Biofunctionalized targeted nanoparticles for therapeutic applications

Strategies for Non-Covalent Attachment of Antibodies to PEGylated Nanoparticles for Targeted Drug Delivery

Polyethylene glycol (PEG)-modified nanoparticles (NPs) often struggle with reduced effectiveness against metastasis and liquid tumors due to limited tumor cell uptake and therapeutic efficacy. To address this, actively targeted liposomes with enhanced tumor selectivity and internalization are being developed to improve uptake and treatment outcomes. Using bi-functional proteins to functionalize PEGylated NPs and enhance targeted drug delivery through non-covalent attachment methods has emerged as a promising approach. Among these, the one-step and two-step targeting strategies stand out for their simplicity, efficiency, and versatility. The one-step strategy integrates streptavidin-tagged antibodies or bispecific antibodies (bsAbs: PEG/DIG × marker) directly into PEGylated NPs. This method uses the natural interactions between antibodies and PEG for stable, specific binding, allowing the modification of biotin/Fc-binding molecules like protein A, G, or anti-Fc peptide. Simply mixing bsAbs with PEGylated NPs improves tumor targeting and internalization. The two-step strategy involves first accumulating bsAbs (PEG/biotin × tumor marker) on the tumor cell surface, triggering an initial attack via antibody-dependent and complement-dependent cytotoxicity. These bsAbs then capture PEGylated NPs, initiating a second wave of internalization and cytotoxicity. Both strategies aim to enhance the targeting capabilities of PEGylated NPs by enabling specific recognition and binding to disease-specific markers or receptors. This review provides potential pathways for accelerating clinical translation in the development of targeted nanomedicine.

Nanomaterials in biology and medicine: a new perspective on its toxicity and applications

Nanotechnology offers excellent prospects for application in biology and medicine. It is used for detecting biological molecules, imaging, and as therapeutic agents. Due to nano-size (1-100 nm) and high surface-to-volume ratio, nanomaterials possess highly specific and distinct characteristics in the biological environment. Recently, the use of nanomaterials as sensors, theranostic, and drug delivery agents has become popular. The safety of these materials is being questioned because of their biological toxicity, such as inflammatory responses, cardiotoxicity, cytotoxicity, inhalation problems, etc., which can have a negative impact on the environment. This review paper focuses primarily on the toxicological effects of nanomaterials along with the mechanisms involved in cell interactions and the generation of reactive oxygen species by nanoparticles, which is the fundamental source of nanotoxicity. We also emphasize the greener synthesis of nanomaterials in biomedicine, as it is non-hazardous, feasible, and economical. The review articles shed light on the complexities of nanotoxicology in biosystems and the environment.

Bioinspired Approaches for Central Nervous System Targeted Gene Delivery

Disorders of the central nervous system (CNS) which include a wide range of neurodegenerative and neurological conditions have become a serious global issue. The presence of CNS barriers poses a significant challenge to the progress of designing effective therapeutic delivery systems, limiting the effectiveness of drugs, genes, and other therapeutic agents. Natural nanocarriers present in biological systems have inspired researchers to design unique delivery systems through biomimicry. As natural resource derived delivery systems are more biocompatible, current research has been focused on the development of delivery systems inspired by bacteria, viruses, fungi, and mammalian cells. Despite their structural potential and extensive physiological function, making them an excellent choice for biomaterial engineering, the delivery of nucleic acids remains challenging due to their instability in biological systems. Similarly, the efficient delivery of genetic material within the tissues of interest remains a hurdle due to a lack of selectivity and targeting ability. Considering that gene therapies are the holy grail for intervention in diseases, including neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's Disease, and Huntington's disease, this review centers around recent advances in bioinspired approaches to gene delivery for the prevention of CNS disorders.

The Use of Lipid-based Nanocarriers to Improve Ovarian Cancer Treatment: An Overview of Recent Developments

Ovarian cancer poses a formidable health challenge for women globally, necessitating innovative therapeutic approaches. This review provides a succinct summary of the current research status on lipid-based nanocarriers in the context of ovarian cancer treatment. Lipid-based nanocarriers, including liposomes, solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs), and nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs), offer a promising solution for delivering anticancer drugs with enhanced therapeutic effectiveness and reduced adverse effects. Their versatility in transporting both hydrophobic and hydrophilic medications makes them well-suited for a diverse range of anticancer drugs. Active targeting techniques like ligand-conjugation and surface modifications have been used to reduce off-target effects and achieve tumour-specific medication delivery. The study explores formulation techniques and adjustments meant to enhance drug stability and encapsulation in these nanocarriers. Encouraging results from clinical trials and preclinical investigations underscore the promise of lipid-based nanocarriers in ovarian cancer treatment, providing optimism for improved patient outcomes. Notwithstanding these advancements, challenges related to clearance, long-term stability, and scalable manufacturing persist. Successfully translating lipidbased nanocarriers into clinical practice requires addressing these hurdles. To sum up, lipidbased nanocarriers are a viable strategy to improve the effectiveness of therapy for ovarian cancer. With their more focused medication administration and lower systemic toxicity, they may completely change the way ovarian cancer is treated and increase patient survival rates. Lipidbased nanocarriers need to be further researched and developed to become a therapeutically viable treatment for ovarian cancer.

Intracerebral Nanoparticle Transport Facilitated by Alzheimer Pathology and Age

Nanoparticles have emerged as potential transporters of drugs targeting Alzheimer's disease (AD), but their design should consider the blood-brain barrier (BBB) integrity and neuroinflammation of the AD brain. This study presents that aging is a significant factor for the brain localization and retention of nanoparticles, which we engineered to bind with reactive astrocytes and activated microglia. We assembled 200 nm-diameter particles using a block copolymer of poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) and CD44-binding hyaluronic acid (HA). The resulting PLGA-b-HA nanoparticles displayed increased binding to CD44-expressing reactive astrocytes and activated microglia. Upon intravascular injection, nanoparticles were localized to the hippocampi of both APP/PS1 AD model mice and their control littermates at 13-16 months of age due to enhanced transvascular transport through the leaky BBB. No particles were found in the hippocampi of young adult mice. These findings demonstrate the brain localization of nanoparticles due to aging-induced BBB breakdown regardless of AD pathology.

Advances in lipid-based carriers for cancer therapeutics: Liposomes, exosomes and hybrid exosomes

Cancer has recently surpassed heart disease as the leading cause of deaths worldwide for the age group 45-65 and has been the primary focus for biomedical researchers. Presently, the drugs involved in the first-line cancer therapy are raising concerns due to high toxicity and lack of selectivity to cancer cells. There has been a significant increase in research with innovative nano formulations to entrap the therapeutic payload to enhance efficacy and eliminate or minimize toxic effects. Lipid-based carriers stand out due to their unique structural properties and biocompatible nature. The two main leaders of lipid-based drug carriers: long known liposomes and comparatively new exosomes have been well-researched. The similarity between the two lipid-based carriers is the vesicular structure with the core's capability to carry the payload. While liposomes utilize chemically derived and altered phospholipid components, the exosomes are naturally occurring vesicles with inherent lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids. More recently, researchers have focused on developing hybrid exosomes by fusing liposomes and exosomes. Combining these two types of vesicles may offer some advantages such as high drug loading, targeted cellular uptake, biocompatibility, controlled release, stability in harsh conditions and low immunogenicity.

Modification of Extracellular Vesicle Surfaces: An Approach for Targeted Drug Delivery

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are a promising drug delivery vehicle candidate because of their natural origin and intrinsic function of transporting various molecules between different cells. Several advantages of the EV delivery platform include enhanced permeability and retention effect, efficient interaction with recipient cells, the ability to traverse biological barriers, high biocompatibility, high biodegradability, and low immunogenicity. Furthermore, EV membranes share approximately similar structures and contents to the cell membrane, which allows surface modification of EVs, an approach to enable specific targeting. Enhanced drug accumulation in intended sites and reduced adverse effects of chemotherapeutic drugs are the most prominent effects of targeted drug delivery. In order to improve the targeting ability of EVs, chemical modification and genetic engineering are the most adopted methods to date. Diverse chemical methods are employed to decorate EV surfaces with various ligands such as aptamers, carbohydrates, peptides, vitamins, and antibodies. In this review, we introduce the biogenesis, content, and cellular pathway of natural EVs and further discuss the genetic modification of EVs, and its challenges. Furthermore, we provide a comprehensive deliberation on the various chemical modification methods for improved drug delivery, which are directly related to increasing the therapeutic index.

Generation of peptides using phage display technology for cancer diagnosis and molecular imaging

Cancer is one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide; nearly 10 million people died from it in 2020. The high mortality rate results from the lack of effective screening approaches where early detection cannot be achieved, reducing the chance of early intervention to prevent cancer development. Non-invasive and deep-tissue imaging is useful in cancer diagnosis, contributing to a visual presentation of anatomy and physiology in a rapid and safe manner. Its sensitivity and specificity can be enhanced with the application of targeting ligands with the conjugation of imaging probes. Phage display is a powerful technology to identify antibody- or peptide-based ligands with effective binding specificity against their target receptor. Tumour-targeting peptides exhibit promising results in molecular imaging, but the application is limited to animals only. Modern nanotechnology facilitates the combination of peptides with various nanoparticles due to their superior characteristics, rendering novel strategies in designing more potent imaging probes for cancer diagnosis and targeting therapy. In the end, a myriad of peptide candidates that aimed for different cancers diagnosis and imaging in various forms of research were reviewed.

Nanomedicine for drug resistant pathogens and COVID-19 using mushroom nanocomposite inspired with bacteriocin – A Review

Multidrug resistant (MDR) pathogens have become a major global health challenge and have severely threatened the health of society. Current conditions have gotten worse as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, and infection rates in the future will rise. It is necessary to design, respond effectively, and take action to address these challenges by investigating new avenues. In this regard, the fabrication of metal NPs utilized by various methods, including green synthesis using mushroom, is highly versatile, cost-effective, eco-compatible, and superior. In contrast, biofabrication of metal NPs can be employed as a powerful weapon against MDR pathogens and have immense biomedical applications. In addition, the advancement in nanotechnology has made possible to modify the nanomaterials and enhance their activities. Metal NPs with biomolecules composite to prevents their microbial adhesion and kills the microbial pathogens through biofilm formation. Bacteriocin is an excellent antimicrobial peptide that works well as an augmentation substance to boost the antimicrobial effects. As a result, we concentrate on the creation of new, eco-compatible mycosynthesized metal NPs with bacteriocin nanocomposite via electrostatic, covalent, or non-covalent bindings. The synergistic benefits of metal NPs with bacteriocin to combat MDR pathogens and COVID-19, as well as other biomedical applications, are discussed in this review. Moreover, the importance of the adverse outcome pathway (AOP) in risk analysis of manufactured metal nanocomposite nanomaterial and their future possibilities also discussed.

Modulating the Surface Properties of Lithium Niobate Nanoparticles by Multifunctional Coatings Using Water-in-Oil Microemulsions

Inorganic nanoparticles (NPs) have emerged as promising tools in biomedical applications, owing to their inherent physicochemical properties and their ease of functionalization. In all potential applications, the surface functionalization strategy is a key step to ensure that NPs are able to overcome the barriers encountered in physiological media, while introducing specific reactive moieties to enable post-functionalization. Silanization appears as a versatile NP-coating strategy, due to the biocompatibility and stability of silica, thus justifying the need for robust and well controlled silanization protocols. Herein, we describe a procedure for the silica coating of harmonic metal oxide NPs (LiNbO₃, LNO) using a water-in-oil microemulsion (W/O ME) approach. Through optimized ME conditions, the silanization of LNO NPs was achieved by the condensation of silica precursors (TEOS, APTES derivatives) on the oxide surface, resulting in the formation of coated NPs displaying carboxyl (LNO@COOH) or azide (LNO@N₃) reactive moieties. LNO@COOH NPs were further conjugated to an unnatural azido-containing small peptide to obtain silica-coated LNO NPs (LNO@Talys), displaying both azide and carboxyl moieties, which are well suited for biomedical applications due to the orthogonality of their surface functional groups, their colloidal stability in aqueous medium, and their anti-fouling properties.

Functionalized Nanogels with Endothelin-1 and Bradykinin Receptor Antagonist Peptides Decrease Inflammatory and Cartilage Degradation Markers of Osteoarthritis in a Horse Organoid Model of Cartilage

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative and heterogeneous disease that affects all types of joint structures. Current clinical treatments are only symptomatic and do not manage the degenerative process in animals or humans. One of the new orthobiological treatment strategies being developed to treat OA is the use of drug delivery systems (DDS) to release bioactive molecules over a long period of time directly into the joint to limit inflammation, control pain, and reduce cartilage degradation. Two vasoactive peptides, endothelin-1 and bradykinin, play important roles in OA pathogenesis. In this study, we investigated the effects of two functionalized nanogels as DDS. We assessed the effect of chitosan functionalized with a type A endothelin receptor antagonist (BQ-123-CHI) and/or hyaluronic acid functionalized with a type B1 bradykinin receptor antagonist (R-954-HA). The biocompatibility of these nanogels, alone or in combination, was first validated on equine articular chondrocytes cultured under different oxic conditions. Further, in an OA equine organoid model via induction with interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), a combination of BQ-123-CHI and R-954-HA (BR5) triggered the greatest decrease in inflammatory and catabolic markers. In basal and OA conditions, BQ-123-CHI alone or in equimolar combinations with R-954-HA had weak pro-anabolic effects on collagens synthesis. These new nanogels, as part of a composite DDS, show promising attributes for treating OA.

Immunogenic Cell Death Activates the Tumor Immune Microenvironment to Boost the Immunotherapy Efficiency

Tumor immunotherapy is only effective in a fraction of patients due to a low response rate and severe side effects, and these challenges of immunotherapy in clinics can be addressed through induction of immunogenic cell death (ICD). ICD is elicited from many antitumor therapies to release danger associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) and tumor-associated antigens to facilitate maturation of dendritic cells (DCs) and infiltration of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs). The process can reverse the tumor immunosuppressive microenvironment to improve the sensitivity of immunotherapy. Nanostructure-based drug delivery systems (NDDSs) are explored to induce ICD by incorporating therapeutic molecules for chemotherapy, photosensitizers (PSs) for photodynamic therapy (PDT), photothermal conversion agents for photothermal therapy (PTT), and radiosensitizers for radiotherapy (RT). These NDDSs can release loaded agents at a right dose in the right place at the right time, resulting in greater effectiveness and lower toxicity. Immunotherapeutic agents can also be combined with these NDDSs to achieve the synergic antitumor effect in a multi-modality therapeutic approach. In this review, NDDSs are harnessed to load multiple agents to induce ICD by chemotherapy, PDT, PTT, and RT in combination of immunotherapy to promote the therapeutic effect and reduce side effects associated with cancer treatment.

Trends in iron oxide nanoparticles: a nano-platform for theranostic application in breast cancer

Breast cancer (BC) is the deadliest malignant disorder globally, with a significant mortality rate. The development of tolerance throughout cancer treatment and non-specific targeting limits the drug's response. Currently, nano therapy provides an interdisciplinary area for imaging, diagnosis, and targeted drug delivery for BC. Several overexpressed biomarkers, proteins, and receptors are identified in BC, which can be potentially targeted by using nanomaterial for drug/gene/immune/photo-responsive therapy and bio-imaging. In recent applications, magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (IONs) have shown tremendous attention to the researcher because they combine selective drug delivery and imaging functionalities. IONs can be efficaciously functionalised for potential application in BC therapy and diagnosis. In this review, we explored the current application of IONs in chemotherapeutics delivery, gene delivery, immunotherapy, photo-responsive therapy, and bio-imaging for BC based on their molecular mechanism. In addition, we also highlighted the effect of IONs' size, shape, dimension, and functionalization on BC targeting and imaging. To better comprehend the functionalization potential of IONs, this paper provides an outline of BC cellular development. IONs for BC theranostic are also reviewed based on their clinical significance and future aspects.

Targeted Nanocarrier Delivery of RNA Therapeutics to Control HIV Infection

Our understanding of HIV infection has greatly advanced since the discovery of the virus in 1983. Treatment options have improved the quality of life of people living with HIV/AIDS, turning it from a fatal disease into a chronic, manageable infection. Despite all this progress, a cure remains elusive. A major barrier to attaining an HIV cure is the presence of the latent viral reservoir, which is established early in infection and persists for the lifetime of the host, even during prolonged anti-viral therapy. Different cure strategies are currently being explored to eliminate or suppress this reservoir. Several studies have shown that a functional cure may be achieved by preventing infection and also inhibiting reactivation of the virus from the latent reservoir. Here, we briefly describe the main HIV cure strategies, focussing on the use of RNA therapeutics, including small interfering RNA (siRNA) to maintain HIV permanently in a state of super latency, and CRISPR gRNA to excise the latent reservoir. A challenge with progressing RNA therapeutics to the clinic is achieving effective delivery into the host cell. This review covers recent nanotechnological strategies for siRNA delivery using liposomes, N-acetylgalactosamine conjugation, inorganic nanoparticles and polymer-based nanocapsules. We further discuss the opportunities and challenges of those strategies for HIV treatment.

Biofunctionalized Nanomaterials: Alternative for Encapsulation Process Enhancement

In recent years, interest in the development of nanometric materials with specific characteristics has grown; however, there are few scientific contributions that associate encapsulation methodologies and matrices with the particle objective (metabolic directions, type of administration, biological impact, and biocompatibility). This review focuses on describing the benefits and disadvantages of different techniques for designing custom particles and alternatives for the biofunctionalization nanomaterials regarding the biological impact of a nanomaterial with potential use in foods known as nutraceuticals. The study of optical properties, physicochemical factors, and characteristics such as rheological can predict its stability in the application matrix; however, not only should the characterization of a nanocomposite with applications in food be considered, but also the biological impact that it may present.

Nanoparticles and Its Implications in HIV/AIDS Therapy

The use of Antiretroviral drugs in treating HIV/ AIDS patients has enormously increased their life spans with serious disadvantages. The virus infection still remains a public health problem worldwide with no cure and vaccine for the viral agent until now. The use of nanoparticles (NPs) for the treatment and prevention of HIV/AIDS is an emerging technology of the 21st century. NPs are solid and colloid particles with 10 nm to <1000 nm size range; although, less than 200 nm is the recommended size for nanomedical usage. There are NPs with therapeutic capabilities such as liposomes, micelles, dendrimers and nanocapsules. The particle enters the body mainly via oral intake, direct injection and inhalation. It has been proven to have potentials of advancing the prevention and treatment of the viral agent. Certain NPs have been shown to have selftherapeutic activity for the virus in vitro. Strategies that are novel are emerging which can be used to improve nanotechnology, such as genetic treatment and immunotherapy. In this review, nanoparticles, the types and its characteristics in drug delivery were discussed. The light was furthermore shed on its implications in the prevention and treatment of HIV/AIDS.

Surface Biomodification of Liposomes and Polymersomes for Efficient Targeted Drug Delivery

Chemotherapy has seen great progress in the development of performant treatment strategies. Nanovesicles such as liposomes and polymersomes demonstrated great potential in cancer therapy. However, these nanocarriers deliver their content passively, which faces a lot of constraints during blood circulation. The main challenge resides in degradation and random delivery to normal tissues. Hence, targeting drug delivery using specific molecules (such as antibodies) grafted over the surface of these nanocarriers came as the answer to overcome many problems faced before. The advantage of using antibodies is their antigen/antibody recognition, which provides a high level of specificity to reach treatment targets. This review discusses the many techniques of nanocarrier functionalization with antibodies. The aim is to recognize the various approaches by describing their advantages and deficiencies to create the most suitable drug delivery platform. Some methods are more suitable for other applications rather than drug delivery, which can explain the low success of some proposed targeted nanocarriers. In here, a critical analysis of how every method could impact the recognition and targeting capacity of some nanocarriers (liposomes and polymersomes) is discussed to make future research more impactful and advance the field of biomedicine further.

Triple negative breast cancer and non-small cell lung cancer: Clinical challenges and nano-formulation approaches

Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) are amongst the most aggressive forms of solid tumors. TNBC is highlighted by absence of genetic components of progesterone receptor, HER2/neu and estrogen receptor in breast cancer. NSCLC is characterized by integration of malignant carcinoma into respiratory system. Both cancers are associated with poor median and overall survival rates with low progression free survival with high incidences of relapse. These cancers are characterized by tumor heterogeneity, genetic mutations, generation of cancer-stem cells, immune-resistance and chemoresistance. Further, these neoplasms have been reported for tumor cross-talk into second primary cancers for each other. Current chemotherapeutic regimens include usage of multiple agents in tandem to affect tumor cells through multiple mechanisms with various such combinations being clinically tested. However, lack of controlled delivery and effective temporospatial presence of chemotherapeutics has resulted in suboptimal therapeutic response. Consequently, passive targeted albumin bound paclitaxel and PEGylated liposomal doxorubicin have been clinically used and tested with newer drugs for improved therapeutic efficacy in these cancers. Active targeting of nanocarriers against surface overexpressed proteins in both neoplasms have been explored. However, use of single agent nanoparticulate formulations against both cancers have failed to elicit desired outcomes. This review aims to identify clinical unmet need in these cancers while establishing a correlation with tested nano-formulation approaches and issues with preclinical to clinical translation. Lipid and polymer-based drug-drug and drug-gene combinatorial nanocarriers delivering multiple chemotherapeutics simultaneously to desired site of action have been detailed. Finally, emerging opportunities such as pharmacological targets (immune check point and epigentic modulators) as well as gene-based modulation (siRNA/CRISPR/Cas9) and the nano-formulation challenges for effective treatment of both cancers have been explored.

Nanoscale pathogens treated with nanomaterial-like peptides: a platform technology appropriate for future pandemics

Viral infections are historically very difficult to treat. Although imperfect and time-consuming to develop, we do have some conventional vaccine and therapeutic approaches to stop viral spreading. Most importantly, all of this takes significant time while viruses continue to wreak havoc on our healthcare system. Furthermore, viral infections are accompanied by a weakened immune system which is often overlooked in antiviral drug strategies and requires additional drug development. In this review, for the first time, we touch on some promising alternative approaches to treat viral infections, specifically those focused on the use of platform nanomaterials with antiviral peptides. In doing so, this review presents a timely discussion of how we need to change our old way of treating viruses into one that can quickly meet the demands of COVID-19, as well as future pandemic-causing viruses, which will come.

Cell surface nucleolin as active bait for nanomedicine in cancer therapy: a promising option

Conventional chemotherapy used against cancer is mostly limited due to their non-targeted nature, affecting normal tissue and causing undesirable toxic effects to the affected tissue. With the aim of improving these treatments both therapeutically and in terms of their safety, numerous studies are currently being carried out using nanoparticles (NPs) as a vector combining tumor targeting and carrying therapeutic tools. In this context, it appears that nucleolin, a molecule over-expressed on the surface of tumor cells, is an interesting therapeutic target. Several ligands, antagonists of nucleolin of various origins, such as AS1411, the F3 peptide and the multivalent pseudopeptide N6L have been developed and studied as therapeutic tools against cancer. Over the last ten years or so, numerous studies have been published demonstrating that these antagonists can be used as tumor targeting agents with NPs from various origins. Focusing on nucleolin ligands, the aim of this article is to review the literature recently published or under experimentation in our research team to evaluate the efficacy and future development of these tools as anti-tumor agents.

Harnessing nanotechnology to expand the toolbox of chemical biology

Although nanotechnology often addresses biomedical needs, nanoscale tools can also facilitate broad biological discovery. Nanoscale delivery, imaging, biosensing, and bioreactor technologies may address unmet questions at the interface between chemistry and biology. Currently, many chemical biologists do not include nanomaterials in their toolbox, and few investigators develop nanomaterials in the context of chemical tools to answer biological questions. We reason that the two fields are ripe with opportunity for greater synergy. Nanotechnologies can expand the utility of chemical tools in the hands of chemical biologists, for example, through controlled delivery of reactive and/or toxic compounds or signal-binding events of small molecules in living systems. Conversely, chemical biologists can work with nanotechnologists to address challenging biological questions that are inaccessible to both communities. This Perspective aims to introduce the chemical biology community to nanotechnologies that may expand their methodologies while inspiring nanotechnologists to address questions relevant to chemical biology.

Nanostructured Polymeric, Liposomal and Other Materials to Control the Drug Delivery for Cardiovascular Diseases

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of death globally, taking an estimated 17.9 million lives each year, representing one third of global mortality. As existing therapies still have limited success, due to the inability to control the biodistribution of the currently approved drugs, the quality of life of these patients is modest. The advent of nanomedicine has brought new insights in innovative treatment strategies. For this reason, several novel nanotechnologies have been developed for both targeted and prolonged delivery of therapeutics to the cardiovascular system tο minimize side effects. In this regard, nanoparticles made of natural and/or synthetic nanomaterials, like liposomes, polymers or inorganic materials, are emerging alternatives for the encapsulation of already approved drugs to control their delivery in a targeted way. Therefore, nanomedicine has attracted the attention of the scientific community as a potential platform to deliver therapeutics to the injured heart. In this review, we discuss the current types of biomaterials that have been investigated as potential therapeutic interventions for CVDs as they open up a host of possibilities for more targeted and effective therapies, as well as minimally invasive treatments.

Surface-modified polymeric nanoparticles for drug delivery to cancer cells

INTRODUCTION

The utilization of polymeric nanoparticles, as drug payloads, has been extensively prevailed in cancer therapy. However, the precise distribution of these nanocarriers is restrained by various physiological and cellular obstacles. Nanoparticles must avoid nonspecific interactions with healthy cells and in vivo compartments to circumvent these barriers. Since in vivo interactions of nanoparticles are mainly dependent on surface properties of nanoparticles, efficient control on surface constituents is necessary for the determination of nanoparticles' fate in the body.

AREAS COVERED

In this review, the surface-modified polymeric nanoparticles and their utilization in cancer treatment were elaborated. First, the interaction of nanoparticles with numerous in vivo barriers was highlighted. Second, different strategies to overcome these obstacles were described. Third, some inspiring examples of surface-modified nanoparticles were presented. Later, fabrication and characterization methods of surface-modified nanoparticles were discussed. Finally, the applications of these nanoparticles in different routes of treatments were explored.

EXPERT OPINION

Surface modification of anticancer drug-loaded polymeric nanoparticles can enhance the efficacy, selective targeting, and biodistribution of the anticancer drug at the tumor site.

Innovatory role of nanomaterials as bio-tools for treatment of cancer

Conventional treatment modes like chemotherapy, thermal and radiations aimed at cancerous cells eradication are marked by destruction pointing the employment of nanomaterials as sustainable and auspicious materials for saving human lives. Cancer has been deemed as the second leading cause of death on a global scale. Nanomaterials employment in cancer treatment is based on the utilization of their inherent physicochemical characteristics in addition to their modification for using as nano-carriers and nano-vehicles eluted with anti-cancer drugs. Current work has reviewed the significant role of different types of nanomaterials in cancer therapeutics and diagnostics in a systematic way. Compilation of review has been done by analyzing voluminous investigations employing ERIC, MEDLINE, NHS Evidence and Web of Science databases. Search engines used were Google scholar, Jstore and PubMed. Current review is suggestive of the remarkable performance of nanomaterials making them candidates for cancer treatment for substitution of destructive treatment modes through investigation of their physicochemical characteristics, utilization outputs and long term impacts in patients.

Fantastic Voyage of Nanomotors into the Cell

Richard Feynman's 1959 vision of controlling devices at small scales and swallowing the surgeon has inspired the science-fiction Fantastic Voyage film and has played a crucial role in the rapid development of the microrobotics field. Sixty years later, we are currently witnessing a dramatic progress in this field, with artificial micro- and nanoscale robots moving within confined spaces, down to the cellular level, and performing a wide range of biomedical applications within the cellular interior while addressing the limitations of common passive nanosystems. In this review article, we discuss key recent advances in the field of micro/nanomotors toward important cellular applications. Specifically, we outline the distinct capabilities of nanoscale motors for such cellular applications and illustrate how the active movement of nanomotors leads to distinct advantages of rapid cell penetration, accelerated intracellular sensing, and effective intracellular delivery toward enhanced therapeutic efficiencies. We finalize by discussing the future prospects and key challenges that such micromotor technology face toward implementing practical intracellular applications. By increasing our knowledge of nanomotors' cell entry and of their behavior within the intracellular space, and by successfully addressing key challenges, we expect that next-generation nanomotors will lead to exciting advances toward cell-based diagnostics and therapy.

Bioactive molecule carrier systems in endodontics

INTRODUCTION

Bioactive molecule carrier systems (BACS) are biomaterial-based substrates that facilitate the delivery of active signaling molecules for different biologically based therapeutic applications, which include regenerative endodontic procedures. Tissue regeneration or organized repair in regenerative endodontic procedures is governed by the dynamic orchestration of interactions between stem/progenitor cells, bioactive molecules, and extracellular matrix. BACS aid in mimicking some of the complex physiological processes, overcoming some of the challenges faced in the clinical translation of regenerative endodontic procedures.

AREAS COVERED

This narrative review addresses the role of BACS in stem/progenitor cell proliferation, migration, and differentiation with the application for dentin-pulp tissue engineering both in vitro and in vivo. BACS shield the bioactivity of the immobilized molecules against environmental factors, while its design allows the pre-programmed release of bioactive molecules in a spatial and temporal-controlled manner. The polymeric and non-polymeric materials used to synthesize micro and nanoscale-based BACS are reviewed.

EXPERT OPINION

Comprehensive characterization of well-designed and customized BACS is necessary to be able to deliver multiple bioactive molecules in spatiotemporally controlled manner and to address the release kinetics required for potential in vivo application. This warrants further laboratory-based experiments and rigorous clinical investigations to enable their clinical translation for regenerative endodontic procedures.

Nanotechnology as a Platform for the Development of Injectable Parenteral Formulations: A Comprehensive Review of the Know-Hows and State of the Art

Within recent decades, the development of nanotechnology has made a significant contribution to the progress of various fields of study, including the domains of medical and pharmaceutical sciences. A substantially transformed arena within the context of the latter is the development and production of various injectable parenteral formulations. Indeed, recent decades have witnessed a rapid growth of the marketed and pipeline nanotechnology-based injectable products, which is a testimony to the remarkability of the aforementioned contribution. Adjunct to the ability of nanomaterials to deliver the incorporated payloads to many different targets of interest, nanotechnology has substantially assisted to the development of many further facets of the art. Such contributions include the enhancement of the drug solubility, development of long-acting locally and systemically injectable formulations, tuning the onset of the drug’s release through the endowment of sensitivity to various internal or external stimuli, as well as adjuvancy and immune activation, which is a desirable component for injectable vaccines and immunotherapeutic formulations. The current work seeks to provide a comprehensive review of all the abovementioned contributions, along with the most recent advances made within each domain. Furthermore, recent developments within the domains of passive and active targeting will be briefly debated.

Nanoparticle Platforms for Antigen-Specific Immune Tolerance

Innovative approaches in nanoparticle design have facilitated the creation of new formulations of nanoparticles that are capable of selectively calibrating the immune response. These nanomaterials may be engineered to interact with specific cellular and molecular targets. Recent advancements in nanoparticle synthesis have enabled surface functionalization of particles that mimic the diversity of ligands on the cell surface. Platforms synthesized using these design principles, called "biomimetic" nanoparticles, have achieved increasingly sophisticated targeting specificity and cellular trafficking capabilities. This holds great promise for next generation therapies that seek to achieve immune tolerance. In this review, we discuss the importance of physical design parameters including size, shape, and biomimetic surface functionalization, on the biodistribution, safety and efficacy of biologic nanoparticles. We will also explore potential applications for immune tolerance for organ or stem cell transplantation.

Multifunctional nanomedicines for targeting epidermal growth factor receptor in colorectal cancer

Systemic administration of chemotherapeutics by nanocarriers (NCs) functionalized with targeting agents provides a localized accumulation of drugs in the target tissues and cells. Advanced nanoscaled medicaments can enter into the tumor microenvironment (TME) and overcome the uniquely dysregulated biological settings of TME, including highly pressurized tumor interstitial fluid in an acidic milieu. Such multimodal nanomedicines seem to be one of the most effective treatment modalities against solid tumors such as colorectal cancer (CRC). To progress and invade, cancer cells overexpress various oncogenes and molecular markers such as epidermal growth factor receptors (EGFRs), which can be exploited for targeted delivery of nanoscaled drug delivery systems (DDSs). In fact, to develop effective personalized multimodal nanomedicines, the type of solid tumor and status of the disease in each patient should be taken into consideration. While the development of such multimodal-targeted nanomedicines is largely dependent on the expression level of oncomarkers, the type of NCs and homing/imaging agents play key roles in terms of their efficient applications. In this review, we provide deep insights into the development of EGFR-targeting nanomedicines and discuss various types of nanoscale DDSs (e.g., organic and inorganic nanoparticles) for targeting of the EGFR-positive solid tumors such as CRC.

Biomimetic nanoparticle technology for cardiovascular disease detection and treatment

Cardiovascular disease (CVD), which encompasses a number of conditions that can affect the heart and blood vessels, presents a major challenge for modern-day healthcare. Nearly one in three people has some form of CVD, with many suffering from multiple or intertwined conditions that can ultimately lead to traumatic events such as a heart attack or stroke. While the knowledge obtained in the past century regarding the cardiovascular system has paved the way for the development of life-prolonging drugs and treatment modalities, CVD remains one of the leading causes of death in developed countries. More recently, researchers have explored the application of nanotechnology to improve upon current clinical paradigms for the management of CVD. Nanoscale delivery systems have many advantages, including the ability to target diseased sites, improve drug bioavailability, and carry various functional payloads. In this review, we cover the different ways in which nanoparticle technology can be applied towards CVD diagnostics and treatments. The development of novel biomimetic platforms with enhanced functionalities is discussed in detail.

Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticulate system: synthesis, targeting, drug delivery and therapy in cancer

Cancer is a global epidemic and is considered a leading cause of death. Various cancer treatments such as chemotherapy, surgery, and radiotherapy are available for the cure but those are generally associated with poor long-term survival rates. Consequently, more advanced and selective methods that have better outcomes, fewer side effects, and high efficacies are highly in demand. Among these is the use of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) which act as an innovative kit for battling cancer. Low cost, magnetic properties and toxicity properties enable SPIONs to be widely utilized in biomedical applications. For example, magnetite and maghemite (Fe3O4 and γ-Fe2O3) exhibit superparamagnetic properties and are widely used in drug delivery, diagnosis, and therapy. These materials are termed SPIONs when their size is smaller than 20 nm. This review article aims to provide a brief introduction on SPIONs, focusing on their fundamental magnetism and biological applications. The quality and surface chemistry of SPIONs are crucial in biomedical applications; therefore an in-depth survey of synthetic approaches and surface modifications of SPIONs is provided along with their biological applications such as targeting, site-specific drug delivery and therapy.

Enhancing Enzyme Immobilization on Carbon Nanotubes via Metal-Organic Frameworks for Large-Substrate Biocatalysis

Biocatalysis of large-sized substrates finds wide applications. Immobilizing the involved enzymes on solid supports improves biocatalysis yet faces challenges such as enzyme structural perturbation, leaching, and low cost-efficiencies, depending on immobilization strategies/matrices. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are attractive matrices but challenged by enzyme leaching (physical adsorption) or perturbation (covalent linking). Zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIFs) overcome these issues. However, our recent study [ J. Am. Chem. Soc., 2018, 140, 16032-16036] showed reduced cost-efficiency as enzymes trapped below the ZIF surfaces cannot participate in biocatalysis; the enzyme-ZIF composites are also unstable under acidic conditions. In this work, we demonstrate the feasibility of using ZIFs to immobilize enzymes on CNT surfaces on two model enzymes, T4 lysozyme and amylase, both of which showed negligible leaching and retained catalytic activity under neutral and acidic conditions. To better understand the behavior of enzymes on CNTs and CNT-ZIF, we characterized enzyme orientation on both matrices using site-directed spin-labeling (SDSL)-electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), which is immune to the complexities caused by CNT and ZIF background signals and enzyme-matrix interactions. Our structural investigations showed enhanced enzyme exposure to the solvent compared to enzymes in ZIFs alone; orientation of enzymes in matrices itself is directly related to substrate accessibility and, therefore, essential for understanding and improving catalytic efficiency. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time ZIFs and one-pot synthesis are employed to anchor large-substrate enzymes on CNT surfaces for biocatalysis. This is also the first report of enzyme orientation on the CNT surface and upon trapping in CNT-ZIF composites. Our results are essential for guiding the rational design of CNT-ZIF combinations to improve enzyme stabilization, loading capacity, and catalytic efficiency.

Non-invasive and quantitative in vivo monitoring of gold nanoparticle concentration and tissue hemodynamics by hybrid optical spectroscopies

Owing to their unique combination of chemical and physical properties, inorganic nanoparticles show a great deal of potential as suitable agents for early diagnostics and less invasive therapies. Yet, their translation to the clinic has been hindered, in part, by the lack of non-invasive methods to quantify their concentration in vivo while also assessing their effect on the tissue physiology. In this work, we demonstrate that diffuse optical techniques, employing near-infrared light, have the potential to address this need in the case of gold nanoparticles which support localized surface plasmons. An orthoxenograft mouse model of clear cell renal cell carcinoma was non-invasively assessed by diffuse reflectance and correlation spectroscopies before and over several days following a single intravenous tail vein injection of polyethylene glycol-coated gold nanorods (AuNRs-PEG). Our platform enables to resolve the kinetics of the AuNR-PEG uptake by the tumor in quantitative agreement with ex vivo inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy. Furthermore, it allows for the simultaneous monitoring of local tissue hemodynamics, enabling us to conclude that AuNRs-PEG do not significantly alter the animal physiology. We note that the penetration depth of this current probe was a few millimeters but can readily be extended to centimeters, hence gaining clinical relevance. This study and the methodology presented here complement the nanomedicine toolbox by providing a flexible platform, extendable to other absorbing agents that can potentially be translated to human trials.

Active targeted delivery of immune therapeutics to lymph nodes

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Organ transplantation is a life-saving procedure and the only option for patients with end-organ failure. Immune therapeutics have been key to the success of organ transplantation. However, immune therapeutics are still unable to eliminate graft rejection and their toxicity has been implicated in poorer long-term transplant outcomes. Targeted nanodelivery has the potential to enhance not only the therapeutic index but also the bioavailability of the immune therapeutics. One of the key sites of immune therapeutics delivery is lymph node where the priming of immune cells occur. The focus of this review is on nanomedicine research to develop the targeted delivery of immune therapeutics to lymph nodes for controlling immune activation.

RECENT FINDINGS

As nanomedicine creates its niche in clinical care, it provides novel immunotherapy platforms for transplant recipients. Draining lymph nodes are the primary loci of immune activation and represent a formidable site for delivery of wide variety of immune therapeutics. There have been relentless efforts to improve the properties of nanomedicines, to have in-depth knowledge of antigen and drug loading, and, finally, to explore various routes of passive and active targeted delivery to lymph nodes.

SUMMARY

The application of nanotechnology principles in the delivery of immune therapeutics to the lymph node has created enormous excitement as a paradigm shifting approach that enables targeted delivery of a gamut of molecules to achieve a desired immune response. Therefore, innovative strategies that improve their efficacy while reducing their toxicity are among the highest unmet needs in transplantation.

Light-induced mechanisms for nanocarrier's cargo release

Nanomaterials have been the focus of attention in several fields, including biomedicine, electronics, or catalysis, mainly due to the novel properties of the materials at the nanoscale. In the field of diagnosis, nanomaterials have been contemplated as an opportunity to improve sensitivity and time of response, therefore, facilitating early treatment and monitoring of the disease. For therapeutic applications, new drug delivery nanosystems aiming to provide enhanced efficiency have been proposed often addressing selective or controlled delivery of therapeutic agents to particular cells to maximize treatment efficacy minimizing adverse effects. The therapeutic agents can be dissolved, adsorbed, entrapped, encapsulated or attached on the surface or inside the nanocarriers. Given the context of the different generations of nanocarriers and their wide range of applications, the present article aims to discuss the nature of external stimuli which will trigger the controlled release of different biomolecules. For each class, a brief description of the physical principle, basic concepts, as well as some examples, are reported. A final discussion focused on the real implications and needs for optimal drug delivery system is presented, altogether with some considerations and prospects in the trends that diagnostics applications could follow in the next years.

Nanoparticles as carriers for drug delivery in cancer

Cancer nanotherapeutics are swiftly progressing and are being applied to solve several limitations of conventional drug delivery systems such as non-specific biodistribution and targeting, lack of water solubility and poor oral bioavailability. Advances in protein engineering and materials science have contributed to novel nanoscale targeting approaches that may bring new hope to cancer patients. Several therapeutic nanocarriers have been approved for clinical use. Nanoparticles have been designed for optimal size and surface characteristics to improve their biodistribution and to increase their circulation time in the bloodstream. By selectively using the unique pathophysiology of tumours, such as their enhanced permeability and retention effect nanotherapeutics are able to carry loaded active drug to cancer cells. In addition to this passive targeting mechanism, active targeting strategies using ligands or antibodies directed against selected tumour targets magnify the specificity of these therapeutic nanoparticles. Drug resistance, another obstacle can also be overcome or reduced by using nanoparticles. Multifunctional and multiplex nanoparticles are now being actively investigated and are on the horizon as the next generation of nanoparticles, facilitating personalized and tailored cancer treatment.