Novel drug delivery system based on doxorubicin-encapsulated magnetic nanoparticles modified with PLGA-PEG1000copolymer

Emerging Nanotechnology-based Therapeutics: A New Insight into Promising Drug Delivery System for Lung Cancer Therapy

BACKGROUND

Lung cancer is a foremost global health issue due to its poor diagnosis. The advancement of novel drug delivery systems and medical devices will aid its therapy.

OBJECTIVE

In this review, the authors thoroughly introduce the ideas and methods for improving nanomedicine- based approaches for lung cancer therapy. This article provides mechanistic insight into various novel drug delivery systems (DDSs) including nanoparticles, solid lipid nanoparticles, liposomes, dendrimers, niosomes, and nanoemulsions for lung cancer therapy with recent research work. This review provides insights into various patents published for lung cancer therapy based on nanomedicine. This review also highlights the current status of approved and clinically tested nanoformulations for their treatment.

METHODOLOGY

For finding scholarly related data for the literature search, many search engines were employed including PubMed, Science Direct, Google, Scihub, Google Scholar, Research Gate, Web of Sciences, and several others. Various keywords and phrases were used for the search such as "nanoparticles", "solid lipid nanoparticles", "liposomes", "dendrimers", "niosomes", "nanoemulsions", "lung cancer", "nanomedicine", "nanomaterial", "nanotechnology", "in vivo" and "in vitro". The most innovative and cutting-edge nanotechnology-based approaches that are employed in pre-clinical and clinical studies to address problems associated with lung cancer therapies are also mentioned in future prospects. A variety of problems encountered with current lung cancer therapy techniques that frequently led to inadequate therapeutic success are also discussed in the end.

CONCLUSION

The development of nanoformulations at the pilot scale still faces some difficulties, but their prospects for treating lung cancer appear to be promising in the future. Future developments and trends are anticipated as the evaluation comes to a close.

Biodegradable PEG-PCL Nanoparticles for Co-delivery of MUC1 Inhibitor and Doxorubicin for the Confinement of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer

Combating triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is still a problem, despite the development of numerous drug delivery approaches. Mucin1 (MUC1), a glycoprotein linked to chemo-resistance and progressive malignancy, is unregulated in TNBC. GO-201, a MUC1 peptide inhibitor that impairs MUC1 activity, promotes necrotic cell death by binding to the MUC1-C unit. The current study deals with the synthesis and development of a novel nano-formulation (DM-PEG-PCL NPs) comprising of polyethylene glycol-polycaprolactone (PEG-PCL) polymer loaded with MUC1 inhibitor and an effective anticancer drug, doxorubicin (DOX). The DOX and MUC1 loaded nanoparticles were fully characterized, and their different physicochemical properties, viz. size, shape, surface charge, entrapment efficiencies, release behavior, etc., were determined. With IC₅₀ values of 5.8 and 2.4 nm on breast cancer cell lines, accordingly, and a combination index (CI) of < 1.0, DM-PEG-PCL NPs displayed enhanced toxicity towards breast cancer cells (MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231) than DOX-PEG-PCL and MUC1i-PEG-PCL nanoparticles. Fluorescence microscopy analysis revealed DOX localization in the nucleus and MUC1 inhibitor in the mitochondria. Further, DM-PEG-PCL NPs treated breast cancer cells showed increased mitochondrial damage with enhancement in caspase-3 expression and reduction in Bcl-2 expression.In vivo evaluation using Ehrlich Ascites Carcinoma bearing mice explicitly stated that DM-PEG-PCL NPs therapy minimized tumor growth relative to control treatment. Further, acute toxicity studies did not reveal any adverse effects on organs and their functions, as no mortalities were observed. The current research reports for the first time the synergistic approach of combination entrapment of a clinical chemotherapeutic (DOX) and an anticancer peptide (MUC1 inhibitor) encased in a diblock PEG-PCL copolymer. Incorporating both DOX and MUC1 inhibitors in PEG-PCL NPs in the designed nanoformulation has provided chances and insights for treating triple-negative breast tumors. Our controlled delivery technology is biodegradable, non-toxic, and anti-multidrug-resistant. In addition, this tailored smart nanoformulation has been particularly effective in the therapy of triple-negative breast cancer.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10924-022-02654-4.

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

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

Study on the Effect of PDA-PLGA Scaffold Loaded With Islet Cells for Skeletal Muscle Transplantation in the Treatment of Diabetes

At present, islet cells transplantation was limited by the way in which islet cells are implanted into the body, their ability to adapt to the microenvironment and the maintenance time for relieving diabetic symptoms. In order to solve this problem, we made PDA-PLGA scaffold loaded with islet cells and used it for skeletal muscle transplantation to investigate its therapeutic effect in the treatment of diabetes. The PLGA scaffold was prepared by the electrospinning method, and modified by polydopamine coating. A rat diabetic model was established to evaluate the efficacy of PDA-PLGA scaffold loaded with RINm5f islet cells through skeletal muscle transplantation. The results showed that the PDA-PLGA scaffold has good biosafety performance. At the same time, transplantation of the stent to the skeletal muscle site had little effect on the serum biochemical indicators of rats, which was conducive to angiogenesis. The PDA-PLGA scaffold had no effect on the secretory function of pancreatic islet cells. The PDA-PLGA scaffold carrying RINm5f cells was transplanted into the skeletal muscle of type I diabetic rats. 1 week after the transplantation of the PDA-PLGA cell scaffold complex, the blood glucose of the treatment group was significantly lower than that of the model group (p < 0.001) and lasted for approximately 3 weeks, which further indicated the skeletal muscle transplantation site was a new choice for islet cell transplantation in the future.

Fabrication of α-Fe2O3 Nanostructures: Synthesis, Characterization, and Their Promising Application in the Treatment of Carcinoma A549 Lung Cancer Cells

In the present work, iron nanoparticles were synthesized in the α-Fe₂O₃ phase with the reduction of potassium hexachloroferrate(III) by using l-ascorbic acid as a reducing agent in the presence of an amphiphilic non-ionic polyethylene glycol surfactant in an aqueous solution. The synthesized α-Fe₂O₃ NPs were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, dynamic light scattering, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry. The powder X-ray diffraction analysis result confirmed the formation of α-Fe₂O₃ NPs, and the average crystallite size was found to be 45 nm. The other morphological studies suggested that α-Fe₂O₃ NPs were predominantly spherical in shape with a diameter ranges from 40 to 60 nm. The dynamic light scattering analysis revealed the zeta potential of α-Fe₂O₃ NPs as -28 ± 18 mV at maximum stability. The ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry analysis shows an absorption peak at 394 nm, which is attributed to their surface plasmon vibration. The cytotoxicity test of synthesized α-Fe₂O₃ NPs was investigated against human carcinoma A549 lung cancer cells, and the biological adaptability exhibited by α-Fe₂O₃ NPs has opened a pathway to biomedical applications in the drug delivery system. Our investigation confirmed that l-ascorbic acid-coated α-Fe₂O₃ NPs with calculated IC₅₀ ≤ 30 μg/mL are the best suited as an anticancer agent, showing the promising application in the treatment of carcinoma A549 lung cancer cells.

Doxorubicin nanoformulations on therapy against cancer: An overview from the last 10 years

Doxorubicin (DOX) is a natural antibiotic with antineoplastic activity. It has been used for over 40 years and remains one of the most used drugs in chemotherapy for a variety of cancers. However, cardiotoxicity limits its use for long periods. To overcome this limitation, encapsulation in smart drug delivery systems (DDS) brings advantages in comparison with free drug administration (i.e., conventional anticancer drug therapy). In this review, we present the most relevant nanostructures used for DOX encapsulation over the last 10 years, such as liposomes, micelles and polymeric vesicles (i.e., polymersomes), micro/nanoemulsions, different types of polymeric nanoparticles and hydrogel nanoparticles, as well as novel approaches for DOX encapsulation. The studies highlighted here show these nanoformulations achieved higher solubility, improved tumor cytotoxicity, prolonged DOX release, as well as reduced side effects, among other interesting advantages.

Recent development for biomedical applications of magnetic nanoparticles

In recent decades, the use of engineered nanoparticles has been increasing in various sectors, including biomedicine, diagnosis, water treatment, and environmental remediation leading to significant public concerns. Among these nanoparticles, magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) have gained many attentions in medicine, pharmacology, drug delivery system, molecular imaging, and bio-sensing due to their various properties. In addition, various studies have reviewed MNPs main applications in the biomedical engineering area with intense progress and recent achievements. Nanoparticles, especially the magnetic nanoparticles, have recently been confirmed with excellent antiviral activity against different viruses, including SARS-CoV-2(Covid-19) and their recent development against Covid-19 also has also been discussed. This review aims to highlight the recent development of the magnetic nanoparticles and their biomedical applications such as diagnosis of diseases, molecular imaging, hyperthermia, bio-sensing, gene therapy, drug delivery and the diagnosis of Covid-19.

ROS-responsive EPO nanoparticles ameliorate ionizing radiation-induced hematopoietic injury

Stimulus-responsive polymer materials have attracted much attention as drug carriers because of the ability to deliver drugs to the active site. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) play crucial roles in cellular signaling and regulation of oxygen homeostasis. However, ROS are present in abnormally high levels in many pathological environments. Based on the above points, three-arm poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid)-PO-poly(ethylene glycol) (3s-PLGA-PO-PEG or simply PP) was synthesized by using peroxalate esters (PO) as hydrogen peroxide-responsive linkages. PP was used to deliver promote hematopoietic recovery drugs erythropoietin (EPO) and EPO nanoparticles (EPO NPs) were prepared. We established a hematopoietic system injury model by ionizing radiation (IR) and unexpectedly found the good therapeutic effect of blank PP. Moreover, the administration of EPO NPs obviously decreased IR-induced ROS in bone marrow cells (BMCs) and reconstituted hematopoietic stem cells in BMCs. This study reveals a novel ROS-responsive polymer material that could be employed to remove excess ROS in the lesion and promote the efficacy of drug therapy.

Biocompatibility assessment of Fe3O4 nanoparticles using Saccharomyces cerevisiae as a model organism

Using Saccharomyces cerevisiae as an experimental model, the potential toxicological effects of Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles (Fe₃O₄-NPs) were investigated following exposure to 0-600 mg/L for 24 h. Results revealed that cell proliferation was significantly inhibited by Fe₃O₄-NPs with an IC₅₀ value of 326.66 mg/L. Mortality showed a concentration-dependent increase, and the highest concentration in this study (600 mg/L) resulted in 22.30% mortality. In addition, Effects on proliferation and mortality were accounted for Fe₃O₄-NPs rather than iron ion released from Fe₃O₄-NPs. Scanning and transmission electron microscope observation showed that Fe₃O₄-NPs extensively attached on the cell surfaces, causing cells to deform and shrink. Moreover, Fe₃O₄-NPs could be internalized in S. cerevisiae cells via endocytosis and then be distributed in cytoplasm and vesicles. The data of uptake kinetics demonstrated that the maximal accumulation (4.898 mg/g) was reached at 15 h. Besides, percentage of late apoptosis/necrosis was observably increased (p < 0.01) at 600 mg/L (15.80%), and the expression levels of apoptosis-related genes (SOD, Yca1 and Nuc1) were dramatically increased following exposure to Fe₃O₄-NPs for 24 h. As expected, mitochondrial transmembrane potential was significantly decreased (p < 0.01) at 50-600 mg/L, and biomarkers of oxidative stress (ROS, CAT and SOD) were also markedly changed following exposure. Altogether, the combined results so far indicated Fe₃O₄-NPs could induce S. cerevisiae cell apoptosis that mediated by mitochondrial impairment and oxidative stress.

Nanomedicine in treatment of breast cancer - A challenge to conventional therapy

Amongst the various types of cancer, breast cancer is a highly heterogeneous disease and known as the leading cause of death among women globally. The extensive interdisciplinary investigation in nanotechnology and cancer biomedical research has been evolved over the years for its effective treatment. However, the advent of chemotherapeutic resistance in breast cancer is one of the major confront researchers are facing in achieving successful chemotherapy. Research in the area of cancer nanotechnology over the years have now been revolutionized through the development of smart polymers, lipids, inorganic materials and eventually their surface-engineering with targeting ligands. Moreover, nanotechnology further extended and brings in the notice the new theranostic approach which combining the therapy and imaging simultaneously. Currently, research is being envisaged in the area of novel nano-pharmaceutical design viz. liposome, nanotubes, polymer lipid hybrid system, which focuses to make the chemotherapy curative and long-lasting. In this review, we aimed to discuss the recent advancement of different surface-engineered/targeted nanomedicines that improved the drug efficacy in breast cancer.

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

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

Sustained release of sodium deoxycholate from PLGA-PEG-PLGA thermosensitive polymer

Delivery of the drugs to the target tissue and reducing their side effects on surrounding tissues is still a significant challenge for pharmaceutical scientists. The aim of this study was to investigate the suitability of PLGA-PEG-PLGA triblock copolymer as a matrix material for a sustained-release system of sodium deoxycholate (NaDC). The copolymer was synthesized by ring-opening polymerization reaction, using microwave irradiation and characterized by different techniques. It was shown that the introduction of NaDC to the PLGA-PEG-PLGA copolymer did not influence its inherent sol-gel transition behaviour, but increased the sol-gel transition. The results showed the appropriate NaDC/polymer interaction and the formation of NaDC/polymer-mixed micelle. The sustained release of NaDC from the copolymer lasted for 2 days. This release can be attributed to the formation of NaDC/polymer-mixed micelles and trapping NaDC in the copolymer matrix. The cytolytic efficacy of NaDC-loaded copolymer and sustained release of NaDC were investigated on human adipocytes. Overall a sustained-release formulation for NaDC can be used to study localized fat dissolution.

Iron Oxide Nanoparticles for Biomedical Applications: A Perspective on Synthesis, Drugs, Antimicrobial Activity, and Toxicity

Medical applications and biotechnological advances, including magnetic resonance imaging, cell separation and detection, tissue repair, magnetic hyperthermia and drug delivery, have strongly benefited from employing iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) due to their remarkable properties, such as superparamagnetism, size and possibility of receiving a biocompatible coating. Ongoing research efforts focus on reducing drug concentration, toxicity, and other side effects, while increasing efficacy of IONPs-based treatments. This review highlights the methods of synthesis and presents the most recent reports in the literature regarding advances in drug delivery using IONPs-based systems, as well as their antimicrobial activity against different microorganisms. Furthermore, the toxicity of IONPs alone and constituting nanosystems is also addressed.

Recent advances and future prospects of iron oxide nanoparticles in biomedicine and diagnostics

Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) are considered as chemically inert materials and, therefore, being extensively applied in the areas of imaging, targeting, drug delivery and biosensors. Their unique properties such as low toxicity, biocompatibility, potent magnetic and catalytic behavior and superior role in multifunctional modalities have epitomized them as an appropriate candidate for biomedical applications. Recent developments in the area of materials science have enabled the facile synthesis of Iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) offering easy tuning of surface properties and surface functionalization with desired biomolecules. Such developments have enabled IONPs to be easily accommodated in nanocomposite platform or devices. Additionally, the tag of biocompatible material has realized their potential in myriad applications of nanomedicines including imaging modalities, sensing, and therapeutics. Further, IONPs enzyme mimetic activity pronounced their role as nanozymes in detecting biomolecules like glucose, and cholesterol etc. Hence, based on their versatile applications in biomedicine, the present review article focusses on the current trends, developments and future prospects of IONPs in MRI, hyperthermia, photothermal therapy, biomolecules detection, chemotherapy, antimicrobial activity and also their role as the multifunctional agent in diagnosis and nanomedicines.

Synthesis, Functionalization, and Design of Magnetic Nanoparticles for Theranostic Applications

In order to translate nanotechnology into medical practice, magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) have been presented as a class of non-invasive nanomaterials for numerous biomedical applications. In particular, MNPs have opened a door for simultaneous diagnosis and brisk treatment of diseases in the form of theranostic agents. This review highlights the recent advances in preparation and utilization of MNPs from the synthesis and functionalization steps to the final design consideration in evading the body immune system for therapeutic and diagnostic applications with addressing the most recent examples of the literature in each section. This study provides a conceptual framework of a wide range of synthetic routes classified mainly as wet chemistry, state-of-the-art microfluidic reactors, and biogenic routes, along with the most popular coating materials to stabilize resultant MNPs. Additionally, key aspects of prolonging the half-life of MNPs via overcoming the sequential biological barriers are covered through unraveling the biophysical interactions at the bio-nano interface and giving a set of criteria to efficiently modulate MNPs' physicochemical properties. Furthermore, concepts of passive and active targeting for successful cell internalization, by respectively exploiting the unique properties of cancers and novel targeting ligands are described in detail. Finally, this study extensively covers the recent developments in magnetic drug targeting and hyperthermia as therapeutic applications of MNPs. In addition, multi-modal imaging via fusion of magnetic resonance imaging, and also innovative magnetic particle imaging with other imaging techniques for early diagnosis of diseases are extensively provided.

Enhanced anticancer effect and reduced toxicity of doxorubicin in combination with thymoquinone released from poly-N-acetyl glucosamine nanomatrix in mice bearing solid Ehrlish carcinoma

The incidence of breast cancer remarkably increases all over the world. Therefore, there is a great demand to introduce new approaches into cancer treatment field. The current study was designated to evaluate the role of doxorubicin (DOX) and/or thymoquinone (TQ) nanomatrix in potentiating the cytotoxicity of either drug, and to investigate the ability of TQ to reduce cardiotoxicity of DOX in solid Ehrlich carcinoma (SEC)-bearing mice. DOX and TQ were loaded into F2 gel, which is a fully-acetylated poly-N-acetyl glucosamine nanofiber. SEC was induced in female albino mice as a model for experimentally induced breast cancer. Mice were randomly divided into eight groups (n=10): normal control, tumor control, F2 gel, free DOX, DOX+F2 gel, free TQ, TQ+F2 gel, and DOX+TQ+F2 gel. On day 28th from tumor inoculation, mice were sacrificed and blood samples were collected for measurement of the cardiac markers; lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and creatine kinase (CK-MB). In addition, cardiac tissue was utilized for determination of lipid peroxide, and tumor tissue was used for measurement of anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 as well as gene expression of the tumor suppressor gene P53. DOX and/or TQ showed a significant reduction in tumor volume, cardiac markers, tumor Bcl-2, and P53 upregulation compared to free conventional therapies. Co-treatment with DOX+TQ+F2 gel was superior to all other groups in exerting beneficial effects. Use of TQ as an adjuvant therapy with DOX could improve its cytotoxic effects and limit its cardiac toxicity. Furthermore, loading of DOX and/or TQ into F2 gel showed a remarkable anti-cancer activity.

pH-sensitive metal-phenolic network capsules for targeted photodynamic therapy against cancer cells

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is an effective and promising method for cancer treatment, which is proposed for more than one century. However, the specific delivery of photosensitizer to target carcinoma cells to reduce the side effect is still a great challenge. This work provides a strategy to deliver photosensitizers to cancer cells by utilizing pH-sensitive polyethylene glycol metal-phenolic network (PEG-MPN) capsules to encapsulate haematoporphyrin monomethyl ether (HMME). With the assistance of folic acid (FA), HMME-doped PEG-MPN capsules (MPN@HMMEs) accumulate in carcinoma cells selectively followed by releasing HMME in the lysosomes because of the physiologically relevant acidic pH environment. From the fluorescent ratiometric sensing and reactive oxygen species (ROS) regionality distribution of MPN@HMMEs, we demonstrated the encapsulated photosensitizers are diffused from lysosomes to cytoplasm. Under irradiation at 638 nm laser, ROS generated from the photosensitizers induced cancer cells undergoing apoptosis while normal cells survive. Therefore, MPN@HMME could be applied as a new strategy for targeted PDT against cancer and PEG-MPN capsules are expected to be general carries for drug delivering.

Nanotechnology: from In Vivo Imaging System to Controlled Drug Delivery

Science and technology have always been the vitals of human's struggle, utilized exclusively for the development of novel tools and products, ranging from micro- to nanosize. Nanotechnology has gained significant attention due to its extensive applications in biomedicine, particularly related to bio imaging and drug delivery. Various nanodevices and nanomaterials have been developed for the diagnosis and treatment of different diseases. Herein, we have described two primary aspects of the nanomedicine, i.e., in vivo imaging and drug delivery, highlighting the recent advancements and future explorations. Tremendous advancements in the nanotechnology tools for the imaging, particularly of the cancer cells, have recently been observed. Nanoparticles offer a suitable medium to carryout molecular level modifications including the site-specific imaging and targeting. Invention of radionuclides, quantum dots, magnetic nanoparticles, and carbon nanotubes and use of gold nanoparticles in biosensors have revolutionized the field of imaging, resulting in easy understanding of the pathophysiology of disease, improved ability to diagnose and enhanced therapeutic delivery. This high specificity and selectivity of the nanomedicine is important, and thus, the recent advancements in this field need to be understood for a better today and a more prosperous future.

Recent advances on biomedical applications of scaffolds in wound healing and dermal tissue engineering

The tissue engineering field has developed in response to the shortcomings related to the replacement of the tissues lost to disease or trauma: donor tissue rejection, chronic inflammation and donor tissue shortages. The driving force behind the tissue engineering is to avoid the mentioned issues by creating the biological substitutes capable of replacing the damaged tissue. This is done by combining the scaffolds, cells and signals in order to create the living, physiological, three-dimensional tissues. A wide variety of skin substitutes are used in the treatment of full-thickness injuries. Substitutes made from skin can harbour the latent viruses, and artificial skin grafts can heal with the extensive scarring, failing to regenerate structures such as glands, nerves and hair follicles. New and practical skin scaffold materials remain to be developed. The current article describes the important information about wound healing scaffolds. The scaffold types which were used in these fields were classified according to the accepted guideline of the biological medicine. Moreover, the present article gave the brief overview on the fundamentals of the tissue engineering, biodegradable polymer properties and their application in skin wound healing. Also, the present review discusses the type of the tissue engineered skin substitutes and modern wound dressings which promote the wound healing.

Enhancing cisplatin delivery to hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 cells using dual sensitive smart nanocomposite

Targeted entrance and accumulation of higher doses of drugs into malignant cells could help in intensification of tumor specific cytotoxicity. A dual-responsive nanogel, poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)-co-poly(N,N-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate) [P(NIPAM-co-DMA)] containing N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAM) as thermoresponsive monomer and N,N-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate (DMA) as pH-responsive monomer and methylene-bis-acrylamide (MBA) as cross-linking agent, was synthesized by free radical emulsion polymerization. Cisplatin along with magnetic Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles (MNPs) was loaded into the nanogel by physically embedding the magnetic nanoparticles into hydrogel matrix after gelation to obtain drug-loaded magnetic nanocomposite [P(NIPAM-co-DMA)/Fe₃O₄]. Drug loading efficiencies and drug release profiles of cisplatin-loaded P(NIPAM-co-DMA) nanogel and P(NIPAM-co-DMA)/Fe₃O₄ nanocomposite were evaluated in vitro for controlled drug delivery in different temperature and pH conditions. Finally, the anticancer activity of P(NIPAM-co-DMA)/Fe₃O₄ nanocomposite on human liver HepG2 cells was evaluated. Nanogel and nanocomposite showed significantly higher (p < .05) cisplatin release at 40 °C compared to 37 °C and at pH 5.7 compared to pH 7.4, demonstrating their temperature and pH sensitivity, respectively. The cytotoxicity assay of drug free nanogel on HepG2 cell line indicated that the nanogel is biocompatible and suitable as drug carrier. Moreover, MTT assay revealed that the cisplatin-loaded nanocomposite represented significant superior cytotoxicity (p < .05) to HepG2 cells as compared with free cisplatin.

pH sensitive insulin-loaded nanohydrogel increases the effect of oral insulin in diabetic rats

BACKGROUND

There are different methods for insulin administration in diabetic patient. Nano-hydrogel is one of the most talented drug carrier for its sensitivity to environmental stimulus.

METHODS AND RESULTS

NIPAAm-MAA-HEM copolymers were synthesized by radical chain reaction. The copolymers were characterized with Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Transient electron microscopy (TEM). Copolymers were loaded with regular insulin by modified double emulsion method. Diabetic rats are used for feeding insulin-loaded nanohydrogel. Analysis of the results from the measurement of the amount of blood insulin from the rats blood that received insulin in nanohydrogel loaded form compared with rats that received pure insulin is significantly high, which confirm that insulin has been able to pass from the stomach acid barrier by nanohydrogel and is absorbed from the intestine. Blood sugar levels from tested rats indicate that with increasing amount of insulin, blood sugar levels fall down.

CONCLUSION

Our study confirms that insulin has been able to pass from the stomach acid barrier by nanohydrogel and be absorbed from the intestine.

Synthesis and characterization of smart N-isopropylacrylamide-based magnetic nanocomposites containing doxorubicin anti-cancer drug

In the present study, magnetic and thermo/pH-sensitive (multiresponsive) nanocomposites based on N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAAM) were synthesized and characterized. Nanocomposites were synthesized by free radical emulsion polymerization of NIPAAM as thermosensitive monomer and N,N-dimethyl-aminoethyl methacrylate (DMAEMA) as pH-sensitive monomer in the presence of methylene-bis-acrylamide as cross-linking agent. Doxorubicin, an anti-cancer drug, was loaded into these nanocomposites via equilibrium swelling method. Thermo/pH-sensitive cross-linked poly (NIPAAM-DMAEMA)-Fe₃O₄ nanocomposites were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). The volume of the loaded drug and drug release amount was determined by UV measurements. The results showed that this thermo/pH-sensitive magnetic nanocomposite has a high drug-loading efficiency. Doxorubicin was released at 40 °C and pH 5.8 more than the 37 °C and pH 7.4.

Application of nanostructured drug delivery systems in immunotherapy of cancer: a review

The cancer immunotherapy method uses the specificity of the immune system to provide a more effective than more conventional treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Immunotherapy has two main strategies (passive or active) to organize the immune system. Passive strategies use advantage of tumor-hyperpermeable cells, which have enhanced permeability and retention effects. Nanoparticles due to their better accumulation within tissues and cells of the immune system are well suitable for delivery of immune therapies such as vaccines or adjuvants. In this review, we explained application of nanotechnology in immunotherapy of cancer.

Magnetic nanoparticles in cancer diagnosis and treatment: a review

Diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer have been characterized with a variety of challenges. However, with the advancement in magnetic nanoparticle (MNP) technology, many challenges in the diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer are on the decline. The MNPs have led to many break-through in cancer therapy. This paper seeks to establish the role of MNPs in diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer. It proposes that the existing challenges in the diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer can be addressed through application of MNPs in the process.

Preparation and in vitro evaluation of Methotrexate-loaded magnetic nanoparticles modified with biocompatible copolymers

Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPION) are attractive materials that have been widely used in medicine for drug delivery, diagnostic imaging and therapeutic applications. In our study, SPION and the anticancer drug, Methotrexate, were encapsulated into polycaprolactone-polyethylene glycol (PCL-PEG) nanoparticles for local treatment. The magnetic properties conferred by SPION could help to maintain the nanoparticles in the joint with an external magnet. The drug encapsulation efficiency achieved for Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles modified with PCL-PEG copolymer was 92.36%. There is potential for use of these nanoparticles for biomedical application.