Antifouling Strategies of Nanoparticles for Diagnostic and Therapeutic Application: A Systematic Review of the Literature

Short Zwitterionic Sulfobetaine-Modified Silica Nanoparticles: Is Neutrality Possible?

Zwitterionic coatings are an efficient strategy for preventing biomolecule adsorption and enhancing nanoparticle stability in solution. The properties of zwitterions and other antifouling materials, including suppression of nonspecific adsorption and improved colloidal stability of nanoparticles, are believed to derive from their electroneutral and highly hydrophilic nature. Among different zwitterions, short sulfobetaines have been demonstrated to be effective in preventing protein adsorption onto several nanoparticles and providing enhanced colloidal stability. Although zwitterionic sulfobetaine silane (ZS) is electrically neutral, the negatively charged zwitterionic sulfobetaine-functionalized silica nanoparticles (ZS@SiO2NPs) exhibit a similar ζ-potential to nonfunctionalized silica nanoparticles (SiO2NPs). In this work, we present a thorough comprehension of the surface properties of ZS@SiO2NPs, which encompasses the development of meticulous functionalization procedures, detailed characterization approaches, and cutting-edge modeling to address the questions that persist regarding the surface features of ZS@SiO2NPs. The negative charge of ZS@SiO2NPs is due to the stabilization of siloxide from residual surface silanols by the quaternary amine in the sulfobetaine structure. Consequently, we infer that zero-charge ZS@SiO2NPs are unlikely to be obtained since this stabilization increases the dissociation degree of surface silanols, increasing the overall structure negative charge. Additionally, colloidal stability was evaluated in different pH and ionic strength conditions, and it was found that ZS@SiO2NPs are more stable at higher ionic strengths. This suggests that the interaction between ZS and salt ions prevents the aggregation of ZS@SiO2NPs. Together, these results shed light on the nature of the ZS@SiO2NP negative charge and possible sources for the remarkable colloidal stability of zwitterionic nanoparticles in complex media.

Modulating the Nature of Ionizable Lipids and Number of Layers in Hyaluronan-Decorated Lipid Nanoparticles for In Vitro Delivery of RNAi

Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) have established their position as nonviral vectors for gene therapy. Tremendous efforts have been made to modulate the properties of LNPs to unleash their full clinical potential. Among the strategies being pursued, the layer-by-layer (LbL) technique has gained considerable attention in the biomedical field. Illuminated by our previous work, here we investigate if the LbL approach could be used to modify the LNP cores formulated with three different ionizable lipids: DODMA, MC3, and DODAP. Additionally, we wondered if more than three layers could be loaded onto LNPs without disrupting their gene transfection ability. Taking advantage of physicochemical analysis, as well as uptake and gene silencing studies, we demonstrate the feasibility of modifying the surface of LNPs with the LbL assembly. Precisely, we successfully modified three different LNPs using the layer-by-layer strategy which abrogated luciferase activity in vitro. Additionally, we constructed a 5×-layered HA-LNP containing the MC3 ionizable lipid which outperformed the 3×-layered counterpart in transfecting miRNA-181-5p to the pediatric GBM cell line, as a proof-of-concept in vitro experiment. The method used herein has been proven reproducible, of easy modification to adapt to different ionizable lipid-containing LNPs, and holds great potential for the translation of RNA-based therapeutic strategies.

Context-Responsive Nanoparticle Derived from Synthetic Zwitterionic Ionizable Phospholipids in Targeted CRISPR/Cas9 Therapy for Basal-like Breast Cancer

The majority of triple negative breast cancers (TNBCs) are basal-like breast cancers (BLBCs), which tend to be more aggressive, proliferate rapidly, and have poor clinical outcomes. A key prognostic biomarker and regulator of BLBC is the Forkhead box C1 (FOXC1) transcription factor. However, because of its functional placement inside the cell nucleus and its structural similarity with other related proteins, targeting FOXC1 for therapeutic benefit, particularly for BLBC, continues to be difficult. We envision targeted nonviral delivery of CRISPR/Cas9 plasmid toward the efficacious knockdown of FOXC1. Keeping in mind the challenges associated with the use of CRISPR/Cas9 in vivo, including off-targeting modifications, and effective release of the cargo, a nanoparticle with context responsive properties can be designed for efficient targeted delivery of CRISPR/Cas9 plasmid. Consequently, we have designed, synthesized, and characterized a zwitterionic amino phospholipid-derived transfecting nanoparticle for delivery of CRISPR/Cas9. The construct becomes positively charged only at low pH, which encourages membrane instability and makes it easier for nanoparticles to exit endosomes. This has enabled effective in vitro and in vivo downregulation of protein expression and genome editing. Following this, we have used EpCAM aptamer to make the system targeted toward BLBC cell lines and to reduce its off-target toxicity. The in vivo efficacy, biodistribution, preliminary pharmacokinetics, and biosafety of the optimized targeted CRISPR nanoplatform is then validated in a rodent xenograft model. Overall, we have attempted to knockout the proto-oncogenic FOXC1 expression in BLBC cases by efficient delivery of CRISPR effectors via a context-responsive nanoparticle delivery system derived from a designer lipid derivative. We believe that the nonviral approach for in vitro and in vivo delivery of CRISPR/Cas9 targeted toward FOXC1, studied herein, will greatly emphasize the therapeutic regimen for BLBC.

A graft-to strategy of poly(vinylphosphonates) on dopazide-coated gold nanoparticles using in situ catalyst activation

A modular synthetic pathway for poly(diethyl vinylphosphonates) grafting-to gold nanoparticles is presented. Utilising an azide-dopamine derivative as nanoparticle coating agent, alkyne-azide click conditions were used to covalently tether the polymer to gold nanoparticles leading to stable and well distributed colloids for different applications.

Hydrogels in Ophthalmology: Novel Strategies for Overcoming Therapeutic Challenges

The human eye's intricate anatomical and physiological design necessitates tailored approaches for managing ocular diseases. Recent advancements in ophthalmology underscore the potential of hydrogels as a versatile therapeutic tool, owing to their biocompatibility, adaptability, and customizability. This review offers an exploration of hydrogel applications in ophthalmology over the past five years. Emphasis is placed on their role in optimized drug delivery for the posterior segment and advancements in intraocular lens technology. Hydrogels demonstrate the capacity for targeted, controlled, and sustained drug release in the posterior segment of the eye, potentially minimizing invasive interventions and enhancing patient outcomes. Furthermore, in intraocular lens domains, hydrogels showcase potential in post-operative drug delivery, disease sensing, and improved biocompatibility. However, while their promise is immense, most hydrogel-based studies remain preclinical, necessitating rigorous clinical evaluations. Patient-specific factors, potential complications, and the current nascent stage of research should inform their clinical application. In essence, the incorporation of hydrogels into ocular therapeutics represents a seminal convergence of material science and medicine, heralding advancements in patient-centric care within ophthalmology.

Poly(glycerol monomethacrylate)-encapsulated upconverting nanoparticles prepared by miniemulsion polymerization: morphology, chemical stability, antifouling properties and toxicity evaluation

In this report, upconverting NaYF4:Yb3+,Er3+ nanoparticles (UCNPs) were synthesized by high-temperature coprecipitation of lanthanide chlorides and encapsulated in poly(glycerol monomethacrylate) (PGMMA). The UCNP surface was first treated with hydrophobic penta(propylene glycol) methacrylate phosphate (SIPO) to improve colloidal stability and enable encapsulation by reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer miniemulsion polymerization (RAFT) of glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) in water, followed by its hydrolysis. The resulting UCNP-containing PGMMA particles (UCNP@PGMMA), hundreds of nanometers in diameter, were thoroughly characterized by transmission (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), infrared (FTIR) and fluorescence emission spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) in terms of particle morphology, size, polydispersity, luminescence, and composition. The morphology, typically raspberry-like, depended on the GMA/UCNP weight ratio. Coating of the UCNPs with hydrophilic PGMMA provided the UCNPs with antifouling properties while enhancing chemical stability and reducing the cytotoxicity of neat UCNPs to a non-toxic level. In addition, it will allow the binding of molecules such as photosensitizers, thus expanding the possibilities for use in various biomedical applications.

Probing charge transfer through antifouling polymer brushes by electrochemical methods: The impact of supporting self-assembled monolayer chain length

Ultrathin surface-tethered polymer brushes represent attractive platforms for a wide range of sensing applications in strategically vital areas such as medicine, forensics, or security. The recent trends in such developments towards "real world conditions" highlighted the role of zwitterionic poly(carboxybetaine) (pCB) brushes which provide excellent antifouling properties combined with bio-functionalization capacity. Highly dense pCB brushes are usually prepared by the "grafting from" polymerization triggered by initiators on self-assembled monolayers (SAMs). Here, multi-methodological experimental studies are pursued to elucidate the impact of the alkanethiolate SAM chain length (C6, C8 and C11) on structural and functional properties of antifouling poly(carboxybetaine methacrylamide) (pCBMAA) brush. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) in a custom-made 3D printed cell employing [Ru(NH3)6]3+/2+ redox probe were used to investigate penetrability of SAM/pCBMAA bilayers for small molecules and interfacial charge transfer characteristics. The biofouling resistance of pCBMAA brushes was characterized by surface plasmon resonance; ellipsometry and FT-IRRAS spectroscopy were used to determine swelling and relative density of the brushes synthesized from initiator-bearing SAMs with varied carbon chain length. The SAM length was found to have a substantial impact on all studied characteristics; the highest value of charge transfer resistance (Rct) was observed for denser pCBMAA on longer-chain (C11) SAM when compared to shorter (C8/C6) SAMs. The observed high value of Rct for C11 implies a limitation for the analytical performance of electrochemical sensing methods. At the same time, the pCBMAA brushes on C11 SAM exhibited the best bio-fouling resistance among inspected systems. This demonstrates that proper selection of supporting structures for brushes is critical in the design of these assemblies for biosensing applications.

Recent Studies and Progress in the Intratumoral Administration of Nano-Sized Drug Delivery Systems

Over the last 30 years, diverse types of nano-sized drug delivery systems (nanoDDSs) have been intensively explored for cancer therapy, exploiting their passive tumor targetability with an enhanced permeability and retention effect. However, their systemic administration has aroused some unavoidable complications, including insufficient tumor-targeting efficiency, side effects due to their undesirable biodistribution, and carrier-associated toxicity. In this review, the recent studies and advancements in intratumoral nanoDDS administration are generally summarized. After identifying the factors to be considered to enhance the therapeutic efficacy of intratumoral nanoDDS administration, the experimental results on the application of intratumoral nanoDDS administration to various types of cancer therapies are discussed. Subsequently, the reports on clinical studies of intratumoral nanoDDS administration are addressed in short. Intratumoral nanoDDS administration is proven with its versatility to enhance the tumor-specific accumulation and retention of therapeutic agents for various therapeutic modalities. Specifically, it can improve the efficacy of therapeutic agents with poor bioavailability by increasing their intratumoral concentration, while minimizing the side effect of highly toxic agents by restricting their delivery to normal tissues. Intratumoral administration of nanoDDS is considered to expand its application area due to its potent ability to improve therapeutic effects and relieve the systemic toxicities of nanoDDSs.

Validation of Rapid and Economic Colorimetric Nanoparticle Assay for SARS-CoV-2 RNA Detection in Saliva and Nasopharyngeal Swabs

Even with the widespread uptake of vaccines, the SARS-CoV-2-induced COVID-19 pandemic continues to overwhelm many healthcare systems worldwide. Consequently, massive scale molecular diagnostic testing remains a key strategy to control the ongoing pandemic, and the need for instrument-free, economic and easy-to-use molecular diagnostic alternatives to PCR remains a goal of many healthcare providers, including WHO. We developed a test (Repvit) based on gold nanoparticles that can detect SARS-CoV-2 RNA directly from nasopharyngeal swab or saliva samples with a limit of detection (LOD) of 2.1 × 10⁵ copies mL^-1 by the naked eye (or 8 × 10⁴ copies mL^-1 by spectrophotometer) in less than 20 min, without the need for any instrumentation, and with a manufacturing price of <$1. We tested this technology on 1143 clinical samples from RNA extracted from nasopharyngeal swabs (n = 188), directly from saliva samples (n = 635; assayed by spectrophotometer) and nasopharyngeal swabs (n = 320) from multiple centers and obtained sensitivity values of 92.86%, 93.75% and 94.57% and specificities of 93.22%, 97.96% and 94.76%, respectively. To our knowledge, this is the first description of a colloidal nanoparticle assay that allows for rapid nucleic acid detection at clinically relevant sensitivity without the need for external instrumentation that could be used in resource-limited settings or for self-testing.

Carboxybetaine and Carboxybetaine Ester Derivatives of Tetra(dodecyloxyphenyl)-calix[4]resorcinarene: Synthesis, Self-Assembly and In Vitro Toxicity

Amphiphilic calix[4]resorcinarenes are a class of macrocyclic compounds with broad potential utility including nanomedicine. Here the synthesis of new carboxybetaine and carboxybetaine ester calix[4]resorcinarene bearing 4-(dodecyloxy)phenyl groups on the lower rim is presented. The compounds were characterized by 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, 2D NMR, IR, ESI and elemental analysis. The critical association concentration values are 1.00 × 10−5 and 1.18 × 10−5 mol·L−1 for carboxybetain and ester, respectively. The hemolytic activity of the macrocycles and their cytotoxicity against normal (WI-38, Chang liver) and tumor cells (M-HeLa) are also estimated.

Image-guided drug delivery in nanosystem-based cancer therapies

The past decades have shown significant advancements in the development of solid tumor treatment. For instance, implementation of nanosystems for drug delivery has led to a reduction in side effects and improved delivery to the tumor region. However, clinical translation has faced challenges, as tumor drug levels are still considered to be inadequate. Interdisciplinary research has resulted in the development of more advanced drug delivery systems. These are coined "smart" due to the ability to be followed and actively manipulated in order to have better control over local drug release. Therefore, image-guided drug delivery can be a powerful strategy to improve drug activity at the target site. Being able to visualize the inflow of the administered smart nanosystem within the tumor gives the potential to determine the right moment to apply the facilitator to initiate drug release. Here we provide an overview of available nanosystems, imaging moieties, and imaging techniques. We discuss preclinical application of these smart drug delivery systems, the strength of image-guided drug delivery, and the future of personalized treatment.

Design and Preparation of Sensing Surfaces for Capacitive Biodetection

Despite their high sensitivity and their suitability for miniaturization, biosensors are still limited for clinical applications due to the lack of reproducibility and specificity of their detection performance. The design and preparation of sensing surfaces are suspected to be a cause of these limitations. Here, we first present an updated overview of the current state of use of capacitive biosensors in a medical context. Then, we summarize the encountered strategies for the fabrication of capacitive biosensing surfaces. Finally, we describe the characteristics which govern the performance of the sensing surfaces, along with recent developments that were suggested to overcome their main current limitations.

Microbial resistance to nanotechnologies: An important but understudied consideration using antimicrobial nanotechnologies in orthopaedic implants

Microbial resistance to current antibiotics therapies is a major cause of implant failure and adverse clinical outcomes in orthopaedic surgery. Recent developments in advanced antimicrobial nanotechnologies provide numerous opportunities to effective remove resistant bacteria and prevent resistance from occurring through unique mechanisms. With tunable physicochemical properties, nanomaterials can be designed to be bactericidal, antifouling, immunomodulating, and capable of delivering antibacterial compounds to the infection region with spatiotemporal accuracy. Despite its substantial advancement, an important, but under-explored area, is potential microbial resistance to nanomaterials and how this can impact the clinical use of antimicrobial nanotechnologies. This review aims to provide a better understanding of nanomaterial-associated microbial resistance to accelerate bench-to-bedside translations of emerging nanotechnologies for effective control of implant associated infections.

Metal Nanoparticle Modified Carbon-Fiber Microelectrodes Enhance Adenosine Triphosphate Surface Interactions with Fast-Scan Cyclic Voltammetry

Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is an important rapid signaling molecule involved in a host of pathologies in the body. Historically, ATP is difficult to directly detect electrochemically with fast-scan cyclic voltammetry (FSCV) due to limited interactions at bare carbon-fibers. Systematic investigations of how ATP interacts at electrode surfaces is necessary for developing more sensitive electrochemical detection methods. Here, we have developed gold nanoparticle (AuNP), and platinum nanoparticle (PtNP) modified carbon-fiber microelectrodes coupled to FSCV to measure the extent to which ATP interacts at metal nanoparticle-modified surfaces and to improve the sensitivity of direct electrochemical detection. AuNP and PtNPs were electrodeposited on the carbon-fiber surface by scanning from -1.2 to 1.5 V for 30 s in 0.5 mg/mL HAuCl₄ or 0.5 mg/mLK₂PtCl₆. Overall, we demonstrate an average 4.1 ± 1.0-fold increase in oxidative ATP current at AuNP-modified and a 3.5 ± 0.3-fold increase at PtNP-modified electrodes. Metal nanoparticle-modified surfaces promoted improved electrocatalytic conversion of ATP oxidation products at the surface, facilitated enhanced adsorption strength and surface coverage, and significantly improved sensitivity. ATP was successfully detected within living murine lymph node tissue following exogenous application. Overall, this study demonstrates a detailed characterization of ATP oxidation at metal nanoparticle surfaces and a significantly improved method for direct electrochemical detection of ATP in tissue.

The Janus of Protein Corona on nanoparticles for tumor targeting, immunotherapy and diagnosis

The therapeutics based on nanoparticles (NPs) are considered as the promising strategy for tumor detection and treatment. However, one of the most challenges is the adsorption of biomolecules on NPs after their exposition to biological medium, leading unpredictable in vivo behaviors. The interactions caused by protein corona (PC) will influence the biological fate of NPs in either negative or positive ways, including (i) blood circulation, accumulation and penetration of NPs at targeting sites, and further cellular uptake in tumor targeting delivery; (ii) interactions between NPs and receptors on immune cells for immunotherapy. Besides, PC on NPs could be utilized as new biomarker in tumor diagnosis by identifying the minor change of protein concentration led by tumor growth and invasion in blood. Herein, the mechanisms of these PC-mediated effects will be introduced. Moreover, the recent advances about the strategies will be reviewed to reduce negative effects caused by PC and/or utilize positive effects of PC on tumor targeting, immunotherapy and diagnosis, aiming to provide a reasonable perspective to recognize PC with their applications.

Orally administered intelligent self-ablating nanoparticles: a new approach to improve drug cellular uptake and intestinal absorption

Oral drug delivery to treat diabetes is being increasingly researched. The mucus and the epithelial cell layers hinder drug delivery. We designed a self-ablating nanoparticle to achieve smart oral delivery to overcome the gastrointestinal barrier. We used the zwitterionic dilauroyl phosphatidylcholine, which exhibits a high affinity toward Oligopeptide transporter 1, to modify poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanoparticles and load hemagglutinin-2 peptide to facilitate its escape from lysosomes. Nanoparticles exhibit a core–shell structure, the lipid layer is degraded by the lysosomes when the nanoparticles are captured by lysosomes, then the inner core of the nanoparticles gets exposed. The results revealed that the self-ablating nanoparticles exhibited higher encapsulation ability than the self-assembled nanoparticles (77% vs 64%) and with better stability. Quantitative cellular uptake, cellular uptake mechanisms, and trans-monolayer cellular were studied, and the results revealed that the cellular uptake achieved using the self-ablating nanoparticles was higher than self-assembling nanoparticles, and the number of uptake pathways via which the self-ablating nanoparticles functioned were higher than the self-assembling nanoparticles. Intestinal mucus permeation, in vivo intestinal circulation, was studied, and the results revealed that the small self-assembling nanoparticles exhibit a good extent of intestinal uptake in the presence of mucus. In vitro flip-flop, intestinal circulation revealed that the uptake of the self-ablating nanoparticles was 1.20 times higher than the self-assembled nanoparticles. Pharmacokinetic study and the pharmacodynamic study showed that the bioavailability and hypoglycemic effect of self-ablating nanoparticles were better than self-assembled nanoparticles.

Rapid Volumetric Optoacoustic Tracking of Nanoparticle Kinetics across Murine Organs

Large-scale visualization of nanoparticle kinetics is essential for optimizing drug delivery and characterizing in vivo toxicity associated with engineered nanomaterials. Real-time tracking of nanoparticulate agents across multiple murine organs is hindered with the currently available whole-body preclinical imaging systems due to limitations in contrast, sensitivity, spatial, or temporal resolution. Herein, we demonstrate rapid volumetric tracking of gold nanoagent kinetics and biodistribution in mice at a suborgan level with single-sweep volumetric optoacoustic tomography (sSVOT). The imaging system accomplishes whole-body three-dimensional scans in less than 1.8 s, further attaining a high spatial resolution of 130 μm and sub-picomolar sensitivity. We visualized the clearance dynamics of purposely synthesized gold nanorods and nanorod clusters, featuring different sizes and surface chemistries as well as their corresponding accumulation within the liver and spleen. The newly discovered capacity to image rapid whole-body kinetics down to suborgan scales opens up new avenues for the development and characterization of diagnostic and therapeutic nanoagents.

Zwitterionic silver nanoparticle-incorporated injectable hydrogel with durable and efficient antibacterial effect for accelerated wound healing

Antibacterial wound dressing is essential for inflammation control and accelerated wound healing. This study investigates polyzwitterion-functionalized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) with enhanced antibacterial performance in an injectable wound dressing hydrogel. A...

Multiparametric nanoparticle-induced toxicity readouts with single cell resolution in HepG2 multicellular tumour spheroids

The use of nanomaterials as therapeutic delivery vehicles requires their careful pre-clinical evaluation. Of particular importance in this regard is measurement of cellular toxicity, ideally assessing multiple parameters in parallel from various relevant subcellular organelles. In recent years it has become evident that in vitro monolayer-grown cells do not always accurately predict any toxicity response seen in vivo, and so there is a need for more sophisticated in vitro cell models, employing a greater depth of characterisation. In this work we present an automated high-content screening microscopy approach for quantifying nanoparticle-induced toxicity in a three-dimensional multicellular tumour spheroid (MCTS) cell model. As a proof-of-principle, we perform a comparative toxicity profile study of carboxylate- versus amine-modified polystyrene nanoparticles in HepG2 spheroids. Following treatment with these nanoparticle types, we demonstrate that several hundred spheroids, of various sizes, can be morphologically profiled in a single well using automated high-content image analysis. This provides a first level of information about spheroid health in response to nanoparticle treatment. Using a range of fluorescent reporters assessing membrane permeability, lysosome function and mitochondrial activity, we also show that nanoparticle-induced toxicity information can be obtained from individual cells with subcellular resolution. Strikingly, our work demonstrates that individual cells do not all behave in a consistent manner within a spheroid structure after exposure to nanoparticles. This highlights the need for toxicity studies to not only assess an appropriate number of spheroids, but also the importance of extracting information at the subcellular level.

Novel Contact Lenses Embedded with Drug-Loaded Zwitterionic Nanogels for Extended Ophthalmic Drug Delivery

Therapeutic ophthalmic contact lenses with prolonged drug release and improved bioavailability have been developed to circumvent tedious eye drop instillation. In this work, zwitterionic nanogels based on poly(sulfobetaine methacrylate) (PSBMA) were easily fabricated by one-step reflux-precipitation polymerization, with the advantages of being surfactant-free and morphology controlled. Then, the ophthalmic drug levofloxacin (LEV) was encapsulated into the nanogels. A set of contact lenses with varied nanogel-loading content was fabricated by the cast molding method, with the drug-loaded nanogels dispersed in pre-monomer solutions composed of 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) and N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone (NVP). The structure, surface morphology, water contact angle (WCA), equilibrium water content (EWC), transmittance, and mechanical properties of the contact lenses were subsequently investigated, and in vitro drug release and biocompatibility were further evaluated. As a result, the optimized contact lens with nanogel-loading content of 8 wt% could sustainably deliver LEV for ten days, with critical lens properties within the range of recommended values for commercial contact lenses. Moreover, cell viability assays revealed that the prepared contact lenses were cytocompatible, suggesting their significant potential as an alternative to traditional eye drops or ointment formulations for long-term oculopathy treatment.

Magneto-Plasmonic Nanoparticle Grid Biosensor with Enhanced Raman Scattering and Electrochemical Transduction for the Development of Nanocarriers for Targeted Delivery of Protected Anticancer Drugs

Safe administration of highly cytotoxic chemotherapeutic drugs is a challenging problem in cancer treatment due to the adverse side effects and collateral damage to non-tumorigenic cells. To mitigate these problems, promising new approaches, based on the paradigm of controlled targeted drug delivery (TDD), and utilizing drug nanocarriers with biorecognition ability to selectively target neoplastic cells, are being considered in cancer therapy. Herein, we report on the design and testing of a nanoparticle-grid based biosensing platform to aid in the development of new targeted drug nanocarriers. The proposed sensor grid consists of superparamagnetic gold-coated core-shell Fe2Ni@Au nanoparticles, further functionalized with folic acid targeting ligand, model thiolated chemotherapeutic drug doxorubicin (DOX), and a biocompatibility agent, 3,6-dioxa-octanethiol (DOOT). The employed dual transduction method based on electrochemical and enhanced Raman scattering detection has enabled efficient monitoring of the drug loading onto the nanocarriers, attaching to the sensor surface, as well as the drug release under simulated intracellular conditions. The grid's nanoparticles serve here as the model nanocarriers for new TDD systems under design and optimization. The superparamagnetic properties of the Fe2Ni@Au NPs aid in nanoparticles' handling and constructing a dense sensor grid with high plasmonic enhancement of the Raman signals due to the minimal interparticle distance.