Recent Advances in Nanocarrier-Assisted Therapeutics Delivery Systems

Polymeric nanomaterials-based theranostic platforms for triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) treatment

Breast cancer, the second leading global cause of death, affects 2.1 million women annually, with an alarming 15 percent mortality rate. Among its diverse forms, Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) emerges as the deadliest, characterized by the absence of hormone receptors. This article underscores the urgent need for innovative treatment approaches in tackling TNBC, emphasizing the transformative potential of polymeric nanomaterials (PNMs). Evolved through nanotechnology, PNMs offer versatile biomedical applications, particularly in addressing the intricate challenges of TNBC. The synthesis methods of PNMs, explored within the tumor microenvironment using cellular models, showcase their dynamic nature in cancer treatment. The article anticipates the future of TNBC therapeutics through the optimization of PNMs-based strategies, integrating them into photothermal (PT), photodynamic (PT), and hyperthermia therapy (HTT), drug delivery, and active tumor targeting strategies. Advancements in synthetic methods, coupled with a nuanced understanding of the tumor microenvironment, hold promise for personalized interventions. Comparative investigations of therapeutic models and a thorough exploration of polymeric nanoplatforms toxicological perspectives become imperative for ensuring efficacy and safety. We have explored the interdisciplinary collaboration between nanotechnology, oncology, and molecular biology as pivotal in translating PNMs innovations into tangible benefits for TNBC patients.

Polymeric nanocarriers delivery systems in ischemic stroke for targeted therapeutic strategies

Ischemic stroke is a complex, high-mortality disease with multifactorial etiology and pathogenesis. Currently, drug therapy is mainly used treat ischemic stroke in clinic, but there are still some limitations, such as limited blood-brain barrier (BBB) penetration efficiency, a narrow treatment time window and drug side effects. Recent studies have pointed out that drug delivery systems based on polymeric nanocarriers can effectively improve the insufficient treatment for ischemic stroke. They can provide neuronal protection by extending the plasma half-life of drugs, enhancing the drug's permeability to penetrate the BBB, and targeting specific structures and cells. In this review, we classified polymeric nanocarriers used for delivering ischemic stroke drugs and introduced their preparation methods. We also evaluated the feasibility and effectiveness and discussed the existing limitations and prospects of polymeric nanocarriers for ischemic stroke treatment. We hoped that this review could provide a theoretical basis for the future development of nanomedicine delivery systems for the treatment of ischemic stroke.

Pro-angiogenic Terbium Hydroxide Nanorods Improve Critical Limb Ischemia in Part by Amelioration of Ischemia-Induced Endothelial Injury

Critical limb ischemia (CLI) refers to a severe condition resulting from gradual obstruction in the supply of blood, oxygen, and nutrients to the limbs. The most promising clinical solution to CLI is therapeutic angiogenesis. This study explored the potency of pro-angiogenic terbium hydroxide nanorods (THNR) for treatment of CLI, with a major focus on their impact on ischemia-induced maladaptive alterations in endothelial cells as well as on vascularization in ischemic limbs. This study demonstrated that, in hypoxia-exposed endothelial cells, THNR improve survival and promote proliferation, migration, restoration of nitric oxide production, and regulation of vascular permeability. Based on molecular studies, these attributes of THNR can be traced to the stimulation of PI3K/AKT/eNOS signaling pathways. Besides, Wnt/GSK-3β/β-catenin signaling pathways may also play a role in the therapeutic actions of THNR. Furthermore, in the murine model of CLI, THNR administration can integrally re-establish blood perfusion with concomitant reduction of muscle damage and inflammation. Additionally, improvement of locomotor activities and motor coordination in ischemic limbs in THNR treated mice is also evident. Overall, the study demonstrates that THNR have the potential to be developed as an efficacious and cost-effective alternative clinical therapy for CLI, using a nanomedicine approach.

Hyaluronic acid-modified liposomes Potentiated in-vivo anti-hepatocellular carcinoma of icaritin

Introduction: Icaritin (ICT), a promising anti-hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) prenylated flavonoid, is hindered from being applied due to its low water solubility and high lipophilicity in poorly differentiated HCC which is associated with upregulation of CD44 isoforms. Thus, hyaluronic acid (HA), a natural polysaccharide with high binding ability to CD44 receptors, was used to formulate a modified liposome as a novel targeted ICT-delivery system for HCC treatment. Methods: The ICT-Liposomes (Lip-ICT) with and without HA were prepared by a combined method of thin-film dispersion and post-insertion. The particle size, polydispersity (PDI), zeta potential, encapsulation efficacy (%EE), drug loading content (%DLC), and in vitro drug release profiles were investigated for physicochemical properties, whereas MTT assay was used to assess cytotoxic effects on HCC cells, HepG2, and Huh7 cells. Tumor bearing nude mice were used to evaluate the inhibitory effect of HA-Lip-ICT and Lip-ICT in vivo. Results: Lip-ICT and HA-Lip-ICT had an average particle size of 171.2 ± 1.2 nm and 208.0 ± 3.2 nm, with a zeta potential of -13.9 ± 0.83 and -24.8 ± 0.36, respectively. The PDI resulted from Lip-ICT and HA-Lip-ICT was 0.28 ± 0.02 and 0.26 ± 0.02, respectively. HA-Lip-ICT demonstrated higher in vitro drug release when pH was dropped from 7.4 to 5.5, The 12-h release rate of ICT from liposomes increased from 30% at pH7.4 to more than 60% at pH5.5. HA-Lip-ICT displayed higher toxicity than Lip-ICT in both HCC cells, especially Huh7with an IC50 of 34.15 ± 2.11 μM. The in vivo tissue distribution and anti-tumor experiments carried on tumor bearing nude mice indicated that HA-Lip- ICT exhibited higher tumor accumulation and achieved a tumor growth inhibition rate of 63.4%. Discussion: The nano-sized Lip-ICT was able to prolong the drug release time and showed long-term killing HCC cells ability. Following conjugation with HA, HA-Lip-ICT exhibited higher cytotoxicity, stronger tumor targeting, and tumor suppression abilities than Lip-ICT attributed to HA-CD44 ligand-receptor interaction, increasing the potential of ICT to treat HCC.

Precision Nanomedicine with Bio-Inspired Nanosystems: Recent Trends and Challenges in Mesenchymal Stem Cells Membrane-Coated Bioengineered Nanocarriers in Targeted Nanotherapeutics

In the recent past, the formulation and development of nanocarriers has been elaborated into the broader fields and opened various avenues in their preclinical and clinical applications. In particular, the cellular membrane-based nanoformulations have been formulated to surpass and surmount the limitations and restrictions associated with naïve or free forms of therapeutic compounds and circumvent various physicochemical and immunological barriers including but not limited to systemic barriers, microenvironmental roadblocks, and other cellular or subcellular hinderances-which are quite heterogeneous throughout the diseases and patient cohorts. These limitations in drug delivery have been overcome through mesenchymal cells membrane-based precision therapeutics, where these interventions have led to the significant enhancements in therapeutic efficacies. However, the formulation and development of nanocarriers still focuses on optimization of drug delivery paradigms with a one-size-fits-all resolutions. As mesenchymal stem cell membrane-based nanocarriers have been engineered in highly diversified fashions, these are being optimized for delivering the drug payloads in more and better personalized modes, entering the arena of precision as well as personalized nanomedicine. In this Review, we have included some of the advanced nanocarriers which have been designed and been utilized in both the non-personalized as well as precision applicability which can be employed for the improvements in precision nanotherapeutics. In the present report, authors have focused on various other aspects of the advancements in stem cells membrane-based nanoparticle conceptions which can surmount several roadblocks and barriers in drug delivery and nanomedicine. It has been suggested that well-informed designing of these nanocarriers will lead to appreciable improvements in the therapeutic efficacy in therapeutic payload delivery applications. These approaches will also enable the tailored and customized designs of MSC-based nanocarriers for personalized therapeutic applications, and finally amending the patient outcomes.

Application of emerging technologies in ischemic stroke: from clinical study to basic research

Stroke is a primary cause of noncommunicable disease-related death and disability worldwide. The most common form, ischemic stroke, is increasing in incidence resulting in a significant burden on patients and society. Urgent action is thus needed to address preventable risk factors and improve treatment methods. This review examines emerging technologies used in the management of ischemic stroke, including neuroimaging, regenerative medicine, biology, and nanomedicine, highlighting their benefits, clinical applications, and limitations. Additionally, we suggest strategies for technological development for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of ischemic stroke.

Tracking Drugs and Lipids: Quantitative Mass Spectrometry Imaging of Liposomal Doxorubicin Delivery and Bilayer Fate in Three-Dimensional Tumor Models

Targeted therapy to the tumor would greatly advance precision medicine. Many drug delivery vehicles have emerged, but liposomes are cited as the most successful to date. Recent efforts to develop liposomal drug delivery systems focus on drug distribution in tissues and ignore liposomal fate. In this study, we developed a novel method to elucidate both drug and liposomal bilayer distribution in a three-dimensional cell culture model using quantitative matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry imaging (MALDI qMSI) alongside fluorescence microscopy. Imaging liposomal distribution in a cell culture model is challenging, as lipids forming the bilayer are endogenous to the model system. To resolve this issue, we functionalized the bilayer by chemically cross-linking a fluorescent tag to the alkyne-containing lipid hexynoyl phosphoethanolamine (HPE). We synthesized liposomes incorporating the tagged HPE lipid and encapsulated within them doxorubicin, yielding a theranostic liposome capable of both drug delivery and monitoring liposomal uptake. We employed an "in-tissue" MALDI qMSI approach to generate a calibration curve with R2 = 0.9687, allowing for quantification of doxorubicin within spheroid sections at multiple time points. After 72 h of treatment with the theranostic liposomes, full doxorubicin penetration was observed. The metabolites doxorubicinone and 7-deoxydoxorubicinone were also detected after 48 h. Modification of the bilayer allowed for fluorescence microscopy tracking of liposomes, while MALDI MSI simultaneously permitted the imaging of drugs and metabolites. While we demonstrated the utility of our method with doxorubicin, this system could be applied to examine the uptake, release, and metabolism of many other liposome-encapsulated drugs.

Autophagy and mitophagy as potential therapeutic targets in diabetic heart condition: Harnessing the power of nanotheranostics

Autophagy and mitophagy pose unresolved challenges in understanding the pathology of diabetic heart condition (DHC), which encompasses a complex range of cardiovascular issues linked to diabetes and associated cardiomyopathies. Despite significant progress in reducing mortality rates from cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), heart failure remains a major cause of increased morbidity among diabetic patients. These cellular processes are essential for maintaining cellular balance and removing damaged or dysfunctional components, and their involvement in the development of diabetic heart disease makes them attractive targets for diagnosis and treatment. While a variety of conventional diagnostic and therapeutic strategies are available, DHC continues to present a significant challenge. Point-of-care diagnostics, supported by nanobiosensing techniques, offer a promising alternative for these complex scenarios. Although conventional medications have been widely used in DHC patients, they raise several concerns regarding various physiological aspects. Modern medicine places great emphasis on the application of nanotechnology to target autophagy and mitophagy in DHC, offering a promising approach to deliver drugs beyond the limitations of traditional therapies. This article aims to explore the potential connections between autophagy, mitophagy and DHC, while also discussing the promise of nanotechnology-based theranostic interventions that specifically target these molecular pathways.

Nanomaterial-Driven Precision Immunomodulation: A New Paradigm in Therapeutic Interventions

Immunotherapy is a rapidly advancing field of research in the treatment of conditions such as cancer and autoimmunity. Nanomaterials can be designed for immune system manipulation, with precise targeted delivery and improved immunomodulatory efficacy. Here, we elaborate on various strategies using nanomaterials, including liposomes, polymers, and inorganic NPs, and discuss their detailed design intricacies, mechanisms, and applications, including the current regulatory issues. This type of nanomaterial design for targeting specific immune cells or tissues and controlling release kinetics could push current technological frontiers and provide new and innovative solutions for immune-related disorders and diseases without off-target effects. These materials enable targeted interactions with immune cells, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of checkpoint inhibitors, cancer vaccines, and adoptive cell therapies. Moreover, they allow for fine-tuning of immune responses while minimizing side effects. At the intersection of nanotechnology and immunology, nanomaterial-based platforms have immense potential to revolutionize patient-centered immunotherapy and reshape disease management. By prioritizing safety, customization, and compliance with regulatory standards, these systems can make significant contributions to precision medicine, thereby significantly impacting the healthcare landscape.

Nanoformulations in Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Applications: Green Perspectives

This study provides a brief discussion of the major nanopharmaceuticals formulations as well as the impact of nanotechnology on the future of pharmaceuticals. Effective and eco-friendly strategies of biofabrication are also highlighted. Modern approaches to designing pharmaceutical nanoformulations (e.g., 3D printing, Phyto-Nanotechnology, Biomimetics/Bioinspiration, etc.) are outlined. This paper discusses the need to use natural resources for the "green" design of new nanoformulations with therapeutic efficiency. Nanopharmaceuticals research is still in its early stages, and the preparation of nanomaterials must be carefully considered. Therefore, safety and long-term effects of pharmaceutical nanoformulations must not be overlooked. The testing of nanopharmaceuticals represents an essential point in their further applications. Vegetal scaffolds obtained by decellularizing plant leaves represent a valuable, bioinspired model for nanopharmaceutical testing that avoids using animals. Nanoformulations are critical in various fields, especially in pharmacy, medicine, agriculture, and material science, due to their unique properties and advantages over conventional formulations that allows improved solubility, bioavailability, targeted drug delivery, controlled release, and reduced toxicity. Nanopharmaceuticals have transitioned from experimental stages to being a vital component of clinical practice, significantly improving outcomes in medical fields for cancer treatment, infectious diseases, neurological disorders, personalized medicine, and advanced diagnostics. Here are the key points highlighting their importance. The significant challenges, opportunities, and future directions are mentioned in the final section.

Deciphering JAK/STAT signaling pathway: A multifaceted approach to tumorigenesis, progression and therapeutic interventions

The Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT) pathway, essential for cellular communication, orchestrates a myriad of physiological and pathological processes. Recently, the intricate association between the pathway's dysregulation and the progression of malignant tumors has garnered increasing attention. Nevertheless, there is no systematic summary detailing the anticancer effects of molecules targeting the JAK/STAT pathway in the context of tumor progression. This review offers a comprehensive overview of pharmaceutical agents targeting the JAK/STAT pathway, encompassing phytochemicals, synthetic drugs, and biomolecules. These agents can manifest their anticancer effects through various mechanisms, including inhibiting proliferation, inducing apoptosis, suppressing tumor metastasis, and angiogenesis. Notably, we emphasize the clinical challenges of drug resistance while spotlighting the potential of integrating JAK/STAT inhibitors with other therapies as a transformative approach in cancer treatment. Moreover, this review delves into the avant-garde strategy of employing nanocarriers to enhance the solubility and bioavailability of anticancer drugs, significantly amplifying their therapeutic prowess. Through this academic exploration of the multifaceted roles of the JAK/STAT pathway in the cancer milieu, we aim to sketch a visionary trajectory for future oncological interventions.

Transmucosal Delivery of Peptides and Proteins Through Nanofibers: Current Status and Emerging Developments

Advancements in recombinant DNA technology have made proteins and peptides available for diagnostic and therapeutic applications, but their effectiveness when taken orally leads to poor patient compliance, requiring clinical administration. Among the alternative routes, transmucosal delivery has the advantage of being noninvasive and bypassing hepato-gastrointestinal clearance. Various mucosal routes-buccal, nasal, pulmonary, rectal, and vaginal-have been explored for delivering these macromolecules. Nanofibers, due to their unique properties like high surface-area-to-volume ratio, mechanical strength, and improved encapsulation efficiency, serve as promising carriers for proteins and peptides. These nanofibers can be tailored for quick dissolution, controlled release, enhanced encapsulation, targeted delivery, and improved bioavailability, offering superior pharmaceutical and pharmacokinetic performance compared to conventional methods. This leads to reduced dosages, fewer side effects, and enhanced patient compliance. Hence, nanofibers hold tremendous potential for protein/peptide delivery, especially through mucosal routes. This review focuses on the therapeutic application of proteins and peptides, challenges faced in their conventional delivery, techniques for fabricating different types of nanofibers and, various nanofiber-based dosage forms, and factors influencing nanofiber generation. Insights pertaining to the precise selection of materials used for fabricating nanofibers and regulatory aspects have been covered. Case studies wherein the use of specific protein/peptide-loaded nanofibers and delivered via oral/vaginal/nasal mucosa for diagnostic/therapeutic use and related preclinical and clinical studies conducted have been included in this review.

Adjuvant Novel Nanocarrier-Based Targeted Therapy for Lung Cancer

Lung cancer has the lowest survival rate due to its late-stage diagnosis, poor prognosis, and intra-tumoral heterogeneity. These factors decrease the effectiveness of treatment. They release chemokines and cytokines from the tumor microenvironment (TME). To improve the effectiveness of treatment, researchers emphasize personalized adjuvant therapies along with conventional ones. Targeted chemotherapeutic drug delivery systems and specific pathway-blocking agents using nanocarriers are a few of them. This study explored the nanocarrier roles and strategies to improve the treatment profile's effectiveness by striving for TME. A biofunctionalized nanocarrier stimulates biosystem interaction, cellular uptake, immune system escape, and vascular changes for penetration into the TME. Inorganic metal compounds scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS) through their photothermal effect. Stroma, hypoxia, pH, and immunity-modulating agents conjugated or modified nanocarriers co-administered with pathway-blocking or condition-modulating agents can regulate extracellular matrix (ECM), Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF),Tyro3, Axl, and Mertk receptors (TAM) regulation, regulatory T-cell (Treg) inhibition, and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) inhibition. Again, biomimetic conjugation or the surface modification of nanocarriers using ligands can enhance active targeting efficacy by bypassing the TME. A carrier system with biofunctionalized inorganic metal compounds and organic compound complex-loaded drugs is convenient for NSCLC-targeted therapy.

Zein-Based Nanoparticles as Active Platforms for Sustainable Applications: Recent Advances and Perspectives

Nanomaterials, due to their unique structural and functional features, are widely investigated for potential applications in a wide range of industrial sectors. In this context, protein-based nanoparticles, given proteins' abundance, non-toxicity, and stability, offer a promising and sustainable methodology for encapsulation and protection, and can be used in engineered nanocarriers that are capable of releasing active compounds on demand. Zein is a plant-based protein extracted from corn, and it is biocompatible, biodegradable, and amphiphilic. Several approaches and technologies are currently involved in zein-based nanoparticle preparation, such as antisolvent precipitation, spray drying, supercritical processes, coacervation, and emulsion procedures. Thanks to their peculiar characteristics, zein-based nanoparticles are widely used as nanocarriers of active compounds in targeted application fields such as drug delivery, bioimaging, or soft tissue engineering, as reported by others. The main goal of this review is to investigate the use of zein-based nanocarriers for different advanced applications including food/food packaging, cosmetics, and agriculture, which are attracting researchers' efforts, and to exploit the future potential development of zein NPs in the field of cultural heritage, which is still relatively unexplored. Moreover, the presented overview focuses on several preparation methods (i.e., antisolvent processes, spry drying), correlating the different analyzed methodologies to NPs' structural and functional properties and their capability to act as carriers of bioactive compounds, both to preserve their activity and to tune their release in specific working conditions.

Nanoparticle-based inhibition of vascular endothelial growth factor receptors alleviates osteoarthritis pain and cartilage damage

Osteoarthritis (OA) is characterized by cartilage damage, inflammation, and pain. Vascular endothelial growth factor receptors (VEGFRs) have been associated with OA severity, suggesting that inhibitors targeting these receptors alleviate pain (via VEGFR1) or cartilage degeneration (via VEGFR2). We have developed a nanoparticle-based formulation of pazopanib (Votrient), an FDA-approved anticancer drug that targets both VEGFR1 and VEGFR2 (Nano-PAZII). We demonstrate that a single intraarticular injection of Nano-PAZII can effectively reduce joint pain for a prolonged time without substantial side effects in two different preclinical OA rodent models involving either surgical (upon partial medial meniscectomy) or nonsurgical induction (with monoiodoacetate). The injection of Nano-PAZII blocks VEGFR1 and relieves OA pain by suppressing sensory neuronal ingrowth into the knee synovium and neuronal plasticity in the dorsal root ganglia and spinal cord. Simultaneously, the inhibition of VEGFR2 reduces cartilage degeneration. These findings provide a mechanism-based disease-modifying drug strategy that addresses both pain symptoms and cartilage loss in OA.

Package delivered: folate receptor-mediated transporters in cancer therapy and diagnosis

Neoplasias pose a significant threat to aging society, underscoring the urgent need to overcome the limitations of traditional chemotherapy through pioneering strategies. Targeted drug delivery is an evolving frontier in cancer therapy, aiming to enhance treatment efficacy while mitigating undesirable side effects. One promising avenue utilizes cell membrane receptors like the folate receptor to guide drug transporters precisely to malignant cells. Based on the cellular folate receptor as a cancer cell hallmark, targeted nanocarriers and small molecule-drug conjugates have been developed that comprise different (bio) chemistries and/or mechanical properties with individual advantages and challenges. Such modern folic acid-conjugated stimuli-responsive drug transporters provide systemic drug delivery and controlled release, enabling reduced dosages, circumvention of drug resistance, and diminished adverse effects. Since the drug transporters' structure-based de novo design is increasingly relevant for precision cancer remediation and diagnosis, this review seeks to collect and debate the recent approaches to deliver therapeutics or diagnostics based on folic acid conjugated Trojan Horses and to facilitate the understanding of the relevant chemistry and biochemical pathways. Focusing exemplarily on brain and breast cancer, recent advances spanning 2017 to 2023 in conjugated nanocarriers and small molecule drug conjugates were considered, evaluating the chemical and biological aspects in order to improve accessibility to the field and to bridge chemical and biomedical points of view ultimately guiding future research in FR-targeted cancer therapy and diagnosis.

Nanomaterials for intelligent CRISPR-Cas tools: improving environment sustainability

Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated protein (Cas) is a desirable gene modification tool covering a wide area in various sectors of medicine, agriculture, and microbial biotechnology. The role of this incredible genetic engineering technology has been extensively investigated; however, it remains formidable with cargo choices, nonspecific delivery, and insertional mutagenesis. Various nanomaterials including lipid, polymeric, and inorganic are being used to deliver the CRISPR-Cas system. Progress in nanomaterials could potentially address these challenges by accelerating precision targeting, cost-effectiveness, and one-step delivery. In this review, we highlighted the advances in nanotechnology and nanomaterials as smart delivery systems for CRISPR-Cas so as to ameliorate applications for environmental remediation including biomedical research and healthcare, strategies for mitigating antimicrobial resistance, and to be used as nanofertilizers for enhancing crop growth, and reducing the environmental impact of traditional fertilizers. The timely co-evolution of nanotechnology and CRISPR technologies has contributed to smart novel nanostructure hybrids for improving the onerous tasks of environmental remediation and biological sustainability.

Targeted Radium Alpha Therapy in the Era of Nanomedicine: In Vivo Results

Targeted alpha-particle therapy using radionuclides with alpha emission is a rapidly developing area in modern cancer treatment. To selectively deliver alpha-emitting isotopes to tumors, targeting vectors, including monoclonal antibodies, peptides, small molecule inhibitors, or other biomolecules, are attached to them, which ensures specific binding to tumor-related antigens and cell surface receptors. Although earlier studies have already demonstrated the anti-tumor potential of alpha-emitting radium (Ra) isotopes-Radium-223 and Radium-224 (223/224Ra)-in the treatment of skeletal metastases, their inability to complex with target-specific moieties hindered application beyond bone targeting. To exploit the therapeutic gains of Ra across a wider spectrum of cancers, nanoparticles have recently been embraced as carriers to ensure the linkage of 223/224Ra to target-affine vectors. Exemplified by prior findings, Ra was successfully bound to several nano/microparticles, including lanthanum phosphate, nanozeolites, barium sulfate, hydroxyapatite, calcium carbonate, gypsum, celestine, or liposomes. Despite the lengthened tumor retention and the related improvement in the radiotherapeutic effect of 223/224Ra coupled to nanoparticles, the in vivo assessment of the radiolabeled nanoprobes is a prerequisite prior to clinical usage. For this purpose, experimental xenotransplant models of different cancers provide a well-suited scenario. Herein, we summarize the latest achievements with 223/224Ra-doped nanoparticles and related advances in targeted alpha radiotherapy.

Recent Advances in Delivery of Peptide and Protein Therapeutics to the Brain

The classes of neuropharmaceuticals known as proteins and peptides serve as diagnostic tools and are involved in specific communication in the peripheral and central nervous systems. However, due to tight junctions resembling epithelial cells found in the blood-brain barrier (BBB) in vivo, they are typically excluded from transport from the blood to the brain. The drugs having molecular weight of less than 400 Dalton are able to cross the BBB via lipid-mediated free diffusion. However, large molecule therapeutics are devoid of these characteristics. As an alternative, these substances may be carried via chimeric peptide drug delivery systems, and assist in transcytosis through BBB with the aid of linker strategies. With their recent developments, several forms of nanoparticles, including poly (ethylene glycol)-poly(ε-caprolactone) copolymers, nanogels, liposomes, nanostructured lipid carriers, poly (D, L-lactide-co-glycolide) nanoparticles, chitosan, and solid lipid nanoparticles, have also been considered for their therapeutic applications. Moreover, the necessity for physiologic optimization of current drug delivery methods and their carriers to deliver therapeutic doses of medication into the brain for the treatment of various neurologic illnesses has also been emphasized. Therapeutic use of proteins and peptides has no neuroprotective impact in the absence of all these methods. Each tactic, however, has unique drawbacks and considerations. In this review, we discuss different drug delivery methods for therapeutic distribution of pharmaceuticals, primarily neuroproteins and neuropeptides, through endothelial capillaries via blood-brain barrier. Finally, we have also discussed the challenges and future perspective of protein and peptide therapeutics delivery to the brain. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Very few reports on the delivery of therapeutic protein and peptide nanoformulations are available in the literature. Herein, we attempted to discuss these nanoformulations of protein and peptide therapeutics used to treat brain diseases.

The Advancement and Obstacles in Improving the Stability of Nanocarriers for Precision Drug Delivery in the Field of Nanomedicine

Nanocarriers have emerged as a promising class of nanoscale materials in the fields of drug delivery and biomedical applications. Their unique properties, such as high surface area- tovolume ratios and enhanced permeability and retention effects, enable targeted delivery of therapeutic agents to specific tissues or cells. However, the inherent instability of nanocarriers poses significant challenges to their successful application. This review highlights the importance of nanocarrier stability in biomedical applications and its impact on biocompatibility, targeted drug delivery, long shelf life, drug delivery performance, therapeutic efficacy, reduced side effects, prolonged circulation time, and targeted delivery. Enhancing nanocarrier stability requires careful design, engineering, and optimization of physical and chemical parameters. Various strategies and cutting-edge techniques employed to improve nanocarrier stability are explored, with a focus on their applications in drug delivery. By understanding the advances and challenges in nanocarrier stability, this review aims to contribute to the development and implementation of nanocarrier- based therapies in clinical settings, advancing the field of nanomedicine.

Enhanced drug delivery and wound healing potential of berberine-loaded chitosan-alginate nanocomposite gel: characterization and in vivo assessment

Berberine-encapsulated polyelectrolyte nanocomposite (BR-PolyET-NC) gel was developed as a long-acting improved wound healing therapy. BR-PolyET-NC was developed using an ionic gelation/complexation method and thereafter loaded into Carbopol gel. Formulation was optimized using Design-Expert® software implementing a three-level, three-factor Box Behnken design (BBD). The concentrations of polymers, namely, chitosan and alginate, and calcium chloride were investigated based on particle size and %EE. Moreover, formulation characterized in vitro for biopharmaceutical performances and their wound healing potency was evaluated in vivo in adult BALB/c mice. The particle distribution analysis showed a nanocomposite size of 71 ± 3.5 nm, polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.45, ζ-potential of +22 mV, BR entrapment of 91 ± 1.6%, and loading efficiency of 12.5 ± 0.91%. Percentage drug release was recorded as 89.50 ± 6.9% with pH 6.8, thereby simulating the wound microenvironment. The in vitro investigation of the nanocomposite gel revealed uniform consistency, well spreadability, and extrudability, which are ideal for topical wound use. The analytical estimation executed using FT-IR, DSC, and X-ray diffraction (XRD) indicated successful formulation with no drug excipients and without the amorphous state. The colony count of microbes was greatly reduced in the BR-PolyET-NC treated group on the 15th day from up to 6 CFU compared to 20 CFU observed in the BR gel treated group. The numbers of monocytes and lymphocytes counts were significantly reduced following healing progression, which reached to a peak level and vanished on the 15th day. The observed experimental characterization and in vivo study indicated the effectiveness of the developed BR-PolyET-NC gel toward wound closure and healing process, and it was found that >99% of the wound closed by 15th day, stimulated via various anti-inflammatory and angiogenic factors.

Toward a Platform for the Treatment of Burns: An Assessment of Nanoemulsions vs. Nanostructured Lipid Carriers Loaded with Curcumin

Curcumin is a highly promising substance for treating burns, owing to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and wound-healing properties. However, its therapeutic use is restricted due to its hydrophobic nature and low bioavailability. This study was conducted to address these limitations; it developed and tested two types of lipid nanocarriers, namely nanoemulsions (NE-CUR) and nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC-CUR) loaded with curcumin, and aimed to identify the most suitable nanocarrier for skin burn treatment. The study evaluated various parameters, including physicochemical characteristics, stability, encapsulation efficiency, release, skin permeation, retention, cell viability, and antimicrobial activity. The results showed that both nanocarriers showed adequate size (~200 nm), polydispersity index (~0.25), and zeta potential (~>-20 mV). They also showed good encapsulation efficiency (>90%) and remained stable for 120 days at different temperatures. In the release test, NE-CUR and NCL-CUR released 57.14% and 51.64% of curcumin, respectively, in 72 h. NE-CUR demonstrated better cutaneous permeation/retention in intact or scalded skin epidermis and dermis than NLC-CUR. The cell viability test showed no toxicity after treatment with NE-CUR and NLC-CUR up to 125 μg/mL. Regarding microbial activity assays, free curcumin has activity against P. aeruginosa, reducing bacterial growth by 75% in 3 h. NE-CUR inhibited bacterial growth by 65% after 24 h, and the association with gentamicin had favorable results, while NLC-CUR showed a lower inhibition. The results demonstrated that NE-CUR is probably the most promising nanocarrier for treating burns.

Exosomal microRNAs: implications in the pathogenesis and clinical applications of subarachnoid hemorrhage

Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is a severe acute neurological disorder with a high fatality rate. Early brain injury (EBI) and cerebral vasospasm are two critical complications of SAH that significantly contribute to poor prognosis. Currently, surgical intervention and interventional therapy are the main treatment options for SAH, but their effectiveness is limited. Exosomes, which are a type of extracellular vesicles, play a crucial role in intercellular communication and have been extensively studied in the past decade due to their potential influence on disease progression, diagnosis, and treatment. As one of the most important components of exosomes, miRNA plays both direct and indirect roles in affecting disease progression. Previous research has found that exosomal miRNA is involved in the development of various diseases, such as tumors, chronic hepatitis, atherosclerosis, diabetes, and SAH. This review focuses on exploring the impact of exosomal miRNA on SAH, including its influence on neuronal apoptosis, inflammatory response, and immune activation following SAH. Furthermore, this review highlights the potential clinical applications of exosomal miRNA in the treatment of SAH. Although current research on this topic is limited and the clinical application of exosomal miRNA has inherent limitations, we aim to provide a concise summary of existing research progress and offer new insights for future research directions and trends in this field.

Current advances in niosomes applications for drug delivery and cancer treatment

The advent of nanotechnology has led to an increased interest in nanocarriers as a drug delivery system that is efficient and safe. There have been many studies addressing nano-scale vesicular systems such as liposomes and niosome is a newer generation of vesicular nanocarriers. The niosomes provide a multilamellar carrier for lipophilic and hydrophilic bioactive substances in the self-assembled vesicle, which are composed of non-ionic surfactants in conjunction with cholesterol or other amphiphilic molecules. These non-ionic surfactant vesicles, simply known as niosomes, can be utilized in a wide variety of technological applications. As an alternative to liposomes, niosomes are considered more chemically and physically stable. The methods for preparing niosomes are more economic. Many reports have discussed niosomes in terms of their physicochemical properties and applications as drug delivery systems. As drug carriers, nano-sized niosomes expand the horizons of pharmacokinetics, decreasing toxicity, enhancing drug solvability and bioavailability. In this review, we review the components and fabrication methods of niosomes, as well as their functionalization, characterization, administration routes, and applications in cancer gene delivery, and natural product delivery. We also discuss the limitations and challenges in the development of niosomes, and provide the future perspective of niosomes.

Integrating Artificial Intelligence with Quality by Design in the Formulation of Lecithin/Chitosan Nanoparticles of a Poorly Water-Soluble Drug

The aim of the current study is to explore the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) when integrated with Quality by Design (QbD) approach in the formulation of a poorly water-soluble drug, for its potential use in carcinoma. Silymarin is used as a model drug for its potential effectiveness in liver cancer. A detailed QbD approach was applied. The effect of the critical process parameters was studied on each of the particle size, size distribution, and entrapment efficiency. Response surface designs were applied in the screening and optimization of lecithin/chitosan nanoparticles, to obtain an optimized formula. The release rate was tested, where artificial neural network models were used to predict the % release of the drug from the optimized formula at different time intervals. The optimized formula was tested for its cytotoxicity. A design space was established, with an optimized formula having a molar ratio of 18.33:1 lecithin:chitosan and 38.35 mg silymarin. This resulted in nanoparticles with a size of 161 nm, a polydispersity index of 0.2, and an entrapment efficiency of 97%. The optimized formula showed a zeta potential of +38 mV, with well-developed spherical particles. AI successfully showed high prediction ability of the drug's release rate. The optimized formula showed an enhancement in the cytotoxic effect of silymarin with a decreased IC50 compared to standard silymarin. Lecithin/chitosan nanoparticles were successfully formulated, with deep process and product understanding. Several tools were used as AI which could shift pharmaceutical formulations from experience-dependent studies to data-driven methodologies in the future.

Evaluation of the time-dependent osteogenic activity of glycerol incorporated magnesium oxide nanoparticles in induced calvarial defects

Introduction

Magnesium-based biomaterials have been explored for their potential as bone healing materials, as a result of their outstanding biodegradability and biocompatibility. These characteristics make magnesium oxide nanoparticles (MgO NPs) a promising material for treating bone disorders. The purpose of this investigation is to assess the osteogenic activity of newly-developed locally administered glycerol-incorporated MgO NPs (GIMgO NPs) in rabbits' calvarial defects.

Materials and methods

Characterization of GIMgO was done by X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). Bilateral calvarial defects were created in eighteen New Zealand Rabbits, of which they were divided into 3 groups with time points corresponding to 2, 4, and 6 weeks postoperatively (n = 6). One defect was implanted with absorbable gel foam impregnated with GIMgO NPs while the other was implanted with gel foam soaked with glycerol (the control). The defects were assessed using histological, Micro-Computed Tomography (Micro-CT), and histometric evaluation.

Results

The characterization of the GIMgO nanogel revealed the presence of MgO NPs and glycerol as well as the formation of the crystalline phase of the MgO NPs within the nanogel sample. The histological and micro-CT analysis showed time-dependent improvement of healing activity in the calvarial defects implanted with GIMgO NPs when compared to the control. Furthermore, the histometric analysis demonstrated a marked increase in the total area of new bone, connective tissue, new bone area and volume in the GIMgO NPs implanted site. Statistically, the amount of new bone formation was more significant at 6 weeks than at 2 and 4 weeks postoperatively in the calvarial defects implanted with GIMgO NPs as compared to the control.

Conclusion

The locally applied GIMgO NPs demonstrated efficacy in promoting bone formation, with more significant effects observed over an extended period. These findings suggest its suitability for clinical use as a therapeutic alternative to enhance bone healing.

Diagnostic and Therapeutic Approaches for Glioblastoma and Neuroblastoma Cancers Using Chlorotoxin Nanoparticles

Glioblastoma multiforme (GB) and high-risk neuroblastoma (NB) are known to have poor therapeutic outcomes. As for most cancers, chemotherapy and radiotherapy are the current mainstay treatments for GB and NB. However, the known limitations of systemic toxicity, drug resistance, poor targeted delivery, and inability to access the blood-brain barrier (BBB), make these treatments less satisfactory. Other treatment options have been investigated in many studies in the literature, especially nutraceutical and naturopathic products, most of which have also been reported to be poorly effective against these cancer types. This necessitates the development of treatment strategies with the potential to cross the BBB and specifically target cancer cells. Compounds that target the endopeptidase, matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2), have been reported to offer therapeutic insights for GB and NB since MMP-2 is known to be over-expressed in these cancers and plays significant roles in such physiological processes as angiogenesis, metastasis, and cellular invasion. Chlorotoxin (CTX) is a promising 36-amino acid peptide isolated from the venom of the deathstalker scorpion, Leiurus quinquestriatus, demonstrating high selectivity and binding affinity to a broad-spectrum of cancers, especially GB and NB through specific molecular targets, including MMP-2. The favorable characteristics of nanoparticles (NPs) such as their small sizes, large surface area for active targeting, BBB permeability, etc. make CTX-functionalized NPs (CTX-NPs) promising diagnostic and therapeutic applications for addressing the many challenges associated with these cancers. CTX-NPs may function by improving diffusion through the BBB, enabling increased localization of chemotherapeutic and genotherapeutic drugs to diseased cells specifically, enhancing imaging modalities such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), optical imaging techniques, image-guided surgery, as well as improving the sensitization of radio-resistant cells to radiotherapy treatment. This review discusses the characteristics of GB and NB cancers, related treatment challenges as well as the potential of CTX and its functionalized NP formulations as targeting systems for diagnostic, therapeutic, and theranostic purposes. It also provides insights into the potential mechanisms through which CTX crosses the BBB to bind cancer cells and provides suggestions for the development and application of novel CTX-based formulations for the diagnosis and treatment of GB and NB in the future.

A comparative study between two carboxymethylated polysaccharides/protein electrostatic and cross-linked nanogels constructed for caffeic acid and eugenol delivery

In response to the pressing demand for functional nanomaterials synthesis and applications, two polyelectrolyte complexes (PECs) [electrostatic and cross-linked nanogels (NGs)] loaded individually with caffeic acid (CafA) and eugenol (Eug) demonstrating multifunctionalities were proposed for the first time. Curdlan (Curd) and glucomannan (GM) were carboxymethylated (CMCurd and CMGM) successfully and polymeric ratios of 1:1 and 4:1 (v/v) for chitosan (Cs): CMCurd and lactoferrin (Lf): CMGM were selected for the synthesis of Cs/CMCurd and Lf/CMGM NGs. Due to the use of EDC/NHS, Cs/CMCurd/CafA and Lf/CMGM/Eug NGs possessed very uniform particles sizes of 177 ± 18 and 230 ± 17 nm with marked encapsulation efficiencies (EEs) of 76 ± 4 and 88 ± 3 %, respectively. The formation of a carbonyl-amide linkage in both cross-linked NGs was confirmed by FTIR. It should be noted, the self-assembly was not reliable in retaining enough of the encapsulated compounds. Owing to the excellent physicochemical characteristics of the loaded cross-linked NGs, they were prioritized over the electrostatic ones. Both Cs/CMCurd/CafA and Lf/CMGM/Eug NGs exhibited high colloidal stability over 12 weeks, elevated hemocompatibility, and in vitro serum stability. The generated NGs were also tailored to possess controlled release profiles for CafA and Eug over 72 h. Cs/CMCurd/CafA and Lf/CMGM/Eug NGs had promising antioxidant efficacies and could remarkably inhibit 4 bacterial pathogens at low 2-16 μg/mL concentration of encapsulated NGs compared to their unencapsulated counterparts. Interestingly, the respective NGs could significantly decline the IC₅₀ against colorectal cancer HCT-116 than conventional drugs. Based on these data, it was conferred that the investigated NGs could be promising candidates for functional foods and pharmaceutics.

Cigarette Smoke-Induced Respiratory Response: Insights into Cellular Processes and Biomarkers

Cigarette smoke (CS) poses a significant risk factor for respiratory, vascular, and organ diseases owing to its high content of harmful chemicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS). These substances are known to induce oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, and senescence due to their exposure to environmental pollutants and the presence of oxidative enzymes. The lung is particularly susceptible to oxidative stress. Persistent oxidative stress caused by chronic exposure to CS can lead to respiratory diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pulmonary fibrosis (PF), and lung cancer. Avoiding exposure to environmental pollutants, like cigarette smoke and air pollution, can help mitigate oxidative stress. A comprehensive understanding of oxidative stress and its impact on the lungs requires future research. This includes identifying strategies for preventing and treating lung diseases as well as investigating the underlying mechanisms behind oxidative stress. Thus, this review aims to investigate the cellular processes induced by CS, specifically inflammation, apoptosis, senescence, and their associated biomarkers. Furthermore, this review will delve into the alveolar response provoked by CS, emphasizing the roles of potential therapeutic target markers and strategies in inflammation and oxidative stress.

In Vitro Prototyping of a Nano-Organogel for Thermo-Sonic Intra-Cervical Delivery of 5-Fluorouracil-Loaded Solid Lipid Nanoparticles for Cervical Cancer

Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) are used extensively to achieve site-specific drug delivery with improved bioavailability and reduced toxicity. This work focused on a new approach to provide site-specific stimuli-responsive delivery of SLNs loaded within thermo-sonic nano-organogel (TNO) variants to deliver the model chemotherapeutic agent 5-FU in treating cervical cancer. Pharmaceutically stable nanospherical SLNs comprising poly-L-lactic acid (PLA), palmitic acid (PA), and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) were prepared and incorporated into TNO variants augmented by external thermal and ultrasound stimuli for release of 5-FU in the cervix. Results revealed that rate-modulated 5-FU release was achieved from SLNs (particle size =450.9 nm; PDI =0.541; zeta potential =-23.2 mV; %DL =33%) within an organogel upon exposure to either a single (thermo-) and/or both (thermo-sonic) stimuli. 5FU was released from all TNO variants with an initial burst on day 1 followed by sustained release over 14 days. TNO 1 provided desirable release over 15 days (44.29% vs. 67.13% under single (T) or combined (TU) stimuli, respectively). Release rates were primarily influenced by the SLN:TO ratio in tandem with biodegradation and hydrodynamic influx. Biodegradation by day 7 revealed that variant TNO 1 (1:5) released 5FU (46.8%) analogous to its initial mass than the other TNO variants (i.e., ratios of 2:5 and 3:5). FT-IR spectra revealed assimilation of the system components and corroborative with the DSC and XRD analysis (i.e., in ratios of PA:PLA 1:1 and 2:1). In conclusion, the TNO variants produced may be used as a potential stimuli-responsive platform for the site-specific delivery of chemotherapeutic agents such as 5-FU to treat cervical cancer.

Self-Nanoemulsifying Drug Delivery System-Containing the Poorly Absorbed Drug - Valsartan in Post-Bariatric Surgery

Purpose

Morbid obesity and its related metabolic syndrome are an important health issue. Recently, sleeve gastrectomy (SG) and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) have accounted for the most popular bariatric surgeries. Valsartan (VST) is a common hypertension drug, and nano-carriers can increase its solubility and bioavailability. This study aims to explore the nano-VST formula in bariatric surgery subjects.

Methods

High-fat fed animals were used as obese models. Operations were performed according to a standardized protocol. The drug was administrated by gavage, and blood samples were taken by serial tail vein sampling. Caco-2 cells were used for examining cell viability and drug uptake. A self-nano-emusifying drug delivery system (SNEDDS) formula was composed of sefsol-218, RH-40 and propylene glycol by a specified ratio, while high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used for determining drug concentrations.

Results

Post-operatively, subjects that underwent RYGB lost more body weight compared to the SG group. The SNEDDS did not exhibit cytotoxicity after adequate dilution, and the cytotoxicity was not related to VST dose. A better cellular uptake of SNEDDS was observed in vitro. The SNEDDS formula achieved a diameter of 84 nm in distilled water and 140 nm in simulated gastric fluid. In obese animals, the maximum serum concentration (C_max) of VST was increased 1.68-folds by SNEDDS. In RYGB with SUS, the C_max was reduced to less than 50% of the obese group. SNEDDS increased the C_max to 3.5 folds higher than SUS and resulted in 3.28-folds higher AUC_0-24 in the RYGB group. Fluorescence imaging also confirmed a stronger signal of SNEDDS in the gastrointestinal mucosa. SNEDDS accumulated a higher drug concentration than suspension alone in the liver of the obese group.

Conclusion

SNEDDS could reverse the VST malabsorption in RYGB. Further studies are mandatory to clarify post-SG change of drug absorption.

RNAi-mediated mortality of Culex quinquefasciatus using two delivery methods of potential field application

With increasing reports of resistance to traditional insecticides, there is a need for innovative ways for mosquito control. RNAi is a sequence-specific molecular biology technique for gene silencing through degradation of mRNA and prevention of protein translation. Some genes are essential for insect life and their silencing can lead to insect morbidity and/or mortality. Searching for lethal genes in Culex quinquefasciatus, we found dynamin, ROP, HMGR and JHAMT to be lethal targets for RNAi in initial screening through larval soaking in dsRNA solution. Two delivery methods, chitosan nanoparticles and genetically modified yeast cells, were used in this study and proved effective in inducing high larval mortality and low adult emergence. Adult emergence after chitosan nanoparticles/dsRNA treatment was 12.67% ± 1.76 (HMGR), 17.33% ± 1.76 (dynamin), 18.67% ± 0.67 (ROP), and 35.33% ± 0.67 (JHAMT). Genetically modified yeast increased mortalities as adult emergence was 8.33% ± 1.67 (HMGR), 13.33% ± 3.33 (dynamin), and 10% ± 2.89 (JHAMT and ROP). Chitosan nanoparticles retained 75% of its biological activity whereas yeast cells retained >95% of their activities after 7 days of incubation in water. In conclusion, our results showed that these four genes are good targets for C. quinquefasciatus control using RNAi packaged in either chitosan nanoparticles or genetically modified yeast cells.

Drug Delivery Systems in Regenerative Medicine: An Updated Review

Modern drug discovery methods led to evolving new agents with significant therapeutic potential. However, their properties, such as solubility and administration-related challenges, may hinder their benefits. Moreover, advances in biotechnology resulted in the development of a new generation of molecules with a short half-life that necessitates frequent administration. In this context, controlled release systems are required to enhance treatment efficacy and improve patient compliance. Innovative drug delivery systems are promising tools that protect therapeutic proteins and peptides against proteolytic degradation where controlled delivery is achievable. The present review provides an overview of different approaches used for drug delivery.

Formulation, Characterization, and Evaluation of Wound Healing Potency of a Novel Mattan tailam Nanogel Based on a Famous Traditional Siddha Formula

Background

The Mattan tailam mixture has been extensively used to heal ulcerous wounds in traditional Siddha practice. The present study aimed to synthesize a Mattan tailam nanogel and evaluate the enhancement of wound healing potential in an experimental wound model.

Methods

Mattan tailam nanogel was synthesized using the high-energy milling approach, and characterization of nanogel and potency of wound healing was investigated. The novelty of this study was the nanogel preparation of Mattan tailam.

Results

As expected, a synthesized novel nanogel of Mattan tailam has a distinct, prominent peak with a spherical form, is negatively charged and has an average particle size of 20-30 nm. Mattan tailam nanogel treated rats showed a remarkable reduction (p<0.001) in the wound area. On the 16th day, 10% Mattan tailam nanogel treatment resulted in a higher percentage of wound contraction. The 10% Mattan tailam nanogel group exhibited a faster epithelialization time (14.33 days) and a greater hydroxyproline concentration than the others. The topical application of 10% Mattan tailam nanogel increased tensile strength, signifying a better therapeutic indication.

Conclusion

The present findings prove that polyherbal Mattan tailam nanogel formulation significantly improves collagen production, wound contraction, and tensile strength.

Nanocarriers in Veterinary Medicine: A Challenge for Improving Osteosarcoma Conventional Treatments

In recent years, several nanocarrier-based drug delivery systems, such as polymeric nanoparticles, solid lipid nanoparticles, metallic nanoparticles, liposomes, and others, have been explored to target and treat a wide variety of diseases. Their employment has brought many benefits, not only to human medicine but also to veterinary medicine, albeit at a slower rate. Soon, the use of nanocarriers could revolutionize the animal health sector, and many veterinary therapies will be more effective as a result. The purpose of this review is to offer an overview of the main applications of nanocarriers in the veterinary field, from supplements for animal health and reproduction to nanovaccines and nanotherapies. Among the major pathologies that can affect animals, special attention is given to canine osteosarcoma (OSA): a comparison with human OSA is provided and the main treatment options are reviewed emphasizing the benefits that nanocarriers could bring in the treatment of this widespread disease.

Potential of Nuclear Imaging Techniques to Study the Oral Delivery of Peptides

Peptides are small biomolecules known to stimulate or inhibit important functions in the human body. The clinical use of peptides by oral delivery, however, is very limited due to their sensitive structure and physiological barriers present in the gastrointestinal tract. These barriers can be overcome with chemical and mechanical approaches protease inhibitors, permeation enhancers, and polymeric encapsulation. Studying the success of these approaches pre-clinically with imaging techniques such as fluorescence imaging (IVIS) and optical microscopy is difficult due to the lack of in-depth penetration. In comparison, nuclear imaging provides a better platform to observe the gastrointestinal transit and quantitative distribution of radiolabeled peptides. This review provides a brief background on the oral delivery of peptides and states examples from the literature on how nuclear imaging can help to observe and analyze the gastrointestinal transit of oral peptides. The review connects the fields of peptide delivery and nuclear medicine in an interdisciplinary way to potentially overcome the challenges faced during the study of oral peptide formulations.

Injectable Nano Drug Delivery Systems for the Treatment of Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is the most diagnosed type of cancer, with 2.26 million cases and 685,000 deaths recorded in 2020. If left untreated, this deadly disease can metastasize to distant organs, which is the reason behind its incurability and related deaths. Currently, conventional therapies are used to treat breast cancer, but they have numerous shortcomings such as low bioavailability, short circulation time, and off-target toxicity. To address these challenges, nanomedicines are preferred and are being extensively investigated for breast cancer treatment. Nanomedicines are novel drug delivery systems that can improve drug stability, aqueous solubility, blood circulation time, controlled release, and targeted delivery at the tumoral site and enhance therapeutic safety and effectiveness. Nanoparticles (NPs) can be administered through different routes. Although the injectable route is less preferred than the oral route for drug administration, it has its advantages: it helps tailor drugs with targeted moiety, boosts payload, avoids first-pass metabolism, and improves the pharmacokinetic parameters of the active pharmaceutical ingredients. Targeted delivery of nanomedicine, closer to organelles such as the mitochondria and nuclei in breast cancer, reduces the dosage requirements and the toxic effects of chemotherapeutics. This review aims to provide the current status of the recent advances in various injectable nanomedicines for targeted treatment of breast cancer.

From Synthetic Route of Silica Nanoparticles to Theranostic Applications

The advancements in nanotechnology have quickly developed a new subject with vast applications of nanostructured materials in medicine and pharmaceuticals. The enormous surface-to-volume ratio, ease of surface modification, outstanding biocompatibility, and, in the case of mesoporous nanoparticles, the tunable pore size make the silica nanoparticles (SNPs) a promising candidate for nano-based medical applications. The preparation of SNPs and their contemporary usage as drug carriers, contrast agents for imaging, carrier of photosensitizers (PS) in photodynamic, as well as photothermal treatments are intensely discussed in this review. Furthermore, the potential harmful responses of silica nanoparticles are reviewed using data obtained from in vitro and in vivo experiments conducted by several studies. Moreover, we showcase the engineering of SNPs for the theranostic applications that can address several intrinsic limitations of conventional therapeutics and diagnostics. In the end, a personal perspective was outlined to state SNPs’ current status and future directions, focusing on SNPs’ significant potentiality and opportunities.

Anticancer Applications of Essential Oils Formulated into Lipid-Based Delivery Nanosystems

The use of natural compounds is becoming increasingly popular among patients, and there is a renewed interest among scientists in nature-based bioactive agents. Traditionally, herbal drugs can be taken directly in the form of teas/decoctions/infusions or as standardized extracts. However, the disadvantages of natural compounds, especially essential oils, are their instability, limited bioavailability, volatility, and often irritant/allergenic potential. However, these active substances can be stabilized by encapsulation and administered in the form of nanoparticles. This brief overview summarizes the latest results of the application of nanoemulsions, liposomes, solid lipid nanoparticles, and nanostructured lipid carriers used as drug delivery systems of herbal essential oils or used directly for their individual secondary metabolites applicable in cancer therapy. Although the discussed bioactive agents are not typical compounds used as anticancer agents, after inclusion into the aforesaid formulations improving their stability and bioavailability and/or therapeutic profile, they indicated anti-tumor activity and became interesting agents with cancer treatment potential. In addition, co-encapsulation of essential oils with synthetic anticancer drugs into nanoformulations with the aim to achieve synergistic effect in chemotherapy is discussed.

Electroporation in Head-and-Neck Cancer: An Innovative Approach with Immunotherapy and Nanotechnology Combination

Squamous cell carcinoma is the most common malignancy that arises in the head-and-neck district. Traditional treatment could be insufficient in case of recurrent and/or metastatic cancers; for this reason, more selective and enhanced treatments are in evaluation in preclinical and clinical trials to increase in situ concentration of chemotherapy drugs promoting a selectively antineoplastic activity. Among all cancer treatment types (i.e., surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy), electroporation (EP) has emerged as a safe, less invasive, and effective approach for cancer treatment. Reversible EP, using an intensive electric stimulus (i.e., 1000 V/cm) applied for a short time (i.e., 100 μs), determines a localized electric field that temporarily permealizes the tumor cell membranes while maintaining high cell viability, promoting cytoplasm cell uptake of antineoplastic agents such as bleomycin and cisplatin (electrochemotherapy), calcium (Ca²⁺ electroporation), siRNA and plasmid DNA (gene electroporation). The higher intracellular concentration of antineoplastic agents enhances the antineoplastic activity and promotes controlled tumor cell death (apoptosis). As secondary effects, localized EP (i) reduces the capillary blood flow in tumor tissue ("vascular lock"), lowering drug washout, and (ii) stimulates the immune system acting against cancer cells. After years of preclinical development, electrochemotherapy (ECT), in combination with bleomycin or cisplatin, is currently one of the most effective treatments used for cutaneous metastases and primary skin and mucosal cancers that are not amenable to surgery. To reach this clinical evidence, in vitro and in vivo models were preclinically developed for evaluating the efficacy and safety of ECT on different tumor cell lines and animal models to optimize dose and administration routes of drugs, duration, and intensity of the electric field. Improvements in reversible EP efficacy are under evaluation for HNSCC treatment, where the focus is on the development of a combination treatment between EP-enhanced nanotechnology and immunotherapy strategies.

Orange-Peel-Derived Nanobiochar for Targeted Cancer Therapy

Cancer-targeted drug delivery systems (DDS) based on carbon nanostructures have shown great promise in cancer therapy due to their ability to selectively recognize specific receptors overexpressed in cancer cells. In this paper, we have explored a green route to synthesize nanobiochar (NBC) endowed with graphene structure from the hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) of orange peels and evaluated the suitability of this nanomaterial as a nanoplatform for cancer therapy. In order to compare the cancer-targeting ability of different widely used targeting ligands (TL), we have conjugated NBC with biotin, riboflavin, folic acid and hyaluronic acid and have tested, in vitro, their biocompatibility and uptake ability towards a human alveolar cancer cell line (A549 cells). The nanosystems which showed the best biological performances-namely, the biotin- and riboflavin- conjugated systems-have been loaded with the poorly water-soluble drug DHF (5,5-dimethyl-6a-phenyl-3-(trimethylsilyl)-6,6a-dihydrofuro[3,2-b]furan-2(5H)-one) and tested for their anticancer activity. The in vitro biological tests demonstrated the ability of both systems to internalize the drug in A549 cells. In particular, the biotin-functionalized NBC caused cell death percentages to more than double with respect to the drug alone. The reported results also highlight the positive effect of the presence of oxygen-containing functional groups, present on the NBC surface, to improve the water dispersion stability of the DDS and thus make the approach of using this nanomaterial as nanocarrier for poorly water-soluble drugs effective.

The use of natural gums to produce nano-based hydrogels and films for topical application

Natural gums are a source of biopolymeric materials with a wide range of applications for multiple purposes. These polysaccharides are extensively explored due to their low toxicity, gelling and thickening properties, and bioadhesive potential, which have sparked interest in researchers given their use in producing pharmaceutic dosage forms compared to synthetic agents. Hence, gums can be used as gelling and film-forming agents, which are suitable platforms for topical drug administration. Additionally, recent studies have demonstrated the possibility of obtaining nanocomposite materials formed by a polymeric matrix of gums associated with nanoscale carriers that have shown superior drug delivery performance and compatibility with multiple administration routes compared to starting components. In this sense, research on topical natural gum-based form preparation containing drug-loaded nanocarriers was detailed and discussed herein. A special focus was devoted to the advantages achieved regarding physicochemical and mechanical features, drug delivery capacity, permeability through topical barriers, and biocompatibility of the hydrogels and polymeric films.

Gold Nanoparticle-Incorporated Chitosan Nanogels as a Theranostic Nanoplatform for CT Imaging and Tumour Chemotherapy

Purpose

The translation of nanocarrier-based theranostics into cancer treatment is limited by their poor cellular uptake, low drug-loading capacity, uncontrolled drug release, and insufficient imaging ability.

Methods

In this study, novel hybrid nanogels were fabricated as theranostic nanocarriers by modifying chitosan (CTS)/tripolyphosphate (TPP) nanoparticles (NPs) with polyacrylic acid (PAA) and further conjugating cysteine-functionalized gold nanoparticles (AuNPs).

Results

The resultant nanogels, referred to as CTS/TPP/PAA@AuNPs (CTPA), exhibited excellent colloidal stability and a high encapsulation rate of 87% for the cationic drug doxorubicin (DOX). In the tumour microenvironment, the acidic pH and overexpression of lysozyme triggered CTPA@DOX to degrade and emit smaller nanoblocks (30–40 nm), which sequentially released the drug in a tumour-responsive manner. Cellular uptake experiments demonstrated that CTPA facilitates the entry of DOX into the cytoplasm. Furthermore, as visualised through AuNP-mediated computed tomography (CT) imaging, CTPA@DOX enabled favourable accumulation in the tumour. Our in vitro and in vivo data demonstrated that CTPA enabled advanced tumour cell-targeting delivery of DOX, which showed greater anti-tumour activity and biosafety than free DOX.

Conclusion

The natural polymer CTS was developed for degradable nanogels, which can precisely track drugs with high antitumour activity. Additionally, the surface adjustment strategy can be assembled to achieve cationic drug loading and high drug-loading capacity, controlled drug release, and sufficient imaging ability. Therefore, multifunctional CTPA enables efficient drug delivery and CT imaging, which is expected to provide a valuable strategy for designing advanced theranostic systems.

In situ Hydrogels for Effective Treatment of Cancer: Strategies and Polymers Used

Cancer is a worldwide health ailment with no known boundaries in terms of mortality and occurrence rates, thus is one of the biggest threats to humankind. Hence, there is an absolute need to develop novel therapeutics to bridge the infirmities associated with chemotherapy and conventional surgical methodologies including impairment of normal tissue, compromised drug efficiency and an escalation in side effects. In lieu of this, there's been a surge in curiosity towards development of injectable hydrogels for cancer therapy because local administration of the active pharmaceutical agent offers encouraging advantages such as providing higher effective dose at target site, prolonged retention time of drug, ease of administration, mitigation of dose in vivo ,improved patient compliance. Furthermore, due to its biocompatible nature such systems can significantly reduce the side effects that occur on long-term exposure to chemotherapy. The present review details the most recent advancements in in-situ gel forming polymers (natural and synthetic), polymeric cross-linking methodologies and in-situ gelling mechanisms, focusing on their clinical benefits in cancer therapy.

Nanotechnology and COVID-19 Convergence: Toward New Planetary Health Interventions Against the Pandemic

COVID-19 is a systemic disease affecting multiple organ systems and caused by infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Two years into the COVID-19 pandemic and after the introduction of several vaccines, the pandemic continues to evolve in part owing to global inequities in access to preventive and therapeutic measures. We are also witnessing the introduction of antivirals against COVID-19. Against this current background, we review the progress made with nanotechnology-based approaches such as nanoformulations to combat the multiorgan effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection from a systems medicine lens. While nanotechnology has previously been widely utilized in the antiviral research domain, it has not yet received the commensurate interest in the case of COVID-19 pandemic response strategies. Notably, SARS-CoV-2 and nanomaterials are similar in size ranging from 50 to 200 nm. Nanomaterials offer the promise to reduce the side effects of antiviral drugs, codeliver multiple drugs while maintaining stability in the biological milieu, and sustain the release of entrapped drug(s) for a predetermined time period, to name but a few conceivable scenarios, wherein nanotechnology can enable and empower preventive medicine and therapeutic innovations against SARS-CoV-2. We conclude the article by underlining that nanotechnology-based interventions warrant further consideration to enable precision planetary health responses against the COVID-19 pandemic.

Reactive Oxygen Species Scavenging Nanomedicine for the Treatment of Ischemic Heart Disease

Ischemic heart disease (IHD) is the leading cause of disability and mortality worldwide. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) have been shown to play key roles in the progression of diabetes, hypertension, and hypercholesterolemia, which are independent risk factors that lead to atherosclerosis and the development of IHD. Engineered biomaterial-based nanomedicines are under extensive investigation and exploration, serving as smart and multifunctional nanocarriers for synergistic therapeutic effect. Capitalizing on cell/molecule-targeting drug delivery, nanomedicines present enhanced specificity and safety with favorable pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. Herein, the roles of ROS in both IHD and its risk factors are discussed, highlighting cardiovascular medications that have antioxidant properties, and summarizing the advantages, properties, and recent achievements of nanomedicines that have ROS scavenging capacity for the treatment of diabetes, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, atherosclerosis, ischemia/reperfusion, and myocardial infarction. Finally, the current challenges of nanomedicines for ROS-scavenging treatment of IHD and possible future directions are discussed from a clinical perspective.

Antibacterial Potential of Bacopa monnieri (L.) Wettst. and Its Bioactive Molecules against Uropathogens—An In Silico Study to Identify Potential Lead Molecule(s) for the Development of New Drugs to Treat Urinary Tract Infections

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are becoming more common, requiring extensive protection from antimicrobials. The global expansion of multi-drug resistance uropathogens in the past decade emphasizes the necessity of newer antibiotic treatments and prevention strategies for UTIs. Medicinal plants have wide therapeutic applications in both the prevention and management of many ailments. Bacopa monnieri is a medicinal plant that is found in the warmer and wetlands regions of the world. It has been used in Ayurvedic systems for centuries. The present study aimed to investigate the antibacterial potential of the extract of B. monnieri leaves and its bioactive molecules against UTIs that are caused by Klebsiella pneumoniae and Proteus mirabilis. This in vitro experimental study was conducted by an agar well diffusion method to evaluate the antimicrobial effect of 80% methanol, 96% ethanol, and aqueous extracts of B. monnieri leaves on uropathogens. Then, further screening of their phytochemicals was carried out using standard methods. To validate the bioactive molecules and the microbe interactions, AutoDock Vina software was used for molecular docking with the Klebsiella pneumoniae fosfomycin resistance protein (5WEW) and the Zn-dependent receptor-binding domain of Proteus mirabilis MR/P fimbrial adhesin MrpH (6Y4F). Toxicity prediction and drug likeness were predicted using ProTox-II and Molinspiration, respectively. A molecular dynamics (MD) simulation was carried out to study the protein ligand complexes. The methanolic leaves extract of B. monnieri revealed a 22.3 mm ± 0.6 mm to 25.0 mm ± 0.5 mm inhibition zone, while ethanolic extract seemed to produce 19.3 mm ± 0.8 mm to 23.0 mm ± 0.4 mm inhibition zones against K. pneumoniae with the use of increasing concentrations. In the case of P. mirabilis activity, the methanolic extracts showed a 21.0 mm ± 0.8 mm to 24.0 mm ± 0.6 mm zone of inhibition and the ethanol extract produced a 17.0 mm ± 0.9 mm to 23.0 mm ± 0.7 mm inhibition zone with increasing concentrations. Carbohydrates, flavonoids, saponin, phenolic, and terpenoid were common phytoconstituents identified in B. monnieri extracts. Oroxindin showed the best interactions with the binding energies with 5WEW and 6Y4F, −7.5 kcal/mol and −7.4 kcal/mol, respectively. Oroxindin, a bioactive molecule, followed Lipinski’s rule of five and exhibited stability in the MD simulation. The overall results suggest that Oroxindin from B. monnieri can be a potent inhibitor for the effective killing of K. pneumoniae and P. mirabilis. Additionally, its safety has been established, indicating its potential for future drug discovery and development in the treatment for UTIs.