Combination of conventional chemotherapeutics with redox-active cerium oxide nanoparticles--a novel aspect in cancer therapy

Nanoceria-Mediated Cyclosporin A Delivery for Dry Eye Disease Management through Modulating Immune-Epithelial Crosstalk

Dry eye disease (DED) affects a substantial worldwide population with increasing frequency. Current single-targeting DED management is severely hindered by the existence of an oxidative stress-inflammation vicious cycle and complicated intercellular crosstalk within the ocular microenvironment. Here, a nanozyme-based eye drop, namely nanoceria loading cyclosporin A (Cs@P/CeO2), is developed, which possesses long-term antioxidative and anti-inflammatory capacities due to its regenerative antioxidative activity and sustained release of cyclosporin A (CsA). In vitro studies showed that the dual-functional Cs@P/CeO2 not only inhibits cellular reactive oxygen species production, sequentially maintaining mitochondrial integrity, but also downregulates inflammatory processes and repolarizes macrophages. Moreover, using flow cytometric and single-cell sequencing data, the in vivo therapeutic effect of Cs@P/CeO2 was systemically demonstrated, which rebalances the immune-epithelial communication in the corneal microenvironment with less inflammatory macrophage polarization, restrained oxidative stress, and enhanced epithelium regeneration. Collectively, our data proved that the antioxidative and anti-inflammatory Cs@P/CeO2 may provide therapeutic insights into DED management.

Development of nanoemulgel of 5-Fluorouracil for skin melanoma using glycyrrhizin as a penetration enhancer

The purpose of this study was to enhance the topical delivery of 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU), a cancer treatment, by developing a nanoemulgel formulation. Glycyrrhizin (GLY), a natural penetration enhancer has been investigated to exhibit synergistic effects with 5-FU in inhibiting melanoma cell proliferation and inducing apoptosis, Hence, GLY, along with suitable lipids was utilized to create an optimized nanoemulsion (NE) based gel. Solubility studies and ternary phase diagram revealed isopropyl myristate (IPM), Span 80, Tween 80 as Smix and Transcutol P as co-surfactant. IPM demonstrates excellent solubilizing properties facilitates higher drug loading, ensuring efficient delivery to the target site.,The optimized formulation consisting of 40 % IPM, 30 % of mixture of Tween80: Span80 (Smix) and 15 % Transcutol P provides with a nanometric size of 64.1 ± 5.13 nm and drug loading of 97.3 ± 5.83 %. The optimized formulation observed with no creaming and breakeing of NE and found thermodynamically stable during different stress conditions (temperatures of 4.0 °C and 45.0 °C) and physical thawing (-21.0 ± 0.50 °C to 20.0 ± 0.50 °C). The NE was then transformed into a nanoemulgel (NEG) using 1.5 % w/w Carbopol base and 0.1 % w/w glycyrrhizin. The ex vivo permeability studies showed significant enhancements in drug permeability with the GLY-based 5-FU-NEG formulation compared to pure 5-FU gel in excised pig skin upto1440 min in PBS 7.4 as receptor media. The IC50 values for Plain 5-FU gel, 5-FU-NEG, and GLY-based 5-FU-NEG were found to be 20 µg/mL, 1.1 µg/mL, and 0.1 µg/mL, respectively in B16F10 cell lines. The percentage intracellular uptake of GLY-5-FU-NEG and 5-FU-NEG was found to be 44.3 % and 53.6 %, respectively. GLY-based 5-FU-NEG formulation showed alterations in cell cycle distribution, in compared to 5-FU-NE gel. The overall findings suggest that the GLY-based 5-FU-NEG holds promise for improving anti-melanoma activity.

Toxicokinetics of rare earth element oxides administered intravenously to rats

Rare earth elements (REEs) are increasingly used in a wide range of applications. However, their toxicokinetic behaviors in animals and humans are not yet fully documented, hindering health risk assessments. We used a rat experimental model to provide novel data on the toxicokinetics of the insoluble oxide forms of praseodymium (Pr), neodymium (Nd), cerium (Ce) and yttrium (Y) administered intravenously. Detailed blood, urinary and fecal time courses were documented through serial sampling over 21 days in male Sprague-Dawley rats exposed to a mixture of these REE oxides administered at two different doses (0.3 or 1 mg kg-1 bw of each REE oxide commercially sold as bulk μm-sized particles). Tissue REE levels at the time of sacrifice were also measured. Significant effects of the dose on REE time courses in blood and on cumulative urinary and fecal excretion rates were observed for all four REE oxides assessed, as lower cumulative excretion rates were noted at the higher REE dose. In the liver, the main accumulation organ, the fraction of the administered REE dose remaining in the tissue at necropsy was similar at both doses. Toxicokinetic data for the REE oxides were compared to similar data for their chloride salts (also administered intravenously in a mixture, at 0.3 and 1 mg kg-1 bw of each REE chloride) obtained from a previous study. Compared to their chloride counterparts, faster elimination of REE oxides from the blood was observed in the first hours post-dosing. Furthermore, higher mean residence time (MRT) values as well as slower cumulative urinary and fecal excretion were determined for the REE oxides. Also, while liver REE retention was similar for both REE forms, the fractions of the administered REEs recovered in the spleen and lungs were noticeably higher for the REE oxides, at both dose levels. This study highlights the importance of both the dose and form of the administered REEs on their toxicokinetic profiles. Results indicate that chronic exposure and increased doses of REEs may favor bioaccumulation in the body, in particular for insoluble oxide forms of REEs, which are eliminated more slowly from the body.

Radioprotective Potency of Nanoceria

Cancer presents a significant medical challenge that requires effective management. Current cancer treatment options, such as chemotherapy, targeted therapy, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy, have limitations in terms of their efficacy and the potential harm they can cause to normal tissues. In response, researchers have been focusing on developing adjuvants that can enhance tumor responses while minimizing damage to healthy tissues. Among the promising options, nanoceria (NC), a type of nanoparticle composed of cerium oxide, has garnered attention for its potential to improve various cancer treatment regimens. Nanoceria has demonstrated its ability to exhibit toxicity towards cancer cells, inhibit invasion, and sensitize cancer cells to both radiation therapy and chemotherapy. The remarkable aspect is that nanoceria show minimal toxicity to normal tissues while protecting against various forms of reactive oxygen species generation. Its capability to enhance the sensitivity of cancer cells to chemotherapy and radiotherapy has also been observed. This paper thoroughly reviews the current literature on nanoceria's applications within different cancer treatment modalities, with a specific focus on radiotherapy. The emphasis is on nanoceria's unique role in enhancing tumor radiosensitization and safeguarding normal tissues from radiation damage.

Metal nanoparticles as a potential technique for the diagnosis and treatment of gastrointestinal cancer: a comprehensive review

Gastrointestinal (GI) cancer is a major health problem worldwide, and current diagnostic and therapeutic approaches are often inadequate. Various metallic nanoparticles (MNPs) have been widely studied for several biomedical applications, including cancer. They may potentially overcome the challenges associated with conventional chemotherapy and significantly impact the overall survival of GI cancer patients. Functionalized MNPs with targeted ligands provide more efficient localization of tumor energy deposition, better solubility and stability, and specific targeting properties. In addition to enhanced therapeutic efficacy, MNPs are also a diagnostic tool for molecular imaging of malignant lesions, enabling non-invasive imaging or detection of tumor-specific or tumor-associated antigens. MNP-based therapeutic systems enable simultaneous stability and solubility of encapsulated drugs and regulate the delivery of therapeutic agents directly to tumor cells, which improves therapeutic efficacy and minimizes drug toxicity and leakage into normal cells. However, metal nanoparticles have been shown to have a cytotoxic effect on cells in vitro. This can be a concern when using metal nanoparticles for cancer treatment, as they may also kill healthy cells in addition to cancer cells. In this review, we provide an overview of the current state of the field, including preparation methods of MNPs, clinical applications, and advances in their use in targeted GI cancer therapy, as well as the advantages and limitations of using metal nanoparticles for the diagnosis and treatment of gastrointestinal cancer such as potential toxicity. We also discuss potential future directions and areas for further research, including the development of novel MNP-based approaches and the optimization of existing approaches.

Combinatorial Effect of Doxorubicin Entrapped in Alginate-Chitosan Hybrid Polymer and Cerium Oxide Nanocomposites on Skin Cancer Management in Mice

Conventional chemotherapeutic drugs are used for cancer management, but recently nanoparticles have also been shown to contribute towards controlling cancer cell proliferation. In the present study, we focussed on analyzing the combinatorial effect of Cerium oxide (CeO2) nanoparticles and Doxorubicin (Dox) on melanoma cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. We entrapped CeO2, Dox, and CeO2+Dox in a hybrid polymer matrix of alginate and chitosan (Alg-Cs) and used them in both in vitro and in vivo studies to compare their anticancer effect. Scratch assay using A549 lung cancer cells showed delayed wound healing when exposed to a low and high dose of CeO2 +Dox, compared to individual components. In order to determine a safe dose of the nanoformulations, zebrafish embryos were used. Further, in vivo, testing was done on Swiss albino female mice where the melanoma was induced by applying Benzopyrene followed by UV irradiation. The animals were treated with CeO2, Dox, and CeO2+ Dox that were entrapped in Alg-Cs for further 21 days. From both in vivo and in vitro results, we concluded that CeO2 and Dox in combination had superior therapeutic efficiency in cancer cells and animals than the nude drugs.

Nanoparticles in Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment

The use of tailored medication delivery in cancer treatment has the potential to increase efficacy while decreasing unfavourable side effects. For researchers looking to improve clinical outcomes, chemotherapy for cancer continues to be the most challenging topic. Cancer is one of the worst illnesses despite the limits of current cancer therapies. New anticancer medications are therefore required to treat cancer. Nanotechnology has revolutionized medical research with new and improved materials for biomedical applications, with a particular focus on therapy and diagnostics. In cancer research, the application of metal nanoparticles as substitute chemotherapy drugs is growing. Metals exhibit inherent or surface-induced anticancer properties, making metallic nanoparticles extremely useful. The development of metal nanoparticles is proceeding rapidly and in many directions, offering alternative therapeutic strategies and improving outcomes for many cancer treatments. This review aimed to present the most commonly used nanoparticles for cancer applications.

Nanoparticles as a Therapeutic Delivery System for Skin Cancer Prevention and Treatment

The use of nanoparticles (NPs) as a therapeutic delivery system has expanded markedly over the past decade, particularly regarding applications targeting the skin. The delivery of NP-based therapeutics to the skin requires special consideration owing to its role as both a physical and immunologic barrier, and specific technologies must not only take into consideration the target but also the pathway of delivery. The unique challenge this poses has been met with the development of a wide panel of NP-based technologies meant to precisely address these considerations. In this review article, we describe the application of NP-based technologies for drug delivery targeting the skin, summarize the types of NPs, and discuss the current landscape of NPs for skin cancer prevention and skin cancer treatment as well as future directions within these applications.

Nanotechnology-based radiation therapy to cure cancer and the challenges in its clinical applications

Radiation therapy against cancer frequently fails to attain the desired outcomes because of several restricting aspects. Radiation therapy is not a targeted antitumor treatment, and it poses serious threats to normal tissues as well. In many cases, some inherent features of tumors make them resistant to radiation therapy. Several nanoparticles have shown the capacity to upgrade the viability of radiation treatment because they can directly interact with ionizing radiation to increase cellular radiation sensitivity. Several types of nanomaterials have been investigated as radio-sensitizers, to improve the efficacy of radiotherapy and overcome radio-resistance including, metal-based nanoparticles, quantum dots, silica-based nanoparticles, polymeric nanoparticles, etc. Despite all this research and development, certain challenges associated with the exploitation of nanoparticles to enhance and improve radiation therapy for cancer treatment are encountered. Potential applications of nanoparticles as radiosensitizers is hindered by the difficulties associated with ensuring their production at a large scale with improved characterizations and because of certain biological challenges. By overcoming the shortcomings of nanoparticles like working on the pharmacokinetics, and physical and chemical characterization, the therapy can be improved. It is expected that in the future more knowledge will be available regarding nanoparticles and their clinical efficacy, leading to the successful development of nanotechnology-based radiation therapies for a variety of cancers. This review highlights the limitations of conventional radiotherapy in cancer treatment and explores the potential of nanotechnology, specifically the use of nanomaterials, to overcome these challenges. It discusses the concept of using nanomaterials to enhance the effectiveness of radiation therapy and provides an overview of different types of nanomaterials and their beneficial properties. The review emphasizes the need to address the obstacles and limitations associated with the application of nanotechnology in cancer radiation therapy for successful clinical translation.

Nanotherapeutic potential of antibacterial folic acid-functionalized nanoceria for wound-healing applications

Aim: The functionalization and characterization of antibacterial nanoceria with folic acid (FA) and elucidation of their in vivo wound healing application. Materials & methods: Functionalization of nanoceria were done with FA using a chemical method and their antibacterial activity, cellular biocompatibility and in vivo wound healing application were evaluated. Results: The functionalization of nanoceria with FA was done with 10 to 20 nm size and -20.1 mV zeta potential. The nanoformulation showed a bacteriostatic effect along with biocompatibility to different cell lines; 0.1% w/v spray of FA-nanoceria demonstrated excellent wound healing capacity within 14 days in a Wister rat model. Conclusion: The antioxidant and reactive oxygen species scavenging activity of the FA-nanoceria make it a promising therapeutic agent as a unique spray formulation in wound healing applications.

NEK6 Regulates Redox Balance and DNA Damage Response in DU-145 Prostate Cancer Cells

NEK6 is a central kinase in developing castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). However, the pathways regulated by NEK6 in CRPC are still unclear. Cancer cells have high reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and easily adapt to this circumstance and avoid cell death by increasing antioxidant defenses. We knocked out the NEK6 gene and evaluated the redox state and DNA damage response in DU-145 cells. The knockout of NEK6 decreases the clonogenic capacity, proliferation, cell viability, and mitochondrial activity. Targeting the NEK6 gene increases the level of intracellular ROS; decreases the expression of antioxidant defenses (SOD1, SOD2, and PRDX3); increases JNK phosphorylation, a stress-responsive kinase; and increases DNA damage markers (p-ATM and γH2AX). The exogenous overexpression of NEK6 also increases the expression of these same antioxidant defenses and decreases γH2AX. The depletion of NEK6 also induces cell death by apoptosis and reduces the antiapoptotic Bcl-2 protein. NEK6-lacking cells have more sensitivity to cisplatin. Additionally, NEK6 regulates the nuclear localization of NF-κB2, suggesting NEK6 may regulate NF-κB2 activity. Therefore, NEK6 alters the redox balance, regulates the expression of antioxidant proteins and DNA damage, and its absence induces the death of DU-145 cells. NEK6 inhibition may be a new strategy for CRPC therapy.

Role of Cerium Oxide Nanoparticles and Doxorubicin in Improving Cancer Management: A Mini Review

Cancer is one of the significant issues with public health and the second leading cause of death worldwide. The three most lethal cancers in the general population are stomach, lung, and liver cancers, in which lung and breast cancers cause the majority of cancer-associated deaths among men and women, respectively. CeO2 nanoparticles have a cytoprotectant effect in normal cells and a cytotoxic effect in cancer cells that enables them to induce the reactive oxygen species (ROS) production within cancer cells, which in turn develops reactive nitrogen species (RNS) that interfere with intracellular activities, and this property makes them an excellent anticancer agent. Because of its biofilm suppression, free radical scavenging ability, redox activity, and other unique properties, attention has been bestowed on cerium oxide nanoparticles as a potential alternative to solve many biomedical issues in the future. This review mainly focuses on the combinatorial effect of cerium dioxide nanoparticles and Doxorubicin in cancer management.

The Anticancer Role of Cerium Oxide Nanoparticles by Inducing Antioxidant Activity in Esophageal Cancer and Cancer Stem-Like ESCC Spheres

Introduction

Esophagus squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) has a poor prognosis, a high rate of metastasis, and rapid clinical progression. One hypothesis is that therapeutic failure is due to the presence of cancer stem cells (CSC). Previous studies showed the anticancer effect of cerium oxide nanoparticles (CNP) in different cancer cells. In this study, we aim to evaluate the effect of cerium oxide nanoparticles on cell antioxidants, toxicity, as well as cell oxidant level in esophageal cancer (YM1) and cancer stem cell-like (CSC-LC) cell lines.

Method

YM1 and CSC-LC spheres were treated with CNP at different concentrations. The cell viability was assessed by using the MTT test. Antioxidant levels (SOD (superoxide dismutase, CAT (catalase), thiol, and TAC (total antioxidant capacity)), antioxidant genes expression (SOD and CAT), ROS (reactive oxygen species), and MDA (malondialdehyde) levels were assessed in both cell lines.

Results

CSC-LC had significantly elevated SOX4 and OCT4 pluripotent genes. The ROS and MDA levels were significantly reduced in both YM1 and CSC-LC spheres after treatment with CNP. Also, the antioxidant levels and expressions were elevated significantly in both cell lines after CNP treatment.

Conclusion

These results suggest the potential anticancer effect of CNP by elevating antioxidant levels and expressions, and reducing oxidant levels.

The Effect of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles on Properties and Burn Wound Healing Activity of Thixotropic Xymedone Gels

Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) modified by oxopyrymidine alcohol, also known as xymedone (Xym), were obtained and studied using FTIR, UV-vis, and fluorescent spectroscopy, and SEM, BET, powder XRD, and DLS analysis. A formulation of thixotropic hydrophilic gels containing Carbopol-based Xym and ZnO NPs was developed. A vertical Franz cell with a cellulose acetate membrane was used as a model to investigate the passive diffusion of the gel components by AAS. The gel components—Xym and ZnO NPs—were shown to penetrate through acetyl cellulose membrane within 5–7 h depending on an initial amount, and its values were in the range of 56–77%. The penetration of modified ZnO NPs by Xym was more effective in contrast to ZnO NPs without modification. The burn wound healing activity of ZnO NPs–Xym gel was demonstrated on a thermal burn wound model on rats. SOD and GR activity was increased by 30–35% during ZnO NPs–Xym gel treatment, the burn area on 10 postburn day decreased by 10% in contrast to a positive control, Methyluracyl®® ointment.

Antioxidant Activity of New Copolymer Conjugates of Methoxyoligo(Ethylene Glycol)Methacrylate and Betulin Methacrylate with Cerium Oxide Nanoparticles In Vitro

The synthesis of two new copolymer conjugates of methoxyoligo(ethylene glycol)methacrylate MPEGMA and betulin methacrylate BM was developed via RAFT polymerization. The molar content of BM units was equal to 9–10 and 13–16 mol%, respectively (HPLC, ¹H and ¹³C NMR); molar weights were equal to 75000–115000. CeO₂ NPs as a component of the hybrid material were synthesized for the preparation of the composition with copolymer conjugates of MPEGMA and BM. We showed a significant increase in G6PDH and GR activities by 21–51% and 9–132%, respectively, which was due to the increase in NADPH concentration under the action of copolymers in vitro. The actions of copolymers and CeO₂ NPs combination were stronger than those of the individual components: the SOD activity increased by more than 30%, the catalase activity increased dose-dependently from 13 to 45%, and the GR activity increased to 49%. The maximum increase in enzyme activity was observed for the G6PDH from 54% to 151%. The MDA level dose-dependently increased by 3–15% under the action of copolymers compared with the control, and dose-dependently decreased by 3–12% in samples containing CeO₂ NPs only. CeO₂ NP–copolymer compositions can be used for the design of new biomimetic medical products with controlled antioxidant properties.

Activation of SIRT-1 Pathway by Nanoceria Sheds Light on Its Ameliorative Effect on Doxorubicin-Induced Cognitive Impairment (Chemobrain): Restraining Its Neuroinflammation, Synaptic Dysplasticity and Apoptosis

Chemo fog is one of the most serious health concerns encountered by cancer survivors receiving doxorubicin (DOX)-based chemotherapy. Oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, apoptosis and impairment of synaptic plasticity are regarded as the key factors implicated in DOX-induced cognitive impairment. This research aimed to assess the possible neuroprotective effect of cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeNPs) against DOX-induced neurotoxicity. Forty-eight rats were divided into four groups (12 rats/group): control group, CeNPs group (received oral CeNPs solution (35 mg/kg) daily for 4 weeks), and DOX group (were administered DOX intraperitoneally (2 mg/kg, once/week for 4 weeks)) and DOX+ CeNPs group. The findings revealed that CeNPs mitigated behavioral alterations in DOX-induced cognitive deficit. Additionally, CeNPs alleviated the histopathological abnormalities in hippocampus and ameliorated DOX-induced neuroinflammation by downregulating the expression of NF-κB, TNF-α, IL-1β and IL6. In addition, CeNPs antagonized the apoptosis through reducing the protein expression of cytochrome c and caspase 3. In addition, it stimulated the antioxidant defense, as indicated by upregulating the expression of the Nrf2, HO-1 and PGC-1α genes. CeNPs improved synaptic plasticity via acting on the BDNF. These actions were related through the modification of SIRT-1 expression. Based on the aforementioned results, CeNPs antagonized the doxorubicin-induced neurodegeneration by its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antiapoptotic effects, alongside its SIRT-1 mediated mechanisms.

Transdermal permeation of inorganic cerium salts in intact human skin

The stratum corneum protects the body against external agents, such as metals, chemicals, and toxics. Although it is considered poorly permeable to them, comprising the major barrier to the permeation of such substances, it may become a relevant gate of entry for such molecules. Cerium (Ce) is a lanthanide that is widely used in catalytic, energy, biological and medicinal applications, owing to its intrinsic structural and unique redox properties. Cerium salts used to produce cerium oxide (CeO₂) nanostructures can potentially come into contact with the skin and be absorbed following dermal exposure. The objective of this study was to investigate the percutaneous absorption of three inorganic Ce salts: cerium (III) chloride (CeCl₃); cerium (III) nitrate (Ce(NO₃)₃) and ammonium cerium (IV) nitrate (Ce(NH₄)₂(NO₃)₆), which are commonly adopted for the synthesis of CeO₂ using in vitro - ex vivo technique in Franz diffusion cells. The present work shows that Ce salts cannot permeate intact human skin, but they can penetrate significantly in the epidermis (up to 0.29 μg/cm²) and, to a lesser extent in dermis (up to 0.11 μg/cm²). Further studies are required to evaluate the potential effects of long-term exposure to Ce.

Photopolymerized Zwitterionic Hydrogels with a Sustained Delivery of Cerium Oxide Nanoparticle-miR146a Conjugate Accelerate Diabetic Wound Healing

In the United States, $87 billion per year is spent on the care of diabetic ulcers alone. Although the pathophysiology of diabetic wound healing is multifaceted, high systemic levels of inflammation and increased reactive oxygen species are often implicated in the wound healing impairment. Zwitterionic materials have been demonstrated to reduce inflammation and increase extracellular matrix deposition in wound beds, and here, we demonstrate a fabrication method for photopolymerized zwitterionic hydrogels that also enables sustained drug delivery over time. A therapeutic molecule of interest that is examined in this work is cerium oxide nanoparticle tagged with microRNA-146a (CNP-miR146a) to combat both oxidative stress and inflammation. The hydrogels are composed of zwitterionic and nonzwitterionic monomers, and the hydrogel formation occurs in the absence of a crosslinker. The hydrogels exhibit a wide range of stiffness and mechanical properties depending on their monomer content. Additionally, these hydrogels exhibit sustained release of nanoparticles and proteins. Finally, when employed in an in vivo diabetic mouse wound healing model, the zwitterionic hydrogels alone and laden with the CNP-miR146a conjugate significantly improved the rate of diabetic wound healing. Overall, these materials have excellent potential to be used as a topical treatment for chronic diabetic wounds.

Cerium oxide nanoparticle conjugation to microRNA-146a mechanism of correction for impaired diabetic wound healing

Diabetic wounds represent a significant healthcare burden and are characterized by impaired wound healing due to increased oxidative stress and persistent inflammation. We have shown that CNP-miR146a synthesized by the conjugation of cerium oxide nanoparticles (CNP) to microRNA (miR)-146a improves diabetic wound healing. CNP are divalent metal oxides that act as free radical scavenger, while miR146a inhibits the pro-inflammatory NFκB pathway, so CNP-miR146a has a synergistic role in modulating both oxidative stress and inflammation. In this study, we define the mechanism(s) by which CNP-miR146a improves diabetic wound healing by examining immunohistochemical and gene expression analysis of markers of inflammation, oxidative stress, fibrosis, and angiogenesis. We have found that intradermal injection of CNP-miR146a increases wound collagen, enhances angiogenesis, and lowers inflammation and oxidative stress, ultimately promoting faster closure of diabetic wounds.

Lung function improves after delayed treatment with CNP-miR146a following acute lung injury

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a highly morbid pulmonary disease characterized by hypoxic respiratory failure. Its pathogenesis is characterized by unrestrained oxidative stress and inflammation, with long-term sequelae of pulmonary fibrosis and diminished lung function. Unfortunately, prior therapeutic ARDS trials have failed and therapy is limited to supportive measures. Free radical scavenging cerium oxide nanoparticles (CNP) conjugated to the anti-inflammatory microRNA-146a (miR146a), termed CNP-miR146a, have been shown to prevent acute lung injury in a pre-clinical model. In this study, we evaluated the potential of delayed treatment with CNP-miR146a at three or seven days after injury to rescue the lung from acute injury. We found that intratracheal CNP-miR146a administered three days after injury lowers pulmonary leukocyte infiltration, reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, lower pro-fibrotic gene expression and collagen deposition in the lung, and ultimately improve pulmonary function.

Anticancer Therapeutic Effects of Cerium Oxide Nanoparticles: Known and Unknown Molecular Mechanisms

Cerium-based nanoparticles (CeNPs), particularly cerium oxide (CeO2), have been studied extensively for their antioxidant and prooxidant properties. However, their complete redox and enzyme-mimetic mechanisms of therapeutic action at the molecular...

Hafnium Oxide-Based Nanoplatform for Combined Chemoradiotherapy

Recently, the combined therapy has become one of the main approaches in cancer treatment. Combining different approaches may provide a significant outcome by triggering several death mechanisms or causing increased damage of tumor cells without hurting healthy ones. The supramolecular nanoplatform based on a high-Z metal reported here is a suitable system for the targeted delivery of chemotherapeutic compounds, imaging, and an enhanced radiotherapy outcome. HfO₂ nanoparticles coated with oleic acid and a monomethoxypoly(ethylene glycol)-poly(ε-caprolactone) copolymer shell (nanoplatform) are able to accumulate inside cancer cells and release doxorubicin (DOX) under specific conditions. Neither uncoated nor coated nanoparticles show any cytotoxicity in vitro. DOX loaded onto a nanoplatform demonstrates a lower IC₅₀ value than pure DOX. X-ray irradiation of cancer cells loaded with a nanoplatform shows a higher death rate than that for cells without nanoparticles. These results provide an important foundation for the development of complex nanoscale systems for combined cancer treatment.

Nanoceria, the versatile nanoparticles: Promising biomedical applications

Nanotechnology has been a boon for the biomedical field due to the freedom it provides for tailoring of pharmacokinetic properties of different drug molecules. Nanomedicine is the medical application of nanotechnology for the diagnosis, treatment and/or management of the diseases. Cerium oxide nanoparticles (CNPs) are metal oxide-based nanoparticles (NPs) which possess outstanding reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging activities primarily due to the availability of "oxidation switch" on their surface. These NP have been found to protect from a number of disorders with a background of oxidative stress such as cancer, diabetes etc. In fact, the CNPs have been found to possess the environment-dependent ROS modulating properties. In addition, the inherent catalase, SOD, oxidase, peroxidase and phosphatase mimetic properties of CNPs provide them superiority over a number of NPs. Further, chemical reactivity of CNPs seems to be a function of their surface chemistry which can be precisely tuned by defect engineering. However, the contradictory reports make it necessary to critically evaluate the potential of CNPs, in the light of available literature. The review is aimed at probing the feasibility of CNPs to push towards the clinical studies. Further, we have also covered and censoriously discussed the suspected negative impacts of CNPs before making our way to a consensus. This review aims to be a comprehensive, authoritative, critical, and accessible review of general interest to the scientific community.

Oxygen in Metabolic Dysfunction and Its Therapeutic Relevance

Significance: In recent years, a number of studies have shown altered oxygen partial pressure at a tissue level in metabolic disorders, and some researchers have considered oxygen to be a (macro) nutrient. Oxygen availability may be compromised in obesity and several other metabolism-related pathological conditions, including sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome, the metabolic syndrome (which is a set of conditions), type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. Recent Advances: Strategies designed to reduce adiposity and its accompanying disorders have been mainly centered on nutritional interventions and physical activity programs. However, novel therapies are needed since these approaches have not been sufficient to counteract the worldwide increasing rates of metabolic disorders. In this regard, intermittent hypoxia training and hyperoxia could be potential treatments through oxygen-related adaptations. Moreover, living at a high altitude may have a protective effect against the development of abnormal metabolic conditions. In addition, oxygen delivery systems may be of therapeutic value for supplying the tissue-specific oxygen requirements. Critical Issues: Precise in vivo methods to measure oxygenation are vital to disentangle some of the controversies related to this research area. Further, it is evident that there is a growing need for novel in vitro models to study the potential pathways involved in metabolic dysfunction to find appropriate therapeutic targets. Future Directions: Based on the existing evidence, it is suggested that oxygen availability has a key role in obesity and its related comorbidities. Oxygen should be considered in relation to potential therapeutic strategies in the treatment and prevention of metabolic disorders. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 35, 642-687.

Chem-inspired hollow ceria nanozymes with lysosome-targeting for tumor synergistic phototherapy

The precise operation of the hypoxic tumor microenvironment presents a promising way to improve treatment efficacy, in particular in tumor synergistic phototherapy. This work reports an innovative approach to build adenosine triphosphate-modified hollow ceria nanozymes (ATP-HCNPs@Ce6) that manipulate tumor hypoxia to effectively achieve drug delivery. Hollow ceria nanoparticles (HCNPs) exhibit a controllable hollow structure through varying nitric acid concentrations in the nanocomposites. Specifically, ATP modification makes HCNPs exceptionally biocompatible and stable and acts as a regulator of HCNP enzymatic activity. In the stage of drug loading, newly prepared ATP-HCNPs@Ce6 serves as an in situ oxygen-generating agent because of its ability to simulate catalase. Therefore, ATP-HCNPs@Ce6 has adjustable enzymatic properties that act like a "switch" to selectively supply oxygen in response to high levels of hydrogen peroxide expression and the slightly acidic lysosomal environment of the tumor to enhance lysosome-targeted photodynamic therapy. Moreover, the obvious anticancer effects of ATP-HCNPs@Ce6 are demonstrated in vitro and in vivo. Overall, a simple and rapid self-assembly strategy to form and modify multifunctional HCNPs is reported, which may further propel their application in the field of precision tumor treatment.

Cerium oxide nanomaterial with dual antioxidative scavenging potential: Synthesis and characterization

Many studies have linked reactive oxygen species (ROS) to various diseases. Biomedical research has therefore sought a way to control and regulate ROS produced in biological systems. In recent years, cerium oxide nanoparticles (nanoceria, CNPs) have been pursued due to their ability to act as regenerative ROS scavengers. In particular, they are shown to have either superoxide dismutase (SOD) or catalase mimetic (CAT) potential depending on the ratio of Ce³⁺/Ce⁴⁺ valence states. Moreover, it has been demonstrated that SOD mimetic activity can be diminished by the presence of phosphate, which can be a problem given that many biological systems operate in a phosphate-rich environment. Herein, we report a CNP formulation with both SOD and catalase mimetic activity that is preserved in a phosphate-rich media. Characterization demonstrated a highly dispersed, stable solution of uniform-sized, spherical-elliptical shaped CNP of 12 ± 2 nm, as determined through dynamic light scattering, zeta potential, and transmission electron microscopy. Mixed valence states of Ce ions were observed via UV/Visible spectroscopy and XPS (Ce³⁺/Ce⁴⁺ > 1) (Ce³⁺∼ 62%). X-ray diffraction and XPS confirmed the presence of oxygen-deficient cerium oxide (CeO_2-x) particles. Finally, the CNP demonstrated very good biocompatibility and efficient reduction of hydrogen peroxide under in-vitro conditions.

Therapeutic Efficacy of Lactonic Sophorolipids: Nanoceria-Assisted Combination Therapy of NSCLC using HDAC and Hsp90 Inhibitors

Purpose: Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) has gained resistance to common chemo- and radiotherapy due to the oncogenic K-RAS mutations. In this work, lactonic sophorolipids (LSL), a constituent of natural sophorolipids known to inhibit histone deacetylase (HDAC) activity, is used to evaluate its potential anticancer property for the treatment of NSCLC. In addition, ganetespib (GT), a Hsp90 inhibitor, is used for its known antitumor activity in several K-RAS mutant NSCLC cells. We propose, a functional anti-oxidant nanomedicine composed of nanoceria (NC) encapsulated with two-drug cocktail LSL and GT for the assessment of therapeutic efficacy of LSL and targeted combination therapy of NSCLC. NC is an excellent redox platform specifically used to supplement the therapeutic potency of these drugs to target both HDAC inhibition and Hsp90 signaling pathways in NSCLC. Methods: Polyacrylic acid-coated nanoceria (PNC) was formulated and folic acid was conjugated on the surface of PNC using "click" chemistry to target NSCLC and to minimize adverse side effects. Solvent diffusion method was used for the encapsulation of individual drugs and co-encapsulation of drug-cocktail along with an optical dye DiI for diagnosis. We hypothesized that the therapeutic efficacy of LSL will be synergistically accelerated by the inhibition of Hsp90 mechanism of GT and redox activity of NC. Results: For the targeted therapy of NSCLC, A549 cells were used and Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells were used as healthy control cells. Results showed more than 40% cells were dead within 24 h when treated with LSL nanodrug. When combined with GT, enhanced ROS signals were detected and more than 80% reduction in cell viability was recorded within 24 h of incubation. Treatments with NC without any drug showed minimal toxicity. Migration assays indicate that the highly metastatic nature of NSCLC is successfully restricted by this combination approach. To validate the effectiveness of this combination therapy various cell-based assays including detection of apoptosis, necrosis and HDAC inhibition of LSL were performed. Conclusion: Functional nanoceria with drug-cocktail LSL and GT is successfully developed for the targeted treatment of undruggable NSCLC. The fluorescence modality helps monitoring the drugs delivery. Results demonstrate the potential therapeutic efficacy of LSL, which is synergistically accelerated by the Hsp90 inhibition mechanism of GT and redox activity of NC.

Cerium oxide nanoparticle delivery of microRNA-146a for local treatment of acute lung injury

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a devastating pulmonary disease with significant in-hospital mortality and is the leading cause of death in COVID-19 patients. Excessive leukocyte recruitment, unregulated inflammation, and resultant fibrosis contribute to poor ARDS outcomes. Nanoparticle technology with cerium oxide nanoparticles (CNP) offers a mechanism by which unstable therapeutics such as the anti-inflammatory microRNA-146a can be locally delivered to the injured lung without systemic uptake. In this study, we evaluated the potential of the radical scavenging CNP conjugated to microRNA-146a (termed CNP-miR146a) in preventing acute lung injury (ALI) following exposure to bleomycin. We have found that intratracheal delivery of CNP-miR146a increases pulmonary levels of miR146a without systemic increases, and prevents ALI by altering leukocyte recruitment, reducing inflammation and oxidative stress, and decreasing collagen deposition, ultimately improving pulmonary biomechanics.

Oxi-Redox Selective Breast Cancer Treatment: An In Vitro Study of Theranostic In-Based Oxide Nanoparticles for Controlled Generation or Prevention of Oxidative Stress

In this article, we demonstrate that specifically engineered oxide nanoparticles (NPs) have the potential to act as theranostic materials that are able to generate or prevent oxidative stress through their oxi-redox activity in various types of malignant and nonmalignant cells. The oxi-redox activity is related to the type and presence of surface defects, which is modified with appropriate synthesis conditions. In the present work, we used MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 human breast cancer cells and nonmalignant MCF-10A human breast cells to demonstrate how controlled oxidative stress mediated by specifically nanoengineered indium tin oxide (ITO) NPs can selectively induce cell death in the cancer cells while reducing the oxidative stress in the normal cells and supporting their proliferation. The ITO NPs are also promising nanotheranostic materials for cancer therapy and contrast agents because of their multimodal imaging capabilities. We demonstrate that the synthesized ITO NPs can selectively increase the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in both breast tumor cell lines, resulting in activation of apoptosis, and can also greatly suppress the cellular proliferation in both types of tumor cells. In contrast, the ITO NPs exhibit ROS scavenging-like behavior, significantly decreasing the ROS levels in MCF-10A cells exposed to the additional ROS, hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), so that they protect the proliferation of nonmalignant MCF-10A cells from ROS damage. In addition, fluorescent microscopy images revealed that the ITO NPs emit strong fluorescence that could be used to reveal their location. Moreover, computed tomography imaging demonstrated that the ITO NPs exhibited a comparable capability toward anatomical contrast enhancement. These results suggest that the synthesized ITO NPs have the potential to be a novel selective therapeutic agent with a multimodal imaging property for anticancer treatment.

Cerium Oxide Nanoparticles (Nanoceria): Hopes in Soft Tissue Engineering

Several biocompatible materials have been applied for managing soft tissue lesions; cerium oxide nanoparticles (CNPs, or nanoceria) are among the most promising candidates due to their outstanding properties, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and angiogenic activities. Much attention should be paid to the physical properties of nanoceria, since most of its biological characteristics are directly determined by some of these relevant parameters, including the particle size and shape. Nanoceria, either in bare or functionalized forms, showed the excellent capability of accelerating the healing process of both acute and chronic wounds. The skin, heart, nervous system, and ophthalmic tissues are the main targets of nanoceria-based therapies, and the other soft tissues may also be evaluated in upcoming experimental studies. For the repair and regeneration of soft tissue damage and defects, nanoceria-incorporated film, hydrogel, and nanofibrous scaffolds have been proven to be highly suitable replacements with satisfactory outcomes. Still, some concerns have remained regarding the long-term effects of nanoceria administration for human tissues and organs, such as its clearance from the vital organs. Moreover, looking at the future, it seems necessary to design and develop three-dimensional (3D) printed scaffolds containing nanoceria for possible use in the concepts of personalized medicine.

Non-invasive drug delivery technology: development and current status of transdermal drug delivery devices, techniques and biomedical applications

Pay-load deliveries across the skin barrier to the systemic circulation have been one of the most challenging delivery options. Necessitated requirements of the skin and facilitated skin layer cross-over delivery attempts have resulted in development of different non-invasive, non-oral methods, devices and systems which have been standardized, concurrently used and are in continuous upgrade and improvements. Iontophoresis, electroporation, sonophoresis, magnetophoresis, dermal patches, nanocarriers, needled and needle-less shots, and injectors are among some of the methods of transdermal delivery. The current review covers the current state of the art, merits and shortcomings of the systems, devices and transdermal delivery patches, including drugs' and other payloads' passage facilitation techniques, permeation and absorption feasibility studies, as well as physicochemical properties affecting the delivery through different transdermal modes along with examples of drugs, vaccines, genes and other payloads.

Metal-derived nanoparticles in tumor theranostics: Potential and limitations

Initially, metal derived nanoparticles have been used exclusively as contrasting agents in magnetic resonance imaging. Today, green routes of chemical synthesis together with numerous modifications of the core and surface gave rise to a plethora of biomedical applications of metal derived nanoparticles including tumor imaging, diagnostics, and therapy. These materials are an emerging class of tools for tumor theranostics. Nevertheless, the spectrum of clinically approved metal nanoparticles remains narrow, as the safety, specificity and efficiency still have to be improved. In this review we summarize the major directions for development and biomedical applications of metal based nanoparticles and analyze their effects on tumor cells and microenvironment. We discuss the advantages and possible limitations of metal nanoparticle-based tumor theranostics, as well as the potential strategies to improve the in vivo performance of these unique materials.

Maternal exposure to CeO2NPs during early pregnancy impairs pregnancy by inducing placental abnormalities

Cerium dioxide nanoparticles (CeO₂NPs) has been widely used in many fields, and also recommended as a promising carrier for cancer targeted drugs in human medicine for its excellent properties. However, its biological safety to human health remains controversial. In this study, we propose a mouse model exposed to CeO₂NPs during early pregnancy, to clarify the effect of maternal CeO₂NPs exposure and related molecular mechanism. Pregnant mice are injected intravenously with CeO₂NPs by once a day on D5, D6, and D7. The effects of CeO₂NPs exposure on pregnancy outcomes are observed on D8, D9, D10 and D12. The results show that CeO₂NPs exposure during early pregnancy would lead to poor pregnancy outcomes. Further study find that low-quality decidualization, including the imbalance of trophoblast invasion regulators secreted by decidual cells and abnormal recruitment and differentiation of uNK cells, leads to subsequent biological negative "ripple effects", including placental dysfunction, fetal loss or growth restriction. This study broadens the understanding of the biological safety of CeO₂NPs, and provide clues for the prevention of its negative biological effects. Improving the function of uNK cells can be used as one of the therapeutic targets to prevent negative effects of CeO₂NPs on pregnancy.

Steering Efficacy of Nano Molybdenum Towards Cancer: Mechanism of Action

Conventional cancer therapies possess a plethora of limitations which led to the awakening of nanotechnology and nanomedicine. However, technological success is widely dependent on complete understanding of the complexity and heterogeneity of tumor biology on one hand and nanobiointeractions associated with challenges of synthesis, translation, and commercialization on the other. The present study therefore deals with one such targeted approach aiming at synthesizing, characterizing, and understanding the efficacy of molybdenum oxide nanoparticles. The phase structure, morphology, and elemental composition of the synthesized nanoparticles were characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. The cytotoxicity studies revealed that the IC50 vales of molybdenum trioxide (MoO3) particles against skin cancer cells (melanoma and non-melanoma) were around 200-300 μg. The nanoparticles were found to induce mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis driven by the apoptotic genes such as BAX and Bcl2. Molybdenum being a cofactor for the majority of metabolic enzymes could have triggered the selective internalization of the nanoparticles which in turn could have modified the granularity of the cytoplasm and subsequently lead to mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis. Further, the anti-angiogenic property of MoO3 nanoparticles was corroborated using Chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay and aortic ring assay. Taken together , unraveling the role of MoO3 nanoparticles in cancer and angiogenesis opens up venues for nano biological intervention of selective cancer cell targeting with minimal damage to the normal cells using natural trace elements that are generally known to influence various metabolic enzymes.

Silver Nanoparticles Stimulates Spermatogenesis Impairments and Hematological Alterations in Testis and Epididymis of Male Rats

The potential pharmaceutical application of nanoparticles has led to the toxicity within the male reproductive system. In the present study, the effects of silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) on hematological parameters, free radical generation, antioxidant system, sperm parameters, and organ histo-morphometry in male rats were investigated. Ag-NPs were produced by the reduction of silver ions, while the formation of which was monitored by UV-visible spectrophotometry. Zeta potential, transmission, and scanning electron microscopies were applied for the characterization of AgNPs. A total of 30 rats were divided into 6 groups and were sub-dermally exposed to Ag-NPs at the dosage of 0 (control), 10, and 50 mg/kg bodyweight (bw) doses for either 7 or 28 days. Ag-NP administration altered hematological indices and caused dose-dependent decreases in sperm motility, velocity, kinematic parameters, concentrations of luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and testosterone. In the epididymis and testis, the concentrations of malondialdehyde and peroxide increases while superoxide dismutase, catalase, reduced glutathione, and total thiol group decreases. These findings suggest that Ag-NP triggered hormonal imbalance and induce oxidative stress in testis and epididymis; which negatively affect sperm parameters of male rats.

Cerium Oxide Nanoparticles Rescue α-Synuclein-Induced Toxicity in a Yeast Model of Parkinson's Disease

Over the last decades, cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeO₂ NPs) have gained great interest due to their potential applications, mainly in the fields of agriculture and biomedicine. Promising effects of CeO₂ NPs are recently shown in some neurodegenerative diseases, but the mechanism of action of these NPs in Parkinson's disease (PD) remains to be investigated. This issue is addressed in the present study by using a yeast model based on the heterologous expression of the human α-synuclein (α-syn), the major component of Lewy bodies, which represent a neuropathological hallmark of PD. We observed that CeO₂ NPs strongly reduce α-syn-induced toxicity in a dose-dependent manner. This effect is associated with the inhibition of cytoplasmic α-syn foci accumulation, resulting in plasma membrane localization of α-syn after NP treatment. Moreover, CeO₂ NPs counteract the α-syn-induced mitochondrial dysfunction and decrease reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in yeast cells. In vitro binding assay using cell lysates showed that α-syn is adsorbed on the surface of CeO₂ NPs, suggesting that these NPs may act as a strong inhibitor of α-syn toxicity not only acting as a radical scavenger, but through a direct interaction with α-syn in vivo.

Targeted and Intrinsic Activity of HA-Functionalized PEI-Nanoceria as a Nano Reactor in Potential Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Treatment

Although there has been considerable achievement in the field of breast cancer therapeutics, tackling the disturbing issue of highly potent triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) still remains a hurdle in cancer therapeutics. Here, for the first time we propose a poly(ethylenimine) (PEI)-mediated approach for the synthesis of hyaluronic acid (HA) tagged cerium oxide nanoparticles (CePEI-NPs) as a therapeutic agent in TNBC. Primarily, the formulated HA-CePEI-NPs upon treatment displayed superior anticancer effect by exhibiting the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP). These particles acted as a nano reactor by the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) during the treatment. We further evaluated the caspase activity which divulgated the activation of caspases-3 and -9 while there was a decrease in the level of Bcl-2. The treatment also resulted in the release of cytochrome c (Cyt c), and in addition, features such as pynknosis and G2/M phase arrest were also noted. Hence the nano reactor property of nano ceria in activating mitochondrial-mediated intrinsic apoptosis highlights its promising role as a nano drug for therapeutic applications in TNBC.

CNP mediated selective toxicity on melanoma cells is accompanied by mitochondrial dysfunction

Cerium (Ce) oxide nanoparticles (CNP; nanoceria) are reported to have cytotoxic effects on certain cancerous cell lines, while at the same concentration they show no cytotoxicity on normal (healthy) cells. Redox-active CNP exhibit both selective prooxidative as well as antioxidative properties. The former is proposed to be responsible for impairment of tumor growth and invasion and the latter for rescuing normal cells from reactive oxygen species (ROS)-induced damage. Here we address possible underlying mechanisms of prooxidative effects of CNP in a metastatic human melanoma cell line. Malignant melanoma is the most aggressive form of skin cancer, and once it becomes metastatic the prognosis is very poor. We have shown earlier that CNP selectively kill A375 melanoma cells by increasing intracellular ROS levels, whose basic amount is significantly higher than in the normal (healthy) counterpart, the melanocytes. Here we show that CNP initiate a mitochondrial increase of ROS levels accompanied by an increase in mitochondrial thiol oxidation. Furthermore, we observed CNP-induced changes in mitochondrial bioenergetics, dynamics, and cristae morphology demonstrating mitochondrial dysfunction which finally led to tumor cell death. CNP-induced cell death is abolished by administration of PEG-conjugated catalase. Overall, we propose that cerium oxide nanoparticles mediate cell death via hydrogen peroxide production linked to mitochondrial dysfunction.

Injectable, self-healable zwitterionic cryogels with sustained microRNA - cerium oxide nanoparticle release promote accelerated wound healing

Diabetics are prone to chronic wounds that have slower healing, and methods of accelerating the wound closure and to ensure protection from infections are critically needed. MicroRNA-146a gets dysregulated in diabetic wounds and injection of this microRNA combined with reactive oxygen species-scavenging cerium oxide nanoparticles (CNPs) can reduce inflammation and improve wound healing; however, a better delivery method than intradermal injections is needed. Here we demonstrate a biomaterial system of zwitterionic cryogels (gels formed below freezing temperatures) laden with CNP-miR146a that are topically applicable, injectable, self-healable, and provide sustained release of the therapeutic molecules. These cryogels are comprised of CBMA or SBMA and HEMA, and do not contain chemical crosslinkers. Properties of the gels can be manipulated by changing monomer type and ratio. These materials have demonstrated efficacy and viability in vivo with a diabetic mouse wound healing model. Overall, these materials have a high potential for application in wound treatments due to their ease of production, antifouling characteristics, durability, topical application, and sustained release mechanics. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: This work presents the development of zwitterionic cryogels with unique physical properties including injectability and self-healing, that also offer highly sustained release of nanoparticles over time to improve wound healing in a diabetic mouse model. The nanoparticles are made of cerium oxide, which is known to scavenge reactive oxygen species and reduce oxidative stress, and these particles have been further tagged with a microRNA146a that has been shown to reduce inflammation. Zwitterionic materials are known for their superior antifouling properties and good biocompatibility and ability to incorporate bioactive factors. Given these properties, the use of these materials as wound healing dressings would be exciting, yet to date it has been difficult to prolong the release of bioactive factors from them due to their hydrophilicity. Previously we developed zwitterionic cyrogels with very sustained protein release over time, but those materials were quite brittle and difficult to handle. Here, we demonstrate for the first time that by removing the crosslinker molecule from our reaction and polymerizing gels under cryo-conditions, we are able to form zwitterionic cryogels that are injectable, self-healing, and with sustained release profiles. The sustained release of miRNA146a-tagged cerium oxide nanoparticles from these gels is demonstrated to speed up diabetic wound healing time and significantly reduce inflammation.

Nanocarriers Used Most in Drug Delivery and Drug Release: Nanohydrogel, Chitosan, Graphene, and Solid Lipid

Over the past few years, nanocarriers have become an ideal solution for safe and efficient drug delivery and release. This is mainly due to the extraordinary characteristics that nanomaterials exhibit when compared with their larger scaled forms. A variety of these carriers are more popular due to their high biocompatibility, ensuring greater efficacy especially in cancer treatments. Nanocrystal, liposomal, and micelle designs of these materials as nanocarriers for drug delivery and release have been extensively researched throughout the past 50 years. Successful applications have not only ensured a greater focus on therapeutic development but also created a new solution available in the pharmaceutical market. Herein, a brief review of research studies focused on nanocarrier materials and designs to achieve superior benefits of drugs for disease treatments is presented. Nanohydrogels, chitosan, graphene oxide, and solid lipid nanoparticle nanocarrier designs and applications are selectively given due to the great attention they have gained from being highly biocompatible and easy-to-manipulate nanocarrier options from organic and inorganic nanocarrier materials. Each summary exhibits the progress that has been achieved to date. With greater understanding of the current state in the development process of these nanomaterials, there is a rising chance to provide better treatment to patients, which is a desperate need in pharmaceutical technologies.

Cerium Oxide Nanoparticles Absorption through Intact and Damaged Human Skin

Cerium oxide (CeO₂) nanoparticles (NPs) are used in polishing products and absorbents, as promoters in wound healing, and as organopesticide decontaminants. While systemic bioaccumulation and organ toxicity has been described after inhalation, data on CeO₂ NPs’ transdermal permeation are lacking. Our study was an in vitro investigation of the permeation of 17-nm CeO₂ NPs dispersed in synthetic sweat (1 g L⁻¹) using excised human skin on Franz cells. Experiments were performed using intact and needle-abraded skin, separately. The average amount of Ce into intact and damaged skin samples was 3.64 ± 0.15 and 7.07 ± 0.78 µg cm⁻², respectively (mean ± SD, p = 0.04). Ce concentration in the receiving solution was 2.0 ± 0.4 and 3.3 ± 0.7 ng cm⁻² after 24 h (p = 0.008). The Ce content was higher in dermal layers of damaged skin compared to intact skin (2.93 ± 0.71 µg cm⁻² and 0.39 ± 0.16 µg cm⁻², respectively; p = 0.004). Our data showed a very low dermal absorption and transdermal permeation of cerium, providing a first indication of Ce skin uptake due to contact with CeO₂.

In vitro selective cytotoxicity of the dietary chalcone cardamonin (CD) on melanoma compared to healthy cells is mediated by apoptosis

Malignant melanoma is an aggressive type of cancer and the deadliest form of skin cancer. Even though enormous efforts have been undertaken, in particular the treatment options against the metastasizing form are challenging and the prognosis is generally poor. A novel therapeutical approach is the application of secondary plant constituents occurring in food and food products. Herein, the effect of the dietary chalcone cardamonin, inter alia found in Alpinia species, was tested using human malignant melanoma cells. These data were compared to cardamonin treated normal melanocytes and dermal fibroblasts representing healthy cells. To investigate the impact of cardamonin on tumor and normal cells, it was added to monolayer cell cultures and cytotoxicity, proliferation, tumor invasion, and apoptosis were studied with appropriate cell biological and biochemical methods. Cardamonin treatment resulted in an apoptosis-mediated increase in cytotoxicity towards tumor cells, a decrease in their proliferation rate, and a lowered invasive capacity, whereas the viability of melanocytes and fibroblasts was hardly affected at such concentrations. A selective cytotoxic effect of cardamonin on melanoma cells compared to normal (healthy) cells was shown in vitro. This study along with others highlights that dietary chalcones may be a valuable tool in anticancer therapies which has to be proven in the future in vivo.

Tangeretin-Assisted Platinum Nanoparticles Enhance the Apoptotic Properties of Doxorubicin: Combination Therapy for Osteosarcoma Treatment

Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most common type of cancer and the most frequent malignant bone tumor in childhood and adolescence. Nanomedicine has become an indispensable field in biomedical and clinical research, with nanoparticles (NPs) promising to increase the therapeutic efficacy of anticancer drugs. Doxorubicin (DOX) is a commonly used chemotherapeutic drug against OS; however, it causes severe side effects that restrict its clinical applications. Here, we investigated whether combining platinum NPs (PtNPs) and DOX could increase their anticancer activity in human bone OS epithelial cells (U2OS). PtNPs with nontoxic, effective, thermally stable, and thermoplasmonic properties were synthesized and characterized using tangeretin. We examined the combined effects of PtNPs and DOX on cell viability, proliferation, and morphology, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, lipid peroxidation, nitric oxide, protein carbonyl content, antioxidants, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), adenosine tri phosphate (ATP) level, apoptotic and antiapoptotic gene expression, oxidative stress-induced DNA damage, and DNA repair genes. PtNPs and DOX significantly inhibited U2OS viability and proliferation in a dose-dependent manner, increasing lactate dehydrogenase leakage, ROS generation, and malondialdehyde, nitric oxide, and carbonylated protein levels. Mitochondrial dysfunction was confirmed by reduced MMP, decreased ATP levels, and upregulated apoptotic/downregulated antiapoptotic gene expression. Oxidative stress was a major cause of cytotoxicity and genotoxicity, confirmed by decreased levels of various antioxidants. Furthermore, PtNPs and DOX increased 8-oxo-dG and 8-oxo-G levels and induced DNA damage and repair gene expression. Combination of cisplatin and DOX potentially induce apoptosis comparable to PtNPs and DOX. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report to describe the combined effects of PtNPs and DOX in OS.