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Pinho S, Ferreira-Gonçalves T, Lopes J, Amaral MN, Viana AS, Coelho JMP, Gaspar MM, Reis CP. A Step Forward for the Treatment of Localized Prostate Cancer Using Gold Nanoparticles Combined with Laser Irradiation. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4488. [PMID: 38674073 PMCID: PMC11050317 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25084488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2024] [Revised: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Prostate cancer (PCA) is the second most common cancer diagnosis in men and the fifth leading cause of death worldwide. The conventional treatments available are beneficial to only a few patients and, in those, some present adverse side effects that eventually affect the quality of life of most patients. Thus, there is an urgent need for effective, less invasive and targeted specific treatments for PCA. Photothermal therapy (PTT) is a minimally invasive therapy that provides a localized effect for tumour cell ablation by activating photothermal agents (PTA) that mediate the conversion of the light beam's energy into heat at the site. As tumours are unable to easily dissipate heat, they become more susceptible to temperature increases. In the PTT field, gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) have been attracting interest as PTA. The aim of this study was to formulate AuNPs capable of remaining retained in the tumour and subsequently generating heat at the tumour site. AuNPs were synthesized and characterized in terms of size, polydispersity index (PdI), zeta potential (ZP), morphology and the surface plasmon resonance (SPR). The safety of AuNPs and their efficacy were assessed using in vitro models. A preliminary in vivo safety assessment of AuNPs with a mean size lower than 200 nm was confirmed. The morphology was spherical-like and the SPR band showed good absorbance at the laser wavelength. Without laser, AuNPs proved to be safe both in vitro (>70% viability) and in vivo. In addition, with laser irradiation, they proved to be relatively effective in PCA cells. Overall, the formulation appears to be promising for use in PTT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Pinho
- Research Institute for Medicines, iMed.ULisboa—Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Professor Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal; (S.P.); (T.F.-G.); (J.L.); (M.N.A.)
| | - Tânia Ferreira-Gonçalves
- Research Institute for Medicines, iMed.ULisboa—Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Professor Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal; (S.P.); (T.F.-G.); (J.L.); (M.N.A.)
- Instituto de Biofísica e Engenharia Biomédica (IBEB), Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal;
| | - Joana Lopes
- Research Institute for Medicines, iMed.ULisboa—Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Professor Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal; (S.P.); (T.F.-G.); (J.L.); (M.N.A.)
| | - Mariana Neves Amaral
- Research Institute for Medicines, iMed.ULisboa—Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Professor Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal; (S.P.); (T.F.-G.); (J.L.); (M.N.A.)
- Instituto de Biofísica e Engenharia Biomédica (IBEB), Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal;
| | - Ana S. Viana
- Centro de Química Estrutural, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal;
| | - João M. P. Coelho
- Instituto de Biofísica e Engenharia Biomédica (IBEB), Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal;
| | - Maria Manuela Gaspar
- Research Institute for Medicines, iMed.ULisboa—Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Professor Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal; (S.P.); (T.F.-G.); (J.L.); (M.N.A.)
- Instituto de Biofísica e Engenharia Biomédica (IBEB), Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal;
| | - Catarina Pinto Reis
- Research Institute for Medicines, iMed.ULisboa—Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Professor Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal; (S.P.); (T.F.-G.); (J.L.); (M.N.A.)
- Instituto de Biofísica e Engenharia Biomédica (IBEB), Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal;
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Ferreira-Gonçalves T, Nunes D, Fortunato E, Martins R, de Almeida AP, Carvalho L, Ferreira D, Catarino J, Faísca P, Ferreira HA, Gaspar MM, Coelho JMP, Reis CP. Rational approach to design gold nanoparticles for photothermal therapy: the effect of gold salt on physicochemical, optical and biological properties. Int J Pharm 2024; 650:123659. [PMID: 38042383 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2023.123659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/04/2023]
Abstract
Among the unique characteristics associated to gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) in biomedicine, their ability to convert light energy into heat opens ventures for improved cancer therapeutic options, such as photothermal therapy (PTT). PTT relies on the local hyperthermia of tumor cells upon irradiation with light beams, and the association of AuNPs with radiation within the near infrared (NIR) range constitutes an advantageous strategy to potentially improve PTT efficacy. Herein, it was explored the effect of the gold salt on the AuNPs' physicochemical and optical properties. Mostly spherical-like negatively charged AuNPs with variable sizes and absorbance spectra were obtained. In addition, photothermal features were assessed using in vitro phantom models. The best formulation showed the ability to increase their temperature in aqueous solution up to 19 °C when irradiated with a NIR laser for 20 min. Moreover, scanning transmission electron microscopy confirmed the rearrangement of the gold atoms in a face-centered cubic structure, which further allowed to calculate the photothermal conversion efficiency upon combination of theoretical and experimental data. AuNPs also showed local retention after being locally administered in in vivo models. These last results obtained by computerized tomography allow to consider these AuNPs as promising elements for a PTT system. Moreover, AuNPs showed high potential for PTT by resulting in in vitro cancer cells' viability reductions superior to 70 % once combine with 5 min of NIR irradiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tânia Ferreira-Gonçalves
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Professor Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal; Instituto de Biofísica e Engenharia Biomédica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Daniela Nunes
- Department of Materials Science, NOVA School of Science and Technology, Campus de Caparica, i3N/CENIMAT, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal.
| | - Elvira Fortunato
- Department of Materials Science, NOVA School of Science and Technology, Campus de Caparica, i3N/CENIMAT, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal.
| | - Rodrigo Martins
- Department of Materials Science, NOVA School of Science and Technology, Campus de Caparica, i3N/CENIMAT, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal.
| | - António P de Almeida
- Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Universidade Técnica, 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Lina Carvalho
- Central Testing Laboratory, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - David Ferreira
- Comprehensive Health Research Centre (CHRC), Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Escola de Ciências e Tecnologia, Universidade de Évora, Pólo da Mitra, Ap. 94, 7002-594 Valverde, Évora, Portugal.
| | - José Catarino
- Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Lusófona de Humanidades e Tecnologias, Campo Grande 376, 1749-024 Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Pedro Faísca
- Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Lusófona de Humanidades e Tecnologias, Campo Grande 376, 1749-024 Lisboa, Portugal; CBIOS-Research Center for Biosciences & Health Technologies, Universidade Lusófona de Humanidades e Tecnologias, Campo Grande 376, 1749-024 Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Hugo A Ferreira
- Instituto de Biofísica e Engenharia Biomédica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - M Manuela Gaspar
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Professor Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - João M P Coelho
- Instituto de Biofísica e Engenharia Biomédica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Catarina Pinto Reis
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Professor Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal; Instituto de Biofísica e Engenharia Biomédica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal.
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3
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Yousof S, Erfan H, Shehata S, Hosny M, El-Sayed K. Assessment of the potential cerebellar toxicity of gold nanoparticles on the structure and function of adult male albino rats. Biosci Rep 2023; 43:BSR20222255. [PMID: 37527500 PMCID: PMC10472208 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20222255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The regular use of gold nanoparticles (Au-NPs) may increase the likelihood of human exposure to these nanoparticles (NPs) and raises concerns about toxicity. AIM This study investigated the short-term impact of exposure to Au-NPs on inducing cerebellar pathology in rats, and whether the dose or duration of exposure was more important. METHODOLOGY The study used two concentrations of Au-NPs (25 and 50 particles per million) and 18 rats were randomly assigned to three groups. Assessments of the animals were done via behavioral, gene expression, histological, and immunohistochemistry analyses. RESULTS Both concentrations of Au-NPs caused cerebellar pathology, as assessed through the investigation test battery. The Au-NPs50 group displayed more injury and decreased mobility compared with the control and the Au-NPs25 group. The Au-NPs25 group showed an increase in supported rearing and significant up-regulation of the Rgc32 gene compared with the control. The Trkb gene was insignificantly up-regulated in both Au-NPs groups compared with the control. CONCLUSION The study indicates that exposure to Au-NPs can cause cerebellar pathology in rats and that the toxicity is more dependent on dose than the duration of exposure. These findings have significant implications for the safe use of Au-NPs in various applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shimaa Mohammad Yousof
- Department of Medical Physiology, Faculty of Medicine in Rabigh, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Medical Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia 41522, Egypt
| | - Horeya Erfan
- Department of Histology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia 41522, Egypt
| | - Shaimaa A. Shehata
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Clinical Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia 41522, Egypt
| | - Marwa M. Hosny
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt
- Oncology Diagnostic Unit Lab, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt
| | - Karima El-Sayed
- Department of Medical Physiology, Faculty of Medicine in Rabigh, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
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Roque D, Cruz N, Ferreira HA, Reis CP, Matela N, Herculano-Carvalho M, Cascão R, Faria CC. Nanoparticle-Based Treatment in Glioblastoma. J Pers Med 2023; 13:1328. [PMID: 37763096 PMCID: PMC10532799 DOI: 10.3390/jpm13091328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GB) is a malignant glioma associated with a mean overall survival of 12 to 18 months, even with optimal treatment, due to its high relapse rate and treatment resistance. The standardized first-line treatment consists of surgery, which allows for diagnosis and cytoreduction, followed by stereotactic fractionated radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Treatment failure can result from the poor passage of drugs through the blood-brain barrier (BBB). The development of novel and more effective therapeutic approaches is paramount to increasing the life expectancy of GB patients. Nanoparticle-based treatments include epitopes that are designed to interact with specialized transport systems, ultimately allowing the crossing of the BBB, increasing therapeutic efficacy, and reducing systemic toxicity and drug degradation. Polymeric nanoparticles have shown promising results in terms of precisely directing drugs to the brain with minimal systemic side effects. Various methods of drug delivery that pass through the BBB, such as the stereotactic injection of nanoparticles, are being actively tested in vitro and in vivo in animal models. A significant variety of pre-clinical studies with polymeric nanoparticles for the treatment of GB are being conducted, with only a few nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems to date having entered clinical trials. Pre-clinical studies are key to testing the safety and efficacy of these novel anticancer therapies and will hopefully facilitate the testing of the clinical validity of this promising treatment method. Here we review the recent literature concerning the most frequently reported types of nanoparticles for the treatment of GB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diogo Roque
- Department of Neurosurgery, Hospital de Santa Maria, Centro Hospitalar Universitário Lisboa Norte (CHULN), 1649-028 Lisbon, Portugal; (D.R.); (M.H.-C.)
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal;
| | - Nuno Cruz
- Instituto de Biofísica e Engenharia Biomédica, IBEB, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal; (N.C.); (H.A.F.); (C.P.R.); (N.M.)
- iMED.ULisboa, Research Institute for Medicines, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Hugo Alexandre Ferreira
- Instituto de Biofísica e Engenharia Biomédica, IBEB, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal; (N.C.); (H.A.F.); (C.P.R.); (N.M.)
| | - Catarina Pinto Reis
- Instituto de Biofísica e Engenharia Biomédica, IBEB, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal; (N.C.); (H.A.F.); (C.P.R.); (N.M.)
- iMED.ULisboa, Research Institute for Medicines, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Nuno Matela
- Instituto de Biofísica e Engenharia Biomédica, IBEB, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal; (N.C.); (H.A.F.); (C.P.R.); (N.M.)
| | - Manuel Herculano-Carvalho
- Department of Neurosurgery, Hospital de Santa Maria, Centro Hospitalar Universitário Lisboa Norte (CHULN), 1649-028 Lisbon, Portugal; (D.R.); (M.H.-C.)
| | - Rita Cascão
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal;
| | - Claudia C. Faria
- Department of Neurosurgery, Hospital de Santa Maria, Centro Hospitalar Universitário Lisboa Norte (CHULN), 1649-028 Lisbon, Portugal; (D.R.); (M.H.-C.)
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal;
- Clínica Universitária de Neurocirurgia, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal
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Bursy D, Balwierz R, Groch P, Biernat P, Byrski A, Kasperkiewicz K, Ochędzan-Siodłak W. Nanoparticles coated by chloramphenicol in hydrogels as a useful tool to increase the antibiotic release and antibacterial activity in dermal drug delivery. Pharmacol Rep 2023; 75:657-670. [PMID: 37039973 DOI: 10.1007/s43440-023-00482-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 03/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nanocarriers for antibacterial drugs became hopeful tools against the increasing resistance of bacteria to antibiotics. This work focuses on a comprehensive study of the applicability and therapeutic suitability of dermal carbopol-based hydrogels containing chloramphenicol carried by various nanoparticles (AuNPs and SiNPs). METHODS The different forms of carbopol-based drugs for dermal use were obtained. Five different concentrations of chloramphenicol and two types of nanoparticles (silica and gold) in carbopol-based ointments were tested. The influence of different carbopol formulations with nanocarriers on the rheological properties as well as the release profile of active substances and bacteriostatic activity on five reference strains were determined. RESULTS The properties of the obtained hydrogels were compared to a commercial formulation, and finally it was possible to obtain a formulation that allowed improved antimicrobial activity over a commercially available detreomycin ointment while reducing the concentration of the antibiotic. CONCLUSION The work indicates that it is possible to reduce the concentration of chloramphenicol by four times while maintaining its bacteriostatic activity, which can improve the patient's safety profile while increasing the effectiveness of the therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dawid Bursy
- Department of Drug Forms Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Wrocław Medical University, Borowska St. 211, 50-556, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Radosław Balwierz
- Institute of Chemistry, University of Opole, Oleska St. 48, 45-052, Opole, Poland.
| | - Paweł Groch
- Institute of Chemistry, University of Opole, Oleska St. 48, 45-052, Opole, Poland
| | - Paweł Biernat
- Department of Drug Forms Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Wrocław Medical University, Borowska St. 211, 50-556, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Adam Byrski
- Institute of Metallurgy and Materials Science, Polish Academy of Sciences, Reymonta St. 25, 30-059, Cracow, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Kasperkiewicz
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, Institute of Biology, Biotechnology and Environmental Protection, University of Silesia in Katowice, Jagiellońska St. 28, 40-032, Katowice, Poland
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Kumar S, Shukla MK, Sharma AK, Jayaprakash GK, Tonk RK, Chellappan DK, Singh SK, Dua K, Ahmed F, Bhattacharyya S, Kumar D. Metal-based nanomaterials and nanocomposites as promising frontier in cancer chemotherapy. MedComm (Beijing) 2023; 4:e253. [PMID: 37025253 PMCID: PMC10072971 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Revised: 03/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 04/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a disease associated with complex pathology and one of the most prevalent and leading reasons for mortality in the world. Current chemotherapy has challenges with cytotoxicity, selectivity, multidrug resistance, and the formation of stemlike cells. Nanomaterials (NMs) have unique properties that make them useful for various diagnostic and therapeutic purposes in cancer research. NMs can be engineered to target cancer cells for early detection and can deliver drugs directly to cancer cells, reducing side effects and improving treatment efficacy. Several of NMs can also be used for photothermal therapy to destroy cancer cells or enhance immune response to cancer by delivering immune-stimulating molecules to immune cells or modulating the tumor microenvironment. NMs are being modified to overcome issues, such as toxicity, lack of selectivity, increase drug capacity, and bioavailability, for a wide spectrum of cancer therapies. To improve targeted drug delivery using nano-carriers, noteworthy research is required. Several metal-based NMs have been studied with the expectation of finding a cure for cancer treatment. In this review, the current development and the potential of plant and metal-based NMs with their effects on size and shape have been discussed along with their more effective usage in cancer diagnosis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sunil Kumar
- Department of Pharmaceutical ChemistrySchool of Pharmaceutical SciencesShoolini UniversitySolanHimachal PradeshIndia
| | - Monu Kumar Shukla
- Department of Pharmaceutical ChemistrySchool of Pharmaceutical SciencesShoolini UniversitySolanHimachal PradeshIndia
| | | | | | - Rajiv K. Tonk
- School of Pharmaceutical SciencesDelhi Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research UniversityNew DelhiDelhiIndia
| | | | - Sachin Kumar Singh
- School of Pharmaceutical SciencesLovely Professional UniversityPhagwaraPunjabIndia
| | - Kamal Dua
- Discipline of Pharmacy, Graduate School of HealthUniversity of Technology SydneyUltimoNew South WalesAustralia
- Discipline of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Health, University of Technology SydneySydneyAustralia
- Faculty of Health, Australian Research Centre in Complementary and Integrative MedicineUniversity of Technology SydneySydneyAustralia
| | - Faheem Ahmed
- Department of PhysicsCollege of ScienceKing Faisal UniversityAl‐HofufAl‐AhsaSaudi Arabia
| | | | - Deepak Kumar
- Department of Pharmaceutical ChemistrySchool of Pharmaceutical SciencesShoolini UniversitySolanHimachal PradeshIndia
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Lopes J, Ferreira-Gonçalves T, Ascensão L, Viana AS, Carvalho L, Catarino J, Faísca P, Oliva A, de Barros DPC, Rodrigues CMP, Gaspar MM, Reis CP. Safety of Gold Nanoparticles: From In Vitro to In Vivo Testing Array Checklist. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:pharmaceutics15041120. [PMID: 37111608 PMCID: PMC10141475 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15041120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) have aroused the interest of many researchers due to their unique physicochemical and optical properties. AuNPs are being explored in a variety of biomedical fields, either in diagnostics or therapy, particularly for localized thermal ablation of cancer cells after light irradiation. Besides the promising therapeutic potential of AuNPs, their safety constitutes a highly important issue for any medicine or medical device. For this reason, in the present work, the production and characterization of physicochemical properties and morphology of AuNPs coated with two different materials (hyaluronic and oleic acids (HAOA) and bovine serum albumin (BSA)) were firstly performed. Based on the above importantly referred issue, the in vitro safety of developed AuNPs was evaluated in healthy keratinocytes, human melanoma, breast, pancreatic and glioblastoma cancer cells, as well as in a three-dimensional human skin model. Ex vivo and in vivo biosafety assays using, respectively, human red blood cells and Artemia salina were also carried out. HAOA-AuNPs were selected for in vivo acute toxicity and biodistribution studies in healthy Balb/c mice. Histopathological analysis showed no significant signs of toxicity for the tested formulations. Overall, several techniques were developed in order to characterize the AuNPs and evaluate their safety. All these results support their use for biomedical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana Lopes
- Research Institute for Medicines, iMed.ULisboa—Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Professor Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Tânia Ferreira-Gonçalves
- Research Institute for Medicines, iMed.ULisboa—Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Professor Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal
- Instituto de Biofísica e Engenharia Biomédica (IBEB), Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Lia Ascensão
- Centro de Estudos do Ambiente e do Mar (CESAM Lisboa), Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Ana S. Viana
- Centro de Química Estrutural, Institute of Molecular Sciences, Departamento de Química e Bioquímica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Lina Carvalho
- Central Testing Laboratory, Campus Universitário de Santiago, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - José Catarino
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universidade Lusófona de Humanidades e Tecnologias, Campo Grande 376, 1749-024 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Pedro Faísca
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universidade Lusófona de Humanidades e Tecnologias, Campo Grande 376, 1749-024 Lisboa, Portugal
- Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência, R. Q.ta Grande 6 2780, 2780-156 Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Abel Oliva
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier (ITQB), Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Av. da República, 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal
- iBET, Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica, Av. da República, 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Dragana P. C. de Barros
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier (ITQB), Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Av. da República, 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Cecília M. P. Rodrigues
- Research Institute for Medicines, iMed.ULisboa—Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Professor Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Maria Manuela Gaspar
- Research Institute for Medicines, iMed.ULisboa—Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Professor Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Catarina Pinto Reis
- Research Institute for Medicines, iMed.ULisboa—Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Professor Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal
- Instituto de Biofísica e Engenharia Biomédica (IBEB), Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal
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8
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Nanocomposite Hydrogels as Functional Extracellular Matrices. Gels 2023; 9:gels9020153. [PMID: 36826323 PMCID: PMC9957407 DOI: 10.3390/gels9020153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Over recent years, nano-engineered materials have become an important component of artificial extracellular matrices. On one hand, these materials enable static enhancement of the bulk properties of cell scaffolds, for instance, they can alter mechanical properties or electrical conductivity, in order to better mimic the in vivo cell environment. Yet, many nanomaterials also exhibit dynamic, remotely tunable optical, electrical, magnetic, or acoustic properties, and therefore, can be used to non-invasively deliver localized, dynamic stimuli to cells cultured in artificial ECMs in three dimensions. Vice versa, the same, functional nanomaterials, can also report changing environmental conditions-whether or not, as a result of a dynamically applied stimulus-and as such provide means for wireless, long-term monitoring of the cell status inside the culture. In this review article, we present an overview of the technological advances regarding the incorporation of functional nanomaterials in artificial extracellular matrices, highlighting both passive and dynamically tunable nano-engineered components.
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Ferreira-Gonçalves T, Iglesias-Mejuto A, Linhares T, Coelho JMP, Vieira P, Faísca P, Catarino J, Pinto P, Ferreira D, Ferreira HA, Gaspar MM, Durães L, García-González CA, Reis CP. Biological Thermal Performance of Organic and Inorganic Aerogels as Patches for Photothermal Therapy. Gels 2022; 8:gels8080485. [PMID: 36005086 PMCID: PMC9407269 DOI: 10.3390/gels8080485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Revised: 07/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Aerogels are materials with unique properties, among which are low density and thermal conductivity. They are also known for their exquisite biocompatibility and biodegradability. All these features make them attractive for biomedical applications, such as their potential use in photothermal therapy (PTT). This technique is, yet, still associated with undesirable effects on surrounding tissues which emphasizes the need to minimize the exposure of healthy regions. One way to do so relies on the use of materials able to block the radiation and the heat generated. Aerogels might be potentially useful for this purpose by acting as insulators. Silica- and pectin-based aerogels are reported as the best inorganic and organic thermal insulators, respectively; thus, the aim of this work relies on assessing the possibility of using these materials as light and thermal insulators and delimiters for PTT. Silica- and pectin-based aerogels were prepared and fully characterized. The thermal protection efficacy of the aerogels when irradiated with a near-infrared laser was assessed using phantoms and ex vivo grafts. Lastly, safety was assessed in human volunteers. Both types presented good textural properties and safe profiles. Moreover, thermal activation unveils the better performance of silica-based aerogels, confirming the potential of this material for PTT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tânia Ferreira-Gonçalves
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Professor Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal; (T.F.-G.); (P.P.); (M.M.G.)
- Instituto de Biofísica e Engenharia Biomédica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal; (J.M.P.C.); (H.A.F.)
| | - Ana Iglesias-Mejuto
- I+D Farma Group (GI-1645), Department of Pharmacology, Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, iMATUS and Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, E-15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain; (A.I.-M.); (C.A.G.-G.)
| | - Teresa Linhares
- University of Coimbra, CIEPQPF, Department of Chemical Engineering, 3030-790 Coimbra, Portugal; (T.L.); (L.D.)
- 2C2T-Centre for Textile Science and Technology, University of Minho, Campus of Azurém, 4800-058 Guimarães, Portugal
| | - João M. P. Coelho
- Instituto de Biofísica e Engenharia Biomédica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal; (J.M.P.C.); (H.A.F.)
| | - Pedro Vieira
- Physics Department, NOVA School of Science and Technology (Campus de Caparica), 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal;
| | - Pedro Faísca
- CBIOS-Research Center for Biosciences & Health Technologies, Universidade Lusófona de Humanidades e Tecnologias, Campo Grande 376, 1749-024 Lisboa, Portugal;
| | - José Catarino
- Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Lusófona de Humanidades e Tecnologias, Campo Grande 376, 1749-024 Lisboa, Portugal;
| | - Pedro Pinto
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Professor Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal; (T.F.-G.); (P.P.); (M.M.G.)
| | - David Ferreira
- Comprehensive Health Research Centre (CHRC), Departamento de Desporto e Saúde, Escola de Saúde e Desenvolvimento Humano, Universidade de Évora, Largo dos Colegiais, 7004-516 Évora, Portugal;
| | - Hugo A. Ferreira
- Instituto de Biofísica e Engenharia Biomédica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal; (J.M.P.C.); (H.A.F.)
| | - Maria Manuela Gaspar
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Professor Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal; (T.F.-G.); (P.P.); (M.M.G.)
| | - Luísa Durães
- University of Coimbra, CIEPQPF, Department of Chemical Engineering, 3030-790 Coimbra, Portugal; (T.L.); (L.D.)
| | - Carlos A. García-González
- I+D Farma Group (GI-1645), Department of Pharmacology, Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, iMATUS and Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, E-15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain; (A.I.-M.); (C.A.G.-G.)
| | - Catarina Pinto Reis
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Professor Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal; (T.F.-G.); (P.P.); (M.M.G.)
- Instituto de Biofísica e Engenharia Biomédica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal; (J.M.P.C.); (H.A.F.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +351-217-946-429 (ext. 14244); Fax: +351-217-946-470
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Joshi A, Agrawal A, Bhattacharya S. Formulation and clinical advancement of nanourchins: a novel multibranched nanoparticulate drug-delivery system. Nanomedicine (Lond) 2022; 17:1477-1499. [PMID: 36154464 DOI: 10.2217/nnm-2022-0096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Nanourchins are multibranched nanoparticles with unique optical properties and surface spikes. Because of their unique properties, gold nanourchins have advantages over gold nanoparticles. The most used nanourchins are gold, tungsten, carbon, vanadium and sea urchins. The synthesis of various nanourchins and their clinical advancement are discussed in this review. ZFNs, TALENs and CRISPR/Cas9 are discussed to facilitate understanding of advancements in nanourchins. Nanourchins have been studied for Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease and bioimaging. The synthesis of molybdenum diselenide nanourchins and their bioconjugations are also discussed. Nanourchins can be further explored to improve drug targeting and delivery. Researchers from several fields may contribute to the study of nanourchins as prospective nanocarriers with target specificity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aalind Joshi
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy & Technology Management, SVKM'S NMIMS Deemed-to-be University, Shirpur, Maharashtra, 425405, India
| | - Aishwarya Agrawal
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy & Technology Management, SVKM'S NMIMS Deemed-to-be University, Shirpur, Maharashtra, 425405, India
| | - Sankha Bhattacharya
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy & Technology Management, SVKM'S NMIMS Deemed-to-be University, Shirpur, Maharashtra, 425405, India
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Nanocarriers for Drug Delivery: An Overview with Emphasis on Vitamin D and K Transportation. NANOMATERIALS 2022; 12:nano12081376. [PMID: 35458084 PMCID: PMC9024560 DOI: 10.3390/nano12081376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Revised: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Mounting evidence shows that supplementation with vitamin D and K or their analogs induces beneficial effects in various diseases, e.g., osteoarticular, cardiovascular, or carcinogenesis. The use of drugs delivery systems via organic and inorganic nanocarriers increases the bioavailability of vitamins and analogs, enhancing their cellular delivery and effects. The nanotechnology-based dietary supplements and drugs produced by the food and pharmaceutical industries overcome the issues associated with vitamin administration, such as stability, absorption or low bioavailability. Consequently, there is a continuous interest in optimizing the carriers' systems in order to make them more efficient and specific for the targeted tissue. In this pioneer review, we try to circumscribe the most relevant aspects related to nanocarriers for drug delivery, compare different types of nanoparticles for vitamin D and K transportation, and critically address their benefits and disadvantages.
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