Carboxymethyl Cellulose/Zn-Organic Framework Down-Regulates Proliferation and Up-Regulates Apoptosis and DNA Damage in Colon and Lung Cancer Cell Lines

Functionalization strategies of metal-organic frameworks for biomedical applications and treatment of emerging pollutants: A review

One of the representative coordination polymers, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) material, is of hotspot interest in the multi field thanks to their unique structural characteristics and properties. As a novel hierarchical structural class, MOFs show diverse topologies, intrinsic behaviors, flexibility, etc. However, bare MOFs have less desirable biofunction, high humid sensitivity and instability in water, restraining their efficiencies in biomedical and environmental applications. Thus, a structural modification is required to address such drawbacks. Herein, we pinpoint new strategies in the synthesis and functionalization of MOFs to meet demanding requirements in in vitro tests, i.e., antibacterial face masks against corona virus infection and in wound healing and nanocarriers for drug delivery in anticancer. Regarding the treatment of wastewater containing emerging pollutants such as POPs, PFAS, and PPCPs, functionalized MOFs showed excellent performance with high efficiency and selectivity. Challenges in toxicity, vast database of clinical trials for biomedical tests and production cost can be still presented. MOFs-based composites can be, however, a bright candidate for reasonable replacement of traditional nanomaterials in biomedical and wastewater treatment applications.

Carbohydrate polymer-based nanocomposites for breast cancer treatment

Breast cancer is known as the most common invasive malignancy in women with the highest mortality rate worldwide. This concerning disease may be presented in situ (relatively easier treatment) or be invasive, especially invasive ductal carcinoma which is highly worrisome nowadays. Among several strategies used in breast cancer treatment, nanotechnology-based targeted therapy is currently being investigated, as it depicts advanced technological features able of preventing drugs' side effects on normal cells while effectively acting on tumor cells. In this context, carbohydrate polymer-based nanocomposites have gained particular interest among the biomedical community for breast cancer therapy applications due to their advantage features, including abundance in nature, biocompatibility, straightforward fabrication methods, and good physicochemical properties. In this review, the physicochemical properties and biological activities of carbohydrate polymers and their derivate nanocomposites were discussed. Then, various methods for the fabrication of carbohydrate polymer-based nanocomposites as well as their application in breast cancer therapy and future perspectives were discussed.

Capric Acid Behaves Agonistic Effect on Calcitriol to Control Inflammatory Mediators in Colon Cancer Cells

Inflammation prompts cancer development and promotes all stages of tumorigenesis. Calcitriol is a nutraceutical essential regulator for host health benefits. However, the influence of calcitriol on inflammatory mediators involved in cancer cells is not clear. This study aimed to assess the sensitivity of calcitriol alone and combined with capric acid, and identify the possible influence of calcitriol on inflammatory mediators. The colorectal cancer cell line (HCT116) was induced by LPS/TNF-α and the inflammation and metastatic mediators (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-17) were quantified in calcitriol and capric acid supplemented colon cancer cells. The mRNA and protein expression of MMP-2, NF-κB and COX-2 were quantified. The significant reduction in MMP-2 expression was confirmed at combination treatment by zymogram analysis. Our findings demonstrated the anti-inflammatory and anti-metastatic potentials of capric acid and calcitriol in individual exposure in a combination of human colon cancer cell lines (HCT116). These abilities may be due to the inhibition of COX-2 mediators and NF-κB transcription factor and reciprocally regulated MMP-2 and MMP-9 signaling pathways. These findings elucidate the activation of COX-2 and NF-κB via disruption of the cellular outer matrix could be considered a novel molecular target suitable for colorectal cancer therapy. This study confirmed that capric acid activates calcitriol sensitization in colon cancer cells and could be used as a successful supplement for intestinal diseases and colon aberrations.

Drug Delivery System Based on Carboxymethyl Cellulose Containing Metal-Organic Framework and Its Evaluation for Antibacterial Activity

A novel drug delivery system based on carboxymethyl cellulose containing copper oxide at melamine and zinc oxide at melamine framework (CMC-Cu-MEL and CMC-Zn-MEL) was prepared by the hydrothermal route. Synthesized nanocomposites were characterized by FTIR, SEM, and Raman spectroscopy. In addition, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and selected area electron diffraction (SAED) images were applied to confirm the particle size and diffraction pattern of the prepared nanocomposites. Furthermore, the crystallinity of the synthesized CMC, CMC-Cu-MEL, and CMC-Zn-MEL materials was studied via X-ray diffraction (XRD). Estimating the transport exponent, which discloses the solvent diffusion and chain relaxation processes, and the Ritger–Peppas kinetic model theory were used to control the TC release mechanism from CMC-Cu-MEL and CMC-Zn-MEL. Additionally, the CMC-Cu-MEL and CMC-Zn-MEL containing TC had the highest activity index percents of 99 and 106% against S. aureus and 93 and 99% against E. coli, respectively. The tailored CMC-Cu-MEL and CMC-Zn-MEL for drug delivery systems are expected to be feasible and efficient.