Polydopamine-like Coatings as Payload Gatekeepers for Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles

A Novel Fluorescent Aptasensor Based on Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles for Selective and Sensitive Detection of Saxitoxin in Shellfish

Background:

Saxitoxin (STX) stands as one of the most potent marine biotoxins, exhibiting high lethality. Despite its severity, current treatments remain ineffective, and existing detection techniques are limited due to ethical concerns and technical constraints.

Methods:

Herein, an innovative approach was constructed for STX detection, utilizing mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSN) as a foundation. This innovative, easy, and label-free aptamer (Apt)- sensor was fabricated. Apts were employed as molecular identification probes and "gated molecules," while rhodamine 6G was encapsulated within particles to serve as a signal probe. In a lack of STX, Apts immobilized on an MSN surface kept a "gate" closed, preventing signal probe leakage. Upon the presence of STX, the "gate" opened, allowing a particular binding of Apts to STX and a subsequent release of a signal probe.

Results:

Experimental results demonstrated a positive correlation between fluorescence intensity and concentrations of STX within a range of 1 to 80 nM, with an exceptional limit of detection of 0.12 nM. Furthermore, the selectivity and stability of a biosensor were rigorously evaluated, validating its reliability.

Conclusion:

This newly developed sensing strategy exhibits remarkable performance in STX detection. Its success holds significant promise for advancing portable STX detection equipment, thereby addressing a pressing need for efficient and ethical detection methods in combating marine biotoxin contamination.

Hydrothiolation of alkynes with thiol-catechol derivatives catalysed by CuNPs/TiO2: exploring the reaction mechanism by DFT calculations

Density functional theory (DFT) calculations were applied to describe the hydrothiolation reaction of activated alkynes with thiols bearing a catechol group. The thiol-yne click (TYC) process was efficiently catalysed by a CuNPs/TiO₂ nanocatalyst giving the corresponding anti-Markovnikov vinyl sulphides with high Z-stereoselectivity. Based on the experimental results and DFT studies, a plausible reaction mechanism is proposed, which implies the activation of the carbon-carbon triple bond by coordination to the copper centre, followed by a stereoselective (external) nucleophilic attack to give preferentially the Z-vinyl sulphide isomer. Additionally, experimental and theoretical studies strongly correlate with the proposed synergistic role for the TiO₂ support in the catalytic process.

Infrared-Activated Bactericide: Rhenium Disulfide (ReS2)-Functionalized Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles

An attractive strategy for treating bacterial infection is the combination of antibiotic chemotherapy with photothermal therapy (PTT), which could be implemented using multifunctional nanomaterials. In this work, the intrinsic photothermal efficiency of two-dimensional (2D) rhenium disulfide (ReS₂) nanosheets is enhanced by their coating on mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) to realize a highly efficient light-responsive nanoparticle endowed with controlled-release drug delivery capability, denoted as MSN-ReS₂. The MSN component of the hybrid nanoparticle features augmented pore size toward facilitating increased loading of antibacterial drugs. The ReS₂ synthesis is conducted in the presence of MSNs through an in situ hydrothermal reaction and leads to a uniform surface coating of the nanosphere. The MSN-ReS₂ bactericide testing showed more than 99% bacterial killing efficiency in both Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli) and Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus) upon laser irradiation. A cooperative effect that led to a 100% bactericide effect on Gram-negative bacteria (E. coli) was observed when tetracycline hydrochloride was loaded in the carrier. The results show the potential of MSN-ReS₂ to be used as a wound-healing therapeutic with a synergistic bactericide role.

Enhanced Nuclear Accumulation of Doxorubicin Delivered by pH-Triggered Polydopamine-Shelled Mesoporous Silica for Chemo-Photothermal Therapy

Adequate delivery of therapeutic agents to their intended molecular targets is crucial in tumor therapy. Versatile drug carriers need to overcome the challenges coming from the systemic circulation, membrane barriers, and endo-lysosomal degradation. Herein, hyaluronic acid-conjugated polydopamine (HA-PDA)-shelled mesoporous silica nanoparticles encapsulated with doxorubicin (MSNs-DOX) were successfully fabricated for targeted tumor therapy. Compared with reported studies focusing on the pH-sensitive release in tumors, we especially revealed the significant role of lysosomal release in DOX nuclear accumulation. After active targeting and CD44-mediated endocytosis in tumor cells, the PDA layer of the nanoparticles would be peeled off to trigger drug release owing to MSNs gatekeeper in acidic lysosomes. Subsequently, DOX molecules passively diffused into nuclei. The intracellular DOX transportation was evidenced by DOX accumulation in nuclei, lysosomal location of nanoparticles, and lysosome acidification inhibition test. After discharging of the cargoes from nanoparticles, PDA shells from residual nanoparticles were able to produce localized hyperthermia under NIR irradiation entrapped in lysosomes, inducing synergistic chemo-photothermal effect. Under NIR treatment, HA-PDA@MSNs-DOX presented a prominent tumor inhibition rate without obvious side effects. This study indicated the potent nuclear delivery and synergetic chemo-photothermal therapy achieved by HA-PDA-shelled MSNs.

Shear-induced fabrication of SiO2 nano-meshes for efficient uranium capture

The extraction of uranium from seawater and the safe treatment of wastewater containing uranium (VI) were important to ensure the sustainable development of nuclear-related energy sources. Two-dimensional silica nanomaterials have been extensively investigated in the field of uranium adsorption due to their high adsorption capacity, short equilibration times, and easily modified surface groups. However, the two-dimensional mesoporous silica nanomaterial preparation has become a challenge due to the lack of natural sheet templating agents. The reason will hinder the development of silica nanomaterials for uranium extraction. Here, the specific surface area silica nanomeshes (HSMSMs) uranium adsorbent was prepared by a high shear method to induce nanobubble formation. HSMSMs showed a high uranium adsorption capacity of 822 mg_-U/g_-abs in seawater with the uranium adsorption concentration was 50 mg/L, which was approximately 2 times higher than the conventional mesoporous silica nanomaterials. Compared to HSMSMs, the amidoxime-modified high specific surface area silica nanomesh (HSMSMs-AO) demonstrated good selectivity for U(VI), and the uranium ions uptake was 877 mg_-U/g_-abs in 50 mg/L uranium-spiked simulated seawater. Due to HSMSMs-AO's stable chemical properties and high mechanical strength, HSMSMs-AO also displayed long service life. Benefiting from the simple preparation method and high adsorption capacity of HSMSMs, HSMSMs could be a promising candidate for large-scale extraction of uranium from seawater.

pH-responsive Glucosamine Anchored Polydopamine Coated Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles for delivery of Anderson-type Polyoxomolybdate in Breast Cancer

AIM

This study aimed to develop novel pH-sensitive Glucosamine (Glu) targeted Polydopamine (PDA) coated mesoporous silica (SBA-15) nanoparticles (NPs) for selective delivery of anticancer Anderson-type manganese polyoxomolybdate (POMo) to breast cancer.

METHODS

The POMo@SBA-PDA-Glu NPs were prepared via direct hydrothermal synthesis of SBA, POMo loading, in situ PDA post functionalization, and Glu anchoring; the chemical structures were fully studied by different characterization methods. The anticancer activity was studied by MTT method and Annexin V-FITC apoptosis detection kit.

RESULTS

The optimized NPs had a hydrodynamic size (HS) of 195 nm, a zeta potential (ZP) of -18.9 mV, a loading content percent (LC%) of 45%, and a pH-responsive release profile. The targeted NPs showed increased anticancer activity against breast cancer cell lines compared to the free POMo with the highest cellular uptake and apoptosis level in the MDA-MB-231 cells.

CONCLUSIONS

POMo@SBA-PDA-Glu NPs could be a promising anticancer candidate for further studies.

Biomimetic nanotherapy: core-shell structured nanocomplexes based on the neutrophil membrane for targeted therapy of lymphoma

Background

Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) is a malignant disease of lymphoid tissue. At present, chemotherapy is still the main method for the treatment of NHL. R-CHOP can significantly improve the survival rate of patients. Unfortunately, DOX is the main cytotoxic drug in R-CHOP and it can lead to adverse reactions. Therefore, it is particularly important to uncover new treatment options for NHL.

Results

In this study, a novel anti-tumor nanoparticle complex Nm@MSNs-DOX/SM was designed and constructed in this study. Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) loaded with Doxorubicin (DOX) and anti-inflammatory drugs Shanzhiside methylester (SM) were used as the core of nanoparticles. Neutrophil membrane (Nm) can be coated with multiple nanonuclei as a shell. DOX combined with SM can enhance the anti-tumor effect, and induce apoptosis of lymphoma cells and inhibit the expression of inflammatory factors related to tumorigenesis depending on the regulation of Bcl-2 family-mediated mitochondrial pathways, such as TNF-α and IL-1β. Consequently, the tumor microenvironment (TME) was reshaped, and the anti-tumor effect of DOX was amplified. Besides, Nm has good biocompatibility and can enhance the EPR effect of Nm@MSNs-DOX/SM and increase the effect of active targeting tumors.

Conclusions

This suggests that the Nm-modified drug delivery system Nm@MSNs-DOX/SM is a promising targeted chemotherapy and anti-inflammatory therapy nanocomplex, and may be employed as a specific and efficient anti-Lymphoma therapy.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12951-021-00922-4.

Magnetically Guided Nanoworms for Precise Delivery to Enhance In Situ Production of Nitric Oxide to Combat Focal Bacterial Infection In Vivo

Overexploitation of antibiotics increases the emergence of multidrug-resistant agents (MDRAs), which may potentially cause a global crisis with severe health consequences. Hence, there is great demand for next-generation antibacterial platforms based on antibiotic-free strategies or targeted therapies to mitigate the emergence of MDRAs. Herein, an all-in-one hollow nanoworm (A-Fe/AuAg@PDA) is developed with a core comprising citrate-capped Au-Ag nanoparticles (Cit-AuAg NPs) loaded with Fe₂O₃ and an l-arginine (L-Arg)-modified polydopamine (PDA) outer shell, possessing exceptional magnetic-targeting ability and a photothermal therapeutic effect. Following intravenous injection, A-Fe/AuAg@PDA can be precisely delivered to the targeted infection sites by an externally applied magnetic field. The in situ produced NO, together with Ag ions and reactive oxygen species, synergistically results in the highly effective elimination of in vivo bacterial infection. With the aid of functional worm-like A-Fe/AuAg@PDA nanocarriers possessing superior biocompatibility, the combination of magnetic guidance therapy and near-infrared-triggered in situ generation of NO may provide a novel approach for eradicating abscesses in the body. To our knowledge, this is the first study highlighting the magnetically guided delivery of worm-like nanocarriers for the antibiotic-free therapy of bacterial infections using in situ generated NO gas, which demonstrates high potential for application in clinical gas therapy.

Overview of Silica-Polymer Nanostructures for Waterborne High-Performance Coatings

Combining organic and inorganic components at a nanoscale is an effective way to obtain high performance coating materials with excellent chemical and physical properties. This review focuses on recent approaches to prepare hybrid nanostructured waterborne coating materials combining the mechanical properties and versatility of silica as the inorganic filler, with the flexural properties and ease of processing of the polymer matrix. We cover silica-polymer coupling agents used to link the organic and inorganic components, the formation of hybrid films from these silica-polymer nanostructures, and their different applications. These hybrid nanostructures can be used to prepare high performance functional coatings with different properties from optical transparency, to resistance to temperature, hydrophobicity, anti-corrosion, resistance to scratch, and antimicrobial activity.

Thiol-yne click reaction: an interesting way to derive thiol-provided catechols

The hydrothiolation of activated alkynes is presented as an attractive and powerful way to functionalize thiols bearing catechols. The reaction was promoted by a heterogeneous catalyst composed of copper nanoparticles supported on TiO₂ (CuNPs/TiO₂) in 1,2-dichloroethane (1,2-DCE) under heating at 80 °C. The catalyst could be recovered and reused in three consecutive cycles, showing a slight decrease in its catalytic activity. Thiol derivatives bearing catechol moieties, obtained through a versatile Michael addition, were reacted with different activated alkynes, such as methyl propiolate, propiolic acid, propiolamide or 2-ethynylpyridine. The reaction was shown to be regio- and stereoselective towards anti-Markovnikov Z-vinyl sulfide in most cases studied. Finally, some catechol derivatives obtained were tested as ligands in the preparation of coordination polymer nanoparticles (CNPs), by taking the advantage of their different coordination sites with metals such as iron and cobalt.

An attractive approach to the synthesis of catechol derivates through thiol-yne click reaction is presented. Compounds obtained were used in the preparation of CNPs.

Bio-Applications of Multifunctional Melanin Nanoparticles: From Nanomedicine to Nanocosmetics

Bioinspired nanomaterials are ideal components for nanomedicine, by virtue of their expected biocompatibility or even complete lack of toxicity. Natural and artificial melanin-based nanoparticles (MNP), including polydopamine nanoparticles (PDA NP), excel for their extraordinary combination of additional optical, electronic, chemical, photophysical, and photochemical properties. Thanks to these features, melanin plays an important multifunctional role in the design of new platforms for nanomedicine where this material works not only as a mechanical support or scaffold, but as an active component for imaging, even multimodal, and simple or synergistic therapy. The number of examples of bio-applications of MNP increased dramatically in the last decade. Here, we review the most recent ones, focusing on the multiplicity of functions that melanin performs in theranostics platforms with increasing complexity. For the sake of clarity, we start analyzing briefly the main properties of melanin and its derivative as well as main natural sources and synthetic methods, moving to imaging application from mono-modal (fluorescence, photoacoustic, and magnetic resonance) to multi-modal, and then to mono-therapy (drug delivery, anti-oxidant, photothermal, and photodynamic), and finally to theranostics and synergistic therapies, including gene- and immuno- in combination to photothermal and photodynamic. Nanomedicine aims not only at the treatment of diseases, but also to their prevention, and melanin in nature performs a protective action, in the form of nanopigment, against UV-Vis radiations and oxidants. With these functions being at the border between nanomedicine and cosmetics nanotechnology, recently examples of applications of artificial MNP in cosmetics are increasing, paving the road to the birth of the new science of nanocosmetics. In the last part of this review, we summarize and discuss these important recent results that establish evidence of the interconnection between nanomedicine and cosmetics nanotechnology.

Controlled Nutrient Delivery to Pancreatic Islets Using Polydopamine-Coated Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles

In the present study, we created a nanoscale platform that can deliver nutrients to pancreatic islets in a controlled manner. Our platform consists of a mesoporous silica nanoparticle (MSNP), which can be loaded with glutamine (G: an essential amino acid required for islet survival and function). To control the release of G, MSNPs were coated with a polydopamine (PD) layer. With the optimal parameters (0.5 mg/mL and 0.5 h), MSNPs were coated with a layer of PD, which resulted in a delay of G release from MSNPs over 14 d (57.4 ± 4.7% release). Following syngeneic renal subcapsule islet transplantation in diabetic mice, PDG-MSNPs improved the engraftment of islets (i.e., enhanced revascularization and reduced inflammation) as well as their function, resulting in re-establishment of glycemic control. Collectively, our data show that PDG-MSNPs can support transplanted islets by providing them with a controlled and sustained supply of nutrients.

Synthesis, Follow-Up, and Characterization of Polydopamine-like Coatings Departing from Micromolar Dopamine-o-Quinone Precursor Concentrations

The understanding of oxidized species derived from the neurotransmitter dopamine (DA) is a relevant topic for both the medical field (Parkinson's disease) as well as for the field of materials science where the formation process of polydopamine (PDA) films is an active area of research. Polymers that interact strongly with almost all surfaces but have a low electrical conductivity have been obtained by the chemical oxidation of DA. Since electrical conductivity is a desired property for several applications, deposition alternatives such as electrochemical PDA synthesis have been proposed, but the results are still insufficient. In this context, we propose a new PDA chemical-electrochemical deposition process on glassy carbon electrodes. The chemical oxidation step that converts dopamine into dopamine-o-quinone previous to the electrochemical deposition was crucial to decrease the precursor concentration to the micromolar range. The PDA-like films synthesized by this method had high adhesion and low charge-transfer resistance, which was evidenced by impedance measurements and the successful electrodeposition of a polypyrrole coating on top of a PDA-like film. In addition, we observed that anodization of GC surfaces increases sensitivity toward six electroactive couples derived from DA oxidation in the pH regimes studied. These results show the complexity of the intermediates formed during the electrochemical polymerization of PDA.

An NIR-responsive mesoporous silica nanosystem for synergetic photothermal-immunoenhancement therapy of hepatocellular carcinoma

To create a more precise, efficient imaging and therapeutic strategy is a big challenge for the current treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Photothermal therapy (PTT) has attracted enormous attention due to its non-invasive property and precise spatial and temporal control. Here, we developed a strategy to realize superior imaging performance and treatment, utilizing an indocyanine green (ICG) and sorafenib (S) co-loaded mesoporous silica nanosystem for synergetic PTT/immuno-enhanced therapy. We proved that (ICG+S)@mSiO₂ could be easily endocytosed by H22 cells, carried out outstanding real-time fluorescence imaging, and enhanced cytotoxicity abilities by near-infrared radiation (NIR) in vitro. Moreover, (ICG+S)@mSiO₂ also had excellent fluorescence imaging ability, displayed a remarkable photothermal tumor killing effect and immune enhancement capability under 808 nm irradiation in an H22 tumor-bearing mice model, without apparent adverse effects in other organs. This study provides a new strategy for the development of a PTT/immuno-enhanced synergistic theranostic nanosystem of HCC.

Mussel-Inspired Fabrication of SERS Swabs for Highly Sensitive and Conformal Rapid Detection of Thiram Bactericides

As an important sort of dithiocarbamate bactericide, thiram has been widely used for fruits, vegetables and mature crops to control various fungal diseases; however, the thiram residues in the environment pose a serious threat to human health. In this work, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were grown in-situ on cotton swab (CS) surfaces, based on the mussel-inspired polydopamine (PDA) molecule and designed as highly sensitive surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) swabs for the conformal rapid detection of bactericide residues. With this strategy, the obtained CS@PDA@AgNPs swabs demonstrated highly sensitive and reproducible Raman signals toward Nile blue A (NBA) probe molecules, and the detection limit was as low as 1.0 × 10-10 M. More critically, these CS@PDA@AgNPs swabs could be served as flexible SERS substrates for the conformal rapid detection of thiram bactericides from various fruit surfaces through a simple swabbing approach. The results showed that the detection limit of thiram residues from pear, grape and peach surfaces was approximately down to the level of 0.12 ng/cm2, 0.24 ng/cm2 and 0.15 ng/cm2 respectively, demonstrating a high sensitivity and excellent reliability toward dithiocarbamate bactericides. Not only could these SERS swabs significantly promote the collection efficiency of thiram residues from irregular shaped matrices, but they could also greatly enhance the analytical sensitivity and reliability, and would have great potential for the on-site detection of residual bactericides in the environment and in bioscience fields.

Versatile Polydopamine Platforms: Synthesis and Promising Applications for Surface Modification and Advanced Nanomedicine

As a mussel-inspired material, polydopamine (PDA), possesses many properties, such as a simple preparation process, good biocompatibility, strong adhesive property, easy functionalization, outstanding photothermal conversion efficiency, and strong quenching effect. PDA has attracted increasingly considerable attention because it provides a simple and versatile approach to functionalize material surfaces for obtaining a variety of multifunctional nanomaterials. In this review, recent significant research developments of PDA including its synthesis and polymerization mechanism, physicochemical properties, different nano/microstructures, and diverse applications are summarized and discussed. For the sections of its applications in surface modification and biomedicine, we mainly highlight the achievements in the past few years (2016-2019). The remaining challenges and future perspectives of PDA-based nanoplatforms are discussed rationally at the end. This timely and overall review should be desirable for a wide range of scientists and facilitate further development of surface coating methods and the production of PDA-based materials.

Mussel-Inspired pH-Switched Assembly of Capsules with an Ultrathin and Robust Nanoshell

Enclosed films, also called capsules, bearing an ultrathin and robust nanoshell have sparked much interest for use in many applications, for which facile preparation methods are urgently pursued. Inspired by the pH-programmed adhesion/cohesion of mussel-secreted foot proteins, polyphenol/polyamine capsules with an ultrathin and robust nanoshell are fabricated through a pH-switched assembly on sacrificial calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) templates. Polyphenols adhere to the templates at pH 6.0 and rapidly cohere with polyamines at pH 8.0. The pH-switched assembly process is accomplished in only a few minutes where multiple instances of electrostatic interactions and chemical conjugation between polyphenols and polyamines occur. As a result, the capsules exhibit a nanoshell thickness of ∼10 nm and a superior mechanical strength of ∼1.575 GPa (elasticity modulus). Cell mimics are prepared through encasing enzymes in the lumen and present an activity recovery of ∼70% along with little activity decline during reuse. Amine or phenolic groups on the nanoshell of capsules are then applied to induce the generation of titania or silver nanoparticles, which may expand the applications of the capsules to the photo- and biorelated realms. Our study not only deepens the understanding of the adhering process of mussels but also offers a generic method toward functional materials for diverse applications.

Licorice isoliquiritigenin-encapsulated mesoporous silica nanoparticles for osteoclast inhibition and bone loss prevention

Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) are extensively used in bone tissue regeneration and local drug delivery. However, the effects of MSNs alone on osteoclast formation and function, as well as the utilization of MSNs to deliver natural molecules against bone resorption, remain unexplored. Here, we report the development of licorice-derived bioactive flavonoid isoliquiritigenin (ISL)-encapsulated MSNs (MSNs-ISL) as a potent bone-bioresponsive nanoencapsulation system for prevention of osteoclast-mediated bone loss in vitro and in vivo.

Methods: We synthesized MSNs-ISL and then investigated the drug loading and release characteristics of the resulting nanoparticles. In vitro experiments on osteoclast differentiation and bone resorption were performed using mouse primary bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMMs). In vivo animal experiments were conducted using a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-mediated calvarial bone erosion model.

Results: The resulting MSNs-ISL were spherical and highly monodispersed; they possessed a large specific surface area and superior biocompatibility, and allowed acid-sensitive sustained drug release. Compared with free ISL and MSNs alone, MSNs-ISL significantly and additively inhibited receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL)-induced osteoclast generation, decreased the size and quantity of sealing zones, and reduced the osteolytic capacity of osteoclasts in vitro. MSNs-ISL treatment also downregulated RANKL-stimulated mRNA expression of osteoclast-associated genes and transcription factors. Mechanistically, MSNs-ISL remarkably attenuated the RANKL-initiated expression of tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF6), phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), and phosphorylation and degradation of inhibitor of κBα (IκBα), together with the nuclear translocation of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) p65 and the activator protein (AP)-1 component c-Fos. Moreover, MSNs-ISL almost completely restrained the expression of nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFATc1). Consistent with the in vitro results, MSNs-ISL could block osteoclast activity; relieve inflammation-related calvarial bone destruction in vivo; and suppress c-Fos, NFATc1, and cathepsin K expression levels.

Conclusion: Licorice ISL-encapsulated MSNs exhibit notable anti-osteoclastogenetic effects and protect against inflammatory bone destruction. Our findings reveal the feasibility of applying MSNs-ISL as an effective natural product-based bone-bioresponsive nanoencapsulation system to prevent osteoclast-mediated bone loss.

Hyaluronic acid conjugated polydopamine functionalized mesoporous silica nanoparticles for synergistic targeted chemo-photothermal therapy

The integration of chemotherapy and photothermal therapy into one nanoplatform has attracted much attention for synergistic tumor treatment, but the practical clinical applications were usually limited by their synergistic effects and low selectivity for disease sites. To overcome these limitations, a tumor-specific and pH/NIR dual-responsive multifunctional nanocarrier coated with mussel inspired polydopamine and further conjugated with targeting molecular hyaluronic acid (HA) was designed and fabricated for synergistic targeted chemo-photothermal therapy. The synthesized versatile nanoplatform displayed strong near-infrared absorption because of the successful formation of polydopamine coating. Furthermore, the nanosystem revealed high storage capacity for drugs and pH/NIR dual-responsive release performance, which could effectively enhance the chemo-photothermal therapy effect. With this smart design, in vitro experimental results confirmed that the drug loaded multifunctional nanoparticles could be efficiently taken up by cancer cells, and exhibited remarkable tumor cell killing efficiency and excellent photothermal properties. Meanwhile, significant tumor regression in the tumor-bearing mice model was also observed due to the combination of chemotherapy and photothermal therapy. Thus, this work indicated that the simple multifunctional nanoplatform can be applied as an efficient therapeutic agent for site-specific synergistic chemo-photothermal therapy.

NIR-triggered release of DOX from sophorolipid-coated mesoporous carbon nanoparticles with the phase-change material 1-tetradecanol to treat MCF-7/ADR cells

To prevent premature drug release from nanoparticles, it is vital to design and prepare controlled and site-specific drug release systems.

Facile synthesis of organosilica-capped mesoporous silica nanocarriers with selective redox-triggered drug release properties for safe tumor chemotherapy

We develop a facile route to synthesize organosilica-capped mesoporous silica nanocarriers for efficient and safe redox-triggered tumor chemotherapy.

A novel pH-responsive hollow mesoporous silica nanoparticle (HMSN) system encapsulating doxorubicin (DOX) and glucose oxidase (GOX) for potential cancer treatment

The multi-therapy modality is based on the combination and synergy of multiple single treatment modalities and materials chemistry.

1st Symposium on Polydopamine and NanoTech Poland 2018: Conference Report

The NanoTech Poland is an annual international conference with a strong scientific agenda focused on nanotechnology in energy, environment, and biomedicine. The Nanotech Poland 2018 was held at the NanoBioMedical Centre and Department of Physics at Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań from June 6th to June 9th. The aim of NanoTech Poland 2018 was to bring together the scientific community's principal investigators, scientists, researchers, analysts, clinicians, policy makers, industry experts, and well-established and budding entrepreneurs to discuss the present and future perspectives in nanotechnology and nanoscience research and development. This year, the 1st Symposium on Polydopamine was held on June 6th. This forum was dedicated to the application of polydopamine and related catechol materials in a variety of research fields, both at the nano- and macroscale. The symposium gathered leading scientists from this important research field from top universities and institutions that have been involved in the research revolved around polydopamine. With over 200 national and international participants, NanoTech Poland 2018 and the 1st Symposium on Polydopamine provided a forum to present and discuss the latest scientific news from the field of nanotechnology with a strong interdisciplinary aspect and bioinspired materials.