Nanocomposite formulation for a sustained release of free drug and drug-loaded responsive nanoparticles: an approach for a local therapy of glioblastoma multiforme

Magnet-Guided Temozolomide and Ferucarbotran Loaded Nanoparticles to Enhance Therapeutic Efficacy in Glioma Model

Background. The aim of the study was to synthesize liposomal nanoparticles loaded with temozolomide and ferucarbotran (LTF) and to evaluate the theranostic effect of LTF in the glioma model. Methods. We synthesized an LTF that could pass through the Blood Brain Barrier (BBB) and localize in brain tumor tissue with the help of magnet guidance. We examined the chemical characteristics. Cellular uptake and cytotoxicity studies were conducted in vitro. A biodistribution and tumor inhibition study was conduted using an in vivo glioma model. Results. The particle size and surface charge of LTF show 108 nm and -38 mV, respectively. Additionally, the presence of ferucarbotran significantly increased the contrast agent effect of glioma compared to the control group in MR imaging. Magnet-guided LTF significantly reduced the tumor size compared to control and other groups. Furthermore, compared to the control group, our results demonstrate a significant inhibition in brain tumor size and an increase in lifespan. Conclusions. These findings suggest that the LTF with magnetic guidance represents a novel approach to address current obstacles, such as BBB penetration of nanoparticles and drug resistance. Magnet-guided LTF is able to enhance therapeutic efficacy in mouse brain glioma.

Nanocomposite Hydrogels-A Promising Approach towards Enhanced Bioavailability and Controlled Drug Delivery

Nanotechnology has emerged as the eminent focus of today's research to overcome challenges related to conventional drug delivery systems. A wide spectrum of novel delivery systems has been investigated to improve the therapeutic outcomes of drugs. The polymer-based nanocomposite hydrogels (NCHs) that have evolved as efficient carriers for controlled drug delivery are of particular interest in this regard. Nanocomposites amalgamate the properties of both nanoparticles (NPs) as well as hydrogels, exhibiting superior functionalities over conventional hydrogels. This multiple functionality is based upon advanced mechanical, electrical, optical as well as magnetic properties. Here is a brief overview of the various types of nanocomposites, such as NCHs based on Carbon-bearing nanomaterials, polymeric nanoparticles, inorganic nanoparticles, and metal and metal-oxide NPs. Accordingly, this article will review numerous ways of preparing these NCHs with particular emphasis on the vast biomedical applications displayed by them in numerous fields such as tissue engineering, drug delivery, wound healing, bioprinting, biosensing, imaging and gene silencing, cancer therapy, antibacterial therapy, etc. Moreover, various features can be tuned, based on the final application, by controlling the chemical composition of hydrogel network, which may also influence the released conduct. Subsequently, the recent work and future prospects of this newly emerging class of drug delivery system have been enlisted.

Overcoming challenges in glioblastoma treatment: targeting infiltrating cancer cells and harnessing the tumor microenvironment

Glioblastoma (GB) is a highly malignant primary brain tumor with limited treatment options and poor prognosis. Despite current treatment approaches, including surgical resection, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy with temozolomide (TMZ), GB remains mostly incurable due to its invasive growth pattern, limited drug penetration beyond the blood-brain barrier (BBB), and resistance to conventional therapies. One of the main challenges in GB treatment is effectively eliminating infiltrating cancer cells that remain in the brain parenchyma after primary tumor resection. We've reviewed the most recent challenges and surveyed the potential strategies aimed at enhancing local treatment outcomes.

Iron oxide nanoparticles induce ferroptosis via the autophagic pathway by synergistic bundling with paclitaxel

In recent years, inhibiting tumor cell activity by triggering cell ferroptosis has become a research hotspot. The development of generic targeted nanotherapeutics might bring new ideas for non‑invasive applications. Currently, the potential mechanism underlying the universal application of paclitaxel (PTX)‑loaded iron oxide nanoparticles (IONP@PTX) to different types of tumors is unclear. The present study aimed to prepare IONP@PTX for targeted cancer therapy and further explore the potential mechanisms underlying the inhibitory effects of this material on the NCI‑H446 human small cell lung cancer and brain M059K malignant glioblastoma cell lines. First, a CCK‑8 assay was performed to determine cell viability, and then the combination index for evaluating drug combination interaction effect was evaluated. Intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lipid peroxidation levels were monitored using a DCFH‑DA fluorescent probe and a C11‑BODIPY™ fluorescent probe, respectively. Furthermore, western blotting assay was performed to determine the expression of autophagy‑ and iron death‑related proteins. The experimental results showed that, compared with either IONP monotherapy, PTX monotherapy, or IONP + PTX, IONP@PTX exerted a synergistic effect on the viability of both cell types, with significantly increased total iron ion concentration, ROS levels and lipid peroxidation levels. IONP@PTX significantly increased the expression of autophagy‑related proteins Beclin 1 and histone deacetylase 6 (HDAC6) in both cell lines (P<0.05), increased the expression of light chain 3 (LC3)‑II/I in NCI‑H446 cells (P<0.05) and decreased that of sequestosome1 (p62) in M059K cells (P<0.05). Moreover, the addition of rapamycin enhanced the IONP@PTX‑induced the upregulation of Beclin 1, LC3‑II/I and HDAC6 and the downregulation of mTORC1 protein in both cell lines (P<0.05). Moreover, rapamycin enhanced the IONP@PTX‑induced downregulation of p62 protein in NCI‑H446 cells (P<0.05), suggesting that IONP@PTX induces ferroptosis, most likely through autophagy. Collectively, the present findings show that IONP works synergistically with PTX to induce ferroptosis via the autophagic pathway.