Zwitterion-functionalized hollow mesoporous Prussian blue nanoparticles for targeted and synergetic chemo-photothermal treatment of acute myeloid leukemia

Recent advances of multifunctional zwitterionic polymers for biomedical application

Zwitterionic polymers possess equal total positive and negative charges in the repeating units, making them electrically neutral overall. This unique property results in superhydrophilicity, which makes the zwitterionic polymers highly effective in resisting protein adsorption, thus endowing the drug carriers with long blood circulation time, inhibiting thrombus formation on biomedical devices in contact with blood, and ensuring the good sensitivity of sensors in biomedical application. Moreover, zwitterionic polymers have tumor-targeting ability and pH-responsiveness, rendering them ideal candidates for antitumor drug delivery. Additionally, the high ionic conductivity of zwitterionic polymers makes them an important raw material for ionic skin. Zwitterionic polymers exhibit remarkable resistance to bacterial adsorption and growth, proving their suitability in a wide range of biomedical applications such as ophthalmic applications, and wound dressings. In this paper, we provide an in-depth analysis of the different structures and characteristics of zwitterionic polymers and highlight their unique qualities and suitability for biomedical applications. Furthermore, we discuss the limitations and challenges that must be overcome to realize the full potential of zwitterionic polymers and present an optimistic perspective for zwitterionic polymers in the biomedical fields. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Zwitterionic polymers have a series of excellent properties such as super hydrophilicity, anti-protein adsorption, antibacterial ability and good ionic conductivity. However, biomedical applications of multifunctional zwitterionic polymers are still a major field to be explored. This review focuses on the design and application of zwitterionic polymers-based nanosystems for targeted and responsive delivery of antitumor drugs and cancer diagnostic agents. Moreover, the use of zwitterionic polymers in various biomedical applications such as biomedical devices in contact with blood, biosensors, ionic skin, ophthalmic applications and wound dressings is comprehensively described. We discuss current results and future challenges for a better understanding of multifunctional zwitterionic polymers for biomedical applications.

Cancer Cell-Mimicking Prussian Blue Nanoplatform for Synergistic Mild Photothermal/Chemotherapy via Heat Shock Protein Inhibition

Combined mild-temperature photothermal/chemotherapy has emerged as a highly promising modality for tumor therapy. However, its therapeutic efficacy is drastically compromised by the heat-induced overexpression of heat shock proteins (HSPs) by the cells, which resist heat stress and apoptosis. The purpose of this study was to downregulate HSPs and enhance the mild-temperature photothermal/chemotherapy effect. In detail, the colon cancer cell membrane (CT26M)-camouflaged HSP90 inhibitor ganetespib and the chemotherapeutic agent doxorubicin (DOX)-coloaded hollow mesoporous Prussian blue (HMPB) nanoplatform (named PGDM) were designed for synergistic mild photothermal/chemotherapy via HSP inhibition. In addition to being a photothermal agent with a high efficiency of photothermal conversion (24.13%), HMPB offers a hollow hole that can be filled with drugs. Concurrently, the cancer cell membrane camouflaging enhances tumor accumulation through a homologous targeting mechanism and gives the nanoplatform the potential to evade the immune system. When exposed to NIR radiation, HMPB's photothermal action (44 °C) not only causes tumor cells to undergo apoptosis but also causes ganetespib to be released on demand. This inhibits the formation of HSP90, which enhances the mild photothermal/chemotherapy effect. The results confirmed that the combined treatment regimen of mild photothermal therapy (PTT) and chemotherapy showed a better therapeutic efficacy than the individual treatment methods. Therefore, this multimodal nanoparticle can advance the development of drugs for the treatment of malignancies, such as colon cancer, and has prospects for clinical application.

Cypate-loaded hollow mesoporous Prussian blue nanoparticle/hydrogel system for efficient photodynamic therapy/photothermal therapy dual-modal antibacterial therapy

Infectious diseases caused by pathogenic microorganisms are a significant burden on public health and the economic stability of societies all over the world. The appearance of drug-resistant bacteria has severely blocked the effectiveness of conventional antibiotics. Therefore, developing novel antibiotic-free strategies to combat bacteria holds huge potential for maximizing validity and minimizing the risk of enhancing bacterial resistance. Herein, a cypate-loaded hollow mesoporous Prussian blue nanoparticles (Cy-HMPBs) was built to achieve the PDT/PTT synergistic antimicrobial therapy. The carbomer hydrogel (CH) was combined with the Cy-HMPBs to form a nanoparticle/hydrogel therapeutic system (Cy-HMPBs/CH) to reach the goal of local delivery of antimicrobial cargo. The low concentration of Cy-HMPBs/CH receives over 99% of antimicrobial ability against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus upon near-infrared (NIR) irradiation. More importantly, Cy-HMPBs/CH has favorable biocompatibility and can play therapeutic effects only after laser irradiation, indicating the on-demand therapy at the targeted region to avert side effects on healthy tissue. This study provides ideas for the design of an antibiotic-free antimicrobial strategy against infectious diseases.

Prussian blue nanozymes: progress, challenges, and opportunities

Prussian Blue Nanozymes (PBNZs) have emerged as highly efficient agents for reactive oxygen species (ROS) elimination, owing to their multiple enzyme-like properties encompassing catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POD), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities. As a functional nanomaterial mimicking enzyme, PBNZs not only surmount the limitations of natural enzymes, such as instability and high manufacturing costs, but also exhibit superior stability, tunable activity, low storage expenses, and remarkable reusability. Consequently, PBNZs have gained significant attention in diverse biomedical applications, including disease diagnosis and therapy. Over the past decade, propelled by advancements in catalysis science, biotechnology, computational science, and nanotechnology, PBNZs have witnessed remarkable progress in the exploration of their enzymatic activities, elucidation of catalytic mechanisms, and wide-ranging applications. This comprehensive review aims to provide a systematic overview of the discovery and catalytic mechanisms of PBNZ, along with the strategies employed to modulate their multiple enzyme-like activities. Furthermore, we extensively survey the recent advancements in utilizing PBNZs for scavenging ROS in various biomedical applications. Lastly, we analyze the existing challenges of translating PBNZs into therapeutic agents for clinical use and outline future research directions in this field. By presenting a comprehensive synopsis of the current state of knowledge, this review seeks to contribute to a deeper understanding of the immense potential of PBNZs as an innovative therapeutic agent in biomedicine.

Design of a Multifunctional Nanozyme for Resolving the Proinflammatory Plaque Microenvironment and Attenuating Atherosclerosis

Persistent inflammation within atherosclerotic plaques is a crucial factor contributing to plaque vulnerability and rupture. It has become increasingly evident that the proinflammatory microenvironment of the plaque, characterized by heightened monocyte recruitment, oxidative stress, and impaired clearance of apoptotic cells, plays a significant role in perpetuating inflammation and impeding its resolution. Consequently, targeting and eliminating these proinflammatory features within the plaque microenvironment have emerged as a promising therapeutic approach to restore inflammation resolution and mitigate the progression of atherosclerosis. While recent advancements in nanotherapeutics have demonstrated promising results in targeting individual proinflammatory characteristics, the development of an effective therapeutic strategy capable of simultaneously addressing multiple proinflammatory features remains a challenge. In this study, we developed a multifunctional nanozyme based on Prussian blue, termed PBNZ@PP-Man, to simultaneously target and eliminate various proinflammatory factors within the plaque microenvironment. Through systematic investigations, we have elucidated the antiatherosclerotic mechanisms of PBNZ@PP-Man. Our results demonstrate that PBNZ@PP-Man possesses the ability to accumulate within atherosclerotic plaques and effectively eliminate multiple proinflammatory factors, leading to inflammation resolution. Specifically, PBNZ@PP-Man suppresses monocyte recruitment, scavenges reactive oxygen species, and enhances efferocytosis. Notably, PBNZ@PP-Man exhibits a much stronger efficacy to resolve the proinflammatory plaque microenvironment and attenuate atherosclerosis in comparison to the approach that merely eliminates one single risky factor in the plaque. It significantly enhances the inflammation resolution capabilities of macrophages and attenuates atherosclerosis. These results collectively underscore the importance of modulating the proinflammatory plaque microenvironment as a complementary strategy for resolving inflammation in atherosclerosis.

Nanoparticles loaded with Daunorubicin as an advanced tool for cancer therapy

Nowadays, with the advent of cutting-edge technologies in the field of biotechnology, some highly advanced medical methods are introduced to treat cancers more efficiently. In the chemotherapy processes, anti-cancer drugs can be encapsulated in a stimuli-responsive coating which is capable of being functionalized by diverse ligands to increase the biocompatibility and control drug release behavior in a targeted drug delivery system. Nanoparticles (NPs) are playing an important role as nanocarriers in chemotherapy procedures, recently, numerous novel drug delivery systems have been studied which employed diverse types of NPs with remarkable structural features like porous nanocarriers with active and extended surface areas to enhance the drug loading and delivery efficacy. In this study, Daunorubicin (DAU) as an effective anti-cancer drug for treating various cancers introduced, and its application for novel drug delivery systems either as a single chemotherapy agent or co-delivery alongside other drugs with diverse NPs has been reviewed.

Near-infrared light-controlled kartogenin delivery of multifunctional Prussian blue nanocomposites for cartilage defect repair

Articular cartilage injury repair remains a challenge for clinicians and researchers. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have multiple differentiation potentials and can be induced to differentiate into the chondrogenic lineage for cartilage defect repair; however, the insufficient capacity of chondrogenic differentiation and excess reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated oxidative stress, which always lead to differentiation into hypertrophic chondrocytes, still need to be resolved. Accordingly, kartogenin (KGN), which can promote chondrogenic differentiation of MSCs, has shown promise in promoting infected cartilage repair. However, realizing controllable release to prolong its action time and avoid hypertrophic differentiation is critical. We herein developed a mesoporous Prussian blue nanoparticle (mPB)-based near-infrared (NIR) light-responsive controlled nanosystem. KGN was encapsulated in temperature-stimulated responsive phase change materials (PCMs), which were used as excellent gating materials (KGN-PCM@mPBs). In addition, the mPBs could efficiently scavenge ROS by their enzyme-like antioxidative activities. Our study demonstrates that the nanocomposites could efficiently promote chondrogenic differentiation and successfully inhibit the hypertrophic differentiation of MSCs. By intra-articular injection of KGN-PCM@mPBs and NIR-triggered precisely controlled release, satisfactory cartilage repair effects can be achieved in a rat chondral defect model. Thus, this constructed NIR-mediated KGN-PCM@mPB nanoplatform may represent an effective cartilage repair strategy with satisfactory biosafety in clinical applications.

Progress in the preparation of Prussian blue-based nanomaterials for biomedical applications

Prussian blue (PB) is composed of the coordination network of Fe²⁺-CN-Fe³⁺ mixed valence state as a classic metal complex, which includes a C atom and Fe²⁺ (low spin), N atom and Fe³⁺ (high spin). PB and its analogues (PBA) have excellent biosafety, good magnetic properties, outstanding photothermal properties and the ability to mimic enzymatic behaviors due to their stable structure, tunable size, controllable morphology, abundant modification methods and excellent physicochemical properties. They have received increasing research interest and have shown promising applications in the biomedical field. Here, progress in the preparation of PB-based nanomaterials for biomedical applications is summarized and discussed. The preparation strategies, traditional synthesis and emerging preparation methods of PB are summarized systematically in this review. The design and preparation of PBA, PB(PBA)-based hollow structures and PB(PBA)-based composites are also included. While introducing the preparation status, some PB-based nanomaterials that have performed well in specific biomedical fields are emphasized. More importantly, the key factors and future development of PB for the clinical translation as multifunctional nanomaterials are also discussed. This review provides a reference for the design and biomedical application of PB-based nanomaterials.

Artificial engineering of the protein corona at bio-nano interfaces for improved cancer-targeted nanotherapy

Nanoparticles (NPs) have been demonstrated in numerous applications as anticancer, antibacterial and antioxidant agents. Artificial engineering of protein interactions with NPs in biological systems is crucial to develop potential NPs for drug delivery and cancer nanotherapy. The protein corona (PC) on the NP surface, displays an interface between biomacromolecules and NPs, governing their pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. Upon interaction of proteins with the NP surface, their surface features are modified and they can easily be removed from the circulation by the mononuclear phagocytic system (MPS). PC properties heavily depend on the biological microenvironment and NP surface physicochemical parameters. Based on this context, we have surveyed different approaches that have been used for artificial engineering of the PC composition on NP surfaces. We discuss the effects of NP size, shape, surface modifications (PEGylation, self-peptide, other polymers), and protein pre-coating on the PC properties. Additionally, other factors including protein source and structure, intravenous injection and the subsequent shear flow, plasma protein gradients, temperature and local heat transfer, and washing media are considered in the context of their effects on the PC properties and overall target cellular effects. Moreover, the effects of NP-PC complexes on cancer cells based on cellular interactions, organization of intracellular PC (IPC), targeted drug delivery (TDD) and regulation of burst drug release profile of nanoplatforms, enhanced biocompatibility, and clinical applications were discussed followed by challenges and future perspective of the field. In conclusion, this paper can provide useful information to manipulate PC properties on the NP surface, thus trying to provide a literature survey to shorten their shipping from preclinical to clinical trials and to lay the basis for a personalized PC.

Phase-change mesoporous Prussian blue nanoparticles for loading paclitaxel and chemo-photothermal therapy of cancer

Complete treatment of cancer remains a major challenge today. Herein, a biocompatible drug delivery system named as PCM + PTX@mPBs/PEG was constructed. In this system, Paclitaxel (PTX) was blended with phase-change material (PCM) and loaded in mesoporous Prussian blue nanoparticles (mPBs), and chelated with polyethylene glycol at surface. The blank PCM@mPBs/PEG had uniform particle size distribution, large pore size to load drug, excellent photothermal efficiency and good biocompatibility. After loading PTX, PCM + PTX@mPBs/PEG was demonstrated with a high loading capacity and the drug presented temperature-responsive release characteristics. In addition, PTX can be released under the exposure of an NIR laser. In vitro cell experiments showed that nanoparticles can be exposed to near-infrared irradiation to increase uptake in cells, which enhanced anticancer activity. After tail vein injection of PCM + PTX@mPBs/PEG suspension in tumor-bearing mice, PCM + PTX@mPBs/PEG can accumulate at the tumor site through passive transport. The tumor was effectively suppressed by phototherapy and chemotherapy with few side effects. In summary, compared with photothermal therapy or chemotherapy alone, the prepared PCM + PTX@mPBs/PEG showed synergistic photothermal and chemotherapeutic effects on cancer treatment of mice.