Trifunctional Polymeric Nanocomposites Incorporated with Fe₃O₄/Iodine-Containing Rare Earth Complex for Computed X-ray Tomography, Magnetic Resonance, and Optical Imaging

Iron Oxide-Based Magneto-Optical Nanocomposites for In Vivo Biomedical Applications

Iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) have played a pivotal role in the development of nanomedicine owing to their versatile functions at the nanoscale, which facilitates targeted delivery, high contrast imaging, and on-demand therapy. Some biomedical inadequacies of IONPs on their own, such as the poor resolution of IONP-based Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), can be overcome by co-incorporating optical probes onto them, which can be either molecule- or nanoparticulate-based. Optical probe incorporated IONPs, together with two prominent non-ionizing radiation sources (i.e., magnetic field and light), enable a myriad of biomedical applications from early detection to targeted treatment of various diseases. In this context, many research articles are in the public domain on magneto-optical nanoparticles; discussed in detail are fabrication strategies for their application in the biomedical field; however, lacking is a comprehensive review on real-life applications in vivo, their toxicity, and the prospect of bench-to-bedside clinical studies. Therefore, in this review, we focused on selecting such important nanocomposites where IONPs become the magnetic component, conjugated with various types of optical probes; we clearly classified them into class 1 to class 6 categories and present only in vivo studies. In addition, we briefly discuss the potential toxicity of such nanocomposites and their respective challenges for clinical translations.

Protein-based nanoplatform for detection of tumorigenic polyps in the colon via noninvasive mucosal routes

The use of nanoparticulate systems to diagnose and treat tumors has gained momentum with the rapid development of nanomedicine. Many nanotheranostics fail due to insufficient bioavailability and low accumulation at the tumor site, resulting in undesirable side effects. We describe the use of an engineered hepatitis E viral nanoparticle (HEVNP) with enhanced bioavailability, tissue retention and mucosal penetration capacities. HEVNP is a modular nanocapsule that can encapsulate heterologous nucleotides, proteins and inorganic metals, such as ferrite oxide nanoparticles. Additionally, the exterior protruding arms of HEVNP is composed of loops that are used for chemical coupling of targeting and therapeutic peptides. We propose the use of HEVNP to target colorectal cancer (i.e., polyps) with imaging-guided delivery using colonoscopy.

Metal-Organic Framework (MOF)-based Nanomaterials for Biomedical Applications

BACKGROUND

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), as a new class of porous organic-inorganic crystalline hybrid materials that governed by the self-assembled of metal atoms and organic struts have attracted tremendous attention because of their special properties. Recently, some more documents have reported different types of nanoscale metal-organic frameworks (NMOFs) as biodegradable and physiological pH-responsive systems for photothermal therapy and radiation therapy in the body.

DISCUSSION

In this review paper aims at describing the benefits of using MOF nanoparticles in the field of biomedicine, and putting into perspective their properties in the context of the ones of other NPs. The first section briefly reviews the biomaterial scaffolds of MOFs. The second section presents the main types of stimuli-responsive mechanisms and strategies from two categories: intrinsic (pH, redox state) and extrinsic (temperature, light irradiation and magnetic field) ones. The combinations of photothermal therapy and radiation therapy have been concluded in detail. Finally, clinical applications of MOFs, future challenges and perspectives are also mentioned.

CONCLUSION

This review outlines the most recent advances MOFs design and biomedical applications, from different synthesis to their use as smart drug delivery systems, bioimaging technology or a combination of both.

Fe3O4-based nanotheranostics for magnetic resonance imaging-synergized multifunctional cancer management

Iron oxide (Fe₃O₄)-based theranostic agents show great promise toward advancing personalized nanomedicine due to their extraordinary physicochemical and biological properties. This original review aims to highlight and summarize the most recent progress of Fe₃O₄, starting with the synthesis and surface modification of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (NPs). Desirable features of Fe₃O₄ are the initial focus, followed by a review of their theranostic applications including sensitive MRI, multimodal imaging and MRI-guided cancer therapy. Finally, potential nanotoxicity, regulatory and clinical translation barriers are addressed to outline future perspectives on Fe₃O₄ NP-based multifunctional theranostic platforms. It is strongly believed that in the near future, Fe₃O₄ NPs will open new routes with regard to cancer management.

Lanthanide terbium complex: synthesis, electrochemiluminescence (ECL) performance, and sensing application

In this study, a new lanthanide terbium complex, Tb(pzda)3(NO3)3·nH2O, was synthesized by a hydrothermal method and characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). It was found that the as-synthesized Tb-complex exhibited good electrochemiluminescence (ECL) behavior in the presence of triethanolamine (TEOA) in a HAc-NaAc buffer solution on a glassy carbon electrode. The possible reaction mechanism has been discussed based on the fluorescence spectra and ECL spectra. For sensing applications, it was found that protocatechuic acid (PCA) had an obvious quenching effect on the ECL signal of the Tb-complex, and this resulted in a decreased ECL signal associated with the concentration of PCA. Therefore, a highly sensitive method for the detection of PCA was established with a linear range of 1.283 × 10-10 M to 3.845 × 10-4 M and a detection limit of 0.085 nM at an S/N ratio of 3. This novel ECL assay strategy with an outstanding ECL efficiency offers great potential for pharmaceutical analyses.

Evaluation of X-ray tomography contrast agents: A review of production, protocols, and biological applications

X-ray computed tomography is a strong tool that finds many applications both in medical applications and in the investigation of biological and nonbiological samples. In the clinics, X-ray tomography is widely used for diagnostic purposes whose three-dimensional imaging in high resolution helps physicians to obtain detailed image of investigated regions. Researchers in biological sciences and engineering use X-ray tomography because it is a nondestructive method to assess the structure of their samples. In both medical and biological applications, visualization of soft tissues and structures requires special treatment, in which special contrast agents are used. In this detailed report, molecule-based and nanoparticle-based contrast agents used in biological applications to enhance the image quality were compiled and reported. Special contrast agent applications and protocols to enhance the contrast for the biological applications and works to develop nanoparticle contrast agents to enhance the contrast for targeted drug delivery and general imaging applications were also assessed and listed.

Tri-Needle Coaxial Electrospray Engineering of Magnetic Polymer Yolk-Shell Particles Possessing Dual-Imaging Modality, Multiagent Compartments, and Trigger Release Potential

Particulate platforms capable of delivering multiple actives as well as providing diagnostic features have gained considerable interest over the last few years. In this study, magnetic polymer yolk-shell particles (YSPs) were engineered using a tri-needle coaxial electrospraying technique enabling dual-mode (ultrasonic and magnetic resonance) imaging capability with specific multidrug compartments via an advanced single-step encapsulation process. YSPs comprised magnetic Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles (MNPs) embedded in the polymeric shell, an interfacing oil layer, and a polymeric core (i.e., composite shell-oil interface-polymeric core). The frequency of the ultrasound backscatter signal was modulated through YSP loading dosage, and both T₁- and T₂-weighted magnetic resonance imaging signal intensities were shown to decrease with increasing MNP content (YSP outer shell). Three fluorescent dyes (selected as model probes with varying hydrophobicities) were coencapsulated separately to confirm the YSP structure. Probe release profiles were tuned by varying power or frequency of an external auxiliary magnetic field (AMF, 0.7 mT (LAMF) or 1.4 mT (HAMF)). In addition, an "inversion" phenomenon for the AMF-enhanced drug release process was studied and is reported. A low YSP cytotoxicity (5 mg/mL) and biocompatibility (murine, L929) was confirmed. In summary, magnetic YSPs demonstrate timely potential as multifunctional theranostic agents for dual-imaging modality and magnetically controlled coactive delivery.

Core@shell Fe3O4@Mn2+-doped NaYF4:Yb/Tm nanoparticles for triple-modality T1/T2-weighted MRI and NIR-to-NIR upconversion luminescence imaging agents

Core@shell structures of Fe₃O₄@Mn²⁺-doped NaYF₄:Yb/Tm nanoparticles (NPs) were prepared and then used for in vivo NIR to NIR (980 nm to 800 nm) imaging, and as dual-mode T₁/T₂-weighted MRI because of the co-existence of Fe₃O₄ and Mn²⁺ in the NPs.

Highly Integrated Nano-Platform for Breaking the Barrier between Chemotherapy and Immunotherapy

Fighting metastasis is a major challenge in cancer therapy, and stimulation of the immune system is of particular importance in the treatment of metastatic cancers. Here, an integrated theranostic nanoplatform was developed for the efficient treatment of highly metastatic tumors. Versatile functions including "And" logically controlled drug release, prolonged circulation time, tumor targeting, and anti-metastasis were integrated into doxorubicin (DOX) loaded, highly integrated mesoporous silica nanoparticles (DOX@HIMSNs) for a systemic treatment of highly metastatic triple negative breast cancer (TNBC). It was found that the good therapeutic effect of DOX@HIMSN was only partially attributed to its anticancer cytotoxicity. Most importantly, DOX@HIMSN could induce anticancer immune responses including dendritic cell (DC) maturation and antitumor cytokine release. Compared with the traditional tumor chemotherapy, the integrated theranostic nanoplatform we developed not only improved the tumor specific cytotoxicity but also stimulated antitumor immune responses during the treatment.

Ultra-sensitive diagnosis of orthotopic patient derived hepatocellular carcinoma by Fe@graphene nanoparticles in MRI

mPEG-DSPE modified Fe/graphene nanoparticles showed low cytotoxicity and high magnetic performance, providing super MRI diagnostic ability for cancer detection.