Hyaluronic acid modified mesoporous silica nanoparticles for targeted drug delivery to CD44-overexpressing cancer cells

Hyaluronic Acid Nanoparticles with Parameters Required for In Vivo Applications: From Synthesis to Parametrization

Hyaluronic acid is an excellent biocompatible material for in vivo applications. Its ability to bind CD44, a cell receptor involved in numerous biological processes, predetermines HA-based nanomaterials as unique carrier for therapeutic and theranostic applications. Although numerous methods for the synthesis of hyaluronic acid nanoparticles (HANPs) are available today, their low reproducibility and wide size distribution hinder the precise assessment of the effect on the organism. A robust and reproducible approach for producing HANPs that meet strict criteria for in vivo applications (e.g., to lung parenchyma) remains challenging. We designed and evaluated four protocols for the preparation of HANPs with those required parameters. The HA molecule was cross-linked by novel combinations of carbodiimide, and four different amine-containing compounds resulted in monodisperse HANPs with a low polydispersity index. By a complex postsynthetic characterization, we confirmed that the prepared HANPs meet the criteria for inhaled therapeutic delivery and other in vivo applications.

CuO Nanozymes Catalyze Cysteine and Glutathione Depletion Induced Ferroptosis and Cuproptosis for Synergistic Tumor Therapy

The latest research identifies that cysteine (Cys) is one of the key factors in tumor proliferation, metastasis, and recurrence. The direct depletion of intracellular Cys shows a profound antitumor effect. However, using nanozymes to efficiently deplete Cys for tumor therapy has not yet attracted widespread attention. Here, a (3-carboxypropyl) triphenylphosphonium bromide-derived hyaluronic acid-modified copper oxide nanorods (denoted as MitCuOHA) are designed with cysteine oxidase-like, glutathione oxidase-like and peroxidase-like activities to realize Cys depletion and further induce cellular ferroptosis and cuproptosis for synergistic tumor therapy. MitCuOHA nanozymes can efficiently catalyze the depletion of Cys and glutathione (GSH), accompanied by the generation of H2O2 and the subsequent conversion into highly active hydroxyl radicals, thereby successfully inducing ferroptosis in cancer cells. Meanwhile, copper ions released by MitCuOHA under tumor microenvironment stimulation directly bind to lipoylated proteins of the tricarboxylic acid cycle, leading to the abnormal aggregation of lipoylated proteins and subsequent loss of iron-sulfur cluster proteins, which ultimately triggers proteotoxic stress and cell cuproptosis. Both in vitro and in vivo results show the drastically enhanced anticancer efficacy of Cys oxidation catalyzed by the MitCuOHA nanozymes, demonstrating the high feasibility of such catalytic Cys depletion-induced synergistic ferroptosis and cuproptosis therapeutic concept.

Fe-based cyclically catalyzing double free radical nanogenerator for tumor-targeted chemodynamic therapy

The prosperity of chemodynamic therapy provides a new strategy for tumor treatment. However, the lack of reactive oxygen species and the specific reductive tumor microenvironment have limited the further development of chemodynamic therapy. Herein, we reported a Fe-based cyclically catalyzing double free radical system for tumor therapy by catalyzing exogenous potassium persulfate (K2S2O8) and endogenous hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Sufficient amounts of Fe3+ and S2O82- were delivered to tumor sites via tumor-targeted hyaluronic acid (HA) encapsulated mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) and released under the dual stimulation of acid and hyaluronidase (HAase) in the tumor microenvironment. Fe3+ was reduced to Fe2+ by the reducing agents of loaded tannic acid (TA) and intracellular glutathione (GSH), and Fe2+ was subsequently reacted with S2O82- and endogenous H2O2 to produce two types of ROS (˙OH and SO4-˙), showing an excellent anti-tumor effect. This process not only supplied Fe2+ for the catalysis of active substances, but also reduced the concentration of reduced substances in cells, which was conducive to the existence of free radicals for the efficient killing of tumor cells. Therefore, this iron-based catalysis of exogenous and exogenous active substances to realize a dual-radical oncotherapy nanosystem would provide a new perspective for chemodynamic therapy.

Hyaluronic acid-modified mesoporous silica nanoprobes for target identification of atherosclerosis

Rupture of vulnerable plaque and secondary thrombosis caused by atherosclerosis are one of the main causes of acute cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events, and it is urgent to develop an in-situ, noninvasive, sensitive and targeted detection method at molecular level. We chose CD44, a specific receptor highly expressed on the surface of macrophages, as the target of the molecular probe, and modified the CD44 ligand HA onto the surface of Gd2O3@MSN, constructing the MRI imaging nanoprobe HA-Gd2O3@MSN for targeted recognition of atherosclerosis. The fundamental properties of HA-Gd2O3@MSN were initially investigated. The CCK-8, hemolysis, hematoxylin-eosin staining tests and blood biochemical assays confirmed that HA-Gd2O3@MSN possessed excellent biocompatibility. Laser confocal microscopy, cellular magnetic resonance imaging, flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry were used to verify that the nanoprobes had good targeting properties. The in vivo targeting performance of the nanoprobes was further validated by employing a rabbit atherosclerosis animal model. In summary, the synthesized HA-Gd2O3@MSN nanoprobes have excellent biocompatibility properties as well as good targeting properties. It could provide a new technical tool for early identification of atherosclerosis.

Fabrication of hyaluronic acid-inulin coated Enterococcus faecium for colon-targeted delivery to fight Fusobacterium nucleatum

The abundance of Fusobacterium nucleatum (F. nucleatum) is highly associated with the development and poor prognosis of colorectal cancer (CRC), which is regarded as a promising target for CRC. However, until now, the novel strategy to clear F. nucleatum in the colon and CRC has not been well proposed. Herein, a probiotic strain Enterococcus faecium (E. faecium, EF47) is verified to secrete various organic acids and bacteriocins to exert superior antimicrobial activity towards F. nucleatum. However, the oral delivery of EF47 is affected by the complex digestive tract environment, so we design the hyaluronic acid-inulin (HA-IN) coated EF47 for colon-targeted delivery to fight F. nucleatum. IN can protect EF47 from the harsh gastrointestinal tract environment and is degraded specifically in the colon, acting as prebiotics to further promote the proliferation of EF47. The exposed HA can also enhance the targeting effect to the tumor area via the interaction with the CD44 receptor on the tumor cells, which is confirmed to increase the adhesive ability in tumor tissues and inhibit the growth of F. nucleatum. Therefore, this colon-targeted delivery system provides a novel platform to realize high-activity and adhesive delivery of probiotics to assist the therapeutic efficiency of CRC.

Hyaluronan-based nano-formulation with mesoporous silica enhances the anticancer efficacy of phloroglucinol against gastrointestinal cancers

Gastrointestinal cancers are one among the most frequently reported cancers where colorectal and gastric cancers ranks third leading cause of cancer related death worldwide. Phloroglucinol, a well-known therapeutic agent for cancer, where its usage has been limited due to its poor water solubility and bioavailability. Hence, our study aims to synthesize and characterize Hyaluronan grafted phloroglucinol loaded Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSN-PG-HA). Our nano-formulation hasn't shown any teratogenic effect on Zebrafish embryos, no hemolysis and toxic effect with normal fibroblast cells with a maximum concentration of 300 μg/mL. The cumulative drug release profile of MSN-PG-HA showed a maximum drug release of 96.9 % with 5 mM GSH under redox responsive drug release, which is crucial for targeting cancer cells. In addition, the MSN-PG-HA nanoparticles showed significant a cytotoxic effect against HCT-116, AGS and SW-620 with IC50 values of 86.5 μg/mL, 80.65 μg/mL and 109.255 μg/mL respectively. Also, the cellular uptake assay has shown an increased uptake of FITC-labeled-MSN-PG-HA by HA-receptor mediated endocytosis than FITC-labeled-MSN-PG without HA modification in CD44+ gastrointestinal cancer cell lines. The ability of MSN-PG-HA to target CD44+ cells was further exploited for its application in cancer stem cell research utilizing in silico analysis with various stem cell pathway related targets, in which PG showed higher binding affinity with Gli 1 and the simulation studies proving its effectiveness in disrupting the protein structure. Thus, the findings of our study with nano-formulation are safe and non-toxic to recommend for targeted drug delivery against gastrointestinal cancers as well as its affinity towards cancer stem cell pathway related proteins proving to be a significant formulation for cancer stem cell research.

Synthesis of quercetin-loaded hyaluronic acid-conjugated pH/redox dual-stimuli responsive poly(methacrylic acid)/mesoporous organosilica nanoparticles for breast cancer targeted therapy

In the current study, a combination of precipitation polymerization and modified sol-gel methods were developed to prepare the novel hyaluronic acid-decorated pH and redox dual-stimuli responsive poly(methacrylic acid)/mesoporous organosilica nanoparticles with a core-shell structure for controlled drug release. The nanocarriers have a proper particle size of <200 nm, high negative zeta potential greater than -30 mV, controllable diameter, and tunable shell thickness. The prepared nanoparticles were able to entrap over 70 % of quercetin with a drug loading of >10 %, due to the mesoporous shell. In vitro drug release profiles indicated that the systems had good stability under normal physiological media, while the cumulative release was significantly accelerated at the simulated tumor tissue condition, which shows pH and redox-dependent drug release. In vitro cell viability and apoptosis assay proved that the obtained nanomaterials possess relatively good biocompatibility, and drug-loaded targeted nanoparticles exhibited greater cytotoxicity on MCF-7 human breast cancer cells than free drug and non-targeted nanocarriers due to the enhanced cellular uptake of nanoparticles via CD44 receptors overexpressed. All these findings demonstrated that proposed nanocarriers might be promising as a smart drug delivery system to improve the antitumor efficacy of chemotherapeutic drugs.

Synthesis of Mesoporous Silica Particles as Inhibitor Containers for Anticorrosive Applications

Herein, we introduce an innovative experimental assembly based on a high-speed disperser and a water recirculator connected to a double-wall stainless steel container as a new and effective pathway for an eco-friendly and controlled synthesis of mesoporous silica particles (MSPs). With the setup, we demonstrated a one-pot encapsulation of the particles with an inhibitor benzotriazole (BTA) to produce a smart nano/microcontainer for potential use in anticorrosive coatings. One advantage of the experimental setup is the high volume of reactant solution that can be used, yet with good control of solution temperature and stirring conditions, which increases the yield and saves laboratory time. The results obtained from the modified Stöber method show the successful preparation of near-spherical and "bean-shaped" nanometer-size (∼310 nm) MSPs with high benzotriazole encapsulation capacity (46 wt %). More so, the one-pot BTA encapsulated mesoporous silica approach revealed monodispersed spherical particles at optimal temperature and stirring conditions with a mean diameter of ∼1.1 μm and a BTA encapsulation of 23 wt %. The synthesized particles show pH responsiveness and can be further optimized and applied as nanocarriers in smart anticorrosive coatings. The experimental assembly adopted in this work represents a new, scalable approach for the synthesis of mesoporous silica particles.

Hyaluronic Acid-Based Nanocarriers for Anticancer Drug Delivery

Hyaluronic acid (HA), a main component of the extracellular matrix, is widely utilized to deliver anticancer drugs due to its biocompatibility, biodegradability, non-toxicity, non-immunogenicity and numerous modification sites, such as carboxyl and hydroxyl groups. Moreover, HA serves as a natural ligand for tumor-targeted drug delivery systems, as it contains the endocytic HA receptor, CD44, which is overexpressed in many cancer cells. Therefore, HA-based nanocarriers have been developed to improve drug delivery efficiency and distinguish between healthy and cancerous tissues, resulting in reduced residual toxicity and off-target accumulation. This article comprehensively reviews the fabrication of anticancer drug nanocarriers based on HA in the context of prodrugs, organic carrier materials (micelles, liposomes, nanoparticles, microbubbles and hydrogels) and inorganic composite nanocarriers (gold nanoparticles, quantum dots, carbon nanotubes and silicon dioxide). Additionally, the progress achieved in the design and optimization of these nanocarriers and their effects on cancer therapy are discussed. Finally, the review provides a summary of the perspectives, the lessons learned so far and the outlook towards further developments in this field.

Levan nanoparticles with intrinsic CD44-targeting ability for tumor-targeted drug delivery

Existing anticancer therapeutics exhibit short half-lives, non-specificity, and severe side effects. To address this, active-targeting nanoparticles have been developed; however, the complex fabrication procedures, scale-up, and low reproducibility delay FDA approval, particularly for functionalized nanoparticles. We developed levan nanoparticles via simple one-pot nanoprecipitation for specific anticancer drug delivery. Levan is a plant polysaccharide which has a binding affinity to CD44 receptors and amphiphilicity. The nanoparticles are self-assembled and enable active-targeting without chemical modifications. The paclitaxel-loaded levan nanoparticles (PTX@LevNP) demonstrated a sustained PTX release and long-term stability. The LevNP can bind CD44 receptors on cancer cells, and PTX@LevNP showed enhanced anticancer activity in CD44-positive cells (SCC7 cells). In SCC7 tumor-bearing mice, the accumulation of LevNP in tumor tissue was 3.7 times higher than that of the free-dye, resulting in improved anticancer efficacy of PTX@LevNP. This new strategy using levan can produce nanoparticles for effective cancer treatment without complex fabrication procedures.

Nanoparticles as a Delivery System of Antigens for the Development of an Effective Vaccine against Toxoplasma gondii

Nanoparticles include particles ranging in size from nanometers to micrometers, whose physicochemical characteristics are optimized to make them appropriate delivery vehicles for drugs or immunogens important in the fight and/or prevention of infectious diseases. There has been a rise in the use of nanoparticles in preventive vaccine formulations as immunostimulatory adjuvants, and as vehicles for immunogen delivery to target immune cells. Toxoplasma is important worldwide, and may cause human toxoplasmosis. In immunocompetent hosts, infection is usually asymptomatic, but in immunocompromised patients it can cause serious neurological and ocular consequences, such as encephalitis and retinochoroiditis. Primary infection during pregnancy may cause abortion or congenital toxoplasmosis. Currently, there is no effective human vaccine against this disease. Evidence has emerged from several experimental studies testing nanovaccines showing them to be promising tools in the prevention of experimental toxoplasmosis. For the present study, a literature review was carried out on articles published over the last 10 years through the PubMed database, pertaining to in vivo experimental models of T. gondii infection where nanovaccines were tested and protection and immune responses evaluated. This review aims to highlight the way forward in the search for an effective vaccine for toxoplasmosis.

A Recent Advancement in Nanotechnology Approaches for the Treatment of Cervical Cancer

BACKGROUND

Cervical cancer is one of the leading causes of female death, with a mortality rate of over 200,000 per year in developing countries. Despite a decrease in cervical cancer occurrences in developed countries over the last decade, the frequency of the disease in developing nations continues to rise at an alarming rate, particularly when it is linked to the human papillomavirus (HPV). With just a few highly invasive conventional therapies available, there is a clear need for novel treatment options such as nanotechnology-based chemotherapeutic drug delivery.

METHODS

Traditional anticancer therapy is limited by poor drug potency, non-specificity, unwanted side effects, and the development of multiple drug resistance (MDR), leading to a decrease in long-term anticancer therapeutic efficacy. An ideal cancer therapy requires a personalized and specialized medication delivery method capable of eradicating even the last cancer cell responsible for disease recurrence.

RESULTS

Nanotechnology provides effective drug delivery mechanisms, allowing it to serve both therapeutic and diagnostic purposes. Nanotechnology-based formulations are widely used to accurately target the target organ, maintain drug load bioactivity, preferentially accumulate the drug at the target location, and reduce cytotoxicity.

CONCLUSION

The key benefits of this drug delivery are that it improves pharmacological activity, solubility, and bioavailability and reduces toxicity in the target tissue by targeting ligands, allowing for new innovative treatment methods in an area that is desperately required. The goal of this review is to highlight possible research on nanotechnologybased delivery systems for cancer detection and treatment.

Targeted Delivery of Metformin Against Lung Cancer Cells Via Hyaluronan-Modified Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles

Metformin (Metf), a biguanide widely used to manage type 2 diabetes mellitus, has recently entered the spotlight as a hopeful anti-tumor agent. In this work, because of the hyaluronic acid (HA) capability to specifically target CD44 receptors over-expressed on the surface of non-small lung cancer cells, a tumor-targeted drug delivery nanocarrier-based HA-coated mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) have been used for active targeting and efficient delivery of Metf. For this purpose, the synthesized MSNs-HA were characterized using BET, FE-EM, DLS, and FTIR. Confocal microscopy was applied to show the enhanced cellular uptake of the FITC-labelled MSNs-HA compared to MSNs without HA coating. MTT and qPCR results also revealed superior cytotoxicity and pro-apoptotic effects of Metf-loaded MSNs-HA (Metf@MSNs-HA) against the A549 lung cancer cells compared to the free Metf and MSNs@Metf due to the efficient CD44-targeting capability and delivery of Metf@MSNs-HA. Besides, it was demonstrated that Metf@MSNs-HA could effectively trigger the AMP-activated protein kinase α (AMPKα) pathway and inhibit the mammalian target rapamycin (mTOR), increasing the growth suppression. In conclusion, this preliminary work disclosed the great potential of Metf@MSNs-HA in targeted therapy of lung cancer cells.

RGD-Coated Polymer Nanoworms for Enriching Cancer Stem Cells

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are primarily responsible for tumour drug resistance and metastasis; thus, targeting CSCs can be a promising approach to stop cancer recurrence. However, CSCs are small in numbers and readily differentiate into matured cancer cells, making the study of their biological features, including therapeutic targets, difficult. The use of three-dimensional (3D) culture systems to enrich CSCs has some limitations, including low sphere forming efficiency, enzymatic digestion that may damage surface proteins, and more importantly no means to sustain the stem properties. A responsive 3D polymer extracellular matrix (ECM) system coated with RGD was used to enrich CSCs, sustain stemness and avoid enzymatic dissociation. RGD was used as a targeting motif and a ligand to bind integrin receptors. We found that the system was able to increase sphere forming efficiency, promote the growth of spheric cells, and maintain stemness-associated properties compared to the current 3D culture. We showed that continuous culture for three generations of colon tumour spheroid led to the stem marker CD24 gradually increasing. Furthermore, the new system could enhance the cancer cell sphere forming ability for the difficult triple negative breast cancer cells, MBA-MD-231. The key stem gene expression for colon cancer also increased with the new system. Further studies indicated that the concentration of RGD, especially at high doses, could inhibit stemness. Taken together, our data demonstrate that our RGD-based ECM system can facilitate the enrichment of CSCs and now allow for the investigation of new therapeutic approaches for colorectal cancer or other cancers.

Design of Nanoparticles in Cancer Therapy Based on Tumor Microenvironment Properties

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, and battling cancer has always been a challenging subject in medical sciences. All over the world, scientists from different fields of study try to gain a deeper knowledge about the biology and roots of cancer and, consequently, provide better strategies to fight against it. During the past few decades, nanoparticles (NPs) have attracted much attention for the delivery of therapeutic and diagnostic agents with high efficiency and reduced side effects in cancer treatment. Targeted and stimuli-sensitive nanoparticles have been widely studied for cancer therapy in recent years, and many more studies are ongoing. This review aims to provide a broad view of different nanoparticle systems with characteristics that allow them to target diverse properties of the tumor microenvironment (TME) from nanoparticles that can be activated and release their cargo due to the specific characteristics of the TME (such as low pH, redox, and hypoxia) to nanoparticles that can target different cellular and molecular targets of the present cell and molecules in the TME.

Exploiting recent trends for the synthesis and surface functionalization of mesoporous silica nanoparticles towards biomedical applications

Rapid progress in developing multifunctional nanocarriers for drug delivery has been observed in recent years. Inorganic mesoporous silica nanocarriers (MSNs), emerged as an ideal candidate for gene/drug delivery with distinctive morphological features. These ordered carriers of porous nature have gained unique attention due to their distinctive features. Moreover, transformation can be made to these nanocarriers in terms of pores size, pores volume, and particle size by altering specific parameters during synthesis. These ordered porous materials have earned special attention as a drug carrier for treating multiple diseases. Herein, we highlight the strategies employed in synthesizing and functionalizing these versatile nanocarriers. In addition, the various factors that influence their sizes and morphological features were also discussed. The article also summarizes the recent advancements and strategies for drug and gene delivery by rendering smarter MSNs by incorporating functional groups on their surfaces. Averting off-target effects through various capping strategies is a massive milestone for the induction of stimuli-responsive nanocarriers that brings out a great revolution in the biomedical field.

•

MSNs serve as an ideal candidate for gene/drug delivery with unique and excellent attributes.

•

MSNs surface can be functionalized using specific materials to impart unique structural features.

•

Functionalization of MSNs with stimuli-responsive molecules can act as gatekeepers by responding to the desired stimulus after uncapping.

•

These capping agents act as vital targeting agents in developing MSNs being employed in various biomedical applications.

Recent Advances in Stimuli-Responsive Doxorubicin Delivery Systems for Liver Cancer Therapy

Doxorubicin (DOX) is one of the most commonly used drugs in liver cancer. Unfortunately, the traditional chemotherapy with DOX presents many limitations, such as a systematic release of DOX, affecting both tumor tissue and healthy tissue, leading to the apparition of many side effects, multidrug resistance (MDR), and poor water solubility. Furthermore, drug delivery systems' responsiveness has been intensively studied according to the influence of different internal and external stimuli on the efficiency of therapeutic drugs. In this review, we discuss both internal stimuli-responsive drug-delivery systems, such as redox, pH and temperature variation, and external stimuli-responsive drug-delivery systems, such as the application of magnetic, photo-thermal, and electrical stimuli, for the controlled release of Doxorubicin in liver cancer therapy, along with the future perspectives of these smart delivery systems in liver cancer therapy.

The stiffness-dependent tumor cell internalization of liquid metal nanoparticles

The properties of nanoparticle (NP) carriers, such as size, shape and surface state, have been proven to dramatically affect their uptake by tumor cells, thereby influencing and determining the effect of nanomedicine on tumor theranostics. However, the effect of the stiffness of NPs on their cellular internalization remains unclear, especially for circumstances involving active or passive NP targeting. In this work, we constructed eutectic gallium indium liquid metal NPs with the same particle size, shape and surface charge properties but distinct stiffness via tailoring the surface oxidation and silica coating. It has been found that the softer NPs would be endocytosed much slower than their stiffer counterparts in the presence of specific ligand-receptor interaction. Interestingly, once the interaction is eliminated, softer NPs are internalized faster than the stiffer ones. Based on experimental observations and theoretical verification, we demonstrate that this phenomenon is mainly caused by varying degrees of deformation of soft NPs induced by ligand-receptor interactions. Such a finding of the stiffness effect of NPs implies great potential for fundamental biomedical applications, such as the rational design of nanomedicines.

"Willow Branch" DNA Self-Assembly for Cancer Dual-Target and Proliferation Inhibition

DNA nanotechnology is beginning to yield unique advantages in the area of drug delivery. For the dual-targeting and proliferation suppression of cancer cells, a "willow branch" DNA assembly based on rolling circle amplification (RCA) was built. Three single-stranded DNAs, including antibody modified cDNAs, aptamer cDNAs, and simple cDNAs, were employed in the DNA self-assembly, along with the RCA scaffolds (every 63 bases is a repeat unit). "Willow branch" DNA (WB DNA) assembly successfully linked multiple antibodies and aptamers together to achieve dual targeting of cancer cells. Binding of CD44 antibodies and S2.2 aptamers to receptors on the cell membrane inhibits both pathways, β-catenin signaling and nuclear factor-kappa B-specific transcription activity, through feedback regulation. Results demonstrated that WB DNA assembly could effectively exert multivalency clustering cell-surface receptors, modulating signal pathways and inhibiting proliferation. This study proposes a new approach for cancer dual-target and proliferation inhibition by clustering multivalent receptors.

Current Advances in Chitosan Nanoparticles Based Oral Drug Delivery for Colorectal Cancer Treatment

As per the WHO, colorectal cancer (CRC) caused around 935,173 deaths worldwide in 2020 in both sexes and at all ages. The available anticancer therapies including chemotherapy, radiotherapy and anticancer drugs are all associated with limited therapeutic efficacy, adverse effects and low chances. This has urged to emerge several novel therapeutic agents as potential therapies for CRC including synthetic and natural materials. Orally administrable and targeted drug delivery systems are attractive strategies for CRC therapy as they minimize the side effects, enhance the efficacy of anticancer drugs. Nevertheless, oral drug delivery till today faces several challenges like poor drug solubility, stability, and permeability. Various oral nano-based approaches and targeted drug delivery systems have been developed recently, as a result of the ability of nanoparticles to control the release of the encapsulant, drug targeting and reduce the number of dosages administered. The unique physicochemical properties of chitosan polymer assist to overcome oral drug delivery barriers and target the colon tumour cells. Chitosan-based nanocarriers offered additional improvements by enhancing the stability, targeting and bioavailability of several anti-colorectal cancer agents. Modified chitosan derivatives also facilitated CRC targeting through strengthening the protection of encapsulant against acidic and enzyme degradation of gastrointestinal track (GIT). This review aims to provide an overview of CRC pathology, therapy and the barriers against oral drug delivery. It also emphasizes the role of nanotechnology in oral drug targeted delivery system and the growing interest towards chitosan and its derivatives. The present review summarizes the relevant works to date that have studied the potential applications of chitosan-based nanocarrier towards CRC treatment.

Hyaluronic acid coated mesoporous carbon-copper peroxide for H2O2 self-supplying and near-infrared responsive multi-mode breast cancer oncotherapy

It is challenging to develop the synergistic intelligent therapeutic nanoplatform to cure cancer. In the present study, a novel nanotherapeutic platform was constructed for H₂O₂ self-supplying and multimodal breast cancer therapy. In which, copper peroxide nanoparticles (CP NPs) were adsorbed on the surface of mesoporous carbon nanospheres (MCN) through electrostatic attraction, followed by loading doxorubicin (DOX) into the nanocomposite (MCN-CP) and coating hyaluronic acid (HA) on the surface, the DOX/MCN-CP-HA nanoplatform was obtained. In the system, the MCN not only possessed a high DOX loading capacity, but produced excellent photothermal therapy (PTT) effect. Importantly, the ultra-small CP NPs as the Fenton agent not only could selectively self-supplying H₂O₂ in acidic condition, but simultaneously release Cu²⁺ to catalyze the production of ·OH in the presence of H₂O₂. Meantime, the resulting Cu²⁺ possessed GSH-elimination property, which afforded enhanced chemodynamic therapy (CDT). Furthermore, the outer layer HA targeted to CD44 and achieved breast cancer cell targeting. The elevated temperature from PTT and acidic tumor microenvironment accelerated the release of DOX, which enabled DOX/MCN-CP-HA as an intelligent CDT-PTT-chemotherapy synergistic nanoplatform. In vitro and in vivo pharmacodynamic evaluations confirmed the potential of the nanoplatform for CDT-PTT-chemotherapy synergistic oncotherapy of breast cancer.

Hyaluronic acid coated spinel ferrite for combination of chemo and photodynamic therapy: Green synthesis, characterization, and in vitro and in vivo biocompatibility study

In this project, different photosensitizers were prepared using different ratios of nickel, manganese, and iron. Then, multiple analysis were performed to evaluate their efficiency, and the most suitable one was used to be coated by hyaluronic acid to improve the nano-platform's biocompatibility and target ability. Moreover, another chemical targeting agent (riboflavin) was used to further improve the target ability of the prepared nano-platform. Different spectroscopies and thermal analysis were used to determine the physical and chemical characteristics of the prepared nano-platform. Also, in order to determine the biocompatibility of the nano-platform, in vitro and in vivo tests such as blood hemolysis, blood aggregation and lethal dose were performed. Then, an anti-cancer agent (curcumin) was loaded on the selected nano-platform to makes us able utilizing the synergistic effect of chemotherapy and photodynamic therapy simultaneously. Finally, the cell cytotoxicity results showed that the prepared nano-platform had a great anti-cancer potential which can make it a great candidate as a dual photo and chemo therapy agent for treatment of breast cancers.

Tumor-targeted miRNA nanomedicine for overcoming challenges in immunity and therapeutic resistance

miRNA are critical messengers in the tumor microenvironment (TME) that influence various processes leading to immune suppression, tumor progression, metastasis and resistance. Strategies to modulate miRNAs in the TME have important implications in overcoming these challenges. However, miR delivery to specific cells in the TME has been challenging. This review discusses nanomedicine strategies to achieve cell-specific delivery of miRNAs. The key goal of delivery is to activate the tumor immune landscape as well as to prevent chemotherapy resistance. Specifically, the use of hyaluronic acid-based nanoparticle miRNA delivery to the TME is discussed. The discussion is focused on miRNA-125b for reprogramming tumor-associated macrophages to overcome immunosuppression and miRNA-let-7b to overcome resistance to anticancer chemotherapeutics because both these miRNAs have been extensively evaluated for delivery with hyaluronic acid-based delivery systems.

Engineering mesoporous silica nanoparticles for drug delivery: where are we after two decades?

The present review details a chronological description of the events that took place during the development of mesoporous materials, their different synthetic routes and their use as drug delivery systems. The outstanding textural properties of these materials quickly inspired their translation to the nanoscale dimension leading to mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs). The different aspects of introducing pharmaceutical agents into the pores of these nanocarriers, together with their possible biodistribution and clearance routes, would be described here. The development of smart nanocarriers that are able to release a high local concentration of the therapeutic cargo on-demand after the application of certain stimuli would be reviewed here, together with their ability to deliver the therapeutic cargo to precise locations in the body. The huge progress in the design and development of MSNs for biomedical applications, including the potential treatment of different diseases, during the last 20 years will be collated here, together with the required work that still needs to be done to achieve the clinical translation of these materials. This review was conceived to stand out from past reports since it aims to tell the story of the development of mesoporous materials and their use as drug delivery systems by some of the story makers, who could be considered to be among the pioneers in this area.

Construction of pH/reduction dual responsive MSN-HAgel containing HApt for tumor targeting carriers

In this study, a pH/reduction dual responsive carrier containing 42nt-nucleic acid HApt based on mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) was designed. Two kinds of low molecular weight oligomeric hyaluronic acid (HA) were used to graft onto MSN for better drug encapsulation. Crosslinked MSN-HA₃₀₀₀gel and MSN-HA₁₁₀₀₀gel were prepared by crosslinking the HA chain through the sulfhydrylization of the carboxyl group on the HA side chain. An appropriate amount of sulfhydryl nucleic acid (HApt-SH) was added during the crosslinking reaction, which realized the targeting ability and apoptosis function to cancer cells overexpressing the HER2 receptor. Crosslinked HA had a good effect on decreasing the side effect of DOX that the drug leakage was less than 20% under a normal body environment. However, it could realize rapid and efficient drug release in a tumor environment. As to the release of HApt, it exhibited a good response to GSH. The cytotoxicity test showed that HApt contained in HAgel had a great targeting effect and significant cytotoxicity to SKBR3 cells. As a whole, this MSN-HAgel enabled the combination of gene therapy and chemotherapy, showing the synergistic effect of “1 + 1 > 2”, providing a novel idea for cancer treatments.

A dual-responsive MSN-based nanocarrier for the combination of gene therapy and chemotherapy in cancer treatments.

Promising Therapeutic Strategies for Colorectal Cancer Treatment Based on Nanomaterials

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a global health problem responsible for 10% of all cancer incidences and 9.4% of all cancer deaths worldwide. The number of new cases increases per annum, whereas the lack of effective therapies highlights the need for novel therapeutic approaches. Conventional treatment methods, such as surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy, are widely applied in oncology practice. Their therapeutic success is little, and therefore, the search for novel technologies is ongoing. Many efforts have focused recently on the development of safe and efficient cancer nanomedicines. Nanoparticles are among them. They are uniquewith their properties on a nanoscale and hold the potential to exploit intrinsic metabolic differences between cancer and healthy cells. This feature allows them to induce high levels of toxicity in cancer cells with little damage to the surrounding healthy tissues. Graphene oxide is a promising 2D material found to play an important role in cancer treatments through several strategies: direct killing and chemosensitization, drug and gene delivery, and phototherapy. Several new treatment approaches based on nanoparticles, particularly graphene oxide, are currently under research in clinical trials, and some have already been approved. Here, we provide an update on the recent advances in nanomaterials-based CRC-targeted therapy, with special attention to graphene oxide nanomaterials. We summarise the epidemiology, carcinogenesis, stages of the CRCs, and current nanomaterials-based therapeutic approaches for its treatment.

Nanoarchitectured prototypes of mesoporous silica nanoparticles for innovative biomedical applications

Despite exceptional morphological and physicochemical attributes, mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) are often employed as carriers or vectors. Moreover, these conventional MSNs often suffer from various limitations in biomedicine, such as reduced drug encapsulation efficacy, deprived compatibility, and poor degradability, resulting in poor therapeutic outcomes. To address these limitations, several modifications have been corroborated to fabricating hierarchically-engineered MSNs in terms of tuning the pore sizes, modifying the surfaces, and engineering of siliceous networks. Interestingly, the further advancements of engineered MSNs lead to the generation of highly complex and nature-mimicking structures, such as Janus-type, multi-podal, and flower-like architectures, as well as streamlined tadpole-like nanomotors. In this review, we present explicit discussions relevant to these advanced hierarchical architectures in different fields of biomedicine, including drug delivery, bioimaging, tissue engineering, and miscellaneous applications, such as photoluminescence, artificial enzymes, peptide enrichment, DNA detection, and biosensing, among others. Initially, we give a brief overview of diverse, innovative stimuli-responsive (pH, light, ultrasound, and thermos)- and targeted drug delivery strategies, along with discussions on recent advancements in cancer immune therapy and applicability of advanced MSNs in other ailments related to cardiac, vascular, and nervous systems, as well as diabetes. Then, we provide initiatives taken so far in clinical translation of various silica-based materials and their scope towards clinical translation. Finally, we summarize the review with interesting perspectives on lessons learned in exploring the biomedical applications of advanced MSNs and further requirements to be explored.

On-demand assembly of polymeric nanoparticles for longer-blood-circulation and disassembly in tumor for boosting sonodynamic therapy

Sonodynamic therapy (SDT) is one of the promising strategies for tumor therapy, but its application is usually hindered by fast clearance in blood-circulation, abnormal tumor microenvironment, and inefficient generation of reactive oxygen species. To solve these problems, we proposed an on-demand assembly-disassembly strategy, where the assembly is favorable for longer-blood-circulation and then the disassembly in tumor is favorable for boosting SDT. Hematoporphyrin monomethyl ether (HMME) as the model of organic sonosensitizers were conjugated with hyaluronic acid (HA). Then HA-HMME was mixed with catalase (CAT) and assembled into polymeric nanoparticles (CAT@HA-HMME NPs) with size of ∼80 nm. CAT@HA-HMME NPs exhibit good biocompatibility and a longer blood half-time (t_1/2 = 4.17 h) which is obviously longer than that (∼0.82 h) of HMME molecules. After HA receptor-mediated endocytosis of cancer cells, CAT@HA-HMME NPs can be cleaved by endogenous hyaluronidase, resulting in the on-demand disassembly in tumor to release HA-HMME molecules and CAT. The CAT catalyzes the endogenous H₂O₂ into O₂ to relieve the hypoxic microenvironment, and the released HA-HMME exhibits a higher ROS generation ability, greatly boosting SDT for the inhibition of tumor growth. Therefore, the on-demand assembly-disassembly strategy may provide some insight in the design and development of nanoagents for tumor therapy.

•

On-demand assembly from molecules to nanoparticles for longer-blood-circulation.

•

On-demand disassembly in presence of hyaluronidase (in tumor) for boosting sonodynamic effects.

•

Efficient damage on cancer cells in-vitro and Significant inhibition of the tumor growth due to the enhanced SDT.

Role of Polysaccharides Mimetic Components in Targeted Cancer Treatment

Organic or inorganic compounds are synthesized or formulated in a manner that they completely show their therapeutic actions like as a natural polysaccharide in the body. Polysaccharides, the major type of natural polymers, are efficiently biologically active, non-toxic, hydrophilic, and biodegradable and show various properties. In this manuscript, the main focus is on delivering anticancer drugs with the help of mimetic components of polysaccharides. All data collected for this manuscript was from PubMed, Elsevier, Taylor, and Francis Bentham science journals. Most chemotherapeutics are therapeutically toxin to the human body, have a narrow therapeutic index, sluggish pharmaceutical delivery mechanisms, and are poorly soluble in water. The use of mimetic components of polysaccharides leads to the enhancement of the solubility of drugs in the biological environment. The manuscript summarizes the use of mimetic components of polysaccharides along with anticancer agents which are capable to inhibit the growth of cancerous cells in the body which shows lesser adverse effects in the biological system compared to other therapies.

Transdermal delivery of poly-hyaluronic acid-based spherical nucleic acids for chemogene therapy

Spherical nucleic acid (SNA), as a good gene delivery system, has a good application prospect for transdermal administration in skin disorder treatment. However, most of the traditional SNA core materials are non-degradable materials, so it is worthy of further research. Herein, we report a spherical nucleic acid based on poly-hyaluronic acid (PHA) for the co-delivery of a typical chemotherapeutic drug, doxorubicin (DOX), and an antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) against the tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases 1 (TIMP-1) for the treatment of hypertrophic scars (HS) which are caused by abnormal fibroblast proliferation. Our study showed that PHA-based SNAs simultaneously bearing TIMP-1 ASO and DOX (termed PHAAD) could significantly promote skin penetration, improve the cellular uptake, and effectively down-regulate the TIMP-1 expression and enhance the cytotoxicity of DOX. Moreover, PHAAD nanoparticles facilitated the apoptosis of hypertrophic scar cells, and reduced the burden and progression of hypertrophic scars in a xenografted mouse model without adverse side effects. Thus, our PHA-based SNA represents a new transdermal delivery vehicle for efficient combinatorial chemo and gene therapy, which is expected to treat various skin disorders.

Synergic Antitumor Effect of Photodynamic Therapy and Chemotherapy Mediated by Nano Drug Delivery Systems

This review provides a summary of recent progress in the development of different nano-platforms for the efficient synergistic effect between photodynamic therapy and chemotherapy. In particular, this review focuses on various methods in which photosensitizers and chemotherapeutic agents are co-delivered to the targeted tumor site. In many cases, the photosensitizers act as drug carriers, but this review, also covers different types of appropriate nanocarriers that aid in the delivery of photosensitizers to the tumor site. These nanocarriers include transition metal, silica and graphene-based materials, liposomes, dendrimers, polymers, metal–organic frameworks, nano emulsions, and biologically derived nanocarriers. Many studies have demonstrated various benefits from using these nanocarriers including enhanced water solubility, stability, longer circulation times, and higher accumulation of therapeutic agents/photosensitizers at tumor sites. This review also describes novel approaches from different research groups that utilize various targeting strategies to increase treatment efficacy through simultaneous photodynamic therapy and chemotherapy.

Silica-Based Stimuli-Responsive Systems for Antitumor Drug Delivery and Controlled Release

The administration of cytotoxic drugs in classical chemotherapy is frequently limited by water solubility, low plasmatic stability, and a myriad of secondary effects associated with their diffusion to healthy tissue. In this sense, novel pharmaceutical forms able to deliver selectively these drugs to the malign cells, and imposing a space-time precise control of their discharge, are needed. In the last two decades, silica nanoparticles have been proposed as safe vehicles for antitumor molecules due to their stability in physiological medium, high surface area and easy functionalization, and good biocompatibility. In this review, we focus on silica-based nanomedicines provided with specific mechanisms for intracellular drug release. According to silica nature (amorphous, mesostructured, and hybrids) nanocarriers responding to a variety of stimuli endogenously (e.g., pH, redox potential, and enzyme activity) or exogenously (e.g., magnetic field, light, temperature, and ultrasound) are proposed. Furthermore, the incorporation of targeting molecules (e.g., monoclonal antibodies) that interact with specific cell membrane receptors allows a selective delivery to cancer cells to be carried out. Eventually, we present some remarks on the most important formulations in the pipeline for clinical approval, and we discuss the most difficult tasks to tackle in the near future, in order to extend the use of these nanomedicines to real patients.

Polysaccharide/mesoporous silica nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems: A review

Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) have been well-researched in the design and fabrication of advanced drug delivery systems (DDSs) due to their advantages such as good biocompatibility, large specific surface area and pore volume for drug loading, easily surface modification, adjusted size and good thermal/chemical stability. For MSN-based DDSs, gate materials are also necessary. And natural polysaccharides, one kind of the most abundant natural resource, have been widely applied as the "gatekeepers" in MSN-based DDSs. Polysaccharides are cheap and rich in sources with good biocompatibility, and some of them have important biological functions. In this review article, polysaccharides including chitosan, hyaluronic acid, sodium alginate and dextran, et al. are briefly introduced. And the preparation processes and properties such as controlled drug release, cancer targeting and disease diagnosis of functional polysaccharide/MSN-based DDSs are discussed.

HA/PEI-coated acridine orange-loaded gold-core silica shell nanorods for cancer-targeted photothermal and chemotherapy

Aims: To develop a tumor-targeted chemo-photothermal nanomedicine through the functionalization of acridine orange (AO)-loaded gold-core mesoporous silica shell (AuMSS) nanorods with polyethylenimine (PEI) and hyaluronic acid (HA). Methods: Functionalization of the AuMSS nanorods was achieved through the chemical linkage of PEI followed by electrostatic adsorption of HA. Results: HA functionalization improved AuMSS' cytocompatibility by decreasing blood hemolysis, and PEI-HA inclusion promoted a controlled and sustained AO release. In vitro assays revealed that HA functionalization increased the internalization of nanoparticles by human negroid cervix epithelioid carcinoma cancer (HeLa) cells, and the combinatorial treatment mediated by AuMSS/PEI/HA_AO nanorods presented an enhanced effect, with >95% of cellular death. Conclusion: AuMSS/PEI/HA_AO formulations can act as tumor-targeted chemo-photothermal nanomedicines for the combinatorial therapy of cervical cancer.

Enzyme-Responsive Materials as Carriers for Improving Photodynamic Therapy

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a mini-invasive therapy on malignancies via reactive oxygen species (ROS) induced by photosenitizer (PS) upon light irradiation. However, poor target of PS to tumor limits the clinical application of PDT. Compared with normal tissues, tumor tissues have a unique enzymatic environment. The unique enzymatic environment in tumor tissues has been widely used as a target for developing smart materials to improve the targetability of drugs to tumor. Enzyme-responsive materials (ERM) as a smart material can respond to the enzymes in tumor tissues to specifically deliver drugs. In PDT, ERM was designed to react with the enzymes highly expressed in tumor tissues to deliver PS in the target site to prevent therapeutic effects and avoid its side-effects. In the present paper, we will review the application of ERM in PDT and discuss the challenges of ERM as carriers to deliver PS for further boosting the development of PDT in the management of malignancies.

Improving anti-cancer drug delivery performance of magnetic mesoporous silica nanocarriers for more efficient colorectal cancer therapy

BACKGROUND

Improving anti-cancer drug delivery performance can be achieved through designing smart and targeted drug delivery systems (DDSs). For this aim, it is important to evaluate overexpressed biomarkers in the tumor microenvironment (TME) for optimizing DDSs.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Herein, we designed a novel DDS based on magnetic mesoporous silica core-shell nanoparticles (SPION@MSNs) in which release of doxorubicin (DOX) at the physiologic pH was blocked with gold gatekeepers. In this platform, we conjugated heterofunctional polyethylene glycol (PEG) onto the outer surface of nanocarriers to increase their biocompatibility. At the final stage, an epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) aptamer as an active targeting moiety was covalently attached (Apt-PEG-Au@NPs-DOX) for selective drug delivery to colorectal cancer (CRC) cells. The physicochemical properties of non-targeted and targeted nanocarriers were fully characterized. The anti-cancer activity, cellular internalization, and then the cell death mechanism of prepared nanocarriers were determined and compared in vitro. Finally, tumor inhibitory effects, biodistribution and possible side effects of the nanocarriers were evaluated in immunocompromised C57BL/6 mice bearing human HT-29 tumors.

RESULTS

Nanocarriers were successfully synthesized with a mean final size diameter of 58.22 ± 8.54 nm. Higher cytotoxicity and cellular uptake of targeted nanocarriers were shown in the EpCAM-positive HT-29 cells as compared to the EpCAM-negative CHO cells, indicating the efficacy of aptamer as a targeting agent. In vivo results in a humanized mouse model showed that targeted nanocarriers could effectively increase DOX accumulation in the tumor site, inhibit tumor growth, and reduce the adverse side effects.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that corporation of a magnetic core, gold gatekeeper, PEG and aptamer can strongly improve drug delivery performance and provide a theranostic DDS for efficient CRC therapy.

Nanotechnology in Colorectal Cancer for Precision Diagnosis and Therapy

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most frequently occurring tumor in the human population. CRCs are usually adenocarcinomatous and originate as a polyp on the inner wall of the colon or rectum which may become malignant in the due course of time. Although the therapeutic options of CRC are limited, the early diagnosis of CRC may play an important role in preventive and therapeutic interventions to decrease the mortality rate. The CRC-affected tissues exhibit several molecular markers that may be exploited as the novel strategy to develop newer approaches for the treatment of the disease. Nanotechnology consists of a wide array of innovative and astonishing nanomaterials with both diagnostics and therapeutic potential. Several nanomaterials and nano formulations such as Carbon nanotubes, Dendrimer, Liposomes, Silica Nanoparticles, Gold nanoparticles, Metal-organic frameworks, Core-shell polymeric nano-formulations, Nano-emulsion System, etc can be used to targeted anticancer drug delivery and diagnostic purposes in CRC. The light-sensitive photosensitizer drugs loaded gold and silica nanoparticles can be used to diagnose as well as the killing of CRC cells by the targeted delivery of anticancer drugs to cancer cells. This review is focused on the recent advancement of nanotechnology in the diagnosis and treatment of CRC.

Mesoporous silica nanoparticles loaded with fluorescent coumarin-5-fluorouracil conjugates as mitochondrial-targeting theranostic probes for tumor cells

In this study, a nanodrug carrier (mesoporous silica nanoparticle (MSN)-SS-cysteamine hydrochloride (CS)-hyaluronic acid (HA)) for targeted drug delivery was prepared using MSNs, in which HA was used as a targeting ligand and blocking agent to control drug release. Coumarin is a fluorescent molecule that targets mitochondria. Two conjugates (XDS-DJ and 5-FUA-4C-XDS) were synthesized by chemically coupling nitrogen mustard and 5-fluorouracil with coumarin, which was further loaded into MSN-SS-CS-HA nanocarriers. MTT analysis demonstrated that the nanocomposite MSN-SS-CS@5-FUA-4C-XDS/HA displayed stronger cytotoxicity toward HCT-116 cells than HeLa or QSG-7701 cells. Furthermore, MSN-SS-CS@5-FUA-4C-XDS/HA was able to target the mitochondria of HCT-116 cells, causing decreased mitochondrial membrane potential and excessive production of reactive oxygen species. These results indicate that MSN-SS-CS@5-FUA-4C-XDS/HA has the potential to be a nanodrug delivery system for the treatment of colon cancer.

Water-Soluble Blue Fluorescent Nonconjugated Polymer Dots from Hyaluronic Acid and Hydrophobic Amino Acids

Fluorescent polymers have been increasingly investigated to improve their water solubility and biocompatibility to enhance their performance in drug delivery and theranostic applications. However, the environmentally friendly synthesis and dual functionality of such systems remain a challenge due to the complicated synthesis of conventional fluorescent materials. Herein, we generated a novel blue fluorescent polymer dot through chemical conjugation of hydrophobic amino acids to hyaluronic acid (HA) under one-pot green chemistry conditions. These nonconjugated fluorescent polymer dots (NCPDs) are water soluble, nontoxic to cells, have high fluorescence quantum yield, and can be used for in vitro bioimaging. HA-derived NCPDs exhibit excitation wavelength-dependent fluorescent properties. In addition, the NCPDs also show enhanced doxorubicin loading and delivery in naive and drug-resistant breast cancer cells in 2D and 3D tumor cellular systems. These results demonstrate the potential for successful synthetic scale-up and applications for HA-derived NCPDs.

A pilot study investigating a novel particle-based growth factor delivery system for preimplantation embryo culture

STUDY QUESTION

Can vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-loaded silica supraparticles (V-SPs) be used as a novel mode of delivering VEGF to the developing preimplantation embryo in vitro?

SUMMARY ANSWER

Supplementation of embryo culture media with V-SPs promoted embryonic development in a manner equivalent to media supplemented with free VEGF.

WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY

VEGF is a maternally derived growth factor that promotes preimplantation embryonic development in vitro. However, its use in clinical media has limitations due to its low stability in solution.

STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION

This study was a laboratory-based analysis utilising a mouse model. V-SPs were prepared in vitro and supplemented to embryonic culture media. The bioactivity of V-SPs was determined by analysis of blastocyst developmental outcomes (blastocyst development rate and total cell number).

PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS

SPs were loaded with fluorescently labelled VEGF and release kinetics were characterised. Bioactivity of unlabelled VEGF released from V-SPs was determined by analysis of embryo developmental outcomes (blastocyst developmental rate and total cell number) following individual mouse embryo culture in 20 µl of G1/G2 media at 5% oxygen, supplemented with 10 ng/ml recombinant mouse VEGF in solution or with V-SPs. The bioactivity of freeze-dried V-SPs was also assessed to determine the efficacy of cryostorage.

MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE

VEGF release kinetics were characterised by an initial burst of VEGF from loaded spheres followed by a consistent lower level of VEGF release over 48 h. VEGF released from V-SPs resulted in significant increases in total blastocyst cell number relative to the control (P < 0.001), replicating the effects of medium freely supplemented with fresh VEGF (P < 0.001). Similarly, freeze dried V-SPs exerted comparable effects on embryonic development (P < 0.05).

LARGE SCALE DATA

N/A.

LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION

In this proof of principle study, the effects of V-SPs on embryonic development were only analysed in a mouse model.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS

These findings suggest that SPs represent a novel method by which a targeted dose of therapeutic agents (e.g. bioactive VEGF) can be delivered to the developing in vitro embryo to promote embryonic development, an approach that negates the breakdown of VEGF associated with storage in solution. As such, V-SPs may be an alternative and effective method of delivering bioactive VEGF to the developing in vitro embryo; however, the potential use of V-SPs in clinical IVF requires further investigation.

STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S)

This work was funded by the University of Melbourne. The authors have no conflict of interest to declare.

Dual-responsive nanohybrid based on degradable silica-coated gold nanorods for triple-combination therapy for breast cancer

Multi-modal combination therapy has attracted great attention, owing to the unsatisfactory therapeutic efficacy of conventional chemotherapy. Mesoporous silica-coated gold nanorods possess great potential in photothermal therapy and drug delivery. In this work, we fabricate a dual-responsive nanohybrid for combination treatment of the malignant tumor. In this system, gold nanorods are coated with the degradable mesoporous silica, and the chemotherapy drug doxorubicin (DOX) and photosensitizer (IR820) are co-loaded inside the pores of the silica. The encapsulation of hyaluronic acid (HA) endow the nanohybrids with mammary carcinoma targeting ability and better biocompatibility, owning to CD44+ receptor overexpressed in some cancer cells. As-prepared nanohybrids exhibit high responsiveness to a high glutathione (GSH) level and degrade rapidly in the presence of hyaluronidase (HAase) and GSH after endocytosis by 4T1 cells, allowing the efficient release of loaded DOX and IR 820 in tumor sites. Interestingly, near-infrared (NIR) laser not only triggers the generation of reactive oxygen species, but also remarkable photothermal efficacy originating from GNRs. Therefore, upon the irradiation of 808 nm NIR light, the combinatorial photodynamic, photothermal and chemotherapy is achieved, accordingly leading to a highly efficient antitumor outcome in vitro and in vivo. This strategy provides an ideal approach to constructing multimodal cancer therapy system. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: • Dual-responsive nanohybrids for combinatorial therapy of breast cancer. • The nanohybrids exhibit both HAase and GSH stimuli-responsive behavior. • The nanohybrids exhibit light-activated PDT/PTT/chemotherapy. • The nanohybrids show good biosafety for potential clinical application.