Solvent assisted size effect on AuNPs and significant inhibition on K562 cells

pH-responsive and CD44-targeting polymer micelles based on CD44p-conjugated amphiphilic block copolymer PEG-b-HES-b-PLA for delivery of emodin to breast cancer cells

Herein, an amphiphilic block copolymer CD44-targeting peptide-conjugated polyethylene glycol-block-hydroxyethyl starch-block-poly (L-lactic acid) (CD44p-conjugated PEG-b-HES-b-PLA) are synthesized, which could self-assemble into the pH-responsive and CD44-targeting polymer micelles against breast cancer cells MDA-MB-231. Emodin (Emo) is a natural anthraquino with pharmacological activities in anti-tumor effects. However, Emo suffers from poor water solubility, low biocompatibility, rapid systemic elimination, and off-target side effects, resulting in unsatisfactory treatment outcomes. Nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems have proven great potential for cancer chemotherapy. The constructed polymeric micelles Emo@CD44p-PM have exhibited an average size of 154.5 ± 0.9 nm characterized by DLS and TEM. Further, the Emo@CD44p-PM have effective Emo-loading capacity, good thermal stability, and pH responsiveness. Intracellular uptake study shows the enhanced cellular internalization of Emo@CD44p-PM due to the increased exposure of CD44p enhances the cellular internalization of Emo@CD44p-PM effectively. Furthermore, thein vitroresults showed Emo@CD44p-PM has been observed good biocompatibility and anti-tumor effects. Therefore, the polymeric micelles Emo@CD44p-PM provide a promising delivery strategy of targeted therapy for breast cancer.

N-Methyl-2-pyrrolidone as a Reaction Medium for Gold(III)-Ion Reduction and Star-like Gold Nanostructure Formation

The efficiency of a wet chemical route to synthesize gold nanostructures with tunable size and shape significantly depends on the applied solvent and the interaction of solvent molecules with other species such as gold ions. The ability of the organic solvent N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) as a suitable medium for application in star-like gold nanostructure (AuNS) synthesis with a tunable morphology at ambient conditions has been investigated. The time-dependent analysis of the UV-vis absorption spectra of AuIIICl4 - in a pure NMP solution illustrates the role of NMP as simultaneous complexing and reducing agents. Kinetic studies indicate that AuIIICl4 - in NMP solution is reduced to AuICl2 -, with no need to use another reducing agent, any external energy sources, or solvent pretreatment. This is because AuI species stay stable in this solution unless poly(vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP) catalyzes their disproportionation. Morphological studies by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) specify the high-yield synthesis of AuNS with monocrystalline spikes in a concentrated NMP solution by PVP. This study illustrates that the presence of seeds, as another agent to catalyze the disproportionation of AuI species, makes it possible to synthesize AuNS in varying concentrations of PVP in this medium. The role of PVP concentration and the presence of seeds in the formation kinetics, morphology, and optical properties is systematically discussed. The results achieved through this study develop a straightforward and safe procedure for AuNS synthesis in high yield in a water-miscible organic polar solvent with tunable morphology and optical properties. Considering the high capability of NMP to dissolve various types of polymers and hydrophobic ligands, synthesizing AuNS in this solvent opens a window to a practical and easy way to fabricate gold-based nanomaterials with fascinating optical properties.

A Review on Silver Nanoparticles: Classification, Various Methods of Synthesis, and Their Potential Roles in Biomedical Applications and Water Treatment

Recent developments in nanoscience have appreciably modified how diseases are prevented, diagnosed, and treated. Metal nanoparticles, specifically silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), are widely used in bioscience. From time to time, various synthetic methods for the synthesis of AgNPs are reported, i.e., physical, chemical, and photochemical ones. However, among these, most are expensive and not eco-friendly. The physicochemical parameters such as temperature, use of a dispersing agent, surfactant, and others greatly influence the quality and quantity of the synthesized NPs and ultimately affect the material’s properties. Scientists worldwide are trying to synthesize NPs and are devising methods that are easy to apply, eco-friendly, and economical. Among such strategies is the biogenic method, where plants are used as the source of reducing and capping agents. In this review, we intend to debate different strategies of AgNP synthesis. Although, different preparation strategies are in use to synthesize AgNPs such as electron irradiation, optical device ablation, chemical reduction, organic procedures, and photochemical methods. However, biogenic processes are preferably used, as they are environment-friendly and economical. The review covers a comprehensive discussion on the biological activities of AgNPs, such as antimicrobial, anticancer anti-inflammatory, and anti-angiogenic potentials of AgNPs. The use of AgNPs in water treatment and disinfection has also been discussed in detail.

Nanostructured lipid carrier co-delivering paclitaxel and doxorubicin restrains the proliferation and promotes apoptosis of glioma stem cells via regulating PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling

The development of safe and efficient nanocomposites remains a huge challenge in targeted therapy of glioma. Nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs), which facilitate specific site drug delivery, have been widely used in glioma treatment. Herein, we aimed to investigate the underlying mechanisms and therapeutic impact of paclitaxel (PTX) and doxorubicin (DOX) loaded NLC (PTX-DOX-NLC) on glioma stem cells (GSCs). To this end, we used a melt-emulsification technique to generate PTX loaded NLC (PTX-NLC), DOX loaded NLC (DOX-NLC), and NLC loaded with both drugs (PTX-DOX-NLC). We firstly confirmed the stability of PTX-DOX-NLC and their ability to gradually release PTX and DOX. Next, we evaluated the effects of PTX-DOX-NLC on apoptosis and proliferation of GSCs by flow cytometry and CellTiter-Glo assay. Besides, the expression of relevant mRNA and proteins was determined by RT-qPCR and Western blot analysis, respectively. Mechanism of action of PTX-DOX-NLC was determined though bioinformatic analysis based on RNA-seq data performed in GSCs derived from different NLC-treated groups. In addition, a mouse xenograft model of glioma was established to evaluate the anti-tumor effects of PTX-DOX-NLCin vivo. Results indicated thar PTX-DOX-NLC showed greater inhibitory effects on proliferation and promotive effects on apoptosis of GSCs compared with PTX-NLC, DOX-NLC, free PTX, and free DOX treatment. Mechanistic investigations evidenced that PTX-DOX-NLC inhibited tumor progression by suppressing the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signalingin vitroandin vivo. Taken together, PTX-DOX-NLC played an inhibitory role in GSC growth, highlighting a potential therapeutic option against glioma.

Block copolymer [(L-GluA-5-BE)-b-(L-AspA-4-BE)]-based nanoflower capsules with thermosensitive morphology and pH-responsive drug release for cancer therapy

Herein, the synthesis of an amino-acid-based di-block copolymer (di-BCP) in-between an l-glutamic acid-5-benzyl ester and l-aspartic acid-4-benzyl ester [(l-GluA-5-BE)-b-(l-AspA-4-BE)] has been reported. However, the synthesis of di-BCP of [(l-GluA-5-BE)-b-(l-AspA-4-BE)] was carried out through the facile modified ring-opening polymerization (ROP) without using any surfactants and harmful chemicals. Interestingly, the synthesized [(l-GluA-5-BE)-b-(l-AspA-4-BE)] has been used to design nanoflower capsules (NFCs) with surface-functionalized nanoflakes and petals. Notably, the simple solvent propanol has been used as a dispersing medium for the di-BCP-based powder to observe morphology of NFCs. Moreover, these amino-acid-based NFCs are biocompatible, biodegradable, and bio-safe for mankind usage. Consequently, di-BCP-based NFCs show changes in morphology with different temperature conditions, i.e., at ∼10 °C, ∼25 °C (RT), and ∼37 °C (body temperature). Furthermore, the average thickness of the surface-functionalized nanopetals has been calculated as ∼324 nm (in diameter). Similarly, the average distance between petals is calculated as 3.6 μm and the pore depth is ∼21 nm. Additionally, the porosity throughout the surface of capsules in-between nanopetals is an advantageous characteristic feature to improve the drug/paclitaxel (PTX) loading capacity. It is a unique and novel approach to design NFCs, which are a potential payload for nanomedicine and cancer therapy. Furthermore, NFCs were used to evaluate the loading efficacy of drugs and showed ∼78% (wt/wt%) of the PTX loading. Moreover, NFCs showed ∼74% drug release at physiological body temperature. Thus, NFCs showed remarkable release at acidic pH medium. However, PTX released from NFCs showed greater cell inhibition (i.e., ∼79%) with an increase of the PTX concentration after 24 h incubation over HeLa (human epithelial cervical cancer) cells. Besides, PTX released from NFC showed significant (∼34%) cell killing capacity. Such promising NFCs are recommended for breast, liver, and lung cancer therapeutics.