Effects of doxorubicin mediated by gold nanoparticles and resveratrol in two human cervical tumor cell lines

(Nano)biotechnological approaches in the treatment of cervical cancer: integration of engineering and biology

Cervical cancer is one of the most malignant gynaecological tumors characterised with the aggressive behaviour of the tumor cells. In spite of the development of different strategies for the treatment of cervical cancer, the tumor cells have developed resistance to conventional therapeutics. On the other hand, nanoparticles have been recently applied for the treatment of human cancers through delivery of drugs and facilitate tumor suppression. The stimuli-sensitive nanostructures can improve the release of therapeutics at the tumor site. In the present review, the nanostructures for the treatment of cervical cancer are discussed. Nanostructures can deliver both chemotherapy drugs and natural compounds to increase anti-cancer activity and prevent drug resistance in cervical tumor. Moreover, the genetic tools such as siRNA can be delivered by nanoparticles to enhance their accumulation at tumor site. In order to enhance selectivity, the stimuli-responsive nanoparticles such as pH- and redox-responsive nanocarriers have been developed to suppress cervical tumor. Moreover, nanoparticles can induce photo-thermal and photodynamic therapy to accelerate cell death in cervical tumor. In addition, nanobiotechnology demonstrates tremendous potential in the treatment of cervical cancer, especially in the context of tumor immunotherapy. Overall, metal-, carbon-, lipid- and polymer-based nanostructures have been utilized in cervical cancer therapy. Finally, hydrogels have been developed as novel kinds of carriers to encapsulate therapeutics and improve anti-cancer activity.

Advances in the role of resveratrol and its mechanism of action in common gynecological tumors

The incidence of common gynecological malignancies remains high, with current treatments facing multiple limitations and adverse effects. Thus, continuing the search for safe and effective oncologic treatment strategies continues. Resveratrol (RES), a natural non-flavonoid polyphenolic compound, is widely found in various plants and fruits, such as grapes, Reynoutria japonica Houtt., peanuts, and berries. RES possesses diverse biological properties, including neuroprotective, antitumor, anti-inflammatory, and osteoporosis inhibition effects. Notably, RES is broadly applicable in antitumor therapy, particularly for treating gynecological tumors (cervical, endometrial, and ovarian carcinomas). RES exerts antitumor effects by promoting tumor cell apoptosis, inhibiting cell proliferation, invasion, and metastasis, regulating tumor cell autophagy, and enhancing the efficacy of antitumor drugs while minimizing their toxic side effects. However, comprehensive reviews on the role of RES in combating gynecological tumors and its mechanisms of action are lacking. This review aims to fill this gap by examining the RES antitumor mechanisms of action in gynecological tumors, providing valuable insights for clinical treatment.

A potential paradigm in CRISPR/Cas systems delivery: at the crossroad of microalgal gene editing and algal-mediated nanoparticles

Microalgae as the photosynthetic organisms offer enormous promise in a variety of industries, such as the generation of high-value byproducts, biofuels, pharmaceuticals, environmental remediation, and others. With the rapid advancement of gene editing technology, CRISPR/Cas system has evolved into an effective tool that revolutionised the genetic engineering of microalgae due to its robustness, high target specificity, and programmability. However, due to the lack of robust delivery system, the efficacy of gene editing is significantly impaired, limiting its application in microalgae. Nanomaterials have become a potential delivery platform for CRISPR/Cas systems due to their advantages of precise targeting, high stability, safety, and improved immune system. Notably, algal-mediated nanoparticles (AMNPs), especially the microalgae-derived nanoparticles, are appealing as a sustainable delivery platform because of their biocompatibility and low toxicity in a homologous relationship. In addition, living microalgae demonstrated effective and regulated distribution into specified areas as the biohybrid microrobots. This review extensively summarised the uses of CRISPR/Cas systems in microalgae and the recent developments of nanoparticle-based CRISPR/Cas delivery systems. A systematic description of the properties and uses of AMNPs, microalgae-derived nanoparticles, and microalgae microrobots has also been discussed. Finally, this review highlights the challenges and future research directions for the development of gene-edited microalgae.

Biogenic synthesis of gold nanoparticles using Satureja rechingeri Jamzad: a potential anticancer agent against cisplatin-resistant A2780CP ovarian cancer cells

Drug resistance of cancer cells is a major issue in cancer treatment. Plant-mediated nanoparticle synthesis has been applied in recent years to overcome this problem. In this study, the biogenic synthesis of AuNPs was explored using Satureja rechingeri Jamzad aqueous leaf extract, and their anticancer effects were evaluated in cisplatin-resistant A2780CP ovarian cancer cells. The chemical composition of S. rechingeri Jamzad was analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The characteristics of green-synthesized AuNPs were confirmed using XRD, FTIR, UV-visible spectroscopy, TEM, SEM, EDX, DLS, and zeta potential. The cytotoxic effects of AuNPs and S. rechingeri Jamzad aqueous extract on cisplatin-resistant A2780CP ovarian cancer cells were evaluated by MTT assay and flow cytometry. Real-time PCR analyzed gene expression. The chemical composition revealed that carvacrol (89%) was the main component of the S. rechingeri Jamzad extract. The average size of the spherical biosynthesized AuNPs was 15.1 ± 3.7 nm. The AuNPs and plant extract inhibited the growth of cisplatin-resistant ovarian cancer cells in a time- and dose-dependent manner. The apoptotic cell death was confirmed by flow cytometry and DAPI staining. The proapoptotic genes were upregulated, while anti-apoptotic and metastatic genes were downregulated. According to the cell cycle analysis, cancer cells were arrested in the G0/G1 phase. Considering the anticancer activity of the synthesized AuNPs using S. rechingeri Jamzad and the low side effects of AuNPs on normal cells, these AuNPs showed strong potential for use as biological agents in drug-resistant cancer cells treatment.

Opportunities and challenges for co-delivery nanomedicines based on combination of phytochemicals with chemotherapeutic drugs in cancer treatment

The therapeutic limitations such as insufficient efficacy, drug resistance, metastasis, and undesirable side effects are frequently caused by the long duration monotherapy based on chemotherapeutic drugs. multiple combinational anticancer strategies such as nucleic acids combined with chemotherapeutic agents, chemotherapeutic combinations, chemotherapy and tumor immunotherapy combinations have been embraced, holding great promise to counter these limitations, while still taking including some potential risks. Nowadays, an increasing number of research has manifested the anticancer effects of phytochemicals mediated by modulating cancer cellular events directly as well as the tumor microenvironment. Specifically, these natural compounds exhibited suppression of cancer cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration and invasion of cancer cells, P-glycoprotein inhibition, decreasing vascularization and activation of tumor immunosuppression. Due to the low toxicity and multiple modulation pathways of these phytochemicals, the combination of chemotherapeutic agents with natural compounds acts as a novel approach to cancer therapy to increase the efficiency of cancer treatments as well as reduce the adverse consequences. In order to achieve the maximized combination advantages of small-molecule chemotherapeutic drugs and natural compounds, a variety of functional nano-scaled drug delivery systems, such as liposomes, host-guest supramolecules, supramolecules, dendrimers, micelles and inorganic systems have been developed for dual/multiple drug co-delivery. These co-delivery nanomedicines can improve pharmacokinetic behavior, tumor accumulation capacity, and achieve tumor site-targeting delivery. In that way, the improved antitumor effects through multiple-target therapy and reduced side effects by decreasing dose can be implemented. Here, we present the synergistic anticancer outcomes and the related mechanisms of the combination of phytochemicals with small-molecule anticancer drugs. We also focus on illustrating the design concept, and action mechanisms of nanosystems with co-delivery of drugs to synergistically improve anticancer efficacy. In addition, the challenges and prospects of how these insights can be translated into clinical benefits are discussed.

Targeted drug delivery in cervical cancer: Current perspectives

Cervical cancer is preventable yet one of the most prevalent cancers among women around the globe. Though regular screening has resulted in the decline in incidence, the disease claims a high number of lives every year, especially in the developing countries. Owing to rather aggressive and non-specific nature of the conventional chemotherapeutics, there is a growing need for newer treatment modalities. The advent of nanotechnology has assisted in this through the use of nanocarriers for targeted drug delivery. A number of nanocarriers are continuously being developed and studied for their application in drug delivery. The present review summarises the different drug delivery approaches and nanocarriers that can be useful, their advantages and limitation.

Role and Merits of Green Based Nanocarriers in Cancer Treatment

Simple Summary

The use of chemotherapy drugs against tumours is associated with various drawbacks such as poor solubility, low stability, high toxicity, lack of selectivity and rapid clearance. Nanocarriers can improve the safety and efficiency of drugs by increasing their solubility, enhance their circulation time and improve their uptake into cancer cells. Natural materials can be incorporated in the fabrication of nanocarriers as a substitute to synthetic ingredients. Several studies developed different types of green based nanocarriers using materials obtained from plant or microbial sources such as polysaccharides and polyphenols without the need of toxic chemicals in the synthesis. The green components can have many roles for example as mechanical support, trigger pH response for drug release, or act as a targeting ligand. The inclusion of these green components will support the cost effective and feasible large-scale production of nanocarriers with minimum negative impact on the environment.

Abstract

The use of nanocarriers for biomedical applications has been gaining interests from researchers worldwide for the delivery of therapeutics in a controlled manner. These “smart” vehicles enhance the dissolution and the bioavailability of drugs and enable their delivery to the target site. Taking the potential toxicity into consideration, the incorporation of natural “green” materials, derived from plants or microbial sources, in the nanocarriers fabrication, improve their safety and biocompatibility. These green components can be used as a mechanical platform or as targeting ligand for the payload or can play a role in the synthesis of nanoparticles. Several studies reported the use of green based nanocarriers for the treatment of diseases such as cancer. This review article provides a critical analysis of the different types of green nanocarriers and their synthesis mechanisms, characterization, and their role in improving drug delivery of anticancer drugs to achieve precision cancer treatment. Current evidence suggests that green-based nanocarriers can constitute an effective treatment against cancer.

Comparative Study on Inhibition of Pancreatic Cancer Cells by Resveratrol Gold Nanoparticles and a Resveratrol Nanoemulsion Prepared from Grape Skin

Resveratrol, a phenolic compound possessing vital biological activities such as anti-cancer, is present abundantly in grape skin, a waste produced during the processing of grape juice. The objectives of this study were to prepare resveratrol-gold nanoparticles and a resveratrol nanoemulsion from grape skin and study their inhibition effects on pancreatic cancer cells BxPC-3. The spherical-shaped citrate gold nanoparticles (GNPs) and resveratrol-gold nanoparticles (R-GNPs) were, respectively, prepared with a surface plasmon resonance peak at 528 and 538 nm, mean particle size of 20.8 and 11.9 nm, and zeta-potential at −32.7 and −66.7 mV, by controlling an appropriate concentration of citrate/resveratrol and gold chloride as well as stirring time and temperature. The resveratrol nanoemulsion, composed of soybean oil, Tween 80, and sucrose fatty acid ester in glycerol and water, possessed a high storage stability with a mean particle size of 14.1 nm, zeta-potential of −49.7 mV, and encapsulation efficiency of 95.5%. An antiproliferation study revealed that both R-GNPs and resveratrol nanoemulsion could effectively inhibit the growth of pancreatic cancer cells BxPC-3, with the latter showing a higher inhibition effect. Western blot analysis implied that both can down-regulate expressions of cyclin A, cyclin B, CDK1, and CDK2 and up-regulate expressions of p53 and p21, accompanied by enhancing cytochrome C expression, decreasing BcL-2 expression, increasing Bax expression, and leading to the elevation of caspase-8, caspase-9, and caspase-3 activities for cell apoptosis execution. Future research is needed to study the inhibition of pancreatic tumors in vivo by R-GNPs and resveratrol nanoemulsions.

Biomimetic Composite Coatings for Activation of Titanium Implant Surfaces: Methodological Approach and In Vivo Enhanced Osseointegration

Innovative nanomaterials are required for the coatings of titanium (Ti) implants to ensure the activation of Ti surfaces for improved osseointegration, enhanced bone fracture healing and bone regeneration. This paper presents a systematic investigation of biomimetic composite (BC) coatings on Ti implant surfaces in a rat model of a diaphyseal femoral fracture. Methodological approaches of surface modification of the Ti implants via the usual joining methods (e.g., grit blasting and acid etching) and advanced physicochemical coating via a self-assembled dip-coating method were used. The biomimetic procedure used multi-substituted hydroxyapatite (ms-HAP) HAP-1.5 wt% Mg-0.2 wt% Zn-0.2 wt% Si nanoparticles (NPs), which were functionalized using collagen type 1 molecules (COL), resulting in ms-HAP/COL (core/shell) NPs that were embedded into a polylactic acid (PLA) matrix and finally covered with COL layers, obtaining the ms-HAP/COL@PLA/COL composite. To assess the osseointegration issue, first, the thickness, surface morphology and roughness of the BC coating on the Ti implants were determined using AFM and SEM. The BC-coated Ti implants and uncoated Ti implants were then used in Wistar albino rats with a diaphyseal femoral fracture, both in the absence and the presence of high-frequency pulsed electromagnetic shortwave (HF-PESW) stimulation. This study was performed using a bone marker serum concentration and histological and computer tomography (micro-CT) analysis at 2 and 8 weeks after surgical implantation. The implant osseointegration was evaluated through the bone–implant contact (BIC). The bone–implant interface was investigated using FE-SEM images and EDX spectra of the retrieved surgical implants at 8 weeks in the four animal groups. The obtained results showed significantly higher bone–implants contact and bone volume per tissue volume, as well as a greater amount of newly formed bone, in the BC-coated Ti implants than in the uncoated Ti implants. Direct bone–implant contact was also confirmed via histological examination. The results of this study confirmed that these biomimetic composite coatings on Ti implants were essential for a significant enhancement of osseointegration of BC-coated Ti implants and bone regeneration. This research provides a novel strategy for the treatment of bone fractures with possible orthopedic applications.

Natural Product-Based Hybrids as Potential Candidates for the Treatment of Cancer: Focus on Curcumin and Resveratrol

One of the main current strategies for cancer treatment is represented by combination chemotherapy. More recently, this strategy shifted to the "hybrid strategy", namely the designing of a new molecular entity containing two or more biologically active molecules and having superior features compared with the individual components. Moreover, the term "hybrid" has further extended to innovative drug delivery systems based on biocompatible nanomaterials and able to deliver one or more drugs to specific tissues or cells. At the same time, there is an increased interest in plant-derived polyphenols used as antitumoral drugs. The present review reports the most recent and intriguing research advances in the development of hybrids based on the polyphenols curcumin and resveratrol, which are known to act as multifunctional agents. We focused on two issues that are particularly interesting for the innovative chemical strategy involved in their development. On one hand, the pharmacophoric groups of these compounds have been used for the synthesis of new hybrid molecules. On the other hand, these polyphenols have been introduced into hybrid nanomaterials based on gold nanoparticles, which have many potential applications for both drug delivery and theranostics in chemotherapy.

CYP1B1 as a therapeutic target in cardio-oncology

Cardiovascular complications have been frequently reported in cancer patients and survivors, mainly because of various cardiotoxic cancer treatments. Despite the known cardiovascular toxic effects of these treatments, they are still clinically used because of their effectiveness as anti-cancer agents. In this review, we discuss the growing body of evidence suggesting that inhibition of the cytochrome P450 1B1 enzyme (CYP1B1) can be a promising therapeutic strategy that has the potential to prevent cancer treatment-induced cardiovascular complications without reducing their anti-cancer effects. CYP1B1 is an extrahepatic enzyme that is expressed in cardiovascular tissues and overexpressed in different types of cancers. A growing body of evidence is demonstrating a detrimental role of CYP1B1 in both cardiovascular diseases and cancer, via perturbed metabolism of endogenous compounds, production of carcinogenic metabolites, DNA adduct formation, and generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Several chemotherapeutic agents have been shown to induce CYP1B1 in cardiovascular and cancer cells, possibly via activating the Aryl hydrocarbon Receptor (AhR), ROS generation, and inflammatory cytokines. Induction of CYP1B1 is detrimental in many ways. First, it can induce or exacerbate cancer treatment-induced cardiovascular complications. Second, it may lead to significant chemo/radio-resistance, undermining both the safety and effectiveness of cancer treatments. Therefore, numerous preclinical studies demonstrate that inhibition of CYP1B1 protects against chemotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity and prevents chemo- and radio-resistance. Most of these studies have utilized phytochemicals to inhibit CYP1B1. Since phytochemicals have multiple targets, future studies are needed to discern the specific contribution of CYP1B1 to the cardioprotective and chemo/radio-sensitizing effects of these phytochemicals.

Function of gold nanoparticles in oral cancer beyond drug delivery: Implications in cell apoptosis

OBJECTIVES

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) are used to deliver drugs and therapeutic small molecule inhibitors to cancer cells. Evidence shows that AuNPs coated with nuclear localization sequence can cross the nuclear membrane and induce cellular apoptosis. To determine the therapeutic role of AuNPs, we compared two nanoconstructs conjugated to doxorubicin (DOX) through pH-sensitive and pH-resistant linkers.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We tested DOX nanoconjugates' cytotoxicity, cellular and nuclear uptake in oral squamous cell carcinoma cell line. Furthermore, we evaluated the therapeutic effect of pH-sensitive and pH-resistant DOX bioconjugates in hamster buccal pouch carcinoma model.

RESULTS

Our data indicate that pH-resistant and pH-sensitive DOX-nanoconjugates were equally localized in cancer cells, but the pH-resistant DOX nanoparticles were more localized in the nuclei inducing a 2-fold increase in the apoptotic effect compared with the pH-sensitive DOX nanoparticles. Our in vivo results show significantly higher tumor shrinkage and survival rates in animals treated with DOX pH-resistant AuNPs compared with pH-sensitive ones.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that AuNPs enhance the cytotoxic effect against cancer cells in addition to acting as drug carriers. DOX pH-resistant AuNPs enhanced accumulation of AuNPs in cancer cells' nuclei inducing a significant cellular apoptosis which was confirmed using in vitro and in vivo experiments without deleterious effects on blood cell count.

Advanced Mg, Zn, Sr, Si Multi-Substituted Hydroxyapatites for Bone Regeneration

Purpose

Compositional tailoring is gaining more attention in the development of advanced biomimetic nanomaterials. In this study, we aimed to prepare advanced multi-substituted hydroxyapatites (ms-HAPs), which show similarity with the inorganic phase of bones and might have therapeutic potential for bone regeneration.

Materials

Novel nano hydroxyapatites substituted simultaneously with divalent cations: Mg²⁺ (1.5%), Zn²⁺ (0.2%), Sr²⁺ (5% and 10%), and Si (0.2%) as orthosilicate (SiO₄^4-) were designed and successfully synthesized for the first time.

Methods

The ms-HAPs were obtained via a wet-chemistry precipitation route without the use of surfactants, which is a safe and ecologically friendly method. The composition of synthesized materials was determined by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). The materials were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), FT-IR and FT-Raman spectroscopy, BET measurements and by imaging techniques using high-resolution TEM (HR-TEM), FE-SEM coupled with EDX, and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The ion release was measured in water and in simulated body fluid (SBF).

Results

Characterization methods confirmed the presence of the unique phase of pure stoichiometric HAP structure and high compositional purity of all synthesized nanomaterials. The doping elements influenced the crystallite size, the crystallinity, lattice parameters, morphology, particle size and shape, specific surface area, and porosity. Results showed a decrease in both nanoparticle size and crystallinity degree, coupled with an increase in specific surface area of these advanced ms-HAP materials, in comparison with pure stoichiometric HAP. The release of biologically important ions was confirmed in different liquid media, both in static and simulated dynamic conditions.

Conclusion

The incorporation of the four substituting elements into the HAP structure is demonstrated. Synthesized nanostructured ms-HAP materials might inherit the in vivo effects of substituting functional elements and properties of hydroxyapatite for bone healing and regeneration. Results revealed a rational tailoring approach for the design of a next generation of bioactive ms-HAPs as promising candidates for bone regeneration.

Nanocarriers For Vaginal Drug Delivery

BACKGROUND

Vaginal drug delivery approach represents one of the imperative strategies for local and systemic delivery of drugs. The peculiar dense vascular networks, mucus permeability, and range of physiological characteristics of the vaginal cavity have been exploited for therapeutic benefit. Furthermore, the vaginal drug delivery has been curtailed due to the influence of different physiological factors like acidic pH, constant cervical secretion, microflora, cyclic changes during periods along with turnover of mucus of varying thickness.

OBJECTIVE

This review highlights advancement of nanomedicine and its prospective progress towards the clinic.

METHODS

Relevant literature reports and patents related to topics are retrieved and used.

RESULT

The extensive literature search and patent revealed that nanocarriers are efficacious over conventional treatment approaches.

CONCLUSION

Recently, nanotechnology based drug delivery approach has promised better therapeutic outcomes by providing enhanced permeation and sustained drug release activity. Different nanoplatforms based on drugs, peptides, proteins, antigens, hormones, nucleic material, and microbicides are gaining momentum for vaginal therapeutics.

Preparation of novel cisplatin-conjugated hollow gold nanospheres for targeting cervical cancer

Cervical cancer is a deadly gynecological malignancy in need of innovative treatment strategies. Emerging preclinical data has suggested the benefits of nanocarriers over the traditional chemotherapy for cancer treatment. In particular, gold nanoparticles are gaining popularity due to gold's inert nature, limited side effects, good cytocompatibility, and flexibility in preparation/modification. We conjugated polyethylene glycol (PEG) with hollow gold nanospheres (HGNs) and loaded the pegylated HGNs with an anticancer drug, cisplatin to target cervical cancer. HGNs were irradiated with noninfrared laser to increase the penetration of drug into tumor tissue and improve the delivery of cisplatin. We investigated the comparative characterization studies of prepared cisplatin loaded pegylated HGNs (cis PEG-HGNs), free cisplatin, cisplatin loaded HGNs (cis-HGNs), cis PEG-HGNs without laser, and cis PEG-HGNs with laser and its effects over cervical cancer cells. Transmission electron microscopy photomicrographs confirmed the integrity of prepared HGNs. While no significant difference was observed between encapsulation efficiency and drug loading of cis-HGNs (84.6%) and cis PEG-HGNs (86.7%), the encapsulation efficiency increased almost twice in HGNs, compared with control gold nanoparticles (GNs) because of the hollow cavity in HGNs. In-vitro cytotoxicity was measured by the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay using HeLa cells. With irradiation, HGNs induced much elevated cytotoxicity. Not only HGNs were internalized by HeLa cells, they were retained in the cellular compartment. We also tested formulations in vivo and observed that the irradiated cis-HGNs and cis PEG-HGNs were most effective in regressing tumors in mice.

Brain targeting of resveratrol through intranasal lipid vesicles labelled with gold nanoparticles: in vivo evaluation and bioaccumulation investigation using computed tomography and histopathological examination

Resveratrol is a promising neuroprotective agent against neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease. Resveratrol-loaded transferosomes and nanoemulsions were developed and labelled with gold nanoparticles (GNPs). The water maze test was utilised to identify the effect on spatial memory recovery. The treated rats were examined for cellular uptake and bioaccumulation of drug in the brain using computed tomography (CT) and histopathological examination utilising GNPs as a biomarker. Compared with nanoemulsions, transferosomes displayed higher permeation of up to 81.29 ± 2.64% and higher fluorescence intensity with p < .05. Transferosomes significantly enhanced behavioural acquisition and spatial memory function in the amnesic rats compared with both the nanoemulsion formulation and the pure drug. CT effectively demonstrated the accumulation of GNPs in the brains of all treated rats, while superior accumulation of GNPs was observed in the rats that received the transferosome formulation. The histopathology also demonstrated GNP accumulation in the nuclei and cytoplasm in the brain tissues of both the transferosome- and nanoemulsion-treated groups. Therefore, the developed transferosomes may be considered as a well-designed brain targeting system that might further be applied for targeting many drugs to be used in the treatment of central nervous system diseases.

Epirubicin-loaded marine carrageenan oligosaccharide capped gold nanoparticle system for pH-triggered anticancer drug release

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and the pH stimuli-responsive drug delivery system have been extensively applied in cancer treatment. Carrageenan derived from marine red algae shows a promising application prospect for drug delivery as a nanomaterial for its biodegradability, abundance, and non-toxicity. Carrageenan oligosaccharide (CAO) was used as a biocompatible reductant for green synthesis of CAO-AuNPs, and the obtained CAO-AuNPs were further used as a delivery system for pH-triggered delivery of epirubicin (EPI). The EPI-CAO-AuNPs were demonstrated to be spherical and homogeneous with mean diameter of 141 ± 6 nm by means of electron microscopy and Malvern particle size analyzer. Results showed that the release of EPI from EPI-CAO-AuNPs was significant under acidic condition that simulated cancer environment, while it was negligible under physiological pH in vitro. Confocal laser scanning microscope and flow cytometry analysis showed that EPI-CAO-AuNPs were localized in cellular nucleus and induced more apoptosis of HCT-116 and HepG2 cells than free EPI. A new pH-triggered anticancer drug release was achieved by EPI-CAO-AuNPs system for the first time. The developed EPI-CAO-AuNPs nanosystem shows a promising prospect for pH-triggered delivery of antitumor drugs, and our work provides a new idea for targeted drug delivery by using biocompatible marine carbohydrates as nanomaterial.

Leveraging the Cardio-Protective and Anticancer Properties of Resveratrol in Cardio-Oncology

Cardio-oncology is a clinical/scientific discipline which aims to prevent and/or treat cardiovascular diseases in cancer patients. Although a large number of cancer treatments are known to cause cardiovascular toxicity, they are still widely used because they are highly effective. Unfortunately, therapeutic interventions to prevent and/or treat cancer treatment-induced cardiovascular toxicity have not been established yet. A major challenge for such interventions is to protect the cardiovascular system without compromising the therapeutic benefit of anticancer medications. Intriguingly, the polyphenolic natural compound resveratrol and its analogs have been shown in preclinical studies to protect against cancer treatment-induced cardiovascular toxicity. They have also been shown to possess significant anticancer properties on their own, and to enhance the anticancer effect of other cancer treatments. Thus, they hold significant promise to protect the cardiovascular system and fight the cancer at the same time. In this review, we will discuss the current knowledge regarding the cardio-protective and the anticancer properties of resveratrol and its analogs. Thereafter, we will discuss the challenges that face the clinical application of these agents. To conclude, we will highlight important gaps of knowledge and future research directions to accelerate the translation of these exciting preclinical findings to cancer patient care.

Green Synthesis of Gold Nanoparticles Using Carrageenan Oligosaccharide and Their In Vitro Antitumor Activity

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) have been widely used in catalysis, photothermal therapy, and targeted drug delivery. Carrageenan oligosaccharide (CAO) derived from marine red algae was used as a reducing and capping agent to obtain AuNPs by an eco-friendly, efficient, and simple synthetic route for the first time. The synthetic conditions of AuNPs were optimized by response surface methodology (RSM), and the CAO-AuNPs obtained were demonstrated to be ellipsoidal, stable and crystalline by means of transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The CAO-AuNPs showed localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) oscillation at about 530 nm with a mean diameter of 35 ± 8 nm. The zeta potential of CAO-AuNPs was around -20 mV, which was related to the negatively charged CAO around AuNPs. The CAO-AuNPs exhibited significant cytotoxic activities to HCT-116 and MDA-MB-231 cells, which could be a promising nanomaterial for drug delivery.

Polymer decorated gold nanoparticles in nanomedicine conjugates

Noble metal, especially gold nanoparticles and their conjugates with biopolymers have immense potential for disease diagnosis and therapy on account of their surface plasmon resonance (SPR) enhanced light scattering and absorption. Conjugation of noble metal nanoparticles to ligands specifically targeted to biomarkers on diseased cells allows molecular-specific imaging and detection of disease. The development of smart gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) that can deliver therapeutics at a sustained rate directly to cancer cells may provide better efficacy and lower toxicity for treating cancer tumors. We highlight some of the promising classes of targeting systems that are under development for the delivery of gold nanoparticles. Nanoparticles designed for biomedical applications are often coated with polymers containing reactive functional groups to conjugate targeting ligands, cell receptors or drugs. Using targeted nanoparticles to deliver chemotherapeutic agents in cancer therapy offers many advantages to improve drug/gene delivery and to overcome many problems associated with conventional radiotherapy and chemotherapy. The targeted nanoparticles were found to be effective in killing cancer cells which were studied using various anticancer assays. Cell morphological analysis shows the changes occurred in cancer cells during the treatment with AuNPs. The results determine the influence of particle size and concentration of AuNPs on their absorption, accumulation, and cytotoxicity in model normal and cancer cells. As the mean particle diameter of the AuNPs decreased, their rate of absorption by the intestinal epithelium cells increased. These results provide important insights into the relationship between the dimensions of AuNPs and their gastrointestinal uptake and potential cytotoxicity. Furthermore gold nanoparticles efficiently convert the absorbed light into localized heat, which can be exploited for the selective laser photothermal therapy of cancer. We also review the emerging technologies for the fabrication of targeted gold colloids as imagining agents.

Highlights in nanocarriers for the treatment against cervical cancer

Cervical cancer is the second most common malignant tumor in women worldwide and has a high mortality rate, especially when it is associated with human papillomavirus (HPV). In US, an estimated 12,820 cases of invasive cervical cancer and an estimated 4210 deaths from this cancer will occur in 2017. With rare and very aggressive conventional treatments, one sees in the real need of new alternatives of therapy as the delivery of chemotherapeutic agents by nanocarriers using nanotechnology. This review covers different drug delivery systems applied in the treatment of cervical cancer, such as solid lipid nanoparticles (SNLs), liposomes, nanoemulsions and polymeric nanoparticles (PNPs). The main advantages of drug delivery thus improving pharmacological activity, improving solubility, bioavailability to bioavailability reducing toxicity in the target tissue by targeting of ligands, thus facilitating new innovative therapeutic technologies in a too much needed area. Among the main disadvantage is the still high cost of production of these nanocarriers. Therefore, the aim this paper is review the nanotechnology based drug delivery systems in the treatment of cervical cancer.

Drug Delivery Approaches for the Treatment of Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer is a highly prevalent cancer that affects women around the world. With the availability of new technologies, researchers have increased their efforts to develop new drug delivery systems in cervical cancer chemotherapy. In this review, we summarized some of the recent research in systematic and localized drug delivery systems and compared the advantages and disadvantages of these methods.

In vitro cytotoxicity and phototoxicity of surface-modified gold nanoparticles associated with neutral red as a potential drug delivery system in phototherapy

The surface of gold nanoparticles (AuNP) was modified, improving their interaction with neutral red (NR), by using sodium thioglycolate (TGA) as a covering agent. The resulting NR-AuNPTGA system was evaluated as a potential drug delivery system for photodynamic therapy (PDT). The associations of NR with the gold nanoparticles were evaluated using UV-vis spectrometry and measurement of their zeta potential and size distribution. The toxicity and phototoxicity of NR, AuNPTGA and NR-AuNPTGA were evaluated in NIH-3T3 fibroblast and 4T1 tumor cell lines. The compounds NR and NR-AuNPTGA induced toxicity in 4T1 tumor cells and NIH-3T3 fibroblasts under visible light irradiation. Modification of the surface of AuNP with TGA prevented nanoparticle aggregation and allowed greater association with NR molecules than for naked AuNP. The photosensitizer (PS) characteristics were not affected by its association with the modified surface of the gold nanoparticles, leading to a reduction of cell viability in both cell lines assayed. This NR-AuNPTGA system is a promising drug delivery system for photodynamic cancer therapy.