Hyaluronic acid-graphene oxide quantum dots nanoconjugate as dual purpose drug delivery and therapeutic agent in meta-inflammation

Recent advances in two-dimensional materials for drug delivery

Two-dimensional (2D) materials exhibit significant potential in biomedical applications, particularly as drug carriers. Thus, 2D materials, including graphene, black phosphorus, transition metal dichalcogenides, transition metal carbides/nitrides, and hexagonal boron nitride, have been extensively studied. Their large specific surface area, abundant surface active sites, and excellent biocompatibility and biodegradability make them ideal platforms for drug loading and delivery. By optimizing the physicochemical properties and methods for the surface modification of 2D materials, improved drug release mechanisms and enhanced combination therapy effects can be achieved, providing a reliable foundation for efficient cancer treatment. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the recent advances in the utilization of 2D materials for drug delivery. It systematically categorizes and summarizes the preparation methodologies, surface modification strategies, application domains, primary advantages and potential drawbacks of various 2D materials in the biomedical field. Furthermore, it provides an extensive overview of current challenges in this field and outlines potential future research directions for 2D materials in drug delivery based on existing issues.

Zein-PEG nanoparticles modified with hyaluronic acid for paclitaxel delivery in SKOV3 ovarian cancer cells

Ovarian cancer is a leading gynecological cancer globally. This study aimed to develop hyaluronic acid-modified polyethylene glycol conjugated zein nanoparticles (zein-PEG/HA NPs) to enhance paclitaxel (PTX) cytotoxicity in SKOV3 ovarian cancer cells. Zein-PEG, with its amphiphilic nature, self-assembled into micelles to encapsulate the hydrophobic PTX, while the PEG shell retained micelle stability and hemolytic resistance. PTX@zein-PEG micelles (17.2 ± 0.3 mV) were complexed with negatively charged HA through electrostatic interactions, resulting in PTX@zein-PEG/HA NPs with a negative zeta potential of -15.3 ± 1.1 mV. Cellular uptake of fluorescent zein-PEG/HA NPs was higher than zein-PEG micelles in CD44-overexpressing SKOV3 cells. Additionally, PTX@zein-PEG/HA NPs demonstrated significantly greater cytotoxicity than free PTX and PTX@zein-PEG micelles, with IC50 values reduced by 6.13-fold and 3.58-fold, respectively. PTX@zein-PEG/HA NPs induced the highest expression levels of apoptotic proteins, particularly PARP, in SKOV3 cells compared to PTX@zein-PEG NPs and free PTX. In summary, PTX@zein-PEG/HA NPs demonstrated potential as a delivery system for PTX in ovarian cancer.

Two-Pronged Attack: Dual Activation of Fat Reduction Using Near-Infrared-Responsive Nanosandwich for Targeted Anti-Obesity Treatment

Excessive fat accumulation and chronic inflammation are two typical characteristics of obesity. AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), a master regulator of energy metabolism, is involved in adipogenesis, lipogenesis, and inflammation modulation in adipose tissue (AT). Thus, effective lipid reduction and anti-inflammation through AMPK regulation play vital roles in treating obesity. Herein, an anti-obesity nanosandwich is fabricated through attaching polymetformin (PolyMet) onto photothermal agent black phosphorus nanosheets (BP). PolyMet activates AMPK to inhibit adipogenesis, promote browning, and mitigate AT inflammation by decreasing macrophage infiltration, repolarizing macrophage phenotype, and downregulating pro-inflammatory cytokines. Additionally, BP induces lipolysis and apoptosis of adipocytes and macrophages through a photothermal effect. By further functionalization using hyaluronic acid (HA) and MMP2 substrate-linking P3 peptide-modified HA (P3-HA), an enhanced anti-obesity effect is obtained by dual-targeting of P3 and HA, and HA-mediated CD44 poly-clustering after MMP2 cleavage. Upon laser irradiation, the designed nanosandwich (P3-HA/PM@BP) effectively inhibits obesity development in obese mice, increases M2/M1 ratio in AT, reduces the serum levels of cholesterol/triglyceride and improves insulin sensitivity, exhibiting promising research potential to facilitate the clinical development of modern anti-obesity therapies.

Modified frankincense resin stabilized gold nanoparticles for enhanced antioxidant and synergetic activity in in-vitro anticancer studies

For the first time, Frankincense resin (FR) has been carboxymethylated to produce CMFR - AuNPs and the conjugate was utilized for the Doxorubicin drug loading. The carboxymethylation of the carboxylic, phenolic, and hydroxyl functional groups of FR has been developed into carboxymethylated Frankincense resin (CMFR). A novel CMFR-AuNPs was synthesized using the developed CMFR as a stabilizing and reducing agent. The antibacterial, antioxidant, and in-vitro anticancer activities were investigated by using CMFR-AuNPs and CMFR - AuNPs@DOX. CMFR-AuNPs demonstrated antioxidative properties by quenching DPPH radicals effectively. CMFR-AuNPs and DOX@CMFR-AuNPs demonstrated strong antibacterial activity against K. pneumoniae, S. aureus, B. subtilis, and E. coli. The cell viability was tested for CMFR -AuNPs at various concentrations of Dox-loaded CMFR -AuNPs (CMFR-AuNPs + Dox1, CMFR-AuNPs + Dox 2, & CMFR-AuNPs + Dox 3). The highest inhibition was observed on MCF-7 and HeLa cell lines using CMFR-AuNPs + Dox 3, respectively. Various techniques such as UV, FTIR, TGA, XRD, SEM, EDAX and TEM were used to characterize the designed CMFR and CMFR-AuNPs. After carboxy methylation, the amorphous nature of FR changed to crystallinity, as reflected in the XRD spectra. The XRD spectrum of the CMFR- AuNPs showed FCC structure due to the involvement of hydroxyl and carboxylic functional groups of CMFR strongly bound with the AuNPs. TGA results revealed that the CMFR is thermally more stable than FR. TEM revealed that CMFR - AuNPs were well dispersed, spherical, and hexagonal with an average diameter of 7 to 10 nm, while the size of doxorubicin loaded (DOX@CMFR-AuNPs) AuNPs was 11 to 13 nm. Green CMFR-AuNPs have the potential to enhance the drug loading and anticancer efficacy of drugs.

Recent advances on chitosan/hyaluronic acid-based stimuli-responsive hydrogels and composites for cancer treatment: A comprehensive review

Cancer, as leading cause of death, has a high rate of mortality worldwide. Although there is a wide variety of conventional approaches for the treatment of cancer (such as surgery and chemotherapy), they have considerable drawbacks in terms of practicality, treatment efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. Therefore, there is a fundamental requirement for the development of safe and efficient treatment modalities based on breakthrough technologies to suppress cancer. Chitosan (CS) and hyaluronic acid (HA) polysaccharides, as FDA-approved biomaterials for some biomedical applications, are potential biopolymers for the efficient treatment of cancer. CS and HA have high biocompatibility, bioavailability, biodegradability, and immunomodulatory function which guarantee their safety and non-toxicity. CS-/HA-based hydrogels (HGs)/composites stand out for their potential anticancer function, versatile preparation and modification, ease of administration, controlled/sustained drug release, and active and passive drug internalization into target cells which is crucial for efficient treatment of cancer compared with conventional treatment approaches. These HGs/composites can respond to external (magnetic, ultrasound, light, and thermal) and internal (pH, enzyme, redox, and ROS) stimuli as well which further paves the way to their manipulation, targeted drug delivery, practicality, and efficient treatment. The above-mentioned properties of CS-/HA-based HGs/composites are unique and practical in cancer treatment which can ignore the deficiencies of conventional approaches. The present manuscript comprehensively highlights the advances in the practical application of stimuli-responsive HGs/composites based on CS/HA polysaccharides.

Advances on carbon nanomaterials and their applications in medical diagnosis and drug delivery

Carbon nanomaterials are indispensable due to their unique properties of high electrical conductivity, mechanical strength and thermal stability, which makes them important nanomaterials in biomedical applications and waste management. Limitations of conventional nanomaterials, such as limited surface area, difficulty in fine tuning electrical or thermal properties and poor dispersibility, calls for the development of advanced nanomaterials to overcome such limitations. Commonly, carbon nanomaterials were synthesized by chemical vapor deposition (CVD), laser ablation or arc discharge methods. The advancement in these techniques yielded monodispersed carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and allows p-type and n-type doping to enhance its electrical and catalytic activities. The functionalized CNTs showed exceptional mechanical, electrical and thermal conductivity (3500-5000 W/mK) properties. On the other hand, carbon quantum dots (CQDs) exhibit strong photoluminescence properties with high quantum yield. Carbon nanohorns are another fascinating type of nanomaterial that exhibit a unique structure with high surface area and excellent adsorption properties. These carbon nanomaterials could improve waste management by adsorbing pollutants from water and soil, enabling precise environmental monitoring, while enhancing wastewater treatment and drug delivery systems. Herein, we have discussed the potentials of all these carbon nanomaterials in the context of innovative waste management solutions, fostering cleaner environments and healthier ecosystems for diverse biomedical applications such as biosensing, drug delivery, and environmental monitoring.

Efficacy of pegylated Graphene oxide quantum dots as a nanoconjugate sustained release metformin delivery system in in vitro insulin resistance model

Metformin, the primary therapy for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), showed limitations such as varying absorption, rapid system clearance, required large amount, resistance, longstanding side effects. Use of Nano formulations for pharmaceuticals is emerging as a viable technique to reduce negative consequences of drug, while simultaneously attaining precise release and targeted distribution. This study developed a Polyethylene Glycol conjugated Graphene Oxide Quantum dots (GOQD-PEG) nanocomposite for the sustained release of metformin. Herein, we evaluated the effectiveness of metformin-loaded nanoconjugate in in vitro insulin resistance model. Results demonstrated drug loaded nanoconjugate successfully restored glucose uptake and reversed insulin resistance in in vitro conditions at reduced dosage compared to free metformin.

The application of graphene oxide and ferroptosis in the diagnosis and treatment of colorectal cancer: a narrative review

Background and Objective

Colorectal cancer (CRC), a leading global malignancy, continues to challenge the medical community. Despite advancements in surgical, chemotherapeutic, radiation, targeted, and immunotherapeutic strategies, issues like resistance and side effects persist. This review illuminates the potential of ferroptosis, an emerging non-apoptotic cell death form, and graphene oxide (GO), with its distinctive physicochemical properties, in CRC therapy.

Methods

The databases search included PubMed, Medline and Web of Science. Search terms focused on CRC, graphene, GO, ferroptosis, and related aspects in therapy and drug delivery. The time frame for literature retrieval was up to April 2024. Studies in languages other than English were excluded.

Key Content and Findings

Ferroptosis has been recognized for its role in addressing treatment resistance, a notable hurdle in effective CRC management. This form of cell death offers a promising avenue for enhancing the effectiveness of existing treatments. However, understanding its mechanisms and clinical implications in CRC remains an area of active research, with significant progress required for its practical application. Simultaneously, GO, a versatile two-dimensional material, has demonstrated substantial potential in biomedical applications, especially in cancer therapy. Its high specific surface area and unique π-electron domains facilitate the effective binding of chemotherapy drugs, target genes, and photosensitizers. This makes GO a promising candidate in cancer diagnosis and treatment, particularly through tumor photothermal and photodynamic therapy (PDT). Despite these advancements, GO's clinical application faces challenges, including in vitro cytotoxicity and decreased biodegradability, necessitating further research.

Conclusions

This review focuses on the characteristics of GO and ferroptosis, as well as their applications in tumor diagnosis and treatment, with a particular emphasis on their potential in CRC.

Recent Advances in Nanotechnology-Based Drug Delivery Systems for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Reproductive Disorders

Over the past decade, nanotechnology has seen extensive integration into biomedical applications, playing a crucial role in biodetection, drug delivery, and diagnostic imaging. This is especially important in reproductive health care, which has become an emerging and significant area of research. Global concerns have intensified around disorders such as infertility, endometriosis, ectopic pregnancy, erectile dysfunction, benign prostate hyperplasia, sexually transmitted infections, and reproductive cancers. Nanotechnology presents promising solutions to address these concerns by introducing innovative tools and techniques, facilitating early detection, targeted drug delivery, and improved imaging capabilities. Through the utilization of nanoscale materials and devices, researchers can craft treatments that are not only more precise but also more effective, significantly enhancing outcomes in reproductive healthcare. Looking forward, the future of nanotechnology in reproductive medicine holds immense potential for reshaping diagnostics, personalized therapies, and fertility preservation. The utilization of nanotechnology-driven drug delivery systems is anticipated to elevate treatment effectiveness, minimize side effects, and offer patients therapies that are not only more precise but also more efficient. This review aims to delve into the various types, properties, and preparation techniques of nanocarriers specifically designed for drug delivery in the context of reproductive disorders, shedding light on the current landscape and potential future directions in this dynamic field.

Double layer spherical nanoparticles with hyaluronic acid coating to enhance oral delivery of exenatide in T2DM rats

Soybean phospholipid was used as an amphiphilic material to form reverse micelles (RMs) in medium glycerol monolinoleate (Maisine) with Exenatide (EXT.) encapsulated in the polar core formed by the hydrophilic part of phospholipid. Cremopher RH40 and caprylocaproyl macrogol-8 glycerides EP/caprylocaproyl polyoxyl-8 glycerides NF (Labrasol) were added as surfactants to prepare reverse micelles-self emulsifying drug delivery system (RMs-SEDDS). On this basis, oil in water (O/W) emulsion was further prepared. By adding DOTAP, the surface of the emulsion was positively charged. Finally, hyaluronic acid wrapping in the outermost layer by electrostatic adsorption and reverse micelles-O/W-sodium hyaluronate (RMs-O/W-HA) nanoparticles containing Exenatide were prepared. RMs-SEDDS was spherical with an average particle size of 213.6 nm and RMs-O/W-HA was double-layered spherical nanoparticle with an average particle size of 309.2 nm. HA coating enhanced the adhesion of nanoparticles (NPs), and RMs-O/W-HA increased cellular uptake through CD44-mediated endocytosis. Pharmacodynamics results showed that RMs-SEDDS and RMs-O/W-HA could reduce blood glucose in type 2 diabetic rats, protect pancreatic β cells to a certain extent, and relieve insulin resistance and hyperlipemia complications with good safety.