Smart nanomaterials as the foundation of a combination approach for efficient cancer theranostics

Bioengineering stimuli-responsive organic-inorganic nanoarchitetures based on carboxymethylcellulose-poly-l-lysine nanoplexes: Unlocking the potential for bioimaging and multimodal chemodynamic-magnetothermal therapy of brain cancer cells

Regrettably, glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) remains the deadliest form of brain cancer, where the early diagnosis plays a pivotal role in the patient's therapy and prognosis. Hence, we report for the first time the design, synthesis, and characterization of new hybrid organic-inorganic stimuli-responsive nanoplexes (NPX) for bioimaging and killing brain cancer cells (GBM, U-87). These nanoplexes were built through coupling two nanoconjugates, produced using a facile, sustainable, green aqueous colloidal process ("bottom-up"). One nanocomponent was based on cationic epsilon-poly-l-lysine polypeptide (εPL) conjugated with ZnS quantum dots (QDs) acting as chemical ligand and cell-penetrating peptide (CPP) for bioimaging of cancer cells (QD@εPL). The second nanocomponent was based on anionic carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) polysaccharide surrounding superparamagnetic magnetite "nanozymes" (MNZ) behaving as a capping macromolecular shell (MNZ@CMC) for killing cancer cells through chemodynamic therapy (CDT) and magnetohyperthermia (MHT). The results demonstrated the effective production of supramolecular aqueous colloidal nanoplexes (QD@εPL_MNZ@CMC, NPX) integrated into single nanoplatforms, mainly electrostatically stabilized by εPL/CMC biomolecules with anticancer activity against U-87 cells using 2D and 3D spheroid models. They displayed nanotheranostics (i.e., diagnosis and therapy) behavior credited to the photonic activity of QD@εPL with luminescent intracellular bioimaging, amalgamated with a dual-mode killing effect of GBM cancer cells through CDT by nanozyme-induced biocatalysis and as "nanoheaters" by magnetically-responsive hyperthermia therapy.

Reactive oxygen species driven prodrug-based nanoscale carriers for transformative therapies

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) drive processes in various pathological conditions serving as an attractive target for therapeutic strategies. This review highlights the development and use of ROS-dependent prodrug-based nanoscale carriers that has transformed many biomedical applications. Incorporating prodrugs into nanoscale carriers not only improves their stability and solubility but also enables site-specific drug delivery ultimately enhancing the therapeutic effectiveness of the nanoscale carriers. We critically examine recent advances in ROS-responsive nanoparticulate platforms, encompassing liposomes, polymeric nanoparticles, and inorganic nanocarriers. These platforms facilitate precise control over drug release upon encountering elevated ROS levels at disease sites, thereby minimizing off-target effects and maximizing therapeutic efficiency. Furthermore, we investigate the potential of combination therapies in which ROS-activated prodrugs are combined with other therapeutic agents and underscore their synergistic potential for treating multifaceted diseases. This comprehensive review highlights the immense potential of ROS-dependent prodrug-based nanoparticulate systems in revolutionizing biomedical applications; such nanoparticulate systems can facilitate selective and controlled drug delivery, reduce toxicity, and improve therapeutic outcomes for ROS-associated diseases.

Gd-doped ceria with extraordinary oxygen-ion conductivity for low temperature solid oxide fuel cells

Doped ceria has been extensively explored as an efficient electrolyte material for intermediate to low temperature solid oxide fuel cell. Among other ceria electrolytes, gadolinia doped ceria (GDC) is one of the most extensively studied electrolyte materials for low temperature SOFC applications. Here, co-precipitation method is employed to synthesize GDC nanoparticles with stoichiometric ratio of GdxCe1-xO2-δ (with 0  ≤  x  ≤  0.20). In this process, the molecular water of the precursors has been utilized during the co-precipitation to avoid possible agglomeration caused by hydrogen bonding. The cubic phase formation was examined using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Raman profile ascribing absence of other phases. XRD along with Reitveld refinement confirm the presence of cubic phase of ceria and Raman profile confirms the oxygen vacancies due to the non-stoichiometry created in CeO2 lattice. The granularity of the sample was observed using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) with elemental mapping by EDS. It is observed from FESEM that the grains are compact in nature and the density observed was around 98% of the theoretical density. The electrochemical behavior was investigated using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), which was taken between the temperature ranges of 350-700 °C. It is observed from the EIS study that ceria doped with 15 mol % Gd3+ (Gd0.15Ce0.85O2-δ) is having highest grain boundary ionic conductivity of about 0.104 S cm-1 at 700 °C with an activation energy of 0.81 eV. This work demonstrates the correlation between oxygen vacancy generation and the enhancement of ionic conductivity with Gd3+ doping in ceria.

Metal-organic frameworks: synthesis, properties, wound dressing, challenges and scopes in advanced wound dressing

Wound healing is a critical but complex biological process of skin tissue repair and regeneration resulting from various systems working together at the cellular and molecular levels. Quick wound healing and the problems associated with traditional wound repair techniques are being overcome with multifunctional materials. Over time, this research area has drawn significant attention. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), owning to their peculiar physicochemical characteristics, are now considered a promising class of well-suited porous materials for wound healing in addition to their other biological applications. This detailed literature review provides an overview of the latest developments in MOFs for wound healing applications. We have discussed the synthesis, essential biomedical properties, wound-healing mechanism, MOF-based dressing materials, and their wound-healing applications. The possible major challenges and limitations of MOFs have been discussed, along with conclusions and future perspectives. This overview of the literature review addresses MOFs-based wound healing from several angles and covers the most current developments in the subject. The readers may discover how the MOFs advanced this discipline by producing more inventive, useful, and successful dressings. It influences the development of future generations of biomaterials for the healing and regeneration of skin wounds.

Joining Forces: The Combined Application of Therapeutic Viruses and Nanomaterials in Cancer Therapy

Cancer, on a global scale, presents a monumental challenge to our healthcare systems, posing a significant threat to human health. Despite the considerable progress we have made in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer, realizing precision cancer therapy, reducing side effects, and enhancing efficacy remain daunting tasks. Fortunately, the emergence of therapeutic viruses and nanomaterials provides new possibilities for tackling these issues. Therapeutic viruses possess the ability to accurately locate and attack tumor cells, while nanomaterials serve as efficient drug carriers, delivering medication precisely to tumor tissues. The synergy of these two elements has led to a novel approach to cancer treatment-the combination of therapeutic viruses and nanomaterials. This advantageous combination has overcome the limitations associated with the side effects of oncolytic viruses and the insufficient tumoricidal capacity of nanomedicines, enabling the oncolytic viruses to more effectively breach the tumor's immune barrier. It focuses on the lesion site and even allows for real-time monitoring of the distribution of therapeutic viruses and drug release, achieving a synergistic effect. This article comprehensively explores the application of therapeutic viruses and nanomaterials in tumor treatment, dissecting their working mechanisms, and integrating the latest scientific advancements to predict future development trends. This approach, which combines viral therapy with the application of nanomaterials, represents an innovative and more effective treatment strategy, offering new perspectives in the field of tumor therapy.

Application of Nanoparticles in Cancer Treatment: A Concise Review

Timely diagnosis and appropriate antitumoral treatments remain of utmost importance, since cancer remains a leading cause of death worldwide. Within this context, nanotechnology offers specific benefits in terms of cancer therapy by reducing its adverse effects and guiding drugs to selectively target cancer cells. In this comprehensive review, we have summarized the most relevant novel outcomes in the range of 2010-2023, covering the design and application of nanosystems for cancer therapy. We have established the general requirements for nanoparticles to be used in drug delivery and strategies for their uptake in tumor microenvironment and vasculature, including the reticuloendothelial system uptake and surface functionalization with protein corona. After a brief review of the classes of nanovectors, we have covered different classes of nanoparticles used in cancer therapies. First, the advances in the encapsulation of drugs (such as paclitaxel and fisetin) into nanoliposomes and nanoemulsions are described, as well as their relevance in current clinical trials. Then, polymeric nanoparticles are presented, namely the ones comprising poly lactic-co-glycolic acid, polyethylene glycol (and PEG dilemma) and dendrimers. The relevance of quantum dots in bioimaging is also covered, namely the systems with zinc sulfide and indium phosphide. Afterwards, we have reviewed gold nanoparticles (spheres and anisotropic) and their application in plasmon-induced photothermal therapy. The clinical relevance of iron oxide nanoparticles, such as magnetite and maghemite, has been analyzed in different fields, namely for magnetic resonance imaging, immunotherapy, hyperthermia, and drug delivery. Lastly, we have covered the recent advances in the systems using carbon nanomaterials, namely graphene oxide, carbon nanotubes, fullerenes, and carbon dots. Finally, we have compared the strategies of passive and active targeting of nanoparticles and their relevance in cancer theranostics. This review aims to be a (nano)mark on the ongoing journey towards realizing the remarkable potential of different nanoparticles in the realm of cancer therapeutics.

AIEgen orthopalladated hybrid polymers for efficient inactivation of the total coliforms in urban wastewater

Monitorable AIE polymers with a bioactive pattern are employed in advanced biomedical applications such as functional coatings, theranostic probes, and implants. After the global COVID-19 pandemic, interest in developing surfaces with superior antimicrobial, antiproliferative, and antiviral activities dramatically increased. Many formulations for biocide surfaces are based on hybrid organic/inorganic materials. Palladium (II) complexes display relevant activity against common bacteria, even higher when compared to their uncoordinated ligands. This article reports the design and synthesis of two series of orthopalladated polymers obtained by grafting a cyclopalladated fragment on two different O, N chelating Schiff base polymers. Different grafting percentages were examined and compared for each organic polymer. The fluorescence emission in the solid state was explored on organic matrixes and grafted polymers. DFT analysis provided a rationale for the role of the coordination core. The antibacterial response of the two series of hybrid polymers was tested against the total coliform group of untreated urban wastewater, revealing excellent inactivation ability.

Oral delivery of RNAi for cancer therapy

Cancer is a major health concern worldwide and is still in a continuous surge of seeking for effective treatments. Since the discovery of RNAi and their mechanism of action, it has shown promises in targeted therapy for various diseases including cancer. The ability of RNAi to selectively silence the carcinogenic gene makes them ideal as cancer therapeutics. Oral delivery is the ideal route of administration of drug administration because of its patients' compliance and convenience. However, orally administered RNAi, for instance, siRNA, must cross various extracellular and intracellular biological barriers before it reaches the site of action. It is very challenging and important to keep the siRNA stable until they reach to the targeted site. Harsh pH, thick mucus layer, and nuclease enzyme prevent siRNA to diffuse through the intestinal wall and thereby induce a therapeutic effect. After entering the cell, siRNA is subjected to lysosomal degradation. Over the years, various approaches have been taken into consideration to overcome these challenges for oral RNAi delivery. Therefore, understanding the challenges and recent development is crucial to offer a novel and advanced approach for oral RNAi delivery. Herein, we have summarized the delivery strategies for oral delivery RNAi and recent advancement towards the preclinical stages.

Short-chain fatty acids in cancer pathogenesis

Cancer is a multi-step process that can be viewed as a cellular and immunological shift away from homeostasis in response to selected infectious agents, mutations, diet, and environmental carcinogens. Homeostasis, which contributes importantly to the definition of "health," is maintained, in part by the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which are metabolites of specific gut bacteria. Alteration in the composition of gut bacteria, or dysbiosis, is often a major risk factor for some two dozen tumor types. Dysbiosis is often characterized by diminished levels of SCFAs in the stool, and the presence of a "leaky gut," permitting the penetration of microbes and microbial derived molecules (e.g., lipopolysaccharides) through the gut wall, thereby triggering chronic inflammation. SCFAs attenuate inflammation by inhibiting the activation of nuclear factor kappa B, by decreasing the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor alpha, by stimulating the expression of anti-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-10 and transforming growth factor beta, and by promoting the differentiation of naïve T cells into T regulatory cells, which down-regulate immune responses by immunomodulation. SCFA function epigenetically by inhibiting selected histone acetyltransferases that alter the expression of multiple genes and the activity of many signaling pathways (e.g., Wnt, Hedgehog, Hippo, and Notch) that contribute to the pathogenesis of cancer. SCFAs block cancer stem cell proliferation, thereby potentially delaying or inhibiting cancer development or relapse by targeting genes and pathways that are mutated in tumors (e.g., epidermal growth factor receptor, hepatocyte growth factor, and MET) and by promoting the expression of tumor suppressors (e.g., by up-regulating PTEN and p53). When administered properly, SCFAs have many advantages compared to probiotic bacteria and fecal transplants. In carcinogenesis, SCFAs are toxic against tumor cells but not to surrounding tissue due to differences in their metabolic fate. Multiple hallmarks of cancer are also targets of SCFAs. These data suggest that SCFAs may re-establish homeostasis without overt toxicity and either delay or prevent the development of various tumor types.

Metal-Organic Frameworks-Based Nanoplatforms for the Theranostic Applications of Neurological Diseases

Neurological diseases are the foremost cause of disability and the second leading cause of death worldwide. Owing to the special microenvironment of neural tissues and biological characteristics of neural cells, a considerable number of neurological disorders are currently incurable. In the past few years, the development of nanoplatforms based on metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) has broadened opportunities for offering sensitive diagnosis/monitoring and effective therapy of neurology-related diseases. In this article, the obstacles for neurotherapeutics, including delayed diagnosis and misdiagnosis, the existence of blood brain barrier (BBB), off-target treatment, irrepressible inflammatory storm/oxidative stress, and irreversible nerve cell death are summarized. Correspondingly, MOFs-based diagnostic/monitoring strategies such as neuroimaging and biosensors (electrochemistry, fluorometry, colorimetry, electrochemiluminescence, etc.) and MOFs-based therapeutic strategies including higher BBB permeability, targeting specific lesion sites, attenuation of neuroinflammation/oxidative stress as well as regeneration of nerve cells, are extensively highlighted for the management of neurological diseases. Finally, the challenges of the present research from perspective of clinical translation are discussed, hoping to facilitate interdisciplinary studies at the intersections between MOFs-based nanoplatforms and neurotheranostics.

Design and Application of Hybrid Polymer-Protein Systems in Cancer Therapy

Polymer-protein systems have excellent characteristics, such as non-toxic, non-irritating, good water solubility and biocompatibility, which makes them very appealing as cancer therapeutics agents. Inspiringly, they can achieve sustained release and targeted delivery of drugs, greatly improving the effect of cancer therapy and reducing side effects. However, many challenges, such as reducing the toxicity of materials, protecting the activities of proteins and controlling the release of proteins, still need to be overcome. In this review, the design of hybrid polymer-protein systems, including the selection of polymers and the bonding forms of polymer-protein systems, is presented. Meanwhile, vital considerations, including reaction conditions and the release of proteins in the design process, are addressed. Then, hybrid polymer-protein systems developed in the past decades for cancer therapy, including targeted therapy, gene therapy, phototherapy, immunotherapy and vaccine therapy, are summarized. Furthermore, challenges for the hybrid polymer-protein systems in cancer therapy are exemplified, and the perspectives of the field are covered.

Genetic Analysis of Multiple Primary Malignant Tumors in Women with Breast and Ovarian Cancer

Familial cancer syndromes, which are commonly caused by germline mutations in oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes, are generally considered to be the cause of primary multiple malignant neoplasias (PMMNs). Using targeted genomic sequencing, we screened for eight germline mutations: BRCA1 185delAG, BRCA1 T300G, BRCA1 2080delA, BRCA1 4153delA, BRCA1 5382insC, BRCA2 6174delT, CHEK2 1100delC, and BLM C1642T, which provoke the majority of cases of hereditary breast and ovary cancer syndrome (HBOC), in genomic (blood) DNA from 60 women with PMMNs, including breast (BC) and/or ovarian cancer(s) (OC). Pathogenic allelic forms were discovered in nine samples: in seven instances, it was BRCA1 5382insC, and in the following two, BRCA1 4153delA and BRCA1 T300G. The age of onset in these patients (46.8 years) was younger than in the general Russian population (61.0) for BC but was not for OC: 58.3 and 59.4, correspondingly. There were invasive breast carcinomas of no special type and invasive serous ovarian carcinomas in all cases. Two or more tumors of HBOC-spectrum were only in five out of nine families of mutation carriers. Nevertheless, every mutation carrier has relatives who have developed malignant tumors.

Functionalized nanoparticles: Tailoring properties through surface energetics and coordination chemistry for advanced biomedical applications

Significant advances in nanoparticle-related research have been made in the past decade, and amelioration of properties is considered of utmost importance for improving nanoparticle bioavailability, specificity, and catalytic performance. Nanoparticle properties can be tuned through in-synthesis and post-synthesis functionalization operations, with thermodynamic and kinetic parameters playing a crucial role. In spite of robust functionalization techniques based on surface chemistry, scalable technologies have not been explored well. The coordination enhancement via surface functionalization through organic/inorganic/biomolecules material has attracted much attention with morphology modification and shape tuning, which are indispensable aspects in the colloidal phase during biomedical applications. It is envisioned that surface amelioration influences the anchoring properties of nano interfaces for the immobilization of functional groups and biomolecules. In this work, various nanostructure and anchoring methodologies have been discussed, aiming to exploit their full potential in precision engineering applications. Simultaneous discussions on emerging characterization strategies for functionalized assemblies have been made to gain insights into functionalization chemistry. An overview of current advances and prospects of functionalized nanoparticles has been presented, with an emphasis on controllable attributes such as size, shape, morphology, functionality, surface features, Debye and Casimir interactions.

Optimal delivery strategies for nanoparticle-mediated mRNA delivery

Messenger RNA (mRNA) has emerged as a new and efficient agent for the treatment of various diseases. The success of lipid nanoparticle-mRNA against the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) pneumonia epidemic has proved the clinical potential of nanoparticle-mRNA formulations. However, the deficiency in the effective biological distribution, high transfection efficiency and good biosafety are still the major challenges in clinical translation of nanomedicine for mRNA delivery. To date, a variety of promising nanoparticles have been constructed and then gradually optimized to facilitate the effective biodistribution of carriers and efficient mRNA delivery. In this review, we describe the design of nanoparticles with an emphasis on lipid nanoparticles, and discuss the manipulation strategies for nanoparticle-biology (nano-bio) interactions for mRNA delivery to overcome the biological barriers and improve the delivery efficiency, because the specific nano-bio interaction of nanoparticles usually remoulds the biomedical and physiological properties of the nanoparticles especially the biodistribution, mechanism of cellular internalization and immune response. Finally, we give a perspective for the future applications of this promising technology. We believe that the regulation of nano-bio interactions would be a significant breakthrough to improve the mRNA delivery efficiency and cross biological barriers. This review may provide a new direction for the design of nanoparticle-mediated mRNA delivery systems.