Iron Oxide Nanoparticle-Based Hyperthermia as a Treatment Option in Various Gastrointestinal Malignancies

Effects of iron oxide nanoparticles on the gene expression profiles of cerebral endotheliocytes and astrocytes

Iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) are considered as the most biocompatible magnetic materials suitable for biomedical applications. Nevertheless, there are many evidences of their toxicity for living organisms and partially neurotoxicity. The central nervous system is protected from undesirable substances circulating in the bloodstream by the blood-brain barrier (BBB). And even if being small enough, some nanoparticles could be able to penetrate cell membranes in other cells but will often be delayed by the BBB cells. However, the neurotoxicity of iron oxide is described even in the cases when IONPs should not uptake to the nervous system by experimental design. The aim of this study was to investigate what molecular changes in the cells-components of BBB - endotheliocytes and underlying astrocytes - may be caused by IONPs in the blood vessels of the brain. For this, a two-layer in vitro BBB model was created, consisting of rat cerebral endothelial cells and astrocytes. It was revealed that 100 and 200 mg/L of the nanoparticles induce metabolism alteration in the cells under study. Using RNA-sequencing, the up-regulation of pro-inflammatory chemokines encoding genes and changes in the expression of genes associated with detoxification in the endotheliocytes were demonstrated under the influence of 100 mg/L IONPs.

Recent advancements in natural polymers-based self-healing nano-materials for wound dressing

The field of wound healing has witnessed remarkable progress in recent years, driven by the pursuit of advanced wound dressings. Traditional dressing materials have limitations like poor biocompatibility, nonbiodegradability, inadequate moisture management, poor breathability, lack of inherent therapeutic properties, and environmental impacts. There is a compelling demand for innovative solutions to transcend the constraints of conventional dressing materials for optimal wound care. In this extensive review, the therapeutic potential of natural polymers as the foundation for the development of self-healing nano-materials, specifically for wound dressing applications, has been elucidated. Natural polymers offer a multitude of advantages, possessing exceptional biocompatibility, biodegradability, and bioactivity. The intricate engineering strategies employed to fabricate these polymers into nanostructures, thereby imparting enhanced mechanical robustness, flexibility, critical for efficacious wound management has been expounded. By harnessing the inherent properties of natural polymers, including chitosan, alginate, collagen, hyaluronic acid, and so on, and integrating the concept of self-healing materials, a comprehensive overview of the cutting-edge research in this emerging field is presented in the review. Furthermore, the inherent self-healing attributes of these materials, wherein they exhibit innate capabilities to autonomously rectify any damage or disruption upon exposure to moisture or body fluids, reducing frequent dressing replacements have also been explored. This review consolidates the existing knowledge landscape, accentuating the benefits and challenges associated with these pioneering materials while concurrently paving the way for future investigations and translational applications in the realm of wound healing.

Iron oxide nanoparticles for treatment and diagnosis of chronic inflammatory diseases: A systematic review

Chronic inflammatory conditions are among the most prevalent diseases worldwide. Several debilitating diseases such as atherosclerosis, inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and Alzheimer's are linked to chronic inflammation. These conditions often develop into complex and fatal conditions, making early detection and treatment of chronic inflammation crucial. Current diagnostic methods show high variability and do not account for disease heterogeneity and disease-specific proinflammatory markers, often delaying the disease detection until later stages. Furthermore, existing treatment strategies, including high-dose anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive drugs, have significant side effects and an increased risk of infections. In recent years, superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) have shown tremendous biomedical potential. SPIONs can function as imaging modalities for magnetic resonance imaging, and as therapeutic agents due to their magnetic hyperthermia capability. Furthermore, the surface functionalization of SPIONs allows the detection of specific disease biomarkers and targeted drug delivery. This systematic review explores the utility of SPIONs against chronic inflammatory disorders, focusing on their dual role as diagnostic and therapeutic agents. We extracted studies indexed in the Web of Science database from the last 10 years (2013-2023), and applied systematic inclusion criteria. This resulted in a final selection of 38 articles, which were analyzed for nanoparticle characteristics, targeted diseases, in vivo and in vitro models used, and the efficacy of the therapeutic or diagnostic modalities. The results revealed that ultrasmall SPIONs are excellent for imaging arterial and neuronal inflammation. Furthermore, novel therapies using SPIONs loaded with chemotherapeutic drugs show promise in the treatment of inflammatory diseases. This article is categorized under: Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Emerging Technologies Diagnostic Tools > In Vivo Nanodiagnostics and Imaging.

Self-Assembled Acid-Responsive Nanosystem for Synergistic Anti-Angiogenic/Photothermal/Ferroptosis Therapy against Esophageal Cancer

Esophageal cancer (EC) treatment via anti-angiogenic therapy faces challenges due to non-cytotoxicity and non-specific biodistribution of the anti-angiogenic agents. Hence, the quest for a synergistic treatment modality and a targeted delivery approach to effectively address EC has become imperative. In this study, an acid-responsive release nanosystem (Bev-IR820@FeIII TA) that involves the conjugation of bevacizumab, an anti-angiogenic monoclonal antibody, with TA and Fe3+ to form a metal-phenolic network, followed by loading with the near-infrared photothermal agent (IR820) to achieve combinational therapy, is designed. The construction of Bev-IR820@FeIII TA can be realized through a facile self-assembly process. The Bev-IR820@FeIII TA exhibits tumor-targeting capabilities and synergistic therapeutic effects, encompassing anti-angiogenic therapy, photothermal therapy (PTT), and ferroptosis therapy (FT). Bev-IR820@FeIII TA exhibits remarkable proficiency in delivering drugs to EC tissue through its pH-responsive release properties. Consequently, bevacizumab exerts its therapeutic effects by obstructing tumor angiogenesis, thereby impeding tumor growth. Meanwhile, PTT facilitates localized thermal ablation at the tumor site, directly eradicating EC cells. FT synergistically collaborates with PTT, giving rise to the formation of a reactive oxygen species (ROS) storm, subsequently culminating in the demise of EC cells. In summary, this amalgamated treatment modality carries substantial promise for synergistically impeding EC progression and showcases auspicious prospects for future EC treatment.

Fortification of Iron Oxide as Sustainable Nanoparticles: An Amalgamation with Magnetic/Photo Responsive Cancer Therapies

Due to their non-toxic function in biological systems, Iron oxide NPs (IO-NPs) are very attractive in biomedical applications. The magnetic properties of IO-NPs enable a variety of biomedical applications. We evaluated the usage of IO-NPs for anticancer effects. This paper lists the applications of IO-NPs in general and the clinical targeting of IO-NPs. The application of IONPs along with photothermal therapy (PTT), photodynamic therapy (PDT), and magnetic hyperthermia therapy (MHT) is highlighted in this review's explanation for cancer treatment strategies. The review's study shows that IO-NPs play a beneficial role in biological activity because of their biocompatibility, biodegradability, simplicity of production, and hybrid NPs forms with IO-NPs. In this review, we have briefly discussed cancer therapy and hyperthermia and NPs used in PTT, PDT, and MHT. IO-NPs have a particular effect on cancer therapy when combined with PTT, PDT, and MHT were the key topics of the review and were covered in depth. The IO-NPs formulations may be uniquely specialized in cancer treatments with PTT, PDT, and MHT, according to this review investigation.

Recent Insights into Nanotechnology in Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third cancer among the known causes of cancer that impact people. Although CRC drug options are imperfect, primary detection of CRC can play a key role in treating the disease and reducing mortality. Cancer tissues show many molecular markers that can be used as a new way to advance therapeutic methods. Nanotechnology includes a wide range of nanomaterials with high diagnostic and therapeutic power. Several nanomaterials and nanoformulations can be used to treat cancer, especially CRC. In this review, we discuss recent insights into nanotechnology in colorectal cancer.

In vivo Biodistribution and Clearance of Magnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles for Medical Applications

Magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (magnetite and maghemite) are intensively studied due to their broad potential applications in medical and biological sciences. Their unique properties, such as nanometric size, large specific surface area, and superparamagnetism, allow them to be used in targeted drug delivery and internal radiotherapy by targeting an external magnetic field. In addition, they are successfully used in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), hyperthermia, and radiolabelling. The appropriate design of nanoparticles allows them to be delivered to the desired tissues and organs. The desired biodistribution of nanoparticles, eg, cancerous tumors, is increased using an external magnetic field. Thus, knowledge of the biodistribution of these nanoparticles is essential for medical applications. It allows for determining whether nanoparticles are captured by the desired organs or accumulated in other tissues, which may lead to potential toxicity. This review article presents the main organs where nanoparticles accumulate. The sites of their first uptake are usually the liver, spleen, and lymph nodes, but with the appropriate design of nanoparticles, they can also be accumulated in organs such as the lungs, heart, or brain. In addition, the review describes the factors affecting the biodistribution of nanoparticles, including their size, shape, surface charge, coating molecules, and route of administration. Modern techniques for determining nanoparticle accumulation sites and concentration in isolated tissues or the body in vivo are also presented.

Theranostics Nanomedicine Applications for Colorectal Cancer and Metastasis: Recent Advances

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer worldwide, and metastatic CRC is a fatal disease. The CRC-affected tissues show several molecular markers that could be used as a fresh strategy to create newer methods of treating the condition. The liver and the peritoneum are where metastasis occurs most frequently. Once the tumor has metastasized to the liver, peritoneal carcinomatosis is frequently regarded as the disease's final stage. However, nearly 50% of CRC patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis do not have liver metastases. New diagnostic and therapeutic approaches must be developed due to the disease's poor response to present treatment choices in advanced stages and the necessity of an accurate diagnosis in the early stages. Many unique and amazing nanomaterials with promise for both diagnosis and treatment may be found in nanotechnology. Numerous nanomaterials and nanoformulations, including carbon nanotubes, dendrimers, liposomes, silica nanoparticles, gold nanoparticles, metal-organic frameworks, core-shell polymeric nano-formulations, and nano-emulsion systems, among others, can be used for targeted anticancer drug delivery and diagnostic purposes in CRC. Theranostic approaches combined with nanomedicine have been proposed as a revolutionary approach to improve CRC detection and treatment. This review highlights recent studies, potential, and challenges for the development of nanoplatforms for the detection and treatment of CRC.

Magnetic Nanoclusters Stabilized with Poly[3,4-Dihydroxybenzhydrazide] as Efficient Therapeutic Agents for Cancer Cells Destruction

Magnetic structures exhibiting large magnetic moments are sought after in theranostic approaches that combine magnetic hyperthermia treatment (MH) and diagnostic magnetic resonance imaging in oncology, since they offer an enhanced magnetic response to an external magnetic field. We report on the synthesized production of a core-shell magnetic structure using two types of magnetite nanoclusters (MNC) based on a magnetite core and polymer shell. This was achieved through an in situ solvothermal process, using, for the first time, 3,4-dihydroxybenzhydrazide (DHBH) and poly[3,4-dihydroxybenzhydrazide] (PDHBH) as stabilizers. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis showed the formation of spherical MNC, X-ray photoelectronic spectroscopy (XPS) and Fourier transformed infrared (FT-IR) analysis proved the existence of the polymer shell. Magnetization measurement showed saturation magnetization values of 50 emu/g for PDHBH@MNC and 60 emu/g for DHBH@MNC with very low coercive field and remanence, indicating that the MNC are in a superparamagnetic state at room temperature and are thus suitable for biomedical applications. MNCs were investigated in vitro, on human normal (dermal fibroblasts-BJ) and tumor (colon adenocarcinoma-CACO2, and melanoma-A375) cell lines, in view of toxicity, antitumor effectiveness and selectivity upon magnetic hyperthermia. MNCs exhibited good biocompatibility and were internalized by all cell lines (TEM), with minimal ultrastructural changes. By means of flowcytometry apoptosis detection, fluorimetry, spectrophotometry for mitochondrial membrane potential, oxidative stress, ELISA-caspases, and Western blot-p53 pathway, we show that MH efficiently induced apoptosis mostly via the membrane pathway and to a lower extent by the mitochondrial pathway, the latter mainly observed in melanoma. Contrarily, the apoptosis rate was above the toxicity limit in fibroblasts. Due to its coating, PDHBH@MNC showed selective antitumor efficacy and can be further used in theranostics since the PDHBH polymer provides multiple reaction sites for the attachment of therapeutic molecules.

Nanotechnology for colorectal cancer detection and treatment

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality in the United States. Across the globe, people in the age group older than 50 are at a higher risk of CRC. Genetic and environmental risk factors play a significant role in the development of CRC. If detected early, CRC is preventable and treatable. Currently, available screening methods and therapies for CRC treatment reduce the incidence rate among the population, but the micrometastasis of cancer may lead to recurrence. Therefore, the challenge is to develop an alternative therapy to overcome this complication. Nanotechnology plays a vital role in cancer treatment and offers targeted chemotherapies directly and selectively to cancer cells, with enhanced therapeutic efficacy. Additionally, nanotechnology elevates the chances of patient survival in comparison to traditional chemotherapies. The potential of nanoparticles includes that they may be used simultaneously for diagnosis and treatment. These exciting properties of nanoparticles have enticed researchers worldwide to unveil their use in early CRC detection and as effective treatment. This review discusses contemporary methods of CRC screening and therapies for CRC treatment, while the primary focus is on the theranostic approach of nanotechnology in CRC treatment and its prospects. In addition, this review aims to provide knowledge on the advancement of nanotechnology in CRC and as a starting point for researchers to think about new therapeutic approaches using nanotechnology.

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.

Smart and Multi-Functional Magnetic Nanoparticles for Cancer Treatment Applications: Clinical Challenges and Future Prospects

Iron oxide nanoparticle (IONPs) have become a subject of interest in various biomedical fields due to their magnetism and biocompatibility. They can be utilized as heat mediators in magnetic hyperthermia (MHT) or as contrast media in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and ultrasound (US). In addition, their high drug-loading capacity enabled them to be therapeutic agent transporters for malignancy treatment. Hence, smartening them allows for an intelligent controlled drug release (CDR) and targeted drug delivery (TDD). Smart magnetic nanoparticles (SMNPs) can overcome the impediments faced by classical chemo-treatment strategies, since they can be navigated and release drug via external or internal stimuli. Recently, they have been synchronized with other modalities, e.g., MRI, MHT, US, and for dual/multimodal theranostic applications in a single platform. Herein, we provide an overview of the attributes of MNPs for cancer theranostic application, fabrication procedures, surface coatings, targeting approaches, and recent advancement of SMNPs. Even though MNPs feature numerous privileges over chemotherapy agents, obstacles remain in clinical usage. This review in particular covers the clinical predicaments faced by SMNPs and future research scopes in the field of SMNPs for cancer theranostics.

Biochemical changes of macrophages and U87MG cells occurring as a result of the exposure to iron oxide nanoparticles detected with the Raman microspectroscopy

The core size of iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) is a crucial factor defining not only their magnetic properties but also toxicological profile and biocompatibility. On the other hand, particular IONPs may induce different biological response depending on the dose, exposure time, but mainly depending on the examined system. New light on this problem may be shed by the information concerning biomolecular anomalies appearing in various cell lines in response to the action of IONPs with different core diameters and this was accomplished in the present study. Using Raman microscopy we studied the abnormalities in the accumulation of proteins, lipids and organic matter within the nucleus, cytoplasm and cellular membrane of macrophages, HEK293T and U87MG cell line occurring as a result of 24-hour long exposure to PEG-coated magnetite IONPs. The examined nanoparticles had 5, 10 and 30 nm cores and were administered in doses 5 and 25 μg Fe/ml. The obtained results showed significant anomalies in biochemical composition of macrophages and the U87MG cells, but not the HEK293T cells, occurring as a result of exposure to all of the examined nanoparticles. However, IONPs with 10 nm core diminished the accumulation of biomolecules in cells only when they were administered at a larger dose. The Raman spectra recorded for the macrophages subjected to 30 nm IONPs and for the U87MG cells exposed to 5 and 10 nm showed the presence of additional bands in the wavenumber range 1700-2400 cm^-1, probably resulting from the appearance of Fe adducts within cells. Our results indicate, moreover, that smaller IONPs may be effectively internalized into the U87MG cells, which points at their diagnostic/therapeutic potential in the case of glioblastoma multiforme.

Mössbauer spectroscopic investigations on iron oxides and modified nanostructures: A review

Pure and doped iron oxide and hydroxide nanoparticles are highly potential materials for biological, environment, energy and other technological applications. On demand of the applications, single phase as well as multiple phase of different polymorphs or composites of iron oxides with compatible materials for example, zeolite, SiO₂, or Au are prepared. The properties of the as-synthesized nanoparticles are predominantly dictated by the local structure and the distribution of the cations. Mössbauer spectroscopy is a perfect and efficient characterization technique to investigate the local structure of the Mössbauer-active element such as Fe, Au, and Sn. In the present review, the local structure transformation on the optimization of the magnetite coexisted with iron hydroxides, spin dynamics of the bare, caped, core-shell and the composites of iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs), dipole-dipole interactions and the diffusion of IONPs were discussed, based on the findings using Mössbauer spectroscopy.

Recent advances in nanoparticle-based photothermal therapy for breast cancer

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers among women that is associated with high mortality. Conventional treatments including surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy, which are not effective enough and have disadvantages such as toxicity and damage to healthy cells. Photothermal therapy (PTT) of cancer cells has been took great attention by researchers in recent years due to the use of light radiation and heat generation at the tumor site, which thermal ablation is considered a minimally invasive method for the treatment of breast cancer. Nanotechnology has opened up a new perspective in the treatment of breast cancer using PTT method. Through NIR light absorption, researchers applied various nanostructures because of their specific nature of penetrating and targeting tumor tissue, increasing the effectiveness of PTT, and combining it with other treatments. If PTT is used with common cancer treatments, it can dramatically increase the effectiveness of treatment and reduce the side effects of other methods. PTT performance can also be improved by hybridizing at least two different nanomaterials. Nanoparticles that intensely absorb light and increase the efficiency of converting light into heat can specifically kill tumors through hyperthermia of cancer cells. One of the main reasons that have increased the efficiency of nanoparticles in PTT is their permeability and durability effect and they can accumulate in tumor tissue. Targeted PTT can be provided by incorporating specific ligands to target receptors expressed on the surface of cancer cells on nanoparticles. These nanoparticles can specifically target cancer cells by maintaining the surface area and increasing penetration. In this study, we briefly introduce the performance of light therapy, application of metal nanoparticles, polymer nanoparticles, carbon nanoparticles, and hybrid nanoparticles for use in PTT of breast cancer.

Ferroptosis and its Role in Gastric Cancer

Gastric cancer (GC) is the fifth most common cancer and the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Currently, surgery is the treatment of choice for GC. However, the associated expenses and post-surgical pain impose a huge burden on these patients. Furthermore, disease recurrence is also very common in GC patients, thus necessitating the discovery and development of other potential treatment options. A growing body of knowledge about ferroptosis in different cancer types provides a new perspective in cancer therapeutics. Ferroptosis is an iron-dependent form of cell death. It is characterized by intracellular lipid peroxide accumulation and redox imbalance. In this review, we summarized the current findings of ferroptosis regulation in GC. We also tackled on the action of different potential drugs and genes in inducing ferroptosis for treating GC and solving drug resistance. Furthermore, we also explored the relationship between ferroptosis and the tumor microenvironment in GC. Finally, we discussed areas for future studies on the role of ferroptosis in GC to accelerate the clinical utility of ferroptosis induction as a treatment strategy for GC.

N6-methyladenosine (m6A) reader IGF2BP1 accelerates gastric cancer aerobic glycolysis in c-Myc-dependent manner

The N⁶-methyladenosine (m⁶A) is involved in the regulation of cell proliferation and metastasis formation in multiple cancers. However, the biological significance of RNA m⁶A reader IGF2BP1 and the modification of IGF2BP1 itself have not been fully investigated. Here, we analyzed the functions and mechanism of IGF2BP1 in gastric cancer (GC). Results showed that IGF2BP1 upregulated in GC tissue and acted as a predictor of poor prognosis for GC patients. Functionally, IGF2BP1 promoted the migration and aerobic glycolysis of GC cells in vitro. Moreover, IGF2BP1 knockdown repressed the tumor growth in vivo. We also demonstrated that IGF2BP1 directly interacted with c-MYC mRNA via m6A-dependent manner to by stabilize its stability. Overall, these findings demonstrated that m⁶A reader IGF2BP1 facilitated the carcinogenic of GC in m⁶A/c-Myc-dependent manner, which might provide critical therapeutic strategy for GC.

Numerical Simulation of Temperature Variations during the Application of Safety Protocols in Magnetic Particle Hyperthermia

Unavoidably, magnetic particle hyperthermia is limited by the unwanted heating of the neighboring healthy tissues, due to the generation of eddy currents. Eddy currents naturally occur, due to the applied alternating magnetic field, which is used to excite the nanoparticles in the tumor and, therefore, restrict treatment efficiency in clinical application. In this work, we present two simply applicable methods for reducing the heating of healthy tissues by simultaneously keeping the heating of cancer tissue, due to magnetic nanoparticles, at an adequate level. The first method involves moving the induction coil relative to the phantom tissue during the exposure. More specifically, the coil is moving symmetrically—left and right relative to the specimen—in a bidirectional fashion. In this case, the impact of the maximum distance (2–8 cm) between the coil and the phantom is investigated. In the second method, the magnetic field is applied intermittently (in an ON/OFF pulsed mode), instead of the continuous field mode usually employed. The parameters of the intermittent field mode, such as the time intervals (ON time and OFF time) and field amplitude, are optimized based on the numerical assessment of temperature increase in healthy tissue and cancer tissue phantoms. Different ON and OFF times were tested in the range of 25–100 s and 50–200 s, respectively, and under variable field amplitudes (45–70 mT). In all the protocols studied here, the main goal is to generate inside the cancer tissue phantom the maximum temperature increase, possible (preferably within the magnetic hyperthermia window of 4–8 °C), while restricting the temperature increase in the healthy tissue phantom to below 4 °C, signifying eddy current mitigation.