Near Infrared Fluorescent Nanoplatform for Targeted Intraoperative Resection and Chemotherapeutic Treatment of Glioblastoma

SERS surgical navigation with postsurgical immunotherapy of local microtumors and distant metastases for improved anticancer outcomes

The standard of clinical care of most malignant solid cancers is surgery, followed by postsurgical adjuvant therapy, but microtumor lesions left behind after surgery and invisible distant metastases are the major reasons for treatment failure. Here, we report an integrated strategy combining surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) surgical navigation with postsurgical immunotherapy elicited by near-infrared II photothermal treatment and programmed death-1 antibody. The SERS surgical navigation is principally based on the multifunctional optical probes (namely, MATRA probes) integrating with T1-weighted magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, photothermal effect and Raman spectroscopic detection. We demonstrate in a 4T1 breast tumor mouse model that the pre-surgical MR/SERS dual-modal imaging is capable of providing comprehensive tumor information, and intraoperative SERS detection allows accurately delineating the tumor margins and guiding the surgical resection in real time with the least residual microscopic foci. We verify that the postsurgical immunotherapy effectively eradicates those local microtumor lesions and invisible distant metastases, greatly inhibiting the postsurgical cancer recurrence and distant metastasis.

Current advance of nanotechnology in diagnosis and treatment for malignant tumors

Cancer remains a significant risk to human health. Nanomedicine is a new multidisciplinary field that is garnering a lot of interest and investigation. Nanomedicine shows great potential for cancer diagnosis and treatment. Specifically engineered nanoparticles can be employed as contrast agents in cancer diagnostics to enable high sensitivity and high-resolution tumor detection by imaging examinations. Novel approaches for tumor labeling and detection are also made possible by the use of nanoprobes and nanobiosensors. The achievement of targeted medication delivery in cancer therapy can be accomplished through the rational design and manufacture of nanodrug carriers. Nanoparticles have the capability to effectively transport medications or gene fragments to tumor tissues via passive or active targeting processes, thus enhancing treatment outcomes while minimizing harm to healthy tissues. Simultaneously, nanoparticles can be employed in the context of radiation sensitization and photothermal therapy to enhance the therapeutic efficacy of malignant tumors. This review presents a literature overview and summary of how nanotechnology is used in the diagnosis and treatment of malignant tumors. According to oncological diseases originating from different systems of the body and combining the pathophysiological features of cancers at different sites, we review the most recent developments in nanotechnology applications. Finally, we briefly discuss the prospects and challenges of nanotechnology in cancer.

An injectable biomimetic hydrogel adapting brain tissue mechanical strength for postoperative treatment of glioblastoma without anti-tumor drugs participation

Adapting the mechanical strength between the implant materials and the brain tissue is crucial for the postoperative treatment of glioblastoma. However, no related study has been reported. Herein, we report an injectable lipoic acid‑iron (LA-Fe) hydrogel (LFH) that can adapt to the mechanical strength of various brain tissues, including human brain tissue, by coordinating Fe3+ into a hybrid hydrogel of LA and its sodium salt (LANa). When LFH, which matches the mechanical properties of mouse brain tissue (337 ± 8.06 Pa), was injected into the brain resection cavity, the water content of the brain tissue was maintained at a normal level (77%). Similarly, LFH did not induce the activation or hypertrophy of glial astrocytes, effectively preventing brain edema and scar hyperplasia. Notably, LFH spontaneously degrades in the interstitial fluid, releasing LA and Fe3+ into tumor cells. The redox couples LA/DHLA (dihydrolipoic acid, reduction form of LA in cells) and Fe3+/Fe2+ would regenerate each other to continuously provide ROS to induce ferroptosis and activate immunogenic cell death. As loaded the anti-PDL1, anti-PDL1@LFH further enhanced the efficacy of tumor-immunotherapy and promoted tumor ferroptosis. The injectable hydrogel that adapted the mechanical strength of tissues shed a new light for the tumor postoperative treatment.

Polyrhodanine-based nanomaterials for biomedical applications: A review

Rhodanine is a heterocyclic organic compound that has been investigated for its potential biomedical applications, particularly in drug discovery. Rhodanine derivatives have been examined as the medication options for numerous illnesses, including cancer, inflammation, and infectious diseases. Some rhodanine derivatives have also shown promising activity against drug-resistant strains of bacteria and viruses. One of these derivatives is polyrhodanine (PR), a conducting polymer that has gained attention for its biomedical properties. This review article summarises the latest advancements in creating biomaterials based on PR for biosensing, antimicrobial treatments, and anticancer therapies. The distinctive characteristics of PR, such as biocompatibility, biodegradability, and good conductivity, render it an attractive candidate for these applications. The article also explores obstacles and potential future paths for advancing biomaterials made with PR, including synthesis modifications, characterisation techniques, and in vivo evaluation of biocompatibility and efficacy. Overall, as an emerging research topic, this review emphasises the potential of PR as a promising biomaterial for various biomedical applications and provides insights into the contemporary state of research and prospective directions for investigation.

Photonics-powered augmented reality skin electronics for proactive healthcare: multifaceted opportunities

Rapid technological advancements have created opportunities for new solutions in various industries, including healthcare. One exciting new direction in this field of innovation is the combination of skin-based technologies and augmented reality (AR). These dermatological devices allow for the continuous and non-invasive measurement of vital signs and biomarkers, enabling the real-time diagnosis of anomalies, which have applications in telemedicine, oncology, dermatology, and early diagnostics. Despite its many potential benefits, there is a substantial information vacuum regarding using flexible photonics in conjunction with augmented reality for medical purposes. This review explores the current state of dermal augmented reality and flexible optics in skin-conforming sensing platforms by examining the obstacles faced thus far, including technical hurdles, demanding clinical validation standards, and problems with user acceptance. Our main areas of interest are skills, chiroptical properties, and health platform applications, such as optogenetic pixels, spectroscopic imagers, and optical biosensors. My skin-enhanced spherical dichroism and powerful spherically polarized light enable thorough physical inspection with these augmented reality devices: diabetic tracking, skin cancer diagnosis, and cardiovascular illness: preventative medicine, namely blood pressure screening. We demonstrate how to accomplish early prevention using case studies and emergency detection. Finally, it addresses real-world obstacles that hinder fully realizing these materials' extraordinary potential in advancing proactive and preventative personalized medicine, including technical constraints, clinical validation gaps, and barriers to widespread adoption.

Progress in the Treatment of Central Nervous System Diseases Based on Nanosized Traditional Chinese Medicine

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is widely used in clinical practice to treat diseases related to central nervous system (CNS) damage. However, the blood-brain barrier (BBB) constitutes a significant impediment to the effective delivery of TCM, thus substantially diminishing its efficacy. Advances in nanotechnology and its applications in TCM (also known as nano-TCM) can deliver active ingredients or components of TCM across the BBB to the targeted brain region. This review provides an overview of the physiological and pathological mechanisms of the BBB and systematically classifies the common TCM used to treat CNS diseases and types of nanocarriers that effectively deliver TCM to the brain. Additionally, drug delivery strategies for nano-TCMs that utilize in vivo physiological properties or in vitro devices to bypass or cross the BBB are discussed. This review further focuses on the application of nano-TCMs in the treatment of various CNS diseases. Finally, this article anticipates a design strategy for nano-TCMs with higher delivery efficiency and probes their application potential in treating a wider range of CNS diseases.

Self-Disassembling and Oxygen-Generating Porphyrin-Lipoprotein Nanoparticle for Targeted Glioblastoma Resection and Enhanced Photodynamic Therapy

The dismal prognosis for glioblastoma multiform (GBM) patients is primarily attributed to the highly invasive tumor residual that remained after surgical intervention. The development of precise intraoperative imaging and postoperative residual removal techniques will facilitate the gross total elimination of GBM. Here, a self-disassembling porphyrin lipoprotein-coated calcium peroxide nanoparticles (PLCNP) is developed to target GBM via macropinocytosis, allowing for fluorescence-guided surgery of GBM and improving photodynamic treatment (PDT) of GBM residual by alleviating hypoxia. By reducing self-quenching and enhancing lysosome escape efficiency, the incorporation of calcium peroxide (CaO2) cores in PLCNP amplifies the fluorescence intensity of porphyrin-lipid. Furthermore, the CaO2 core has diminished tumor hypoxia and improves the PDT efficacy of PLCNP, enabling low-dose PDT and reversing tumor progression induced by hypoxia aggravation following PDT. Taken together, this self-disassembling and oxygen-generating porphyrin-lipoprotein nanoparticle may serve as a promising all-in-one nanotheranostic platform for guiding precise GBM excision and empowering post-operative PDT, providing a clinically applicable strategy to combat GBM in a safe and effective manner.

Rational Design of NIR-II Ratiometric Fluorescence Probes for Accurate Bioimaging and Biosensing In Vivo

Intravital fluorescence imaging in the second near-infrared window (NIR-II, 900-1700 nm) has emerged as a promising method for non-invasive diagnostics in complex biological systems due to its advantages of less background interference, high tissue penetration depth, high imaging contrast, and sensitivity. However, traditional NIR-II fluorescence imaging, which is characterized by the "always on" or "turn on" mode, lacks the ability of quantitative detection, leading to low reproducibility and reliability during bio-detection. In contrast, NIR-II ratiometric fluorescence imaging can realize quantitative and reliable analysis and detection in vivo by providing reference signals for fluorescence correction, generating new opportunities and prospects during in vivo bioimaging and biosensing. In this review, the current design strategies and sensing mechanisms of NIR-II ratiometric fluorescence probes for bioimaging and biosensing applications are systematically summarized. Further, current challenges, future perspectives and opportunities for designing NIR-II ratiometric fluorescence probes are also discussed. It is hoped that this review can provide effective guidance for the design of NIR-II ratiometric fluorescence probes and promote its adoption in reliable biological imaging and sensing in vivo.

The Story of Ferumoxytol: Synthesis Production, Current Clinical Applications, and Therapeutic Potential

Ferumoxytol, approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2009, is one of the intravenous iron oxide nanoparticles authorized for the treatment of iron deficiency in chronic kidney disease and end-stage renal disease. With its exceptional magnetic properties, catalytic activity, and immune activity, as well as good biocompatibility and safety, ferumoxytol has gained significant recognition in various biomedical diagnoses and treatments. Unlike most existing reviews on this topic, this review primarily focuses on the recent clinical and preclinical advances of ferumoxytol in disease treatment, spanning anemia, cancer, infectious inflammatory diseases, regenerative medicine application, magnetic stimulation for neural modulation, etc. Additionally, the newly discovered mechanisms associated with the biological effects of ferumoxytol are discussed, including its magnetic, catalytic, and immunomodulatory properties. Finally, the summary and future prospects concerning the treatment and application of ferumoxytol-based nanotherapeutics are presented.

Advances in Brain Tumor Therapy Based on the Magnetic Nanoparticles

Brain tumors, including primary gliomas and brain metastases, are one of the deadliest tumors because effective macromolecular antitumor drugs cannot easily penetrate the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and blood-brain tumor barrier (BTB). Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) are considered the most suitable nanocarriers for the delivery of brain tumor drugs because of their unique properties compared to other nanoparticles. Numerous preclinical and clinical studies have demonstrated the potential of these nanoparticles in magnetic targeting, nuclear magnetic resonance, magnetic thermal therapy, and ultrasonic hyperthermia. To further develop and optimize MNPs for the diagnosis and treatment of brain tumors, we attempt to outline recent advances in the use of MNPs to deliver drugs, with a particular focus on their efficacy in the delivery of anti-brain tumor drugs based on magnetic targeting and low-intensity focused ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging for surgical real-time guidance, and magnetothermal and ultrasonic hyperthermia therapy. Furthermore, we summarize recent findings on the clinical application of MNPs and the research limitations that need to be addressed in clinical translation.

Small Mitochondria-Targeting Fluorophore with Multifunctional Therapeutic Activities against Prostate Cancer via the HIF1α/OATPs Pathway

Prostate cancer (PCa) is considered to be the most prevalent malignancy in males worldwide. Abiraterone is a 17α-hydroxylase/C17, 20-lyase (CYP17) inhibitor that has been approved for use in patients with prostate cancer. However, several negative aspects, such as drug resistance, toxicity, and lack of real-time monitoring of treatment responses, could appear with long-term use. Therefore, the development of anticancer agents with specific targeting to avoid side effects is imperative. Here, we used MHI-148, a type of heptamethine cyanine (HC) near-infrared fluorescence dye (NIRF), as a prototype structure to synthesize two theranostic agents, Abi-DZ-1 and Abi-783. The new compound Abi-DZ-1 retained the excellent photophysical characteristics and NIRF imaging property of MHI-148, and it could preferentially accumulate in prostate cancer cells but not in normal prostate epithelial cells via the HIF1α/organic anion-transporting polypeptides axis. NIRF imaging using Abi-DZ-1 selectively identified tumors in mice bearing PCa xenografts. Moreover, Abi-DZ-1 treatment significantly retarded the tumor growth in both a cell-derived xenograft model and a patient-derived tumor xenograft model. This finding demonstrated that Abi-DZ-1 may hold promise as a potential multifunctional theranostic agent for future tumor-targeted imaging and precision therapy. Constructing theranostic agents using the NIRF dye platform holds great promise in accurate therapy and intraoperative navigation.

Cyanine Dye Conjugation Enhances Crizotinib Localization to Intracranial Tumors, Attenuating NF-κB-Inducing Kinase Activity and Glioma Progression

Glioblastoma (GBM) is a highly aggressive form of brain cancer with a poor prognosis and limited treatment options. The ALK and c-MET inhibitor Crizotinib has demonstrated preclinical therapeutic potential for newly diagnosed GBM, although its efficacy is limited by poor penetration of the blood brain barrier. Here, we identify Crizotinib as a novel inhibitor of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB)-inducing kinase, which is a key regulator of GBM growth and proliferation. We further show that the conjugation of Crizotinib to a heptamethine cyanine dye, or a near-infrared dye (IR-Crizotinib), attenuated glioma cell proliferation and survival in vitro to a greater extent than unconjugated Crizotinib. Moreover, we observed increased IR-Crizotinib localization to orthotopic mouse xenograft GBM tumors, which resulted in impaired tumor growth in vivo. Overall, IR-Crizotinib exhibited improved intracranial chemotherapeutic delivery and tumor localization with concurrent inhibition of NIK and noncanonical NF-κB signaling, thereby reducing glioma growth in vitro, as well as in vivo, and increasing survival in a preclinical rodent model.

Nanoparticles Mediated the Diagnosis and Therapy of Glioblastoma: Bypass or Cross the Blood-Brain Barrier

Glioblastoma is one of the most aggressive central nervous system malignancies with high morbidity and mortality. Current clinical approaches, including surgical resection, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy, are limited by the difficulty of targeting brain lesions accurately, leading to disease recurrence and fatal outcomes. The lack of effective treatments has prompted researchers to continuously explore novel therapeutic strategies. In recent years, nanomedicine has made remarkable progress and expanded its application in brain drug delivery, providing a new treatment for brain tumors. Against this background, this article reviews the application and progress of nanomedicine delivery systems in brain tumors. In this paper, the mechanism of nanomaterials crossing the blood-brain barrier is summarized. Furthermore, the specific application of nanotechnology in glioblastoma is discussed in depth.

Ratiometric Fluorescence and Afterglow Lifetime Dual-Channel Nanoprobe for Simultaneous Imaging of HOCl and Temperature in Arthritis

Arthritis is a joint disorder that potentially causes permanent joint damage and eventual disability without effective treatment. Clinical detection methods, including in vitro blood tests and anatomical imaging, still have limitations in achieving real-time in situ early detection of arthritis. In this work, a dual-channel luminescence nanoprobe (AGNPs-Cy7) is reported, which combines a cyanine dye and a photochemical reaction-based afterglow system for real-time in vivo imaging of arthritis. AGNPs-Cy7 simultaneously detect hypochlorous acid (HOCl) and temperature, two important indicators associated with the early development of arthritis, by monitoring the respective changes in independent ratiometric fluorescence and afterglow lifetime signals. The anti-interference properties of both the ratiometric fluorescence signal and afterglow lifetime signal enhance sensing accuracy compared to the single luminescence intensity. The developed probe successfully reveals the simultaneous increase in HOCl concentration and temperature in an arthritis mouse model.

Four Ounces Can Move a Thousand Pounds: The Enormous Value of Nanomaterials in Tumor Immunotherapy

The application of nanomaterials in healthcare has emerged as a promising strategy due to their unique structural diversity, surface properties, and compositional diversity. In particular, nanomaterials have found a significant role in improving drug delivery and inhibiting the growth and metastasis of tumor cells. Moreover, recent studies have highlighted their potential in modulating the tumor microenvironment (TME) and enhancing the activity of immune cells to improve tumor therapy efficacy. Various types of nanomaterials are currently utilized as drug carriers, immunosuppressants, immune activators, immunoassay reagents, and more for tumor immunotherapy. Necessarily, nanomaterials used for tumor immunotherapy can be grouped into two categories: organic and inorganic nanomaterials. Though both have shown the ability to achieve the purpose of tumor immunotherapy, their composition and structural properties result in differences in their mechanisms and modes of action. Organic nanomaterials can be further divided into organic polymers, cell membranes, nanoemulsion-modified, and hydrogel forms. At the same time, inorganic nanomaterials can be broadly classified as nonmetallic and metallic nanomaterials. The current work aims to explore the mechanisms of action of these different types of nanomaterials and their prospects for promoting tumor immunotherapy.

Engineered Polymeric Nanovector for Intracellular Peptide Delivery in Antitumor Therapy

Objective

This study aimed to deliver a polypeptide from the Bax-BH3 domain (BHP) through the synthesis of self-assembled amphiphile nanovectors (NVs) and to assess their potential for cancer therapeutic applications and biological safety in vitro and in vivo. These findings provide valuable options for cancer intervention and a novel approach for the rational design of therapeutics.

Methods

We studied the antitumor activity of BHP by preparing RGDfK-PHPMA-b-Poly (MMA-alt-(Rhob-MA)) (RPPMMRA) and encapsulating it in BHP-NV. We also performed a series of characterizations and property analyses of RPPMMRA, including its size, stability, and drug-carrying capacity. The biocompatibility of RPPMMRA was evaluated in terms of cytotoxicity and hemolytic effects. The pro-apoptotic capacity of BHP was evaluated in vitro using mitochondrial membrane potential, flow cytometry, and apoptosis visualization techniques. The potential therapeutic effects of BHP on tumors were explored using reverse molecular docking. We also investigated the in vivo proapoptotic effect of BHP-NV in a nude mouse tumor model.

Results

NVs were successfully prepared with hydrated particle sizes ranging from 189.6 nm to 256.6 nm, spherical overall, and were able to remain stable in different media for 72 h with drug loading up to 15.2%. The NVs were be successfully internalized within 6 h with good biocompatibility. Neither BHP nor NV showed significant toxicity when administered alone, however, BHP-NV demonstrated significant side effects in vitro and in vivo. The apoptosis rate increased significantly from 14.13% to 66.34%. Experiments in vivo showed that BHP-NV exhibited significant apoptotic and tumor-suppressive effects.

Conclusion

A targeted fluorescent NV with high drug delivery efficiency and sustained release protected the active center of BHP, constituting BHP-NV for targeted delivery. RPPMMRA demonstrated excellent biocompatibility, stability, and drug loading ability, whereas and BHP-NV demonstrated potent antitumor effects in vivo and in vitro.

Recent Progress in Fluorescent Probes for Real-Time Monitoring of Glioblastoma

Treating glioblastoma (GBM) by resecting to a large extent can prolong a patient's survival by controlling the tumor cells, but excessive resection may produce postoperative complications by perturbing the brain structures. Therefore, various imaging procedures have been employed to successfully diagnose and resect with utmost caution and to protect vital structural or functional features. Fluorescence tagging is generally used as an intraoperative imaging technique in glioma cells in collaboration with other surgical tools such as MRI and navigation methods. However, the existing fluorescent probes may have several limitations, including poor selectivity, less photostability, false signals, and intraoperative re-administration when used in clinical and preclinical studies for glioma surgery. The involvement of smart fluorogenic materials, specifically fluorescent dyes, and biomarker-amended cell-penetrable fluorescent probes have noteworthy advantages for precise glioma imaging. This review outlines the contemporary advancements of fluorescent probes for imaging glioma cells along with their challenges and visions, with the anticipation to develop next-generation smart glioblastoma detection modalities.

How Nanotherapeutic Platforms Play a Key Role in Glioma? A Comprehensive Review of Literature

Glioblastoma (GBM), a highly aggressive form of brain cancer, is considered one of the deadliest cancers, and even with the most advanced medical treatments, most affected patients have a poor prognosis. However, recent advances in nanotechnology offer promising avenues for the development of versatile therapeutic and diagnostic nanoplatforms that can deliver drugs to brain tumor sites through the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Despite these breakthroughs, the use of nanoplatforms in GBM therapy has been a subject of great controversy due to concerns over the biosafety of these nanoplatforms. In recent years, biomimetic nanoplatforms have gained unprecedented attention in the biomedical field. With advantages such as extended circulation times, and improved immune evasion and active targeting compared to conventional nanosystems, bionanoparticles have shown great potential for use in biomedical applications. In this prospective article, we endeavor to comprehensively review the application of bionanomaterials in the treatment of glioma, focusing on the rational design of multifunctional nanoplatforms to facilitate BBB infiltration, promote efficient accumulation in the tumor, enable precise tumor imaging, and achieve remarkable tumor suppression. Furthermore, we discuss the challenges and future trends in this field. Through careful design and optimization of nanoplatforms, researchers are paving the way toward safer and more effective therapies for GBM patients. The development of biomimetic nanoplatform applications for glioma therapy is a promising avenue for precision medicine, which could ultimately improve patient outcomes and quality of life.

Magnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles for Brain Imaging and Drug Delivery

Central nervous system (CNS) disorders affect as many as 1.5 billion people globally. The limited delivery of most imaging and therapeutic agents into the brain is a major challenge for treatment of CNS disorders. With the advent of nanotechnologies, controlled delivery of drugs with nanoparticles holds great promise in CNS disorders for overcoming the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and improving delivery efficacy. In recent years, magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (MIONPs) have stood out as a promising theranostic nanoplatform for brain imaging and drug delivery as they possess unique physical properties and biodegradable characteristics. In this review, we summarize the recent advances in MIONP-based platforms as imaging and drug delivery agents for brain diseases. We firstly introduce the methods of synthesis and surface functionalization of MIONPs with emphasis on the inclusion of biocompatible polymers that allow for the addition of tailored physicochemical properties. We then discuss the recent advances in in vivo imaging and drug delivery applications using MIONPs. Finally, we present a perspective on the remaining challenges and possible future directions for MIONP-based brain delivery systems.

Homotypic Membrane-Enhanced Blood-Brain Barrier Crossing and Glioblastoma Targeting for Precise Surgical Resection and Photothermal Therapy

The crossing of blood-brain barrier (BBB) is essential for glioblastoma (GBM) therapy, and homotypic targeting is an effective strategy to achieve BBB crossing. In this work, GBM patient-derived tumor cell membrane (GBM-PDTCM) is prepared to cloak gold nanorods (AuNRs). Relying on the high homology of the GBM-PDTCM to the brain cell membrane, GBM-PDTCM@AuNRs realize efficient BBB crossing and selective GBM targeting. Meanwhile, owing to the functionalization of Raman reporter and lipophilic fluorophore, GBM-PDTCM@AuNRs are able to generate fluorescence and Raman signals at GBM lesion, and almost all tumor can be precisely resected in 15 min by the guidance of dual signals, ameliorating the surgical treatment for advanced GBM. In addition, photothermal therapy for orthotopic xenograft mice is accomplished by intravenous injection of GBM-PDTCM@AuNRs, doubling the median survival time of the mice, which improves the nonsurgical treatment for early GBM. Therefore, benefiting from homotypic membrane-enhanced BBB crossing and GBM targeting, all-stage GBM can be treated with GBM-PDTCM@AuNRs in distinct ways, providing an alternative idea for the therapy of tumor in the brain.

Recent progress in nanomedicines for imaging and therapy of brain tumors

Nowadays, a malignant brain tumor is one of the most life-threatening diseases with poor prognosis, high risk of recurrence, and low survival rate for patients because of the existence of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and the lack of efficient diagnostic and therapeutic paradigms. So far, many researchers have devoted their efforts to innovating advanced drugs to efficiently cross the BBB and selectively target brain tumors for optimal imaging and therapy outcomes. Herein, we update the most recent developments in nanomedicines for the diagnosis and treatment of brain tumors in preclinical mouse models. The special focus is on burgeoning drug delivery carriers to improve the specificity of visualization and to enhance the efficacy of brain tumor treatment. Also, we highlight the challenges and perspectives for the future development of brain tumor theranostics. This review is expected to receive wide attention from researchers, professors, and students in various fields to participate in future advancements in preclinical research and clinical translation of brain tumor nanomedicines.

Brain-Targeted HFn-Cu-REGO Nanoplatform for Site-Specific Delivery and Manipulation of Autophagy and Cuproptosis in Glioblastoma

Durable glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) management requires long-term chemotherapy after surgery to eliminate remaining cancerous tissues. Among chemotherapeutics, temozolomide is considered as the first-line drug for GBM therapy, but the treatment outcome is not satisfactory. Notably, regorafenib, an oral multi-kinase inhibitor, has been reported to exert a markedly superior effect on GBM suppression compared with temozolomide. However, poor site-specific delivery and bioavailability significantly restrict the efficient permeability of regorafenib to brain lesions and compromise its treatment efficacy. Therefore, human H-ferritin (HFn), regorafenib, and Cu²⁺ are rationally designed as a brain-targeted nanoplatform (HFn-Cu-REGO NPs), fulfilling the task of site-specific delivery and manipulating autophagy and cuproptosis against GBM. Herein, HFn affords a preferential accumulation capacity to GBM due to transferrin receptor 1 (TfR1)-mediated active targeting and pH-responsive delivery behavior. Moreover, regorafenib can inhibit autophagosome-lysosome fusion, resulting in lethal autophagy arrest in GBM cells. Furthermore, Cu²⁺ not only facilitates the encapsulation of regorafenib to HFn through coordination interaction but also disturbs copper homeostasis for triggering cuproptosis, resulting in a synergistical effect with regorafenib-mediated lethal autophagy arrest against GBM. Therefore, this work may broaden the clinical application scope of Cu²⁺ and regorafenib in GBM treatment via modulating autophagy and cuproptosis.

Glioma diagnosis and therapy: Current challenges and nanomaterial-based solutions

Glioma is often referred to as one of the most dreadful central nervous system (CNS)-specific tumors with rapidly-proliferating cancerous glial cells, accounting for nearly half of the brain tumors at an annual incidence rate of 30-80 per a million population. Although glioma treatment remains a significant challenge for researchers and clinicians, the rapid development of nanomedicine provides tremendous opportunities for long-term glioma therapy. However, several obstacles impede the development of novel therapeutics, such as the very tight blood-brain barrier (BBB), undesirable hypoxia, and complex tumor microenvironment (TME). Several efforts have been dedicated to exploring various nanoformulations for improving BBB permeation and precise tumor ablation to address these challenges. Initially, this article briefly introduces glioma classification and various pathogenic factors. Further, currently available therapeutic approaches are illustrated in detail, including traditional chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgical practices. Then, different innovative treatment strategies, such as tumor-treating fields, gene therapy, immunotherapy, and phototherapy, are emphasized. In conclusion, we summarize the article with interesting perspectives, providing suggestions for future glioma diagnosis and therapy improvement.

Ferroptotic MSCs protect mice against sepsis via promoting macrophage efferocytosis

The therapeutic effect of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) on sepsis has been well-known. However, a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between MSCs and macrophages remains elusive. Superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO) is one of the most commonly used tracers for MSCs. Our previous study has shown that SPIO enhanced the therapeutic effect of MSCs in a macrophage-dependent manner. However, the fate of SPIO-labeled MSCs (MSC^SPIO) after infusion remains unknown and the direct interaction between MSC^SPIO and macrophages remains unclear. Mice were injected intravenously with MSC^SPIO at 2 h after Escherichia coli infection and sacrificed at different times to investigate their distribution and therapeutic effect. We found that MSC^SPIO homed to lungs rapidly after infusion and then trapped in livers for more than 10 days. Only a few MSC^SPIO homed to the spleen and there was no MSC^SPIO detectable in the brain, heart, kidney, colon, and uterus. MSC^SPIO tended to stay longer in injured organs compared with healthy organs and played a long-term protective role in sepsis. The mRNA expression profiles between MSCs and MSC^SPIO were rather different, genes related to lipid metabolism, inflammation, and oxidative stress were changed. The levels of ROS and lipid peroxide were elevated in MSC^SPIO, which confirmed that SPIO-induced ferroptosis in MSC^SPIO. Ferroptosis of MSC^SPIO induced by SPIO enhanced the efferocytosis of macrophages and thus enhanced the protective effect on septic mice, while the benefits were impaired after MSC^SPIO were treated with Ferrostatin-1 (Fer-1) or Liproxtatin-1 (Lip-1), the inhibitors of ferroptosis. SPIO-induced ferroptosis in MSCs contributes to better therapeutic effects in sepsis by enhancing the efferocytosis of macrophages. Our data showed the efficacy and advantage of MSC^SPIO as a therapeutic tool and the cell states exert different curative effects on sepsis.

Bibliometric and visualized analysis of the application of nanotechnology in glioma

Background: Glioma is the most prevalent malignant tumor in the central nervous system (CNS). Due to its highly invasive characteristics and the existence of the blood–brain barrier (BBB), the early diagnosis and treatment of glioma remains a major challenge in cancer. With the flourishing development of nanotechnology, targeted nano-therapy for glioma has become a hot topic of current research by using the characteristics of nanoparticles (NPs), such as it is easier to pass the blood–brain barrier, degradable, and aids controllable release of drugs in the brain. The purpose of this study is to visualize the scientific achievements and research trends of the application of nanotechnology in glioma.

Methods: We searched the literature related to glioma nanotechnology on the Web of Science (WOS). The bibliometric and visual analysis was performed mainly using CiteSpace, VOSviewer, and R software, for countries/regions, authors, journals, references, and keywords associated with the field.

Results: A total of 3,290 publications from 2012 to June 2022 were searched, and 2,041 works of literature were finally obtained according to the search criteria, the number of publications increasing year by year, with an average growth rate (AGR) of 15.22% from 2012 to 2021. China published 694 (20.99%), followed by the United States (480, 20.70%). The institution with the highest number of publications is Fudan Univ (111, 13.16%), and 80% of the top ten institutions belong to China. HUILE GAO (30) and XINGUO JIANG (30) both published the largest number of research studies. STUPP R (412) was the most cited author, followed by GAO HL (224). The degree of collaboration (DC) among countries/regions, research institutions, and authors is 23.37%, 86.23%, and 99.22%, respectively. International Journal of Nanomedicine published the largest number of publications (81), followed by Biomaterials (73). Biomaterials (1,420) was the most cited journal, followed by J Control Release (1,300). The high frequency of keywords was drug delivery (487), followed by nanoparticle (450), which indicates that nanoparticles (NPs) as a carrier for drug delivery is a hot topic of current research and a direction of continuous development.

Conclusion: In recent years, nanotechnology has attracted much attention in the medical field. Cooperation and communication between countries/regions and institutions need to be strengthened in future research to promote the development of nanomedicine. Nanotherapeutic drug delivery systems (NDDS) can enhance drug penetration and retention in tumor tissues, improve drug targeting, and reduce the toxic side effects of drugs, which has great potential for the treatment of glioma and has become the focus of current research and future research trends in the treatment of glioma.

Brain Tumor Cell Membrane-Coated Lanthanide-Doped Nanoparticles for NIR-IIb Luminescence Imaging and Surgical Navigation of Glioma

Intraoperative visualization of the full extent of brain tumor by luminescence imaging helps to improve the degree and accuracy of brain tumor resection, thereby prolonging the survival of patients. However, the limited imaging depth and spatial resolution and the poor blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability of most currently available luminescent probes restrict the imaging performance and surgical resection efficiency of brain tumor. Here, a brain tumor cell membrane-coated lanthanide-doped nanoparticles (CC-LnNPs) in the near-infrared-IIb window (NIR-IIb, 1500-1700 nm) is designed for brain tumor imaging and surgical navigation. The coating of brain tumor cell membrane endows CC-LnNPs with immune escape, BBB crossing, and homotypic targeting abilities, which are inherited from the source brain tumor cells. In addition, compared with clinically approved imaging agent indocyanine green, CC-LnNPs present higher temporal and spatial resolution, higher stability, and lower background signals, enabling clear visualization of the brain tumor boundary. With the guidance of NIR-IIb fluorescence, the glioma tissue (size < 3 mm, depth > 3 mm) could be clearly visualized and completely removed as a proof of concept. This study offers new insight for the future design of nanoprobe to image brain tumor and to achieve precise diagnosis and surgical navigation of brain tumor.

Engineered biomimetic nanoparticles achieve targeted delivery and efficient metabolism-based synergistic therapy against glioblastoma

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is an aggressive brain cancer with a poor prognosis and few treatment options. Here, building on the observation of elevated lactate (LA) in resected GBM, we develop biomimetic therapeutic nanoparticles (NPs) that deliver agents for LA metabolism-based synergistic therapy. Because our self-assembling NPs are encapsulated in membranes derived from glioma cells, they readily penetrate the blood-brain barrier and target GBM through homotypic recognition. After reaching the tumors, lactate oxidase in the NPs converts LA into pyruvic acid (PA) and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂). The PA inhibits cancer cell growth by blocking histones expression and inducing cell-cycle arrest. In parallel, the H₂O₂ reacts with the delivered bis[2,4,5-trichloro-6-(pentyloxycarbonyl)phenyl] oxalate to release energy, which is used by the co-delivered photosensitizer chlorin e6 for the generation of cytotoxic singlet oxygen to kill glioma cells. Such a synergism ensures strong therapeutic effects against both glioma cell-line derived and patient-derived xenograft models.

Targeting cancer-associated metabolism is evolving as a promising approach for cancer therapy. Here, the authors generate cancer cell-membrane encapsulated nanoparticles to induce cell cycle arrest and cytotoxicity in lactate-high cancer cells, reducing tumourigensis in glioblastoma cell-line and patient-derived models.

Benefits and limitations of nanomedicine treatment of brain cancers and age-dependent neurodegenerative disorders

The treatment of central nervous system (CNS) malignancies, including brain cancers, is limited by a number of obstructions, including the blood-brain barrier (BBB), the heterogeneity and high invasiveness of tumors, the inaccessibility of tissues for early diagnosis and effective surgery, and anti-cancer drug resistance. Therapies employing nanomedicine have been shown to facilitate drug penetration across the BBB and maintain biodistribution and accumulation of therapeutic agents at the desired target site. The application of lipid-, polymer-, or metal-based nanocarriers represents an advanced drug delivery system for a growing group of anti-cancer chemicals. The nanocarrier surface is designed to contain an active ligand (cancer cell marker or antibody)-binding structure which can be modified to target specific cancer cells. Glioblastoma, ependymoma, neuroblastoma, medulloblastoma, and primary CNS lymphomas were recently targeted by easily absorbed nanocarriers. The metal- (such as transferrin drug-loaded systems), polymer- (nanocapsules and nanospheres), or lipid- (such as sulfatide-containing nanoliposomes)-based nano-vehicles were loaded with apoptosis- and/or ferroptosis-stimulating agents and demonstrated promising anti-cancer effects. This review aims to discuss effective nanomedicine approaches designed to overcome the current limitations in the therapy of brain cancers and age-dependent neurodegenerative disorders. To accent current obstacles for successful CNS-based cancer therapy, we discuss nanomedicine perspectives and limitations of nanodrug use associated with the specificity of nervous tissue characteristics and the effects nanocarriers have on cognition.

Liposome-Loaded Targeted Theranostic Fluorescent Nano-Probes for Diagnosis and Treatment of Cervix Carcinoma

Near-infrared fluorescence imaging, with its high sensitivity, non-invasiveness, and superior real-time feedback properties, has become a powerful skill for accurate diagnosis in the clinic. Nanoparticle-assisted chemotherapy is an effective cure for cancer. Specifically, the combination of near-infrared fluorescence imaging with chemotherapy represents a promising method for precise diagnosis and treatment of cervical cancer. To realize this approach, it is necessary to design and synthesize therapeutic nano-probes with detection abilities. In this work, an organic NIRF emissive heptamethine cyanine dye, IR783, was utilized and encapsulated in biocompatible drug-carrier liposomes). Then, the anticancer drug doxorubicin was loaded, to form LP-IR783-DOX nanoparticles. The LP-IR783-DOX nanoparticles had spherical shapes and were smoothly dispersed in aqueous solutions. Favorable absorption (a peak of 800 nm) and fluorescence (a peak of 896 nm) features were obtained from LP-IR783-DOX nanoparticles in the near-infrared region. Moreover, the specific detection abilities of nanoparticles were confirmed in different cell lines, and nanoparticles exhibited strong detection abilities in human cervix carcinoma cells in particular. To analyze the chemotherapeutic properties of LP-IR783-DOX nanoparticles, live HeLa cells were studied in detail, and the application of these NPs resulted in a chemotherapeutic efficiency of 56.75% based on fluorescein isothiocyanate staining and flow cytometry. The results indicate that nanoparticles have great potential for theranostic application of fluorescence imaging and chemotherapy in cases of cervical cancer.

Brain-Targeted Codelivery of Bcl-2/Bcl-xl and Mcl-1 Inhibitors by Biomimetic Nanoparticles for Orthotopic Glioblastoma Therapy

Glioblastoma (GBM) is among the most treatment-resistant solid tumors and often recurrs after resection. One of the mechanisms through which GBM escapes various treatment modalities is the overexpression of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 family proteins (e.g., Bcl-2, Bcl-xl, and Mcl-1) in tumor cells. Small-molecule inhibitors such as ABT-263 (ABT), which can promote mitochondrial-mediated cell apoptosis by selectively inhibiting the function of Bcl-2 and Bcl-xl, have been proven to be promising anticancer agents in clinical trials. However, the therapeutic prospects of ABT for GBM treatment are hampered by its limited blood-brain barrier (BBB) penetration, dose-dependent thrombocytopenia, and the drug resistance driven by Mcl-1, which is overexpressed in GBM cells and further upregulated upon treatment with ABT. Herein, we reported that the Mcl-1-specific inhibitor A-1210477 (A12) can act synergistically with ABT to induce potent cell apoptosis in U87 MG cells, drug-resistant U251 cells, and patient-derived GBM cancer stem cells. We further designed a biomimetic nanomedicine, based on the apolipoprotein E (ApoE) peptide-decorated red blood cell membrane and pH-sensitive dextran nanoparticles, for the brain-targeted delivery of ABT and A12. The synergistic anti-GBM effect was retained after encapsulation in the nanomedicine. Additionally, the obtained nanomedicine possessed good biocompatibility, exhibited efficient BBB penetration, and could effectively suppress tumor growth and prolong the survival time of mice bearing orthotopic GBM xenografts without inducing detectable adverse effects.

NIR-I Dye-Based Probe: A New Window for Bimodal Tumor Theranostics

Near-infrared (NIR, 650-1700 nm) bioimaging has emerged as a powerful strategy in tumor diagnosis. In particular, NIR-I fluorescence imaging (650-950 nm) has drawn more attention, benefiting from the high quantum yield and good biocompatibility. Since their biomedical applications are slightly limited by their relatively low penetration depth, NIR-I fluorescence imaging probes have been under extensive development in recent years. This review summarizes the particular application of the NIR-I fluorescent dye-contained bimodal probes, with emphasis on related nanoprobes. These probes have enabled us to overcome the drawbacks of individual imaging modalities as well as achieve synergistic imaging. Meanwhile, the application of these NIR-I fluorescence-based bimodal probes for cancer theranostics is highlighted.

Exploration and functionalization of M1-macrophage extracellular vesicles for effective accumulation in glioblastoma and strong synergistic therapeutic effects

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a highly aggressive brain tumor with an extremely low survival rate. New and effective approaches for treatment are therefore urgently needed. Here, we successfully developed M1-like macrophage-derived extracellular vesicles (M1EVs) that overcome multiple challenges via guidance from two macrophage-related observations in clinical specimens from GBM patients: enrichment of M2 macrophages in GBM; and origination of a majority of infiltrating macrophage from peripheral blood. To maximize the synergistic effect, we further functionalized the membranes of M1EVs with two hydrophobic agents (the chemical excitation source CPPO (C) and the photosensitizer Ce6 (C)) and loaded the hydrophilic hypoxia-activated prodrug AQ4N (A) into the inner core of the M1EVs. After intravenous injection, the inherent nature of M1-derived extracellular vesicles CCA-M1EVs allowed for blood-brain barrier penetration, and modulated the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment via M2-to-M1 polarization, which increased hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) levels. Furthermore, the reaction between H₂O₂ and CPPO produced chemical energy, which could be used for Ce6 activation to generate large amounts of reactive oxygen species to achieve chemiexcited photodynamic therapy (CDT). As this reaction consumed oxygen, the aggravation of tumor hypoxia also led to the conversion of non-toxic AQ4N into toxic AQ4 for chemotherapy. Therefore, CCA-M1EVs achieved synergistic immunomodulation, CDT, and hypoxia-activated chemotherapy in GBM to exert a potent therapeutic effect. Finally, we demonstrated the excellent effect of CCA-M1EVs against GBM in cell-derived xenograft and patient-derived xenograft models, underscoring the strong potential of our highly flexible M1EVs system to support multi-modal therapies for difficult-to-treat GBM.

Progress and Viewpoints of Multifunctional Composite Nanomaterials for Glioblastoma Theranostics

The most common malignant tumor of the brain is glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) in adults. Many patients die shortly after diagnosis, and only 6% of patients survive more than 5 years. Moreover, the current average survival of malignant brain tumors is only about 15 months, and the recurrence rate within 2 years is almost 100%. Brain diseases are complicated to treat. The reason for this is that drugs are challenging to deliver to the brain because there is a blood–brain barrier (BBB) protection mechanism in the brain, which only allows water, oxygen, and blood sugar to enter the brain through blood vessels. Other chemicals cannot enter the brain due to their large size or are considered harmful substances. As a result, the efficacy of drugs for treating brain diseases is only about 30%, which cannot satisfy treatment expectations. Therefore, researchers have designed many types of nanoparticles and nanocomposites to fight against the most common malignant tumors in the brain, and they have been successful in animal experiments. This review will discuss the application of various nanocomposites in diagnosing and treating GBM. The topics include (1) the efficient and long-term tracking of brain images (magnetic resonance imaging, MRI, and near-infrared light (NIR)); (2) breaking through BBB for drug delivery; and (3) natural and chemical drugs equipped with nanomaterials. These multifunctional nanoparticles can overcome current difficulties and achieve progressive GBM treatment and diagnosis results.

Exploring the potential biomarkers for prognosis of glioblastoma via weighted gene co-expression network analysis

BACKGROUND

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common malignant tumor in the central system with a poor prognosis. Due to the complexity of its molecular mechanism, the recurrence rate and mortality rate of GBM patients are still high. Therefore, there is an urgent need to screen GBM biomarkers to prove the therapeutic effect and improve the prognosis.

RESULTS

We extracted data from GBM patients from the Gene Expression Integration Database (GEO), analyzed differentially expressed genes in GEO and identified key modules by weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA). GSE145128 data was obtained from the GEO database, and the darkturquoise module was determined to be the most relevant to the GBM prognosis by WGCNA (r =  - 0.62, p = 0.01). We performed enrichment analysis of Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) to reveal the interaction activity in the selected modules. Then Kaplan-Meier survival curve analysis was used to extract genes closely related to GBM prognosis. We used Kaplan-Meier survival curves to analyze the 139 genes in the darkturquoise module, identified four genes (DARS/GDI2/P4HA2/TRUB1) associated with prognostic GBM. Low expression of DARS/GDI2/TRUB1 and high expression of P4HA2 had a poor prognosis. Finally, we used tumor genome map (TCGA) data, verified the characteristics of hub genes through Co-expression analysis, Drug sensitivity analysis, TIMER database analysis and GSVA analysis. We downloaded the data of GBM from the TCGA database, the results of co-expression analysis showed that DARS/GDI2/P4HA2/TRUB1 could regulate the development of GBM by affecting genes such as CDC73/CDC123/B4GALT1/CUL2. Drug sensitivity analysis showed that genes are involved in many classic Cancer-related pathways including TSC/mTOR, RAS/MAPK.TIMER database analysis showed DARS expression is positively correlated with tumor purity (cor = 0.125, p = 1.07e-02)), P4HA2 expression is negatively correlated with tumor purity (cor =-0.279, p = 6.06e-09). Finally, GSVA analysis found that DARS/GDI2/P4HA2/TRUB1 gene sets are closely related to the occurrence of cancer.

CONCLUSION

We used two public databases to identify four valuable biomarkers for GBM prognosis, namely DARS/GDI2/P4HA2/TRUB1, which have potential clinical application value and can be used as prognostic markers for GBM.

Design of Magnetic Nanoplatforms for Cancer Theranostics

Cancer is the top cause of death globally. Developing smart nanomedicines that are capable of diagnosis and therapy (theranostics) in one-nanoparticle systems are highly desirable for improving cancer treatment outcomes. The magnetic nanoplatforms are the ideal system for cancer theranostics, because of their diverse physiochemical properties and biological effects. In particular, a biocompatible iron oxide nanoparticle based magnetic nanoplatform can exhibit multiple magnetic-responsive behaviors under an external magnetic field and realize the integration of diagnosis (magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasonic imaging, photoacoustic imaging, etc.) and therapy (magnetic hyperthermia, photothermal therapy, controlled drug delivery and release, etc.) in vivo. Furthermore, due to considerable variation among tumors and individual patients, it is a requirement to design iron oxide nanoplatforms by the coordination of diverse functionalities for efficient and individualized theranostics. In this article, we will present an up-to-date overview on iron oxide nanoplatforms, including both iron oxide nanomaterials and those that can respond to an externally applied magnetic field, with an emphasis on their applications in cancer theranostics.

A review of recent advances in magnetic nanoparticle-based theranostics of glioblastoma

Rapid vascular growth, infiltrative cells and high tumor heterogenicity are some glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) characteristics, making it the most lethal form of brain cancer. Low efficacy of the conventional treatment modalities leads to rampant disease progression and a median survival of 15 months. Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs), due to their unique physical features/inherent abilities, have emerged as a suitable theranostic platform for targeted GBM treatment. Thus, new strategies are being designed to enhance the efficiency of existing therapeutic techniques such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and so on, using MNPs. Herein, the limitations of the current therapeutic strategies, the role of MNPs in mitigating those inadequacies, recent advances in the MNP-based theranostics of GBM and possible future directions are discussed.

β-glucan-coupled superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles induce trained immunity to protect mice against sepsis

Background: Innate immune memory, also termed “trained immunity”, is thought to protect against experimental models of infection, including sepsis. Trained immunity via reprogramming monocytes/macrophages has been reported to result in enhanced inflammatory status and antimicrobial activity against infection in sepsis. However, a safe and efficient way to induce trained immunity remains unclear.

Methods: β-glucan is a prototypical agonist for inducing trained immunity. Ferumoxytol, superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO) with low cytotoxicity, has been approved by FDA for clinical use. We synthesized novel nanoparticles BSNPs by coupling β-glucan with SPIO. BSNPs were further conjugated with fluorescein for quantitative analysis and trace detection of β-glucan on BSNPs. Inflammatory cytokine levels were measured by ELISA and qRT-PCR, and the phagocytosis of macrophages was detected by flow cytometry and confocal microscopy. The therapeutic effect of BSNPs was evaluated on the well-established sepsis mouse model induced by both clinical Escherichia coli (E. coli) and cecal ligation and puncture (CLP).

Results: BSNPs were synthesized successfully with a 3:20 mass ratio of β-glucan and SPIO on BSNPs, which were mainly internalized by macrophages and accumulated in the lungs and livers of mice. BSNPs effectively reprogrammed macrophages to enhance the production of trained immunity markers and phagocytosis toward bacteria. BSNP-induced trained immunity protected mice against sepsis caused by E. coli and CLP and also against secondary infection. We found that BSNP treatment elevated Akt, S6, and 4EBP phosphorylation, while mTOR inhibitors decreased the trained immunity markers and phagocytosis enhanced by BSNPs. Furthermore, the PCR Array analysis revealed Igf1, Sesn1, Vegfa, and Rps6ka5 as possible key regulators of mTOR signaling during trained immunity. BSNP-induced trained immunity mainly regulated cellular signal transduction, protein modification, and cell cycle by modulating ATP binding and the kinase activity. Our results indicated that BSNPs induced trained immunity in an mTOR-dependent manner.

Conclusion: Our data highlight that the trained immunity of macrophages is an effective strategy against sepsis and suggest that BSNPs are a powerful tool for inducing trained immunity to prevent and treat sepsis and secondary infections.

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.

Preoperative Magnetic Resonance Imaging Radiomics for Predicting Early Recurrence of Glioblastoma

Purpose

Early recurrence of glioblastoma after standard treatment makes patient care challenging. This study aimed to assess preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) radiomics for predicting early recurrence of glioblastoma.

Patients and Methods

A total of 122 patients (training cohort: n = 86; validation cohort: n = 36) with pathologically confirmed glioblastoma were included in this retrospective study. Preoperative brain MRI images were analyzed for both radiomics and the Visually Accessible Rembrandt Image (VASARI) features of glioblastoma. Models incorporating MRI radiomics, the VASARI parameters, and clinical variables were developed and presented in a nomogram. Performance was assessed based on calibration, discrimination, and clinical usefulness.

Results

The nomogram consisting of the radiomic signatures, the VASARI parameters, and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) values showed good discrimination between the patients with early recurrence and those with later recurrence, with an area under the curve of 0.85 (95% CI, 0.77-0.94) in the training cohort and 0.84 [95% CI, 0.71-0.97] in the validation cohort. Decision curve analysis demonstrated favorable clinical application of the nomogram.

Conclusion

This study showed the potential usefulness of preoperative brain MRI radiomics in predicting the early recurrence of glioblastoma, which should be helpful in personalized management of glioblastoma.

Dual Blood-Brain Barrier-Glioma Targeting Peptide-Poly(levodopamine) Hybrid Nanoplatforms as Potential Near Infrared Phototheranostic Agents in Glioblastoma

Combined chemo-phototherapy for boosting the efficacy of individual modalities by synergism for antiglioma treatments is in its embryonic stage and far away from effective clinical translation. Herein, moving a step closer, we recommend a facile stratagem to fabricate smart biocompatible and biodegradable multifunctional nanoplatforms comprising inherently fluorescent poly(levodopamine) nanoparticles (FLs) co-loaded with doxorubicin (DOX) and indocyanine green (ICG). The designed near-infrared (NIR) phototheranostic agents upon NIR laser irradiation helped precipitate combined chemo-phototherapy [both photothermal therapy (PTT) and photodynamic therapy (PDT)] and optical imaging under one roof. Excellent glioma-targeting ability was allocated to the nanoplatforms by conjugating them with a novel chimeric therapeutic peptide with glioma homing and antiglioma dual functionality. Further, DOX/ICG/peptide co-loaded nanoplatforms (FLDIPs) exhibited triggered drug release in response to multiple stimuli. Studies performed in 2D C6 glioma cells and 3D spheroids exhibited superior combined chemo-PDT/PTT effects (∼94% killing in cells and ∼87% in spheroids) of the designed FL based nanoplatforms compared to individual therapeutic components. Herein, the FL based multifunctional nanoplatforms with active targeting ability and stimuli responsive drug release behavior will further help in nullifying chemotherapy based adverse effects and mitigate chemo-resistance by adopting a combinatorial approach.

Intraperitoneal Injection of Cyanine-Based Nanomicelles for Enhanced Near-Infrared Fluorescence Imaging and Surgical Navigation in Abdominal Tumors

Fluorescent surgical navigation can effectively aid tumor resection. As one of the most popular near-infrared (NIR) fluorophores, cyanine dye has the outstanding optical ability and the potential to act as a fluorescence probe for tumors. Herein, we report a polyethylene glycol-modified amphiphilic cyanine dye (Cy7-NPC) with an NIR luminescence performance, which can self-assemble to form uniform nanomicelles (Cy7-NPC-S) and which can be applied for the optical imaging of abdominal tumors and for fluorescence imaging-guided precision tumor resection. When applied to biological imaging, Cy7-NPC-S showed high biological safety, strong tissue penetration depth for optical imaging, and high optical imaging resolution. Intraperitoneal administration of Cy7-NPC-S produced remarkable imaging efficacy in abdominal tumors. Compared with intravenous injection, abdominal tumors took up intraperitoneal Cy7-NPC-S faster and in greater quantities, thus enabling Cy7-NPC-S to facilitate accurate recognition and extirpation of abdominal tumors in fluorescence-guided surgery. We believe that metabolizable Cy7-NPC-S with NIR luminescence has promising applications and value in the fields of in vivo imaging and fluorescent surgical navigation.

Starlike polymer brush-based ultrasmall nanoparticles with simultaneously improved NIR-II fluorescence and blood circulation for efficient orthotopic glioblastoma imaging

Fluorescence imaging (FI) in the second near-infrared region (NIR-II, 1000-1700 nm) has attracted great attention for brain tumor imaging due to its deep penetration and high resolution. However, traditional NIR-II organic fluorescent nanoparticles (NPs) are usually hindered by uncontrolled large size (~30-100 nm), marked aggregation-caused quenching (ACQ) effect, and limited blood circulation (~1-3 h), which have great impact on efficient NIR-II FI of deep brain tumors. Herein, starlike polymer brush-based ultrasmall TQFP-10 NPs, with bright NIR-II fluorescence, prolonged blood circulation, and enhanced tumor accumulation, are facilely prepared for efficient orthotopic glioblastoma (GBM) imaging. Compared with traditional method prepared NPs (physically coated TQF@NPs and PEG modified TQF-PEG_5K NPs), the ultrasmall (~8 nm) TQFP-10 NPs display a higher NIR-II fluorescence QY (1.9%), which is 2.1- and 3.8-fold higher than TQF@NPs (0.9%) and TQF-PEG_5K NPs (0.5%), respectively. In addition, TQFP-10 NPs present a 10.6-fold higher blood circulation half-life (t_1/2 = 8.5 h) than that of TQF-PEG_5K NPs. Consequently, TQFP-10 NPs exhibit 4.2- and 33-fold higher maximal tumor to normal tissue ratio in subcutaneous and in situ NIR-II FI of GBM, respectively, than TQF@NPs and TQF-PEG_5K NPs, attractively realizing GBM imaging. This work provides a general strategy for constructing ultrasmall NIR-II fluorescent NPs with simultaneously improved NIR-II fluorescence and blood circulation for efficient brain tumor imaging.

Nanoparticle-mediated convection-enhanced delivery of a DNA intercalator to gliomas circumvents temozolomide resistance

In patients with glioblastoma, resistance to the chemotherapeutic temozolomide (TMZ) limits any survival benefits conferred by the drug. Here we show that the convection-enhanced delivery of nanoparticles containing disulfide bonds (which are cleaved in the reductive environment of the tumour) and encapsulating an oxaliplatin prodrug and a cationic DNA intercalator inhibit the growth of TMZ-resistant cells from patient-derived xenografts, and hinder the progression of TMZ-resistant human glioblastoma tumours in mice without causing any detectable toxicity. Genome-wide RNA profiling and metabolomic analyses of a glioma cell line treated with the cationic intercalator or with TMZ showed substantial differences in the signalling and metabolic pathways altered by each drug. Our findings suggest that the combination of anticancer drugs with distinct mechanisms of action with selective drug release and convection-enhanced delivery may represent a translational strategy for the treatment of TMZ-resistant gliomas.

Label-Free Macroscopic Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging of Brain Tumors

Advanced stage glioma is the most aggressive form of malignant brain tumors with a short survival time. Real-time pathology assisted, or image guided surgical procedures that eliminate tumors promise to improve the clinical outcome and prolong the lives of patients. Our work is focused on the development of a rapid and sensitive assay for intraoperative diagnostics of glioma and identification of optical markers essential for differentiation between tumors and healthy brain tissues. We utilized fluorescence lifetime imaging (FLIM) of endogenous fluorophores related to metabolism of the glioma from freshly excised brains tissues. Macroscopic time-resolved fluorescence images of three intracranial animal glioma models and surgical samples of patients' glioblastoma together with the white matter have been collected. Several established and new algorithms were applied to identify the imaging markers of the tumors. We found that fluorescence lifetime parameters characteristic of the glioma provided background for differentiation between the tumors and intact brain tissues. All three rat tumor models demonstrated substantial differences between the malignant and normal tissue. Similarly, tumors from patients demonstrated statistically significant differences from the peritumoral white matter without infiltration. While the data and the analysis presented in this paper are preliminary and further investigation with a larger number of samples is required, the proposed approach based on the macroscopic FLIM has a high potential for diagnostics of glioma and evaluation of the surgical margins of gliomas.

Iron oxide nanoparticles conjugated with organic optical probes for in vivo diagnostic and therapeutic applications

The role and scope of functional inorganic nanoparticles in biomedical research is well established. Among these, iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) have gained maximum attention as they can provide targeting, imaging and therapeutic capabilities. Furthermore, incorporation of organic optical probes with IONPs can significantly enhance the scope and viability of their biomedical applications. Combination of two or more such applications renders multimodality in nanoparticles, which can be exploited to obtain synergistic benefits in disease detection and therapy viz theranostics, which is a key trait of nanoparticles for advanced biomedical applications. This review focuses on the use of IONPs conjugated with organic optical probe/s for multimodal diagnostic and therapeutic applications in vivo.

Light-Interacting iron-based nanomaterials for localized cancer detection and treatment

To improve the prognosis of cancer patients, methods of local cancer detection and treatment could be implemented. For that, iron-based nanomaterials (IBN) are particularly well-suited due to their biocompatibility and the various ways in which they can specifically target a tumor, i.e. through passive, active or magnetic targeting. Furthermore, when it is needed, IBN can be associated with well-known fluorescent compounds, such as dyes, clinically approved ICG, fluorescent proteins, or quantum dots. They may also be excited and detected using well-established optical methods, relying on scattering or fluorescent mechanisms, depending on whether IBN are associated with a fluorescent compound or not. Systems combining IBN with optical methods are diverse, thus enabling tumor detection in various ways. In addition, these systems provide a wealth of information, which is inaccessible with more standard diagnostic tools, such as single tumor cell detection, in particular by combining IBN with near-field scanning optical microscopy, dark-field microscopy, confocal microscopy or super-resolution microscopy, or the highlighting of certain dynamic phenomena such as the diffusion of a fluorescent compound in an organism, e.g. using fluorescence lifetime imaging, fluorescence resonance energy transfer, fluorescence anisotropy, or fluorescence tomography. Furthermore, they can in some cases be complemented by a therapeutic approach to destroy tumors, e.g. when the fluorescent compound is a drug, or when a technique such as photo-thermal or photodynamic therapy is employed. This review brings forward the idea that iron-based nanomaterials may be associated with various optical techniques to form a commercially available toolbox, which can serve to locally detect or treat cancer with a better efficacy than more standard medical approaches. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: New tools should be developed to improve cancer treatment outcome. For that, two closely-related aspects deserve to be considered, i.e. early tumor detection and local tumor treatment. Here, I present various types of iron-based nanomaterials, which can achieve this double objective when they interact with a beam of light under specific and accurately chosen conditions. Indeed, these materials are biocompatible and can be used/combined with most standard microscopic/optical methods. Thus, these systems enable on the one hand tumor cell detection with a high sensitivity, i.e. down to single tumor cell level, and on the other hand tumor destruction through various mechanisms in a controlled and localized manner by deciding whether or not to apply a beam of light and by having these nanomaterials specifically target tumor cells.

Ultrasound lighting up AIEgens for potential surgical navigation

Multifunctional contrast-enhanced agents suitable for application in surgical navigation by taking advantage of the merits of their diverse imaging modalities at different surgical stages are highly sought-after. Herein, an amphipathic polymer composed of aggregation-induced emission fluorogens (AIEgens) and Gd³⁺ chelates was successfully synthesized and assembled into ultrasound responsive microbubbles (AIE-Gd MBs) to realize potential tri-modal contrast-enhanced ultrasound (US) imaging, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and AIEgen-based fluorescence imaging (FI) during the perioperative period. Through ultrasound targeted microbubble destruction (UTMD) and cavitation effect, the as-prepared AIE-Gd MBs went through a MBs-to-nanoparticles (NPs) conversion, which not only resulted in targeted accumulation in tumor tissues but also led to stronger fluorescence being exhibited due to the more aggregated AIE-Gd molecules in the NPs. As a proof-of-concept, our work proposes a strategy of US-lit-up AIEgens in tumors which could offer a simple and powerful tool for surgical navigation in the future.

Intraoperative assessment and postsurgical treatment of prostate cancer tumors using tumor-targeted nanoprobes

Successful visualization of prostate cancer (PCa) tumor margins during surgery remains a major challenge. The visualization of these tumors during surgery via near infrared fluorescence (NIRF) imaging would greatly enhance surgical resection, minimizing tumor recurrence and improving outcome. Furthermore, chemotherapy is typically administered to patients after surgery to treat any missed tumor tissue around the surgical area, minimizing metastasis and increasing patient survival. For these reasons, a theranostics fluorescent nanoparticle could be developed to assist in the visualization of PCa tumor margins, while also delivering chemotherapeutic drug after surgery.

Methods: Ferumoxytol (FMX) conjugated to the fluorescent dye and PCa targeting agent, heptamethine carbocyanine (HMC), yielded the HMC-FMX nanoprobe that was tested in vitro with various PCa cell lines and in vivo with both subcutaneous and orthotopic PCa mouse models. Visualization of these tumors via NIRF imaging after administration of HMC-FMX was performed. In addition, delivery of chemotherapeutic drug and their effect on tumor growth was also assessed.

Results: HMC-FMX internalized into PCa cells, labeling these cells and PCa tumors in mice with near infrared fluorescence, facilitating tumor margin visualization. HMC-FMX was also able to deliver drugs to these tumors, reducing cell migration and slowing down tumor growth.

Conclusion: HMC-FMX specifically targeted PCa tumors in mice allowing for the visualization of tumor margins by NIRF imaging. Furthermore, delivery of anticancer drugs by HMC-FMX effectively reduced prostate tumor growth and reduced cell migration in vitro. Thus, HMC-FMX can potentially translate into the clinic as a nanotheranostics agent for the intraoperative visualization of PCa tumor margins, and post-operative treatment of tumors with HMC-FMX loaded with anticancer drugs.