Nanoplatforms for constructing new approaches to cancer treatment, imaging, and drug delivery: what should be the policy?

Review of the Application of Dual Drug Delivery Nanotheranostic Agents in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Liver Cancer

Liver cancer has high incidence and mortality rates and its treatment generally requires the use of a combination treatment strategy. Therefore, the early detection and diagnosis of liver cancer is crucial to achieving the best treatment effect. In addition, it is imperative to explore multimodal combination therapy for liver cancer treatment and the synergistic effect of two liver cancer treatment drugs while preventing drug resistance and drug side effects to maximize the achievable therapeutic effect. Gold nanoparticles are used widely in applications related to optical imaging, CT imaging, MRI imaging, biomarkers, targeted drug therapy, etc., and serve as an advanced platform for integrated application in the nano-diagnosis and treatment of diseases. Dual-drug-delivery nano-diagnostic and therapeutic agents have drawn great interest in current times. Therefore, the present report aims to review the effectiveness of dual-drug-delivery nano-diagnostic and therapeutic agents in the field of anti-tumor therapy from the particular perspective of liver cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Advances in nanotechnology for the treatment of GBM

Glioblastoma (GBM), a highly malignant glioma of the central nervous system, is the most dread and common brain tumor with a high rate of therapeutic resistance and recurrence. Currently, the clinical treatment methods are surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. However, owning to the highly invasive nature of GBM, it is difficult to completely resect them due to the unclear boundary between the edges of GBM and normal brain tissue. Traditional radiotherapy and the combination of alkylating agents and radiotherapy have significant side effects, therapeutic drugs are difficult to penetrate the blood brain barrier. Patients receiving treatment have a high postoperative recurrence rate and a median survival of less than 2 years, Less than 5% of patients live longer than 5 years. Therefore, it is urgent to achieve precise treatment through the blood brain barrier and reduce toxic and side effects. Nanotechnology exhibit great potential in this area. This article summarizes the current treatment methods and shortcomings of GBM, and summarizes the research progress in the diagnosis and treatment of GBM using nanotechnology.

Innovative nanotheranostics: Smart nanoparticles based approach to overcome breast cancer stem cells mediated chemo- and radioresistances

The alarming increase in the number of breast cancer patients worldwide and the increasing death rate indicate that the traditional and current medicines are insufficient to fight against it. The onset of chemo- and radioresistances and cancer stem cell-based recurrence make this problem harder, and this hour needs a novel treatment approach. Competent nanoparticle-based accurate drug delivery and cancer nanotheranostics like photothermal therapy, photodynamic therapy, chemodynamic therapy, and sonodynamic therapy can be the key to solving this problem due to their unique characteristics. These innovative formulations can be a better cargo with fewer side effects than the standard chemotherapy and can eliminate the stability problems associated with cancer immunotherapy. The nanotheranostic systems can kill the tumor cells and the resistant breast cancer stem cells by novel mechanisms like local hyperthermia and reactive oxygen species and prevent tumor recurrence. These theranostic systems can also combine with chemotherapy or immunotherapy approaches. These combining approaches can be the future of anticancer therapy, especially to overcome the breast cancer stem cells mediated chemo- and radioresistances. This review paper discusses several novel theranostic systems and smart nanoparticles, their mechanism of action, and their modifications with time. It explains their relevance and market scope in the current era. This article is categorized under: Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Oncologic Disease.

The Fractal Viewpoint of Tumors and Nanoparticles

Even though the promising therapies against cancer are rapidly improved, the oncology patients population has seen exponential growth, placing cancer in 5th place among the ten deadliest diseases. Efficient drug delivery systems must overcome multiple barriers and maximize drug delivery to the target tumors, simultaneously limiting side effects. Since the first observation of the quantum tunneling phenomenon, many multidisciplinary studies have offered quantum-inspired solutions to optimized tumor mapping and efficient nanodrug design. The property of a wave function to propagate through a potential barrier offer the capability of obtaining 3D surface profiles using imaging of individual atoms on the surface of a material. The application of quantum tunneling on a scanning tunneling microscope offers an exact surface roughness mapping of tumors and pharmaceutical particles. Critical elements to cancer nanotherapeutics apply the fractal theory and calculate the fractal dimension for efficient tumor surface imaging at the atomic level. This review study presents the latest biological approaches to cancer management based on fractal geometry.

Dendrimers: A Neuroprotective Lead in Alzheimer Disease: A Review on its Synthetic approach and Applications

Alzheimer disease is a neurodegenerative disease that is signified by cognitive decline, memory loss, and erratic behavior. Dendrimers are a type of polymer that has a well-defined structure, a high degree of molecular uniformity, and a low polydispersity which have shown to be effective intracellular drug carriers for bring down the in numerous cases. The data reported by the clinical trials and chemical bonds of dendrimers loading and biological properties that may be used in the bringing out the treatment of nano formulation for Alzheimer disease. Below-range dendrimers have an unlocked figure, but higher-range dendrimers have a more globular and dense structure so handling is difficult. Dendrimers are similar in size to a variety of biological structures; for example, fifth-generation polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimers are similar in size and shape to haemoglobin (5.5 nm diameter). Each generation of dendrimer is described in terms of size, shape, molecular weight, and the number of surface functional groups, with increasing growth specified in terms of 'generation number.' In contrast, Hawker and Frechet were the first to report the convergent approach. A stepwise repeating reaction strategy is used to synthesize dendrimers radically from a central core. The value of dendrimers as drug carriers is discussed in this paper. The information presented in this article can provide useful references for further studies on making dendrimers and applications.

Application of Dendrimers in Anticancer Diagnostics and Therapy

The application of dendrimeric constructs in medical diagnostics and therapeutics is increasing. Dendrimers have attracted attention due to their compact, spherical three-dimensional structures with surfaces that can be modified by the attachment of various drugs, hydrophilic or hydrophobic groups, or reporter molecules. In the literature, many modified dendrimer systems with various applications have been reported, including drug and gene delivery systems, biosensors, bioimaging contrast agents, tissue engineering, and therapeutic agents. Dendrimers are used for the delivery of macromolecules, miRNAs, siRNAs, and many other various biomedical applications, and they are ideal carriers for bioactive molecules. In addition, the conjugation of dendrimers with antibodies, proteins, and peptides allows for the design of vaccines with highly specific and predictable properties, and the role of dendrimers as carrier systems for vaccine antigens is increasing. In this work, we will focus on a review of the use of dendrimers in cancer diagnostics and therapy. Dendrimer-based nanosystems for drug delivery are commonly based on polyamidoamine dendrimers (PAMAM) that can be modified with drugs and contrast agents. Moreover, dendrimers can be successfully used as conjugates that deliver several substances simultaneously. The potential to develop dendrimers with multifunctional abilities has served as an impetus for the design of new molecular platforms for medical diagnostics and therapeutics.

An Overview of the Production of Magnetic Core-Shell Nanoparticles and Their Biomedical Applications

Several developments have recently emerged for core-shell magnetic nanomaterials, indicating that they are suitable materials for biomedical applications. Their usage in hyperthermia and drug delivery applications has escalated since the use of shell materials and has several beneficial effects for the treatment in question. The shell can protect the magnetic core from oxidation and provide biocompatibility for many materials. Yet, the synthesis of the core-shell materials is a multifaceted challenge as it involves several steps and parallel processes. Although reviews on magnetic core-shell nanoparticles exist, there is a lack of literature that compares the size and shape of magnetic core-shell nanomaterials synthesized via various methods. Therefore, this review outlines the primary synthetic routes for magnetic core-shell nanoparticles, along with the recent advances in magnetic core-shell nanomaterials. As core-shell nanoparticles have been proposed among others as therapeutic nanocarriers, their potential applications in hyperthermia drug delivery are discussed.

CD44-Targeted Nanocarrier for Cancer Therapy

Cluster of differentiation 44 (CD44) is a cell surface glycoprotein overexpressed in varieties of solid tumors including pancreatic, breast, ovary, brain, and lung cancers. It is a multi-structural glycoprotein of the cell surface which is majorly involved in cell proliferation, cell-to-cell interaction, cellular migration, inflammation, and generation of immune responses. Numerous studies focus on the development of nanocarriers for active targeting of the CD44 receptor to improve efficacy of targeting chemotherapy and achieve precise chemotherapy by defining the release, uptake, and accumulation of therapeutic agents. The CD44 receptor has a selective binding affinity towards hyaluronic and chondroitin sulfate (CS). Taking this into consideration, this review focused on the role of CD44 in cancer and its therapy using several nanocarriers such as polymeric/non-polymeric nanoparticles, dendrimer, micelles, carbon nanotubes, nanogels, nanoemulsions etc., for targeted delivery of several chemotherapeutic molecules and nucleic acid. This review also illuminates the role of hyaluronic acid (HA) in cancer therapy, interaction of HA with CD44, and various approaches to target CD44-overexpressed neoplastic cells.

A comparative study of the effects of crab derived exosomes and doxorubicin in 2 & 3-dimensional in vivo models of breast cancer

INTRODUCTION

Using tissue engineering and modifying the tumor microenvironment, three-dimensional (3D) in vitro and in vivo cancer modeling can be performed with appropriate similarity to native. Exosomes derived from different sources have recently been used in cancer studies due to their anticancer effects. In this study, the effect of crab derived exosomes in 2 & 3-dimensional (2& 3D) in vivo models of breast cancer (BC) were investigated and compared with the doxorubicin (DOX).

METHODS

2D and 3D models of BC were induced using the chitosan/β-glycerol phosphate hydrogel (Ch/β-GP) and 1 × 10⁶ 4T1 cells in the female mice aged 6-8 weeks. 1 mg/ml exosome and 5 mg/kg DOX were injected by intratumoral (IT), intravenous (IV), and intraperitoneal (IP) methods into mice on day 9, 13, and 17 with and without hydrogel as a drug delivery system. After 21 days, the mice were sacrificed, and the tissues (lung, liver, and tumor) were removed. The weight and size of the tumor were measured. Real-time PCR assessed changes of VEGF, Bcl2, and P53 genes expression levels. Nitric oxide (NO) secretion from the cancer 3D model was evaluated by Griess assay.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

Based on the results, the size and weight of tumors in treated groups with exosomes and DOX were reduced significantly (P ≤ 0.001, P ≤ 0.002, P ≤ 0.02) in 2D and 3D models. Changes in VEGF, Bcl2 and P53 gene expression levels were less in the 3D model than in the 2D model. Drug delivery with hydrogel increased tumor inhibition compared to drug injection without hydrogel. Decreased NO secretion was observed in all treatment groups compared to the control group (untreated). Crab exosomes showed anti cancer effects on 2&3D models of BC. 3D model of BC showed greater drug resistance than the 2D model after treating with crab derived exosomes and DOX. 3D model of BC mimics native tumor better than 2D and can be used in cancer studies and for drug screening with greater confidence than 2D model. Also, the use of slow release drug delivery system reduced drug resistance in both models.

Exploring Various Techniques for the Chemical and Biological Synthesis of Polymeric Nanoparticles

Nanoparticles (NPs) have remarkable properties for delivering therapeutic drugs to the body’s targeted cells. NPs have shown to be significantly more efficient as drug delivery carriers than micron-sized particles, which are quickly eliminated by the immune system. Biopolymer-based polymeric nanoparticles (PNPs) are colloidal systems composed of either natural or synthetic polymers and can be synthesized by the direct polymerization of monomers (e.g., emulsion polymerization, surfactant-free emulsion polymerization, mini-emulsion polymerization, micro-emulsion polymerization, and microbial polymerization) or by the dispersion of preformed polymers (e.g., nanoprecipitation, emulsification solvent evaporation, emulsification solvent diffusion, and salting-out). The desired characteristics of NPs and their target applications are determining factors in the choice of method used for their production. This review article aims to shed light on the different methods employed for the production of PNPs and to discuss the effect of experimental parameters on the physicochemical properties of PNPs. Thus, this review highlights specific properties of PNPs that can be tailored to be employed as drug carriers, especially in hospitals for point-of-care diagnostics for targeted therapies.

Design of Turmeric Rhizome Extract Nano-Formula for Delivery to Cancer Cells

Novel turmeric rhizome extract nanoparticles (TE-NPs) were developed from fractions of dried turmeric (Curcuma longa Linn.) rhizome. Phytochemical studies, by using HPLC and TLC, of the fractions obtained from ethanol extraction and solvent–solvent extraction showed that turmeric rhizome ethanol extract (EV) and chloroform fraction (CF) were composed mainly of three curcuminoids and turmeric oil. Hexane fraction (HE) was composed mainly of turmeric oil while ethyl acetate fraction (EA) was composed mainly of three curcuminoids. The optimal TE-NPs formulation with particle size of 159.6 ± 1.7 nm and curcumin content of 357.48 ± 8.39 µM was successfully developed from 47-run D-optimal mixture–process variables experimental design. Three regression models of z-average, d₅₀, and d₉₀ could be developed with a reasonable accuracy of prediction (predicted r² values were in the range of 0.9120–0.9992). An in vitro cytotoxicity study using MTT assay demonstrated that the optimal TE-NPs remarkably exhibited the higher cytotoxic effect on human hepatoma cells, HepG2, when compared with free curcumin. This study is the first to report nanoparticles prepared from turmeric rhizome extract and their cytotoxic activity to hepatic cancer cells compared with pure curcumin. These nanoparticles might serve as a potential delivery system for cancer therapy.

Prostate Cancer Biomarkers: From diagnosis to prognosis and precision-guided therapeutics

Prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the most commonly diagnosed malignancies and among the leading causes of cancer-related death worldwide. It is a highly heterogeneous disease, ranging from remarkably slow progression or inertia to highly aggressive and fatal disease. As therapeutic decision-making, clinical trial design and outcome highly depend on the appropriate stratification of patients to risk groups, it is imperative to differentiate between benign versus more aggressive states. The incorporation of clinically valuable prognostic and predictive biomarkers is also potentially amenable in this process, in the timely prevention of metastatic disease and in the decision for therapy selection. This review summarizes the progress that has so far been made in the identification of the genomic events that can be used for the classification, prediction and prognostication of PCa, and as major targets for clinical intervention. We include an extensive list of emerging biomarkers for which there is enough preclinical evidence to suggest that they may constitute crucial targets for achieving significant advances in the management of the disease. Finally, we highlight the main challenges that are associated with the identification of clinically significant PCa biomarkers and recommend possible ways to overcome such limitations.

Multifunctional Transferrin Encapsulated GdF3 Nanoparticles for Sentinel Lymph Node and Tumor Imaging

The transferrin encapsulated GdF₃ nanoparticles have been fabricated via biomineralization method. The obtained GdF₃@Tf NPs show an attractive T2MRI and CT enhancement effect. Furthermore, PET and NIR imaging capacity are integrated into nanoparticles through conjugating with radionuclide ⁶⁴Cu and fluorescent dye Cy7. ⁶⁴Cu-GdF₃@Tf-Cy7 NPs are developed and applied in small animal multimodal imaging in vivo. Compared with the previous multimodal imaging agents, ⁶⁴Cu-GdF₃@Tf-Cy7 NPs enable not only precise sentinel lymph node (SLN) identification, but specific imaging for transferrin receptor overexpressed colorectal tumor in vivo. The results reveal that ⁶⁴Cu-GdF₃@Tf-Cy7 NPs are potential and efficient multimodal imaging agents for SLN and tumor preclinical imaging.

Recent Advances in Porphyrin-Based Inorganic Nanoparticles for Cancer Treatment

The application of porphyrins and their derivatives have been investigated extensively over the past years for phototherapy cancer treatment. Phototherapeutic Porphyrins have the ability to generate high levels of reactive oxygen with a low dark toxicity and these properties have made them robust photosensitizing agents. In recent years, Porphyrins have been combined with various nanomaterials in order to improve their bio-distribution. These combinations allow for nanoparticles to enhance photodynamic therapy (PDT) cancer treatment and adding additional nanotheranostics (photothermal therapy-PTT) as well as enhance photodiagnosis (PDD) to the reaction. This review examines various porphyrin-based inorganic nanoparticles developed for phototherapy nanotheranostic cancer treatment over the last three years (2017 to 2020). Furthermore, current challenges in the development and future perspectives of porphyrin-based nanomedicines for cancer treatment are also highlighted.

Biodistribution, Clearance And Morphological Alterations Of Intravenously Administered Iron Oxide Nanoparticles In Male Wistar Rats

Introduction

Nanoparticles are used worldwide because of their unique properties, with large-scale application in various fields, such as medicine, cosmetics and industries. In view of their widespread use, the potential adverse effects of nanoparticles have become a significant cause for concern, in terms of not only human health and safety but also the environment. The present investigation focused on establishing the bioaccumulation patterns and ultrastructural changes induced by retained iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) in various target organs of rats.

Methods

Twenty-four male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups. Experimental animals were intravenously administered different doses of IONPs (7.5 mg/kg, 15 mg/kg and 30 mg/kg) once in a week for 4 weeks. Urine and feces samples were collected on a daily basis to assess nanoparticle clearance and analyzed via atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS). At the end of the experiment, rats were euthanized and different organs, including spleen, liver, kidney, lung, heart, testis and brain, were dissected. Bioaccumulation of iron in organs and ultrastructural changes induced by IONPs were determined.

Results

The maximal concentration of iron was detected in spleen and minimal concentration in the brain. The level of iron accumulation in organs was as follows: spleen>blood>liver>kidney>lung>heart>testis>brain. The excretion profile in urine revealed maximum excretion on the day following administration that was maintained until day 28, whereas the iron content in feces remained high during the first three days after injection. A similar pattern was observed throughout the duration of the experiment. Ultrastructural alterations were detected in spleen, kidney, lung, heart, testis, brain and liver, indicative of cellular damage induced by accumulating nanoparticles in these organs.

Conclusion

Intravenous administration of IONPs results in ultrastructural changes and dose-dependent bioaccumulation in different organs of rats.

Exploration of quinolone and quinoline derivatives as potential anticancer agents

BACKGROUND

Among the different types of cancers, breast cancer, bone cancer and cervical cancer are the most common gender specific cancer types that are affecting the women worldwide. Currently, many enzymatic and cellular pathways are known as drug targets for the treatment of cancer. Even though many improvements have been made in the therapy of various types of cancer, but the major disadvantage of available anti-cancer drugs is their non-selective behavior towards cancer cells as well as normal cells.

OBJECTIVES

In the light of this fact, the searching of new compounds with selective behavior only towards cancer cells is critically important. Previously, we have identified several series of compounds as the potential inhibitors of these families.

METHODS

Herein, we investigate quinolones and quinolines for their anti-cancer activity against breast cancer cells (MCF-7), bone marrow cancer cells (K-562) and cervical cancer cells (HeLa) by MTT assay. The most effective derivatives were further subjected to flow cytometry analysis followed by fluorescence microscopic analysis by using 4´,6-diamidine-2´-phenylindole (DAPI) and propidium staining (PI) staining.

RESULTS

All the tested compounds were found selective only towards cancer cells. The identified compounds also induced either G2 or S-phase cell cycle arrest within the respective cancer cell line, chromatin condensation and the nuclear fragmentation, as well as maximum interaction with DNA.

CONCLUSIONS

These results provide evidence that the characteristic chemical features of attached groups are the key factors for their anticancer effects and play a useful role in revealing the mechanisms of action in relation to the known compounds in future research programs. Graphical abstract Flow cytometric analysis of cell cycle using propidium iodide staining. Cell apoptosis observed under fluorescence microscope using DAPI and PI staining.

Trastuzumab-Modified Gold Nanoparticles Labeled with 211At as a Prospective Tool for Local Treatment of HER2-Positive Breast Cancer

Highly localized radiotherapy with radionuclides is a commonly used treatment modality for patients with unresectable solid tumors. Herein, we propose a novel α-nanobrachytherapy approach for selective therapy of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive breast cancer. This uses local intratumoral injection of 5-nm-diameter gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) labeled with an α-emitter (²¹¹At), modified with polyethylene glycol (PEG) chains and attached to HER2-specific monoclonal antibody (trastuzumab). The size, shape, morphology, and zeta potential of the 5 nm synthesized AuNPs were characterized by TEM (Transmission Electron Microscopy) and DLS (Dynamic Light Scattering) techniques. The gold nanoparticle surface was modified by PEG and subsequently used for antibody immobilization. Utilizing the high affinity of gold for heavy halogens, the bioconjugate was labelled with ²¹¹At obtained by α irradiation of the bismuth target. The labeling yield of ²¹¹At was greater than 99%. ²¹¹At bioconjugates were stable in human serum. Additionally, in vitro biological studies indicated that ²¹¹At-AuNP-PEG-trastuzumab exhibited higher affinity and cytotoxicity towards the HER2-overexpressing human ovarian SKOV-3 cell line than unmodified nanoparticles. Confocal and dark field microscopy studies revealed that ²¹¹At-AuNP-PEG-trastuzumab was effectively internalized and deposited near the nucleus. These findings show promising potential for the ²¹¹At-AuNP-PEG-trastuzumab radiobioconjugate as a perspective therapeutic agent in the treatment of unresectable solid cancers expressing HER2 receptors.

Progress in neuromodulation of the brain: A role for magnetic nanoparticles?

The field of neuromodulation is developing rapidly. Current techniques, however, are still limited as they i) either depend on permanent implants, ii) require invasive procedures, iii) are not cell-type specific, iv) involve slow pharmacokinetics or v) have a restricted penetration depth making it difficult to stimulate regions deep within the brain. Refinements into the different fields of neuromodulation are thus needed. In this review, we will provide background information on the different techniques of neuromodulation discussing their latest refinements and future potentials including the implementation of nanoparticles (NPs). In particular we will highlight the usage of magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) as transducers in advanced neuromodulation. When exposed to an alternating magnetic field (AMF), certain MNPs can generate heat through hysteresis. This MNP heating has been promising in the field of cancer therapy and has recently been introduced as a method for remote and wireless neuromodulation. This indicates that MNPs may aid in the exploration of brain functions via neuromodulation and may eventually be applied for treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders. We will address the materials chemistry of MNPs, their biomedical applications, their delivery into the brain, their mechanisms of stimulation with emphasis on MNP heating and their remote control in living tissue. The final section compares and discusses the parameters used for MNP heating in brain cancer treatment and neuromodulation. Concluding, using MNPs for nanomaterial-mediated neuromodulation seem promising in a variety of techniques and could be applied for different neuropsychiatric disorders when more extensively investigated.

The advanced role of carbon quantum dots in nanomedical applications

Carbon quantum dots (CQDs) have emerged as a potential material in the diverse fields of biomedical applications due to their numerous advantageous properties including fluorescence, water solubility, biocompatibility, low toxicity, small size and ease of modification, inexpensive scale-up production, and versatile conjugation with other nanoparticles. Thus, CQDs became a preferable choice in various biomedical applications such as nanocarriers for drugs, therapeutic genes, photosensitizers, and antibacterial molecules. Further, their potentials have also been verified in multifunctional diagnostic platforms, cellular and bacterial bio-imaging, development of theranostics nanomedicine, etc. This review provides a concise insight into the progress and evolution in the field of CQD research with respect to methods/materials available in bio-imaging, theranostics, cancer/gene therapy, diagnostics, etc. Further, our discussion is extended to explore the role of CQDs in nanomedicine which is considered to be the future of biomedicine. This study will thus help biomedical researchers in tapping the potential of CQDs to overcome various existing technological challenges.

Strategic use of nanotechnology in drug targeting and its consequences on human health: A focused review

Since the development of first lipid-based nanocarrier system, about 15% of the present pharmaceutical market uses nanomedicines to achieve medical benefits. Nanotechnology is an advanced area to meliorate the delivery of compounds for improved medical diagnosis and curing disease. Nanomedicines are gaining significant interest due to the ultra small size and large surface area to mass ratio. In this review, we discuss the potential of nanotechnology in delivering of active moieties for the disease therapy including their toxicity evidences. This communication will help the formulation scientists in understanding and exploring the new aspects of nanotechnology in the field of nanomedicine.

Advances in Carbon Nanotubes for Malignant Melanoma: A Chance for Treatment

Malignant melanoma is an aggressive skin cancer with limited therapeutic options. Cancer is the second largest cause of death in society and one of the most difficult diseases to treat. Advances in biotechnology have enabled the current use of nanotechnology via the application of nanomaterials, especially as drug delivery systems for the transportation of very small particles. In this context, carbon nanotubes, with a potential role in the diagnosis and treatment of melanoma, are still an emerging research field. Their properties have been extensively studied for the use of antineoplastics drugs, as well as for DNA and RNA interference for the treatment of cancer. However, the most important challenge in nanomedicine is to decrease the toxicity and increase the biocompatibility of the nanomaterials used to transport therapeutic molecules. In this sense, this article addresses the recent advances in the use of carbon nanotubes in melanoma therapy and highlights the opportunities and challenges in this area. The advances and challenges involving these topics are essential to the success of nanoconjugate systems, and studies improving the comprehension of these nanosystems contribute to the development of specific antitumor therapies.

Detailed investigation of anticancer activity of sulfamoyl benz(sulfon)amides and 1H-pyrazol-4-yl benzamides: An experimental and computational study

Cancer is the second leading cause of mortality worldwide. Therapeutic approach to cancer is a multi-faceted one, whereby many cellular/enzymatic pathways have been discovered as important drug targets for the treatment of cancer. A major disadvantage of most of the currently available anticancer drugs is their non-selective cytotoxicity towards cancerous as well as healthy cells. Another major hurdle in cancer therapy is the development of resistance to anticancer drugs. This necessitates the discovery of new molecules with potent and selective cytotoxic activity towards only cancerous cells, with minimum or no damage to the normal/healthy cells. Herein we report detailed investigation into the anticancer activity of sulfamoyl benz(sulfon)amides (1a-1g, 2a-2k) and 1H-pyrazol-4-yl benzamides (3a-3j) against three cancer cell lines, breast cancer cells (MCF-7), bone-marrow cancer cells (K-562) and cervical cancer cells (HeLa). For comparison, screening against healthy baby hamster kidney cells (BHK-21) was carried out. All compounds exhibited selective cytotoxicity towards cancerous cells. Cell cycle analysis was carried out using flow cytometry, followed by fluorescence microscopic analysis. DNA interaction and docking studies were also carried out.

αv β3 mediated tumor imaging using 99m Tc labeled NAD/monosaccharide coated ferrihydrite nanoparticles

This study describes the synthesis of highly water-soluble, non-toxic, and biocompatible nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD)/glucosamine (=Nga1Fh) and NAD/glucosamine/gluconic acid coated ferrihydrite nanoparticles (=Nga2Fh) and their possible uses to target tumors in living animals via ^99m Tc and ¹²⁵ I radioisotope labeling. The structural properties were investigated using DLS, zeta potential, TEM, FT-IR, XRD, and Raman spectroscopy. The cell toxicity in CT26 cancer cells and in vivo tumor targetability in U87MG and CT26 tumor-bearing mice was further evaluated using cRGDyK-tagged and cRGDfK-tagged ferrihydrite nanoparticles. The average diameters of the resulting Nga1Fh and Nga2Fh nanoparticles were <5 to 7 and <3 nm, respectively. The Nga2Fh nanoparticles did not show cell toxicity until 0.1 mg/mL. Using gamma camera imaging, ^99m Tc-cRGDfK-Nga2Fh showed the highest tumor uptake in a U87MG tumor-bearing mouse when compared with that of ^99m Tc-cRGDyK-Nga2Fh and ^99m Tc-Nga2Fh. The image-based tumor-to-muscle ratio by time for ^99m Tc-cRGDfK-Nga2Fh was 3.8 ± 1.7, 4.2 ± 2.0, 7 ± 1.5, 13 ± 2.0, 8 ± 3.7, and 2 ± 1.6 at 5 and 30 minutes, 1, 2, 4, and 24 hours, respectively. Although further studies are needed, the NAD/monosaccharide coated ferrihydrite nanoparticles could be presented as an interesting material for a drug delivery system.

Collapse of DNA in packaging and cellular transport

The dawn of molecular biology and recombinant DNA technology arose from our ability to manipulate DNA, including the process of collapse of long extended DNA molecules into nanoparticles of approximately 100 nm diameter. This condensation process is important for the packaging of DNA in the cell and for transporting DNA through the cell membrane for gene therapy. Multivalent cations, such as natural polyamines (spermidine and spermine), were initially recognized for their ability to provoke DNA condensation. Current research is targeted on molecules such as linear and branched polymers, oligopeptides, polypeptides and dendrimers that promote collapse of DNA to nanometric particles for gene therapy and on the energetics of DNA packaging.

Nanoparticles for the treatment of liver fibrosis

Chronic liver diseases represent a global health problem due to their high prevalence worldwide and the limited available curative treatment options. They can result from various causes, both infectious and noninfectious diseases. The application of nanoparticle (NP) systems has emerged as a rapidly evolving area of interest for the safe delivery of various drugs and nucleic acids for chronic liver diseases. This review presents the pathogenesis, diagnosis and the emerging nanoparticulate systems used in the treatment of chronic liver diseases caused by liver fibrosis. Activated hepatic stellate cell (HSC) is considered to be the main mechanism for liver fibrosis. Ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging techniques are widely used noninvasive diagnostic methods for hepatic fibrosis. A variety of nanoparticulate systems are mainly focused on targeting HSC in the treatment of hepatic fibrosis. As early liver fibrosis is reversible by current NP therapy, it is being studied in preclinical as well as clinical trials. Among various nanoparticulate systems, inorganic NPs, liposomes and nanomicelles have been widely studied due to their distinct properties to deliver drugs as well as other therapeutic moieties. Liposomal NPs in clinical trials is considered to be a milestone in the treatment of hepatic fibrosis. Currently, NP therapy for liver fibrosis is updating fast, and hopefully, it can be the future remedy for liver fibrosis.

Investigating the susceptibility of mice to a bacterial challenge after intravenous exposure to durable nanoparticles

AIM

The goal of this study was to determine whether bacterial clearance in a rodent model would be impaired upon exposure to gold, silver or silica nanoparticles (NPs).

MATERIALS & METHODS

Mice received weekly injections of NPs followed by a challenge of Listeria monocytogenes (LM). On days 3 and 10 after LM injections, the animals were sacrificed and their tissues were collected for elemental analysis, electron microscopy and LM count determination.

RESULTS

The untreated and NP-treated animals cleared LM at the same rate suggesting that bioaccumulation of NPs did not increase the animals' susceptibility to bacterial infection.

CONCLUSION

The data from this study indicate that the bioaccumulation of NPs does not significantly affect the ability to react to a bacterial challenge.

Evaluating the potential of gold, silver, and silica nanoparticles to saturate mononuclear phagocytic system tissues under repeat dosing conditions

BACKGROUND

As nanoparticles (NPs) become more prevalent in the pharmaceutical industry, questions have arisen from both industry and regulatory stakeholders about the long term effects of these materials. This study was designed to evaluate whether gold (10 nm), silver (50 nm), or silica (10 nm) nanoparticles administered intravenously to mice for up to 8 weeks at doses known to be sub-toxic (non-toxic at single acute or repeat dosing levels) and clinically relevant could produce significant bioaccumulation in liver and spleen macrophages.

RESULTS

Repeated dosing with gold, silver, and silica nanoparticles did not saturate bioaccumulation in liver or spleen macrophages. While no toxicity was observed with gold and silver nanoparticles throughout the 8 week experiment, some effects including histopathological and serum chemistry changes were observed with silica nanoparticles starting at week 3. No major changes in the splenocyte population were observed during the study for any of the nanoparticles tested.

CONCLUSIONS

The clinical impact of these changes is unclear but suggests that the mononuclear phagocytic system is able to handle repeated doses of nanoparticles.

Interventional Nanotheranostics of Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) accounts for over 90% of all pancreatic cancer. Nanoparticles (NPs) offer new opportunities for image-guided therapy owing to the unique physicochemical properties of the nanoscale effect and the multifunctional capabilities of NPs. However, major obstacles exist for NP-mediated cancer theranostics, especially in PDAC. The hypovascular nature of PDAC may impede the deposition of NPs into the tumor after systemic administration, and most NPs localize predominantly in the mononuclear phagocytic system, leading to a relatively poor tumor-to-surrounding-organ uptake ratio. Image guidance combined with minimally invasive interventional procedures may help circumvent these barriers to poor drug delivery of NPs in PDAC. Interventional treatments allow regional drug delivery, targeted vascular embolization, direct tumor ablation, and the possibility of disrupting the stromal barrier of PDAC. Interventional treatments also have potentially fewer complications, faster recovery, and lower cost compared with conventional therapies. This work is an overview of current image-guided interventional cancer nanotheranostics with specific attention given to their applications for the management of PDAC.

Peptide-conjugated PEGylated PAMAM as a highly affinitive nanocarrier towards HER2-overexpressing cancer cells

Efficient drug delivery to the tumor cells was carried out with HER2 targeting peptide-conjugated PEGlyted PAMAM.

Magnetic Nanoparticles in Cancer Theranostics

In a report from 2008, The International Agency for Research on Cancer predicted a tripled cancer incidence from 1975, projecting a possible 13-17 million cancer deaths worldwide by 2030. While new treatments are evolving and reaching approval for different cancer types, the main prevention of cancer mortality is through early diagnosis, detection and treatment of malignant cell growth. The last decades have seen a development of new imaging techniques now in widespread clinical use. The development of nano-imaging through fluorescent imaging and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has the potential to detect and diagnose cancer at an earlier stage than with current imaging methods. The characteristic properties of nanoparticles result in their theranostic potential allowing for simultaneous detection of and treatment of the disease. This review provides state of the art of the nanotechnological applications for cancer therapy. Furthermore, it advances a novel concept of personalized nanomedical theranostic therapy using iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles in conjunction with MRI imaging. Regulatory and industrial perspectives are also included to outline future perspectives in nanotechnological cancer research.

Polymeric nanoparticles: the future of nanomedicine

Polymeric nanoparticles (NPs) are one of the most studied organic strategies for nanomedicine. Intense interest lies in the potential of polymeric NPs to revolutionize modern medicine. To determine the ideal nanosystem for more effective and distinctly targeted delivery of therapeutic applications, particle size, morphology, material choice, and processing techniques are all research areas of interest. Utilizations of polymeric NPs include drug delivery techniques such as conjugation and entrapment of drugs, prodrugs, stimuli-responsive systems, imaging modalities, and theranostics. Cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, and cardiovascular diseases are fields impacted by NP technologies that push scientific boundaries to the leading edge of transformative advances for nanomedicine.

NANOTECHNOLOGY - NEW TRENDS IN THE TREATMENT OF BRAIN TUMOURS

High grade gliomas are some of the deadliest human tumours. Conventional treatments such as surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy have only a limited effect. Nowadays, resection is the common treatment of choice and although new approaches, such as perioperative magnetic resonance imaging or fluorescent microscopy have been developed, the survival rate of diagnosed patients is still very low. The inefficacy of conventional methods has led to the development of new strategies and the significant progress of nanotechnology in recent years. These platforms can be used either as novel imaging tools or to improve anticancer drug delivery into tumours while minimizing its distribution and toxicity in healthy tissues. Amongst the new nanotechnology platforms used for delivery into the brain tissue are: polymeric nanoparticles, liposomes, dendrimers, nanoshells, carbon nanotubes, superparamagnetic nanoparticles and nucleic acid based nanoparticles (DNA, RNA interference [RNAi] and antisense oligonucleotides [ASO]). These nanoparticles have been applied in the delivery of small molecular weight drugs as well as macromolecules - proteins, peptides and genes. The unique properties of these nanoparticles, such as surface charge, particle size, composition and ability to modify their surface with tissue recognition ligands and antibodies, improve their biodistribution and pharmacokinetics. All of the above mentioned characteristics make of nanoplatforms a very suitable tool for its use in targeted, personalized medicine, where they could possibly carry large doses of therapeutic agents specifically into malignant cells while avoiding healthy cells. This review poses new possibilities in the large field of nanotechnology with special interest in the treatment of high grade brain tumours.