Lysosomal-mediated drug release and activation for cancer therapy and immunotherapy

Polymer-DNA Carriers Co-Deliver Photosensitizer and siRNA for Light-Promoted Gene Transfection and Hypoxia-Relieved Photodynamic Therapy

Photochemical internalization is an efficient strategy relying on photodynamic reactions to promote siRNA endosomal escape for the success of RNA-interference gene regulation, which makes gene-photodynamic combined therapy highly synergistic and efficient. However, it is still desired to explore capable carriers to improve the delivery efficiency of the immiscible siRNA and organic photosensitizers simultaneously. Herein, we employ a micellar nanostructure (PSNA) self-assembled from polymer-DNA molecular chimeras to fulfill this task. PSNA can plentifully load photosensitizers in its hydrophobic core simply by the nanoprecipitation method. Moreover, it can organize siRNA self-assembly by the densely packed DNA shell, which leads to a higher loading capacity than the typical electrostatic condensation method. The experimental results prove that this PSNA carrier can greatly facilitate siRNA escape from the endosome/lysosome and enhance transfection. Accordingly, the PSNA-administrated therapy exhibits a significantly improved anti-tumor efficacy owing to the highly efficient co-delivery capability.

Synergistic Effect of Chemotherapy and Magnetomechanical Actuation of Fe-Cr-Nb-B Magnetic Particles on Cancer Cells

The present study is aimed at developing an innovative method for efficient cancer cell destruction by exploiting the magnetomechanical actuation (MMA) of Fe-Cr-Nb-B magnetic particles (MPs), which are loaded with clinically approved chemotherapeutic drugs. To achieve this objective, Fe68.2Cr11.5Nb0.3B20 magnetic nanoparticles were produced by mechanically grinding amorphous ribbon precursors with the same composition. These nanoparticles display high anisotropy, a parallelepipedic shape with an amorphous structure, and a ferromagnetic behavior. MPs were loaded with the antitumoral drugs mitoxantrone (MTX) or doxorubicin (DOX). In our study, we used adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells and human osteosarcoma cells to test drug-loaded MPs for their biocompatibility, cytotoxicity, and cellular internalization. Further tests involved exposing cells to magnetomechanical actuation and simultaneous MPs-targeted chemotherapy followed by cell viability/death assays, such as MTT and LDH, and live/dead cell staining. Results demonstrate that cancer cell death was induced by the synergistic action of chemotherapeutic drugs and magnetomechanical actuation. The nanoparticle vehicles helped overcome drug resistance, decreasing the high dose of drugs used in conventional therapies as well as the time intervals needed for MMA to affect cancer cell viability. The proposed approach highlights the possibility of using a new, targeted, and effective cancer treatment with very few side effects.

Peptide-TLR7/8a-Coordinated DNA Vaccines Elicit Enhanced Immune Responses against Infectious Diseases

DNA vaccines represent an innovative approach for the immunization of diverse diseases. However, their clinical trial outcomes are constrained by suboptimal transfection efficiency and immunogenicity. In this work, we present a universal methodology involving the codelivery of Toll-like receptor 7/8 agonists (TLR7/8a) and antigen gene using TLR7/8a-conjugated peptide-coated poly(β-amino ester) (PBAE) nanoparticles (NPs) to augment delivery efficiency and immune response. Peptide-TLR7/8a-coated PBAE NPs exhibit advantageous biophysical attributes, encompassing diminutive particle dimensions, nearly neutral ζ potential, and stability in the physiological environment. This synergistic approach not only ameliorates the stability of plasmid DNA (pDNA) and gene delivery efficacy but also facilitates subsequent antigen production. Furthermore, under optimal formulation conditions, the TLR7/8a-conjugated peptide coated PBAE NPs exhibit a potent capacity to induce robust immune responses. Collectively, this nanoparticulate gene delivery system demonstrates heightened transfection efficacy, stability, biodegradability, immunostimulatory effect, and low toxicity, making it a promising platform for the clinical advancement of DNA vaccines.

Beyond Nanoparticle-Based Intracellular Drug Delivery: Cytosol/Organelle-Targeted Drug Release and Therapeutic Synergism

Nanoparticle (NP)-based drug delivery systems are conceived to solve poor water-solubility and chemical/physical instability, and their purpose expanded to target specific sites for maximizing therapeutic effects and minimizing unwanted events of payloads. Targeted sites are also narrowed from organs/tissues and cells to cytosol/organelles. Beyond specific site targeting, the particular release of payloads at the target sites is growing in importance. This review overviews various issues and their general strategies during multiple steps, from the preparation of drug-loaded NPs to their drug release at the target cytosol/organelles. In particular, this review focuses on current strategies for "first" delivery and "later" release of drugs to the cytosol or organelles of interest using specific stimuli in the target sites. Recognizing or distinguishing the presence/absence of stimuli or their differences in concentration/level/activity in one place from those in another is applied to stimuli-triggered release via bond cleavage or nanostructural transition. In addition, future directions on understanding the intracellular balance of stimuli and their counter-stimuli are demonstrated to synergize the therapeutic effects of payloads released from stimuli-sensitive NPs.

Protein-nanoparticle co-assembly supraparticles for drug delivery: Ultrahigh drug loading and colloidal stability, and instant and complete lysosomal drug release

Two frequent problems hindering clinical translation of nanomedicine are low drug loading and low colloidal stability. Previous efforts to achieve ultrahigh drug loading (>30 %) introduce new hurdles, including lower colloidal stability and others, for clinical translation. Herein, we report a new class of drug nano-carriers based on our recent finding in protein-nanoparticle co-assembly supraparticle (PNCAS), with both ultrahigh drug loading (58 % for doxorubicin, i.e., DOX) and ultrahigh colloidal stability (no significant change in hydrodynamic size after one year). We further show that our PNCAS-based drug nano-carrier possesses a built-in environment-responsive drug release feature: once in lysosomes, the loaded drug molecules are released instantly (<1 min) and completely (∼100 %). Our PNCAS-based drug delivery system is spontaneously formed by simple mixing of hydrophobic nanoparticles, albumin and drugs. Several issues related to industrial production are studied. The ultrahigh drug loading and stability of DOX-loaded PNCAS enabled the delivery of an exceptionally high dose of DOX into a mouse model of breast cancer, yielding high efficacy and no observed toxicity. With further developments, our PNCAS-based delivery systems could serve as a platform technology to meet the multiple requirements of clinical translation of nanomedicines.

Development of Polymethine Dyes for NIR-II Fluorescence Imaging and Therapy

Fluorescence imaging in the second near-infrared window (NIR-II) is burgeoning because of its higher imaging fidelity in monitoring physiological and pathological processes than clinical visible/the second near-infrared window fluorescence imaging. Notably, the imaging fidelity is heavily dependent on fluorescence agents. So far, indocyanine green, one of the polymethine dyes, with good biocompatibility and renal clearance is the only dye approved by the Food and Drug Administration, but it shows relatively low NIR-II brightness. Importantly, tremendous efforts are devoted to synthesizing polymethine dyes for imaging preclinically and clinically. They have shown feasibility in the customization of structure and properties to fulfill various needs in imaging and therapy. Herein, a timely update on NIR-II polymethine dyes, with a special focus on molecular design strategies for fluorescent, photoacoustic, and multimodal imaging, is offered. Furthermore, the progress of polymethine dyes in sensing pathological biomarkers and even reporting drug release is illustrated. Moreover, the NIR-II fluorescence imaging-guided therapies with polymethine dyes are summarized regarding chemo-, photothermal, photodynamic, and multimodal approaches. In addition, artificial intelligence is pointed out for its potential to expedite dye development. This comprehensive review will inspire interest among a wide audience and offer a handbook for people with an interest in NIR-II polymethine dyes.

Tracking the Cellular Degradation of Silver Nanoparticles: Development of a Generic Kinetic Model

Understanding the degradation of nanoparticles (NPs) after crossing the cell plasma membrane is crucial in drug delivery designs and cytotoxicity assessment. However, the key factors controlling the degradable kinetics remain unclear due to the absence of a quantification model. In this study, subcellular imaging of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) was used to determine the intracellular transfer of AgNPs, and single particle ICP-MS was utilized to track the degradation process. A cellular kinetic model was subsequently developed to describe the uptake, transfer, and degradation behaviors of AgNPs. Our model demonstrated that the intracellular degradation efficiency of AgNPs was much higher than that determined by mimicking testing, and the degradation of NPs was highly influenced by cellular factors. Specifically, deficiencies in Ca or Zn primarily decreased the kinetic dissolution of NPs, while a Ca deficiency also resulted in the retardation of NP transfer. The biological significance of these kinetic parameters was strongly revealed. Our model indicated that the majority of internalized AgNPs dissolved, with the resulting ions being rapidly depurated. The release of Ag ions was largely dependent on the microvesicle-mediated route. By changing the coating and size of AgNPs, the model results suggested that size influenced the transfer of NPs into the degradation process, whereas coating affected the degradation kinetics. Overall, our developed model provides a valuable tool for understanding and predicting the impacts of the physicochemical properties of NPs and the ambient environment on nanotoxicity and therapeutic efficacy.

Emerging Chemodynamic Nanotherapeutics for Cancer Treatment

Chemodynamic therapy (CDT) has emerged as a transformative paradigm in the realm of reactive oxygen species -mediated cancer therapies, exhibiting its potential as a sophisticated strategy for precise and effective tumor treatment. CDT primarily relies on metal ions and hydrogen peroxide to initiate Fenton or Fenton-like reactions, generating cytotoxic hydroxyl radicals. Its notable advantages in cancer treatment are demonstrated, including tumor specificity, autonomy from external triggers, and a favorable side-effect profile. Recent advancements in nanomedicine are devoted to enhancing CDT, promising a comprehensive optimization of CDT efficacy. This review systematically elucidates cutting-edge achievements in chemodynamic nanotherapeutics, exploring strategies for enhanced Fenton or Fenton-like reactions, improved tumor microenvironment modulation, and precise regulation in energy metabolism. Moreover, a detailed analysis of diverse CDT-mediated combination therapies is provided. Finally, the review concludes with a comprehensive discussion of the prospects and intrinsic challenges to the application of chemodynamic nanotherapeutics in the domain of cancer treatment.

Lysosome passivation triggered by silver nanoparticles enhances subcellular-targeted drug therapy

Frequently, subcellular-targeted drugs tend to accumulate in lysosomes after cellular absorption, a process termed the lysosomal trap. This accumulation often interferes with the drug's ability to bind to its target, resulting in decreased efficiency. Existing methods for addressing lysosome-induced drug resistance mainly involve improving the structures of small molecules or enveloping drugs in nanomaterials. Nonetheless, these approaches can lead to changes in the drug structure or potentially trigger unexpected reactions within organisms. To address these issues, we introduced a strategy that involves inactivating the lysosome with the use of Ag nanoparticles (Cy3.5@Ag NPs). In this method, the Cy3.5@Ag NPs gradually accumulate inside lysosomes, leading to permeation of the lysosomal membrane and subsequent lysosomal inactivation. In addition, Cy3.5@Ag NPs also significantly affected the motility of lysosomes and induced the occurrence of lysosome passivation. Importantly, coincubating Cy3.5@Ag NPs with various subcellular-targeted drugs was found to significantly increase the efficiency of these treatments. Our strategy illustrates the potential of using lysosomal inactivation to enhance drug efficacy, providing a promising therapeutic strategy for cancer.

A biomimetic camouflaged metal organic framework for enhanced siRNA delivery in the tumor environment

Gene silencing through RNA interference (RNAi), particularly using small double-stranded RNA (siRNA), has been identified as a potent strategy for targeted cancer treatment. Yet, its application faces challenges such as nuclease degradation, inefficient cellular uptake, endosomal entrapment, off-target effects, and immune responses, which have hindered its effective delivery. In the past few years, these challenges have been addressed significantly by using camouflaged metal-organic framework (MOF) nanocarriers. These nanocarriers protect siRNA from degradation, enhance cellular uptake, and reduce unintended side effects by effectively targeting desired cells while evading immune detection. By combining the properties of biomimetic membranes and MOFs, these nanocarriers offer superior benefits such as extended circulation times, enhanced stability, and reduced immune responses. Moreover, through ligand-receptor interactions, biomimetic membrane-coated MOFs achieve homologous targeting, minimizing off-target adverse effects. The MOFs, acting as the core, efficiently encapsulate and protect siRNA molecules, while the biomimetic membrane-coated surface provides homologous targeting, further increasing the precision of siRNA delivery to cancer cells. In particular, the biomimetic membranes help to shield the MOFs from the immune system, avoiding unwanted immune responses and improving their biocompatibility. The combination of siRNA with innovative nanocarriers, such as camouflaged-MOFs, presents a significant advancement in cancer therapy. The ability to deliver siRNA with precision and effectiveness using these camouflaged nanocarriers holds great promise for achieving more personalized and efficient cancer treatments in the future. This review article discusses the significant progress made in the development of siRNA therapeutics for cancer, focusing on their effective delivery through novel nanocarriers, with a particular emphasis on the role of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) as camouflaged nanocarriers.

Ultrasound-propelled liposome circumvention and siRNA silencing reverse BRAF mutation-arised cancer resistance to trametinib

BRAF-V600E mutation is regarded as the source of lung cancer resistance to trametinib (Tr), and no solution available for completely addressing this intractable resistance has emerged yet. Herein, the combination of ultrasonic (US) propelled folic acid (FA)-modified liposomes strategy and BRAF-driven gene silencing program is proposed to effectively reverse Tr's resistance to lung cancer. Meanwhile, the prepared cationic nanoliposomes can assist Tr drug and BRAF siRNA to escape lysosome disposal, thereby avoiding Tr drug pumping out or siRNA degradation. More significantly, loaded BRAF siRNA is designed to silence BRAF-V600E mutation genes via modulating BRAF-ERK-pathway and remarkably reverse the PC9R resistance to Tr. Systematic experiments validate that these cooperatively sensitize PC9R cells to Tr and shrink resistant NSCLC in vivo, especially after combining with FA-mediated targeting and US-enhanced permeability that permits more intratumoral accumulations of Tr. Such a biocompatible targeting drug-resistance liberation agent and its underlying design strategy lay a foundation avenue to completely reverse tumor resistance, which is preferable to treat BRAF mutation-arised resistance of various tumors, holding high clinical translation potentials.

Gene and Photothermal Combination Therapy: Principle, Materials, and Amplified Anticancer Intervention

Gene therapy (GT) and photothermal therapy (PTT) have emerged as promising alternatives to chemotherapy and radiotherapy for cancer treatment, offering noninvasiveness and reduced side effects. However, their efficacy as standalone treatments is limited. GT exhibits slow response rates, while PTT is confined to local tumor ablation. The convergence of GT and PTT, known as GT-PTT, facilitated by photothermal gene nanocarriers, has attracted considerable attention across various disciplines. In this integrated approach, GT reciprocates PTT by sensitizing cellular response to heat, while PTT benefits GT by improving gene translocation, unpacking, and expression. Consequently, this integration presents a unique opportunity for cancer therapy with rapid response and improved effectiveness. Extensive efforts over the past few years have been dedicated to the development of GT-PTT, resulting in notable achievements and rapid progress from the laboratory to potential clinical applications. This comprehensive review outlines recent advances in GT-PTT, including synergistic mechanisms, material systems, imaging-guided therapy, and anticancer applications. It also explores the challenges and future prospects in this nascent field. By presenting innovative ideas and insights into the implementation of GT-PTT for enhanced cancer therapy, this review aims to inspire further progress in this promising area of research.

Unravelling the potential of mitochondria-targeted liposomes for enhanced cancer treatment

Mitochondria are the primary organelles of cells involved in various physiochemical and biochemical processes. Owing to their crucial role in cellular metabolism, mitochondria are favored therapeutic targets for the treatment and prevention of cancers. Recently, there has been growing interest in the use of mitochondria-specific functional nanoparticles for targeted delivery of therapeutic agents to these organelles. Among several nanosystems, liposomes have garnered considerable attention owing to their exceptional drug delivery capabilities, biocompatibility, biodegradability, ease of manufacturing and established regulatory guidelines for market approval. In this context, the present review provides a brief insight into the association between mitochondria and tumor formation and advantages of mitochondrial targeting in cancer therapy. Furthermore, it discusses mitochondria-targeting functional liposomes for the treatment of various cancers, such as breast, lung, colon, among others.

Functional Materials for Subcellular Targeting Strategies in Cancer Therapy: Progress and Prospects

Neoadjuvant and adjuvant therapies have made significant progress in cancer treatment. However, tumor adjuvant therapy still faces challenges due to the intrinsic heterogeneity of cancer, genomic instability, and the formation of an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Functional materials possess unique biological properties such as long circulation times, tumor-specific targeting, and immunomodulation. The combination of functional materials with natural substances and nanotechnology has led to the development of smart biomaterials with multiple functions, high biocompatibilities, and negligible immunogenicities, which can be used for precise cancer treatment. Recently, subcellular structure-targeting functional materials have received particular attention in various biomedical applications including the diagnosis, sensing, and imaging of tumors and drug delivery. Subcellular organelle-targeting materials can precisely accumulate therapeutic agents in organelles, considerably reduce the threshold dosages of therapeutic agents, and minimize drug-related side effects. This review provides a systematic and comprehensive overview of the research progress in subcellular organelle-targeted cancer therapy based on functional nanomaterials. Moreover, it explains the challenges and prospects of subcellular organelle-targeting functional materials in precision oncology. The review will serve as an excellent cutting-edge guide for researchers in the field of subcellular organelle-targeted cancer therapy.

Design strategy and research progress of multifunctional nanoparticles in lung cancer therapy

INTRODUCTION

Lung cancer is one of the cancer types with the highest mortality rate, exploring a more effective treatment modality that improves therapeutic efficacy while mitigating side effects is now an urgent requirement. Designing multifunctional nanoparticles can be used to overcome the limitations of drugs and conventional drug delivery systems. Nanotechnology has been widely researched, and through different needs, suitable nanocarriers can be selected to load anti-cancer drugs to improve the therapeutic effect. It is foreseeable that with the rapid development of nanotechnology, more and more lung cancer patients will benefit from nanotechnology. This paper reviews the merits of various multifunctional nanoparticles in the treatment of lung cancer to provide novel ideas for lung cancer treatment.

AREAS COVERED

This review focuses on summarizing various nanoparticles for targeted lung cancer therapy and their advantages and disadvantages, using nanoparticles loaded with anti-cancer drugs, delivered to lung cancer sites, enhancing drug half-life, improving anti-cancer drug efficacy and reducing side effects.

EXPERT OPINION

The delivery mode of nanoparticles with superior pharmacokinetic properties in the in vivo circulation enhances the half-life of the drug, and provides tissue-targeted selectivity and the ability to overcome biological barriers, bringing a revolution in the field of oncology.