Development of Gold Nanoparticle Micropatterns for the Electrical Detection of Proteins

Addressing the gaps in homeostatic mechanisms of copper and copper dithiocarbamate complexes in cancer therapy: a shift from classical platinum-drug mechanisms

The platinum drug, cisplatin, is considered as among the most successful medications in cancer treatment. However, due to its inherent toxicity and resistance limitations, research into other metal-based non-platinum anticancer medications with diverse mechanisms of action remains an active field. In this regard, copper complexes feature among non-platinum compounds which have shown promising potential as effective anticancer drugs. Moreover, the interesting discovery that cancer cells can alter their copper homeostatic processes to develop resistance to platinum-based treatments leads to suggestions that some copper compounds can indeed re-sensitize cancer cells to these drugs. In this work, we review copper and copper complexes bearing dithiocarbamate ligands which have shown promising results as anticancer agents. Dithiocarbamate ligands act as effective ionophores to convey the complexes of interest into cells thereby influencing the metal homeostatic balance and inducing apoptosis through various mechanisms. We focus on copper homeostasis in mammalian cells and on our current understanding of copper dysregulation in cancer and recent therapeutic breakthroughs using copper coordination complexes as anticancer drugs. We also discuss the molecular foundation of the mechanisms underlying their anticancer action. The opportunities that exist in research for these compounds and their potential as anticancer agents, especially when coupled with ligands such as dithiocarbamates, are also reviewed.

On-Demand Drug Delivery Systems Using Nanofibers

On-demand drug-delivery systems using nanofibers are extensively applicable for customized drug release based on target location and timing to achieve the desired therapeutic effects. A nanofiber formulation is typically created for a certain medication and changing the drug may have a significant impact on the release kinetics from the same delivery system. Nanofibers have several distinguishing features and properties, including the ease with which they may be manufactured, the variety of materials appropriate for processing into fibers, a large surface area, and a complex pore structure. Nanofibers with effective drug-loading capabilities, controllable release, and high stability have gained the interest of researchers owing to their potential applications in on-demand drug delivery systems. Based on their composition and drug-release characteristics, we review the numerous types of nanofibers from the most recent accessible studies. Nanofibers are classified based on their mechanism of drug release, as well as their structure and content. To achieve controlled drug release, a suitable polymer, large surface-to-volume ratio, and high porosity of the nanofiber mesh are necessary. The properties of nanofibers for modified drug release are categorized here as protracted, stimulus-activated, and biphasic. Swellable or degradable polymers are commonly utilized to alter drug release. In addition to the polymer used, the process and ambient conditions can have considerable impacts on the release characteristics of the nanofibers. The formulation of nanofibers is highly complicated and depends on many variables; nevertheless, numerous options are available to accomplish the desired nanofiber drug-release characteristics.