Metal-based nanoparticles as radio-sensitizer in gastric cancer therapy

Emerging nitric oxide gas-assisted cancer photothermal treatment

Photothermal therapy (PTT) has garnered significant attention in recent years, but the standalone application of PTT still faces limitations that hinder its ability to achieve optimal therapeutic outcomes. Nitric oxide (NO), being one of the most extensively studied gaseous molecules, presents itself as a promising complementary candidate for PTT. In response, various nanosystems have been developed to enable the simultaneous utilization of PTT and NO-mediated gas therapy (GT), with the integration of photothermal agents (PTAs) and thermally-sensitive NO donors being the prevailing approach. This combination seeks to leverage the synergistic effects of PTT and GT while mitigating the potential risks associated with gas toxicity through the use of a single laser irradiation. Furthermore, additional internal or external stimuli have been employed to trigger NO release when combined with different types of PTAs, thereby further enhancing therapeutic efficacy. This comprehensive review aims to summarize recent advancements in NO gas-assisted cancer photothermal treatment. It commences by providing an overview of various types of NO donors and precursors, including those sensitive to photothermal, light, ultrasound, reactive oxygen species, and glutathione. These NO donors and precursors are discussed in the context of dual-modal PTT/GT. Subsequently, the incorporation of other treatment modalities such as chemotherapy (CHT), photodynamic therapy (PDT), alkyl radical therapy, radiation therapy, and immunotherapy (IT) in the creation of triple-modal therapeutic nanoplatforms is presented. The review further explores tetra-modal therapies, such as PTT/GT/CHT/PDT, PTT/GT/CHT/chemodynamic therapy (CDT), PTT/GT/PDT/IT, PTT/GT/starvation therapy (ST)/IT, PTT/GT/Ca2+ overload/IT, PTT/GT/ferroptosis (FT)/IT, and PTT/GT/CDT/IT. Finally, potential challenges and future perspectives concerning these novel paradigms are discussed. This comprehensive review is anticipated to serve as a valuable resource for future studies focused on the development of innovative photothermal/NO-based cancer nanotheranostics.

Metal nanoparticles as a potential technique for the diagnosis and treatment of gastrointestinal cancer: a comprehensive review

Gastrointestinal (GI) cancer is a major health problem worldwide, and current diagnostic and therapeutic approaches are often inadequate. Various metallic nanoparticles (MNPs) have been widely studied for several biomedical applications, including cancer. They may potentially overcome the challenges associated with conventional chemotherapy and significantly impact the overall survival of GI cancer patients. Functionalized MNPs with targeted ligands provide more efficient localization of tumor energy deposition, better solubility and stability, and specific targeting properties. In addition to enhanced therapeutic efficacy, MNPs are also a diagnostic tool for molecular imaging of malignant lesions, enabling non-invasive imaging or detection of tumor-specific or tumor-associated antigens. MNP-based therapeutic systems enable simultaneous stability and solubility of encapsulated drugs and regulate the delivery of therapeutic agents directly to tumor cells, which improves therapeutic efficacy and minimizes drug toxicity and leakage into normal cells. However, metal nanoparticles have been shown to have a cytotoxic effect on cells in vitro. This can be a concern when using metal nanoparticles for cancer treatment, as they may also kill healthy cells in addition to cancer cells. In this review, we provide an overview of the current state of the field, including preparation methods of MNPs, clinical applications, and advances in their use in targeted GI cancer therapy, as well as the advantages and limitations of using metal nanoparticles for the diagnosis and treatment of gastrointestinal cancer such as potential toxicity. We also discuss potential future directions and areas for further research, including the development of novel MNP-based approaches and the optimization of existing approaches.

Albumin-Modified Gold Nanoparticles as Novel Radiosensitizers for Enhancing Lung Cancer Radiotherapy

Background

Considering the strong attenuation of photons and the potential to increase the deposition of radiation, high-atomic number nanomaterials are often used as radiosensitizers in cancer radiotherapy, of which gold nanoparticles (GNPs) are widely used.

Materials and Methods

We prepared albumin-modified GNPs (Alb-GNPs) and observed their radiosensitizing effects and biotoxicity in human non-small-cell lung carcinoma tumor-bearing mice models.

Results

The prepared nanoparticles (Alb-GNPs) demonstrated excellent colloidal stability and biocompatibility at the mean size of 205.06 ± 1.03 nm. Furthermore, clone formation experiments revealed that Alb-GNPs exerted excellent radiosensitization, with a sensitization enhancement ratio (SER) of 1.432, which is higher than X-ray alone. Our in vitro and in vivo data suggested that Alb-GNPs enabled favorable accumulation in tumors, and the combination of Alb-GNPs and radiotherapy exhibited a relatively greater radiosensitizing effect and anti-tumor activity. In addition, no toxicity or abnormal irritating response resulted from the application of Alb-GNPs.

Conclusion

Alb-GNPs can be used as an effective radiosensitizer to improve the efficacy of radiotherapy with minimal damage to healthy tissues.

Applications of nanomaterials for gastrointestinal tumors: A review

Nanotechnology is the emerging and advance field of research for the diagnosis and treatment of various diseases. With the development of nanotechnology, different nanoparticles are used in the treatment of cancer due to their unique optical properties, excellent biocompatibility, surface effects, and small size effects. Nanoparticles are the particles which have the particular size from 1 to 100 nm. These nanoparticles are zero dimension, one dimension, two dimension and three dimension etc. In present scenario a variety of research is focused on the tailored synthesis of nanoparticles for medicinal applications that can be used for cancer treatment based on the morphology, composition, interaction with target cell. The gastrointestinal (GI) tumors are found one of the deadest cancer types with highest reoccurrence rates. The diagnosis and treatment of gastrointestinal cancer is very challenging due to its deep location and complicated surgery. Nanotechnology provides fast diagnosis and immediate treatment for the gastrointestinal disease. A variety of nanomaterials are used for the diagnosis and treatment of GI disease. Nanoparticles target directly to the tumor cell as diagnostic and therapeutic tools facilitating the identification and removal of tumor cells. A number of nanoparticles are developed for the uses are quantum dots (QDs), carbon nanotubes (CNTs), metallic nanoparticles (MNPs), Dendrimers etc. This review article gives an overview of the most promising nanomaterials used for the diagnosis and treatment of GI diseases. This review attempts to incorporate numerous uses for the most current nanomaterials, which have great potential for treating gastrointestinal diseases.

Effects of Metal Nanoparticles and Other Preparative Materials in the Environment on Plants: From the Perspective of Improving Secondary Metabolites

The influence of preparation material residues in wastewater and soil on plants has been paid more and more attention by researchers. Secondary metabolites play an important role in the application of plants. It was found that nanomaterials can increase the content of plant secondary metabolites in addition to their role in pharmaceutical preparations. For example, 800 mg/kg copper oxide nanoparticles (NPs) increased the content of p-coumaric acid in cucumber by 225 times. Nanoparticles can cause oxidative stress in plants, increase signal molecule, and upregulate the synthase gene expression, increasing the content of secondary metabolites. The increase of components such as polyphenols and total flavonoids may be related to oxidative stress. This paper reviews the application and mechanism of metal nanomaterials (Ag-NP, ZnO-NP, CeO₂-NP, Cds-NP, Mn-NP, CuO-NP) in promoting the synthesis of secondary metabolites from plants. In addition, the effects of some other preparative materials (cyclodextrins and immobilized molds) on plant secondary metabolites are also involved. Finally, possible future research is discussed.

Nanotechnology-based strategies for gastric cancer imaging and treatment

Gastric cancer is the second biggest cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Despite the improvement in deciphering molecular mechanisms, advances of detection and imaging, implementation of prevention programs, and personalized treatment, the overall curative rate remains low. In particular, with the emergence of nanomaterials, different imaging modalities can be integrated into one single platform, and combined therapies with synergetic effects against gastric cancer were established. Moreover, the development of theranostic strategies with simultaneous diagnostic and therapeutic ability was boosted by multifunctional nanoparticles. Herein, we present a comprehensive review of major nanotechnology-based breakthroughs for gastric cancer imaging and treatment. We will describe the superiority of nanomaterials used in gastric cancer and summarize nanotechnology applications for the improvement of cancer imaging and therapeutic efficacy.

Graphene and its derivatives: understanding the main chemical and medicinal chemistry roles for biomedical applications

Over the past few years, there has been a growing potential use of graphene and its derivatives in several biomedical areas, such as drug delivery systems, biosensors, and imaging systems, especially for having excellent optical, electronic, thermal, and mechanical properties. Therefore, nanomaterials in the graphene family have shown promising results in several areas of science. The different physicochemical properties of graphene and its derivatives guide its biocompatibility and toxicity. Hence, further studies to explain the interactions of these nanomaterials with biological systems are fundamental. This review has shown the applicability of the graphene family in several biomedical modalities, with particular attention for cancer therapy and diagnosis, as a potent theranostic. This ability is derivative from the considerable number of forms that the graphene family can assume. The graphene-based materials biodistribution profile, clearance, toxicity, and cytotoxicity, interacting with biological systems, are discussed here, focusing on its synthesis methodology, physicochemical properties, and production quality. Despite the growing increase in the bioavailability and toxicity studies of graphene and its derivatives, there is still much to be unveiled to develop safe and effective formulations.

Graphic abstract

A review on radiation induced nausea and vomiting: "Current management strategies and prominence of radio sensitizers"

Radiations dissipated are high energy waves used mostly as treatment intervention in controlling the unwanted multiplication of cell. About 60%-65% of cancer treatment requires radiation therapy and 40%-80% of radiation therapy causes RINV which are true troublemakers. Radiation therapy (RT) is targeted therapy mostly used to treat early stages of tumour and prevent their reoccurrence. They mainly destroy the genetic material (DNA) of cancerous cells to avoid their unwanted growth and division. The RINV affects the management and quality of life of patients which further reduces the patient outcome. RINV depends on RT related factors (dose, fractionation, irradiation volume, RT techniques) and patient related factors like (gender, health conditions, age, concurrent chemotherapy, psychological state, and tumour stage). RT is an active area of research and there is only limited progress in tackling the RINV crisis. Advanced technological methods are adopted that led to better understanding of total lethal doses. Radiation therapy also affects the immunity system that leads to radiation induced immune responses and inflammation. Radio sensitizers are used to sensitize the tumour cells to radiations that further prevent the normal cell damage from radiation exposure. There is a need for future studies and researches to re-evaluate the data available from previous trials in RINV to make better effective antiemetic regimen. The article focuses on radiation therapy induced nausea and vomiting along with their mechanism of action and treatment strategies in order to have a remarkable patient care.

Increasing the accumulation of aptamer AS1411 and verapamil conjugated silver nanoparticles in tumor cells to enhance the radiosensitivity of glioma

Radioresistance significantly decreases the efficacy of radiotherapy, which can ultimately lead to tumor recurrence and metastasis. As a novel type of nano-radiosensitizer, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have shown promising radiosensitizing properties in the radiotherapy of glioma, but their ability to efficiently enter and accumulate in tumor cells needs to be improved. In the current study, AS1411 and verapamil (VRP) conjugated bovine serum albumin (BSA) coated AgNPs (AgNPs@BSA-AS-VRP) were synthesized and characterized. Dark-field imaging and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry were applied to investigate the accumulation of AgNPs@BSA-AS and AgNPs@BSA-AS-VRP mixed in different ratios in U251 glioma cells. To assess the influences of 19:1 mixed AgNPs@BSA-AS and AgNPs@BSA-AS-VRP on the P-glycoprotein (P-gp) efflux activity, rhodamine 123 accumulation assay was carried out. Colony formation assay and tumor-bearing nude mice model were employed to examine the radiosensitizing potential of 19:1 mixed AgNPs@BSA-AS and AgNPs@BSA-AS-VRP. Thioredoxin Reductase (TrxR) Assay Kit was used to detect the TrxR activity in cells treated with different functionally modified AgNPs. Characterization results revealed that AgNPs@BSA-AS-VRP were successfully constructed. When AgNPs@BSA-AS and AgNPs@BSA-AS-VRP were mixed in a ratio of 19:1, the amount of intracellular nanoparticles increased greatly through AS1411-mediated active targeting and inhibition of P-gp activity. In vitro and in vivo experiments clearly showed that the radiosensitization efficacy of 19:1 mixed AgNPs@BSA-AS and AgNPs@BSA-AS-VRP was much stronger than that of AgNPs@BSA and AgNPs@BSA-AS. It was also found that 19:1 mixed AgNPs@BSA-AS and AgNPs@BSA-AS-VRP significantly inhibited intracellular TrxR activity. These results indicate that 19:1 mixed AgNPs@BSA-AS and AgNPs@BSA-AS-VRP can effectively accumulate in tumor cells and have great potential as high-efficiency nano-radiosensitizers in the radiotherapy of glioma.

Gold Nanoparticles as Radiosensitizers in Cancer Radiotherapy

The rapid development of nanotechnology offers a variety of potential therapeutic strategies for cancer treatment. High atomic element nanomaterials are often utilized as radiosensitizers due to their unique photoelectric decay characteristics. Among them, gold nanoparticles (GNPs) are one of the most widely investigated and are considered to be an ideal radiosensitizers for radiotherapy due to their high X-ray absorption and unique physicochemical properties. Over the last few decades, multi-disciplinary studies have focused on the design and optimization of GNPs to achieve greater dosing capability and higher therapeutic effects and highlight potential mechanisms for radiosensitization of GNPs. Although the radiosensitizing potential of GNPs has been widely recognized, its clinical translation still faces many challenges. This review analyses the different roles of GNPs as radiosensitizers in cancer radiotherapy and summarizes recent advances. In addition, the underlying mechanisms of GNP radiosensitization, including physical, chemical and biological mechanisms are discussed, which may provide new directions for the optimization and clinical transformation of next-generation GNPs.

Biosynthesis of nano bimetallic Ag/Pt alloy from Crocus sativus L. extract: Biological efficacy and catalytic activity

In this project, silver‑platinum (AgPt) nanoparticles were prepared by using the Crocus sativus L. plant ethanolic extract. The AgPt nanoparticles were characterized by applying the various method as ultraviolet-visible and infrared spectroscopy, electron microscopy, and X-ray diffraction analysis. The morphology structural indicated that the AgPt nanoparticles were spherical particles with diameter about 36.0 nm. The FTIR spectroscopy shows the efficient stabilization of the AgPt nanoparticles by phytoconstituents. The Ag and AgPt nanoparticles have polyphenolic content, lower than the flavonoids and proanthocyanins contents. The AgPt nanoparticles depicted the highest antioxidant properties compared to the Ag nanoparticles and ascorbic acid. The results showed that the AgPt nanoparticles had a high antioxidant properties. In addition, the AgPt nanoparticles demonstrated the substantial antimicrobial and cytotoxic activities against pathogenic microbes and MCF-7 breast cancer cell line. The environmental chemistry analysis depicts that methyl orange can be degraded from water by catalytic degradation process with sodium borohydride. The AgPt nanoparticles were prosperous in catalytic degrading methyl orange following a first order kinetic model.