Gold Nanoparticles: Construction for Drug Delivery and Application in Cancer Immunotherapy

Drug delivery using gold nanoparticles

Modern nanotechnologies provide various possibilities for efficiently delivering drugs to biological targets. This review focuses on using functionalized gold nanoparticles (GNPs) as a drug delivery platform. Owing to their exceptional size and surface characteristics, GNPs are a perfect drug delivery vehicle for targeted and selective distribution. Several in vitro and in vivo tests have shown how simple it is to tailor these particles to administer chemical medications straight to tumors. The GNP surface can also be coated with ligands to modify drug release or improve selectivity. Moreover, the pharmacological activity can be enhanced by using the photothermal characteristics of the particles.

Gold nanoparticle encapsulated hybrid MOF: synthesis, characterization, and co-drug delivery of 5-fluorouracil and curcumin

The unique features of Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs), including structural flexibility, high surface area, and variable pore size, have drawn attention in cancer therapy. However, despite advances in surface functionalization, engineering structural features, and porosity, achieving controlled release, stability, scalability, and toxicity remains a challenge. The current study reports gold nanoparticle (AuNP) encapsulated dual metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) comprising zeolitic imidazolate (ZIF8) and cobalt-imidazole (ZIF67) by a simple precipitation method for dual drug delivery applications. This combination associates the advantages of AuNPs and MOFs, creating a potent platform for cancer theranostics that combines diagnosis and treatment into one unit. The synthesized composite (AuNPs@ZIF-8/ZIF-67) is functionalized with Folic acid (FA) and loaded with the anticancer agents Curcumin (C) and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) for co-drug delivery The synthesized composites, namely Au/ZIF8, Au/ZIF8/ZIF67/FA, Au/ZIF8/ZIF67/FA/5-FU, and Au/ZIF8/ZIF67/FA/5-FU/C were characterized using diverse analytical techniques such as FESEM, XRD, FTIR, TEM, and BET. The characterization methods showed that the hybrid MOF structure was stable and intact after AuNP encapsulation and drug loading. The dual MOF composite exhibits a better affinity for loading C and 5-FU with 60% and 40% drug loading capacity, respectively. The simultaneous drug release studies suggest that AuNPs@ZIF-8/ZIF-67 are more responsive to the acidic pH and show a higher cumulative drug release of 5FU and C at the lower value of pH 5. For further validation, the release kinetics data were fitted into the Korsmeyer-Peppas model in the current study. The observed value of n which is less than 0.5 suggests the pseudo-Fickian diffusion mechanism for drug release, demonstrating long-term release of 5FU and C from Au/ZIF8/ZIF67/FA/5-FU/C. The targeted drug delivery system is anticipated to display synergistic therapeutic efficacy from the combined effect of the two anticancer agents and the pH-responsive nature of ZIF systems.

Curcumin-loaded gold nanoparticles with enhanced antibacterial efficacy and wound healing properties in diabetic rats

Diabetic wounds pose a significant global health challenge. Although curcumin exhibits promising wound healing and antibacterial properties, its clinical potential is limited by low aqueous solubility, and poor tissue penetration. This study aimed to address these challenges and enhance the wound healing efficacy of curcumin by loading it onto gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). The properties of the AuNPs, including particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential, percent drug entrapment efficiency (%EE) and UV-Vis spectra were significantly influenced by the curcumin/gold chloride molar ratio used in the synthesis of AuNPs. The optimal formulation (F2) exhibited the smallest particle size (41.77 ± 6.8 nm), reasonable PDI (0.59 ± 0.17), high %EE (94.43 ± 0.25 %), a moderate zeta potential (-8.44 ± 1.69 mV), and a well-defined surface Plasmon resonance peak at 526 nm. Formulation F2 was incorporated into Pluronic® F127 gel to facilitate its application to the skin. Both curcumin AuNPs solution and gel showed sustained drug release and higher skin permeation parameters compared with the free drug solution. AuNPs significantly enhanced curcumin's antibacterial efficacy by lowering the minimum inhibitory concentrations and enhancing antibacterial biofilm activity against various Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial strains. In a diabetic wound rat model, AuNPs-loaded curcumin exhibited superior wound healing attributes compared to the free drug. Specifically, it demonstrated improved wound healing percentage, reduced wound oxidative stress, increased wound collagen deposition, heightened anti-inflammatory effects, and enhanced angiogenesis. These findings underscore the potential of AuNPs as efficacious delivery systems of curcumin for improved wound healing applications.

Monosaccharide coating modulate the intracellular trafficking of gold nanoparticles in dendritic cells

Dendritic cells (DCs) have emerged as a promising target for drug delivery and immune modulation due to their pivotal role in initiating the adaptive immune response. Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) have garnered interest as a platform for targeted drug delivery due to their biocompatibility, low toxicity and precise control over size, morphology and surface functionalization. Our investigation aimed to elucidate the intracellular uptake and trafficking of AuNPs coated with different combinations of monosaccharides (mannose, galactose, and fucose) in DCs. We used 30 unique polymer-tethered monosaccharide combinations to coat 16 nm diameter spherical gold nanoparticles and investigated their effect on DCs phenotype, uptake, and intracellular trafficking. DCs internalized AuNPs coated with 100 % fucose, 100 % mannose, 90 % mannose +10 % galactose, and 80 % mannose +20 % galactose with highest efficiency. Flow cytometry analysis indicated that 100 % fucose-coated AuNPs showed increased lysosomal and endosomal contents compared to other conditions and uncoated AuNPs. Imaging flow cytometry further demonstrated that 100 % fucose-coated AuNPs had enhanced co-localization with lysosomes, while 100 % mannose-coated AuNPs exhibited higher co-localization with endosomes. Furthermore, our data showed that the uptake of carbohydrate-coated AuNPs predominantly occurred through receptor-mediated endocytosis, as evidenced by a marked reduction of uptake upon treatment of DCs with methyl-β-cyclodextrins, known to disrupt receptor-mediated endocytosis. These findings highlight the utility of carbohydrate coatings to enable more targeted delivery of nanoparticles and their payload to distinct intracellular compartments in immune cells with potential applications in drug delivery and immunotherapy.

Fluorescent gold nanoclusters possess multiple actions against atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis caused major morbidity and mortality worldwide. Molecules possessing lipid-lowering and/or anti-inflammatory properties are potential druggable targets against atherosclerosis. We examined the anti-atherosclerotic effects of fluorescent gold nanoclusters (FANC), which were dihydrolipoic acid (DHLA)-capped 2-nm gold nanoparticles. We evaluated the 8-week effects of FANC in Western-type diet-fed ApoE-deficient mice by either continuous intraperitoneal delivery (20 μM, 50 μl weekly) or via drinking water (300 nM). FANC reduced aortic atheroma burden, serum total cholesterol, and oxidative stress markers malondialdehyde and 4-hydroxynonenal levels. FANC attenuated hepatic lipid deposit, with changed expression of lipid homeostasis-related genes HMGCR, SREBP, PCSK9, and LDLR in a pattern similar to mice treated with ezetimibe. FANC also inhibited intestinal cholesterol absorption, resembling the action of ezetimibe. The lipid-lowering and anti-atherosclerotic effects of FANC reappeared in Western-type diet-fed LDLr-deficient mice. FANC bound insulin receptor β (IRβ) via DHLA, leading to AKT activation. However, unlike insulin, which also bound IRβ to activate AKT to induce HO-1, activation of AKT by FANC was independent of HO-1 expression in human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs). Alternatively, FANC up-regulated NRF2, interfered the binding of KEAP1 to NRF2, and promoted KEAP1 degradation to free NRF2 for nuclear entry to induce HO-1 that suppressed the expression of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1. Consistently, FANC suppressed ox-LDL-induced enhanced attachment of THP-derived macrophages onto HAECs. In macrophages, FANC up-regulated ABCA1, and reversed ox-LDL-induced suppression of cholesterol efflux. FANC effected in vitro at nano moles. In conclusion, our findings showed novel actions and multiple mechanisms of FANC worked coherently against atherosclerosis.

Gold nanoclusters Au25AcCys18 normalize intracellular ROS without increasing cytoplasmic alarmin acHMGB1 abundance in human microglia and neurons

This study focuses on the modulatory effects of gold nanoclusters with 25 gold atoms and 18 acetyl cysteines (Au25AcCys18) in human microglia, human iPSC-derived neurons and SH-SY5Y differentiated human neuronal cells. The combination of chemical, biological, and computational methods shows the well-retained viability of these human cells treated with Au25AcCys18, interactions between Au25AcCys18 and transcription factor TFEB (computational approach), interactions between TFEB and HMGB1 (proximity ligation assay and molecular modeling using AlphaFold), modulation of the abundance and location of acHMGB1 by Au25AcCys18 (immunocytochemistry), and the reduction of ROS in cells treated with Au25AcCys18 (CellROX live imaging). These novel findings in human neural cells, particularly neurons, encourage further studies in experimental animal models of neurological disorders and/or human organoids to exploit the unique structural and photophysical properties of gold nanoclusters and to better understand their ability to modulate molecular mechanisms in human cells.

Gold Nanoparticles in Nanomedicine: Unique Properties and Therapeutic Potential

Gold nanoparticles (NPs) have demonstrated significance in several important fields, including drug delivery and anticancer research, due to their unique properties. Gold NPs possess significant optical characteristics that enhance their application in biosensor development for diagnosis, in photothermal and photodynamic therapies for anticancer treatment, and in targeted drug delivery and bioimaging. The broad surface modification possibilities of gold NPs have been utilized in the delivery of various molecules, including nucleic acids, drugs, and proteins. Moreover, gold NPs possess strong localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) properties, facilitating their use in surface-enhanced Raman scattering for precise and efficient biomolecule detection. These optical properties are extensively utilized in anticancer research. Both photothermal and photodynamic therapies show significant results in anticancer treatments using gold NPs. Additionally, the properties of gold NPs demonstrate potential in other biological areas, particularly in antimicrobial activity. In addition to delivering antigens, peptides, and antibiotics to enhance antimicrobial activity, gold NPs can penetrate cell membranes and induce apoptosis through various intracellular mechanisms. Among other types of metal NPs, gold NPs show more tolerable toxicity capacity, supporting their application in wide-ranging areas. Gold NPs hold a special position in nanomaterial research, offering limited toxicity and unique properties. This review aims to address recently highlighted applications and the current status of gold NP research and to discuss their future in nanomedicine.

Gold Nanoparticles: Multifunctional Properties, Synthesis, and Future Prospects

Gold nanoparticles (NPs) are among the most commonly employed metal NPs in biological applications, with distinctive physicochemical features. Their extraordinary optical properties, stemming from strong localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR), contribute to the development of novel approaches in the areas of bioimaging, biosensing, and cancer research, especially for photothermal and photodynamic therapy. The ease of functionalization with various ligands provides a novel approach to the precise delivery of these molecules to targeted areas. Gold NPs' ability to transfer heat and electricity positions them as valuable materials for advancing thermal management and electronic systems. Moreover, their inherent characteristics, such as inertness, give rise to the synthesis of novel antibacterial and antioxidant agents as they provide a biocompatible and low-toxicity approach. Chemical and physical synthesis methods are utilized to produce gold NPs. The pursuit of more ecologically sustainable and economically viable large-scale technologies, such as environmentally benign biological processes referred to as green/biological synthesis, has garnered increasing interest among global researchers. Green synthesis methods are more favorable than other synthesis techniques as they minimize the necessity for hazardous chemicals in the reduction process due to their simplicity, cost-effectiveness, energy efficiency, and biocompatibility. This article discusses the importance of gold NPs, their optical, conductivity, antibacterial, antioxidant, and anticancer properties, synthesis methods, contemporary uses, and biosafety, emphasizing the need to understand toxicology principles and green commercialization strategies.

Catalytically Active Gold Nanoparticles on Star Block Co-polymer Matrix: Synthesis of Nanocomposite Film Exploring the Langmuir-Blodgett Technique

Nanocomposites with metal nanoparticles and block copolymers distributed in a stable and robust thin film are preferred for various applications. Here, synthesis of such a nanocomposite is reported, which is composed of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) embedded in a tetronic 701 (T701) and 90R4 (T90R4) thin film matrix generated using the Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) thin film technique. Tetronics contain a monoprotonated central ethylenediamine group at pH 5 due to the presence of chloroauric acid (HAuCl4) in the subphase, along with poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) and poly(propylene oxide) (PPO) blocks, both of which have the capacity to serve as the reducing agent toward chloroaurate anion (AuCl4-). Calorimetric experiments have shown that T90R4 has a better interaction with AuCl4-, probably due to its better electrostatic interaction with AuCl4- ions due to the higher % of the hydrophilic PEO group. On the other hand, the T701-AuNP interaction turned out to be more spontaneous due to the higher hydrophobicity of T701 (higher PPO/PEO ratio). The optical properties and structure/morphology of these nanocomposites are characterized by UV-vis spectroscopy, FTIR spectroscopy, XRD, and TEM. The composite thin film has the ability to catalyze the organic electron transfer process between p-nitrophenol and p-aminophenol in the presence of sodium borohydride. A clear correlation has been found between the reaction rates and the kind of tetronic present in the nanocomposite, which acted as a matrix and stabilizer toward AuNPs.

Hyaluronic acid/chitosan microcapsules capped with hollow CuS nanoparticles for NIR/pH dual-responsive drug release

Hollow natural polysaccharide microcapsules have broad applications in drug delivery field due to their excellent biocompatibility and drug loading efficiency. In this paper, pH/near-infrared (NIR) dual-responsive microcapsules composed of hyaluronic acid (HA), chitosan (CS) and hollow CuS (HA/CS/HA@CuS) had been fabricated via a layer-by-layer (LbL) approach. The negative charge, rough surface and hollow structure of microcapsules are very favorable for loading positively charged DOX. As a result, hollow microcapsules display a high drug loading efficiency of 91.15 %. The variation in the degree of amino ionization at different pH values leads to the changes in the electrostatic force between CS/HA multilayers, resulting in the structural change in microcapsules. Therefore, microcapsules exhibit significant pH-responsive drug release properties. In addition, hollow CuS nanoparticles with excellent photothermal conversion ability are capped on the multilayer surface, enabling microcapsules to exhibit excellent NIR-responsive drug delivery properties. Overall, hyaluronic acid/chitosan-based hollow microcapsules with notable pH/NIR dual-responsiveness have been prepared, which can be used as a potential drug carrier for controlled drug delivery and photothermal chemical combination therapy.

Solubilization techniques used for poorly water-soluble drugs

About 40% of approved drugs and nearly 90% of drug candidates are poorly water-soluble drugs. Low solubility reduces the drugability. Effectively improving the solubility and bioavailability of poorly water-soluble drugs is a critical issue that needs to be urgently addressed in drug development and application. This review briefly introduces the conventional solubilization techniques such as solubilizers, hydrotropes, cosolvents, prodrugs, salt modification, micronization, cyclodextrin inclusion, solid dispersions, and details the crystallization strategies, ionic liquids, and polymer-based, lipid-based, and inorganic-based carriers in improving solubility and bioavailability. Some of the most commonly used approved carrier materials for solubilization techniques are presented. Several approved poorly water-soluble drugs using solubilization techniques are summarized. Furthermore, this review summarizes the solubilization mechanism of each solubilization technique, reviews the latest research advances and challenges, and evaluates the potential for clinical translation. This review could guide the selection of a solubilization approach, dosage form, and administration route for poorly water-soluble drugs. Moreover, we discuss several promising solubilization techniques attracting increasing attention worldwide.

Biotechnological advances in microbial synthesis of gold nanoparticles: Optimizations and applications

This review discusses the eco-friendly and cost-effective biosynthesis of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) in viable microorganisms, focusing on microbes-mediated AuNP biosynthesis. This process suits agricultural, environmental, and biomedical applications, offering renewable, eco-friendly, non-toxic, sustainable, and time-efficient methods. Microorganisms are increasingly used in green technology, nanotechnology, and RNAi technology, but several microorganisms have not been fully identified and characterized. Bio-nanotechnology offers eco-friendly and sustainable solutions for nanomedicine, with microbe-mediated nanoparticle biosynthesis producing AuNPs with anti-oxidation activity, stability, and biocompatibility. Ultrasmall AuNPs offer rapid distribution, renal clearance, and enhanced permeability in biomedical applications. The review explores nano-size dependent biosynthesis of AuNPs by bacteria, fungi, and viruses revealing their non-toxic, non-genotoxic, and non-oxidative properties on human cells. AuNPs with varying sizes and shapes, from nitrate reductase enzymes, have shown potential as a promising nano-catalyst. The synthesized AuNPs, with negative charge capping molecules, have demonstrated antibacterial activity against drug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Acinetobacter baumannii strains, and were non-toxic to Vero cell lines, indicating potential antibiotic resistance treatments. A green chemical method for the biosynthesis of AuNPs using reducing chloroauric acid and Rhizopus oryzae protein extract has been described, demonstrating excellent stability and strong catalytic activity. AuNPs are eco-friendly, non-toxic, and time-efficient, making them ideal for biomedical applications due to their antioxidant, antidiabetic, and antibacterial properties. In addition to the biomedical application, the review also highlights the role of microbially synthesized AuNPs in sustainable management of plant diseases, and environmental bioremediation.

Demystifying the Potential of Embelin-Loaded Nanoformulations: a Comprehensive Review

Phytoconstituent based therapies have the potential to reduce the adverse effects and enhance overall patient compliance for different diseased conditions. Embelin (EMB) is a natural compound extracted from Embelia ribes that has demonstrated high therapeutic potential, particularly as anti-inflammatory and anticancer therapeutic applications. However, its poor water solubility and low oral bioavailability limitations make it challenging to use in biomedical applications. Nanostructure-based novel formulations have shown the potential to improve physicochemical and biological characteristics of active pharmaceutical ingredients obtained from plants. Different nanoformulations that have been utilized to encapsulate/entrap EMB for various therapeutic applications are nanoliposomes, nanostructured lipid carriers, niosomes, polymeric nanoparticles, nanosuspensions, phytosomes, self nanoemulsifying drug delivery system, silver nanoparticles, microparticles, solid lipid nanoparticle, gold nanoparticles and nanomicelles. The common methods reported for the preparation of EMB nanoformulations are thin film hydration, nanoprecipitation, ethanol injection, emulsification followed by sonication. The size of nanoformulations ranged in between 50 and 345 nm. In this review, the mentioned EMB loaded nanocarriers are methodically discussed for size, shape, drug entrapment, zeta potential, in vitro release & permeation and in vivo studies. Potential of EMB with other drugs (dual drug approach) incorporated in nanocarriers are also discussed (physicochemical and preclinical characteristics). Patents related to EMB nanoformulations are also presented which showed the clinical translation of this bioactive for future utilization in different indications.

A Comprehensive Review on the Importance of Sustainable Synthesized Coinage Metal Nanomaterials and Their Diverse Biomedical Applications

From a historical perspective, coinage metals (CMNMs) are most renowned for their monetary, ornamental, and metallurgical merits; nevertheless, as nanotechnology's potential has only just come to light, their metal nanostructures and uses may be viewed as products of modern science. Notable characteristics of CMNMs include visual, electrical, chemical, and catalytic qualities that depend on shape and size. Due diligence on the creation and synthesis of CMNMs and their possible uses has been greatly promoted by these characteristics. This review focuses on solution-based methods and provides an overview of the latest developments in CMNMs and their bimetallic nanostructures. It discusses a range of synthetic techniques, including conventional procedures and more modern approaches used to enhance functionality by successfully manipulating the CMNMs nanostructure's size, shape, and composition. To help with the design of new nanostructures with improved capabilities in the future, this study offers a brief assessment of the difficulties and potential future directions of these intriguing metal nanostructures. This review focuses on mechanisms and factors influencing the synthesis process, green synthesis, and sustainable synthesis methods. It also discusses the wide range of biological domains in which CMNMs are applied, including antibacterial, antifungal, and anticancer. Researchers will therefore find the appropriateness of both synthesizing and using CMNMS keeping in mind the different levels of environmental effects.

Nanocarrier design for pathogen-inspired innate immune agonist delivery

In complex diseases such as cancer, modulating cytokine signatures of disease using innate immune agonists holds therapeutic promise. Novel multi-agonist treatments offer tunable control of the immune system because they are uniquely pathogen inspired, eliciting robust antitumor responses by promoting synergistic cytokine responses. However, the chief strategic hurdle is ensuring multi-agonist delivery to the same target cells, highlighting the importance of using nanomaterial-based carriers. Here, we place nanocarriers in center stage and review the delivery hurdles related to the varying extra- and intracellular localizations of innate immune receptors. We discuss a range of nanomaterials used for multi-agonist delivery, highlighting their respective benefits and drawbacks. Our overarching stance is that rational nanocarrier design is crucial for developing pathogen-inspired multi-agonist immunotherapies.

Exploring the potential of silymarin-loaded nanovesicles as an effective drug delivery system for cancer therapy: in vivo, in vitro, and in silico experiments

We aimed to perform a comprehensive study on the development and characterization of silymarin (Syl)-loaded niosomes as potential drug delivery systems. The results demonstrate significant novelty and promising outcomes in terms of morphology, size distribution, encapsulation efficiency, in vitro release behavior, free energy profiles of Syl across the niosome bilayer, hydrogen bonding interactions, antimicrobial properties, cytotoxicity, and in vivo evaluations. The physical appearance, size, and morphology assessment of free niosomes and Syl-loaded niosomes indicated stable and well-formed vesicular structures suitable for drug delivery. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis revealed spherical shapes with distinct sizes for each formulation, confirming uniform distribution. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) analysis confirmed the size distribution results with higher polydispersity index for Syl-loaded niosomes. The encapsulation efficiency of Syl in the niosomes was remarkable at approximately 91%, ensuring protection and controlled release of the drug. In vitro release studies showed a sustained release profile for Syl-loaded niosomes, enhancing therapeutic efficacy over time. Free energy profiles analysis identified energy barriers hindering Syl permeation through the niosome bilayer, emphasizing challenges in drug delivery system design. Hydrogen bonding interactions between Syl and niosome components contributed to energy barriers, impacting drug permeability. Antimicrobial assessments revealed significant differences in inhibitory effects against S. aureus and E. coli. Cytotoxicity evaluations demonstrated the superior tumor-killing potential of Syl-loaded niosomes compared to free Syl. In vivo studies indicated niosome formulations' safety profiles in terms of liver and kidney parameters compared to bulk Syl, showcasing potential for clinical applications. Overall, this research highlights the promising potential of Syl-loaded niosomes as effective drug delivery systems with enhanced stability, controlled release, and improved therapeutic outcomes.

Drug Loading in Chitosan-Based Nanoparticles

Chitosan nanoparticles (CSNPs) are promising vehicles for targeted and controlled drug release. Recognized for their biodegradability, biocompatibility, low toxicity, and ease of production, CSNPs represent an effective approach to drug delivery. Encapsulating drugs within nanoparticles (NPs) provides numerous benefits compared to free drugs, such as increased bioavailability, minimized toxic side effects, improved delivery, and the incorporation of additional features like controlled release, imaging agents, targeted delivery, and combination therapies with multiple drugs. Keys parameters in nanomedicines are drug loading content and drug loading efficiency. Most current NP systems struggle with low drug loading, presenting a significant challenge to the field. This review summarizes recent research on developing CSNPs with high drug loading capacity, focusing on various synthesis strategies. It examines CSNP systems using different materials and drugs, providing details on their synthesis methods, drug loadings, encapsulation efficiencies, release profiles, stability, and applications in drug delivery. Additionally, the review discusses factors affecting drug loading, providing valuable guidelines for future CSNPs' development.

Prospect of Gold Nanoparticles in Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic cancer (PC) is characterized by its notably poor prognosis and high mortality rate, underscoring the critical need for advancements in its diagnosis and therapy. Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), with their distinctive physicochemical characteristics, demonstrate significant application potential in cancer therapy. For example, upon exposure to lasers of certain wavelengths, they facilitate localized heating, rendering them extremely effective in photothermal therapy. Additionally, their extensive surface area enables the conjugation of therapeutic agents or targeting molecules, increasing the accuracy of drug delivery systems. Moreover, AuNPs can serve as radiosensitizers, enhancing the efficacy of radiotherapy by boosting the radiation absorption in tumor cells. Here, we systematically reviewed the application and future directions of AuNPs in the diagnosis and treatment of PC. Although AuNPs have advantages in improving diagnostic and therapeutic efficacy, as well as minimizing damage to normal tissues, concerns about their potential toxicity and safety need to be comprehensively evaluated.

Advancements in nanomedicine: Precision delivery strategies for male pelvic malignancies - Spotlight on prostate and colorectal cancer

BACKGROUND

Pelvic malignancies consistently pose significant global health challenges, adversely affecting the well-being of the male population. It is anticipated that clinicians will continue to confront these cancers in their practice. Nanomedicine offers promising strategies that revolutionize the treatment of male pelvic malignancies by providing precise delivery methods that aim to improve the efficacy of therapeutic outcomes while minimizing side effects. Nanoparticles are designed to encapsulate therapeutic agents and selectively target cancer cells. They can also be loaded with theragnostic agents, enabling multifunctional capabilities.

OBJECTIVE

This review aims to summarize the latest nanomedicine research into clinical applications, focusing on nanotechnology-based treatment strategies for male pelvic malignancies, encompassing chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy, and other cutting-edge therapies. The review is structured to assist physicians, particularly those with limited knowledge of biochemistry and bioengineering, in comprehending the functionalities and applications of nanomaterials.

METHODS

Multiple databases, including PubMed, the National Library of Medicine, and Embase, were utilized to locate and review recently published articles on advancements in nano-drug delivery for prostate and colorectal cancers.

CONCLUSION

Nanomedicine possesses considerable potential in improving therapeutic outcomes and reducing adverse effects for male pelvic malignancies. Through precision delivery methods, this emerging field presents innovative treatment modalities to address these challenging diseases. Nevertheless, the majority of current studies are in the preclinical phase, with a lack of sufficient evidence to fully understand the precise mechanisms of action, absence of comprehensive pharmacotoxicity profiles, and uncertainty surrounding long-term consequences.

Nanoparticles for efficient drug delivery and drug resistance in glioma: New perspectives

Gliomas are the most common primary tumors of the central nervous system, with glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) having the highest incidence, and their therapeutic efficacy depends primarily on the extent of surgical resection and the efficacy of postoperative chemotherapy. The role of the intracranial blood-brain barrier and the occurrence of the drug-resistant gene O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase have greatly limited the efficacy of chemotherapeutic agents in patients with GBM and made it difficult to achieve the expected clinical response. In recent years, the rapid development of nanotechnology has brought new hope for the treatment of tumors. Nanoparticles (NPs) have shown great potential in tumor therapy due to their unique properties such as light, heat, electromagnetic effects, and passive targeting. Furthermore, NPs can effectively load chemotherapeutic drugs, significantly reduce the side effects of chemotherapeutic drugs, and improve chemotherapeutic efficacy, showing great potential in the chemotherapy of glioma. In this article, we reviewed the mechanisms of glioma drug resistance, the physicochemical properties of NPs, and recent advances in NPs in glioma chemotherapy resistance. We aimed to provide new perspectives on the clinical treatment of glioma.

211At on gold nanoparticles for targeted radionuclide therapy application

Targeted alpha therapy (TAT) is a methodology that is being developed as a promising cancer treatment using the α-particle decay of radionuclides. This technique involves the use of heavy radioactive elements being placed near the cancer target area to cause maximum damage to the cancer cells while minimizing the damage to healthy cells. Using gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) as carriers, a more effective therapy methodology may be realized. AuNPs can be good candidates for transporting these radionuclides to the vicinity of the cancer cells since they can be labeled not just with the radionuclides, but also a host of other proteins and ligands to target these cells and serve as additional treatment options. Research has shown that astatine and iodine are capable of adsorbing onto the surface of gold, creating a covalent bond that is quite stable for use in experiments. However, there are still many challenges that lie ahead in this area, whether they be theoretical, experimental, and even in real-life applications. This review will cover some of the major developments, as well as the current state of technology, and the problems that need to be tackled as this research topic moves along to maturity. The hope is that with more workers joining the field, we can make a positive impact on society, in addition to bringing improvement and more knowledge to science.

Metallic nanomaterials - targeted drug delivery approaches for improved bioavailability, reduced side toxicity, and enhanced patient outcomes

This paper explores the integral role of metallic nanomaterials in drug delivery, specifically focusing on their unique characteristics and applications. Exhibiting unique size, shape, and surface features, metallic nanoparticles (MNPs) (e.g., gold, iron oxide, and silver NPs) present possibilities for improving medication efficacy while minimizing side effects. Their demonstrated success in improving drug solubility, bioavailability, and targeted release makes them promising carriers for treating a variety of diseases, including inflammation and cancer, which has one of the highest rates of mortality in the world. Furthermore, it is crucial to acknowledge some limitations of MNPs in drug delivery before successfully incorporating them into standard medical procedures. Thus, challenges such as potential toxicity, issues related to long-term safety, and the need for standardized production methods will also be addressed.

Romanian Wild-Growing Chelidonium majus-An Emerging Approach to a Potential Antimicrobial Engineering Carrier System Based on AuNPs: In Vitro Investigation and Evaluation

Novel nanotechnology based on herbal products aspires to be a high-performing therapeutic platform. This study reports the development of an original engineering carrier system that jointly combines the pharmacological action of Chelidonium majus and AuNPs, with unique properties that ensure that the limitations imposed by low stability, toxicity, absorption, and targeted and prolonged release can be overcome. The metabolite profile of Romanian wild-grown Chelidonium majus contains a total of seventy-four phytochemicals belonging to eight secondary metabolite categories, including alkaloids, amino acids, phenolic acids, flavonoids, carotenoids, fatty acids, sterols, and miscellaneous others. In this study, various techniques (XRD, FTIR, SEM, DLS, and TG/DTG) were employed to investigate his new carrier system's morpho-structural and thermal properties. In vitro assays were conducted to evaluate the antioxidant potential and release profile. The results indicate 99.9% and 94.4% dissolution at different pH values for the CG-AuNPs carrier system and 93.5% and 85.26% for greater celandine at pH 4 and pH 7, respectively. Additionally, three in vitro antioxidant assays indicated an increase in antioxidant potential (flavonoid content 3.8%; FRAP assay 24.6%; and DPPH 24.4%) of the CG-AuNPs carrier system compared to the herb sample. The collective results reflect the system's promising perspective as a new efficient antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory candidate with versatile applications, ranging from target delivery systems, oral inflammation (periodontitis), and anti-age cosmetics to extending the shelf lives of products in the food industry.

Gold Nanoparticles in Neurological Diseases: A Review of Neuroprotection

This review explores the diverse applications of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) in neurological diseases, with a specific focus on Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), and stroke. The introduction highlights the pivotal role of neuroinflammation in these disorders and introduces the unique properties of AuNPs. The review's core examines the mechanisms by which AuNPs exert neuroprotection and anti-neuro-inflammatory effects, elucidating various pathways through which they manifest these properties. The potential therapeutic applications of AuNPs in AD are discussed, shedding light on promising avenues for therapy. This review also explores the prospects of utilizing AuNPs in PD interventions, presenting a hopeful outlook for future treatments. Additionally, the review delves into the potential of AuNPs in providing neuroprotection after strokes, emphasizing their significance in mitigating cerebrovascular accidents' aftermath. Experimental findings from cellular and animal models are consolidated to provide a comprehensive overview of AuNPs' effectiveness, offering insights into their impact at both the cellular and in vivo levels. This review enhances our understanding of AuNPs' applications in neurological diseases and lays the groundwork for innovative therapeutic strategies in neurology.

Ion mobility-tandem mass spectrometry of bulky tert-butyl thiol ligated gold nanoparticles

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) synthesized in the 1-3 nm range have a specific number of gold core atoms and outer protecting ligands. They have become one of the "hot topics" in recent decades because of their interesting physical and chemical properties. The characterization of their structures is usually achieved by crystal X-ray diffraction although the structures of some AuNPs remain unknown because they have not been successfully crystallized. An alternative method for studying the structure of AuNPs is electrospray ionization-ion mobility-tandem mass spectrometry (ESI-IM-MSMS). This research evaluated how effectively ESI-IM-MSMS using the commercially available Waters Synapt XS instrument yielded useful structural information from two AuNPs; Au23 (S-tBu)16 and Au30 (S-tBu)18 . The study used the maximum range of available collision energies along with ion mobility separation to measure the energy-dependence of the product ions and their drift times which is a measure of their spatial size. For Au23 (S-tBu)16 , the dissociation gave the masses of the outer protecting monomeric [RS-Au-SR] and trimeric [SR-Au-SR-Au-SR-Au-SR] staples where R = tBu, and complete dissociation of the outer layer Au and tBu groups to reveal the Au15 S8 core. For Au30 (S-tBu)18 , the dissociation products was primarily through the loss of the partial ligands S-tBu and tBu from the outer protecting layer and the loss of single Au4 (S-tBu)4 unit. These results showed the that ESI-IM-MSMS analysis of the smaller Au23 (S-tBu)16 gave information on all it major structural components whereas for Au30 (S-tBu)18 , the overall structural information was limited to the ligands of the outer layer.