Safety and Toxicity Issues of Therapeutically Used Nanoparticles from the Oral Route

The simultaneous use of nanovesicles and magnetic nanoparticles for cancer targeting and imaging

Cancer is increasingly being recognized as a global health issue with considerable unmet medical need. Despite the rapid progression of anticancer pharmaceuticals, there are still significant challenges for the effective management of cancer. In many circumstances, cancer cells are difficult to detect and treat. Combination of nanovesicles (NVs) and magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs), referred as magnetic nanovesicles (MNVs), is now well recognized as a potential theranostic option for improving cancer treatment outcomes and reducing adverse effects. MNVs can be used for monitoring the long-term fate and functional benefits of cancer therapy. Moreover, MNV-mediated hyperthermia mechanism has been explored as a potential technique for triggering cancer cell death, and/or controlled release of laden cargo. In this review, we focus on the unique characteristics of MNVs as a promising avenue for targeted drug delivery, diagnosis, and treatments of cancer or tumor. Moreover, we discuss critical considerations related to the issues raised in this area, which will guide future research toward better anti-cancer therapeutics for clinical applications.

Dairy and nondairy proteins as nano-architecture structures for delivering phenolic compounds: Unraveling their molecular interactions to maximize health benefits

Phenolic compounds are recognized for their benefits against degenerative diseases. Clinical and nutritional applications are limited by their low solubility, stability, and bioavailability, compromising their efficacy. Natural macromolecules, such as lipids, polysaccharides, and proteins, employed as delivery systems can efficiently overcome these limitations. In this sense, proteins are attractive due to their biocompatibility and dynamic structure properties, functional adaptability and self-assembly capabilities, offering stability, efficient encapsulation, and controlled release. This review explores the potential use of dairy proteins, caseins, and whey proteins, and, alternatively, nondairy proteins, gelatin, human serum albumin, maize zein, and soybean proteins, in building wall materials for the delivery of phenolic compounds. To optimize performance, aspects, such as protein-phenolic affinity and complex stability/activity, should be considered when designing particle nano-architecture. Molecular interactions between protein-phenolic compound complexes are, thus, further discussed, as well as the effects of temperature and pH and strategies to stabilize and preserve nano-architecture and retain phenolic compound activity. All proteins harbor one or more putative binding sites, shared or not, depending on the phenolic compound. Preservation techniques are still a case-to-case study, as no behavior patterns among different complexes are noted. Safety aspects necessary for the marketing of nanoproducts, such as characterization, toxicity assessments, and post-market monitoring as defined by the European Food Safety Authority and the Food and Drug Administration, are discussed, evidencing the need for a unified regulation. This review broadens our understanding and opens new opportunities for the development of novel protein-based nanocarriers to obtain more effective and stable products, enhancing phenolic compound delivery and health benefits.

β-Glucan-A promising immunocyte-targeting drug delivery vehicle: Superiority, applications and future prospects

Drug delivery technologies that could convert promising therapeutics into successful therapies have been under broad research for many years. Recently, β-glucans, natural-occurring polysaccharides extracted from many organism species such as yeast, fungi and bacteria, have attracted increasing attention to serve as drug delivery carriers. With their unique structure and innate immunocompetence, β-glucans are considered as promising carriers for targeting delivery especially when applied in the vaccine construction and oral administration of therapeutic agents. In this review, we focus on three types of β-glucans applied in the drug delivery system including yeast β-glucan, Schizophyllan and curdlan, highlighting the benefits of β-glucan based delivery system. We summarize how β-glucans as delivery vehicles have aided various therapeutics ranging from macromolecules including proteins, peptides and nucleic acids to small molecular drugs to reach desired cells or organs in terms of loading strategies. We also outline the challenges and future directions for developing the next generation of β-glucan based delivery systems.

Effectiveness of epigallocatechin gallate nanoparticles on the in-vivo treatment of Alzheimer's disease in a rat/mouse model: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurological disease that causes memory loss over time. Current therapies are limited and frequently inadequate. Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antifibrosis, anti-remodeling and tissue-protective qualities that may be effective in treatment of different diseases, including AD. Because of nanoparticles' high surface area, they can enhance solubility, stability, pharmacokinetics and biodistribution, and diminish toxicities. Besides, lipid nanoparticles have a high binding affinity that can enhance the rate of drug transport across BBB. So, EGCG nanoparticles represent a promising treatment for AD.

OBJECTIVES

This systematic review sought to assess the efficacy of EGCG nanoparticles against AD in rat/mouse models.

METHODS

Study was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines, and the protocol was registered in PROSPERO. Electronic databases were searched to discover relevant studies published up to October 2022.

RESULTS

Two studies met the inclusion criteria out of 1338 and were included in this systematic review. Collectively, the results indicate that EGCG has a significant potential for reducing AD pathology and improving cognitive deficits in rat/mouse models. The formulated particles were in the nanometer range, as indicated by TEM, with good particle size control and stability. EGCG nanoparticles showed superior pharmacokinetic characteristics and improved blood-brain barrier permeability, and increased brain bioavailability compared to free EGCG. Additionally, nanoEGCG were more effective in modulating oxidative stress than free formulation and decreased AChE in the cortex and hippocampus of AlCl3-treated rats.

CONCLUSION

This systematic analysis of the two studies included showed that EGCG nanoparticles are efficacious as a potential therapeutic intervention for AD in rat/mouse models. However, limited number of studies found indicates insufficient data in this research point that requires further investigation by experimental studies.

Magnetic hybrid nanovesicles for the precise diagnosis and treatment of central nervous system disorders

INTRODUCTION

Central nervous system (CNS)-related disorders are increasingly being recognized as a global health challenge worldwide. There are significant challenges for effective diagnosis and treatment due to the presence of the CNS barriers which impede the management of neurological diseases. Combination of nanovesicles (NVs) and magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs), referred to as magnetic nanovesicles (MNVs), is now well suggested as a potential theranostic option for improving the management of neurological disorders with increased targeting efficiency and minimized side effects.

AREAS COVERED

This review provides a summary of major CNS disorders and the physical barriers limiting the access of imaging/therapeutic agents to the CNS environment. A special focus on the unique features of MNPs and NV is discussed which make them attractive candidates for neuro-nanomedicine. Furthermore, a deeper understanding of MNVs as a promising combined strategy for diagnostic and/or therapeutic purposes in neurological disorders is provided.

EXPERT OPINION

The multifunctionality of MNVs offers the ability to overcome the CNS barriers and can be used to monitor the effectiveness of treatment. The insights provided will guide future research toward better outcomes and facilitate the development of next-generation, innovative treatments for CNS disorders.

Synergistic Antibacterial Effects of Amoxicillin and Gold Nanoparticles: A Therapeutic Option to Combat Antibiotic Resistance

Compacted Au@16-mph-16/DNA-AMOX (NSi) nanosystems were prepared from amoxicillin (AMOX) and precursor Au@16-mph-16 gold nanoparticles (Ni) using a Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) biopolymer as a glue. The synthesized nanocarrier was tested on different bacterial strains of Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Streptococcus pneumoniae to evaluate its effectiveness as an antibiotic as well as its internalization. Synthesis of the nanosystems required previous structural and thermodynamic studies using circular dichroism (CD) and UV-visible techniques to guarantee optimal complex formation and maximal DNA compaction, characteristics which facilitate the correct uptake of the nanocarrier. Two nanocomplexes with different compositions and structures, denoted NS1 and NS2, were prepared, the first involving external Au@16-mph-16 binding and the second partial intercalation. The Ni and NSi nanosystems obtained were characterized via transmission electron microscopy (TEM), zeta potential, and dynamic light scattering (DLS) techniques to measure their charge, aggregation state and hydrodynamic size, and to verify their presence inside the bacteria. From these studies, it was concluded that the zeta potential values for gold nanoparticles, NS1, and NS2 nanosystems were 67.8, -36.7, and -45.1 mV. Moreover, the particle size distribution of the Au@16-mph-16 gold nanoparticles and NS2 nanoformulation was found to be 2.6 nm and 69.0 nm, respectively. However, for NS1 nanoformulation, a bimodal size distribution of 44 nm (95.5%) and 205 nm (4.5%) was found. Minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) values were determined for the bacteria studied using a microdilution plates assay. The effect on Escherichia coli bacteria was notable, with MIC values of 17 µM for both the NS1 and NS2 nanosystems. The Staphylococcus aureus chart shows a greater inhibition effect of NS2 and NP2 in non-diluted wells, and clearly reveals a great effect on Streptococcus pneumoniae, reaching MIC values of 0.53 µM in more diluted wells. These results are in good agreement with TEM internalization studies of bacteria that reveal significant internalization and damage in Streptococcus pneumoniae. In all the treatments carried out, the antibiotic capacity of gold nanosystems as enhancers of amoxicillin was demonstrated, causing both the precursors and the nanosystems to act very quickly, and thus favoring microbial death with a small amount of antibiotic. Therefore, these gold nanosystems may constitute an effective therapy to combat resistance to antibiotics, in addition to avoiding the secondary effects derived from the administration of high doses of antibiotics.

Nanotechnology-Based Topical Delivery of Natural Products for the Management of Atopic Dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic eczematous inflammatory disease that may arise from environmental, genetic, and immunological factors. Despite the efficacy of current treatment options such as corticosteroids, such approaches are mainly focused on symptom relief and may present certain undesirable side effects. In recent years, isolated natural compounds, oils, mixtures, and/or extracts have gained scientific attention because of their high efficiency and moderate to low toxicity. Despite their promising therapeutic effects, the applicability of such natural healthcare solutions is somewhat limited by their instability, poor solubility, and low bioavailability. Therefore, novel nanoformulation-based systems have been designed to overcome these limitations, thus enhancing the therapeutic potential, by promoting the capacity of these natural drugs to properly exert their action in AD-like skin lesions. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first literature review that has focused on summarizing recent nanoformulation-based solutions loaded with natural ingredients, specifically for the management of AD. We suggest that future studies should focus on robust clinical trials that may confirm the safety and effectiveness of such natural-based nanosystems, thus paving the way for more reliable AD treatments.

Impact of nanotechnology on the oral delivery of phyto-bioactive compounds

Nanotechnology is an advanced field that has remarkable nutraceutical and food applications. Phyto-bioactive compounds (PBCs) play critical roles in promoting health and disease treatment. However, PBCs generally encounter several limitations that delay their widespread application. For example, most PBCs have low aqueous solubility, poor biostability, poor bioavailability, and a lack of target specificity. Moreover, the high concentrations of effective PBC doses also limit their application. As a result, encapsulating PBCs into an appropriate nanocarrier may increase their solubility and biostability and protect them from premature degradation. Moreover, nanoencapsulation could improve absorption and prolong circulation with a high opportunity for targeted delivery that may decrease unwanted toxicity. This review addresses the main parameters, variables, and barriers that control and affect oral PBC delivery. Moreover, this review discusses the potential role of biocompatible and biodegradable nanocarriers in improving the water solubility, chemical stability, bioavailability, and specificity/selectivity of PBCs.

Nanoparticle and Stem Cell Combination Therapy for the Management of Stroke

Stroke is currently one of the primary causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Unfortunately, the available treatments for stroke are still extremely limited. Indeed, stem cell (SC) therapy is a new option for the treatment of stroke that could significantly expand the therapeutic time window of stroke. Some proposed mechanisms for stroke-based SC therapy are the incorporation of SCs into the host brain to replace dead or damaged cells/tissues. Moreover, acute cell delivery can inhibit apoptosis and decrease lesion size, providing immunomudolatory and neuroprotection effects. However, several major SC problems related to SCs such as homing, viability, uncontrolled differentiation, and possible immune response, have limited SC therapy. A combination of SC therapy with nanoparticles (NPs) can be a solution to address these challenges. NPs have received considerable attention in regulating and controlling the behavior of SCs because of their unique physicochemical properties. By reviewing the pathophysiology of stroke and the therapeutic benefits of SCs and NPs, we hypothesize that combined therapy will offer a promising future in the field of stroke management. In this work, we discuss recent literature in SC research combined with NP-based strategies that may have a synergistic outcome after stroke incidence.

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

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

Microencapsulation of Probiotics for Food Functionalization: An Update on Literature Reviews

Functional foods comprise the largest growing food category due to both consumer demands and health claims by manufacturers. Probiotics are considered one of the best choices for meeting these demands. Traditionally, the food vehicle for introducing probiotics to consumers was dairy products, and to expand the benefits of probiotics for a wider range of consumers, the need to use other food items was essential. To achieve this goal while maximising the benefits of probiotics, protection methods used during food processing were tackled. The microencapsulation of probiotics is a promising methodology for achieving this function. This review highlights the use of the microencapsulation of probiotics in order to functionalise food items that initially were not considered suitable for probiotication, such as baked products, or to increase their functionality such as dairy products. The co-microencapsulation of probiotics with other functional ingredients such polyphenol, prebiotics, or omega-3 is also highlighted.

Molecular Imaging and Nanotechnology-Emerging Tools in Diagnostics and Therapy

Personalized medicine is emerging as a new goal in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases. This approach aims to establish differences between patients suffering from the same disease, which allows to choose the most effective treatment. Molecular imaging (MI) enables advanced insight into molecule interactions and disease pathology, improving the process of diagnosis and therapy and, for that reason, plays a crucial role in personalized medicine. Nanoparticles are widely used in MI techniques due to their size, high surface area to volume ratio, and multifunctional properties. After conjugation to specific ligands and drugs, nanoparticles can transport therapeutic compounds directly to their area of action and therefore may be used in theranostics—the simultaneous implementation of treatment and diagnostics. This review summarizes different MI techniques, including optical imaging, ultrasound imaging, magnetic resonance imaging, nuclear imaging, and computed tomography imaging with theranostics nanoparticles. Furthermore, it explores the potential use of constructs that enables multimodal imaging and track diseases in real time.