A perspective on magnetic core-shell carriers for responsive and targeted drug delivery systems

Biomaterials-Based Technologies in Skeletal Muscle Tissue Engineering

For many clinically prevalent severe injuries, the inherent regenerative capacity of skeletal muscle remains inadequate. Skeletal muscle tissue engineering (SMTE) seeks to meet this clinical demand. With continuous progress in biomedicine and related technologies including micro/nanotechnology and 3D printing, numerous studies have uncovered various intrinsic mechanisms regulating skeletal muscle regeneration and developed tailored biomaterial systems based on these understandings. Here, the skeletal muscle structure and regeneration process are discussed and the diverse biomaterial systems derived from various technologies are explored in detail. Biomaterials serve not merely as local niches for cell growth, but also as scaffolds endowed with structural or physicochemical properties that provide tissue regenerative cues such as topographical, electrical, and mechanical signals. They can also act as delivery systems for stem cells and bioactive molecules that have been shown as key participants in endogenous repair cascades. To achieve bench-to-bedside translation, the typical effect enabled by biomaterial systems and the potential underlying molecular mechanisms are also summarized. Insights into the roles of biomaterials in SMTE from cellular and molecular perspectives are provided. Finally, perspectives on the advancement of SMTE are provided, for which gene therapy, exosomes, and hybrid biomaterials may hold promise to make important contributions.

Advancing piezoelectric 2D nanomaterials for applications in drug delivery systems and therapeutic approaches

Precision drug delivery and multimodal synergistic therapy are crucial in treating diverse ailments, such as cancer, tissue damage, and degenerative diseases. Electrodes that emit electric pulses have proven effective in enhancing molecule release and permeability in drug delivery systems. Moreover, the physiological electrical microenvironment plays a vital role in regulating biological functions and triggering action potentials in neural and muscular tissues. Due to their unique noncentrosymmetric structures, many 2D materials exhibit outstanding piezoelectric performance, generating positive and negative charges under mechanical forces. This ability facilitates precise drug targeting and ensures high stimulus responsiveness, thereby controlling cellular destinies. Additionally, the abundant active sites within piezoelectric 2D materials facilitate efficient catalysis through piezochemical coupling, offering multimodal synergistic therapeutic strategies. However, the full potential of piezoelectric 2D nanomaterials in drug delivery system design remains underexplored due to research gaps. In this context, the current applications of piezoelectric 2D materials in disease management are summarized in this review, and the development of drug delivery systems influenced by these materials is forecast.

A Preliminary Report Regarding the Morphological Changes of Nano-Enabled Pharmaceutical Formulation on Human Lung Carcinoma Monolayer and 3D Bronchial Microtissue

Background and Objectives: Nowadays, the development of enabled pharmaceutical nanoparticles of solid lipid type is continuously growing, because they have the potential to be used for targeted drug release leading to an increased effect of chemotherapy, being used in lung cancer nano-diagnosis and nano-therapy. The current study reports the preliminary results obtained regarding the biological effect of a new nano-enabled pharmaceutical formulation in terms of its cytotoxic and biosafety profile. Materials and Methods: The pharmaceutical formulations consist of solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) obtained via the emulsification-diffusion method by loading green iron oxide nanoparticles (green-IONPs) with a pentacyclic triterpene (oleanolic acid-OA). Further, a complex biological assessment was performed, employing three-dimensional (3D) bronchial microtissues (EpiAirwayTM) to determine the biosafety profile of the SLN samples. The cytotoxic potential of the samples was evaluated on human lung carcinoma, using an in vitro model (A549 human lung carcinoma monolayer). Results: The data revealed that the A549 cell line was strongly affected after treatment with SLN samples, especially those that contained OA-loaded green-IONPs obtained with Ocimum basilicum extract (under 30% viability rates). The biosafety profile investigation of the 3D normal in vitro bronchial model showed that all the SLN samples negatively affected the viability of the bronchial microtissues (below 50%). As regards the morphological changes, all the samples induce major changes such as loss of the surface epithelium integrity, loss of epithelial junctions, loss of cilia, hyperkeratosis, and cell death caused by apoptosis. Conclusions: In summary, the culprit for the negative impact on viability and morphology of 3D normal bronchial microtissues could be the too-high dose (500 µg/mL) of the SLN sample used. Nevertheless, further adjustments in the SLN synthesis process and another complex in vitro evaluation will be considered for future research.

Magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles@lecithin/poly (l-lactic acid) microspheres for targeted drug release in cancer therapy

The use of targeted chemotherapy is a promising solution to mitigate the side effects and dosage of drugs. This research focuses on the development of magnetic microspheres (MMS) based drug carriers for targeted chemotherapy, formulated with iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe3O4 NPs) and poly (l-lactic acid) (PLA) loaded with the antibiotic drug Ciprofloxacin (CIF). In this study, Fe3O4 NPs were synthesized using pomegranate peel extract as a natural reducing and stabilizing agent. The double emulsification method (W1/O/W2) was employed to produce Fe3O4@LEC-CIF-PLA-MMS, which were characterized using various spectral and microscopic techniques. The drug encapsulation efficiency for Fe3O4@LEC-CIF-PLA-MMS was found to be 80.7 %. The in vitro drug release of CIF from Fe3O4@LEC-CIF-PLA-MMS induced by H2O2 and GSH- stimuli was found to be 87.55 % and 82.32 %, respectively in acidic pH 4.5. Notably, the magnetically triggered drug release behaviour of Fe3O4@LEC-CIF-PLA-MMS (93.56 %) was assessed in acidic pH environment upon exposure to low-frequency alternating magnetic field (LF-AMF). Fe3O4@LEC-CIF-PLA-MMS demonstrated significantly enhanced in vitro cytotoxicity (IC50 = 0.8 ± 0.03 μg/mL) against the HeLa-S3 cancer cell lines. Nevertheless, these research findings highlight the potential of Fe3O4@LEC-CIF-PLA-MMS for further development as a chemotherapeutic agent and hold promise for the future of targeted cancer treatment.

Upscale Synthesis of Magnetic Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles and Application to Metal Ion Separation: Nanosafety Evaluation

The synthesis of core-shell magnetic mesoporous nanoparticles (MMSNs) through a phase transfer process is usually performed at the 100-250 mg scale. At the gram scale, nanoparticles without cores or with multicore systems are observed. Iron oxide core nanoparticles (IO) were synthesized through a thermal decomposition procedure of α-FeO(OH) in oleic acid. A phase transfer from chloroform to water was then performed in order to wrap the IO nanoparticles with a mesoporous silica shell through the sol-gel procedure. MMSNs were then functionalized with DTPA (diethylenetriaminepentacetic acid) and used for the separation of metal ions. Their toxicity was evaluated. The phase transfer procedure was crucial to obtaining MMSNs on a large scale. Three synthesis parameters were rigorously controlled: temperature, time and glassware. The homogeneous dispersion of MMSNs on the gram scale was successfully obtained. After functionalization with DTPA, the MMSN-DTPAs were shown to have a strong affinity for Ni ions. Furthermore, toxicity was evaluated in cells, zebrafish and seahorse cell metabolic assays, and the nanoparticles were found to be nontoxic. We developed a method of preparing MMSNs at the gram scale. After functionalization with DTPA, the nanoparticles were efficient in metal ion removal and separation; furthermore, no toxicity was noticed up to 125 µg mL-1 in zebrafish.

Design and fabrication of intracellular therapeutic cargo delivery systems based on nanomaterials: current status and future perspectives

Intracellular cargo delivery, the introduction of small molecules, proteins, and nucleic acids into a specific targeted site in a biological system, is an important strategy for deciphering cell function, directing cell fate, and reprogramming cell behavior. With the advancement of nanotechnology, many researchers use nanoparticles (NPs) to break through biological barriers to achieving efficient targeted delivery in biological systems, bringing a new way to realize efficient targeted drug delivery in biological systems. With a similar size to many biomolecules, NPs possess excellent physical and chemical properties and a certain targeting ability after functional modification on the surface of NPs. Currently, intracellular cargo delivery based on NPs has emerged as an important strategy for genome editing regimens and cell therapy. Although researchers can successfully deliver NPs into biological systems, many of them are delivered very inefficiently and are not specifically targeted. Hence, the development of efficient, target-capable, and safe nanoscale drug delivery systems to deliver therapeutic substances to cells or organs is a major challenge today. In this review, on the basis of describing the research overview and classification of NPs, we focused on the current research status of intracellular cargo delivery based on NPs in biological systems, and discuss the current problems and challenges in the delivery process of NPs in biological systems.

Polysaccharides-based nanocarriers enhance the anti-inflammatory effect of curcumin

Curcumin (CUR) has been discovered to have many biological activities, including anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-oxygenation, anti-human immunodeficiency virus, anti-microbial and exhibits a good effect on the prevention and treatment of many diseases. However, the limited properties of CUR, including the poor solubility, bioavailability and instability caused by enzymes, light, metal irons, and oxygen, have compelled researchers to turn their attention to drug carrier application to overcome these drawbacks. Encapsulation may provide potential protective effects to the embedding materials and/or have a synergistic effect with them. Therefore, nanocarriers, especially polysaccharides-based nanocarriers, have been developed in many studies to enhance the anti-inflammatory capacity of CUR. Consequently, it's critical to review current advancements in the encapsulation of CUR using polysaccharides-based nanocarriers, as well as further study the potential mechanisms of action where polysaccharides-based CUR nanoparticles (the complex nanoparticles/Nano CUR-delivery systems) exhibit their anti-inflammatory effects. This work suggests that polysaccharides-based nanocarriers will be a thriving field in the treatment of inflammation and inflammation-related diseases.

How Magnetic Composites are Effective Anticancer Therapeutics? A Comprehensive Review of the Literature

Chemotherapy is the most prominent route in cancer therapy for prolonging the lifespan of cancer patients. However, its non-target specificity and the resulting off-target cytotoxicities have been reported. Recent in vitro and in vivo studies using magnetic nanocomposites (MNCs) for magnetothermal chemotherapy may potentially improve the therapeutic outcome by increasing the target selectivity. In this review, magnetic hyperthermia therapy and magnetic targeting using drug-loaded MNCs are revisited, focusing on magnetism, the fabrication and structures of magnetic nanoparticles, surface modifications, biocompatible coating, shape, size, and other important physicochemical properties of MNCs, along with the parameters of the hyperthermia therapy and external magnetic field. Due to the limited drug-loading capacity and low biocompatibility, the use of magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) as drug delivery system has lost traction. In contrast, MNCs show higher biocompatibility, multifunctional physicochemical properties, high drug encapsulation, and multi-stages of controlled release for localized synergistic chemo-thermotherapy. Further, combining various forms of magnetic cores and pH-sensitive coating agents can generate a more robust pH, magneto, and thermo-responsive drug delivery system. Thus, MNCs are ideal candidate as smart and remotely guided drug delivery system due to a) their magneto effects and guide-ability by the external magnetic fields, b) on-demand drug release performance, and c) thermo-chemosensitization under an applied alternating magnetic field where the tumor is selectively incinerated without harming surrounding non-tumor tissues. Given the important effects of synthesis methods, surface modifications, and coating of MNCs on their anticancer properties, we reviewed the most recent studies on magnetic hyperthermia, targeted drug delivery systems in cancer therapy, and magnetothermal chemotherapy to provide insights on the current development of MNC-based anticancer nanocarrier.

Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles for their application in the human body: Influence of the surface

Iron oxide nanoparticles (IONs) are of great interest in nanomedicine for imaging, drug delivery, or for hyperthermia treatment. Although many research groups have focused on the synthesis and application of IONs in nanomedicine, little is known about the influence of the surface properties on the particles' behavior in the human body. This study analyzes the impact of surface coatings (dextran, polyvinyl alcohol, polylactide-co-glycolide) on the nanoparticles' cytocompatibility, agglomeration, degradation, and the resulting oxidative stress induced by the particle degradation. All particles, including bare IONs (BIONs), are highly cytocompatible (>70%) and show no significant toxicity towards smooth muscle cells. Small-angle X-ray scattering profiles visualize the aggregation behavior of nanoparticles and yield primary particle sizes of around 20 nm for the investigated nanoparticles. A combined experimental setup of dynamic light scattering and phenanthroline assay was used to analyze the long-term agglomeration and degradation profile of IONs in simulated body fluids, allowing fast screening of multiple candidates. All particles degraded in simulated endosomal and lysosomal fluid, confirming the pH-dependent dissolution. The degradation rate decreased with the shrinking size of particles leading to a plateau. The fastest Fe²⁺ release could be measured for the polyvinyl-coated IONs. The analytical setup is ideal for a quick preclinical study of IONs, giving often neglected yet crucial information about the behavior and toxicity of nanoparticles in the human body. Moreover, this study allows for the development and evaluation of novel ferroptosis-inducing agents.

Green synthesis of silica-coated magnetic nanocarriers for simultaneous purification-immobilization of β-1,3-xylanase

Tailoring magnetic nanocarriers with tunable properties is of great significance for the development of multifunctional candidate materials in numerous fields. Herein, we report a one-pot biomimetic silicification-based method for the synthesis of silica-coated magnetic nanoparticles. The synthesis process was mild, low cost, and highly efficient, which took only about 21 min compared with 4.5-120 h in other literature. Then, the carriers had been characterized by VSM, SEM, TEM, XRD, FT-IR, and EDS to confirm their function. To evaluate the usefulness of the carriers, they were adopted to couple the purification and immobilization of β-1,3-xylanase from the cell lysate in a single step with high immobilization yield (92.8 %) and high activity recovery (82.4 %). The immobilized enzyme also retained 58.4 % of the initial activity after 10 cycles and displayed good storage properties, and improved thermal stability, which would be promising in algae biomass bioconversion as well as other diverse applications.

Stimuli-Responsive Silica Silanol Conjugates: Strategic Nanoarchitectonics in Targeted Drug Delivery

The design of novel drug delivery systems is exceptionally critical in disease treatments. Among the existing drug delivery systems, mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) have shown profuse promise owing to their structural stability, tunable morphologies/sizes, and ability to load different payload chemistry. Significantly, the presence of surface silanol groups enables functionalization with relevant drugs, imaging, and targeting agents, promoting their utility and popularity among researchers. Stimuli-responsive silanol conjugates have been developed as a novel, more effective way to conjugate, deliver, and release therapeutic drugs on demand and precisely to the selected location. Therefore, it is urgent to summarize the current understanding and the surface silanols' role in making MSN a versatile drug delivery platform. This review provides an analytical understanding of the surface silanols, chemistry, identification methods, and their property-performance correlation. The chemistry involved in converting surface silanols to a stimuli-responsive silica delivery system by endogenous/exogenous stimuli, including pH, redox potential, temperature, and hypoxia, is discussed in depth. Different chemistries for converting surface silanols to stimuli-responsive bonds are discussed in the context of drug delivery. The critical discussion is culminated by outlining the challenges in identifying silanols' role and overcoming the limitations in synthesizing stimuli-responsive mesoporous silica-based drug delivery systems.

Smart and Multi-Functional Magnetic Nanoparticles for Cancer Treatment Applications: Clinical Challenges and Future Prospects

Iron oxide nanoparticle (IONPs) have become a subject of interest in various biomedical fields due to their magnetism and biocompatibility. They can be utilized as heat mediators in magnetic hyperthermia (MHT) or as contrast media in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and ultrasound (US). In addition, their high drug-loading capacity enabled them to be therapeutic agent transporters for malignancy treatment. Hence, smartening them allows for an intelligent controlled drug release (CDR) and targeted drug delivery (TDD). Smart magnetic nanoparticles (SMNPs) can overcome the impediments faced by classical chemo-treatment strategies, since they can be navigated and release drug via external or internal stimuli. Recently, they have been synchronized with other modalities, e.g., MRI, MHT, US, and for dual/multimodal theranostic applications in a single platform. Herein, we provide an overview of the attributes of MNPs for cancer theranostic application, fabrication procedures, surface coatings, targeting approaches, and recent advancement of SMNPs. Even though MNPs feature numerous privileges over chemotherapy agents, obstacles remain in clinical usage. This review in particular covers the clinical predicaments faced by SMNPs and future research scopes in the field of SMNPs for cancer theranostics.

Magnetic nanoparticles and magnetic particle spectroscopy-based bioassays: a 15 year recap

Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) have unique physical and chemical properties, such as high surface area to volume ratio and size-related magnetism, which are completely different from their bulk materials. Benefiting from the facile synthesis and chemical modification strategies, MNPs have been widely studied for applications in nanomedicine. Herein, we firstly summarized the designs of MNPs from the perspectives of materials and physicochemical properties tailored for biomedical applications. Magnetic particle spectroscopy (MPS), first reported in 2006, has flourished as an independent platform for many biological and biomedical applications. It has been extensively reported as a versatile platform for a variety of bioassays along with the artificially designed MNPs, where the MNPs serve as magnetic nanoprobes to specifically probe target analytes from fluid samples. In this review, the mechanisms and theories of different MPS platforms realizing volumetric- and surface-based bioassays are discussed. Some representative works of MPS platforms for applications such as disease diagnosis, food safety and plant pathology monitoring, drug screening, thrombus maturity assessments are reviewed. At the end of this review, we commented on the rapid growth and booming of MPS-based bioassays in its first 15 years. We also prospected opportunities and challenges that portable MPS devices face in the rapidly growing demand for fast, inexpensive, and easy-to-use biometric techniques.

Micro/Nanosystems for Magnetic Targeted Delivery of Bioagents

Targeted delivery of pharmaceuticals is promising for efficient disease treatment and reduction in adverse effects. Nano or microstructured magnetic materials with strong magnetic momentum can be noninvasively controlled via magnetic forces within living beings. These magnetic carriers open perspectives in controlling the delivery of different types of bioagents in humans, including small molecules, nucleic acids, and cells. In the present review, we describe different types of magnetic carriers that can serve as drug delivery platforms, and we show different ways to apply them to magnetic targeted delivery of bioagents. We discuss the magnetic guidance of nano/microsystems or labeled cells upon injection into the systemic circulation or in the tissue; we then highlight emergent applications in tissue engineering, and finally, we show how magnetic targeting can integrate with imaging technologies that serve to assist drug delivery.

Combined targeted therapy and immunotherapy in anaplastic thyroid carcinoma with distant metastasis: A case report

BACKGROUND

Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC), also called undifferentiated thyroid cancer, is the least common but most aggressive and deadly thyroid gland malignancy of all thyroid cancers[1]. It has poor prognosis, and is the leading cause of death from malignant thyroid tumors. The one-year survival rate is 20%, with a median overall survival (OS) of only 5 mo[2]. The aim of this report is to provide our experience in the diagnosis and treatment of ATC.

CASE SUMMARY

A patient with a thyroid mass underwent surgical treatment after developing symptoms of hoarseness. The resected tumor was pathologically diagnosed as ATC. Imaging examination revealed organ and lymph node metastasis. After multiple cycles of chemotherapy and local radiotherapy, the metastases were not relieved and gradually increased in size and new metastases appeared. The patient immediately received immunotherapy combined with targeted therapy. During treatment, immune-related adverse reactions occurred, which were improved after symptomatic treatment, and tolerated by the patient. The OS of the patient was more than 30 mo after immunotherapy combined with targeted therapy.

CONCLUSION

For metastatic ATC, surgical treatment, radiotherapy and chemotherapy have no significant effect on remission of the disease. However, immunotherapy has made a breakthrough in the treatment of ATC.

Curcumin encapsulation in functional PLGA nanoparticles: A promising strategy for cancer therapies

Nanoparticles have emerged as promising drug delivery systems for the treatment of several diseases. Novel cancer therapies have exploited these particles as alternative adjuvant therapies to overcome the traditional limitations of radio and chemotherapy. Curcumin is a natural bioactive compound found in turmeric, that has been reported to show anticancer activity against several types of tumors. Despite some biological limitations regarding its absorption in the human body, curcumin encapsulation in poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA), a non-toxic, biodegradable and biocompatible polymer, represents an effective strategy to deliver a drug to a tumor site. Furthermore, PLGA nanoparticles can be engineered with targeting moieties to reach specific cancer cells, thus enhancing the antitumor effects of curcumin. We herein aim to bring an up-to-date summary of the recently developed strategies for curcumin delivery to different types of cancer cells through encapsulation in PLGA nanoparticles, correlating their effects with those of curcumin on the biological capabilities acquired by cancer cells (cancer hallmarks). We discuss the targeting strategies proposed for advanced curcumin delivery and the respective improvements achieved for each cancer cell analyzed, in addition to exploring the encapsulation techniques employed. The conjugation of correct encapsulation techniques with tumor-oriented targeting design can result in curcumin-loaded PLGA nanoparticles that can successfully integrate the elaborate network of development of alternative cancer treatments along with traditional ones. Finally, the current challenges and future demands to launch these nanoparticles in oncology are comprehensively examined.

An overview and bibliometric analysis on the colorectal cancer therapy by magnetic functionalized nanoparticles for the responsive and targeted drug delivery

With the growing demands for personalized medicine and medical devices, nanomedicine is a modern scientific field, and research continues to apply nanomaterials for therapeutic and damaged tissue diagnosis. In this regard, substantial progress has been made in synthesizing magnetic nanoparticles with desired sizes, chemical composition, morphologies, and surface chemistry. Among these materials, nanomagnetic iron oxides have demonstrated promise as unique drug delivery carriers due to cancer treatment. This carrier could lead to responsive properties to a specific trigger, including heat, pH, alternative magnetic field, or even enzymes, through functionalization and coating of magnetic nanoparticles, along with biocompatibility, good chemical stability, easy functionalization, simple processing, and ability to localize to the tumor site with the assistance of external magnetic field. Current studies have focused on magnetic nanoparticles' utilities in cancer therapy, especially for colorectal cancer. Additionally, a bibliometric investigation was performed on the public trends in the field of the magnetic nanoparticle to drug delivery and anticancer, which represented progressing applications of these carriers in the multidisciplinary zones with a general view on future research and identified potential opportunities and challenges. Furthermore, we outline the current challenges and forthcoming research perspective for high performance and fostering advanced MNPs in colorectal cancer treatment.

Inhalation delivery of repurposed drugs for lung cancer: Approaches, benefits and challenges

Lung cancer (LC) is one of the leading causes of mortality accounting for almost 25% of cancer deaths throughout the world. The shortfall of affordable and effective first-line chemotherapeutics, the existence of resistant tumors, and the non-optimal route of administration contribute to poor prognosis and high mortality in LC. Administration of repurposed non-oncology drugs (RNODs) loaded in nanocarriers (NCs) via inhalation may prove as an effective alternative strategy to treat LC. Furthermore, their site-specific release through inhalation route using an appropriate inhalation device would offer improved therapeutic efficacy, thereby reducing mortality and improving patients' quality of life. The current manuscript offers a comprehensive overview on use of RNODs in LC treatment with an emphasis on their inhalation delivery and the associated challenges. The role of NCs to improve lung deposition and targeting of RNODs via inhalation are also elaborated. In addition, information about various RNODs in clinical trials for the treatment of LC, possibility for repurposing phytoceuticals against LC via inhalation and the bottlenecks associated with repurposing RNODs against cancer are also highlighted. Based on the reported studies covered in this manuscript, it was understood that delivery of RNODs via inhalation has emerged as a propitious approach. Hence, it is anticipated to provide effective first-line treatment at an affordable cost in debilitating LC from low and middle-income countries (LMIC).

Aspects of high-performance and bio-acceptable magnetic nanoparticles for biomedical application

This review covers extensively the synthesis & surface modification, characterization, and application of magnetic nanoparticles. For biomedical applications, consideration should be given to factors such as design strategies, the synthesis process, coating, and surface passivation. The synthesis method regulates post-synthetic change and specific applications in vitro and in vivo imaging/diagnosis and pharmacotherapy/administration. Special insights have been provided on biodistribution, pharmacokinetics, and toxicity in a living system, which is imperative for their wider application in biology. These nanoparticles can be decorated with multiple contrast agents and thus can also be used as a probe for multi-mode imaging or double/triple imaging, for example, MRI-CT, MRI-PET. Similarly loading with different drug molecules/dye/fluorescent molecules and integration with other carriers have found application not only in locating these particles in vivo but simultaneously target drug delivery/hyperthermia inside the body. Studies are underway to collect the potential of these magnetically driven nanoparticles in various scientific fields such as particle interaction, heat conduction, imaging, and magnetism. Surely, this comprehensive data will help in the further development of advanced techniques for theranostics based on high-performance magnetic nanoparticles and will lead this research area in a new sustainable direction.

Magnetic mesoporous nanomaterials with AIE properties for selective detection and removal of CN- from water under magnetic conditions

We have prepared a type of magnetic mesoporous nanomaterial with aggregation-induced emission properties (Fe₃O₄@mSiO₂@TPA@BA, hence abbr. FSTB) to detect and remove cyanide ions (CN^-) under magnetic conditions. FSTB has a large specific surface area and improved fluorescence performance to identify CN^-, and its superparamagnetic behavior plays an important role in removing CN^-. The magnetic sensor FSTB shows excellent selectivity and anti-interference for the detection of CN^- in aqueous solutions. It is obvious from the equation LOD = 3δ/S that the limit of detection (LOD) of FSTB for CN^- is significantly lower than the permissible level of CN^- in drinkable water recommended by the World Health Organization. Therefore, the magnetic sensor FSTB has a wide range of applications for detecting and removing harmful CN^-.

Numerical Investigation of Ferrofluid Preparation during In-Vitro Culture of Cancer Therapy for Magnetic Nanoparticle Hyperthermia

Recently, in-vitro studies of magnetic nanoparticle (MNP) hyperthermia have attracted significant attention because of the severity of this cancer therapy for in-vivo culture. Accurate temperature evaluation is one of the key challenges of MNP hyperthermia. Hence, numerical studies play a crucial role in evaluating the thermal behavior of ferrofluids. As a result, the optimum therapeutic conditions can be achieved. The presented research work aims to develop a comprehensive numerical model that directly correlates the MNP hyperthermia parameters to the thermal response of the in-vitro model using optimization through linear response theory (LRT). For that purpose, the ferrofluid solution is evaluated based on various parameters, and the temperature distribution of the system is estimated in space and time. Consequently, the optimum conditions for the ferrofluid preparation are estimated based on experimental and mathematical findings. The reliability of the presented model is evaluated via the correlation analysis between magnetic and calorimetric methods for the specific loss power (SLP) and intrinsic loss power (ILP) calculations. Besides, the presented numerical model is verified with our experimental setup. In summary, the proposed model offers a novel approach to investigate the thermal diffusion of a non-adiabatic ferrofluid sample intended for MNP hyperthermia in cancer treatment.

Magnetic systems for cancer immunotherapy

Immunotherapy is a rapidly developing area of cancer treatment due to its higher specificity and potential for greater efficacy than traditional therapies. Immune cell modulation through the administration of drugs, proteins, and cells can enhance antitumoral responses through pathways that may be otherwise inhibited in the presence of immunosuppressive tumors. Magnetic systems offer several advantages for improving the performance of immunotherapies, including increased spatiotemporal control over transport, release, and dosing of immunomodulatory drugs within the body, resulting in reduced off-target effects and improved efficacy. Compared to alternative methods for stimulating drug release such as light and pH, magnetic systems enable several distinct methods for programming immune responses. First, we discuss how magnetic hyperthermia can stimulate immune cells and trigger thermoresponsive drug release. Second, we summarize how magnetically targeted delivery of drug carriers can increase the accumulation of drugs in target sites. Third, we review how biomaterials can undergo magnetically driven structural changes to enable remote release of encapsulated drugs. Fourth, we describe the use of magnetic particles for targeted interactions with cellular receptors for promoting antitumor activity. Finally, we discuss translational considerations of these systems, such as toxicity, clinical compatibility, and future opportunities for improving cancer treatment.

A review on engineered magnetic nanoparticles in Non-Small-Cell lung carcinoma targeted therapy

There are growing appeals forthe design of efficacious treatment options for non-small-cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) as it accrues to ~ 85% cases of lung cancer. Although platinum-based doublet chemotherapy has been the main therapeutic intervention in NSCLC management, this leads to myriad of problems including intolerability to the doublet regimens and detrimental side effects due to high doses. A new approach is therefore needed and warrants the design of targeted drug delivery systems that can halt tumor proliferation and metastasis by targeting key molecules, while exhibiting minimal side effects and toxicity. This review aims to explore the rational design of magnetic nanoparticles for the development of tumor-targeting systems for NSCLC. In the review, we explore the anticancer merits of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) and provide a concise incursion into its application for the invention of functionalized magnetic nanoparticles in the targeted treatment of NSCLC. Recent nanoparticle-based targeted chemotherapies for targeting angiogenesis biomarkers in NSCLC will also be reviewed to further highlight versatility of magnetic nanoparticles. These developments through molecular tuning at the nanoscale and supported by comprehensive pre-clinical studies could lead to the establishment of precise nanosystems for tumor-homing cancer therapy.

Biological and Medical Applications of Calcium Phosphate Nanoparticles

Calcium phosphate nanoparticles have a high biocompatibility and biodegradability due to their chemical similarity to human hard tissue, for example, bone and teeth. They can be used as efficient carriers for different kinds of biomolecules such as nucleic acids, proteins, peptides, antibodies, or drugs, which alone are not able to enter cells where their biological effect is required. They can be loaded with cargo molecules by incorporating them, unlike solid nanoparticles, and also by surface functionalization. This offers protection, for example, against nucleases, and the possibility for cell targeting. If such nanoparticles are functionalized with fluorescing dyes, they can be applied for imaging in vitro and in vivo. Synthesis, functionalization and cell uptake mechanisms of calcium phosphate nanoparticles are discussed together with applications in transfection, gene silencing, imaging, immunization, and bone substitution. Biodistribution data of calcium phosphate nanoparticles in vivo are reviewed.

Recent Advances in the Development of Magnetic Nanoparticles for Biomedical Applications

The unique properties of magnetic nanoparticles have led them to be considered materials with significant potential in the biomedical field. Nanometric size, high surface-area ratio, ability to function at molecular level, exceptional magnetic and physicochemical properties, and more importantly, the relatively easy tailoring of all these properties to the specific requirements of the different biomedical applications, are some of the key factors of their success. In this paper, we will provide an overview of the state of the art of different aspects of magnetic nanoparticles, specially focusing on their use in biomedicine. We will explore their magnetic properties, synthetic methods and surface modifications, as well as their most significative physicochemical properties and their impact on the in vivo behaviour of these particles. Furthermore, we will provide a background on different applications of magnetic nanoparticles in biomedicine, such as magnetic drug targeting, magnetic hyperthermia, imaging contrast agents or theranostics. Besides, current limitations and challenges of these materials, as well as their future prospects in the biomedical field will be discussed.

Evaluation of nanoparticle drug-delivery systems used in preclinical studies

Multifunctional nanoparticles have been identified as a promising drug-delivery system for sustainable drug release. The structural and size tunability and disease-targeting ability of nanoparticles have made them more suitable for multiple drug loading and delivery, thereby enhancing therapeutic results through synergistic effects. Nanoparticulate carriers with specific features such as target specificity and stimuli-responsiveness enable selective drug delivery with lower potential side effects. In this review we have classified the recently published articles on polymeric and inorganic nanoparticle-mediated drug delivery into three different categories based on functionality and discussed their efficiency for drug delivery and their therapeutic outcomes in preclinical models. Most of the drug-loaded nanodelivery systems discussed have demonstrated negligible or very low systemic toxicity throughout the experimental period in animal models compared with free drug administration. In addition, some challenges associated with the translation of nanoparticle-based drug carrier responses to clinical application are highlighted.

Bioactive glasses and glass-ceramics for hyperthermia treatment of cancer: state-of-art, challenges, and future perspectives

Bioactive glasses and glass-ceramics are well-proven potential biomaterials for bone-tissue engineering applications because of their compositional flexibility. Many research groups have been focused to explore the utility of bioactive glass-ceramics beyond bone engineering to hyperthermia treatment of cancer. Hyperthermia refers to raising the temperature of tumor close to 44°C at which malignant cells perish with negligible harm to normal cells. Hyperthermia can be employed by many means such as by ultrasonic waves, electromagnetic waves, infrared radiations, alternating magnetic fields, etc. Magnetic bioactive glass-ceramics are advantageous over other potential candidates for thermoseeds such as nanofluids, superparamagnetic nanoparticles because they can bond not only to the natural bone but also with soft tissues in few cases, which helps regenerating the affected part due to its bioactive nature. Strict restrictions on clinical settings ( H × f < 5 × 10 9 ) force the research activities to be more focused on material characteristics to raise the implant temperature to required ranges. Lots of efforts have been made in past years to tackle these challenges and design best-suited glass-ceramics for hyperthermia treatment. This review aims to provide essential information on the concept of hyperthermia treatment of cancer and recent developments in the field of bioactive glass-ceramics for cancer treatment. The advantages and disadvantages of magnetic glass-ceramics over other potential thermoseed materials are highlighted. In this field, the major challenges are to develop magnetic glasses, which have fast and bulk crystallization with optimized magnetic phases with lower Curie and Neel temperatures.

Towards the use of localised delivery strategies to counteract cancer therapy-induced cardiotoxicities

Cancer therapies have significantly improved cancer survival; however, these therapies can often result in undesired side effects to off target organs. Cardiac disease ranging from mild hypertension to heart failure can occur as a result of cancer therapies. This can warrant the discontinuation of cancer treatment in patients which can be detrimental, especially when the treatment is effective. There is an urgent need to mitigate cardiac disease that occurs as a result of cancer therapy. Delivery strategies such as the use of nanoparticles, hydrogels, and medical devices can be used to localise the treatment to the tumour and prevent off target side effects. This review summarises the advancements in localised delivery of anti-cancer therapies to tumours. It also examines the localised delivery of cardioprotectants to the heart for patients with systemic disease such as leukaemia where localised tumour delivery might not be an option.

Microfluidics for core-shell drug carrier particles - a review

Core-shell drug-carrier particles are known for their unique features. Due to the combination of superior properties not exhibited by the individual components, core-shell particles have gained a lot of interest. The structures could integrate core and shell characteristics and properties. These particles were designed for controlled drug release in the desired location. Therefore, the side effects would be minimized. So, these particles' advantages have led to the introduction of new methods and ideas for their fabrication. In the past few years, the generation of drug carrier core-shell particles in microfluidic chips has attracted much attention. This method makes it possible to produce particles at nanometer and micrometer levels of the same shape and size; it usually costs less than other methods. The other advantages of using microfluidic techniques compared to conventional bulk methods are integration capability, reproducibility, and higher efficiency. These advantages have created a positive outlook on this approach. This review gives an overview of the various fluidic concepts that are used to generate microparticles or nanoparticles. Also, an overview of traditional and more recent microfluidic devices and their design and structure for the generation of core-shell particles is given. The unique benefits of the microfluidic technique for core-shell drug carrier particle generation are demonstrated.

Magnetic particle targeting for diagnosis and therapy of lung cancers

Over the past decade, the growing interest in targeted lung cancer therapy has guided researchers toward the cutting edge of controlled drug delivery, particularly magnetic particle targeting. Targeting of tissues by magnetic particles has tackled several limitations of traditional drug delivery methods for both cancer detection (e.g., using magnetic resonance imaging) and therapy. Delivery of magnetic particles offers the key advantage of high efficiency in the local deposition of drugs in the target tissue with the least harmful effect on other healthy tissues. This review first overviews clinical aspects of lung morphology and pathogenesis as well as clinical features of lung cancer. It is followed by reviewing the advances in using magnetic particles for diagnosis and therapy of lung cancers: (i) a combination of magnetic particle targeting with MRI imaging for diagnosis and screening of lung cancers, (ii) magnetic drug targeting (MDT) through either intravenous injection and pulmonary delivery for lung cancer therapy, and (iii) computational simulations that models new and effective approaches for magnetic particle drug delivery to the lung, all supporting improved lung cancer treatment. The review further discusses future opportunities to improve the clinical performance of MDT for diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer and highlights clinical therapy application of the MDT as a new horizon to cure with minimal side effects a wide variety of lung diseases and possibly other acute respiratory syndromes (COVID-19, MERS, and SARS).

MTX-Loaded Dual Thermoresponsive and pH-Responsive Magnetic Hydrogel Nanocomposite Particles for Combined Controlled Drug Delivery and Hyperthermia Therapy of Cancer

In recent years, the exploitation of magnetic nanoparticles in smart polymeric matrices have received increased attention in several fields as site-specific drug delivery systems. Here, ultrasonic-assisted emulsion copolymerization of N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAM) and 2-(N,N-diethylaminoethyl) methacrylate (DEAEMA) in the presence of Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles was employed to prepare pH- and temperature-responsive magnetite nanocomposite particles (MNCPs). The obtained MNCPs were fully characterized by TEM, DSC, FT-IR, VSM, and XRD techniques. They had an average particle size of 70 nm with a lower critical solution temperature of 42 °C and superparamagnetic properties. In addition, MNCPs were loaded with methotrexate (MTX) as an anticancer drug, and their in vitro drug release was studied in different pH values and temperatures and in the presence of an alternating magnetic field. Noteworthy that the highest rate of MTX release was observed at pH 5.5 and 42 °C. Cell viability of the treated MCF-7 human breast cancer cell line with free MTX, MNCPs, and MTX-loaded MNCPs or in combination with magnetic hyperthermia (MHT) and water-based hyperthermia was comparatively studied. The obtained results showed about 17% higher antiproliferative activity for the MTX-loaded MNCPs accompanied by MHT relative to that of free MTX.

Biomineralization: An Opportunity and Challenge of Nanoparticle Drug Delivery Systems for Cancer Therapy

Biomineralization is a common process in organisms to produce hard biomaterials by combining inorganic ions with biomacromolecules. Multifunctional nanoplatforms are developed based on the mechanism of biomineralization in many biomedical applications. In the past few years, biomineralization-based nanoparticle drug delivery systems for the cancer treatment have gained a lot of research attention due to the advantages including simple preparation, good biocompatibility, degradability, easy modification, versatility, and targeting. In this review, the research trends of biomineralization-based nanoparticle drug delivery systems and their applications in cancer therapy are summarized. This work aims to promote future researches on cancer therapy based on biomineralization. Rational design of nanoparticle drug delivery systems can overcome the bottleneck in the clinical transformation of nanomaterials. At the same time, biomineralization has also provided new research ideas for cancer treatment, i.e., targeted therapy, which has significantly better performance.

Stimuli-responsive polymeric nanomaterials for rheumatoid arthritis therapy

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a long-term inflammatory disease derived from an autoimmune disorder of the synovial membrane. Current therapeutic strategies for RA mainly aim to hamper the macrophages' proliferation and reduce the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Therefore, the accumulation of therapeutic agents targeted at the inflammatory site should be a crucial therapeutic strategy. Nowadays, the nanocarrier system incorporated with stimuli-responsive property is being intensively studied, showing the potentially tremendous value of specific therapy. Stimuli-responsive (i.e., pH, temperature, light, redox, and enzyme) polymeric nanomaterials, as an important component of nanoparticulate carriers, have been intensively developed for various diseases treatment. A survey of the literature suggests that the use of targeted nanocarriers to deliver therapeutic agents (nanotherapeutics) in the treatment of inflammatory arthritis remains largely unexplored. The lack of suitable stimuli-sensitive polymeric nanomaterials is one of the limitations. Herein, we provide an overview of drug delivery systems prepared from commonly used stimuli-sensitive polymeric nanomaterials and some inorganic agents that have potential in the treatment of RA. The current situation and challenges are also discussed to stimulate a novel thinking about the development of nanomedicine.

Core-shell nanostructures: perspectives towards drug delivery applications

Nanosystems have shown encouraging outcomes and substantial progress in the areas of drug delivery and biomedical applications. However, the controlled and targeted delivery of drugs or genes can be limited due to their physicochemical and functional properties. In this regard, core-shell type nanoparticles are promising nanocarrier systems for controlled and targeted drug delivery applications. These functional nanoparticles are emerging as a particular class of nanosystems because of their unique advantages, including high surface area, and easy surface modification and functionalization. Such unique advantages can facilitate the use of core-shell nanoparticles for the selective mingling of two or more different functional properties in a single nanosystem to achieve the desired physicochemical properties that are essential for effective targeted drug delivery. Several types of core-shell nanoparticles, such as metallic, magnetic, silica-based, upconversion, and carbon-based core-shell nanoparticles, have been designed and developed for drug delivery applications. Keeping the scope, demand, and challenges in view, the present review explores state-of-the-art developments and advances in core-shell nanoparticle systems, the desired structure-property relationships, newly generated properties, the effects of parameter control, surface modification, and functionalization, and, last but not least, their promising applications in the fields of drug delivery, biomedical applications, and tissue engineering. This review also supports significant future research for developing multi-core and shell-based functional nanosystems to investigate nano-therapies that are needed for advanced, precise, and personalized healthcare systems.

Targeted delivery of β-glucosidase-loaded magnetic nanoparticles: effect of external magnetic field duration and intensity

Aim: The effect of applied magnetic field duration and intensity on the delivery of β-glucosidase-loaded magnetic nanoparticles was evaluated. Materials & methods: The prepared β-glucosidase-loaded magnetic nanoparticles were targeted to subcutaneous tumors with an external magnetic field. Iron concentration and enzyme activity in tumor tissue were analyzed via electron spin resonance detection, Prussian blue staining and enzyme activity measurement. Results: The increase in magnetic nanoparticles quantity and enzyme activity in tumor tissue was not synchronous with the magnetic targeting duration. In addition, accumulation of magnetic nanoparticles and the increase in enzyme activity were not synchronous with the magnetic field intensity. Conclusion: The results suggested that appropriate magnetic field conditions should be considered for targeted delivery of bioactivity proteins based on magnetic nanoparticles.

Functionalization of Magnetic Nanoparticles by Folate as Potential MRI Contrast Agent for Breast Cancer Diagnostics

In recent years, the intrinsic magnetic properties of magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) have made them one of the most promising candidates for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This study aims to evaluate the effect of different coating agents (with and without targeting agents) on the magnetic property of MNPs. In detail, iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) were prepared by the polyol method. The nanoparticles were then divided into two groups, one of which was coated with silica (SiO2) and hyperbranched polyglycerol (HPG) (SPION@SiO2@HPG); the other was covered by HPG alone (SPION@HPG). In the following section, folic acid (FA), as a targeting agent, was attached on the surface of nanoparticles. Physicochemical properties of nanostructures were characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and a vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). TEM results showed that SPION@HPG was monodispersed with the average size of about 20 nm, while SPION@SiO2@HPG had a size of about 25 nm. Moreover, HPG coated nanoparticles had much lower magnetic saturation than the silica coated ones. The MR signal intensity of the nanostructures showed a relation between increasing the nanoparticle concentrations inside the MCF-7 cells and decreasing the signal related to the T2 relaxation time. The comparison of coating showed that SPION@SiO2@HPG (with/without a targeting agent) had significantly higher r2 value in comparison to Fe3O4@HPG. Based on the results of this study, the Fe3O4@SiO2@HPG-FA nanoparticles have shown the best magnetic properties, and can be considered promising contrast agents for magnetic resonance imaging applications.

Nanostructured Thin Coatings Containing Anthriscus sylvestris Extract with Dual Bioactivity

Plant extracts are highly valuable pharmaceutical complexes recognized for their biological properties, including antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, antioxidant, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory properties. However, their use is limited by their low water solubility and physicochemical stability. In order to overcome these limitations, we aimed to develop nanostructured carriers as delivery systems for plant extracts; in particular, we selected the extract of Anthriscus sylvestris (AN) on the basis of its antimicrobial effect and antitumor activity. In this study, AN-extract-functionalized magnetite (Fe₃O₄@AN) nanoparticles (NPs) were prepared by the co-precipitation method. The purpose of this study was to synthesize and investigate the physicochemical and biological features of composite coatings based on Fe₃O₄@AN NPs obtained by matrix-assisted pulsed laser evaporation technique. In this respect, laser fluence and drop-casting studies on coatings were performed. The physical and chemical properties of laser-synthesized coatings were investigated by scanning electron microscopy, while Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy comparative analysis was used for determining the chemical structure and functional integrity. Relevant data regarding the presence of magnetic nanoparticles as the only crystalline phase and the size of nanoparticles were obtained by transmission electron microscopy. The in vitro toxicity assessment of the Fe₃O₄@AN showed significant cytotoxic activity against human adenocarcinoma HT-29 cells after prolonged exposure. Antimicrobial results demonstrated that Fe₃O₄@AN coatings inhibit microbial colonization and biofilm formation in clinically relevant bacteria species and yeasts. Such coatings are useful, natural, and multifunctional solutions for the development of tailored medical devices and surfaces.

Sulfadiazine hosted in MIL-53(Al) as a biocide topical delivery system

Sulfadiazine (SDZ), a bacteriostatic agent, was hosted in a metal–organic framework, specifically in MIL-53(Al) and modified-zinc MIL-53(Al,Zn). Materials were characterized structural, and texturally. Both hosts loaded sulfadiazine but they were differenced regarding the release of sulfadiazine. The presence of zinc plays a significant role to the modulation of sulfadiazine–MOF interactions. Release of sulfadiazine from sulfadiazine@MOFs was monitored in vitro and ex vivo conditions. A kinetic release model is proposed for in vitro sulfadiazine release. Remarkably, the materials did not show cytotoxicity against eukaryote cells.

Sulfadiazine (SDZ), a bacteriostatic agent, was hosted in MIL-53(Al) and modified-zinc MIL-53(Al,Zn).

Polylactic Acid-Based Patterned Matrixes for Site-Specific Delivery of Neuropeptides On-Demand: Functional NGF Effects on Human Neuronal Cells

The patterned microchamber arrays based on biocompatible polymers are a versatile cargo delivery system for drug storage and site-/time-specific drug release on demand. However, functional evidence of their action on nerve cells, in particular their potential for enabling patterned neuronal morphogenesis, remains unclear. Recently, we have established that the polylactic acid (PLA)-based microchamber arrays are biocompatible with human cells of neuronal phenotype and provide safe loading for hydrophilic substances of low molecular weight, with successive site-specific cargo release on-demand to trigger local cell responses. Here, we load the nerve growth factor (NGF) inside microchambers and grow N2A cells on the surface of patterned microchamber arrays. We find that the neurite outgrowth in local N2A cells can be preferentially directed towards opened microchambers (upon-specific NGF release). These observations suggest the PLA-microchambers can be an efficient drug delivery system for the site-specific delivery of neuropeptides on-demand, potentially suitable for the migratory or axonal guidance of human nerve cells.

Understanding Magnetization Dynamics of a Magnetic Nanoparticle with a Disordered Shell Using Micromagnetic Simulations

Spin disorder effects influence magnetization dynamics and equilibrium magnetic properties of real nanoparticles (NPs). In this work, we use micromagnetic simulations to try to better understand these effects, in particular, on how the magnetization reversal is projected in the character of the hysteresis loops at different temperatures. In our simulation study, we consider a prototype NP adopting a magnetic core-shell model, with magnetically coherent core and somewhat disordered shell, as it is one of the common spin architectures in real NPs. The size of the core is fixed to 5.5 nm in diameter and the shell thickness ranges from 0.5 nm to 3 nm. As a starting point in the simulations, we used typical experimental values obtained for a cobalt ferrite NP of a comparable size investigated previously. The simulations enabled us to study systematically the macrospin dynamics of the prototype NP and to address the interplay between the magnetic anisotropies of the core and the shell, respectively. We also demonstrate how the computational time step, run time, damping parameter, and thermal field influence the simulation results. In agreement with experimental studies, we observed that the direction and magnitude of the shell anisotropy influences the effective magnetic size of the core in the applied magnetic field. We conclude that micromagnetic simulations, in spite of being designed for much larger scales are a useful toolbox for understanding the magnetization processes within a single domain NP with an ordered spin structure in the core and partially disordered spins in the shell.