IgG antibodies mediated gold nanoparticles conjugated to methotrexate as targeted chemotherapy for lung cancer

Vincamine, a natural chemical, was used as a reducing agent in the synthesis of IgG antibodies mediated biogenic gold nanoparticles (IgGAuNPs). Eventually, the synthesised IgGAuNPs were bioconjugated with the chemotherapeutic drug methotrexate (MTX-IgGAuNPs). The IgG isotype can target cancer cells through polymorphic Fc gamma receptors (FcγRs) and have therapeutic effects. They can restrict cell division by inhibiting different intracellular signal transduction pathways and activating NK cells and macrophages through antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity and macrophage-mediated antibody-dependent phagocytosis, respectively. Further, IgGAuNPs and MTX-IgGAuNPs were characterised by physical techniques. Moreover, 3D conformational changes in the structure of IgG were analysed by fluorescence spectroscopy during and after the synthesis of IgGAuNPs. Furthermore, the IgGAuNPs and MTX-IgGAuNPs were effective against lung cancer (A549 cells), while they were found to be non-toxic against normal cells (NRK cells). The effectiveness of IgGAuNPs and MTX-IgGAuNPs was examined by MTT cytotoxicity assay, DCFDA method for the production of ROS, and release of Cyt-c from the mitochondria for caspase-3-mediated apoptosis. Moreover, the confirmation of internalisation of particles into the nucleus was examined under the DAPI assay, and it was found that particles caused nuclear fragmentation, which was also an indication of apoptosis.

Survivin-targeted nanomedicine for increased potency of abiraterone and enzalutamide against prostate cancer

Prostate cancer is the leading and most aggressive cancer around the world, several therapeutic approaches have emerged but none have achieved the satisfactory result. However, these therapeutic approaches face many challenges related to their delivery to target cells, including their in vivo decay, the limited uptake by target cells, the requirements for nuclear penetration (in some cases), and the damage caused to healthy cells. These barriers can be avoided by effective, targeted, combinatorial approaches, with minimal side effects, which are being investigated for the treatment of cancer. Here, we developed a combinatorial nanomedicine comprising abiraterone and enzalutamide bioconjugated survivin-encapsulated gold nanoparticles (AbEzSvGNPs) for targeted therapy of prostate cancer. AbEzSvGNPs were characterized by different biophysical techniques such as UV visible spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering, zeta potential, transmission electron microscope, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Interestingly, the effect of abiraterone, enzalutamide and surviving encapsulated gold nanoparticles was found to be synergistic in nature in AbEzSvGNPs against DU 145 (IC50 = 4.21 µM) and PC-3 (IC50 = 5.58 µM) cells and their potential was observed to be greatly enhanced as compared with the combined effect of the drugs (abiraterone and enzalutamide) in their free form. Furthermore, AbEzSvGNPs were found to be highly safe and did not exhibit significant cytotoxicity against normal rat kidney cells. The observed effects of AbEzSvGNPs involved the modulation of different signaling pathways in prostate cancer cells. This delivery system employed non-androgen receptor-dependent delivery of abiraterone and enzalutamide. The anionic AbEzSvGNPs delivered abiraterone and enzalutamide unaltered into the nucleus through caveolae mediated internalization to act nonspecifically on DNA; internalization of the anionic nanoparticles into the cytoplasm was also observed via other routes. AbEzSvGNPs synthesized and evaluated in this study are promising candidates for prostate cancer therapy.

Exploring Kinnow mandarin's hidden potential: Nature's key to antimicrobial and antidiabetic gold nanoparticles (K-AuNPs)

This pioneering study aims to address the paradox of the highly regarded Kinnow mandarin fruit, whose valuable peels have been considered undesired remnants from industrial fruit juice production. The study proposes the utilization of these discarded peels to synthesize ecologically safe gold nanoparticles (K-AuNPs) through a one-pot method. The objectives of this research are to synthesize K-AuNPs using an ecologically safe single-step approach, utilizing discarded Kinnow mandarin fruit peels, and to assess their antibacterial and antidiabetic potential. The validation of K-AuNPs involved various techniques including UV-visible spectroscopy, TEM, DLS, and zeta-potential investigations. The antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Bacillus subtilis was compared to levofloxacin and Kinnow mandarin aqueous peel extract (KAPE). Furthermore, the anti-diabetic efficacy was evaluated through α-amylase and α-glucosidase experiments, comparing K-AuNPs to pure KAPE and the standard inhibitor acarbose. The results confirmed the successful synthesis of K-AuNPs from KAPE, as evidenced by UV-spectral profiles (527 nm), TEM micrographs (∼21 d. nm), dynamic light scattering (65 d.nm), and zeta-potential (-12 mV). The K-AuNPs demonstrated a superior zone of inhibition and lower MIC values against Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Bacillus subtilis, surpassing levofloxacin and KAPE alone. Additionally, the K-AuNPs exhibited potent anti-diabetic efficacy, outperforming both pure KAPE and acarbose at a lower dosage. To sum up, the process of producing K-AuNPs utilizing Kinnow mandarin peel extracts demonstrates a powerful antibacterial and antidiabetic remedy sourced from previously discarded materials. These findings signify a significant leap forward in the domain of natural product exploration, with the potential to fundamentally reshape modern healthcare approaches.

Updates on the Biofunctionalization of Gold Nanoparticles for the Rapid and Sensitive Multiplatform Diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 Virus and Its Proteins: From Computational Models to Validation in Human Samples

Since the outbreak of the pandemic respiratory virus SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19), academic communities and governments/private companies have used several detection techniques based on gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). In this emergency context, colloidal AuNPs are highly valuable easy-to-synthesize biocompatible materials that can be used for different functionalization strategies and rapid viral immunodiagnosis. In this review, the latest multidisciplinary developments in the bioconjugation of AuNPs for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 virus and its proteins in (spiked) real samples are discussed for the first time, with reference to the optimal parameters provided by three approaches: one theoretical, via computational prediction, and two experimental, using dry and wet chemistry based on single/multistep protocols. Overall, to achieve high specificity and low detection limits for the target viral biomolecules, optimal running buffers for bioreagent dilutions and nanostructure washes should be validated before conducting optical, electrochemical, and acoustic biosensing investigations. Indeed, there is plenty of room for improvement in using gold nanomaterials as stable platforms for ultrasensitive and simultaneous "in vitro" detection by the untrained public of the whole SARS-CoV-2 virus, its proteins, and specific developed IgA/IgM/IgG antibodies (Ab) in bodily fluids. Hence, the lateral flow assay (LFA) approach is a quick and judicious solution to combating the pandemic. In this context, the author classifies LFAs according to four generations to guide readers in the future development of multifunctional biosensing platforms. Undoubtedly, the LFA kit market will continue to improve, adapting researchers' multidetection platforms for smartphones with easy-to-analyze results, and establishing user-friendly tools for more effective preventive and medical treatments.

Progress in silk and silk fiber-inspired polymeric nanomaterials for drug delivery

The fields of drug and gene delivery have been revolutionized by the discovery and characterization of polymer-based materials. Polymeric nanomaterials have emerged as a strategy for targeted delivery because of features such as their impressive biocompatibility and improved availability. Use of naturally derived polymers in these nanomaterials is advantageous due to their biodegradability and bioresorption. Natural biopolymer-based particles composed of silk fibroins and other silk fiber-inspired proteins have been the focus of research in drug delivery systems due to their simple synthesis, tunable characteristics, and ability to respond to stimuli. Several silk and silk-inspired polymers contain a high proportion of reactive side groups, allowing for functionalization and addition of targeting moieties. In this review, we discuss the main classes of silk and silk-inspired polymers that are being used in the creation of nanomaterials. We also focus on the fabrication techniques used in generating a tunable design space of silk-based polymeric nanomaterials and detail how that translates into use for drug delivery to several distinct microenvironments.

Targeted non AR mediated smart delivery of abiraterone to the prostate cancer

Prostate cancer is the second-deadliest tumor in men all over the world. Different types of drugs with various delivery systems and pathways were developed, but no one showed prominent results against cancer. Meanwhile, nanoparticles have shown good results against cancer. Therefore, in the given study, citrate mediated synthesized gold nanoparticles (CtGNPs) with immobilized survivin antibodies (SvGNPs) were bioconjugated to the substantially potent drug abiraterone (AbSvGNPs) to develop as a combinatorial therapeutic against prostate cancer. The AbSvGNPs are made up of CtGNPs, survivin antibodies, and abiraterone. The selected drug abiraterone (Abira) possesses exceptionally good activity against prostate cancer, but cancer cells develop resistance against this drug and it also poses several severe side effects. Meanwhile, survivin antibodies were used to deliver AbSvGNPs specifically into cancer cells by considering survivin, an anti-apoptotic overexpressed protein in cancer cells, as a marker. The survivin antibodies have also been used to inhibit cancer cells as an immunotherapeutic agent. Similarly, CtGNPs were discovered to inhibit cancer cell proliferation via several transduction pathways. The given bioconjugated nanoparticles (AbSvGNPs) were found to be substantially effective against prostate cancer with an IC50 of 11.8 and 7.3 μM against DU145 and PC-3 cells, respectively. However, it was found safe against NRK and showed less than 25% cytotoxicity up to 20μM concentration. The as-synthesized nanoparticles CtGNPs, SvGNPs, and AbSvGNPs were characterized by several physical techniques to confirm their synthesis, whereas the immobilization of survivin antibodies and bioconjugation of Abira was confirmed by UV-visible spectroscopy, DLS, TEM, FTIR, and zeta-potential. The anticancer potential of AbSvGNPs was determined by MTT, DAPI, ROS, MITO, TUNEL ASSAY, and caspase-3 activity against DU145 and PC3 cells.

Mitochondria-Targeting-Based of Paclitaxel-Loaded Triphenylphosphine-Pluronic F127-Hyaluronic Acid Nanomicelles in Multi-Drug Resistant Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Background: In this study a new novel nanomicelle (TPH) sco-loaded with triphenylphosphine (TPP)-Pluronic F127-hyaluronic acid (HA) and Paclitaxel (PTX) has been designed to treat multidrug resistant hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods: TPH was initially synthesized by ester bond formation with mitochondria-targeting TPP agent and TPH nanomicelles loaded with PTX (TPH/PTX) had outstanding physical characteristics in human multi drug-resistant HCC cell line Bel7402/5-FU. Cytotoxicity and hemocompatibility assessments, nanomicelle cellular absorption and mitochondrial targeting, and in vivo xenograft imaging was used to evaluate that the nonemicells delivered into target cell and components. Results: The results of fluorescence test showed that TPP could promote the fusion of nanomicells to human multi drugresistant HCC cell line Bel7402/5-FU, and targeted the mitochondria, and also improved the targeting and retention of drugs in liver tumors. The results of cell efficacy showed that TPH/PTX induced a strong apoptosis effect, which could significantly reduce the mitochondrial membrane Zeta potential, increase the level of intracellular ROS and the release of Caspase-3, significantly enhanced the pro-apoptotic protein (Bcl-2), decrease the expression level of anti-apoptotic protein (Bax). Conclusion: TPH/PTX has a promising mitochondrial targeting function, and can enhance the effect of drugs on promoting apoptosis of drug resistant HCC cells.

A Comparative Antibacterial, Antioxidant, and Antineoplastic Potential of Rauwolfia serpentina (L.) Leaf Extract with Its Biologically Synthesized Gold Nanoparticles (R-AuNPs)

Rauwolfia serpentina (R. serpentina), belonging to the family Apocynaceae, is a renowned medicinal herb for its different pharmacological activities such as antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and antiproliferative characteristics. This study has done a comparative assessment of the antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-cancer activity of R. serpentina aqueous leaf extract (RSALE) with encapsulated gold nanoparticles (R-AuNPs). The R-AuNPs are prepared so that they are significant in size, monodispersed, and extremely stable. Their characterization was done by numerous parameters, including UV-visible spectroscopy (528 nm), transmission electron microscopy (~17 d. nm), dynamic light scattering (~68 d. nm), and zeta-potential (~-17 mV). Subsequently, a potent antibacterial activity was depicted via RSALE and R-AuNPs when examined by disc diffusion against various Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial strains. The obtained zones of inhibition of RSALE (100 mg/mL) were 34 ± 0.1, 35 ± 0.1, 28.4 ± 0.01, and 18 ± 0.01, although those of R-AuNPs (15 mg/mL) were 24.4 ± 0.12, 22 ± 0.07, 20 ± 0.16, and 17 ± 0.3 against Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923), Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922), Bacillus subtilis (MTCC 8114), and Streptococcus pyogenes (ATCC 19615), respectively. However, no zone of inhibition was obtained when tested against Proteus vulgaris (MTCC 1771). Furthermore, the obtained MIC values for Staphylococcus aureus were 0.91, 0.61, and 1.15 mg/mL; for Escherichia coli, 0.79, 0.36, and 1.02 mg/mL; for Bacillus subtilis 0.42, 0.27, and 0.474 mg/mL; and for Streptococcus pyogenes, 7.67, 3.86, and 8.5 mg/mL of pure RSALE, R-AuNPs, and Amoxicillin (control), respectively, incorporating that R-AuNPs have been shown to have a 1.4-fold, 2.1-fold, 1.5-fold, and 1.9-fold enhanced antibacterial activity in contrast to pure RSALE tested against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, Streptococcus pyogenes, and Proteus vulgaris, respectively. Additionally, an enhanced antioxidant potential was detected in R-AuNPs compared to RSALE evaluated by the 2,2-Diphenyl-1-Picryl Hydrazyl Radical Scavenging (DPPH) Ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay. The determined IC 50 values of RSALE and R-AuNPs were 0.131 ± 0.05 and 0.184 ± 0.02 mg/mL, and 0.110 ± 0.1 and 0.106 ± 0.24 mg/mL via the FRAP and DPPH assays, respectively. In addition, the anti-cancer activity against the human cervical cancer (Hela) cell line was evaluated, and the MTT assay results revealed that R-AuNPs (IC50 88.3 µg/mL) had an enhanced anti-cancer potential in contrast to RSALE (171.5 µg/mL). Subsequently, the findings of this study indicated that R. serpentina leaves and their nanoformulation can be used as a potent source for the treatment of the above-mentioned complications and can be used as a possible agent for novel target-based therapies for the management of different ailments.