Carbon-Coated Iron Oxide Nanoparticles Promote Reductive Stress-Mediated Cytotoxic Autophagy in Drug-Induced Senescent Breast Cancer Cells

Hematoporphyrin-Modified Dendrimers Combined Immunoadjuvants for Enhanced Photoimmunotherapy of Colorectal Cancer

Photoimmunotherapy has emerged as a promising strategy for cancer therapy due to its increased therapeutic effect, ability to reverse drug resistance, and enhanced immune activation. But there is still a lack of effective nanomaterial-based photothermal therapy (PTT) or photodynamic therapy (PDT) agents in photoimmunotherapy. In this study, photosensitizer hematoporphyrin-modified G5 PAMAM (G5-HP) nanomaterials are synthesized, which exhibit excellent photothermal conversion capability and photodynamic effects under 660 nm irradiation, effectively inducing tumor cell ablation and immunogenic cell death (ICD). Besides, ICD induced by G5-HP can generate tumor-associated antigens, thereby enhancing dendritic cell (DC) maturation and subsequent T cell activation. In addition, G5-HP polymers can bind to Toll-like receptor (TLR) agonists CpG-ODN through electrostatic interaction, forming stable G5-HP/CpG nanoparticles. The incorporation of CpG-ODN as an immunoadjuvant further amplified DC maturation, synergizing with phototherapy to strengthen antitumor immunity. Notably, in vivo studies confirmed that G5-HP/CpG nanoparticles significantly suppressed colorectal tumor growth under laser irradiation, while maintaining excellent biocompatibility. Taken together, the synthesized G5-HP polymers perform excellent PTT and PDT efficacy, and the formed G5-HP/CpG nanoparticles effectively integrate phototherapy with DC-mediated immunotherapy. This study offers a promising strategy for colorectal cancer treatment, leveraging the synergistic effects of phototherapy and immunotherapy to achieve superior antitumor outcomes.

Conversion of VOC-derived CO2 into sustainable products with a natural magnetic alginate composite

In this study, we developed a sustainable nanocatalyst, AXFe, by functionalizing magnetite nanoparticles with an alginate-xanthine conjugate (AX). This hybrid material combines magnetite's adsorption and photocatalytic properties with the CO2 fixation capabilities of alginate and xanthine. AXFe exhibited exceptional performance in the photocatalytic mineralization of toluene under simulated solar irradiation, achieving a 61.5 % conversion to CO2. Furthermore, the catalyst facilitated efficient CO2 fixation into cyclic carbonates, achieving high yields under mild conditions (70 °C, 1 atm CO2). CO2 adsorption studies revealed enhanced capture efficiency due to the synergistic interaction between AX and magnetite. The material also demonstrated excellent reusability, enabling magnetic recovery and maintaining over 90 % catalytic activity for four cycles. This straightforward synthesis from natural substrates and its versatility in tackling VOCs and CO2 highlight AXFe as a promising tool for sustainable pollution mitigation and resource recovery. This dual-functionality catalysis significantly enhances the overall process efficiency while adhering to the core principles of green chemistry. By combining environmental sustainability with high performance, AXFe emerges as an up-and-coming candidate for mitigating environmental pollution through innovative and sustainable solutions.

The Role of Reductive Stress in the Pathogenesis of Endocrine-Related Metabolic Diseases and Cancer

Reductive stress (RS), characterized by excessive accumulation of reducing equivalents such as NADH and NADPH, is emerging as a key factor in metabolic disorders and cancer. While oxidative stress (OS) has been widely studied, RS and its complex interplay with endocrine regulation remain less understood. This review explores molecular circuits of bidirectional crosstalk between metabolic hormones and RS, focusing on their role in diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer. RS disrupts insulin secretion and signaling, exacerbates metabolic inflammation, and contributes to adipose tissue dysfunction, ultimately promoting insulin resistance. In cardiovascular diseases, RS alters vascular smooth muscle cell function and myocardial metabolism, influencing ischemia-reperfusion injury outcomes. In cancer, RS plays a dual role: it enhances tumor survival by buffering OS and promoting metabolic reprogramming, yet excessive RS can trigger proteotoxicity and mitochondrial dysfunction, leading to apoptosis. Recent studies have identified RS-targeting strategies, including redox-modulating therapies, nanomedicine, and drug repurposing, offering potential for novel treatments. However, challenges remain, particularly in distinguishing physiological RS from pathological conditions and in overcoming therapy-induced resistance. Future research should focus on developing selective RS biomarkers, optimizing therapeutic interventions, and exploring the role of RS in immune and endocrine regulation.

Development of Fe3O4/DEX/PDA@Au(Raman reporters)@Au-MPBA nanocomposites based multi-hotspot SERS probe for ultrasensitive, reliable, and quantitative detection of glucose in sweat

Glucose is a key biomarker of diabetes, and effective glucose monitoring methods are crucial to the prevention and management of diabetes. Therefore, in this paper, Fe3O4/DEX/PDA@Au (Raman reporters) @Au nanocomposites were synthetized that with DTNB (5,5'-dithiobis(2-nitrobenzoic)), MMTA (2-mercapto-4-methyl-5-thiazole acetic acid), MBA (4-mercaptobenzoic acid) and 4-Mpy(4-Mercaptopyridine) were used separately as Raman reporters. Fe3O4 and PDA (Polymerized dopamine) could supply more high surface area of active sites and high SERS (Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering) substrate, which has high stability and reproducibility. Dextran coating is an effective way to prepare biocompatible materials TEM, XRD, TG and VSM were used to analyze the size, morphology and magnetic properties of the nanocomposites. Fe3O4/DEX/PDA@Au(Raman reporters)@Au that integrates a multi-hotspot structure and magnetic separation techniques were studied the enhancement effect of Raman spectra, and glucose solutions with different concentrations were tested. Furthermore, the optimal Fe3O4/DEX/PDA@Au(Raman reporters)@Au nanocomposites were supplied as SERS substrates for detection of glucose accurately and quickly in sweat. SERS signal intensity is linearly correlated with glucose concentration within the measurement range of 5 × 10-3 to 10 mM, and the minimum detectable concentration is 5 µM. The Fe3O4/DEX/PDA@Au(Raman reporters)@Au nanocomposites exhibit high reliability, specificity and repeatability of the strategy were then verified by practical detection of sweat.

Evaluation of anticancer activity of urotropine surface modified iron oxide nanoparticles using a panel of forty breast cancer cell lines

Urotropine, an antibacterial agent to treat urinary tract bacterial infections, can be also considered as a repurposed drug with formaldehyde-mediated anticancer activity. Recently, we have synthesized urotropine surface modified iron oxide nanoparticles (URO@Fe3O4 NPs) with improved colloidal stability and limited cytotoxicity against human fibroblasts. In the present study, we have investigated URO@Fe3O4 NP-mediated responses in a panel of forty phenotypically different breast cancer cell lines along with three non-cancerous corresponding cell lines. URO@Fe3O4 NPs promoted oxidative stress and FOXO3a-based antioxidant response in breast cancer cells. Elevated levels of GPX4 and decreased levels of ACSL4 in URO@Fe3O4 NP-treated breast cancer cells protected against ferroptotic cell death. On the contrary, URO@Fe3O4 NPs impaired the activity of PERK, a part of unfolded protein response (UPR), especially when the glucose supply was limited, that was accompanied by genetic instability, and apoptotic and/or necrotic cell death in breast cancer cells. In conclusion, this is the first comprehensive analysis of anticancer effects of URO@Fe3O4 NPs against a panel of forty breast cancer cell lines with different receptor status and in glucose replete and deplete conditions. We suggest that presented results might be helpful for designing new nano-based anti-breast cancer strategies.

Reductive stress: The key pathway in metabolic disorders induced by overnutrition

BACKGROUND

The balance of redox states is crucial for maintaining physiological homeostasis. For decades, the focus has been mainly on the concept of oxidative stress, which is involved in the mechanism of almost all diseases. However, robust evidence has highlighted that reductive stress, the other side of the redox spectrum, plays a pivotal role in the development of various diseases, particularly those related to metabolism and cardiovascular health.

AIM OF REVIEW

In this review, we present an extensive array of evidence for the occurrence of reductive stress and its significant implications mainly in metabolic and cardiovascular diseases.

KEY SCIENTIFIC CONCEPTS OF REVIEW

Reductive stress is defined as a shift in the cellular redox balance towards a more reduced state, characterized by an excess of endogenous reductants (such as NADH, NADPH, and GSH) over their oxidized counterparts (NAD+, NADP+, and GSSG). While oxidative stress has been the predominant mechanism studied in obesity, metabolic disorders, and cardiovascular diseases, growing evidence underscores the critical role of reductive stress. This review discusses how reductive stress contributes to metabolic and cardiovascular pathologies, emphasizing its effects on key cellular processes. For example, excessive NADH accumulation can disrupt mitochondrial function by impairing the electron transport chain, leading to decreased ATP production and increased production of reactive oxygen species. In the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), an excess of reductive equivalents hampers protein folding, triggering ER stress and activating the unfolded protein response, which can lead to insulin resistance and compromised cellular homeostasis. Furthermore, we explore how excessive antioxidant supplementation can exacerbate reductive stress by further shifting the redox balance, potentially undermining the beneficial effects of exercise, impairing cardiovascular health, and aggravating metabolic disorders, particularly in obese individuals. This growing body of evidence calls for a reevaluation of the role of reductive stress in disease pathogenesis and therapeutic interventions.

Comparative study on the biosynthesis of magnetite nanoparticles using Aspergillus elegans extract and their efficacy in dye degradation versus commercial magnetite nanoparticles

This study compares magnetite (Fe3O4) nanoparticles synthesized using Aspergillus elegans extract versus commercially available magnetite nanoparticles, focusing on their efficacy in dye degradation. The biosynthesis of Fe3O4 nanoparticles using fungal extracts offers a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to conventional chemical methods. The nanoparticles were characterized using various techniques, including UV-Vis spectroscopy, XRD, FTIR, SEM, TEM, DLS, zeta potential, and VSM analysis, to assess their structural, morphological, and magnetic properties. Results showed that fungus-mediated Fe3O4 nanoparticles were smaller, with an average size of 19.2 nm, and exhibited better crystallinity, surface functionalization, and colloidal stability than their commercial counterparts, which had an average size of 60 nm. Additionally, the fungal nanoparticles displayed superior magnetic properties with a saturation magnetization of 50 emu/g compared to 36 emu/g for commercial Fe3O4. The dye degradation potential of the nanoparticles was tested using methyl violet, methyl orange, and rose bengal dyes. Fungus-mediated Fe3O4 nanoparticles demonstrated higher dye removal efficiency than commercial Fe3O4, indicating enhanced catalytic activity due to their smaller size and larger surface area. This study highlights the potential of myco-synthesized Fe3O4 nanoparticles as effective agents for environmental remediation, particularly in removing of hazardous synthetic dyes from wastewater.

Comparative microstructural analysis of V2O5nanoparticles via x-ray diffraction (XRD) technique

Vanadium pentoxide (V2O5) nanoparticles exhibit diverse properties and have been studied for a wide range of applications, including energy storage, catalysis, environmental remediation, and material enhancement. In this work, we have reported the synthesis of vanadium pentaoxide (V2O5) nanoparticles using hydrothermal method. Ammonium metavanadate (NH4VO3) was used as a source of vanadium. These syntheses were carried out at four different concentrations of vanadium source. The hydrothermal reaction was conducted at a temperature of 180 °C for a duration of 24 hours, followed by an additional 24 hours period of natural cooling. Four samples were annealed in air using a muffle furnace at 500 °C for five hours. The x-ray diffraction technique was used to study the structural aspects. A comparative analysis of the microstructure was conducted utilizing the Scherrer method, the Williamson-Hall method and its various models, size-strain analysis, and the Halder-Wagner method. The crystallite size and microstrain were determined using these distinct methods, revealing a systematic correlation between the crystallite size and microstrain obtained through the different techniques.

A Nanorobotics-Based Approach of Breast Cancer in the Nanotechnology Era

We are living in an era of advanced nanoscience and nanotechnology. Numerous nanomaterials, culminating in nanorobots, have demonstrated ingenious applications in biomedicine, including breast cancer (BC) nano-theranostics. To solve the complicated problem of BC heterogeneity, non-targeted drug distribution, invasive diagnostics or surgery, resistance to classic onco-therapies and real-time monitoring of tumors, nanorobots are designed to perform multiple tasks at a small scale, even at the organelles or molecular level. Over the last few years, most nanorobots have been bioengineered as biomimetic and biocompatible nano(bio)structures, resembling different organisms and cells, such as urchin, spider, octopus, fish, spermatozoon, flagellar bacterium or helicoidal cyanobacterium. In this review, readers will be able to deepen their knowledge of the structure, behavior and role of several types of nanorobots, among other nanomaterials, in BC theranostics. We summarized here the characteristics of many functionalized nanodevices designed to counteract the main neoplastic hallmark features of BC, from sustaining proliferation and evading anti-growth signaling and resisting programmed cell death to inducing angiogenesis, activating invasion and metastasis, preventing genomic instability, avoiding immune destruction and deregulating autophagy. Most of these nanorobots function as targeted and self-propelled smart nano-carriers or nano-drug delivery systems (nano-DDSs), enhancing the efficiency and safety of chemo-, radio- or photodynamic therapy, or the current imagistic techniques used in BC diagnosis. Most of these nanorobots have been tested in vitro, using various BC cell lines, as well as in vivo, mainly based on mice models. We are still waiting for nanorobots that are low-cost, as well as for a wider transition of these favorable effects from laboratory to clinical practice.

Nanoscale strides: exploring innovative therapies for breast cancer treatment

Breast cancer (BC) is a predominant malignancy in women that constitutes approximately 30% of all cancer cases and has a mortality rate of 14% in recent years. The prevailing therapies include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy, each with its own limitations and challenges. Despite oral or intravenous administration, there are numerous barriers to accessing anti-BC agents before they reach the tumor site, including physical, physiological, and biophysical barriers. The complexity of BC pathogenesis, attributed to a combination of endogenous, chronic, intrinsic, extrinsic and genetic factors, further complicates its management. Due to the limitations of existing cancer treatment approaches, there is a need to explore novel, efficacious solutions. Nanodrug delivery has emerged as a promising avenue in cancer chemotherapy, aiming to enhance drug bioavailability while mitigating adverse effects. In contrast to conventional chemotherapy, cancer nanotechnology leverages improved permeability to achieve comprehensive disruption of cancer cells. This approach also presented superior pharmacokinetic profiles. The application of nanotechnology in cancer therapeutics includes nanotechnological tools, but a comprehensive review cannot cover all facets. Thus, this review concentrates specifically on BC treatment. The focus lies in the successful implementation of systematic nanotherapeutic strategies, demonstrating their superiority over conventional methods in delivering anti-BC agents. Nanotechnology-driven drug delivery holds immense potential in treating BC. By surmounting multiple barriers and capitalizing on improved permeability, nanodrug delivery has demonstrated enhanced efficacy and reduced adverse effects compared to conventional therapies. This review highlights the significance of systematic nanotherapy approaches, emphasizing the evolving landscape of BC management.