Design and synthesis of pH-sensitive polyamino-ester magneto-dendrimers: Surface functional groups effect on viability of human prostate carcinoma cell lines DU145

Polydopamine-Coated Solid Silica Nanoparticles Encapsulating IR-783 Dyes: Synthesis and NIR Fluorescent Cell Imaging

We report a simple and efficient synthetic method for polydopamine (PDA)-coated solid silica nanoparticles (s-SiO2@PDA NPs) encapsulating anionic near-infrared (NIR) fluorescent dyes through physical adsorption. Despite the use of anionic NIR fluorescent dyes indocyanine green (ICG) and 2-[2-[2-chloro-3-[2-[1,3-dihydro-3,3-dimethyl-1-(4-sulfobutyl)-2H-indol-2-ylidene]-ethylidene]-1-cyclohexen-1-yl]-ethenyl]-3,3-dimethyl-1-(4-sulfobutyl)-3H-indolium (IR-783), they were successfully immobilized on anionic s-SiO2@PDA NP surfaces under acidic aqueous conditions. After embedding in the s-SiO2@PDA NPs, the fluorescence of ICG was almost quenched, while a diminished IR-783 fluorescence remained observable. The fluorescence intensity of IR-783 embedded in s-SiO2@PDA NPs remained almost constant over 2 weeks in a pseudobiological solution, with a slight reduction due to dye degradation and dye leakage from the s-SiO2@PDA NPs. Finally, the s-SiO2@PDA NPs encapsulating IR-783 were successfully used for NIR fluorescent imaging of African green monkey kidney cells.

Impact of Choline Hydroxide-Supported Magnetic Nanoparticles on Peroxidase Activity and Conformational Stability of Cytochrome c

Nanotechnology has advanced significantly; however, little is known about the potential implications on human health-related issues, particularly blood carrying enzymes. Ionic liquids are also well-recognized for maintaining the structure and activity of enzymes. In this regard, we delineate a facile synthetic approach of preparation of Fe3O4 nanoparticles (NPs) as well as choline hydroxide [CH][OH] ionic liquid (IL)-supported Fe3O4 NPs (Fe3O4-CHOH). This approach of combining magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) with IL results in distinctive properties, which may offer enormous utility in the field of biomedical research due to the effortless separation of MNPs by an external magnetic field. Detailed characterization of MNPs including Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was carried out. The biomolecular interactions of Fe3O4 and Fe3O4-CHOH NPs with cytochrome c (Cyt c) were studied in detail using various spectroscopic and microscopic techniques. From spectroscopic studies, it can be concluded that the secondary structure of Cyt c is more stable in the presence of Fe3O4-CHOH NPs than Fe3O4 NPs. The binding constant of Cyt c in the presence of MNPs was also calculated using the Benesi-Hildebrand equation. Furthermore, dynamic light scattering (DLS), ζ-potential, and microscopic studies were performed to study the interaction of Cyt c with MNPs. These studies provided evidence favoring the formation of bionanoconjugates of Cyt c with MNPs. Moreover, the enzymatic activity of Cyt c increases in the presence of both MNPs. The peroxidase activity of Cyt c in MNPs explicitly elucidates that the enzyme is preserved for a long time in the presence of Fe3O4-CHOH NPs. Later on, TEM and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) were also performed to gather more information regarding the morphology of Cyt c in the presence of MNPs.

Sustainable Routed Mxene-Based Aminolyzed PU/PCL Film for Increased Oxidative Stress and a pH-Sensitive Drug Delivery System for Anticancer Therapy

A remarkable challenge in the anticancer drug delivery system is developing an implantable system that can improve the chemotherapeutic effect. Polyurethane is an excellent implantable substrate, with flaws in hydrophobicity. We modified polyurethane via the chemical aminolysis technique to enhance the wettability and protein interaction. The created pores can release the rutin complex incorporated in the polyurethane matrix. In this work, the hybrid polymer matrix consists of Mxene synthesized via a sustainable and simple method by introducing a toxic-free MAX phase and etchants. The incorporation of Mxene and PCL can enhance physicochemical and biological compatibility. Sustainable Mxene increases oxidative stress, cell death, and antibacterial activity, which also resulted in the Mxene@APU/PCL film. Meanwhile, the drug release with respect to pH sensitivity was demonstrated in which Mxene and Mxene@APU/PCL films showed the highest release at pH 5.2; this indicates that the prepared Mxene and aminolyzed polyurethane can function according to the biological system and release the drug from the polymer matrix on slow degradation and swellability. The Mxene and Mxene@APU/PCL films showed 93.2% drug release with oxidative stress on THP-1 cells, which causes rupturing and apoptosis of cancerous cells. The Mxene@APU/PCL film can show great potential in future implantable anticancer drug delivery systems.

Synthesis and Studies of Pyridoneimine-Functionalized PETIM Dendrimers

Pyridinoimine-functionalized poly(ether imine) (PETIM) dendrimers of 1-3 generations, possessing 4-16 moieties at the peripheries, are synthesized. Chloride-functionalized dendrimers are reacted with N-methylamino pyridine, under basic conditions, which led to functionalization of the peripheries of a dendrimer with pyridoneimine moieties. Variable-temperature 1H NMR studies are performed to assess the contributing resonance forms of pyridoneimine in the dendrimers. Solvatochromism and 15N NMR studies aid further the assessment of the contributing resonance forms. Comparison with derivatives that possess 1 and 2 pyridoneimines illustrates the contributing resonance forms between nonaromatic pyridoneimine and zwitter ionic aromatic imidopyridinium species.

Nanotherapeutic Approach to Delivery of Chemo- and Gene Therapy for Organ-Confined and Advanced Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer

Treatments for late-stage prostate cancer (CaP) have not been very successful. Frequently, advanced CaP progresses to castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC), with 50#37;-70% of patients developing bone metastases. CaP with bone metastasis-associated clinical complications and treatment resistance presents major clinical challenges. Recent advances in the formulation of clinically applicable nanoparticles (NPs) have attracted attention in the fields of medicine and pharmacology with applications to cancer and infectious and neurological diseases. NPs have been rendered biocompatible, pose little to no toxicity to healthy cells and tissues, and are engineered to carry large therapeutic payloads, including chemo- and genetic therapies. Additionally, if required, targeting specificity can be achieved by chemically coupling aptamers, unique peptide ligands, or monoclonal antibodies to the surface of NPs. Encapsulating toxic drugs within NPs and delivering them specifically to their cellular targets overcomes the problem of systemic toxicity. Encapsulating highly labile genetic therapeutics such as RNA within NPs provides a protective environment for the payload during parenteral administration. The loading efficiencies of NPs have been maximized while the controlled their therapeutic cargos has been released. Theranostic ("treat and see") NPs have developed combining therapy with imaging capabilities to provide real-time, image-guided monitoring of the delivery of their therapeutic payloads. All of these NP accomplishments have been applied to the nanotherapy of late-stage CaP, offering a new opportunity for a previously dismal prognosis. This article gives an update on current developments in the use of nanotechnology for treating late-stage, castration-resistant CaP.

Combinatorial approaches of nanotherapeutics for inflammatory pathway targeted therapy of prostate cancer

Prostate cancer (PC) is the most prevalent male urogenital cancer worldwide. PC patients presenting an advanced or metastatic cancer succumb to the disease, even after therapeutic interventions including radiotherapy, surgery, androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), and chemotherapy. One of the hallmarks of PC is evading immune surveillance and chronic inflammation, which is a major challenge towards designing effective therapeutic formulations against PC. Chronic inflammation in PC is often characterized by tumor microenvironment alterations, epithelial-mesenchymal transition and extracellular matrix modifications. The inflammatory events are modulated by reactive nitrogen and oxygen species, inflammatory cytokines and chemokines. Major signaling pathways in PC includes androgen receptor, PI3K and NF-κB pathways and targeting these inter-linked pathways poses a major therapeutic challenge. Notably, many conventional treatments are clinically unsuccessful, due to lack of targetability and poor bioavailability of the therapeutics, untoward toxicity and multidrug resistance. The past decade witnessed an advancement of nanotechnology as an excellent therapeutic paradigm for PC therapy. Modern nanovectorization strategies such as stimuli-responsive and active PC targeting carriers offer controlled release patterns and superior anti-cancer effects. The current review initially describes the classification, inflammatory triggers and major inflammatory pathways of PC, various PC treatment strategies and their limitations. Subsequently, recent advancement in combinatorial nanotherapeutic approaches, which target PC inflammatory pathways, and the mechanism of action are discussed. Besides, the current clinical status and prospects of PC homing nanovectorization, and major challenges to be addressed towards the advancement PC therapy are also addressed.

Targeted drug delivery via folate decorated nanocarriers based on linear polymer for treatment of breast cancer

In this project, a biocompatible block copolymer including poly ethylene glycol and poly caprolactone was synthesized using ring-opening reaction. Then, the copolymer was conjugated to folic acid using lysine as a linker. Also, curcumin (CUR) was used as a therapeutic anticancer agent. Nanoprecipitation method was used to prepare CUR-loaded polymeric micelles. Different methods including Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and dynamic light scattering (DLS) were used to characterize the prepared nanocarriers (NCs). MTT assay and hemolysis assay were used to evaluate in vitro anticancer efficiency and biocompatibility of the prepared NCs, respectively. The results proved efficiency of NCs as a drug delivery system (DDS) in various aspects such as physicochemical properties and biocompatibility. Also, in vivo results showed that NCs did not show any severe weight loss and side effects on mice, and the anti-cancer study results of the CUR-loaded NCs proved that the conjugation of folic acid on the surface of NCs as a targeting agent could increase the therapeutic efficacy of CUR.

The effect of baicalein-loaded Y-shaped miktoarm copolymer on spatial memory and hippocampal expression of DHCR24, SELADIN and SIRT6 genes in rat model of Alzheimer

In the present study, we successfully synthesized nanocarriers (NCs) based on Y-shaped miktoarm copolymers, Poly Ethylene Glycol-Lysine-(Poly Caprolactone)₂ (PEG-Lys-PCL₂), which were loaded by baicalein (B) through the nanoprecipitation process to assess their in-vitro and in-vivo properties. We applied various methods and measurements including proton nuclear magnetic resonance (HNMR), dynamic light scattering (DLS), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), MTT assay, hemolysis test, lethal dose, real-time PCR, and Morris water maze. The results of DLS indicated that the size and zeta potential of the obtained NCs and B-loaded NCs were acceptable. Also, in-vivo and in-vitro biocompatibility examinations proved that miktoarm-based NCs were safe, and all rats treated with miktoarm-based NCs did not exhibit any remarkable weight loss during the experiment. The results of the Morris water maze (in-vivo test) revealed that the normal saline-treated group, as well as B-miktoarm + Scopolamine (M + B + S) and B-miktoarm-Tween80 + Scopolamine (M + B + T + S) pretreatment groups, spent more time in the target quadrant. Thus, this experiment showed that pretreatment of rats with M + B + S and M + B + T + S had the most effects on spatial memory. According to quantitative PCR analysis, we hypothesized that, in comparison with other experimental groups, pretreatment of rats with M + B + T + S could be more effective in preventing cholinergic dysfunction, brain oxidative stress and cognitive deficits which cause by Scopolamine HBr. This outcome may be partially due to the upregulation of DHCR24, SELADIN, and SIRT6 in entire of the hippocampal region of normal saline-treated and M + B + T + S pretreatment groups. These results may be because mimicking the cell membrane structure would be an excellent feature for miktoarm, and partial coating of Tween-80 can play a critical role for PEG-Lys-PCL₂-based NCs in crossing the brain cell membrane, and they can easily be uptaken by the cells. Eventually, all of the obtained data confirmed that PEG-Lys-PCL₂ miktoarm star copolymers are suitable for delivering therapeutic agents to the brain for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Also, it seems that baicalein should be taken into account as a potent compound for the treatment of AD.

All-Trans Retinoic Acid Grafted Poly Beta-Amino Ester Nanoparticles: A Novel Anti-angiogenic Drug Delivery System

Purpose: Developing chemotherapy with nanoplatforms offers a promising strategy for effective cancer treatment. In the present study, we propose a novel all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) grafted poly beta-amino ester (PBAE) copolymer for preparing nanoparticles (NPs). Methods: ATRA grafted PBAE (ATRA-g-PBAE) copolymer was synthesized by grafting ATRA to PBAE; it was characterized by proton nuclear magnetic resonance, Fourier transform infrared, and thermogravimetric analysis. ATRA-g-PBAE NPs were prepared by the solvent displacement method. Design-Expert software was employed to optimize size of NPs. The morphology was evaluated by transmission electron microscope, and ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy was applied for drug release. Cytotoxicity was evaluated toward HUVEC cell line, and the 3D collagencytodex model was used to evaluate anti-angiogenic property of PBAE, ATRA, and NPs. Results: The optimum size of the NPs was 139.4 ± 1.41 nm. After 21 days, 66.09% ± 1.39 and 42.14% ± 1.07 of ATRA were released from NPs at pH 5.8 and 7.4, respectively. Cell culture studies demonstrated antiangiogenic effects of ATRA-g-PBAE NPs. Anti-angiogenesis IC50 was 0.007 mg/mL for NPs (equal to 0.002 mg/mL of ATRA) and 0.005 mg/mL for free ATRA. Conclusion: This study proposes the ATRA-g-PBAE NPs with inherent anti-angiogenic effects as promising carrier for anticancer drugs with purpose of dual drug delivery.

Novel Strategies for Targeting Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer (PCa) is a worldwide issue, with a rapid increase in its occurrence and mortality. Over the years, various strategies have been implemented to overcome the hurdles that exist in the treatment of PCa. Consistently, there is a change in opinion about the methodologies in clinical trial that have engrossed towards the treatment of PCa. Currently, there is a need to resolve these newly recognized challenges by developing newer rational targeting systems. The ongoing clinical protocol for the therapy using different targeting systems is undertaken followed by local targeting to cancer site. A number of new drug targeting systems like liposomes, nanoemulsions, magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs), solid lipid nanoparticles, drug-peptide conjugate systems, drug-antibody conjugate systems, epigenetic and gene therapy approaches, and therapeutic aptamers are being developed to suit this protocol. Recent advancements in the treatment of PCa with various nanocarriers have been reported with respect to newly identified biological barriers and intended to solve the contexts. This review encompasses the input of nanotechnology in particular targeting of PCa which might escape the lifethreatening side effects and potentially contribute to bring fruitful clinical outcomes.

pH-Sensitive Magnetite Nanoparticles Modified with Hyperbranched Polymers and Folic Acid for Targeted Imaging and Therapy

Objective:

A novel pH-sensitive superparamagnetic drug delivery system was developed based on quercetin loaded hyperbranched polyamidoamine-b-polyethylene glycol-folic acid-modified Fe3O4 nanoparticles (Fe3O4@PAMAM-b-PEG-FA).

Methods:

The nanoparticles exhibit excellent water dispersity with well-defined size distribution (around 51.8 nm) and strong magnetisability. In vitro release studies demonstrated that the quercetinloaded Fe3O4@PAMAM-b-PEG-FA nanoparticles are stable at normal physiologic conditions (pH 7.4 and 37°C) but sensitive to acidic conditions (pH 5.6 and 37°C), which led to the rapid release of the loaded drug.

Results:

Fluorescent microscopy results indicated that the Fe3O4@PAMAM-b-PEG-FA nanoparticles could be efficiently accumulated in tumor tissue compared with non-folate conjugated nanoparticles. Also, in comparison with free quercetin, the quercetin loaded Fe3O4@PAMAM-b-PEG-FA exerts higher cytotoxicity. Furthermore, this magnetic nanocarrier showed high MRI sensitivity, even in its lower iron content.

Conclusion:

The results indicated that the prepared nanoparticles are an effective chemotherapy and diagnosis system to inhibit proliferation and monitor the progression of tumor cells, respectively.

Simultaneous enantioselective determination of seven psychoactive drugs enantiomers in multi-specie animal tissues with chiral liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry

In stock farming, illegal use of antipsychotics has caused the food safety problem. This paper presents for the first time, a multi-residues method for the simultaneous enantioselective determination of seven antipsychotics in pork, beef and lamb muscles. The behaviors of Chiralpak AGP toward changes in pH and organic modifier in mobile phase were studied, and all analytes were rapidly separated within 30 min. The calibration curves of all enantiomers were linear in the range of 1-250 ng g^-1, with correlation coefficient above 0.9931. The recoveries of the targeted compounds were higher than 82.1%, with repeatability and intermediate precision lower than 18.2% and 17.4%, respectively. In three matrices, the limit of detection and limit of quantification ranged from 0.20 to 0.65 ng g^-1 and from 0.40 to 1.00 ng g^-1, respectively. The proposed method can be used to provide additional information for the reliable risk assessment of chiral antipsychotics.

Dendrimer- and copolymer-based nanoparticles for magnetic resonance cancer theranostics

Cancer theranostics is one of the most important approaches for detecting and treating patients at an early stage. To develop such a technique, accurate detection, specific targeting, and controlled delivery are the key components. Various kinds of nanoparticles have been proposed and demonstrated as potential nanovehicles for cancer theranostics. Among them, polymer-like dendrimers and copolymer-based core-shell nanoparticles could potentially be the best possible choices. At present, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is widely used for clinical purposes and is generally considered the most convenient and noninvasive imaging modality. Superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO) and gadolinium (Gd)-based dendrimers are the major nanostructures that are currently being investigated as nanovehicles for cancer theranostics using MRI. These structures are capable of specific targeting of tumors as well as controlled drug or gene delivery to tumor sites using pH, temperature, or alternating magnetic field (AMF)-controlled mechanisms. Recently, Gd-based pseudo-porous polymer-dendrimer supramolecular nanoparticles have shown 4-fold higher T1 relaxivity along with highly efficient AMF-guided drug release properties. Core-shell copolymer-based nanovehicles are an equally attractive alternative for designing contrast agents and for delivering anti-cancer drugs. Various copolymer materials could be used as core and shell components to provide biostability, modifiable surface properties, and even adjustable imaging contrast enhancement. Recent advances and challenges in MRI cancer theranostics using dendrimer- and copolymer-based nanovehicles have been summarized in this review article, along with new unpublished research results from our laboratories.

Magnetic kyphoplasty: A novel drug delivery system for the spinal column

Vertebral compression fractures (VCFs) caused by metastatic malignancies or osteoporosis are devastating injuries with debilitating outcomes for patients. Minimally invasive kyphoplasty is a common procedure used for symptomatic amelioration. However, it fails in treating the underlying etiologies of VCFs. Use of systemic therapy is limited due to low perfusion to the spinal column and systemic toxicity. Localized delivery of drugs to the vertebral column can provide a promising alternative approach. A porcine kyphoplasty model was developed to study the magnetically guided drug delivery of systemically injected magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs). Jamshidi cannulated pedicle needles were placed into the thoracic vertebra and, following inflatable bone tamp expansion, magnetic bone cement was injected to the vertebral body. Histological analysis was performed after intravenous injection of MNPs. Qualitative analysis of harvested tissues revealed successful placement of magnetic cement into the vertebral body. Further quantitative analysis of histological sections of several vertebral bodies demonstrated enhanced accumulation of MNPs to regions that had magnetic cement injected during kyphoplasty compared to those that did not. By modifying the kyphoplasty bone cement to include magnets, thereby providing a guidance stimulus and a localizer, we were successfully able to guide intravenously injected magnetic nanoparticles to the thoracic vertebra. These results demonstrate an in-vivo proof of concept of a novel drug delivery strategy that has the potential to treat the underlying causes of VCFs, in addition to providing symptomatic support.

Biodegradable dendrimers for drug delivery

Dendrimers, as a type of artificial polymers with unique structural features, have been extensively explored for their applications in biomedical fields, especially in drug delivery. However, one important concern about the most commonly used dendrimers exists - the nondegradability, which may cause side effects induced by the accumulation of synthetic polymers in cells or tissues. Therefore, biodegradable dendrimers incorporating biodegradability with merits of dendrimers such as well-defined architectures, copious internal cavities and surface functionalities, are much more promising for developing novel nontoxic drug carriers. Herein, we review the recent advances in design and synthesis of biodegradable dendrimers, as well as their applications in fabricating drug delivery systems, with the aim to provide researchers in the related fields a good understanding of biodegradable dendrimers for drug delivery.

Magnetic nanoformulations for prostate cancer

Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) play a vital role for improved imaging applications. Recently, a number of studies demonstrate MNPs can be applied for targeted delivery, sustained release of therapeutics, and hyperthermia. Based on stable particle size and shape, biocompatibility, and inherent contrast enhancement characteristics, MNPs have been encouraged for pre-clinical studies and human use. As a theranostic platform development, MNPs need to balance both delivery and imaging aspects. Thus, this review provides significant insight and advances in the theranostic role of MNPs through the documentation of unique magnetic nanoparticles used in prostate cancer, their interaction with prostate cancer cells, in vivo fate, targeting, and biodistribution. Specific and custom-made applications of various novel nanoformulations in prostate cancer are discussed.

Superparamagnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticles: synthesis by a solvothermal process and functionalization for a magnetic targeted curcumin delivery system

Different functionalized Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles were fabricated for constructing magnetic targeted carriers for curcumin to improve its hydrophilicity and bioavailability.

A dopamine responsive nano-container for the treatment of pheochromocytoma cells based on mesoporous silica nanoparticles capped with DNA-templated silver nanoparticles

A novel DA responsive delivery system was developed for the treatment of pheochromocytoma cells based on MSNs capped with DNA-templated AgNPs.