Cellulose nanocrystals in cancer diagnostics and treatment

Nanomaterials and methods for cancer therapy: 2D materials, biomolecules, and molecular dynamics simulations

This review explores the potential of biomolecule-based nanomaterials, i.e., protein, peptide, nucleic acid, and polysaccharide-based nanomaterials, in cancer nanomedicine. It highlights the wide range of design possibilities for creating multifunctional nanomedicines using these biomolecule-based nanomaterials. This review also analyzes the primary obstacles in cancer nanomedicine that can be resolved through the usage of nanomaterials based on biomolecules. It also examines the unique in vivo characteristics, programmability, and biological functionalities of these biomolecule-based nanomaterials. This summary outlines the most recent advancements in the development of two-dimensional semiconductor-based nanomaterials for cancer theranostic purposes. It focuses on the latest developments in molecular simulations and modelling to provide a clear understanding of important uses, techniques, and concepts of nanomaterials in drug delivery and synthesis processes. Finally, the review addresses the challenges in molecular simulations, and generating, analyzing, and developing biomolecule-based and two-dimensional semiconductor-based nanomaterials, and highlights the barriers that must be overcome to facilitate their application in clinical settings.

Surface modification of cellulose nanocrystals for biomedical and personal hygiene applications

The increasing demand for sustainable and effective materials in biomedical and personal hygiene applications has driven the exploration of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) derived from biomass. These nanomaterials are highly valued for their exceptional mechanical properties, biocompatibility, and renewable nature. Researchers are exploring CNCs for advancing medical and hygiene products, but surface modification is often needed to maximize their benefits. Techniques such as chemical functionalization, physical coating, and hybridization can significantly enhance CNCs dispersibility, stability, and interaction with biological systems. This versatility makes CNCs suitable for a variety of applications, including drug delivery systems, wound dressings, and personal hygiene products. Despite their advantages, maintaining the inherent properties of CNCs while integrating new functionalities through modification poses a challenge. Understanding the impact of various modification techniques on CNC performance is crucial for optimizing their effectiveness. This review aimed to consolidate current knowledge on the surface modification of biomass-derived CNCs, offering insights into different methods and their implications for biomedical and personal hygiene applications. By highlighting advancements, challenges, and prospects, it served as a crucial resource for advancing the development and application of CNCs in these critical fields.

Rational design of pH-responsive nano-delivery system with improved biocompatibility and targeting ability from cellulose nanocrystals via surface polymerization for intracellular drug delivery

Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs), derived from diverse sources and distinguished by their inherent biodegradability, excellent biocompatibility, and facile cellular engulfment due to their rod-like structure, hold great promise as carriers for the development of nano-delivery systems. In this work, highly efficient rod-like CNCs were employed as substrates for grafting glycidyl onto their surfaces through ring-opening polymerization, forming hyperbranched polymers with superior cell uptake properties. Subsequently, 4-vinylbenzeneboronic acid (VB) and poly (ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate (PEGMA) were employed as monomers in the polymerization process to fabricate a pH-responsive targeted nano-delivery system, denoted as CNCs-VB-PEGMA, via single electron transfer reactive radical polymerization (SET-LRP) reaction. The CNCs-VB-PEGMA was successfully prepared and used for the loading of curcumin (Cur) to form a pH-responsive nano-delivery system (CNCs-VB-PEGMA-Cur), and the loading rate of Cur was as high as 70.0 %. Studies showed that this drug delivery system could actively targeting liver cancer cells with the 2D cells model and 3D tumor microsphere model, showing efficient liver cancer cell-killing ability. Collectively, the CNCs-VB-PEGMA drug delivery system has potential applications in liver cancer therapy as an actively targeting and pH-responsive drug delivery system.

Cyclodextrin-Based Nanogels for Stabilization and Sensing of Curcumin

Curcumin (CUR), a polyphenolic substance from turmeric, displays diverse medicinal properties. However, its instability poses challenges in detection. Cyclodextrin-based nanogels (CyDngs) offer a transformative solution, enhancing CUR's stability in aqueous solutions. Multisensing approaches involving fluorescence, electrochemistry, and NMR spectroscopy were employed, demonstrating CyDngs' pivotal role in CUR detection. Langmuir analysis revealed a binding constant of 1.4 × 104 M-1 for CyDngs, highlighting their effectiveness over native β-CyDs. The study emphasized CyDngs' superiority in stabilizing CUR and enabling reliable and sensitive detection with very diverse methods.

Elucidating shape-mediated drug carrier mechanics of hematite nanomaterials for breast cancer therapeutics

Metallic nanomaterials have gained significant attention in cancer therapy as potential nanocarriers due to their unique properties at the nanoscale. However, nanomaterials face several drawbacks, including biocompatibility, stability, and cellular uptake. Hematite (α-Fe2O3) nanoparticles are emerging as promising nano-carriers to reduce adverse outcomes of conventional chemotherapeutics. However, the shape-mediated drug carrier mechanics of hematite nanomaterials are not raveled. In this study, we tailored hematite nanoparticles in ellipsoidal (EHNP) and spherical (SHNP) shapes with excellent biocompatibility and efficient drug encapsulation and release. We elucidate that EHNP exhibits higher cellular uptake than SHNP. With effective cellular internalization, the cisplatin-loaded EHNP showed excellent cytotoxicity with an IC50 value of 200 nM compared to the cisplatin-loaded SHNP. The flow cytometry cell sorting (FACS) analysis showed a four-fold increase in cell death by arresting the cells at the G0/G1 and G1 phases for cis-EHNP compared to cis-SHNP. The results show that ellipsoidal-shaped hematite nanoparticles can act as attractive nanocarriers with improved therapeutic efficacy in cancer therapy.

Polymer-Based Drug Delivery Systems for Cancer Therapeutics

Chemotherapy together with surgery and/or radiotherapy are the most common therapeutic methods for treating cancer. However, the off-target effects of chemotherapy are known to produce side effects and dose-limiting toxicities. Novel delivery platforms based on natural and synthetic polymers with enhanced pharmacokinetic and therapeutic potential for the treatment of cancer have grown tremendously over the past 10 years. Polymers can facilitate selective targeting, enhance and prolong circulation, improve delivery, and provide the controlled release of cargos through various mechanisms, including physical adsorption, chemical conjugation, and/or internal loading. Notably, polymers that are biodegradable, biocompatible, and physicochemically stable are considered to be ideal delivery carriers. This biomimetic and bio-inspired system offers a bright future for effective drug delivery with the potential to overcome the obstacles encountered. This review focuses on the barriers that impact the success of chemotherapy drug delivery as well as the recent developments based on natural and synthetic polymers as platforms for improving drug delivery for treating cancer.

In situ growth of Ag2S quantum dots on cellulose nanocrystals and their near-infrared bioimaging performance

Elongated nanoparticles show distinct advantages over spherical nanoparticles in bioimaging because of surface area-to-volume, rate of clearance from the body and elimination mechanism. In this work, we investigated the fluorescence emission properties of the hybrid system by decorating silver sulfide quantum dots (Ag2S QDs) in situ on the surface of cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) with unique rod shape, modifiability and biocompatibility. This water-dispersible fluorescent probe has both absorption and fluorescence in near-infrared (NIR) region. By varying the amount of surface ligands, uniformly dispersed Ag2S QDs with different crystalline states but similar sizes were prepared due to the anchoring effect of CNC. The fluorescence quantum yield of fluorescent probes can be improved up to 109-fold (from 0.04 % to 4.36 %). In addition, the CNC-restricted interparticle spacing of Ag2S QDs (< 10 nm), in combination with the overlap of wide fluorescence emission and ultraviolet absorption, significantly enhanced the 1070 nm emission in the NIR-II region via fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET). Further conjugation of these CNC probes with folic acid-polyethylene glycol-amino (FA-PEG-NH2) enables in vitro bioimaging of Hela cells, which are potentially applicable for in vivo cancer detection system. The synthetic strategy provides a new way for one-pot preparation of fluorescent probes with both high NIR-I absorption and NIR-II fluorescence.

Nanoarchitectonics of cellulose nanocrystal conjugated with a tetrasaccharide-glycoprobe for targeting oligodendrocyte precursor cells

Demyelination is a serious complication of neurological disorders, which can be reversed by oligodendrocyte precursor cell (OPC) as the available source of myelination. Chondroitin sulfate (CS) plays key roles in neurological disorders, which still attracted less attention on how CS modulates the fate of OPCs. Nanoparticle coupled with glycoprobe is a potential strategy for investigating the carbohydrate-protein interaction. However, there is lack of CS-based glycoprobe with enough chain length that interact with protein effectively. Herein, we designed a responsive delivery system, in which CS was the target molecule, and cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) was the penetrative nanocarrier. A coumarin derivative (B) was conjugated at the reducing end of an unanimal-sourced chondroitin tetrasaccharide (4mer). This glycoprobe (4B) was grafted to the surface of a rod-like nanocarrier, which had a crystalline core and a poly(ethylene glycol) shell. This glycosylated nanoparticle (N4B-P) displayed a uniform size, improved water-solubility, and responsive release of glycoprobe. N4B-P displayed strong green fluorescence and good cell-compatibility, which imaged well the neural cells including astrocytes and OPCs. Interestingly, both of glycoprobe and N4B-P were internalized selectively by OPCs when they were incubated in astrocytes/OPCs mixtures. This rod-like nanoparticle would be a potential probe for studying carbohydrate-protein interaction in OPCs.

Simple engineering of hybrid cellulose nanocrystal-gold nanoparticles results in a functional glyconanomaterial with biomolecular recognition properties

Cellulose nanocrystal and gold nanoparticles are assembled, in a unique way, to yield a novel modular glyconanomaterial whose surface is then easily engineered with one or two different headgroups, by exploiting a robust click chemistry route. We demonstrate the potential of this approach by conjugating monosaccharide headgroups to the glyconanomaterial and show that the sugars retain their binding capability to C-type lectin receptors, as also directly visualized by cryo-TEM.

How to Develop Drug Delivery System Based on Carbohydrate Nanoparticles Targeted to Brain Tumors

Brain tumors are the most difficult to treat, not only because of the variety of their forms and the small number of effective chemotherapeutic agents capable of suppressing tumor cells, but also limited by poor drug transport across the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Nanoparticles are promising drug delivery solutions promoted by the expansion of nanotechnology, emerging in the creation and practical use of materials in the range from 1 to 500 nm. Carbohydrate-based nanoparticles is a unique platform for active molecular transport and targeted drug delivery, providing biocompatibility, biodegradability, and a reduction in toxic side effects. However, the design and fabrication of biopolymer colloidal nanomaterials have been and remain highly challenging to date. Our review is devoted to the description of carbohydrate nanoparticle synthesis and modification, with a brief overview of the biological and promising clinical outcomes. We also expect this manuscript to highlight the great potential of carbohydrate nanocarriers for drug delivery and targeted treatment of gliomas of various grades and glioblastomas, as the most aggressive of brain tumors.

Light and pH dual-responsive spiropyran-based cellulose nanocrystals

Reversibly light and pH dual-responsive spiropyran-based cellulose nanocrystals (SP-CNCs) is synthesized by the attachment of carboxyl-containing spiropyran (SP-COOH) onto cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs). The resulting structure and properties of SP-CNCs are examined by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), elemental analysis, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), dynamic laser light scattering (DSL), ζ-potential measurements and ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) light absorption spectroscopy. SP-CNCs exhibit excellent photochromic and photoswitching properties. Spiropyran moieties on SP-CNCs can be switched between open-ring merocyanine (MC) and closed ring spiropyran (SP) forms under UV/Vis irradiation, leading to color changes. Moreover, SP-CNCs display improved photoresponsiveness, photoreversibility, fatigue resistance, and stability in DMSO than in H₂O. We further investigate the pH-responsive behavior of SP-CNCs in H₂O. SP-CNCs aqueous solution display different colors at different pH values, which can be directly observed by naked eye, indicating that SP-CNCs can function as a visual pH sensor. These results suggest that light and pH dual-responsive SP-CNCs possess great potential for applications in reversible data storage, sensing, optical switching and light-controlled nanomaterials.

Cationic cellulose nanocrystals as sustainable green material for multi biological applications via ξ potential

The present study aims to disclose the activity of cationic cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) as a promising multifunctional green nanomaterial with applications in biological aspects. The basic reason behind multifunctional behavior is zeta potential and size distribution of nano biopolymers; exhibit a remarkable physical and biological activity compared to normal molecules.The preliminary characterized studied using absorption spectral analysis showed strong absorption peak indicating that spectrum curves can be screen by UV spectra at wavelength range 200-400nm. Ultrastructural studies (SEM-EDS and TEM), manifest that CNCs are elliptical particles in shape. Also, TEM show CNCs are the ideal illustration of zero-dimensional (0-D) NPs, less than 5.1 nm in diameter with Cationic charge and similar results in size distribution by TEM. Nonetheless, developed as antioxidant activity IC₅₀ was 1467 ± 25.9 µg/mL, antimicrobial activity tested G^-ve strains, but not affected on tested G^+ve strains and tested fungi. Evaluating toxicity effect of cationic CNCs against human blood erythrocytes (RBCs) and Lymphocyte Proliferation and the end point evaluate by comet assay, which proven no cytotoxic effect. Also, a high dose 500 µg/mL of CNCs highly significant (p < 0.05) reduction in cell viability of Caco-2 cancer cells after 24 h. incubation time, whereas the IC₅₀ was 1884 ± 19.46 µg/mL. Moreover, genotoxic assay indicates Caco-2 cells cause apoptosis with no fragmentation in DNA. Undoubtedly, the obtained results brought about by the interaction of layers carrying opposing charges. Additionally, there is a balance between hydrophilic contact and electrostatic attraction. That emphasizes how the cationic CNCs have excellent potential for use as antioxidants, antimicrobials, and anticancer agents.

The therapeutic effect and targets of cellulose polysaccharide on coronary heart disease (CHD) and the construction of a prognostic signature based on network pharmacology

Cellulose is the first rich biological polysaccharide in nature and has many excellent properties, so it is being developed as a variety of drug carriers. Moreover, applications in drug delivery, biosensors/bioanalysis, immobilization of enzymes and cells, stem cell therapy, and skin tissue repair are also highlighted by many studies. Coronary heart disease, as one of the diseases with the highest incidence, is urgent to enhance the survival outcome and life quality of patients with coronary heart disease, whereas the mechanism of cellulose's interaction with the human body remains unclear. However, the mechanism of cellulose's interaction with the human body remains unclear. We obtained 92 genes associated with cellulose and coronary heart disease through the intersection of different databases. Ten key genes were identified: HRAS, STAT3, HSP90AA1, FGF2, VEGFA, CXCR4, TERT, IL2, BCL2L1, and CDK1. Molecular docking of the 10 genes revealed their association with their respective receptors. Analysis by KEGG and GO has discovered that these related targets were more enriched in metabolic- and activation-related functions, which further confirmed that cellulose polysaccharides can also interact with cardiovascular diseases as molecules. In the end, we screened out six key genes that were more associated with the prognosis (CDK1, HSP90AA1, CXCR4, IL2, VEGFA, and TERT) and constructed a signature, which has a good predictive effect and has significant statistical significance. Our study is the first study to explore the interaction targets of cellulose and CHD and to construct a prognostic model. Our findings provide insights for future molecular design, drug development, and clinical trials.

Cellulose nanocrystals based delivery vehicles for anticancer agent curcumin

Cancer is a complex disease that starts with genetic alterations and mutations in healthy cells. The past decade has witnessed a huge demand for new biocompatibility and high-performance intelligent drug delivery systems. Curcumin (CUR) is a bioactive stimulant with numerous medical benefits. However, because of its hydrophobic nature, it has low bioavailability. The utilization of many biobased materials has been found to improve the loading of hydrophobic drugs. Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) with exceptional qualities and a wide range of applications, feature strong hydrophilicity and lipophilicity, great emulsification stability, high crystallinity and outstanding mechanical attributes. In this review, numerous CNCs-based composites have been evaluated for involvement in the controlled release of CUR. The first part of the review deals with recent advancements in the extraction of CNCs from lignocellulose biomass. The second elaborates some recent developments in the post-processing of CNCs in conjunction with other materials like natural polymers, synthetic polymers, β-CD, and surfactants for CUR loading/encapsulation and controlled release. Furthermore, numerous CUR drug delivery systems, challenges, and techniques for effective loading/encapsulation of CUR on CNCs-based composites have been presented. Finally, conclusions and future outlooks are also explored.

Tumor-Targeting NIRF/MR Dual-Modal Molecular Imaging Probe for Surgery Navigation

Multimodality imaging recognized as a promising monitoring strategy can serve the needs of accurate diagnosis and treatment of cancer by providing molecular and anatomic information about tumor sites. However, the probes based on multiple imaging modalities for surgery navigation remain limited due to poor biocompatibility and tumor targeting specificity. Herein, we present a small-molecule near-infrared fluorescence/magnetic resonance (NIRF/MR) imaging probe, Gd-NMC-3, covalently coupled with DCDSTCY and Gd-DOTA via butane diamine, for precise detection and intraoperative visualization. The in vitro and in vivo studies demonstrated that Gd-NMC-3 could be effectively accumulated in tumor sites as a bimodal imaging molecule exhibiting significant fluorescence accumulation and reasonable relaxation property in tumors with low cytotoxicity and good biocompatibility. Furthermore, Gd-NMC-3 was successfully applied to provide real-time visual navigation in LM3 orthotopic and subcutaneous tumor models to guide the resection of tumors. Importantly, no more fluorescence was observed in mice after operation, implying the total removal of tumor tissues. In conclusion, Gd-NMC-3 has great potential to be applied in the clinic based on its high resolution and sensitivity in tumor imaging.

Biopolymeric Nanoparticles-Multifunctional Materials of the Future

Nanotechnology plays an important role in biological research, especially in the development of delivery systems with lower toxicity and greater efficiency. These include not only metallic nanoparticles, but also biopolymeric nanoparticles. Biopolymeric nanoparticles (BPNs) are mainly developed for their provision of several advantages, such as biocompatibility, biodegradability, and minimal toxicity, in addition to the general advantages of nanoparticles. Therefore, given that biopolymers are biodegradable, natural, and environmentally friendly, they have attracted great attention due to their multiple applications in biomedicine, such as drug delivery, antibacterial activity, etc. This review on biopolymeric nanoparticles highlights their various synthesis methods, such as the ionic gelation method, nanoprecipitation method, and microemulsion method. In addition, the review also covers the applications of biodegradable polymeric nanoparticles in different areas-especially in the pharmaceutical, biomedical, and agricultural domains. In conclusion, the present review highlights recent advances in the synthesis and applications of biopolymeric nanoparticles and presents both fundamental and applied aspects that can be used for further development in the field of biopolymeric nanoparticles.

Novel Cellulose Nanocrystals-Based Polyurethane: Synthesis, Characterization and Antibacterial Activity

As a new type of polymer, water-driven polyurethane (PU) has attracted increasing attention of researchers; however, with the popularization of its application, the following infection problems limit their applications, especially in the biomedical field. Herein, a series of novel cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs)-based PUs were first synthesized by chemical cross-linking CNCs with triblock copolymer polylactide–poly (ethylene glycol)–polylactide (CNC-PU). After covalent binding with tannic acid (TA-CNC-PU), the silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) were further introduced into the material by a reduction reaction (Ag/TA-CNC-PU). Finally, the prepared serial CNCs-based PU nanocomposites were fully characterized, including the microstructure, water contact angle, water uptake, thermal properties as well as antibacterial activity. Compared with CNC-PU, the obtained TA-CNC-PU and Ag/TA-CNC-PU were capable of lower glass transition temperatures and improved thermal stability. In addition, we found that the introduction of tannic acid and Ag NPs clearly increased the material hydrophobicity and antibacterial activity. In particular, the Ag/TA-CNC-PU had a better antibacterial effect on E. coli, while TA-CNC-PU had better inhibitory effect on S. aureus over a 24 h time period. Therefore, these novel CNCs-based PUs may be more beneficial for thermal processing and could potentially be developed into a new class of smart biomaterial material with good antibacterial properties by adjusting the ratio of TA or Ag NPs in their structures.

Electrostatic Adsorption and Cytotoxity of Cellulose Nanocrystals with Loading Trace Metal Elements

Cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) is the rod-like nano-object derived from natural cellulose with the features of low toxicity and good biocompatibility, widely used as the functional additive and nanomaterial in the biomedicine. Two negatively charged cellulose nanocrystals, CNC and TO-CNC (surface oxidized CNC), are prepared by the sulfuric acid hydrolysis and further surface oxidization. Based on electrostatic adsorption, five trace metal elements (TMEs) including cobalt (Co), nickel (Ni), manganese (Mn), lead (Pb), and cadmium (Cd) are loaded on the surface of two nanocrystals as the biocompatible nanocarriers. The adsorbed contents of TMEs on two nanocrystals are affected by their surface charge densities and the complexes can keep stability under three varied pH conditions. Two cell lines, viz. human nasopharyngeal cancer cell and normal human bronchial epithelial cell, are selected for the investigation of cytotoxity of these TME-loaded nanocrystals at the concentration range of 0.1-500 µg mL^-1 . The high concentrations of TME-loaded nanocrystals will induce the inhibition of cells activity and proliferation, particularly for Pb²⁺ - and Cd²⁺ -loaded nanocrystals. The cancer cell generally exhibits more sensitivity of cytotoxity to these metal elements than the normal cell, which may be potentially used as the activity inhibitor for specific cells in the future study.