Synthesis, characterization, and cellular uptake of magnetic nanocarriers for cancer drug delivery

Delivery of doxorubicin by Fe3O4 nanoparticles, reduces multidrug resistance gene expression in ovarian cancer cells

BACKGROUND

Ovarian cancer is one of the most common malignancy in women with significant mortality rate due to the resistance to chemotherapy drugs. Doxorubicin (DOX) is a chemotropic agent in ovarian cancer treatment. Overexpression of multidrug resistance (MDR) genes, such as ABCB1, in cancer cells after chemotherapy is one of main problems in clinical applications. Here we have compared the efficiency of doxorubicin-loaded (NIPAAM-DMAEMA) Fe3O4 nanocomposite (DOX-NANO) against DOX on ABCB1(MDR1) gene expression in the ovarian cancer cell line.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The cell viability of SKOV-3 cells were evaluated by MTT assay. Real Time PCR was used to measure the expression level of MDR1. MTT data were normalized in 10 different attribute weighting models, also to reveal the interaction between DOX, ABCB1, and ovarian cancer genes, Pathway Studio Database (Elsevier) was used.

RESULTS

Cell viability of SKOV-3cells was significantly decreased after 24, 48 and 72 hours (P < 0.0001) of either DOX with IC50 22.38, 0.61 and 0.072 µg/ml or DOX-NANO treatment with IC50 11.54, 1.01, 0.0126 µg/ ml respectively.

TREATMENT

Notable decrease in the expression of MDR gene, ABCB1, was observed 48 hours after treatment with DOX-NANO (P < 0.0001) with 26 % in the assessed with control group. Meta-analysis showed the concentration of 10 μg/ml variables was the second most significant feature, whereas the concentration of 0.01 μg/ml recognized the lowest weights. Also, LGALS3 is an extra cellular receptor with upregulation in ovarian cancer that interacts with ABCB1.

CONCLUSION

Our findings highlight the beneficial effects of DOX delivery in ovarian cancer cells by nanocomposite as efficient drug delivery method. DOX-NANO is a promising therapeutic reagent to overcome chemotherapy resistance in ovarian cancer.

Recent advances in magnetic nanocarriers for tumor treatment

Magnetic nanocarriers are nano-platforms that integrate multiple moieties based on magnetic nanoparticles for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. In recent years, they have become an advanced platform for tumor treatment due to their wide application in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), biocatalysis, magneto-thermal therapy (MHT), and photoresponsive therapy. Drugs loaded into magnetic nanocarriers can efficiently be directed to targeted areas by precisely reshaping their structural properties. Magnetic nanocarriers allow us to track the location of the therapeutic agent, continuously control the therapeutic process and eventually assess the efficacy of the treatment. They are typically used in synergistic therapeutic applications to achieve precise and effective tumor treatment. Here we review their latest applications in tumor treatment, including stimuli-responsive drug delivery, MHT, photoresponsive therapy, immunotherapy, gene therapy, and synergistic therapy. We consider reducing toxicity, improving antitumor efficacy, and the targeting accuracy of magnetic nanocarriers. The challenges of their clinical translation and prospects in cancer therapy are also discussed.

Improved Magneto-Microfluidic Separation of Nanoparticles through Formation of the β-Cyclodextrin-Curcumin Inclusion Complex

Molecular adsorption to the nanoparticle surface may switch the colloidal interactions from repulsive to attractive and promote nanoparticle agglomeration. If the nanoparticles are magnetic, then their agglomerates exhibit a much stronger response to external magnetic fields than individual nanoparticles. Coupling between adsorption, agglomeration, and magnetism allows a synergy between the high specific area of nanoparticles (∼100 m²/g) and their easy guidance or separation by magnetic fields. This yet poorly explored concept is believed to overcome severe restrictions for several biomedical applications of magnetic nanoparticles related to their poor magnetic remote control. In this paper, we test this concept using curcumin (CUR) binding (adsorption) to β-cyclodextrin (βCD)-coated iron oxide nanoparticles (IONP). CUR adsorption is governed by host-guest hydrophobic interactions with βCD through the formation of 1:1 and, possibly, 2:1 βCD:CUR inclusion complexes on the IONP surface. A 2:1 stoichiometry is supposed to promote IONP primary agglomeration, facilitating the formation of the secondary needle-like agglomerates under external magnetic fields and their magneto-microfluidic separation. The efficiency of these field-induced processes increases with CUR concentration and βCD surface density, while their relatively short timescale (<5 min) is compatible with magnetic drug delivery application.

Tuneable manganese oxide nanoparticle based theranostic agents for potential diagnosis and drug delivery

Among various magnetic nanoparticles, manganese oxide nanoparticles are considered as established T 1 magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agents for preclinical research. The implications of their degradation properties and use as therapeutic carriers in drug delivery systems have not been explored. In addition, how the chemical composition and size of manganese oxide nanoparticles, as well as the surrounding environment, influence their degradation and MRI contrast properties (T 1 vs. T 2) have not been studied in great detail. A fundamental understanding of their characteristic properties, such as degradation, is highly desirable for developing simultaneous diagnosis and therapeutic solutions. Here, we demonstrate how the precursor type and reaction environment affect the size and chemical composition of manganese oxide nanoparticles and evaluate their influence on the nanoparticle degradability and release of the drug l-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (l-dopa). The results show that the degradation rate (and the associated release of drug l-dopa molecules) of manganese oxide nanoparticles depends on their size, composition and the surrounding environment (aqueous or biometric fluid). The dependence of MRI relaxivities of manganese oxide nanoparticles on the size, chemical composition and nanoparticle degradation in water is also established. A preliminary cell viability study reveals the cytocompatible properties of l-dopa functionalized manganese oxide nanoparticles. Overall, this work provides new insights into smartly designed manganese oxide nanoparticles with multitasking capabilities to target bioimaging and therapeutic applications.

Magnetic Nanoparticles to Unique DNA Tracers: Effect of Functionalization on Physico-chemical Properties

To monitor and manage hydrological systems such as brooks, streams, rivers, the use of tracers is a well-established process. Limited number of potential tracers such as salts, isotopes and dyes, make study of hydrological processes a challenge. Traditional tracers find limited use due to lack of multiplexed, multipoint tracing and background noise, among others. In this regard, DNA based tracers possess remarkable advantages including, environmentally friendly, stability, and high sensitivity in addition to showing great potential in the synthesis of ideally unlimited number of unique tracers capable of multipoint tracing. To prevent unintentional losses in the environment during application and easy recovery for analysis, we hereby report DNA encapsulation in silica containing magnetic cores (iron oxide) of two different shapes-spheres and cubes. The iron oxide nanoparticles having size range 10-20 nm, have been synthesized using co-precipitation of iron salts or thermal decomposition of iron oleate precursor in the presence of oleic acid or sodium oleate. Physico-chemical properties such as size, zeta potential, magnetism etc. of the iron oxide nanoparticles have been optimized using different ligands for effective binding of dsDNA, followed by silanization. We report for the first time the effect of surface coating on the magnetic properties of the iron oxide nanoparticles at each stage of functionalization, culminating in silica shells. Efficiency of encapsulation of three different dsDNA molecules has been studied using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Our results show that our DNA based magnetic tracers are excellent candidates for hydrological monitoring with easy recoverability and high signal amplification.

Block copolymer [(L-GluA-5-BE)-b-(L-AspA-4-BE)]-based nanoflower capsules with thermosensitive morphology and pH-responsive drug release for cancer therapy

Herein, the synthesis of an amino-acid-based di-block copolymer (di-BCP) in-between an l-glutamic acid-5-benzyl ester and l-aspartic acid-4-benzyl ester [(l-GluA-5-BE)-b-(l-AspA-4-BE)] has been reported. However, the synthesis of di-BCP of [(l-GluA-5-BE)-b-(l-AspA-4-BE)] was carried out through the facile modified ring-opening polymerization (ROP) without using any surfactants and harmful chemicals. Interestingly, the synthesized [(l-GluA-5-BE)-b-(l-AspA-4-BE)] has been used to design nanoflower capsules (NFCs) with surface-functionalized nanoflakes and petals. Notably, the simple solvent propanol has been used as a dispersing medium for the di-BCP-based powder to observe morphology of NFCs. Moreover, these amino-acid-based NFCs are biocompatible, biodegradable, and bio-safe for mankind usage. Consequently, di-BCP-based NFCs show changes in morphology with different temperature conditions, i.e., at ∼10 °C, ∼25 °C (RT), and ∼37 °C (body temperature). Furthermore, the average thickness of the surface-functionalized nanopetals has been calculated as ∼324 nm (in diameter). Similarly, the average distance between petals is calculated as 3.6 μm and the pore depth is ∼21 nm. Additionally, the porosity throughout the surface of capsules in-between nanopetals is an advantageous characteristic feature to improve the drug/paclitaxel (PTX) loading capacity. It is a unique and novel approach to design NFCs, which are a potential payload for nanomedicine and cancer therapy. Furthermore, NFCs were used to evaluate the loading efficacy of drugs and showed ∼78% (wt/wt%) of the PTX loading. Moreover, NFCs showed ∼74% drug release at physiological body temperature. Thus, NFCs showed remarkable release at acidic pH medium. However, PTX released from NFCs showed greater cell inhibition (i.e., ∼79%) with an increase of the PTX concentration after 24 h incubation over HeLa (human epithelial cervical cancer) cells. Besides, PTX released from NFC showed significant (∼34%) cell killing capacity. Such promising NFCs are recommended for breast, liver, and lung cancer therapeutics.

Mass spectrometry in bioresorbable polymer development, degradation and drug-release tracking

A detailed characterization of polymeric matrices and appropriate degradation monitoring techniques are required to sustain the development of new materials as well as to enlarge the applications of the old ones. In fact, polymer analysis is essential for the clarification of the intrinsic relationship between structure and properties that ascertains the industrial applications in diverse fields. In bioresorbable and biodegradable polymers, the role of analytical methods is dual since it is pointed both at the polymeric matrices and at degradation tracking. The structural architectures, the mechanical and morphological properties, and the degradation rate, are of outstanding importance for a specific application. In some cases, the complexity of the polymer structure, the processes of decomposition or the low concentration of the degradation products need the concurrent use of different complementary analytical techniques to give detailed information of the reactions taking place. Several analytical methods are used in bioresorbable polymer development and degradation tracking. Among them, mass spectrometry (MS) plays an essential role and it is used to refine polymer syntheses, for its high sensitivity, to highlight degradation mechanism by detecting compounds present in trace amounts, or to track the degradation product profile and to study drug release. In fact, elucidation of reaction mechanisms and polymer structure, attesting to the purity and detecting defects as well as residual catalysts, in biodegradable and bioresorbable polymers, requires sensitive analytical characterization methods that are essential in providing an assurance of safety, efficacy and quality. This review aims to provide an overview of the MS strategies used to support research and development of resorbable polymers as well as to investigate their degradation mechanisms. It is focused on the most significant studies concerning synthetic bioresorbable matrices (polylactide, polyglycolide and their copolymers, polyhydroxybutyrate, etc.), published in the last ten years.

Chlorotoxin-A Multimodal Imaging Platform for Targeting Glioma Tumors

Chlorotoxin (CTX) is a 36-amino-acid disulfide-containing peptide derived from the venom of the scorpion Leiurus quinquestriatus. CTX alters physiology in numerous ways. It interacts with voltage gated chloride channels, Annexin-2, and matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2). CTX-based bioconjugates have been widely subjected to phase I/II clinical trials and have shown substantial promise. Many studies have demonstrated that CTX preferentially binds to neuroectodermal tumors, such as glioblastoma, without cross-reactivity to normal brain cells. With its ability to penetrate the blood-brain-barrier (BBB) and its tyrosine residue allows covalent conjugation with functional moieties, CTX is an attractive platform to explore development of diagnostic and therapeutic agents for gliomas. In this review, we outline CTX structure and its molecular targets, summarize molecular variations of CTX developed for glioma imaging, and discuss future trends and perspectives for CTX conjugates as a theranostic agent.

Selective drug-free cancer apoptosis by three-dimensional self-targeting magnetic nickel oxide nanomatrix

AIM

To develop a drug-free strategy addressing limitations of current cancer therapy.

MATERIALS & METHODS

A 3D self-assembled magnetic nickel oxide (NiO) nanomatrix is synthesized using femtosecond pulsed laser to mimic extracellular matrix.

RESULTS

The tunable laser pulse-interaction time and repetition rate aided in generating programmable NiO nanomatrix chemistry. The nanomatrix mimicked extracellular matrix in physical configuration and properties presenting favorable cues to cancerous HeLa cell and fibroblast cell adhesion and proliferation without cytotoxicity. The 3D nanomatrix structure altered HeLa cell behavior and induced apoptosis cancer apoptosis with an evidence of increased endocytosis when compared with fibroblast cells.

CONCLUSION

The results demonstrate the availability of new potential avenues for magnetic drug-free cancer therapeutics.

Albumin coated cadmium nanoparticles as chemotherapeutic agent against MDA-MB 231 human breast cancer cell line

With the aim of dedicating toxicity of cadmium nanoparticles (CdNPs) against invasive breast cancer, with minimum damage to surrounding healthy cells, CdNPs were coated with albumin nanocarrier by nanoprecipitation method and named CdNPs@BSA. The characterization was done by TEM image, DLS and UV-Vis, fluorescence, circular dichroism spectroscopy. The cytotoxic efficacy of the CdNPs@BSA against human breast cancer cells (MDA-MB 231 cells) was examined by MTT assay. Apoptosis, as the mechanism of cell death, was verified by inverted microscopy, fluorescent microscopy, gel electrophoresis and flow cytometry. The role of ROS generation in apoptosis was also studied. It was found that the resulted CdNPs@BSA (diameter of 88 nm and zeta potential of about -18.85 mV) was suitable for penetration in tumour micro vessels. In the form of CdNPs@BSA, the 77% of the secondary structure and almost all of the tertiary structure remain intact. Comparing to CdNPs, CdNPs@BSA could significantly suppress the MDA-MB 231 while they were less toxic on WBCs. Therefore, they could be a brilliant candidate to be used as a chemotherapeutic agent against invasive breast cancer cells.

Anti-cancerous effect of albumin coated silver nanoparticles on MDA-MB 231 human breast cancer cell line

With the aim of making specific targeting of silver nanoparticles as a drug for tumor cells and developing new anticancer agents, a novel nano-composite was developed. Albumin coated silver nanoparticles (ASNPs) were synthesized, and their anti-cancerous effects were evaluated against MDA-MB 231, a human breast cancer cell line. The synthesized ASNPs were characterized by spectroscopic methods. The morphological changes of the cells were observed by inverted, florescent microscopy and also by DNA ladder pattern on gel electrophoresis; the results revealed that the cell death process occurred through the apoptosis mechanism. It was found that ASNPs with a size of 90 nm and negatively charged with a zeta-potential of about −20 mV could be specifically taken up by tumor cells. The LD₅₀ of ASNPs against MDA-MB 231 (5 μM), was found to be 30 times higher than that for white normal blood cells (152 μM). The characteristics of the synthesized ASNPs included; intact structure of coated albumin, higher cytotoxicity against cancer cells than over normal cells, and cell death based on apoptosis and reduction of gland tumor sizes in mice. This work indicates that ASNPs could be a good candidate for chemotherapeutic drug.

Silica nanoparticles induced intrinsic apoptosis in neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells via CytC/Apaf-1 pathway

The present study was to investigate effects of Silica nanoparticles (SiNPs) on nervous system and explore potential mechanisms in human neuroblastoma cells (SH-SY5Y). Cytotoxicity was detected by cell viability and Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release. Flow cytometry analysis was applied to assess mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) loss, intracellular Ca²⁺ and apoptosis. To clarify the mechanism of SiNPs-induced apoptosis, intrinsic apoptosis-related proteins were detected. Our results showed that SiNPs caused cytotoxicity, cell membrane damage and Ca²⁺ increase in a dose-dependent manner in SH-SY5Y cells. Both the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) loss and potential mitochondria damage resulted in Cyt C release to the cytoplasm. The elevated Cyt C and Apaf1 further triggered intrinsic apoptosis via executive molecular caspase-9 and caspase-3. The present study confirmed that SiNPs induced intrinsic apoptosis in neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells via CytC/Apaf-1 pathway and provided a better understanding of the potential toxicity induced by SiNPs on human neurocyte.

Surface proteomics on nanoparticles: a step to simplify the rapid prototyping of nanoparticles

Engineered nanoparticles for biomedical applications require increasing effectiveness in targeting specific cells while preserving non-target cells' safety. We developed a surface proteomics method for a rapid and systematic analysis of the interphase between the nanoparticle protein corona and the targeted cells that could implement the rapid prototyping of nanomedicines. Native nanoparticles entering in a protein-rich liquid medium quickly form a macromolecular structure called protein corona. This protein structure defines the physical interaction between nanoparticles and target cells. The surface proteins compose the first line of interaction between this macromolecular structure and the cell surface of a target cell. We demonstrated that SUSTU (SUrface proteomics, Safety, Targeting, Uptake) provides a qualitative and quantitative analysis from the protein corona surface. With SUSTU, the spatial dynamics of the protein corona surface can be studied. Data from SUSTU would ascertain the nanoparticle functionalized groups exposed at a destiny that could circumvent preliminary in vitro experiments. Therefore, this method could implement in the analysis of nanoparticle targeting and uptake capability and could be integrated into a rapid prototyping strategy which is a major challenge in nanomaterials science. Data are available via ProteomeXchange with the identifier PXD004636.

Autophagy and autophagy dysfunction contribute to apoptosis in HepG2 cells exposed to nanosilica

Great concerns have led to the evaluation of the potential hazards of nanosilica to human health and the environment. However, there still exists persistent debates on the biological effects and toxic consequences induced by nanosilica. The present study investigated both autophagy and apoptosis in ICR mice and Human hepatocellular carcinoma cells (HepG2), and then explored the interactive mechanism between these two distinct cell death modalities in HepG2 cells. Mice liver injuries seen by hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining indicated the hepatotoxic effects of nanosilica. The TUNEL assay and immunohistochemistry results confirmed that nanosilica could induce both apoptosis and autophagy in vivo. Flow cytometry analysis demonstrated apoptosis induction in vitro, while autophagic ultrastructures, LC3-II expression and immunofluorescence clarified autophagy activation by nanosilica. Apoptosis suppression by the autophagy inhibitor of 3-methyladenine (3-MA) implied that autophagy was involved in apoptotic cell death. A mechanistic study verified that nanosilica induced autophagy via negative regulation of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling but not the Beclin-1 associated pathway. The enhancement of p62 accumulation and mTOR down-regulation might account for the molecular mechanism in contribution of autophagy to apoptosis. As an emerging new mechanism of nanomaterial toxicity, autophagy might be a more susceptive indicator for toxicological consequence evaluation in nanoparticle toxicity. The present study provides novel evidence to elucidate the toxicity mechanisms and may be beneficial to more rational applications of nanosilica in the future.

Application of iron oxide nanoparticles in glioma imaging and therapy: from bench to bedside

Gliomas are the most common primary brain tumors and have a very dismal prognosis. However, recent advancements in nanomedicine and nanotechnology provide opportunities for personalized treatment regimens to improve the poor prognosis of patients suffering from glioma. This comprehensive review starts with an outline of the current status facing glioma. It then provides an overview of the state-of-the-art applications of iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) to glioma diagnostics and therapeutics, including MR contrast enhancement, drug delivery, cell labeling and tracking, magnetic hyperthermia treatment and magnetic particle imaging. It also addresses current challenges associated with the biological barriers and IONP design with an emphasis on recent advances and innovative approaches for glioma targeting strategies. Opportunities for future development are highlighted.

A pH-responsive folate conjugated magnetic nanoparticle for targeted chemo-thermal therapy and MRI diagnosis

Schematic representation of chemo and thermal therapy of folate conjugated magnetic nanoparticles (FA-MNPs) against cancer cells.

Development and application of a nanocomposite derived from crosslinked HPMC and Au nanoparticles for colon targeted drug delivery

Herein, we report a novel route for the synthesis of poly(acrylamide) (PAAm) crosslinked hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose/Au nanocomposite where chemically crosslinked HPMC (c-HPMC) works as a reducing agent.