Upconversion Nanoparticle-Based Cell Membrane-Coated cRGD Peptide Bioorthogonally Labeled Nanoplatform for Glioblastoma Treatment

Surface modification of hollow gold nanoparticles conducted by incorporating cancer cell membrane and AS1411 aptamer, aiming to achieve a dual-targeted therapy for colorectal cancer

Due to its inherent membrane structure, a nanostructure enveloped by an active cell membrane possesses distinctive characteristics such as prolonged presence in the bloodstream, precise identification capabilities, and evasion of immune responses. This research involved the production of biomimetic nanoparticles, specifically hollow gold nanoparticles (HGNPs) loaded with methotrexate (MTX), which were further coated with cancer cell membrane. These nanoparticles were then adorned with AS1411 aptamer to serve as a targeting agent (Apt-CCM-HG@MTX). The nanoplatform demonstrated precise targeting towards cancer cells due to its dual-targeting characteristic (AS1411 aptamer and C26 cancer cell membrane), exhibiting uniformity in distribution. It also displayed a desirable response to photothermal stimulation, controlled release of drugs, and exceptional properties for fluorescence imaging. The system was composed of spherical HGNPs measuring 51.33 ± 5.70 nm in diameter, which were effectively loaded with MTX using a physical absorption method. The encapsulation efficiency achieved was recorded at 79.54 %, while the loading efficiency reached 38.21 %. The targeted formulation demonstrated a noteworthy mortality of approximately 45 % in the nucleolin positive cell line, C26, as determined by in vitro cytotoxicity assays. As a result of the functionalization process applied to the homologous binding adhesion molecules found in cancer cell membranes and targeting ability of AS1411 aptamer, Apt-CCM-HG@MTX demonstrated a substantial enhancement in targeting tumors and facilitating cellular uptake during in vivo experiments. Furthermore, under NIR radiation the photothermal effect exhibited by Apt-CCM-HG@MTX in the tumor area was notably robust due to the distinctive attributes of HGNPs. The conclusions obtained from this study have the potential to assist in adopting a bioinspired strategy that will significantly improve the effective management of MTX and therapy for individuals with colorectal cancer.

Exosome-Coated Prussian Blue Nanoparticles for Specific Targeting and Treatment of Glioblastoma

Glioblastoma is one of the most aggressive and invasive types of brain cancer with a 5-year survival rate of 6.8%. With limited options, patients often have poor quality of life and are moved to palliative care after diagnosis. As a result, there is an extreme need for a novel theranostic method that allows for early diagnosis and noninvasive treatment as current peptide-based delivery standards may have off-target effects. Prussian Blue nanoparticles (PBNPs) have recently been investigated as photoacoustic imaging (PAI) and photothermal ablation agents. However, due to their inability to cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB), their use in glioblastoma treatment is limited. By utilizing a hybrid, biomimetic nanoparticle composed of a PBNP interior and a U-87 cancer cell-derived exosome coating (Exo:PB), we show tumor-specific targeting within the brain and selective thermal therapy potential due to the strong photoconversion abilities. Particle characterization was carried out and showed a complete coating around the PBNPs that contains exosome markers. In vitro cellular uptake patterns are similar to native U-87 exosomes and when exposed to an 808 nm laser, show localized cell death within the specified region. After intravenous injection of Exo:PB into subcutaneously implanted glioblastoma mice, they have shown effective targeting and eradication of tumor volume compared to PEG-coated PBNPs (PEG:PB). Through systemic administration of Exo:PB particles into orthotopic glioblastoma-bearing mice, the PBNP signal was detected in the brain tumor region through PAI. It was seen that Exo:PB had preferential tumor accumulation with less off-targeting compared to the RGD:PB control. Ex vivo analysis validated specific targeting with a direct overlay of Exo:PB with the tumor by both H&E staining and Ki67 labeling. Overall, we have developed a novel biomimetic material that can naturally cross the BBB and act as a theranostic agent for systemic targeting of glioblastoma tissue and photothermal therapeutic effect.

Microglia Polarization and Antiglioma Effects Fostered by Dual Cell Membrane-Coated Doxorubicin-Loaded Hexagonal Boron Nitride Nanoflakes

Microglial cells play a critical role in glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) progression, which is considered a highly malignant brain cancer. The activation of microglia can either promote or inhibit GBM growth depending on the stage of the tumor development and on the microenvironment conditions. The current treatments for GBM have limited efficacy; therefore, there is an urgent need to develop novel and efficient strategies for drug delivery and targeting: in this context, a promising strategy consists of using nanoplatforms. This study investigates the microglial response and the therapeutic efficacy of dual-cell membrane-coated and doxorubicin-loaded hexagonal boron nitride nanoflakes tested on human microglia and GBM cells. Obtained results show promising therapeutic effects on glioma cells and an M2 microglia polarization, which refers to a specific phenotype or activation state that is associated with anti-inflammatory and tissue repair functions, highlighted through proteomic analysis.

Genetically Engineered Cell Membrane-Coated Nanoparticles with High-Density Customized Membrane Receptor for High-Performance Drug Lead Discovery

Cell membrane coating strategies have been increasingly researched due to their unique capabilities of biomimicry and biointerfacing, which can mimic the functionality of the original source cells in vivo but fail to provide customized nanoparticle surfaces with new or enhanced capabilities beyond natural cells. However, the field of drug lead discovery necessitates the acquisition of sufficient surface density of specific target membrane receptors, presenting a heightened demand for this technology. In this study, we developed a novel approach to fabricate high density of fibroblast growth factor receptor 4 (FGFR4) cell membrane-coated nanoparticles through covalent site-specific immobilization between genetically engineered FGFR4 with HaloTag anchor on cell membrane and chloroalkane-functionalized magnetic nanoparticles. This technique enables efficient screening of tyrosine kinase inhibitors from natural products. And the enhanced density of FGFR4 on the surface of nanoparticles were successfully confirmed by Western blot assay and confocal laser scanning microscopy. Further, the customized nanoparticles demonstrated exceptional sensitivity (limit of detection = 0.3 × 10-3 μg mL-1). Overall, the proposed design of a high density of membrane receptors, achieved through covalent site-specific immobilization with a HaloTag anchor, demonstrates a promising strategy for the development of cell membrane surface engineering. This approach highlights the potential of cell membrane coating technology for facilitating the advanced extraction of small molecules for drug discovery.

Application and development of nanomaterials in the diagnosis and treatment of esophageal cancer

Esophageal cancer is a malignant tumor with a high incidence worldwide. Currently, there are a lack of effective early diagnosis and treatment methods for esophageal cancer. However, delivery systems based on nanoparticles (NPs) have shown ideal efficacy in real-time imaging and chemotherapy, radiotherapy, gene therapy, and phototherapy for tumors, which has led to their recent widespread design as novel treatment strategies. Compared to traditional drugs, nanomedicine has unique advantages, including strong targeting ability, high bioavailability, and minimal side effects. This article provides an overview of the application of NPs in the diagnosis and treatment of esophageal cancer and provides a reference for future research.

The role of mesenchymal stem cells derived exosomes as a novel nanobiotechnology target in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), one of the most common types of stem cells, are involved in the modulation of the tumor microenvironment (TME). With the advancement of nanotechnology, exosomes, especially exosomes secreted by MSCs, have been found to play an important role in the initiation and development of tumors. In recent years, nanobiotechnology and bioengineering technology have been gradually developed to detect and identify exosomes for diagnosis and modify exosomes for tumor treatment. Several novel therapeutic strategies bioengineer exosomes to carry drugs, proteins, and RNAs, and further deliver their encapsulated cargoes to cancer cells through the properties of exosomes. The unique properties of exosomes in cancer treatment include targeting, low immunogenicity, flexibility in modification, and high biological barrier permeability. Nevertheless, the current comprehensive understanding of the roles of MSCs and their secreted exosomes in cancer development remain inadequate. It is necessary to better understand/update the mechanism of action of MSCs-secreted exosomes in cancer development, providing insights for better modification of exosomes through bioengineering technology and nanobiotechnology. Therefore, this review focuses on the role of MSCs-secreted exosomes and bioengineered exosomes in the development, progression, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer.

Polydopamine surface-modified hyperbranched polymeric nanoparticles for synergistic chemo/photothermal therapy of oral cancer

A novel drug delivery system for the treatment of oral cancer was developed using a facile polydopamine (PDA)-based surface modification and a binding mechanism linking folic acid-targeting ligands. The system was able to achieve the following objectives: loading of chemotherapeutic agents, active targeting, pH responsiveness, and prolonged in vivo blood circulation. DOX-loaded polymeric nanoparticles (DOX/H20-PLA@PDA NPs) were functionalized with amino-poly (ethylene glycol)-folic acid (H₂N-PEG-FA) after coating them with PDA to form the targeting combination, DOX/H20-PLA@PDA-PEG-FA NPs. The novel NPs exhibited drug delivery characteristics similar to DOX/H20-PLA@ PDA NPs. Meanwhile, the incorporated H₂N-PEG-FA contributed to active targeting, as illustrated in cellular uptake assays and animal studies. In vitro cytotoxicity and in vivo anti-tumor studies have shown that the novel nanoplatforms exhibit extremely effective therapeutic effects. In conclusion, the multifunctional PDA-modified H20-PLA@PDA-PEG-FA NPs offer a promising chemotherapeutic strategy to improve the treatment of oral cancer.

Cell-Membrane-Coated Nanoparticles for Targeted Drug Delivery to the Brain for the Treatment of Neurological Diseases

Neurological diseases (NDs) are a significant cause of disability and death in the global population. However, effective treatments still need to be improved for most NDs. In recent years, cell-membrane-coated nanoparticles (CMCNPs) as drug-targeting delivery systems have become a research hotspot. Such a membrane-derived, nano drug-delivery system not only contributes to avoiding immune clearance but also endows nanoparticles (NPs) with various cellular and functional mimicries. This review article first provides an overview of the function and mechanism of single/hybrid cell-membrane-derived NPs. Then, we highlight the application and safety of CMCNPs in NDs. Finally, we discuss the challenges and opportunities in the field.