Size-dependent cellular uptake and TLR4 attenuation by gold nanoparticles in lung adenocarcinoma cells

Effects of nanoparticle size, shape, and zeta potential on drug delivery

Nanotechnology has brought about a significant revolution in drug delivery, and research in this domain is increasingly focusing on understanding the role of nanoparticle (NP) characteristics in drug delivery efficiency. First and foremost, we center our attention on the size of nanoparticles. Studies have indicated that NP size significantly influences factors such as circulation time, targeting capabilities, and cellular uptake. Secondly, we examine the significance of nanoparticle shape. Various studies suggest that NPs of different shapes affect cellular uptake mechanisms and offer potential advantages in directing drug delivery. For instance, cylindrical or needle-like NPs may facilitate better cellular uptake compared to spherical NPs. Lastly, we address the importance of nanoparticle charge. Zeta potential can impact the targeting and cellular uptake of NPs. Positively charged NPs may be better absorbed by negatively charged cells, whereas negatively charged NPs might perform more effectively in positively charged cells. This review provides essential insights into understanding the role of nanoparticles in drug delivery. The properties of nanoparticles, including size, shape, and charge, should be taken into consideration in the rational design of drug delivery systems, as optimizing these characteristics can contribute to more efficient targeting of drugs to the desired tissues. Thus, research into nanoparticle properties will continue to play a crucial role in the future of drug delivery.

In silico description of the adsorption of cell signaling pathway proteins ovalbumin, glutathione, LC3, TLR4, ASC PYCARD, PI3K and NF-Kβ on 7.0 nm gold nanoparticles: obtaining their Lennard-Jones-like potentials through docking and molecular mechanics

The impact of vaccination on the world's population is difficult to calculate. For developing different types of vaccines, adjuvants are substances added to vaccines to increase the magnitude and durability of the immune response and the effectiveness of the vaccine. This work explores the potential use of spherical gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) as adjuvants. Thus, we employed docking techniques and molecular mechanics to describe how a AuNP 7.0 nm in diameter interacts with cell signaling pathway proteins. Initially, we used X-ray crystallization data of the proteins ovalbumin, glutathione, LC3, TLR4, ASC PYCARD, PI3K, and NF-Kβ to study the adsorption with an AuNP through molecular docking. Therefore, interaction energies were obtained for the AuNP complexes and individual proteins, as well as the AuNP and OVA complex (AuNP@OVA) with each cellular protein, respectively. Results showed that AuNPs had the highest affinity for OVA individually, followed by glutathione, ASC PYCARD domain, LC3, PI3K, NF-Kβ, and TLR4. Furthermore, when evaluating the AuNP@OVA complex, glutathione showed a greater affinity with more potent interaction energy when compared to the other studied systems.

Recent advances in nanoparticle applications in respiratory disorders: a review

Various nanoparticles are used in the discovery of new nanomedicine to overcome the shortages of conventional drugs. Therefore, this article presents a comprehensive and up-to-date review of the effects of nanoparticle-based drugs in the treatment of respiratory disorders, including both basic and clinical studies. Databases, including PubMed, Web of Knowledge, and Scopus, were searched until the end of August 2022 regarding the effect of nanoparticles on respiratory diseases. As a new tool, nanomedicine offered promising applications for the treatment of pulmonary diseases. The basic composition and intrinsic characteristics of nanomaterials showed their effectiveness in treating pulmonary diseases. The efficiency of different nanomedicines has been demonstrated in experimental animal models of asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pulmonary fibrosis (PF), lung cancer, lung infection, and other lung disorders, confirming their function in the improvement of respiratory disorders. Various types of nanomaterials, such as carbon nanotubes, dendrimers, polymeric nanomaterials, liposomes, quantum dots, and metal and metal oxide nanoparticles, have demonstrated therapeutic effects on respiratory disorders, which may lead to new possible remedies for various respiratory illnesses that could increase drug efficacy and decrease side effects.

Recent Patents and Potential Applications of Homogenisation Techniques in Drug Delivery Systems

BACKGROUND

The term homogenise means "to force or provide coalesce". Homogenisation is a process to attain homogenous particle size. The objective of the homogenisation process is to use fluid force to split the fragments or tiny particles contained in the fluids into very small dimensions and form a sustainable dispersion suitable for further production.

METHODS

The databases were collected through Scopus, google patent, science web, google scholar, PubMed on the concept of homogenisation. The data obtained were systematically investigated.

RESULTS

The present study focus on the use of the homogenisation in drug delivery system. The aim of homogenisation process is to achieve the particle size in micro-and nano- range as it affects the different parameters in the formulation and biopharmaceutical profile of the drug. The particle size reduction plays a key role in influencing drug dissolution and absorption. The reduced particle size enhances the stability and therapeutic efficacy of the drug. Homogenization technology ensures to achieve effective, clinically efficient and targeted drug delivery with the minimal side effect.

CONCLUSION

Homogenization technology has been shown to be an efficient and easy method of size reduction to increase solubility and bioavailability, stability of drug carriers. This article gives an overview of the process attributes affecting the homogenization process, the patenting of homogeniser types, design, the geometry of valves and nozzles and its role in drug delivery.

Gold nanoparticles application to the treatment of brain dysfunctions related to metabolic diseases: evidence from experimental studies

Nanotechnology is an emerging and expanding technology worldwide. The manipulation of materials on a nanometric scale generates new products with unique properties called nanomaterials. Due to its significant expansion, nanotechnology has been applied in several fields of study, including developing materials for biomedical applications, i.e., nanomedicine. The use of nanomaterials, including nanoparticles, in nanomedicine, is promising and has been associated with pharmacokinetics, bioavailability, and therapeutic advantages. In this regard, it is worth mentioning the Gold Nanoparticles (AuNPs). AuNPs' biomedical application is extensively investigated due to their high biocompatibility, simple preparation, catalytic, and redox properties. Experimental studies have pointed out critical therapeutic actions related to AuNPs in different pathophysiological contexts, mainly due to their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Thus, in this review, we will discuss the main experimental findings related to the therapeutic properties of AuNPs in metabolic, neurodegenerative diseases, and ultimately brain dysfunctions related to metabolic diseases.

Cellular reprogramming, chemoresistance, and dietary interventions in breast cancer

Breast cancer (BC) diagnosis has been associated with significant risk factors, including family history, late menopause, obesity, poor eating habits, and alcoholism. Despite the advances in the last decades regarding cancer treatment, some obstacles still hinder the effectiveness of therapy. For example, chemotherapy resistance is common in locally advanced or metastatic cancer, reducing treatment options and contributing to mortality. In this review, we provide an overview of BC metabolic changes, including the impact of restrictive diets associated with chemoresistance, the therapeutic potential of the diet on tumor progression, pathways related to metabolic health in oncology, and perspectives on the future in the area of oncological nutrition.

Cytocompatibility of pH-sensitive, chitosan-coated Fe3O4 nanoparticles in gynecological cells

Nanoparticles that contact human cells without damaging basic human tissues are becoming more widely used in medicine. Efficient delivery to the intracellular target cell or compartment through the cell membrane must be achieved with minimal cytotoxicity to healthy cells. Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles have been widely used in biomedical research for their magnetic, non-toxic, and biocompatible properties. However, the effects of Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles coated with chitosan (CS) on gynecological cells are unclear. In this study, the Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles were coated with CS to enhance their cytocompatibility and dispersion in water. These CS-Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles were taken up by gynecological cells and did not affect cell viability in vitro. They have greater cytocompatibility in acidic environments than normal Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles and have the potential for drug delivery into gynecological cells.

Enzyme-mediated intratumoral self-assembly of nanotheranostics for enhanced imaging and tumor therapy

Enzyme-mediated intratumoral self-assembled (EMISA) nanotheranostics represent a new class of smart agents for combined imaging and therapy of cancer. Cancer cells overexpress various enzymes that are essential for high metabolism, fast proliferation, and tissue invasion and metastasis. By conjugating small molecules that contain an enzyme-specific cleavage site to appropriate chemical linkers, it is possible to induce self-assembly of nanostructures in tumor cells having the target enzyme. This approach of injecting small theranostic molecules that eventually become larger nanotheranostics in situ avoids some of the major limitations that are encountered when injecting larger, pre-assembled nanotheranostics. The advantage of EMISA nanotheranostics include the avoidance of nonspecific uptake and rapid clearance by phagocytic cells, increased cellular accumulation, reduced drug efflux and prolonged cellular exposure time, all of which lead to an amplified imaging signal and therapeutic efficacy. We review here the different approaches that can be used for preparing EMISA-based organic, inorganic, or organic/inorganic hybrid nanotheranostics based on noncovalent interactions and/or covalent bonding. Imaging examples are shown for fluorescence imaging, nuclear imaging, photoacoustic imaging, Raman imaging, computed tomography imaging, bioluminescent imaging, and magnetic resonance imaging. This article is categorized under: Diagnostic Tools > In Vivo Nanodiagnostics and Imaging Biology-Inspired Nanomaterials > Peptide-Based Structures.

Advanced Nanoparticle-Based Drug Delivery Systems and Their Cellular Evaluation for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Treatment

Lung cancers, the number one cancer killer, can be broadly divided into small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), with NSCLC being the most commonly diagnosed type. Anticancer agents for NSCLC suffer from various limitations that can be partly overcome by the application of nanomedicines. Nanoparticles is a branch within nanomedicine that can improve the delivery of anticancer drugs, whilst ensuring the stability and sufficient bioavailability following administration. There are many publications available in the literature exploring different types of nanoparticles from different materials. The effectiveness of a treatment option needs to be validated in suitable in vitro and/or in vivo models. This includes the developed nanoparticles, to prove their safety and efficacy. Many researchers have turned towards in vitro models that use normal cells or specific cells from diseased tissues. However, in cellular works, the physiological dynamics that is available in the body could not be mimicked entirely, and hence, there is still possible development of false positive or false negative results from the in vitro models. This article provides an overview of NSCLC, the different nanoparticles available to date, and in vitro evaluation of the nanoparticles. Different types of cells suitable for in vitro study and the important precautions to limit the development of false results are also extensively discussed.

Cellular Uptake Pathways of Nanoparticles: Process of Endocytosis and Factors Affecting Their Fate

BACKGROUND

Efficient and controlled internalization of NPs into the cells depends on their physicochemical properties and dynamics of the plasma membrane. NPs-cell interaction is a complex process that decides the fate of NPs internalization through different endocytosis pathways.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this review is to highlight the physicochemical properties of synthesized nanoparticles (NPs) and their interaction with the cellular-dynamics and pathways like phagocytosis, pinocytosis, macropinocytosis, clathrin, and caveolae-mediated endocytosis and the involvement of effector proteins domain such as clathrin, AP2, caveolin, Arf6, Cdc42, dynamin and cell surface receptors during the endocytosis process of NPs.

METHOD

An electronic search was performed to explore the focused reviews and research articles on types of endocytosis and physicochemical properties of nanoparticles and their impact on cellular internalizations. The search was limited to peer-reviewed journals in the PubMed database.

RESULTS

This article discusses in detail how different types of NPs and their physicochemical properties such as size, shape, aspect ratio, surface charge, hydrophobicity, elasticity, stiffness, corona formation, surface functionalization changes the pattern of endocytosis in the presence of different pharmacological blockers. Some external forces like a magnetic field, electric field, and ultrasound exploit the cell membrane dynamics to permeabilize them for efficient internalization with respect to fundamental principles of membrane bending and pore formation.

CONCLUSION

This review will be useful to attract and guide the audience to understand the endocytosis mechanism and their pattern with respect to physicochemical properties of NPs to improve their efficacy and targeting to achieve the impactful outcome in drug-delivery and theranostics applications.

Gold nanomaterials in the management of lung cancer

Lung cancer (LC) is one of the most deadly cancers worldwide, with very low survival rates, mainly due to poor management, which has barely changed in recent years. Nanomedicines, especially gold nanomaterials, with their unique and size-dependent properties offer a potential solution to many challenges in the field. The versatility afforded by the shape, size, charge and surface chemistry of gold nanostructures allows them to be adapted for many applications in the diagnosis, treatment and imaging of LC. In this review, a survey of the most recent advances in the field is presented with an emphasis on the optical properties of gold nanoscale materials and their use in cancer management. Gold nanoparticle toxicology has also been a focus of interest for many years but the studies have also sometimes arrived at contradictory conclusions. To enable extrapolation and facilitate the development of medicines based on gold nanomaterials, it must be assumed that each design will have its own unique characteristics that require evaluation before translation to the clinic. Advances in the understanding and recognition of the molecular signatures of LC have aided the development of personalised medicines. Tailoring the treatment to each case should, ideally increase the survival outcomes as well as reduce medical costs. This review seeks to present the potential of gold nanomaterials in LC management and to provide a unified view, which will be of interest to those in the field as well as researchers considering entering this highly important area of research.

Emerging theranostic gold nanostructures to combat cancer: Novel probes for Combinatorial Immunotherapy and Photothermal Therapy

The application of gold nanoparticles in immunotherapy has emerged as one of the most effective therapeutic strategy for eradicating cancer by releasing antigens, oligonucleotides, adjuvants, immune-stimulating agents into the body. Gold nanoparticles are found to be a superior choice, for generating attack on oncogenic cells, due to their low toxicity, better target specificity, diagnostic capabilities, and enhanced cellular uptake rate. This review focuses on the efficiency of several functionalized gold nanoparticles of diverse shapes and sizes as delivery vehicles to desired target cells through effective immunotherapy, along with a brief discussion about photothermal therapy.

Surface-functionalised hybrid nanoparticles for targeted treatment of cancer

Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide. Despite the great advancement in understanding the pharmacology and biology of cancer, it still signifies one of the most serious human-health related problems. The current treatments for cancer may include surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy, but these procedures have several limitations. Current studies have shown that nanoparticles (NPs) can be used as a novel strategy for cancer treatment. Developing nanosystems that allow lower doses of therapeutic agents, as well as their selective release in tumour cells, may resolve the challenges of targeted cancer therapy. In this review, the authors discuss the role of the size, shape, and surface modifications of NPs in cancer treatment. They also address the challenges associated with cancer therapies based on NPs. The overall purpose of this review is to summarise the recent developments in designing different hybrid NPs with promising therapeutic properties for different types of cancer.

Quality by design (QbD) approach in processing polymeric nanoparticles loading anticancer drugs by high pressure homogenizer

Polymeric nanoparticles prepared using high pressure homogenizer (HPH) present some unique challenges during manufacturing which can be better understood by application of quality by design (QbD) approaches. The present review highlights the ways to identify the critical material attributes which includes the anticancer drugs, polymers, surfactants, solvent system and dispersion system. A comprehensive understanding of the critical processing parameters like pressure and number of cycles during the working of HPH used in putting forward the critical quality attributes such as size, shape, surface charge or droplet stabilization. Such QbD approach will involve development of an effective control strategy for would ensure safe encapsulation of anticancer drugs for successful product development. Proper addressing of the issues related to scaling-up would lead to successful commercialization of the nano-sized formulations loaded with anticancer drugs.

Applications and strategies in nanodiagnosis and nanotherapy in lung cancer

Lung cancer is the second most common cancer and the leading cause of death in both men and women in the world. Lung cancer is heterogeneous in nature and diagnosis is often at an advanced stage as it develops silently in the lung and is frequently associated with high mortality rates. Despite the advances made in understanding the biology of lung cancer, progress in early diagnosis, cancer therapy modalities and considering the mechanisms of drug resistance, the prognosis and outcome still remains low for many patients. Nanotechnology is one of the fastest growing areas of research that can solve many biological problems such as cancer. A growing number of therapies based on using nanoparticles (NPs) have successfully entered the clinic to treat pain, cancer, and infectious diseases. Recent progress in nanotechnology has been encouraging and directed to developing novel nanoparticles that can be one step ahead of the cancer reducing the possibility of multi-drug resistance. Nanomedicine using NPs is continuingly impacting cancer diagnosis and treatment. Chemotherapy is often associated with limited targeting to the tumor, side effects and low solubility that leads to insufficient drug reaching the tumor. Overcoming these drawbacks of chemotherapy by equipping NPs with theranostic capability which is leading to the development of novel strategies. This review provides a synopsis of current progress in theranostic applications for lung cancer diagnosis and therapy using NPs including liposome, polymeric NPs, quantum dots, gold NPs, dendrimers, carbon nanotubes and magnetic NPs.