Recent Advances and Implication of Bioengineered Nanomaterials in Cancer Theranostics

Biogenic Ag-doped ZnO nanostructures induced cytotoxicity in luminal A and triple-negative human breast cancer cells

Aim: To evaluate the apoptosis-inducing properties of undoped and silver-doped-zinc-oxide nanoparticles (SDZONs) synthesized using Boswellia serrata against MCF-7 (Luminal-A) and MDA-MB-231 (Triple-negative) breast cancer cell lines.Methodology: Nanostructures were developed by facile biohydrothermal method and characterized by x-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), and high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM). The comparative effect of doping and dose concentration of nanostructures on cytotoxicity was measured using MTT and trypan-blue-exclusion assay.Results: SDZONs exhibited greater cytotoxicity (20.71%, 27.31% cell viability) as compared with undoped nanostructures (35.81%, 37.08% cell viability) against MCF 7 and MDA-MB-231, respectively.Conclusion: The activity of biogenic nanostructures was highly dependent on doping, dose, and type of cell lines used. The novel biogenic SDZONs could be exploited as a promising, cost-effective, and environmentally benign strategy to curb breast cancer.

Mapping the intellectual structure and emerging trends for the application of nanomaterials in gastric cancer: A bibliometric study

BACKGROUND

Recent reviews have outlined the main nanomaterials used in relation to gastrointestinal tumors and described the basic properties of these materials. However, the research hotspots and trends in the application of nanomaterials in gastric cancer (GC) remain obscure.

AIM

To demonstrate the knowledge structure and evolutionary trends of research into the application of nanomaterials in GC.

METHODS

Publications related to the application of nanomaterials in GC were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection for this systematic review and bibliometric study. VOSviewer and CiteSpace were used for bibliometric and visualization analyses.

RESULTS

From 2000 to 2022, the application of nanomaterials in GC developed rapidly. The keyword co-occurrence analysis showed that the related research topics were divided into three clusters: (1) The application of nanomaterials in GC treatment; (2) The application and toxicity of nanomaterials in GC diagnosis; and (3) The effects of nanomaterials on the biological behavior of GC cells. Complexes, silver nanoparticles, and green synthesis are the latest high-frequency keywords that represent promising future research directions.

CONCLUSION

The application of nanomaterials in GC diagnosis and treatment and the mechanisms of their effects on GC cells have been major themes in this field over the past 23 years.

Helicobacter pylori infection: a dynamic process from diagnosis to treatment

Helicobacter pylori, a gram-negative microaerophilic pathogen, causes several upper gastrointestinal diseases, such as chronic gastritis, peptic ulcer disease, and gastric cancer. For the diseases listed above, H. pylori has different pathogenic mechanisms, including colonization and virulence factor expression. It is essential to make accurate diagnoses and provide patients with effective treatment to achieve positive clinical outcomes. Detection of H. pylori can be accomplished invasively and noninvasively, with both having advantages and limitations. To enhance therapeutic outcomes, novel therapeutic regimens, as well as adjunctive therapies with probiotics and traditional Chinese medicine, have been attempted along with traditional empiric treatments, such as triple and bismuth quadruple therapies. An H. pylori infection, however, is difficult to eradicate during treatment owing to bacterial resistance, and there is no commonly available preventive vaccine. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of our understanding of H. pylori infections and to highlight current treatment and diagnostic options.

Optimization of cobalt ferrite magnetic nanoparticle as a theranostic agent: MRI and hyperthermia

OBJECTIVE

Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) are considered a theranostic agent in MR imaging, playing an effective role in inducing magnetic hyperthermia. Since, high-performance magnetic theranostic agents are characterized by superparamagnetic behavior and high anisotropy, in this study, cobalt ferrite MNPs were optimized and investigated as a theranostic agent.

METHODS

CoFe2O4@Au@dextran particles were synthesized and characterized by DLS, HRTEM, SEM, XRD, FTIR, and VSM methods. After cytotoxicity evaluation, MR imaging parameters (r1, r2 and r2 / r1) were calculated for these nanostructures. Afterward, magnetic hyperthermia at the frequency of 425 kHz was applied to calculate specific loss power (SLP).

RESULTS

Formation of CoFe2O4@Au@dextran was confirmed by UV-Visible spectrophotometry. On the basis of the relaxometric and hyperthermia induction findings of nanostructures in all stages of synthesis, the CoFe2O4@Au@dextran could produce the highest parameters of r2 and r2/r1 and SLP with values ​​of 389.7, 51.2 mM-1 s-1, and 2449 W/g, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The formation of multi-core MNPs by dextran coating is expected to improve the magnetic properties of the nanostructure, leading to optimization of theranostic parameters, so that CoFe2O4@Au@dextran NPs can create contrast-enhanced images more than three times the clinical use and require less contrast agent, reducing side effects. Accordingly, CoFe2O4@Au@dextran can be introduced as a suitable theranostic nanostructure with optimal efficiency.

Combination of CNTs with Classical Drugs for Treatment in Human Colorectal Adenocarcinoma (HT-29) Cell Line

Due to the increase in new types of cancer cells and resistance to drugs, conventional cancer treatments are sometimes insufficient. Therefore, an alternative is to apply nanotechnology to biomedical areas, minimizing side effects and drug resistance and improving treatment efficacy. This work aims to find a promising cancer treatment in the human colorectal adenocarcinoma cell line (HT-29) to minimize the viability of cells (IC₅₀) by using carbon nanotubes (CNTs) combined with different drugs (5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and two repurposing drugs-tacrine (TAC) and ethionamide (ETA). Several CNT samples with different functional groups (-O, -N, -S) and textural properties were prepared and characterized by elemental and thermogravimetry analysis, size distribution, and textural and temperature programmed desorption. The samples that interacted most with the drugs and contributed to improving HT-29 cell treatment were samples doped with nitrogen and sulfur groups (CNT-BM-N and CNT-H₂SO₄-BM) with IC₅₀ 1.98 and 2.50 µmol∙dm^-3 from 5-FU and 15.32 and 15.81 µmol∙dm^-3 from TAC. On the other hand, ETA had no activity, even combined with the CNTs. These results allow us to conclude that the activity was improved for both 5-FU and TAC when combined with CNTs.

Tannic Acid-Assisted Biomineralization Strategy for Encapsulation and Intracellular Delivery of Protein Drugs

Protein therapy has been considered to be one of the most direct and safe ways to regulate cell function and treat tumors. However, safe and effective intracellular delivery of protein drugs is still a key challenge. Herein, we developed a tannic acid-assisted biomineralization strategy for the encapsulation and intracellular delivery of protein drugs. RNase A and glucose oxidase (GOD) were choose as the protein drug model. RNase A, GOD, TA, and Mn²⁺ are mixed in one pot to attain RG@MT, and CaCO₃ coating is subsequently carried out to construct RG@MT@C through biomineralization. Once RG@MT@C is endocytosed, the acidic environment of the lysosome will dissolve the protective layer of CaCO₃ and produce plenty of CO₂ to cause lysosome bursting, ensuring the lysosome escape of the RG@MT@C and thus releasing the generated TA-Mn²⁺, RNase A, and GOD into the cytoplasm. The released substances would activate starvation therapy, chemodynamic therapy, and protein therapy pathways to ensure a high performance of cancer therapy. Due to simple preparation, low toxicity, and controlled release in the tumor microenvironment, we expect it can realize efficient and nondestructive delivery of protein drugs and meet the needs for precise, high performance of synergistically antitumor therapy in biomedical applications.

Radiopharmacokinetics of Graphene Quantum Dots Nanoparticles In vivo: Comparing the Pharmacokinetics Parameters in Long and Short Periods

BACKGROUND

Nanoparticles (NPs) have gained great importance during the last decades for developing new therapeutics with improved outcomes for biomedical applications due to their nanoscale size, surface properties, loading capacity, controlled drug release, and distribution. Among the carbon-based nanomaterials, one of the most biocompatible forms of graphene is graphene quantum dots (GQDs). GQDs are obtained by converting 2D graphene into zero-dimensional graphene nanosheets. Moreover, very few reports in the literature reported the pharmacokinetic studies proving the safety and effectiveness of GQDs for in vivo applications.

OBJECTIVES

This study evaluated the pharmacokinetics of GQDs radiolabeled with ^99mTc, administered intravenously, in rodents (Wistar rats) in two conditions: short and long periods, to compare and understand the biological behavior.

METHODS

The graphene quantum dots were produced and characterized by RX diffractometry, Raman spectroscopy, and atomic force microscopy. The pharmacokinetic analysis was performed following the radiopharmacokinetics concepts, using radiolabeled graphene quantum dots with technetium 99 metastable (99mTc). The radiolabeling process of the graphene quantum dots with 99mTc was performed by the direct via.

RESULTS

The results indicate that the pharmacokinetic analyses with GQDs over a longer period were more accurate. Following a bicompartmental model, the long-time analysis considers each pharmacokinetic phase of drugs into the body. Furthermore, the data demonstrated that short-time analysis could lead to distortions in pharmacokinetic parameters, leading to misinterpretations.

CONCLUSION

The evaluation of the pharmacokinetics of GQDs over long periods is more meaningful than the evaluation over short periods.

Nano-drug delivery system for pancreatic cancer: A visualization and bibliometric analysis

Background: Nano drug delivery system (NDDS) can significantly improve the delivery and efficacy of drugs against pancreatic cancer (PC) in many ways. The purpose of this study is to explore the related research fields of NDDS for PC from the perspective of bibliometrics.

Methods: Articles and reviews on NDDS for PC published between 2003 and 2022 were obtained from the Web of Science Core Collection. CiteSpace, VOSviewer, R-bibliometrix, and Microsoft Excel were comprehensively used for bibliometric and visual analysis.

Results: A total of 1329 papers on NDDS for PC were included. The number of papers showed an upward trend over the past 20 years. The United States contributed the most papers, followed by China, and India. Also, the United States had the highest number of total citations and H-index. The institution with the most papers was Chinese Acad Sci, which was also the most important in international institutional cooperation. Professors Couvreur P and Kazuoka K made great achievements in this field. JOURNAL OF CONTROLLED RELEASE published the most papers and was cited the most. The topics related to the tumor microenvironment such as “tumor microenvironment”, “tumor penetration”, “hypoxia”, “exosome”, and “autophagy”, PC treatment-related topics such as “immunotherapy”, “combination therapy”, “alternating magnetic field/magnetic hyperthermia”, and “ultrasound”, and gene therapy dominated by “siRNA” and “miRNA” were the research hotspots in the field of NDDS for PC.

Conclusion: This study systematically uncovered a holistic picture of the performance of NDDS for PC-related literature over the past 20 years. We provided scholars to understand key information in this field with the perspective of bibliometrics, which we believe may greatly facilitate future research in this field.

Design of Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles for the Treatment of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) with a Therapeutic Cocktail Based on Leptin and Pioglitazone

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a devasting neurodegenerative disease with no cure to date. Therapeutic agents used to treat ALS are very limited, although combined therapies may offer a more effective treatment strategy. Herein, we have studied the potential of nanomedicine to prepare a single platform based on mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) for the treatment of an ALS animal model with a cocktail of agents such as leptin (neuroprotective) and pioglitazone (anti-inflammatory), which have already demonstrated promising therapeutic ability in other neurodegenerative diseases. Our goal is to study the potential of functionalized mesoporous materials as therapeutic agents against ALS using MSNs as nanocarriers for the proposed drug cocktail leptin/pioglitazone (MSN-LEP-PIO). The nanostructured materials have been characterized by different techniques, which confirmed the incorporation of both agents in the nanosystem. Subsequently, the effect, in vivo, of the proposed drug cocktail, MSN-LEP-PIO, was used in the murine model of TDP-43 proteinopathy (TDP-43^A315T mice). Body weight loss was studied, and using the rotarod test, motor performance was assessed, observing a continuous reduction in body weight and motor coordination in TDP-43^A315T mice and wild-type (WT) mice. Nevertheless, the disease progression was slower and showed significant improvements in motor performance, indicating that TDP-43^A315T mice treated with MSN-LEP-PIO seem to have less energy demand in the late stage of the symptoms of ALS. Collectively, these results seem to indicate the efficiency of the systems in vivo and the usefulness of their use in neurodegenerative models, including ALS.

Applications of nanomaterials for gastrointestinal tumors: A review

Nanotechnology is the emerging and advance field of research for the diagnosis and treatment of various diseases. With the development of nanotechnology, different nanoparticles are used in the treatment of cancer due to their unique optical properties, excellent biocompatibility, surface effects, and small size effects. Nanoparticles are the particles which have the particular size from 1 to 100 nm. These nanoparticles are zero dimension, one dimension, two dimension and three dimension etc. In present scenario a variety of research is focused on the tailored synthesis of nanoparticles for medicinal applications that can be used for cancer treatment based on the morphology, composition, interaction with target cell. The gastrointestinal (GI) tumors are found one of the deadest cancer types with highest reoccurrence rates. The diagnosis and treatment of gastrointestinal cancer is very challenging due to its deep location and complicated surgery. Nanotechnology provides fast diagnosis and immediate treatment for the gastrointestinal disease. A variety of nanomaterials are used for the diagnosis and treatment of GI disease. Nanoparticles target directly to the tumor cell as diagnostic and therapeutic tools facilitating the identification and removal of tumor cells. A number of nanoparticles are developed for the uses are quantum dots (QDs), carbon nanotubes (CNTs), metallic nanoparticles (MNPs), Dendrimers etc. This review article gives an overview of the most promising nanomaterials used for the diagnosis and treatment of GI diseases. This review attempts to incorporate numerous uses for the most current nanomaterials, which have great potential for treating gastrointestinal diseases.

A single-molecular ruthenium(II) complex-based NIR-II fluorophore for enhanced chemo-photothermal therapy

Novel NIR-II Ru(II) polypyridyl fluorophore Ru-1 dots for synergistic chemo-photothermal therapy against 4T1 tumors were designed and synthesized. Guided by in vivo NIR-II fluorescence imaging, the synergistic therapeutic efficacy, intracellular delivery, and biodistribution of the Ru-1 dots were precisely tracked in real-time.

New Advances in Nano-Drug Delivery Systems: Helicobacter pylori and Gastric Cancer

With the development of materials science and biomedicine, the application of nanomaterials in the medical field is further promoted. In the process of the diagnosis and treatment of diseases, a variety of drugs need to be used. It is an ideal state to make these drugs arrive at a specific location at a specific time and release at a specific speed, which can improve the bioavailability of drugs and reduce the adverse effects of drugs on normal tissues. Traditional drug delivery methods such as tablets, capsules, syrups, and ointments have certain limitations. The emergence of a new nano-drug delivery system further improves the accuracy of drug delivery and the efficacy of drugs. It is well known that the development of the cancer of the stomach is the most serious consequence for the infection of Helicobacter pylori. For the patients who are suffering from gastric cancer, the treatments are mainly surgery, chemotherapy, targeted and immune therapy, and other comprehensive treatments. Although great progress has been made, the diagnosis and prognosis of gastric cancer are still poor with patients usually diagnosed with cancer at an advanced stage. Current treatments are of limited benefits for patients, resulting in a poor 5-year survival rate. Nanomaterials may play a critical role in early diagnosis. A nano-drug delivery system can significantly improve the chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy of advanced gastric cancer, reduce the side effects of the original treatment plan and provide patients with better benefits. It is a promising treatment for gastric cancer. This article introduces the application of nanomaterials in the diagnosis and treatment of H. pylori and gastric cancer.

Bioresponsive Nanomaterials: Recent Advances in Cancer Multimodal Imaging and Imaging-Guided Therapy

Cancer is a serious health problem which increasingly causes morbidity and mortality worldwide. It causes abnormal and uncontrolled cell division. Traditional cancer treatments include surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and so on. These traditional therapies suffer from high toxicity and arouse safety concern in normal area and have difficulty in accurately targeting tumour. Recently, a variety of nanomaterials could be used for cancer diagnosis and therapy. Nanomaterials have several advantages, e.g., high concentration in tumour via targeting design, reduced toxicity in normal area and controlled drug release after various rational designs. They can combine with many types of biomaterials in order to improve biocompatibility. In this review, we outlined the latest research on the use of bioresponsive nanomaterials for various cancer imaging modalities (magnetic resonance imaging, positron emission tomography and phototacoustic imaging) and imaging-guided therapy means (chemotherapy, radiotherapy, photothermal therapy and photodynamic therapy), followed by discussing the challenges and future perspectives of this bioresponsive nanomaterials in biomedicine.

Advanced nanomedicine and cancer: Challenges and opportunities in clinical translation

Cancer has reached pandemic dimensions in the whole world. Although current medicine offers multiple treatment options against cancer, novel therapeutic strategies are needed due to the low specificity of chemotherapeutic drugs, undesired side effects and the presence of different incurable types of cancer. Among these new strategies, nanomedicine arises as an encouraging approach towards personalized medicine with high potential for present and future cancer patients. Therefore, nanomedicine aims to develop novel tools with wide potential in cancer treatment, imaging or even theranostic purposes. Even though numerous preclinical studies have been published with successful preliminary results, promising nanosystems have to face multiple obstacles before adoption in clinical practice as safe options for patients with cancer. In this MiniReview, we provide a short overview on the latest advances in current nanomedicine approaches, challenges and promising strategies towards more accurate cancer treatment.