Subchronic and chronic toxicity evaluation of inorganic nanoparticles for delivery applications

A kidney protection nanoparticle based on Alpinia oxyphylla fructus polysaccharide by modulating macrophage polarization

The use of natural polysaccharides from traditional Chinese medicine as carrier materials has great potentiality in drug delivery. Nootkatone (NKT) demonstrated good pharmacological activity in treating kidney injury, but its solubility and bioavailability are not very good which may affect the effectiveness of its therapeutic effect. Alpinia oxyphylla fructus polysaccharide (AOP), as a plant polysaccharide, has multiple pharmacological activities and may help to provide synergy for NKT. Therefore, AOP nanoparticles loaded with NKT (AOP-NKT NPs) were prepared for the prevention of acute kidney injury in this study. The sizes of AOP-NKT NPs are 291.60 ± 3.73 nm, and the Zeta potential values are 35.2 ± 0.65 mV. The nanoparticles exhibited excellent stability in pH, NaCl solution, temperature, and storage. The nanoparticles also improved the solubility and oral bioavailability of NKT. In biocompatibility experiments, AOP-NKT NPs showed lower macrophage toxicity than NKT, and the nanoparticles had good blood compatibility and in vivo biosafety. In vivo, prophylactic administration of this nanoparticle could enhance the ability of NKT in promoting macrophage M2 polarization, reducing renal inflammation and thus improve renal function and repair renal damage. In conclusion, the present study may provide the possibility for AOP as a nano delivery vehicle for renal injury protective drugs.

Progress in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease based on nanosized traditional Chinese medicines

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been employed for centuries in treating and managing Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, their effective delivery to target sites can be a major challenge. This is due to their poor water solubility, low bioavailability, and potential toxicity. Furthermore, the blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a major obstacle to effective TCM delivery, significantly reducing efficacy. Advancements in nanotechnology and its applications in TCM (nano-TCM) can deliver active ingredients or components of TCM across the BBB to the targeted brain area. This review summarizes the recent advances in nanocarrier-based delivery systems for different types of active constituents of TCM for AD, including terpenoids, polyphenols, alkaloids, flavonoids, and quinones. Besides, the main challenges and opportunities for the future development of these advanced TCM nanocarriers are emphasized. In conclusion, this review provides valuable insights and guidance for utilizing nanocarriers to shape future TCM drug delivery.

Stimuli-responsive mesoporous silica nanoplatforms for smart antibacterial therapies: From single to combination strategies

The demand for new antibacterial therapies is urgent and crucial in the clinical setting because of the growing degree of antibiotic resistance and the limits of conventional antibacterial therapies. Stimuli- responsive nanoplatforms, are sensitive to endogenous or exogenous stimulus (pH, temperature, light, and magnetic fields, etc.) which activate cargo release locally and on-demand, hold great potential in developing next generation personalized precision medicine. For instance, pH-sensitive nanoplatforms can selectively release antibacterial agents in the acidic environment of infection sites. To achieve the stimuli-responsive delivery, mesoporous silica nanoplatforms (MSNs) have demonstrated as prospective candidates for efficient cargo loading and controlled release through strategies such as tunable pore engineering, versatile surface modification/coating, and tailored framework composition. Furthermore, aiming for more precise delivery of MSNs, current research interests are increasingly shifting from single-stimuli antibacterial strategy to integrated strategy that combine multiple-stimulus. In this review, we briefly discuss the microenvironment of bacterial infections and provide a comprehensive summary of current stimuli-responsive strategies, and associated materials design principles of stimuli-responsive mesoporous silica-based smart nanoplatforms (SRMSNs). Additionally, integrative antibacterial strategies with synergistic effects, combining chemodynamic, photodynamic, photothermal, sonodynamic and gas therapies, have also been elaborated. Present research advances and limitations of SRMSNs-based antibacterial therapies, such as limited biodegradability and potential cytotoxicity, have been overviewed with future outlooks presented. This review aims to inspire and guide future research in developing novel antibacterial strategies with integrative solutions.

Mechanistic paradigms of immunotoxicity, triggered by nanoparticles - a review

Nanoparticles (NPs) possess the ability to penetrate cells and elicit a rapid and targeted immune response, influenced by their distinct physicochemical properties. These particles can engage with both micro and macromolecules, thereby impacting various downstream signaling pathways that may lead to cell death. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the primary mechanisms contributing to the immunotoxicity of both organic and inorganic nanoparticles. The effects of carbon-based nanomaterials (CNMs), including single-walled carbon nanotubes, multi-walled carbon nanotubes, graphene, and metal oxide nanoparticles, on various immune cell types such as macrophages, neutrophils, monocytes, dendritic cells (DCs), antigen-presenting cells (APCs), and RAW 264.7 cells are examined. The immune responses discussed encompass inflammation, oxidative stress, autophagy, and apoptosis. Additionally, the roles of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and IFN-γ, along with JAK/STAT signaling pathways, are highlighted. The interaction of NPs with oxidative stress pathways, including MAPK signaling and Nrf2/ARE signaling, is also explored. Furthermore, the mechanisms by which nanoparticles induce damage to organelles such as lysosomes, the endoplasmic reticulum, exosomes, and Golgi bodies within the immune system are addressed. The review also emphasizes the genotoxic and epigenetic mechanisms associated with the immunotoxicity of NPs. Recent advancements regarding the immunotherapeutic potential of engineered NPs are reported. The roles of autophagy and apoptosis in the immunotoxicity of NPs merit further investigation. In conclusion, understanding how engineered nanoparticles modulate immune responses may facilitate the prevention and treatment of human diseases, including cancer and autoimmune disorders.

Combining external physical stimuli and nanostructured materials for upregulating pro-regenerative cellular pathways in peripheral nerve repair

Peripheral nerve repair remains a major clinical challenge, particularly in the pursuit of therapeutic approaches that ensure adequate recovery of patient's activity of daily living. Autografts are the gold standard in clinical practice for restoring lost sensorimotor functions nowadays. However, autografts have notable drawbacks, including dimensional mismatches and the need to sacrifice one function to restore another. Engineered nerve guidance conduits have therefore emerged as promising alternatives. While these conduits show surgical potential, their clinical use is currently limited to the repair of minor injuries, as their ability to reinnervate limiting gap lesions is still unsatisfactory. Therefore, improving patient functional recovery requires a deeper understanding of the cellular mechanisms involved in peripheral nerve regeneration and the development of therapeutic strategies that can precisely modulate these processes. Interest has grown in the use of external energy sources, such as light, ultrasound, electrical, and magnetic fields, to activate cellular pathways related to proliferation, differentiation, and migration. Recent research has explored combining these energy sources with tailored nanostructured materials as nanotransducers to enhance selectivity towards the target cells. This review aims to present the recent findings on this innovative strategy, discussing its potential to support nerve regeneration and its viability as an alternative to autologous transplantation.

Nanoparticles in drinking water: Assessing health risks and regulatory challenges

Nanoparticles (NPs) pose a significant concern in drinking water due to their potential health risks and environmental impact. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the current understanding of NP sources and contamination in drinking water, focusing on health concerns, mitigation strategies, regulatory frameworks, and future perspectives. This review highlights the importance of nano-specific pathways, fate processes, health risks & toxicity, and the need for realistic toxicity assessments. Different NPs like titanium dioxide, silver, nanoplastics, nanoscale liquid crystal monomers, copper oxide, and others pose potential health risks through ingestion, inhalation, or dermal exposure, impacting organs and potentially leading to oxidative stress, inflammatory responses, DNA damage, cytotoxicity, disrupt intracellular energetic mechanisms, reactive oxygen species generation, respiratory and immune toxicity, and genotoxicity in humans. Utilizing case studies and literature reviews, we investigate the health risks associated with NPs in freshwater environments, emphasizing their relevance to drinking water quality. Various mitigation and treatment strategies, including filtration systems (e.g., reverse osmosis, and ultra/nano-filtration), adsorption processes, coagulation/flocculation, electrocoagulation, advanced oxidation processes, membrane distillation, and ultraviolet treatment, all of which demonstrate high removal efficiencies for NPs from drinking water. Regulatory frameworks and challenges for the production, applications, and disposal of NPs at both national and international levels are discussed, emphasizing the need for tailored regulations to address NP contamination and standardize safety testing and risk assessment practices. Looking ahead, this review underscores the necessity of advancing detection methods and nanomaterial-based treatment technologies while stressing the pivotal role of public awareness and tailored regulatory guidelines in upholding drinking water quality standards. This review emphasizes the urgency of addressing NP contamination in drinking water and provides insights into potential solutions and future research directions. Lastly, this review worth concluded with future recommendations on advanced analytical techniques and sensitive sensors for NP detection for safeguarding public health and policy implementations.

Chondroitin sulfate functionalized nanozymes inhibit the inflammation feedback loop for enhanced atherosclerosis therapy by regulating intercellular crosstalk

In the inflammatory microenvironment of atherosclerotic plaques, metabolic dysregulation of superoxide anion (O2-) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) leads to the activation of feedback mechanisms involving IL-1β, TNF-α, and MCP-1, which triggers inflammatory cascades between macrophages and vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) in atherosclerosis (AS). To address this, a chondroitin sulfate (CS)-functionalized dual-targeted engineered nanozyme, CS-Lip/PB@Rap, was developed by encapsulating mesoporous Prussian blue nanoparticles (PBs) loaded with rapamycin (Rap) within CS-modified liposomes. CS functionalization endowed CS-Lip/PB@Rap with a specific targeting ability for CD44 receptors, thus enabling targeted delivery to inflammatory macrophages and VSMCs. Moreover, its enhanced multiple enzyme-like activities effectively modulated the imbalance of oxidative stress. The underlying mechanism of crosstalk regulation by these engineered nanozymes may inhibit the NF-κB pathway by restoring normal metabolism of O2- and H2O2, thereby blocking the TNF-α, IL-1β, and MCP-1 feedback loops between macrophages and VSMCs. This process reduced the production of inflammatory macrophages and inhibited the VSMC transformation from a contractile phenotype to a synthetic phenotype, preventing the formation of fibrous caps. Furthermore, the elimination of oxidative stress could decrease the production of oxygenized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL), which inhibited the formation of foam cells and alleviated the atherogenic progression.

Taurine Protects against Silica Nanoparticle-Induced Apoptosis and Inflammatory Response via Inhibition of Oxidative Stress in Porcine Ovarian Granulosa Cells

Silica nanoparticles (SNPs) induce reproductive toxicity through ROS production, which significantly limits their application. The protective effects of taurine (Tau) against SNP-induced reproductive toxicity remain unexplored. So this study aims to investigate the impact of Tau on SNP-induced porcine ovarian granulosa cell toxicity. In vitro, granulosa cells were exposed to SNPs combined with Tau. The localization of SNPs was determined by TEM. Cell viability was examined by CCK-8 assay. ROS levels were measured by CLSM and FCM. SOD and CAT levels were evaluated using ELISA and qPCR. Cell apoptosis was detected by FCM, and pro-inflammatory cytokine transcription levels were measured by qPCR. The results showed that SNPs significantly decreased cell viability, while increased cell apoptosis and ROS levels. Moreover, SOD and CAT were decreased, while IFN-α, IFN-β, IL-1β, and IL-6 were increased after SNP exposures. Tau significantly decreased intracellular ROS, while it increased SOD and CAT compared to SNPs alone. Additionally, Tau exhibited anti-inflammatory effects and inhibited cell apoptosis. On the whole, these findings suggest that Tau mitigates SNP-induced cytotoxicity by reducing oxidative stress, inflammatory response, and cell apoptosis. Tau may be an effective strategy to alleviate SNP-induced toxicity and holds promising application prospects in the animal husbandry and veterinary industry.

Theranostics advances in the treatment and diagnosis of neurological and neurosurgical diseases

Theranostics represents a significant advance in the fields of neurology and neurosurgery, offering innovative approaches that combine the diagnosis and treatment of various neurological disorders. This innovation serves as a cornerstone of personalized medicine, where therapeutic strategies are closely integrated with diagnostic tools to enable precise and targeted interventions. Primary research results emphasize the profound impact of theranostics in Neuro Oncol. In this context, it has provided valuable insights into the complexity of the tumor microenvironment and mechanisms of resistance. In addition, in the field of neurodegenerative diseases (NDs), theranostics has facilitated the identification of distinct disease subtypes and novel therapeutic targets. It has also unravelled the intricate pathophysiology underlying conditions such as cerebrovascular disease (CVD) and epilepsy, setting the stage for more refined treatment approaches. As theranostics continues to evolve through ongoing research and refinement, its goals include further advancing the field of precision medicine, developing practical biomarkers for clinical use, and opening doors to new therapeutic opportunities. Nevertheless, the integration of these approaches into clinical settings presents challenges, including ethical considerations, the need for advanced data interpretation, standardization of procedures, and ensuring cost-effectiveness. Despite these obstacles, the promise of theranostics to significantly improve patient outcomes in the fields of neurology and neurosurgery remains a source of optimism for the future of healthcare.

Comprehensive insights into mechanism of nanotoxicity, assessment methods and regulatory challenges of nanomedicines

Nanomedicine has the potential to transform healthcare by offering targeted therapies, precise diagnostics, and enhanced drug delivery systems. The National Institutes of Health has coined the term "nanomedicine" to describe the use of nanotechnology in biological system monitoring, control, diagnosis, and treatment. Nanomedicine continues to receive increasing interest for the rationalized delivery of therapeutics and pharmaceutical agents to achieve the required response while reducing its side effects. However, as nanotechnology continues to advance, concerns about its potential toxicological effects have also grown. This review explores the current state of nanomedicine, focusing on the types of nanoparticles used and their associated properties that contribute to nanotoxicity. It examines the mechanisms through which nanoparticles exert toxicity, encompassing various cellular and molecular interactions. Furthermore, it discusses the assessment methods employed to evaluate nanotoxicity, encompassing in-vitro and in-vivo models, as well as emerging techniques. The review also addresses the regulatory issues surrounding nanotoxicology, highlighting the challenges in developing standardized guidelines and ensuring the secure translation of nanomedicine into clinical settings. It also explores into the challenges and ethical issues associated with nanotoxicology, as understanding the safety profile of nanoparticles is essential for their effective translation into therapeutic applications.

All organic nanomedicine for PDT-PTT combination therapy of cancer cells in hypoxia

Photodynamic and photothermal therapies are promising treatments for cancer, dermatological, and ophthalmological conditions. However, photodynamic therapy (PDT) is less effective in oxygen-deficient tumor environments. Combining PDT with photothermal therapy (PTT) can enhance oxygen supply and treatment efficacy. Inorganic PTT agents pose toxicity risks, limiting their clinical use despite their high performance. In this study, we developed a novel nanomedicine integrating an all-organic photothermal agent and an organic photosensitizer, creating a colocalized nanoplatform to enhance phototherapy efficacy in cancer treatment. PTT nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized through a thermal phase transition of organic chromophores, demonstrating superior photothermal properties and photostability. Utilizing this nanoplatform, we devised 'Combi NPs' for combined PDT-PTT nanomedicine. Tests on A549 cancer cell lines have revealed that Combi NPs exhibit superior cytotoxicity and induce apoptosis in hypoxic conditions, outperforming PTT-only NPs. The all-organic Combi NPs show significant potential for clinical cancer phototherapy in hypoxic microenvironments, potentially mitigating long-term nanomedicine accumulation and associated toxicity.

Nano-Assisted Radiotherapy Strategies: New Opportunities for Treatment of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer and a leading cause of cancer-related death, with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) being the most prevalent type. Over 70% of lung cancer patients require radiotherapy (RT), which operates through direct and indirect mechanisms to treat cancer. However, RT can damage healthy tissues and encounter radiological resistance, making it crucial to enhance its precision to optimize treatment outcomes, minimize side effects, and overcome radioresistance. Integrating nanotechnology into RT presents a promising method to increase its efficacy. This review explores various nano-assisted RT strategies aimed at achieving precision treatment. These include using nanomaterials as radiosensitizers, applying nanotechnology to modify the tumor microenvironment, and employing nano-based radioprotectors and radiation-treated cell products for indirect cancer RT. We also explore recent advancements in nano-assisted RT for NSCLC, such as biomimetic targeting that alters mesenchymal stromal cells, magnetic targeting strategies, and nanosensitization with high-atomic number nanomaterials. Finally, we address the existing challenges and future directions of precision RT using nanotechnology, highlighting its potential clinical applications.

Ultrasound-Based Micro-/Nanosystems for Biomedical Applications

Due to the intrinsic non-invasive nature, cost-effectiveness, high safety, and real-time capabilities, besides diagnostic imaging, ultrasound as a typical mechanical wave has been extensively developed as a physical tool for versatile biomedical applications. Especially, the prosperity of nanotechnology and nanomedicine invigorates the landscape of ultrasound-based medicine. The unprecedented surge in research enthusiasm and dedicated efforts have led to a mass of multifunctional micro-/nanosystems being applied in ultrasound biomedicine, facilitating precise diagnosis, effective treatment, and personalized theranostics. The effective deployment of versatile ultrasound-based micro-/nanosystems in biomedical applications is rooted in a profound understanding of the relationship among composition, structure, property, bioactivity, application, and performance. In this comprehensive review, we elaborate on the general principles regarding the design, synthesis, functionalization, and optimization of ultrasound-based micro-/nanosystems for abundant biomedical applications. In particular, recent advancements in ultrasound-based micro-/nanosystems for diagnostic imaging are meticulously summarized. Furthermore, we systematically elucidate state-of-the-art studies concerning recent progress in ultrasound-based micro-/nanosystems for therapeutic applications targeting various pathological abnormalities including cancer, bacterial infection, brain diseases, cardiovascular diseases, and metabolic diseases. Finally, we conclude and provide an outlook on this research field with an in-depth discussion of the challenges faced and future developments for further extensive clinical translation and application.

Advancements in oral insulin: A century of research and the emergence of targeted nanoparticle strategies

With the growing prevalence of diabetes, there is an urgent demand for a user‐friendly treatment option that minimizes side effects related to the use of subcutaneous injections. Scientists have dedicated over a century to developing an oral dosage form of insulin that can be administrated orally. The oral route of administration is the most desirable route for regularly dosed drugs in terms of safety and patient compliance. However, oral delivery of insulin remains a formidable challenge due to its intrinsically limited ability to cross the intestinal epithelium membrane and susceptibility to enzymatic degradation. This article reviews oral insulin research over the past decade, with a particular focus on surface modifications of nanoparticles (NPs). Various strategies involving controlling surface charges, utilizing protective proteins, and targeting specific receptors with ligands have been explored. Notably, surface modifications of the NPs for targeting specific intestinal receptors have shown promise in enhancing insulin oral absorption and bioavailability. Advanced technologies such as oral microneedles and gene therapy have also been developed, but their safety requires further assessment. Despite encouraging preclinical results across numerous strategies, the current clinical evidence is less optimistic. In summary, the present findings highlight the substantial journey that still lies ahead before achieving successful oral delivery of insulin.

Practical Applications: This review provides a summary of recent progress in oral insulin delivery, particularly highlighting surface‐modified functional nanoparticles serving as an effective drug delivery system, which offers valuable information to the researchers. Due to the limited effectiveness of oral protein drugs caused by biological barriers, innovative technologies and drug delivery systems have been developed to overcome these obstacles and achieve therapeutic goals. This review concluded that surface modifications to nanoparticles can improve insulin stability and permeability, thereby enhancing oral bioavailability. It could assist researchers in developing more effective and patient‐friendly oral drug delivery systems.

Advanced gene nanocarriers/scaffolds in nonviral-mediated delivery system for tissue regeneration and repair

Tissue regeneration technology has been rapidly developed and widely applied in tissue engineering and repair. Compared with traditional approaches like surgical treatment, the rising gene therapy is able to have a durable effect on tissue regeneration, such as impaired bone regeneration, articular cartilage repair and cancer-resected tissue repair. Gene therapy can also facilitate the production of in situ therapeutic factors, thus minimizing the diffusion or loss of gene complexes and enabling spatiotemporally controlled release of gene products for tissue regeneration. Among different gene delivery vectors and supportive gene-activated matrices, advanced gene/drug nanocarriers attract exceptional attraction due to their tunable physiochemical properties, as well as excellent adaptive performance in gene therapy for tissue regeneration, such as bone, cartilage, blood vessel, nerve and cancer-resected tissue repair. This paper reviews the recent advances on nonviral-mediated gene delivery systems with an emphasis on the important role of advanced nanocarriers in gene therapy and tissue regeneration.

De novo design of a nanoregulator for the dynamic restoration of ovarian tissue in cryopreservation and transplantation

The cryopreservation and transplantation of ovarian tissue underscore its paramount importance in safeguarding reproductive capacity and ameliorating reproductive disorders. However, challenges persist in ovarian tissue cryopreservation and transplantation (OTC-T), including the risk of tissue damage and dysfunction. Consequently, there has been a compelling exploration into the realm of nanoregulators to refine and enhance these procedures. This review embarks on a meticulous examination of the intricate anatomical structure of the ovary and its microenvironment, thereby establishing a robust groundwork for the development of nanomodulators. It systematically categorizes nanoregulators and delves deeply into their functions and mechanisms, meticulously tailored for optimizing ovarian tissue cryopreservation and transplantation. Furthermore, the review imparts valuable insights into the practical applications and obstacles encountered in clinical settings associated with OTC-T. Moreover, the review advocates for the utilization of microbially derived nanomodulators as a potent therapeutic intervention in ovarian tissue cryopreservation. The progression of these approaches holds the promise of seamlessly integrating nanoregulators into OTC-T practices, thereby heralding a new era of expansive applications and auspicious prospects in this pivotal domain.

Revolution in Cancer Treatment: How Are Intelligently Designed Nanostructures Changing the Game?

Nanoparticles (NPs) are extremely important tools to overcome the limitations imposed by therapeutic agents and effectively overcome biological barriers. Smart designed/tuned nanostructures can be extremely effective for cancer treatment. The selection and design of nanostructures and the adjustment of size and surface properties are extremely important, especially for some precision treatments and drug delivery (DD). By designing specific methods, an important era can be opened in the biomedical field for personalized and precise treatment. Here, we focus on advances in the selection and design of nanostructures, as well as on how the structure and shape, size, charge, and surface properties of nanostructures in biological fluids (BFs) can be affected. We discussed the applications of specialized nanostructures in the therapy of head and neck cancer (HNC), which is a difficult and aggressive type of cancer to treat, to give an impetus for novel treatment approaches in this field. We also comprehensively touched on the shortcomings, current trends, and future perspectives when using nanostructures in the treatment of cancer.

Laser-Synthesized Germanium Nanoparticles as Biodegradable Material for Near-Infrared Photoacoustic Imaging and Cancer Phototherapy

Biodegradable nanomaterials can significantly improve the safety profile of nanomedicine. Germanium nanoparticles (Ge NPs) with a safe biodegradation pathway are developed as efficient photothermal converters for biomedical applications. Ge NPs synthesized by femtosecond-laser ablation in liquids rapidly dissolve in physiological-like environment through the oxidation mechanism. The biodegradation of Ge nanoparticles is preserved in tumor cells in vitro and in normal tissues in mice with a half-life as short as 3.5 days. Biocompatibility of Ge NPs is confirmed in vivo by hematological, biochemical, and histological analyses. Strong optical absorption of Ge in the near-infrared spectral range enables photothermal treatment of engrafted tumors in vivo, following intravenous injection of Ge NPs. The photothermal therapy results in a 3.9-fold reduction of the EMT6/P adenocarcinoma tumor growth with significant prolongation of the mice survival. Excellent mass-extinction of Ge NPs (7.9 L g-1 cm-1 at 808 nm) enables photoacoustic imaging of bones and tumors, following intravenous and intratumoral administrations of the nanomaterial. As such, strongly absorbing near-infrared-light biodegradable Ge nanomaterial holds promise for advanced theranostics.

A multi-mode Rhein-based nano-platform synergizing ferrotherapy/chemotherapy-induced immunotherapy for enhanced tumor therapy

Ferroptosis has emerged as a promising strategy for treating triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) due to bypassing apoptosis and triggering immunogenic cell death (ICD) of tumor cells. However, the antitumor efficacy has been limited by the insufficient intracellular ferrous iron concentration required for ferroptosis and inadequate antitumor immune response. To address these limitations, we designed a multi-mode nano-platform (MP-FA@R-F NPs), which exhibited a synergistic effect of ferroptosis, apoptosis and induced immune response for enhanced antitumor therapy. MP-FA@R-F NPs target folate receptors, which are over-expressed on the tumor cell's surface to promote intracellular uptake. The cargoes, including Rhein and Fe3O4, would be released in intracellular acid, accelerating by NIR laser irradiation. The released Rhein induced apoptosis of tumor cells mediated by the caspase 3 signal pathway, while the released Fe3O4 triggered ferroptosis through the Fenton reaction and endowed the nanoplatform with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) capabilities. In addition, ferroptosis-dying tumor cells could release damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) to promote T cell activation and infiltration for immune response and induce immunogenic cell death (ICD) for tumor immunotherapy. Together, MP-FA@R-F NPs represent a potential synergistic ferro-/chemo-/immuno-therapy strategy with MRI guidance for enhanced antitumor therapy. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: The massive strategies of cancer therapy based on ferroptosis have been emerging in recent years, which provided new insights into designing materials for cancer therapy. However, the antitumor efficacy of ferroptosis is still unsatisfactory, mainly due to insufficient intracellular pro-ferroptotic stimuli. In the current study, we designed a multi-mode nano-platform (MP-FA@R-F NPs), which represented a potential synergistic ferro-/chemo-/immuno-therapy strategy with MRI guidance for enhanced antitumor therapy.

In Vivo Toxicology of Metabolizable Atomically Precise Au25 Clusters at Ultrahigh Doses

Ultrasmall Au25(MPA)18 clusters show great potential in biocatalysts and bioimaging due to their well-defined, tunable structure and properties. Hence, in vivo pharmacokinetics and toxicity of Au nanoclusters (Au NCs) are very important for clinical translation, especially at high dosages. Herein, the in vivo hematological, tissue, and neurological effects following exposure to Au NCs (300 and 500 mg kg-1) were investigated, in which the concentration is 10 times higher than in therapeutic use. The biochemical and hematological parameters of the injected Au NCs were within normal limits, even at the ultrahigh level of 500 mg kg-1. Meanwhile, no histopathological changes were observed in the Au NC group, and immunofluorescence staining showed no obvious lesions in the major organs. Furthermore, real-time near-infrared-II (NIR-II) imaging showed that most of the Au25(MPA)18 and Au24Zn1(MPA)18 can be metabolized via the kidney. The results demonstrated that Au NCs exhibit good biosafety by evaluating the manifestation of toxic effects on major organs at ultrahigh doses, providing reliable data for their application in biomedicine.

Progress in the Treatment of Central Nervous System Diseases Based on Nanosized Traditional Chinese Medicine

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is widely used in clinical practice to treat diseases related to central nervous system (CNS) damage. However, the blood-brain barrier (BBB) constitutes a significant impediment to the effective delivery of TCM, thus substantially diminishing its efficacy. Advances in nanotechnology and its applications in TCM (also known as nano-TCM) can deliver active ingredients or components of TCM across the BBB to the targeted brain region. This review provides an overview of the physiological and pathological mechanisms of the BBB and systematically classifies the common TCM used to treat CNS diseases and types of nanocarriers that effectively deliver TCM to the brain. Additionally, drug delivery strategies for nano-TCMs that utilize in vivo physiological properties or in vitro devices to bypass or cross the BBB are discussed. This review further focuses on the application of nano-TCMs in the treatment of various CNS diseases. Finally, this article anticipates a design strategy for nano-TCMs with higher delivery efficiency and probes their application potential in treating a wider range of CNS diseases.

Tackling myelin deficits in neurodevelopmental disorders using drug delivery systems

Interest in myelin and its roles in almost all brain functions has been greatly increasing in recent years, leading to countless new studies on myelination, as a dominant process in the development of cognitive functions. Here, we explore the unique role myelin plays in the central nervous system and specifically discuss the results of altered myelination in neurodevelopmental disorders. We present parallel developmental trajectories involving myelination that correlate with the onset of cognitive impairment in neurodevelopmental disorders and discuss the key challenges in the treatment of these chronic disorders. Recent developments in drug repurposing and nano/micro particle-based therapies are reviewed as a possible pathway to circumvent some of the main hurdles associated with early intervention, including patient's adherence and compliance, side effects, relapse, and faster route to possible treatment of these disorders. The strategy of drug encapsulation overcomes drug solubility and metabolism, with the possibility of drug targeting to a specific compartment, reducing side effects upon systemic administration.

Pulmonary inhalation for disease treatment: Basic research and clinical translations

Pulmonary drug delivery has the advantages of being rapid, efficient, and well-targeted, with few systemic side effects. In addition, it is non-invasive and has good patient compliance, making it a highly promising drug delivery mode. However, there have been limited studies on drug delivery via pulmonary inhalation compared with oral and intravenous modes. This paper summarizes the basic research and clinical translation of pulmonary inhalation drug delivery for the treatment of diseases and provides insights into the latest advances in pulmonary drug delivery. The paper discusses the processing methods for pulmonary drug delivery, drug carriers (with a focus on various types of nanoparticles), delivery devices, and applications in pulmonary diseases and treatment of systemic diseases (e.g., COVID-19, inhaled vaccines, diagnosis of the diseases, and diabetes mellitus) with an updated summary of recent research advances. Furthermore, this paper describes the applications and recent progress in pulmonary drug delivery for lung diseases and expands the use of pulmonary drugs for other systemic diseases.

Spherical nucleic acids: emerging amplifiers for therapeutic nanoplatforms

Gene therapy is a revolutionary treatment approach in the 21st century, offering significant potential for disease prevention and treatment. However, the efficacy of gene delivery is often compromised by the inherent challenges of gene properties and vector-related defects. It is crucial to explore ways to enhance the curative effect of gene drugs and achieve safer, more widespread, and more efficient utilization, which represents a significant challenge in amplification gene therapy advancements. Spherical nucleic acids (SNAs), with their unique physicochemical properties, are considered an innovative solution for scalable gene therapy. This review aims to comprehensively explore the amplifying contributions of SNAs in gene therapy and emphasize the contribution of SNAs to the amplification effect of gene therapy from the aspects of structure, application, and recent clinical translation - an aspect that has been rarely reported or explored thus far. We begin by elucidating the fundamental characteristics and scaling-up properties of SNAs that distinguish them from traditional linear nucleic acids, followed by an analysis of combined therapy treatment strategies, theranostics, and clinical translation amplified by SNAs. We conclude by discussing the challenges of SNAs and provide a prospect on the amplification characteristics. This review seeks to update the current understanding of the use of SNAs in gene therapy amplification and promote further research into their clinical translation and amplification of gene therapy.

Nanotechnology's frontier in combatting infectious and inflammatory diseases: prevention and treatment

Inflammation-associated diseases encompass a range of infectious diseases and non-infectious inflammatory diseases, which continuously pose one of the most serious threats to human health, attributed to factors such as the emergence of new pathogens, increasing drug resistance, changes in living environments and lifestyles, and the aging population. Despite rapid advancements in mechanistic research and drug development for these diseases, current treatments often have limited efficacy and notable side effects, necessitating the development of more effective and targeted anti-inflammatory therapies. In recent years, the rapid development of nanotechnology has provided crucial technological support for the prevention, treatment, and detection of inflammation-associated diseases. Various types of nanoparticles (NPs) play significant roles, serving as vaccine vehicles to enhance immunogenicity and as drug carriers to improve targeting and bioavailability. NPs can also directly combat pathogens and inflammation. In addition, nanotechnology has facilitated the development of biosensors for pathogen detection and imaging techniques for inflammatory diseases. This review categorizes and characterizes different types of NPs, summarizes their applications in the prevention, treatment, and detection of infectious and inflammatory diseases. It also discusses the challenges associated with clinical translation in this field and explores the latest developments and prospects. In conclusion, nanotechnology opens up new possibilities for the comprehensive management of infectious and inflammatory diseases.

Applications of nanomaterials in anti-VEGF treatment for ophthalmic diseases

Angiogenesis has been determined to be essential in the occurrence and metastasis of diabetic retinopathy (DR), age-related macular degeneration (AMD), retinal vein occlusion (RVO), choroidal neovascularization (CNV), retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), tumor, etc. However, the clinical use of anti-vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGF) drugs is currently limited due to its high cost, potential side effects, and need for repeated injections. In recent years, nanotechnology has shown promising results in inhibiting neovascularization and reducing reactive oxygen species (ROS) or inflammatory factors. Some nanomaterials can also act as vehicles for drug delivery, such as lipid nanoparticles and PLGA. The process of angiogenesis and its molecular mechanism are discussed in this article. At the same time, this study aims to systematically review the research progress of nanotechnology and offer more treatment options for neovascularization-related diseases in clinical ophthalmology.

Nanotechnology-based non-viral vectors for gene delivery in cardiovascular diseases

Gene therapy is a technique that rectifies defective or abnormal genes by introducing exogenous genes into target cells to cure the disease. Although gene therapy has gained some accomplishment for the diagnosis and therapy of inherited or acquired cardiovascular diseases, how to efficiently and specifically deliver targeted genes to the lesion sites without being cleared by the blood system remains challenging. Based on nanotechnology development, the non-viral vectors provide a promising strategy for overcoming the difficulties in gene therapy. At present, according to the physicochemical properties, nanotechnology-based non-viral vectors include polymers, liposomes, lipid nanoparticles, and inorganic nanoparticles. Non-viral vectors have an advantage in safety, efficiency, and easy production, possessing potential clinical application value when compared with viral vectors. Therefore, we summarized recent research progress of gene therapy for cardiovascular diseases based on commonly used non-viral vectors, hopefully providing guidance and orientation for future relevant research.

Future Nanotechnology-Based Strategies for Improved Management of Helicobacter pylori Infection

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a recalcitrant pathogen, which can cause gastric disorders. During the past decades, polypharmacy-based regimens, such as triple and quadruple therapies have been widely used against H. pylori. However, polyantibiotic therapies can disturb the host gastric/gut microbiota and lead to antibiotic resistance. Thus, simpler but more effective approaches should be developed. Here, some recent advances in nanostructured drug delivery systems to treat H. pylori infection are summarized. Also, for the first time, a drug release paradigm is proposed to prevent H. pylori antibiotic resistance along with an IVIVC model in order to connect the drug release profile with a reduction in bacterial colony counts. Then, local delivery systems including mucoadhesive, mucopenetrating, and cytoadhesive nanobiomaterials are discussed in the battle against H. pylori infection. Afterward, engineered delivery platforms including polymer-coated nanoemulsions and polymer-coated nanoliposomes are poposed. These bioinspired platforms can contain an antimicrobial agent enclosed within smart multifunctional nanoformulations. These bioplatforms can prevent the development of antibiotic resistance, as well as specifically killing H. pylori with no or only slight negative effects on the host gastrointestinal microbiota. Finally, the essential checkpoints that should be passed to confirm the potential effectiveness of anti-H. pylori nanosystems are discussed.

Nose-to-brain drug delivery for the treatment of glioblastoma multiforme: nanotechnological interventions

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most aggressive malignant brain tumor with a short survival rate. Extensive research is underway for the last two decades to find an effective treatment for GBM but the tortuous pathophysiology, development of chemoresistance, and presence of BBB are the major challenges, prompting scientists to look for alternative targets and delivery strategies. Therefore, the nose to brain delivery emerged as an unorthodox and non-invasive route, which delivers the drug directly to the brain via the olfactory and trigeminal pathways and also bypasses the BBB and hepatic metabolism of the drug. However, mucociliary clearance, low administration volume, and less permeability of nasal mucosa are the obstacles retrenching the brain drug concentration. Thus, nanocarrier delivery through this route may conquer these limitations because of their unique surface characteristics and smaller size. In this review, we have emphasized the advantages and limitations of nanocarrier technologies such as polymeric, lipidic, inorganic, and miscellaneous nanoparticles used for nose-to-brain drug delivery against GBM in the past 10 years. Furthermore, recent advances, patents, and clinical trials are highlighted. However, most of these studies are in the early stages, so translating their outcomes into a marketed formulation would be a milestone in the better progression and survival of glioma patients.

Nanomedicine for Diagnosis and Treatment of Atherosclerosis

With the changing disease spectrum, atherosclerosis has become increasingly prevalent worldwide and the associated diseases have emerged as the leading cause of death. Due to their fascinating physical, chemical, and biological characteristics, nanomaterials are regarded as a promising tool to tackle enormous challenges in medicine. The emerging discipline of nanomedicine has filled a huge application gap in the atherosclerotic field, ushering a new generation of diagnosis and treatment strategies. Herein, based on the essential pathogenic contributors of atherogenesis, as well as the distinct composition/structural characteristics, synthesis strategies, and surface design of nanoplatforms, the three major application branches (nanodiagnosis, nanotherapy, and nanotheranostic) of nanomedicine in atherosclerosis are elaborated. Then, state-of-art studies containing a sequence of representative and significant achievements are summarized in detail with an emphasis on the intrinsic interaction/relationship between nanomedicines and atherosclerosis. Particularly, attention is paid to the biosafety of nanomedicines, which aims to pave the way for future clinical translation of this burgeoning field. Finally, this comprehensive review is concluded by proposing unresolved key scientific issues and sharing the vision and expectation for the future, fully elucidating the closed loop from atherogenesis to the application paradigm of nanomedicines for advancing the early achievement of clinical applications.

Antitumor effect of algae silver nanoparticles on human triple negative breast cancer cells

In recent years, metallic nanoparticles have gained increasing attention due to their prospective applications in the field of nanomedicine, with increasing research into their use in cancer therapy. In this current research, we investigated the effect of green synthesized Silver Nanoparticles (AgNPs) capped with Noctiluca scintillans algae extract. The phytochemicals present in the shell of AgNPs were identified using GC-MS. Different compounds with anticancer activity such as n-hexadecanoic acid, beta-sitosterol, stigmasterol and palmitic acid were detected among others. The effects of Algae-AgNPs synthesized were tested on MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cells and HaCat human keratinocyte normal cells. Cell viability assay revealed a time and dose-dependent effect against breast cancer cells with a less potent effect against normal cells. The cell viability reduction is not attributed to a cytotoxic nor an antiproliferative effect of the Algae-AgNPs as attested by LDH release and BrdU incorporation. Algae-AgNPs exhibited an exceptional ability to specifically induce apoptosis in cancer cells and not normal cells. The observed effects are not attributed to the AgNPs, as demonstrated by the lack of impact of the Starch-AgNPs (used as a negative control) on cell survival and apoptosis. In addition to that, we show that Algae-AgNPs significantly reduced tumor cell migration by downregulation of matrix metalloprotease-9 levels. In vivo, the breast cancer xenograft model showed a significant reduction of tumor growth in mice treated with Algae-AgNPs. These findings highlight the promising potential of the green synthesized AgNPs as a safe targeted therapy for cancer treatment.

Recent advances in nanomaterials for neural applications: opportunities and challenges

Nanomedicines are promising for delivering drugs to the central nervous system, though their precision is still being improved. Fortifying nanoparticles with vital molecules can interact with the blood-brain barrier, enabling access to brain tissue. This study summarizes recent advances in nanomedicine to treat neurological complications. The integration of nanotechnology into cell biology aids in the study of brain cells' interactions. Magnetic microhydrogels have exhibited superior neuron activation compared with superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles and hold promise for neuropsychiatric disorders. Nanomaterials have shown notable results, such as tackling neurodegenerative diseases by hindering harmful protein buildup and regulating cellular processes. However, further studies of the safety and effectiveness of nanoparticles in managing neurological diseases and disorders are still required.

Nanomaterial-based drug delivery of immunomodulatory factors for bone and cartilage tissue engineering

As life expectancy continues to increase, so do disorders related to the musculoskeletal system. Orthopedics-related impairments remain a challenge, with nearly 325 thousand and 120 thousand deaths recorded in 2019. Musculoskeletal system, including bone and cartilage tissue, is a living system in which cells constantly interact with the immune system, which plays a key role in the tissue repair process. An alternative to bridge the gap between these two systems is exploiting nanomaterials, as they have proven to serve as delivery agents of an array of molecules, including immunomodulatory agents (anti-inflammatory drugs, cytokines), as well as having the ability to mimic tissue by their nanoscopic structure and promote tissue repair per se. Therefore, this review outlooks nanomaterials and immunomodulatory factors widely employed in the area of bone and cartilage tissue engineering. Emerging developments in nanomaterials for delivery of immunomodulatory agents for bone and cartilage tissue engineering applications have also been discussed. It can be concluded that latest progress in nanotechnology have enabled to design intricate systems with the ability to deliver biologically active agents, promoting tissue repair and regeneration; thus, nanomaterials studied herein have shown great potential to serve as immunomodulatory agents in the area of tissue engineering.

Evaluation of neurotoxicity and the role of oxidative stress of cobalt nanoparticles, titanium dioxide nanoparticles, and multiwall carbon nanotubes in Caenorhabditis elegans

The widespread use of nanomaterials in daily life has led to increased concern about their potential neurotoxicity. Therefore, it is particularly important to establish a simple and reproducible assessment system. Representative nanomaterials, including cobalt nanoparticles (CoNPs), titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2-NPs), and multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), were compared in terms of their neurotoxicity and underlying mechanisms. In 0, 25, 50, and 75 μg/ml of these nanomaterials, the survival, locomotion behaviors, acetylcholinesterase (AchE) activity, reactive oxygen species production, and glutathione-S transferase 4 (Gst-4) activation in wildtype and transgenic Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) were evaluated. All nanomaterials induced an imbalance in oxidative stress, decreased the ratio of survival, impaired locomotion behaviors, as well as reduced the activity of AchE in C. elegans. Interestingly, CoNPs and MWCNTs activated Gst-4, but not TiO2-NPs. The reactive oxygen species scavenger, N-acetyl-l-cysteine, alleviated oxidative stress and Gst-4 upregulation upon exposure to CoNPs and MWCNTs, and rescued the locomotion behaviors. MWCNTs caused the most severe damage, followed by CoNPs and TiO2-NPs. Furthermore, oxidative stress and subsequent activation of Gst-4 were involved in nanomaterials-induced neurotoxicity. Our study provides a comprehensive comparison of the neurotoxicity and mechanisms of typical nanomaterials, which could serve as a model for hazard assessment of environmental pollutants using C. elegans as an experimental model system.

Nano-drug delivery system targeting tumor microenvironment: A prospective strategy for melanoma treatment

Melanoma, the most aggressive form of cutaneous malignancy arising from melanocytes, is frequently characterized by metastasis. Despite considerable progress in melanoma therapies, patients with advanced-stage disease often have a poor prognosis due to the limited efficacy, off-target effects, and toxicity associated with conventional drugs. Nanotechnology has emerged as a promising approach to address these challenges with nanoparticles capable of delivering therapeutic agents specifically to the tumor microenvironment (TME). However, the clinical approval of nanomedicines for melanoma treatment remains limited, necessitating further research to develop nanoparticles with improved biocompatibility and precise targeting capabilities. This comprehensive review provides an overview of the current research on nano-drug delivery systems for melanoma treatment, focusing on liposomes, polymeric nanoparticles, and inorganic nanoparticles. It discusses the potential of these nanoparticles for targeted drug delivery, as well as their ability to enhance the efficacy of conventional drugs while minimizing toxicity. Furthermore, this review emphasizes the significance of interdisciplinary collaboration between researchers from various fields to advance the development of nanomedicines. Overall, this review serves as a valuable resource for researchers and clinicians interested in the potential of nano-drug delivery systems for melanoma treatment and offers insights into future directions for research in this field.

Recent Advances of Composite Nanomaterials for Antibiofilm Application

A biofilm is a microbial community formed by bacteria that adsorb on the surface of tissues or materials and is wrapped in extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) such as polysaccharides, proteins and nucleic acids. As a protective barrier, the EPS can not only prevent the penetration of antibiotics and other antibacterial agents into the biofilm, but also protect the bacteria in the biofilm from the attacks of the human immune system, making it difficult to eradicate biofilm-related infections and posing a serious threat to public health. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop new and efficient antibiofilm drugs. Although natural enzymes (lysozyme, peroxidase, etc.) and antimicrobial peptides have excellent bactericidal activity, their low stability in the physiological environment and poor permeability in biofilms limit their application in antibiofilms. With the development of materials science, more and more nanomaterials are being designed to be utilized for antimicrobial and antibiofilm applications. Nanomaterials have great application prospects in antibiofilm because of their good biocompati-bility, unique physical and chemical properties, adjustable nanostructure, high permeability and non-proneness to induce bacterial resistance. In this review, with the application of composite nanomaterials in antibiofilms as the theme, we summarize the research progress of three types of composite nanomaterials, including organic composite materials, inorganic materials and organic-inorganic hybrid materials, used as antibiofilms with non-phototherapy and phototherapy modes of action. At the same time, the challenges and development directions of these composite nanomaterials in antibiofilm therapy are also discussed. It is expected we will provide new ideas for the design of safe and efficient antibiofilm materials.

A Cyclodextrin-Based pH-Responsive MicroRNA Delivery Platform Targeting Polarization of M1 to M2 Macrophages for Sepsis Therapy

The mortality rate of sepsis remains high despite improvements in the diagnosis and treatment of sepsis using symptomatic and supportive therapies, such as anti-infection therapy and fluid resuscitation. Nucleic acid-based drugs have therapeutic potential, although their poor stability and low delivery efficiency have hindered their widespread use. Herein, it is confirmed that miR-223 can polarize proinflammation M1 macrophages to anti-inflammation M2 macrophages. A pH-sensitive nano-drug delivery system comprising β-cyclodextrin-poly(2-(diisopropylamino)ethyl methacrylate)/distearoyl phosphoethanolamine-polyethylene glycol (β-CD-PDPA/DSPE-PEG) is synthesized and developed to target M1 macrophages and miR-223 is encapsulated into nanoparticles (NPs) for sepsis treatment. NPs/miR-223 demonstrated in vitro pH responsiveness with favorable biosafety, stability, and high delivery efficiency. In vivo studies demonstrate that NPs/miR-223 are preferentially accumulated and retained in the inflammation site, thereby reducing inflammation and improving the survival rate of mice with sepsis while exhibiting ideal biosafety. Mechanically, NPs/miR-223 regulates macrophage polarization by targeting Pknox1 and inhibiting the activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway, thereby achieving an anti-inflammatory effect. Collectively, it is demonstrated that the miRNA delivery vector described here provides a new approach for sepsis treatment and accelerates the advancement of nucleic acid drug therapy.

Muscle-targeted nanoparticles strengthen the effects of small-molecule inhibitors in ameliorating sarcopenia

Background: Sarcopenia is an aging-related degeneration of muscle mass and strength. Small-molecule inhibitor SW033291 has been shown to attenuate muscle atrophy. Targeted nanodrug-delivery systems can improve the efficacy of small-molecule inhibitors. Methods: The skeletal muscle cell-targeted nanoparticle was called AP@SW033291, which consisted of SW033291, modular peptide ASSLNIAGGRRRRRG and PEG-DSPE. Nanoparticles were featured with particle size, fluorescence emission spectra and targeting ability. We also investigated their effects on muscle mass and function. Results: The size of AP@SW033291 was 125.7 nm and it demonstrated targeting effects on skeletal muscle; thus, it could improve muscle mass and muscle function. Conclusion: Nanoparticle AP@SW033291 could become a potential strategy to strengthen the treatment effects of small-molecule inhibitors in sarcopenia.

Biosafety of mesoporous silica nanoparticles; towards clinical translation

Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) have attracted the attention of chemists, who have developed numerous systems for the encapsulation of a plethora of molecules, allowing the use of mesoporous silica nanoparticles for biomedical applications. MSNs have been extensively studied for their use in nanomedicine, in applications such as drug delivery, diagnosis, and bioimaging, demonstrating significant in vivo efficacy in different preclinical models. Nevertheless, for the transition of MSNs into clinical trials, it is imperative to understand the characteristics that make MSNs effective and safe. The biosafety properties of MSNs in vivo are greatly influenced by their physicochemical characteristics such as particle shape, size, surface modification, and silica framework. In this review, we compile the most relevant and recent progress in the literature up to the present by analyzing the contributions on biodistribution, biodegradability, and clearance of MSNs. Furthermore, the ongoing clinical trials and the potential challenges related to the administration of silica materials for advanced therapeutics are discussed. This approach aims to provide a solid overview of the state-of-the-art in this field and to encourage the translation of MSNs to the clinic.

Promotion of ICD via Nanotechnology

Immunotherapy represents the most promising treatment strategy for cancer, but suffers from compromised therapeutic efficiency due to low immune activity of tumor cells and an immunosuppressive microenvironment, which significantly hampers the clinical translations of this treatment strategy. To promote immunotherapy with desired therapeutic efficiency, immunogenic cell death (ICD), a particular type of death capable of reshaping body's antitumor immune activity, has drawn considerable attention due to the potential to stimulate a potent immune response. Still, the potential of ICD effect remains unsatisfactory because of the intricate tumor microenvironment and multiple drawbacks of the used inducing agents. ICD has been thoroughly reviewed so far with a general classification of ICD as a kind of immunotherapy strategy and repeated discussion of the related mechanism. However, there are no published reviews, to the authors' knowledge, providing a systematic summarization on the enhancement of ICD via nanotechnology. For this purpose, this review first discusses the four stages of ICD according to the development mechanisms, followed by a comprehensive description on the use of nanotechnology to enhance ICD in the corresponding four stages. The challenges of ICD inducers and possible solutions are finally summarized for future ICD-based enhanced immunotherapy.

Nanotechnology prospects in brain therapeutics concerning gene-targeting and nose-to-brain administration

Neurological diseases are one of the most pressing issues in modern times worldwide. It thus possesses explicit attention from researchers and medical health providers to guard public health against such an expanding threat. Various treatment modalities have been developed in a remarkably short time but, unfortunately, have yet to lead to the wished-for efficacy or the sought-after clinical improvement. The main hurdle in delivering therapeutics to the brain has always been the blood-brain barrier which still represents an elusive area with lots of mysteries yet to be solved. Meanwhile, nanotechnology has emerged as an optimistic platform that is potentially holding the answer to many of our questions on how to deliver drugs and treat CNS disorders using novel technologies rather than the unsatisfying conventional old methods. Nanocarriers can be engineered in a way that is capable of delivering a certain therapeutic cargo to a specific target tissue. Adding to this mind-blowing nanotechnology, the revolutionizing gene-altering biologics can have the best of both worlds, and pave the way for the long-awaited cure to many diseases, among those diseases thus far are Alzheimer's disease (AD), brain tumors (glioma and glioblastoma), Down syndrome, stroke, and even cases with HIV. The review herein collects the studies that tested the mixture of both sciences, nanotechnology, and epigenetics, in the context of brain therapeutics using three main categories of gene-altering molecules (siRNA, miRNA, and CRISPR) with a special focus on the advancements regarding the new favorite, intranasal route of administration.

Investigating the fate and toxicity of green synthesized gold nanoparticles in albino mice

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to investigate the acute and chronic adverse effects of ∼50 nm (nanometer) gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) synthesized using Ziziphus zizyphus leaf extract in mice.

SIGNIFICANCE

AuNPs have shown promise for medical applications, but their safety and biocompatibility need to be addressed. Understanding the potential adverse effects of AuNPs is crucial to ensure their safe use in medical applications.

METHODS

The ∼50 nm AuNPs were synthesized using Ziziphus zizyphus leaf extract and characterized using scanning electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering, and zeta potential analysis. Mice were subjected to a single intraperitoneal injection of AuNPs at a dose of 1 g/mg (grams per milligram) or a daily dose of 1 mg/kg for 28 days. Various parameters, including gold bioaccumulation, survival, behavior, body weight, and blood glucose levels, were measured. Histopathological changes and organ indices were assessed.

RESULTS

Gold levels in the blood and heart did not significantly increase with daily administration of AuNPs. However, there were proportional increases in gold content observed in the liver, spleen, and kidney, indicating effective tissue uptake. Histopathological alterations were predominantly observed in the kidney, suggesting potential tissue injury.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings of this study indicate that ∼50 nm AuNPs synthesized using Z. zizyphus leaf extract can induce adverse effects, particularly in the kidney, in mice. These results highlight the importance of addressing safety concerns when using AuNPs in medical applications. Further investigations that encompass a comprehensive set of toxicological parameters are necessary to confirm the long-term adverse effects of AuNP exposure.

Recent advances and prospects for lipid-based nanoparticles as drug carriers in the treatment of human retinal diseases

The delivery of cures for retinal diseases remains problematic. There are four main challenges: passing through multiple barriers of the eye, the delivery to particular retinal cell types, the capability to carry different forms of therapeutic cargo and long-term therapeutic efficacy. Lipid-based nanoparticles (LBNPs) are potent to overcome these challenges due to their unique merits: amphiphilic nanoarchitectures to pass biological barriers, vary modifications with specific affinity to target cell types, flexible capacity for large and mixed types of cargos and slow-release formulations for long-term treatment. We have reviewed the latest research on the applications of LBNPs for treating retinal diseases and categorized them by different payloads. Furthermore, we identified technical barriers and discussed possible future development for LBNPs to expand the therapeutic potential in treating retinal diseases.

Nanoparticles-induced potential toxicity on human health: Applications, toxicity mechanisms, and evaluation models

Nanoparticles (NPs) have become one of the most popular objects of scientific study during the past decades. However, despite wealth of study reports, still there is a gap, particularly in health toxicology studies, underlying mechanisms, and related evaluation models to deeply understanding the NPs risk effects. In this review, we first present a comprehensive landscape of the applications of NPs on health, especially addressing the role of NPs in medical diagnosis, therapy. Then, the toxicity of NPs on health systems is introduced. We describe in detail the effects of NPs on various systems, including respiratory, nervous, endocrine, immune, and reproductive systems, and the carcinogenicity of NPs. Furthermore, we unravels the underlying mechanisms of NPs including ROS accumulation, mitochondrial damage, inflammatory reaction, apoptosis, DNA damage, cell cycle, and epigenetic regulation. In addition, the classical study models such as cell lines and mice and the emerging models such as 3D organoids used for evaluating the toxicity or scientific study are both introduced. Overall, this review presents a critical summary and evaluation of the state of understanding of NPs, giving readers more better understanding of the NPs toxicology to remedy key gaps in knowledge and techniques.

Nanodrugs systems for therapy and diagnosis of esophageal cancer

With the increasing incidence of esophageal cancer, its diagnosis and treatment have become one of the key issues in medical research today. However, the current diagnostic and treatment methods face many unresolved issues, such as low accuracy of early diagnosis, painful treatment process for patients, and high recurrence rate after recovery. Therefore, new methods for the diagnosis and treatment of esophageal cancer need to be further explored, and the rapid development of nanomaterials has brought new ideas for solving this problem. Nanomaterials used as drugs or drug delivery systems possess several advantages, such as high drug capacity, adjustably specific targeting capability, and stable structure, which endow nanomaterials great application potential in cancer therapy. However, even though the nanomaterials have been widely used in cancer therapy, there are still few reviews on their application in esophageal cancer, and systematical overview and analysis are deficient. Herein, we overviewed the application of nanodrug systems in therapy and diagnosis of esophageal cancer and summarized some representative case of their application in diagnosis, chemotherapy, targeted drug, radiotherapy, immunity, surgery and new therapeutic method of esophageal cancer. In addition, the nanomaterials used for therapy of esophageal cancer complications, esophageal stenosis or obstruction and oesophagitis, are also listed here. Finally, the challenge and the future of nanomaterials used in cancer therapy were discussed.

A review on the treatment of intimal hyperplasia with perivascular medical devices: role of mechanical factors and drug release kinetics

INTRODUCTION

Intimal hyperplasia (IH) is a significant factor limiting the success of revascularization surgery for blood flow restoration. IH results from a foreign body response and mechanical disparity that involves complex biochemical reactions resulting in graft failure. The available treatment option utilizes either different pharmacological interventions or mechanical support to the vascular grafts with limited success.

AREAS COVERED

This review explains the pathophysiology of IH, responsible mechanical and biological factors, and treatment options, emphasizing perivascular devices. They are designed to provide mechanical support and pharmacology actions. The perivascular drug delivery concept has successfully demonstrated efficacy in various animal studies. Accurate projections of drug release mechanisms using mathematical modeling could be used to formulate prolonged drug elution devices. Numerical modeling aspects for the prediction of design outcomes have been given due importance that fulfills the unmet clinical need for better patient care.

EXPERT OPINION

IH could be effectively prevented by simultaneous mechanical scaffolding and sustained local drug delivery. Future perivascular medical devices could be designed to integrate these essential features. Numerical modeling for device performance prediction should be utilized in the development of next-generation perivascular devices.

Advances in nanomaterials for the diagnosis and treatment of head and neck cancers: A review

Nanomaterials (NMs) have increasingly been used for the diagnosis and treatment of head and neck cancers (HNCs) over the past decade. HNCs can easily infiltrate surrounding tissues and form distant metastases, meaning that most patients with HNC are diagnosed at an advanced stage and often have a poor prognosis. Since NMs can be used to deliver various agents, including imaging agents, drugs, genes, vaccines, radiosensitisers, and photosensitisers, they play a crucial role in the development of novel technologies for the diagnosis and treatment of HNCs. Indeed, NMs have been reported to enhance delivery efficiency and improve the prognosis of patients with HNC by allowing targeted delivery, controlled release, responses to stimuli, and the delivery of multiple agents. In this review, we consider recent advances in NMs that could be used to improve the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of patients with HNC and the potential for future research.

Biomedical applications of nanomaterials in the advancement of nucleic acid therapy: Mechanistic challenges, delivery strategies, and therapeutic applications

In the past few decades, substantial advancement has been made in nucleic acid (NA)-based therapies. Promising treatments include mRNA, siRNA, miRNA, and anti-sense DNA for treating various clinical disorders by modifying the expression of DNA or RNA. However, their effectiveness is limited due to their concentrated negative charge, instability, large size, and host barriers, which make widespread application difficult. The effective delivery of these medicines requires safe vectors that are efficient & selective while having non-pathogenic qualities; thus, nanomaterials have become an attractive option with promising possibilities despite some potential setbacks. Nanomaterials possess ideal characteristics, allowing them to be tuned into functional bio-entity capable of targeted delivery. In this review, current breakthroughs in the non-viral strategy of delivering NAs are discussed with the goal of overcoming challenges that would otherwise be experienced by therapeutics. It offers insight into a wide variety of existing NA-based therapeutic modalities and techniques. In addition to this, it provides a rationale for the use of non-viral vectors and a variety of nanomaterials to accomplish efficient gene therapy. Further, it discusses the potential for biomedical application of nanomaterials-based gene therapy in various conditions, such as cancer therapy, tissue engineering, neurological disorders, and infections.

Metallic Nanoparticles and Core-Shell Nanosystems in the Treatment, Diagnosis, and Prevention of Parasitic Diseases

The usage of nanotechnology in the fight against parasitic diseases is in the early stages of development, but it brings hopes that this new field will provide a solution to target the early stages of parasitosis, compensate for the lack of vaccines for most parasitic diseases, and also provide new treatment options for diseases in which parasites show increased resistance to current drugs. The huge physicochemical diversity of nanomaterials developed so far, mainly for antibacterial and anti-cancer therapies, requires additional studies to determine their antiparasitic potential. When designing metallic nanoparticles (MeNPs) and specific nanosystems, such as complexes of MeNPs, with the shell of attached drugs, several physicochemical properties need to be considered. The most important are: size, shape, surface charge, type of surfactants that control their dispersion, and shell molecules that should assure specific molecular interaction with targeted molecules of parasites' cells. Therefore, it can be expected that the development of antiparasitic drugs using strategies provided by nanotechnology and the use of nanomaterials for diagnostic purposes will soon provide new and effective methods of antiparasitic therapy and effective diagnostic tools that will improve the prevention and reduce the morbidity and mortality caused by these diseases.