Emerging applications of nanomedicine for the diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular diseases

Physiological principles underlying the kidney targeting of renal nanomedicines

Kidney disease affects more than 10% of the global population and is associated with considerable morbidity and mortality, highlighting a need for new therapeutic options. Engineered nanoparticles for the treatment of kidney diseases (renal nanomedicines) represent one such option, enabling the delivery of targeted therapeutics to specific regions of the kidney. Although they are underdeveloped compared with nanomedicines for diseases such as cancer, findings from preclinical studies suggest that renal nanomedicines may hold promise. However, the physiological principles that govern the in vivo transport and interactions of renal nanomedicines differ from those of cancer nanomedicines, and thus a comprehensive understanding of these principles is needed to design nanomedicines that effectively and specifically target the kidney while ensuring biosafety in their future clinical translation. Herein, we summarize the current understanding of factors that influence the glomerular filtration, tubular uptake, tubular secretion and extrusion of nanoparticles, including size and charge dependency, and the role of specific transporters and processes such as endocytosis. We also describe how the transport and uptake of nanoparticles is altered by kidney disease and discuss strategic approaches by which nanoparticles may be harnessed for the detection and treatment of a variety of kidney diseases.

Nanotechnology in coronary heart disease

Coronary heart disease (CHD) is one of the major causes of death and disability worldwide, especially in low- and middle-income countries and among older populations. Conventional diagnostic and therapeutic approaches have limitations such as low sensitivity, high cost and side effects. Nanotechnology offers promising alternative strategies for the diagnosis and treatment of CHD by exploiting the unique properties of nanomaterials. In this review, we use bibliometric analysis to identify research hotspots in the application of nanotechnology in CHD and provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of the art. Nanomaterials with enhanced imaging and biosensing capabilities can improve the early detection of CHD through advanced contrast agents and high-resolution imaging techniques. Moreover, nanomaterials can facilitate targeted drug delivery, tissue engineering and modulation of inflammation and oxidative stress, thus addressing multiple aspects of CHD pathophysiology. We discuss the application of nanotechnology in CHD diagnosis (imaging and sensors) and treatment (regulation of macrophages, cardiac repair, anti-oxidative stress), and provide insights into future research directions and clinical translation. This review serves as a valuable resource for researchers and clinicians seeking to harness the potential of nanotechnology in the management of CHD. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Coronary heart disease (CHD) is the one of leading cause of death and disability worldwide. Nanotechnology offers new strategies for diagnosing and treating CHD by exploiting the unique properties of nanomaterials. This review uses bibliometric analysis to uncover research trends in the use of nanotechnology for CHD. We discuss the potential of nanomaterials for early CHD detection through advanced imaging and biosensing, targeted drug delivery, tissue engineering, and modulation of inflammation and oxidative stress. We also offer insights into future research directions and potential clinical applications. This work aims to guide researchers and clinicians in leveraging nanotechnology to improve CHD patient outcomes and quality of life.

Biomimetic cell membrane-coated poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanoparticles for biomedical applications

Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles (NPs) are commonly used for drug delivery because of their favored biocompatibility and suitability for sustained and controlled drug release. To prolong NP circulation time, enable target-specific drug delivery and overcome physiological barriers, NPs camouflaged in cell membranes have been developed and evaluated to improve drug delivery. Here, we discuss recent advances in cell membrane-coated PLGA NPs, their preparation methods, and their application to cancer therapy, management of inflammation, treatment of cardiovascular disease and control of infection. We address the current challenges and highlight future research directions needed for effective use of cell membrane-camouflaged NPs.

Caffeine-loaded nano/micro-carriers: Techniques, bioavailability, and applications

Caffeine, as one of the most consumed bioactive compounds globally, has gained considerable attention during the last years. Considering the bitter taste and adverse effects of high levels of caffeine consumption, it is crucial to apply a strategy for masking the caffeine's bitter taste and facilitating its programmable deliverance within a long time. Other operational parameters such as food processing parameters, exposure to sunlight and oxygen, and gastrointestinal digestion could also degrade the phenolic compounds in general and caffeine in special. To overcome these challenges, various nano/micro-platforms have been fabricated, including lipid-based (e.g., nanoliposomal vehicles; nanoemulsions, double emulsions, Pickering emulsions; microemulsions; niosomal vehicles; solid lipid nanoparticles and nanostructured lipid carriers), as well as biopolymeric (e.g., nanoparticles; hydrogels, organogels, oleogels; nanofibers and nanotubes; protein-polysaccharide nanocomplexes, conjugates; cyclodextrin inclusion complexes) and inorganic (e.g., gold and silica nanoparticles) nano/micro-structures. In this review, the findings on various caffeine-loaded nano/micro-carriers and their potential applications in functional food products/supplements will be discussed. Also, the controlled release and bioavailability of encapsulated caffeine will be given, and finally, the toxicity and safety of encapsulated caffeine will be presented.

2D materials-based nanomedicine: From discovery to applications

Due to their unique physicochemical characteristics, 2D materials have attracted more and more attention in the biomedicine field. Currently, 2D materials-based nanomedicines have been extensively applied in various diseases including cancer, bacterial infection, tissue engineering, biological protection, neurodegenerative diseases, and cardiovascular disease. Depending on their various characteristics, these 2D nanomedicines exert their therapeutic effect in different ways, showing great clinical application prospects. Herein, we focus on the various biomedical applications of 2D materials-based nanomedicine. The structures and characteristics of several typical 2D nanomaterials with different configurations and their corresponding biomedical applications are first introduced. Then, the potential of 2D nanomedicines on therapeutic and imaging and their biological functionalization are discussed. Furthermore, the therapeutic potentials of 2D nanomedicines in various diseases are also comprehensively summarized. At last, the challenges and perspectives for the advancement of 2D nanomedicines in clinical transformation are outlooks.

Minimally invasive nanomedicine: nanotechnology in photo-/ultrasound-/radiation-/magnetism-mediated therapy and imaging

Traditional treatments such as chemotherapy and surgery usually cause severe side effects and excruciating pain. The emergence of nanomedicines and minimally invasive therapies (MITs) has brought hope to patients with malignant diseases. Especially, minimally invasive nanomedicines (MINs), which combine the advantages of nanomedicines and MITs, can effectively target pathological cells/tissues/organs to improve the bioavailability of drugs, minimize side effects and achieve painless treatment with a small incision or no incision, thereby acquiring good therapeutic effects. In this review, we provide a comprehensive review of the research status and challenges of MINs, which generally refers to the medical applications of nanotechnology in photo-/ultrasound-/radiation-/magnetism-mediated therapy and imaging. Additionally, we also discuss their combined application in various fields including cancers, cardiovascular diseases, tissue engineering, neuro-functional diseases, and infectious diseases. The prospects, and potential bench-to-bedside translation of MINs are also presented in this review. We expect that this review can inspire the broad interest for a wide range of readers working in the fields of interdisciplinary subjects including (but not limited to) chemistry, nanomedicine, bioengineering, nanotechnology, materials science, pharmacology, and biomedicine.

Effect of Thermal Radiation on Three-Dimensional Magnetized Rotating Flow of a Hybrid Nanofluid

The effect of thermal radiation on the three-dimensional magnetized rotating flow of a hybrid nanofluid has been numerically investigated. Enhancing heat transmission is a contemporary engineering challenge in a range of sectors, including heat exchangers, electronics, chemical and biological reactors, and medical detectors. The main goal of the current study is to investigate the effect of magnetic parameter, solid volume fraction of copper, Eckert number, and radiation parameter on velocity and temperature distributions, and the consequence of solid volume fraction on declined skin friction and heat transfer against suction and a stretching/shrinking surface. A hybrid nanofluid is a contemporary type of nanofluid that is used to increase heat transfer performance. A linear similarity variable is−applied to convert the governing partial differential equations (PDEs) into corresponding ordinary differential equations (ODEs). Using the three-stage Labatto III-A method included in the MATLAB software’s bvp4c solver, the ODE system is solved numerically. In certain ranges of involved parameters, two solutions are received. The temperature profile θη upsurges in both solutions with growing values of EC and Rd. Moreover, the conclusion is that solution duality exists when the suction parameter S≥Sci, while no flow of fluid is possible when S<Sci. Finally, stability analysis has been performed and it has been found that only the first solution is the stable one between both solutions.

Theranostic Nanomedicines for the Treatment of Cardiovascular and Related Diseases: Current Strategies and Future Perspectives

Cardiovascular and related diseases (CVRDs) are among the most prevalent chronic diseases in the 21st century, with a high mortality rate. This review summarizes the various nanomedicines for diagnostic and therapeutic applications in CVRDs, including nanomedicine for angina pectoris, myocarditis, myocardial infarction, pericardial disorder, thrombosis, atherosclerosis, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, pulmonary arterial hypertension and stroke. Theranostic nanomedicines can prolong systemic circulation, escape from the host defense system, and deliver theranostic agents to the targeted site for imaging and therapy at a cellular and molecular level. Presently, discrete non-invasive and non-surgical theranostic methodologies are such an advancement modality capable of targeted diagnosis and therapy and have better efficacy with fewer side effects than conventional medicine. Additionally, we have presented the recent updates on nanomedicine in clinical trials, targeted nanomedicine and its translational challenges for CVRDs. Theranostic nanomedicine acts as a bridge towards CVRDs amelioration and its management.

Transformation of nanoparticles into compacts: A study on PLGA and celecoxib nanoparticles

Oral delivery of nanoparticles possesses many advantages for delivery of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) to the gastrointestinal tract. However, the poor physical stability of nanoparticles in liquid state is often a challenge. Removing water from the nanosuspensions and transforming the nanoparticles into solid particulate matter in the form of, e.g., tablets could be a potential approach to increase the stability of nanoparticles. The aim of this study was to transform nanoparticles into compacts and to investigate the redispersion of nanoparticles from compacts as well as the dissolution behavior of these compacts. DL-lactide-co-glycolide copolymer (PLGA) nanoparticles and celecoxib (CLX) nanoparticles were used as two model nanoparticle systems and fabricated into nano-embedded microparticles (NEMs) and subsequently compressed into compacts. The compacts were evaluated with respect to the redispersibility of the nanoparticles, as well as the dissolution characteristics of CLX. The results showed that the NEMs could be readily compressed into compacts with sufficient mechanical strength. The size of the redispersed PLGA nanoparticles from the compacts using 2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HPβCD) as stabilizer was comparable to the original nanoparticles. In contrast, the redispersibility of CLX nanoparticles from the compacts was not as effective as for the PLGA nanoparticles evidenced by a significant increase in the size and polydispersity index (PDI) of the redispersed nanoparticles. Nonetheless, an obvious enhancement in dissolution rate of CLX was observed from the compacts with CLX nanoparticles. It is concluded that transforming polymeric nanoparticles into compacts via NEMs provides stabilization and allows redispersion into original nanoparticles. Despite the reduced redispersibility, compacts loaded with nanoparticles exhibited improved dissolution rate compared with the crystalline drug. Loading of nanoparticles into compacts is a promising approach to overcome the poor stability of nanoparticle within oral drug delivery of nanoparticles.

Alzheimer's Disease: Pathogenesis and Therapeutic Interventions

BACKGROUND

Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia. Genetics, excessive exposure to environmental pollutants, as well as unhealthy lifestyle practices are often linked to the development of AD. No therapeutic approach has achieved complete success in treating AD; however, early detection and management with appropriate drugs are key to improving prognosis.

INTERVENTIONS

The pathogenesis of AD was extensively discussed in order to understand the reasons for the interventions suggested. The interventions reviewed include the use of different therapeutic agents and approaches, gene therapy, adherence to healthy dietary plans (Mediterranean diet, Okinawan diet and MIND diet), as well as the use of medicinal plants. The potential of nanotechnology as a multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary approach in the design of nano-formulations of AD drugs and the use of Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles (SPIONs) as theranostic tools for early detection of Alzheimer's disease were also discussed.

Inorganic Nanomaterial for Biomedical Imaging of Brain Diseases

In the past few decades, brain diseases have taken a heavy toll on human health and social systems. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), photoacoustic imaging (PA), computed tomography (CT), and other imaging modes play important roles in disease prevention and treatment. However, the disadvantages of traditional imaging mode, such as long imaging time and large noise, limit the effective diagnosis of diseases, and reduce the precision treatment of diseases. The ever-growing applications of inorganic nanomaterials in biomedicine provide an exciting way to develop novel imaging systems. Moreover, these nanomaterials with special physicochemical characteristics can be modified by surface modification or combined with functional materials to improve targeting in different diseases of the brain to achieve accurate imaging of disease regions. This article reviews the potential applications of different types of inorganic nanomaterials in vivo imaging and in vitro detection of different brain disease models in recent years. In addition, the future trends, opportunities, and disadvantages of inorganic nanomaterials in the application of brain diseases are also discussed. Additionally, recommendations for improving the sensitivity and accuracy of inorganic nanomaterials in screening/diagnosis of brain diseases.

Lanthanide complexes with polyaminopolycarboxylates as prospective NMR/MRI diagnostic probes: peculiarities of molecular structure, dynamics and paramagnetic properties

The paramagnetic lanthanide complexes with polyaminopolycarboxylate (PAPC) ligands attract considerable attention from the standpoint of potential applications thereof as relaxation agents used in medical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and in luminescent materials, as well as owing to promising use thereof as paramagnetic labels for studying the properties of biopolymers since they exhibit thermodynamic stability, good solubility in aqueous media and moderate toxicity. For the last decades, the NMR methods have been used to determine the physical and chemical properties of paramagnetic Ln compounds. The studies concerning paramagnetic NMR lanthanide-induced shifts (LISs) in dissolved Ln complexes, as well as the analysis of band shape as a function of temperature make it possible to obtain valuable information on the structure, intra- and intermolecular dynamics and paramagnetic properties thereof. This review is devoted solely to the following features: firstly, the processes of intramolecular dynamics of lanthanide complexes with polyamino-polycarboxylate ligands such as DOTA, EDTA and DTPA and their derivatives studied by NMR; secondly, the LISs of lanthanide complexes with EDTA, DOTA, DTPA and some of their derivatives depending on temperature and pH. Moreover, in this review, for the first time, the dependence of the activation energy of molecular dynamics in complexes with polydentate ligands on the atomic number of the lanthanide cation is analyzed and a monotonic change in energy is detected, which is due to the effect of lanthanide contraction. It should be noted that this phenomenon is quite general and may also appear in the future in many other series of lanthanide complexes with both other multidentate ligands and with bidentate and monodentate ligands. In the future, it is possible to predict the dependence of the properties of certain lanthanide complexes on the ionic radius of the lanthanide cation based on the approaches presented in the review. In this review, we have also presented the dynamic NMR as the main research method widely used to analyze the processes of molecular dynamics, and the structural studies based on the NMR relaxation spectroscopy and LIS analysis.

The Flow of Blood-Based Hybrid Nanofluids with Couple Stresses by the Convergent and Divergent Channel for the Applications of Drug Delivery

This research work aims to scrutinize the mathematical model for the hybrid nanofluid flow in a converging and diverging channel. Titanium dioxide and silver TiO2 and Ag are considered as solid nanoparticles while blood is considered a base solvent. The couple-stress fluid model is essentially use to describe the blood flow. Therefore, the couple-stress term was used in the recent study with the existence of a magnetic field and a Darcy–Forchheiner porous medium. The heat absorption/omission and radiation terms were also included in the energy equation for the sustainability of drug delivery. An endeavor was made to link the recent study with the applications of drug delivery. It has already been revealed by the available literature that the combination of TiO2 with any other metal can destroy cancer cells more effectively than TiO2 separately. Both the walls are stretchable/shrinkable, whereas flow is caused by a source or sink with α as a converging/diverging parameter. Governing equations were altered into the system of non-linear coupled equations by using the similarity variables. The homotopy analysis method (HAM) was applied to obtain the preferred solution. The influences of the modeled parameters have been calculated and displayed. The confrontation of wall shear stress and hybrid nanofluid flow increased as the couple stress parameter rose, which indicates an improvement in the stability of the base fluid (blood). The percentage (%) increase in the heat transfer rate with the variation of nanoparticle volume fraction was also calculated numerically and discussed theoretically.

Nanotechnology, Nanomedicine, and the Kidney

The kidneys are vital organs performing several essential functions. Their primary function is the filtration of blood and the removal of metabolic waste products as well as fluid homeostasis. Renal filtration is the main pathway for drug removal, highlighting the importance of this organ to the growing field of nanomedicine. The kidneys (i) have a key role in the transport and clearance of nanoparticles (NPs), (ii) are exposed to potential NPs’ toxicity, and (iii) are the targets of diseases that nanomedicine can study, detect, and treat. In this review, we aim to summarize the latest research on kidney-nanoparticle interaction. We first give a brief overview of the kidney’s anatomy and renal filtration, describe how nanoparticle characteristics influence their renal clearance, and the approaches taken to image and treat the kidney, including drug delivery and tissue engineering. Finally, we discuss the future and some of the challenges faced by nanomedicine.

Chemically Modified Biomimetic Carbon-Coated Iron Nanoparticles for Stent Coatings: In Vitro Cytocompatibility and In Vivo Structural Changes in Human Atherosclerotic Plaques

Atherosclerosis, a systematic degenerative disease related to the buildup of plaques in human vessels, remains the major cause of morbidity in the field of cardiovascular health problems, which are the number one cause of death globally. Novel atheroprotective HDL-mimicking chemically modified carbon-coated iron nanoparticles (Fe@C NPs) were produced by gas-phase synthesis and modified with organic functional groups of a lipophilic nature. Modified and non-modified Fe@C NPs, immobilized with polycaprolactone on stainless steel, showed high cytocompatibility in human endothelial cell culture. Furthermore, after ex vivo treatment of native atherosclerotic plaques obtained during open carotid endarterectomy surgery, Fe@C NPs penetrated the inner structures and caused structural changes of atherosclerotic plaques, depending on the period of implantation in Wistar rats, serving as a natural bioreactor. The high biocompatibility of the Fe@C NPs shows great potential in the treatment of atherosclerosis disease as an active substance of stent coatings to prevent restenosis and the formation of atherosclerotic plaques.

Nanoparticles for Stem Cell Tracking and the Potential Treatment of Cardiovascular Diseases

Stem cell-based therapies have been shown potential in regenerative medicine. In these cells, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have the ability of self-renewal and being differentiated into different types of cells, such as cardiovascular cells. Moreover, MSCs have low immunogenicity and immunomodulatory properties, and can protect the myocardium, which are ideal qualities for cardiovascular repair. Transplanting mesenchymal stem cells has demonstrated improved outcomes for treating cardiovascular diseases in preclinical trials. However, there still are some challenges, such as their low rate of migration to the ischemic myocardium, low tissue retention, and low survival rate after the transplantation. To solve these problems, an ideal method should be developed to precisely and quantitatively monitor the viability of the transplanted cells in vivo for providing the guidance of clinical translation. Cell imaging is an ideal method, but requires a suitable contrast agent to label and track the cells. This article reviews the uses of nanoparticles as contrast agents for tracking MSCs and the challenges of clinical use of MSCs in the potential treatment of cardiovascular diseases.

Ascendancy of electromagnetic force and Hall currents on blood flow carrying Cu-Au NPs in a non-uniform endoscopic annulus having wall slip

This article aims to outline the characteristics of the blood flow conveying copper (Cu) and gold (Au) nanoparticles (NPs) through a non-uniform endoscopic annulus with wall slip under the action of electromagnetic force and Hall currents. The flow of blood with the suspension of hybrid nanoparticles in the annulus is induced by the peristaltic pumping. The governing equations are modeled and then simplified with the postulate of lubrication theory. The resulting non-dimensional momentum equation after simplification is solved analytically by employing the He's homotopy perturbation method (HPM) with the computational software Mathematica program (version 11). The influential role of emerging physical parameters on the physiological features related to the blood flow is inferred graphically and physically. The analytical outcomes reveal that Hall parameter has a diminishing behavior on the blood flow while the inverse impact is endured for mounting Hartmann number. Electromagnetic field and Hall currents offer a superlative mode for regulating blood flow at the time of surgery. An increment in the volume fraction of nanoparticles causes a drop in the blood temperature profile. The trapping phenomenon is also explored with the help of contours. An expansion in Hartmann number reduces the size of entrapped bolus and ultimately vanishes when Hartmann number is very large. This prospective model may be applicable in electromagnetic micro-pumps, medical simulation devices, heart-lung machine (HLM), drug carrying and drug transport systems, cancer diagnosis, tumor selective photothermal therapy, etc.

Lignin, lipid, protein, hyaluronic acid, starch, cellulose, gum, pectin, alginate and chitosan-based nanomaterials for cancer nanotherapy: Challenges and opportunities

Although nanotechnology-driven drug delivery systems are relatively new, they are rapidly evolving since the nanomaterials are deployed as effective means of diagnosis and delivery of assorted therapeutic agents to targeted intracellular sites in a controlled release manner. Nanomedicine and nanoparticulate drug delivery systems are rapidly developing as they play crucial roles in the development of therapeutic strategies for various types of cancer and malignancy. Nevertheless, high costs, associated toxicity and production of complexities are some of the critical barriers for their applications. Green nanomedicines have continually been improved as one of the viable approaches towards tumor drug delivery, thus making a notable impact on which considerably affect cancer treatment. In this regard, the utilization of natural and renewable feedstocks as a starting point for the fabrication of nanosystems can considerably contribute to the development of green nanomedicines. Nanostructures and biopolymers derived from natural and biorenewable resources such as proteins, lipids, lignin, hyaluronic acid, starch, cellulose, gum, pectin, alginate, and chitosan play vital roles in the development of cancer nanotherapy, imaging and management. This review uncovers recent investigations on diverse nanoarchitectures fabricated from natural and renewable feedstocks for the controlled/sustained and targeted drug/gene delivery systems against cancers including an outlook on some of the scientific challenges and opportunities in this field. Various important natural biopolymers and nanomaterials for cancer nanotherapy are covered and the scientific challenges and opportunities in this field are reviewed.

Mechanistic Understanding From Molecular Dynamics Simulation in Pharmaceutical Research 1: Drug Delivery

In this review, we outline the growing role that molecular dynamics simulation is able to play as a design tool in drug delivery. We cover both the pharmaceutical and computational backgrounds, in a pedagogical fashion, as this review is designed to be equally accessible to pharmaceutical researchers interested in what this new computational tool is capable of and experts in molecular modeling who wish to pursue pharmaceutical applications as a context for their research. The field has become too broad for us to concisely describe all work that has been carried out; many comprehensive reviews on subtopics of this area are cited. We discuss the insight molecular dynamics modeling has provided in dissolution and solubility, however, the majority of the discussion is focused on nanomedicine: the development of nanoscale drug delivery vehicles. Here we focus on three areas where molecular dynamics modeling has had a particularly strong impact: (1) behavior in the bloodstream and protective polymer corona, (2) Drug loading and controlled release, and (3) Nanoparticle interaction with both model and biological membranes. We conclude with some thoughts on the role that molecular dynamics simulation can grow to play in the development of new drug delivery systems.

Biogenic silver nanoparticles as a more efficient contrivance for wound healing acceleration than common antiseptic medicine

A simple and facile way of using biogenic silver nanoparticles (BSNP) (10-20 nm) was developed for wound healing acceleration and suppression of wound infections. The BSNP were formulated in an ointment base, and the study to accelerate the wound healing process was conducted in a rat. The pH of the BSNP ointment, pH 6.8 ± 0.5, lies in normal pH range of the human skin, with good spreadability and diffusibility. The wound closure rate, as a percentage, was highest at day 3 for a BSNP ointment-treated wound at 22.77 ± 1.60%, while in an untreated control the rate was 10.99 ± 1.74%, for Betadine 14.73 ± 2.36% and for Soframycin 18.55 ± 1.37%, compared with day 0. A similar pattern of wound closure rate was found at days 7 and 11. The antibacterial activity of BSNP was evaluated against wound-infection-causing bacteria Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli by the agar diffusion method. The total bacterial counts in the wound area were enumerated by the colony forming unit method. The lowest number of bacterial counts was found in the BSNP-treated wound compared with the other groups. BSNP treatment at 7.5% concentration enhanced migration of fibroblasts in a scratch assay. These findings reveal BSNP as an efficient contrivance for wound healing acceleration and as an eco-friendly alternative therapeutic antimicrobial agent.

A significant role of permeability on blood flow for hybrid nanofluid through bifurcated stenosed artery: Drug delivery application

OBJECTIVE

The prime objective of concerned article is to discuss the permeability impacts on blood flow by considering hybrid nanofluid through bifurcated stenosed artery.

DESIGN/APPROACH

The human body circulatory framework involves the arrangement of veins that fuse the bifurcation on parent, at apex and on regions of daughter artery with nanoparticles is viewed. Blood streaming is recognized as Newtonian along vessel segment. The walls of the stenosed bifurcated artery is considered to be permeable as well as compliant. Copper and its oxide as used as drug to minimize the stress and the lesions of the atherosclerotic artery.

FINDINGS

The theoretical investigation is carried out by invoking the experimental values of hybrid nanoparticles into the structured equations. Moreover, impacts of hemodynamics are also make sense of to inspect the progression of blood for atherosclerotic vein. Daughter and parent artery comparison is described through parabolic graph of velocity. Graphical illustration is utilized to present the theoretical results of this drug delivery model. Metallic nanoparticles justify their use in drug delivery.

CONCLUSIONS

The flow of blood is viewed as not quite the same as pressure between segments of atherosclerotic and non-atherosclerotic course. Bifurcation angle minimize the stress for daughter artery whereas trend is opposite for parent daughter. The change in compliant wall parameter reduces the circulating bolus size for parent daughter whereas for daughter artery the change in bolus shape is observed.

Trends in Nanotechnology for in vivo Cancer Diagnosis: Products and Patents

BACKGROUND

Cancer is a set of diseases formed by abnormal growth of cells leading to the formation of the tumor. The diagnosis can be made through symptoms' evaluation or imaging tests, however, the techniques are limited and the tumor detection may be late. Thus, pharmaceutical nanotechnology has emerged to optimize the cancer diagnosis through nanostructured contrast agent's development.

OBJECTIVE

This review aims to identify commercialized nanomedicines and patents for cancer diagnosis.

METHODS

The databases used for scientific articles research were Pubmed, Science Direct, Scielo and Lilacs. Research on companies' websites and articles for the recognition of commercial nanomedicines was performed. The Derwent tool was applied for patent research.

RESULTS

This article aimed to research on nanosystems based on nanoparticles, dendrimers, liposomes, composites and quantum dots, associated to imaging techniques. Commercialized products based on metal and composite nanoparticles, associated with magnetic resonance and computed tomography, have been observed. The research conducted through Derwent tool displayed a small number of patents using nanotechnology for cancer diagnosis. Among these patents, the most significant number was related to the use of systems based on metal nanoparticles, composites and quantum dots.

CONCLUSION

Although few systems are found in the market and patented, nanotechnology appears as a promising field for the development of new nanosystems in order to optimize and accelerate the cancer diagnosis.

Green Synthesized Silver Nanoparticles: A Promising Anticancer Agent

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have attracted a great deal of attention in the recent years. It is mostly due to their availability, chemical stability, catalytic activity, conductivity, biocompatibility and anticancer activity. There are three major approaches for AgNPs synthesis; i.e., chemical, physical, and biological methods. Today, many chemical and physical methods have become less popular due to usage of hazardous chemicals or their high costs, respectively. The green method has introduced an appropriate substitute synthesis strategy for the conventional physical and chemical approaches. The utilization of the plant extracts as reducing, stabilizing and coating agent of AgNPs is an interesting eco-friendly approach leading to high efficiency. The anticancer synergistic effects among the AgNPs and phytochemicals will enhance their therapeutic potentials. Surprisingly, although many studies have demonstrated the significant enhancement in cytotoxic activities of plant-mediated AgNPs toward cancerous cells, these nanoparticles (NPs) have been found nontoxic to normal human cells in their therapeutic concentrations. This paper provides a specific insight into the mechanism of plant-mediated AgNPs synthesis, their anticancer and cytotoxic activities in vitro cancer cells, in vivo model animals and clinical trials.

Nanoparticle Delivery Systems for DNA/RNA and their Potential Applications in Nanomedicine

The rapid development of nanotechnology has a great influence on the fields of biology, physiology, and medicine. Over recent years, nanoparticles have been widely presented as nanocarriers to help the delivery of gene, drugs, and other therapeutic agents with cellular targeting ability. Advances in the understanding of gene delivery and RNA interference (RNAi)-based therapy have brought increasing attention to understanding and tackling complex genetically related diseases, such as cancer, cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases, autoimmune diseases and infections. The combination of nanocarriers and DNA/RNA delivery may potentially improve their safety and therapeutic efficacy. However, there still exist many challenges before this approach can be practiced in the clinic. In this review, we provide a comprehensive summary on the types of nanoparticle systems used as nanocarriers, highlight the current use of nanocarriers in recombinant DNA and RNAi molecules delivery, and the current landscape of gene-based nanomedicine-ranging from diagnosis to therapeutics. Finally, we briefly discuss the biosafety concerns and limitations in the preclinical and clinical development of nanoparticle gene systems.

Cell-Membrane-Based Biomimetic Systems with Bioorthogonal Functionalities

During the past decade, there was a fast development of cell-based biomimetic systems, which are commonly derived from cell membranes, cell vesicles, or living cells. Such systems have unique and inherent bioinspired features originating from their parent biological systems. In particular, they are capable of (i) prolonging blood circulation time, (ii) avoiding immune response, (iii) targeting desired sites, (iv) providing antigens in cancer immunotherapy, and (v) loading and delivering therapeutic or imaging agents. Thus, these biomimetic systems are promising as prevention, detection, diagnosis, and therapeutic modalities. Though promising, these cell-based biomimetic systems are still far from wide application. One of the important reasons is the inevitable difficulty in their further efficient and precise functionalization. Bioorthogonal chemistry results in fast, specific, and high-yielding ligation under mild biological conditions without interactions with surrounding biomolecules or disturbance of the whole biosystem. Moreover, bioorthogonal chemical groups can be introduced into cells, especially into cell membranes, through cellular biosynthesis and metabolic incorporation. Hence, a specific and reliable approach for cell membrane functionalization based on bioorthogonal chemistry has been opportunely put forward and rapidly developed. In this Account, we summarize our recent research on the development of biomimetic systems by integrating bioorthogonal chemistry with biomimetic approaches. First, an exogenously supplied unnatural biosynthetic precursor (e.g., an amino acid or lipid) bearing a bioorthogonal group (e.g., azide or tetrazine) is fed to living cells and metabolically incorporated into targeted biomolecules via cellular biosynthesis regardless of the cell phenotype. After that, different functional molecules can be anchored to the cell membranes through bioorthogonal chemical reactions by using previously inserted "artificial chemical groups". Therefore, this safe, direct, and long-term engineering strategy endows the natural cell-based biomimetic systems with additional chemical or biological performances such as labeling, targeting, imaging, and therapeutic capabilities, providing a powerful tool for the construction of biomimetic systems. Interestingly, we have successfully fabricated various biomimetic systems and applied them in (1) living virus labeling, (2) targeting delivery and enrichment of drugs/imaging agents, and (3) disease theranostics. This Account may contribute to the further development of biomimetic systems and facilitate their biological and biomedical applications in the future. With this Account we also hope to attract more cooperative interests from different fields such as chemistry, materials science, biology, pharmacy, and medicine in promoting lab-to-clinic translation of cell-based biomimetic systems combined with these two cutting-edge techniques.

Technologies for intrapericardial delivery of therapeutics and cells

The pericardium, which surrounds the heart, provides a unique enclosed volume and a site for the delivery of agents to the heart and coronary arteries. While strategies for targeting the delivery of therapeutics to the heart are lacking, various technologies and nanodelivery approaches are emerging as promising methods for site specific delivery to increase therapeutic myocardial retention, efficacy, and bioactivity, while decreasing undesired systemic effects. Here, we provide a literature review of various approaches for intrapericardial delivery of agents. Emphasis is given to sustained delivery approaches (pumps and catheters) and localized release (patches, drug eluting stents, and support devices and meshes). Further, minimally invasive access techniques, pericardial access devices, pericardial washout and fluid analysis, as well as therapeutic and cell delivery vehicles are presented. Finally, several promising new therapeutic targets to treat heart diseases are highlighted.

Advances in nanocarriers as drug delivery systems in Chagas disease

Chagas disease is one of the most important public health problems in Latin America due to its high mortality and morbidity levels. There is no effective treatment for this disease since drugs are usually toxic with low bioavailability. Serious efforts to achieve disease control and eventual eradication have been unsuccessful to date, emphasizing the need for rapid diagnosis, drug development, and a reliable vaccine. Novel systems for drug and vaccine administration based on nanocarriers represent a promising avenue for Chagas disease treatment. Nanoparticulate systems can reduce toxicity, and increase the efficacy and bioavailability of active compounds by prolonging release, and therefore improve the therapeutic index. Moreover, nanoparticles are able to interact with the host's immune system, modulating the immune response to favour the elimination of pathogenic microorganisms. In addition, new advances in diagnostic assays, such as nanobiosensors, are beneficial in that they enable precise identification of the pathogen. In this review, we provide an overview of the strategies and nanocarrier-based delivery systems for antichagasic agents, such as liposomes, micelles, nanoemulsions, polymeric and non-polymeric nanoparticles. We address recent progress, with a particular focus on the advances of nanovaccines and nanodiagnostics, exploring new perspectives on Chagas disease treatment.

Recent advances in inorganic nanomaterials for wound-healing applications

The emergence of inorganic nanoparticles has generated considerable expectation for solving various biomedical issues including wound healing and tissue regeneration. This review article highlights the role and recent advancements of inorganic nanoparticles for wound healing and tissue regeneration along with their advantages, clinical status, challenges and future directions.

Probing the Effect of Sildenafil on Progesterone and Testosterone Production by an Intracellular FRET/BRET Combined Approach

Forster resonance energy transfer (FRET)-based biosensors have been recently applied to the study of biological pathways. In this study, a new biosensor was validated for the first time in live HEK293 and steroidogenic MLTC-1 cell lines for studying the effect of the PDE5 inhibitor on the hCG/LH-induced steroidogenic pathway. The sensor improves FRET between a donor (D), the fluorescein-like diarsenical probe that can covalently bind a tetracysteine motif fused to the PDE5 catalytic domain, and an acceptor (A), the rhodamine probe conjugated to the pseudosubstrate cGMPS. Affinity constant ( K_d) values of 5.6 ± 3.2 and 13.7 ± 0.8 μM were obtained with HEK293 and MLTC-1 cells, respectively. The detection was based on the competitive displacement of the cGMPS-rhodamine conjugate by sildenafil; the K_i values were 3.6 ± 0.3 nM (IC₅₀ = 2.3 nM) in HEK293 cells and 10 ± 1.0 nM (IC₅₀ = 3.9 nM) in MLTC-1 cells. The monitoring of both cAMP and cGMP by bioluminescence resonance energy transfer allowed the exploitation of the effects of PDE5i on steroidogenesis, indicating that sildenafil enhanced the gonadotropin-induced progesterone-to-testosterone conversion in a cAMP-independent manner.

Evaluating nanomedicine with microfluidics

Nanomedicines are engineered nanoscale structures that have an extensive range of application in the diagnosis and therapy of many diseases. Despite the rapid progress in and tremendous potential of nanomedicines, their clinical translational process is still slow, owing to the difficulty in understanding, evaluating, and predicting their behavior in complex living organisms. Microfluidic techniques offer a promising way to resolve these challenges. Carefully designed microfluidic chips enable in vivo microenvironment simulation and high-throughput analysis, thus providing robust platforms for nanomedicine evaluation. Here, we summarize the recent developments and achievements in microfluidic methods for nanomedicine evaluation, categorized into four sections based on their target systems: single cell, multicellular system, organ, and organism levels. Finally, we provide our perspectives on the challenges and future directions of microfluidics-based nanomedicine evaluation.

Monocyte-mediated drug delivery systems for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases

Major advances have been achieved in understanding the mechanisms and risk factors leading to cardiovascular disorders and consequently developing new therapies. A strong inflammatory response occurs with a substantial recruitment of innate immunity cells in atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction, and restenosis. Monocytes and macrophages are key players in the healing process that ensues following injury. In the inflamed arterial wall, monocytes, and monocyte-derived macrophages have specific functions in the initiation and resolution of inflammation, principally through phagocytosis, and the release of inflammatory cytokines and reactive oxygen species. In this review, we will focus on delivery systems, mainly nanoparticles, for modulating circulating monocytes/monocyte-derived macrophages. We review the different strategies of depletion or modulation of circulating monocytes and monocyte subtypes, using polymeric nanoparticles and liposomes for the therapy of myocardial infarction and restenosis. We will further discuss the strategies of exploiting circulating monocytes for biological targeting of nanocarrier-based drug delivery systems for therapeutic and diagnostic applications.

Polysiloxanes in Theranostics and Drug Delivery: A Review

One of the historical problems of medicine is that often, diagnosis and therapy do not interface, at best. Moreover, especially in some areas, such as oncology, the stress for the organism during the two phases (diagnosis and therapy) can become excessive, and be fatal to the success of the treatment. The extraordinary progress of nanotechnology in the last 25 years has offered the opportunity to build a nanoplatform able to ferry drugs, and loads onto them both imaging and therapeutic functions, thus creating nanosystems capable of diagnosis, drug delivery, and monitoring of therapeutic response. The purpose of this unusual, and up to recent times, unimaginable, marriage between diagnosis and therapeutics is the reaching of protocols more specific to individuals. The dual use of particles/device lead to a personalized medicine. Due to their biocompatibility, versatility, physical and chemical resistance, and ability to be functionalized, silica nanoparticles and polysiloxanes are the heart and the shield of this nanoplatform, respectively. In this short review, I analyze the applications of these silicon-based materials in the field of controlled drug delivery.

The impact of impinging TiO2 nanoparticles in Prandtl nanofluid along with endoscopic and variable magnetic field effects on peristaltic blood flow

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the variable magnetic field and endoscope effects on peristaltic blood flow of nanofluid containing TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) through a porous annulus. The Prandtl fluid model is taken into account for the present flow. The mathematical modelling comprises the temperature, continuity, NP concentration, and equations of motion which are further simplified by taking a long peristaltic wave and creeping flow regime.

Design/methodology/approach

After using the long wavelength approximation, the obtained highly non-linear partial differential equations are solved using the homotopy perturbation scheme. The inclusion of the pertinent parameters is discussed mathematically and graphically for the pressure rise, friction forces, temperature profile, and concentration profile. The trapping phenomenon is also investigated with the help of contours.

Findings

Results show that the maximum velocity distribution exists near the centre of the annulus, whereas the average time flow boosts the velocity profile. It has also been shown that flow can pass readily without enormous pressure gradient imposed on the endoscope tube unlike the case of the slim section of the problem.

Practical implications

The nanofluids containing titanium NPs are increasingly utilised since such type of NPs is used by several manufacturers in sunscreen blockers and different types of endoscopy. In endoscopy, the variable magnetic field is used at the tip in order to detect or treat diseases. The NPs are used since they acquire specific thermal properties as compared with base fluids. The present study provides qualitative results showing the effect of inner tube of annulus on the fluid flow, the effect of variable magnetic field, and the change in the temperature profile on the flow field.

Originality/value

A new model is introduced that shows the utmost pressure that works against the positive peristaltic pump. It studies the blood flow that results in extremely non-linear partial differential equations that are solved by the homotopy perturbation method. The titanium NPs are being used in blocking the rays that penetrate the epidermis causing skin burns and short ultraviolet ageing rays that cause visible wrinkles, and thus are used in the manufacturing of sunscreens that are partially absorbed through the skin.

The Multifaceted Uses and Therapeutic Advantages of Nanoparticles for Atherosclerosis Research

Nanoparticles are uniquely suited for the study and development of potential therapies against atherosclerosis by virtue of their size, fine-tunable properties, and ability to incorporate therapies and/or imaging modalities. Furthermore, nanoparticles can be specifically targeted to the atherosclerotic plaque, evading off-target effects and/or associated cytotoxicity. There has been a wealth of knowledge available concerning the use of nanotechnologies in cardiovascular disease and atherosclerosis, in particular in animal models, but with a major focus on imaging agents. In fact, roughly 60% of articles from an initial search for this review included examples of imaging applications of nanoparticles. Thus, this review focuses on experimental therapy interventions applied to and observed in animal models. Particular emphasis is placed on how nanoparticle materials and properties allow researchers to learn a great deal about atherosclerosis. The objective of this review was to provide an update for nanoparticle use in imaging and drug delivery studies and to illustrate how nanoparticles can be used for sensing and modelling, for studying fundamental biological mechanisms, and for the delivery of biotherapeutics such as proteins, peptides, nucleic acids, and even cells all with the goal of attenuating atherosclerosis. Furthermore, the various atherosclerosis processes targeted mainly for imaging studies have been summarized in the hopes of inspiring new and exciting targeted therapeutic and/or imaging strategies.

Calcium phosphate-based nanosystems for advanced targeted nanomedicine

Synthetic calcium phosphates (CaPs) are the most widely accepted bioceramics for the repair and reconstruction of bone tissue defects. The recent advancements in materials science have prompted a rapid progress in the preparation of CaPs with nanometric dimensions, tailored surface characteristics, and colloidal stability opening new perspectives in their use for applications not strictly related to bone. In particular, the employment of CaPs nanoparticles as carriers of therapeutic and imaging agents has recently raised great interest in nanomedicine. CaPs nanoparticles, as well as other kinds of nanoparticles, can be engineered to specifically target the site of the disease (cells or organs), thus minimizing their dispersion in the body and undesired organism-nanoparticles interactions. The most promising and efficient approach to improve their specificity is the 'active targeting', where nanoparticles are conjugated with a targeting moiety able to recognize and bind with high efficacy and selectivity to receptors that are highly expressed only in the therapeutic site. The aim of this review is to give an overview on advanced targeted nanomedicine with a focus on the most recent reports on CaP nanoparticles-based systems, specifically designed for the active targeting. The distinctive characteristics of CaP nanoparticles with respect to the other kinds of nanomaterials used in nanomedicine are also discussed.

Synthesis of Monocyte-targeting Peptide Amphiphile Micelles for Imaging of Atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis is a major contributor to cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death worldwide, which claims 17.3 million lives annually. Atherosclerosis is also the leading cause of sudden death and myocardial infarction, instigated by unstable plaques that rupture and occlude the blood vessel without warning. Current imaging modalities cannot differentiate between stable and unstable plaques that rupture. Peptide amphiphiles micelles (PAMs) can overcome this drawback as they can be modified with a variety of targeting moieties that bind specifically to diseased tissue. Monocytes have been shown to be early markers of atherosclerosis, while large accumulation of monocytes is associated with plaques prone to rupture. Hence, nanoparticles that can target monocytes can be used to discriminate different stages of atherosclerosis. To that end, here, we describe a protocol for the preparation of monocyte-targeting PAMs (monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) PAMs). MCP-1 PAMs are self-assembled through synthesis under mild conditions to form nanoparticles of 15 nm in diameter with near neutral surface charge. In vitro, PAMs were found to be biocompatible and had a high binding affinity for monocytes. The methods described herein show promise for a wide range of applications in atherosclerosis as well as other inflammatory diseases.