Folic acid conjugated Prussian blue nanoparticles: Synthesis, physicochemical characterization and targeted cancer cell sensing

Research progress on the synthesis, performance regulation, and applications of Prussian blue nanozymes

Nanocatalytic medicine offers a novel solution to address the issues of low efficacy, potential side effects, and the development of drug resistance associated with traditional therapies. Therefore, developing highly efficient and durable nanozymes is of great significance for treating diseases related to oxidative stress. In recent years, prussian blue nanoparticles (PBNPs) have been demonstrated to possess multiple enzyme-like catalytic activities and are thus referred to as prussian blue nanozymes (PBNZs). Their excellent biocompatibility and biodegradability make PBNZs promising candidates as biomedical materials. Due to their remarkable catalytic activities, PBNZs have shown great potential in various biomedical applications, such as heavy metal detoxification, antioxidative damage, and anticancer therapies. This paper systematically summarizes the Synthetic strategies of PBNZs, analyzes the regulatory factors of their catalytic performance, and highlights the corresponding modulation methods. Furthermore, the biomedical applications of PBNZs are also reviewed. This study aims to provide researchers with insights and inspirations for the design and preparation of high-performance PBNZs.

Nanosized Prussian blue and its analogs for bioimaging and cancer theranostics

Prussian blue (PB) nanoparticles (NPs) and Prussian blue analogs (PBAs) can form metal-organic frameworks through the programmable coordination of ferrous ions with cyanide. PB and PBAs represent a burgeoning class of hybrid functional nano-systems with a wide-ranging application spectrum encompassing biomedicine, cancer diagnosis, and therapy. A comprehensive overview of recent advancements is crucial for gaining insights for future research. In this context, we reviewed the synthesis techniques and surface modification strategies employed to tailor the dimensions, morphology, and attributes of PB NPs. Subsequently, we explored advanced biomedical utilities of PB NPs, encompassing photoacoustic imaging, magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasound (US) imaging, and multimodal imaging. In particular, the application of PB NPs-mediated photothermal therapy, photodynamic therapy, and chemodynamic therapy to cancer treatment was reviewed. Based on the literature, we envision an evolving trajectory wherein the future of Prussian blue-driven biological applications converge into an integrated theranostic platform, seamlessly amalgamating bioimaging and cancer therapy. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Prussian blue, an FDA-approved coordinative pigment with a centuries-long legacy, has paved the way for Prussian blue nanoparticles (PB NPs), renowned for their remarkable biocompatibility and biosafety. These PB NPs have found their niche in biomedicine, playing crucial roles in both diagnostics and therapeutic applications. The comprehensive review goes beyond PB NP-based cancer therapy. Alongside in-depth coverage of PB NP synthesis and surface modifications, the review delves into their cutting-edge applications in the realm of biomedical imaging, encompassing techniques such as photoacoustic imaging, magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasound imaging, and multimodal imaging.

Recent progress of targeted nanocarriers in diagnostic, therapeutic, and theranostic applications in colorectal cancer

Cancer at the lower end of the digestive tract, colorectal cancer (CRC), starts with asymptomatic polyps, which can be diagnosed as cancer at a later stage. It is the fourth leading cause of malignancy-associated mortality worldwide. Despite progress in conventional treatment strategies, the possibility to overcome the mortality and morbidity issues with the enhancement of the lifespan of CRC patients is limited. With the advent of nanocarrier-based drug delivery systems, a promising revolution has been made in diagnosis, treatment, and theranostic purposes for cancer management. Herein, we reviewed the progress of miniaturized nanocarriers, such as liposomes, niosomes, solid lipid nanoparticles, micelles, and polymeric nanoparticles, employed in passive and active targeting and their role in theranostic applications in CRC. With this novel scope, the diagnosis and treatment of CRC have proceeded to the forefront of innovation, where specific characteristics of the nanocarriers, such as processability, flexibility in developing precise architecture, improved circulation, site-specific delivery, and rapid response, facilitate the management of cancer patients. Furthermore, surface-engineered technologies for the nanocarriers could involve receptor-mediated deliveries towards the overexpressed receptors on the CRC microenvironment. Moreover, the potential of clinical translation of these targeted miniaturized formulations as well as the possible limitations and barriers that could impact this translation into clinical practice were highlighted. The advancement of these newest developments in clinical research and progress into the commercialization stage gives hope for a better tomorrow.

Synthesis of Prussian Blue Nanoparticles and Their Antibacterial, Antiinflammation and Antitumor Applications

In recent years, Prussian blue nanoparticles (PBNPs), also named Prussian blue nano-enzymes, have been shown to demonstrate excellent multi-enzyme simulation activity and anti-inflammatory properties, and can be used as reactive oxygen scavengers. Their good biocompatibility and biodegradability mean that they are ideal candidates for in vivo use. PBNPs are highly efficient electron transporters with oxidation and reduction activities. PBNPs also show considerable promise as nano-drug carriers and biological detection sensors owing to their huge specific surface area, good chemical characteristics, and changeable qualities, which might considerably increase the therapeutic impact. More crucially, PBNPs, as therapeutic and diagnostic agents, have made significant advances in biological nanomedicine. This review begins with a brief description of the synthesis methods of PBNPs, then focuses on the applications of PBNPs in tissue regeneration and inflammation according to the different properties of PBNPs. This article will provide a timely reference for further study of PBNPs as therapeutic agents.

Characterization of folic acid-functionalized PLA-PEG nanomicelle to deliver Letrozole: A nanoinformatics study

Effective cancer treatment is currently the number one challenge to human health. To date, several treatment methods have been introduced for cancer cell targeting. Among the proposed new methods for attacking cancer cells, nanotechnology has attracted much attention. Hence, various nanocarriers have been developed for targeted delivery of available drugs and improve their effectiveness against malignant cells. The PLA-PEG functionalised with folic acid (PLA-PEG-FA) is one of the nanocarriers with a limited range of applications for targeting cancer cells. In this investigation, different types of in-silico methods such as molecular docking approach, molecular dynamics simulation and free energy calculations are employed to characterise the carriers studied. The effectiveness of PLA-PEG-FA and PLA-PEG in delivering Letrozole as an aromatase inhibitor in cancer cells is examined. It is found that in the presence of folic acid, the stability and cell membrane permeability of nanomicelle are increased. Therefore, PLA-PEG-FA can be considered as a versatile carrier that can increase the effectiveness of aromatase inhibitors (such as Letrozole) and reduce their side effects.

Post-synthetic modification of Prussian blue type nanoparticles: tailoring the chemical and physical properties

This review focuses on recent advances in the post-synthetic modification of nano-sized Prussian blue and its analogues and compares them with the current strategies used in metal–organic frameworks to give future outlooks in this field.

Electrochemical Sensors for Detection of Markers on Tumor Cells

In recent years, the increasing incidence and mortality of cancer have inspired the development of accurate and rapid early diagnosis methods in order to successfully cure cancer; however, conventional methods used for detecting tumor cells, including histopathological and immunological methods, often involve complex operation processes, high analytical costs, and high false positive rates, in addition to requiring experienced personnel. With the rapid emergence of sensing techniques, electrochemical cytosensors have attracted wide attention in the field of tumor cell detection because of their advantages, such as their high sensitivity, simple equipment, and low cost. These cytosensors are not only able to differentiate tumor cells from normal cells, but can also allow targeted protein detection of tumor cells. In this review, the research achievements of various electrochemical cytosensors for tumor cell detection reported in the past five years are reviewed, including the structures, detection ranges, and detection limits of the cytosensors. Certain trends and prospects related to the electrochemical cytosensors are also discussed.

Electrochemical sensing technology for liquid biopsy of circulating tumor cells-a review

In recent years, a lot of new detection techniques for circulating tumor cells (CTCs) have been developed. Among them, electrochemical sensing technology has gradually developed because of its advantages of good selectivity, high sensitivity, low cost and rapid detection. Especially in the latest decade, the field of electrochemical biosensing has witnessed great progress, thanks to the merging of biosensing research area with nanotechnology, immunotechnology, nucleic acid technology, and microfluidic technology. In this review, the recent progress for the detection of CTCs according to the principle of detection was summarized and how they can contribute to the enhanced performance of such biosensors was explained. The latest electrode construction strategies such as rolling circle amplification reaction, DNA walker and microfluidic technology and their advantages were also introduced emphatically. Moreover, the main reasonswhy the existing biosensors have not been widely used clinically and the next research points were clearly put forward.

Magnetically responsive, sorafenib loaded alginate microspheres for hepatocellular carcinoma treatment

This study aimed to develop sorafenib loaded magnetic microspheres for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma. To achieve this goal, superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) were synthesised and encapsulated in alginate microspheres together with an antineoplastic agent, sorafenib. In the study, firstly SPIONs were synthesised and characterised by dynamic light scattering, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. Then, alginate-SPIONs microspheres were developed, and further characterised by electron spin resonance spectrometer and vibrating sample magnetometer. Besides the magnetic properties of SPIONs, alginate microspheres with SPIONs were also found to have magnetic properties. The potential use of microspheres in hyperthermia treatment was then investigated and an increase of about 4°C in the environment was found out. Drug release studies and cytotoxicity tests were performed after sorafenib was encapsulated into the magnetic microspheres. According to release studies, sorafenib has been released from microspheres for 8 h. Cytotoxicity tests showed that alginate-SPION-sorafenib microspheres were highly effective against cancerous cells and promising for cancer therapy.