumor gene/photodynamic therapy (PDT) have attracted much attention. In this study, a series of ROS-sensitive cationic bola-lipids were applied for the gene/photosensitizer codelivery. Zn-DPA was introduced as a cationic headgroup to enhance DNA binding, while the hydrophobic linking chains may facilitate the formation of lipid nanoparticles (LNP) and the encapsulation of photosensitizer Ce6. The length of the hydrophobic chain played an important role in the gene transfection process, and 14-TDZn containing the longest chains showed better DNA condensation, gene transfection, and cellular uptake. 14-TDZn LNPs could well load photosensitizer Ce6 to form 14-TDC without a loss of gene delivery efficiency. 14-TDC was used for codelivery of p53 and Ce6 to achieve enhanced therapeutic effects on the tumor cell proliferation inhibition and apoptosis. Results showed that the codelivery system was more effective in the inhibition of tumor cell proliferation than individual p53 or Ce6 monotherapy. Mechanism studies showed that the production of ROS after Ce6 irradiation could increase the accumulation of p53 protein in tumor cells, thereby promoting caspase-3 activation and inducing apoptosis, indicating some synergistic effect. These results demonstrated that 14-TDC may serve as a promising nanocarrier for gene/PDT combination therapy.

Sustainable Routed Mxene-Based Aminolyzed PU/PCL Film for Increased Oxidative Stress and a pH-Sensitive Drug Delivery System for Anticancer Therapy

A remarkable challenge in the anticancer drug delivery system is developing an implantable system that can improve the chemotherapeutic effect. Polyurethane is an excellent implantable substrate, with flaws in hydrophobicity. We modified polyurethane via the chemical aminolysis technique to enhance the wettability and protein interaction. The created pores can release the rutin complex incorporated in the polyurethane matrix. In this work, the hybrid polymer matrix consists of Mxene synthesized via a sustainable and simple method by introducing a toxic-free MAX phase and etchants. The incorporation of Mxene and PCL can enhance physicochemical and biological compatibility. Sustainable Mxene increases oxidative stress, cell death, and antibacterial activity, which also resulted in the Mxene@APU/PCL film. Meanwhile, the drug release with respect to pH sensitivity was demonstrated in which Mxene and Mxene@APU/PCL films showed the highest release at pH 5.2; this indicates that the prepared Mxene and aminolyzed polyurethane can function according to the biological system and release the drug from the polymer matrix on slow degradation and swellability. The Mxene and Mxene@APU/PCL films showed 93.2% drug release with oxidative stress on THP-1 cells, which causes rupturing and apoptosis of cancerous cells. The Mxene@APU/PCL film can show great potential in future implantable anticancer drug delivery systems.

A Synergistic Antibacterial Study of Copper-Doped Polydopamine on Ti3C2Tx Nanosheets with Enhanced Photothermal and Fenton-like Activities

In response to the trend of drug-resistant and super bacteria, the existing single antibacterial methods are not sufficient to kill bacteria, and the development of multifunctional antibacterial nanomaterials is urgent. Our study aims to construct copper-doped polydopamine-coated Ti3C2Tx (CuPDA@Ti3C2Tx) with an enhanced photothermal property and Fenton-like activity. The nanocomposite hydrogel consisting of CuPDA@Ti3C2Tx and alginate can improve the antioxidant activity of two-dimensional MXene nanosheets by coating them with a thin layer of PDA nanofilm. Meanwhile, Cu ions are adsorbed through the coordination of PDA-rich oxygen-containing functional groups and amino groups. Calcium ions were further used to crosslink sodium alginate to obtain antibacterial hydrogel materials with combined chemotherapy and photothermal therapy properties. The photothermal conversion efficiency of CuPDA@Ti3C2Tx is as high as 57.7% and the antibacterial rate of Escherichia coli reaches 96.12%. The photothermal effect leads to oxidative stress in bacteria, increases cell membrane permeability, and a high amount of ROS and copper ions enter the interior of the bacteria, causing protein denaturation and DNA damage, synergistically leading to bacterial death. Our study involves a multifunctional synergistic antibacterial nanodrug platform, which is conducive to the development of high-performance antibacterial agents and provides important research ideas for solving the problem of drug-resistant bacteria.

Iridium nanozyme-mediated photoacoustic imaging-guided NIR-II photothermal therapy and tumor microenvironment regulation for targeted eradication of cancer stem cells

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are found in many solid tumors, which play decisive roles in the occurrence, recurrence and metastasis of tumors. However, drugs are difficult to kill CSCs due to their limited number and location in oxygen-deprived tissue far from the blood vessels. Meanwhile, the survival and stemness maintenance of CSCs strongly depend on the tumor microenvironment (TME). Herein, we developed a CD44 antibody modified iridium nanosheet with enzyme-like activity (defined as Ir Nts-Ab) that effectively eradicates CSCs for cancer therapy. We observe that Ir Nts-Ab can enrich tumor tissues to remove excessive reactive oxygen species and produce oxygen, thus alleviating hypoxia and the inflammatory TME to reduce the proportion of CSCs and inhibit metastasis. In addition, Ir Nts-Ab targets CSCs and normal cancer cells with near infrared II-region photothermal therapy (NIR-II PTT), and is easily taken up by CSCs due to recognition of the CD44 proteins. Moreover, photoacoustic imaging helps monitor drug accumulation and hypoxic TME improvement in tumor tissue. Importantly, Ir Nts-Ab has good biological safety, making it suitable for biomedical applications. This iridium nanozyme based on TME regulation as well as NIR-II PTT will be a promising strategy for the treatment of cancer. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are key factors that make tumors difficult to eradicate, and strongly depend on the hypoxic tumor microenvironment (TME), which plays a crucial role in the occurrence and metastasis of tumors. Herein, an antibody modified iridium nanosheet (definition as Ir Nts-Ab) was developed for targeted eradication of CSCs by photoacoustic imaging guided photothermal therapy (PTT) and TME regulation. Ir Nts-Ab with catalase-like activity could inhibit HIF-1α by producing oxygen, thus effectively reducing the proportion of CSCs and inhibiting tumor metastasis. Additionally, Ir Nts-Ab achieved the eradication of CSCs by PTT, and eliminated reactive oxygen species to decrease the inflammatory response, resulting in reduced tumor metastasis, which was promising for the cure of solid tumors in the clinics.

A multifunctional hydrogel dressing with high tensile and adhesive strength for infected skin wound healing in joint regions

Most hydrogel dressings are designed for skin wounds in flat areas, and few are focused on the joint skin regions which undergo frequent movement. The mismatch of mechanical properties and poor fit between a hydrogel dressing and a wound in joint skin results in hydrogel shedding, bacterial infection and delayed healing. Therefore, it is of great significance to design and prepare a multifunctional hydrogel with high tensile and tissue-adhesive strength as well as other therapeutic effects for the treatment of joint skin wounds. In this work, a multifunctional hydrogel was reasonably prepared by simply mixing polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), borax, tannic acid (TA) and iron(III) chloride in certain proportions, which was further used to treat the skin wounds at the joint of the hind limb. Acting as the physical crosslinkers, borax and TA dynamically bond with PVA and provide the resulting hydrogel with strong tensile, fast shape-adaptive and self-healing properties. The photothermal bacteriostatic activity of the hydrogel is attributed to the formation of a metallic polyphenol network (MPN) between ferric ions and TA. In addition, the hydrogel exhibits high levels of adhesion, hemostatic performance, antioxidant abilities, and biocompatibility, and shows great potential to promote joint skin wound healing.

Polyphenol-Based Nanosystems for Next-Generation Cancer Therapy: Multifunctionality, Design, and Challenges

With the continuous updating of cancer treatment methods and the rapid development of precision medicine in recent years, there are higher demands for advanced and versatile drug delivery systems. Scientists are committed to create greener and more effective nanomedicines where the carrier is no longer limited to a single function of drug delivery. Polyphenols, which can act as both active ingredients and fundamental building blocks, are being explored as potential multifunctional carriers that are efficient and safe for design purposes. Due to their intrinsic anticancer activity, phenolic compounds have shown surprising expressiveness in ablation of tumor cells, overcoming cancer multidrug resistance (MDR), and enhancing immunotherapeutic efficacy. This review provides an overview of recent advances in the design, synthesis, and application of versatile polyphenol-based nanosystems for cancer therapy in various modes. Moreover, the merits of polyphenols and the challenges for their clinical translation are also discussed, and it is pointed out that the novel polyphenol delivery system requires further optimization and validation.

Protective mechanism of fruit vinegar polyphenols against AGEs-induced Caco-2 cell damage

Accumulation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) is linked with development or aggravation of many degenerative processes or disorders. Fruit vinegars are rich in polyphenols that can be a good dietary source of AGEs inhibitors. In this study, eight kinds of vinegars were prepared. Among them, the highest polyphenol and flavonoid content were orange vinegar and kiwi fruit vinegar, respectively. Ferulic acid, vanillic acid, chlorogenic acid, p-coumaric acid, caffeic acid, catechin, and epicatechin were main polyphenols in eight fruit vinegars. Then, we measured the inhibitory effect of eight fruit vinegars on fluorescent AGEs, and found that orange vinegar had the highest inhibitory rate. Data here suggested that orange vinegar and its main components catechin, epicatechin, and p-coumaric acid could effectively reduce the level of ROS, RAGE, NADPH and inflammatory factors in Caco-2 cells. Our research provided theoretical basis for the application of orange vinegar as AGEs inhibitor.

Nitric Oxide: Physiological Functions, Delivery, and Biomedical Applications

Nitric oxide (NO) is a gaseous molecule that has a central role in signaling pathways involved in numerous physiological processes (e.g., vasodilation, neurotransmission, inflammation, apoptosis, and tumor growth). Due to its gaseous form, NO has a short half-life, and its physiology role is concentration dependent, often restricting its function to a target site. Providing NO from an external source is beneficial in promoting cellular functions and treatment of different pathological conditions. Hence, the multifaceted role of NO in physiology and pathology has garnered massive interest in developing strategies to deliver exogenous NO for the treatment of various regenerative and biomedical complexities. NO-releasing platforms or donors capable of delivering NO in a controlled and sustained manner to target tissues or organs have advanced in the past few decades. This review article discusses in detail the generation of NO via the enzymatic functions of NO synthase as well as from NO donors and the multiple biological and pathological processes that NO modulates. The methods for incorporating of NO donors into diverse biomaterials including physical, chemical, or supramolecular techniques are summarized. Then, these NO-releasing platforms are highlighted in terms of advancing treatment strategies for various medical problems.

Spherical nucleic acids-based nanoplatforms for tumor precision medicine and immunotherapy

Precise diagnosis and treatment of tumors currently still face considerable challenges due to the development of highly degreed heterogeneity in the dynamic evolution of tumors. With the rapid development of genomics, personalized diagnosis and treatment using specific genes may be a robust strategy to break through the bottleneck of traditional tumor treatment. Nevertheless, efficient in vivo gene delivery has been frequently hampered by the inherent defects of vectors and various biological barriers. Encouragingly, spherical nucleic acids (SNAs) with good modularity and programmability are excellent candidates capable of addressing traditional gene transfer-associated issues, which enables SNAs a precision nanoplatform with great potential for diverse biomedical applications. In this regard, there have been detailed reviews of SNA in drug delivery, gene regulation, and dermatology treatment. Still, to the best of our knowledge, there is no published systematic review summarizing the use of SNAs in oncology precision medicine and immunotherapy, which are considered new guidelines for oncology treatment. To this end, we summarized the notable advances in SNAs-based precision therapy and immunotherapy for tumors following a classification standard of different types of precise spatiotemporal control on active species by SNAs. Specifically, we focus on the structural diversity and programmability of SNAs. Finally, the challenges and possible solutions were discussed in the concluding remarks. This review will promote the rational design and development of SNAs for tumor-precise medicine and immunotherapy.

Recent Advances of Metal-Polyphenol Coordination Polymers for Biomedical Applications

Nanomedicine has provided cutting-edge technologies and innovative methods for modern biomedical research, offering unprecedented opportunities to tackle crucial biomedical issues. Nanomaterials with unique structures and properties can integrate multiple functions to achieve more precise diagnosis and treatment, making up for the shortcomings of traditional treatment methods. Among them, metal-polyphenol coordination polymers (MPCPs), composed of metal ions and phenolic ligands, are considered as ideal nanoplatforms for disease diagnosis and treatment. Recently, MPCPs have been extensively investigated in the field of biomedicine due to their facile synthesis, adjustable structures, and excellent biocompatibility, as well as pH-responsiveness. In this review, the classification of various MPCPs and their fabrication strategies are firstly summarized. Then, their significant achievements in the biomedical field such as biosensing, drug delivery, bioimaging, tumor therapy, and antibacterial applications are highlighted. Finally, the main limitations and outlooks regarding MPCPs are discussed.

Anti-inflammatory strategies for photothermal therapy of cancer

High temperature generated by photothermal therapy (PTT) can trigger an inflammatory response at the tumor site, which not only limits the efficacy of PTT but also increases the risk of tumor metastasis and recurrence. In light of the current limitations posed by inflammation in PTT, several studies have revealed that inhibiting PTT-induced inflammation can significantly improve the efficacy of cancer treatment. In this review, we summarize the research progress made in combining anti-inflammatory strategies to enhance the effectiveness of PTT. The goal is to offer valuable insights for developing better-designed photothermal agents in clinical cancer therapy.

Challenges and opportunities for improving the druggability of natural product: Why need drug delivery system?

Bioactive natural products (BNPs) are the marrow of medicinal plants, which are the secondary metabolites of organisms and have been the most famous drug discovery database. Bioactive natural products are famous for their enormous number and great safety in medical applications. However, BNPs are troubled by their poor druggability compared with synthesis drugs and are challenged as medicine (only a few BNPs are applied in clinical settings). In order to find a reasonable solution to improving the druggability of BNPs, this review summarizes their bioactive nature based on the enormous pharmacological research and tries to explain the reasons for the poor druggability of BNPs. And then focused on the boosting research on BNPs loaded drug delivery systems, this review further concludes the advantages of drug delivery systems on the druggability improvement of BNPs from the perspective of their bioactive nature, discusses why BNPs need drug delivery systems, and predicts the next direction.