Fullerene-based delivery systems

The anti-oxidation related bioactive materials for intervertebral disc degeneration regeneration and repair

Intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) is a prevalent chronic spinal condition characterized by the deterioration of the intervertebral discs (IVD), leading to structural damage and associated pain. This degenerative process is closely linked to oxidative stress injury, which plays a pivotal role in its onset and progression. Oxidative stress in IVDD results from the excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and impaired ROS clearance mechanisms, disrupting the redox balance within the intervertebral disc. Consequently, oxidative stress contributes to the degradation of the extracellular matrix (ECM), promotes cell apoptosis, and exacerbates disc tissue damage. Current treatment options for IVDD face significant challenges in effectively alleviating the oxidative stress-induced damage and facilitating disc tissue repair. However, recent advancements in biomaterials have opened new avenues of hope for IVDD treatment by addressing oxidative stress. In this review, we first provide an overview of the pathophysiological process of IVDD and explore the mechanisms and pathways associated with oxidative stress injury. Then, we delve into the current research on antioxidant biomaterials employed in the treatment of IVDD, and outline the advantages and limitations of hydrogel, nanomaterials, polyphenol and inorganic materials. Finally, we propose the future research direction of antioxidant biomaterials in IVDD treatment. The main idea of this review is shown in Scheme 1.

β-Cyclodextrin-based geometrically frustrated amphiphiles as one-component, cell-specific and organ-specific nucleic acid delivery systems

We introduce an innovative β-cyclodextrin (βCD)-prototype for delivering nucleic acids: "geometrically frustrated amphiphiles (GFAs)." GFAs are designed with cationic centers evenly distributed across the primary O6 and secondary O2 positions of the βCD scaffold, while hydrophobic tails are anchored at the seven O3 positions. Such distribution of functional elements differs from Janus-type architectures and enlarges the capacity for accessing strictly monodisperse variants. Changes at the molecular level can then be correlated with preferred self-assembly and plasmid DNA (pDNA) co-assembly behaviors. Specifically, GFAs undergo pH-dependent transition between bilayered to monolayered vesicles or individual molecules. GFA-pDNA nanocomplexes exhibit topological and internal order characteristics that are also a function of the GFA molecular architecture. Notably, adjusting the pKa of the cationic heads and the hydrophilic-hydrophobic balance, pupa-like arrangements implying axial alignments of GFA units flanked by quasi-parallel pDNA segments are preferred. In vitro cell transfection studies revealed remarkable differences in relative performances, which corresponded to distinct organ targeting outcomes in vivo. This allowed for preferential delivery to the liver and lung, kidney or spleen. The results collectively highlight cyclodextrin-based GFAs as a promising class of molecular vectors capable of finely tuning cell and organ transfection selectivity.

Buckyballs to fight pandemic: Water-soluble fullerene derivatives with pendant carboxylic groups emerge as a new family of promising SARS-CoV-2 inhibitors

Herein, we present the first experimental study of individual water-soluble fullerene derivatives proving their ability to inhibit SARS-CoV-2 in vitro. The initial screening allowed us to identify a few new compounds that have demonstrated pronounced antiviral activity with IC50 values as low as 390 nM and selectivity indexes reaching 214. Time-of-addition analysis and molecular docking results suggested that the viral protease and/or the spike protein are the most probable targets inhibited by the fullerene derivatives. Further rational design of fullerene derivatives might lead to the development of compounds with further enhanced antiviral activity and decreased toxicity.

Nanosystems for targeted drug Delivery: Innovations and challenges in overcoming the Blood-Brain barrier for neurodegenerative disease and cancer therapy

The evolution of sophisticated nanosystems has revolutionized biomedicine, notably in treating neurodegenerative diseases and cancer. These systems show potential in delivering medication precisely to affected tissues, improving treatment effectiveness while minimizing side effects. Nevertheless, a major hurdle in targeted drug delivery is breaching the blood-brain barrier (BBB), a selective shield separating the bloodstream from the brain and spinal cord. The tight junctions between endothelial cells in brain capillaries create a formidable physical barrier, alongside efflux transporters that expel harmful molecules. This presents a notable challenge for brain drug delivery. Nanosystems present distinct advantages in overcoming BBB challenges, offering enhanced drug efficacy, reduced side effects, improved stability, and controlled release. Despite their promise, challenges persist, such as the BBB's regional variability hindering uniform drug distribution. Efflux transporters can also limit therapeutic agent efficacy, while nanosystem toxicity necessitates rigorous safety evaluations. Understanding the long-term impact of nanomaterials on the brain remains crucial. Additionally, addressing nanosystem scalability, cost-effectiveness, and safety profiles is vital for widespread clinical implementation. This review delves into the advancements and obstacles of advanced nanosystems in targeted drug delivery for neurodegenerative diseases and cancer therapy, with a focus on overcoming the BBB.

Drug delivery for age-related bone diseases: From therapeutic targets to common and emerging therapeutic strategies

With the accumulation of knowledge on aging, people have gradually realized that among the many factors that cause individual aging, the accumulation of aging cells is an essential cause of organ degeneration and, ultimately, age-related diseases. Most cells present in the bone microenvironment gradually age over time, leading to an imbalance of osteogenesis, osteoclastogenesis, adipogenesis, and chondrogenesis. This imbalance contributes to age-related bone loss and the development of age-related bone diseases, such as osteoporosis. Bone aging can prolong the lifespan and delay the development of age-related diseases. Nanoparticles have controllable and stable physical and chemical properties and can precisely target different tissues and organs. By preparing multiple easily modified and biocompatible nanoparticles as different drug delivery carriers, specifically targeting various diseased tissues for controlled-release and sustained-release administration, the delivery efficiency of drugs can be significantly improved, and the toxicity and side effects of drugs can be substantially reduced, thereby improving the therapeutic effect of age-related bone diseases. In addition, other novel anti-aging strategies (such as stem cell exosomes) also have significant scientific and practical significance in anti-aging research on age-related bone diseases. This article reviews the research progress of various nano-drug-loaded particles and emerging anti-aging methods for treating age-related bone diseases, offering new insights and directions for precise targeted clinical therapies.

Advances in the delivery of anticancer drugs by nanoparticles and chitosan-based nanoparticles

Cancer is the leading cause of death globally, and conventional treatments have limited efficacy with severe side effects. The use of nanotechnology has the potential to reduce the side effects of drugs by creating efficient and controlled anticancer drug delivery systems. Nanoparticles (NPs) used as drug carriers offer several advantages, including enhanced drug protection, biodistribution, selectivity and, pharmacokinetics. Therefore, this review is devoted to various organic (lipid, polymeric) as well as inorganic nanoparticles based on different building units and providing a wide range of potent anticancer drug delivery systems. Within these nanoparticulate systems, chitosan (CS)-based NPs are discussed with particular emphasis due to the unique properties of CS and its derivatives including non-toxicity, biodegradability, mucoadhesivity, and tunable physico-chemical as well as biological properties allowing their alteration to specifically target cancer cells. In the context of streamlining the nanoparticulate drug delivery systems (DDS), innovative nanoplatform-based cancer therapy pathways involving passive and active targeting as well as stimuli-responsive DDS enhancing overall orthogonality of developed NP-DDS towards the target are included. The most up-to-date information on delivering anti-cancer drugs using modern dosage forms based on various nanoparticulate systems and, specifically, CSNPs, are summarised and evaluated concerning their benefits, limitations, and advanced applications.

Engineering carbon-based nanomaterials for the delivery of platinum compounds: An innovative cancer disarming frontier

Carbon-based nanomaterials have been frequently used as one of the most advanced and fascinating nanocarriers for drug delivery applications due to their unique physicochemical properties. Varying types of carbon nanomaterials (CNMs) including carbon nanotubes, graphene, graphene oxides, carbon nanohorns, fullerenes, carbon nanodots, and carbon nanodiamonds are promising candidates for designing novel systems to deliver platinum compounds. CNMs modification with various moieties renders vast bio-applications in the area of targeted and organelle-specific cancer therapy. This review featured an updated and concise summarizations of various types of CNMs, their synthesis, advantages and disadvantages including potential bio-toxicity for biomedical applications. The therapeutic utility of CNMs and their efficacy have been noticed and for the first time, this review addressed CNMs-focused applications on the delivery of platinum-derivatives to the cancer site. Collectively, the contents of this review will assist researchers to focus on the possible fabrication, bio-functionalization and designing methods of CNMs to the further development of their future biomedical implementations.

Mechanism for Site-Selective Hydroboration of C70 Fullerene with Borane by DFT-D3 Study

We studied the hydroboration of the C70 fullerene using both B3LYP-D3(BJ)/6-311G(d,p) and M06-2X-D3/6-311G(d,p) levels of theory, incorporating the empirical dispersion interaction, and Fukui index calculations. Potential energy surfaces (PESs) and Gibbs free energy surfaces (GFESs) were calculated for the pathways from four BH3 adducts (located at the AB, CC, D, and E sites) on the C70 to eight products formed by the 1,2-addition of BH3 across the four [6,6]-ring fused bonds (AB, CC, DE, and EE) and across the two [5,6]-ring fused bonds (AA and DD). These pathways are two-step consecutive reactions. We denoted the positions on the fullerene cage as A through E, from the pole to the equator, based on the D5h symmetry of the C70 fullerene. In the first step reaction, the product ratios for the four adduct intermediates should be as the primary intermediate BH3(D), the secondary intermediate BH3(AB), the tertiary intermediate BH3(CC), and the minor intermediate BH3(E), based on the Fukui indices. In addition, in the second step reaction, transition states (TSs) from four adduct intermediates to eight product isomers, namely, BH2(A)H (B) to BH2(E)H (E), were obtained using the QST2 method. The calculated reaction coordinates showed exothermic reactions for all bonds except the EE bond. We also confirmed the transition states by frequency calculations and intrinsic reaction coordinate (IRC) analyses. The PESs and GFESs suggest spontaneous processes for the four isomers, of which the primary products are BH2(A)H (B) and its isomer BH2(B)H (A), the secondary product is BH2(C)H (C), and the tertiary product is BH2(D)H (D), all formed through adduct intermediates. Therefore, through the hydroboration reaction of C70, we could predict and design the site selectivity of C70 by controlling the energy barrier of the transition state in the second step of the reaction. This implies that we could selectively synthesize mainly BH2(B)H (A) isomers across the AB-[6,6]-ring fused bond and also design BH2(D)H(D) isomers across the DD-[5,6]-ring fused bond. Also, the calculations of formation rate constants can well simulate the experimental ratio of two C70H2 isomers by the hydrolysis of BH2(A)H(B), BH2(B)H(A), and BH2(C)H(C) products at room temperature.

Immunodetection of Poorly Soluble Substances: Limitations and Their Overcoming

Immunoassays based on the specific antigen-antibody interactions are efficient tools to detect various compounds and estimate their content. Usually, these assays are implemented in water-saline media with composition close to physiological conditions. However, many substances are insoluble or cannot be molecularly dispersed in such media, which objectively creates problems when interacting in aquatic environments. Thus, obtaining immunoreactants and implementing immunoassays of these substances need special methodological solutions. Hydrophobicity of antigens as well as their limited ability to functionalization and conjugation are often overlooked when developing immunoassays for these compounds. The main key finding is the possibility to influence the behavior of hydrophobic compounds for immunoassays, which requires specific approaches summarized in the review. Using the examples of two groups of compounds-surfactants (alkyl- and bisphenols) and fullerenes, we systematized the existing knowledge and experience in the development of immunoassays. This review addresses the challenges of immunodetection of poorly soluble substances and proposes solutions such as the use of hydrotropes, other solubilization techniques, and alternative receptors (aptamers and molecularly imprinted polymers).

Fullerene Derivatives for Tumor Treatment: Mechanisms and Application

Fullerenes hold tremendous potential as alternatives to conventional chemotherapy or radiotherapy for tumor treatment due to their abilities to photodynamically kill tumor cells, destroy the tumor vasculature, inhibit tumor metastasis and activate anti-tumor immune responses, while protecting normal tissue through antioxidative effects. The symmetrical hollow molecular structures of fullerenes with abundant C=C bonds allow versatile chemical modification with diverse functional groups, metal clusters and biomacromolecules to synthesize a wide range of fullerene derivatives with increased water solubility, improved biocompatibility, enhanced photodynamic properties and stronger targeting abilities. This review introduces the anti-tumor mechanisms of fullerenes and summarizes the most recent works on the functionalization of fullerenes and the application of fullerene derivatives in tumor treatment. This review aims to serve as a valuable reference for further development and clinical application of anti-tumor fullerene derivatives.

What is the Reason That the Pharmacological Future of Chemotherapeutics in the Treatment of Lung Cancer Could Be Most Closely Related to Nanostructures? Platinum Drugs in Therapy of Non-Small and Small Cell Lung Cancer and Their Unexpected, Possible Interactions. The Review

Over the course of several decades, anticancer treatment with chemotherapy drugs for lung cancer has not changed significantly. Unfortunately, this treatment prolongs the patient's life only by a few months, causing many side effects in the human body. It has also been proven that drugs such as Cisplatin, Carboplatin, Oxaliplatin and others can react with other substances containing an aromatic ring in which the nitrogen atom has a free electron group in its structure. Thus, such structures may have a competitive effect on the nucleobases of DNA. Therefore, scientists are looking not only for new drugs, but also for new alternative ways of delivering the drug to the cancer site. Nanotechnology seems to be a great hope in this matter. Creating a new nanomedicine would reduce the dose of the drug to an absolute minimum, and thus limit the toxic effect of the drug; it would allow for the exclusion of interactions with competitive compounds with a structure similar to nucleobases; it would also permit using the so-called targeted treatment and bypassing healthy cells; it would allow for the introduction of other treatment options, such as radiotherapy directly to the cancer site; and it would provide diagnostic possibilities. This article is a review that aims to systematize the knowledge regarding the anticancer treatment of lung cancer, but not only. It shows the clear possibility of interactions of chemotherapeutics with compounds competitive to the nitrogenous bases of DNA. It also shows the possibilities of using nanostructures as potential Platinum drug carriers, and proves that nanomedicine can easily become a new medicinal product in personalized medicine.

Carbon materials and their metal composites for biomedical applications: A short review

Carbon materials and their hybrid metal composites have garnered significant attention in biomedical applications due to their exceptional biocompatibility. This biocompatibility arises from their inherent chemical stability and low toxicity within biological systems. This review offers a comprehensive overview of carbon nanomaterials and their metal composites, emphasizing their biocompatibility-focused applications, including drug delivery, bioimaging, biosensing, and tissue engineering. The paper outlines advancements in surface modifications, coatings, and functionalization techniques designed to enhance the biocompatibility of carbon materials, ensuring minimal adverse effects in biological systems. A comprehensive investigation into hybrid composites integrating carbon nanomaterials is conducted, categorizing them as fullerenes, carbon quantum dots, carbon nanotubes, carbon nanofibers, graphene, and diamond-like carbon. The concluding section addresses regulatory considerations and challenges associated with integrating carbon materials into medical devices. This review culminates by providing insights into current achievements, challenges, and future directions, underscoring the pivotal role of carbon nanomaterials and their metal composites in advancing biocompatible applications.

Advances in nucleic acid therapeutics: structures, delivery systems, and future perspectives in cancer treatment

Cancer has emerged as a significant threat to human health. Nucleic acid therapeutics regulate the gene expression process by introducing exogenous nucleic acid fragments, offering new possibilities for tumor remission and even cure. Their mechanism of action and high specificity demonstrate great potential in cancer treatment. However, nucleic acid drugs face challenges such as low stability and limited ability to cross physiological barriers in vivo. To address these issues, various nucleic acid delivery vectors have been developed to enhance the stability and facilitate precise targeted delivery of nucleic acid drugs within the body. In this review article, we primarily introduce the structures and principles of nucleic acid drugs commonly used in cancer therapy, as well as their cellular uptake and intracellular transportation processes. We focus on the various vectors commonly employed in nucleic acid drug delivery, highlighting their research progress and applications in recent years. Furthermore, we propose potential trends and prospects of nucleic acid drugs and their carriers in the future.

Formation of a low-symmetry Pd8 molecular barrel employing a hetero donor tetradentate ligand, and its use in the binding and extraction of C70

The majority of reported metallo-supramolecules are highly symmetric homoleptic assemblies of M x L y type, with a few reports on assemblies that are obtained using multicomponent self-assembly or using ambidentate ligands. Herein, we report the use of an unsymmetrical tetratopic ligand (Lun) containing pyridyl and imidazole donor sites in combination with a cis-protected Pd(ii) acceptor for the formation of a low-symmetry M8Lun 4 molecular barrel (UNMB). Four potential orientational isomeric (HHHH, HHHT, HHTT, and HTHT) molecular barrels can be anticipated for the M8Lun 4 type metallo-assemblies. However, the formation of an orientational isomer (HHTT) of the barrel was suggested from single-crystal X-ray diffraction and 1H NMR analysis of UNMB. Two large open apertures at terminals and the hydrophobic confined space surrounded by four aromatic panels of Lun make UNMB a potential host for bigger guests. UNMB encapsulates fullerenes C70 and C60 favoured by non-covalent interactions between the fullerenes and aromatic panels of the ligand molecules. Experimental and theoretical studies revealed that UNMB has the ability to bind C70 more strongly than its lower analogue C60. The stronger affinity of UNMB towards C70 was exploited to separate C70 from an equimolar mixture of C70 and C60. Moreover, C70 can be extracted from the C70⊂UNMB complex by toluene, and therefore, UNMB can be reused as a recyclable separating agent for C70 extraction.

Investigation the behavior of different fullerenes on graphene surface

In the present study, the regime of motion of fullerene molecules on graphene substrate in a specific temperature range is investigated. The potential energy of fullerene molecules is analyzed using classical molecular dynamics methods. Fullerene molecules C36, C50, C60, C76, C80, and C90 are selected due to spherical shapes of different sizes and good motion performance in previous studies. Analysis of the motion regime at different temperatures is one of the main objectives of this study. To achieve this aim, the translational and rotational movements of fullerene molecules are studied independently. In the first step of the investigation, Lennard-Jone's potential energy of fullerene molecules is calculated. Subsequently, the motion regime of different fullerenes is classified based on their displacement and diffusion coefficient. Findings indicate C60 is not appropriate in all conditions. However, C90 and C76 molecules are found to be appropriate candidates in most cases in different conditions. As far as a straight-line movement is considered, the deviation of fullerene molecules is compared by their angular velocities. Although C60 has a lower angular velocity due to its symmetrical shape, it may not move well due to its low diffusion coefficient. Overall, our study helps to understand the performance of different fullerene molecules on graphene substrate and find their possible applications, especially as wheels in nanomachine or nanocarrier structures.

Innovative Nanotechnology in Drug Delivery Systems for Advanced Treatment of Posterior Segment Ocular Diseases

Funduscopic diseases, including diabetic retinopathy (DR) and age-related macular degeneration (AMD), significantly impact global visual health, leading to impaired vision and irreversible blindness. Delivering drugs to the posterior segment of the eye remains a challenge due to the presence of multiple physiological and anatomical barriers. Conventional drug delivery methods often prove ineffective and may cause side effects. Nanomaterials, characterized by their small size, large surface area, tunable properties, and biocompatibility, enhance the permeability, stability, and targeting of drugs. Ocular nanomaterials encompass a wide range, including lipid nanomaterials, polymer nanomaterials, metal nanomaterials, carbon nanomaterials, quantum dot nanomaterials, and so on. These innovative materials, often combined with hydrogels and exosomes, are engineered to address multiple mechanisms, including macrophage polarization, reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging, and anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Compared to conventional modalities, nanomedicines achieve regulated and sustained delivery, reduced administration frequency, prolonged drug action, and minimized side effects. This study delves into the obstacles encountered in drug delivery to the posterior segment and highlights the progress facilitated by nanomedicine. Prospectively, these findings pave the way for next-generation ocular drug delivery systems and deeper clinical research, aiming to refine treatments, alleviate the burden on patients, and ultimately improve visual health globally.

A Comprehensive Review of Nanoparticles: From Classification to Application and Toxicity

Nanoparticles are structures that possess unique properties with high surface area-to-volume ratio. Their small size, up to 100 nm, and potential for surface modifications have enabled their use in a wide range of applications. Various factors influence the properties and applications of NPs, including the synthesis method and physical attributes such as size and shape. Additionally, the materials used in the synthesis of NPs are primary determinants of their application. Based on the chosen material, NPs are generally classified into three categories: organic, inorganic, and carbon-based. These categories include a variety of materials, such as proteins, polymers, metal ions, lipids and derivatives, magnetic minerals, and so on. Each material possesses unique attributes that influence the activity and application of the NPs. Consequently, certain NPs are typically used in particular areas because they possess higher efficiency along with tenable toxicity. Therefore, the classification and the base material in the NP synthesis hold significant importance in both NP research and application. In this paper, we discuss these classifications, exemplify most of the major materials, and categorize them according to their preferred area of application. This review provides an overall review of the materials, including their application, and toxicity.

Graphene-Based Photodynamic Therapy and Overcoming Cancer Resistance Mechanisms: A Comprehensive Review

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a non-invasive therapy that has made significant progress in treating different diseases, including cancer, by utilizing new nanotechnology products such as graphene and its derivatives. Graphene-based materials have large surface area and photothermal effects thereby making them suitable candidates for PDT or photo-active drug carriers. The remarkable photophysical properties of graphene derivates facilitate the efficient generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) upon light irradiation, which destroys cancer cells. Surface functionalization of graphene and its materials can also enhance their biocompatibility and anticancer activity. The paper delves into the distinct roles played by graphene-based materials in PDT such as photosensitizers (PS) and drug carriers while at the same time considers how these materials could be used to circumvent cancer resistance. This will provide readers with an extensive discussion of various pathways contributing to PDT inefficiency. Consequently, this comprehensive review underscores the vital roles that graphene and its derivatives may play in emerging PDT strategies for cancer treatment and other medical purposes. With a better comprehension of the current state of research and the existing challenges, the integration of graphene-based materials in PDT holds great promise for developing targeted, effective, and personalized cancer treatments.

Integrating Explicit and Implicit Fullerene Models into UNRES Force Field for Protein Interaction Studies

Fullerenes, particularly C60, exhibit unique properties that make them promising candidates for various applications, including drug delivery and nanomedicine. However, their interactions with biomolecules, especially proteins, remain not fully understood. This study implements both explicit and implicit C60 models into the UNRES coarse-grained force field, enabling the investigation of fullerene-protein interactions without the need for restraints to stabilize protein structures. The UNRES force field offers computational efficiency, allowing for longer timescale simulations while maintaining accuracy. Five model proteins were studied: FK506 binding protein, HIV-1 protease, intestinal fatty acid binding protein, PCB-binding protein, and hen egg-white lysozyme. Molecular dynamics simulations were performed with and without C60 to assess protein stability and investigate the impact of fullerene interactions. Analysis of contact probabilities reveals distinct interaction patterns for each protein. FK506 binding protein (1FKF) shows specific binding sites, while intestinal fatty acid binding protein (1ICN) and uteroglobin (1UTR) exhibit more generalized interactions. The explicit C60 model shows good agreement with all-atom simulations in predicting protein flexibility, the position of C60 in the binding pocket, and the estimation of effective binding energies. The integration of explicit and implicit C60 models into the UNRES force field, coupled with recent advances in coarse-grained modeling and multiscale approaches, provides a powerful framework for investigating protein-nanoparticle interactions at biologically relevant scales without the need to use restraints stabilizing the protein, thus allowing for large conformational changes to occur. These computational tools, in synergy with experimental techniques, can aid in understanding the mechanisms and consequences of nanoparticle-biomolecule interactions, guiding the design of nanomaterials for biomedical applications.

From lab to ecosystem: Understanding the ecological footprints of engineered nanoparticles

Nanotechnology has attained significant attention from researchers in past decades due to its numerous advantages, such as biocompatibility, biodegradability, and improved stability over conventional drug delivery systems. The fabrication of engineered nanoparticles (ENPs), including carbon nanotubes (CNTs), fullerenes, metallic and metal oxide-based NPs, has been steadily increasing day due to their wide range of applications from household to industrial applications. Fabricated ENPs can release different materials into the environment during their fabrication process. The effect of such materials on the environment is the primary concern with due diligence on the safety and efficacy of prepared NPs. In addition, an understanding of chemistry, reactivity, fabrication process, and viable mechanism of NPs involved in the interaction with the environment is very important. To date, only a limited number of techniques are available to assess ENPs in the natural environment which makes it difficult to ascertain the impact of ENPs in natural settings. This review extensively examines the environmental effects of ENPs and briefly discusses useful tools for determining NP size, surface charge, surface area, and external appearance. In conclusion, the review highlights the potential risks associated with ENPs and suggests possible solutions.

A Molecular Dynamics Simulation of Complexes of Fullerenes and Lysine-Based Peptide Dendrimers with and without Glycine Spacers

The development of new nanocontainers for hydrophobic drugs is one of the most important tasks of drug delivery. Dendrimers with hydrophobic interiors and soluble terminal groups have already been used as drug carriers. However, the most convenient candidates for this purpose are peptide dendrimers since their interiors could be modified by hydrophobic amino acid residues with a greater affinity for the transported molecules. The goal of this work is to perform the first molecular dynamics study of the complex formation of fullerenes C60 and C70 with Lys-2Gly, Lys G2, and Lys G3 peptide dendrimers in water. We carried out such simulations for six different systems and demonstrated that both fullerenes penetrate all these dendrimers and form stable complexes with them. The density and hydrophobicity inside the complex are greater than in dendrimers without fullerene, especially for complexes with Lys-2Gly dendrimers. It makes the internal regions of complexes less accessible to water and counterions and increases electrostatic and zeta potential compared to single dendrimers. The results for complexes based on Lys G2 and Lys G3 dendrimers are similar but less pronounced. Thus, all considered peptide dendrimers and especially the Lys-2Gly dendrimer could be used as nanocontainers for the delivery of fullerenes.

Norcantharidin-Encapsulated C60-Modified Nanomicelles: A Potential Approach to Mitigate Cytotoxicity in Renal Cells and Simultaneously Enhance Anti-Tumor Activity in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to examine the preparation process of DSPE-PEG-C60/NCTD micelles and assess the impact of fullerenol (C60)-modified micelles on the nephrotoxicity and antitumor activity of NCTD.

METHOD

The micelles containing NCTD were prepared using the ultrasonic method and subsequently optimized and characterized. The cytotoxicity of micelles loaded with NCTD was assessed using the CCK-8 method on human hepatoma cell lines HepG2 and BEL-7402, as well as normal cell lines HK-2 and L02. Acridine orange/ethidium bromide (AO/EB) double staining and flow cytometry were employed to assess the impact of NCTD-loaded micelles on the apoptosis of the HK-2 cells and the HepG2 cells. Additionally, JC-1 fluorescence was utilized to quantify the alterations in mitochondrial membrane potential. The generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) following micelle treatment was determined through 2',7'-dichlorofluorescein diacetate (DCFDA) staining.

RESULTS

The particle size distribution of the DSPE-PEG-C60/NCTD micelles was determined to be 91.57 nm (PDI = 0.231). The zeta potential of the micelles was found to be -13.8 mV. The encapsulation efficiency was measured to be 91.9%. The in vitro release behavior of the micelles followed the Higuchi equation. Cellular experiments demonstrated a notable decrease in the toxicity of the C60-modified micelles against the HK-2 cells, accompanied by an augmented inhibitory effect on cancer cells. Compared to the free NCTD group, the DSPE-PEG-C60 micelles exhibited a decreased apoptosis rate (12%) for the HK-2 cell line, lower than the apoptosis rate observed in the NCTD group (36%) at an NCTD concentration of 75 μM. The rate of apoptosis in the HepG2 cells exhibited a significant increase (49%), surpassing the apoptosis rate observed in the NCTD group (24%) at a concentration of 150 μM NCTD. The HK-2 cells exhibited a reduction in intracellular ROS and an increase in mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔψM) upon exposure to C60-modified micelles compared to the NCTD group.

CONCLUSIONS

The DSPE-PEG-C60/NCTD micelles, as prepared in this study, demonstrated the ability to decrease cytotoxicity and ROS levels in normal renal cells (HK-2) in vitro. Additionally, these micelles showed an enhanced antitumor activity against human hepatocellular carcinoma cells (HepG2, BEL-7402).

A potential hybrid nanocomposite of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) and fullerene for bone tissue regeneration and sustained drug release against bone infections

Developing a multifunctional biomaterial for bone filling and local antibiotic therapy is a complex challenge for bone tissue engineering. Hybrid nanocomposites of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBHV) with nanohydroxyapatite (nHA), fullerene (C60), and vancomycin (VC) were produced by injection. Fullerene was successfully impregnated with VC, as seen in FTIR. The crystallinity degree of PHBHV was slightly reduced in the presence of C60 and VC (64.3 versus 60.8 %), due to the plasticizing effect of these particles. It also resulted in a decrease in the glass transition temperature (Tg), observed by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Dense PHBHV/nHA/C60/VC had a flexural elastic modulus 29 % higher than PHBHV, as a result of the good interface between PHBHV, C60, and nHA - particles of high elastic modulus. Dense disks released 25.03 ± 4.27 % of VC for 14 days, which demonstrated its potential to be an alternative treatment to bone infections. Porous scaffolds of PHBHV/nHA/C60/VC were 3D printed with a porosity of 50 % and porous size of 467 ± 70 μm, and had compression elastic modulus of 0.022 GPa, being a promising material to trabecular bone replacement. The plasticizing effect of C60 improved the printability of the material. The hybrid nanocomposite was non-cytotoxic and showed good ability in adhering macrophage cells.

Recent developments in photodynamic therapy and its application against multidrug resistant cancers

Recently, photodynamic therapy (PDT) has received a lot of attention for its potential use in cancer treatment. It enables the therapy of a multifocal disease with the least amount of tissue damage. The most widely used prodrug is 5-aminolevulinic acid, which undergoes heme pathway conversion to protoporphyrin IX, which acts as a photosensitizer (PS). Additionally, hematoporphyrin, bacteriochlorin, and phthalocyanine are also studied for their therapeutic potential in cancer. Unfortunately, not every patient who receives PDT experiences a full recovery. Resistance to different anticancer treatments is commonly observed. A few of the resistance mechanisms by which cancer cells escape therapeutics are genetic factors, drug-drug interactions, impaired DNA repair pathways, mutations related to inhibition of apoptosis, epigenetic pathways, etc. Recently, much research has been conducted to develop a new generation of PS based on nanomaterials that could be used to overcome cancer cells' multidrug resistance (MDR). Various metal-based, polymeric, lipidic nanoparticles (NPs), dendrimers, etc, have been utilized in the PDT application against cancer. This article discusses the detailed mechanism by which cancer cells evolve towards MDR as well as recent advances in PDT-based NPs for use against multidrug-resistant cancers.

Putting a "C60 Ball" and Chain to Chlorin e6 Improves Its Cellular Uptake and Photodynamic Performances

Chlorin e6 (Ce6) and fullerene (C60) are among the most used photosensitizers (PSs) for photodynamic therapy (PDT). Through the combination of the chemical and photophysical properties of Ce6 and C60, in principle, we can obtain an "ideal" photosensitizer that is able to bypass the limitations of the two molecules alone, i.e., the low cellular uptake of Ce6 and the scarce solubility and absorption in the red region of the C60. Here, we synthesized and characterized a Ce6-C60 dyad. The UV-Vis spectrum of the dyad showed the typical absorption bands of both fullerene and Ce6, while a quenching of Ce6 fluorescence was observed. This behavior is typical in the formation of a fullerene-antenna system and is due to the intramolecular energy, or electron transfer from the antenna (Ce6) to the fullerene. Consequently, the Ce6-C60 dyad showed an enhancement in the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Flow cytometry measurements demonstrated how the uptake of the Ce6 was strongly improved by the conjugation with C60. The Ce6-C60 dyad exhibited in A431 cancer cells low dark toxicity and a higher PDT efficacy than Ce6 alone, due to the enhancement of the uptake and the improvement of ROS generation.

Enhanced Photodynamic Therapy by Improved Light Energy Capture Efficiency of Porphyrin Photosensitizers

OPINION STATEMENT

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has garnered increasing attention in cancer treatment because of its advantages such as minimal invasiveness and selective destruction. With the development of PDT, impressive progress has been made in the preparation of photosensitizers, particularly porphyrin photosensitizers. However, the limited tissue penetration of the activating light wavelengths and relatively low light energy capture efficiency of porphyrin photosensitizers are two major disadvantages in conventional photosensitizers. Therefore, tissue penetration needs to be enhanced and the light energy capture efficiency of porphyrin photosensitizers improved through structural modifications. The indirect excitation of porphyrin photosensitizers using fluorescent donors (fluorescence resonance energy transfer) has been successfully used to address these issues. In this review, the enhancement of the light energy capture efficiency of porphyrins is discussed.

Interactions between modified fullerenes and proteins in cancer nanotechnology

Fullerenes have numerous properties that fill the gap between small molecules and nanomaterials. Several types of chemical reaction allow their surface to be ornamented with functional groups designed to change them into 'ideal' nanodelivery systems. Improved stability, and bioavailability are important, but chemical modifications can render them practically soluble in water. 'Buckyball' fullerene scaffolds can interact with many biological targets and inhibit several proteins essential for tumorigeneses. Herein, we focus on the inhibitory properties of fullerene nanomaterials against essential proteins in cancer nanotechnology, as well as the use of dedicated proteins to improve the bioavailability of these promising nanomaterials.

Nanotechnology enabled radioprotectants to reduce space radiation-induced reactive oxidative species

Interest in space exploration has seen substantial growth following recent launch and operation of modern space technologies. In particular, the possibility of travel beyond low earth orbit is seeing sustained support. However, future deep space travel requires addressing health concerns for crews under continuous, longer-term exposure to adverse environmental conditions. Among these challenges, radiation-induced health issues are a major concern. Their potential to induce chronic illness is further potentiated by the microgravity environment. While investigations into the physiological effects of space radiation are still under investigation, studies on model ionizing radiation conditions, in earth and micro-gravity conditions, can provide needed insight into relevant processes. Substantial formation of high, sustained reactive oxygen species (ROS) evolution during radiation exposure is a clear threat to physiological health of space travelers, producing indirect damage to various cell structures and requiring therapeutic address. Radioprotection toward the skeletal system components is essential to astronaut health, due to the high radio-absorption cross-section of bone mineral and local hematopoiesis. Nanotechnology can potentially function as radioprotectant and radiomitigating agents toward ROS and direct radiation damage. Nanoparticle compositions such as gold, silver, platinum, carbon-based materials, silica, transition metal dichalcogenides, and ceria have all shown potential as viable radioprotectants to mitigate space radiation effects with nanoceria further showing the ability to protect genetic material from oxidative damage in several studies. As research into space radiation-induced health problems develops, this review intends to provide insights into the nanomaterial design to ameliorate pathological effects from ionizing radiation exposure. This article is categorized under: Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Emerging Technologies Nanotechnology Approaches to Biology > Nanoscale Systems in Biology Nanotechnology Approaches to Biology > Cells at the Nanoscale Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Oncologic Disease.

Immunogenic proteins and potential delivery platforms for mpox virus vaccine development: A rapid review

Since May 2022, the mpox virus (MPXV) has spread worldwide and become a potential threat to global public health. Vaccines are important tools for preventing MPXV transmission and infection in the population. However, there are still no available potent and applicable vaccines specifically for MPXV. Herein, we highlight several potential vaccine targets for MPVX and emphasize potent immunogens, such as M1R, E8L, H3L, A29L, A35R, and B6R proteins. These proteins can be integrated into diverse vaccine platforms to elicit powerful B-cell and T-cell responses, thereby providing protective immunity against MPXV infection. Overall, research on the MPXV vaccine targets would provide valuable information for developing timely effective MPXV-specific vaccines.

Optical properties of nanostructured antiviral and anticancer drugs

We present a computational study on the optical absorption properties of some systems of interest in the field of drug delivery. In particular we considered as drug molecules favipiravir (T705, an antiviral molecule) and 5-fluorouracil (5FU, an anticancer molecule) and, on the other hand, pure fullerenes (C24, B12N12, Ga12N12) and doped fullerenes (C23B, CB11N12) are considered as nanocarriers. Some combined configurations between the drug molecules and the carrier nanostructures have been then studied. The optical absorption properties of the above mentioned drug molecules and their carrier nanostructures in the free and bound states are obtained by a TD-DFT method, in gas phase and in aqueous solution. We perform a detailed analysis of the modifications arising in the absorption spectra that take place in some linked configurations between the drug molecules and the carrier nanostructures. These changes could be of importance as an optical fingerprint of the realized drug/carrier link.

Uncovering nanotoxicity of a water-soluble and red-fluorescent [70]fullerene nanomaterial

Engineered fullerene materials have attracted the attention of researchers in the biomedical sciences, especially when their synthetic methodology is developed to endow them with significant levels of water-solubility and bioavailability. In this study, we synthesized and characterized a water-soluble and red-fluorescent [70]fullerene nanomaterial, which fluoresced at 693 nm with a quantum yield of 0.065 and a large Stokes shift (around 300 nm). The fullerene nanomaterial generated mainly singlet oxygen after illumination with blue LED light, while superoxide anion radical production was minimal. The transmission electron microscopy as well as fluorescent studies of Drosophila melanogaster revealed that prepared [70]fullerene nanoparticles had better bioavailability than pristine [70]fullerene nanoparticles. The designed nanomaterials were observed in the apical, perinuclear, and basal regions of digestive cells, as well as the basal lamina of the digestive system's epithelium, with no damage to cell organelles and no activation of degenerative processes and cell death. Our findings provide a new perspective for understanding the in vivo behavior of fullerene nanomaterials and their future application in bioimaging and light-activated nanotherapeutics.

Unlocking cellular barriers: silica nanoparticles and fullerenol conjugated cell-penetrating agents for enhanced intracellular drug delivery

The limited delivery of cargoes at the cellular level is a significant challenge for therapeutic strategies due to the presence of numerous biological barriers. By immobilizing the Buforin II (BUF-II) peptide and the OmpA protein on magnetite nanoparticles, a new family of cell-penetrating nanobioconjugates was developed in a previous study. We propose in this study to extend this strategy to silica nanoparticles (SNPs) and silanized fullerenol (F) as nanostructured supports for conjugating these potent cell-penetrating agents. The same molecule conjugated to distinct nanomaterials may interact with subcellular compartments differently. On the obtained nanobioconjugates (OmpA-SNPs, BUF-II-PEG12-SNPs, OmpA-F, and BUF-II-PEG12-F), physicochemical characterization was performed to evaluate their properties and confirm the conjugation of these translocating agents on the nanomaterials. The biocompatibility, toxicity, and internalization capacity of nanobioconjugates in Vero cells and THP-1 cells were evaluated in vitro. Nanobioconjugates had a high internalization capacity in these cells without affecting their viability, according to the findings. In addition, the nanobioconjugates exhibited negligible hemolytic activity and a low tendency to induce platelet aggregation. In addition, the nanobioconjugates exhibited distinct intracellular trafficking and endosomal escape behavior in these cell lines, indicating their potential for addressing the challenges of cytoplasmic drug delivery and the development of therapeutics for the treatment of lysosomal storage diseases. This study presents an innovative strategy for conjugating cell-penetrating agents using silica nanoparticles and silanized fullerenol as nanostructured supports, which has the potential to enhance the efficacy of cellular drug delivery.

In situ forming ROS-scavenging hybrid hydrogel loaded with polydopamine-modified fullerene nanocomposites for promoting skin wound healing

BACKGROUND

Excessive oxidative stress at the wound sites always leads to a prolonged healing and even causes chronic inflammatory wounds. Therefore, antioxidative dressings with multiple features are desired to improve wound healing performance. Herein, we fabricated a ROS-scavenging hybrid hydrogel by incorporating mussel-inspired fullerene nanocomposites (C60@PDA) into gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) hydrogel.

RESULTS

The developed C60@PDA/GelMA hydrogel showed a sustainable free radical scavenging ability, and eliminated ROS to protect cells against external oxidative stress damage. Besides, the hydrogel presented favorable cytocompatibility, hemocompatibility, and antibacterial ability in vitro. Furthermore, in a mouse full-thickness wound defect model, the in situ forming hybrid hydrogel accelerated wound closure by 38.5% and 42.9% on day 3 and day 7 over the control. Histological results demonstrated that hybrid hydrogels effectively enhanced wound healing on re-epithelialization, collagen deposition and angiogenesis.

CONCLUSION

Collectively, the C60@PDA/GelMA hydrogel could be a promising dressing for promoting cutaneous wound repair.

Food Peptides for the Nutricosmetic Industry

In recent years, numerous reports have described bioactive peptides (biopeptides)/hydrolysates produced from various food sources. Biopeptides are considered interesting for industrial application since they show numerous functional properties (e.g., anti-aging, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties) and technological properties (e.g., solubility, emulsifying, and foaming). Moreover, they have fewer side effects than synthetic drugs. Nevertheless, some challenges must be overcome before their administration via the oral route. The gastric, pancreatic, and small intestinal enzymes and acidic stomach conditions can affect their bioavailability and the levels that can reach the site of action. Some delivery systems have been studied to avoid these problems (e.g., microemulsions, liposomes, solid lipid particles). This paper summarizes the results of studies conducted on biopeptides isolated from plants, marine organisms, animals, and biowaste by-products, discusses their potential application in the nutricosmetic industry, and considers potential delivery systems that could maintain their bioactivity. Our results show that food peptides are environmentally sustainable products that can be used as antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-aging, and anti-inflammatory agents in nutricosmetic formulations. Biopeptide production from biowaste requires expertise in analytical procedures and good manufacturing practice. It is hoped that new analytical procedures can be developed to simplify large-scale production and that the authorities adopt and regulate use of appropriate testing standards to guarantee the population's safety.

Identification and Biological Evaluation of a Water-Soluble Fullerene Nanomaterial as BTK Kinase Inhibitor

Introduction

Thanks to recent advances in synthetic methodology, water-soluble fullerene nanomaterials that interfere with biomolecules, especially DNA/RNA and selected proteins, have been found with tremendous potential for applications in nanomedicine. Herein, we describe the synthesis and evaluation of a water-soluble glycine-derived [60]fullerene hexakisadduct (HDGF) with T _h symmetry, which is a first-in-class BTK protein inhibitor.

Methods

We synthesized and characterized glycine derived [60]fullerene using NMR, ESI-MS, and ATR-FT-IR. DLS and zeta potential were measured and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) observations were performed. The chemical composition of the water-soluble fullerene nanomaterial was examined by X-ray photoelectron spectrometry. To observe aggregate formation, the cryo-TEM analysis was carried out. The docking studies and molecular dynamic simulations were performed to determine interactions between HDGF and BTK. The in vitro cytotoxicity was evaluated on RAJI and K562 blood cancer cell lines. Subsequently, we examined the induction of cell death by autophagy and apoptosis by determining the expression levels of crucial genes and caspases. We investigated the direct association of HDGF on inhibition of the BTK signalling pathway by examining changes in the calcium levels in RAJI cells after treatment. The inhibitory potential of HDGF against non-receptor tyrosine kinases was evaluated. Finally, we assessed the effects of HDGF and ibrutinib on the expression of the BTK protein and downstream signal transduction in RAJI cells following anti-IgM stimulation.

Results

Computational studies revealed that the inhibitory activity of the obtained [60]fullerene derivative is multifaceted: it hampers the BTK active site, interacting directly with the catalytic residues, rendering it inaccessible to phosphorylation, and binds to residues that form the ATP binding pocket. The anticancer activity of produced carbon nanomaterial revealed that it inhibited the BTK protein and its downstream pathways, including PLC and Akt proteins, at the cellular level. The mechanistic studies suggested the formation of autophagosomes (increased gene expression of LC3 and p62) and two caspases (caspase-3 and -9) were responsible for the activation and progression of apoptosis.

Conclusion

These data illustrate the potential of fullerene-based BTK protein inhibitors as nanotherapeutics for blood cancer and provide helpful information to support the future development of fullerene nanomaterials as a novel class of enzyme inhibitors.

Evaluation of drug carrier hepatotoxicity using primary cell culture models

This study aims to establish a primary rat hepatocyte culture model to evaluate dose-dependent hepatotoxic effects of drug carriers (lipopolymer nanoparticles; LPNs) temporal. Primary rat hepatocyte cell cultures were used to determine half-maximal Inhibition Concentrations (IC50) of the drug-carrier library. Drug-carrier library, at concentrations <50 μg/mL, is benign to primary rat hepatocytes as determined using albumin and urea secretions. Albumin, as a hepatic biomarker, exhibited a more sensitive and faster outcome, compared to urea, for the determination of the IC50 value of LPNs. Temporal measurements of hepatic biomarkers including urea and albumin, and rigorous physicochemical (hydrodynamic diameter, surface charge, etc.) characterization, should be combined to evaluate the hepatotoxicity of drug carrier libraries in screens.

Synthesis of [60]Fullerene Hybrids Endowed with Steroids and Monosaccharides: Theoretical Underpinning as Promising anti-SARS-CoV-2 Agents

Cyclopropanation reactions between C60 and different malonates decorated with monosaccharides and steroids using the Bingel-Hirsch methodology have allowed the obtention of a new family of hybrid compounds in good yields. A complete set of instrumental techniques has allowed us to fully characterize the hybrid derivatives and to determine the chemical structure of monocycloadducts. Besides, the proposed structures were investigated by cyclic voltammetry, which evidenced the exclusive reductive pattern of fullerene Bingel-type monoadducts. Theoretical calculations at the DFT-D3(BJ)/PBE 6-311G(d,p) level of the synthesized conjugates predict the most stable conformation and determine the factors that control the hybrid molecules' geometry. Some parameters such as polarity, lipophilicity, polar surface area, hydrophilicity index, and solvent-accessible surface area were also estimated, predicting its potential permeability and capability as cell membrane penetrators. Additionally, a molecular docking simulation has been carried out using the main protease of SARS-CoV-2 (Mpro) as the receptor, thus paving the way to study the potential application of these hybrids in biomedicine.

Carbon-based nanostructures for cancer therapy and drug delivery applications

Synthesis, design, characterization, and application of carbon-based nanostructures (CBNSs) as drug carriers have attracted a great deal of interest over the past half of the century because of their promising chemical, thermal, physical, optical, mechanical, and electrical properties and their structural diversity. CBNSs are well-known in drug delivery applications due to their unique features such as easy cellular uptake, high drug loading ability, and thermal ablation. CBNSs, including carbon nanotubes, fullerenes, nanodiamond, graphene, and carbon quantum dots have been quite broadly examined for drug delivery systems. This review not only summarizes the most recent studies on developing carbon-based nanostructures for drug delivery (e.g. delivery carrier, cancer therapy and bioimaging), but also tries to deal with the challenges and opportunities resulting from the expansion in use of these materials in the realm of drug delivery. This class of nanomaterials requires advanced techniques for synthesis and surface modifications, yet a lot of critical questions such as their toxicity, biodistribution, pharmacokinetics, and fate of CBNSs in biological systems must be answered.

Microcarriers in application for cartilage tissue engineering: Recent progress and challenges

Successful regeneration of cartilage tissue at a clinical scale has been a tremendous challenge in the past decades. Microcarriers (MCs), usually used for cell and drug delivery, have been studied broadly across a wide range of medical fields, especially the cartilage tissue engineering (TE). Notably, microcarrier systems provide an attractive method for regulating cell phenotype and microtissue maturations, they also serve as powerful injectable carriers and are combined with new technologies for cartilage regeneration. In this review, we introduced the typical methods to fabricate various types of microcarriers and discussed the appropriate materials for microcarriers. Furthermore, we highlighted recent progress of applications and general design principle for microcarriers. Finally, we summarized the current challenges and promising prospects of microcarrier-based systems for medical applications. Overall, this review provides comprehensive and systematic guidelines for the rational design and applications of microcarriers in cartilage TE.

Unusual Mathematical Approaches Untangle Nervous Dynamics

The massive amount of available neurodata suggests the existence of a mathematical backbone underlying neuronal oscillatory activities. For example, geometric constraints are powerful enough to define cellular distribution and drive the embryonal development of the central nervous system. We aim to elucidate whether underrated notions from geometry, topology, group theory and category theory can assess neuronal issues and provide experimentally testable hypotheses. The Monge’s theorem might contribute to our visual ability of depth perception and the brain connectome can be tackled in terms of tunnelling nanotubes. The multisynaptic ascending fibers connecting the peripheral receptors to the neocortical areas can be assessed in terms of knot theory/braid groups. Presheaves from category theory permit the tackling of nervous phase spaces in terms of the theory of infinity categories, highlighting an approach based on equivalence rather than equality. Further, the physical concepts of soft-matter polymers and nematic colloids might shed new light on neurulation in mammalian embryos. Hidden, unexpected multidisciplinary relationships can be found when mathematics copes with neural phenomena, leading to novel answers for everlasting neuroscientific questions. For instance, our framework leads to the conjecture that the development of the nervous system might be correlated with the occurrence of local thermal changes in embryo–fetal tissues.

Nanoparticles in the diagnosis and treatment of vascular aging and related diseases

Aging-induced alternations of vasculature structures, phenotypes, and functions are key in the occurrence and development of vascular aging-related diseases. Multiple molecular and cellular events, such as oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, vascular inflammation, cellular senescence, and epigenetic alterations are highly associated with vascular aging physiopathology. Advances in nanoparticles and nanotechnology, which can realize sensitive diagnostic modalities, efficient medical treatment, and better prognosis as well as less adverse effects on non-target tissues, provide an amazing window in the field of vascular aging and related diseases. Throughout this review, we presented current knowledge on classification of nanoparticles and the relationship between vascular aging and related diseases. Importantly, we comprehensively summarized the potential of nanoparticles-based diagnostic and therapeutic techniques in vascular aging and related diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, cerebrovascular diseases, as well as chronic kidney diseases, and discussed the advantages and limitations of their clinical applications.