Nanomedicine(s) under the Microscope

Amino-Acid-Derived Anionic Polyacrylamides with Tailored Hydrophobicity-Physicochemical Properties and Cellular Interactions

Polyanions can internalize into cells via endocytosis without any cell disruption and are therefore interesting materials for biomedical applications. In this study, amino-acid-derived polyanions with different alkyl side-chains are synthesized via postpolymerization modification of poly(pentafluorophenyl acrylate), which is synthesized via reversible addition-fragmentation chain-transfer (RAFT) polymerization, to obtain polyanions with tailored hydrophobicity and alkyl branching. The success of the reaction is verified by size-exclusion chromatography, NMR spectroscopy, and infrared spectroscopy. The hydrophobicity, surface charge, and pH dependence are investigated in detail by titrations, high-performance liquid chromatography, and partition coefficient measurements. Remarkably, the determined pK a-values for all synthesized polyanions are very similar to those of poly(acrylic acid) (pK a = 4.5), despite detectable differences in hydrophobicity. Interactions between amino-acid-derived polyanions with L929 fibroblasts reveal very slow cell association as well as accumulation of polymers in the cell membrane. Notably, the more hydrophobic amino-acid-derived polyanions show higher cell association. Our results emphasize the importance of macromolecular engineering toward ideal charge and hydrophobicity for polymer association with cell membranes and internalization. This study further highlights the potential of amino-acid-derived polymers and the diversity they provide for tailoring properties toward drug delivery applications.

Advances in bioinspired nanomaterials managing microbial biofilms and virulence: A critical analysis

Microbial virulence and biofilm formation stand as a big concern against the goal of achieving a green and sustainable future. Microbial pathogenesis is the process by which the microbes (bacterial, fungal, and viral) cause illness in their respective host organism. 'Nanotechnology' is a state-of-art discipline to address this problem. The use of conventional techniques against microbial proliferation has been challenging against the environment. To tackle this problem, there has been a revolution in this multi-disciplinary field, to address the aspect of bioinspired nanomaterials in the antibiofilm and antimicrobial sector. Bioinspired nanomaterials prove to be a potential antibiofilm and antimicrobial agent as they are non-hazardous to the environment and mostly synthesized using a single-step reduction protocol. They exhibit synergistic effects against bacterial, fungal, and viral pathogens and thereby, control the virulence. In this literature review, we have elucidated the potential of bioinspired nanoparticles as well as nanomaterials as a promising anti-microbial treatment pedagogy and throw light on the advancements in how smart photo-switchable platforms have been designed to exhibit both bacterial releasing as well as bacterial-killing properties. Certain limitations and possible outcomes of these bio-based nanomaterials have been discussed in the hope of achieving a green and sustainable ecosystem.

Drug Integrating Amphiphilic Nano-Assemblies: 2. Spatiotemporal Distribution within Inflammation Sites

The need for chronic systemic immunosuppression, which is associated with unavoidable side-effects, greatly limits the applicability of allogeneic cell transplantation for regenerative medicine applications including pancreatic islet cell transplantation to restore insulin production in type 1 diabetes (T1D). Cell transplantation in confined sites enables the localized delivery of anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory drugs to prevent graft loss by innate and adaptive immunity, providing an opportunity to achieve local effects while minimizing unwanted systemic side effects. Nanoparticles can provide the means to achieve the needed localized and sustained drug delivery either by graft targeting or co-implantation. Here, we evaluated the potential of our versatile platform of drug-integrating amphiphilic nanomaterial assemblies (DIANAs) for targeted drug delivery to an inflamed site model relevant for islet transplantation. We tested either passive targeting of intravenous administered spherical nanomicelles (nMIC; 20-25 nm diameter) or co-implantation of elongated nanofibrils (nFIB; 5 nm diameter and >1 μm length). To assess the ability of nMIC and nFIB to target an inflamed graft site, we used a lipophilic fluorescent cargo (DiD and DiR) and evaluated the in vivo biodistribution and cellular uptake in the graft site and other organs, including draining and non-draining lymph nodes, after systemic administration (nMIC) and/or graft co-transplantation (nFIB) in mice. Localized inflammation was generated either by using an LPS injection or by using biomaterial-coated islet-like bead implantation in the subcutaneous site. A cell transplant inflammation model was used as well to test nMIC- and nFIB-targeted biodistribution. We found that nMIC can reach the inflamed site after systemic administration, while nFIB remains localized for several days after co-implantation. We confirmed that DIANAs are taken up by different immune cell populations responsible for graft inflammation. Therefore, DIANA is a useful approach for targeted and/or localized delivery of immunomodulatory drugs to decrease innate and adaptive immune responses that cause graft loss after transplantation of therapeutic cells.

Toxicological analysis of chronic exposure to polymeric nanocapsules with different coatings in Drosophila melanogaster

Nanotechnology involves the utilization of nanomaterials, including polymeric nanocapsules (NCs) that are drug carriers. For modify drug release and stability, nanoformulations can feature different types of polymers as surface coatings: Polysorbate 80 (P80), Polyethylene glycol (PEG), Chitosan (CS) and Eudragit (EUD). Although nanoencapsulation aims to reduce side effects, these polymers can interact with living organisms, inducing events in the antioxidant system. Thus far, little has been described about the impacts of chronic exposure, with Drosophila melanogaster being an in vivo model for characterizing the toxicology of these polymers. This study analyzes the effects of chronic exposure to polymeric NCs with different coatings. Flies were exposed to 10, 50, 100, and 500 μL of NCP80, NCPEG, NCCS, or EUD. The survival rate, locomotor changes, oxidative stress markers, cell viability, and Nrf2 expression were evaluated. Between the coatings, NCPEG had minimal effects, as only 500 μL affected the levels of reactive species (RS) and the enzymatic activities of catalase (CAT) and glutathione S-transferase (GST) without reducing Nrf2 expression. However, NCEUD significantly impacted the total flies killed, RS, CAT, and Superoxide dismutase from 100 μL. In part, the toxicity mechanisms of these coatings can be explained by the imbalance of the antioxidant system. This research provided initial evidence on the chronic toxicology of these nanomaterials in D. melanogaster to clarify the nanosafety profile of these polymers in future nanoformulations. Further investigations are essential to characterize possible biochemical pathways involved in the toxicity of these polymeric coatings.

Iridium-based Polymeric Multifunctional Imaging Tools for Biochemistry

Herein, we report the development of a macromolecular multifunctional imaging tool for biological investigations, which is comprised of an N-(2-hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide backbone, iridium-based luminescent probe, glutamate carboxypeptidase II (GCPII) targeting ligand, and biotin affinity tag. The iridium luminophore is a tris-cyclometalated complex based on [Ir(ppy)3] with one of its 2-phenylpyridine ligands functionalized to allow conjugation. Synthesized macromolecular probes differed in the structure of the polymer and content of the iridium complex. The applicability of the developed imaging tools has been tested in flow cytometry (FACS) based assay, laser confocal microscopy, and fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM). The FACS analysis has shown that the targeted iBodies containing the iridium luminophore exhibit selective labelling of GCPII expressing cells. This observation was also confirmed in the imaging experiments with laser confocal microscopy. The FLIM experiment has shown that the iBodies with the iridium label exhibit a lifetime greater than 100 ns, which distinguishes them from typically used systems labelled with organic fluorophores exhibiting short fluorescence lifetimes. The results of this investigation indicate that the system exhibits interesting properties, which supports the development of additional biological tools utilizing the key components (iridium complexes, iBody concept), primarily focusing on the longer lifetime of the iridium emitter.

Interaction of eugenol-based anti-tuberculosis nanoemulsion with bovine serum albumin: A spectroscopic study including Rifampicin, Isoniazid, Pyrazinamide, and Ethambutol

Tuberculosis (TB), a deadly infectious disease, is primarily caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The misuse of antibiotics has led to the development of drug resistance, prompting researchers to explore new technologies to combat multidrug-resistant Tuberculosis (MDR TB). Phospholipid-based nanotherapeutics, such as nanoemulsions, are gaining traction as they enhance drug solubility, stability, and bioavailability. Our study focuses on the interaction between Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA) and a drug-loaded nanoemulsion based on Eugenol. This nanoemulsion incorporates Eugenol, Clove, cinnamon oil, and first-line anti-tuberculosis drugs like Rifampicin, Isoniazid, Pyrazinamide, and Ethambutol. The primary objective is to assess the biosafety profile of the nanoemulsion upon interaction with BSA. We employed Fluorescence, UV-visible, and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) to analyze this interaction. UV-visible spectroscopy detected changes in hydrophobicity due to structural alterations in BSA near the tryptophan residue, leading to the formation of ground-state complexes. Fluorescence spectroscopy demonstrated that the nanoemulsion effectively quenched fluorescence originating from tryptophan and tyrosine residues. Studies using synchronous and three-dimensional spectroscopy point to a potential modification of the aromatic environment of BSA by the nanoemulsion. Resonance light scattering spectra indicated the formation of large aggregates due to the interaction with the nanoemulsion. The second derivative FTIR spectra showed an increase in the magnitude of secondary structure bands, suggesting a conformational shift. This research has significant pharmacological implications for developing safer, more targeted drug delivery systems. The information obtained from the interaction of the nanoemulsion with the blood carrier protein is vital for the future development of superior carriers with minimal adverse effects on patients. It is crucial to remember that conformational changes brought on by drug-ligand complexes attaching to carrier proteins may have negative consequences. Therefore, this study enhances the in vitro evaluation of potential adverse effects of the nanoemulsion on serum proteins.

A Journey of Challenges and Victories: A Bibliometric Worldview of Nanomedicine since the 21st Century

Nanotechnology profoundly affects the advancement of medicine. Limitations in diagnosing and treating cancer and chronic diseases promote the growth of nanomedicine. However, there are very few analytical and descriptive studies regarding the trajectory of nanomedicine, key research powers, present research landscape, focal investigative points, and future outlooks. Herein, articles and reviews published in the Science Citation Index Expanded of Web of Science Core Collection from first January 2000 to 18th July 2023 are analyzed. Herein, a bibliometric visualization of publication trends, countries/regions, institutions, journals, research categories, themes, references, and keywords is produced and elaborated. Nanomedicine-related academic output is increasing since the COVID-19 pandemic, solidifying the uneven global distribution of research performance. While China leads in terms of publication quantity and has numerous highly productive institutions, the USA has advantages in academic impact, commercialization, and industrial value. Nanomedicine integrates with other disciplines, establishing interdisciplinary platforms, in which drug delivery and nanoparticles remain focal points. Current research focuses on integrating nanomedicine and cell ferroptosis induction in cancer immunotherapy. The keyword "burst testing" identifies promising research directions, including immunogenic cell death, chemodynamic therapy, tumor microenvironment, immunotherapy, and extracellular vesicles. The prospects, major challenges, and barriers to addressing these directions are discussed.

Development of nanoparticles based on amphiphilic cyclodextrins for the delivery of active substances

Although amphiphilic cyclodextrin derivatives (ACDs) serve as valuable building blocks for nanomedicine formulations, their widespread production still encounters various challenges, limiting large-scale manufacturing. This work focuses on a robust alternative pathway using mineral base catalysis to transesterify β-cyclodextrin with long-chain vinyl esters, yielding ACD with modular and controlled hydrocarbon chain grafting. ACDs with a wide range of degrees of substitution (DS) were reliably synthesized, as indicated by extensive physicochemical characterization, including MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. The influence of various factors, including the type of catalyst and the length of the hydrocarbon moiety of the vinyl ester, was studied in detail. ACDs were assessed for their ability to form colloidal suspensions by nanoprecipitation, with or without PEGylated phospholipid. Small-angle X-ray scattering and cryo-electron microscopy revealed the formation of nanoparticles with distinct ultrastructures depending on the DS: an onion-like structure for low and very high DS, and reversed hexagonal organization for DS between 4.5 and 6.1. We confirmed the furtivity of the PEGylated versions of the nanoparticles through complement activation experiments and that they were well tolerated in-vivo on a zebrafish larvae model after intravenous injection. Furthermore, a biodistribution experiment showed that the nanoparticles left the bloodstream within 10 h after injection and were phagocytosed by macrophages.

State of the art in pediatric nanomedicines

In recent years, the continuous development of innovative nanopharmaceuticals is expanding their biomedical and clinical applications. Nanomedicines are being revolutionized to circumvent the limitations of unbound therapeutic agents as well as overcome barriers posed by biological interfaces at the cellular, organ, system, and microenvironment levels. In many ways, the use of nanoconfigured delivery systems has eased challenges associated with patient differences, and in our opinion, this forms the foundation for their potential usefulness in developing innovative medicines and diagnostics for special patient populations. Here, we present a comprehensive review of nanomedicines specifically designed and evaluated for disease management in the pediatric population. Typically, the pediatric population has distinguishing needs relative to those of adults majorly because of their constantly growing bodies and age-related physiological changes, which often need specialized drug formulation interventions to provide desirable therapeutic effects and outcomes. Besides, child-centric drug carriers have unique delivery routes, dosing flexibility, organoleptic properties (e.g., taste, flavor), and caregiver requirements that are often not met by traditional formulations and can impact adherence to therapy. Engineering pediatric medicines as nanoconfigured structures can potentially resolve these limitations stemming from traditional drug carriers because of their unique capabilities. Consequently, researchers from different specialties relentlessly and creatively investigate the usefulness of nanomedicines for pediatric disease management as extensively captured in this compilation. Some examples of nanomedicines covered include nanoparticles, liposomes, and nanomicelles for cancer; solid lipid and lipid-based nanostructured carriers for hypertension; self-nanoemulsifying lipid-based systems and niosomes for infections; and nanocapsules for asthma pharmacotherapy.

Hurdles in translating science from lab to market in delivery systems for Cosmetics: An industrial perspective

In recent decades, a sweeping technological wave has reshaped the global economic landscape. Fueled by the unceasing forces of digital innovation and venture capital investment, this transformative machine has left a significant mark across numerous economic sectors. More recently, the emergence of 'deep tech' start-ups, focusing on areas such as artificial intelligence, nanotechnology, and biotechnology, has infused a fresh wave of innovation into various sectors, including the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industry. This review explores the significance of innovation within the cosmetics sector, with a particular emphasis on delivery systems. It assesses the crucial process of bridging the gap between research and the market, particularly in the translation of nanotechnology into tangible real-world applications. With the rise of nanotechnology-based beauty ingredients, we can anticipate groundbreaking advancements that promise to surpass consumer expectations, ushering in a new era of unparalleled innovation in beauty products.

Nanotechnology in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Antibiotic-Resistant Infections

The development of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), along with the relative reduction in the production of new antimicrobials, significantly limits the therapeutic options in infectious diseases. Thus, novel treatments, especially in the current era, where AMR is increasing, are urgently needed. There are several ongoing studies on non-classical therapies for infectious diseases, such as bacteriophages, antimicrobial peptides, and nanotechnology, among others. Nanomaterials involve materials on the nanoscale that could be used in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of infectious diseases. This review provides an overview of the applications of nanotechnology in the diagnosis and treatment of infectious diseases from a clinician's perspective, with a focus on pathogens with AMR. Applications of nanomaterials in diagnosis, by taking advantage of their electrochemical, optic, magnetic, and fluorescent properties, are described. Moreover, the potential of metallic or organic nanoparticles (NPs) in the treatment of infections is also addressed. Finally, the potential use of NPs in the development of safe and efficient vaccines is also reviewed. Further studies are needed to prove the safety and efficacy of NPs that would facilitate their approval by regulatory authorities for clinical use.

Functionalized heteroatom-doped carbon dots for biomedical applications: A review

Carbon nanoparticles (CDs) have recently drawn a great attention in (bio)chemical analysis, sensing and bioimaging owing to their photostability, water stability, minimal toxicity, biocompatibility and ease of surface functionalization. While the vast majority of CDs applications rely on exploiting their fluorescent properties, doping such nanomaterials with various elements has recently received increasing attention as an effective approach to modify their optoelectronic characteristics, introducing novel improved optical features such as phosphorescence, upconversion luminescence or multimodal imaging capabilities. This review article focuses in the recent advances on the synthesis of heteroatom-doped CDs, exhibiting distinctive features of high value for sensing and imaging, as well as various functionalization schemes developed for guided analyte labeling. Relevant applications in chemical sensing, bioimaging and disease therapy are here presented. A final section intends to provide an overview towards future developments of such emerging light-emitting nanomaterials in the design of future devices and strategies for (bio)analytical chemistry.

Innovative Approaches for Maintaining and Enhancing Skin Health and Managing Skin Diseases through Microbiome-Targeted Strategies

The skin microbiome is crucial in maintaining skin health, and its disruption is associated with various skin diseases. Prebiotics are non-digestible fibers and compounds found in certain foods that promote the activity and growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut or skin. On the other hand, live microorganisms, known as probiotics, benefit in sustaining healthy conditions when consumed in reasonable quantities. They differ from postbiotics, which are by-product compounds from bacteria that release the same effects as their parent bacteria. The human skin microbiome is vital when it comes to maintaining skin health and preventing a variety of dermatological conditions. This review explores novel strategies that use microbiome-targeted treatments to maintain and enhance overall skin health while managing various skin disorders. It is important to understand the dynamic relationship between these beneficial microorganisms and the diverse microbial communities present on the skin to create effective strategies for using probiotics on the skin. This understanding can help optimize formulations and treatment regimens for improved outcomes in skincare, particularly in developing solutions for various skin problems.

Engineered nanodrug targeting oxidative stress for treatment of acute kidney injury

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a clinical syndrome characterized by a rapid decline in renal function, and is associated with a high risk of death. Many pathological changes happen in the process of AKI, including crucial alterations to oxidative stress levels. Numerous efforts have thus been made to develop effective medicines to scavenge excess reactive oxygen species (ROS). However, researchers have encountered several significant challenges, including unspecific biodistribution, high biotoxicity, and in vivo instability. To address these problems, engineered nanoparticles have been developed to target oxidative stress and treat AKI. This review thoroughly discusses the methods that empower nanodrugs to specifically target the glomerular filtration barrier and presents the latest achievements in engineering novel ROS-scavenging nanodrugs in clustered sections. The analysis of each study's breakthroughs and imperfections visualizes the progress made in developing effective nanodrugs with specific biodistribution and oxidative stress-targeting capabilities. This review fills the blank of a comprehensive outline over current progress in applying nanotechnology to treat AKI, providing potential insights for further research.

Impact of Targeting Moiety Type and Protein Corona Formation on the Uptake of Fn14-Targeted Nanoparticles by Cancer Cells

The TWEAK receptor, Fn14, is a promising candidate for active targeting of cancer nanotherapeutics to many solid tumor types, including metastatic breast and primary brain cancers. Targeting of therapeutic nanoparticles (NPs) has been accomplished using a range of targeting moieties including monoclonal antibodies and related fragments, peptides, and small molecules. Here, we investigated a full-length Fn14-specific monoclonal antibody, ITEM4, or an ITEM4-Fab fragment as a targeting moiety to guide the development of a clinical formulation. We formulated NPs with varying densities of the targeting moieties while maintaining the decreased nonspecific adhesivity with receptor targeting (DART) characteristics. To model the conditions that NPs experience following intravenous infusion, we investigated the impact of serum exposure in relation to the targeting moiety type and surface density. To further evaluate performance at the cancer cell level, we performed experiments to assess differences in cellular uptake and trafficking in several cancer cell lines using confocal microscopy, imaging flow cytometry, and total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy. We observed that Fn14-targeted NPs exhibit enhanced cellular uptake in Fn14-high compared to Fn14-low cancer cells and that in both cell lines uptake levels were greater than observed with control, nontargeted NPs. We found that serum exposure increased Fn14-targeted NP specificity while simultaneously reducing the total NP uptake. Importantly, serum exposure caused a larger reduction in cancer cell uptake over time when the targeting moiety was an antibody fragment (Fab region of the monoclonal antibody) compared with the full-length monoclonal antibody targeting moiety. Lastly, we uncovered that full monoclonal antibody-targeted NPs enter cancer cells via clathrin-mediated endocytosis and traffic through the endolysosomal pathway. Taken together, these results support a pathway for developing a clinical formulation using a full-length Fn14 monoclonal antibody as the targeting moiety for a DART cancer nanotherapeutic agent.

Transferrin-Modified Triptolide Liposome Targeting Enhances Anti-Hepatocellular Carcinoma Effects

Triptolide (TP) is an epoxy diterpene lactone compound isolated and purified from the traditional Chinese medicinal plant Tripterygium wilfordii Hook. f., which has been shown to inhibit the proliferation of hepatocellular carcinoma. However, due to problems with solubility, bioavailability, and adverse effects, the use and effectiveness of the drug are limited. In this study, a transferrin-modified TP liposome (TF-TP@LIP) was constructed for the delivery of TP. The thin-film hydration method was used to prepare TF-TP@LIP. The physicochemical properties, drug loading, particle size, polydispersity coefficient, and zeta potential of the liposomes were examined. The inhibitory effects of TF-TP@LIP on tumor cells in vitro were assessed using the HepG2 cell line. The biodistribution of TF-TP@LIP and its anti-tumor effects were investigated in tumor-bearing nude mice. The results showed that TF-TP@LIP was spherical, had a particle size of 130.33 ± 1.89 nm and zeta potential of -23.20 ± 0.90 mV, and was electronegative. Encapsulation and drug loading were 85.33 ± 0.41% and 9.96 ± 0.21%, respectively. The preparation was stable in serum over 24 h and showed biocompatibility and slow release of the drug. Flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy showed that uptake of TF-TP@LIP was significantly higher than that of TP@LIP (p < 0.05), while MTT assays indicated mean median inhibition concentrations (IC50) of TP, TP@LIP, and TF-TP@ of 90.6 nM, 56.1 nM, and 42.3 nM, respectively, in HepG2 cell treated for 48 h. Real-time fluorescence imaging indicated a significant accumulation of DiR-labeled TF-TP@LIPs at tumor sites in nude mice, in contrast to DiR-only or DiR-labeled, indicating that modification with transferrin enhanced drug targeting to the tumor tissues. Compared with the TP and TP@LIP groups, the TF-TP@LIP group had a significant inhibitory effect on tumor growth. H&E staining results showed that TF-TP@LIP inhibited tumor growth and did not induce any significant pathological changes in the heart, liver, spleen, and kidneys of nude mice, with all liver and kidney indices within the normal range, with no significant differences compared with the control group, indicating the safety of the preparation. The findings indicated that modification by transferrin significantly enhanced the tumor-targeting ability of the liposomes and improved their anti-tumor effects in vivo. Reducing its distribution in normal tissues and decreasing its toxic effects suggest that the potential of TF-TP@LIP warrants further investigation for its clinical application.

High-precision targeting and destruction of cancer-associated PDGFR-β+ stromal fibroblasts through self-assembling, protein-only nanoparticles

The need for more effective and precision medicines for cancer has pushed the exploration of new materials appropriate for drug delivery and imaging, and alternative receptors for targeting. Among the most promising strategies, finding suitable cell surface receptors and targeting agents for cancer-associated platelet derived growth factor receptor β (PDGFR-β)+ stromal fibroblasts is highly appealing. As a neglected target, this cell type mechanically and biologically supports the growth, progression, and infiltration of solid tumors in non-small cell lung, breast, pancreatic, and colorectal cancers. We have developed a family of PDGFR-β-targeted nanoparticles based on biofabricated, self-assembling proteins, upon hierarchical and iterative selective processes starting from four initial candidates. The modular protein PDGFD-GFP-H6 is well produced in recombinant bacteria, resulting in structurally robust oligomeric particles that selectively penetrates into PDGFR-β+ stromal fibroblasts in a dose-dependent manner, by means of the PDGFR-β ligand PDGFD. Upon in vivo administration, these GFP-carrying protein nanoparticles precisely accumulate in tumor tissues and enlighten them for IVIS observation. When GFP is replaced by a microbial toxin, selective tumor tissue destruction is observed associated with a significant reduction in tumor volume growth. The presented data validate the PDGFR-β/PDGFD pair as a promising toolbox for targeted drug delivery in the tumor microenvironment and oligomeric protein nanoparticles as a powerful instrument to mediate highly selective biosafe targeting in cancer through non-cancer cells. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: We have developed a transversal platform for nanoparticle-based drug delivery into cancer-associated fibroblasts. This is based on the engineered modular protein PDGFD-GFP-H6 that spontaneously self-assemble and selectively penetrates into PDGFR-β+ stromal fibroblasts in a dose-dependent manner, by means of the PDGFR-β ligand PDGFD. In vivo, these protein nanoparticles accumulate in tumor and when incorporating a microbial toxin, they destroy tumor tissues with a significant reduction in tumor volume, in absence of side toxicities. The data presented here validate the PDGFR-β/PDGFD pair as a fully versatile toolbox for targeted drug delivery in the tumor microenvironment intended as a synergistic treatment.

Progress and prospect of nanotechnology for cardiac fibrosis treatment

Cardiac fibrosis is the excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix components in the heart, leading to reduced cardiac functionality and heart failure. This review provides an overview of the therapeutic applications of nanotechnology for the treatment of cardiac fibrosis. We first delve into the fundamental pathophysiology of cardiac fibrosis, highlighting the key molecular players, including Matrix Metalloproteinases, Transforming Growth Factor-beta, and several growth factors, cytokines, and signaling molecules. Each target presents a unique opportunity to develop targeted nano-therapies. We then focus on recent advancements in nanotechnology and how nanoparticles can be engineered to deliver drugs or therapeutic genes. These advanced delivery approaches have shown significant potential to inhibit fibrosis-promoting factors, thereby mitigating the fibrotic response and potentially reversing disease progression. In addition, we discuss the challenges associated with developing and translating nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems, including ensuring biocompatibility, safety, and regulatory compliance. This review highlights how nanotechnology can bridge the gap between lab research and clinical practice for treating cardiac fibrosis.

Bridging the gap between tumor-on-chip and clinics: a systematic review of 15 years of studies

Over the past 15 years, the field of oncology research has witnessed significant progress in the development of new cell culture models, such as tumor-on-chip (ToC) systems. In this comprehensive overview, we present a multidisciplinary perspective by bringing together physicists, biologists, clinicians, and experts from pharmaceutical companies to highlight the current state of ToC research, its unique features, and the challenges it faces. To offer readers a clear and quantitative understanding of the ToC field, we conducted an extensive systematic analysis of more than 300 publications related to ToC from 2005 to 2022. ToC offer key advantages over other in vitro models by enabling precise control over various parameters. These parameters include the properties of the extracellular matrix, mechanical forces exerted on cells, the physico-chemical environment, cell composition, and the architecture of the tumor microenvironment. Such fine control allows ToC to closely replicate the complex microenvironment and interactions within tumors, facilitating the study of cancer progression and therapeutic responses in a highly representative manner. Importantly, by incorporating patient-derived cells or tumor xenografts, ToC models have demonstrated promising results in terms of clinical validation. We also examined the potential of ToC for pharmaceutical industries in which ToC adoption is expected to occur gradually. Looking ahead, given the high failure rate of clinical trials and the increasing emphasis on the 3Rs principles (replacement, reduction, refinement of animal experimentation), ToC models hold immense potential for cancer research. In the next decade, data generated from ToC models could potentially be employed for discovering new therapeutic targets, contributing to regulatory purposes, refining preclinical drug testing and reducing reliance on animal models.

Dynamic Control of Cyclic Peptide Assembly to Form Higher-Order Assemblies

Chirality correction, asymmetry, ring-chain tautomerism and hierarchical assemblies are fundamental phenomena in nature. They are geometrically related and may impact the biological roles of a protein or other supermolecules. It is challenging to study those behaviors within an artificial system due to the complexity of displaying these features. Herein, we design an alternating D,L peptide to recreate and validate the naturally occurring chirality inversion prior to cyclization in water. The resulting asymmetrical cyclic peptide containing a 4-imidazolidinone ring provides an excellent platform to study the ring-chain tautomerism, thermostability and dynamic assembly of the nanostructures. Different from traditional cyclic D,L peptides, the formation of 4-imidazolidinone promotes the formation of intertwined nanostructures. Analysis of the nanostructures confirmed the left-handedness, representing chirality induced self-assembly. This proves that a rationally designed peptide can mimic multiple natural phenomena and could promote the development of functional biomaterials, catalysts, antibiotics, and supermolecules.

An updated overview of some factors that influence the biological effects of nanoparticles

Nanoparticles (NPs) can be extremely effective in the early diagnosis and treatment of cancer due to their properties. The nanotechnology industry is developing rapidly. The number of multifunctional NPs has increased in the market and hundreds of NPs are in various stages of preclinical and clinical development. Thus, the mechanism underlying the effects of NPs on biological systems has received much attention. After NPs enter the body, they interact with plasma proteins, tumour cell receptors, and small biological molecules. This interaction is closely related to the size, shape, chemical composition and surface modification properties of NPs. In this review, the effects of the size, shape, chemical composition and surface modification of NPs on the biological effects of NPs were summarised, including the mechanism through which NPs enter cells, the resulting oxidative stress response, and the interaction with proteins. This review of the biological effects of NPs can not only provide theoretical support for the preparation of safer and more efficient NPs but also lay the foundation for their clinical application.

HER2-Positive Gastric Cancer: The Role of Immunotherapy and Novel Therapeutic Strategies

Gastric cancer is an aggressive disease with increasing global incidence in recent years. Human epidermal growth receptor 2 (HER2) is overexpressed in approximately 10-20% of gastric cancers. The implementation of targeted therapy against HER2 as part of the standard of care treatment in metastatic disease has improved the prognosis of this subset of patients. However, gastric cancer still has high mortality rates and urgently requires new treatment strategies. The combination of immunotherapy with HER2-targeted therapies has shown synergistic effects in preclinical models, this being the rationale behind exploring this combination in clinical trials in locally advanced and metastatic settings. Additionally, the irruption of antibody-drug conjugates and other novel HER2-targeted agents has led to the development of numerous clinical trials showing promising results. This review presents the molecular mechanisms supporting the use of HER2-targeted drugs in combination with immunotherapy and provides an overview of the therapeutic scenario of HER2-positive disease. We focus on the role of immunotherapy but also summarize emerging therapies and combinations under clinical research that may change the standard treatment in HER-2 positive disease in the future.

Novel Drug Delivery Methods and Approaches for the Treatment of Retinal Diseases

This review discusses emerging approaches to ocular drug delivery for retinal diseases. Intravitreal injections have proven to be an effective, safe, and commonly used drug delivery method. However, the optimal management of chronic retinal diseases requires frequent intravitreal injections over extended periods of time. Although this can be achieved in a clinical trial environment, it is difficult to replicate in routine clinical practice. In addition, frequent treatment increases the risk of complications, incurs more costs, and increases the treatment burden for patients and caregivers. Given the aging global population and diabetes pandemic, there is an urgent need for drug delivery methods that support more durable retinal therapy while maintaining the efficacy and safety of currently available intravitreal therapies. Several innovative drug delivery methods are currently being investigated. These include sustained-release implants and depots using prodrugs, microparticles, and hydrogels, surgically implanted reservoirs, gene therapy via submacular injections or suprachoroidal injections, as well as topical and systemic therapies.

An Overview of the Use of Nanoparticles in Vaccine Development

Vaccines represent one of the most significant advancements in public health since they prevented morbidity and mortality in millions of people every year. Conventionally, vaccine technology focused on either live attenuated or inactivated vaccines. However, the application of nanotechnology to vaccine development revolutionized the field. Nanoparticles emerged in both academia and the pharmaceutical industry as promising vectors to develop future vaccines. Regardless of the striking development of nanoparticles vaccines research and the variety of conceptually and structurally different formulations proposed, only a few of them advanced to clinical investigation and usage in the clinic so far. This review covered some of the most important developments of nanotechnology applied to vaccine technologies in the last few years, focusing on the successful race for the preparation of lipid nanoparticles employed in the successful anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccines.

Lymphocyte infiltration and antitumoral effect promoted by cytotoxic inflammatory proteins formulated as self-assembling, protein-only nanoparticles

Two human proteins involved in the inflammatory cell death, namely Gasdermin D (GSDMD) and the Mixed Lineage Kinase Domain-Like (MLKL) protein have been engineered to accommodate an efficient ligand of the tumoral cell marker CXCR4, and a set of additional peptide agents that allow their spontaneous self-assembling. Upon production in bacterial cells and further purification, both proteins organized as stable nanoparticles of 46 and 54 nm respectively, that show, in this form, a moderate but dose-dependent cytotoxicity in cell culture. In vivo, and when administered in mouse models of colorectal cancer through repeated doses, the nanoscale forms of tumor-targeted GSDMD and, at a lesser extent, of MLKL promoted CD8⁺ and CD20⁺ lymphocyte infiltration in the tumor and an important reduction of tumor size, in absence of systemic toxicity. The potential of these novel pharmacological agents as anticancer drugs is discussed in the context of synergistic approaches to more effective cancer treatments.

Antibacterial coatings on orthopedic implants

With the aging of population and the rapid improvement of public health and medical level in recent years, people have had an increasing demand for orthopedic implants. However, premature implant failure and postoperative complications frequently occur due to implant-related infections, which not only increase the social and economic burden, but also greatly affect the patient's quality of life, finally restraining the clinical use of orthopedic implants. Antibacterial coatings, as an effective strategy to solve the above problems, have been extensively studied and motivated the development of novel strategies to optimize the implant. In this paper, a variety of antibacterial coatings recently developed for orthopedic implants were briefly reviewed, with the focus on the synergistic multi-mechanism antibacterial coatings, multi-functional antibacterial coatings, and smart antibacterial coatings that are more potential for clinical use, thereby providing theoretical references for further fabrication of novel and high-performance coatings satisfying the complex clinical needs.

Intraocular nano-microscale drug delivery systems for glaucoma treatment: design strategies and recent progress

Glaucoma is a leading cause of irreversible visual impairment and blindness, affecting over 76.0 million people worldwide in 2020, with a predicted increase to 111.8 million by 2040. Hypotensive eye drops remain the gold standard for glaucoma treatment, while inadequate patient adherence to medication regimens and poor bioavailability of drugs to target tissues are major obstacles to effective treatment outcomes. Nano/micro-pharmaceuticals, with diverse spectra and abilities, may represent a hope of removing these obstacles. This review describes a set of intraocular nano/micro drug delivery systems involved in glaucoma treatment. Particularly, it investigates the structures, properties, and preclinical evidence supporting the use of these systems in glaucoma, followed by discussing the route of administration, the design of systems, and factors affecting in vivo performance. Finally, it concludes by highlighting the emerging notion as an attractive approach to address the unmet needs for managing glaucoma.

Endosomal escape for cell-targeted proteins. Going out after going in

Protein-based nanocarriers are versatile and biocompatible drug delivery systems. They are of particular interest in nanomedicine as they can recruit multiple functions in a single modular polypeptide. Many cell-targeting peptides or protein domains can promote cell uptake when included in these nanoparticles through receptor-mediated endocytosis. In that way, targeting drugs to specific cell receptors allows a selective intracellular delivery process, avoiding potential side effects of the payload. However, once internalized, the endo-lysosomal route taken by the engulfed material usually results in full degradation, preventing their adequate subcellular localization, bioavailability and subsequent therapeutic effect. Thus, entrapment into endo-lysosomes is a main bottleneck in the efficacy of protein-drug nanomedicines. Promoting endosomal escape and preventing lysosomal degradation would make this therapeutic approach clinically plausible. In this review, we discuss the mechanisms intended to evade lysosomal degradation of proteins, with the most relevant examples and associated strategies, and the methods available to measure that effect. In addition, based on the increasing catalogue of peptide domains tailored to face this challenge as components of protein nanocarriers, we emphasize how their particular mechanisms of action can potentially alter the functionality of accompanying protein materials, especially in terms of targeting and specificity in the delivery process.

Nanotechnology as a tool to overcome macromolecules delivery issues

Nanocarriers can deliver drugs to specific organs or cells, potentially bridging the gap between a drug's function and its interaction with biological systems such as human physiology. The untapped potential of nanotechnology stems from its ability to manipulate materials, allowing control over physical and chemical properties and overcoming drug-related problems, e.g., poor solubility or poor bioavailability. For example, most protein drugs are administered parenterally, each with challenges and peculiarities. Some problems faced by bioengineered macromolecule drugs leading to poor bioavailability are short biological half-life, large size and high molecular weight, low permeability through biological membranes, and structural instability. Nanotechnology emerges as a promising strategy to overcome these problems. Nevertheless, the delivery system should be carefully chosen considering loading efficiency, physicochemical properties, production conditions, toxicity, and regulations. Moving from the bench to the bedside is still one of the major bottlenecks in nanomedicine, and toxicological issues are the greatest challenges to overcome. This review provides an overview of biotech drug delivery approaches, associated nanotechnology novelty, toxicological issues, and regulations.

Ahmed E, Battah B, Abd Ellah NH, Zanetti S, Donadu MG. Nanotechnology as a Promising Approach to Combat Multidrug Resistant Bacteria: A Comprehensive Review and Future Perspectives

The wide spread of antibiotic resistance has been alarming in recent years and poses a serious global hazard to public health as it leads to millions of deaths all over the world. The wide spread of resistance and sharing resistance genes between different types of bacteria led to emergence of multidrug resistant (MDR) microorganisms. This problem is exacerbated when microorganisms create biofilms, which can boost bacterial resistance by up to 1000-fold and increase the emergence of MDR infections. The absence of novel and potent antimicrobial compounds is linked to the rise of multidrug resistance. This has sparked international efforts to develop new and improved antimicrobial agents as well as innovative and efficient techniques for antibiotic administration and targeting. There is an evolution in nanotechnology in recent years in treatment and prevention of the biofilm formation and MDR infection. The development of nanomaterial-based therapeutics, which could overcome current pathways linked to acquired drug resistance, is a hopeful strategy for treating difficult-to-treat bacterial infections. Additionally, nanoparticles' distinct size and physical characteristics enable them to target biofilms and treat resistant pathogens. This review highlights the current advances in nanotechnology to combat MDR and biofilm infection. In addition, it provides insight on development and mechanisms of antibiotic resistance, spread of MDR and XDR infection, and development of nanoparticles and mechanisms of their antibacterial activity. Moreover, this review considers the difference between free antibiotics and nanoantibiotics, and the synergistic effect of nanoantibiotics to combat planktonic bacteria, intracellular bacteria and biofilm. Finally, we will discuss the strength and limitations of the application of nanotechnology against bacterial infection and future perspectives.

Albumin-based nanoparticles: small, uniform and reproducible

Nanomedicine carries the hope of precisely identifying and healing lesion sites in vivo. However, the reproducible synthesis of monodisperse protein nanoparticles smaller than 50 nm in diameter and up-scalable to industrial production still poses challenges to researchers. In this report, we describe nanoparticles, so called Absicles, based on an albumin matrix and prepared by a procedure developed by the authors. These Absicles are monodisperse with tunable diameters ranging from 15 nm to 70 nm respectively. They exhibit long term stability against decomposition and aggregation, exceeding many months. The synthesis of Absicles shows exceptionally high reproducibility concerning size, and is simple and cost-effective for up-scaling. Absicles, bearing appropriate targeting groups, bind with high specificity to colon carcinoma tissue ex vivo; they present an attractive platform for further development towards drug delivery applications.

Impact of the polymer backbone chemistry on interactions of amino-acid-derived zwitterionic polymers with cells

Zwitterionic polymers are known to interact with cells and have been shown to reveal cancer cell specificity. In this work, the importance of the chemistry of the polymer backbone for the cellular specificity of amino-acid-derived polyzwitterions is demonstrated. A series of glutamic acid (Glu)-based vinyl monomers (i.e., an acrylate, a methacrylate, an acrylamide, and a methacrylamide) were prepared and used for reversible addition-fragmentation chain-transfer (RAFT) polymerisation, yielding defined polymers with narrow size distribution (Р< 1.3). All Glu-functionalised, zwitterionic polymers revealed high cytocompatibility; however, differences in cellular association and specificity were observed. In particular, the methacrylamide-derived polymers showed high association with both, breast cancer cells and non-cancerous dendritic cells and, consequently, lack specificity. In contrast, high specificity to only breast cancer cells was observed for polyacrylates, -methacrylates, and -acrylamides. Detailed analysis of the polymers revealed differences in hydrophobicity, zeta potential, and potential side chain hydrolysis, which are impacted by the polymer backbone and might be responsible for the altered the cell association of these polymers. It is shown that a slightly negative net charge is preferred over a neutral charge to retain cell specificity. This was also confirmed by association experiments in the presence of competitive amino acid transporter substrates. The affinity of slightly negatively charged Glu-derived polymers to the xCT Glu/cystine cell membrane antiporter was found to be higher than that of neutrally charged polymers. Our results emphasise the importance of the polymer backbone for the design of cell-specific polymers. This study further highlights the potential to tailor amino-acid-derived zwitterionic materials beyond their side chain functionality.

A Comprehensive Review on Targeted Cancer Therapy: New Face of Treatment Approach

Cancer is one of life's most difficult difficulties and a severe health risk everywhere. Except for haematological malignancies, it is characterized by unchecked cell growth and a lack of cell death, which results in an aberrant tissue mass or tumour. Vascularization promotes tumor growth, which eventually aids metastasis and migration to other parts of the body, ultimately resulting in death. The genetic material of the cells is harmed or mutated by environmental or inherited influences, which results in cancer. Presently, anti-neoplastic medications (chemotherapy, hormone, and biological therapies) are the treatment of choice for metastatic cancers, whilst surgery and radiotherapy are the mainstays for local and non-metastatic tumors. Regrettably, chemotherapy disturbs healthy cells with rapid proliferation, such as those in the gastrointestinal tract and hair follicles, leading to the typical side effects of chemotherapy. Finding new, efficient, targeted therapies based on modifications in the molecular biology of tumor cells is essential because current chemotherapeutic medications are harmful and can cause the development of multidrug resistance. These new targeted therapies, which are gaining popularity as demonstrated by the FDA-approved targeted cancer drugs in recent years, enter molecules directly into tumor cells, diminishing the adverse reactions. A form of cancer treatment known as targeted therapy goes after the proteins that regulate how cancer cells proliferate, divide, and disseminate. Most patients with specific cancers, such as chronic myelogenous leukemia (commonly known as CML), will have a target for a particular medicine, allowing them to be treated with that drug. Nonetheless, the tumor must typically be examined to determine whether it includes drug targets.

Polymeric Nanoparticles for the Treatment of Prostate Cancer- Technological Prospecting and Critical Analysis

BACKGROUND

Polymeric nanoparticles have a wide diversity, and due to their toxicity and biodegradability, they have been widely used in the health area. Its use allows stability of some compounds, targeted delivery, and increased half-life, in this context, making some treatment proposals more effective. Prostate cancer, in turn, is among the types of cancer with the highest mortality, and the lack of effective treatment causes several strategies to meet this need.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this work was to verify patents that use polymeric nanoparticles for the treatment of prostate cancer.

METHODS

For that, specific keywords to direct the search were applied in Patent Scope. After obtaining the patents, one was selected for the development of critical analysis in relation to its chemistry and biology.

RESULTS

A total of five patents were found and, of these, an invention that used PCL-PLGA-PEGCOOH polymeric nanoparticles with two natural compounds, resveratrol and celastrol, providing an alternative method to traditional monotherapies.

CONCLUSION

The prospective analysis serves to direct us in relation to the technologies currently used in certain fields. Based on several cases of cancer and specifically the countless cases of prostate cancer, five recent patents were found using polymeric nanoparticles. However, only one brought a different aspect of all the treatments used lately. It brought an invention containing two natural compounds being carried with polymeric nanoparticles with promising results.

Branched Poly(ε-caprolactone)-Based Copolyesters of Different Architectures and Their Use in the Preparation of Anticancer Drug-Loaded Nanoparticles

Limitations associated with the use of linear biodegradable polyesters in the preparation of anticancer nano-based drug delivery systems (nanoDDS) have turned scientific attention to the utilization of branched-chain (co-)polymers. In this context, the present study evaluates the use of novel branched poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL)-based copolymers of different architectures for the preparation of anticancer nanoparticle (NP)-based formulations, using paclitaxel (PTX) as a model drug. Specifically, three PCL-polyol branched polyesters, namely, a three-arm copolymer based on glycerol (PCL-GLY), a four-arm copolymer based on pentaerythritol (PCL-PE), and a five-arm copolymer based on xylitol (PCL-XYL), were synthesized via ring-opening polymerization and characterized by proton nuclear magnetic resonance (¹H-NMR), gel permeation chromatography (GPC), intrinsic viscosity, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy and cytotoxicity. Then, PTX-loaded NPs were prepared by an oil-in-water emulsion. The size of the obtained NPs varied from 200 to 300 nm, while the drug was dispersed in crystalline form in all formulations. High encapsulation efficiency and high yields were obtained in all cases, while FTIR analysis showed no molecular drug polymer. Finally, in vitro drug release studies showed that the studied nanocarriers significantly enhanced the dissolution rate and extent of the drug.

The Potential of Antibiotics and Nanomaterial Combinations as Therapeutic Strategies in the Management of Multidrug-Resistant Infections: A Review

Antibiotic resistance has become a major public health concern around the world. This is exacerbated by the non-discovery of novel drugs, the development of resistance mechanisms in most of the clinical isolates of bacteria, as well as recurring infections, hindering disease treatment efficacy. In vitro data has shown that antibiotic combinations can be effective when microorganisms are resistant to individual drugs. Recently, advances in the direction of combination therapy for the treatment of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacterial infections have embraced antibiotic combinations and the use of nanoparticles conjugated with antibiotics. Nanoparticles (NPs) can penetrate the cellular membrane of disease-causing organisms and obstruct essential molecular pathways, showing unique antibacterial mechanisms. Combined with the optimal drugs, NPs have established synergy and may assist in regulating the general threat of emergent bacterial resistance. This review comprises a general overview of antibiotic combinations strategies for the treatment of microbial infections. The potential of antibiotic combinations with NPs as new entrants in the antimicrobial therapy domain is discussed.

Cutting-Edge Developments in Oncology Research

The field of oncology research has made many successful advances, and new discoveries have started making headlines. As an example, the identification of immune checkpoint inhibition mechanisms in carcinogenic cells led to the development of immunoassays, which have helped many cancer convalescents recover. This article covers the most advanced cutting-edge areas of cancer research: exosomes, microbiomes, immunotherapy, nanocarriers, and organoids. Research on exosomes advances cancer detection and treatment modalities, as well as further understanding of mechanisms that regulate carcinogen cell division, proliferation, invasion, and metastasis. Microbiome consents the researchers to understand the disease cancer. Immunotherapy is the third method in the treatment of cancer. Organoid biology will be further expanded with the aim of translating research into customized therapeutic therapies. Nanocarriers enable cancer specific drug delivery by inherent unreceptive targeting phenomena and implemented active targeting strategies. These areas of research may also bring about the advent of the latest cancer treatments in the future. Malignant infections are one of the leading grounds for demise in the society. Patients are treated with surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. In chemotherapy, the malignant cells are destroyed and the tumor burden is reduced. However, in most cases, resistance to chemotherapy develops. Therefore, there is a constant need for new additional treatment modalities and chemotherapeutic complex rules. Due to the rapid development in cancer research, I can only mention a few goals and treatment options that I have chosen; However, this review specializes in new and admirable significant strategies and compounds.

In Vivo Fate of Cowpea Mosaic Virus In Situ Vaccine: Biodistribution and Clearance

Cowpea mosaic virus (CPMV) is a nucleoprotein nanoparticle that functions as a highly potent immunomodulator when administered intratumorally and is used as an in situ vaccine. CPMV in situ vaccination remodels the tumor microenvironment and primes a highly potent, systemic, and durable antitumor immune response against the treated and untreated, distant metastatic sites (abscopal effect). Potent efficacy was demonstrated in multiple tumor mouse models and, most importantly, in canine cancer patients with spontaneous tumors. Data indicate that presence of anti-CPMV antibodies are not neutralizing and that in fact opsonization leads to enhanced efficacy. Plant viruses are part of the food chain, but to date, there is no information on human exposure to CPMV. Therefore, patient sera were tested for the presence of immunoglobulins against CPMV, and indeed, >50% of deidentified patient samples tested positive for CPMV antibodies. To get a broader sense of plant virus exposure and immunogenicity in humans, we also tested sera for antibodies against tobacco mosaic virus (>90% patients tested positive), potato virus X (<20% patients tested positive), and cowpea chlorotic mottle virus (no antibodies were detected). Further, patient sera were analyzed for the presence of antibodies against the coliphage Qβ, a platform technology currently undergoing clinical trials for in situ vaccination; we found that 60% of patients present with anti-Qβ antibodies. Thus, data indicate human exposure to CPMV and other plant viruses and phages. Next, we thought to address agronomical safety; i.e., we examined the fate of CPMV after intratumoral treatment and oral gavage (to mimic consumption by food). Because live CPMV is used, an important question is whether there is any evidence of shedding of infectious particles from mice or patients. CPMV is noninfectious toward mammals; however, it is infectious toward plants including black-eyed peas and other legumes. Biodistribution data in tumor-bearing and healthy mice indicate little leaching from tumors and clearance via the reticuloendothelial system followed by biliary excretion. While there was evidence of shedding of RNA in stool, there was no evidence of infectious particles when plants were challenged with stool extracts, thus indicating agronomical safety. Together these data aid the translational development of CPMV as a drug candidate for cancer immunotherapy.

Metabolomic Signatures in Doxorubicin-Induced Metabolites Characterization, Metabolic Inhibition, and Signaling Pathway Mechanisms in Colon Cancer HCT116 Cells

Doxorubicin (DOX) is a chemotherapeutic agent is used for various cancer cells. To characterize the chemical structural components and metabolic inhibition, we applied a DOX to HCT116 colon cancer cells using an independent metabolites profiling approach. Chemical metabolomics has been involved in the new drug delivery systems. Metabolomics profiling of DOX-applied HCT116 colon cancer cellular metabolisms is rare. We used 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy in this study to clarify how DOX exposure affected HCT116 colon cancer cells. Metabolomics profiling in HCT116 cells detects 50 metabolites. Tracking metabolites can reveal pathway activities. HCT116 colon cancer cells were evenly treated with different concentrations of DOX for 24 h. The endogenous metabolites were identified by comparison with healthy cells. We found that acetate, glucose, glutamate, glutamine, sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine, valine, methionine, and isoleucine were increased. Metabolic expression of alanine, choline, fumarate, taurine, o-phosphocholine, inosine, lysine, and phenylalanine was decreased in HCT116 cancer cells. The metabolic phenotypic expression is markedly altered during a high dose of DOX. It is the first time that there is a metabolite pool and phenotypic expression in colon cancer cells. Targeting the DOX-metabolite axis may be a novel strategy for improving the curative effect of DOX-based therapy for colon cancer cells. These methods facilitate the routine metabolomic analysis of cancer cells.

Novel Implications of Nanoparticle-Enhanced Radiotherapy and Brachytherapy: Z-Effect and Tumor Hypoxia

Radiotherapy and internal radioisotope therapy (brachytherapy) induce tumor cell death through different molecular signaling pathways. However, these therapies in cancer patients are constrained by dose-related adverse effects and local discomfort due to the prolonged exposure to the surrounding tissues. Technological advancements in nanotechnology have resulted in synthesis of high atomic elements such as nanomaterials, which can be used as radiosensitizers due to their photoelectric characteristics. The aim of this review is to elucidate the effects of novel nanomaterials in the field of radiation oncology to ameliorate dose-related toxicity through the application of ideal nanoparticle-based radiosensitizers such as Au (gold), Bi (bismuth), and Lu (Lutetium-177) for enhancing cytotoxic effects of radiotherapy via the high-Z effect. In addition, we discuss the role of nanoparticle-enhanced radiotherapy in alleviating tumor hypoxia through the nanodelivery of genes/drugs and other functional anticancer molecules. The implications of engineered nanoparticles in preclinical and clinical studies still need to be studied in order to explore potential mechanisms for radiosensitization by minimizing tumor hypoxia, operational/logistic complications and by overcoming tumor heterogeneity in radiotherapy/brachytherapy.

Nanocarriers as a Delivery Platform for Anticancer Treatment: Biological Limits and Perspectives in B-Cell Malignancies

Nanoparticle-based therapies have been proposed in oncology research using various delivery methods to increase selectivity toward tumor tissues. Enhanced drug delivery through nanoparticle-based therapies could improve anti-tumor efficacy and also prevent drug resistance. However, there are still problems to overcome, such as the main biological interactions of nanocarriers. Among the various nanostructures for drug delivery, drug delivery based on polymeric nanoparticles has numerous advantages for controlling the release of biological factors, such as the ability to add a selective targeting mechanism, controlled release, protection of administered drugs, and prolonging the circulation time in the body. In addition, the functionalization of nanoparticles helps to achieve the best possible outcome. One of the most promising applications for nanoparticle-based drug delivery is in the field of onco-hematology, where there are many already approved targeted therapies, such as immunotherapies with monoclonal antibodies targeting specific tumor-associated antigens; however, several patients have experienced relapsed or refractory disease. This review describes the major nanocarriers proposed as new treatments for hematologic cancer, describing the main biological interactions of these nanocarriers and the related limitations of their use as drug delivery strategies.

Exploring the role of nanomedicines for the therapeutic approach of central nervous system dysfunction: At a glance

In recent decades, research scientists, molecular biologists, and pharmacologists have placed a strong emphasis on cutting-edge nanostructured materials technologies to increase medicine delivery to the central nervous system (CNS). The application of nanoscience for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease (PD), multiple sclerosis (MS), Huntington’s disease (HD), brain cancer, and hemorrhage has the potential to transform care. Multiple studies have indicated that nanomaterials can be used to successfully treat CNS disorders in the case of neurodegeneration. Nanomedicine development for the cure of degenerative and inflammatory diseases of the nervous system is critical. Nanoparticles may act as a drug transporter that can precisely target sick brain sub-regions, boosting therapy success. It is important to develop strategies that can penetrate the blood–brain barrier (BBB) and improve the effectiveness of medications. One of the probable tactics is the use of different nanoscale materials. These nano-based pharmaceuticals offer low toxicity, tailored delivery, high stability, and drug loading capacity. They may also increase therapeutic effectiveness. A few examples of the many different kinds and forms of nanomaterials that have been widely employed to treat neurological diseases include quantum dots, dendrimers, metallic nanoparticles, polymeric nanoparticles, carbon nanotubes, liposomes, and micelles. These unique qualities, including sensitivity, selectivity, and ability to traverse the BBB when employed in nano-sized particles, make these nanoparticles useful for imaging studies and treatment of NDs. Multifunctional nanoparticles carrying pharmacological medications serve two purposes: they improve medication distribution while also enabling cell dynamics imaging and pharmacokinetic study. However, because of the potential for wide-ranging clinical implications, safety concerns persist, limiting any potential for translation. The evidence for using nanotechnology to create drug delivery systems that could pass across the BBB and deliver therapeutic chemicals to CNS was examined in this study.

A Hoechst Reporter Enables Visualization of Drug Engagement In Vitro and In Vivo: Toward Safe and Effective Nanodrug Delivery

Assessment of drug activation and subsequent interaction with targets in living tissues could guide nanomedicine design, but technologies enabling insight into how a drug reaches and binds its target are limited. We show that a Hoechst-based reporter system can monitor drug release and engagement from a nanoparticle delivery system in vitro and in vivo, elucidating differences in target-bound drug distribution related to drug-linker and nanoparticle properties. Drug engagement is defined as chemical detachment of drug or reporter from a nanoparticle and subsequent binding to a subcellular target, which in the case of Hoechst results in a fluorescence signal. Hoechst-based nanoreporters for drug activation contain prodrug elements such as dipeptide linkers, conjugation handles, and nanoparticle modifications such as targeting ligands to determine how nanomedicine design affects distribution of drug engaged with a subcellular target, which is tracked via cellular nuclear fluorescence in situ. Furthermore, the nanoplatform is amenable toward common maleimide-based linkers found in many prodrug-based delivery systems including polymer-, peptide-, and antibody-drug conjugates. Findings from the Hoechst reporter system were applied to develop highly potent, targeted, anticancer micelle nanoparticles delivering a monomethyl auristatin E (MMAE) prodrug comprising the same linkers employed in Hoechst studies. MMAE nanomedicine with the optimal drug-linker resulted in effective tumor growth inhibition in mice without associated acute toxicity, whereas the nonoptimal linker that showed broader drug activation in Hoechst reporter studies resulted in severe toxicity. Our results demonstrate the potential to synergize direct visualization of drug engagement with nanomedicine drug-linker design to optimize safety and efficacy.

Photochemical Internalization of siRNA for Cancer Therapy

Simple Summary

The objective of this review is to focus on the different nanovectors capable of transporting genetic material such as small-interfering RNA (siRNA) in order to block the expression of genes responsible for the development of cancer. Usually, these nanovectors are internalized by cancer cells via the endo-lysosomal pathway. To increase the lysosomal cargo escape, excitation using a lamp or a laser, can be applied to induce a more efficient leakage of siRNA to the cytoplasm, which is the site of action of the siRNA to block the translation of RNA into proteins. This is the mechanism of photochemical internalization.

Abstract

In the race to design ever more effective therapy with ever more focused and controlled actions, nanomedicine and phototherapy seem to be two allies of choice. Indeed, the use of nanovectors making it possible to transport and protect genetic material is becoming increasingly important. In addition, the use of a method allowing the release of genetic material in a controlled way in space and time is also a strategy increasingly studied thanks to the use of lasers. In parallel, the use of interfering RNA and, more particularly, of small-interfering RNA (siRNA) has demonstrated significant potential for gene therapy. In this review, we focused on the design of the different nanovectors capable of transporting siRNAs and releasing them so that they can turn off the expression of deregulated genes in cancers through controlled photoexcitation with high precision. This mechanism, called photochemical internalization (PCI), corresponds to the lysosomal leakage of the cargo (siRNA in this case) after destabilization of the lysosomal membrane under light excitation.

Bioavailability by design — Vitamin D3 liposomal delivery vehicles

Vitamin D3 deficiency has serious health consequences, as demonstrated by its effect on severity and recovery after COVID-19 infection. Because of high hydrophobicity, its absorption and subsequent redistribution throughout the body are inherently dependent on the accompanying lipids and/or proteins. The effective oral vitamin D₃ formulation should ensure penetration of the mucus layer followed by internalization by competent cells. Isothermal titration calorimetry and computer simulations show that vitamin D₃ molecules cannot leave the hydrophobic environment, indicating that their absorption is predominantly driven by the digestion of the delivery vehicle. In the clinical experiment, liposomal vitamin D₃ was compared to the oily formulation. The results obtained show that liposomal vitamin D₃ causes a rapid increase in the plasma concentration of calcidiol. No such effect was observed when the oily formulation was used. The effect was especially pronounced for people with severe vitamin D₃ deficiency.

Curcumin as a Promising Neuroprotective Agent for the Treatment of Spinal Cord Injury: A Review of the Literature

Curcumin is a polyphenolic chemical derived from the rhizomes of Curcuma longa. It has been used throughout the Indian subcontinent for medicinal purposes, religious events, and regional cuisine. It has various pharmacological benefits owing to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Its neuroprotective effects on the brain and peripheral nerves have been demonstrated in several in vivo neuronal tissue studies. Because of these functional properties of curcumin, it is considered to have great potential for use in the treatment of spinal cord injuries (SCIs). Numerous immunopathological and biochemical studies have reported that curcumin can help prevent and alleviate subsequent secondary injuries, such as inflammation, edema, free radical damage, fibrosis, and glial scarring, after a primary SCI. Furthermore, following SCI, curcumin administration resulted in better outcomes of neurological function recovery as per the Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan locomotor rating scale. However, to date, its utility in treating SCIs has only been reported in laboratories. More studies on its clinical applications are needed in the future for ensuring its bioavailability across the blood-brain barrier and for verifying the safe dose for treating SCIs in humans.